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Some reservations about global warming policy

As one who advocates a rational and methodologically sound approach to global warming policy, I think that the just-published Stern Report provides a strong case that action should be taken.

Before I continue with why I still have some reservations, let me suggest that Grist readers who are critical of economics take a good look at this report. It is the breadth of the economic analysis, the attention to detail, and the range of policy options (informed by sound economic analysis) that make this report so powerful. It is also endorsed by some of the most prominent economists in the world, which gives it immense credibility. It is because it is the work of good economists that it is being taken seriously and may actually motivate government action. Whether you like it or not, the two most powerful groups of scientists engaged in global warming policy are climatologists and economists.

Now to why I am still wary of the conclusions.

Smell some defeat

Since it's currently my second-favorite holiday and my first-favorite holiday is coming up in just one week, I thought I'd post a treat for all those pining for up-to-the-minute interactive maps on poll results around the country, via pollster.com.

Senate, House, and governor.

Look, when you you mouse over the states, the poll results come up! It's sorta like trick-or-treating! Some chocolate bars, some apples with razors in them.

Ignoring climate change could clobber world economy, and more

Read the articles mentioned at the end of the podcast: A Stern Talking-to Slow Down, You Hoover Too Fast Junk in the Trunk Here So Suin’? Eco-friendly Fire Read the articles mentioned at the end of the podcast: Beyond the Whopper Ethanomics 101 Pom and Jerry Say It: Don’t Spray It Boo-ty Call You Down […]

Some are better than others

Check out Sightline's clever new ad against Washington's odious initiative 933:

Contrast it to the somewhat less clever ad from the official No On I-933 folks:

Great veggies — and a model for city farming — thrive at Boggy Creek Farm models.

In “Mad Flavor,” the author describes his occasional forays from the farm in search of exceptional culinary experiences from small artisanal producers. Mad Flavor is currently reporting from location in Austin, the author’s hometown. The first thing to say about Austin’s Boggy Creek Farm is that its vegetables have mad flavor. Russian-red kale so bursting […]

Slow Food event in Italy

Slow Food recently wrapped up its biennial event, Terra Madre, in Turin, Italy. The conference gathers food producers from around the world to share information, stories, and food. Slow Food had a running blog of the event, with pictures and audio.

We are the voices of Terra Madre. We believe in good, clean and fair food. These are our stories, our pictures, our questions and answers, our problems, concerns, fears, failures and successes.

So mangiati il fegato (eat your heart out).

Spite of the Living Dead

Interior Department official disparages endangered-species recommendations If Julie MacDonald had a farm (e-i-e-i-o), all the animals would die. At least six times since 2004, MacDonald — deputy assistant secretary of the Interior Department — has rejected staff recommendations to protect susceptible flora and fauna under the Endangered Species Act, documents show. The Interior Department’s inspector […]

There are many

As y'all are no doubt aware, the mid-term elections are rapidly approaching. For the big-picture state of the election, I refer you to insider's insider Charlie Cook:

With the election just eight days away, there are no signs that this wave is abating. Barring a dramatic event, we are looking at the prospect of GOP losses in the House of at least 20 to 35 seats, possibly more, and at least four in the Senate, with five or six most likely.

Also, don't miss our own Amanda's articles on the elections here, here, and here.

Of particular interest to us green types is the unusual prominence of eco-issues in a variety of campaigns, from the obvious (Calif. gubernatorial) to the not-so-obvious (Nevada senate).

Celebs stump for progressives in Calif.

The Pombo race is coming down to the wire. The national party has sent Laura "The Republican People Still Like" Bush out to pull Pombo's fat out of the fire.

The Dems are pulling out their big guns too -- their big Hollywood Elite Liberal Latte-Sipping Homo Heathen guns, that is. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner -- Bennifer II, proud parents of a beautiful 11-month-old girl -- are out in California and will appear Saturday at a Defenders of Wildlife event on behalf of Jerry "Not Pombo" McNerney. Can victory be far behind?

In other news, damn Garner's looking good for a new mother, is all I'm saying.

A question re: fire lines and wild fires

The recent wild fires in Calif. make me wonder why fire lines (areas of land cleared of vegetation) aren't actively maintained around areas where there is housing, and even in different areas of the forest. Does it require that too much land be cleared? The labor involved has got to be less than the labor needed to fight a fire, and perhaps it could prevent firefighters from losing their lives protecting property. Does anybody know why this isn't done?