I am a composer. That is someone who imagines sounds, creating music from the inner world of the imagination. The ability to experience and communicate this inner world is a gift. Throughout history, society has recognized that certain men possess this gift and has accorded them a special place. But if such men - poets if you like - are honoured, are the products of their imagination of any real value to the society which honours them? Or are we, particularly at this present point in history, deluding ourselves that this may be so?
Like every creative artist, my days are spent pondering, considering, wrestling in my mind with an infinite permutation of possibilities. i must create order out of chaos. the act of imagination is sometimes of great intensity, sometimes more wayward and always, for a big piece of music, prolonged. I am as it were, possessed, taken over by the creative drive from within, and even when I put away the manuscript paper I find it almost impossible to switch off the inner activity.
I have lived in the country since my student days. This is practical and personal. I need to shut myself away from the noise and activity of the town in order to find some kind of inner silence. The outside world with all its troubles goes on around my personal sanctuary, and I an fully aware of its harsh realities. And since I face continually a question within this paradox: has the reality of my imagination and lasting relation to the reality of those events which immediately affect the lives of men? This is a question that has been asked by artists throughout history.
Michael Tippett
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
A Sculptor's Thoughts
*I have been asked to address you as a sculptor and it might therefore be appropriate if I began by trying to give you some ideas of my own attitude to the art I practice. Why have I chosen to be a sculptor, or why has the art of sculpture chosen me as an exponent of its special aims? If I can answer that question satisfactorily I may be in a better position to answer some of the specific questions which are before this conference.
Some become sculptors because they like using their hands or because they love certain materials - that is, they like the craft of sculpture - I do. But beyond this, one is a sculptor because one has a special kind of sensibility for shapes and forms, in their solid physical actuality. I feel that I can best express myself, that I can best give outward form to certain inward feelings or ambitions by the manipulation of solid materials - wood, stone, or metal. The problems that arise in the manipulation of such materials, problems of mass and volume, of light in relation to form and of volume in relation to space, the problem of continually learning to grasp and understand form more completely in its full spatial reality, all these are problems that interest me as an artist and which i believe I can solve by putting down, building up or welding together solid three-dimensional materials.
But what is my purpose in such activity? It might, of course, be merely a desire to amuse myself, to kill time or create a diversion. But then I should not find it necessary, as I do, to exhibit my sculpture publicly, to hope for its sale and for its permanent disposition either in a private house, a public building o an open site in a city. My desire for such a destination for my work shows that I am trying, not merely to express my own feelings or emotions for my own satisfaction, but also to communicate those feelings or emotions ti my fellow men. Sculpture, even more than painting (which generally speaking, is restricted to interiors) is a public art, and for that reason I am at once involved in those problems which we have met here to discuss - the relation of the artist to society - more particularity, the relation of the artist to the particular form of society which we have at this moment of history.
Henry Moore
*This is the beginning of an address given at an international conference of artists under the auspices of UNESCO in Venice in 1952
Some become sculptors because they like using their hands or because they love certain materials - that is, they like the craft of sculpture - I do. But beyond this, one is a sculptor because one has a special kind of sensibility for shapes and forms, in their solid physical actuality. I feel that I can best express myself, that I can best give outward form to certain inward feelings or ambitions by the manipulation of solid materials - wood, stone, or metal. The problems that arise in the manipulation of such materials, problems of mass and volume, of light in relation to form and of volume in relation to space, the problem of continually learning to grasp and understand form more completely in its full spatial reality, all these are problems that interest me as an artist and which i believe I can solve by putting down, building up or welding together solid three-dimensional materials.
But what is my purpose in such activity? It might, of course, be merely a desire to amuse myself, to kill time or create a diversion. But then I should not find it necessary, as I do, to exhibit my sculpture publicly, to hope for its sale and for its permanent disposition either in a private house, a public building o an open site in a city. My desire for such a destination for my work shows that I am trying, not merely to express my own feelings or emotions for my own satisfaction, but also to communicate those feelings or emotions ti my fellow men. Sculpture, even more than painting (which generally speaking, is restricted to interiors) is a public art, and for that reason I am at once involved in those problems which we have met here to discuss - the relation of the artist to society - more particularity, the relation of the artist to the particular form of society which we have at this moment of history.
