How much longer can we be in denial? Every week witnesses more and more expert scientific observation demonstrating changing climate is a reality, and foretelling massive ecological and social impacts. Even Shell oil executives get it. Lack of a major, comprehensive international program in response to the emergency is simply unforgiveable.

Climate change 'disaster by 2026'

"Dangerous" global warming possible by 2026

Dangerous levels of climate change could be reached in just over 20 years if nothing is done to stop global warming, a WWF study has warned. At current rates, the earth will be 2C above pre-industrial levels some time between 2026 and 2060, says the report by Dr Mark New of Oxford University.

Posted by Dr. Glen Barry | Permalink | Comments (0) | More on climate change disaster

It is possible - even desirable - for environmental scientists to advocate for ecological systems. Indeed, it would be immoral to be studying biological systems, which clearly demonstrate the demise of the Planet, and not take actions in her defense. Too many biologists accumulate knowledge about some plant or another, without taking up the power of the pen to defend their and our habitats.

Putting Some Heat on Bush (washingtonpost.com)

In his worn navy windbreaker, 63-year-old climatologist James E. Hansen looks more like the Iowa farm native that he is than a rebel -- but he's both... But Hansen said that scientists know enough to conclude we have reached this danger point and that their efforts to get the word out are being blocked by the administration. "In my more than three decades in government, I have never seen anything approaching the degree to which information flow from scientists to the public has been screened and controlled as it has now," Hansen said. He added that although the administration wants to wait 10 years to evaluate climate change, "delay of another decade, I argue, is a colossal risk."

Posted by Dr. Glen Barry | Permalink | Comments (0) | More on climate science

So much for Tony Blair's self-professed pledge to lead on climate change. For Britain to change the rules at this late date on European carbon trading, after climate policy is finally moving forward, is disasterous, short-sighted and distasteful.

Guardian Unlimited | The Guardian | UK carbon output revision threatens trading scheme

The EU's carbon dioxide emissions trading scheme (ETS), the world's first market-based plan for cutting greenhouse gases, is in danger of being stillborn because of threatened legal action by Britain, Germany and other countries against the European commission. Margaret Beckett, environment secretary, has warned Stavros Dimas, the environment commissioner, that the UK will take Brussels to the European court of justice if he does not approve a new version of Britain's plan for emissions by power generators and energy-intensive sectors that is more generous to industry.

Posted by Dr. Glen Barry | Permalink | Comments (0) | More on European carbon trading

America, seemingly at the apex of its glory, has never been more vulnerable. Rugged, individualistic peoples have lost site of their utter and complete dependence upon the Earth not only for resources, but also for ecosystems. A society based upon democratic consumption threatens planetary ecological integrity, and can not long persist. One of my favorite writers, Jared Diamond, investigates historically how some societies have been able to succeed while others fail when faced with such issues as climate change and resource scarcity.

The Ends of the World as We Know Them

NEW Year's weekend traditionally is a time for us to reflect, and to make resolutions based on our reflections. In this fresh year, with the United States seemingly at the height of its power and at the start of a new presidential term, Americans are increasingly concerned and divided about where we are going. How long can America remain ascendant? Where will we stand 10 years from now, or even next year?

Such questions seem especially appropriate this year. History warns us that when once-powerful societies collapse, they tend to do so quickly and unexpectedly. That shouldn't come as much of a surprise: peak power usually means peak population, peak needs, and hence peak vulnerability. What can be learned from history that could help us avoid joining the ranks of those who declined swiftly? We must expect the answers to be complex, because historical reality is complex: while some societies did indeed collapse spectacularly, others have managed to thrive for thousands of years without major reversal.

Posted by Dr. Glen Barry | Permalink | Comments (0) | More on social collapse