Freeway or Wetlands

As of this morning the United States Enviormental Protection Agency (EPA) is recommending the state to deny a wetlands permit to build a new freeway to Myrtle Beach. There are some positives to a new freeway: easier access to the beach, shorter travel times, tourisim increase, and more jobs. But the cons out weigh the pros in the situation. The freeway would be built over and fill two-hundred seventy-two wetlands. This would cover a large portion of the Little Pee Dee River and Lake Swamp. Both are habitats for many organisims native to South Carolina and do not need to be destroyed. The new freeway would also cross a large nature preserve on the Little Pee Dee, black bear and a variety of bird species live along that area and the free way would rid them of their homes.
In my eyes the EPA is completely right here and the state needs to follow their word. Access to Myrtle Beach is already easy, the roads are plentiful; though a new freeway would create more jobs, I do not believe it is necessary or worth all the loss. I remember the Lake Wylie area before all the new buildings and larger roads were here and I would not like to see the entire state turn into booming towns and cities that branch off of freeways. Maybe some letters should be written or something should be done

http://www.heraldonline.com/2011/05/04/3038776/epa-fights-beach-freeway-denies.html

American Pika Falling Victim to Climate Change

American pika extinction rates have increased over the past ten years as a result of global climate change, according to a new study published in Global Change Biology. After 110 years of analyzing data on pika distribution, researchers are finding that the American pika's distribution throughout the Great Basin is changing at an increasingly rapid rate. They are retreating to higher attitudes. The American pika, a small, hamster-like animal of the rabbit family, commonly lives on rocky slopes and lava flows throughout the western U.S. This endearing mammal is well-adapted to cold climates, with dense, silky fur. However, it is very sensitive to changes in the climate, and if pikas are unable to seek shelter, hot temperatures can lead to mortality. During the 20th Century the American pika's range moved up about 13 meters per decade. After examining pika population extinctions over the past 110 years, it has become clear that nearly half of extinction events in the Great Basin have occurred since 1999. This is just another example of how global warming is affecting animals. I think it is really sad. I don’t know how many wake-up calls people need to understand their impact on the environment and the animals that we share this world with.

Solar panels in California

There has been talk of putting solar panels in a dried up lake in California.  The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) turned Owens Lake in California in to a dust bowl, at the same time creating one of the biggest polluters in the U.S.  That part of the country is said to have “the best sun in the country”.  The Department of water and power is hoping to turn the dried up lake into one of the world’s biggest source of solar power. They plan to do this by putting up to eighty square miles of giant solar panels across the lake and on some flat lands nearby. 

As usual with every big decision there are some skeptics.  Some of the skepticism comes from long history of arguments over land and water rights in the area.  Although Mark Bagley, a member of the Owens Valley Committee said, “But it’s promising if it’s done right, the right way.”  In order for there to be an agreement the DWP has to prove that the solar panels will prevent a number of wind-blown dust storms that have been happening since the lake dried up in 1929.  The Ted Schade pollution control district told the Times that in order for the panels to be put in place, the DWP must show that they will slow the wind from 60 mph to 15 mph.   There is an air bourn pollutant that comes from the cracks in the lake, it is called PM10 dust.  The DWP has spent $500 million already trying to control the pollutant, by covering ground with vegetation or a few inches of water in some places. 

I think that these solar panels are a really good idea, and if done right they could help save people and it’s a great way to use the resources that are there.  

Rare Rhinos on the Rise

Recently, rhinos in Nepal have been increasing in numbers.  There are now 534 rhinos in Nepal, which is 99 rhinos higher than the last census in 2008.  The three-week National Rhino Census was a success.  Conservationists took a different route in counting the rhinos by riding on the backs of elephants.  Overall, the surveys were a group effort with help from both the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation of the Government of Nepal.  The Indian rhinoceros was once found throughout most of India and Pakistan, but was eventually threatened by habitat loss and the illegal trade of rhino horn.  Today, because of these threats, there are only three thousand Indian rhinos surviving in small, protected parts of India and lowland Nepal.  The threat of poaching for their horns is still very dangerous, even though the trade is illegal.  In my opinion, it’s great that the numbers of these rare rhinos has increased instead of decreased.  With the help of the government, I believe the numbers will continue to rise, and hopefully, poaching and habitat loss will decrease to help keep these animals safe.  The only way they can be helped is if there are tighter laws around them that keep their land open and protected, which has already started to happen.  Rhinos should continue to be protected so their future is not a dark one. 

