Biofuels: not so groovy after all

The scientific community finally acknowledges that “biofuels” fuel deforestation—and thereby result in a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

“Peak Oil Day” dodges political roots of crisis

World oil prices peaked at $147 per barrel one year ago today—but the geological determinism of the “peak oil” theorists ignores the global political struggle for control of oil.

G8 climate goals too little, too late: scientists

Climatologists blasted the G8 resolution that global temperature should rise no more than 2°C by 2050 as “cavalier” acceptance of an increase that could still “challenge civilized society.”

FAO: financial crisis deepens global hunger

The global financial crisis has pushed the ranks of the hungry to a record 1 billion people, a milestone that poses a threat to peace and security, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization said.

Non-motorists bear brunt of traffic fatalities

A WHO study finds that non-motorists disproportionately bear the brunt of traffic fatalities. Car accidents are the world’s 10th leading cause of death, on track to become fifth by 2030.

Big powers to boycott UN econo-confab

Many developed nations will boycott a UN conference on the financial crisis, objecting to efforts by General Assembly president Miguel d’Escoto to discuss reforming the World Bank and IMF.

Obama denies White House to run GM

“What we are not doing—what I have no interest in doing—is running GM,” President Obama assured upon announcing the government’s large ownership stake in the reorganized General Motors.

White House announces national vehicle emissions policy

President Obama announced plans for national fuel efficiency requirements aimed at conserving 1.8 billion barrels of oil and reducing emissions by 900 million metric tons.

Obama places Chrysler under heavy manners

President Obama’s Automotive Task Force has slashed Chrysler’s advertising budget as a condition of the company’s bankruptcy restructuring.

Dems, Reps divided on climate pseudo-solutions

With a climate bill now being crafted on Capitol Hill, Democrats are supporting a measure that would instate a carbon-trading system—while Republicans favor subsidies for nuclear power.

Study sees harsh limit for carbon emissions to prevent global disaster

To keep global temperatures from rising 2 degrees C., researchers say carbon emissions must be limited to 1 trillion metric tons—more than half already released since the Industrial Revolution.

Indigenous climate summit meets in Alaska

At the first global gathering of indigenous peoples on climate change, delegates meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, demanded an immediate moratorium on new fossil fuel development.