March 12, 2010
Dangerous Visions for Desperate Times
1. Reform campaign finances. The financial crisis was driven by Wall Street greed and a lax regulatory environment fueled by political payoffs. Elizabeth Warren , chair of the TARP Congressional Oversight Panel observed: "The banks lobbied Washington so they could write the rules that got us into this mess. They then lobbied Washington to get the money to bail them out. And now they are lobbying Washington to write the rules so they can get us into the next crisis." We can't repair our failed system until we get big money out of the political process. The first step is a constitutional amendment prohibiting private contributions to political campaigns. This change would fund campaigns with public monies, drastically restrict use of television advertisements, and prohibit "independent expenditures" in all forms.
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March 11, 2010
Where Do Things Stand on International Efforts to Address Global Warming?
It is almost 3 months after the Copenhagen Accord was hammered out by 28 of the world’s key countries that represent over 80% of the world’s global warming pollution and some of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change (as I discussed here). Given the state of the Accord just after Copenhagen with some calling it a failure, some outlining the foundations in the Accord for international efforts (and as my colleague discussed here), and others…well not quite sure what to make of it, where do things stand on international efforts to address global warming?
If you just picked up the paper, watched TV, listened to the radio, or read blogs you might think that things aren’t really moving as there is very little coverage of international global warming discussions (especially compared to last year when every 5 seconds some news story or analysis emerged). But that doesn’t mean that nothing is happening on the international front. In fact, despite the lack of regular coverage, things are moving forward – albeit tentatively, behind the scenes, and without a big splash. Here are four things that are occurring that are worth following.
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March 8, 2010
Global Sisterhood
I headed to Copenhagen for an opportunity to participate in a climate hearing organized by Oxfam with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and a number of my sisters from around the world whose communities are struggling because of climate change. I was ready to tell the world the story of Biloxi, Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The devastation. The perseverance and community spirit. The lessons of preparedness. And how women picked up the pieces.
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Humanity And Resilience Theory
Historically, there have been all sorts of be-all end-all circumstances. Now we face climate change, the ends of institutions, a new kind of economy. No one really knows how all these things will pan out.
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March 5, 2010
March 4, 2010
Creationists And Climate Deniers Take On Teaching Climate Science In Schools
On Thursday, the New York Times reports that legislatures or boards of education in Louisiana, Kentucky and Texas have also suggested that climate change be treated like one theory in a spectrum of beliefs.
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March 3, 2010
NAELS 2010 Staying Afloat: Adapting to Climate Change in the Gulf Coast and Beyond
The Conference will bring together top attorneys, engineers, business leaders, environmentalists, scientists, and planners from New Orleans, Louisiana, the US, and the world to discuss how New Orleans, hundreds of low-lying coastal cities like it, and an interdependent world community will adapt to ever-increasing populations and a rapidly changing climate in the coming century.
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The Cheap Al Gore
The first time I gave a talk on climate change was back in 1995 when my dissertation advisor couldn't make a presentation at a senior's center - I went instead. The retirees were concerned about climate change, but one man's comment seemed to capture the mood; "Well, we don't have to worry about it because we'll all be dead by then." His sanguine attitude shifted a bit when I reminded him his grandkids would still be around.
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March 2, 2010
‘Ask Sophie!’ This Week’s Topic: How Is The Economy Affecting Your Relationship? (LIVE VIDEO EVENT)

Given today's economic climate, most of us have gotten used to watching our wallets. We've become more creative with our time, and more mindful about how we're spending our precious dollars. But what about our relationships? How does losing a job, working extra hours, or being just plain broke affect our romantic lives? If you're wondering how your relationship can survive the financial crisis, Sophie Keller is here to help!
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March 1, 2010
Gore’s Climate Remedy Must Match Diagnosis
In Gore's essay, the triple debacles of Climategate, Copenhagen and Congress fall into perspective, and the moral high ground is regained for a renewed U.S. legislative effort to place a stiff price on carbon pollution. From his stage-setting opening lines,
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