tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17002795903113136612024-03-12T18:43:07.793-07:00Jeremy T. NeelyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.comBlogger795125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-17083422842255091892016-10-17T10:54:00.001-07:002016-10-17T10:54:15.695-07:00Outrage Grows After Hunter 'Brags' About Killing Popular New Jersey Bear<p>A bow hunter in New Jersey has apparently killed a popular local black bear, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/pedals-the-bear-believed-dead_us_58037fa6e4b0162c043c7b83" target="_blank">Pedals</a> . <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tripadvisor-ends-wildlife-attractions-2041812345.html">Wildlife</a> lovers are outraged as the hunter has been reportedly bragging about the kill.</p>
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<p>Pedals, the upright-walking bear, which once had 22,000 fans on a now-defunct Facebook page, was just one of 549 bears killed by hunters during a controversial expanded hunting season. Reaction was so negative on both sides of the issue that a Facebook page dedicated to the bear was shut down Saturday night. A new Facebook page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RIP-Pedals-The-Walking-Bear-1746550628940061/" target="_blank">RIP Pedals The Walking Bear</a> , posted a plea to “please be respectful of others.”</p>
<p>Anger may have been provoked by the defunct site’s post, which read, “The hunter who has wanted him dead for nearly three years had the satisfaction of putting an arrow through him, bragging at the station.”</p>
<p>The New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/news/grief-and-anger-for-pedals-more-evidence-bipedal-bear-was-killed-1.1676892" target="_blank">confirmed</a> that it had pictures of an injured black bear brought into the Green Pond check station in Rockaway last week, but said it could not determine the identity of the bear. A <a href="http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/news/2016/bipedalbear10-16.htm" target="_blank">statement</a> posted by the division read:</p>
<p style="margin-left: 20px;">“Upon arrival to check stations, bears are weighed and measured around the head. DNA samples are taken and a tooth is extracted to determine the bear’s age. But without any prior scientific data taken from a bear, it is not possible to verify the identity of a bear that has been harvested.”</p>
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<p>It is believed that Pedals walked upright due to injuries to both front paws. Black bears are not endangered, and are found throughout the state of New Jersey. Native to the state, they were hunted indiscriminately following European colonization. The state says there are <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/booming-bear-population-makes-n-j-residents-wary-1438979031" target="_blank">about 3,600</a> today, a sharp increase since the 1970s. Only one <a href="http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/bearfacts_history.htm" target="_blank">fatal attack</a> by a bear has ever occurred in New Jersey’s history. The <a href="http://www.nj.com/passaic-county/index.ssf/2014/10/west_milford_fatal_bear_attack_details_emerge_from_unredacted_documents.html" target="_blank">victim</a> was a 22-year old Rutgers University student who was hiking with a group of friends in Passaic County in 2014 when he was attacked.</p>
<p>State officials maintain that hunting is necessary to regulate the population of black bears in New Jersey, and has spent $9 million since 2000 on black bear management. However, state senator <a href="http://raymondlesniak.com/issues/animal-rights/" target="_blank">Raymond J. Lesniak</a> has introduced a bill that would ban bear baiting and establish trash disposal rules that would reduce access to human food waste, as has been implemented in other areas with high bear populations. The bill would also <a href="http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/10/nj_senator_seeks_to_end_bear_hunts_as_pedals_feare.html" target="_blank">eliminate</a> the October and December bear hunting seasons.</p>
<p>In the State Assembly, four <a href="http://hackensack.dailyvoice.com/news/bergen-county-assemblyman-seeks-to-stop-black-bear-hunting/685038/" target="_blank">legislators</a> are seeking to end hunting of black bears in New Jersey. They are Tim Eustace of Bergen County along with Grace Spencer, Raj Mukherji and Thomas Giblin, all of Passaic County.<br /></p>
<p><a href="https://rootsrated.com/stories/bears-begone-how-to-bear-proof-your-fall-trip-to-aspen" target="_blank">Aspen</a> , Colorado residents have gotten used to living with black bears in this tiny, high-altitude resort town. Trash receptacles must be bear-proof, doors are kept locked and food has to be kept away from decks and unattended vehicles. Bear sightings, even downtown, are not uncommon. The city has taken a <a href="http://www.aspenpitkin.com/Departments/Police/Aspen-Bears/" target="_blank">progressive approach</a> to bear management, avoiding the unnecessary death of bears and protecting its citizens and visitors. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Wildlife Services <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/the-states-where-the-government-is-killing-the-most-top-predators-1906748891.html" target="_self">killed 3.2 million animals</a> , including black bears, mountain lions, <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/red-wolves-1998211989.html">wolves</a> and bobcats.</p>
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<p>Meanwhile, fans of Pedals mourn the bear’s loss. Posting on the Facebook page, Kelly Champan Cherhan wrote, “This is heartbreaking!!!!” Angela Lindsay Paulson added, “I lose sleep over this too.” Michael Kenneth Watson commented, “So very upset, who shoots a handicapped bear? Why?”<br /></p>
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<p>At this time, the identity of the hunter has not been confirmed.<br /></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-73949131198698303562016-10-17T10:25:00.001-07:002016-10-17T10:25:15.885-07:00Florida Faces Worst Orange Harvest Crisis Since Records Began in 1913<p>Production of the official fruit of Florida continues to plummet as the first forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the 2016-2017 growing season indicates a 14 percent drop in the state’s <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/24-fruits-and-veggies-that-will-add-years-to-your-life-1882095905.html">orange</a> crop.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, the USDA <a href="http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/CropProd/CropProd-10-12-2016.pdf" target="_blank">predicted</a> farmers will have enough oranges to fill 70 million boxes for the season. Last season, Florida <a href="http://miami.cbslocal.com/2016/10/16/florida-orange-and-grapefruit-estimates-drop-by-double-digits/" target="_blank">produced</a> 81.5 million boxes, a <a href="http://protectingyourpocket.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2016/10/12/florida-orange-crop-forecast-at-70-million-boxes-lowest-in-decades/" target="_blank">52-year low</a> . This latest forecast shows that the region is in the midst of the worst orange harvest crisis since records began in 1913, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/oct/16/florida-oranges-juice-harvest-disease-hurricanes" target="_blank">The Guardian</a> .</p>
<p>After the announcement, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/agriculture/florida-orange-yield-expected-to-drop-14-percent/2297773" target="_blank">said</a> that the forecast is disheartening and further proof of the difficult times facing Florida’s citrus industry which has been dealing with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citrus_greening_disease" target="_blank">citrus greening</a> , an incurable bacterial disease that can kill a tree within two years.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="XF6YFZ1476724454" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="ee052" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8301856/980x.jpg" name="ee052" /> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">Citrus greening disease on mandarin oranges.</small> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">T.R. Gottwald and S.M. Garnsey / USDA</small></p>
<p>“Production of our state’s signature crop is down 70 percent from 20 years ago, and the future of Florida citrus depends on a breakthrough in the fight against greening,” Putnam said. “We must continue to support our growers and provide them with every tool available to combat greening.”<br /></p>
<p>The state has set aside $8 million in the budget to help fight against greening, in addition to $14.7 million for a citrus health response program within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, reports <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/agriculture/florida-orange-yield-expected-to-drop-14-percent/2297773" target="_blank">The Tampa Bay Times</a> . Farmers themselves have put $100 million into fighting the disease that is spread through <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/hurricane-florida-1995129641.html">hurricanes</a> and <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tropical-storms-1993102064.html">storms</a> that hit the state.</p>
