Many US states have renewable portfolio standards mandating utilities to generate minimum levels of power from clean sources [...] but amid delays in climate legislation, Washington has not developed a national standard. The United States lacks feed-in tariffs for clean energy.

What do call-center jobs, military contracting and emissions all have in common? If you guessed "they can all be outsourced," then you're absolutely right! If you then scratched your head and asked "wait a minute - how does one outsource emissions?" don't worry - you're still right. We find it perplexing, too! more ›

Since the last time we updated you on the happenings from the Danish capital last week, the Copenhagen talks have got a little confrontational. Indoors, away from the protests, the US argued that China’s promised emissions cuts should be internationally verified. China's reply: "thanks, but no thanks." Plus, the US refused to accept legally binding emissions cuts unless China followed suit. more ›

We're pretty used to celebrities being the face of international causes and campaigns, whether it be global warming or genocide in Darfur. Then again, that's probably because Americans have developed an outstanding capacity to listen to famous people weigh in on important topics like intellectual welterweights. But rarely do we see celebrities attend significant events: save Bono, the realm of actual policy is reserved for experts and politicians, leaving fundraisers and PR events for the publicity-minded. more ›

• We'll be seeing more of Obama's half-brother Mark Okoth Obama Ndesandjo, who will make a cameo on an upcoming Chinese movie "Let the Bullets Fly" as a priest. [People's Daily Online]
• MSN China is in trouble for ripping off popular microblogging service Plurk. Shame! SHAME! [Plurk]
• A Chinese cop who died after being forced to drink too much at a banquet has now been named a martyr. [Associated Press]

Week one of the UN climate change summit in Copenhagen, which aims to draw up a treaty to succeed the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, is almost up and we've been following it closely to bring you a summary of what's being said about China's role. more ›

• Just in time for Christmas: Australians have been warned against buying cheap, discounted Chinese-made toys, as authorities have already seized 5000 units with excessive levels of lead. [Herald Sun]
• Xi Jinping, president of the Central Party School, encourages a revamped look at Marxism. This is not isolated nostalgia, explains Francesco Sisci, especially in the wake of apparent Capitalism fail (i.e. the recession). [Asia Times]
• Five church leaders, accused of "illegal land occupation" and "assembling a crowd to disrupt public order," have been sentenced to prison for up to seven years. [Associated Press]