Photo by Emily Gertz

The 0.5 Degree Question One of the most important schisms in the climate talks rests on a half-degree: Will we aim to keep global mean temperature rise below 2 degrees C above pre-industrial levels, or at less than 1.5? This fraction could spell survival or disaster for many of the world's poorest countries. Kate Sheppard reports for Mother Jones. 

Will the Biggest Success of COP15 be an Anti-Deforestation Deal? Negotiators in Copenhagen are close to a deal to protect forests in developing nations. Deforestation is one of the greatest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, so this is a critical facet of the talks. But how good a deal is it, really? Brian Merchant reports for Treehugger.

Video: Leaked Documents Amp Up Pressure A confidential UN document hit the aether last night, detailing just how far short of effective the industrialized nations are falling in their promised emissions cuts. The Nation's Naomi Klein guests on Democracy Now.

The Strange Spread of Climate Change Denial Why do more and more Americans want to deny that the globe is warming? UK columnist George Monbiot believes that "the more dire the science gets, the less willing some are to face it," writes Chris Mooney for Mother Jones's Blue Marble blog. OK, why else?

Pelosi and pals tell world: 'Blame the Senate' Democratic members of the House Select Committee on Global Warming appeared at Copenhagen yesterday. Intoning the  "green jobs" and "clean tech revolution" mantras, they alternated between mutual back-pats, and lamented the bill's stall in the Senate.

The seven "showed little of the urgency that's coursing through the Bella Center today," writes Russ Walker for Grist. 

"So it was somehow disjointing to push out of the press conference room and end up talking in the hallway with Chelsea Howard-Foley," Walker goes on, "a 20-year-old political science major from St. Mary's College of Maryland [and] one of the few climate activists allowed into the conference center today.

"She said she's missing three weeks of classes to be here with the Sierra Student Coalition. Other students are skipping finals and using their own savings to be here...

"...What would happen if members of Congress went to those lengths to work for a real deal? What would happen if they fasted and stayed here overnight and used every resource they had?"

Copenhagen: How the NY Times Got It Wrong Reporter John Broder wrote the perfect projection of "how power sees the world" on Thursday, writes Bill McKibben for Mother Jones. In this vision, island states and the poorest nations create divisions and diversions, while the rich nations struggle toward a climate accord. McKibben turns the equation around: "The bravery of the small nations in standing up to the pressure from the big ones is the wonder of this conference. " 

See more of Emily's reports from Copenhagen as part of OnEarth's ongoing coverage.