No one with half a brain still refutes global warming and humans’ role in causing climate change. Even those with their heads buried firmly in the sand can likely sense the temperature shift.
Well, this week brought a disturbing confluence of news. An MIT study reports that human-generated ozone will decrease the world’s ability to produce crops. The study warns of a possible reduction in agricultural productivity by as much as 10 percent by 2100. While some regions will be more able to adapt than others, the net result will be a significant blow to the global economy, not to mention a scarcity of food to go with our population growth.
In Papua New Guinea, rising sea levels forced the 2,000 Carteret Island residents to abandon their homes after a 20-year fight. Unfortunately, these poeple are likely the first of many refugees due to global warming.
Meanwhile, back at the Ranch, the Bush administration is once again censoring expert testimony on global warming. This time the White House used their scissors on the senate testimony of Julie Gerberding, Center for Disease Control Director.
The topic was global warming’s effects on public health. Gerberding’s original 3,100 word presentation was cut to a mere 1,500 words. Gone were passages on extreme weather affecting health, air pollution, infectious diseases, food and water scarcity, etc.
The White House seemed to be grasping at straws to defend their action: first claiming the changes to be minor edits (debunked by DeSmogBlog), then claiming to delete passages that conflicted with U.N. findings (skillfully refuted by Senator Barbara Boxer).
The more things change, or should I say "worsen?" – the more our government acts the same. We still have a government intent on protecting destructive business practices and American life-as-usual. I can’t help but think that the oil- and auto-lobbies have much to do with this political stance, as well as with the global destruction we’re witnessing.
Related posts:
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I guess that mean I should stop drafting diesel delivery trucks.
But thats the fastest and easiest way to get up to 25-30 mph and stay there without my own engine on my bike. ;D