Free Republic

China says West should deal with warmingBy MICHAEL CASEY, AP Environmental Writer 1 hour, 59 minutes ago Activists representing indigenous peoples from around the globe protest that the U.N. is not allowing them to be recognized to speak at the U.N. climate change meetings Friday, Dec. 7, 2007 in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia. Delegates from nearly 190 nations are attending the Dec. 3-14 gathering in Bali, which is charged with launching negotiations that will eventually lead to an international accord to succeed the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on global warming. (AP Photo/Ed Wray) BALI, Indonesia - China insisted Friday the U.S....

December 06, 2007, 4:00 a.m. Global Warming Saps Hurricane StrengthReduce emissions, save the ‘canes! By David Freddoso In June, as the 2007 hurricane season began, the predictions were dire. There were to be 16 named storms. Nine hurricanes. Five “intense hurricanes.” A 74 percent-chance of a storm hitting the U.S. coastline — all above the historical average. And numerous news stories cited Global Warming as the culprit for what was about to happen. Hurricane season just ended over the weekend. The results? There have been six hurricanes (the historic average), two of them “intense hurricanes” (below average). Not one...

Transgender is quietly becoming a protected class in South Florida as cities vote to prohibit discrimination against a group that faces tremendous challenges fitting in. Palm Beach and Broward counties may extend the protection next, which could leave the broadest imprint by affording civil rights to people for their gender identity or expression. The movement accelerated with the March firing of Largo City Manager Susan Stanton, who transitioned from male to female this year. "It shined a light on what this discrimination is," said Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights and Stanton's attorney. "It really...