Planet Basics

Global Dimming

laura — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 04:25:00 GMT

Now that global dimming has been proven world over, just remember to appreciate that blue, blue sky next time a strong storm blows over your neighborhood. Very interesting studies were conducted after a scientist noticed that the sky in the U.S. was amazingly clear blue during the time when all planes were grounded on 9/11. If all carbon exhaust stays in our atmosphere for 100 years regardless of what we do reduce the effects of the increased carbon volume in our air, shouldn’t air travel technology be targeted as an area where improved technologies are needed. Shouldn’t the scientists begin talking about the need to look at reducing air travel. I know that just about nobody wants to think about this idea but the writing is in the air.

Wikipedia.org stresses that global dimming is masking the effect of global warming. In other words, if the human race began a compassionate effort to save our human race, our grandchildren and their children will see the effects of global warming on a truly frightening scale when the 100 years worth of lingering carbon resolves itself. Can we find the right leadership to think with integrity and a good heart? Is the term good heart to sugary for people to digest?

We need to put all who are still in denial on 12 step program to deal with the reality presented by the IPCC, the Stern report, NRDC.org.

The World is Waiting for Us

laura — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 02:36:00 GMT

I attended a conference recently and was surprised to hear another person ask an environmentally astute and corporately powerful speaker something to the effect of What will people do when they find out that carbon has nothing to do with ‘global warming’? – that global warming is just a naturally occurring condition. The speaker squirmed a little then responded with what I consider to be a standard answer for someone is in denial.

He went on the talk about how technology must be developed first. Second is the importance of the outcome of the next presidential election, and so on. With the right person elected – and fair voting booth technology in tact – we could see the U.S. ostrich pull its tax money head out of the sand and begin the work of preserving and/or saving the lives of the planet’s youth. If we don’t empower the right person, the world may continue on the path of looking to the EU for leadership in tackling the fast approaching global warming issues.

Of course, among other things I’d like to see Air Car and geothermal power technologies perfected very soon but my eyes are searching for and my ears are listening for the truth behind the lobbied answers coming from our potential candidates. I’d be very pleased to see a flood on information related to the Green-ness of each candidate. To see their Green report card distributed to every voting capable person in our country.

It took three decades for the Green people to organize and make their power palpable in the world of business and power. Thank goodness for that. I hope soon the Green network will be easier to navigate for those of us who don’t have that org chart handy.

Air Car has no exhaust!

laura — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:40:00 GMT

What may be of interest to you and probably people you know is that the Air Car is being designed by a former formula one racer and MDI, is basically an electric car which uses compressed air (or combo air/petrol or ethanol) for fuel, will have optional 2, 4 or 6 cylinders, has fuel cylinders designed to split within a casing rather than explode in the event of a car accident, is made of light-weight aluminum, has only clean air for exhaust and will be on sale in 2008.

The CityCat model will travel at speeds up to 68 mph for up to 125 miles before refuelling with a standard air compressor which takes a few minutes or via electrical outlet which takes about four hours. The side note here is that it should not use an expensive or compromising amount of electricity ...and fuel efficiency is the winning ingredient.

I know... this sounds really nice.

It sounds like the current models are noisy on some accounts. I'm hoping this will greatly diminished at show time. The question I'm really asking myself is "Which is the better long term/short term fuel strategy?" Granted the powers in control in the US are not allowing the air compressor only cars to be sold here at this point. However, I hear that the air compressor/ethanol hybrid will be. Where can one find an air compressor anyway?

If you have more information, I'm all ears. Please also submit links related to this topic.

Bartering for Water

laura — Fri, 18 May 2007 01:06:00 GMT

The U.S. news outlets don’t seem to report the plight of humans around the world very well. This really needs to change. We are a part of the global family and should be interested in what happens to our family all over. I’ve heard just a few news stories about the plight of the thirsty Australians, but I think the world needs to watch the progression of this story for clues of our potential destinies.

If we’re facing extinction as a race, we should be studying the effects of global warming wherever it appears. Is Australia the ‘canary in the coalmine’ when it comes to drinkable water? I, for one, am very interested in what the Australian people are experiencing with regard to global warming issues including their seven year water shortage and its effects.

