U.S. to Set Emissions Target Before Climate Talks Nov 23, 2009
California Takes Step to Limit Emissions Nov 24, 2009
Obama to Go to Copenhagen With Emissions Target Nov 25, 2009
Businesses in U.S. Brace for New Rules on Emissions Nov 25, 2009
U.S. and China to Go to Talks With Emissions Targets Nov 26, 2009

Q+A -What is China's "carbon intensity" target? Nov 26, 2009

Climate talks are heating up leading up to Copenhagen. It remains to be seen if world leaders will be able to reach any form of agreement (one article suggests the agreements will be non-binding and will not be enforced) let alone if measures proposed will be effective in the long run.

Will the Climactic Research Unit email scandal affect talks in a significant manner? The NY Times does not seem to be paying much attention to this aspect of the debate. The CRU issue seems to be very significant, considering that new allegations of climate data manipulation by New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research have been raised. Concerns about global temperatures may have been blown out of proportion.

Nonetheless, it seems world leaders are determined to declare a War on Emissions. In the U.S., the most popular suggestion to address greenhouse gas emissions is the "Cap & Trade" program. States like California are considering implementing their own "C&T" programs if the U.S. Congress can not pass one on a national level.

Time will tell if these methods will prove effective. It is important to take a step back and consider all the evidence, options, and possible outcomes. We do not want to commit huge amounts of money to solve a problem that may not be as dire as we think (or that may not be there at all). Perhaps a glimpse to the past can help us see the future better.

Money and Lobbyists Hurt European Efforts to Curb Gases Dec 10, 2008