tagged w/ Environmentalism
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Some disturbing news has just surfaced in the UK--it appears that its Ministry of Justice has taken to listing environmental protesters and activists alongside al Qaeda terrorists in its system for classifying 'extremists'. The British newspaper the Guardian made the unsettling discovery when it gained access to some internal documents from the government.
Guidance Document Lists Eco Activists as Extremists
According to the paper,
The guidance [document] on extremism, produced by the Ministry of Justice, says: "The United Kingdom like many other countries faces a continuing threat from extremists who believe they can advance their aims by committing acts of terrorism." It was sent to probation staff who were writing court reports or supervising a range of activists, including environmental protesters.
This 'guidance' evidently highlights "environmental extremists" as belonging to the same group as dissident Irish republicans, loyalist paramilitaries, and al-Qaeda-inspired extremists.Some disturbing news has just surfaced in the UK--it appears that its Ministry of... more
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As hundreds of people die worldwide as a result of record low temperatures in the midst of a savage winter, scientists are preparing for a conference in which they will discuss measures to use geoengineering to block out the sun.
“The summit of climate scientists, to be held in California in March, will examine drastic techniques for slowing climate change that are controversial and have been described as “geo-piracy,” reports the Telegraph.
“Most techniques focus on ways of reducing the sun’s rays by blocking them using mirrors orbiting in space or by spraying sulphur compounds into the high atmosphere to reflect sunlight away from earth.”
Another proposal involves sending spaceships into the upper atmosphere to spray seawater into the sky and reflect sunlight back into space, an idea that would seem more at home in the context of some bizarre alien invasion movie.
“Most of the talk about these geo-engineering techniques say they should be saved until we get to an emergency situation. Well, the people of the Arctic might say they are in an emergency situation now,” said conference organizer Mike MacCracken.
In actual fact, a recent expedition to an East Antarctic ice shelf showed “no sign of higher temperatures despite fears of a thaw linked to global warming”. In addition, Arctic sea ice expanded over an area bigger than the size of Germany during the year of 2008, a 30 per cent increase, after global warming alarmists had claimed that it would be “ice-free” for the first time ever.
With areas all over the planet experiencing record snowfall and plunging temperatures, some scientists are warning that we are now entering into a mini ice age, with 30 years of global cooling predicted.
Governments are already geoengineering the planet in the form of cloud seeding and similar techniques to both cause and prevent rainfall. Many would argue that the upper atmosphere is already being seeded with chemical compounds in the form of chemtrails, which differ from normal contrails emitted by airplanes as they hang in the air for hours and produce criss-cross patterns.
A 2008 KSLA news investigation found that a substance that fell to earth from a high altitude chemtrail contained high levels of Barium (6.8 ppm) and Lead (8.2 ppm) as well as trace amounts of other chemicals including arsenic, chromium, cadmium, selenium and silver. Of these, all but one are metals, some are toxic while several are rarely or never found in nature. The newscast focuses on Barium, which its research shows is a “hallmark of chemtrails.” KSLA found Barium levels in its samples at 6.8 ppm or “more than six times the toxic level set by the EPA.”
KSLA also asked Mark Ryan, Director of the Poison Control Center, about the effects of Barium on the human body. Ryan commented that “short term exposure can lead to anything from stomach to chest pains and that long term exposure causes blood pressure problems.” The Poison Control Center further reported that long-term exposure, as with any harmful substance, would contribute to weakening the immune system, which many speculate is the purpose of such man-made chemical trails.
As we have previously highlighted, a prominent supporter of geoengineering proposals is none other than White House science czar John P. Holdren, a key Obama advisor who infamously co-authored a book in which he called for a “planetary regime” to enforce draconian population control measures such as forced abortion, infanticide and mandatory sterilization.
In April last year, Holdren revealed that high-level talks had already taken place to explore the possibility of “geoengineering” the environment by “shooting pollution particles into the upper atmosphere to reflect the sun’s rays”.
