Durban, South Africa: Bishop's call to view the issue as a moral imperative

Putting Planet First in Climate Change Talks | Africa | English: ""Climate change is a moral issue and it must be met by the moral principles of justice, equity, compassion, love. And that we’ve got to really realize, that we’ve got to put the wellbeing of the planet and people before our financial considerations,” said retired Anglican Bishop Geoff Davies, coordinator of the Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute."

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Tip: You have to take time for yourself, at least an hour a day, that's the key. If you won't make it a priority, it won't be a priority.

"A year ago, Bob Pearson was full of excuses. He didn't have time to work out. He didn't know how to prepare the right foods. Just the thought of trying to be healthier was overwhelming. “There are a million excuses,” the Hampshire resident says. “A year ago, I was 300 pounds, and I was just miserable.”"'via Blog this'New body, new life for Fittest Loser contestants -There are no more excuses now. Since winning the 2011 Fittest Loser Challenge sponsored by the Daily Herald, Pearson has taken control of his health. DailyHerald.com:

Update: World's Leading Clean Technology Manufacturer of Microturbine Energy Systems, Capstone, extends OEM agreement for GE's Heat Recovery Solutions

"The original agreement has been extended through January 2016. In addition, GE will provide parts support to Capstone through 2020. Capstone has seen significant interest in the Clean Cycle generator, both with Capstone's microturbine and in other waste heat applications. The addition of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology to the California Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) means that qualifying California utility customers can receive up to a $1,250/kW rebate to help reduce the cost of installing the Capstone waste heat application.
The SGIP was modified by a California Public Utilities Commission decision that made Organic Rankine Cycle/Waste Heat-to-Power systems eligible for the SGIP along with a list of other greenhouse gas-reducing technologies, including microturbines. Capstone has received several orders for the Clean Cycle product and began shipping units more than 18 months ago."

'via Blog this'Capstone Extends Agreement With GE; Products Eligible for Incentive Under California Self-Generation Incentive Program - MarketWatch:

Update: Canada, Japan and Russia all announced last year their rejection of Kyoto's second commitment period, starting in 2013

While "China's top climate negotiator Xie Zenhua, in his first meeting with reporters, said China wanted to ensure all previous commitments by the industrial countries were met before entering into the next phase. If that happened, he said, China could discuss a post-2020 deal. "The framework, I think, should be a legally binding one, or some documents to that effect." But Xie set several "preconditions," including an extension of the Kyoto commitments for industrial countries, honoring commitments on immediate and long-term financial aid to poor countries, and delivery on promises of new technologies to develop low-carbon economies. U.S. envoy Todd Stern said the United States has no objection to a post-2020 treaty, as long as it treats everyone the same. Countries must accept "obligations and commitments that have the same legal force," Stern said."

'via Blog this'Negotiations begin at climate conference – USATODAY.com:

Tip: Secure the heart of that special person we seek, and to make a difference in some way – to matter and bring value to the relationship

"A growing body of scientific evidence shows that the way we express love and care for one another, from the time we are infants and throughout our lives, directly affects the health and physical structure of our brains and nervous systems. Certain actions, ones that convey emotional messages of kindness, caring and love, can affect positive changes on partners and their relationship by releasing certain hormones, such as oxytocin, which amps up the love-connection pathways of the brain. Oxytocin is a hormone that is released by the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of other chemical hormones in the heart."

'via Blog this'20 Ways to Amp Up The Love (Boost Oxytocin Naturally) In Your Couple Relationship | Neuroscience and Relationships:

Renewable Energy: China is another good outlet, having recently announced that it will double its spending on clean energy

"The renewable energy market segment is seeing strong growth and the lowering of entry costs in many cases. But start up renewable energy companies are finding funding tough to come across with debt crises raising its head worldwide and major funding going towards web 2.0 tech companies. Whether its alternative energy, clean energy or green energy, long shots in the renewable energy market can come from anywhere. Start ups here are as abundant as in the IT market segments, with good cause too. Wind power is growing at the rate of 30% annually and solar production growth has averaged 40% per year since 2000. Add to that ,from 2007 through 2010, fed subsidies jumped from $5 billion to over $14 billion and 2010 entire investment into renewables was over $200 billion. An emerging company like Sunbelt International (SUNB), has eyed up both solar and wind power with expertise and quality products in both. The company looks to pass on economic savings, received through a manufacturing plant in China, to its clients. "

'via Blog this'The Friday Clean Energy Report: Sunbelt International Inc. (OTCBB:SUNB):

Update: Middle East: Extremely vulnerable to effects of climate change including severe droughts, water shortages, and flooding in coastal areas

Climate change: Why COP17 matters for the Middle East | Al-Masry Al-Youm: Today's News from Egypt: "The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) published a report last year entitled Mapping of Climate Change Threats and Human Development Impacts in the Arab Region. It revealed that with hotter, drier and less predictable climates, the amount of water running into the region's streams and rivers is set to fall by 20 to 30 percent by 2050. Expected consequences include food insecurity and more-rapid desertification, the report says. Since the region is home to six of the world's ten most water-scarce countries, the consequences could be far-reaching. Its citizens currently have access to an average of 1000 cubic meters of water a year, a figure seven times below the world average, and the figure is expected to shrink to 460 cubic meters by 2025. According to a report released last week by the World Meteorological Organization (IMO), all indicators point to an expected 20 percent decrease in the water resources of the Ethiopian Plateau, with a corresponding reduction in Nile water flowing to downstream countries. The report estimates an annual reduction of more than 11 billion cubic meters in Egypt and Sudan alone due to the effects of climate change."

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