“Compared with developed countries, the targets may look mild. But these are utmost, sincere efforts, reflecting Korea’s capabilities.”

Sang-hyup Kim, secretary to the president for national future and vision at the presidential office in South Korea, comments on his government’s decision to choose one of three options for a 2020 carbon emissions target – either slightly above, level with, or below 2005 levels (Reuters India).

“Like grabbing the tail of a tiger, the IPCC has gotten the world’s attention, but now the challenge is to get the tiger to head in the right direction.”

Michael MacCracken, a report contributor to the Intergovermental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), adds his views to an article on whether the organisation is losing its Nobel halo (Andy Revkin, New York Times).

“People are going to have to be more careful out here, because it if keeps getting damaged, we’re going to lose it.”

Laura Thielen, chairwoman of Hawaii’s state Board of Land and Natural Resources, justifies its decision to fine tour companies – and to sue the US Navy – when their boats injure coral. One Maui tour company will pay the state more than $400,000 for a sunken boat (AP).