The Diary: Former VP [Gore] wants a hired gun - NZ Herald News

When the 45th Vice-President Al Gore arrives in Auckland next month for a private speaking engagement he is expecting red-carpet trappings and a first-class security detail, including an armed policeman, which could contravene NZ laws.

Organisers behind the gala dinner won't divulge details, citing an iron-clad confidentiality contract, but The Diary understands Gore has requested that a protection officer with a sidearm be provided to accompany him 24 hours a day during his stay.

Solving the Earth's Climate Problems - An Interview with Bill Mckibben

Oilprice.com: Why is climate scepticism continuing to gain momentum in the face of terrible droughts and changing weather patterns?

Bill McKibben: I don't think it is. The percentage of Americans who understand the planet is warming has grown steadily. The skeptics have lots of money, but they have a hard time fighting what is becoming to obvious to anyone who steps out the door: the planet is warming quickly and disastrously.

If you’re sneezing right now, it is climate change’s fault | Grist

Some public health types have been arguing that the best way to get people to care about climate change may be to frame it as a health problem.

Almanac Online : A few minutes with Martin Litton

Here's a softball question for an environmentalist: With climate change largely absent from the national consciousness, if you could issue royal decrees in your corner of the planet and set an example, what would you order to be done? Noted environmental activist and longtime Portola Valley resident Martin Litton played along one recent morning while sitting in the shade at a Triangle Park picnic table.

After a moment, he smiled, shrugged and said he'd take down the Golden Gate Bridge, restore Marin County to its natural state and bring back ferry boats as the means for crossing San Francisco Bay.