Walkable towns curb obesity, pollution, expert says - Yahoo! News: "Designing walkable communities is a cost-effective way to address the growing epidemic of obesity in the United States and cut down on harmful car emissions and pollution, a researcher told the American College of Sports Medicine's 12th annual Health and Fitness Summit in Long Beach, California.
The problem, said Jim Sallis from San Diego State University, is that local zoning laws essentially prevent the development of walkable communities. 'Zoning laws today,' he told Reuters Health, 'really enforce the separation of uses; they are designed to move cars as quickly as possible -- which is dangerous to pedestrians.'"
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Vast Antarctic Ice Shelf on Verge of Collapse - Yahoo! News
Vast Antarctic Ice Shelf on Verge of Collapse - Yahoo! News: "A vast ice shelf hanging on by a thin strip looks to be the next chunk to break off from the Antarctic Peninsula, the latest sign of global warming's impact on Earth's southernmost continent.
Scientists are shocked by the rapid change of events.
Glaciologist Ted Scambos of the University of Colorado was monitoring satellite images of the Wilkins Ice Shelf and spotted a huge iceberg measuring 25 miles by 1.5 miles (41 kilometers by 2.5 kilometers) that appeared to have broken away from the shelf.
Scambos alerted colleagues at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) that it looked like the entire ice shelf - about 6,180 square miles (16,000 square kilometers - about the size of Northern Ireland)- was at risk of collapsing.
David Vaughan of the BAS had predicted in 1993 that the northern part of the Wilkins Ice Shelf was likely to be lost within 30 years if warming on the Peninsula continued at the same rate.
'Wilkins is the largest ice shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula yet to be threatened,' he said. 'I didn't expect to see things happen this quickly. The ice shelf is hanging by a thread - we'll know in the next few days and weeks what its fate will be.'"
Scientists are shocked by the rapid change of events.
Glaciologist Ted Scambos of the University of Colorado was monitoring satellite images of the Wilkins Ice Shelf and spotted a huge iceberg measuring 25 miles by 1.5 miles (41 kilometers by 2.5 kilometers) that appeared to have broken away from the shelf.
Scambos alerted colleagues at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) that it looked like the entire ice shelf - about 6,180 square miles (16,000 square kilometers - about the size of Northern Ireland)- was at risk of collapsing.
David Vaughan of the BAS had predicted in 1993 that the northern part of the Wilkins Ice Shelf was likely to be lost within 30 years if warming on the Peninsula continued at the same rate.
'Wilkins is the largest ice shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula yet to be threatened,' he said. 'I didn't expect to see things happen this quickly. The ice shelf is hanging by a thread - we'll know in the next few days and weeks what its fate will be.'"
Study: Warming may threaten Lake Tahoe - Yahoo! News
Study: Warming may threaten Lake Tahoe - Yahoo! News: "A new study predicts water circulation in Lake Tahoe is being dramatically altered by global warming, threatening the lake's delicate ecosystem and famed clear waters.
The University of California, Davis study said one likely consequence is warmer lake temperatures that will mean fewer cold-water native fish and more invasive species — like carp, large-mouth bass and bluegill.
'What we expect is that deep mixing of Lake Tahoe's water layers will become less frequent, even nonexistent, depleting the bottom waters of oxygen,' said Geoffrey Schladow, director of the Tahoe Environmental Research Center at U.S. Davis."
The University of California, Davis study said one likely consequence is warmer lake temperatures that will mean fewer cold-water native fish and more invasive species — like carp, large-mouth bass and bluegill.
'What we expect is that deep mixing of Lake Tahoe's water layers will become less frequent, even nonexistent, depleting the bottom waters of oxygen,' said Geoffrey Schladow, director of the Tahoe Environmental Research Center at U.S. Davis."
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Global warming rushes timing of spring - Yahoo! News
Global warming rushes timing of spring - Yahoo! News: "Pollen is bursting. Critters are stirring. Buds are swelling. Biologists are worrying.
'The alarm clock that all the plants and animals are listening to is running too fast,' Stanford University biologist Terry Root said.
Blame global warming.
The fingerprints of man-made climate change are evident in seasonal timing changes for thousands of species on Earth, according to dozens of studies and last year's authoritative report by the Nobel Prize-winning international climate scientists. More than 30 scientists told The Associated Press how global warming is affecting plants and animals at springtime across the country, in nearly every state."
