So, How's Earth?

Climate change has rapidly become part of our national discourse. As early as four or five years ago, the issue was treated by many as a paranoid conspiracy. Now, political figures from governors to presidential candidates to George W. Bush himself seem unable to avoid the fact that not only is our planet becoming warmer, but it is also losing the ability to produce key resources such as oil and clean water. Here’s a look at recent Earth-related news:

The United States Department of Agriculture reported in early February that there is still reason for concern about a rapid decline in honeybees. Early last year, the term Colony Collapse Disorder was coined to refer to the baffling phenomenon when the rate of disappearances was said to have reached new proportions. Scientists have a wide array of theories about the causes of honeybee deaths, ranging from malnutrition, mites and diseases, pesticide-laden crops, climate change stresses, and cell-phone radiation. The issue is cause for alarm because honeybees pollinate key U.S crops that account for about 1/3 of every mouthful of food we consume, according to the Pollinator Partnership, a non-profit organization that seeks to encourage and promote the health of pollinating insects in North America. According to various sources, the problem affects between $15 and $20 billion in crops.

Today the Los Angeles Times reports that Federal agencies overseeing water and flood control plan to flood the Grand Canyon beginning at Glen Canyon Dam. The U.S. Geological survey claims the million cubic feet flush is needed to restore beaches, habitats for endangered species, and side pools for campers. However, Grand Canyon National Park officials staunchly oppose the plan, claiming it is merely a service to hydroelectric power plants that need the extra push for the coming summer when consumer energy usage increases considerably.

Officials from the world’s two largest polluters, China and The United States, met over the weekend in Seattle to discuss a clean energy future. Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington state initiated the talks. However, the discouraging fact remains that even as China expresses interest in clean energy, spending $35 billion a year on green technology, the nation is still building 104 coal-powered plants per year. Coal emissions are widely recognized as the worst and most virulent greenhouse gasses.

Image Credit: Flickr user woodlywonderworks