Monthly Archives: March 2007

President Bush and the Environment

When it comes to the environment, our President definitely struggles. He does well in some areas, but very poorly in many others.

Just look at his record. Think about Kyoto. Think about the recent cuts to geothermal energy research. Think about his “Healthy Forests” plan that actually increases logging and waives some environmental laws. It’s pretty painful to look at.

OK, so I’m still trying to think where he’s done well. There isn’t much there. President Bush is at least interested in biofuels and nuclear power. The trouble with biofuels is that many of them actually pollute more when you consider the entire process. Nuclear power, while it is much better when it comes to carbon, has issues with disposal.

I wish he would get the idea that weaning ourselves from so much oil dependence would be a good thing. That’s not easy when so many of your supporters are in the oil industry, but it needs to be done.

Much as I loathe campaign ads and telephone calls, I am very much looking forward to the next Presidential election. It would be nice to have a President who takes the environment more seriously. I haven’t yet paid much attention to which candidates look the most promising, as there are so many names out there, but I hope to find one who will be environmentally sensible as well as be a generally good leader. Finding that combination may or may not happen, but it’s what I’m watching for.

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PBS Planning Earth Friendly Programming for Earth Day

I read this over on Green Options and thought I would share it with my fellow parents. My daughter loves watching PBS Kids, so we’ll probably catch a few of these shows.

The lineup isn’t just children’s programming, of course, but that’s the part that interests me most. With a 4 year old and a 2 year old, children’s programming is a big part of what appears on our television. And of course the chance for the kids to get environmentally responsible ideas is a good thing always.

This all starts late in March and runs through April.

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What if We’re Wrong About Global Warming?

With global warming being such a hot topic, I also see a lot of people saying it just isn’t so. And this makes me want to take a look at what happens if it turns out we’ve got it all wrong. What if global warming isn’t caused by humans or isn’t the problem we think it is?

There is some evidence for this possibility, certainly. There appears to be some warming occurring on Mars as well as on Pluto and Jupiter, so some argue this is not something due to what is happening on Earth, but a change in the sun itself.

I’m willing to grant such possibilities. But I also say “So what?”

Let’s assume that global warming is something we haven’t caused and can do nothing to change. Now tell me the harm in trying to live with more concern for our environment, in trying to use less and pollute less.

Yes, in some cases you will have to spend more money. But many green options save you money in the long run. Continue reading →