STOP GLOBAL WARMING

Global Warming - Will God Help Us Solve The Problem?

2008-08-23T04:39:00.000-07:00

Orange Groves on the East coast, Palm trees in New Jersey, where is God’s hand in all of this? Are we going to end up like a bunch of fried Bananas?

According to the latest scientific evidence revealed by ABC News and featured in Time Magazine recently, the world we live in may be warming at a dangerously rapid rate due to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide, and other man made pollutants. Glaciers are melting and our shorelines are in danger of being overrun by water. What else would they be overrun with? At the same time, the sun it is hypothesized, is dying. Well, which is it, are we going to burn up or freeze to death?

Climate change is out of the closet and no longer the stepchild of a minority of do-good environmentalists. Today almost everybody is worried about global warming. What is so bad about things heating up? Are people worried that we are creating an environment more friendly to the devil than to God? I for one am not worried about it. I have faith that God will come to our rescue and save us from ourselves. We may be the cause of carbon emissions, but God is the source of all carbon elements. Thank God for God. Where would we carbon-based elements be without God’s inspiration?

What would be so bad about having fresh orange groves or banana plants growing in New York? Perhaps they could supply the fresh juice some Eastern liberal establishments need to develop a more centered philosophy on the environment as it relates to the economics of an expanding gross national product due to the fruits of our labor. Although over the last fifty years the East has been cooler and the West warmer. There is no evidence to suggest that this anomaly is part of an Eastern liberal conspiracy against the conservative leanings of our heartland or that the trend won’t reverse itself, but then there is no evidence to the contrary. On the other hand if we burn up or freeze to death what will it matter? Who is going to be around to enjoy a man made prosperity whatever the political origins of the underlying economic boom are?

I think it’s all a matter of allowing evolution to take place under God’s good grace. Let’s not underestimate God’s grand design or His capacity to reinvigorate and keep our environment safe for all of humanity. As even the most brilliant of scientists will admit, there are some things we just don’t understand. I believe that there are some things we just have to take on faith.

I was wondering the other day what would be so terrible if the average temperature in the world increased by fifteen degrees over a ten-year period of time. This would mean that in some places we could fry eggs on the sidewalk without the benefit of using cooking gas or electric ovens. Stop and think about how much fuel consumption this warming trend would save.. How much could we then reduce heating fuel emissions into the atmosphere by burning less fossil fuel? Maybe global warming is a self-correcting problem. What would be so bad about having palm trees and coconuts grow in New Jersey. I love coconuts. And as far as our shore lines eroding, I thought we could all use more water to help make the planet flourish. Maybe this is God’s way of improving our natural habitat so that it will offer us a more human friendly environment to say nothing of the aquatic wonders it might do for the diminishing swarms of fish we use to feed ourselves with.

Now lets turn to this big deal people are making about a hole forming in the stratosphere or the ionosphere -- I always get my spheres of influence mixed up -- and the potential danger that ozone depletion in the atmosphere poses to human life due to ultra violet ray poisoning etcetera. Maybe it is time some of us grow a thicker skin and stop worrying about the effect of climate changes in the atmosphere that only God can control. Let’s not forget the potential of the Sun dying. Although none of us reading this article will be around to see it happen, I sure have a ray of hope and do believe that God has taken that possibility into account. Again I am not worried. I firmly believe that God has the capacity to effect change. I hope and pray that my great, great, great, great grandchildren are around to experience the kindness and mercy of His actions.

I think we would all be better served to worry about the catastrophic consequences that nuclear annihilation poses to our society. If we don’t stop nuclear proliferation we may all end up living on oranges, coconuts, and bananas again. That would surely eliminate the freezone emissions from refrigerators and automobile air conditioners, but would definitely put a crimp in any travel arrangements we had in mind in our gas guzzling SUVs as well as eliminate the need for food storage except possibly in caves. Is the return of the primitive within us just around the corner?

At the risk of sounding glib, what’s to worry? We are all in God’s hands. Whatever happens it is His will. I do think that there is a chance that God will give us the inspiration to see the error of our ways before it becomes necessary for Him to make all the adjustments necessary for our survival Himself. Have you thought about asking God how hot it is going to get around here before we come to our senses and start protecting our environment not only from global warming, but also from the threat of nuclear devastation?

