Blog About the Weather

A Tennessee blogger who is no fan of Al Gore, yesterday called the Globalwarming Awareness2007 team ‘losers.’

We are entertained.

On the plus side, the individual says that Mother Earth loses when energy is overused. However, it appears this person is one of those people too short-sighted to look into the history and background of the organization slinging mud against Mr. Gore.

There’s not really a think-tank on any side of the political debate that can be trusted. There’s always funding issues. Who’s paying for what? This is even true of science. Globalwarming awareness2007 warns you to always look at the dollars behind the dogma.

In the wake of the Oscar nod for An Inconvenient Truth, conservative critics of the globalwarming awareness2007 superhero have taken to attacking his energy use in blogs. They are relying on a press release by the ‘Tennessee Center for Policy Research.’

It’s even been picked up in the ‘legitimate’ press, such as the Detroit Free Press. However, as journalists, they researched further to find that Al Gore purchases ‘green’ energy credits and carbon-emissions offset credits. He and his wife drive a hybrid SUV.

The basis of much of the criticism is the cost of the Gore’s energy bills. However, part of the expense is allegedly that they are using alternative energy, which may be costing them more.

Nonetheless, it is hard to debate that Al’s globetrotting in the name of globalwarming awareness uses a lot of energy — no doubt more than his three homes do. His homes are also quite large, especially relative to the amount of time he spends in them, and the fact that as former Vice President he undoubtedly has an awesomely powerful security system sucking down juice.

Criticism of Gore’s own energy use is nothing new. USA Today was criticizing his energy use in August 2006. The current flurry of activity is mostly a result of the new attention on An Inconvenient Truth, and continuing angst that the Democratic party retook Congress and can take steps to legislate new energy rules and ideas.

Hopefully, more of the honest media will also look into the background on the Tennessee Center for Policy Research. While they claim to be non-partisan, they are big believers in free-market solutions for social and policy issues. Speakers from the group are popular speakers at Libertarian Party of Tennessee meteings. Like many think-tanks (both conservative and liberal), here’s betting they have a lot of dirty laundry if only someone sniffs.

It’s important for people within the globalwarming awareness2007 movement to consider if energy usage is purposeful or proper, and match their actions to their outspoken advocacy for globalwarming awareness. It is almost undoubtedly true that Al Gore’s electric bills aren’t a complete picture of his energy use, and his other energy use is probably also higher than most Americans. However, he seems to be doing more with the energy he’s using. Perhaps a fair trade? Only time and globalwarming will tell; in 2007, we cannot have awareness of the long-term impact of his outspoken advocacy for globalwarming awareness versus his present energy use.

In her continuing efforts to be an environmentally attractive candidate for the globalwarming aware crowd, Hillary Clinton toured a clean-coal facility in upstate New York.

As part of her tour, she pledged to wean the US from foreign oil dependency, and as Senator will be introducing a bill in the near future — doubtless in as showy a fashion as possible.

She touts clean coal technology, among others, to combat globalwarming. The US has a lot of coal, although mining coal is frequently dangerous and has long-term health hazards for miners.

Clinton called for more efficient use of electricity and natural gas, expanded use of wind and solar energy, new biofuels, and expansion of technology such as that being refined at Huntley that removes and captures toxic emissions from coal.

These alternative energy sources will help expand fuel options throughout the world, and Ms. Clinton’s campaign appearances will no doubt further the cause of globalwarming awareness2007. She is a polarizing figure, and adopting energy independence and alternative fuel production in her platform for 2008 president will increase awareness of these globalwarming issues.

Globalwarming awareness2007 includes a new research project — the International Polar Year. This exciting scientific expedition will cost more than $1.5 billion and includes globalwarming research at both the arctic and Antarctic poles.

Climates at the poles impact climate worldwide, as well as the environment for polar bears, penguins, and plankton.

Globalwarming is impacting sea life, including cod fishing, snow crab breeding, and shrimp harvests. Gone unstudied and unchecked, sea temperature change may mean the end of shrimp deals at Red Lobster for Americans in flyover states.

Scientists describe the International Polar Year as a ‘grassroots’ effort for globalwarming awareness, although I’ll be damned if I can name any grassroots with $1.5 billion (a BILLION) in funding. While globalwarming awareness efforts may someday be truly grassroots, the funding on this project is pretty large.

