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Friday, July 27th, 2012 #1378 |
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An
by the
People for Trees, Inc. Since 1997
(941)426-9752
"Save a tree today, and we'll all breathe a little easier!"
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Global Warming's Terrifying New Math
Three simple numbers that add up to global catastrophe - and that make clear who the real enemy is
I confess to being somewhat blown away by the reaction to the piece I wrote for Rolling Stone last week. Despite the fact that it was 6,000 words long and pretty technical, it has been shared almost 100,000 times -which is more than 10x as many as the interview they did with President Obama the month before. Clearly the piece struck a nerve-probably because its timing coincided with the heat and drought and fire that have so unnerved the nation this summer.
I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to read all 6,000 or so of those words, and for sharing it with your friends and family. I was told by the folks at Rolling Stone that it's been viewed 450,000 times, which is just remarkable. (If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, here's the place to go: www.act.350.org/signup/reckoning
Monday night we had a big video chat with folks who wanted more details and I've been poring over the helpful comments that arrived by the kilobyte to thoughts@350.org.
With the crazy weather putting climate change at the top of more people's agenda, it is clear that we're at one of those breakthrough moments that movements occasionally get, and we don't want to waste it. If you've read the piece, you know that it makes clear that the fossil fuel industry already has 5 times more coal and gas and oil on hand than even our most timid governments think would be safe to burn-left to their own devices, they'll usher us right past the brink.
So-even as we continue to fight pipelines and coalmines and oil wells, we need to take on that industry as a whole. We need to change the rules. Until the election we're going to do that by pushing folks running for office to take a stand against fossil fuel subsidies. But we also have to start preparing for what happens after Nov. 6th.
I've been working on something I wanted to let you know a bit about, and hopefully have your help in seeing through.
Starting the day after the election, I'd like to go after the fossil fuel industry even more directly, trying-as the Rolling Stone piece suggests-to spark a movement like the ones that overturned the great immoral institutions of the past century, such as Apartheid in South Africa. On November 7th, 350.org board member Naomi Klein and I are planning to launch a road show that will cover 20 cities in just over 20 nights (we're going to break for Thanksgiving) to bring the message I laid out in Rolling Stone to thousands of people across America.
We'll have a revolving cast of musicians and great speakers, to make it an inspirational and exciting event. We're in the process of confirming venues now - but we're going to need your help to promote these events in your community, and help turn these ideas into a powerful campaign. If you can help us book a large venue, know of great musicians that might want to participate, or can lend a hand with the creative work that this will surely require, click here to let us know how you'd like to help out: act.350.org/survey/tour-help/.
Look, the Rolling Stone piece was pretty grim. But the response to it shows that people understood that our backs are to the wall and that means it's time to fight. I don't know if we can win; but I'm certain that without each of you we've got no chance. So thanks in advance for jumping in.
Bill McKibben for 350.org |
Restore: Busy Summer Leads to Big Results for Greater Everglades
Audubon is working to protect Florida's most iconic wildlife and wild places.
It's been a summer of big news for the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. In this issue of Audubon's Restore, learn about President Obama's newest investment in the Northern Everglades, how the recently passed RESTORE Act will improve ecosystems on the Gulf Coast and in the Everglades, a decision from the South Florida Water Management District that could affect restoration projects, and some important news for some of Florida's most iconic species: the Florida panther and the Everglade Snail Kite. You can help the Everglades right now...please click on the share buttons at the bottom of this newsletter. Simply making this important Everglades information available to your friends, family, and neighbors is an excellent way you can help the River of Grass right now. Thank you for all that you do! - Audubon Florida Everglades Conservation Team
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 Blue Revolution: Unmaking America's Water Crisis
In Blue Revolution, award-winning journalist Cynthia Barnett reports on the many ways one of the most water-rich nations on the planet has squandered its way to scarcity, and argues the best solution is also the simplest and least expensive: a water ethic for America.
From backyard waterfalls and grottoes in California to sinkholes swallowing chunks of Florida, Blue Revolution exposes how the nation's green craze largely missed water - the No. 1 environmental concern of most Americans. But the book is big on inspiration, too. Blue Revolution combines investigative reporting with solutions from around the nation and the globe. From San Antonio to Singapore, Barnett shows how local communities and entire nations have come together in a shared ethic to dramatically reduce consumption and live within their water means.
The first book to call for a national water ethic, Blue Revolution is also a powerful meditation on water and community in America.
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Audubon Assembly 2012
Save the Date!
Date: Oct. 25-27, 2012
Location: Hyatt Regency Sarasota on Sarasota Bay
Keynote Speaker: Cynthia Barnett, Author of Mirage and the Blue Revolution
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The House of Representatives is planning to cut over $50 million in funding for key bird conservation programs in its budget. If passed by the full House and Senate, these destructive cuts will harm birds and other wildlife, and undo decades of successful conservation efforts.
Programs targeted:
* The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, the only federal U.S. grants program specifically dedicated to the conservation of our migrant birds throughout the Americas
* State Wildlife Grants, the nation's core program for preventing birds and wildlife from becoming endangered in addition to supporting strategic conservation investments in every state and territory
* The North American Wetlands Conservation Act, which provides funding for conservation projects that benefit wetland birds.
Click here to see a chart showing the extent of the cuts proposed.
Representatives and Senators need to hear from bird advocates like you today to ensure that these critical bird conservation programs continue to be funded.