'The alarm clock that all the plants and animals are listening to is running too fast,' Stanford University biologist Terry Root said.
Blame global warming.
The fingerprints of man-made climate change are evident in seasonal timing changes for thousands of species on Earth, according to dozens of studies and last year's authoritative report by the Nobel Prize-winning international climate scientists. More than 30 scientists told The Associated Press how global warming is affecting plants and animals at springtime across the country, in nearly every state."
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Pressure, private cash driving clean energy - CNN.com
Pressure, private cash driving clean energy - CNN.com: "High oil prices and growing concerns about the environment may drive more than $7 trillion of new investment in so-called clean energy technologies by 2030, an energy research group says.
Public pressure and private investment dollars are combining to bring clean energy technologies -- defined as energy sources that are low in carbon emissions -- from the fringes of the energy industry to its center, said Cambridge Energy Research Associates, or CERA, in a new report."
Public pressure and private investment dollars are combining to bring clean energy technologies -- defined as energy sources that are low in carbon emissions -- from the fringes of the energy industry to its center, said Cambridge Energy Research Associates, or CERA, in a new report."
Study: Ethanol may add to global warming - Yahoo! News
Study: Ethanol may add to global warming - Yahoo! News: "The widespread use of ethanol from corn could result in nearly twice the greenhouse gas emissions as the gasoline it would replace because of expected land-use changes, researchers concluded Thursday. The study challenges the rush to biofuels as a response to global warming.
The researchers said that past studies showing the benefits of ethanol in combating climate change have not taken into account almost certain changes in land use worldwide if ethanol from corn — and in the future from other feedstocks such as switchgrass — become a prized commodity."
The researchers said that past studies showing the benefits of ethanol in combating climate change have not taken into account almost certain changes in land use worldwide if ethanol from corn — and in the future from other feedstocks such as switchgrass — become a prized commodity."
Thursday, January 31, 2008
New climate guide sets crisis in context - Yahoo! News
New climate guide sets crisis in context - Yahoo! News: "The Rough Guide series of books has long given budget travelers detailed insights into the customs and cultures of the countries they visit.
A new addition to the series instead gives a panoramic view of the climate troubles facing the entire planet.
'This is intended as a one-stop-shop for information on climate change,' said Robert Henson, climate journalist and author of The Rough Guide to Climate Change. 'It is meant as something you dip into for information.'
'This is not aimed at the converted, they already know the details of what is happening, and it is not intended to convert those who refuse to accept there is a problem. This speaks to the uncommitted,' he said by telephone from Denver."
A new addition to the series instead gives a panoramic view of the climate troubles facing the entire planet.
'This is intended as a one-stop-shop for information on climate change,' said Robert Henson, climate journalist and author of The Rough Guide to Climate Change. 'It is meant as something you dip into for information.'
'This is not aimed at the converted, they already know the details of what is happening, and it is not intended to convert those who refuse to accept there is a problem. This speaks to the uncommitted,' he said by telephone from Denver."
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Arctic ice-cap loss twice the size of France: research - Yahoo! News
Arctic ice-cap loss twice the size of France: research - Yahoo! News: "The Arctic ice cap has shrunk by an area twice the size of France's land mass over the last two years, the Paris-based National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) said Wednesday.
'The year 2008 promises to be a critical year on every level,' said Jean-Claude Gascard, the body's research director and coordinator of European scientific mission Damocles, which is monitoring the effects of climate change across the Arctic."
'The year 2008 promises to be a critical year on every level,' said Jean-Claude Gascard, the body's research director and coordinator of European scientific mission Damocles, which is monitoring the effects of climate change across the Arctic."
EPA staff backed Calif. pollution waiver - Yahoo! News
EPA staff backed Calif. pollution waiver - Yahoo! News: "EPA officials told the agency's administrator that California had 'compelling and extraordinary conditions' to justify a federal waiver allowing the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, according to excerpts of documents released Wednesday.
Yet when Administrator Stephen Johnson denied the state's request for a waiver in December, he said the California standards were not needed to meet 'compelling and extraordinary conditions,' one of the criteria in federal law."
Yet when Administrator Stephen Johnson denied the state's request for a waiver in December, he said the California standards were not needed to meet 'compelling and extraordinary conditions,' one of the criteria in federal law."
