Explanation Offered for Error in U.N. Climate Report - Dot Earth Blog - NYTimes.com

The scientists were speaking in Brussels on Monday at an event sponsored by the British Council, a cultural relations body, which was seeking to bring the worlds of science and the arts together to increase public awareness for climate-related issues and improve the chances of reaching a global climate accord this year.

The British Council has spent about $141,000 in recent months to help finance similar conferences in Norway, Germany, Britain and the United States with the goal of encouraging filmmakers, sculptors and other artists to incorporate warnings about the dangers to the climate into their work.

[Global warming hero] Crist signs 2nd extension of Fla. freeze order - Florida AP - MiamiHerald.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Gov. Charlie Crist has signed a second extension of an executive order raising weight and size limits for trucks that transport Florida citrus and other crops affected by freezing weather.

Crist initially declared a two-week state of emergency on Jan. 5. He then extended it to third week and Monday added a fourth through Feb. 1.

Cold weather kills corals, assessment under way - Florida AP - MiamiHerald.com

MARATHON, Fla. -- Officials in the Florida Keys are assessing damage to corals after several weeks of unseasonably cold weather in the Sunshine State.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the cold weather dropped water temperatures in some areas of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to 52 degrees, killing some corals from bleaching.

Cold streak results in higher electric bills | Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota

St. Petersburg, Florida -- This month's cold snap is long gone, but a reminder of the freezing temps will be showing up in your mailbox soon. Homeowners all over the Bay area are getting their power bills and all that hot air doesn't come cheap.

"$325, then $525. I almost had a heart attack," said Anna LaVecchia.

Lavecchia lives on a fixed income and was shocked when she received her utility bill this month.