Henry Moore
*This is the beginning of an address given at an international conference of artists under the auspices of UNESCO in Venice in 1952
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Daily Meditations (04/03/07)
I've decided to start a "Thought of the Day" kind of thing to keep ppl thinking while I'm in between blogs. I hop that these will help to promote some discussion among those who frequent and read this page. Thanks to King Nerd for being the first one to comment. Folks, this page is about generating thoughts and discussions. I'm not here to lecture. Please feel free to comment with counter-opinions, thoughts, anything.
Meditation for the Day:
There seem to two kinds of searchers: those who seek to make their ego something other than it is, i.e. holy, happy, unselfish (as though you could make a fish unfish), and those who understand that all such attempts are just gesticulation and play-acting, that there is only one thing that can be done, which is to disidentify themselves with the ego, by realizing its unreality, and by becoming aware of their eternal identity with pure being. - Fingers Pointing Toward the Moon by Wei Wu Wei
Meditation for the Day:
There seem to two kinds of searchers: those who seek to make their ego something other than it is, i.e. holy, happy, unselfish (as though you could make a fish unfish), and those who understand that all such attempts are just gesticulation and play-acting, that there is only one thing that can be done, which is to disidentify themselves with the ego, by realizing its unreality, and by becoming aware of their eternal identity with pure being. - Fingers Pointing Toward the Moon by Wei Wu Wei
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
The Dirt On Smog
Drive through Vancouver, fly over Toronto, look at a picture of any major city in the world and you see it: smog. A gray or brown cloud hanging ominously in the air. And it can be deadly.
What is Smog?
H.A. Des Voex first coined the term "smog" in 1905, combining the words "smoke" and "fog." He used it to describe the foggy conditions in urban areas caused by sulphur dioxide emissions from newly-created smokestacks.
» RELATED: The story of smog
Smog is a combination of pollutant gases from:
* industrial manufacturing plants (such as coal-fired power plants, pulp and paper plants, smelting plants and cement plants)
* exhaust particles from trucks and automobiles
How is smog formed?
Smog is made up, in large part, of ozone gas. It's formed in the lower atmosphere just above the Earth's surface when energy from the sun reacts with industrial pollutants and motor vehicle exhaust particles in the air. The pollutants and the exhaust contain two key components to the development of smog:
* Nitrogen oxides – These are produced when fossil fuels like gasoline, natural gas, heating oil and coal are burned. These gases are also produced naturally in the soil and in forest fires and volcanoes.
* Volatile organic compounds (VOC) – These are compounds containing carbon and, in most cases, hydrogen. However, most of these compounds also contain oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, sulphur or phosphorous. The major artificial source of VOC emissions is motor vehicles, but the evaporation of gasoline, oil-based paints, nail polish remover, barbecue starter, surface coatings, inks and hydrocarbons from the petrochemical industry is also a significant source.
Both nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds exist naturally in the earth's atmosphere. However, motor vehicle exhaust and industrial pollutants pump more of these chemicals into the air. Sunlight breaks down these chemicals compounds allowing them to join with oxygen in the air. This joining of broken down nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compound particles with oxygen creates ozone, one of the chemicals in smog.
What is smog made up of?
A variety of chemicals make up smog including:
* Ground-level ozone – ground-level ozone is the same kind of ozone found 15 to 30 kilometres above the earth. When it's that high up, the ozone is referred to as stratospheric ozone and it shields us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. While ground-level ozone does occur naturally, it only does so in small quantities. When a high level of these gasses accumulate it becomes air pollution. The haziness and brown colour associated with smog are caused by the accumulation of tiny particles and nitrogen dioxide in stagnant air. At a ground level, these gases can harm people, animals and vegetation.
