writeaboutwarming

April 29, 2013 – Today was a good day.   Today the European Commission voted to ban the use of a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids for two years.   Fifteen countries voted for the ban, which is not enough to constitute a “qualified majority.”   That’s the reason for the ban’s two year duration.   The moratorium applies to all member nations of the European Union, and England, and will begin no later than December 1 of this year.   It does not apply to crops that do not attract bees, or to winter crops.   Because it is the seed that is treated, the sale and use of seeds – primarily of corn, soy and canola - are prohibited.   Furthermore, none of this type of pesticide can be sold to amateur growers. Back in January, the European Food Safety Authority issued a statement regarding the unacceptability of neonicotinoids because of the danger they pose to bees.   Research has found that these pesticides impair bees’ ability to navigate, f...

December 23, 2010 – Climate disruption is becoming a reality for more and more people. It’s become a bit personal, too – my son is in Southern California. He flies out today, thank goodness. Here’s a brief rundown of what the Golden State has been contending with: · 17 feet of snow has fallen in the Sierra Nevada mountains · Some locations have received their entire annual rainfall · 20,000 homes are without power · Roads and bridges have been washed away · Mudslides are numerous because of wildfires that decimated vegetation on hillsides It remains to be seen whether and how the rest of the United States will be affected by this treacherous storm. Meanwhile, Western Europeans stand amazed as snow, ice and freezing temperatures bring airports and rail terminals to their knees. Millions of holiday travelers have been affected by the unusually harsh weather, with flight cancellations and long delays at rail terminals being the rule. Thousands have s...