Climate change debate hinges on economics: Here’s the good news about climate change: Energy and climate experts say the world already possesses the technological know-how for trimming greenhouse gas emissions enough to slow the perilous rise in the Earth’s temperatures. Here’s the bad news: Because of the enormous cost of addressing global warming, the energy legislation considered by Congress so far will make barely a dent in the problem, while farther-reaching climate proposals stand a remote chance of passage. Washington Post

Climate focus for US, China at APEC: The world’s two largest polluters will have their first and best chance to meet and discuss climate change at the APEC leaders’ summit in Australia in September, Prime Minister John Howard says. Mr Howard told reporters in Sydney he expected there would be “a very significant discussion about climate change” at the meeting. SMH

Florida to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050: Florida plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80% from 1990 levels by 2050 according to Charlie Crist, Florida’s Republican state governor. Due to its low elevation and hurricane risk, global warming may pose the biggest risk to Florida of any US state. Governor Crist’s announcement on Wednesday July 11th comes just two weeks after the New Jersey legislature passed legislation that will require the state to cut greenhouse gas emissions by an equivalent amount. Monga Bay

Vatican to be first carbon-neutral state: Calling for “a new culture, new attitudes and new lifestyles that make people aware of their role as custodians” of the earth, Cardinal Paul Poupard accepted a donation designed to make the Vatican “the world’s first carbon-neutral sovereign state.” The US-based Planktos Inc. and its Hungarian partner, KlimaFa, will designate part of a reforestation project in Hungary as the Vatican Climate Forest. Catholic News Service