A report by economist Sir Nicholas Stern suggests that global warming could shrink the global economy by 20%.

But taking action now would cost just 1% of global gross domestic product, the 700-page study says.

Tony Blair said the Stern Review showed that scientific evidence of global warming was "overwhelming" and its consequences "disastrous".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/
business/6096084.stm

The most comprehensive review ever carried out on the economics of climate change was published today.

The Review, which reports to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, was commissioned by the Chancellor in July last year. It has been carried out by Sir Nicholas Stern, Head of the Government Economic Service and former World Bank Chief Economist.

http://www.co2-handel.de/
article301_3488.html

Wed. Nov. 8, 2006, Visit anytime between 9 a.m. and noon
94 North Road in Chilmark
Casual and informal seasonal activities, animal visits and outdoor fun, supported by donation. For details, call 508-645-3304.

Wed. Nov. 8, 2006, 6-8:30 pm
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Address: 149 Route 28, Waquoit
Wastewater Treatment Technologies and How They Work.
All conventional septic systems discharge nitrogen, and even Title 5 systems don't remove much nitrogen. These conventional on-site septic systems are ineffective in treating the Cape's nutrient problem. Other types of treatment and disposal technologies are available as alternatives to conventional systems. Free.

To register go to:
http://www.apcc.org/index.php?
src=events&srctype=profile&id=102
&category=Upcoming%20Events

Wed. Nov. 8, 2006, 5:30 pm
Chilmark Free Public Library
Bill Wilcox, water planner for the Martha's Vineyard Commission, will speak about threats to the health of the Island great ponds and ongoing efforts to limit nitrogen pollution.

Sun. Nov. 12, 2006, 1:30 pm
The Vineyard Conservation Society (VCS) will continue its program of guided winter walks this Sunday starting at 1:30 pm. Bill Graham will lead a hike through the surrounding hills and shoreline of James Pond. Space is limited, so you must call ahead to reserve a spot -- 508 693 9588. The Vineyard Conservation Society is a local, member-supported environmental organization dedicated to protecting the Vineyard’s land and water through land preservation, education and advocacy.

Wed. Nov. 15, 2006, 6-8:30 pm
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Address: 149 Route 28, Waquoit
Town and Regional Wastewater Planning: Where are We Now and Options for Action. The wastewater problem must be addressed by providing Cape Cod with adequate wastewater infrastructure. Getting the necessary infrastructure in place will be the region's single most challenging task in the next several decades. A recent survey showed most Cape residents believe their contribution to the wastewater problem is insignificant. Solving the complicated and misunderstood issue will require widespread education of Cape Cod citizens, and coordinated action at the local and regional levels. Free. Sandwiches and refreshments will be provided for all workshop.

To register go to:
http://www.apcc.org/index.php?
src=events&srctype=profile&id=102
&category=Upcoming%20Events

Wed. Nov. 8 and Thurs. Nov. 9, 2006, 7:30 pm
Dr. George Woodwell, from the Woodshole Research Institute, will discuss climate change in his talk entitled, “Biophysics Enters Politics and a New World Emerges.” He will help us understand why biophysical factors are taking over the course of human welfare-- and the climatic disruption is only one such factor. Dr. Woodwell will look at a slightly larger array of changes in the human circumstance associated with the climate issue: the new world view that is in fact the only path we have short of progressive impoverishment.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - One evening last month, a mix of philanthropists, charity executives and environmentalists gathered at the New York home of Peter Yarrow of the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary.

The topic of the evening was not 1960s music or world hunger, but solar power.

Across the United States, at similar gatherings, bankers and hedge fund managers rub shoulders with philanthropists and solar panel installers. These "solar salons" are orchestrated by Travis Bradford, a former fund manager and corporate buyout specialist, in an effort to hasten what he calls the inevitable uptake of solar power.

http://today.reuters.com/news/
articlenews.aspx?type=scienceNews&storyID=2006-11-01
T125130Z_01_N30308099_RTRUKOC_0_US-ENVIRONMENT-SOLAR.xml
&pageNumber=0&imageid=
&cap=&sz=13&WTModLoc=NewsArt-C1-ArticlePage3

Mid-Missouri Energy, an ethanol plant in Malta Bend, Mo., is owned by farmers who are debating whether to accept buyout offers. A recent drop in ethanol prices is complicating their decision.

MALTA BEND, Mo. — Farmers do not see fast money very often. But with big profits gushing forth from ethanol plants, dozens of Wall Street bankers, in loafers and suits, have been descending on the cornfields of the Midwest promising to make thousands of farmers rich overnight. Most of them, though, are proving surprisingly reluctant to cash in.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/02/
business/02windfall.html?_r=1&th=&adxnnl=1
&oref=slogin&emc=th&adxnnlx=1162479874-X1/6z8ooHNrM7gXTYNze8w
(account required)

If fishing around the world continues at its present pace, more and more species will vanish, marine ecosystems will unravel and there will be “global collapse” of all species currently fished, possibly as soon as mid-century, fisheries experts and ecologists are predicting.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/03/
science/03fish.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin
(account required)