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<p>“Farmers are giving up on oranges altogether,” Judith Ganes, president of the commodities research firm J Ganes Consulting, told The Guardian. “Normally after a freeze or a hurricane [which both kill lots of trees], the growers would replant 100% of their plants. But the disease has been spread all over by hurricanes, and made it totally uncontrollable. Farmers are giving up and turning to other crops or turning land over to housing.”<br /></p>
<p>This, in turn, is causing the steep rise in wholesale prices and companies are getting more creative in how they sell their juice in stores either by making the cartons smaller or blending the juice with other fruits or water.</p>
<p>So far, The Guardian reports that these methods have kept prices from increasing in grocery stores for now, in addition to the fact that demand for orange juice is down.</p>
<p>“U.S. consumers have it in their mind that orange juice is high in sugar, which it is, but it’s natural sugars that don’t contribute to obesity,” John Michalik, a beverages expert at the Canadian division of the market research group Global Data, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/oct/16/florida-oranges-juice-harvest-disease-hurricanes" target="_blank">said</a> . “People are not having the full breakfast at home like they used to. Now almost all breakfasts are a coffee and sandwich or snack on the go.”</p>
<p>While some farmers may be abandoning the orange industry, Michael Sparks, vice president and CEO of grower group Florida Citrus Mutual, which represents many of the 62,000 people employed in the state’s citrus industry, said Wednesday that their farmers are not giving up yet.</p>
<p>“The 2016-17 citrus season is here and we are cautiously optimistic heading into it,” he <a href="http://protectingyourpocket.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2016/10/12/florida-orange-crop-forecast-at-70-million-boxes-lowest-in-decades/" target="_blank">said</a> . “The all Florida orange forecast number of 70 million boxes is about what we expected, and although it’s low, Florida growers will again use their trademark resilience to bring consumers the best citrus in the world.”</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-74598980082930116572016-10-17T09:50:00.001-07:002016-10-17T09:50:03.094-07:00DOJ Must Protect First Amendment Rights for Charged Journalists Amy Goodman and Deia Schlosberg<p style="text-align: left;">North Dakota has charged journalist <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/amy-goodman-dakota-access-pipeline-2044127399.html">Amy Goodman</a> and filmmaker <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/arrest-dakota-access-pipeline-josh-fox-2043414741.html">Deia Schlosberg</a> for doing their jobs: reporting and documenting the peaceful protests against the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/dakota-access-pipeline-1991972867.html">Dakota Access Pipeline</a> . This string of arrests constitutes nothing less than a war on journalism and a victory for fossil fuel interests that have banked on the pipeline.</p>
<p>We call on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to act to protect the first amendment rights of those attempting to tell the stories of the water protectors fighting the risky pipeline. The DOJ must investigate the arrests of Amy Goodman and Deia Schlosberg at the hands of North Dakota police.</p>
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<p>The first amendment is not only a cornerstone of our bill of rights, but the right to free speech and freedom of the press is critical to addressing our <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/">climate</a> chaos. We need brave journalists to tell the stories of injustice that are occurring at the hands of the banks and fossil fuel companies seeking to extract every last drop of fossil fuels for profit—no matter the cost.</p>
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<p>We applaud Goodman and Schlosberg for courageously documenting the peaceful actions at Standing Rock and call upon Attorney General Loretta Lynch to immediately investigate to determine whether their constitutional rights have been violated by North Dakota officials.<br /></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-25393844813750770202016-10-17T07:34:00.001-07:002016-10-17T07:34:46.069-07:00$15,000 Reward Offered Over Illegal Killing of Oregon Mother Wolf<p>The Center for Biological Diversity added $10,000 on Friday to the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for shooting and killing an <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/endangered-species">endangered</a> wolf earlier this month in south-central Oregon. The wolf—a female known as OR-28, who recently had a pup—was found dead Oct. 6.<br /></p>
<p>The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also offering a $5,000 reward in the case.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4QUZ1O1476714241" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="dc125" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8300474/980x.jpg" name="dc125" /> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">OR-28.</small> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife</small></p>
<p>“The illegal killing of wolf OR-28 is heartbreaking. She was a pioneering animal, one of the first wolves to make the journey from northeastern to western Oregon,” said Amaroq Weiss, the center’s West Coast wolf organizer. “OR-28 was also a first-time mother, who leaves behind her mate and single pup to fend for themselves. This was a cowardly crime. I hope the perpetrator is caught quickly.”<br /></p>
<p>Because she lived in the western two-thirds of Oregon, OR-28 was protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. Poaching a protected species is punishable by a heavy fine and jail time. In 2015 the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reported six wolf deaths due to illegal shootings, ingesting poison or from suspicious but unknown causes. This is the highest number of illegal and suspicious wolf mortalities recorded in Oregon in a single year. Only one of the 2015 wolf deaths resulted in a conviction.</p>
<p>Anyone with information about this case can call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (503) 682-6131 or the Oregon State Police Tip Line at (800) 452-7888. Callers may remain anonymous.</p>
<p>News of OR-28’s death comes on the heels of a <a href="http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2016/wolf-10-07-2016.html" target="_blank">statewide poll</a> that found that the vast majority of Oregonians—from both rural and urban areas—oppose hunting as a way to manage wolves and believe wildlife officials wrongly removed state protections from wolves last November. The poll also revealed that most Oregonians believe nonlethal methods should be the primary focus in reducing conflicts between wolves and livestock.</p>
<p>“Oregonians love wolves and want them protected. The poaching of OR-28 is a disgusting crime that shouldn’t go unpunished,” Weiss said. “Someone out there almost certainly knows who did this, and I really hope they’ll step forward and help secure justice for this wolf.”</p>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-12521690370687100492016-10-17T07:15:00.001-07:002016-10-17T07:15:44.015-07:00World's Oldest Panda in Captivity Dies<p>The oldest giant panda living in captivity was euthanized Sunday in Hong Kong after her health rapidly deteriorated over the past two weeks, according to officials at Ocean Park. She was 38 years old.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="X2ANYI1476713147" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="916ca" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8300415/980x.jpg" name="916ca" /> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">Jia Jia celebrates her 38th birthday at Ocean Park in Hong Kong.</small> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Ocean Park / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hkoceanpark/photos/a.166522746389.119815.75415661389/10154323585836390/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Facebook</a></small></p>
<p>As her health declined, officials say Jia Jia’s appetite dropped drastically. She went from eating 22 pounds of food per day to less than seven and her weight also declined.<br /></p>
<p>“Over the past few days, she has been spending less time awake and showing no interest in food or fluids. Her condition became worse this morning. Jia Jia was not able to walk about without difficulties and spent the day laying down,” Ocean Park <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hkoceanpark/posts/10154534462716390" target="_blank">said</a> . “Her state became so debilitated that based on ethical reasons and in order to prevent suffering, veterinarians from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Ocean Park agreed to a humane euthanasia for Jia Jia.”<br /></p>
<p>The average life expectancy of Jia Jia’s species is under 20 years in the wild, and around 20 years under human care.</p>
<p>“This is a day we knew would eventually come, but it is nevertheless a sad day for everyone at the park,” the park said.</p>
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<p>Born in the wild in China’s Sichuan province in 1978, Jia Jia, whose name translates as “excellence,” was given to Hong Kong in 1999 where she served as an important animal ambassador for her species.<br /></p>
