Climate Change Affets Biodiversity

http://www.globalissues.org/article/172/climate-change-affects-biodiversity

All throughout earth's history, the climate has always changed with the ecosystems but what will happen when rapid climate changes occur and species ablitlity to adapt become severe. This issue results in a loss in biodiversity throughout out the ecosystem. For us humans, the rapid climate change is affecting our food chain, water sources, and harder to obtain medicines that we rely on. The major concern with the climate changes is the loss of Artic sea ice which will danger the biodiversity acorss an entire biome. Frequent extreme weather events and the changing of rainfall patterns are all effects of the warming temperature.

High-Speed Rail Development in the USA

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/08/18/us.high.speed.rail/index.html?hpt=Sbin

President Obama is passing a bill that will grant $8 billion in order to build high-speed train rails throughout the United States. Citizens of the US have been limited to the use of cars, buses, and other non-environmentally friendly modes of transportation. But recently, the Department of Transportation awarded $8 billion dollars to 31 states to build these train rails. These trains woudl be state of the art, traveling at speeds up to 200mph, and would give off little to no pollution. If people used these trains instead of cars, it would save time, and cut back on CO2 emmisions. It would also create a lot of jobs, and reduce the United States' dependence on foreign oil. It's just an all around good idea.

"California Moves To Ban Plastic Bags at Grocery Stores"

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/06/02/calif-moves-ban-plastic-bags-grocery-stores/

California is trying to implicate a law banning plastic bags, costing costumers should they forget to use their own. While they are not banning the use of plastic bags costumers bring in and reuse, if they forget their own, they'll be charged and have to buy paper ones. Californians are trying to reduce the number of plastic bags that end up in unsightly places with this new law, and should it pass, they will be the first state to implement such a law. While I believe that this law could help prevent plastic bag waste, there is the issue of the plastic bags that are all ready out there polluting the environment. Also, because plastic bags are allowed if costumers bring them in, we still have the issue of plastic bag use, which could still harm the environment. While putting in this law, Californians also need to decide what to do with the plastic bags that currently exist.

Kleenex Disposal Hand Towels

The new disposable hand towels made by Kleenex, are now in stores. Kleenex had "cleanliness" in mind when they thought of these new hand towels. I also read that they are supposed to impress your guests that use your bathroom, but I don't know why, because I wouldn't be impressed by that. But they are not new. If you think about it, there are a lot of public restrooms that use paper towels. All Kleenex did, was make a large tissue, make it thicker, and called it a "Hand Towel". There are a lot of negative impacts on the environment due to these new hand towels. They are "thicker" and "softer", which means that they will be using more trees, and more forest land, just for your convinience. They are about as thick as 7 regular paper towels, but are much softer. They can be used in your kitchen, bathroom, or even garage. They come in three main colors; tan, green, and silver to match your decore in your home, and a box cost about $2.99, and consists of 60 disposable hand towels. Or you can buy in bulk, which costs about $30. These towels are a waste of natural rescources, and a waste of money, and I personally would never buy these because you really can't recycle them, and they are terrible for the enviroment.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5417692/product_review_kleenex_hand_towels.html?cat=5

Scotland creates new industry for whiskey-based biofuel for cars

http://www.ecoseed.org/en/general-green-news/renewable-energy/biofuel/other-biofuel-technologies/7816

Scientists in Scotland created a new biofeul for cars made from whiskey. It is made from the pot-ale which is a liquid that comes off the stills that will be made into butanol. This Biobutanol is said to give 30% more power than Ethanol. Martin Tangney says a blend of about 5-10% of the biofeul with diesel or petrol would make a huge difference. He also said that the feul can theoretically be used on it's own, but a company would be needed to distribute it. This new biofeul will help Scotland have it's own renewable energy goal.

"Finland Plans to Build the World's First 'Green Highway'"

Finland is planning on putting a 'green highway' that is 81 miles long. It has multiple electric charge stations for green cars. By establishing this highway, it is preparing Finland for the futre generations of eco friendly cars. Along with electric charge stations, they are also thinking about installing geothermal heat pumps; which provides information on emission levels. They are also installing smart lighting systems, which will determine on the weather and other factors that couild possibly effect the lights brightness. If this plan doesn't run into any problems, it should be constructed by 2016, costing 900 million dollars.