Energy and Climate Realism «

Centre left politicians in Britain and Germany, the new leader of the German social democrats, Sigmar Gabriel and the Labour Ministers David and Ed Miliband seem seriously to believe that climate change will be the new mass mobilizing topic and will help saving their parties too. A more likely outcome is that this strategy will neither save the centre left nor will it help to save the planet. Such a strategy seems to drive away voters fearful of loosing the lifestyle of mobility, warmth and comfort.

Some Democrats unhappy with pressure plays on global warming | San Francisco Examiner

As Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., pushes global warming legislation forward, some Democrats were showing a hint of frustration with their party's agenda.

"I just don't think climate change is going to be on the floor this year," Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., said. "Trying to restart our economic engine and trying to get this country back to work -- to me that is the most important issue."
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But even if health care were completed, it would be nearly impossible for the Senate to pass the Kerry-Boxer bill, with Democrats of all leanings complaining about its potential to hurt the economy and calling for significant modifications.

Senators Call for Financial Reform Before Cap and Trade - NYTimes.com

...Buffett's critique of financial trading -- and, through Sokol, a future market for carbon derivatives -- is causing cap-and-trade proponents heartache as regulatory reforms that could address some of those concerns have been stalled for months on Capitol Hill.

Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has said Congress will probably have to pass financial reforms that regulate the $300 trillion over-the-counter derivatives market before passing carbon cap-and-trade legislation.

EPW Panel Dems Look to Move Climate Bill Today; GOP Moderates Want More Study - NYTimes.com

Voinovich said he does not understand why Boxer and the Democrats do not sign off on a study that they eventually will have to do anyway.

Save the Children Warns That Climate Change Is a Global Emergency for Children Up to 175 Million Children per Year Will Be Hit Hardest as Natural Disasters Increase Over the Next Decade

11/05/09 -- Climate change is the biggest health threat to children in the 21st century and represents an immediate global emergency, according to a new report, "Feeling the Heat," released today by Save the Children, at the Barcelona United Nations Climate Change talks.

As many as 175 million children per year will be hit hardest as natural disasters increase over the next decade. No one will be immune from the effects of climate change, but children will feel the brunt of disasters such as floods, cyclones and droughts, as they get worse, the international children's organisation said.