U.S. coal mining companies, which for years have been branded the bad guys of global warming, are fighting back. They are questioning not only the science but also the motives of some of the big-name corporations who have made well-publicized commitments to cleaning up their act.

The biggest cause of global warming is the carbon dioxide released when fossil fuels like oil and coal are burned for energy. So when you save energy, you fight global warming (and save money, of course). Here are some easy steps you can take:

The energy debate has moved into a new level of public awareness. It is a debate, however, that I believe has not really begun - not in real terms, at least. While Iraq may appear in more headlines these days, the climate surely must be running a close second.