* Particulate Matter (PM) – particulate matter refers to the very small solid or liquid particles emitted from any activity that burns materials or generates dust. The thick smoke that belches out of automobile exhaust pipes, the white smoke coming from industrial plants and smoke stacks, the clouds of dust picked up by wind – all are sources of particulate matter. The tiny particles can harm crops and vegetation and get caught in people's lungs causing serious respiratory problems.
How does smog affect me?
Smog, caused by ground-level ozone and particulate matter affects the cardio-respiratory system of people. It can cause:
* respiratory distress
* coughing
* asthma
* bronchitis
* increased hospital admissions
* reduced resistance to lung infections and colds
* eye irritation
But make no mistake. Smog can be much more than just a minor inconvenience to one's health. In June 2005, the Ontario Medical Association said smog-related illnesses lead to the premature deaths of 5,800 Ontario residents each year. It also said that toll is expected to almost double in the next 20 years.
The OMA study said smog will send an estimated 17,000 people a year to hospital with breathing problems.
Smog can also have a negative effect on vegetation. Because it prevents sufficient photosynthesis, it can damage leaves and reduce the yield of plants and crops.
What weather conditions lead to smog?
A number of weather conditions contribute to the formation of smog including:
* warm temperatures ranging from the high 20s up
* slow wind speeds
* still, stagnant air
When is smog worst?
Because smog formation depends on temperature and sunlight, summer is the time of year when smog is worst. From May to the end of September is typically when most smog forms. However, it is possible to get winter episodes of smog if you have slow winds and strong air stagnation.
Afternoons and early evenings are the peak periods for smog formation.
Where is smog worst?
Smog is usually worse in densely populated areas and low valley areas where air can become trapped, stagnant and very warm. In Canada, the worst smog is seen in three areas:
* the Lower Fraser Valley in B.C.
* the urban belt running from Windsor to Quebec
* Atlantic Canada (inherits the polluted air of urban centres along the eastern United States)
When is smog dangerous to my health?
Many health scientists believe there is no safe level for smog and that no matter how little smog is in the air, someone will be negatively affected.
What should I do when a smog warning is issued?
When a smog warning is issued medical experts suggest that:
* you reduce physical activity, especially activity outside.
* you restrict the amount of time young children spend outside.
* people with pre-existing respiratory problems should consult their physician about how much time to spend outside and what precautions to take.
**Original post here on CBC News Website.
What is Smog?
H.A. Des Voex first coined the term "smog" in 1905, combining the words "smoke" and "fog." He used it to describe the foggy conditions in urban areas caused by sulphur dioxide emissions from newly-created smokestacks.
» RELATED: The story of smog
Smog is a combination of pollutant gases from:
* industrial manufacturing plants (such as coal-fired power plants, pulp and paper plants, smelting plants and cement plants)
* exhaust particles from trucks and automobiles
How is smog formed?
Smog is made up, in large part, of ozone gas. It's formed in the lower atmosphere just above the Earth's surface when energy from the sun reacts with industrial pollutants and motor vehicle exhaust particles in the air. The pollutants and the exhaust contain two key components to the development of smog:
* Nitrogen oxides – These are produced when fossil fuels like gasoline, natural gas, heating oil and coal are burned. These gases are also produced naturally in the soil and in forest fires and volcanoes.
* Volatile organic compounds (VOC) – These are compounds containing carbon and, in most cases, hydrogen. However, most of these compounds also contain oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, sulphur or phosphorous. The major artificial source of VOC emissions is motor vehicles, but the evaporation of gasoline, oil-based paints, nail polish remover, barbecue starter, surface coatings, inks and hydrocarbons from the petrochemical industry is also a significant source.
Both nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds exist naturally in the earth's atmosphere. However, motor vehicle exhaust and industrial pollutants pump more of these chemicals into the air. Sunlight breaks down these chemicals compounds allowing them to join with oxygen in the air. This joining of broken down nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compound particles with oxygen creates ozone, one of the chemicals in smog.
What is smog made up of?