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Study: Northeast winters warming fast - Yahoo! News
Study: Northeast winters warming fast - Yahoo! News: "A study of weather station data from across the Northeast from 1965 through 2005 found December-March temperatures increased by 2.5 degrees. Snowfall totals dropped by an average of 8.8 inches across the region over the same period, and the number of days with at least 1 inch of snow on the ground decreased by nine days on average.
Burakowski cites two likely causes for the reduction in so-called snow-covered days: higher maximum temperatures and "snow-albedo feedback," in which less snow cover to begin with allows more sunshine warmth to be absorbed by the darker ground, making it less conducive to snow cover.
The research has yet to appear in a peer-reviewed journal, though meteorologists who have studied long-term climate trends said the observations appear to be in line with other research."
Burakowski cites two likely causes for the reduction in so-called snow-covered days: higher maximum temperatures and "snow-albedo feedback," in which less snow cover to begin with allows more sunshine warmth to be absorbed by the darker ground, making it less conducive to snow cover.
The research has yet to appear in a peer-reviewed journal, though meteorologists who have studied long-term climate trends said the observations appear to be in line with other research."
Study: Northeast winters warming fast - Yahoo! News
Study: Northeast winters warming fast - Yahoo! News: "A study of weather station data from across the Northeast from 1965 through 2005 found December-March temperatures increased by 2.5 degrees. Snowfall totals dropped by an average of 8.8 inches across the region over the same period, and the number of days with at least 1 inch of snow on the ground decreased by nine days on average.
Burakowski cites two likely causes for the reduction in so-called snow-covered days: higher maximum temperatures and "snow-albedo feedback," in which less snow cover to begin with allows more sunshine warmth to be absorbed by the darker ground, making it less conducive to snow cover.
The research has yet to appear in a peer-reviewed journal, though meteorologists who have studied long-term climate trends said the observations appear to be in line with other research."
Burakowski cites two likely causes for the reduction in so-called snow-covered days: higher maximum temperatures and "snow-albedo feedback," in which less snow cover to begin with allows more sunshine warmth to be absorbed by the darker ground, making it less conducive to snow cover.
The research has yet to appear in a peer-reviewed journal, though meteorologists who have studied long-term climate trends said the observations appear to be in line with other research."
Monday, January 14, 2008
The storied Mediterranean faces climate change - Yahoo! News
The storied Mediterranean faces climate change - Yahoo! News: "Water usage is twice that of 1950. More than 100 species are endangered.
Now, climate change is exacerbating the situation.
The region's climate may already be changing faster than projected. In June, a recording station in Athens measured the highest temperature ever recorded there, nearly 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
Overall, temperatures for the summer months were about 5 degrees warmer than average. Months passed without rain. Then deadly fires swept across the country, killing at least 67 people and scorching some 650,000 acres of land."
Now, climate change is exacerbating the situation.
The region's climate may already be changing faster than projected. In June, a recording station in Athens measured the highest temperature ever recorded there, nearly 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
Overall, temperatures for the summer months were about 5 degrees warmer than average. Months passed without rain. Then deadly fires swept across the country, killing at least 67 people and scorching some 650,000 acres of land."
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Swedes to use body heat to warm offices - Yahoo! News
Swedes to use body heat to warm offices - Yahoo! News: "A Swedish company plans to harness the body heat generated by thousands of commuters scrambling to catch their trains at Stockholm's main railway station and use it for heating a nearby office building.
Real estate firm Jernhusen AB believes the system can provide about 15 percent of the heating needed for a 13-storey building being built next to the Central Station in the Swedish capital."
The system will cost about 300,000 kronor (euro32,000; US$47,000) to install, he said.
Real estate firm Jernhusen AB believes the system can provide about 15 percent of the heating needed for a 13-storey building being built next to the Central Station in the Swedish capital."
The system will cost about 300,000 kronor (euro32,000; US$47,000) to install, he said.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Bush signs bill boosting fuel standards - Yahoo! News
Bush signs bill boosting fuel standards - Yahoo! News: "President Bush signed into law Wednesday legislation that will bring more fuel-efficient vehicles into auto showrooms and require wider use of ethanol, calling it 'a major step' toward energy independence and easing global warming.
The legislation increases the federal standard automakers must meet to an industry wide 35 mpg for passengers cars, SUVs and small trucks. The standard for cars today is 27.5 mpg and for trucks and SUVs 22.2 mpg.
It requires refineries to increase the use of ethanol from about 6 billion gallons a year this year to 36 billion gallons by 2022 and mandates that by then at least 21 billion gallons are to come from feedstocks other than corn.
