Re: Global Warming
In a nutshell, we need to burn diesel to ship coal. We need coal to generate power to keep those factories running that produce those consumer goods we all adore. Now, I am not saying that don't buy your favorite IPod or one only ought to drive hybrid cars, BUT all this has an effect on the environment. I will keep limited only to the effect factor.
As one can imagine., the effect of global warming is very different on various geograhphical locations. For instance, over the short term, global warming may cause Northern Europe to cool drastically. As the Arctic ice caps shrink, and melt none other due to global warming, it pushes massive amount of cold fresh water over the North Atlantic, and since fresh water is lighter than the salt water, it stays on top cooling the adjacent areas. Southern parts of Europe may turn barren and desertification will perhaps increase as the wind currents shift from South to East; making Middle East and South East Asia cooler for the time being.
Pacific has never really recovered from the Al-nino phenomenon - a by-product of global warming in my opinion. It is causing the glaciers in Alaska to melt on a much rapid pace. The warming of the West coast leaves a big question mark on the viability of the forests. There's less and less amount of snow each year, and less rain to support the ecological system which has nurtured these forests for over thousands of years. Pine beetle infestation is devouring trees from Alaska to Idaho with British Columbia taking brunt of the impact. The Antarctic glaciers are breaking apart on record pace. The worse part is that this whole cycle is accelerating from year to year.
Whether, there will be enough snow on the Whistler mountains for the 2010 olympics? If you had asked this questions five years ago, the organizers would have laughed at you. But, after a year like the last one, I am sure they are as nervous now as anyone else...so the clock is ticking..