NASA: Terrifying Decades of Global Warming (Video)

NASA Graphic Shows

Six Terrifying Decades

Of Global Warming

(VIDEO)

Despite the recent polar vortex and the efforts of some to suggest otherwise, global warming is happening. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA have both said that the 10 warmest years in history happened since 2000. 97 percent of working climate scientists believe climate change is due to the actions of humans. 

And the risk to the planet is even greater than some scientists thought. 

A visualization released Tuesday by NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, which monitors global surface temperatures, shows how much warmer the Earth is in comparison to a 1951-1980 baseline. 

But be warned, it's not comforting to watch.

Not A Drop To Drink

A 2012 study from the U.S. Forest Service found that without "major adaptation efforts," parts of the U.S. are likely to see "substantial future water shortages." Climate change, especially for the Southwest U.S., can both increase water demand and decrease water supply.

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Worsening Allergies
The spring 2013 allergy season could be one of the worst ever,thanks to climate change. Experts say that increased precipitation, along with an early spring, late-ending fall and higher levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide may bring more pollen from plants and increased mold and fungal growth.

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A Bumpier Ride?
Researchers in Britain have found that climate change could cause increased turbulence for transatlantic flights by between 10 and 40 percent by 2050.

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An International Tragedy
Research by British government found that climate change may have contributed to a famine in East Africa that killed between 50,000 and 100,000 people in 2010 and 2011. At least 24 percent of the cause of a lack of major rains in 2011 can be attributed to man-made greenhouse gases, Met Office modeling showed.

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A Mighty Wind The dramatic and rapid loss of sea ice in recent years has consequences beyond the Arctic. Scientists have found the melting shifts the position of the Jet Stream, bringing cold Arctic air further south and increasing the odds of intense snow storms and extreme spring weather.

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An Itch You Can't Scratch
Research indicates that increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide result in larger poison ivy plants. Even worse, climate change will mean that the plant's irritating oil will also get more potent.

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Gators In The Yard
North American alligators require a certain temperature range for survival and reproduction, traditionally limiting them to the southern U.S. But warming temperatures could open new turf to gators with more sightings farther north.

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Melting Blitz In South America
High in the Peruvian Andes, parts of the world's largest tropical ice sheet have melted at an unbelievable pace. Scientists found that significant portions of the Quelccaya Ice Cap that took over 1,600 years to form have melted in only 25 years. 

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Wine To Go?  

Along with other agricultural impacts, climate change may have a dramatic effect on the world's most famous winemaking regions in coming decades. Areas suitable for grape cultivation may shrink, and temperature changes may impact the signature taste of wines from certain regions. 

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Home Sweet Home
Thanks to climate change, low-lying island nations may have to evacuate, and sooner than previously expected. Melting of the Greenland and west Antarctic ice sheets has been underestimated, scientists say, and populations in countries like the Maldives, Kiribati, Tuvalu and others may need to move within a decade. 

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A Damper On Your Raw Bar?
Experts speculate that warming oceans may have played a part in a strain of herpes that has killed Pacific oysters in Europe in recent years. 

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The Color-Changing Bears
As Arctic ice melts and polar bears see more of their habitat disappear, the animals could lose their famous white coats. Researchers have already witnessed polar bears hybridizing with their brown cousins, but note that it would take thousands of years from them to adapt themselves out of existence.

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Sour Apples

Apples produced in one Himalayan state of India are already losing their taste and even turning sour, experts say. Increased rainfall and erratic weather in the region mean less than ideal conditions for famously-sweet Kashmiri apples.

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A Cold Cup Of Coffee

Climate change may dramatically shrink the area suitable for coffee cultivation by the end of the century and cause the extinction of Arabica coffee plants in the wild. Starbucks has already declared that "Addressing climate change is a priority. 

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Global Wealth Inequality 🤑 Startling Facts

10  Startling Facts

About Global Wealth Inequality

By Ezra Klein - January 22, 2014

1. On Monday, Oxfam published a startling report showing that the richest 85 people in the world are worth more than the poorest 3.5 billion.

