recently on unplug

great minds think alike: blogs of note

unplug

unplug magazine asks you to unplug from your current modes of thought and look at life in a new way, whether this means unplugging from our toxic consumer culture, mainstream society, the tv, or a limiting mindset. author megan prusynski explores life's alternatives and discusses activism, progressive thinking, and moving towards a "green" & sustainable life.

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Global Warming: We Frickin' Told You So

Well, the moment of truth has arrived, the debate on Global Warming is over. This week in Paris will be remembered as a turning point for human understanding and the environement. According to a TIME article:

[The] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the U.N. body of leading researchers charged with analyzing climate science and producing the final word on what is happening - and will happen - to our planet. IPCC scientists now say that it is "very likely" that global warming is chiefly driven by the buildup of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases caused by human activity, and that dangerous levels of warming and sea rise are on the way.

Here's a good video of news coverage on the topic as well.

All I can think to say is, "we told you so." America can no longer be in denial, and in fact Bush has even come around to admitting that something must be done about it. In his State of the Union Address, as I mentioned in a previous post, he promoted increasing efficiency and reducing our dependence on foreign oil by promoting alternative energy. I'm a bit stunned but very glad that the tide is finally turning and people are finally waking up to reality. And now, it's time to get things moving and start changing things around here!

Several movements have been springing up throughout the climate change "debate," which has been going on for decades. Some that I've been watching are StopGlobalWarming.org, which has begun a virtual march against global warming. Of course, Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth raised awareness of the severity of the problem, and he is actually being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his work on global warming through his film. Another site promoting change is called Step it Up, where more than 500 places have registered to hold a day of action on April 14, 2007, demanding change. They're saying "Step it Up Congress! Cut carbon 80% by 2050."

It's definitely time for some drastic measures to be taken. I hope everyone is ready for a dramatic lifestyle change and I hope this is just the beginning of a massive change in consciousness on this planet. Let's hope so. Our future is at stake.

Labels: environment/sustainability, news/current events

Friday, February 02, 2007

Great Strides for Animal Rights

I just watched a great little video on PETA's Highlights in 2006. I'm constantly amazed at how much we get done, and it's great to be part of such a dedicated and productive movement. Watch PETA's Highlights of 2006.

This year has started off pretty well also, with a couple of 2007 Victories! POM Agreed to Stop Funding Animal Tests - not sure why they were testing pomegranate juice on rodents in the first place, but thank goodness it's over! Also, one of the country's largest pig-flesh producers began phasing out cruel gestation crates, which force mother pigs to live in filthy crates that are so cramped that they can't even turn around. Another company followed Smithfield's lead, proving that by pressuring the big guys, you can truly provoke change. Read about it here: Smithfield Foods and Maple Leaf Foods Are Phasing Out Cruel Gestation Crates.

Animals everywhere (and the people who protect them) certainly have reasons to celebrate. And of course, we still have a lot of work to do!

Labels: animal rights