// EcoFeeds

PennFuture Press Releases

PennFuture Press Releases

Agreement PennFuture negotiated with Duquesne Light brings green energy projects to western Pennsylvania, building economy while greening environment

(Pittsburgh, PA – September 1, 2010) – Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) praised the investments announced today by the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) which will save more than 10 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, bring more than $200 million in private investments, and create 1400 jobs while building the state’s clean energy sector.

“These investments are good for the environment and great for our economy,” said

Source: PennFuture Press Releases PennFuture Press Releases |

PennFuture launches “Keep the Promise Tour” to alert public to need for legislative approval of Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling severance tax

(Harrisburg, PA – August 30, 2010) – Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) today announced it is launching the “Keep the Promise Tour” across Pennsylvania, holding town hall meetings to alert residents of the Keystone State to the need to make sure the Pennsylvania General Assembly passes a substantial severance tax on deep natural gas drillers in the Marcellus Shale formation. Members of the General Assembly promised to enact such a tax by October 1, as part

Source: PennFuture Press Releases PennFuture Press Releases |

Green Power Heroes Sought; PennFuture asks Pennsylvania citizens to help honor green leaders at luncheons set for September in Philadelphia and October in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, July 30, 2010) – Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) today urged Pennsylvanians to nominate a Green Power Hero to be honored at the organization’s Green Power Awards luncheons, set for the Hilton Inn at Penn in Philadelphia on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at noon, and at the Fairmont Hotel in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at noon.

“Our annual Green Power Awards luncheons are our way to pay tribute to the visiona

Source: PennFuture Press Releases PennFuture Press Releases |

Letter details egregious errors in Commonwealth Foundation "report" on PennFuture, demands corrective action

(Harrisburg, PA – July 14, 2010) – Robert B. Hoffman of Eckert Seamans, attorney for Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture), sent a letter today to the Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives (Commonwealth Foundation) outlining specific factual errors in the Commonwealth Foundation’s “Report” on PennFuture, asking for immediate corrective action.

The letter quotes from the Commonwealth Foundation’s “Guarantee of Quality

Source: PennFuture Press Releases PennFuture Press Releases |

Statement of PennFuture’s President and CEO Jan Jarrett on Commonwealth Foundation “Report” on PennFuture

(Harrisburg, PA – July 8, 2010) – Jan Jarrett, president and CEO of Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture), issued the following statement today about the Commonwealth Foundation’s publication entitled “PennFuture’s Secret Lobbying”:

“After weeks of attempting to convince reporters and editors throughout the Commonwealth to cover PennFuture’s alleged malfeasance, the desperation of the Commonwealth Foundation (CF) is palpable with the

Source: PennFuture Press Releases PennFuture Press Releases |

Pennsylvania state budget a mixed bag for the environment

Cuts to environmental agencies troubling, but funding for local conservation projects survive

(Harrisburg, PA – July 3, 2010) – Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) thanked legislators for preserving funding for local conservation and restoration projects in the final budget passed today by the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

“A week ago we were looking at budget proposals that would have wiped out the Growing Greener; the Keystone Recreati

Source: PennFuture Press Releases PennFuture Press Releases |

PennFuture hails vindication of Dr. Michael Mann at Penn State; “Time for Matt Brouillette of the Commonwealth Foundation to ‘man up’ and apologize” for pillorying vindicated climate scientist, says PF’s Jan Jarrett

(Harrisburg, PA – July 1, 2010) – Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) hailed today’s vindication of Dr. Michael Mann, one of the world’s preeminent climate scientists, by Penn State University, and called for the Executive Director of the Commonwealth Foundation, Matt Brouillette, “to ‘man up’ and apologize” for pillorying the internationally respected climate scientist and his integrity.

Source: PennFuture Press Releases PennFuture Press Releases |

PennFuture warns proposed budget deal threatens public lands; State parks, forests, and economy will be harmed

Harrisburg, PA – June 30, 2010) – Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) today warned that the proposed deal on the Pennsylvania state budget presents a significant threat to Pennsylvania’s public lands, if the reports on the deal are true.