2. The numbers Oxfam is using come from Credit Suisse's 2013 Global Wealth Report. There are a lot of amazing numbers in that report.

3. For instance, Switzerland leads in average wealth, with each adult worth, on average, $513,000. Australia is in second place, at $403,000. The U.S. is in the $250,000-300,000 range.

4. But that's average wealth — which is to say, that number spikes if Bill Gates moves into your country. Median wealth is a more interesting measure. There, Australia leads with $220,000. They're followed by Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Italy, the UK, and Japan. The U.S. falls way back on this measure, with a median wealth of just $45,000.

5. Think about that for a minute: Most Americans are worth less than most Italians, Belgians and Japanese.

6. Some researchers think Credit Suisse overestimates median wealth in the U.S. Other estimates put us in 27th place.

7. The tremendous difference between average wealth and median wealth is the country's level of wealth inequality at work.

8. Global wealth inequality is even more startling, of course. After accounting for debts, assets of more than $4,000 put a person in the wealthiest half of world citizens. Assets of more than $75,000 put them in the top 10 percent. Assets of more than $753,000 put them in the top 1 percent.

9. This leads to the most startling figure in the report: "Our estimates suggest that the lower half of the global population possesses barely 1% of global wealth, while the richest 10% of adults own 86% of all wealth, and the top 1% account for 46% of the total. "

10. There's a lot of turnover amidst the world's top billionaires. Of the 100 top billionaires in 2001, only 37 remained on the list in 2013.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/01/22/10-startling-facts-about-global-wealth-inequality/

 

Ezra Klein is the editor of Wonkblog and a columnist at the Washington Post, as well as a contributor to MSNBC and Bloomberg. His work focuses on domestic and economic policy making, as well as the political system that’s constantly screwing it up. He really likes graphs, and is on Twitter, Google+ and Facebook. 

Comments:

The statistic on median wealth is the most revealing. First, the US is obsessed with GDP. GDP only says how much we make, and doesn't account for the wealth factor. It can lead to bad policy. For example, we theoretically could increase GDP by 2% entirely through automation and cutting employment, are the country's PEOPLE better off? No.

So it's better to look at wealth per person. The median cut off is better than average. It shows, that the US is not all that when you want to talk about rich countries, certainly if you are talking about spreading it throughout. Interestingly, Australia is looking at more indicators, including wealth, to see how well the country is doing. If we looked at that median wealth number, we could come up with better private sector and public sector policy.

I will add though, we need to add a PPP twist to the number. The US may be able to buy more with less money. But that's no excuse not to pay attention to the median wealth number.

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x: 

"They're followed by Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Italy, the UK, and Japan. The U.S. falls way back on this measure, with a median wealth of just $45,000."

Given the level of debt in France, Italy and Japan, whatever they are doing, I'm not sure I'd want to copy it. Second, whatever the impact of inequality, I suspect the US has a larger share of its population who are first generation immigrants and are likely to cluster at the bottom of the income scale.

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Z Responds:

U.S. level of debt is 72% of GDP. Luxembourg is 18%. Belgium, France and UK are in the U.S. ballpark. 

Likewise, U.S. is ballpark with first generation with

Better check your facts before you make an argument.

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Wealth Restoration

Last month President Obama gave a speech which helped to explain the importance of family wealth: "millions of families were stripped of whatever cushion they had left", " the top 1 percent has a net worth 288 times higher than the typical family, which is a record for this country", "gaps [in all social welfare measures including education] are now as much about growing up rich or poor as they are about anything else".

In this article, Ezra Klein takes on the rich god of "American Exceptionalism" by pointing out our mediocrity and inviting us to face the fact that most Italians, Belgians, Japanese and those from 23 other countries are, on average, wealthier then we are. It was not always so. Since 1995 the poorer half of the U.S. population lost an astonishing 70% of their net wealth. See http://www.taxnetwealth.com/01_The_Wealth_Gap.aspx

The political solution begins with government recognition of families as the primary economic unit. Families need work and wealth to sustain marriage, procreation, child rearing, care for the elderly and life in general. Inequality may be a part of life but economic “exclusion” from a life sustaining share is the line beyond which no civilized country should tolerate.

