Sorry New Orleans!
Ivan | Wed, 2005-08-31 05:44It's heartbreaking to see the destruction.
Scientists belive Katrina is a result of global warming. I know the current US government is not convinced global warming is caused by pollution, because they believe there is no hard evidence to support that. I also understand that preventative measures would probably result in some sanctions on industries to reduce emissions, which is bad for the economy.
But tell that to the people who lost their loved ones. Tell that to the family who lost his home.
I don't want to be political, but I believe we should listen to the scientists, who know better their stuff than we do. But, maybe we can find a healthy balance in every sense of the word?
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Indeed, the destruction is terrible. Global warming has long been cited as a major cause for erratic climate changes, but what I heard is that oil companies (which produce tonnes of carbon dioxide) are trying to quash the scientific evidence so that their businesses will not get affected.
There are also a lot of scientists who believe that the earth goes through normal cycles... warming then cooling warming then cooling warming then cooling... Remember everyone used to be worried about Global Cooling?
Another point about this is that the air in the United States is much cleaner then third world countries. Areas in the southern far-east (India, Parts of China etc.) Contribute more to air pollution then the US. The reason for this is supposed to be that they all use fires to cook everyday and that creates a whole lot of pollution. Much more then our regulated "big businesses" (even the evil, evil oil companies) and personal vehicles.
I live in Atlanta, Georgia and we have some of pretty "bad" air quality, but compared to the air 50 years ago it's MUCH much better. A recent study also found that the biggest contributor the the air pollution in Atlanta wasn't the millions of cars everyday (you know Americans, we like big evil cars!) but the Airplanes landing, taking off etc. at Heaertsfield-Jackson International Airport. With all that said my opinion is that "Global Warming" is part of a cycle and it's fun, hip and easy top blame the US for the worlds percieved problems.
As far as N.O. goes, I'm very sorry for all those people. I was there a few months ago and it's a fun city. Lots of beautiful buildings, neat history and good food too. The destruction from Katrina is horrible. The loss of life is devastating. (Thank goodness we have all those helicopters, cars, trucks, planes, ships and boats to save the survivors! Good thing we have gas for them too.)
Oh, and no hard feelings. :c) I just figured an alternate opioion, though not popular, might be interest some of you.
my work: http://www.one-waymedia.com
Thanks for the other side of the coin. I don't know much about the issue and of course I just rely on what I read. Many scientific studies prove to be false and this might be one of them. I don't think it's possible to clearly prove that there is a corelation between polution and global warming.
But, if we take a parallel this never stopped Bush to make big decisions. In case of Iraq for example. No hard evidence, but still action was taken. Why can't he follow the same in the case of global warming. I'm afraid that is because both the action and inaction are about the same thing. To secure oil and related businesses and win the the votes of the Americans. I guess I would do something similar in his place. I'd like to believe not, but probably I would.
From what I read (mainly new scientist) US alone accounts for more than 25% of all pollution. That makes it the highest per capita rate, because the rest of the world that is 6.5 billion people make up the other 75%. Which means every US citizen makes almost 10 times as much pollution than the average citizen of the rest of the world. Of course the quality of life is also probably 10 times as good as the average non US person enjoys.
The big issue is that the US pulled out of Kyoto in 2001 in one of President George W. Bush's first acts in office, saying it would hurt the US economy. This made the treaty fall into pieces.
It's true that China is developing very fast and they are not in the treaty either. It's been projected that by 2020 they may exceed the current top polluter the US.
Basically we have many industrialized countries (34) that are willing to give up some of it's comfort to start reducing emissions and we have two nations racing each other for the top polluter status not caring much for pollution, but caring for the growth of their economy. This is quite a disturbing picture of selfish behaviour.
Now, I should say, that I have a Jeep and a Harley and both are eating fuel like crazy. I live in a house which is running an AC most of the year and I probably waste kilos of plastic with packaging every week. So, I'm the worst example and I feel really bad about it.
All I ask for is that this current administration do something to initiate some kind of research into alternative fuels like soy or hydrogen. Oh well, I doubt that will happen.
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"The higher you jump on the flagpole, the higher the bonus you receive."
Yeah, I'd like if they'd assign some funding to private firms who want to research alternative fuels. I think they have 2 million for it now... that's nothing.
my work: http://www.one-waymedia.com
That's because the big cheese has plenty of his boys in the oil biz. Sort of a conflict of interest for him. So why put money into research for something that goes against oil, that which he has friends and money in?
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"The higher you jump on the flagpole, the higher the bonus you receive."
Unless alternative energy makes even more money and give even more power. Imagine if you were to control a fusion technology that gives you almost infinite amount of energy for the fraction of the cost of oil with much less headache. And, the great PR of being completely safe both short and long term.
I'm not saying fusion is the solution, but it's one possible solution and unfortunately altough the US is theoretically in the team to build the very first international fusion reactor in reality the inaction of the US leads to infinite extensions of the start of the project. Basically the location is to be decided between Japan and France and neither is good for the US, so they don't put down their vote for either of the two locations. This has been going on for at least 5 years now. It will take at least 10 years to build such a monster and if the US administration 5 years ago would have made the right decision to go for either locations we would be half way through the project.
I don't really know what's cooking, maybe the US has a super secret fusion reactor being built leaving out other nations, which would still be better than what probably the reality is. It may be again about the same thing protecting self interests. Everybody does, it's human nature.
"protecting self interests"
That's the first job of the government... to protect the people it governs! ;c)
my work: http://www.one-waymedia.com
Yes indeed.
Keep fu**in the planet! I don't feel sorry for many of you(not all...)
I saw a vid about the ppl staying in the street who need help, and most of them(not all....) where afro-americans!!! Now i know why the f**kin governament help wasn't there....
"hurt our economy"? i don't give a sh*t about your economy, the planet is not only yours!
no, sincerly, all your media manipulation, false politics, sh**y music and your self interests(not only speakin of irak) makes me realy sick! how u can be so ignorant?
don't get me wrong, i'm not saying that all the americans are stupid.....
Static, I fully understand your frustration especially that I started this rant, but if you put yourself in the shoe of an American reading your post... I'm not sure if they even consider your words. We need to be constructive. Nothing is perfect. Everybody can and should learn from each other, but it's hard if you hurt your friends feelings. I hope I didn't sound like a priest. It's just my perspective.
Also, I understand many of you Americans reading such rants are sick of them. Sorry for that and hope some of you will consider that there may be a grain of truth in some of these rants.
no prob Ivan.
and i'm sorry if i offend someone with my post... ppl just think about this s**ty life... all we live fast cars, air conditioned and so on but we have to make some "sacrifice" for the Mother Earth, or it will punish us..
And remeber kids lovin our planet makes you sexy! :D
The recent events makes you reconsider the gaia theory. As if earth is taking care of problems itself. - No.
you're right.
Humans is the problem of the Earth... hehe
Extreamly interesting sound file...
Dave Winer was able to find a MP3 of Mayor Ray Nagen of New Orleans. The way he describes the situation sounds more like Mogadishu.
http://static2.podcatch.com/blogs/gems/snedit/WWLAMInterviewNagin.mp3
http://www.aciddesign.nl/v3/