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Scientists around the world are telling you that you've waited too long to address global warming and the changes will be catastrophic.
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At best, it appears we can only HOPE to moderate the impacts to retain a planet fit for humans.
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Climate Code Red - The New Denial And The Failure Of Democracy
By Bill Henderson
21 February, 2008
By Bill Henderson
21 February, 2008
Countercurrents.org
A new report based upon state of the art science argues convincingly that climate change is a much more serious and immediate problem than previously perceived by even informed publics - climate change is an emergency that requires urgent mitigation measures not presently possible in our political and economic systems.
No major media outlet acknowledges let alone critiques or comments upon or otherwise covers the report. None. Not AP nor Reuters; not either ABC nor BBC. Ditto the NY Times, Wash Post, Guardian, Le Monde, Asahi Shimbun or the South China Morning Post. Not one major news agency, paper, TV or radio outlet so much as acknowledges the existence of a report on a subject that is life and death for humanity and most of the species with which we presently share creation on this small blue planet.
A new report based upon state of the art science argues convincingly that climate change is a much more serious and immediate problem than previously perceived by even informed publics - climate change is an emergency that requires urgent mitigation measures not presently possible in our political and economic systems.
No major media outlet acknowledges let alone critiques or comments upon or otherwise covers the report. None. Not AP nor Reuters; not either ABC nor BBC. Ditto the NY Times, Wash Post, Guardian, Le Monde, Asahi Shimbun or the South China Morning Post. Not one major news agency, paper, TV or radio outlet so much as acknowledges the existence of a report on a subject that is life and death for humanity and most of the species with which we presently share creation on this small blue planet.
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Computer modeling was inaccurate at best and now has been proven to be extremely conservative about the rapidity of changes and effects.
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CapeCodToday reports, curiously buried beneath an ESPN story:
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UN report: Climate changes threatens vital fishing grounds
Overfishing, pollution and climate change are combining to create a deadly environment for commercial fish stocks, according to a new report from the United Nations. The report (In Dead Water), released today from the U.N. Environment Program, found a grim confluence of events. The researchers found that climate change is compounding other problems, like pollution and overfishing, as rising temperatures lead to coral bleaching and shifts in ocean currents that harm the ocean habitat on which fish depend.
Overfishing, pollution and climate change are combining to create a deadly environment for commercial fish stocks, according to a new report from the United Nations. The report (In Dead Water), released today from the U.N. Environment Program, found a grim confluence of events. The researchers found that climate change is compounding other problems, like pollution and overfishing, as rising temperatures lead to coral bleaching and shifts in ocean currents that harm the ocean habitat on which fish depend.
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Other nations that have gotten the message are aggressively moving forward to address the issue:
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Centrica mulls huge offshore windfarms investment
All UK homes could be wind powered by 2020: govt
Britain plans big move towards wind power: paper
Largest Ever Wind Turbine Deal Signed
Ireland gives support package for wind farm growth
By Pete Harrison
LONDON (Reuters) - British Gas parent company Centrica said on Thursday it was evaluating a potential multi-billion pound increase in investment in renewable energy, largely targeted at offshore turbines.
The move would help Britain achieve ambitious goals of producing 33 gigawatts of electricity from offshore wind by 2020, enough to power every UK home, at an overall cost of around 70 billion pounds ($136 billion).
All UK homes could be wind powered by 2020: govt
Britain plans big move towards wind power: paper
Largest Ever Wind Turbine Deal Signed
Ireland gives support package for wind farm growth
By Pete Harrison
LONDON (Reuters) - British Gas parent company Centrica said on Thursday it was evaluating a potential multi-billion pound increase in investment in renewable energy, largely targeted at offshore turbines.
The move would help Britain achieve ambitious goals of producing 33 gigawatts of electricity from offshore wind by 2020, enough to power every UK home, at an overall cost of around 70 billion pounds ($136 billion).
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Ponderous tomes have been written about Peak Oil, and some among us still convince ourselves the supply is endless. A google search provides endless information for those who doubt.
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Exxon, while enjoying breathtaking profits, has yet to pay for damages caused by the Exxon Valdez and recent oil spills continued to create comparable environmental destruction that are largely ignored.
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So it is with great puzzlement that opposition to Cape Wind or ANY wind farm is viewed as meaningful.
.It certainly seems that the obstruction of the views of certain wealthy residents is carefully cloaked in a variety of issues.
.Rep. Quinn had this to say (emphasis mine):
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Quinn: Sneaky maneuvers could harm ocean sanctuaries
By John F. Quinn, Local columnist
The MetroWest Daily News
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The Massachusetts Ocean Sanctuaries Act was designed to prevent development in Massachusetts state waters in order to avert destruction of environmental habitat and to protect natural resources. It also helps make Massachusetts one of the most attractive destinations for tourists from all over the country. From Newburyport to Cape Cod, Duxbury to Buzzards Bay, people are attracted to the beautiful coastline to boat, swim and spend quality time with their families.