By: Arthur Levine

Plastic Pollution And The Plight Of The Planet

2008-08-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

By negligently discarding plastic items, especially plastic water bottles, fishing gear and plastic bags, people are unknowingly causing the deaths of millions of mammals, fish, birds and reptiles each and every year. We defile the face of the earth with plastic refuse creating waterway contamination.

Since the invention of plastic earlier this century, it has become a popular material used in a wide variety of unique and innovative applications. Plastic is used to make, or wrap around, many of the items we buy or use. The problem comes when we no longer want these items and how we dispose of them, particularly the throwaway plastic material used in wrapping or packaging. Plastic is handy, lightweight and easily discarded. Too easily discarded.

Plastics are utilized because they are easy and inexpensive to manufacture, strong and durable. Regrettably these same useful characteristics make plastic an overwhelming pollution problem. Inferior quality and low cost means plastic is readily discarded. Plastics take around 300 years to photo degrade. Its long life assures it survives in the environment for extended periods where it can do great harm. Because plastic does not easily decompose and requires high energy ultra-violet light to break down, the volume of plastic waste in the world's oceans is steadily increasing. Plastic is now found in virtually all the oceans and rivers of the world, even the most remote and once pristine.

American oceanographer Charles Moore reports the volume of plastic pollution in the worlds oceans is so extensive it's beyond cleaning up. A toxic plastic mass of refuse double the size of Texas swirls in the waters of the Pacific Ocean between San Francisco and Hawaii. There the crew found that the water contained six parts of plastic for every part plankton, with a five fold increase in the amount of plastic between 1997 and 2007.

Annually approximately 500 billion plastic bags are used worldwide. That is an unconscionable amount of waste, so much that more than one million bags are used every minute and their impact on the planet is devastating. Plastic bags are only part of the problem. America alone, produces in excess of 800,000 tons of plastic bottle pollution every year, and the amount is growing. World-wide our precious planet is defaced and poisoned with more than 100 million tons of plastic pollution annually.

According to California Costal Commission, over 80 per cent of refuse within waterways, most of it being plastic, originates on land rather than coming from boats.

Fish, shellfish, sea birds and all other forms of aquatic life require a delicate balance of oxygen, nutrients and clean water to survive. Even small quantities of toxic products in the water can disrupt this balance, with long-lasting effects. Plastic pollution affects marine wildlife in deadly ways: entangling creatures and by being consumed.

Turtles are particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution. All seven of the world's turtle species are already endangered or threatened for a multitude of reasons. Turtles become entangled in fishing nets, and many sea turtles have been found dead with plastic garbage bags in their stomachs. Studies indicate turtles mistake these floating semi-transparent bags for jellyfish and eat them. The turtles die an inhumane death from choking or from being unable to eat. A turtle carcass found off the coast Hawaii had more than 1000 pieces of plastic in its stomach including part a toy truck wheel, a broken comb and lank of nylon rope.

There is great environmental concern about the effect of plastic trash on all marine mammals. These elegant creatures are already under threat for a variety of other reasons. Seal and whale populations have been decimated by unregulated hunting. A recent study concluded that in excess of 100,000 marine mammals die needlessly each year from the lethal effects of plastic pollution alone.

Worldwide over 100 bird species are known to ingest plastic particles. This includes more than 35 species located off the coast of South Africa. A recent study of blue petrel hatchlings at South Africa's remote Marion Island showed that 90 per cent of the baby chicks examined had plastic in their digestive systems, apparently fed to them accidentally by their parents. South Africa seabirds are the highest affected seabird population in the world. Plastics remain in the bird's digestive systems, impeding digestion and causing starvation.

Scientific studies are not conclusive about how much plastic birds and fish are ingesting, however scientist agree that plastic toxins in seafood are likely to be harmful when eaten by humans. Plastic is compared with toxic materials such as mercury.

Plastic acts like an absorbent sponge when in contact with poisons such as PCBs, concentrating them at levels that are millions of time more toxic than those found in uncontaminated in seawater.

The ingredients in plastic have been linked to cancer and reproductive abnormalities. Bisphenol A, found in plastic water bottles, has been shown to produce cancer in lab rats, to disrupt hormone levels and is associated with diabetes and obesity.

Scientists also voice concerns that these massive swirls of floating plastic could contribute to global warming by creating a dense shade canopy that makes it difficult for plankton to grow.

Let's look at a few ways where together we can make a difference.

