Climate Change

"In addition to weakening Earth’s natural shield against excessive radiation levels, ozone depletion above Antarctica has significantly dampened the Southern Ocean’s ability to absorb atmospheric CO2 and has accelerated acidification of southern polar waters, new research shows."

"During the past few centuries the near-equatorial band of dense precipitation that supplies freshwater to nearly one billion people has migrated hundreds of miles to the north —most likely because of a warming world, scientists say."

"A dramatic warming of the planet 55 million years ago cannot be solely explained by a surge in carbon dioxide levels, a study shows, highlighting gaps in scientists' understanding of impacts from rapid climate change." One implication is that the current warming episode could prove worse than now predicted, as models may not fully account for feedback mechanisms that amplify warming.

"BEIJING -- Top U.S. officials on Wednesday left open the possibility that China might not have to accept a hard cap on its greenhouse gas emissions under a new global climate change treaty."

Middle Georgia summers are going to get hotter, according to a new report on global warming.

The monsoon arrived late and weak in India this year -- a phenomenon some attribute to climate change. As it ponders drought and crop failure, India continues to insist that rich nations must solve the climate problem without its help.

"Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has bumped back the deadline until Sept. 28 for the six committees working on a comprehensive climate change and energy bill."

The two-degree pledge on climate change made by the G8 is nonbinding, hard to translate to a specific level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere ... and perhaps wishful thinking.

"Climate change could push dengue fever into all corners of the United States, as the mosquitoes that can carry the traditionally tropical virus survive warmer U.S. winters .... scientists at the Natural Resources Defense Council said in a report."