Migrating Sea Turtles Pick Up More Pollution

One main thing loggerhead turtles have had to face is man-made pollution. Scientists are now questioning the extent of the risk. Research is now being conducted through blood samples from a group of male turtles to test the contamination. The group is led by Jared M. Ragland, a graduate student from Charleston, South Carolina. The group members, along with Ragland weight the turtles, took blood samples, and examined their reproductive systems. Over two months, ten of the turltes traveled north while the rest remained in Cape Canaveral. The loggerheads that migrated had higher levels of pesticides than those who remained in the same location. While it is possible the fish the migrating turtles feed on are more polluted, scientists concluded turtles that migrate naturally eat more, causing more pollution. The question of the pollution of the loggerhead turtle still remains unanswered. The males continue to have higher levels of contamination and further research is being conducted.

I believe a lot of the reason to the pollution lies with pollution created by residents around beach areas. While the scientists did find some of the pollution comes from food the turtles eat, the fish consumed were not always polluted. I believe even if we are not the primary source of the pollution, we should do all the we can to protect our waters and keep beaches clean.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/26/science/26obturtles.html?_r=1&ref=earth

Armadillos Can Giver People Leprosy

Armadillos have never been among the cuddly creatures normally included in petting zoos, but on Wednesday federal researchers offered a compelling reason to stay away from specially armed animal. They are a source of leprosy infections in humans. Researchers with the help of a genetic sequencing machine confirmed that somewhere around a third of the leprosy cases that arise annually in the United States come from when people come in contact with infected armadillos. Most of the cases are around the area of Louisiana and Texas, where they are hunted, skinned and eaten. Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is an ancient scourge that has largely disappeared. Each year about 150 to 250 people in the US and 250000 in the world contract this illness. It can be treated with antibiotics a one-to two-year regimen with three different drugs- offers an effective cure if caught early enough.

I think that this is something that needs to be addressed because if it is not then later on down the road there could an mass out break and other animals could get infected and the disease may become immune to the drugs that are used to treat this disease.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/28/health/28leprosy.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

Pesticides Tied to Lower IQ in Children

Children exposed in the womb to high levels of neurotoxic pesticides have somewhat lower IQ levels than children with virtually no exposure. Multiple studies have been done by screening women by blood and urine samples for harmful toxins. Some harmful pesticides found in bug killers were phased out by the year 2000 but are still legal for spraying on farm fields. Pesticide exposures have been found stemmed across over 300 low income Mexican-American families in California, as well as some crowded populations of New York City. The exposure most likely is traced through bug spraying of homes and eating overly treated produce. Among the California families the average IQ of the children with the most exposure was 7 points lower compared the the children with the least exposure. This is a very important topic of argument for myself personally. I find it that there should be a law aganist feeding human beings tainted produce with harmful disrupting chemicals that almost everyone is unaware of. These unknown chemicals are slowly polluting our bodies from the inside and even newborn babies come into this world with some sort of pesticide in their body. Something needs to be done to solve this unfair and unsafe problem.

http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/42621

New Sensor Glove May Help Stroke Patients Recover Mobility

People who have strokes are often left with moderate to severe physical impairments. Now, thanks to a glove, stroke patients may be able to recover hand motion by playing video games. It is designed to allow patients to exercise in their own homes with minimal supervision, while at the same time permitting doctors to monitor their progress from a distance, thus cutting down on hospital visits and costs. Patients can monitor their progress thanks to software, which will generate 3D models and display them on the screen, while at the same time sending the information to the treating physician.


http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110426122952.htm

Organic Cotton, for Fashion or Health?

