"In a major setback for environmental advocates in California, Gov. Jerry Brown and Senate Democrats abandoned a 50 percent cut in petroleum use by 2030 that was a centerpiece of emissions legislation, blaming an intense campaign against the mandate by the oil industry."

"Ever since it was launched from the temple-like headquarters of the National Geographic Society in Washington in 1888, National Geographic magazine has illuminated the world’s hidden places and revealed its natural wonders. On Wednesday, the iconic ­yellow-bordered magazine, beset by financial issues, entered its own uncharted territory. In an effort to stave off further decline, the magazine was effectively sold by its nonprofit parent organization to a for-profit venture whose principal shareholder is one of Rupert Murdoch’s global media companies."

"Putting cities on a course of smart growth – with expanded public transit, energy-saving buildings, and better waste management - could save as much as $22 trillion and avoid the equivalent in carbon pollution of India’s entire annual output of greenhouse gasses, according to leading economists."

"TERIBERKA, Russia — The warming Arctic should already have transformed this impoverished fishing village on the coast of the Barents Sea."

"An aide to Mitch McConnell has been informing foreign embassies about GOP plans to oppose Obama's strategy on global warming."

"With a global climate conference only months away, preparatory talks have been moving at a 'snail's pace.' But talks this week may have yielded progress."

"Tony Abbott faces a cool reception when he flies to Port Moresby this week from Pacific Island leaders who say global inaction on climate change threatens their existence."

"Some of the world's most ambitious climate change legislation is currently under consideration in America. But the lawmakers in question aren't in D.C. — they're in Sacramento."

"Up in Maine, lobsters are thriving. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission reported last month that stocks there have reached a record high. Down the coast, however, the story is different. In southern New England, lobster stocks have plummeted to the lowest levels ever recorded, putting many lobstermen out of business."

"Thirteen of the world's largest energy companies support a climate deal that would limit warming to 2 degrees C."