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Blue Planet Run: The Race to Provide Safe Drinking Water to the World
Blue Planet Run is a really interesting picture book describing the growing clean water issues facing the planet.
I have to tell you, the pictures are stunning and the story the book tells is enough to make me wonder how long till this directly impacts us in the US. I know some of the effects are already present and I've heard the stats about 30% of the air in the Bay Area in coming from China so in many respects this is already having an impact.
Amazon and Rick Smolan, the creator, are offering this book as a free download and I encourage you to get it now. Click on the link below to download the book for free in PDF format:
http://anon.amazon.speedera.net/Books08/Blue_Planet_Run...
Once you've had a look, post a comment on the this thread and tell me about the section that stands out for you. Blue Planet Run is a really interesting picture book describing the growing clean water issues facing the planet. ... more -
UK scientist: 'Prepare for extinction'
We need to get prepared for four degrees of global warming, Bob Watson told the Guardian last week. At first sight this looks like wise counsel from the climate science adviser to Defra. But the idea that we could adapt to a 4C rise is absurd and dangerous. Global warming on this scale would be a catastrophe that would mean, in the immortal words that Chief Seattle probably never spoke, "the end of living and the beginning of survival" for humankind. Or perhaps the beginning of our extinction.
The collapse of the polar ice caps would become inevitable, bringing long-term sea level rises of 70-80 metres. All the world's coastal plains would be lost, complete with ports, cities, transport and industrial infrastructure, and much of the world's most productive farmland. The world's geography would be transformed much as it was at the end of the last ice age, when sea levels rose by about 120 metres to create the Channel, the North Sea and Cardigan Bay out of dry land. Weather would become extreme and unpredictable, with more frequent and severe droughts, floods and hurricanes. The Earth's carrying capacity would be hugely reduced. Billions would undoubtedly die.
Watson's call was supported by the government's former chief scientific adviser, Sir David King, who warned that "if we get to a four-degree rise it is quite possible that we would begin to see a runaway increase". This is a remarkable understatement. The climate system is already experiencing significant feedbacks, notably the summer melting of the Arctic sea ice. The more the ice melts, the more sunshine is absorbed by the sea, and the more the Arctic warms. And as the Arctic warms, the release of billions of tonnes of methane – a greenhouse gas 70 times stronger than carbon dioxide over 20 years – captured under melting permafrost is already under way. We need to get prepared for four degrees of global warming, Bob Watson told the Guardian last week. At first sight this looks like wis... more -
Incurable diseases on the rise
Scientists have found new types of bacteria which are increasingly more resistant to antibiotics, to the point where they become incurable. They have become so resistant in fact that some bacteria are able to live outside their natural environments.
The FDA “believes that prudent drug-use principles are essential to the control of antimicrobial resistance.”
Seems to me like another problem to add to the list. Scientists have found new types of bacteria which are increasingly more resistant to antibiotics, to the point where they become incur... more -
Killer birds to save Moscow
Ornithologists in Moscow are breeding deadly birds of prey to tackle the capital’s growing number of “flying rats” – pigeons and hooded crows. Both of the species are blamed for spreading dirt and disease.
‘Air fights’ are likely to become a feature of Moscow’s skyline in the future as pigeons and crows come under attack from natural predators. Hunting birds such as kestrels, northern goshawks and different kinds of owls are being bred in special farms for the purpose.
An successful trial has already been carried out in Moscow’s Vorobyovy Gory area, where specially trained hunting birds were let loose last year.
Specialists say the measure will help to get rid of the huge number of birds which spread dirt and infections.
According to experts, the problem of ‘parasite’ birds exists in nearly every metropolis in the world.
Each city finds its own way of dealing with the problem. New York authorities, for example, once introduced US$ 1000 fines for people who fed the birds.
In Venice’s St. Mark’s Square tourists are fined 50 euros for bird feeding.
City officials say they spoil the architecture, which costs hundreds of thousands of euros to clean and restore. Ornithologists in Moscow are breeding deadly birds of prey to tackle the capital’s growing number of “flying rats” – pigeons and hoode... more -
Top 5 plants that inspire new technology
There’s a lot of hype out there about new technologies that will “change everything”. Sometimes it’s nice to sit back and “smell the roses”. In that spirit, here are five plants with surprising super powers - they have provided a boost to technological innovation or invention, often with a green lining.