The US is involved in the project, both scientifically and in funding. A kick-off ceremony, sure to be a politician photo op dream, will take place in Washington on Thursday. Maybe hugging a furry polar bear will be the new baby kissing in the new globalwarming awareness paradigm?

CBS News: International Polar Year to start Thursday

At last night’s Academy Awards, Al Gore’s film, An Inconvenient Truth, won an Oscar as Best Documentary.

While the award was really won by the director, the director threw praise and a speaking opportunity to Mr. Gore. Naturally, he used it to promote globalwarming awareness2007 and beyond.
Mr. Gore also spoke with Leonardo DiCaprio earlier in the evening and made jokes about running for president. Melissa Etheridge performed her Oscar-nominated theme song from the film, as well.

The continued focus on this film will increase the cause of globalwarming awareness2007. Even at an event like the American Birkebeiner — North America’s largest ski marathon race — multiple showings of An Inconvenient Truth were held on Thursday and Friday, and many skiiers sported bumper stickers and pins proclaiming SKIIERS FOR GLOBAL COOLING.

The globalwarming awareness2007 message is catching on more and more each day. Hollywood’s recognition of Al Gore’s documentary will encourage more popular entertainments on the subject of climate change, and spread the message further. Globalwarming awareness2007 uber alles!

Online intelligence providers HitWise reported that in mid-February, interest in globalwarming heated up online, with people seeking awareness2007 up more than 173%.

They credit some of this increase to the UN Report on globalwarming, and a search for more awareness of the many problems that can be caused by globalwarming and climate change.

Al Gore’s continued campaigns on behalf of globalwarming are also a contributing factor.

“When you examine the actual search terms and the end destination of those search missions, you can also discover intent behind those searches,” said Tancer, adding that people are eager to learn more about global warming.

Globalwarming awareness2007 is on the move. Many people are seeking out truths, or seeking out support for their skepticism about the science of globalwarming. Hybrid vehicles, as well as searches for alternative fuel transportation information, are also hot search terms according to major SEO services like Keyword Discovery and WordTracker.

On this very blog we see many people interested in the environmental positions of top political candidates.

People fear floods, famine, tsunamis, and other horrors as a result of melting polar ice caps and atmospheric warming due to globalwarming. Awareness in 2007 may lead to action by many.

More: Online interest in globalwarming heats up

Rumor has it that the University of Minnesota is pondering awarding an honorary degree to globalwarming awareness2007 super-hero Al Gore.

The honorary degrees are piling up for the former vice president, who is sporting lots of gray hairs these days. Globalwarming awareness is clearly aging him — or perhaps it’s his hairdresser, prepping him to look like a distinguished statesman for an upcoming presidential bid, or run at being UN ambassador under a new Democratic administration? It’s a good thing he’s not going to the same shave-shack as Britney Spears…

Catholic Online today offers timely commentary on the past and future role of persons of faith in fighting globalwarming and raising awareness in 2007 and beyond. The article is in response to the recent UN report on globalwarming, as well as the words and actions of globalwarming dissenters.

The article cites numerous popes, from Pius XII to John Paul II, on the subject of global climate change, globalwarming, and the need for stewardship of the earth and its bounty.

Catholic Online states the following about the impact of globalwarming, and the need for 2007 awareness:

Together these gas emissions have raised air and ocean temperatures worldwide and amount to catastrophes in the making. They are already melting the arctic sea ice and adjoining ice sheets, leaving puzzled polar bears stranded on ice floes. Rises in sea levels may sweep away the homes of people living on seacoast plains, scientists warn, and heat waves are expected to disrupt agriculture.

The articleurges persons of faith to take heed of the danger and be aware of globalwarming in 2007. Recommendations include using less energy through various means, including air-drying dishes, driving smaller vehicles and hybrid autos, and even sharing rides via car pools.

Articles like this show that persons of faith are increasingly linking globalwarming awareness2007 to their religion and their holy doctrine. This is a great sign for the future of the globalwarming awareness movement.