“It’s got to be looked at,” Holdren was quoted as saying, “We don’t have the luxury of taking any approach off the table.” The AP also reported that Holdren said he had raised the concept in administration discussions.
Letting modern day eugenicists like Holdren mess with the planet would be like handing Dr. Josef Mengele control of the health care system. Holdren has proven himself to be a barbarian and a control freak, promoting a brand of bloodthirsty eugenics even more depraved than anything Hitler proposed in his drive for a super race.
Allowing scientists who have been completely exposed as agenda-promoting quacks by the Climategate scandal to experiment with the environment on a mass scale in the name of stopping the increasingly debunked premise of man-made global warming is absolute lunacy and should be stopped at all costs.
http://www.infowars.com/geoengineering-conference-to-discuss-blocking-sun/As hundreds of people die worldwide as a result of record low temperatures in the... more
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Dagum
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27 days ago
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Growing up in Southern California, Spencer Brown has always been a self-proclaimed tree-hugger. In 2005, during a move across town, Spencer was shocked to see the large amount of cardboard and packing materials that were used in his move. Luckily, his frustration gave way to creating the first earth friendly moving company, Rent-A-Green Box. The flagstone of his company is the RecoPack, a lightweight, stackable container made from recycled plastic. They are rented, not sold, to people moving their belongings, delivered to the customer’s old home by trucks powered by vegetable oil, then picked up at the new home after they’ve served their purpose. Spencer estimates that you can cut moving costs in half by using a green moving company as opposed to the standard practices. Hmmm, saving money and protecting the environment…seems like a no-brainer! Susan sits down with Spencer to talk about the future of this much-needed and growing industry.Growing up in Southern California, Spencer Brown has always been a self-proclaimed... more
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It may be the most wonderful time of the year but there's a helluva lot of consumption going on! Here are some easy tips that any and everyone can incorporate into their holiday festivities.It may be the most wonderful time of the year but there's a helluva lot of... more
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XINXIANG, China (AFP) – After years of campaigning to clean up the sludge-filled rivers and acrid air of central China's Henan province, Tian Guirong no longer has a bed to call her own and says she fears for her life.
As world leaders huddle in Copenhagen for crunch talks on a global climate change deal, Tian's story is an example of the huge struggle faced by some developing countries trying to fight pollution.
Her group, the Xinxiang Environmental Protection Volunteers Association, has helped close more than 100 polluting factories -- plants she says were responsible for illness and death among local residents.
But the sprightly 59-year-old's success -- not an easy feat in China, the world's worst carbon-emitting nation -- has come at a price.
by Marianne Barriaux Marianne Barriaux – Tue Dec 15, 10:41 pm ET
See full article at
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/unclimatewarmingchinaenvironmentpollution;_ylt=AgJUbOsVkGOKdBp_jcagRqRzfNdFXINXIANG, China (AFP) – After years of campaigning to clean up the sludge-filled... more
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For the people... for the planet... for the animals
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By JOHN TIERNEY
Published: December 1, 2009
Messages from British climate scientists gave insight into their thinking, and they might be their own worst enemies.
If you have not delved into the thousands of e-mail messages and files hacked from the computers of British climate scientists, let me give you the closest thing to an executive summary. It is taken from a file slugged HARRY_READ_ME, which is the log of a computer expert’s long struggle to make sense of a database of historical temperatures. Here is Harry’s summary of the situation:
Aarrggghhh!
That cry, in various spellings, is a motif throughout the log as Harry tries to fight off despair. “OH [EXPLETIVE] THIS!” he writes after struggling to reconcile readings from weather stations around the world. “It’s Sunday evening, I’ve worked all weekend, and just when I thought it was done I’m hitting yet another problem that’s based on the hopeless state of our databases. There is no uniform data integrity. ...”
