Six Top Environment Stories to Watch in 2013

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http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-17/six-top-environment-stories-to-watch-in-2013.html

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1. Will the Obama Administration Lead on Climate Change?
Although climate change was largely absent from the U.S. presidential campaign, President Obama’s legacy will be defined in part by whether he can put the country on a safe emissions trajectory. A string of recent extreme events could ramp up political momentum. Hurricane Sandy caused more than $60 billion in damages. The U.S. drought will wipe out approximately 1 percent of the U.S. GDP, and is on track to become the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history.

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2. What Will the Global Energy Mix Be?
More than 1.3 billion people currently lack access to electricity, while a burgeoning global middle class is demanding more. How can we meet these energy needs while still reigning in greenhouse gas emissions? How these dynamics play out will say a lot about whether the world is on track for a low-carbon future. Three energy sources will be particularly important to watch this year: coal, natural gas, and renewables.

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3. Will China Embrace “Ecological Progress”?
China is the world’s largest consumer and biggest producer of carbon emissions. Last weekend, Beijing’s air quality was the worst on record, reaching 755 on the Air Quality Index. As China’s new leaders come into power they are faced with the underlying environmental issues, while trying to reinvigorate an economy that slowed to 7.5 to 8 percent growth last year.

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4. How Will Africa's Lions Grow?
Africa claimed six of the top 10 fastest-growing economies from 2001 to 2010, improving living conditions for millions. These are the so-called, “African Lions.”