The crisis of plastic pollution demands urgent study and action. Business should be encouraged to reduce the amount of plastic used in packaging and to re-cycle.

Plastic wrapping and bags should be required to carry a warning label advising of the dangers of plastic pollution and shoppers should be encouraged to use earth friendly shopping bags of organic, natural materials or recycled plastic fibers. Please tell this to our law makers. The situation only continues to worsen. We must act now!

Support re-cycling programs and promote environmental awareness in your local community. Be pro-active in asking governments to make changes and consumers to re-think their attitudes. Set an example to your family, friends, fellow workers and neighbors. Volunteer for neighborhood clean up projects, be involved.

Purchase products that minimize the amount of plastic packaging and inform store management why you are doing so. Together we can speak with a loud voice when we speak with our dollars.

Choose to drink tap or carbon filtered water from a glass lined reusable container. If you do purchase plastic bottles, dispose of the container properly. Please recycle.

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. ~Native American Proverb

With the increase in environmental awareness, it has become obvious that there is more that we can do to create a sustainable society. If everyone of us would take a few tiny steps, make a few different choices and consciously consider our impact on the planet, there might be a way to restore the world to its original beauty and resources.

by Marlene Affeld

If the War on Terror Does not Get the International Terrorists, Global Warming Will

2008-08-13T03:06:00.000-07:00

Everyone in the world must be afraid and everyone must fear something. Unfortunately, I fear nothing and I'm laughing at the rest of the world caught in fear and simply do not understand all these humans running around with their virtual Hair on fire; it is all sound and fury and contrived chaos and controversy spurred on by mass media hysteria.

If the international terrorists do not get us then global warming will say the Democrats. But if that is true then if the war on terror does not get the international terrorists then global warming will get them to. And since global warming will kill everybody say the Democrats then may I ask why are we worried about anything?

I don't know about you, but it appears to me that it must be election time again because we are told to pick which fear we fear most and then vote for the party and politicians who have promised to alleviate that fear and solve all of our problems. The only problem with that is that government has never been able to solve any problem, ever.

So just because the Democrats say global warming is the biggest fear and if they are elected they will solve the global warming issue does not mean that a bunch ants running around on the surface of the planet can change something that will happen on such a large-scale. It would be like a bunch of head lice trying to put out a fire on top of your head.

The whole thing is utterly ridiculous and super silly. At least the Republicans are going after the international terrorists in the war on terror and have actually prevented any attacks on US soil since 9/11. They have therefore proved the mean business and are busy protecting the American people, which last time I checked was government's number one responsibility.

So, I think I will vote for the Republicans because they know how to protect us and I am not going to vote for the Democrats because is all they want to do is destroy the economy by raising taxes and make us all fear global warming, which they would not be able to solve anyway, even if it were real. So, do not bother to vote for the Democrats, they are the ones blowing the real smoke trying to warm the global citizen into voting for them. Consider this in 2006.

By Lance Winslow

The Coming Ice Age and the Ethanol Trend Mistake

2008-08-13T02:49:00.000-07:00

One interesting thing about Earth warming cycles is that they cause evaporation and that means more clouds in the sky and water droplets blocking the sun. Meaning that global warming can precede global cooling - what is global cooling or global dimming?

Well, that is what the Global Warming alarmists forgot to tell you. Volcanic Activity in the ocean can cause increased ocean temps, changes of water currents and conveyor belts of cool water and even particulate in the atmosphere, which can cause clouds to form also, and also block the sun.

Now then, if Global Warming is real or if we are ending a high-temp phase, which comes right before a global cooling period, or ice age? Ah ha, so you have heard about this then? Well, if we have an ice age, we are totally in trouble if we think we will grow our own fuel using ethanol strategies. And can you imagine the price spikes, $100 per barrel for oil might be looking rather cheap in the future.

If we are entering a cooling period or ice age, well, then we need to ramp up our industrial capacity now, and build stronger facilities and infrastructure, not tear it down. Why, because everything will change, people will migrate to different regions and things simply will not be same or easy going like it is during a warming period, period. Heating fuel, food supply and all sorts of other issues will challenge mankind's existence and it is not as if it has not happened before. They call this the natural climate cycle, not global warming. Think on it.

By Lance Winslow

Pollution Prevents Global Warming?