The economic solution must consider net wealth as one factor in tax reform. A net wealth tax does not have to soak the rich and might actually work best if it is an optional feature paired with very low income tax rates. Consider tax reform that offers the same rates for rich and poor – 8% on income, no payroll taxes and 2% on net wealth (excluding $15,000 cash and $500,000 in retirement savings). Over time these reforms would restore the net wealth lost by the poorer half of the U.S. population. Even C corporations could be taxed at a flat 8% with a 4% VAT - (considered the fairest way to apportion taxes among businesses worldwide).

Individuals could avoid a wealth tax by optionally paying a flat 26% income tax (and estate taxes later).

Dogs Playing In Polar Vortex Aftermath

Dogs Playing
In Polar Vortex Aftermath

Have Found Pure Bliss

(VIDEO +  Nina in NYC)

The recent  polar vortex slammed parts of the country with dangerously frigid temperatures, but at least one good thing came out of the "Hercules" blizzard -- an adorable pack of dogs got to play in the snowy aftermath in Kalamazoo, Mich.

 (This is Nina in NYC)

The video was shot right after the storm when doggy daycare center Camp Fido let their pups out to play. The dogs seem like they didn't enjoy being cooped up during the bout of bad weather and really let loose during playtime!

Remember, although it's fun to watch animals enjoying their time in the cold, take precautions before letting your pet loose. To make winter playtime safe and enjoyable for your dog, check out these tips..

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/16/dogs-play-polar-vortex_n_4610914.html
 

  (This is Nina in NYC)

Nina Loves Snowstorms ! 

http://www.apdt.com/petowners/tips/safety/safety_winter.aspx

Winter Safety & Comfort for Dogs

Many parts of the country experience extremely cold weather that presents challenges for dog owners. Familiarity with cold weather health hazards can keep your pet safe while allowing both of you to enjoy the outdoors.
Temperature Related Conditions

Puppies, senior dogs and dogs with certain disease conditions (such as thyroid conditions) are more susceptible to cold temperatures. Temperature related illnesses require immediate removal to a warm, dry environment and medical attention by your veterinarian.

    Hypothermia can result from extended exposure to cold and is a life-threatening condition. Watch your dog for signs of shivering, shallow breathing, weak pulse or lethargy.
    Frostbite is a temperature related tissue injury and most commonly occurs on ears, tails, scrotum or feet. Signs include discolored skin (red, pale, or grayish) swelling, or blisters. Check your pet often for signs of frostbite which may be hidden beneath fur.

Cold-weather Chemicals
    Antifreeze - Ethylene Glycol, car antifreeze, is a deadly poison and has a sweet taste that appeals to dogs. As little as 1-2 teaspoons can be lethal to a small animal. Clean up all spills and consider switching to a Propylene Glycol product that is safer.
    Ice Melters - Salt and ice-melters can act as a skin irritant. Make sure to wash your pet’s feet off after coming indoors. Dogs with long fur and /or short legs should have their stomach areas cleaned off as well.

Winter Grooming
    If you normally have your pet’s fur clipped or shaved, keep the length longer in winter to keep your dog warm.
    Nails may require more frequent trimming since your dog is spending more time indoor on soft surfaces.
    If you bathe your dog at home make sure he is completely dry before going out. You may even want to switch to a waterless shampoo for the winter.
    Examine the pads of your dog’s feet for signs of cracking or irritation. A pet-specific foot balm will help condition the pads.

Cold-Weather Outings
    Dogs with short coats or low body fat (Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, miniature Pinschers etc.) will benefit from a water-resistant sweater or coat when outdoor temperatures drop.
    Boots are a good way to protect feet and pads from salt and chafing.
    Keep your pet on a leash in cold weather - more dogs are lost in the winter than in any other season. Unleashed dogs may also run onto partially frozen bodies of water.
    Limit the duration of your outdoor trips to minimize chance of frostbite or hypothermia.
    Don’t let your dog eat snow. The snow may cause stomach upset or there may be hidden objects in the snow.

