waynechecker.net

Date: 30-Jul-10

Country: USA

Author: Deborah Zabarenko

Melting glaciers, more humid air and eight other key indicators show that global warming is undeniable, scientists said on Wednesday, citing a new comprehensive review of the last decade of climate data.

Without addressing why this is happening, the researchers said there was no doubt that every decade on Earth since the 1980s has been hotter than the previous one, and that the planet has been warming for the last half-century.

via World Environment News – Ten Key Indicators Show Global Warming “Undeniable” – Planet Ark.

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I recently returned from a vacation where I visited the African and South American continents. I had a fantastic time during my trip and experienced the amazing hospitality of the South African and Brazilian locals. I was treated like a King with endless kindness afforded to me, which made my trip so special.

However, one thing that became very apparent to me, was the difference between Australia and these two nations in environmental awareness and sustainable practices. I do understand that both South Africa and Brazil are developing countries and do not have the infrastructure that we do; but the disparity was startling. I will recount a few notable episodes:

In Sydney, I often see hybrids on the road – the Prius and hybrid Civic are commonplace. Where as when I noticed a Prius on the streets of Johannesburg and commented to my friend that there aren’t many on the road; he agreed and exclaimed no-one really drives hybrids. Now, I know you are thinking where would people get the money in a developing country to purchase a hybrid – however, there are a myriad of luxury vehicles on the roads there.

Another common theme in Africa was when I asked to not have a bag at supermarkets for my fruit, and was told emphatically that I had to have a plastic bag. When I explained and pleaded that I did not need a bag and that it was better for the environment; I was generally greeted by a dumbfounded assistant who again said they would not serve me without a bag, much to my dismay.

Recycling was another thing that I noticed is very different.  For me recycling, is just an everyday part of life and has become habit (although I will say we are still far behind countries like Germany). Whilst in South Africa and Brazil, I experienced two events that shocked me. In South Africa at a friends house, I finished a drink and politely asked where I should put the bottle for recycling; I was then told “we don’t recycle here – unfortunately we have bigger problems to tackle.” I was left a bit dumbfounded by this comment even though I understand the challenges a developing nation faces.

Similar to this in Brazil, I enquired of a friend if they had recycling in their house, and with a sullen face they replied “we don’t have recycling here, I want to recycle but I have to drive 40 minutes by car across Rio de Janeiro to a private depot just to recycle, and I don’t drive so this is impossible.”

After these experiences, I became much more grateful for the simple ‘luxuries’ we have here in Australia like being able to recycle. But it raised one question for me, what would I do if I lived in a country where it wasn’t so easy?

Let me know your thoughts and leave a comment,

Landon

Todae Eco Store

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WWF and the National Toxics Network today released a list of Australia’s most dangerous pesticides, more than 80 of which are prohibited overseas because of the risks they pose to human health and the environment.

The list includes 17 chemicals that are known, likely or probable carcinogens, and 48 chemicals flagged as having the potential to interfere with hormones.

More than 20 have been classified as either extremely or highly hazardous by the World Health Organisation yet remain available for use on Australian farms.

“Australians are at risk of being exposed to a dangerous cocktail of poisonous chemicals, many of which have been prohibited in other countries due to their risks to health and the environment,” said WWF spokesperson Nick Heath.

“Surely Australian farm workers, wildlife and ecosystems deserve the same level of protection as those in Europe or the United States.”

Jo Immig from the National Toxics Network said the list was evidence that Australia’s chemical regulatory system was failing to keep people and the environment safe from dangerous pesticides.

“European pesticides regulation is founded on a precautionary principle designed to give human health and the environment the benefit of the doubt,” Ms Immig said.

“Here in Australia we have the opposite, where chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer and other health problems remain on the market for years.”

Mr Heath said the list was a warning that Australians were not being adequately informed of the risks associated with harmful pesticides.

“The pesticides regulator must recognise that while Australia may have unique wildlife and different farming conditions, the chemistry of these dangerous pesticides is the still the same. If smoking causes cancer in the US, it will also cause cancer in Australia – it’s the carcinogens that matter not the country,” Mr Heath said.

