International

"The World Health Organization declared an influenza pandemic on Thursday and called on governments to prepare for a long-term battle against an unstoppable flu virus."

"China will not accept binding cuts in its greenhouse gas emissions, an official said Thursday, after the United States said it made progress with Beijing in talks here on a global climate pact."

"Japan, a major emitter of greenhouse gases and an important player in the global warming debate, announced Wednesday that by 2020 it intended to reduce emissions 15 percent from 2005 levels -- a goal immediately criticized as inadequate by environmentalists and industry officials."

The big migrations of hoofed, grass-eating animals may soon be a thing of the past.

The US and China opened talks June 8, 2009, in hopes of making a breakthrough on climate change -- but the question of who will shoulder major responsibility remains unresolved.

Scientists this week will present papers detailing new harmful effects of bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogen-mimicking chemical used in baby bottles and many food cans.

Persistent organic pollutants from thousands of miles away accumulate to unusual levels in the bodies of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic.

"Some of the world's largest airlines called on Tuesday for the industry to set global emissions targets as part of efforts to include aviation in a broader climate agreement at the end of the year."

Witnesses at a Senate Hearing testified about many ways in which the world's oceans are already being affected by global warming.

AFP profiles Yvo de Boer, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.