Special Considerations for Outdoor Dogs
    You should bring your dogs inside for the winter if at all possible.
    If bringing your dogs inside for the season is not possible your dogs must have warm, windproof shelter - preferably heated.
    Dry, clean bedding is essential to keeping warm and straw or bedding needs replenished all winter season long.
    Water & food can easily freeze. Use heated bowls to prevent freezing and make sure that the electrical cords are out of reach of your pets.
    Outdoor dogs will burn more calories (up to 30%) and need extra food. Make sure that you are feeding additional rations during cold temperature.

Winter Training Tips
Basic obedience training and cold weather safety practices will allow you and your pet to enjoy winter weather conditions safely.
    Make sure that your dog or puppy is comfortable with having their feet wiped & handled. Keep towels near the door and making foot-wiping part of your daily routine. Reward your pet for allowing you to examine the condition of pads, check for ice in between toes, and trim fur (if required.)
    Obedience training for loose leash walking will make slippery walks safer for both pet and owner.
    Commands like “leave it” can save a dog’s life when confronted with a pool of antifreeze or an unknown object in the snow.
    Recall (coming when called) can keep a dog from running onto a partially frozen body of water or away from another winter hazard.

Additional Resources

• Pets & Household Chemicals: Humane Society of the United States
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• Winter Pet Care: American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

Everyday Objects Blended With Simple Sketches

by Javier Perez
 
 


 




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Everyday Objects Blended With Simple Sketches

Earth Moon NYC

World May Have To Suck Gases From Air
To Meet Climate Goals

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/15/climate-goals-un_n_4602208.html?ref=topbar



 

Lion Is BFFs with a Pack of Dachshunds

 Lion Is BFFs with a Pack of Dachshunds

According to a News OK in-depth story, Bonedigger was bottle fed as a cub because he had a calcium deficiency that was crippling to his growth — hence the otherwise intimidating name. 

 

The lion first became friends with John Reinke, a man who lost both legs in a bungee jumping accident and later came to the G.W. Exotic Animal Park where he found comfort helping rescued large animals.

VIDEO

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Bonedigger, a five-year-old, 500 pound Lion

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and Milo, a seven-year-old, 11 pound Dachsund

Milo licks Bonedigger’s mouth clean - teeth, tongue, and all

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The Geyser of Awesome was recently tipped off to a particularly awesome and exceptional tale of Unexpected Interspecies Friendship. 

Bonedigger, a five-year-old, 500 pound lion, and Milo, a seven-year-old, 11 pound Dachsund, aka Bonedigger’s BFF. They live together at the Garold Wayne Interactive Zoological Park in Wynnewood, Oklahoma.

Bonedigger was born with a metabolic bone disease that left him mildly disabled. While he was still just a cub, Milo and two other dachshunds, Bullet and Angel, seemed to sense that Bonedigger needed extra care and the three dogs sought to comfort and protect the young lion.

Now Bonedigger and his pack of wiener dogs cuddle, feast on raw meat, and play on the park grounds together. Sometimes Park manager John Reinke gets in on the cuddling as well. Perhaps best of all, after their meals, Milo licks Bonedigger’s mouth clean - teeth, tongue, and all.

Milo also does his best to mimic Bonedigger’s ‘puffing’ behaviour - “a deafening lion growl that can be heard over a mile away. Wild lions use it to communicate with other prides in their natural environment.”

The Garold Wayne Interactive Zoological Park was damaged and flooded by the horrendous tornado that tore through Oklahoma on May 20th. Nevertheless, they’ve been providing shelter for both domestic and wild animals that were left homeless after the storm. Click here if you’re interesting in donating to the park.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/05/24/lion-named-bonedigger-and-small-dog-make-unlikely-friends/

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