China going green: China has cracked the whip to punish environment polluters as it struggled but failed to meet energy cuts and pollution goals over recent years. Faced with a worsening situation, the government’s environmental watchdog pulled the plug on 163 projects worth billions of dollars that posed risks to the environment. Many of the projects suspended by the State Environment Protection Administration (SEPA) were heavily polluting and energy-guzzling such as steel and power plants. — Malaysian National News Agency

The merits of ethanol: Wisconsin’s ethanol industry has been booming recently. This boom will look like a speed bump next to the mountain of investment money that will pour into the state if this type of legislation is passed. Farmers will benefit, businesses will benefit, the environment will benefit and our politicians will benefit. Everyone wins. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinal

No green love for offices: Workers who turn off lights and computers and adopt other green practices at home often fail to do the same in the office because they are put off by their employers’ lack of action. — The Guardian

Scottish salmon waning: For 150 years, the start of Scotland’s salmon fishing season on the river Tay has been celebrated in the middle of January. But the apparent impact of climate change on spawning patterns has forced conservationists and anglers to postpone this year’s official seasonal opening on sections of the waterway for two weeks. — The Independent

Large size crucial for Amazon forests reserves: An international research team has discovered that the size of Amazon forest reserves is yet more important than previously thought. Their findings, to be published this week (January 12th) in the journal Science, underscore the importance of protecting the Amazon in large stretches of primary forest. — Science Daily