A variety of chemicals make up smog including:
* Ground-level ozone – ground-level ozone is the same kind of ozone found 15 to 30 kilometres above the earth. When it's that high up, the ozone is referred to as stratospheric ozone and it shields us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. While ground-level ozone does occur naturally, it only does so in small quantities. When a high level of these gasses accumulate it becomes air pollution. The haziness and brown colour associated with smog are caused by the accumulation of tiny particles and nitrogen dioxide in stagnant air. At a ground level, these gases can harm people, animals and vegetation.
* Particulate Matter (PM) – particulate matter refers to the very small solid or liquid particles emitted from any activity that burns materials or generates dust. The thick smoke that belches out of automobile exhaust pipes, the white smoke coming from industrial plants and smoke stacks, the clouds of dust picked up by wind – all are sources of particulate matter. The tiny particles can harm crops and vegetation and get caught in people's lungs causing serious respiratory problems.
How does smog affect me?
Smog, caused by ground-level ozone and particulate matter affects the cardio-respiratory system of people. It can cause:
* respiratory distress
* coughing
* asthma
* bronchitis
* increased hospital admissions
* reduced resistance to lung infections and colds
* eye irritation
But make no mistake. Smog can be much more than just a minor inconvenience to one's health. In June 2005, the Ontario Medical Association said smog-related illnesses lead to the premature deaths of 5,800 Ontario residents each year. It also said that toll is expected to almost double in the next 20 years.
The OMA study said smog will send an estimated 17,000 people a year to hospital with breathing problems.
Smog can also have a negative effect on vegetation. Because it prevents sufficient photosynthesis, it can damage leaves and reduce the yield of plants and crops.
What weather conditions lead to smog?
A number of weather conditions contribute to the formation of smog including:
* warm temperatures ranging from the high 20s up
* slow wind speeds
* still, stagnant air
When is smog worst?
Because smog formation depends on temperature and sunlight, summer is the time of year when smog is worst. From May to the end of September is typically when most smog forms. However, it is possible to get winter episodes of smog if you have slow winds and strong air stagnation.
Afternoons and early evenings are the peak periods for smog formation.
Where is smog worst?
Smog is usually worse in densely populated areas and low valley areas where air can become trapped, stagnant and very warm. In Canada, the worst smog is seen in three areas:
* the Lower Fraser Valley in B.C.
* the urban belt running from Windsor to Quebec
* Atlantic Canada (inherits the polluted air of urban centres along the eastern United States)
When is smog dangerous to my health?
Many health scientists believe there is no safe level for smog and that no matter how little smog is in the air, someone will be negatively affected.
What should I do when a smog warning is issued?
When a smog warning is issued medical experts suggest that:
* you reduce physical activity, especially activity outside.
* you restrict the amount of time young children spend outside.
* people with pre-existing respiratory problems should consult their physician about how much time to spend outside and what precautions to take.
**Original post here on CBC News Website.
Monday, January 29, 2007
To Warm Or Not To Warn... Which One Is The Question?
I've always been an advocater of Earth preservation, energy conservation and sustainability, but who among you actually, honestly believes that Climate Change is really happenning and is truly a threat to human life on this earth?
Apparently, one congress-woman in the States doesn't believe that it's happening and decided to voice her opinion to the Senate. Republican Congressional candidate in Minnesota's rural, majority-Republican Sixth District, Michelle Bachmann, says at a public meeting that she doesn't believe global warming is an established fact… and gets laughed at by the audience.
Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wX1UnAtynU
The key question, to my mind, is this: "What if this is really just a natural turn of events for the globe?"
I've never taken this question seriously until today, when I found a Newsweek article published on April 28, 1975 (http://denisdutton.com/cooling_world.htm), entitled: "The Cooling World," that says that Arctic snow and ice was actually GROWING from 1968 to 1974 and the world was quietly biting their nails in fear of another possible ice age.
What I've read today:
There has been a significant warming of the Earth since 1981. (it is generally accepted that the planet's average worldwide temperatures have risen by at least one degree celcius.)
