EU Set to Widen Sanctions on Russia Over Ukraine
Tom Burridge / BBC
The European Union is set to agree new sanctions against Russia, targeting its finance, energy and defense sectors over the conflict in Ukraine.
Russia Violated 1987 Nuclear Missile Treaty
Jim Kuhnenn / Associated Press
In an escalation of tensions, the Obama administration accused Russia on Monday of conducting tests in violation of a 1987 nuclear missile treaty, calling the breach “a very serious matter” and going public with allegations that have simmered for some time.
Delaying Climate Action Will Carry Heavy Economic Cost, White House Warns
Suzanne Goldenberg / The Guardian
The White House has warned that delaying action on climate change would carry a heavy price, racking up an additional 40% in economic losses from climate impacts and other costs over the course of 10 years.
Shane Ferro / Reuters
The Ebola outbreak in West Africa has gotten scarier. More than 670 people have died of the disease in Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and now Nigeria, which on Friday confirmed that a man in Lagos had died of the deadly disease.
Too-Big-to-Fail Study to Show Bank Subsidy, Brown Says
Cheyenne Hopkins / Bloomberg News
The biggest U.S. banks enjoy economic advantages because markets believe the government won’t allow them to fail, a report for the Senate will conclude, according to a lawmaker who requested the inquiry.
Islamic State Evicts Iraq Farmers
Sophie Cousins / Al-Jazeera
The group’s takeover of farms in Qaraqosh, 30km from Mosul, has caused fear among residents, and a jump in food prices.
Australia Approves $15.5bn Coal and Rail Project
BBC
Australia has approved a $15.5bn (£9bn) coal project, despite concern over its potential environmental impact.
On Our Flashpoint Blog
ASP Commends EPA Clean Power Plant Rules in Public Comments
American Security Project
Throughout the week of July 28, the EPA is holding hearings on the Clean Power Plan Proposed Rule. This is a landmark rule that could alter the future trajectory of the climate, while also significantly impacting how the U.S. produces electricity around the country. It is therefore appropriate that the EPA has opened up the rule for public comment to any citizen.
Russia Proposes an “Energy Association” with BRICS Members
American Security Project
Of late, the U.S. focus on Russia has solely been on its role in the conflict with Ukraine. While this is a large issue that certainly warrant coverage, Russia has taken the opportunity to continue expanding its sphere of influence. Sensing the iron curtain descending in Europe, Russia is seeking ways to continue use its energy resources.
The Geopolitics of Energy and Climate
Colin Taylor
“I’m often asked do I believe in climate change, and I say no, I’m convinced by the evidence.” Rear Admiral David Titley was among a handful of individuals to testify before a Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on the geopolitics of energy and climate change.
The ND-GAIN Corporate Adaptation Prize
Justin Tolentino
The Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index (ND-Gain Index), “summarizes a country’s vulnerability to climate change and other global challenges in combination with its readiness to improve resilience.” The project’s goal is to help the world become aware of the threat of climate change, as well as encourage urgency to adapt to the issue through public and private investment.
Upcoming Events
INVITE – Beyond Rhetoric: How the US can Help Enhance European Energy Security
July 30 @ 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
The shale gas boom has already benefited the United States at home. New developments mean that it could provide greater energy security for America’s allies around the world: a valuable new tool of diplomacy.
What’s Next? Fostering the Next Generation of Energy Security Conference
September 30 @ 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
The next steps in building a cleaner, more resilient energy system and economy will not be easy. The American Security Project intends to build on its years of research into energy security and climate policy by initiating a study into the next generation of energy policy. Join ASP and our panelists as we discuss the next generation of energy technology and climate policy.
The post What We Are Reading…July 29, 2014 appeared first on American Security Project.
