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Friends of the Earth President Erich Pica criticizes Ernest J. Moniz's support for nuclear power and fracking, while praising Gina McCarthy's record at the EPA and calling for stronger White House support for climate regulations.

Erich Pica, President of Friends of the Earth, describes his arrest at the White House fence alongside 47 other leaders to protest the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. He argues that denying the pipeline is a moral obligation for the U.S. president to avoid a future of climate chaos and to support affected communities in Nebraska and Texas.

The document highlights the significant role of black carbon (soot) as a short-lived climate forcer that accelerates warming and melting in the Arctic by darkening ice and snow. It calls on environmental ministers of Arctic nations to lead efforts in reducing these emissions, noting that black carbon is now identified as the second most important climate pollutant with twice the climate impact previously understood.

The document argues that the global energy system is driven by neoliberalism and extractivism, benefiting a small elite while causing climate devastation and energy poverty. It critiques both fossil fuels and certain 'clean' alternatives—such as mega-dams and industrial biofuels—as destructive. The authors advocate for a decentralized, democratically controlled energy system that prioritizes human rights and ecological limits over corporate profit.

The document argues that the global energy system is unsustainable and unjust, driven by neoliberalism and extractivism. It details the environmental and social harms of fossil fuels, nuclear power, and certain 'clean' alternatives, while warning against 'techno-fixes' and corporate-led transitions. It advocates for a decentralized, democratically controlled system that prioritizes basic human rights to energy and a just transition for workers.

The document examines the environmental and social challenges of transport in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the rise in urban air pollution, high road fatality rates, and increasing traffic congestion. It argues that current policies favor automobiles over vulnerable populations and recommends an 'avoid, shift, improve' strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve accessibility and safety for all citizens.

The Union of Concerned Scientists reports that cities in the US Midwest have experienced an increase in heat waves and dangerously hot, humid days over the last six decades. Analysis of ten cities, including St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit, and the Twin Cities, shows a rise in the frequency of heat waves and a corresponding loss of cool, comfortable summer days. These trends increase the risk of hyperthermia and dehydration, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The document advocates for city-level preparedness and the reduction of fossil fuel emissions to mitigate these health risks.

The document presents a collection of declarations from major world religions and interfaith organizations, framing climate change as a moral, spiritual, and justice-related crisis. These organizations advocate for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and the protection of vulnerable populations who are disproportionately affected by global warming.

The document argues that flexible mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol, specifically the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI), have failed to achieve net emission reductions due to non-additional credits and 'hot air' surpluses. It calls for a severe restriction on the trade of emission surpluses, the exclusion of fossil-fuel-based mega-projects from the CDM, and the establishment of international human rights and oversight standards for carbon projects.

The document outlines the two primary forms of carbon pricing: emissions trading schemes (ETS) and carbon taxes. It details the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme as the world's largest, alongside regional programs like the RGGI in the US and the Tokyo Cap and Trade Program. It also lists numerous national carbon taxes, noting Finland as the first to introduce one in 1990, and describes hybrid systems in Australia and New Zealand.

A September 2012 survey of 1,061 American adults indicates that undecided likely voters share more similarities with likely Obama voters than likely Romney voters regarding climate change. While 80% of undecideds believe global warming is happening and 65% attribute it to human causes, only 45% of likely Romney voters believe it is occurring and 27% see it as human-caused. A majority of undecideds (61%) consider global warming one of several important factors in their voting decision. There is broad agreement across all groups that the U.S. should increase renewable energy use, though views on reducing fossil fuels diverge. Approximately 40% of undecideds and 36% of likely Romney voters report they could "easily change their mind" about global warming.

The report finds that the U.S. Midwest has experienced a significant increase in dangerously hot, humid, and dry summer days, as well as more frequent heat waves, over the last 60 years. Analysis of ten cities indicates that nighttime temperatures and humidity are rising, reducing the relief typically found overnight. These trends are linked to higher risks of hyperthermia and dehydration, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and low-income urban residents. The document argues for a combination of local adaptation strategies, such as heat-response plans and cooling centers, and aggressive global action to reduce fossil fuel emissions to mitigate future extreme heat events.