<p>Park officials say their panda-related educational programs are the most popular among guests and students and have helped raise public awareness on the importance of protecting giant pandas and their natural habitat.</p>
<p>“We are proud of her contribution to conservation,” the park said.</p>
<p>Jia Jia’s species has been under threat of <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/5-species-bouncing-back-from-the-brink-of-extinction-1882191832.html">extinction</a> due to development in China’s Yangtze Basin region, the panda’s primary habitat. However, recent numbers shows that conservation efforts are working.</p>
<p>In September, giant pandas’ status was <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/giant-panda-no-longer-endangered-1998248073.html">downgraded</a> on the Red List of Threatened Species from “endangered” to “vulnerable” pointing to the 17 percent rise in the population in the decade up to 2014, when a nationwide census found 1,864 giant pandas in the wild in China, according to the <a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/giant-panda-no-longer-endangered" target="_blank">World Wildlife Fund</a> .</p>
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<p>Due to the threats they face in the wild and their low birthrate, captive breeding programs have become key to ensuring their survival. During her time at Ocean Park, officials say Jia Jia gave birth five times to six panda cubs, according to <a href="https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/10/17/jia-jia-worlds-oldest-giant-panda-dies-in-captivity-at-ocean-park/" target="_blank">Hong Kong Free Press.</a><br /></p>
<p>The park plans to establish a memorial area beginning Oct. 22 for guests to pay tribute to their beloved animal ambassador.</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-40792051650938280902016-10-17T06:19:00.001-07:002016-10-17T06:19:05.963-07:00Nearly 200 Nations Reach Landmark Deal to Cut Super Polluting HFCs<p>More than 170 countries reached a deal to eliminate <a href="http://climatenexus.org/learn/science-primers/hfcs-and-montreal-protocol" target="_blank">hydrofluorocarbons</a> (HFCs), <a href="http://climatenexus.org/learn/science-primers/hfcs-and-montreal-protocol" target="_blank">powerful greenhouse gases</a> used in air-conditioners and refrigerators.</p>
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<p>Under the new amendment to the Montreal Protocol, developed countries will begin phasing down HFCs in 2019, while developing countries have two different timelines. More than 100 countries will start their HFC phase down in 2024, and a handful of countries, including India, Pakistan and some Gulf states, will start in 2028.<br /></p>
<p>This amendment is the “ <a href="http://www.igsd.org/nations-agree-to-kigali-amendment-largest-near-term-temperature-reduction-from-single-agreement/" target="_blank">largest temperature reduction</a> ever achieved by a single agreement” and could avoid nearly 0.5 C of <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/" target="_self">global warming</a> .<br /></p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="XWW23C1476709367" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-787912317417717760" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-787912317417717760&created_ts=1476687909.0&screen_name=WWF&text=Major+climate+win+in+%23MOP28+with+announcement+to+cut+potent%0A%23HFCs+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2Fy8QN04i79X+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2F4Ii9nKU1xd&id=787912317417717760&name=WWF" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-787912317417717760"></iframe></p>
<p>“This is a major breakthrough: The world has come together to curb climate-wrecking super-pollutant HFCs,” David Doniger, NRDC’s Climate and Clean Air program director, said. “This is the biggest step we can take in the year after the Paris agreement against the widening threats from climate change. And bringing HFCs under the Montreal Protocol sends a clear signal to the global marketplace to start replacing these dangerous chemicals with a new generation of climate-friendly and energy-efficient alternatives.”<br /></p>
<p><strong>For a deeper dive:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Agreement</strong> : <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/15/world/africa/kigali-deal-hfc-air-conditioners.html?_r=0" target="_blank">New York Times</a> , <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/15/climate-change-environmentalists-hail-deal-to-limit-use-of-hydrofluorocarbons" target="_blank">Guardian</a> , <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-climatechange-deal-idUSKBN12F02T" target="_blank">Reuters</a> , <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/10/15/the-world-just-took-another-huge-step-forward-on-fighting-climate-change/?utm_term=.b035a7a2f3e0" target="_blank">Washington Post</a> , <a href="http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/301158-world-leaders-reach-sweeping-deal-to-cut-greenhouse-gases" target="_blank">The Hill</a> , <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-37665529" target="_blank">BBC</a> , <a href="http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AF_CLIMATE_MEETING?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT" target="_blank">AP</a> , <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/396a6c0c-92af-11e6-a1dc-bdf38d484582" target="_blank">Financial Times</a> , <a href="http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-global-deal-climate-change-20161015-snap-story.html" target="_blank">LA Times</a> , <a href="http://www.climatechangenews.com/2016/10/15/un-agrees-historic-deal-to-cut-hfc-greenhouse-gases/" target="_blank">Climate Home</a> , <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/10/15/498056486/nations-clinch-landmark-pact-to-fight-climate-change" target="_blank">NPR</a> , <a href="https://news.vice.com/story/kigali-deal-to-phase-out-hfcs-a-chemical-used-in-air-conditioners-warming-the-planet" target="_blank">VICE News</a> , <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/15/africa/montreal-climate-change-hfc-kigali/" target="_blank">CNN</a><br /></p>
<p><strong>Industry:</strong> <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-companies-climatechange-idUSKBN12H040" target="_blank">Reuters</a> , <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/17/business/how-the-chemical-industry-joined-the-fight-against-climate-change.html" target="_blank">New York Times</a> , <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/cooling-appliance-makers-brace-for-post-hfc-era-1476648726" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a></p>
<p><strong>Commentary:</strong> <a href="http://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/article/2016-10-16/204489/" target="_blank">Kigali New Times editorial</a> ; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/15/hfc-greenhouse-gases-emissions-coolant" target="_blank">Guardian, John Vidal column</a> ; <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-climatechange-idUSKBN12G0FN" target="_blank">Reuters, Alister Doyle analysis</a> ; <a href="http://mashable.com/2016/10/15/hfc-agreement-huge-step-forward/#gBGYuRp6kOqu" target="_blank">Mashable, Andrew Freedman analysis</a> ; <a href="http://www.vox.com/2016/10/15/13292878/montreal-protocol-cut-hfcs" target="_blank">Vox, Brad Plumer column</a> ; <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/briefly/2016/10/16/5-things-to-know-about-hfcs/" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal, Daniela Hernandez analysis</a> ; <a href="http://nation.com.pk/editorials/17-Oct-2016/a-deal-for-the-future" target="_blank">The Nation editorial</a><br /></p>
<p><em>For more <a href="http://ecowatch.com/climate-change-news/" target="_blank">climate change</a> and <a href="http://ecowatch.com/business/renewables/" target="_blank">clean energy</a> news, you can follow Climate Nexus on <a href="https://twitter.com/ClimateNexus" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ClimateNexus/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> , and sign up for daily <a href="http://climatenexus.us4.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=d1f5797e59060083034310930&id=7c84c08aaa" target="_blank">Hot News</a> .</em><br /></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-44958553536419246542016-10-16T07:49:00.001-07:002016-10-16T07:49:45.032-07:0010 Most Eco-Friendly Coffee Roasters in the U.S.<p>The U.S. is the world’s <a href="http://www.e-importz.com/coffee-statistics.php" target="_blank">leading consumer of coffee</a> , with Americans drinking some 400 million cups of coffee each day. But, drinking <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/is-coffee-healthy-for-you-1924631302.html">coffee</a> can be detrimental to people and the planet, and the industry says it will <a href="http://dailycoffeenews.com/2016/09/19/making-coffee-fully-sustainable-could-cost-4b-and-take-decades-according-to-new-report/" target="_blank">cost $4 billion</a> and take decades to make the entire sector sustainable.</p>
<p>But if you still want enjoy your cup of joe and be conscious of your impact on the Earth, here’s <a href="http://civileats.com/2016/10/12/most-sustainable-coffee-businesses-in-the-united-states/" target="_blank">a list</a> of the 10 most sustainable coffee roasters in the U.S.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="X69E731476628649" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="a6f9e" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8291357/980x.jpg" name="a6f9e" /></p>