2008-08-09T22:11:00.000-07:00

Are the Global Warming alarmists all washed up in their own acid rain? A couple of new research papers seem to indicate that pollution prevents Global Warming as it prevents the sun from getting through and heating up the concrete in cities which causes Urban Heat. Well, there is much more to the report than just that, you'll have to read it all for yourself.

The evidence is pretty overwhelming that the scientist "do not" agree that Global Warming, which by definition means that it is being caused by human pollution output of CO2, is real. This new evidence seems to indicate that additional pollution will indeed, slow climate change or heating of the Earth, even during times of severe solar activity. But is this report true?

Apparently, the team of scientists who worked on this research and report have proof, unlike Al Gore's "Inconvenient" movie, in which he received a Nobel Prize for. If pollution is preventing Global Warming and if the Earth's atmosphere really is heating up uncontrollably then maybe it is time that all nations start paying Beijing royalty payments for polluting the air, which then is blown by the trade winds around the world.

No one should be surprised by all this. 300-years ago we had the mini-ice age, in the 1950s it was hotter than hell, in the 1970s scientists believed we were entering an ice age again, and today, well, it's back to the climate change issue again, this time we are calling it Global Warming. At this point one would have to ask the question, what makes you so sure you are right this time?

By Lance Winslow

10 Alternate Energy Sources To Live Well With Global Warming.

2008-08-02T23:25:00.000-07:00

Feeling hot under the collar?

Glaciers and polar ice are melting, ocean levels are rising, hot, dry weather, huge forest fires, water restrictions, crop failures...

You name it, if these don't feature in your life yet, they soon will. Global warming and climate change are facts of life now, according to the International Panel on Climate Change, and many scientists.

Huge problems beyond our control!

But are you hot under the collar?

If you're not, you probably live in a city where half of the Earth's citizens live now and take much for granted. Because in city living we are far removed from natural processes that deliver our food, clothing and energy.

Does your child even know that milk comes from a cow - or a soya bean if you're that way inclined - and not from a milk carton?

Even in the city you cannot stick your head in the sand (or under the asphalt?) and you are not immune from climate change. Witnesses are the 15,000 mostly elderly people that died in Paris alone in the sizzling hot European summer of 2003. Or the many killed in New Orleans at the 'hands' of cyclone Katrina.

And if you are hot under the collar, do you think perhaps that there will be some miraculous scientific break-through so they ever-responsible 'They' will fix the Earth? The ultimate stem cell technology maybe that can clone a new home for us!

Seriously, for many of us it is just all too hard.

All we want is to live a life where we may raise our children to have a future.

A future of some predictability: of schooling, a job, a family, community, of achievements and an enjoyable life - on a healthy planet Earth.

Is this a fading dream, once a reasonable expectation?

Maybe, maybe not.

Our world is changing. There are great challenges ahead and it is too late to stop global warming. The Earth has changed and the processes it uses to regulate itself are adjusting themselves. And these changes will not suit human life as it is.

But you are not powerless.

Each person alone can change the world, one by one. Let me explain.

Do I say that these problems are under our control then?

Well, yes and no.

We are talking about a severely disabled world really.

And from the experience of disability we can learn how to survive and thrive!

"Come on, get real", you say? Do I hear: "Just show me the right alternate energy sources and we'll get out of this mess."

Yes, we desperately do need to switch to renewable energy sources that do not make a greenhouse out of our home, the Earth. But all the technology in the world will never be enough to survive and flourish.

Renewable energy sources alone will not teach us to accept limits, unpredictability and what it is to lead a rewarding life.

How we have lived collectively, in our billions, for the last few hundred years, has got us to this point. And by changing what we do we can live through climate change as best as we might.

Even now.

It's simple and it's hard work. No way out of that.

Many people with severe disabilities know this. And they report the same or better life satisfaction as anyone else--under highly challenging, vulnerable circumstances.

So, we can learn to live well in a disabled world.

Regardless of what is to come you and I will be well served by the beliefs and strategies that people with disabilities use to - not just to survive - but to live well.

These are true alternate energy sources.

Those that guide us how to use what we have sustainably.

These 'disabled people' believe this:

* Accept that all of us are fragile and vulnerable

* The world is full of limits. We need some of these to live well

* Vulnerability and dependence are an inevitable part of a whole life

* No-one is independent, but interdependent

* Connection with others is our lifeline and our wellbeing

And they do this:

* Engage with others to build positive relationship, where you live, work and play

* Pay attention to other's needs and that of the environment

* Take responsibility for the situation you're in

* Care for others and the environment competently

* Be assertive and use your humour and creativity

Not all people with disabilities act in this way of course. And I'd be the last to portray people with disabilities as heroes. We're just people - trying to get on.

