Today's Climate: December 29, 2008

China Alleges Diplomatic Snub at Copenhagen Summit (AP)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said he was snubbed at last year's Copenhagen climate conference and fired back Sunday at critics who accuse China of arrogance.

Japan Faces Rocky Path to Emissions Trading System (Reuters)

Japan faces a rocky path to launching an emissions trading system after the government approved legislation on Friday that was vague on how the scheme would set limits on emissions.

U.S. to Abstain From Voting on Eskom World Bank Loan (Bloomberg)

The U.S. will abstain from voting on a $3.75 billion World Bank loan requested by South Africa’s state-owned power utility to help fund a new coal-fired plant.  

Kerry: Energy Bill More About Jobs (AP)

Sen. John Kerry, hoping to win over wavering senators, said he is pushing environmental reforms to create jobs and spark energy independence, with climate benefits along "for the ride."

Chu: Schumer Effort to Alter Stimulus Energy Grants Would Kill Jobs
(The Hill)

Energy Secretary Chu warned against a Senate effort to impose "buy American" requirements on certain renewable power projects funded with grants authorized in the 2009 stimulus law, saying he is "a little afraid" it will "kill a lot of jobs." 

NOAA Director Urges Better Explanations of Climate (AP)

Climate change is here and scientists need to do a better job of explaining it to the public, the director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration told reporters in a briefing. 

UN Climate Claims on Rainforests Were Wrong, Study Suggests (Telegraph) 

A new study, funded by NASA, has found that the most serious drought in the Amazon for more than a century had little impact on the rainforest's vegetation. The finding appears to contradict claims made by the UN IPCC.

UK: Government Adverts Banned for Overstating Climate Change (Sunday Times)

Two government advertisements that use nursery rhymes to warn people of the dangers of climate change have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for exaggerating the potential harm.

RGGI Auction Volume Up 42% (Environmental Leader)

Trading of carbon permits under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative rose 42% in the most recent trading session — the seventh such auction — bringing the total amount of proceeds generated to $582.38 million.

Made in the U.S.A.: Efficiency Materials (Green Inc.)  

According to a recent study commissioned by efficiency advocates, equipment like caulking and insulation — basic tools for retrofitting the country's homes and businesses — is almost entirely made in the United States.

German State Premier Seehofer Objects to Solar Cuts (Reuters) 

Bavaria state premier Horst Seehofer — one of three parties in Angela Merkel's center-right coalition — said that the German government's plans to cut state-mandated solar power incentives are excessive.

U.S. Beats Canada in Green Investments: Report (Canwest News Service)

The Obama administration is spending eight times more per person on new renewable energy, public transit and energy efficiency measures than Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government, concludes a new analysis. 

State Support Key to U.S. Nuclear Revival (Reuters)

Full support from state regulators is viewed as critical to keep the U.S. nuclear revival moving forward, utility executives said last week at the IHS CERA energy conference in Houston. 

Al-Qaida Suspect from NJ Worked at 6 Nuke Plants (AP)

An American seized in Yemen in a sweep of suspected al-Qaida members had been a laborer at six U.S. nuclear power plants, and authorities are investigating whether he had access to sensitive information or materials that would be useful to terrorists.