The MetroWest Daily News
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The Massachusetts Ocean Sanctuaries Act was designed to prevent development in Massachusetts state waters in order to avert destruction of environmental habitat and to protect natural resources. It also helps make Massachusetts one of the most attractive destinations for tourists from all over the country. From Newburyport to Cape Cod, Duxbury to Buzzards Bay, people are attracted to the beautiful coastline to boat, swim and spend quality time with their families.
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Last week, however, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a version of the Ocean Management Act which I believe was a Trojan horse to slip through a massive change in the Ocean Sanctuaries Act without public input and without a public hearing. This change was opposed by the Conservation Law Foundation, the Audubon Society and the Coalition for Buzzards Bay, due to the devastation it may bring to the coastline. The change would allow large scale renewable energy facilities to be constructed in ocean sanctuaries in Massachusetts state waters.
Last week, however, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a version of the Ocean Management Act which I believe was a Trojan horse to slip through a massive change in the Ocean Sanctuaries Act without public input and without a public hearing. This change was opposed by the Conservation Law Foundation, the Audubon Society and the Coalition for Buzzards Bay, due to the devastation it may bring to the coastline. The change would allow large scale renewable energy facilities to be constructed in ocean sanctuaries in Massachusetts state waters.
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Currently only traditional energy facilities are allowed in state waters.
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This appears to mean a DIRTY COAL-FIRED power plant can be constructed in coastal waters without restraint, but not wind.
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One must wonder why the OPPOSITION isn't proclaiming TIDAL WAVE POWER to protect the view (lessons in physics aside).
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To make the argument of a personal relationship betraying the House Speaker position leaves one to shrug and define the issue as 'Politics as usual in the Commonwealth.'
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Were you asked your opinion about accepting the bonding burden for the BIG DIG and the long term repair and maintenance costs?
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Is it truly any different to allow DIRTY ENERGY composed of multi-nationals to construct a plant?
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UCS had this to say about DIRTY COAL:
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Coal generates 54% of our electricity, and is the single biggest air polluter in the U.S.
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A typical (500 megawatt) coal plant burns 1.4 million tons of coal each year. There are about 600 U.S. coal plants. Coal pollutes when it is mined, transported to the power plant, stored, and burned. Click on the pictures above left to see more about the kinds of environmental damage caused by coal.
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UCS had this to say of the pending ENERGY LEGISLATION:
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Support Clean Energy in Massachusetts
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Strong energy legislation can help reduce global warming pollution, save consumers money, increase our energy independence, and keep our air and water clean. The Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives have each passed comprehensive energy bills. Each bill contains provisions supported by the Union of Concerned Scientists and our allies—including good efficiency and renewable energy provisions. But neither bill contains all the best provisions. As a conference committee begins to reconcile the two versions of the bill, we are working to ensure that the final version is the strongest possible, and we need your help.
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Strong energy legislation can help reduce global warming pollution, save consumers money, increase our energy independence, and keep our air and water clean. The Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives have each passed comprehensive energy bills. Each bill contains provisions supported by the Union of Concerned Scientists and our allies—including good efficiency and renewable energy provisions. But neither bill contains all the best provisions. As a conference committee begins to reconcile the two versions of the bill, we are working to ensure that the final version is the strongest possible, and we need your help.
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Please call and urge your senator and representative to contact the conferees about including the strongest provisions of the house and senate bills.
Please call and urge your senator and representative to contact the conferees about including the strongest provisions of the house and senate bills.
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At a certain point, we all need to recognize where our priorities lie and to speak out.
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Do you have an opinion?
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Let it be known.
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Rep. Thomas J. Calter
617 722-2305
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Rep. Stephen R. Canessa
617 722-2460
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Rep. William M. Straus
617 722-2320
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Senator Marc R. Pacheco
Marc.Pacheco@state.ma.us
Marc.Pacheco@state.ma.us
617 722-1551
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And don't forget to ask the Middleboro Selectmen what they're doing about energy consumption and alternatives.
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.Peter Kenney had this to say about the Cape Cod Commission.
1 comment:
With all due respect, why would anyone ask the BOS anything? All the taxpayers get is BS and lies. All WE as TAXPAYERS have to do is OPEN OUR EYES and DRIVE around town. We see FIRST HAND EXACTLY WHAT IS AND ISN'T GOING ON regarding OUR TAX DOLLARS. Pollution? Do you have any idea of the money wasted and the polution of all the town vehicles that are left running while not being driven? Just sitting and chillin out? Maybe Jane Lopes SHOULD spend some time around town and take some photo's of what the public should be seeing in the newspaper and what are tax dollars aren't doing for us. Just A SUGGESTION.
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