Wisconsin — a state full of cow-emitted methane — is proposing legislation to make the state the midwest’s front-runner in globalwarming awareness2007 action.

Governor Jim Doyle has proposed a globalwarming task force to be formed in 2007. The assembly bill demands action and awareness of greenhouse gas emissions, and looks for a significant decrease in globalwarming contribution from state residents and businesses. It is modelled after a California law with similar goals.

Not all Wisconsin legislators are on board to vote for the globalwarming awareness bill:

“I am not one of those who is rushing to join the bandwagon of accepting as indisputable fact that we have man-made global warming that puts the planet in jeopardy,” Ziegelbauer said. “I think that’s grossly overstated and most importantly, far from scientifically decided.

Ziegelbauer promotes nuclear energy as an alternative to coal. Shockingly, he also proposes new plants be built in his legislative district.

Watching the progress of this Wisconsin bill may be very telling of the ongoing progress of the globalwarming awareness2007 movement in shaping national globalwarming policy.

As of this weekend, Barack Obama has officially declared for the US presidency. His environmental stance, and his stance on globalwarming, is well defined, as previously explained on this very blog.

Senator Obama’s Senate web site contains lots of information on his views of the environment, including his April 2006 speech on globalwarming and climate change.

Obama’s 2007 declaration of candidacy, which comes close on the heels of the 2007 UN Globalwarming Report, is sure to be excellent for globalwarming awareness. His environmental record makes it plain that globalwarming advocacy is sure to be a big part of his campaign, and that outspoken environmental advocates will flock to his organization.

Already his campaign site  offers insight to his globalwarming policies:

• encourage hybrid auto development by helping auto companies with retiree health costs
• encourage fuel efficiency
•  increase E85 and ethanol development and use
• encourage technology growth to allow clean-burning use of coal, which currently emits many greenhouse gasses in its use

Senator Obama also believes in maintaining clean water and avoiding radiation release. His environmental goals are in accord with many of the aims of globalwarming awareness2007, and we can hope that his campaign remains a friend of this critical cause for the future of life on earth.

Noted adventurer and explorer Ann Bancroft, of Minneapolis Minnesota, and her expedition partner Liv Arneson of Norway, are to spend 50 days in the arctic starting in February. Their goal? To walk more than 850 kilometers (528 miles) while towing sleds to raise globalwarming awareness.

As with past Bancroft-Arneson expeditions, people around the world will be able to follow the expedition online, with daily updates on progress and location of the explorers, as well as regular online chats, blog postings, and photos.

Unlike prior expeditions, this trip is not to be ‘first’ at anything, but is solely to help teach the world’s children about the impact of globalwarming on the polar ice caps.

Bancroft and Arneson traditionally focus their educational efforts on school-age children, a perfect group to receive the message of globalwarming awareness2007. Ms. Bancroft hopes to specifically encourage youths to combat the effects of globalwarming, and fight worldwide climate change.

Due to globalwarming, Bancroft and Arneson expect to find bad ice in their arctic travels. They are equipped to handle it when necessary. Globalwarming is most evident in the arctic, where temperatures are rising faster than the global average.

Ms. Bancroft, in an interview with Canadian TV, encouraged people to take small steps to fight globalwarming, including using public transportation, turning down the home thermostat in winter, planting trees, and take political action. Globalwarming awareness is a cause dear to her, due to the amount of time she has spent in the arctic and Antarctic regions.

Read more of the interview.

Thursday’s US House of Representatives Science Committee meeting degenerated into massive silliness when several House Republicans decided to take their time on CSPAN to make completely ridiculous statements to downplay the risk of globalwarming and mock those whose awareness of the problem have resulted in the UN Report on Globalwarming, as well as these Congressional hearings on the danger of climate change.

Proving that breathing Wisconsin’s legendary ‘dairy air’ may have touched his wits, Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) asked one scientist the following doozy:

Does (it) mean to stop this increase in methane we’ve got to put catalytic converters on the backs of cows?

Meanwhile, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) proved a dissenting voice against that of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). Ms. Pelosi is a noted friend of the globalwarming awareness movement, and since taking the post of Speaker of the House in 2007 has made it an important cause. However, Rep. Rohrbacher questioned if globalwarming might be cyclical:

“We don’t know what the other cycles were caused by in the past,” he said. “It could be dinosaur flatulence. Who knows?”

