http://www.prisonplanet.com/copenhagen-global-population-control-program-suggested-to-stop-climate-change.html
The Chinese government believes that their one child policy is a shining example of the right way to handle explosive population growth, and that they are a positive example to the rest of the world. Although their policy has seen success, it disregards the human rights that are guaranteed to citizens of other countries, such as the United States. Mandating only one child per couple is not a democratic practice, and it is not likely that Americans will be willing to partake in this way of life. This policy in China also includes some corrupt and inhuman aspects, which were mentioned in the article. This includes forced abortions and sterilizations, as well as the murdering of female children once they are born. In the powerful democratic countries of the world, this policy will not be accepted, and population control will have to be dealt with in another way.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
New Hurdle for California Condors May Be DDT From Years Ago
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/16/science/16condors.html?ref=science
It was recently discovered that the eggs of California condors are extremely thin and fragile, which is most likely a direct effect from the use of DDT before it was banned in the United States over 30 years ago. The California condor is an endangered bird species that is making a significant comeback after at one point reaching an extremely low population. However, the effect that DDT has on its eggs is a continuing threat to its survival. This is a perfect example of how the past actions of humans carry a lot of weight in the big picture. The use of this deadly pesticide was banned in 1972, but we still see its harmful effects on the wildlife around us. This should be a warning to the human race that our actions have severe consequences in the environment for the years to come.
It was recently discovered that the eggs of California condors are extremely thin and fragile, which is most likely a direct effect from the use of DDT before it was banned in the United States over 30 years ago. The California condor is an endangered bird species that is making a significant comeback after at one point reaching an extremely low population. However, the effect that DDT has on its eggs is a continuing threat to its survival. This is a perfect example of how the past actions of humans carry a lot of weight in the big picture. The use of this deadly pesticide was banned in 1972, but we still see its harmful effects on the wildlife around us. This should be a warning to the human race that our actions have severe consequences in the environment for the years to come.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
California Officials Tackle a Toothy Lake Predator
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/12/us/12pike.html?ref=invasive_species
In the early 1990s, the northern pike fish was somehow introduced to Lake Davis, a Sierra Nevada reservoir in California. These fish became extremely overpopulated and cause much damage to the natural ecosystem of this lake. They are known to eat anything that comes in their path, including small dogs. Since they are so disruptive, people have been using methods such as poison, electro-fishing, explosives and decidedly low-tech nets to try and eliminate the prominence of these fish. This has only created a tiny dent in their population, and people are constantly working to eliminate these fish. This is an example of the dangers of introducing a species to an environment where it has no natural predators to keep its population in check.
In the early 1990s, the northern pike fish was somehow introduced to Lake Davis, a Sierra Nevada reservoir in California. These fish became extremely overpopulated and cause much damage to the natural ecosystem of this lake. They are known to eat anything that comes in their path, including small dogs. Since they are so disruptive, people have been using methods such as poison, electro-fishing, explosives and decidedly low-tech nets to try and eliminate the prominence of these fish. This has only created a tiny dent in their population, and people are constantly working to eliminate these fish. This is an example of the dangers of introducing a species to an environment where it has no natural predators to keep its population in check.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Rescuing the Yellow-Legged Frog
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/10/01/science/20101005-frogs/index.html?ref=science#
The yellow legged frog is an endangered species that lives in the lake basins of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Compared to the last 100 years, these frogs have seen a 96% decline in the past 10 years. At this rate, they are expected to become extinct within 5 years. At first, non-native trout introduced to the area were blamed for their disappearance, but it was soon discovered that a fungal disease called chytrid was the culprit. Recently, scientists discovered a symbiotic bacterium that counteracted this deadly fungus. It was tested on these frogs, but the results will not be known until the next generations of tadpoles are born in the spring. This is an example of the bleak future of amphibians, and human efforts to save them, although it may already be too late.
The yellow legged frog is an endangered species that lives in the lake basins of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Compared to the last 100 years, these frogs have seen a 96% decline in the past 10 years. At this rate, they are expected to become extinct within 5 years. At first, non-native trout introduced to the area were blamed for their disappearance, but it was soon discovered that a fungal disease called chytrid was the culprit. Recently, scientists discovered a symbiotic bacterium that counteracted this deadly fungus. It was tested on these frogs, but the results will not be known until the next generations of tadpoles are born in the spring. This is an example of the bleak future of amphibians, and human efforts to save them, although it may already be too late.
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