Gaia: CLIMATE CHANGE

Re: The Hot Politics of Global Warming

http://zetwhite.gaia.com — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:34:44 GMT

Ah thanks, I've now read the report. What can I say... Vague vague vague. This is EXACTLY what I was hammeing about in my uni - that social scientists really need to start helping out on this, putting their brainpower into global warming trends and possible effects. People don't seem to realise that one, two hurricanes the country can survive, but when a few such great problems combine the whole fragile infrastructure can quickly collapse. And whoever studied modern infrastructure said the history is repeating itself - it's becoming more complex and more fragile.

So far what the report said is nothing, because they don't have the resources for proper analysis and prediction of dangers for the States. The resources, scientific ones, just don't exist. So their guesswork is as good as mine, perhaps even worse. I say this report is an understatement. The latter bit certainly sounds like an apologetic statement of incompetence.

Oh, just wanted to point your attention to a book by Naomi Klein "Shock Doctrine", where she describes how the authorities ended up abusing and capitalising on various disasters, such as wars and even hurricane Katrina. An illuminating read about some politics aspects of global warming, and not only global warming of course.

As for the weather, I can surely say the weather in eastern Europe was mad this past few years, rainfalls and weather anomalies beating all records in different places and many plants and farms suffering because of lack of snow cover+colds in the winter caused a loss of much crops.

Re: The Hot Politics of Global Warming

http://tvxq.gaia.com — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:59:12 GMT

Hi everyone. I've something to share about the changes of the weather in my country , Malaysia. For your infomation, Malaysia is a tropical country. Here, we do not have the four seasons. The weather is just either sunny or raining. So for the past few years, the weather is quite okay for me. It is quite cool. But for this few years especially this years, the weather has changes so much and sometimes it is extremely hot and the next minute it is raining heavily.
I think that this kind of phenomena is happening throughout the world and i'm really concern and worry about this.

written by ,
Max.

Re: The Hot Politics of Global Warming

http://earthhart.gaia.com — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:30:33 GMT

Try this link for now, I'll be putong together a yarn soon http://medis.npr.org/documents/2008/jun/warming_intelligence.pdf It's not that long & it puts it to Government.

Sign up for We Campaign

http://emrys.gaia.com — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:29:53 GMT

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has reported that climate change is impacting our weather. U.S. government scientists conclude that droughts, heavy downpours, excessive heat, and intense hurricanes are likely to become more commonplace in the United States as we continue to increase global warming pollution in the atmosphere.

If you ever needed a reason to join the movement to solve the climate crisis, this is it. Please join me by signing up for the We Campaign, a powerful nonpartisan movement of concerned citizens, founded by Nobel Prize Laureate and former Vice President Al Gore. We're already a million strong -- and growing each day:
http://www.wecansolveit.org/page/s/weathersignup

Re: The Hot Politics of Global Warming

http://zetwhite.gaia.com — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:52:33 GMT

Oh please do write about it! I can't see the report though, the link doesn't work. Did they remove it from the prying public eye?..

US National Intelligence Assessment on Climate Change

http://earthhart.gaia.com — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:51:25 GMT

Here's the link to that assessment, and it's well worth a read http://www.dni.gov/testimonies/20080625_testimonies.pdf

The full title is US National Intelligence Assessment on the National Security Implications of Climate Change to 2030.

Re: The Hot Politics of Global Warming

http://earthhart.gaia.com — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:44:06 GMT

First of all,let me say sorry,for not being around for some time but I'm back now.

And to start with I have a link to the US Intelligence Assessment on the National Security Impilcations of Global Climate Change to 2030 http://www.dni.gov/testimonies/20080625_testimonies.pdf It's well worth a read, at least now the CC sceptics should be put in the shade.

I have been keeping an eye on this assessment for some 18months, since some US military top brass guy said that he saw CC as a "Threat Mutiplier". The report was published on Wednesday & handed in to the Federal Government. Hopefully the in-coming President will take the action that the assessment asks for. All 16 of the US's Intelligence Agencies took part in this report. Great that the US military are taking the lead, lets hope the government follow suit.

