Daily Roundup

No Kidding: Barack Obama overturned a rule restricting federal funding for promoting family planning, including abortions, in developing nations. Environmentalists hailed the move as a step toward curbing overpopulation. New York Times

Sea It Through: Congress and the Obama administration have vowed to join the U.N. Law of the Sea Convention, a treaty most other countries signed years ago. Worldwatch

Water Critters: As word comes in about how many sea species being depleted, the U.S. is negotiating with Japan about their whaling practices. Economist and L.A. Times

Worldly Endeavor: Today the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) was born; some 80 countries have already committed to joining. SustainableBusiness.com

Hot Air: The solar energy from one hot-air balloon can be harnessed to power 10 homes. Inhabitat

--Avital Binshtock