1. ADAPTATION:
Canadian insurer and university join in first national plan to ease climate risks
Canada is projected to be a long-term climate hot spot, with rising temperatures melting its northern ice, drying up its southern rivers and driving insect infestations in its forests. Now, university researchers and a major insurance group say in a new report that they have a plan for addressing some of the most damaging projected impacts. Their chief message is that some of the better adaptation solutions don't have to break the bank.
2. POLITICS:
N.C. Senate passes measure to ban planning for accelerated sea-level rise
State senators in North Carolina yesterday approved a measure prohibiting state officials from considering accelerated sea-level rise when creating rules for housing developments and infrastructure projects like bridges. The legislation instructs planners to use only historical measurements of rising oceans, rejecting scientists' predictions that sea levels could begin climbing more quickly as atmospheric warming expands water and melts ice sheets. It was passed by a voice vote and is headed to the House for possible consideration.