“The budget that is close to passing contains severe cuts to two of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ vital programs – state parks operations and state forestry operation

Source: PennFuture Press Releases PennFuture Press Releases |

PennFuture to Governor Rendell, legislative leaders: Don’t destroy all your good work now by pillaging environmental funds

(Harrisburg, PA – June 24, 2010) – In the wake of news reports that Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and legislative leaders are considering emptying the state’s environmental funds to fill the hole in the state budget, Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) today urged all parties to recognize their duty to protect the environment, not pillage it.

“After years of bipartisan work to protect and heal Pennsylvania’s environment, Govern

Source: PennFuture Press Releases PennFuture Press Releases |

PennFuture commends IRRC for bipartisan passage of clean water rules

Marcellus Shale drillers, developers given clear
roadmap for keeping drinking water and streams safe.

(Harrisburg, PA – June 17, 2010) — Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) today praised the members of the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) for passage of two key new regulations that will protect drinking water and streams and rivers from pollution from Marcellus Shale drilling and new development projects. The new rules on d

Source: PennFuture Press Releases PennFuture Press Releases |

Marketplace – Sustainability

Marketplace – Sustainability

The new holier than thou 3 Sep 2010, 6:05 pm

Tess Vigeland speaks with author Andrew Potter about his latest book “The Authenticity Hoax,” where he argues that things like the locavore and eco-tourism is the new way to flaunt wealth.

Source: Marketplace - Sustainability Marketplace – Sustainability |

The problems stirred up by coffee cups 25 Aug 2010, 9:13 am

Did you have a cup of coffee this morning? Coffee is big business for a number of companies, but the beverage has created some complicated recycling issues and raised environmental questions as well. Sustainability reporter Adriene Hill talks with Steve Chiotakis about problems with paper coffee cups.

Source: Marketplace - Sustainability Marketplace – Sustainability |

Program trains solar panel installers 23 Aug 2010, 9:17 am

Underwriters Laboratories, the group that certifies the safety of many products, has designed a new training program for electricians who install solar panels. Leoneda Inge reports.

Source: Marketplace - Sustainability Marketplace – Sustainability |

Where the oil industry meets alternative energy 11 Aug 2010, 10:57 am

Nolan Hart got a lot of photos of drilling rig explosions and pumpjacks at sunset from working 25 years in the oil industry. Krissy Clark perused his site and explored how oil and gas-based energy is fueling renewable resources.

Source: Marketplace - Sustainability Marketplace – Sustainability |

BP spill inspires fashion through disaster 11 Aug 2010, 5:00 am

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has inspired a string of t-shirt designs. We gathered a few stand-outs.

Source: Marketplace - Sustainability Marketplace – Sustainability |

EPA takes aim at cement plants 10 Aug 2010, 6:01 pm

We’ve known for some time that mercury’s a toxic pollutant. The government’s regulated many factories’ emissions of the stuff. And the newest as of this week: cement plants. Scott Tong reports.

Source: Marketplace - Sustainability Marketplace – Sustainability |

China will spend $75B annually on clean-energy technologies 9 Aug 2010, 11:18 am

The Chinese government plans to spend $75 billion on clean energy technologies, boosting wind, nuclear, solar and carbon storage.

Source: Marketplace - Sustainability Marketplace – Sustainability |

Sustainable fishing: What’s the catch? 5 Aug 2010, 5:50 pm

One of the clearest signals that grocery stores are going “green” is the proliferation of products touting “sustainable” credentials. Lately, that label has hooked the West Coast’s tuna fishing industry. But what exactly does “sustainable fishing” mean? Rob Manning reports.

Source: Marketplace - Sustainability Marketplace – Sustainability |

San Francisco plastic bag ban could extend to all city retailers 4 Aug 2010, 10:34 am

San Francisco might expand its ban on plastic bags in big supermarkets and chain drugstores to all retailers. Many business owners are against the idea, but not all.

