RECOMMENDED READING

Climate Change Could Redraw National Borders

"In the past, national borders were determined by war, revolution, or, as is the case with many former colonies, someone in a pith helmet doodling on a map. But in the 21st century, the job could be done by global warming...A shifting border in an unpopulated area between two stable democracies is unlikely to spark conflict, but climate change affects more than just Europe...melting glaciers are likely to play a role in the disputed sections of India’s borders with Pakistan and China." [Christian Science Monitor]

Dividing the Burden of CO2 Reduction

"With the developing world now generating half the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions, one of the thorniest challenges facing climate change negotiators in Copenhagen will be apportioning national reduction targets in coming decades...The Princeton group’s [proposed] multi-stage formula estimates individual emissions based on lifestyle and income rather than per capita national income." [Green, Inc. - New York Times]

On Tiny Plots, A New Generation Of Farmers Emerges

"[Washington farm] Wobbly Cart, say agriculture specialists, is part of a movement in which young people — most of whom come from cities and suburbs — are taking up what may be the world's oldest profession: organic farming...For these new farmers, going back to the land isn't a rejection of conventional society, but an embrace of growing crops and raising animals for market as an honorable, important career choice — one that's been waning since 1935, when the U.S. farms peaked at 6.8 million." [USA Today]

U.S. and China Launch Clean Vehicle, Building Project

"China and the United States, the world's two largest emitters of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming, launched a joint research effort Wednesday to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles and buildings...Chu said the United States and China would commit an initial $15 million to the project, which will also focus on new technology to reduce and sequester carbon dioxide emissions from burning coal." [Reuters]

A Sustainable New Orleans Slowly Rises in Katrina's Wake

"[New Orleans] is being rebuilt slowly as what many hope will be a clean, green model for the nation...There is a big push in the Big Easy for dramatically improving energy efficiency in homes and public buildings. The city has purchased a fleet of hybrid buses and has plans to install solar-powered LED streetlights. And the renewable energy sector is drawing up grandiose plans for using hydrokinetic turbines to tap powerful currents in the Mississippi River to generate electricity." [Greenwire - New York Times]