There was a general cooling of the Earth from 1954-1976.
Before that, there was a general warming of the Earth, from 1929-1969.
Before THAT, there was a general cooling from 1895-1932.
Bearing in mind that journalists around the world have consistently failed to report on this issue fairly or accurately, just as governements have failed to produce resolutions to resource consumption problems and obvious environmental damage, it's plain to see that you just can't believe everything that you read (http://www.businessandmedia.org/articles/2006/20061024143134.aspx).
Instead, I would suggest going outside and seeing for yourself whether the weather is changing around you. Think back to your childhood and ask yourself whether or not you feel that this is normal. If your answer is 'Yes,' then go on back inside and sit on your couch... I think 'Entertainment Tonight' is on. If you answer is 'No,' then why not do something to change it? Write to your Member of Parliament. If an MP receives 100 letters on a subject, he/she MUST bring it up in the House of Commons. Write to the Prime Minister, write to the Minister of the Environment and let them all know that you want them to finally, seriously commit themselves to the issue of Climate Change.
CONTACT:
Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty: Fax 613-992-8320
Prime Minister, Stephen Harper: Fax 613-941-6900
Minister of Environment, Rona Ambroise: Fax: 613-996-0785
To find your local MP, go here: http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=E or visit www.elections.ca
===========
DISCLAIMER: The preceeding facebook note was written at 2:45 in the AM by a very tired person. If there are any spelling, grammar or punctuation errors, please take them with a grain of salt and leave a nice, constructive comment.
Peolpe with opposing viewpoints are strongly ENCOURAGED to leave a comment or an email telling me off with your reasons on why everything I've written is all wrong and ridiculous. Just be prepared for a stinging rebuttal. ;)
Apparently, one congress-woman in the States doesn't believe that it's happening and decided to voice her opinion to the Senate. Republican Congressional candidate in Minnesota's rural, majority-Republican Sixth District, Michelle Bachmann, says at a public meeting that she doesn't believe global warming is an established fact… and gets laughed at by the audience.
Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wX1UnAtynU
The key question, to my mind, is this: "What if this is really just a natural turn of events for the globe?"
I've never taken this question seriously until today, when I found a Newsweek article published on April 28, 1975 (http://denisdutton.com/cooling_world.htm), entitled: "The Cooling World," that says that Arctic snow and ice was actually GROWING from 1968 to 1974 and the world was quietly biting their nails in fear of another possible ice age.
What I've read today:
There has been a significant warming of the Earth since 1981. (it is generally accepted that the planet's average worldwide temperatures have risen by at least one degree celcius.)
There was a general cooling of the Earth from 1954-1976.
Before that, there was a general warming of the Earth, from 1929-1969.
Before THAT, there was a general cooling from 1895-1932.
Bearing in mind that journalists around the world have consistently failed to report on this issue fairly or accurately, just as governements have failed to produce resolutions to resource consumption problems and obvious environmental damage, it's plain to see that you just can't believe everything that you read (http://www.businessandmedia.org/articles/2006/20061024143134.aspx).
Instead, I would suggest going outside and seeing for yourself whether the weather is changing around you. Think back to your childhood and ask yourself whether or not you feel that this is normal. If your answer is 'Yes,' then go on back inside and sit on your couch... I think 'Entertainment Tonight' is on. If you answer is 'No,' then why not do something to change it? Write to your Member of Parliament. If an MP receives 100 letters on a subject, he/she MUST bring it up in the House of Commons. Write to the Prime Minister, write to the Minister of the Environment and let them all know that you want them to finally, seriously commit themselves to the issue of Climate Change.
CONTACT:
Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty: Fax 613-992-8320
Prime Minister, Stephen Harper: Fax 613-941-6900
Minister of Environment, Rona Ambroise: Fax: 613-996-0785
To find your local MP, go here: http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=E or visit www.elections.ca
===========
DISCLAIMER: The preceeding facebook note was written at 2:45 in the AM by a very tired person. If there are any spelling, grammar or punctuation errors, please take them with a grain of salt and leave a nice, constructive comment.