You try that!

Talk to that elderly woman in your street. Offer a hand when someone needs it.

Doing such small things will connect you with others and your environment.

And do also use the 'regular' renewable alternate energy sources, and recycle too.

You can change your local world by acting in these ways.

And if all fails - regardless?

Well, it's the only way to go!

Perhaps your world might be just as hot but it'll be cooler under your collar!

By: Erik Leipoldt

The Effects Global Warming May Have On Our Planet

2008-08-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

While many realize that global warming is occurring on our planet, few understand the implications that this may have on our way of life. These rising global temperatures are going to cause a host of changes on our planet, and we need to act now or prepare to adjust to some very profound changes.

First, these rising temperatures present a huge threat to our ice-caps. Layers of ice that have not melted for thousands of years are beginning to break apart and fall into the ocean. One of the biggest ice sheets on the planet, located on Greenland, is at a great risk of splitting apart and falling into the ocean. While it doesn't sound like too big of a deal, the loss of the Greenland ice sheet will cause catastrophic circumstances world wide. The world's sea level is expected to rise as much as 23 feet when the sheet falls, and that spells disaster for the coastal cities that represent some of the largest and most important centers of trade and commerce across the planet. Manhattan would be sunk; much of Florida would be underwater, and that's not even to mention the worldwide consequences. Every area of the globe would be affected by this rising of sea levels, and the disaster caused would make hurricane damage seem like a blessing. Millions of refugees from the coastal cities will be without home or workplace; it would be one of the hugest human issues ever faced in our history. The changing of the climate could also affect a host of circumstances on our planet; crop yields can be affected by the rising temperatures, which would also pose significant problems to a planet of refugees. Much of the land may become barren due to the effects of temperature change, and we may find some of our most arable lands subject to the effects of soil erosion, and eventually, a transition into desert land. Also, water supplies, forests, and plant and animal life would be affected by the planet's changes, and we may not be able to see how significant these changes may affect our lives until they are already upon us. For that reason, it's important that we increase our knowledge of global warming, and do our best to prevent it in the coming years. While it may have adverse affects on our economy and our way of life, we owe it to our children to give them a peaceful, safe planet to grow up in.

By: Kadence Buchanan

Global Warming And What You Can Do

2008-08-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

Global warming is a problem faced by our entire society . Regardless of race, ethnicity, homeland, gender, and age, we are all responsible for helping our planet through this tough time. Soon, global warming will reach a tipping point in which there will be nothing that we can do to stop its harmful effects. By doing your part as a concerned citizen, there are some simple changes that you can make to help decrease the damage that you are doing to the planet's climate. Many things that you do in your every day life contribute to global warming, from making your morning commute to simply turning on a light switch. As a country, America produces the most greenhouse gases per year on the planet. It has been shown that the average American contributes 6.6 tons of greenhouse gas per year. These emissions have only increased since the early nineties, and we need to act now to help save our planet?

What can you do to help decrease your greenhouse emissions? By simply changing a few things in your lifestyle, you can help to decrease your greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 12,280 pounds per year. Following are some tips to helping the planet:

When buying electronic equipment, look for the ENERGY STAR label. These devices limit the use of power, thereby allowing you to cut consumption at least a little bit. Computers, fax machines, copy machines, and various other pieces of home office equipment can be found that are ENERGY STAR compliant.

Insulating your home can both reduce your energy bill and help the planet by using less power.

Fluorescent lights or ENERGY STAR lights can be purchased to bring down your electricity need.

Use low flow faucets in both your shower and your sink. If you can't purchase a new toilet, placing a brick in the back of your toilet tank can cut down on the amount of water used in your toilet, saving water.

When relocating, try to find a job close to your home. The very act of commuting is one of the biggest problems with global warming that we face, with suburban employees making hour-long commutes, draining our planet's oil supply and increasing greenhouse emissions. By carpooling 2 days a week, you can cut your greenhouse emissions by 1,590 pounds per year!

When purchasing a new vehicle, look for one with a high miles-per-gallon rating. Hybrids are ideal, but any car that consumes less gas is recommended.

By: Kadence Buchanan