IEA to Cut 2030 Global Emissions Forecast (Bloomberg)
The International Energy Agency plans to cut its forecast for CO2 emissions in 2030 due to the recession, its executive director said today. The new number, to be released Oct. 6, will be used in world talks at Copenhagen.
Senator: U.S.-China Climate Deal Likely in November (Reuters)
The U.S. and China are likely to sign a bilateral agreement to combat climate change during President Obama’s visit to Beijing in November, Sen. Maria Cantwell said today during a visit to Beijing.
WTO Warns of Risk to Trade Overhaul if Climate Talks Fail (Financial Times)
A failure to find agreement at the UN climate change talks in Copenhagen would threaten a much needed overhaul of the international trading system, the head of the World Trade Organization warns.
Study: Arctic’s 2,000-Year Cooling Ended With Coal Burning (Bloomberg)
The Arctic saw a 2,000-year cooling period come to an abrupt end in the 20th century when burning coal and oil warmed temperatures, scientists report.
EPA Ready to Step In If Congress Fails on Climate (Inside EPA)
EPA’s move toward finalizing its greenhouse gas endangerment finding is gaining greater significance amid efforts by industry to block a cap-and-trade bill.
Senate’s Freeze on Climate Action Has Domino Effect (Guardian)
Without concrete action in the Senate, there’s no guarantee that the U.S. will commit to binding targets, and with no U.S. targets, there will be no firm agreement from China, India or other emerging powers.
Japan’s Tougher Emissions Target Hinges on International Deal (Reuters)
The 2020 emissions cut target of 20% below 1990 levels set by Japan’s incoming Democratic Party government is based on the premise that there will be an international agreement including China and India, a party executive said today.
Africa Threatens to Abandon Climate Talks If Demands Not Met (AFP)
African nations will walk out of climate change talks in Copenhagen if their demands, including hefty compensations from the West, are not met, Ethiopia’s prime minister says.
Secretary Clinton Sued Over Tar Sands Pipeline Permit (ENS)
A tar sands oil pipeline from Canada to the United States that was approved by the U.S. government last month has been challenged in federal court by four Native American and environmental groups.
UN’s Ban Calls for Deforestation Summit (AFP)
UN chief Ban Ki-moon is calling for a deforestation summit later this month involving leaders of the world’s most forested nations, including Brazil and Indonesia.
France to Set Carbon Tax at €14 a Ton (Business Green)
The French government is poised to introduce a carbon tax of €14 (about $20) a ton, just under the current market price, starting next year, the prime minister says.
London Brokers Turn Attention to Green Finance (EurActiv)
Bonds providing a hedge against the risk of governments missing their climate commitments could give investors the necessary confidence to invest in low-carbon projects, experts say.
Fall Colors Fade in US West as Aspen Trees Die (Reuters)
The American West is losing its autumn colors as global warming begins to bite and there is far more at stake than iconic scenery.
Verizon Catches Flak for Backing Coal Rally (Advertising Age)
Verizon Wireless has been trying to establish itself as a green company, but its support for a pro-mountaintop mining rally in West Virginia is undermining everything and riling up tens of thousands of customers.