<p>The list compiled by coffee writer <a href="https://twitter.com/Abejadecafe" target="_blank">Jimmy Sherfey</a> comprises “10 U.S. roasters and retailers that are overcoming obstacles to curb <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/carbon-emissions-fall-as-u-s-economy-grows-1891129174.html" target="_self">carbon emissions</a> , offset energy use, cut down on waste and help farmers mitigate the existing damages associated with <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/" target="_self">climate change</a> .” They range from the nationally-distributed <a href="https://www.peets.com/" target="_blank">Peet’s Coffee</a> , which roasts all of its coffee in the first LEED Gold certified roasting facility in the U.S., to smaller producers such as <a href="https://larryscoffee.com/" target="_blank">Larry’s Coffee</a> in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founder <a href="http://dailycoffeenews.com/2016/07/12/larrys-coffee-returns-to-retail-with-42-lawrence-in-raleigh/" target="_blank">Larry Larson</a> is a Seattle expat who converted a school bus, used for deliveries, to run on used vegetable oil.<br /></p>
<p>Coffee plants naturally prefer shade, as they evolved in the understory of the African jungle. But more and more, coffee is being grown in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/29/sustainable-coffee_n_5175192.html" target="_blank">direct sun</a> on monoculture plantations that resemble cornfields. Shade-grown coffee slipped from 43 percent of the world’s farms in 1996 to just 24 percent in 2010. Three-fourths of the coffee farmland in Brazil and Vietnam has no shade tree cover at all. Much of their production is cheaper, robusta beans that are generally used for instant coffee and low-price supermarket brands.</p>
<p>The coffee you choose may be <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/why-you-should-drink-organic-coffee-1881940567.html" target="_self">harmful</a> to your health, to the environment or to the growers themselves. Much coffee is grown using <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/5-facts-you-should-know-about-pesticides-on-fruits-and-vegetables-1891133398.html" target="_self">pesticides</a> , which has been shown to be detrimental to coffee farmers. Also, pesticides used to combat the coffee cherry borer and coffee rust can remain in the environment.<br /></p>
<p>On large coffee plantations, workers often toil in <a href="https://www.organicconsumers.org/old_articles/starbucks/coffeelabor.htm" target="_blank">harsh conditions</a> for subsistence wages. Children as young as six or eight work the fields, and just 13 percent of coffee workers in Guatemala have completed primary education. In contrast to these big plantations, small farmers generally cultivate less than seven acres of land and often struggle to earn more than the cost of production. Fair Trade coffee may or may not help: only the label “Fair Trade Certified” ensures that farmers receive a fair price for their coffee.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8097DS1476628649" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="c04f9" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8254769/980x.jpg" name="c04f9" /> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">Shade grown coffee in Nicaragua</small> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Flickr</small></p>
<p>So <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/why-shade-grown-coffee-is-better-1881917182.html">shade-grown</a> , organically grown and Fair Trade Certified coffees are <a href="http://www.nature.org/greenliving/gogreen/everydayenvironmentalist/buy-sustainable-coffee.xml" target="_blank">the way to go</a> —if you can find them. In a recent trip to my local supermarket, however, I could find no coffee with the Fair Trade Certified label.</p>
<p>In order to research this story, I went to my local coffee shop and asked for a cup of sustainable coffee. The clerk wasn’t taken aback by my requests. He told me that their coffee is supplied by <a href="http://www.wickedjoe.com" target="_blank">Wicked Joe</a> , which it turns out uses organic, Fair Trade Certified, shade grown beans. Their coffee is also <a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/migratorybirds/coffee/" target="_blank">bird-friendly</a> . It meets the rigorous <a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/migratorybirds/" target="_blank">Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center</a> criteria for shade tree farms, which includes 100 percent certified organic beans and the use of native shade trees for cover.<br /></p>
<p>Many of these smaller roasters sell locally and online. But what about the ubiquitous <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/4-billion-starbucks-to-go-cups-thrown-away-each-year-recyclable-cup-1935687814.html" target="_self">Starbucks</a> ? On its website, the coffee giant states, “We’re committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the world.”</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="34F95T1476628648" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-605777978996330497" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-605777978996330497&created_ts=1433263699.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=.%40NeilYoung+Blasts+%40Starbucks+for+Supporting+%23Monsanto+and+%23GMOs+in+Rock+Anthem%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2F5QOBABLMO2+%40dhlovelife%0A%E2%8A%95http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FUC4AuwqZkr&id=605777978996330497&name=EcoWatch" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-605777978996330497"></iframe></p>
<p>Last year, they <a href="http://dailycoffeenews.com/2015/05/15/starbucks-claims-99-ethically-sourced-coffee-but-what-does-that-even-mean/" target="_blank">announced</a> that 99 percent of their coffee had been ethically produced. Working with <a href="http://www.conservation.org/partners/Pages/starbucks.aspx" target="_blank">Conservation International</a> , they’ve developed their own set of standards related to farmers’ working conditions, reduced agrochemical use and improved economic transparency. But although the company states that it is one of the largest buyers of Fair Trade Certified coffee, you might have to specifically ask your barista for it. A search for “fair trade coffee” on the Starbucks website yields just two results, one for a whole bean Italian roast and one for portion packs.</p>
<p>McDonald’s <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-05/mcdonald-s-is-moving-to-sustainable-coffee-in-latest-menu-change" target="_blank">announced</a> last week that it committed to purchasing all of its coffee from sustainable sources by 2020. The fast food retailer is also partnering with Conservation International. McDonald’s buys arabica coffee from Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Brazil, Peru and El Salvador, along with some espresso beans from Indonesia.</p>
<p>I take my coffee black. That gives me the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/9-incredible-health-benefits-of-coffee-1881967609.html" target="_self">health benefits</a> of coffee without <a href="https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/benefits-drinking-black-coffee" target="_blank">diluting it</a> by adding dairy products or sweeteners. Now I need to go and refill my cup.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="GAKGX41476628648" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-727966084884762626" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-727966084884762626&created_ts=1462395614.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=11+Unexpected+%23Health+Benefits+of+Drinking+Your+Morning+Joe+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FYdODzw8Tf5+%23tips+%23coffee+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FqiPLse85tE&id=727966084884762626&name=EcoWatch" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-727966084884762626"></iframe></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-45676191782404309352016-10-16T07:09:00.003-07:002016-10-16T07:09:44.804-07:00Public Opposition to Fracking Grows Worldwide<p>By Paul Brown</p>
<p>Public opposition to pumping water and chemicals into the ground to extract gas from shale—the technique known as <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/fracking/">fracking</a> —is growing even in the countries whose governments are most in favor.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="M6YMQ21476626562" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="e6d92" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8291168/980x.jpg" name="e6d92" /> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">Anti-fracking protests in London.</small></p>
<p>Although only four countries—France, Bulgaria, Germany and Scotland—have an outright fracking ban at the moment, many districts in countries that allow fracking in some areas ban it in others.</p>
<p>This is true <a href="https://keeptapwatersafe.org/global-bans-on-fracking/" target="_blank">in the U.S.</a> and <a href="http://fusion.net/story/117111/another-canadian-province-just-approved-a-fracking-moratorium/" target="_blank">in Canada</a> , where potential wells will not be developed because local authorities have refused permission.</p>