Peolpe with opposing viewpoints are strongly ENCOURAGED to leave a comment or an email telling me off with your reasons on why everything I've written is all wrong and ridiculous. Just be prepared for a stinging rebuttal. ;)
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Just FYI.
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
(Constitution Act, 1982)
Section 7
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.
Section 8
Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure.
Section 9
Everyone has the right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned.
Section 10
Everyone has the right on arrest or detention
a) to be informed promptly of the reasons therefor;
b) to retain and instruct counsel without delay and to be informed of that right; and
c) to have the validity of the detention determined by way of habeas corpus and to be released if the detention is not lawful.
Section 11
Any person charged with an offence has the right
a) to be informed without unreasonable delay of the specific offence;
b) to be tried within a reasonable time;
c) not to be compelled to be a witness in proceedings against that person in respect of the offence;
d) to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law in a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal;
e) not to be denied reasonable bail without just cause;
f) except in the case of an offence under military law tried before a military tribunal, to the benefit of trial by jury where the maximum punishment for the offence is imprisonment for five years or a more severe punishment;
g) not to be found guilty on account of any act or omission unless, at the time of the act or omission, it constituted an offence under Canadian or international law or was criminal according to the general principles of law recognized by the community of nations;
h) if finally acquitted of the offence, not to be tried for it again and, if finally found guilty and punished for the offence, not to be tried or punished for it again; and
i) if found guilty of the offence and if the punishment for the offence has been varied between the time of commission and the time of sentencing, to the benefit of the lesser punishment.
Section 12
Everyone has the right not to be subjected to any cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.
(Constitution Act, 1982)
Section 7
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.
Section 8
Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure.
Section 9
Everyone has the right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned.
Section 10
Everyone has the right on arrest or detention
a) to be informed promptly of the reasons therefor;
b) to retain and instruct counsel without delay and to be informed of that right; and
c) to have the validity of the detention determined by way of habeas corpus and to be released if the detention is not lawful.
Section 11
Any person charged with an offence has the right
a) to be informed without unreasonable delay of the specific offence;
b) to be tried within a reasonable time;
c) not to be compelled to be a witness in proceedings against that person in respect of the offence;
d) to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law in a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal;
e) not to be denied reasonable bail without just cause;
f) except in the case of an offence under military law tried before a military tribunal, to the benefit of trial by jury where the maximum punishment for the offence is imprisonment for five years or a more severe punishment;
g) not to be found guilty on account of any act or omission unless, at the time of the act or omission, it constituted an offence under Canadian or international law or was criminal according to the general principles of law recognized by the community of nations;
h) if finally acquitted of the offence, not to be tried for it again and, if finally found guilty and punished for the offence, not to be tried or punished for it again; and
i) if found guilty of the offence and if the punishment for the offence has been varied between the time of commission and the time of sentencing, to the benefit of the lesser punishment.
Section 12
Everyone has the right not to be subjected to any cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.
100 Reasons To Act.
**Originally posted on Sunday, January 21, 2007**
- We're here and we're ready. The Campus Climate Challenge has more than 450 schools signed up and we are ready to take action to avert a climate crisis and bring about a clean energy revolution.
- The planet is heating up. Since 1980, the earth has experienced 19 of its 20 hottest years on record. 2006 was the hottest year in United States history. Global warming and El Nino are predicted to make 2007 even hotter.
- After aggressive campaigning by climate activists and high youth voter turnout, America has elected a Congress that has taken the least money from Big Oil since 1990. In Canada, the Harper Government has begun to undo years of progress on global warming. Now all of us have a choice. Do we take the easy road of half-measures and compromise or do we stand up to the fossil fuel industry and give our planet a fighting chance for a bright future beyond the climate crisis? The time is now to join together and demand a clean energy future!
- The clock is ticking. Last year, Dr. James Hansen, Director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Science gave a clear warning, "We have at most ten years—not ten years to decide upon action, but ten years to alter fundamentally the trajectory of global greenhouse emissions…Such an outcome is still feasible in the case of global warming, but just barely."