Harry, whoever he may be, comes off as the most sympathetic figure in the pilfered computer annals of East Anglia University, the British keeper of global temperature records. While Harry’s log shows him worrying about the integrity of the database, the climate scientists are e-mailing one another with strategies for blocking outsiders’ legal requests to see their data.
While Harry is puzzling over temperatures — “I have that familiar Twilight Zone sensation” — the scientists are confidently making proclamations to journalists, jetting to conferences and plotting revenge against those who question the dangers of global warming. When a journal publishes a skeptic’s paper, the scientists e-mail one another to ignore it. They focus instead on retaliation against the journal and the editor, a project that is breezily added to the agenda of their next meeting: “Another thing to discuss in Nice!”
As the scientists denigrate their critics in the e-mail messages, they seem oblivious to one of the greatest dangers in the climate-change debate: smug groupthink. These researchers, some of the most prominent climate experts in Britain and America, seem so focused on winning the public-relations war that they exaggerate their certitude — and ultimately undermine their own cause.
Consider, for instance, the phrase that has been turned into a music video by gleeful climate skeptics: “hide the decline,” used in an e-mail message by Phil Jones, the head of the university’s Climatic Research Unit. He was discussing the preparation of a graph for the cover of a 1999 report from the World Meteorological Organization showing that temperatures in the past several decades were the highest of the past millennium.
Most of the graph was based on analyses of tree rings and other “proxy” records like ice cores and lake sediments. These indirect measurements indicated that temperatures declined in the middle of the millennium and then rose in the first half of the 20th century, which jibes with other records. But the tree-ring analyses don’t reveal a sharp warming in the late 20th century — in fact, they show a decline in temperatures, contradicting what has been directly measured with thermometers.
Because they considered that recent decline to be spurious, Dr. Jones and his colleagues removed it from part of the graph and used direct thermometer readings instead. In a statement last week, Dr. Jones said there was nothing nefarious in what they had done, because the problems with the tree-ring data had been openly identified earlier and were known to experts.
But the graph adorned the cover of a report intended for policy makers and journalists. The nonexperts wouldn’t have realized that the scariest part of that graph — the recent temperatures soaring far above anything in the previous millennium — was based on a completely different measurement from the earlier portion. It looked like one smooth, continuous line leading straight upward to certain doom.
The story behind that graph certainly didn’t show that global warming was a hoax or a fraud, as some skeptics proclaimed, but it did illustrate another of their arguments: that the evidence for global warming is not as unequivocal as many scientists claim. (Go to nytimes.com/tierneylab for details.)
In fact, one skeptic raised this very issue about tree-ring data in a comment posted in 2004 on RealClimate, the blog operated by climate scientists. The comment, which questioned the propriety of “grafting the thermometer record onto a proxy temperature record,” immediately drew a sharp retort on the blog from Michael Mann, an expert at Penn State University:
“No researchers in this field have ever, to our knowledge, ‘grafted the thermometer record onto’ any reconstruction. It is somewhat disappointing to find this specious claim (which we usually find originating from industry-funded climate disinformation Web sites) appearing in this forum.”
Dr. Mann now tells me that he was unaware, when he wrote the response, that such grafting had in fact been done in the earlier cover chart, and I take him at his word. But I don’t see why the question was dismissed so readily, with the implication that only a tool of the fossil-fuel industry would raise it.
Contempt for critics is evident over and over again in the hacked e-mail messages, as if the scientists were a priesthood protecting the temple from barbarians. Yes, some of the skeptics have political agendas, but so do some of the scientists. Sure, the skeptics can be cranks and pests, but they have identified genuine problems in the historical reconstructions of climate, as in the debate they inspired about the “hockey stick” graph of temperatures over the past millennium.
It is not unreasonable to give outsiders a look at the historical readings and the adjustments made by experts like Harry. How exactly were the readings converted into what the English scientists describe as “quality controlled and homogenised” data?
Trying to prevent skeptics from seeing the raw data was always a questionable strategy, scientifically. Now it looks like dubious public relations, too.
