‘Plantstones’ could help lock away carbon: One way to cut greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere may be to exploit a particular talent some plants have of locking away carbon. All we need to do is choose the right strains of crops to grow, and they will sequester carbon for us for millennia. That’s the idea of two agricultural scientists in Australia, who say the trick is to grow grasses such as wheat and sorghum, which lock up large amounts of carbon in so-called plantstones, also known as phytoliths. These microscopic balls of silica, which form around a plant’s cells as they take the mineral up from the soil, may help to strengthen the plant and protect it from disease. New Scientist

NFF wants to work with govt on climate: Farmers say the federal government must work with the agriculture sector to develop responsible climate change policy. The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) said it was vital its submission be incorporated into a climate change review being conducted for the Rudd government by economist Ross Garnaut. This includes investing in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies for agriculture and drought-preparedness measures, NFF president David Crombie said. The Age

Any colour so long as it’s green at US car show: The American motor industry’s rush to go green has captured even the environmental lobby’s most despised car – the Hummer – with plans announced yesterday for an ethanol-powered version of the military-style vehicle. General Motors kicked off the Detroit motor show by revealing biofuel-propelled prototypes of a Hummer and a Saab, and by urging the US government to make ethanol more widely available. Hated by conservationists for its dismal fuel efficiency of barely 16 litres per 100km (15 miles a gallon), the Hummer has frequently sparked protests – a campaign group burned down a California showroom and owners have had their Hummers daubed with graffiti. Guardian

EU rethinks biofuels guidelines: Europe’s environment chief has admitted that the EU did not foresee the problems raised by its policy to get 10% of Europe’s road fuels from plants. Recent reports have warned of rising food prices and rainforest destruction from increased biofuel production. The EU has promised new guidelines to ensure that its target is not damaging. EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said it would be better to miss the target than achieve it by harming the poor or damaging the environment. BBC

The storied Mediterranean faces climate change: From ancient Egypt to Rome, the fertile Mediterranean has sustained great empires for millenniums. But modern development is rapidly turning the cradle of Western civilization into a dry and inhospitable place, its coasts covered in hotels and many of its unique species driven to extinction. In the past 30 years, coastal populations have grown some 50%. Coastal cities have doubled. Tourism has exploded: By 2025, 312 million tourists will visit each year. Water usage is twice that of 1950. More than 100 species are endangered. Now, climate change is exacerbating the situation. Christian Science Monitor