Climate Change Now

A huge new global study illustrates the extent to which climate change is demonstrably impacting wildlife, plants and the environment [ark | more\ark]. 30,000 sets of global data about biological and physical changes were matched with a detailed database of global temperature change. Changes in plants, animals and the physical world -- from plants blooming early to polar bears becoming cannibals -- were found to be closely correlated to changes in temperature. It is preposterous to be debating the existence of something so evident, and criminal to further delay action to avoid the worst impacts of a human-caused chaotic climate system.

Two other studies illustrate the degree to which humanity has overwhelmed the biosphere [search], altering fundamental biogeochemical processess performed by global ecosystems, required for all life including humans. Human use of nitrogen is overwhelming natural cycling [ark] of the nutrient, dramatically altering oceans, soils and the atmosphere. This is a direct result of agricultural intensification [search] by excessive use of fertilizers to feed unsustainable human populations.

A new study by WWF reveals that since 1970 one-third of global wildlife populations have been lost [ark]. Sadly while WWF writes great reports it often fails to act consistently, as it is the primary NGO supporter of continued ancient forest logging [search] which decimates primary natural habitats at the expense of wildlife. The existence and interactions of biodiversity are an important component of ecosystems that provide food, clean water, medicines and protection from natural hazards. Biodiversity loss, like climate change, is a symptom of a wider global ecological malaise whereby ecosystems are liquidated for short-term economic gain.

What is clear is that humanity is on track to so diminish, or even destroy, ecosystems that provide our own habitat -- threatening access to basic ecosystem services such as water, food and air. The combined surge of human population and rising expectations is so massive that very little can be done to avert catastrophe short of a revolutionary change in what it means to live and share on a finite world. Don't expect much from the rich nations, as Canada managed a paltry 1.9% decrease in emissions [ark]. The United States granted polar bears protection [news] from hunting, but announced no climate plans to protect their melting habitats. And the United Kingdom, where the industrial revolution began, can only make loans to those suffering from pollution [ark] resulting from global embrace of their devastating economic model.

Source: http://www.climateark.org/blog/2008/05/climate_change_now_3.asp