As these Republicans blame cow farts and dinosaur toots for the globalwarming of today, many others are increasingly aware of the problems caused by human use of such things as oil — which is in fact a byproduct of dead dinosaurs. Friends of globalwarming must continue to pepper their Congressional delegations with their concerns about global climate change, and encourage US investment in new energy technologies.

Al Gore, former presidential candidate and poster child of the anti-globalwarming movement, is everywhere right now:

• In Madrid, Gore says that the globalwarming fight needs China, in the wake of China’s statement that globalwarming action was the responsibility of major nations, not China.
• Gore is scheduled to testify before the US Congress next month as their globalwarming awareness hearings carry on.
• Gore has been nominated for a prestigious Spanish award for his globalwarming work, as well as for the Nobel Peace Prize.

To date, Mr. Gore has not declared for the US presidential race in 2008, but given his recent stature, it is not hard to imagine him doing so. Many in the globalwarming awareness community are spending 2007 encouraging Al Gore to run, holding community events and bake-sales to raise funds and awareness.

However, we really have to wonder if Gore’s recent global advocacy work is enough to win him the White House. As well, if he were to run for president, would the many demands of that race and position in fact distract him from globalwarming work? It is true that as president, he would work for Congressional acceptance of the Kyoto Protocols and try to get the United States a leadership role in alternative energy development. Tax breaks for hybrid vehicles and alternative fuel sources would also undoubtedly be part of the agenda.

Either way, Gore remains a figure to watch as 2007 shapes up as a year of globalwarming awareness.

Stop Globalwarming has a ‘virtual march’ of people against globalwarming. This tribute to slacktivism features numerous celebrities and political figures ‘marching’ against the dangers of globalwarming.

Some of the ‘featured marchers’ include presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, probable candidate John McCain, as well as numerous other political figures (such as Arnold Schwarzenegger of California).

Some of these politicians have taken legislative stands to help promote alternative fuels and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Others are clearly hoping the American public does not investigate their true environmental records. For instance, Governor Schwarzenegger touts his environmentalism, but has accepted campaign money from big oil companies, and has opposed taxing said companies to help fund alternative energy research.

Meanwhile, those very big oil companies are also funding a think-tank that is offering phat cash to scientists willing to criticize the newly-released 2007 report on global warming released by the United Nations. Greenpeace, especially, has commented negatively on this development, although it may in fact lead to greater globalwarming awareness. Call it ‘link trolling’ for the scientific community.

Voice of America News reports today that China is pinning blame for greenhouse emissions on other industrialized nations.

In particular, China points to its low per-capita emissions, although the country is the second-highest contributor of greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere among world nations. As a ‘developing nation,’ China claims to be unable to devote resources to reducing their emissions.

Increased scrutiny on China and other nations comes in the wake of a 2007 United Nations report on the growing impact and danger of globalwarming.

China also suggests that other countries should adopt the Kyoto Protocols, although Bejing has not agreed to reduce any of China’s emissions. Developing nations, such as high-producing China and India, are exempt from caps set in the Kyoto Protocols. The United States, the largest globalwarming culprit, is not a part of the Kyoto accords.

China, and other high-emitting nations, needs to take responsibility for their contributions to globalwarming. As a nation proud of their technological advancements, China should not rely on foreign technologies to move forward, but should pioneer new ideas that work in their culture and economy — and that may become exportable. Awareness of globalwarming is a first step; taking responsibility for it and acting to create scientific solutions to this scientific problem is critical for the success of the globalwarming awareness movement in 2007 and beyond!

Arctic explorer Will Steger was featured on Minneapolis’ KSTP News discussing why the science of globalwarming should no longer be under debate — his view is that the only debate should be how we can best fight its effects in 2007.

His appearance at the Minnesota State Capitol was a part of the 2007 legislative session, in which the Minnesota Legislature held meetings to raise awareness of globalwarming issues. While the last week in Minnesota has been seasonal, with below-zero temperatures, snow, and dangerous wind-chills, the winter has been less snowy and cold than usual. This has harmed many Minnesota industries — especially those related to tourism. Makers of snowmobiles, cross-country skis, ATVs and ice houses — and resort owners who welcome users of these products — must be saddened by the winter’s weather thus far. They surely support the cause of globalwarming awareness2007, as their incomes and livelihoods depend on it!