<p>The carrot for governments generally has been the promise from the fossil fuel companies of large quantities of cheaply-extracted gas that will last for decades and cut their reliance on imports.</p>
<p><strong>Fracking Boom</strong></p>
<p>This has certainly been true in the U.S. and Canada, where a large-scale fracking boom has altered the balance of world energy resources and <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/03/shale-gale-crushing-natural-gas-prices.html" target="_blank">cut the price of gas</a> so much that both coal and nuclear have struggled to remain competitive in electricity production.</p>
<p>In theory, <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-06/china-s-shale-gas-reserves-jump-fivefold-as-output-lags-target" target="_blank">China has even larger reserves of shale gas</a> and is anxious to phase out coal plants, actively exploring a cleaner home-grown gas industry of its own.</p>
<p>But allegations that fracking contaminates water supplies and creates small earthquakes have led to a backlash in local communities across the world.</p>
<p>In Algeria, for example, where water is extremely precious, it led to large-scale protests. And in Europe, a much more crowded continent where homes and villages are always close to the proposed drilling sites, there has been a lot of local opposition.</p>
<p>The issue has also become much more controversial because of the increasing awareness of <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/">climate change</a> .</p>
<p>Exploiting new fossil fuel reserves is seen as being against the spirit of last year’s <a href="http://unfccc.int/paris_agreement/items/9485.php" target="_blank">Paris Agreement on climate change</a> , when all the governments of the world signed up to prevent dangerous global warming.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2I5A701476626561" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-776074327485800448" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-776074327485800448&created_ts=1473865513.0&screen_name=ClimateNexus&text=Methane+emissions+rising+from+fracking%2C+new+study+shows+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FxWU3gGYBaR+via+%40EcoWatch+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FhOBh4R7MNs&id=776074327485800448&name=Climate+Nexus" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-776074327485800448"></iframe></p>
<p>Starting a new fracking industry seems incompatible with the declared aim of governments in keeping global temperature rise below 2°C.</p>
<p>The UK government, while signing up to the Paris Agreement, is enthusiastically backing fracking to provide a home-grown source of gas for 50 years, and has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/oct/06/uk-fracking-given-go-ahead-as-lancashire-council-rejection-is-overturned" target="_blank">overturned local authority objections</a> to allow exploratory wells to be drilled in Lancashire, northwest England.</p>
<p>However, the ban remains in place in Scotland because of public opposition and a large renewables industry.</p>
<p>But it seems unlikely that fracking will have an easy ride even in England. A <a href="http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/pressreleases/2016/october/support-for-fracking-is-at-an-all-time-low-says-new-survey.aspx" target="_blank">report by the University of Nottingham on public attitudes to the new industry</a> has shown that support has sunk to an all-time low in the UK.</p>
<p>It has dropped from 58 percent in favor in July 2013 to just more than 37 percent in October 2016—the first time that a majority of people has been against fracking. The surveys have been running annually since 2012.</p>
<p>The reasons for opposition are all environmental, because of local effects and also the unacceptability of more fossil fuels as an energy source.</p>
<p>While local environment concerns dominated early opposition, the wider implications of climate change and the issue of exploiting new fossil fuel reserves is becoming more important.</p>
<p><strong>Downturn in Support</strong></p>
<p>The survey asks whether shale gas should be part of the UK energy mix. Since this question was first posed in July 2013, shale gas continues to lag behind in popularity, compared with other energy sources. And according to this latest survey, it remains the energy source the public are least likely to want in the UK’s 2025 energy mix.</p>
<p>Professor Sarah O'Hara, of the <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/geography" target="_blank">School of Geography</a> at Nottingham and co-director of the survey, said:</p>
<p style="margin-left: 20px;">“The sharp downturn in support for the extraction and use of shale gas in the UK over the last 12 months is hugely significant, as is the fact that for the first time since we began running the survey in March 2012 more people are against shale gas extraction than in favor.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 20px;">"It is clear that people are not only concerned about possible impact on their immediate environment, something that dominated early debates around shale gas, but importantly are beginning to think more broadly about the implications for greenhouse gas emissions and future climate change.”</p>
<p>Mathew Humphrey, professor of political theory at Nottingham’s <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/politics" target="_blank">School of Politics and International Relations</a> and survey co-director, said: “The results of the survey show that the government will increasingly have its work cut out selling fracking to the UK public.”</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="14UYTK1476626561" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-786682981524054016" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-786682981524054016&created_ts=1476394813.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=Mark+Ruffalo%3A+President+Obama%2C+You+Still+Have+Time+to+Ban+Fracking+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FTIjRoF0TPe+%40greenwatchdogNY+%40FrackAction&id=786682981524054016&name=EcoWatch" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-786682981524054016"></iframe></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-33120123130580886652016-10-16T07:09:00.001-07:002016-10-16T07:09:44.200-07:00Will Coconut Oil Get Rid of My Acne?<p>By Kayla McDonell</p>
<p>Acne is a common skin disease that affects up to 80 percent of people in their lifetime.</p>
<p>It is most common among teenagers, but it can affect adults of all ages.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="E8ZLUV1476622824" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="117c8" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8274032/980x.jpg" name="117c8" /> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">Coconut oil is high in medium-chain fatty acids that have been shown to kill the acne-causing bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes.</small> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Shutterstock</small></p>
<p>Because of <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/11-ways-to-use-coconut-oil-everywhere-for-everything-1882107142.html">coconut oil</a> ’s many health properties, some people have started using it to treat acne.<br /></p>
<p>This involves applying coconut oil directly to the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/5-powerful-skin-care-products-found-right-in-your-kitchen-1882190857.html">skin</a> , as well as eating it.</p>
<p>However, while coconut oil <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/coconut-oil-studies/" target="_blank">has been studied</a> for <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/" target="_blank">various health benefits</a> , very little research has examined its ability to fight acne.</p>
<p><strong>What Causes Acne?</strong></p>
<p>Acne forms when oil and dead skin cells clog up pores.</p>
<p>Pores are little holes in the skin, often referred to as hair follicles. Each hair follicle is connected to a sebaceous gland, which produces an oily substance called sebum.</p>
<p>When too much sebum is produced, it can fill and plug the hair follicle. This causes bacteria known as <em><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propionibacterium_acnes" target="_blank">Propionibacterium acnes</a></em> or <em>P. acnes</em> , to grow.</p>
<p>The bacteria get trapped in the follicle, which causes your white blood cells to attack it. This results in skin inflammation, which leads to acne.</p>
<p>Symptoms of acne include whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Some cases are more severe than others.</p>
<p>Many factors contribute to the development of acne, including hormone changes, genetics, diet, stress and infection.</p>
<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Acne starts when oil and dead skin cells clog up skin pores, causing inflammation. Many factors contribute to this condition.</p>
<p><strong>The Fatty Acids in Coconut Oil Help Kill The Bacteria That Cause Acne</strong></p>
<p>Coconut oil consists almost entirely of <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/mct-oil-101/" target="_blank">medium-chain fatty acids</a> (MCFAs).</p>
<p>MCFAs have strong antimicrobial effects, which means they can kill disease-causing microorganisms.</p>
<p>Almost 50 percent of the fatty acids found in coconut oil are the medium-chain lauric acid.</p>