In response to the furor over the climate e-mail messages, there will be more attention than ever paid to those British temperature records, and any inconsistencies or gaps will seem more suspicious simply because the researchers were so determined not to reveal them. Skeptical bloggers are already dissecting Harry’s work. As they relentlessly pore over other data, the British scientists will feel Harry’s pain:
Aarrggghhh! There truly is no end in sight.By JOHN TIERNEY
Published: December 1, 2009
Messages from British climate scientists... more
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Dagum
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Eugene Tsui has designed a concept city called The Ultima Tower that would help solve the global population crisis. Acting as a human termite nest, and costing $150 billion, these two mile high green towers would house over one million people in a one mile wide area. Instead of floors, the buildings interior would consist of a multi-dimensional ecosystem complete with neighborhood districts and 30-50 meter high skies. Lakes, streams, rivers, hills and ravines comprise the soil landscape on which residential, office, commercial, retail and entertainment buildings can be built.Eugene Tsui has designed a concept city called The Ultima Tower that would help solve... more
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Recently, the house and the senate have drafted opposing legislation on this matter into the new health care legislation (HR 3962). Black liquor is a toxic by-product of making pulp for paper production. It has been burned by paper companies as fuel for decades.
After mixing it with diesel, it's burned by the paper company as fuel, which qualifies them for a tax credit, enacted in 2007.
According to wikipedia, for one large company (International Paper) this could amount to as much as $3.7 billion in benefits per year.
This is another example of massive tax breaks for large companies that are not in the interest of the American public. Burning black liquor has a major negative effect on the environment, not to mention the additional consumption of diesel fuel. Additionally, smaller companies that produce 100% recycled post consumer paper cannot compete (they don't produce or use black liquor/diesel fuel so they can't get the massive tax break).
I encourage you to contact your representatives on this matter.
more at the article above and here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_liquorRecently, the house and the senate have drafted opposing legislation on this matter... more
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Christmas is just round the corner and the world is heading for further financial and environmental meltdown. Austerity we know is the only way forward. Frugal TV is a truly alternative shopping channel dedicated to environmentally conscious shopping on a tight budget. Its motto ‘waste not want not’ promises to inspire. Learning from the ‘Blitz spirit’ Frugal TV’s beauty product range not only oozes green credentials but it’s also kind on your pocket with rouge made from beetroot and pigskin condoms. The opportunities to be financially lean, green and beautiful are endless.Christmas is just round the corner and the world is heading for further financial and... more
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This is James Corbett of corbettreportDOTcom and I come here today with a message for you.
You the environmentalists, you the activists, you the campaigners.
You who have watched with growing concern the ways in which the world around us has been ravaged in the pursuit of the almighty dollar.
You who are concerned with the state of the planet that we are leaving for our children and our grandchildren and those generations yet unborn...This is James Corbett of corbettreportDOTcom and I come here today with a message for... more
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Jenime
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The 'progressive' towns constantly listed as our best role models also lack racial diversity, finds Aaron Renn. Why has no one called them on it?
Among the media and academia and within planning circles, there's a generally standing answer to the question of what cities are the best, the most progressive and best role models for small and midsize cities. The standard list includes Portland, Seattle, Austin, Minneapolis and Denver.
In particular, Portland is held up as a paradigm, with its urban growth boundary, extensive transit system, excellent cycling culture and a pro-density policy. These cities are frequently contrasted with those of the Rust Belt and South, which are found wanting, often even by locals, as "cool" urban places.
But look closely at these exemplars, and a curious fact emerges. If you take away the dominant Tier One cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles – places no one expects the average U.S. city to be able to imitate – you will find that the "progressive" cities aren't red or blue, but another color entirely: white.
In fact, not one of these "progressive" cities even reaches the national average for percentage of African-Americans in its core county. Perhaps not progressiveness but whiteness is the defining characteristic of the group.
The progressive paragon of Portland is the whitest on the list, with an African-American population less than half the national average. It is America's ultimate White City. The contrast with other, supposedly less advanced cities is stark.
