PLANET IN PERIL

the Hill Times All federal political parties face a spotlight glare on climate, says columnist David Crane. Which will be willing to offer real and clear choices on our energy-environment future, with credible policies to back their plans up? Story here.

Climate Progress The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has announced that 2014 was the hottest year in more than 120 years of record-keeping — by far. NOAA (the US weather service) is expected to make a similar call in a couple of weeks and so is NASA. Story here.

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society PHOTOGRAPH BY PETER MATHER, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC The Yukon Government has announced that it will appeal a decision in the lawsuit concerning the Peel Watershed launched by a Yukon First Nation, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and the Yukon Conservation Society. Story here.

University of Washington Conservation Youngsters skate on an outdoor rink in Manitoba.  Larry Powell PinP photo. Take anything from Canadians, anything at all—anything except hockey. Story here.

The New York Times In 2005, Royal Dutch Shell, then the fourth-largest company on Earth, bought a drill rig that was both tall, rising almost 250 feet above the waterline, and unusually round. Story here. PinP: This is not an easy read, but well worth the time and effort. An epic and disturbing tale of folly at sea.