“The list demonstrates just how far we are lagging behind the rest of the world. It’s time for us to catch up and give Australian farmers safer and better choices.”

Read the report here.

More information

Charlie Stevens, WWF Media Office, 0424 649 689;

Juliette King, WWF-Australia Conservation Policy Officer, 0438 864 997;

Jo Immig, National Toxics Network, Coordinator, 02 6687 1900, 0413 683 782

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A woman’s body may be unconsciously selective about sperm, allowing some men’s to progress to pregnancy but killing off the chances of less suitable matches, an Australian researcher said.

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The Breathing Earth simulation

Welcome to Breathing Earth. This real-time simulation displays the CO2 emissions of every country in the world, as well as their birth and death rates.

Please remember that this real time simulation is just that: a simulation. Although the CO2 emission, birth rate and death rate data used in Breathing Earth comes from reputable sources, data that measures things on such a massive scale can never be 100% accurate. Please note however that the CO2 emission levels shown here are much more likely to be too low than they are to be too high.

via CO2 emissions, birth & death rates by country, simulated real-time.

In the USA I think generics have to be within 15% of the original brand name drug. This means every different generic (there are often several for each drug and depedning which is cheaper is what your pharmacy will buy annually).

An example- If you take 10mg or generic prozac/fluoxetine now, It might be possible that your first generic was 15% stronger than brand name PROZAC or 11.5mg. What if your pharmacy switches you to another generic that is different size and color and is made by another generic manufacturer? This new generic may be 15% weaker than brand PROZAC or 8.5mg..

via “Are all generics the same?”: Depression Exchange – Support Group.

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Maggie Fox, CEO of the Alliance for Climate Protection, writes at the National Journal:

“The path to a secure energy future in America begins with clean, renewable sources here at home. Expanded oil drilling will simply continue our reliance on dirty fossil fuels, while doing little to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The President must now deliver a comprehensive plan for curbing carbon pollution so we can invest in the clean energy technologies we will need in the 21st century.

Read the rest of her post by clicking here.

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A scam email is circulating the internet claiming that people’s
mobile phone numbers are being released to telemarketing
companies and people will be charged if they receive a call from
one of these telemarketers. Concerned National Seniors
members have contacted NSA after receiving the emails. The
Australian Communications and Media Authority is aware of the
email being circulated and has advised that the email is a hoax
which originated in North America. The reference to mobiles
being charged for incoming calls makes reference to the system
in the USA, but does not apply to Australia. In Australia
telemarketers are already permitted to call mobile phones but
they are unable to charge you for that call. If you are concerned
about being contacted by telemarketers you can list your
Australian fixed line and mobile numbers on the Government’s Do
Not Call Register. Telemarketers who contact numbers listed on
this register may be in breach of legislation and can face a
penalty. To add your number to the register phone 1300 792 958
or register online at www.donotcall.gov.au

Image via Wikipedia

There have been reports from the United States media today that steering performance of Toyota Corolla vehicles is under investigation in the US market.

Toyota Motor Corporation – Japan has advised the electric power-steering system used in Corolla models sold in Australia is different from that used for models sold in the United States.

There have been no cases reported to Toyota Australia.

For further information, contact the Toyota Customer Experience Centre on 1800 252 097.

via Toyota Recall information – Toyota Australia.

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Toyota Motor Corporation Japan and Toyota Motor Corporation Australia have initiated a safety recall campaign on its current generation Prius vehicles. Current generation Prius commenced being sold in Australia in July 2009.

A total of 2378 Toyota Prius vehicles in Australia are affected. Globally a total of about 400,000 vehicles are involved in the recall – in Japan, the United States, Europe and in other regions.

The recall is being taken in response to reports of inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady braking on certain road conditions such as a pot hole, bumpy or slippery road surfaces when the ABS is activated. The brake pedal feel may not be consistent, but the brakes will continue to operate. There have been a total of 111 cases reported globally, two in Australia.

via Toyota Recall information – Toyota Australia.

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