Source: Marketplace - Sustainability Marketplace – Sustainability |

SLIDESHOW: In Canada, oil flows from the sand 3 Aug 2010, 9:03 pm

About half of Canada’s oil production comes from so-called ‘oil sands’ through an extraction process that is expensive, energy intensive, and leaves an impact on the environment. Follow reporter Sean Cole on a photo tour of the sands 500 miles north of Calgary.

Source: Marketplace - Sustainability Marketplace – Sustainability |

TreeHugger

TreeHugger is a fast-growing web magazine, dedicated to everything that has a modern aesthetic yet is environmentally responsible. Our influential audience stops by frequently to check out the latest news, reviews and recommendations for modern yet green products and services. Consumers also rely on the directory to help facilitate their buying processes. TreeHugger is the most effective way for them to find well designed products that are also ecologically sensitive.

‘Meet Eater,’ the Plant That Lives on Social Media 4 Sep 2010, 2:23 pm

photo meet eater facebookCredit: Photos via facebook.com/meeteater.I like “Meet Eater,” at least on Facebook. Not much happened after I hit the “Like” button to express my, um, admiration. Apparently, though, every time this plant makes a friend on Facebook, an electronic system delivers water and nutrients. No friends, no love? Dead plant. Unhappy Meet Eater….Read the full story on TreeHugger

Source: TreeHugger TreeHugger |

First-Ever Baby Seahorse Spotted in British Waters 4 Sep 2010, 1:00 pm

baby seahorse dorset england photoA tiny baby seahorse was measured off the coast of Dorset, England. Image via the Seahorse Trust.It must have been like finding a needle in a haystack, but somehow, in murky water conditions, diver Neil Garrick-Maidment, the executive director of the Seahorse Trust, spotted a single 1.5-inch-long female baby seahorse “clinging onto a piece of seagrass” off the coast of Studland, Dorset — a finding so rare he said it was “akin to seeing a Read the full story on TreeHugger

Source: TreeHugger TreeHugger |

South Carolina’s Southern Fried Fuel 4 Sep 2010, 1:00 pm

southern fired fuel 003.JPGphoto: Sara NovakDown here in South Carolina we’re known for our southern fried chicken, but what about our southern fried fuel? In a move that could have a big time impact on the way Carolina views the deep fat fryer, city council officials are calling on local restaurants and residents to donate their cooking oil to be turned into biofuel to run the city’s garbage trucks. Right now it’s just a test run on one of the city’s trucks, but if it’s successful, it could make a dent in the city’s garbage pickup carbon footprint. …Read the full story on TreeHugger

Source: TreeHugger TreeHugger |

West Virginia Football Uniforms To Honor Coal, Fallen Miners 4 Sep 2010, 12:15 pm

Nike11.jpegphoto via NikeIn an attempt to honor the 29 coal miners who tragically died last year at the Upper Big Branch coal mine, the West Virginia University Mountaineers have teamed up with Nike to create new football uniforms that have the mark of coal. The uniforms are white, but have coal dust on the pants and shoulders. The yellow strip on the hemet is said to represent a miner’s headlamp. In the photo featuring the new uniform a player appears to be emerging from a strip mine, leav…Read the full story on TreeHugger

Source: TreeHugger TreeHugger |

In the Hamptons, Today’s Young Summer Campers are Tomorrows Green Fashion Designers (Photos) 4 Sep 2010, 11:32 am

art farm recycled fashion photoPacking paper with recycled trim. Credit: Patti RobinsonWhen Patti Robinson, a summer camp instructor at The Art Farm in Bridgehampton, NY, sent over some photos of recycled fashion, I was intrigued — especially with the shape and design of the one, above — and even more so when she told me that the young campers who crafted these designs ranged between the ages of eight and twelve. This summer, Patti, a self-proclaimed Project Runway fan, struck up a recycled fashion challenge; it quickly became a camp favorite and evolved into a summer-long program, called “Gene…Read the full story on TreeHugger