Are they planning to build desalinization plants anytime soon? Are they holding their breath hoping that the 12% capacity in the Sydney reservoir will fill somehow? I would expect that the aquifers will get their fill before the riverbeds flow freely. Water is expected to top the issues we will face very soon. I don’t want to see them suffer anymore than anyone else on our tiny planet. What I would like to see is a world community coming together to create solutions to this crisis.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SYD74175.htm

The Green Prince

laura — Fri, 18 May 2007 01:02:00 GMT

Prince Charles sees the writing on the wall and his message is clear and seemingly heart-felt. His message is consistent in that he is concerned about posterity and doesn't want his grandchildren saying, “Why didn’t you do something when it was possible to make a difference?”

He's apparently making good strides in efforts to rally support for the future of the human race by participating in well organized and well attended global forums. He’s probably best known in the U.S. as the organic gardening advocate. http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_5075.cfm

I'll keep an eye on him a key public player in the biodiversity arena.

For more information, visit HRH's website:

http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/speechesandarticles/an_article_by_the_prince_of_wales_for_the_newspaper_society__934667360.html

The Prince of Wales is advocating that local newspapers spread the word about 'thinking globally, act locally’; most of us have access to a fairly local newspaper or publication. If your paper doesn’t have a Green column writer or section – Ask for One! Tell them this is what their viewers want to read about.

Carbon Footprint

laura — Thu, 17 May 2007 03:08:00 GMT

There are easy steps we all can take on the way to reducing our own personal ‘carbon footprint’. Unfortunately, on one hand, U.S. public service announcements will likely not come until new, more forward-thinking leadership takes the wheel and encourages the public to do the 1-2-3 basics. On the other hand, energy reducing products and services should really be made available in stores near you.

Things You Can Do At Home:

-Set up sensors to more efficiently use of lights and control air conditioning demand.

-Install white roofing to reflect not absorb sunlight.

-Install solar panels on your roof.

-Check out options to sell or get credit for your excess solar power from your local power company.

-Check and possibly reinforce seals around windows and doors. Set timers on outdoor lighting and water systems.

-Recycle more efficiently.

-Donate reusable items to local institutions. (magazines, clothing, books, videos, DVDs, cell phones, glasses)

-Use ‘energy star’ products during off-peak hours.

-Use mass transit or request improvements in your city’s mass transit system.

-Buy a hybrid next time you buy a new car or minivan.

-Change your bulbs to fluorescents.

-Use organic gardening products.

-Buy food grown locally and/or organically.

-Plant a tree on Earth Day this year.

-Find out which companies use recycled paper in products like tissues, toilet paper, napkins and paper towels.

For more options and in-depth information, check out http://www.myfootprint.org/ to take a carbon footprint test or kids and teachers can visit, http://www.kidsfootprint.org/

By consciously shopping for Green products and services and spreading the word to your family, friends and neighbors to do the same, you’ll be doing your part to increase demand – thus sending the message that Green is what people are looking for. You’ll see that the markets will respond and free enterprise will kick in with more and more Green options.

Once you understand how to save money and energy by implementing a new Green policy for yourself, Pay it Forward. Why not volunteer some time at a school, senior citizen’s home or other public facility to show them the Green way.

Green is renewable, but Oil is not

laura — Wed, 09 May 2007 04:50:00 GMT

Oil based products are intrinsic to our lifestyle. From the rubber on the bottom of our shoes, to the foods containing hidden GMOs and unhealthy fats and preservatives, to the plastic containers and shrink-wrap in which our organic foods are sold, our dependence is definite.

If the wheels on our tires on not recyclable, shouldn’t we be looking for an alternative? I see so many used tires littering my tiny part of the world. Can we even imagine a world where everything is made from biodegradable materials? If we can’t, maybe should try a little harder. Society should not be defined by the things we have, it has more to do with the decisions we make as individuals and as a group.

If space settlement is the next biggest conquest, I submit that humans aren’t prepared mentally, emotionally or even physically to take that leap. I believe in the karmic rule that we really need to ‘put our own house in order’ before blundering into another. (think Mars) Maybe the transportation issues we should be addressing with untold millions of dollars should go towards hybrid automobiles and cleaner mass transit options.

Our planet is the most beautiful place I can imagine. Our experience here is colored brighter or dimmer by the attitudes of her people and the decisions made by the lucky rich folks. By the way, luck is not the ultimate gift of life. In my humble opinion, the ultimate gift is the peace gained through taking care of each other. A healthy environment does not preclude a healthy economy.

If you agree that taking care of our children is the best goal we can aspire to in our short lives and that many of our plant and animal planet mates no longer have the power to survive without our consent, then please join green discussions. Together we can make great strides in mapping out the way to a sustainable future for everyone on our beautiful blue world.