Antarctica is warming up just like the rest of the world a new study has found, blowing a hole in an argument of climate change sceptics.
In the last 50 years, despite cooling in parts of the continent over the last two decades, Antarctica has been getting “steadily warmer”. Using the new measurements scientists were able to conclude that the continent has been warming up at a rate of 0.12C every decade since the 1950s.
As the Alternet article pointed out, "water issues have largely been absent from the public debate and have barely been mentioned by either the Obama or the McCain campaigns". Alternet provides recommended solutions and compares what the candidates have done or have promised. Obama stated his position on several water issues including scarcity, pollution and clean water, but particularly on pollution, his record falls short of the Alternet recommended solution. On clean water, "Obama says he will support and sign into law legislation that effectively restores the historical scope of the Clean Water Act and advances environmental protection, community values and public health objectives. But Obama is in favor of so-called "clean coal" and other clean technologies that would continue destructive coal mining practices like MTR." The recent coal ash retention pond disaster in Tennessee is an example of what coal is really costing us environmentally...that and mountain top strip mining.
Obama's stance on these issues is an improvement over the last eight years, but where will clean water fall in the list of priorities? Also, while the Federal government should be actively involved, the responsibility must be shared with state and local governments. The economy should not be an excuse for relaxing standards.
Looking at Table 2.12 from the recently released Transportation Energy Data Book, it would appear that van pooling with an average of 6.1 passengers per van offers the most energy efficient mode of transportation. With 1,322 Btu per passenger mile, it even beats motorcycles at 1,855 Btu per passenger mile. Cars with an average load factor of 1.57 persons per vehicle use 3,512 Btu per passenger mile, while transit buses are surprisingly high at 4,235 Btu per passenger mile because of their relatively low average load factor of 8.8 persons per vehicle. For people in suburbs wanting to save money on gasoline, it appears that van pooling is the most economical and efficient way to save energy and help the environment, but it does also require a life style change.
Paper or plastic? People are creatures of habit, and sometimes it takes more than their environmental consciousness to force change. In Colorado Springs during the drought of a few years ago, watering restrictions were imposed. It forced a dramatic decrease in water usage, but surprisingly when the water restrictions were lifted, the water usage didn’t go back up much. People’s habits were largely changed. So what would happen if grocery and other stores were mandated to charge a 10 cent “environmental fee” for every plastic or paper bag used? We would see a dramatic reduction in plastic bags and more usage of canvas bags. If after a year government decides to eliminate the fee, people by then will have adjusted to their canvas bags. In Michigan it is very hard to find a discarded aluminum can or bottle on the side of the road or around a picnic ground or beach. That’s because stores are required to charge a refundable deposit on selected cans and bottles. The practice of returning bottles and cans has become a habit for Michiganders and they don’t litter…even for those bottles that are not a part of the mandated charges. Hitting one’s pocket book forces a change in habits...a change that is now embodied in their life styles.
It is interesting to note that the more industrialized countries are at the bottom of the Greendex for sustainability of lifestyles. James Kunstler in his book The Long Emergency portrays a rather pessimistic and brutal scenario for the sustainability of life styles in America suburbia following “peak oil”. While some might view his prognostications as alarmist, it would be foolish to not take heed of his warnings. A concerted campaign by everyone to improve our Greendex may soften the impact, but ultimately it will be simple economics that forces a change of life styles. Are the early signs of peak oil now being felt with $4.00 a gallon gasoline? Are we entering the early stages of the Long Emergency? As Kunstler said: “Life in the Long Emergency will be about staying where you are”.
Obama's website includes a comprehensive energy plan: Plan to Make America a Global Energy Leader, and an environment plan - A Plan to Promote a Healthy Environment. Clinton's website includes a comprensive Plan to address the Energy and Climate Crisis. McCain's website contains 10 sentences under Stewards of Our Nation's Rich Natural Heritage, but lacks the specific details of the Obama and Clinton plans. Outside of a few statements in speeches it is difficult to know where McCain stands on the environmental and energy issues of the day. He has a zero rating by the League of Conservation Voters because he has missed every single Senate vote on green issues. Obama's and Clinton's ratings are 86 pct and 90 pct, respectively; they found time in their busy schedules to vote. I am awaiting more specifics on McCain's environment and energy proposals.