We’re Takin’ on Water!
We all know that global warming is a huge issue. Most of us have at least blogged on it at least once. However, the dire effects of it are beginning to surface. Many of the small Pacific Islands such as Fiji and New Guinea are in danger of submerging due to the high tides. Sea levels are expected to rise 50cm by 2070 if things continue as they are now. A report recently came out that the island of Micronesia has seen an annual tide increase of 21.4 mm.
Australia, one of the highest greenhouse gas emitters of the Pacific has been asked to contribute money and reduce their emissions to save the inhabitants of the islands. The island of Tuvalu, with 10,000 inhabitants, is in urgent need of a solution as the rising waters could destruct their palm-fringed homes. If a resolution is not made, these 10,000 people will be forced to move elsewhere.
Image Credit:http://www.institute-shot.com/images/PACIFIC%20Islands%20and%20Kava.gif
A rise of 30-50cm would affect all countries in the Asia-Pacific regions; troubling the economy, destroying land (mainly the islands), and forcing people to become environmental refugees.
Many of the major countries that are high greenhouse gas emitters, such as the United States, but manily Australia, are being urged to really cut down. Unfortunately, they aren’t being as cooperative as they need to be. New Zealand however has proposed to accept 5,000 seasonal refugees to work in agriculture.
Unfortunately, now we see the real effects of global warming. We can no longer put it off to deal with as a problem for tomorrow.
Source for article: http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/science/10/25/environment.pacific.reut/index.html
Eating Your Veggies= Death?
In recent news, we’ve all heard of the recent outbreak of E-Coli in bagged spinach. Unfotunately, the recall was too late to save the lives of three people, and cure the 200 sick. Now, a popluar lettuce brand grown in California, where most of the spinach was recalled, is being recalled for E-Coli concerns. A water test was taken of the lettuce, and while scientists aren’t sure what the results could mean for our health, they are removing it from stores as a safety precaution. This recall is one of the many amongst the spinach, beef, and bottled carrot juice that are taking place across the United States.
E-Coli, or Pathogenic Escherichia coli bacteria can be found in raw milk, unpasteurized juice, uncooked produce, and contaminated milk and water. It can seriously affect humans, namely senior citizens, children, and people with a weak immune systems. In extreme circumstances, it can cause kidney failure or even death.
Image Location: http://zebu.uoregon.edu/~imamura/121/images/e_coli.gif
An Iowa meat company has also recalled 5,200 pounds of beef due to an E-Coli scare. Seems like no one is taking chances.
In Washington, New York senators are urging for a unified Food Safety Agency. In recent months to come, the produce industry will be taking extra precautionary measures to ensure the safety of consumers.
Source for article: http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/10/08/tainted.lettuce.ap/index.html