It is not just a regional thing, either. Even look just within the state of Texas, where Austin is held up as a bastion of right thinking urbanism next to sprawlvilles like Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston.
While Austin is far more diverse than a place like Portland, it is still much whiter than other major Texas cities, comparable only to Fort Worth. And while its African-American population lags the national average, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston both exceed it.
This raises troubling questions about these cities.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/points/stories/DN-renn_22edi.State.Edition1.1691580.html
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bd/AustinTexasCongressView.jpgThe 'progressive' towns constantly listed as our best role models also lack... more
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On 19 November, four sculptures are due to be submerged in the Caribbean waters, off the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico's south-eastern state of Quintana Roo.
They will be the first of many hundreds of figures, which will be dotted around an area of the region's national park.
Underwater sculpture in Grenada
Underwater sculptures
The sculptures will be made of PH-neutral concrete, which, it is hoped, will attract algae and marine life and give the local ecosystem a boost.On 19 November, four sculptures are due to be submerged in the Caribbean waters, off... more
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I'm starting to see these little empty non-recyclable, non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastic containers everywhere. I've seen entire trash cans filled with these things at convenience stores after the morning rush... day after day.
In this day and age, you would think that Keurig and the companies associated with this product (Paul Newman's Own, Heifer, Green Mountain Coffee, Celestial Seasonings, Ghirardelli) who claim to be "organic" and/or "sustainable", would be more aware of it's impact to our environment.
You can contact these companies at the blog post above.
"The Keurig single-cup brewing system uses a special packaging for coffee, tea and hot cocoa called K-Cup portion packs or "K-Cups". Each K-Cup is an airtight, mini-brewer that locks out oxygen, light, moisture and humidity while locking in freshness and flavor. "
Personally, I'll take a french press any day over hot plastic brew.
http://www.coffeehabitat.com/images/2007/05/15/pitfall.jpg
About the K-Cup:
http://www.keurig.com/explore/choose.asp?mscsid=M4DDGKT2QWHL8LUSJH2PWEX7NT2PDTGFI'm starting to see these little empty non-recyclable, non-biodegradable... more
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Hamú also said that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in Copenhagen in December, will be a good opportunity for Brazil to defend the adoption of clear and ambitious emission reduction commitments by the participant countries.
"Deforestation numbers such as the ones showed today by President Lula strengthen Brazil's credentials to lead the climate negotiations and take the forefront in building a new development model for the world that respects the environment and the people", Hamú said.Hamú also said that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,... more
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In a clear and compelling tone, Beinecke draws from the most current and authoritative sources anywhere to lay out the case for American action against world climate change. She outlines solutions that can help get American workers back on their feet, strengthen our country and set us on the path to a clean energy future.
And she calls on each of us to take up paper and pen to urge Congress to act.
This is what I find so inspiring about Beinecke's book. I believe that the act of making our voices heard is the best of American politics. I have seen it work time and again -- I have seen citizens, neighborhoods, entire communities carry the weight of truth to our lawmakers. But in order to succeed, we must raise our voices loudly and fully. This is what Beinecke moves us to do.In a clear and compelling tone, Beinecke draws from the most current and authoritative... more
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over 1200 youth gathered from all over Latin America for the International Conference of the Americas in the Dominican Republic last week.
Part Model UN, part UN conference, the students and guest speakers discuss salient topics in international development, the MDGs and share the challenges and successes associated with global issues.
Most notably, CILA took part in the "Seal the Deal" campaign for climate change - part of the UNs outreach program on climate related issues as they gather momentum for the Copenhagen Climate Change summit in December.
As part of an International Student Journalism program Tyler Batson (UCLA) and Sandra C. Roa (CUNY Journalism Grad School) produced this video to demonstrate how youth at the CILA 2009 conference are dealing with climate change issues.over 1200 youth gathered from all over Latin America for the International Conference... more
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