"The United States called on Tuesday for a more flexible approach to a new United Nations' climate deal which balances the needs of all countries and has a better chance of success."

"Carbon dioxide emissions from energy production in the United States fell to 5.29 billion metric tons in 2012 -- its lowest level since 1994 -- despite a growing economy and rising population, according to government data released on Monday."

"WASHINGTON — America's 12 largest supermarkets and retailers are failing to curb their hydrofluorocarbon emissions, adding large amounts of greenhouse gases to the environment, according to a new report."

"Across Minnesota, a determined counterattack is emerging against a looming threat to the northern forest — climate change."

"MOUNT VICTORIA -- Firefighters were battling an enormous blaze in southeastern Australia Monday, with officials warning it could merge with another to create a 'mega-fire' if weather conditions worsen."

"NEW ZEALAND -- "A Pacific Island man trying to flee rising seas and environmental risks caused by global warming in his home country of Kiribati asked a New Zealand court on Wednesday to let him pursue his claim as a climate change refugee."

"The federal shutdown is sidelining more than government workers. It's also putting years worth of climate change research in jeopardy, scientists say."

"Drought in the high northern Colorado mountains, tied to long-term changes in ocean-surface temperatures in the Northern Atlantic Ocean, has been linked to a massive spruce beetle outbreak, according to researchers at the University of Colorado."