Today’s Climate: June 15, 2009

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Dems Struggle for Consensus on Climate Bill (Washington Post)

The Collin Peterson problem with agriculture is just one of many that stand between the Waxman-Markey bill and the ultimate adoption of a climate bill. Off-shore drilling and wind power have become issues in the Senate.

Pachauri: Stern Stance on China Climate Talks ‘Pragmatic’ (CNN)

IPCC Chairman Rajendra Pachauri has told CNN that the U.S. is right to absolve China from setting firm caps for national cuts in carbon emissions.

Emerald Isle Plots a Green Revolution (Guardian)

Of all the world’s developed nations, Ireland is closest to a depression, which makes it a prime candidate to test the green new deal concept that could lead the way as Europe gears up for a low-carbon future.

China Plans Subsidized Pricing for Solar (Reuters)

Beijing is expected to unveil subsidized prices for solar power production as soon as the second half of the year, the South China Morning Post reported on today.

Premiers, Governors Promote Canada-US Energy Corridor (Vancouver Sun)

Canadian premiers and western governors are exploring the potential for an energy corridor between the U.S. and Canada. They mentioned renewables at their annual meeting, however Montana’s Gov. Schweitzer focused more on the Alberta tar sands.

Australian Coal Companies Under Fire for Carbon Comments (Financial Times)

Australian resources companies are being criticised for their strong warnings to government and the media on the cost of a proposed carbon reduction scheme, while making milder comments to markets on the likely material impact.

European Grid Still Not so Smart (Business Green)

The European electrical grid is unlikely to support the transmission of renewable energy sufficiently to meet the region’s targets, according to the European Academies Science Advisory Council.

Pa. Town Fights Big Coal Over Mining Rights (Reuters)

A small Pennsylvania town is trying to ban coal mining in a battle being played out across the state as rural communities try to assert control over mining, gas drilling and other businesses.

Making Case for Climate as Driver of Migration (New York Times)

A new report on human migration and climate change, released as delegates from 182 countries gathered in Bonn over the past two weeks to continue hammering out some preliminary language for a new global climate treaty, makes its case plainly.

Lifestyle melts away with Uganda peak snow cap (AFP)

For the people of Bundibugyo, Uganda, who rely on agriculture, temperature increases have changed their lives dramatically as the snow cap of Mount Speke disappears.

Silk Road Threatened by Melting Glaciers (New Scientist)

The Chinese gateway to the ancient Silk Road is being flooded – and the culprit, researchers say, is climate change. Melting glaciers above this once an important trading and military route into Central Asia are fuelling dramatic regional floods.

Nevada Reinvents Itself as Home for Solar Power (Las Vegas Sun)

Observers say Nevada has made itself into the most attractive state in the sun-drenched West for large solar plant development. Utility-size solar generation plants in the desert, along with geothermal plants, got a big boost this legislative session.

Irish Company Buys 3 Wind Farms in Illinois (Reuters)

Ireland’s Mainstream Renewable Power bought three wind farms in Illinois and plans to spend $1.7 billion to ramp capacity up to 787-megawatts by 2013, marking its first investment in the U.S.

Biorefineries Alive and Well, Say Experts (Cleantech)

Next-generation fuel technologies using biotech are finally coming of age, say leading executives in the field. Here’s a look at some of the industry’s leaders.

Hydrogen Urban Car Takes Open Source Approach (Green Car Congress)

Tomorrow, UK-based Riversimple plans to unveil its first production-intent car: a two-seater hydrogen fuel cell urban car designed to get the equivalent of 300 mpg.

Feeling Burned by Bush Forest Policy (Missoula Independent)

Remember when the clever wordsmiths of the Bush administration came out with the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, saying more logging would prevent city-threatening forest fires? A new study finds only 3 percent of the projects were near urban areas.

Queen Turns Corner of Palace Yard into Veggie Garden (Guardian)

Decades after she dug for victory, Queen Elizabeth gives the royal seal of approval to the grow-your-own movement by launching a vegetable garden at Buckingham Palace.