"Summer Is Coming": The Arctic lost more sea ice than in any other year on record and hit a record low in snow cover between October 2011 and August 2012, says a new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The lower Arctic's getting more shrubby and less mossy. Red foxes are pushing out Arctic foxes. It's a whole new world up there. The Guardian
Carbon cargo: Two of the main advantages of natural gas are that it's cheap and less carbon-intensive than other fossil fuels (because it burns cleaner). Well, we can kiss those goodbye if the U.S. starts sending large quantities of liquid natural gas overseas. The gas will become more expensive for us and more carbon-intensive (shipping the stuff would burn a ton of dirty-burning fuel, and by ton, we means lots and lots of tons). Even so, a new government report says we should do it in the name of boosting the economy. Environmentalists don't exactly agree. New York Times, Wall Street Journal
The Black Marble: NASA has released composite images of shots taken of the Earth on cloud-free nights. The satellite pics show that nighttime isn't really dark anymore, with yellow splotches of light revealing where people live across the globe. NPR, Climate Central
In reverse: Between 2008 and 2011, Japan cut its carbon emissions an average of 9.2 percent. From 2011 to 2012, after the country shut down most of its nuclear reactors, the country's emissions rose 3.9 percent. Japan Times
Stalling out: Canada's emissions are creeping up, thanks to tar sands exploitation. Emissions from this especially dirty fuel now comprise 6.5 percent of the country's total. Bloomberg Businessweek
Moving forward: In the U.S., cars are polluting less and getting better gas mileage. And there are charts to prove it! Wonkblog
Exxon ♥'s kids who drive: Two advocacy groups have released an ad in which an "Exxon executive" declares that "Exxon hates your children." (Because the company is ruining their future with climate change, oil spills, and the like, get it?) Exxon says the ad is offensive to company employees who are trying to deliver oil "in a safe and environmentally responsible way." Hmm... The Hill
Holiday shopping ... done!: Yes, Virginia, there is such a thing as Pizza Hut perfume. Supposedly, it smells like freshly baked dough, which is weird since that is not what the stuffed crust meat lover's super supreme smells like. Whatever that odor is, it's not food. Salon
Tips: @OnEarthMag (tag it #greenreads)
Image: NASA
