Reid: Climate Bill May Wait Until 2010 (ClimateWire)
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid added another layer of uncertainty to the prospects for passing a comprehensive climate bill this year by opening the door to punting the legislation into 2010, only to have a top aide backtrack on the comment.
Europe Warns US Planning to Weaken Copenhagen Deal (Guardian)
Europe is clashing with the Obama administration over climate change in a potentially damaging split that comes ahead of crucial negotiations on a global deal to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.
US Warns China, India to Cooperate on CO2 Emissions (Financial Times)
U.S. climate change envoy Todd Stern warned countries such as China and India that they run greater risk of protectionist measures from Congress if they do not co-operate on international steps to hold down emissions.
Think Tank: China Needs $250B a Year to Cap Emissions by 2030 (Reuters)
China could cap greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, but it needs huge flows of clean technology investment from developed nations, says a Beijing energy think tank that advises the government.
US Hits the Brakes on Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions (ENS)
The Obama administration opened a new era in U.S. automotive history by proposing the nation’s first greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles, to be paired with stronger vehicle fuel efficiency standards to address climate change and energy security.
World Bank Supports Coal Power Despite Own Warnings (London Times)
The World Bank is spending billions of pounds subsidizing new coal-fired power stations in developing countries, despite its new warning that burning fossil fuels exposes the poor to catastrophic climate change.
Oxfam: Climate Change Could Kill 4.5M Children (AFP)
At least 4.5 million children could die if wealthy nations fail to provide more funds to help impoverished countries combat global warming, development charity Oxfam warns.
Chu: Climate Goals Must Be Achievable (Reuters)
Nations aiming to agree on a new global climate deal should focus on achievable greenhouse gas emissions targets, to involve as many nations as possible, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said.
Group Calls for Moratorium on Coal Power in Philippines (Asian Press)
The Philippine Climate Watch Alliance warned against the proliferation of coal-fired project plants in the Philippines, where the government is pursuing at least nine coal-fired power plant projects.
Calif. Senators Urge Governor to Reconsider Energy Veto (Sacramento Bee)
California Senate leaders urged Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to reconsider his plan to veto legislation and use an executive order issued yesterday to boost the state’s renewable energy. "(An) Executive Order does not have the force and effect of law,” they wrote.
Study Tracks Birds’ Movements Due to Global Warming (Daily Californian)
Researchers tracked the breeding ranges of 53 bird species from 82 sites in the Sierra Nevada range over the course of the past six years. More than 90 percent have relocated north of their previous habitats.
Maryland Turning to Offshore Wind Energy (Baltimore Sun)
The state approved two wind farms in the western part of Maryland and is beginning its pursuit of offshore wind generation in a move that could lead to building 400-foot-tall turbines off Ocean City.
Lawyers Call on G20 to Write Clear Climate Regulations (Business Green)
A coalition including some of the UK’s largest law firms has called upon world leaders to deliver a clear and consistent international regulatory framework, or risk undermining the effectiveness of the global climate deal.
South Africa: Power Security Comes Before Clean Energy (Reuters)
South Africa, which relies on coal for 90 percent of its electricity, will need to first focus on ensuring sufficient power supply before moving full-scale to fight climate change, a minister said.
EU Plans 30 Cities to Lead World on ‘Smart’ Energy (Reuters)
Europe will select 30 cities to pioneer "smart" electricity grids and space-age insulation as it seeks to lead the global race for green technology, a draft EU document shows.
Frankfort Motor Show: Hydrogen’s Out, EVs Are In (Earth2Tech)
The biennial Frankfurt Motor Show offers a snapshot of how much the auto industry has changed in recent years: Hydrogen is out, EVs are in, and software is key.
