"If the judge's reasoning holds up in other cases it could undermine the rationales for much bigger projects, such as the Keystone XL pipeline."

NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory satellite launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base early Wednesday morning, potentially improving scientists' ability to track climate change. The mission appeared successful after the spacecraft separated from the second stage about 55 minutes into the flight. A NASA news conference is scheduled for 8:30 am ET.

Gavin Schmidt is taking over the reins of NASA's high-powered climate lab -- the Goddard Institute for Space Studies -- from the ritiring James Hansen.

"Registered voters are three times more likely to vote against a candidate who opposes government action to mitigate climate change, according to a new study."

"The polar vortex came with a silver lining: Water levels are up on the Great Lakes this summer, providing welcome news to boaters, beach-goers and cottagers who have become increasingly nervous about changing shorelines."

"A new report from the government’s own Natural Resources Department on climate change adaptation released last week shows a growing recognition of the need to adapt to a changing climate but also highlights the gap between the research and the political action, critics and experts say."

"The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday proposed federal approval of climate-friendly refrigerants used in household air conditioners and refrigerators, as part of President Obama’s quest to counter global warming."

"NASA will launch the first satellite designed to measure carbon dioxide in the atmosphere around the world next week."

"Fresh fruits and vegetable prices will go up an estimated 6% in the coming months, the federal government said Wednesday, as California’s ongoing drought continues to hit price tags in grocery stores across the country."

"El Niño, a tropical-climate phenomenon with a global reach and following, is stirring in the Pacific, although forecasters aren't ready to pronouncing it awake just yet."