Environmental

I briefly mentioned this on my Around the World post earlier today but I wanted to highlight this cause because I find it intresting. Tonight you can participate in the easiest social cause without having to do much. At 8:00 pm local time just turn off your lights for one hour to participate in a global statement against global warming. Many iconic structures have participated in the past such as the Eiffel Tower. Interesting enough Google's website went all black in support of the cause.

Earth Hour was created by WWF [World Wildlife Fund] in Sydney, Australia in 2007, and in one year has grown from an event in one city to a global movement. In 2008, millions of people, businesses, governments and civic organizations in nearly 200 cities around the globe will turn out for Earth Hour. More than 100 cities across North America will participate, including the US flagships–Atlanta, Chicago, Phoenix and San Francisco and Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Check out the video for more info and don't forget to turn off the lights tonight and enjoy a candlelit dinner tonight.

Treasury Dept. Plan Would Give Fed Wide New Power - The Treasury Department will propose on Monday that Congress give the Federal Reserve broad new authority to oversee financial market stability, in effect allowing it to send SWAT teams into any corner of the industry or any institution that might pose a risk to the overall system.

Zimbabwean voters elect president - People in Zimbabwe are voting in an election that will decide whether President Robert Mugabe, in power since 1980, wins a sixth term in office. Queues formed early at many polling stations, with voters determined to cast their ballots. The MDC fears the poll will be rigged but Mr Mugabe said as he cast his vote in Harare: "We don't rig elections."

First cities go dark for Earth Hour - Sydney's iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge went dark Saturday night as the world's first major city turned off its lights for this year's Earth Hour, a global campaign to raise awareness of climate change. This year, 26 major world cities and more than 300 other cities and towns have signed up for the event.

First, Self-Control. Then, Debt Control - If you have gotten in over your head in credit card debt, you are in good company. The Federal Reserve says Americans have accumulated nearly $1 trillion, a record amount, in what it calls “revolving credit.” But while the financial experts are urging people to pay down debt — particularly expensive credit card debt — that is easier said than done.

Bible course sparks wrangle - More disagreement surfaced Friday over the public school Bible course Texas lawmakers approved last year. The latest issue hinges on whether the state must adopt specific curriculum standards for the course, an elective that's supposed to start in the 2009-10 school year. 

Global Warming has dominated the market when it comes to Environmental Issues the past 5 years but that does not mean that we have overcome other major issues. For example the Associated Press reports that pharmaceuticals have been detected in the drinking water supplies. Before you scoff this off since you only drink bottled water, unfortunately this includes you as well.

The AP claims, "A vast array of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans." Although the "concentrations of these pharmaceuticals are tiny" the implications and negative ramifications are unknown and this is what worries scientists.

Houston was not tested on this round but Austin passed with flying colors. Results for Dallas are still pending although nearby Arlington acknowledge the presence of a drug but refused to clarify which one in particular.

On a similar topic, Houston air pollution due to the nearby chemical industry has not improved. The AP states, "levels of the carcinogen benzene in the Houston region's air have risen from four months ago when the mayor challenged the chemical industry to reduce toxic emissions."

Pollution of our air and water it seems has not yet been tackled. Although we have come along way since 50 years ago, it is still our duty as citizens of our nation to protect our welfare. Health issues that we end up paying years down the road can be prevented if we take a proactive approach to protecting our environment. Environmental issues do not just affect those in the immediate proximity. It affects all of us as residents of the world.

I found this interesting read on Autoblog about an environmental friendly car that boasts 54 miles per gallon on a 30 horsepower engine. It does not boast any luxury features such as in dash navigation etc. It only provides the most functional features such as a fuel guage or speedometer. Although it is small it can accommodate 5 passengers. There is no word of its availability in the United States yet. Enjoy the video!