Green Energy Investment Surviving Crisis, Says IEA:

Director Nobuo Tanaka said the agency had observed a historical transition in the green technology sector. "We are seeing real changes and a historical transition in low carbon technology," he said, citing rapid evolution in electric vehicles as well as solar and wind power.
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Energy efficiency is payback - Philadelphia Greenworks, a six-year, city-run program:

A six-year, city-run program that is celebrating its first anniversary, also plans to cut city government energy consumption by 30 percent, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent and to double the number of green jobs.

“When I said that Philadelphia will be the number-one green city in America, I’m sure many felt the goal was too bold,” Mayor Michael Nutter said. “Now, looking back on the first year of Greenworks, I am more confident than ever that we will be successful.”

The city says there is evidence that the public is beginning to embrace environmental programs which are part of the program.
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Three new US reports strengthen case for climate action:

Washington - Three new US reports released Wednesday found that the threat from climate change was real, and urged policymakers to put a price on the carbon pollution that causes global warming.

The reports by the non-partisan National Academy of Scientists, requested by the US Congress, came as legislation that would curb US greenhouse-gas emissions faces an uphill battle in the Senate.

The findings also come as US-based sceptics of climate change have seized on errors in a much-cited United Nations climate report, as well as the "climategate" scandal at Britain's University of East Anglia, as evidence that the threat from global warming has been over-hyped.

The National Academy of Scientists found a "strong, credible body of evidence" backing assertions that global warming was in fact a threat, though the report acknowledges there is still much uncertainty over the degree and timing.
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UN: Nature's diversity fast disappearing:

New York - The natural systems that support life on earth, from the Amazon forests to coral reefs, are close to the tipping point of collapse because of human activities, a new study on the global biodiversity said Monday.
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Scientists Decry "Assaults" On Climate Research:

“The imperative is to act aggressively to reduce carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels.” “The reality of anthropogenic climate change can no longer be debated on scientific grounds,” James Hurrell of the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research told the committee.
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Solar Can Provide 22 Percent World's Power By 2050: IEA

Solar power can provide up to a quarter of the world's electricity by 2050, the International Energy Agency said on Tuesday, but it needs government lifelines in the next decade until it can compete with conventional power.
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Pentagon Focused On Developing Alternative Energy:

The Pentagon is working hard to promote development of biomass fuels that could power future fighter jets and other warplanes, but defense officials say it could take years to get a full-fledged industry on its feet.

Top U.S. defense officials and executives from the petroleum, alternative fuels and renewable energy sectors are meeting outside Washington this week to address new technology developments and initiatives such as the Pentagon’s work on developing biofuels to power military aircraft.
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For BP, a history of spills and safety lapses:

Despite repeated promises to reform, BP continues to lag behind other oil companies when it comes to safety, according to federal officials and industry analysts. Many problems still afflict its operations in Texas and Alaska, they say. Regulators are investigating a whistle-blower's allegations of safety violations at the Atlantis, one of BP's newest offshore drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Sun Shines Through For Clean Tech Outsourcing :

While contract manufacturers are generally bullish about the green industry, analysts warn this part of their business is not without risk. As green technology relies on state subsidies to drive demand, the business is vulnerable to policy change and a fragile global economy.For now at least, contract manufacturers are encouraged to go green. "Longer-term, we believe this market could open up a new growth driver," said Ticonderoga's White.
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U.S. Oil Spill Hurting Energy Moves In Congress:

END OF CLIMATE CONTROL BILL?
A top Senate Republican aide did not think anything would save the climate bill after the oil spill.
"This puts the nail (in the coffin) in climate" control legislation, said the aide, who asked not to be identified.

That is because the "grand bargain" being crafted for the climate and energy initiatives would unravel without expanded oil drilling, many fear.
Full story: http://planetark.org/wen/57866

Scenarios - Impact Of Oil Spill On Climate Bill:

Just a few weeks ago, a horrible coal mine disaster in West Virginia made some wonder whether the climate bill should include billions of dollars to help fund coal industry efforts on "clean coal." Against that backdrop, the sunken, leaking oil rig is spewing 5,000 barrels of crude oil a day and the slick is moving toward the state's shores.

Here are some possible impacts of the environmental disaster on climate change legislation hung up in the Senate:
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