It was 60 degrees on Thursday in Washington, well above normal, and as I slipped away for some pre-Christmas golf, I found myself thinking about a wickedly funny story that The Onion, the satirical newspaper, ran the other day: “Fall Canceled after 3 Billion Seasons”:
"Fall, the long-running series of shorter days and cooler nights, was canceled earlier this week after nearly 3 billion seasons on Earth, sources reported Tuesday.
“The classic period of the year, which once occupied a coveted slot between summer and winter, will be replaced by new, stifling humidity levels, near-constant sunshine and almost no precipitation for months.
“‘As much as we’d like to see it stay, fall will not be returning for another season,’ National Weather Service president John Hayes announced during a muggy press conference Nov. 6. ‘Fall had a great run, but sadly, times have changed.’ … The cancellation was not without its share of warning signs. In recent years, fall had been reduced from three months to a meager two-week stint, and its scheduled start time had been pushed back later and later each year.”
You should never extrapolate about global warming from your own weather, but it is becoming hard not to — even for professionals. Consider the final report of the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (I.P.C.C.), which was just issued and got far too little attention. It concluded that since the I.P.C.C. began its study five years ago, scientists had discovered much stronger climate change trends than previously realized, such as far more extensive melting of Arctic ice, and therefore global efforts to reverse the growth of greenhouse gas emissions have to begin immediately.
“What we do in the next two to three years will determine our future,” said the I.P.C.C. chairman, Rajendra Pachauri.
And sweet-sounding “global warming” doesn’t really capture what’s likely to happen. I prefer the term “global weirding,” coined by Hunter Lovins, co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute, because the rise in average global temperature is going to lead to all sorts of crazy things — from hotter heat spells and droughts in some places, to colder cold spells and more violent storms, more intense flooding, forest fires and species loss in other places.
While the Bush team came into office brain dead on the climate issue and will leave office with a perfect record of having done nothing significant to mitigate climate change, I’m heartened that our country is increasingly alive on this challenge.
First, Google said last week that it was going to invest millions in developing its own energy business. Google described its goal as “RE < C” — renewable energy that is cheaper than coal — adding: “We’re busy assembling our own internal research and development group and hiring a team of engineers … tasked with building one gigawatt of renewable energy capacity that is cheaper than coal.” That could power all of San Francisco.
Its primary focus, said Google.org’s energy expert, Dan Reicher, will be to advance new solar thermal, geothermal and wind solutions “across the valley of death.” That is, so many good ideas work in the lab but never get a chance to scale up because they get swallowed by a lack of financing or difficulties in implementation. Do not underestimate these people.
Last week, I also met with two groups of M.I.T. students who blew me away. One was the M.I.T. Energy Club, which was founded in 2004 by a few grad students discussing energy over beers at a campus bar. Today it has 600-plus members who have put on scores of events focused on building energy expertise among M.I.T. students and faculty, and “fact-based analysis,” including a trip to Saudi Arabia.
Then I got together with three engineering undergrads who helped launch the Vehicle Design Summit — a global, open-source, collaborative effort, managed by M.I.T. students, that has 25 college teams around the world, including in India and China, working together to build a plug-in electric hybrid within three years. Each team contributes a different set of parts or designs. I thought writing for my college newspaper was cool. These kids are building a hyper-efficient car, which, they hope, “will demonstrate a 95 percent reduction in embodied energy, materials and toxicity from cradle to cradle to grave” and provide “200 m.p.g. energy equivalency or better.” The Linux of cars!
They’re not waiting for G.M. Their goal, they explain on their Web site — vds.mit.edu — is “to identify the key characteristics of events like the race to the moon and then transpose this energy, passion, focus and urgency” on catalyzing a global team to build a clean car. I just love their tag line. It’s what gives me hope:
“We are the people we have been waiting for.”
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again!
Hey, you used to write wonderful, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your great writings. Past few posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!
It is truly a great and useful piece of information. I’m happy that you shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
I am only commenting to make you know what a excellent discovery my wife’s princess experienced going through your site. She learned a wide variety of pieces, most notably how it is like to have a great giving mindset to let many people without problems fully grasp specific tricky subject areas. You truly did more than our desires. Many thanks for producing such important, dependable, educational as well as easy guidance on this topic to Julie.
You can certainly see your expertise within the paintings you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart.