The materials of clothing has drastically changed over the last couple of years, clothing can now be made out of bamboo, hemp, organic cotton, just to name a few. But organic cotton has by far been the most successful of the "green" types of clothing material. The use of organic cotton is rising rapidly, in 2001 only $245 million was spent on organic cotton, and just in 2005 it had increased to $583 million. So why choose organic cotton instead? Well, traditional cotton is still the leading choice for clothing materials, at $300 billion spent globally and yearly. But cotton has a lot of insecticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers, all used to help grow the cotton, just for the crop of cotton alone, 1/4 of the world's amount of insecticides are used. An even bigger issue, is that 7 out of the 15 pesticides (used to help aid in the growth of cotton) have been found as potential or known human carcinogens, which in the end hurts both humans and the environment. But the good news is that many new and hip designers are starting to use only organic cotton in their clothing lines, and because of peer pressure, now many more chain stores and upscale stores are using all organic cotton. Levi's, Victoria's Secret, Patagonia, are all using less and less cotton, and much more organic cotton. There are also websites that are available to the public, so that they can find what stores sell organic clothing, and how much of their clothing is organic. I think that using organic cotton is a great idea! The prices are the same, and they are equally as efficient to be grown, and grow well, they are almost equal on every level. If we can incorporate organic cotton into all clothes, I feel that the impact can only be positive.

http://environment.about.com/od/fashionandentertainment/a/organic_cotton.htm

Tigers and pumas saved from being Mexico tourist attractions

Recently in Cancun, Mexico, Mexican environmental rescuers saved 9 tigers and two pumas from a local business man who was keeping them in cages as tourist attractions. This action took about 50 federal agents and those specialized in handling wild animals to take the large animals from the man. It was decided that the animals were on their way too zoos and wildlife reserves before they were rescued. There have been several complaints made about the business man who had these animals in cages because of the way they were being taken care of and how safety procedures weren't taken to protect everyday people. Accidents had already happened, such as a man being bitten on the head and arm, so actions the action to move the cats to a better place was definitely needed. I think it is a good thing that someone cared enough to protect these animals. They are often put in captivity and it's not always right. Now that people and these cats are protected, everyone in the area is better off.

http://latino/foxnews.com/latino/lifestyle/2011/4/21/tigers-pumas-saved-mexico-tourist-attractions/

Bye Bye Rhinos

Rhinos are known by all as endangered, every species of rhino is declining at a growing rate. It has recently ben found that more than three rhinos a month are being killed and that number is slowly increasing, whic is pushing rhino poaching to a fifteen year high. In more Asian areas rhinos are being killed for only their horns, which are thought to have a medicinal value by certain Asian communities, which is completely false. Ideas passed down from generation to generation seem to say that the rhino horn can cure any sickness, or disease, even aids. These ideas explain the sudden resurgence in rhino poaching but even when confronted about the rhino horn having no aid or medicinal value the same Asian communities still seem to want it.
I personally believe more education should be brought to the areas where rhino poaching takes place to inform that there is no real value in the horns, and that the horns do not grow back. In some povertey stricken places and developing nations it is believed that the horns grow back. Something needs to happensoon to help these rhinos, because at this growing rate they will all be gone soon!

http://www.globalissues.org/article/177/nature-and-animal-conservation#DecliningNumberofRhinos

Attack on the Clean Air Act

In this article by the Union of Concerned Scientists, the questioning of whether global warming should be brought into the clean air act is under scrutiny by this pro-EPA group. A brief history, contrived or not, about how the Act has improved the quality of living for many Americans is given followed by statements made by the EPA intending to qualify 'global warming emissions' as pollution which leads to the endangerment of public health.

I find it encouraging to learn that global warming is still considered a debatable topic at the congressional level. Without this level of skepticism we would all still believe the earth is flat and was the object around which the sun revolved. First, the terminology used in the article such as 'global warming pollution' is a loaded phrase in that it implies our pollution is driving the natural process of warming and cooling of the Earth. In many cases the EPA oversteps its boundaries and limits the US economy when the same legislators who are criticizing the skeptics demand for energy independence but won't allow us to utilize our own resources, e.g., coal. However, regardless of my view the authors of the article want more power to the EPA in the name of public safety. I say let the public decide what is safe and leave the junk science to the alarmists.