The bill also calls for improved energy efficiency of appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers, and a 70 percent increase in the efficiency of light bulbs. It also calls for energy efficiency improvements in federal buildings and construction of commercial buildings.
The overall bill including more ethanol use and various efficiency requirements and incentives, will cut U.S. oil demand by 4 million barrels a day by 2030, more than twice the current daily imports from the volatile Persian Gulf, Democrats said."
The legislation increases the federal standard automakers must meet to an industry wide 35 mpg for passengers cars, SUVs and small trucks. The standard for cars today is 27.5 mpg and for trucks and SUVs 22.2 mpg.
It requires refineries to increase the use of ethanol from about 6 billion gallons a year this year to 36 billion gallons by 2022 and mandates that by then at least 21 billion gallons are to come from feedstocks other than corn.
The bill also calls for improved energy efficiency of appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers, and a 70 percent increase in the efficiency of light bulbs. It also calls for energy efficiency improvements in federal buildings and construction of commercial buildings.
The overall bill including more ethanol use and various efficiency requirements and incentives, will cut U.S. oil demand by 4 million barrels a day by 2030, more than twice the current daily imports from the volatile Persian Gulf, Democrats said."
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Bali climate talks reach agreement
Yahoo News: Bali climate talks reach agreement
BALI, Indonesia - World leaders overcame bitter divisions Saturday and agreed to reach a new deal on fighting global warming by 2009, turning a corner in mankind's race to stave off environmental disaster caused by rising temperatures.
The contentious, two-week U.N. climate conference on the resort island of Bali ended with the United States, facing angry criticism from other delegations, relenting in its opposition to a request from developing nations for more technological help fighting climate change.
The new deal does not commit countries to specific actions against global warming. It simply sets an agenda and schedule for negotiators to find ways to reduce pollution and help poor countries adapt to environmental changes by speeding up the transfer of technology and financial assistance.
Despite an aggressive EU-led campaign to include specific emissions reduction targets for industrial nations — by 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 — the final road map has none.
The guidelines were eliminated after the U.S., joined by Japan and others, argued that targets should come at the end of the two-year negotiations, not the beginning.
BALI, Indonesia - World leaders overcame bitter divisions Saturday and agreed to reach a new deal on fighting global warming by 2009, turning a corner in mankind's race to stave off environmental disaster caused by rising temperatures.
The contentious, two-week U.N. climate conference on the resort island of Bali ended with the United States, facing angry criticism from other delegations, relenting in its opposition to a request from developing nations for more technological help fighting climate change.
The new deal does not commit countries to specific actions against global warming. It simply sets an agenda and schedule for negotiators to find ways to reduce pollution and help poor countries adapt to environmental changes by speeding up the transfer of technology and financial assistance.
Despite an aggressive EU-led campaign to include specific emissions reduction targets for industrial nations — by 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 — the final road map has none.
The guidelines were eliminated after the U.S., joined by Japan and others, argued that targets should come at the end of the two-year negotiations, not the beginning.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
All UK homes could be wind powered by 2020: govt - Yahoo! News
All UK homes could be wind powered by 2020: govt - Yahoo! News: "Every home in Britain could be supplied by wind power alone in 2020 by making full use of the wind-swept seas around the country, Energy Secretary John Hutton said on Monday.
Britain has some of the best wind conditions for generating carbon-free electricity in the world but high construction costs and a sluggish planning process has limited its growth.
There are 8 gigawatts of offshore wind farms planned in the UK, but the government thinks another 25 GW could be added to that by 2020, Hutton said in a statement.
'This potential major expansion will be subject to the outcome of a strategic environmental assessment. But if we could manage to achieve this, by 2020 enough electricity could be generated off our shores to power the equivalent of all of the UK's homes.' he said."
Britain has some of the best wind conditions for generating carbon-free electricity in the world but high construction costs and a sluggish planning process has limited its growth.
There are 8 gigawatts of offshore wind farms planned in the UK, but the government thinks another 25 GW could be added to that by 2020, Hutton said in a statement.
'This potential major expansion will be subject to the outcome of a strategic environmental assessment. But if we could manage to achieve this, by 2020 enough electricity could be generated off our shores to power the equivalent of all of the UK's homes.' he said."
German battery could jump-start electric car production - Yahoo! News
German battery could jump-start electric car production - Yahoo! News: "German cars are known for strength, speed and high fuel consumption, but a firm in eastern Saxony has designed a lithium-ion battery membrane that could finally make electric cars common.
