Science Weekly podcast: Solar activity and global warming | Science | guardian.co.uk

Astronomer Stuart Clark joins us in the studio to look at the latest thinking about the effects of variations in solar activity on the Earth's climate. Dark matter gets a mention too.

Over the coming days he will be conducting question-and-answer sessions on Twitter - both on solar activity and dark matter. Follow him at DrStuClark and post your questions using the prefix #AskDrStu. (2:00)

Letters: We'll protect protest in Copenhagen | Environment | The Guardian

What is proposed to parliament is to tighten measures against violent disorder. The proposal includes higher penalties for preventing the police from doing their work and for vandalism committed in connection with extensive unrest. Regarding the gathering of a crowd, the police may detain persons, if necessary to avert a risk to public order and safety – for instance if there is a specific and imminent risk they will take part in fights. An extension of the detention period from six up to 12 hours would be permitted. The conditions that the police must meet before placing people in detention will not be changed.

Keeping Copenhagen on course | David Turnbull | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk

Waking up one drearymorning in Copenhagen (where I've recently moved to prepare for the upcoming climate talks in December), I was met with a barrage of headlines, mostly from US media, telling me that Copenhagen is doomed to total failure and I might as well head off to Mexico City, where next year's summit will be held. Not the best way to start the day.

Money talks: The Age is wrong | Herald Sun Andrew Bolt Blog

Please join me in donating to the retirement fund of Age cartoonist John Spooner, who may soon be forced to draw from it: