Green Five

Paul Krugman – on the differences between how the Bush and Obama administrations reacted to environmental catastrophe. He concludes with this defence of the role of government:

If there’s any silver lining to the disaster in the gulf, it is that it may serve as a wake-up call, a reminder that we need politicians who believe in good government, because there are some jobs only the government can do.

NyTimes – looks at the possibility of a revival of meaningful climate legislation in the US. Views from contributors to Grist, Clean Air Watch and others are considered. Well worth a read.

Left Foot Forward – on Nick Clegg the “kingmaker” and how the LibDems must honour commitments to reduce carbon pollution if they are handed a Climate portfolio in the new parliament.

Tree Hugger – offers a view from the States about the UK elections with a particular focus on Zac Goldsmith, the “blue environmentalist”.

Business Green – advocates installing wind turbines on high-rise urban developments.

The Gulf Coast Oil Spill: Moving Forward

NYTimes – Paul Krugman says there is a small silver lining to a very dark cloud concerning the Gulf Coast oil spill. Krugman’s op-ed claims that the disaster is:

[A] pointed reminder that the environment won’t take care of itself, that unless carefully watched and regulated, modern technology and industry can all too easily inflict horrific damage on the planet.

Grist – also asserts that the oil spill is a real chancefor the Obama administration to jump-start a clean energy economy.

Mira Oberman – reports how better weather conditions in the Gulf will provide a much needed respite to coastal communities and clean-up operations.

To keep on top of events as they unfold day by day in relation to the Gulf oil spill, visit Climate Progress. By far the best source of information for green current affairs and campaigns stateside.

Best of the Web

Paul Krugman in the NYTimes – on building a green economy. Krugman explores in length whether it is possible to: “make drastic cuts in greenhouse-gas emissions without destroying our economy?”

Another heavyweight economist, Larry Summers, makes a strong case for energy and climate legislation.

According to Joss Garman of LeftFootForward, the “great green transition has already begun.”

Over at the American based Climate Progress, the irony of British peer and climatechange denialist Lord Monckton’s involvement in the Tea Party movement is not lost.

LA Times – reports on the Prague nuclear treaty between the US and Russia. Check back later for more coverage and analysis of this story later.