For many years now, I have been looking at the Whole Picture, with regards the Earth, CC/GW, Homo sapiens, and how they all fit together. I've been watching global currencies, commodity prices, such as food, fuel & house prices. Believe it or not, they all have an effect on how we live in the world, and CC/GW IS having a major effect in more ways than most think of.

Last year I started researching conflicts around water & food, and the implications for the Global Community with on-going CC. The assessment has given me hope. When I've put my yarn together I'll post here on Gaia.

Global warming causes deluges and flooding, just like the Midwest

http://coolmel.gaia.com — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:13:20 GMT

(via Climate Progress)

Global warming causes deluges and flooding, just like the Midwest is seeing (again)

The British and the Chinese understand global warming has driven their record flooding. The United States? Not so much.

Although you wouldn’t know it from most U.S. media coverage (here or here or here), the record “once-in-a-hundred-year flooding” the Midwest now seems to be getting every decade or so is precisely what scientists have been expecting from the warming.

Read more.

Reactivity to Climate Change

http://coolmel.gaia.com — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:52:21 GMT

via Integral Praxis

Reactivity to Climate Change - by John Inglis

"For many years, public discourse concerning climate change seems to have been divided into two main camps: those who did believe it was occurring and cited experts and years of research that proved the planet was warming up, and those who did not believe that these indicators were anything more than isolated events. A subtopic of the former position also divided into two camps: those who thought climate change was due to human causes and those who thought it was just a natural cycle. These debates have preoccupied attention, polarized local and global consideration, and failed to contribute to any coordinated responses. Instead, they seem to have prevented or at least distracted a process in which such responses could be initiated. The structure of these arguments has largely been conceptual and factual."

New Site

http://funnyface.gaia.com — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:47:01 GMT

Check out this site for ways to conserve energy and money. It is quite simple but effective.

http://www.cleverdude.com/content/50-ways-to-save-money-by-not-wasting/

CLIMATE CHANGE ACT Senate Debate

http://coolmel.gaia.com — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:22:11 GMT

Climate Change Debate Begins in Senate

"Sen. Joe Lieberman, Connecticut's independent Democrat, and a number of Senate allies launched the debate over the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act on the floor of the Senate this afternoon. After the fanfare of a rally in a park adjacent to the Capitol and a subsequent press conference, Lieberman and the others have headed to the floor to pitch the merits of their bill." [read more]

Here's the link to the videos (via EnergyEnvironmentTV) of the Senate debate on the Climate Change Act.

TIME: Global Warming Survival Guide

http://coolmel.gaia.com — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:26:36 GMT

51 Things We Can Do to Save the Environment

Can one person slow global warming? Actually, yes. You—along with scientists, businesses and governments—can create paths to cut carbon emissions. Here is our guide to some of the planet's best ideas.

Chicago and Miami poised to go green

http://theamat.gaia.com — Tue, 13 May 2008 20:31:47 GMT

I know it's a long shot, but I really have faith in innovation.... especially when there is a profit to be had. And when I see new things in the process of just becoming viable, I get a little tickle. All it takes is for one or two people to think out of the box and we have solutions. I'm so happy that today's scientists and inventors have answered the climate call!

I was watching a show this weekend, Eco something or other (sorry, can't remember the name!) but the program talked about the new innovations that may be set to come our way in the coming years and I wanted to share with those of you who are new to this whole climate change business (heck, I'm old hat and I still didn't know this stuff)

CHICAGO WIND TURBINES - these wind turbines look so beautiful, and they're especially made for the windy city. conventional wind power turbines could not be used because of the high velocity of the wind, but these newer models are made in a way to capture all available wind, to only turn at a certain rate and to be safe to birds flying in the area.... spectacular!

MIAMI GULF STREAM TURBINES - this is a bit riskier of a venture, but I'm glad that someone has finally thought of using the gulf stream the way the old mariners used to! The idea is to put the turbines under water in the gulf stream and take the free energy of the gulf to power Florida. 50% of our power in Florida is used for AC alone! This would be a great help. AND I'm so happy that this is going on right in my back yard!

