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helwenReport by Six Climate Change Scientists who are in disagreement with the UN's IPCC report. Not a real surprise, considering how much had to be cut out or toned down in the report at the request of the U.S., China, and (I believe) some other countries.
Spring has come two weeks earlier than usual to the Arctic, causing some creatures and flowers to lay eggs or bloom early, which is causing concern that some animals will arrive at times not in sync with their food sources. This has been a developing trend over the past decade or so, not just a one-time thing.
Of course in the above article the scientists say that somehow we need to take some of the greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere, but we still don't really know how to do that... aside from planting trees -- and better deciduous than evergreens, since the evergreens being dark year-round means they absorb more heat. Oy. Personally, I'd rather plant fruit and nut trees anyway -- deciduous so the snow can help out more with reflection during the winter, and you get food, too.
***
On the Riot for Austerity list, one of the questions on the demographics questionnaire asked why people were on the list. The two primary answers I saw were essentially "to learn how to use less energy and buy/acquire necessities in a less wasteful way" and "to learn how to do these things while it's still my choice and not being force on me".
A number of folks went on to say in other posts that they're glad to have company in their efforts, even if it's only online. Some have family or friends who constantly question everything they do.
Others have restrictions placed on them because of where they live (can't have a garden because of no space or HOA rules, can't have a laundry line because of HOA rules, etc.)
One person joined recently whose goal is to cut their energy/goops consumption for their family by 50% of average American consumption rates. She hates cooking, they love travelling and shopping, etc. Was concerned people on the list would hate her. Many folks reassured her that they didn't hate her :) 50% is great! It's certainly more than a lot of the fat cats are doing.... although I'd like to mention here that one of the richest men, Warren Buffet, lives in a normal-sized house -- more rich folks could model themselves on him and we would all be better off for it.
So, how much influence can a bunch of individuals have? Well, not quite 3 weeks into the year-long project and the Riot now has over 200 list members, the majority of which are couples and/or have kids, although there are a number of single people as well. Nearly all of the couples and families are participating as groups; some are still thinking about it. A few have shared stories of their partners coming on-board once they see the changes in action. I haven't counted, but someone said our group of participants was at about 500 when there were only a little over 100 list members, so I'm guessing we're heading for 1,000 participants.
And funnily enough, turns out I know one of them, a grad from Smith :)
As for us, we were definitely _not_ low consumers this past weekend! Drove to Gt. Barrington twice, Troy NY once, up to the farm, and over to UMass (hiking place was right on the way home). Our weekends are going to be pretty bad that way for the next four weekends, at least. At least we're doing most of the shopping on foot or bike.... but I have to go to the mall this week (preferably today) -- have to check the post office box and do a mailing. Hm.... maybe we can combine that with a trip to the sports store for the padded gloves I need...
Oh well. Time to go hang up the laundry!
Spring has come two weeks earlier than usual to the Arctic, causing some creatures and flowers to lay eggs or bloom early, which is causing concern that some animals will arrive at times not in sync with their food sources. This has been a developing trend over the past decade or so, not just a one-time thing.
Of course in the above article the scientists say that somehow we need to take some of the greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere, but we still don't really know how to do that... aside from planting trees -- and better deciduous than evergreens, since the evergreens being dark year-round means they absorb more heat. Oy. Personally, I'd rather plant fruit and nut trees anyway -- deciduous so the snow can help out more with reflection during the winter, and you get food, too.
***
On the Riot for Austerity list, one of the questions on the demographics questionnaire asked why people were on the list. The two primary answers I saw were essentially "to learn how to use less energy and buy/acquire necessities in a less wasteful way" and "to learn how to do these things while it's still my choice and not being force on me".
A number of folks went on to say in other posts that they're glad to have company in their efforts, even if it's only online. Some have family or friends who constantly question everything they do.
Others have restrictions placed on them because of where they live (can't have a garden because of no space or HOA rules, can't have a laundry line because of HOA rules, etc.)
One person joined recently whose goal is to cut their energy/goops consumption for their family by 50% of average American consumption rates. She hates cooking, they love travelling and shopping, etc. Was concerned people on the list would hate her. Many folks reassured her that they didn't hate her :) 50% is great! It's certainly more than a lot of the fat cats are doing.... although I'd like to mention here that one of the richest men, Warren Buffet, lives in a normal-sized house -- more rich folks could model themselves on him and we would all be better off for it.
So, how much influence can a bunch of individuals have? Well, not quite 3 weeks into the year-long project and the Riot now has over 200 list members, the majority of which are couples and/or have kids, although there are a number of single people as well. Nearly all of the couples and families are participating as groups; some are still thinking about it. A few have shared stories of their partners coming on-board once they see the changes in action. I haven't counted, but someone said our group of participants was at about 500 when there were only a little over 100 list members, so I'm guessing we're heading for 1,000 participants.
And funnily enough, turns out I know one of them, a grad from Smith :)
As for us, we were definitely _not_ low consumers this past weekend! Drove to Gt. Barrington twice, Troy NY once, up to the farm, and over to UMass (hiking place was right on the way home). Our weekends are going to be pretty bad that way for the next four weekends, at least. At least we're doing most of the shopping on foot or bike.... but I have to go to the mall this week (preferably today) -- have to check the post office box and do a mailing. Hm.... maybe we can combine that with a trip to the sports store for the padded gloves I need...
Oh well. Time to go hang up the laundry!
