By the End of the Century, Half of All Species Will be Extinct: Does That Matter?

Populations of animals, plants, and tress are becoming so small that are susceptible to small disasters such as flooding, severe thunderstorms, etc. Scientists have estimated that species are becoming extinct at a rate of one species per million per year. Today we are living among the sixth greatest extinction. Throughout the 20th century the causes of extinction such as: habitat degradation, overexploitation, agricultural monocultures, human-born invasive species, human-induced climate-change, have increased exponentially. The problem with this is that most people have no idea that this is occurring. What does this mean to us as humans? Biologists believe that mass extinction poses a threat to human existence. It is our duty to help save these species and put the world back together. The world before us suffered at least five mass extinctions, and was threatening to human existence. Our treatment of nature is just wrong. The destruction of habitats is increasingly a problem as development throughout the world is booming. It is up to us humans to save the species of flora and fauna that are being threatened today. If not, after the end of the century there will be a whole new species of flora and fauna, unrecognizably different from that existing today.

To read more on the extinction of more than half of existing species: http://news.independent.co.uk/environment/article2494659.ece

Unusual April Weather Suggests Global Warming Threat is Closer Than We Think

From previous years and experience with the weather, does April's weather seem out of the ordinary to you? Well, some researchers suggest that the hotter and drier days that we have experienced in April are a result of the ever-present threat of global warming. Meterologists have reported the temperatures in April to be 8-10 degrees (Centigrade) higher than normal April temperatures should be. Not only is this trend evident in the U.S.A., but also in other parts of the world. The higher temperatures have lead to increased glacial melting, and in return, higher water levels in rivers and lakes. Some parts of the world are experiencing heat waves, and wildfires because of extremely high temperatures and dryness. Ecologists are suggesting that we alter the way we live in order to alleviate the pressures that global warming is providing. The question is: Do you think that you can have an impact on global warming? Is there a particular lifestyle that you are willing to forfeit in order to provide a slim chance of reducing global warming? These are questions that need to be asked. Global warming seems so distant from us, yet it is increasingly getting closer!

If you want to read more on global warming check out this website: http://www.worldecology.com/

New Bioplastic Could be Very Beneficial

Producers have developed a new bioplastic, called Mirel, that is made from a form of bacteria that can be mended to produce plastic or hard crystalline. The great thing about Mirel is that there are several different microbes that feed on the bacteria and decompose it more readily than other types of bacteria. There is already a bioplastic availabe to consumers, however, it only breaks down in industrial compost facilities. Mirel is biodegradable in soil, oceans, and wetlands. This is extremely beneficial to the environment, considering the amount of plastic that consumers use worldwide. Bioplastic would pose a minimal threat to the environment and help protect plants and animals threatened by the effects of incorrectly disposed plastics.

Celebrating Earth Day

April 22, 2007, was a great day to appreciate and celebrate the Earth! However, like so many other holidays, we call special attention to the Earth for one day, and the day after it's practically forgotten and we go back to life as "normal". In the case of Earth day, we concern ourselves with the well being of ecology for one day in particular, and then go back to life as wasteful. We, as human beings, have the resolve to work on issues such as global warming, toxic waste, agricultural mismanagement and wetlands destruction, before they become uncontrollable and we overwhelm ourselves to the fact that future generations will live out their lives in a drastically impoverished world. Local participation is critically important in improving our world today. Also, National participation is equally important in global issues that need to be respected and taken care of. So, this year take the time after the celebration of such a wonderful relationship we can have with the Earth, and plan a way that you can give back to the world that gives so much to you!

View of Global Warming from a Non-Scientist

After reading an article on MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17997788/site/newsweek/) and another article from a nonscientist (http://www.savaspublishing.com/02-25-07.html), I have varied opinions on global warming. I agree that global warming is something that should be studied and monitored, however it should not be taken out of its content. Ecologists are using global warming as a way to get people in tuned to the impact of their lifestyle choices. I do not fully believe that I personally have an impact on global warming, but I am willing to change certain lifestyles that are believed to be harmful to the environment. It is my duty as a human being to respect the Earth that I live on for future generations. In order to understand the full effects of global warming, researchers and scientists will have to use substantial data, other than weather patterns, to prove the soon coming effects to our environment. I learned something interesting about CFC's and the environment. For a while, scientists posed a threat of CFC's affecting the increasing risk of global warming. The argument was that CFC's rise into the atmosphere and assist in the greenhouse effect. This is striking to me because the density of CFC's is so great that it is almost impossible for them to affect the atmosphere. Upon further investigation, scientists had to rethink their argument and gather further data on CFC's. I think that this needs to be done with global warming. In the meantime, it does not hurt to alter one's lifestyle for the better of the environment!

Ways to Cut Down on Carbon

Scientists have released ways of cutting down on carbon. If you really want to help save the planet, try some of the following alternatives:
(1) Refresh the Fridge and Freezer
Defrost and keep coils dust free. Dirt increases energy use by up to 30 per cent. Cool and cover foods before storing. Replace damaged door seals — they let the heat in.
(2) Rest the Tumble Dryer
(3) Bypass the Bin
Imagine not being able to chuck anything out for a week and watching the food and packaging waste piling up on your nice kitchen floor. Now hold that thought, start recycling all glass, paper, cardboard, cans and plastic and avoid buying overpackaged food that needs a bodybuilder to wrestle it open. If you have a garden, try composting all that food waste.
(4) Sitting Room
Train yourself to turn off those little lights twinkling on your hibernating TV, DVD player, computer or hi-fi. Make yourself some SWITCH ME OFF stickers to label different appliances as a reminder.
(5) Bedrooms
Pile extra blankets on the bed, get out those PJs and turn the heating off at night. During the day, turn your thermostat down by 1 degree C and shed some serious carbon weight.
(6) Choose the Shower
An average bath uses 80 litres (16 buckets) of water, a five-minute shower only 35 litres. It’s also easier to share a shower.

These are just a few of the countless ways that you could help save the planet. To get more ideas and advice, check out this website: http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/body_and_soul/article1689439.ece

Night-Shining Clouds could be a Sign of Climate Change

Fifty miles above Earth's surface, silvery-blue clouds are present. These clouds have been increasing recently in possible relation to increase in carbon dioxide and methane emissions from human activity on Earth. Because the clouds are increasing in brightness, scientists are concerned with the well-being of the mesosphere, a small portion of the atmosphere. The clouds are said to be made up on tiny ice crystals, and present in the coldest region of the Earth's atmosphere. The significance of the ice crystals is that greenhouse gases like CO2 that warm Earth's lower atmosphere also cool the mesosphere, possibly enhancing conditions for ice crystal formation. CO2 emissions are linked to these clouds and could be another possible outlet for studying global warming, and finding answers to difficult questions.

More information about these beautiful, yet disconcerting clouds can be found at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070410131926.htm