<p>Lauric acid may help kill harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses in the body. On its own, lauric acid has been shown to kill <em>P. acnes</em> ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC444260/" target="_blank">1</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19665786" target="_blank">2</a> ).</p>
<p>In one study, lauric acid was more effective at killing these bacteria than benzoyl peroxide—a popular acne treatment. It also showed therapeutic potential against inflammation caused by the bacteria ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19387482" target="_blank">3</a> ).</p>
<p>In another study, lauric acid was combined with retinoic acid. Together, they inhibited the growth of the acne-causing skin bacteria ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26328443" target="_blank">4</a> ).</p>
<p>Coconut oil also contains capric, caproic and caprylic medium-chain fatty acids. While not as powerful as lauric acid, some of these are also effective against the bacteria that cause acne ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24284257" target="_blank">5</a> ).</p>
<p>This property only works when applying coconut oil <em>directly to the skin</em> , as this is where the acne-causing bacteria are located.</p>
<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Coconut oil is high in medium-chain fatty acids that have been shown to kill the acne-causing bacteria called <em>Propionibacterium acnes</em> .</p>
<p><strong>Applying Coconut Oil to Your Skin Can Moisturize It and Help With Healing</strong></p>
<p>Many people with acne suffer from skin damage, which can lead to scarring.</p>
<p>Moisturizing the skin is an important step in keeping it healthy. That’s because your skin needs adequate moisture to fight infection and heal properly.</p>
<p>Research shows that applying coconut oil to the skin can help relieve dry skin while fighting bacteria ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19134433" target="_blank">6</a> ).</p>
<p>In fact, studies show that using coconut oil as a moisturizer is as effective or more effective than using mineral oil ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15724344" target="_blank">7</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24320105" target="_blank">8</a> ).</p>
<p>Additionally, coconut oil may help heal your skin and prevent it from scarring.</p>
<p>In one study, rats with wounds treated with coconut oil experienced less inflammation and increased production of <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/collagen/" target="_blank">collagen</a> , a major skin component ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20523108" target="_blank">9</a> ).</p>
<p>As a result, their wounds healed much faster.</p>
<p>Keeping your skin moisturized may reduce the risk of developing acne scars ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22994859" target="_blank">10</a> ).</p>
<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Coconut oil effectively moisturizes the skin. It may also help heal skin damage and reduce scarring.</p>
<p><strong>Eating Coconut Oil May Help Fight Inflammation</strong></p>
<p>The fatty acids in coconut oil may also fight acne-induced <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/anti-inflammatory-diet-101/" target="_blank">inflammation</a> .</p>
<p>Multiple test-tube and animal studies have demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25805601" target="_blank">11</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25458829" target="_blank">12</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20645831" target="_blank">13</a> ).</p>
<p>These findings suggest that eating coconut oil may help reduce the redness and swelling of inflammatory acne.</p>
<p>However, this effect needs to be confirmed in human studies.</p>
<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Eating coconut oil may help reduce the inflammation associated with acne, but more research is needed.</p>
<p><strong>Applying Coconut Oil to the Skin Is Not Recommended If You Have Oily Skin</strong></p>
<p>Eating coconut oil isn’t problematic for most people.</p>
<p>However, some people apply it directly to the skin as a facial cleanser or moisturizer.</p>
<p>This may be beneficial against acne, but it’s not recommended for people who have very oily skin.</p>
<p>Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, which means it can clog pores. Consequently, it may actually make acne worse for some people.</p>
<p><strong>Summary</strong> : When applied to the skin, coconut oil may clog pores and make acne worse. It is not recommended for those with very oily skin.</p>
<p><strong>Should You Treat Acne With Coconut Oil?</strong></p>
<p>Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which helps kill the bacteria that cause acne.</p>
<p>Applying coconut oil to the skin can kill acne-causing bacteria and increase moisture, which may also reduce acne scarring.</p>
<p>However, coconut oil may be problematic for people with very oily skin.</p>
<p>To avoid making the problem worse, you may want to check with a dermatologist before trying it out.</p>
<p>However, eating coconut oil is safe. The studies showing health benefits used two tablespoons (30 ml) per day.</p>
<p>If you <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/how-to-eat-coconut-oil/" target="_blank">want to try it</a> , organic, virgin coconut oil is the best kind.</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from our media associate <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/using-coconut-oil-to-treat-acne/" target="_blank">Authority Nutrition</a> .<br /></em></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-57924457198130982532016-10-15T09:17:00.001-07:002016-10-15T09:17:23.283-07:00National Geographic: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Warming Arctic<p>The rate at which Arctic sea ice is shrinking due to <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/">climate change</a> continues to make headlines as scientists monitor and predict what is “becoming a <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/arctic-ice-melting-climate-change-2022733835.html">journey into uncharted territory</a> .”</p>
<p>Recent data from the National Snow and Ice Data Center revealed sea ice in the Arctic <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/arctic-ice-summer-low-2006526027.html">hit its summer low point</a> , tying 2007 for the second lowest extent on record.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="PO0PAP1476547495" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-681150554035322882" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-681150554035322882&created_ts=1451233921.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=Watch+25+Years+of+%23Arctic+Sea+Ice+Melt+in+One+Minute+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FBac4FmYyAG+%40NOAA+%40greenpeaceusa+%40ClimateReality+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2F9Nv9Y2FSA1&id=681150554035322882&name=EcoWatch" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-681150554035322882"></iframe></p>
<p>With global temperatures on rise and already at levels not seen in <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/earth-record-temperatures-2020710545.html">100,000 years</a> , melting Arctic sea ice is only expected to get worse as temperatures there are warming at least twice as fast as the global average. Mark Serreze, the director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center, <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/arctic-ice-summer-low-2006526027.html">said</a> he wouldn’t be surprised if the Arctic were “essentially ice free” by 2030.</p>
<p>“Dramatic and unprecedented warming in the Arctic is driving <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/james-hansen-dangerous-sea-level-rise-will-occur-in-decades-not-centur-1882198301.html" target="_self">sea level rise</a> , affecting <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/arctic-ice-melt-affects-weather-patterns-all-over-north-atlantic-1891128324.html" target="_self">weather patterns</a> around the world and may trigger even more changes in the climate system,” <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/arctic-ice-melting-climate-change-2022733835.html">according to</a> the World Meteorological Organization.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="63R2SF1476547495" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-761291019639885825" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-761291019639885825&created_ts=1470340897.0&screen_name=climatehawk1&text=9+breathtaking+images+show+warming+Arctic+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2F1G4J4SwYEs+via+%40EcoWatch+%23climate+%23globalwarming+%23ActOnClimate&id=761291019639885825&name=climatehawk1" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-761291019639885825"></iframe></p>
<p>As part of his climate change documentary, <em><a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/leonardo-dicaprio-before-the-flood-2001158748.html">Before the Flood</a></em> , <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/leonardo-dicaprio-obama-sxsl-2030015508.html">Leonardo DiCaprio</a> visited the Arctic with National Geographic explorer-in-residence Dr. Enric Sala to see for himself what is happening in the region.</p>
<p>While walking with DiCaprio on the edge of the sea ice in the high Canadian Arctic, Sala told him that “we will not be able to stand on the frozen sea anymore in about 25 years.”</p>
