China and Climate Change

23 Dec

An insider’s account from Copenhagen:

Copenhagen was a disaster. That much is agreed. But the truth about what actually happened is in danger of being lost amid the spin and inevitable mutual recriminations. The truth is this: China wrecked the talks, intentionally humiliated Barack Obama, and insisted on an awful “deal” so western leaders would walk away carrying the blame. How do I know this? Because I was in the room and saw it happen.

Sadly, this makes complete sense to me. It’s just how politics (international or otherwise—look at the recent health care hijackings) work. I wish it wasn’t so.

Climate Change Deniers vs The Consensus

23 Dec

From Information is Beautiful, we get this Climate Change Deniers vs The Consensus graph.

They’ve done a good job of laying out both sides of the argument without bias or name-calling. What is interesting to me is that throughout the entire thing, “The Consensus” is on the defensive. That seems to be true in the debate as a whole, from my understanding. It’s an unfortunate predicament to be in, because it detracts from one’s credibility even if there is no reason to do so.

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Evolving Fish of the Lower Congo

23 Dec

via Pharyngula we get this amazing video of “Evolution in Action” by the American Museum of Natural History.

I’m with Myers on this:

They too briefly showed a blind depigmented cichlid that apparently lives in very deep troughs in the river — I wanted to see more about that. It’s probably out of the question to send divers down into that maelstrom, but cameras? Someday? Please?

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New Botanical Finds in 2009

22 Dec

Every time I read articles like this it reminds me of how evolution showcases God’s awesome creation, as opposed to detracting from it.

The largest of the new finds was a previously unknown giant of Cameroon’s rainforest, stretching more than 42m (138ft) into the canopy of the Korup National Park.

Also, if you’re concerned about your coffee, be concerned about climate change:

Dr Davis estimated that almost three-quarters of the world’s wild coffee species were threatened, as a result of habitat loss and climate change.

“Conserving the genetic diversity within this genus has implications for the sustainability of our daily cup, particularly as coffee plantations are highly susceptible to climate change,” he added.

via BBC News – ‘Bumper year’ for botanical finds

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Global Warming Helps Cold Weather Plants in Sonoran Desert

21 Dec

An interesting study in the effects of global warming on a specific ecosystem:

Global warming is giving a boost to Sonoran Desert plants that have an edge during cold weather, according to new research.

While the temperature as a whole is going up:

In a previous study, Venable and his colleagues had examined the physiology of the nine species and found that some grow better under cold conditions and are more efficient at using water. Those species are now becoming more common as the changing climate shifts the onset of the winter rains.

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Adopt a Denier in 2010

21 Dec

Interesting idea from Wallace J Nichols:

If the denial of science weren’t so dangerous, we could leave the topic to Jon Stewart to dissect on the Daily Show. But it is dangerous.

Make it your New Year resolution to quietly and kindly adopt a denier. Over time, explain how science works, share peer reviewed articles, go see films, have long conversations over coffee or beer afterwards. The idea isn’t to “win” an argument, it’s to answer questions and remove the fear or misunderstanding that surrounds advances in scientific understanding of ourselves and our planet.

In a way, that’s what I’m trying to do with this blog.

Fluorescent Oceans

21 Dec

Beautiful photos.

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