The quick hit thing again . . .
- While we dither here in the U.S., the European Union has set up carbon units for its carbon trading "scheme" (their word, not ours), with a goal of cutting emissions by 8% of the 1990 levels, as per Kyoto. Haven't they heard from the wise Australians that there's no point if the U.S. and China aren't involved, too?
- Environmental and fishing groups in Britain (known as "conservation and angling" there--they're pretty funny) are joining forces on a 10-pt. plan to cure the "water crisis" there.
- While on Britain, an "annual report card" there says global warming with its harsher storms and increasing sea levels, is already likely affecting the biodiversity and productivity of their surrounding seas.
- A European consulting firm warns that electricity prices there could double if utilities meet the Kyoto emission reductions targets.
- A Beijing reservoir, its fourth largest drinking supply, has water declared unfit to consume. No problem, though. 9 of the city's surrounding 16 lakes have good water.
- Members of the U of WA's Climate Impacts Group are calling for a "National Climate Service" for long-range climate forecasts to facilitate long-term planning and responses. Something like this will have to happen sooner or later even if this doesn't take.
- Finally, the president-elect of the Christian Coalition resigned because he couldn't get the rest of the leadership to broaden its narrow, right-wing agenda to include "compassion issues such as poverty, justice, and creation care." You know, that wishy-washy, bleeding heart Jesus stuff. I do like "creation care." The guy just handed the Dems the "frame" they need on all this. Are they paying attention? Huh? . . . Are they?
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