[GWSG] The Boy is here; Kerry at Lima; Lima; whale poo; D. leaders; skeptics and deniers; S FL refugees

[Tilley, Al]

1.  According to the Japanese Meteorological Agency El Niño is here, bringing wet weather to the southern US and dry to the northern, with elevated global atmospheric heating by the Pacific Ocean surface.  The question is how strong it will become.  The last big one was in 1997-8.  http://climatecrocks.com/2014/12/10/japan-meteorological-agency-declares-el-nino-is-here/

2.  In the linked video John Kerry addresses the Lima meeting for 35 minutes Thursday, Dec. 11.  He reminds the conference of the history of attempts to cope with climate disruption and of the urgency of action, and describes the momentum building around the world for effective action.  He also sketches the results of inaction and the economic rewards of an energy transition.  http://climatecrocks.com/2014/12/11/john-kerry-remarks-in-lima/
Kerry was greeted by a cheering crowd of delegates, the first US Secretary of State to address such a conference.  With the Obama administration’s climate policies and joint statement with China, the international attitude toward the US has become quite positive.  (sub. req’d.)  http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/12/world/strange-climate-event-warmth-toward-the-us.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=5

3.  The Lima talks resulted in principles which will structure the agreement at the Paris talks next December.  They are couched in language which embodies the conflicting approaches of developed and developing nations.  Most significantly, all nations are expected to institute emissions controls.  Previously developing nations saw that as the responsibility of developed nations.  http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/14/lima-climate-change-talks-who-won

4.  Reducing numbers of whales reduces whale poo, which reduces the plankton it fertilizes, which undercuts the base of many forms of oceanic life.  It is an example of a trophic cascade generated by the removal of large, dominant animals.  Such alterations can have marked climate repercussions.  If you enjoy the article you may pursue it with George Monbiot’s book Feral.  http://www.theguardian.com/environment/georgemonbiot/2014/dec/12/how-whale-poo-is-connected-to-climate-and-our-lives

5.  Among emerging Democratic leaders, Amy Klubochar wants to slow down application of the EPA regulations on existing power plants and Elizabeth Warren wants to strengthen them.  http://www.nationaljournal.com/energy/new-dem-leaders-warren-klobuchar-split-on-epa-climate-rule-20141211  Hillary Clinton has been non-committal on the XL pipeline, though in her recent speech she supported strong action on climate.  http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/12/hillary-clinton-sidesteps-keystone-pipeline-in-speech-to-environmental-group/

6.  A group of scientists along with Bill Nye and others have asked that deniers cease being called skeptics.  Skepticism is the proper stance of a scientist.  Someone who refuses to engage the current investigation of a topic is a denier.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/12/12/bill-nye-stop-calling-sen-inhofe-a-climate-change-skeptic/

7.  Harold Wanless of the U. of Miami anticipates that the six million people south of Lake Okeechobee will be climate refugees, perhaps by midcentury.  https://ca.news.yahoo.com/rising-sea-levels-could-florida-100000163.html
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