Climate change will further the spread of wildlife-to-human diseases. Climate change is likely to further the spread of a “deadly dozen” diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans, says a new report from the Wildlife Conservation Society. The nasties: avian flu, babesiosis, cholera, Ebola, Lyme disease. Whee! — Grist

Economic woes may give planet a breather. A slowdown in the world economy may give the planet a breather from the excessively high carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions responsible for climate change. Slower economic growth worldwide could help slow growth of carbon dioxide emissions and trigger more careful use of energy resources. — Reuters

Here comes the (red) sun. Given the lift-off achieved by China’s roaring wind industry, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the country’s now warming up to solar power. China’s clean energy tycoons are hopeful that the government’s support for solar tech will spur domestic demand. — The New Republic

A planet in flux. Andrew C. Revkin began exploring the human impact on the environment nearly 30 years ago. An early stop was Papeete, Tahiti. This narrated slide show describes his extensive travels.. — New York Times