- Ice cores drilled in Antarctica reveal that carbon dioxide levels are substantially higher now than at any time in the last 800,000 years.
- Ice cores also show that there has been an increase of 30 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere over the last 17 years. In the last 800,000 years the fastest increase prior to this was 30 ppm in 1,000 years.
- If greenhouse gas buildup in the atmosphere continues at current levels, 15-37% of all plant and animal species on the planet could be wiped out due to global warming by 2050.
- Extreme drought is predicted for about 1/3 of the planet by the end of the century if there is no change in our current energy policies, according to the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research in Britain.
- The climate movement needs youth to act and lead the way if it is to succeed. As Kwesi Mfume, former President of the NAACP has said, "Students have been at the forefront of most major social movements from the civil rights movement of the 1960's to today."
- People of color are twice as likely to die in a heat wave. A study of the fifteen largest American cities found that climate change would increase heat-related deaths by at least 90 percent.
- Climate change harms the health of communities of color and Indigenous Peoples. Communities of color and Indigenous Peoples are burdened with poor air quality and are twice as likely to be uninsured than whites. Yet, these communities will become even more vulnerable to climate-change related respiratory ailments, heat-related illness and death, and illness from insect-carried diseases.
- People of color are concentrated in urban centers in the South, coastal regions, and areas with substandard air quality. Approximately 80 percent of people of color and Indigenous Peoples in the United States live in coastal regions. New Orleans, which is 62 percent African-American and 2 feet below sea level, exemplifies the severe and disproportionate impacts of climate change in the U.S. Source: http://www.ejcc.org
- U.S. and Canadian oil executives and government officials met for a two-day oil summit in Houston in January 2006 and made plans for a "fivefold expansion" in oilsands production in a relatively "short time span," according minutes of the meeting obtained by the CBC's French-language network, Radio-Canada. The current extraction of oil from the tar sands results in the spewing of millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere: it's already the biggest source of new greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. More: http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/oil/wilderness_alberta.html
- A serious clean energy revolution will produce millions of new jobs and spur economic development throughout the world.
- A serious clean energy revolution will lessen the pressure on certain countries (that should know better) to use military force to try to secure oil and natural gas resources.
- An article in the August 2006 issue of Science reported that the speed at which the Greenland ice sheet was melting had risen threefold in the past two years as compared with the previous five. If the Greenland ice sheets melt completely into the ocean, sea level worldwide will rise 23 feet. Half of the world's population lives along or close to ocean coastlines.
- If the United States auto industry was a country it would rank 5th in global warming pollution just behind Japan and ahead of 188 other countries.
- In 2003, extreme heat waves caused more than 20,000 deaths in Europe and more than 1500 deaths in India. More than 250 people died as a result of an intense heat wave that gripped most of the eastern two-thirds of the United States in 1999.
- In the last 30 years 400,000 square kilometers of Arctic ice have melted, an area the size of Texas. (Arctic Climate Impact Assessment).
- By 2030, Glacier National park will have no glaciers left. (U.S. Geological Survey).
- Hurricanes hitting U.S. coastlines have caused over 100 billion dollars in damage. (National Climatic Date Center).
- Between 2004 and 2005 Arctic perennial sea ice, which is 10 or more feet thick and which normally survives the summer melting season, abruptly shrank by 14%.
- Today, there are four times as many large wildfires in national forests since 1987 compared to the period betwen 1970 and 1986, and these wildfires have charred more than six times the number of acres.
- A September 8, 2006 Associated Press story reported that methane, a greenhouse gas 23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide, is being released from melting permafrost at a rate five times faster than previously thought, according to a study published in the journal Nature.
- The average weight of adult female polar bears in the western Hudson Bay has dropped from 650 pounds in 1980 to 507 pounds in 2004.
Help us reach 100. Add your reason at http://www.climatechallenge/org/woa -> 100 Reasons.
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