Acidification threatens world’s oceans say scientists
Scientists worldwide are calling for nations to tackle carbon emissions after evidence was presented that ocean acidification is rising faster than at any time since the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Seventy scientific academies put out a combined statement saying the issue must be raised at the climate talks in Bonn to put the problem on the agenda in the new United Nations treaty on climate change to be agreed in Copenhagen in December, reported the Sydney Morning Herald.
Recent studies have found the world’s oceans have absorbed around a quarter of all carbon dioxide produced as a result of human activities in the last 200 years.
Martin Rees, president of the Royal Society in Britain, referred to the possibility of an “underwater catastrophe” should carbon emissions not be reduced to at least 50 per cent of 1990 levels by 2050.
“The effects will be seen worldwide, threatening food security, reducing coastal protection and damaging local economies that may be least able to tolerate it,” Professor Rees said. “Copenhagen must address this very real and serious threat.”
It is estimated that the general economic down turn which started in 2008 involved the loss of $3 trillion dollars to the economy. That in turn has had ripple effects in the world economy. So when they say that continued ocean acidification will damage local communities that can least handle it they really mean that those communities will take the worse consequences, but we’ll all be affected. The U.S. seafood industry alone ( sport fishing and associated businesses aside) generates $20 billion dollars a year for the economy in addition to your favorite Friday night dinner.
E3 2009: Watery Endless Ocean 2 screenshots plus tranquil debut trailer
With the big names of the Nintendo gaming world taking centre stage at the publisher’s E3 press conference last night, a few other titles slipped under the radar like Endless Ocean 2.
The game is said to “build on the ocean experience first introduced with Endless Ocean” but, unlike the previous game which focused on relaxation, the sequel is designed to deliver more adventure, whether it be escaping from sharks, exploring shipwrecks or uncovering treasure on the ocean bed.
As mentioned there is a video and some screen-shots at the link.
Reebok to produce first eco friendly Stanley Cup Championship locker room Tee
The Tees feature fabric made from organic cotton yarn, hang tags made of recycled materials and signature green stitching on the shoulder and inside neck seams, which distinguishes the product as official organic Stanley Cup Championship Locker Room Tees.
The eco-friendly Tees will be available for a limited time at select retail outlets. Fans interested in purchasing the shirts may log on to Reebok.com, Shop.NHL.com
Born in the USA,’ a fashionable rallying cry?
Take a stand on footwear
Statistics show that on average, each person in the United States purchases more than four pairs of shoes per year — but 90% of those are actually imported. In fact, we currently hold the title of the world’s largest importer of footwear. This once-thriving U.S industry has become almost non-existent here today, with only a few brands still being manufactured in the states.Though we may think of the U.S. as head of the sneaker scene, New Balance is actually the only company that still manufactures any athletic shoes domestically. With three factories in Maine and close to 1,000 workers there, this company is trying to keep some styles running here at home. ($139.99; nbwebexpress.com)
Family-owned footwear company Munro American boasts over 75 different size and width combinations, thanks to the work of more than 500 people in Arkansas. ($129-219; Nordstrom.com)
Started in 1905 in the Minnesota town it was named after, Red Wing Shoe company’s footwear has been worn by everyone from President Eisenhower to Queen Elizabeth – and has literally made it possible for millions of people to walk in the shoes of Middle America. ($100-350; RedWingShoes.com)
This has been a one of those relatively easy environmental/pro American product choices to make, for me anyway. I like both New Balance cross trainers and Red Wing boots. If you’re patient you can usually find their stuff 25% off at end of year sales and factory outlet stores.
tangledwing 