CBS News reports that 45 nations have expressed support for a French call for a new environmental body devoted to slowing the ravages of globalwarming and raising new awareness of climatological issues.

Naturally, the three greatest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions — China, India, and the United States — are not among this coalition of the willing, this coalition of globalwarming awareness in 2007. The United States remains a notable holdout to the Kyoto Protocols, designed to decrease greenhouse emissions and control the effects of globalwarming.

United Nations scientists, meanwhile, claim that the ‘debate’ on globalwarming is now over, and that action is now a must as the science has proven human involvement. Still, many skeptics continue to lambast the ’science’ of global warming, particularly in light of last week’s revelation that government scientists were asked to downplay globalwarming’s impact in US government reports. A Canadian scientist writes that globalwarming is ‘the greatest deception in the history of science.’ And Texas Republican leaders call globalwarming reports ‘bad science’ that should not be used to make policy decisions.

However, as the Burlington Free Press suggests, why not fight globalwarming even if you don’t believe it’s real? What harm is to be done? Even doubters of globalwarming care about trees and bunnies and polar bears and ice cubes for their drinks, do they not? Globalwarming awareness in 2007 can make room for even such skeptics at our cocktail hours… so long as they bus, bike, or walk to the event!

The Associated Press, via Yahoo News, reports that private advocacy groups have found evidence of political pressure on government agencies to downplay awareness of globalwarming.

Further details of their findings are expected to be presented on January 30, 2007, to Congress.

As hearings on climate change begin, globalwarming statements by both Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and perennial Republican hopeful John McCain are expected. Each is expected to back increased globalwarming awareness, including mandatory greenhouse gas emission reductions, and each is involved in sponsoring 2007 legislation designed to greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Government agencies accused by advocates of tampering with globalwarming reports include the White House Council on Environmental Quality, NASA and the EPA.

These accusations are in stark contrast to recent UN action related to globalwarming, including the 2007 release of new scientific findings on climate change.

Globalwarming advocates are well advised to maintain awareness of these 2007 hearings, and to write their congressional delegations to endorse support of important globalwarming measures.

The New Zealand Herald reports that 13% of Americans have never heard of globalwarming.

The result comes in a 2007 survey done by AC Nielsen in 46 countries to gauge global awareness of the globalwarming problem. US respondents to the survey were not only least aware of globalwarming, but also the least concerned about globalwarming’s impact on the planet. (Latin Americans were most concerned, possibly because they are particularly at risk of increased hurricane activity or loss of critical cash crops due to weather pattern change.)

Around the world, 57% of survey respondents called globalwarming “a very serious problem,” and another 34% considered it a “serious problem.” Only 42% of respondents in the United States thought globalwarming “a very serious problem.”

Surveys like this show that globalwarming awareness must be increased in the United States, which is the largest emitter of greenhouse gasses in 2007. As the most serious contributor to the problem,the US mustact to limit globalwarming and protect our planet and our economy.

Democrat Barack Obama, a first-term Senator from Illinois, has formed a presidential exploratory committee. His views on globalwarming and the environment seem promising on first glance.

• As a Senate candidate in 2004, Grist magazine touted his environmental cred.
• For the 109th Congress’ second session, the League of Conservation Voters gave him a rousing 100% rating. For the first session, he rated 95%.
• He voted against offshore oil drilling and against oil drilling in the ANWR.
• He is a member of the Senate Environmental and Public Works committee.
• he is in favor of conserving the Great Lakes.
• He is a Senate co-sponsor of the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act, which expressly addresses global climate change and globalwarming.

In 2007, globalwarming advocates should continue to raise awareness of Obama’s environmental stance, as he appears to be a strong friend to globalwarming foes. As a globalwarming advocate, he clearly has high potential to help us raise awareness of the growing threat in 2007 and beyond.

A study to be released next week by the United Nations is getting attention as it declares that globalwarming is already happening now, in 2007, and it is getting worse.

