An International Carbon Action Partnership has been signed by European countries, US states, Canadian provinces and New Zealand in an attempt to combat climate change by creating an international carbon trading market.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), set up by the UN in 1988, is meeting in Valencia, Spain this week to summarize the risks of climate change for a report aimed at guiding governments.

A report released by United Nations Human Development stresses the need to act quickly. It also warns that the international community needs to act together and reduce carbon emissions or else we may be faced with large-scale catastrophes.

Japan is proposing a new pact on climate change and hopes to create a working group that involves all countries, including China, US and those that do not support current climate plans.

The 190 nation climate meeting in Bali saw some progress in developing a global deal to fight climate change. “Governments set up a “special group” to examine options for the planned negotiations meant to bind the United States and developing nations led by China and India more firmly into fighting climate change beyond Kyoto.”

A study on science skills and attitudes of 400,000 15-year-olds from 57 countries showed that only 1 in 10 Canadians believe that the environment will improve within the next 20 years.

As climate talks continue in Bali, over 200 scientists are urging governments to act quicker and to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Japan, the United States and the European Union are aiming to create a new organization that would act as an advisory group for energy conservation measures.

Ottawa Mayor Larry O’Brien will announce Ottawa’s participation in the Earth Hour challenge, an international event on March 29 between 8 to 9 p.m. local times. During this one hour, lights will be turned off, as a way to raise awareness for climate change.

The new International Clean Technology Fund aims at helping developing nations access and improve the use of clean energy technologies. The United States will try to persuade more countries to donate to this fund at the Group of Seven economic chiefs meeting.