Something to ponder.

[Maggot]

The earths natural CO2

“The sulfur dioxide (SO2) emitted from the Holuhraun eruption has reached up to 60,000 tons per day and averaged close to 20,000 tons since it began,” notes Pall Stefanson, in a September 25 report for Iceland Review Online. “For comparison, all the SO2 pollution in Europe, from industries, energy production, traffic and house heating, etc., amounts to 14,000 tons per day.”

And the Holuhraun eruption, which began in late August, is but one of many active volcanic eruptions that Iceland, the land of fire and ice, has been experiencing lately. A few miles away, Iceland’s Bardarbunga volcano is also causing concern. A September 12 report for Iceland Review Online noted that SO2 from the eruption was four times the previous record and that residents were complaining of sore throats, stinging eyes, and headaches from the sulfur pollution.


Now maybe, maybe if all this money the politicians and scientists are drooling over went towards planting more trees or something I might think they were onto something good but it will be wasted on the bureaucracy like those famine relief organizations that feed themselves more than they do starving people. Its a big fakeout.

[Duchess]

You so silly. Why in the world would politicians do anything to benefit Americans.

[Maggot]

I here a lot about people saying that the California drought is due to climate change when 100 yrs ago southern Cali was basically a desert. The only reason its green is because they piped in water from the north. Now that the place has a zillion people there and the water is being used up the climate yo-yo's have the nerve to say its "climate change" . I wonder sometimes and it pisses me off that the state with the most natural resources may at some point in the future look towards the government for a bailout because of their own failed policies and mind numbing failure to look at reality, not at some zany multi colored crystal ball from an alien planet.

[HairOfTheDog]

I don't know how large a role climate change plays in California's drought. But, I do agree that we need to do a better of job conserving water in the state.

Despite the earth being comprised of 98% water, the world demand for fresh water increases at twice the population growth rate -- doubling approximately every 20 years.

I'm hoping that new desalination technology can be developed to help convert sea water into potable water on a larger-scale and in a less cost-prohibitive way. Perhaps that can be done in the private sector?

In the meantime, shorter showers, fewer wash cycles, fewer lawns that require watering... are common sense steps that more residents could and should be taking. We're doing larger loads of laundry only twice a week in the house now. It's not even a sacrifice (though my niece gets a little pissed if she can't wear a certain t-shirt whenever she wants -- she'll 'effin survive).

I'm not suggesting that we drain the oceans, however. If we did that, Southern California's ability to continue its cultural contributions to natives and tourists worldwide could be compromised.



Seriously, who the hell doesn't want to take a break from ardent crystal-ball reading or souvenir shopping to relax and watch the dog surfing championships?

[Duchess]

I can't imagine having my water restricted and I hope like hell it never comes to that here. We've experienced minor droughts but nothing on the scale that others have.

I recently watched a time lapsed video of one of the lakes out in California and it struck me as being very sad. I can't recall the name but it was a gorgeous full lake now down to basically nothing.

[Blindgreed1]

I here a lot about people saying that the California drought is due to climate change when 100 yrs ago southern Cali was basically a desert. The only reason its green is because they piped in water from the north. Now that the place has a zillion people there and the water is being used up the climate yo-yo's have the nerve to say its "climate change" . I wonder sometimes and it pisses me off that the state with the most natural resources may at some point in the future look towards the government for a bailout because of their own failed policies and mind numbing failure to look at reality, not at some zany multi colored crystal ball from an alien planet.

Most of California's water actually comes from the Colorado river and Lake Mead in Arizona.

[Midwest Spy]

I'm heading to L.A. tomorrow and spending the weekend.

Looking forward to seeing what kind of water restrictions are in place (if any).

Another heat wave is in store too. 90'sF the entire time we're there.

[Blindgreed1]

We have water restrictions here, but they're not all that bad. Certain times of the day when evaporation is at it's peak folks can't water their lawns or golf courses or they get fined.