Environmental news

I need to catch up on the environmental and energy news which has been happening the last week. Lets do a little internet cruisin' to see what's been happening in the world.

First of all, BBC, my personal favorite. (I sometimes pretend to read the articles in a British accent. You know, just for kicks.) Plus, is it just me - or are some of the BBC articles much better written than the standard NY Times or Washington Post fair. My other all-time favorite is The Economist. Anyways:

1. Black, R. "Cash row at Wildlife trade forum." BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6758215.stm 16 June 2007.

The final day of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was spend arguing over a substantial budget cut, which was eventually approved. The budget cut may hamper the ability of CITES to restrict the illegal trade of certain endangered species. However, on the bright side (well, not if you are pro-whaling) CITIES agreed not to review the stocks of whales (ie how many whales populations are intact) until the whaling moratorium is over. This is good, since if they reviewed stocks it would open opportunities for whaling countries to negotiate further. Additionally, in my opinion, the illegal whaling which now occurs is quite enough. Whales are so incredibly beautiful that it is worth erring on the side of caution now to avoid disaster.

2. Amos, J. "Earth species feel the squeeze." BBC News. 21 May 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4563499.stm

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment recently found that disturbing numbers of species are going extinct. Although extinction is a normal part of evolution, current extinction rates are between 100 and 1000 times greater than those seen in the fossil records. The interesting part of the report is how it ties the rapidly degrading ecosystems to our own health and wealth. The report argues that people living closest to the poverty line will be most vulnerable to this change, since they depend most directly on ecosystem functioning.

Now, to be fair - lets look at Science news at Foxnews.com

3. Associated Press. "Common American Bird Numbers Plummeting." http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,282613,00.html

Umm, yeah. Pretty much the title says it all. Suburbia and urban areas have destroyed much of the habitat of American bird species.

Not too much else interesting on Fox news - except that they are pretty angry at Angelina Jolie for refusing interviews with the Press, especially Fox News, except under special circumstances. I say - Go Angie!! I think it is obnoxious that the press thinks they can own these celebrities, especially when she probably has better things to do with her time.

Okay, that's it for now folks. Enjoy the supreme weather!

Best,
Emily