The Union of Concerned Scientists evaluated the ten largest publicly owned utilities (POUs) in California based on their 2010 compliance with the state's Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS). While these utilities collectively increased their RPS-eligible investments from 4.1% of retail sales in 2003 to 18.8% in 2010, the report finds significant disparity in how this was achieved. Some utilities, such as Silicon Valley Power and Modesto Irrigation District, are categorized as "running ahead," while others, like Roseville Electric and Imperial Irrigation District, are labeled as having a "false start" due to a reliance on short-term contracts that do not promote new clean energy development. The report emphasizes that long-term contracts and ownership of facilities are essential to meet the increased 33% RPS requirement for 2020 and to reduce the state's continued heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

The Union of Concerned Scientists evaluated how California's 10 largest publicly owned utilities (POUs) performed against the 20 percent by 2010 Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS). While collective RPS-eligible investments rose from 4.1 percent in 2003 to 18.8 percent in 2010, the report found significant variance in utility performance. Three utilities—Silicon Valley Power, Turlock Irrigation District, and Modesto Irrigation District—were categorized as "sprinting ahead," while others were labeled as "on the right track" or a "false start." The analysis highlights that reliance on short-term contracts fails to provide financial security for developers and does not effectively promote new clean energy facilities. To meet the strengthened 33 percent by 2020 requirement, the report recommends that POUs prioritize long-term contracts and direct ownership of projects to reduce fossil fuel reliance and stabilize prices.

The document criticizes the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee's decision to limit the Department of Defense (DoD) from pursuing alternative fuels based on cost comparisons with fossil fuels. It argues that such restrictions stifle military-led innovation, which historically created technologies like the Internet and GPS, and prevents the civilian economy from leveraging energy savings. The author asserts that DoD's leadership in biofuels and efficient platforms could help the U.S. transition away from oil, coal, and nuclear energy by 2050, potentially saving $5 trillion.

The document examines the scale and impact of energy subsidies in Bangladesh, noting that they consume a significant portion of the national budget while primarily benefiting wealthier citizens. It analyzes subsidies for petroleum, natural gas, electricity, and coal, arguing that these measures distort the economy and discourage energy diversification. The guide suggests transitioning toward targeted social assistance, such as cash transfers, and implementing gradual, transparent price adjustments to mitigate the impact on the poor during reform.

The document identifies that federal energy-related spending in 2010 ranged from $290 billion to $610 billion, with the vast majority supporting petroleum-based transportation and energy security rather than emissions reduction. Only $38 billion was spent on climate mitigation, a small fraction of the total budget, and much of this was temporary stimulus funding from the Recovery Act. The analysis highlights a reliance on tax expenditures for clean energy, which are described as less transparent than direct spending but more politically sustainable.

The document analyzes South Africa's efforts to attract sustainable local and foreign investment through a combination of industrial policies, such as the New Growth Path (NGP), and a diverse catalogue of financial and fiscal incentives. It highlights a significant decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) between 2008 and 2010, attributed largely to high labor costs, and examines the 'Gateway into Africa' initiative designed to make South Africa a regional investment hub. The paper details various dti-managed incentives targeting SMMEs, industrial development, and specific sectors like automotive and film, while noting that many investors remain unaware of these schemes or find the application process cumbersome.

The report finds broad American support for developing clean energy and reducing global warming, though support for specific policies like CO2 regulation and renewable energy research has declined since 2008. While there is bipartisan agreement on increasing renewable energy use, significant partisan divides exist regarding the reduction of fossil fuels and the priority level of global warming. Americans perceive large campaign contributors and fossil-fuel companies as having the most influence over elected officials' decisions on climate issues.

The document examines the increasing influence of multinational corporations and business lobby groups within the UN system, particularly in the lead-up to the Rio+20 summit. It argues that this 'corporate capture' shifts the UN's focus from sustainable development and human rights toward market-based solutions that benefit the private sector. Through a series of case studies, the report highlights how initiatives like the 'Green Economy', 'Sustainable Energy for All' (SE4ALL), and the UN Global Compact facilitate 'greenwashing' and 'bluewashing', allowing companies to avoid regulation while gaining privileged access to policy-making. The authors call for a fundamental overhaul of UN decision-making processes, including the removal of business representatives from national delegations and the establishment of a legally binding framework for corporate accountability.