This week the gRound-up is a bit shorter due to the holiday break. We hope everyone had a fun and relaxing Thanksgiving!

East Antarctic Ice Sheet Losing Mass Quickly
Of all of the major ice sheets, the East Antarctic has been thought to be the most stable – until now. New satellite data from NASA is showing that this sheet has been shedding mass the past three years. The scientists are quick to point out that the cause of this sudden mass loss is inconclusive, it is still disheartening. Read more from the BBC.

Jakarta Chokes on Garbage
Our former classmate Sara Schonhardt filed this story about Jakarta’s garbage problem for Voice of America. A significant percentage of Jakarta’s trash is not disposed of properly which clogs its sewers and drainage canals, leading to flooding during the rainy season. The problem is huge, but there is some progress on the ground. You can also listen to the audio here.

Obama Confirms Plans for Copenhagen
President Obama has not only confirmed a visit to Copenhagen during the climate negotiations, but is showing up with firm emission reduction targets on the table. While Obama’s offer will not be binding (as this will ultimately require legislation by congress), these recent developments offer renewed hope that a climate agreement will take shape. Read about it from The New York Times.

Have the Climate Wars of Africa Begun?
In northern Kenya, conflict over scarce water and pasture resources reminiscent over the conflict in Darfur have killed 400 people. A severe drought linked to climate variability has made existence even more difficult for the region’s inhabitents. While it is impossible to attribute a single event to climate change, global warming will amplify existing vulerabilities worldwide. Read the story in the LA Times.