Though some nations have slowed industrial output, concentrations can keep rising since each carbon molecule emitted typically lingers in the atmosphere for many years.
Ministers from 64 nations attend meeting in Paris to address how to implement forest-preserving measures agreed on in principle at Copenhagen climate talks.
The system for industrial carbon quotas could allow 10 firms to collect surplus CO2 permits worth $4.3 billion by 2012.
Coke, Pepsi, Ben & Jerry's and GE are phasing out the use of ozone-depleting refrigerants, turning instead to carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons.
European climate commissioner expected to outline a roadmap toward a legally binding global climate treaty and focus on strengthening the integrity of U.N. rules.
New threshold would exempt hospitals, big buildings, and schools, but not heavy industry like coal-burning power plants.
The legislator said it would 'safeguard jobs, the coal industry and the entire economy as we move toward clean-coal technology.'
Move gives Congress more time to develop ways to reduce carbon pollution and avoid a legal battle over whether EPA has the authority to regulate emissions.
The Lone Star state is asking the EPA to reconsider its ruling that greenhouse gases are dangerous to people.
Nuclear power demands huge quantities of water (43,000 gallons per megawatt hour), making it an unlikely candidate for our water-constrained future.