Source: TreeHugger TreeHugger |

Elephants: India’s New "National Heritage Animal" To Receive Same Protection As Tigers 3 Sep 2010, 11:20 pm

elephant-national-heritage-animal-india.jpgPhoto: Elephant being bathed in a temple in Thrissur (K.C. Sowmish via The Hindu)As long-standing icons of its unique cultural psyche, India’s threatened elephants are finally getting the protection — and well-deserved recognition — they need. In a bid for better conservation, earlier this week the Indian government formally declared the elephant its “national heritage animal”, elevating the legendary pachyderm alongside the likes of the majestic tiger, in the hopes of averting a future con…Read the full story on TreeHugger

Source: TreeHugger TreeHugger |

"Clean Coal" Positioned To Be The High End Energy Product No One Can Afford 3 Sep 2010, 9:55 pm

proposed taylorville energy center imageTaylorville Illinois Energy Center, a proposed “clean coal” power plant. Image credit:Illinois TimesSouthern Illinois has vast, easily accessible coal reserves. That coal may be sulfurous and wet and salty; but ,Southern Illinois also has good geologic features for CO2 sequestration, plus Presidential root tendrils are there. These aspects explain, in a last-year kind of way, why Obama’s Energy Department supports this $3.5 billion fantasy. (Several major conceptual design changes have been made since the Bush Ad…Read the full story on TreeHugger

Source: TreeHugger TreeHugger |

Paul McCartney Takes on NASA, Ewan McGregor Needs Your Help, and More 3 Sep 2010, 8:42 pm

paul mccartney nasa photoPhoto via OneThirtyBPM.comMusician Paul McCartney isn’t shy about taking a stand for animal rights — the vegetarian superstar has talked about his journey to a meat-free diet and supported Meatless Mondays — and now he’s speaking up for another group: the monkeys that NASA uses to predict how space travel will affect humans. …Read the full story on TreeHugger

Source: TreeHugger TreeHugger |

Chimps Found Deactivating Snares Set By Human Bushmeat Hunters 3 Sep 2010, 6:05 pm

chimpanzee photophoto: Graham Racher via flickrGo chimps, go! An interesting new paper in the journal Primates documents how a group of chimpanzees in Bossou, Guinea have been successfully deactivating snares set by human bushmeat hunters. Though not always successful, the scienti…Read the full story on TreeHugger

Source: TreeHugger TreeHugger |

Best of Inhabitots: 7 Toxic Dangers for Kids 3 Sep 2010, 5:57 pm

Shocked baby photoPhoto credit: on_ovington+ Baby formula could contain unsettling amounts of aluminum&emdash;more than 40 times the amount found in breast milk, according to one recent study. + Another scary side-effect of tainted baby formula: Breasts in female infants.+ 85 percent of so-called kid-friendly drinks and snacks could contain Read the full story on TreeHugger

Source: TreeHugger TreeHugger |

Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense

The Internet staff of Environmental Defense share their thoughts and strategies on how to best put the Internet to work for the environment.

Get a Badge to Save a Friend and the Ocean 28 Jan 2008, 10:40 pm

We've updated our seafood selector to make choosing fish that is both good for you AND the ocean even easier! Help us spread the word and stop a friend from consuming sushi that has high mercury levels. Share this wealth of knowledge and help a family member choose seafood that was caught using the best [...]

Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy - Environmental Defense Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Lauren Guite

Governors Take the Lead on Climate Change 14 Nov 2007, 3:23 pm

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/E30ml3QvvJ0" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /] Now it's time for Congress to do the same.

Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy - Environmental Defense Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Web Team

Thank You 13 Nov 2007, 8:46 pm

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/9IdulWdL7O0" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /] A thank you to all of Environmental Defense's online activists and donors. Become an activist by visiting http://environmentaldefense.org/page.cfm?tagID=820. Become a donor by visiting https://donate.environmentaldefense.org/01/aaw00aa001.

Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy - Environmental Defense Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Web Team

Elizabeth Thompson on Getting a Climate Vote in Congress 3 Oct 2007, 4:06 pm

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/oLFT5cp-hxI" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /] Elizabeth Thompson, Legislative Director at Environmental Defense, talks about the possiblity of a bill on global warming in Congress this year.

Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy - Environmental Defense Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Web Team

Steve Cochran on Getting a Climate Vote in Congress 3 Oct 2007, 4:01 pm

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/GpBfibvsHcs" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /] Steve Cochran, the Director of the National Climate Campaign at Environmental Defense, talks about getting Congress to vote for a bill on global warming.

Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy - Environmental Defense Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Web Team

Grab a Transportation Transformation Badge 11 Sep 2007, 3:21 pm

So you've taken action in our Transportation Transformation campaign. You've pledged to do your part in transforming your state's public transportation, you've added points to your state's total, yet you still feel you need to do more. We understand. Now it's time to spread the word using your blog or MySpace page. Just copy and [...]

Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy - Environmental Defense Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Sharon Kasper

Friday Fun: Help organize our Web site! 27 Jul 2007, 9:56 pm

We're improving how we organize all our online resources, and we could use your help! If you have 10 minutes, click on the link below and show us how YOU would organize the items on the list. We need about 30 people to do this, so feel free to pass on to friends. Thanks for [...]

Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy - Environmental Defense Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Kira Marchenese

Cleaner air for New York City? 11 Jul 2007, 5:45 pm

Will New York implement congestion pricing and reap the benefits of cleaner air and reduced traffic? If you live in New York, you can help make it happen! Email your state legislators today. And spread the word! Join our Facebook group, "I love New York, but the traffic is killing me", or add this video [...]

Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy - Environmental Defense Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Jessica Bosanko

Environmental Defense on Care2 and Facebook 27 Jun 2007, 7:47 pm

We've got more treats for all you social networkers out there! Use Care2? Be sure to: Friend Environmental Defense Join our group For all the Facebook fans, add the causes application and support us: Smart ways to stop global warming GREEN

Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy - Environmental Defense Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Jessica Bosanko

Got a write in entry? 13 Jun 2007, 7:23 pm

Did we leave your first choice off the list in our "most influential environmental book" poll? Make your pitch here! Add your entry to the comments and make your case.

Source: Non-profit Internet Strategy - Environmental Defense Non-profit Internet Strategy – Environmental Defense | Jessica Bosanko

Main Feed – Environmental Defense

Environmental Defense partners with businesses, governments and citizens to find practical environmental solutions using science and economics. This feed contains all news articles and press releases from our website.

Sharing Training Materials: A Good Idea, But Will Companies Participate? 3 Sep 2010, 6:29 pm

By Jim Jubelirer, an independent management consultant working with EDF to help speed the transition to a sustainable economy. Can we accelerate the adoption of sustainable behaviors and products in business by sharing training materials? That is the question we asked a group of subject-matter experts at a meeting in EDF’s DC office on July [...]

Source: Main Feed - Environmental Defense Main Feed – Environmental Defense |

A lifeline for Gulf fishermen: Catch shares cushion blow for commercial snapper fleet in wake of BP Oil Disaster 3 Sep 2010, 5:07 pm

At the time of the BP oil disaster, the once-failing Gulf commercial red snapper fishery was beginning to rebound, in large part due to a catch shares program called individual fishing quotas introduced in 2007.  Before catch shares, fishermen competed against each other in a dangerous race-to-fish before the short seasons ended. Now, fishermen are [...]

Source: Main Feed - Environmental Defense Main Feed – Environmental Defense |

Rural Transit Takes Off in California 2 Sep 2010, 10:29 pm

Public transportation may be an institution in California's cities, but transit for rural residents has been scarce. Kings County Area Public Transportation Agency (KCAPTA) is changing that. The agency’s innovative system ensures access to schools, jobs and medical services in the rural reaches of California’s San Joaquin Valley.  KCAPTA oversees the Kings Area Rural Transit [...]