Click on the link for more. There’s a lot of hype out there about new technologies that will “change everything”. Sometimes it’s nice to sit back and “smell the r... more -
Mediterranean basin will be most effected by Rising Temperatures
International studies have predicted that the Mediterranean basin will be more severely affected than other parts of the globe by rising temperatures.
Baror and others have just finished compiling an interim report in which they predict the effect of climate change on Israel and offer some initial recommendations for responding to those changes. Baror characterized the interim report as the beginning of a national plan to tackle the result of significant changes in the basic conditions of life.
Regarding water availability, the situation would become even more desperate. By century's end, there would be one quarter less water from natural sources, according to the report. Climate change has already changed the nature of how fresh water is delivered to Israel. While the number of rainy days has dropped, when it does rain it is much more likely to flood. Such flooding could be life-threatening and cause serious damage to property in the future, Baror warned. Moreover, freshwater sources would have a harder time recharging to their full potential, he said - a problem that has already been exacerbated by consistent over-pumping. International studies have predicted that the Mediterranean basin will be more severely affected than other parts of the globe by risi... more -
10 powerful requests for today
10 powerful requests for today - by Dieter Braun (Indian in the machine)
www.indianinthemachine.com
1. I request to live in pure clean air, and to have pure clean water and
soil to grow pure clean food. Pure clean air, food, water and soil are a birthright to all.
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2. I desire to purify myself in a joyful and powerful manner.
3. I request the end of the bush cabal and/or any dark cabal, and the
transmutation of all darkness I experience, into Light.
4. I request the Angels of the Universe, to come even closer to planet Earth.
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5. I request that humans reaffirm their need for outside assistance at
this time, from our loving star family.
6. I desire to live on planet Earth, to experience permanent peace on planet Earth.
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7. I comprehend that all are equal in the universe, therefore may all
manmade laws reflect this immediately and Now!
8. I desire to live in a world where spiritual awareness is a priority in governance.
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9. I call for the end of all planetary slavery!
10. I call forth financial abundance to spread far and wide across the planet like never before!
Read more from Indian in the Machine Dieter Braun at www.indianinthemachine.com
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From TouchArt.net and OneEarthblog.blogspot.com
where we know there are many ways to understand energy.
To paraphrase Dr. King Jr., [Darkness can not overcome darkness,
only light can do that. Violence can not overcome violence,
only love can do that.]
Embody love and light up the darkness. 10 powerful requests for today - by Dieter Braun (Indian in the machine) www.indianinthemachine.com ... more -
Vandalism in the Sky - H.A.A.R.P. is Death
Youtube.com by TheRealLawnMowerMan in April, 2008
"HAARP Boils The Upper Atmosphere.HAARP will zap the upper atmosphere with a focused and steerable electromagnetic beam. It is an advanced model of an "ionospheric heater". (The ionosphere is the electrically-charged sphere surrounding Earth's upper atmosphere. It ranges between about 40- to 600 miles above Earth's surface.)
Put simply, the apparatus for HAARP is a reversal of a radio telescope; antennas send out signals instead of receiving. HAARP is the test run for a super-powerful radiowave-beaming technology that lifts areas of the ionosphere by focusing a beam and heating those areas. Electromagnetic waves then bounce back onto earth and penetrate everything -- living and dead...."
"Looking at the other patents which built on the work of a Texas' physicist named Bernard Eastlund, it becomes clearer how the military intends to use the HAARP transmitter. It also makes governmental denials less believable. The military knows how it intends to use this technology, and has made it clear in their documents. The military has deliberately misled the public, through sophisticated word games, deceit and outright disinformation.
The military says the HAARP system could:
give the military a tool to replace the electromagnetic pulse effect of atmospheric thermonuclear devices (still considered a viable option by the military through at least 1986).
replace the huge Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) submarine communication system operating in Michigan and Wisconsin with a new and more compact technology.
