International

"China is ready to strengthen its cooperation with the United States to combat climate change, Premier Wen Jiabao told US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday, state media reported."

U.S. Congressional leaders visiting China think an understanding between the U.S. and China is key to reaching a climate pact in Copenhagen.

The World Animal Health Organisation said climate change is increasing disease among farm animals.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a meeting of business leaders in Copenhagen that "climate change is the defining challenge of our time."

The push for greener cars will likely bring a boom for companies that mine and refine lithium -- a key ingredient in batteries.

"OSLO -- A rise in concentrations of a powerful greenhouse gas over the Arctic after a decade of stability is stirring worries about a possible thaw of vast stores trapped in permafrost, experts said."

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the climate bill approved Thursday by the House Energy Committee is 'not enough' to stem warming to the degree hoped for in the next climate treaty.

"Australia lifted protection levels on Friday for the world's largest surviving marsupial carnivore, the Tasmanian devil, listing the animal as endangered due to a deadly facial tumour outbreak."

"U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for a 'green new deal' on climate change on Thursday and urged for a final push in negotiations ahead of a key summit to be held in Copenhagen in December."