Source: Main Feed - Environmental Defense Main Feed – Environmental Defense |

Breaking News: Oil Platform Explodes Off Louisiana Coast 2 Sep 2010, 9:40 pm

The Associated Press reported that Vermilion 380, an offshore oil and gas platform, exploded earlier today in the Gulf of Mexico. The explosion was first reported by a commercial helicopter pilot flying eighty miles south of Vermilion Bay, an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico that marks the westernmost boundary of Louisiana’s Deltaic Plain. Vermilion [...]

Source: Main Feed - Environmental Defense Main Feed – Environmental Defense |

Where You’ll Find Us in September 2 Sep 2010, 7:17 pm

As the summer comes to an end, we’re quickly preparing for our next season of events. On September 11, Kirk Hourdajian kicks off our monthly conference visits at the Georgetown University Cleantech Forum, where he is speaking on the Financing Energy panel. If you plan to attend, come visit our EDF Climate Corps booth to [...]

Source: Main Feed - Environmental Defense Main Feed – Environmental Defense |

Events: National Preparedness Month, September 1-30 2 Sep 2010, 3:56 pm

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM). The goal of this thirty-day campaign is to encourage homeowners, business managers, and local officials to prepare for natural and technological disasters in their communities. National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Ad Council, Citizen Corps, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Ready Campaign. Natural Disasters, National Problems Every year, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanoes [...]

Source: Main Feed - Environmental Defense Main Feed – Environmental Defense |

Solutions that work for the environment and economy are more important than ever 2 Sep 2010, 3:47 pm

We recently released a new video highlighting the results of our Gulf of Mexico Longline Gear Conversion Program, in which we helped nearly 50 boats convert to more environmentally friendly fishing gear in West Florida. We launched the Longline Gear Conversion Program last year in response to regulations that shut down longline fishing, after the [...]

Source: Main Feed - Environmental Defense Main Feed – Environmental Defense |

EPA Labels: Everyone Has an Opinion, and that’s a Good Thing 1 Sep 2010, 10:48 pm

        Newspapers, the blogosphere, and television broadcasters have picked up on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s request for comments on its proposed label updates for new cars and light trucks. More than 500 articles pop up on a Google Search. Everyone from the New York Times editorial board (which likes the idea of [...]

Source: Main Feed - Environmental Defense Main Feed – Environmental Defense |

On Board with Energy Efficiency: EDF Climate Corps fellow finds savings at Carnival Cruise Lines 1 Sep 2010, 7:54 pm

By Mandy Martin, EDF Climate Corps Fellow at Carnival Cruise Lines, MBA Candidate at Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina, Member of Net Impact In the sustainability space, the term “low-hanging fruit” is thrown around a lot in reference to energy efficiency. So my first vision of my EDF Climate Corps fellowship at [...]

Source: Main Feed - Environmental Defense Main Feed – Environmental Defense |

Oil companies saying greenhouse gases are not ‘pollution’ = cigarette companies denying health impacts of smoking 1 Sep 2010, 7:00 pm

As the world experiences the hottest year on record, the oil companies backing Prop 23 are arguing that carbon dioxide (CO2 )—the main greenhouse gas causing climate change—is not pollution. Rather, they say, it is merely an “emission.”  Really?  Do they think that California voters will be duped that easily? In a campaign full of misrepresentation, [...]

Source: Main Feed - Environmental Defense Main Feed – Environmental Defense |

Global Issues

Announcement of new and updated content on the globalissues.org web site. GlobalIssues.org is a web site attempting to look at various global issues to show they are inter-related.

Health in the media 1 Sep 2010, 2:19 am

Health information is often sensationalized in the media, with various promises of quick fixes and miracle cures. Yet, that is rarely reality. How does it come to this?

This new article attempts to look at some of the ways in which media stories about health issues mislead, distort or confuse us with resources to better understand health related stories.

Read full article:

Source: Global Issues Global Issues |

Climate change and biodiversity 10 Aug 2010, 4:00 am

It has long been recognized that rapid climate change can have a severe impact on biodiversity and on the ability for ecosystems to naturally adapt.

