a thousand years of solitude

 

Research out of Boulder, CO is indicating that climate change due to increases in carbon dioxide is irreversible and will last 1000 years, according to the Environmental News Service.

The study was done by scientists with the NOAA, led by Dr. Susan Solomon.  The group studied models of allowing the carbon dioxide to reach peak concentrations and then completely halted the emissions after the peak. They found that the scientific evidence is strong enough to quantify some irreversible climate impacts, including rainfall changes in certain key regions, and global sea level rise.

If carbon dioxide is allowed to rise to 450-600 parts per million from its current value of 385 parts per million, and then CO2 emissions completely cease, the results would include persistent decreases in dry-season rainfall that are comparable to the 1930s North American Dust Bowl in zones including southern Europe, northern Africa, southwestern North America, southern Africa, and western Australia.

The data emphasizes that any carbon emissions in this century, essentially ‘lock-in” a sea level rise that will stay for the next 1000 years.  This research shows that carbon dioxide levels and the ocean work hand in hand to impact when happens on the planet.  Heating of the planet due to increase in carbon dioxide, creates an environment for sea level rising, which then makes it difficult for the carbon dioxide to escape the atmosphere.

navy granted ability to kill whales

The U.S. government opened the doors to allow the killing of whales by the Navy, over the next five years, during sonar testing off the Hawaiian Islands, according to the Environmental New Service.

This comes weeks after the U.S. Navy and the NRDC, and others, settled the law suit that contended sonar testing was causing irreparable damage, and sometimes death, to whales and dolphins in surrounding areas.

It should be noted that “Hawaii is the only place in the United States where humpbacks breed, calve, and nurse their young. Approximately 4,000-5,000 whales migrate to the Hawaiian Islands each winter. Although the population of humpbacks is increasing, these whales remain endangered.”

Each year the U.S. Navy is granted a letter of authorization by the NOAA.  The letter states the rules and regulations that the Navy must follow for marine protection. It is reissued, annually, provided the Navy abides by the terms and conditions of the letter, submits the required annual reports, and shows their activities do not result in more numerous effects or more severe harm to marine mammals than were originally analyzed or authorized. 

This year’s letter contains the provision that injury or death of up to 10 animals of each of 11 species over the five years is allowed by the regulations.  

Many criticize the NOAA since it was created as a means to protect marine mammals and other species.  This seems like another parting gift from the Bush administration and their slow destruction of the planet. No word on if this decision can be overturned when new leadership is in place after January 20th.

we know who doesn’t like this….

Another win for the environment.. a win that Sarah Palin was hoping wouldn’t happen.

The Center for Biological Diversity request to put the Beluga Whale on the endangered species list has been honored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).

This listing was disputed by Palin, along with those pesky Polar Bears, as putting them on the list is seen as an impediment to “progress” in forms such as the expansion of the Port of Anchorage and offshore oil drilling.

You can find articles on the subject HERE and HERE.