TruemorsThe Lone Jeffrey Pine Tree (when it was still up), Sentinel Dome [Yosemite National Park (USA)]
Sentinel Dome
Photo Properties
NP! ID: 1511411
Title: Sentinel Dome
File Size: 500 × 375 – 120.79 KB
Created: Sat, 08/16/2008 - 10:25am
Modified: Sat, 08/16/2008 - 10:25am
File Type: image (jpeg)
Licence: None (All rights reserved)
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (2)
at 10:39 on August 16th, 2008
It doesn't surprise me that even trees are not immune to global warming. Forget the cynics who say the increased CO2 levels are good for the trees. In the big picture, we're essentially making a mass extinction ourselves, but I guess the silver lining is that Nature will move on long after us and biodiversity will re-establish itself after humans are long gone.
I wish there was a way to get renewable energy (i.e. not biofuels but REAL solutions like solar, wind, and geothermal) implemented and get rid of those politicians corrupted by oil and coal and unchecked capitalism (i.e. Republicans and some dirty Democrats)?
If Americans were truly solutions oriented, we would've voted for Green, but instead, we're stuck with a system where the problems never seem to be addressed and only get worse because someone on the inside is ensuring only a few crooks get rich and the taxpayers subsidize it. That's why we're still spending trillions of taxpayer dollars on "energy security" (i.e. subsidies for oil, coal, and biofuels; funding wars to try to plunder oil resources, etc.), and instead of solving the problems, we ARE the problem!
Now, we're trying to villify China. And while their environmental record is deplorable, we're in no position to criticize if we can't get our own act together.
at 18:07 on August 31st, 2008
Hi Storynature! Let me try this again! I tried earlier to add a comment to the running story about Global Warming that you commented on about the Pine Beetle problem here in British Columbia, Canada. After a lengthy Reply, my reply was not posted. I have no idea why, it could be that I needed to Sign in to this Group. I thought that I was automatically signed in when I responded to the e-mail link that was sent to my E-Mail box -- but for whatever reason, it did not post -- so I decided to go directly to your Page and re-write my Comment. (Hopefully, it will go through this time).
In general your Comment on August 16th made me think about the situation in the United States in comparison to how government works here in Canada. As I've been closely watching the Democratic Convention for the past several days right up to it's conclusion with Obama accepting the nomination for President - which will come up in November, I was struck by how Obama has really been involved with various grassroots movements by the American public all across the country -- and it seems to me that he has really taken their concerns to heart! What a contrasting difference to the kind of politics we have in Canada, where I cannot remember a time - EVER in our History where a Leader stepped up to the plate and was willing to even Discuss concerns about our Economy, Societal problems (i.e. growing unemployment, homelessness, etc.) and the worsening Environment!! Through the last consecutive liberal (and now Conservative government) politics, one has had the feeling that our politicians will SAY just about anything -- and PROMISE just about anything for one purpose: to gain enough votes to get elected. Once elected, nothing turns out as stated.
With what I've seen of Obama lately, I sense that here is a man who comes from a very ordinary background, who was fortunate to receive a good education, and the support of his mother and grandparents and who took his good fortune in a direction where he was able to help those less fortunate -- instead of just climbing the ladder of success in some High Powered Law Firm and reap the financial and social benefits!!
Wow, if only we would EVER find a Leader of that calibre here in Canada! What a difference it would make on the Political Scene (and possible Social Movements). Coming back to the Environment -- it also takes a Committed Leader who is willing to Listen to Scientists, Activists, and ordinary people living ordinary lives -- to really move the country in the right direction. I think us Canadians have much to learn from the processes happening in America right now!!! I truly believe it starts with good Leadership ... and people staying involved -- to make certain that they are heard -- and that concrete things are being done to Save this planet from impending disaster!!