One more thing. I believe that there are lots of travel insurance web sites of reputable companies that allow you enter your trip details and have you the rates. You can also purchase this international travel insurance policy on-line by using the credit card. All that you should do should be to enter the travel particulars and you can understand the plans side-by-side. Just find the plan that suits your budget and needs and then use your credit card to buy that. Travel insurance online is a good way to take a look for a reputable company to get international holiday insurance. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
I think other site proprietors should take this website as an model, very clean and great user genial style and design, let alone the content. You are an expert in this topic!
Wow! This could be one particular of the most beneficial blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Fantastic. I am also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort.
I am very happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc.
naturally like your web-site but you need to check the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth then again I’ll definitely come again again.
I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thank you again
I gotta bookmark this website it seems invaluable very beneficial
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
I like this post, enjoyed this one thanks for putting up. “The basis of optimism is sheer terror.” by Oscar Wilde.
Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about worries that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
After I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any method you’ll be able to take away me from that service? Thanks!
Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; we have developed some nice practices and we are looking to swap methods with other folks, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.
I do agree with all the ideas you have introduced to your post. They are really convincing and will definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are too quick for newbies. May just you please lengthen them a little from subsequent time? Thank you for the post.
It is truly a great and useful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your site?
I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this website. I am hoping the same high-grade site post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own website now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a great example of it.
My spouse and i got absolutely fulfilled Ervin managed to finish up his analysis because of the ideas he discovered out of the web page. It’s not at all simplistic just to possibly be offering secrets and techniques other folks could have been selling. We keep in mind we now have the website owner to thank for this. The specific explanations you’ve made, the easy web site menu, the friendships you will assist to instill – it’s all amazing, and it’s helping our son in addition to the family do think the issue is brilliant, and that is exceedingly vital. Thanks for the whole lot!
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our entire community will be grateful to you.
Hey there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re using? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good hosting provider at a honest price? Many thanks, I appreciate it!
You made some good points there. I did a search on the issue and found most guys will agree with your website.
Hello.This post was really remarkable, especially since I was browsing for thoughts on this matter last week.
Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the net. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my web site . Thanks =)
Simply a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw great layout.
Hey, you used to write fantastic, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
Very nice style and wonderful content material , very little else we want : D.
I really appreciate this post. I¡¦ve been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thx again
Hey there, You have done a great job. I’ll definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this site.
I have not checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I¡¦ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is great, as well as the content!
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great. I do not know who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
certainly like your web-site however you need to check the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to tell the truth then again I will certainly come back again.
One thing I’d like to comment on is that weightloss program fast may be possible by the correct diet and exercise. Your size not merely affects appearance, but also the quality of life. Self-esteem, melancholy, health risks, along with physical ability are influenced in extra weight. It is possible to make everything right and still gain. In such a circumstance, a problem may be the culprit. While too much food instead of enough work out are usually to blame, common health conditions and trusted prescriptions can certainly greatly add to size. Thanks for your post in this article.
Howdy, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam remarks? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any assistance is very much appreciated.
I reckon something really special in this internet site.
I view something really interesting about your blog so I saved to fav.
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your website?
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was looking for!
Hello. splendid job. I did not imagine this. This is a impressive story. Thanks!
You are my inspiration , I own few blogs and sometimes run out from to brand.
I just couldn’t depart your site prior to suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard information an individual provide in your visitors? Is going to be again regularly to check out new posts.
Thanks, I have recently been searching for info approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I’ve came upon till now. However, what about the bottom line? Are you positive concerning the supply?
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
I genuinely enjoy looking at on this site, it has got superb content . “Sometime they’ll give a war and nobody will come.” by Carl Sandburg.
Absolutely pent subject matter, appreciate it for selective information .
I just could not depart your web site before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the usual information a person supply in your visitors? Is going to be again incessantly to investigate cross-check new posts.
You are my breathing in, I have few blogs and often run out from brand :). “Yet do I fear thy nature It is too full o’ the milk of human kindness.” by William Shakespeare.
Simply wanna remark that you have a very decent website , I enjoy the design it actually stands out.
you are truly a just right webmaster. The site loading velocity is incredible. It seems that you are doing any distinctive trick. Also, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a great task on this matter!
You have brought up a very wonderful details , thankyou for the post.
I really like your writing style, superb information, thanks for putting up : D.
