The dangers of global warming strike the penguins. According to a recent World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report, if the earth’s climate increases by only two degrees Celsius (or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) half to three-quarters of Antarctic penguin colonies could be wiped out or severely harmed. Sadly, a United Nation report predicts the climate change will occur by the end of the century if greenhouse gases aren’t decreased. Poor, poor penguins.
Could greener fuels cause world hunger? A United Nations food agency is asking the same question in its call for a review of biofuel (cleaner, plant-based fuel) subsidies and policies. The examination will look at biofuel’s role in higher food prices and hunger in poor countries. With the biofuel subsidies in place, many farmers plant more crops for fuel than food because it brings in more dough.
Speaking of dough, green technology is where it’s at. Venture capital is pouring into the clean tech industry that focuses on alternative energy, pollution reduction, recycling and conservation. Biotechies and biopharma workers are headed over to the green side. According to VentureSource, venture funding in clean technologies increased from $216 million in 2002 to $2.5 billion last year.
Financial crisis threatens climate change. A lack of credit and limited capital may result in fewer developed countries investing in green initiatives to help poorer countries upgrade to clean energy technology. In an AP interview, Yvo de Boer, executive secretary of the U.N. climate secretariat summed it up best when he said, “You can’t pick an empty pocket.”
Navy v. Whales. The U.S. Supreme Court appears to be split over whether the Navy’s use of sonar off the coast of Southern California outweighs any harm to the dolphins and whales in the waters. The case stems from the federal government appealing the U.S. District Court’s decision to limit their use of sonar when marine mammals are within 1.25 feet. Also, the Navy’s failure to file an environmental impact statement (EIS) is a big issue in this case. The Bush Administration defends its position with two words: National Security.
More whale news… The shortage of salmon in Southern Vancouver and Puget Sound is threatening the lives of Killer Whales. Whale experts say that the lack of food is causing less blubber and strange behavior patterns. Environmentalists are calling for new strategies to protect the whales.