The impact of Hurricane Sandy continues today and NY works to protect itself from future climate-driven disasters. Energy-related carbon dioxide pollution in the U.S. reaches its lowest levels since 1994.

NYC Mayor Bloomberg & LA Times letters editor Paul Thornton stand up for the facts on climate change.

The 5th assessment by the IPCC is out. Bloomberg, Paulsen, and Steyer launch Risky Business project. The government shutdown affects federal agencies involved with climate and energy.

Despite the shutdown, work continues here outside the Beltway bubble. At Next Generation, we’re very excited this week about the launch of the Risky Business.

The Risky Business initiative will quantify the economic risks the United States faces from the impacts of climate change.

We’re now about as certain that climate change is real and man-made as we are that cigarettes kill. To take the analogy further, by not acting to curb climate change, we’re immersing the planet in a huge, inescapable cloud of second-hand smoke.

The IPCC gathers this week to approve parts of the 5th assessment report. The EPA issues regulations for new power plants, and Governor Brown signs CA SB 4.

Much of California’s current petroleum output is categorized as heavy or extra-heavy oil, meaning it is more viscous and requires more energy and time to refine into fuel than lighter grades of crude. In many ways, it is similar to the thick “bitumen” petroleum that comprises Alberta’s tar sands.

Predictions for California’s oil industry emissions are also complicated by the lack of clarity about which production methods will be used, and at what depth. Some of these variables could make the Monterey Shale output cleaner than current California crudes, while others would make it dirtier.

California decision makers should ensure that any expansion of oil development in the state is consistent with existing rules aimed at reducing the pollution that causes climate change.