Enjoyed studying this, very good stuff, regards . “Talk sense to a fool and he calls you foolish.” by Euripides.
You are my aspiration , I possess few blogs and infrequently run out from to brand.I believe this site has got some very fantastic info for everyone. “The best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake.” by Aristotle.
hello!,I love your writing very so much! proportion we keep up a correspondence more approximately your article on AOL? I need an expert on this space to unravel my problem. May be that is you! Taking a look forward to look you.
Great – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task.
I’ve read some just right stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much attempt you put to create the sort of fantastic informative site.
Great – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task.
I view something really interesting about your blog so I saved to bookmarks .
I used to be recommended this web site through my cousin. I am no longer certain whether or not this put up is written by means of him as no one else understand such exact about my trouble. You’re wonderful! Thanks!
This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!
F*ckin’ awesome things here. I am very satisfied to look your post. Thank you a lot and i’m taking a look forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a mail?
I do consider all the ideas you have presented in your post. They are really convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are very brief for starters. May you please lengthen them a bit from next time? Thank you for the post.
Perfectly written content material, thanks for entropy. “You can do very little with faith, but you can do nothing without it.” by Samuel Butler.
Definitely, what a great site and illuminating posts, I definitely will bookmark your site.Have an awsome day!
I like this post, enjoyed this one thankyou for putting up.
magnificent points altogether, you simply gained a new reader. What may you recommend about your post that you just made some days in the past? Any certain?
I was looking through some of your content on this website and I think this internet site is very informative ! Keep putting up.
You have observed very interesting points! ps nice web site.
Perfectly pent content material , regards for selective information .
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my site so i came to “return the favor”.I am trying to find things to improve my site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
You have brought up a very wonderful points , thankyou for the post.
Thank you, I have just been searching for information about this subject for a while and yours is the best I’ve came upon so far. But, what about the bottom line? Are you positive concerning the source?
Very interesting subject , appreciate it for putting up. “Remember when life’s path is steep to keep your mind even.” by Horace.
Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
Hey, you used to write great, but the last few posts have been kinda boring… I miss your great writings. Past few posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!
What i do not realize is in fact how you’re now not actually a lot more smartly-preferred than you may be now. You are very intelligent. You recognize therefore considerably in relation to this matter, produced me for my part believe it from so many varied angles. Its like men and women aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to do with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always care for it up!
Hello there, You have done an incredible job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this site.
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was searching for! “I have a hundred times wished that one could resign life as an officer resigns a commission.” by Robert Burns.
I truly enjoy reading on this internet site , it has good content . “One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.” by Andre Gide.
I regard something really special in this site.
Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too fantastic. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it smart. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a terrific website.
This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
you are really a good webmaster. The site loading pace is incredible. It sort of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you have done a fantastic job in this subject!
I haven’t checked in here for some time as I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
Kurye olarak hizmet veren kişiler, bulundukları lokasyondaki her adrese en kısa sürede ulaşma yolunu bilirler. Üstelik verilen bu görevi hava, trafik ve buna benzer diğer olumsuz şartlardan etkilenmeden yerine getirirler. Yani iş hayatı başta olmak üzere hayatın hemen her alanında önemli görevleri üstlenebilir ve başarıyla yerine getirebilirler. Özellikle büyük şehirlerdeki trafik kaosu ve adres konusundaki karmaşa göze alınırsa, kurye hizmetlerinden faydalanmanın bazı durumlarda zorunlu hale geleceği anlaşılabilir. Örneğin İstanbul’un bir noktasından diğer bir noktasına acil şekilde önemli bir evrak ulaştırmak gerektiğinde ya da hastanızın ihtiyacı olan ilacı acil ve güvenli bir şekilde ulaştırmak gerektiğinde, İstanbul moto kurye hizmetimizden faydalanarak sorununuza çözüm üretebilirsiniz.
Hey, you used to write fantastic, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a little out of track! come on!
I simply want to mention I am beginner to blogs and certainly savored this blog. Almost certainly I’m planning to bookmark your blog . You really come with fabulous posts. Many thanks for sharing your blog site.
Thomas L Friedman is well-known for his books that address the continuing trends of globalization and the forces behind the process. In this article, he captures how individuals and private/educational sectors are trying to address the biggest challenge–the energy/global warming problem–for mankind to date.