Be used to replace the over-the-horizon radar system that was once planned for the current location of HAARP, with a more flexible and accurate system.
provide a way to wipe out communications over an extremely large area, while keeping the military's own communications systems working.
provide a wide area earth-penetrating tomography which, if combined with the computing abilities of EMASS and Cray computers, would make it possible to verify many parts of nuclear nonproliferation and peace agreements.
be a tool for geophysical probing to find oil, gas and mineral deposits over a large area.
be used to detect incoming low-level planes and cruise missiles, making other technologies obsolete."
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From TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com
where we know that zapping humans and the ionosphere
with a billion watts can't be good. Youtube.com by TheRealLawnMowerMan in April, 2008 ... more -
Solar Power Windows to Replace/Augment Rooftop Solar Panels
Great Solar News from TouchArt's friend Bill Brown up in Taos, NM about MIT engineers brilliant technology for solar windows to harness energy.
Awesome.
MIT guys say they can be available in 3 years.
Let's use them for the One Earth bottle house design.
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Message from Bill Brown
www.nmglobalwarming.com
Hello, All -- Here is yet another reminder of the many rapid and spectacular advances in solar power technology -- in this case technology that could begin replacing and/or augmenting conventional rooftop solar panels within the next few years.
"Imagine windows that not only provide a clear view and illuminate rooms, but also use sunlight to efficiently help power the building they are part of. MIT engineers report a new approach to harnessing the sun's energy that could allow just that."
"Because the system is simple to manufacture, the [Massachusetts Institute of Technology] team believes that it could be implemented within three years — even added onto existing solar-panel systems to increase their efficiency by 50 percent for minimal additional cost. That, in turn, would substantially reduce the cost of solar electricity."
So, I offer this fair warning to all in the business to continue to be ready for -- and participate in -- a future of unlimited possibilities for clean energy solutions to our current dirty energy problems.
-- Bill Brown
Go to link for more
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=5...
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From TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com
where everyday, always has, and always will be Earth Day.
Love your Mother. Great Solar News from TouchArt's friend Bill Brown up in Taos, NM about MIT engineers brilliant technology for solar windows to h... more -
Your City Council Could Save the World
TouchArt's friend Bill Brown up in Taos, New Mexico sent this good news from green architect and visionary Santa Fean Ed Mazria on how our city councils can help save the earth.
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Greetings, All -- Pertinent Sage West Consultants' work on the Town of Taos, New Mexico High Performance Building Ordinance is the article below indicating how local building codes "...are fast becoming the Titans in the battle against climate change."
To get an idea of the numbers involved in energy use by buildings and sectors, see http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pzrff2j0rl2yXwUi...
As always, please contact Sage West Consultants principals with your questions.
See http://gristmill.grist.org/print/2008/7/8/15370/78756?s... for additional tabular information and guest comments on the article below.
-- Bill Brown for Sage West Consultants
www.nmglobalwarming.com
Read Ed Mazria's essay at link below.
http://gristmill.grist.org/print/2008/7/8/15370/78756?s...
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From TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com
where everyday, is, and always has been, Earth Day. TouchArt's friend Bill Brown up in Taos, New Mexico sent this good news from green architect and visionary Santa Fean Ed Mazria o... more -
Billy Warsoldier - Indian Artist and Philosopher
Check out this documentary video of our old friend Billy Soza Warsoldier.
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A short doc about the painter Billy Warsoldier. Commissioned by the Riverside Metropolitan Museum (Riverside, CA) 2006.
DV/Sound/For Monitor Loop in Gallery.
Contact Billy Warsoldier: http://warsoldierartwork.com/
Contact Riverside Metropolitan Mueseum: http://riversideca.gov/museum/
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From TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com
where we've known Billy Warsoldier and his art since
Charleen Touchette was relentless to get Billy's art
included in the book THE SWEET GRASS LIVES ON
in the late 1970s. Check out this documentary video of our old friend Billy Soza Warsoldier. __________________________ ... more -
White Earth Tribal Council Mission and Vision
The Mission of the White Earth Tribal Council is:
To preserve, promote and enhance our quality of life.
The Vision of the White Earth Tribal Council is:
The White Earth Tribal Council will be a proactive organization that makes sound decisions promoting mino-bimahdiziwin (the good life).
The White Earth Reservation will be a safe place where all people have access to quality employment, housing, education, health and human services. While we protect our inherent right to self-governance and identity, we are a community of respect where cultural, historical, and environmental assets are treasured and conserved for future generations.
