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How Bold a Path on Climate Change in Obama’s State of the Union?

National Geographic: If his inaugural address was any indication, President Obama has big plans for finally addressing global warming in his second term. "We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations," he said after the took his oath of office. It's not just about weather, he pointed out, but about energy technology, new industries and, in the broadest sense, economic growth. In tonight's State of the Union, Obama is expected to...

Antarctic Sea Ice Hits Record … High?

National Geographic: Despite frequent headlines about a warming planet, melting sea ice, and rising oceans, climate analysts pointed to a seeming bright spot this week: During Southern Hemisphere winters, sea ice in the Antarctic, the floating chunks of frozen ocean water, is actually increasing. In fact, in late September, satellite data indicated that Antarctica was surrounded by the greatest area of sea ice ever recorded in the region: 7.51 million square miles (19.44 million square kilometers), the U.S. National...