PLASTIC SOLAR PANELS - Solar panels have been around for a while, even the plastic kind, and most of the problems with solar power comes down to cost.... well, that won't be a problem for long! There's a possibilty of having a plastic solar panel with 80% efficiency for a fraction of what it used to cost. These pliable solar panels can be "printed" onto plyable plastices and used in all sorts of devices. By 2010, all of our smaller electronics may be solar powered and our rooftops may be sporting plastic lined shingles.... amazing stuff.

Also, when you get a chance, check out the National Geographic Channel Green Guide. Lots of good info and even a quiz to see how green you are.

I love NGC.

Namaste!
Thea

Native Energy....

http://wayofthespirit.gaia.com — Wed, 07 May 2008 19:15:29 GMT

These may just have some information that could possibly increase awareness....
www.gaiapod.com
www.nativeenergy.com
www.thinkhost.com

Re: How to talk to a Climate Skeptic

http://zetwhite.gaia.com — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:56:05 GMT

Perhaps we need to be even more direct. And using natural events in the argument.
I just blogged about this, take a look: Catastrophe - Our Only Hope?

Zet

Re: The Hot Politics of Global Warming

http://theamat.gaia.com — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:29:45 GMT

Dude, I cannot believe you put "bloody" in a sentence.... That is so cool! I love the British.

Anyway, I'm so gratified that you got ANYTHING out of what I said, so thank you. You made me think alot too. Mostly of my 20's and being so revved up to strike down injustice. I'm still that way, to some extent. However, things change when your kids are taller than you are. Now, it's all about reaching people for me.

As much as it pains me to say it, I think if I ever met President Bush in person, I'd like the guy. No, seriously, he's a very funny guy and I'd like to drink a beer or two with him and talk about baseball. That said, I don't want him running my country. It helps to make the distinction because then I can stop blaming him as a politician and really look at the issues as problems and not blame him personally. We have differences in opinion, but opinions can be changed and modified. I know mine have changed, but all my changes were voluntary. I've never had someone come to me and 'convert' me. So, to some extent, protests serve to give voice to an issue so that those who didn't know will investigate.... but it's not a panacea. Most of the time, when we protest, we're preaching to the choir. You and I already agree, hence the problem of getting others to agree. It's like republicans watching FOX news. They already agree with what's being said, they just need the next sound bite for tomorrow's discussion.

I've found, in very recent times, that it is easier to bring people about to what they should do by example. For example, I've been talking about global warming and recycling for four years at my office and just recently a co-worker said she wanted to start being greener. Now, she's not giving up Nieman Marcus department stores or her gas guzzling car.... but she will buy organic foods and watch her water consumption. That's huge because being green is contagious. You start with one little thing in your life and it just spreads like wildfire. Because of my encouragement, she's greener than she was yesterday and because of her being greener, I have more impetus to try recycling at the office. I just put out a crate and said "put your crap here. I'll take it home" - voila! we now have a recycling system, due to my forethought. And she will talk to her friends and her pastor and her family and my seed will germinate and be fruitful.... No money down.

Being rich and having status have their upsides - more people listen, more people take you seriously, you have more to barter with... but even with those things, it is easier to teach by example rather than purchase loyalties. Any parent will tell you the same. Cookies never worked on my kids, but they sure picked up on every good (and bad) habit I have.

"If you want to build a ship, don't drum people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the sea." --- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Namaste.... Thank you for adding me to your friends list. I so look forward to getting to know you!

Thea

PS
I love carrots. And I like the polar bear ad too.... perhaps that would work. No, seriously!

Re: The Hot Politics of Global Warming

http://zetwhite.gaia.com — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:13:38 GMT

Bloody hell.

Exuse me but it's just so frustrating. Instead of trying to do something about climate change, those bloody politicians are building up their armies, getting ready to fight over OIL under the melting Arctic! For goodness sake...

:(

Re: The Hot Politics of Global Warming

http://zetwhite.gaia.com — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:01:19 GMT

Thea,thank you for the "do you need it?" question. You gave me something to think about...

Actually, I'll go write it down somewhere. For myself, too. No, really, it is so simple yet so good. Without even thinking about carbon emissions and impact and everything, just to ask myself "do I need it or do I want it?" and answer honestly every time! Yes I already "threw away" a couple of useless "wants" as the qustion entered my consciousness, and my conscience. Hmm... I've actually been asking myself this (unconsciously) every time I shop, so I don't have a whole load of shoes and clothes and stuff I don't need. Yes, good stuff!