Go to www.whiteearth.com for more on the White Earth Tribal Council.
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From TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com
where we love the people, lakes and forests of White Earth,
Minnesota. The Mission of the White Earth Tribal Council is: To preserve, promote and enhance our quality of life. ... more -
New NASA website focuses on global climate change
A new website from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., is devoted to educating the public about Earth's changing climate. The Global Climate Change website provides easy-to-understand information about the causes and effects of climate change and how NASA studies it.
Highlights of the new website include:
- A continuously updated snapshot of our planet's health, built from NASA data on such climate indicators as the condition of Earth's ice sheets, global average temperatures, sea level change and concentrations of key greenhouse gases.
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Great resource for schools as well. A new website from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., is devoted to educating the public about Earth's chan... more -
Can we end world hunger?
Nearly one billion people on earth go hungry every day, and solving this hunger now proves even more difficult as the long era of cheap food appears to be over.They simply cannot find food, or afford to buy it when they do find it. There is no greater condemnation of the present international system than the shocking disparity between the groaning tables of the rich and the heroic struggle of the world’s poor to feed their children a few scraps of food, even once a day.Can the problem be solved? Evidently, not any time soon.The present crisis - which has sparked food riots from Haiti to Egypt to Bangladesh, and caused several countries to ration food and ban food exports - is the result of two opposing trends: Farm productivity has slowed down while, at the same time, demand for food has risen sharply, driving prices skywards.Not only are there more mouths to feed in the world, but in countries like China a new middle class is no longer content with the simple diet of the past. It wants to consume more proteins, such as meat and milk. It wants to eat like the Americans.A third reason is that vast agricultural regions - principally in the United States and Brazil - have been converted from producing food to producing raw material for biofuels. This year, the US biofuel industry is estimated to have devoured one-third of the US corn crop. Brazil uses vast amounts of sugarcane to produce ethanol, thus becoming the world’s second producer of biofuels after the US. Whatever the complex reasons for the crisis, world leaders have suddenly awakened to the fact that the era of abundant and cheap food of the past 30 or 40 years is now definitely over. Increasingly, investors - including Arab investors from the Gulf - are turning their attention towards Africa, where the possibility exists to create mega-farms on tens of thousands of hectares of arable land. High food commodity prices are creating tempting opportunities for corporations and sovereign wealth funds.In the world in which we live, apparently, financial greed may, in the end, be the way to put food on the poor man’s table.
Source: Patrick Seale, a leading British writer on the Middle East. Nearly one billion people on earth go hungry every day, and solving this hunger now proves even more difficult as the long era of chea... more -
Fill your car with oil from bugs
To be more precise: the genetic alteration of bugs – very, very small ones – so that when they feed on agricultural waste such as woodchips or wheat straw, they do something extraordinary. They excrete crude oil.Unbelievably, this is not science fiction Mr Pal holds up a small beaker of bug excretion that could, theoretically, be poured into the tank of a giant Lexus SUV . Not that Mr Pal is willing to risk it just yet. He gives it a month before the first vehicle is filled up on what he calls “renewable petroleum”. After that, he grins, “it’s a brave new world.Mr Pal is a senior director of LS9, one of several companies in or near Silicon Valley that have spurned traditional high-tech activities such as software and networking and embarked instead on an extraordinary race to make $140-a-barrel oil (£70) from Saudi Arabia obsolete.What is most remarkable about what they are doing is that instead of trying to reengineer the global economy – as is required, for example, for the use of hydrogen fuel – they are trying to make a product that is interchangeable with oil. The company claims that this “Oil 2.0” will not only be renewable but also carbon negative – meaning that the carbon it emits will be less than that sucked from the atmosphere by the raw materials from which it is made.The main problem is: although LS9 can produce its bug fuel in laboratory beakers, it has no idea whether it will be able produce the same results on a nationwide or even global scale.“Our plan is to have a demonstration-scale plant operational by 2010 and, in parallel, we’ll be working on the design and construction of a commercial-scale facility to open in 2011,” says Mr Pal, adding that if LS9 used Brazilian sugar cane as its feedstock, its fuel would probably cost about $50 a barrel. To be more precise: the genetic alteration of bugs – very, very small ones – so that when they feed on agricultural waste such as wood... more
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