Two big stories in the news this week that show me the impending scare of global warming is taking hold with some people in power. To this point, the federal government and automakers have pretty much refused to act. Let's keep the momentum rolling and push for more initiatives protecting the environment.

First, California's attorney general filed a lawsuit this week against the six biggest-selling automakers (General Motors, Ford Motor, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, Honda and Nissan), alleging that their cars emit dangerous gases and foster global warming. The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensation for the "billions of dollars in damages" from global warming caused by the six carmakers, which have made 88% of the cars sold in the US this year. Some say this could put automakers under more pressure to speed development of hybrids and alternative-fuel vehicles, such as those powered by hydrogen fuel cells, to lessen air pollution. California sues carmakers

Also, billionaire Richard Branson on Thursday committed to spending all the profits from his airline and rail businesses -- an estimated $3 billion over the next 10 years -- on combating global warming.

The Virgin Group chairman, whose company also includes music and mobile phone ventures, has already created Virgin Fuels, which will invest $400 million over three years in renewable energy initiatives as part of his pledge. Branson pledges $3 billion to fight global warming