GreenWatch

By B. McPherson The UN Conference on Climate Change being held in Durban South Africa has only opened but already the prospect of a united front to combat changes that humanity is making in the Earth’s climate look dim. Canada has made it clear that the Kyoto Protocol is dead in the water. That agreement that Canada’s representatives signed, obligated the signatories to reduce greenhouse gases by a little over 5% from their 1990 levels. The Kyoto Protocol left loopholes such as trading emission credits and ignored greenhouse emissions from the shipping and aviation industries. The U.S. did not sign on to the Kyoto agreement at all, stating that it was inherently unfair as no similar obligations would be placed on the rapidly emerging economies of China(PRC) and India.  It now appears that Japan and Russia will not renew their commitment to Kyoto in 2012 either.  Those countries that are feeling the brunt of climate change, whether it is a natural cycle or anthropomorphic,...

By B. McPherson The Union of Concerned Scientist s (UCS) has released a report on water usage by power plants in the US. The picture they have painted is grim. If power plants are not made more efficient or alternate forms of electrical production are used, the choice between living rivers and electricity will have to be made soon. While conventional power generating plants return the bulk of cooling water to the rivers they use, the water temperature is elevated. The scientists found in some cases that water was hot enough to parboil the critters living in the river. “The report also showed that power plants are stressing water bodies by discharging water at temperatures harmful to fish and other wildlife. In 2008, 350 power plants across the country reported discharging water at temperatures of over 90 degrees Fahrenheit and some at temperatures over 110 degrees, according to the report.” Union of Concerned Scientists Some areas of the US endured a lengthy drought this year, Te...

By B. McPherson Greenpeace has come up with a new word to describe politicians who bend to the influence of big business whose business often includes laying waste to the environment – polluticians. In a press release they come out swinging against those who acquiesce to the polluters either by collusion or ignoring the problems. In their report Who’s Holding Us Back , they outline steps that the UN Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa that the delegates should institute in order to ensure that rampant pollution does not continue. The UN conference starts November 28 and ends December 9 th   A summary of Greenpeace directives follows: " • Ensure a peak in global emissions by 2015 • Emission reductions: Close the gap between politics and science • Ensure that the Kyoto Protocol continues and provide a mandate for a comprehensive legally binding instrument • Deliver the necessary climate finance • Set up a framework for protecting forests i...