New evidence that dispersants are bad news for fish

Out of sight, out of our minds–in more ways than one. We will be the death of many species, likely us included.

Summit County Citizens Voice

Detailed study shows that fish exposed to oil-dispersant mix are less able to respond to subsequent environmental challenges

By Summit Voice

FRISCO — A new European study once again shows that using dispersants to treat oil spills can be bad news for many marine organisms, even as it prevents massive slicks from reaching the shoreline.

The results of the study will be presented formally at the July 6 meeting of the Society for Experimental Biology meeting in Valencia. The increased contamination under the water reduces the ability for fish and other organisms to cope with subsequent environmental challenges, the research team found.

Led by professor Guy Claireaux, of the University of Brest,  the biologists for the first time looked at the effects of chemically dispersed oil on the performance of European seabass to subsequent environmental challenges.

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Lower Crime: Get the Lead Out?

George Monboit’s January 7, 2013, op-ed piece presents an unusual theory of crime:
“The Grime Behind the Crime.”

He may be on to something.

Or not.

Either way it’s worth considering.

Cassandra

Op-ed: Colorado needs to pony up on oil and gas rules

Summit County Citizens Voice

Setbacks, water quality monitoring needs to err on the side of caution

By Bob Berwyn

FRISCO — Even though Colorado touts clean air and water and healthy lifestyles based on outdoor activities like skiing and hiking, the reality is is far different.

Somehow, government and energy industry spin-meisters have perpetuated a myth of a “clean” natural gas energy boom, but thanks to our almost insatiable thirst for fossil fuels, large parts of the state have been turned into industrial zones. Drill pads, power generators, pumping stations and roads fragmenting forests, sagebrush fields and even residential areas.

Methane leakage from drilling operations is contributing to global warming. Other noxious gases contribute to regional haze and smog, causing serious health problems. At this point, there’s really no telling what’s going on with our groundwater, but every time I hear government and the energy industry say, “don’t worry,” my concern grows, especially as…

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Support Your Local Santa!

A local company installed our EPA-approved fireplace insert three years ago. The insert now supplies almost all of the heating for our house. We love it, but, alas, the tight firebox Santa-proofs our house.

Of course, considering the stats on the first part of this website, that might not be a bad thing:  “What Is Santa’s Carbon Footprint?”

Whoever put this site together might be happy to know that some of the holiday wrapping I use has been recycled many times. I also recycle gift bags I receive. Stuffing a bag is so much easier than wrapping! For couples, I’ve been known to stuff lots of little gifts into a fancy pair of new pillowcases and pin a card on each. Why use any wrapping at all? It ain’t gonna save the planet, but it makes me feel good.

Happy Holidays!

Cassandra

Climate + Human Nature: The End Is Near(er)

The ever cheerful Chris Hedges turned this out today: “Chris Hedges: Stand Still for the Apocalypse”

While Hedges is certainly apocalyptic, he fails to stress overpopulation and to factor in the near certain depletion of necessary natural resources, especially fish, fertile soil, and clean water. While more people are starting to take climate change more seriously, we continue to overfish, overfarm, and pollute without many even mentioning what this means to future generations.

As major investment manager Jeremy Grantham and others have argued, food and water are THE most vital human issues, greater even than a nasty rise in temperatures, which in itself is going to alter the oceans, the land, and our fresh water supply. Grantham’s typically solid predictions popped up today on a financial site: “Jeremy Grantham Warns of No Safety Margin from This Collapse.”

In short, Grantham sees serious unpleasantries as being even closer than Hedges does.

Have a nice day.

Cassandra

A Microcosm of the World?

This situation may well prove to be indicative of what the world’s (over)population will have to deal with in the upcoming decades:

“The Salton Sea:  Death and Politics in the Great American Water Wars.”

I fear we won’t handle the situations well at all, but I hope I’m wrong.

Cassandra