<p>Scientific projections, he said, show that by 2040 there’s going to be almost no sea ice left in the entire Arctic.<br /></p>
<p>Sala sat down with National Geographic to answer five questions regarding the critical state of Earth’s sea ice, and what it means for us. Watch here:</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ZDCYUV1476547497" frameborder="0" height="480" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rKZ009-hSu4" width="100%"></iframe></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-29003633190810754262016-10-15T07:52:00.003-07:002016-10-15T07:52:18.122-07:00Join the World's Top Climbers as They Ascend Mount Everest<p>Sports Illustrated is producing the first virtual-reality (VR) documentary series that will let viewers join a team of mountain climbers as they make the perilous ascent to the top of <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/mount-everest-climb-ice-free-1986814607.html">Mount Everest</a> .</p>
<p>The series, <a href="http://www.si.com/tech-media/2016/10/11/sports-illustrated-mount-everest-climb-virtual-reality" target="_blank">Capturing Everest</a> , follows four fearless climbers—including Garrett Madison, who summited Everest six times, and Brent Bishop, who summited Everest three times—as they make the two-month trek. Views will include those from cameras both strapped on the climbers and on zip lines around them.<br /></p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="AIMERG1476542981" frameborder="0" height="480" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nnc0b4PdkKQ" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>“Capturing an ascent in VR makes the unattainable seem attainable while at the same time reinforcing the mythology of Everest,” Chris Stone, Time Inc. Sports Illustrated Group editorial director, <a href="http://www.si.com/tech-media/2016/10/11/sports-illustrated-mount-everest-climb-virtual-reality" target="_blank">said</a> . “This production is both extraordinarily real and unreal all at once. We are thrilled to bring the viewer along for the odyssey.”<br /></p>
<p>The series will debut in early 2017 on Time Inc.’s new <a href="http://www.timeinc.com/about/news/press-release/time-inc-s-life-vr-multi-platform-virtual-reality-brand-launches-today/" target="_blank">LIFE VR</a> platform and will also be released on SI.com in 360-degree video, according to <a href="http://www.livescience.com/56451-mount-everest-virtual-reality-documentary.html" target="_blank">Sports Illustrated</a> , which partnered with <a href="http://www.endemolshine.us/endemol-beyond/" target="_blank">Endemol Shine Beyond USA</a> for the project.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="LMYY751476542980" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-700381728486072320" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-700381728486072320&created_ts=1455818991.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=Cancer+Survivor+Climbs+World%E2%80%99s+Tallest+Peaks%2C+Helps+Others+Do+Same%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FtDTMctLFqZ+%40sierraclub+%40markruffalo+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FulMBDLKaHo&id=700381728486072320&name=EcoWatch" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-700381728486072320"></iframe></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-1043892619094687882016-10-15T07:52:00.001-07:002016-10-15T07:52:17.018-07:006 Reasons Eating a Vegan Diet Is Healthy for You<p>By Alina Petre</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/vegan">Vegan</a> diets are known to help people <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/weight-loss">lose weight</a> .</p>
<p>However, they also offer an array of additional health benefits.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="GN9QKF1476536423" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="dd970" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8273738/980x.jpg" name="dd970" /> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">Whole-food vegan diets are generally higher in certain nutrients.</small> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">iStock</small></p>
<p>For starters, a vegan diet may help you maintain a healthy heart.<br /></p>
<p>What’s more, this diet may offer some protection against type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.</p>
<p>Here are 6 science-based benefits of vegan diets.</p>
<p><strong>1. A Vegan Diet Is Richer in Certain Nutrients</strong></p>
<p>If you switch to <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/what-is-a-vegan/" target="_blank">a vegan diet</a> from a typical Western diet, you’ll <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/15-best-protein-alternatives-to-meat-besides-tofu-1882106660.html">eliminate meat</a> and animal products.</p>
<p>This will inevitably lead you to rely more heavily on other foods. In the case of a whole-foods vegan diet, replacements take the form of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, nuts and seeds.</p>
<p>Since these foods make up a larger proportion of a vegan diet than a typical Western diet, they can contribute to a higher daily intake of certain beneficial nutrients.</p>
<p>For instance, several studies have reported that vegan diets tend to provide more fiber, <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/how-antioxidants-can-help-fight-depression-1891171410.html">antioxidants</a> and beneficial plant compounds. They also appear to be richer in potassium, magnesium, folate and vitamins A, C and E ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12740075" target="_blank">1</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15325679" target="_blank">2</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18926128" target="_blank">3</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18237581" target="_blank">4</a> ).</p>
<p>However, not all vegan diets are created equal.</p>
<p>For instance, poorly planned vegan diets may provide insufficient amounts of essential fatty acids, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, iodine or zinc ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19562864" target="_blank">5</a> ).</p>
<p>That’s why it’s important to stay away from nutrient-poor, fast-food vegan options. Instead, base your diet around nutrient-rich whole plants and fortified foods. You may also want to <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/7-supplements-for-vegans/" target="_blank">consider supplements</a> like vitamin B12.</p>
<p><strong>Bottom Line:</strong> Whole-food vegan diets are generally higher in certain nutrients. However, make sure you get all the nutrients your body needs.</p>
<p><strong>2. It Can Help You Lose Excess Weight</strong></p>
<p>An increasing number of people are turning to plant-based diets in the hope of shedding excess weight.</p>
<p>This is perhaps <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/vegan-diet-studies/" target="_blank">for good reason</a> .</p>
<p>Many observational studies show that vegans tend to be thinner and have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) than non-vegans ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19279075" target="_blank">6</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26853923" target="_blank">7</a> ).</p>
<p>In addition, several randomized controlled studies—the gold standard in scientific research—report that vegan diets are more effective for weight loss than the diets they are compared to ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25592014" target="_blank">8</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23695207" target="_blank">9</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16873779" target="_blank">10</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25026923" target="_blank">11</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25684089" target="_blank">12</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16164885" target="_blank">13</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17890496" target="_blank">14</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10446033" target="_blank">15</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27253526" target="_blank">16</a> ).</p>
<p>In one study, a vegan diet helped participants lose 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) more than a control diet over an 18-week study period ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23695207" target="_blank">9</a> ).</p>
<p>Interestingly, participants on the vegan diet lost more weight than those who followed calorie-restricted diets, even when the vegan groups were allowed to eat until they felt full ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16873779" target="_blank">10</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25026923" target="_blank">11</a> ).</p>
<p>What’s more, a recent small study comparing the weight loss effects of five different diets concluded that <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/vegan-vs-vegetarian/" target="_blank">vegetarian and vegan diets</a> were just as well-accepted as semi-vegetarian and standard Western diets ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26164391" target="_blank">17</a> ).</p>
<p>Even when they weren’t following their diets perfectly, the vegetarian and vegan groups still lost slightly more weight than those on a standard Western diet.</p>
