Climate change may lead to ozone layer depletion

Scientists have discovered a new possible side effect of global climate change, and while it’s too early to draw any conclusions, this is a significant element that needs to be monitored closely.  They discovered that water vapor, when injected into the stratosphere by large thunderstorms, can change stable forms of bromine and chlorine into free radicals that then convert ozone (O3) into normal oxygen gas (O2).  Keep in mind that it’s the ozone layer that helps block harmful UV radiation (which causes skin cancer and could also damage the DNA of plants and animals).  Climate change is expected to lead to an increase in storm intensity, which is what makes this relevant here.  As with anything having to do with this planet’s climate, it’s a complicated issue and needs further study, but I find it interesting as it’s an angle I hadn’t considered before.

You can read more about this over at Phys.org.

Caffeine in the ocean

Here’s a nice reminder of how our actions influence the environment around us.  Researchers at Portland State University found high caffeine levels in the ocean off the Oregon coast, which is attributed to human activity.  Remember, this ecosystem we live in is complex and connected…our actions can have far reaching impact.

You can read more about this study over at phys.org.

Depressing data on the future of climate change

According to this article in the New York Times, the future does not bode well for our planet.  By 2050, the global economy is expected to be about four times its current size, and fossil fuels will be supplying around 85% of energy at that time.  Not only does that mean increased air pollution (and the health effects caused by that, such as millions of deaths per year due to air pollution), but an increase in global average temperatures of 3-6C, well above the 2C limit internationally agreed upon.  With increasing population will also come increasing demand for water, something that is already in scarce supply in much of the world.  As climate patterns change due to global warming, we can expect those water supplies to be further strained as historical norms make way for the new (look at Texas’ drought as one example).

So, what can we do?  Let’s face it, not much.  In the US, we have a major political party that’s still in denial, so we could start there perhaps.  Realistically though, Bill Gates got it right in this TED talk where he says that what we need is a ZERO CO2 energy economy.  We’re so far away from that, that if we don’t take action and get serious about this soon, it’s going to be a really rough transition to adapt to a dramatically warmer Earth.  It’s a good talk, watch it:

The Lorax..and Mazda?

Mazda, you should be ashamed of yourself. To take the timeless Seuss classic ‘The Lorax’ and pervert it to suit your marketing neeeds…this sets a new low.  The Lorax speaks for the trees and against mass consumption and consumerism.  Early reviews of the movie are equally depressing, with the original environmental message mostly missing.  I’ll admit that I haven’t seen it yet…with what I’ve heard so far, I’m reluctant to spend the money to see it in a theater and will wait for it to be available in iTunes instead.

One encouraging sign though, is that on YouTube, Mazda’s commercial has an overwhelming negative review so far (90% negative votes!).  This is corporate green-washing at its worst.  Don’t fall for it.  These 4th graders can see the truth, can you?

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