As well as problems such as ocean acidification, increasing ocean stratification and dead zones also pose a threat to the planet as they affect tiny organisms in the ocean such as plankton and phytoplankton that form the basis of our food chain and support life through the production of half the oxygen we breathe.

This page has been update with further explanation and multimedia explaining this further.

Read full article: Climate Change Affects Biodiversity

Source: Global Issues Global Issues |

Climate change: past decade warmest on record and all indicators show warming trend 10 Aug 2010, 3:30 am

Some still doubt climate change exists or think it is a vast scientific conspiracy. Yet scientific consensus amongst publishing climate scientists is extremely high. Climate change impacts and effects on humans and the planet in general have been discussed before and are introduced on this page.

This particular update includes additional notes and multimedia on ocean acidification and on indicators of a warming world with human causes. Also updated is the warmest periods section (as this past decade is now the warmest on record) and asked why recent weather such as extreme cold in some regions this past winter is still a sign of global warming.

Read full article: Climate Change and Global Warming Introduction

Source: Global Issues Global Issues |

World military spending exceeds $1.5 trillion, continuing upward trend despite economic conditions 7 Jul 2010, 1:53 am

In recent years, global military expenditure has increased again and is now comparable to Cold War levels again. Recent data shows global spending at over $1.5 trillion. This is despite the global economic conditions.

Global military spending started increasing during the late 1990s

The highest military spender is the US accounting for just under half of the world’s spending, more than the rest of the G7 (most economically advanced countries) combined, and more than all its potential enemies, combined.

This update includes updated figures, graphs and charts exploring this further.

Read full article: World Military Spending

Source: Global Issues Global Issues |

Addressing biodiversity loss 6 Jun 2010, 10:17 pm

At the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development (the Earth Summit), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was born. 192 countries, plus the EU, are now Parties to that convention. In April 2002, the Parties to the Convention committed to significantly reduce the loss of biodiversity loss by 2010.

Perhaps predictably, that did not happen. Despite numerous successful conservations measures supporting biodiversity, the 2010 biodiversity target has not been met at the global level. This page provides an overview on how the attempts to prevent biodiversity loss is progressing.

Read full article: Addressing Biodiversity Loss

Source: Global Issues Global Issues |

Climate change and biodiversity 6 Jun 2010, 9:58 pm

It has long been recognized that rapid climate change can have a severe impact on biodiversity and on the ability for ecosystems to naturally adapt.

This page was quite old and had barely any content, so has been completely rewritten to look at the impact climate change will have on biodiversity in the arctic as well as the implications of increasing ocean acidification and more.

Read full article: Climate Change Affects Biodiversity

Source: Global Issues Global Issues |

Despite increased attempts at conversation, biodiversity loss continues 6 Jun 2010, 9:44 pm

The Convention on Biological Diversity came into being many years ago. Most nations are party to the convention and agreed to meet a 2010 target to reduce biodiversity loss. Unfortunately, most indicators show those targets have not been met, despite increased conservation efforts.

This update includes additional details, numbers, graphs and charts on the scale of biodiversity issues, including new sections on the impact to inland water systems, additional information about deforestation, dwindling fish stocks, climate change impacts on lizards, how indigenous communities can often be guardians of nature, and an overview of attempts to address many aspects of biodiversity.

Read full article: Loss of Biodiversity and Extinctions

Source: Global Issues Global Issues |

Military aid 4 May 2010, 1:28 am

Military aid can be controversial. Its stated aim is usually to help allies or poor countries fight terrorism, counter-insurgencies or to help fight drug wars.

The aid may be in the form of training, or even giving credits for foreign militaries to purchase weapons and equipment from the donor country.

But military aid may even be given to opposition groups to fight nations. This could be understandable if the opposition is a potential democratic force standing up against authoritarian rule.

However, as was especially seen during the Cold War, democratic nations (or potentially emerging democratic fledgling nations) often found themselves fighting foreign supported undemocratic forces because of geopolitical goals of the superpowers who tolerated or supported such regimes and dictatorships in order to achieve their own geopolitical aims.

