Stories: Climate, Energy & Transport

The choice of Bali as the location for the 2007 U.N. climate conference, currently underway, is significant because Indonesia is home to the world’s third largest remaining intact tropical forest (following only Brazil and the Democratic Republic of Congo). This makes it crucial in the fight against global warming.

At this year’s conference, there has been much focus on offsetting carbon emissions by preventing deforestation – a concept known as “avoided deforestation” or Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD).

Reducing global GHG emissions can be aided by reducing deforestation, while simultaneously helping to protect forests and promote sustainable development.

WRI President Jonathan Lash has been named to the 100 Most Influential People in Business Ethics listing by Ethisphere Magazine, a new “global publication dedicated to illuminating the important correlation between ethics and profit.” The list, which will appear in the Q4 issue available in December, recognized individuals for “inspiring change in business ethics.”

Climate change is also changing the political climate. In this International Herald Tribune editorial, Senator John Kerry and I cover current international and U.S. climate change politics, and what must happen in the 13th U.N. climate change conference (COP-13) beginning this week in Bali, Indonesia. Read the editorial.