By Lulu Liu, Sacramento Bee, July 27, 2010

Scientists at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies reported recently that the average global temperature was higher over the past 12 months than during any other 12-month period in history. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released corroborating data, adding that the past four months, including June, have each individually been the hottest on record as well.

The NASA findings were based on data from 5,000 weather stations around the world, said scientist Reto Ruedy, co-author of the study. Scientists used temperature anomalies, or departures from the baseline, rather than absolute measurements to account for differences in the instruments of individual stations.

Source: Slate
Credits: William Saletan
Dated: 2009-01-22

The Temptation of Totalitarian Birth Control

People in a democratic country wouldn't let their government restrict family size ... would they?

Source: NY Times
Credits: Andrew Pollack
Dated: 2010-07-26
Dateline: San Diego

Source: NY Times
Credits: Paul Krugman
Dated: 2010-07-25

Who Cooked the Planet?

Never say that the gods lack a sense of humor. I bet they’re still chuckling on Olympus over the decision to make the first half of 2010 — the year in which all hope of action to limit climate change died — the hottest such stretch on record.

Source: The Independent
Credits: Andrew Johnson and James Burton
Dated: 2010-07-25

Water torture: 3,300,000,000 litres are lost every single day through leakage

After a £7.5bn investment more water is being lost through leakage now than a decade ago. The companies argue with the regulator, each accusing the other of slowing repairs, and yet they still increase their profits.

Source: LA Times
Credits: Uncredited, LA Times
Dated: 2010-07-22

Source: NY Times
Credits: Thomas L. Friedman
Dated: 2010-07-20