Blog
Obamas unexpectedly good week
Eight days ago, President Obama went before the White House press corps to acknowledge the previous day’s midterm-election results and take his knocks. “Obviously, Republicans had a good night,” he said. “And they deserve credit for running good campaigns. Beyond that, I’ll leave it to all of you and the… Read More
Flaws in granting Mr. Obama fast-track authority
The Nov. 7 editorial in favor of granting President Obama new trade powers, “Speeding up a trade deal,” assumed the task would be easier with Republicans controlling both houses of Congress. Not so. Many Republicans, especially in the House, where the real trade action is, question the constitutionality of fast-track… Read More
U.S.-China carbon pledge short on specifics
Wednesday’s announcement in Beijing that the U.S. and China would jointly embark on an ambitious effort to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions is being scrutinized for its diplomatic and political impact. But economists and others interested in the agreement’s potential economic repercussions are also taking a close look. A statement… Read More
No podemos construir este proyecto y luchar contra el cambio climico
La posible construcción del oleoducto Keystone XL ha movilizado a los ecologistas estadounidenses como pocos proyectos energéticos en los últimos años. Numerosas organizaciones han rechazado la iniciativa, con importantes protestas ante la Casa Blanca y aglutinando a una parte significativa del electorado en torno a un puñado de políticos que… Read More
China Just Agreed to Its First Ever Carbon Cap. Will It Be Enough?
The surprising deal announced between China and the U.S. on Tuesday that gives both nations long-term carbon-reduction targets has upped the game ahead of international climate negotiations next year. Under the deal, China will cap emissions by 2030, although a peak could come earlier. And the U.S. agreed to greenhouse-gas… Read More
The climate deal that almost wasnt
A day before President Barack Obama departed for Beijing last weekend, the main attraction of his trip still wasn’t ready. Top administration officials had worked secretly for months to nail down a major climate change deal with China that could be the centerpiece of his first visit to the country… Read More
Infographic: The high cost of hurricanes
Over the last ten years, damage from hurricanes has resulted in the loss of 2,334 lives and more than $310 billion in damages. UNC@MPA, the online component of the Master of Public Administration program at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, recently took a look at the last ten… Read More
Ahead of Global Talks, All Eyes on U.S. Contribution to Climate Fund
Next month’s climate talks in Peru are a pivotal point in the push for global action on climate change. But it’s a far less publicized gathering in Berlin that holds the key to whether the Lima negotiations succeed—and whether a useful climate treaty might be possible in the end. Read More
Spray-on DNA bar codes could be new weapon against food-borne illnesses
To prevent and contain outbreaks of food-borne illness, which sicken 1 in 6 Americans annually, a Bay Area startup is developing bar codes that go directly on fruits and vegetables. But you may overlook them: they’re DNA-size. Spray-on DNA bar codes could be new weapon against food-borne illnesses -San… Read More
Republican-controlled congress will not make passing Fast Track easier
During his post-election news conference, President Obama said that he expects to cooperate with congressional Republicans on his trade agenda: a sentiment echoed by future Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell. Passing Fast Track trade promotion legislation as their first post-election act could hasten congressional approval of the environmentally destructive Trans… Read More