Thursday, October 2, 2008

Recent Headlines from the Globe and Mail


‘Dead Zones’ killing marine life, scientists warn: Need to halt oxygen depletion caused by fertilizer runoff and sewage outflows. The 400 marine dead zones doubles every 10 years. Fish that swim into the zones die. August 15, 2008.

Greenland ice sheet melting faster than predicted, report says: A new study warns that the Greenland ice sheet could raise sea levels three times higher than predicted. September 1, 2008

Large Arctic ice shelf breaks away, now adrift in Arctic Ocean: The 50-square-kilometre Markham Ice Shelf broke away in early August. September 3, 2008.

Oil refineries underestimate release of emissions, study says: Test facility spewed 19 times more cancer-causing benzene than it reported. September 6, 2008.

Alberta oil spill kills hundreds of birds: On top of the 500 ducks killed in April 2008 on a tar sands tailings pond, a recent conventional oil spill has killed another estimated ducks and swallows. September 10, 2008.

Oil spills far exceed forecast, study says: Oil spills off Newfoundland have already exceeded estimates even though the projects will operate up to 15 more years. September 16, 2008.

Alberta’s reluctance may doom advisory group: Government refuses to follow CEMA’s recommendations on sustainable land use. CEMA is composed of oil companies, government agencies, natives and ecological groups. It studies the environmental effects of industrial development in the tar sands. September 18, 2008.

Black clouds on the horizon for birds of the world: From field sparrows to boreal chickadees, 20 of the most common species in North America are being decimated, report warn. September 23, 2008.

Humanity at risk: Are the males going first? The percentage of males being born is dropping, virility and fertility are down, testicular cancer is up. Scientists say males are more vulnerable than females to pollutants while in the womb. September 20, 2008.

World’s Shark and ray species at risk: Of 21 species surveyed, three-quarters are in danger due to overfishing. May 23, 2008.
World biodiversity drops by one-third: In the past 35 years worldwide biodiversity has dropped almost one-third due mainly to habitat loss. May 16, 2008.

We need a government whose first priority is taking immediate action on climate change! We must ensure that future generations do not pay the price for Canada's poor environmental record. We have to learn to cooperate and work together if we are going to make the necessary changes. Give us a future by protecting our environment now!