Global warming puts Polar Bears on threatened species list

While the debate of global warming is still “undecided”, the effects the supposedly liberal imagined global warming are definitely being felt, and now the effects have led to the addition of one more animal to the threatened species list… the polar bear.

As we know, one of the main impacts of global warming can be scientifically shown to be the reduction in polar ice. For now they went a bit short of actually declaring that polar bears were an endangered species, but noted that if the situation continues to accelerate that an endangered listing could be coming in the future. By putting the polar bear on the threatened species list, this marks the first time any animal has recieved protection from global warming.

According to the Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, “this listing will not stop global climate change or prevent any sea ice from melting. Any real solution requires action by all major economies for it to be effective”. Don’t hold your breath on that happening any time soon. According to some people that are close to the current decision, the decision comes packed with provisions specifically aimed at protecting power plants and other energy-related entities. Should not come as a surprise seeing as how the Bush Administration still refuses to recognize global warming as the biggest problem facing our planet.

Some experts are predicting that at the current rate of ice melt, about two-thirds of all polar bears in America and Canada will vanish by the middle of the century.

So what does this really mean for polar bears now that they are on the threatened list? You would think that the decision would mean that they would be given the protection they needed, but before jumping for joy, head over to jwharrison.com and learn more about the fine print regarding the oil industry.

flickr : oxfam international

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Save money by altering your driving

One of the things that has been hitting Americans really hard lately has been the massive run up in oil prices, which has translated to record high gasoline prices. With gas prices currently averaging over $3.30 a gallon, it is for sure that everyone is feeling the pinch when they hit the pump, and wishing there was something they could do to lower their gas bill, well… maybe there is!

I ran across an interesting article from cnnmoney.com that laid out some pretty good evidence that by simply driving slower you can do you part to lower the cost of gasoline you are putting into your car(s).

According to the report, for every 10 mph you drive over 60 mph is like adding an additional 54 cents per gallon to your bill. So… let’s do a little math here; the current average of gasoline is running a bit over $3.30 a gallon, so if you average driving your car at 70 mph then you are actually going to wind up paying something closer to $3.85 a gallon for your gas, and that is assuming your car is some-what fuel efficient.

Regardless of what sort of car you drive… whether it be a Honda Accord, or a nice big Humvee, every additional 10 mph you drive will reduce you cars gasoline mileage by 4  miles per gallon.

So, if you are feeling the hit of high gasoline prices, then maybe the best thing you can do is just slow down… just simply slow down. Sounds easy enough, but the question remains.. what is more important? Getting someone quicker, or saving a little gasoline and reducing your energy costs. That is the question.

Can you remember when the national speed limit was 55 mph? One of the main reasons why the country had a maximum speed limit of 55 was in reaction to high oil prices in the 70’s that led to shortages and an eventual international embargo.

Don’t expect to see the country revert back to a national 55 mph speed limit, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t impose a lower speed limit on yourself!

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