News outlets are raising awareness that the study will contain much new, scientific data on globalwarming. It is expected that the report will cover globalwarming’s impact on polar icecaps, sea currents, and weather patterns.

Future chapters of the report to be released later in 2007 may contain information to raise awareness of how globalwarming impacting human health, food production, and non-human species survival as climate change destroys habitats and cultivation environments.

Globalwarming advocates are looking forward to the release of the initial report on February 2, and subsequent chapters to follow in 2007. We all hope that the data will help convince globalwarming skeptics to take action!

Also this weekend, Kansas Senator Sam Brownback announced his candidacy for US President in 2008. As far as his awareness of globalwarming issues in 2007, his Senate site and his voting record are not always in accord:

• Sam claims that energy, agricultural, and the environment are all important issues in Kansas, and while he doesn’t state this directly, each has a relationship to globalwarming.
• Sam speaks of progress made in limiting greenhouse gases, which are clearly a factor in globalwarming.

However, contrary voices exist to Sam’s official and sanitized-for-our-protection Senate site:

• The Anti-Sam Blog points out that one of Sam’s largest campaign funding sources is a notorious polluter/cause of globalwarming
• Sam voted to confirm Gale Norton as Interior Secretary.
• Voted AGAINST including oil and gas refinery smokestacks in anti-mercury regulations in 2005.
• Brownback’s highest score in the last 7 years from the League of Conservation Voters is 29%, due to approving drilling in ANWR and rejecting various environmental programs!
Clearly, Senator Brownback has low awareness of globalwarming issues or, to date in 2007, just doesn’t care about globalwarming’s impact on our nation, our economy, and our planet. Certainly, Kansas is safe from super-hurricanes, and a refugee surge to the state could easily triple its population and change its economy. Voters who care about globalwarming awareness would be best advised to raise his awareness!

As 2008 presidential candidates declare themselves, each will have a different stance on globalwarming; awareness of their 2007 positions is important in the event they need to be guided to more enlightened views by a voting population.

Hillary Clinton declared for president on Saturday. Her environmental record and past association with globalwarming poster-child Al Gore suggests that she has awareness of the threat of globalwarming, and will take favorable stances on the issues:

• Ms. Clinton voted to include oil and gas refinery smokestacks in anti-mercury regulations in 2005
• She voted against now former Interior Secretary Gale Norton, not known as a friend to anti globalwarming forces

However, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) have been reducing her rating year-over-year, with her approval rating falling from 95% in 2005 to only 71% in 2006. She agreed to off-shore oil drilling, although she voted against drilling for oil in the ANWR.

Friends of globalwarming in 2007 must raise Ms. Clinton’s awareness of this critical environmental and social issue. If she is not willing to defend our planet from globalwarming, she is not a good candidate for president.

The Seattle Times reports that evangelicals are finally allying with science in one key area: combatting globalwarming in 2007.

One evangelical spokesperson said, “God will judge us for destroying the creation. Therefore, we as evangelicals have a responsibility to be even more vigilant than others.” This increased awareness of globalwarming is impressive and has great potential, and echoes past globalwarming awareness from such persons as Pope John Paul II.

At the start of 2007, Nancy Pelosi wrote a page in feminist history by becoming the first woman to hold office third in line to the presidency. An ally in the fight against climate change, she is already moving globalwarming to the top of the democratic agenda, taking steps toward creating a new committee in the House devoted to reducing the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Globalwarming expert Heidi Cullen went public last month, calling for the American Meteorological Society (AMS) to withhold Seals of Approval for Meterologists who refute the scientific evidence of global warming. As host of The Weather Channel’s ”The Climate Code,” Cullen has been a staunch advocate for globalwarming awareness throughout 2006, and looks to continue that trend into 2007.

In an interesting post released by the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, Marc Morano further explores Cullen’s position, and discusses the ongoing and contentious feud between globalwarming skeptics and those who remain vocal about climate change, despite the stigma of being labled ‘climate alarmists’ by politicos such as himself. 

Reuters reports that global warming could cut China’s grain production by more than a third, according to a scientific report to be released later in 2007. Global warming remains a low economic priority for China, although they have awareness of foreign oil dependence issues, and are trying to reduce their need for oil imports.