Hybrids and Electrics May be in Need of a New Brother

Electric and Hybrid cars may be the wave of the future for environmental friendly cars, but they all use rare-earth metals.  With this may come a shortage in the future which would be a set back to the production of these cars.  Many sources including the New York Times, have begun to speculate if China is tightening their grip on rare earth metals already.  Prabhakar patil, CEO of battery- maker Compact power and former chief of engineer Ford’s hybrid program has recently stated how this problem was not the end all for electric cars.  His idea was there was always another way.  Toyota confirmed the lack of rare earth materials was not a major concern as of now.  Induction motors are a type of motor that do not require rare earth metals, and they’re still good for the environment.  In addition, the motor can offer higher efficiency and durability than permanent-magnet motors.  Toyota’s executive vice president for research and product development has even stated there is a new development of lighter motors with advanced batteries.  These motors would be cheaper.  In 2012, Toyota will sell the RAV4 EV compact sport-utility electric vehicle with an induction motor.  It is true that China announced it would be reducing rare earth metal exports, but this does not lessen the accomplishment of Toyota.  It is a problem that China would begin to reduce rare earth metals exports, butthe only solution is to find away around these metals.  Toyota is getting somewhere with their motors, and hopefully they will continue to do so.  Other car companies should follow their lead, and discover new ways to help the environment with the resources we have.  In my opinion, this new motor sounds like a great idea, along with the production of electric and hybrid cars.  If we can help the environment and still get what we need out of it, that is a double win for nature and mankind.  

http://www.hybridcars.com/news/toyota-developing-electric-motors-dont-need-rare-earth-metals-29238.html

We Have Failed The Wild Tiger

The head of an international wildlife says it has "failed miserably" to halt the population decline of tigers in the wild. Using tiger numbers as a proformance indicator shows that we have failed and our continuing to fail. Although the tiger has been prized throughout history, and is a symbol of importance to many religions and cultures, now it is literally on the verge of extinction. In the early 1900's tigers were found throughout Asia numbered over 100,000. Current estimates show that there are fewer than 3,200 left in the wild due to poaching. Tigers are primarily poached for their skins but almost every part of the tigers body can be used for decorative purposes. I think is unexceptable that we have so badly failed our tigers. They are an extreamly important animal to some cultures and more importantly the environment. Something needs to be done to stop poaching for good and save these incredible animals.

http://www.newsdeck.org/2010/08/we-have-failed-the-wild-tiger/

Earth Day: A Time to Celebrate

Every year in Fairhope, Alabama an Earth Day celebration is held. Many people in authority in Fairhope say they hold this fair because it helps show people that you can and have to take care of the enviornment year round. They emphasize that taking care of the enviornment helps the economy. This city's fair will showcase earth friendly products and techniques that anyone can do to help better the enviornment. The main purpose of this fair is to promote enviornmental awareness and to get people to take action. I think something like this is something that many towns should adopt. If get a lot of people to be aware of and conscious of what's going on in the enviornment then we can help protect and do things to make Earth a better place to live in.

http://www.baldwincountynow.com/articles/2011/04/12/baldwin_living/doc4d9e29ce3b216237609978.txt

Naked Penguins

Researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society at the University of Washington are trying to figure out why many more penguin chicks are being born without feathers, or lose their feathers at an early age. The researchers have just recently discovered why the penguin chicks are losing their feathers, it is because of a feather-loss disorder, which is affecting penguins from colonies in the South Atlantic. The researchers know why they are losing their feathers, but they are not entirely sure of how. What is very startling about thisaspect, is that feather-loss disorders are very uncommon in almost all species, and that the losing of the feathers seems to be spreading very quickly from penguin to penguin. The loss of feathers seems to be a side effect of some other epidemic that is sweeping through the penguin colonies, the featherless chicks are smaller in weight and size than feathered chicks, and are often less intelligent. The chicks without a insulated coat, seemed to have less common sense, standing in direct sunlight and essentially frying to death. The researchers have concluded that the loss of many penguin chick's feathers is probably due to thyroid disease, unknown pathogens, nutrient imbalances, or genetics. Penguins already face a huge list of threats, all of which are from human causes, making this cause seem less important, but the fact that penguin chicks are losing feathers, and as a result dying, is a very urgent and important situation.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110408140924.htm