We have made it easy for you to take action now - |
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5400/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=11085
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25th Annual "Ding" Darling Days Amateur Nature Photography Contest. The contest, sponsored by the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) is held in conjunction with "Ding" Darling Days, Oct. 14-20, 2012, which honors the birthday of Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling, one of the foremost conservationists in American history and the driving force behind the eponymous J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Deadline for contest entry submission is 4 p.m. on Sept. 15, 2012. For an entry form and other contest information, visit www.dingdarlingsociety.org/photo-contests. Or contact DDWS at dingdarlingoffice@yahoo.com or 239-472-1100, ext. 233. |
FACT CHECK:
U.S. Sugar is NOT More Affordable than World Average
Sugar Lobby's Often Cited U.S. Sugar Price is Off by 15%
The U.S. sugar-growing and processing lobby claims the price of U.S. sugar is 'more affordable' than the world average. This is false. In reality, the price is 50 percent or more above the average world price. A recently released Agralytica white paper details how the sugar lobby's often cited U.S. sugar price is off by 15 percent. |
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Mercury pollution must drop 86%, Florida says
Herald-Tribune - by Kate Spinner
To eliminate the risk of poisoning from eating too much fish in Florida, the amount of mercury pollution entering the state's lakes, rivers and estuaries needs to drop 86 percent, a new analysis by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection shows.
The state is setting goals to reduce the amount of mercury in all of Florida's waterways, including brackish bays and the Gulf of Mexico - an ambitious step that no other state has taken.
But achieving that 86 percent goal may be impossible and the state has not yet figured out its strategy. Much of the mercury pollution comes from beyond Florida's borders.
Air pollution, primarily from coal-burning power plants, is the main source of mercury contamination in fish. The pollution settles out of the air onto the ground and into water, where it easily enters the food chain.
Eating too much mercury can cause birth defects, including severe brain damage, and developmental problems in children. Adults who eat too much mercury can suffer heart attacks.
Although fish is considered generally healthy for most people, state health officials recommend eating no more than two meals of most Florida fish per week. Guidelines for women and children, and for anyone eating certain top predators, such as sharks, are much more cautious. Women who want to have children, for instance, should never eat cobia or shark from coastal waters or largemouth bass from most freshwater lakes and rivers.
Statewide mercury reduction goals are required by the Florida Watershed Restoration Act and the federal Clean Water Act. Mercury levels exceed federal guidelines for clean water in 265 streams and rivers, 128 lakes, 588 estuaries and 151 coastal water-bodies statewide.
Once goals are finalized, the state will begin to determine how to go about reducing mercury pollution.
On Friday at 1 p.m., the DEP will hold a public comment session on the mercury reduction goals in Sarasota. The last in a series of meetings around the state, it will be held at the Southwest Florida Water Management District's office on Fruitville road.
"Eighty-six percent is a large reduction when you're looking globally," said Trina Vielhauer, deputy director for the DEP's division of environmental assessment and restoration. Some elemental mercury is naturally occurring, but pollution makes up the bulk of it.
"Certainly we're expecting Florida sources to do what they can to meet that goal," Vielhauer said.
In Florida, coal-fired electric plants accounted for half the mercury emissions released in 2005, more than 2,000 tons. Cement plants released 710 tons of mercury and waste-to-energy plants released 692 tons.
Vielhauer said stronger federal clean air laws should eventually result in lower air emissions from power plants and other industries.
The state plans a more direct approach with industries that discharge pollutants into waterways. Each of those industries, many of which are waste-water treatment plants, have permits to discharge pollutants. When those permits expire, the DEP can issue new permits with tighter limits.
"Largely we will be asking them to look at waste minimization," Vielhauer said |
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 Annual Aquifer Recharge Conference - Orlando
Register now for the 12th annual conference for water supply managers and all related professionals -
Orlando,AQUIFER RECHARGE CONFERENCE
STATUS OF PROJECTS, ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS
This is the twelfth annual recharge program with a focus on Florida.
Holiday Inn - Orlando International Airport, 5750 T.G. Lee Blvd., Orlando FL
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Ground Water Conference rate of $99 per night. [Call (407) 851-6400]
American Ground Water Trust
Ground Water Education Since 1986
www.agwt.org
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Third Annual Tour de North Port Bicycle Ride
http://www.peoplefortrees.com/
Members of People for Trees, Inc. will be hosting their third annual "Tour de North Port" Bicycle Ride on Sunday, October 21, 2012. The ride will begin and end from Dallas White Park, 5900 Greenwood Ave. in North Port. Riders can choose to complete either a 15, 35, 65, or 100 mile route that will travel along the roads and backroads of North Port. It is NOT a race. The advance registration fee of $35 ($10 for children 16 and under) includes breakfast, fully-stocked rest stops with homemade goodies, SAG support, and lunch. A special optional guided "Family Fun Ride" starting at 9AM will be offered for the 15-mile route with fun stops and activities planned along the way and up to six family members can register for only $50 (lunch NOT included). Special group discounts for six or more riders also available. All registered riders can enjoy a free swim at the North Port YMCA located next to the park. Check-in/on-site registration ($40) for the 35,65, or 100 mile rides begins at 7AM. Riders are encouraged to be on the road by 8AM. Check-in/on-site registration for the unguided 15-mile ride begins at 8AM and participants can also receive the special $50 rate (for up to six members) with lunch NOT being included.
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Sincerely,
Eco-Voice Moderator
Eco-Voice, Inc.
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