Americas addiction to oil? Sure! After the OPEC oil shocks in the 1970’s people already thought about a more sustainable energy policy. Jimmy Carter tried to break new ground by installing a solar panel on the White House 1979. Smart move. Ronald Reagan had it removed a few years later. Neither Clinton, nor the Bush’s were seriously interested in alternative energy sources. Almost 30 years and hardly anyone has learned any lessons from the first oil shocks.

Overpopulation is still one of our biggest problems. Humanities growth is unsustainable for our own good and the rest of nature. This becomes especially clear in the case of the global water crises. Here some insights from the ‘old’ (2004) BBC special report Planet under pressure. Check part 2 ‘running dry’ for some gruel news.

But I am afraid nothing has changed in the last two years - the poor are still thirsty:

* One billion people without access to clean drinking water
* 2.6 billion without adequate sanitation
* Rapid urbanization increasing pressure on water resources
* 30-40% of water ‘lost’ through illegal tapping and leaks

(Source: UN World Water Report)

If you are really interested you should also read the recent BBCs comment page regarding the water crises. We need conserve water, stop overpopulation and the total commercialization of water supply. Water is a common good, it needs to be protected, but not overpriced so it becomes unaffordable for the poor.

Energy efficient light bulbs have been around for many years now. Have you replaced all of the old energy wasting bulbs in your home?

Those beautiful silent travelers of the oceans, they are adorable and graceful. It just pains me to realize they are hunted for their eggs and flesh.

Let’s save them!

Brother Comrade where have all the trees gone?

China has chopped down 80% of it’s trees. No surprise they have gigantic sandstorms and extreme pollution. Trees would save the people - even without hugging them.

Ed sent me this great link: BBC Global Dimming (from 2005). A great documentation about the complexity and effects of climate change. This one concentrates less on CO2 and Methane (the usual suspects) but simply on dirt & dust in the atmosphere.

Here is a more scientific Wikipedia link for some more background information. As usual with BBC stuff: highly recommended.

Thanks Ed!

While Britain and Germany drowned, Greece and other southern Nations literally burned out this summer. Yes, climate change is real, thank you so much Mr. Shrub. Is there still such a thing as a moderate and stable climate on this planet? If so send me a ticket to go move there …