Ice Loss in the Arctic

This year it is believed that more ice will melt in the arctic than ever before.  By March 7, there were 5,650,000 square miles of ice covering the arctic.  This was 463,000 less than the average ice coverage in 1979-2000, making it the lowest it has ever been.  The total ice is just a little bit bigger than Texas and California combined.  Some people may ask why this is happening.  There are some scientists believe all of the ice melting is connected to all of the green house gasses produced by humans, that is being put into the atmosphere.  Some scientists even think that in the following years the earth might reach a point where there no ice in the arctic during the summer.

The lowest levels of ice ever have been recorded over the last seven years.  A research scientist that is with the snow and ice data center, named Walt Meier said, “I’m not surprised by the new data because we’ve seen a downward trend in winter sea ice extent for some time now.” Some scientists believe that the arctic acts as a cooling agent for the whole world, by cooling air and water that pass through.  This action is essential to keeping the earth in check, and also helps with the reflecting of solar radiation back up into space.  The increased melting of ice in the summer months causes more surface area on the water for the sun to be absorbed.  This causes more warmth to be absorbed into the water creating a warmer surface temperature in the water; this makes the ice melt even faster.

This theory of excessive melting can be explained further by Walt Meier.  He states that with the rising surface temperature and increased melting of ice in the summer, the ice in turn does not have enough time catch up during the winter when it normally freezes all over again.  This is a reason of why scientists are seeing less ice in the arctic.

Some things that we could do to help the environment are to cut down on things that emit green house gasses.  This seems to be the main problem associated with ice melting.  Most automobiles, machinery, and factories have to run by emitting harmful greenhouse gasses.  Although there is not an immediate solution to the problem it is something that can be worked on to help the environment in the future.  I personally think that if this is really happening then it could be a serious problem.  There could be flooding issues and animals could die if there is no ice in the arctic to support life anymore.  There should be steps taken towards helping the environment.  After all it is where we live and want to continue living, so we should take care of what we have.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110324104143.htm

SLT Demands Mongolia Block Its Permission for Hunting Snow Leopards

Last week, the Government issued a decision permitting foreign nationalities hunting up-to four leopards for research purposes in 2011.

In connection with the Cabinet decision, Snow Leopard Network, a worldwide organization involved in snow leopard conservation, takes immediate action and sent a letter to Mongolian government asking them not to allow permits for hunting snow leopards.

In its letter, Snow Leopard Network sought Mongolian government’s support for ensuring the conservation of this highly endangered species, stressing that the entire international community has been highly concerned by reports that an official license to hunt four snow leopards has just been granted in Mongolia.

“As you are aware, the snow leopard is threatened with extinction, and is categorized as Endangered in the IUCN’s Red List. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) lists it in its SCHEDULE I, thereby prohibiting any international trade in snow leopards or its body parts” the letter reads.

I think that if the snow leopard is threatened with extinction then the people doing the research should only be able to hunt only two a year if the really needed to kill them. If it is possible for them to just tranquilize them and do their research and then let it go so the animal is not killed and is still around for it to reproduce.

http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5903&Itemid=36

America's Growing Problem: Shrinking Supplies of Crude Oil

http://http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/apr/11/peak-oil-production-supply The US military is concerned about the supply of crude oil. By 2015, they are suspecting serious shortages that have extreme political and economic impact. The price per barrel is expected to go up to $100 dollars very shortly. According to General James N Mattis, the surplus oil production capacity could entirely disappear by 2012, and by 2015 the shortfall in barrels could reach 10 million oil barrels per day! It is uncertain what economic, political and social impacts this may result in but it's important to consider switching to alternatives. This is a perfect example of demand exceeding supply and it is a scary thought. This will have major negative impacts on both developing and developed nations. The question is, where do we turn?