For years, battery-powered cars have been hampered by technological hurdles, with researchers seeking to resolve problems of weight, autonomy and ways of recharging vehicles quickly and easily.
Germans were said to be plodding along behind, but batteries made by the a firm called Li-Tec 'take up 30 percent less volume than those from Toyota' and 'allow you to go three times further for the same weight than French models,' said Tim Schaefer, a director of the company in eastern Kamenz."
For years, battery-powered cars have been hampered by technological hurdles, with researchers seeking to resolve problems of weight, autonomy and ways of recharging vehicles quickly and easily.
Germans were said to be plodding along behind, but batteries made by the a firm called Li-Tec 'take up 30 percent less volume than those from Toyota' and 'allow you to go three times further for the same weight than French models,' said Tim Schaefer, a director of the company in eastern Kamenz."
Friday, December 7, 2007
Eco-friendly kangaroo farts could help global warming: scientists - Yahoo! News
Eco-friendly kangaroo farts could help global warming: scientists - Yahoo! News: "Australian scientists are trying to give kangaroo-style stomachs to cattle and sheep in a bid to cut the emission of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming, researchers say.
Thanks to special bacteria in their stomachs, kangaroo flatulence contains no methane and scientists want to transfer that bacteria to cattle and sheep who emit large quantities of the harmful gas.
While the usual image of greenhouse gas pollution is a billowing smokestack pushing out carbon dioxide, livestock passing wind contribute a surprisingly high percentage of total emissions in some countries.
'Fourteen percent of emissions from all sources in Australia is from enteric methane from cattle and sheep,' said Athol Klieve, a senior research scientist with the Queensland state government."
Thanks to special bacteria in their stomachs, kangaroo flatulence contains no methane and scientists want to transfer that bacteria to cattle and sheep who emit large quantities of the harmful gas.
While the usual image of greenhouse gas pollution is a billowing smokestack pushing out carbon dioxide, livestock passing wind contribute a surprisingly high percentage of total emissions in some countries.
'Fourteen percent of emissions from all sources in Australia is from enteric methane from cattle and sheep,' said Athol Klieve, a senior research scientist with the Queensland state government."
Monday, December 3, 2007
Divorce Squanders Earth's Resources - Yahoo! News
Divorce Squanders Earth's Resources - Yahoo! News: "Divorce leaves more than a trail of legal documents, stinging egos and uprooted kids. The split-ups wreak havoc on the environment.
A global trend of soaring divorce rates has led to a surge in the number of households with fewer people. The result: We collectively devour more space and gobble up more energy and water, say the authors of a new study published online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
'Not only the United States, but also other countries, including developing countries such as China and places with strict religious policies regarding divorce, are having more divorced households,' said co-author Jianguo Liu of Michigan State University. 'The consequent increases in consumption of water and energy and using more space are being seen everywhere.'
The study gives the down and dirty truths on exactly how much of Mother Nature's resources go down the tubes when unions are severed. But the remedy for such 'squander' is made for TV: Fall back in love, or at least cohabitate. "
A global trend of soaring divorce rates has led to a surge in the number of households with fewer people. The result: We collectively devour more space and gobble up more energy and water, say the authors of a new study published online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
'Not only the United States, but also other countries, including developing countries such as China and places with strict religious policies regarding divorce, are having more divorced households,' said co-author Jianguo Liu of Michigan State University. 'The consequent increases in consumption of water and energy and using more space are being seen everywhere.'
The study gives the down and dirty truths on exactly how much of Mother Nature's resources go down the tubes when unions are severed. But the remedy for such 'squander' is made for TV: Fall back in love, or at least cohabitate. "
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Global warming is pushing edges of tropics towards poles: study - Yahoo! News
Global warming is pushing edges of tropics towards poles: study - Yahoo! News: "The greenhouse effect is causing Earth's zone of tropical climate to creep towards the poles, according to a study whose release on Sunday coincided with the eve of a major UN conference on climate change.
The poleward expansion of the tropics will have far-reaching impacts, notably in intensifying water scarcity in the Mediterranean and the US 'Sun belt' as well as southern Africa and southern Australia, it warns."
The poleward expansion of the tropics will have far-reaching impacts, notably in intensifying water scarcity in the Mediterranean and the US 'Sun belt' as well as southern Africa and southern Australia, it warns."
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