This new page provides a brief overview of some of the issues.

Read full article: Military Aid

Source: Global Issues Global Issues |

Aid 4 May 2010, 1:27 am

This web site has provided a number of articles related to aid and they have been categorized under various other issues.

This new issue page simply brings them together and inter-relates some of those issues.

Read full article: Aid

Source: Global Issues Global Issues |

Foreign aid: highest levels ever but still way below promised amounts 25 Apr 2010, 8:26 pm

The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) recently published new preliminary figures for aid in 2009.

It showed official development assistance (ODA) aid from wealthy governments had increased to just over $123 billion in 2009 (at constant 2008 prices). This is roughly 0.31% of GNI (Gross National Income) of the donor nations.

Net ODA in dollars: the US provided the most in dollar terms. As a percent of their GNI, Sweden provided the most

Yet, almost 40 years ago nations promised to reach 0.7% of their GNI. While each year the amount of aid falls quite short of that 0.7% target, the quality and effectiveness of that aid is often questionable, sometimes benefiting the donor more than the recipient due to the types of conditions attached to this aid.

This update includes a number of new and updated charts and graphs.

Read full article: Foreign Aid for Development Assistance

Source: Global Issues Global Issues |

Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool

Welcome!We need your help to add images to the inspirational stories and quotes that the Sierra Club sends out every day in our e-newsletter, the Daily Ray of Hope.How it works: Submit your best examples of original photos that you think will remind people why we all work so hard to protect the natural environment, and that will give people a little extra pep in their step! We will select a photo each weekday to appear alongside our Daily Ray of Hope for the day. If you are not signed up for the Daily Ray of Hope, you can sign up here to watch for your photo to appear. We will give you proper credit if your photo is selected.If you have any questions, post them here, or email cara.longpre@sierraclub.org.Thanks for your help in making the Daily Ray of Hope even Hope-ier!

Sunny Rays 4 Sep 2010, 4:02 am

glaciergirl has added a photo to the pool:

Sunny Rays

Source: Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope Pool Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |

A little muskrat 4 Sep 2010, 4:01 am

glaciergirl has added a photo to the pool:

A little muskrat

See the video!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULWxoypDCgg

Source: Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope Pool Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |

Front Approaching 4 Sep 2010, 1:24 am

MTOWN JAYHAWK has added a photo to the pool:

Front Approaching

Source: Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope Pool Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |

BARK STUDY 3 Sep 2010, 10:56 pm

Snap-Smith…catching up…….. has added a photo to the pool:

BARK STUDY

Source: Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope Pool Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |

SUMMER THISTLE 3 Sep 2010, 10:55 pm

Snap-Smith…catching up…….. has added a photo to the pool:

SUMMER THISTLE

Source: Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope Pool Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |

Happy Friday! 3 Sep 2010, 5:33 pm

NancyLovestheWest has added a photo to the pool:

Happy Friday!

not sure where we’re hiking this weekend, but I’m ready for some down time in my church. busy, busy, busy! I am juggling three classes, work, volunteer gigs.

Source: Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope Pool Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |

Of suffering and tears 3 Sep 2010, 5:05 pm

henrikj has added a photo to the pool:

Of suffering and tears

Early morning on the Havasupai Trail, Havasupai Indian Reservation, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Source: Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope Pool Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |

To guide you 3 Sep 2010, 5:05 pm

henrikj has added a photo to the pool:

To guide you

Havasupai Trail, Havasupai Indian Reservation, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Source: Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope Pool Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |

Lembert Dome, Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park 3 Sep 2010, 4:50 pm

Ross D has added a photo to the pool:

Lembert Dome, Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park

Source: Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope Pool Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |

Yosemite Valley 3 Sep 2010, 8:26 am

Ross D has added a photo to the pool:

Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley from the Wawona Tunnel Viewpoint

Source: Sierra Club's Daily Ray of Hope Pool Sierra Club’s Daily Ray of Hope Pool |


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