SHOULD READ

International Climate Talks Imminent...

The Obama administration has announced a series of meetings, called the "Major Economies Meetings on Energy Security and Climate Change," to discuss climate and energy issues in anticipation of December's treaty talks in Copenhagen. "The meetings, to be held in Washington in April and in La Maddalena, Italy, in July, will seek to resolve longstanding issues that have blocked the development of an international climate treaty." China and India will be included among the 16 countries and European Union represented.  [New York Times]

...But Expectations Are Lowered?

Todd Stern, the administration's chief climate envoy, is promising that the United States will be "powerfully, fervently engaged" in these talks, but adds that he doesn't "think anybody should be thinking that the U.S. can ride in on a white horse and make it all work." [Washington Post]

Stimulus Efficiency Money Mapped

The Department of Energy has released a map that shows how much money cities are eligible to receive for energy efficiency programs through the stimulus plan.  "Choose a state, and an Excel spreadsheet will pop up showing a dollar figure for each city (the state as a whole also gets money through this program). The release of funds last week totals $2.6 billion." [Green Inc. - NY Times]

Dirty Well Water

More than a fifth of private well water supplies tested in the United States were found to be contaminated at "worrisome levels" by at leasat one pollutant." A sampling of water from private wells in 48 states...by the U.S. Geological Survey found that most of the pollutants "of potential health concern" were naturally occurring -- such as arsenic and radon." Nitrite, however, was also found, particularly in agriculture-heavy regions. [Greenspace- Los Angeles Times]

OPINION

Mother Nature's Dow

Thomas Friedman suggests that Mother Nature's is breaking down just like "The Market," and lays out the five key policies needed to avert this catastrophe, the “climate bailout.” [New York Times]