British Columbia Proposes Carbon Tax on Fossil Fuels
Bloomberg, February 19, 2008
"British Columbia, Canada's third- most populous province, has proposed a tax on fossil fuels, including gasoline, diesel and coal, to fight climate change. The new tax, which will take effect July 1 if approved by the provincial legislature, will generate C$1.85 billion ($1.82 billion) in government revenue over three years, according to a statement from B.C.'s Ministry of Finance today. The tax will begin at a lower rate and increase gradually...Quebec last year became the first Canadian province to introduce a carbon levy. "

Grassroots: Greenery from the bottom up
Economist, February 21, 2008
In Britain, local officials are welcoming the opportunity to set aside everyday management issues to be leaders in the greening of local government processes, buildings, and purchases. London has set up its own Climate Change Agency with a goal of cutting London's carbon emissions by 60% by 2025.

U.N. says world fisheries face collapse
Reuters, February 22, 2008
A UNEP report published last week outlines how climate change is a primary threat to the world's fisheries and that the most affected areas include those responsible for half the world's fish catch. The report, "In Dead Water: Merging of climate change with pollution, over-harvest, and infestations in the world's fishing grounds," can be found at: www.unep.org

For "EcoMoms," Saving Earth Begins at Home
NY Times, February 16, 2008
A growing movement of "EcoMoms", which meet regularly to share information on things like preparing waste-free school lunches; lobbying for green building codes; and eating locally grown food is taking off in some parts of the country. The EcoMom Alliance, which has 9,000 members across the country, is part of a growing subculture, with blogs and Web sites like greenandcleanmom.blogspot.com and eco-chick.com.

Supply Fears Push Oil to Triple Digits
NY Times, February 20, 2008
Crude oil closed above $100 a barrel for the first time, amid persistent concern about whether production can keep up with rising global demand. American demand for gasoline has slipped about 50,000 barrels a day (out of total daily consumption of more than 20 million barrels) so far this year because of the slowing economy, but consumption in China, in India and in the oil-producing countries themselves continues to rise. While $100.01 is the first close above $100 a barrel and a record in nominal terms, it is still shy of the inflation-adjusted record of $103.35, set in April 1980.

Groups vow to fight carbon emissions cap-and-trade plan
Los Angeles Times, February 20, 2008
Low-income community groups in five California cities (Los Angeles, Fresno, Oakland, Sacramento and San Diego) launched a statewide campaign to fight the developing western states carbon trading program. The environmental justice advocates argue that a carbon tax is a better solution, because it doesn't allow industry to offset air pollution in one location with a project hundreds of miles away. Natural Resources Defense Council and the Sierra Club declined to comment, as did most of the mainstream environmental groups.

Move Over, Oil, There's Money in Texas Wind
NY Times, February 23, 2008
As oil fields decline, wind power is becoming a booming business in Texas, creating jobs and reinvigorating local economies. Much of the boom is being driven by foreign companies including Iberdrola of Spain, Energias de Portugal and Windkraft Nord of Germany.

Major U.S. Water Agencies Form New National Climate Alliance
Fox Business, February 26, 2008
Eight of the nation's largest water agencies announced they are forming the Water Utility Climate Alliance (WUCA). The Alliance will work to improve climate research on water utility impacts, develop strategies for adaptation and implement strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. NYC Department of Environmental Protection is one of the eight members.

Flooding summit announced
Times Herald Record, February 15, 2008
A summit for state and local officials regarding flooding in various regions of the state was held on Feb. 28 at the Binghamton Regency Hotel from 8 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. To view the webcast (until end of March) see the New York State Emergency Management Office Web site at http://www.semo.state.ny.us/.

Counties warm up to climate action, get prepared
Ntl. Assoc. of Counties, February 25, 2008
The National Association of Counties recently launched its Climate Protection Program to support counties across the nation as they work to develop emissions reduction targets and implement mitigation and adaptation plans. At least 50 counties, including Ulster and Westchester in New York, have passed a resolution on climate change so far, from setting a GHG reduction goal to forming a task force to asking residents to educate themselves on climate change.

There Will Be Floods
NY Times, February 27, 2008
Alex Prud'homme, the co-author with Julia Child of "My Life in France," is writing a book about water. In this article Alex makes a plea for the United States and the Army Corps of Engineers to take flooding seriously, especially as we prepare for a changing climate.

The cold truth about climate change
Salon.com, February 27, 2008
This commentator warns that climate change educators must be aware that, to the general public, the word "consensus" implies consensus of opinion rather a preponderance of scientific evidence. He suggests reframing the message to reflect the cautious nature of scientific inquiry highlighting that, while models don't always line up with perfectly observations, they routinely seem to err on the conservative side - observations are showing more rapid change than the models predicted.