[GWSG] US & Brazil & China; & Germany; salmon pH; marine warning; <.04/kwh; Vatican static; mermaids queried

[Tilley, Al]

1.  The US and Brazil reached a climate accord committing Brazil to restore up to twelve million hectares of the Amazon's forest, and setting a goal of 20% non-hydropower renewable energy by 2030.  Also, China has formally committed to the climate goals of the US-China accord in their climate plan submitted to the UN.  The three countries are among the ten top greenhouse gas emitters.  The moves are all significant, and part of a platform for actions necessary to keep the earth from catastrophic warming.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/06/30/china-brazil-and-the-u-s-all-announce-new-climate-and-clean-energy-goals/



2.  Germany is putting five of its largest and dirtiest coal plants on reserve as a move toward meeting its climate goals.  http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/02/germany-to-mothball-largest-coal-power-plants-to-meet-climate-targets



3.  A study of pink salmon shows that acidification has effects on that fresh water species similar to those found among salt water fish.  http://news.sciencemag.org/climate/2015/06/freshwater-fish-threatened-acidification



4.  Twenty-two of the leading marine scientists have joined in a Science piece to warn that we are paying far too little attention to the threat of irreversible and catastrophic changes in the oceans.  Limiting warming to 2C is not an acceptable goal; we need to take decisive action now.  http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-33369024



5.  Austin Energy has received 1.2 gigawatts of solar power bids for less than $.04/kilowatt-hour, the cheapest bids ever received for a utility solicitation.  Bids in the region were 20% higher a year ago.  http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/cheapest-solar-ever-austin-energy-gets-1.2-gigawatts-of-solar-bids-for-less?utm_source=Daily&utm_medium=Headline&utm_campaign=GTMDaily



6.  Naomi Klein, now working with the Vatican on climate, reports that the Catholic Church seems to be discussing divesting from fossil fuels.  The obstacles to doing so hint at struggles on the issue within the Church.  http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/01/vatican-may-consider-divestment-from-fossil-fuels-despite-popes-call-to-arms



7.  Climate Change: Too Hot to Handle features mermaid's opinions on climate change and a senator who asks the president how he explains frozen pizzas.  http://www.theguardian.com/environment/video/2015/jun/26/do-mermaids-think-about-climate-change-comedy-video
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