Author Archives: Kit Stolz

Cynicism Justified on Bush Speech, says NYTimes

Perhaps I was too kind. The NYTimes editorial today: Given Mr. Bush’s history of denial and obstructionism when it comes to climate change, there are good reasons to be cynical about this sudden enthusiasm [for action on global warming], coming as it does on the eve of the meeting of the Group of 8 industrializedContinue reading “Cynicism Justified on Bush Speech, says NYTimes”

Bush Calls For Global Goals on Emissions Reductions

That’s the headline. Crtics have been quick to reject this as a "do-nothing" strategy, pointing out that the U.S. has refused to sign on to Germany’s proposal to reduce emissions sufficient to hold warming to 2 degrees C, which may be necessary to avoid disaster. They have a strong point. But if this is aContinue reading “Bush Calls For Global Goals on Emissions Reductions”

Washington Press Corps Does Ask a Question About Global Warming

Following hints that Tony Blair has dropped repeatedly, a White House reporter named Sheryl (perhaps Sheryl Stolberg of the NYTimes) does ask a question about climate change. My mistake. To wit: Q Scott, Tony Blair, in an interview with the BBC, apparently said that we might see, "the beginnings of action on global warming andContinue reading “Washington Press Corps Does Ask a Question About Global Warming”

Tax Carbon Now, Says LA Times

Despite being under tremendous pressure from their corporate overlords, the denizens of the LATimes continue to put out a remarkably good newspaper. Yesterday they ran the best editorial on reducing carbon emissions this reporter has ever seen, with a terrific lede: If you have kids, take them to the beach. They should enjoy it whileContinue reading “Tax Carbon Now, Says LA Times”

The Dangerous Country

A prominent Eastern poet, Elizabeth Spires, has been writing about the natural world lately. In this poem, published by Ploughshares last year, she identifies with an ancient sea creature, the Coelacanth, which was long thought to be extinct, only to be brought up abruptly from 1500 feet below the surface. She concludes: You and I,Continue reading “The Dangerous Country”

Now that Bush Has Threatened Our Kids with Osama, Can We Ask Him About Global Warming?

John Dickerson in Slate notes that when his Iraq strategy was questioned in a press conference, the Prez resorted to threatening the children of reporters with al-Qaida: "They are a threat to your children, David," he said to NBC’s David Gregory . It’s an understandable instinct [writes Dickerson]. To persuade, we try to appeal toContinue reading “Now that Bush Has Threatened Our Kids with Osama, Can We Ask Him About Global Warming?”

Rachel Carson: This Particular Instant of Time

Sunday was the 100th birthday of Rachel Carson, the science writer who more than anyone else awakened the world to the risk of what the New Yorker once called our "effluent society." The U.S. Senate was prepared to honor her this year, but that effort was blocked by Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn, because Carson spokeContinue reading “Rachel Carson: This Particular Instant of Time”

Good News Friday: A Georgia Exec Does the Right Thing

Well, I’m a day late, but my friend Aug sends in a story perfect for my oft-neglected "good news Friday" feature. This one is about Ray Anderson, a highly successful carpet manufacturer based in Georgia. Back in the 90’s, Anderson came to a sudden realization about his business: I was running a company that wasContinue reading “Good News Friday: A Georgia Exec Does the Right Thing”