Short of knocking on people's doors with a recycle bag, I was more thinking in terms of sticking "Your next car better be a Prius, signed:Polar Bear" notes on large jeeps and suv's. ;)

I'm sick of being sick, too. Hmm... But actually I desire wealth and status. Very much so. I want to be able to storm into a president's office for a chat. But I'm more likely to chew on a carrot instead of a cigar and to ask uncomfortable questions about the state of the hospitals and environmental inaction, amongst other things. Wouldn't you want wealth too in this case? I'll share the carrot, promise.

Re: The Hot Politics of Global Warming

http://theamat.gaia.com — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:35:12 GMT

"What am I going to tell the people that I know?"

That was the question that jumped out at me, and I'll tell you what I tell other people - do you need it or do you want it? It's a fair question. Sure, as an American, I have a vast amount of purchasing power, but what good is it if I'm utilizing the worlds resources for just myself? So no matter what kind of money I can throw around, I cannot treat the world like it's mine and only mine. There has to be a method of self restraint in place and that can only come from a good meditation practice and common sense. I concede the point that money is a huge problem, but only in as much as people may feel entitled to using it without consequences.

There is a philosophy that I like to use regarding resources and entitlement. It's fine for you to swing your arm around, until it hits me in the head. You're perfectly free to wave arms till you're hearts contented.... but when I get hit, I'm going to say something to make you stop. And I see people getting hit all of the time. So, yes, I'm a bit aggressive towards those who use more than they need because it's careless and irresponsible and uneducated and I don't care if they don't like me for saying so, because someone on the other side of the globe who's sitting in a pile of dirt with sand fleas and parasites NEEDS me to say SOMETHING.

Don't misunderstand, I dont go around knocking on doors and forcing people to recycle (I've considered it, but it's probably a bad idea). People work very hard for the small or medium or LARGE amount of luxury they obtain and for the most part, I'm fine with that. I'm not going to look at someone with luxury and judge them on the basis that they have what others don't because I don't know what they do with the rest of their wealth. They could be feeding a whole third world country for all I know. They could be supplying thousands of people with jobs, I wouldn't know it.

But on the flip side, most people don't check themselves. This is my point: it is our personal responsibility to act with frugality and check ourselves, whether rich or poor. The bottom line is that people are the problem. The money is a factor, but not the problem. And I say that because we, as humans, came up with the exchange, barter, trade, monetary system. It is a means of exchange, nothing more, nothing less.

So, to answer your question about my imaginary presidency.... Is my self worth, virtue and integrity worth the check with all the zero's? No. It's not. I can live quite a long and productive life, even with an impeachment on my record (which, by the way, would be unlikely given that I have my own little thuggish brigade behind me). But I like the question. You kept me thinking about it for quite some time, actually. It helped me to concretize my principals.

As for the uber rich buying presidents and companies and such.... they are only as strong as their own foundation.... and the poor, hungry and down trodden will only take this for so long.

Great Taoist saying that I read yesterday - "you will be sick until you are sick of being sick". I'm tired of all this - the politics, the money, the stupidity of it all. I'm sick of being sick. Many people have said the same, but are unwilling to do what is necessary to stop being addicted to their own desires for wealth and status. But it will happen. Change is the only constant.

Namaste
Thea

PS - love the accent. I didn't know you could have an accent in an email, but you seem to be able to pull it off. ; )

Re: The Hot Politics of Global Warming

http://zetwhite.gaia.com — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:02:47 GMT

Actually, take a look at some things that must be changed for climate change to be tackled. Vehicle and coalplant efficiency improvements, new efficient houses, capture and storage of emissions at production stages, construction of renewable energy generation facilities, forest and agricultural land protection measures - all these sound like things only possible at large corporate or governmental level. What is left for us is choosing to travel and use energy more efficiently, insulate our homes and try to invest in some solar panels, for example... Unless you are someone who owns a field, or a factory, or an oil refinery. We can go directly to those who do, or we can go to the government and make them legislate affecting those who do. Or we can do both... After we've changed those lightbulbs. ;)