<p><strong>Bottom Line:</strong> Vegan diets have a natural tendency to reduce your calorie intake. This makes them effective at promoting weight loss without the need to actively focus on cutting calories.</p>
<p><strong>3. It Appears to Lower Blood Sugar Levels and Improve Kidney Function</strong></p>
<p>Going vegan may also have benefits for type 2 diabetes and declining kidney function.</p>
<p>Indeed, vegans tend to have lower blood sugar levels, higher <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/insulin-and-insulin-resistance/" target="_blank">insulin sensitivity</a> and up to a 50–78 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26853923" target="_blank">7</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2671114/" target="_blank">18</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24149445" target="_blank">19</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24871675" target="_blank">20</a> , <a href="http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/89/5/1627S.full" target="_blank">21</a> ).</p>
<p>Studies even report that vegan diets lower blood sugar levels in diabetics more than the diets from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), American Heart Association and National Cholesterol Education Program ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16873779" target="_blank">10</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25684089" target="_blank">12</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16164885" target="_blank">13</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19339401" target="_blank">22</a> ).</p>
<p>In one study, 43 percent of participants following a vegan diet were able to reduce their dosage of blood-sugar-lowering medication, compared to only 26 percent in the group that followed an ADA-recommended diet ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19339401" target="_blank">22</a> ).</p>
<p>Other studies report that diabetics who substitute meat for <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/protein-for-vegans-vegetarians/" target="_blank">plant protein</a> may reduce their risk of poor kidney function ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18296369" target="_blank">23</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18184902" target="_blank">24</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19758824" target="_blank">25</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16685043" target="_blank">26</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1838047" target="_blank">27</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16047639" target="_blank">28</a> ).</p>
<p>What’s more, several studies report that a vegan diet may be able to provide complete relief of systemic distal <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyneuropathy" target="_blank">polyneuropathy</a> symptoms—a condition in diabetics that causes sharp, burning pain ( <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/13590849409003592" target="_blank">29</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4450462/" target="_blank">30</a> ).</p>
<p><strong>Bottom Line:</strong> Vegan diets may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. They are also particularly effective at reducing blood sugar levels and may help prevent further medical issues from developing.</p>
<p><strong>4. A Vegan Diet May Protect Against Certain Cancers</strong></p>
<p>According to the World Health Organization, about one-third of all cancers can be prevented by factors within your control, including diet.</p>
<p>For instance, eating legumes regularly may reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by about 9–18 percent ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25739376" target="_blank">31</a> ).</p>
<p>Research also suggests that eating at least seven portions of fresh fruits and vegetables per day may lower your risk of dying from cancer by up to 15 percent ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24687909" target="_blank">32</a> ).</p>
<p>Vegans generally eat considerably more legumes, fruit and vegetables than non-vegans. This may explain why a recent review of 96 studies found that vegans may benefit from a 15 percent lower risk of developing or dying from cancer ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26853923" target="_blank">7</a> ).</p>
<p>What’s more, vegan diets generally contain more soy products, which may offer some protection against breast cancer ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19860847" target="_blank">33</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23919747" target="_blank">34</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12189192" target="_blank">35</a> ).</p>
<p>Avoiding certain animal products may also help reduce the risk of prostate, breast and colon cancers.</p>
<p>That may be because vegan diets are devoid of smoked or <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/why-processed-meat-is-bad/" target="_blank">processed meats</a> and meats cooked at high temperatures, which are thought to promote certain types of cancers ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25232394" target="_blank">36</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17435448" target="_blank">37</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23497300" target="_blank">38</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23380943" target="_blank">39</a> ).</p>
<p>Vegans also avoid dairy products, which some studies show may slightly increase the risk of <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/dairy-and-cancer/" target="_blank">prostate cancer</a> ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25527754" target="_blank">40</a> ).</p>
<p>On the other hand, there is also evidence that dairy may help reduce the risk of other cancers, such as colorectal cancer. Therefore, it’s likely that avoiding dairy is not the factor that lowers vegans’ overall risk of cancer ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21617020" target="_blank">41</a> ).</p>
<p>It’s important to note that these studies are observational in nature. They make it impossible to pinpoint the exact reason why vegans have a lower risk of cancer.</p>
<p>However, until researchers know more, it seems wise to focus on increasing the amount of fresh fruits, vegetables and legumes you eat each day while limiting your consumption of processed, smoked and overcooked meat.</p>
<p><strong>Bottom Line:</strong> Certain aspects of the vegan diet may offer protection against prostate, breast and colon cancers. <strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>5. It’s Linked to a Lower Risk of Heart Disease</strong></p>
<p>Eating fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and fiber is linked to a lower risk of heart disease ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24687909" target="_blank">32</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23317525" target="_blank">42</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23539529" target="_blank">43</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11718588" target="_blank">44</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19138438" target="_blank">45</a> ).</p>
<p>All of these are generally eaten in large amounts in well-planned vegan diets.</p>
<p>Observational studies comparing vegans to vegetarians and the general population report that vegans may benefit from up to a 75 percent lower risk of developing high blood pressure ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24871675" target="_blank">20</a> ).</p>
<p>Vegans may also have up to a 42 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24871675" target="_blank">20</a> ).</p>
<p>What’s more, several randomized controlled studies report that vegan diets are much more effective at <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/15-ways-to-lower-blood-sugar/" target="_blank">reducing blood sugar</a> , LDL cholesterol and total <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/13-foods-that-lower-cholesterol-levels/" target="_blank">cholesterol levels</a> than the diets they are compared to ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26853923" target="_blank">7</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23695207" target="_blank">9</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16873779" target="_blank">10</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25684089" target="_blank">12</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26508743" target="_blank">46</a> ).</p>
<p>This may be particularly beneficial to heart health since reducing high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels may reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 46 percent ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24269108" target="_blank">47</a> ).</p>
<p>Compared to the general population, vegans also tend to consume more whole grains and nuts, both of which are good for your heart ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17125535" target="_blank">48</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17449231" target="_blank">49</a> ).</p>
<p><strong>Bottom Line:</strong> Vegan diets may benefit heart health by significantly reducing the risk factors that contribute to heart disease.</p>
<p><strong>6. A Vegan Diet Can Reduce Pain from Arthritis</strong></p>
<p>A few studies have reported that a vegan diet has positive effects in people with different types of arthritis.</p>
<p>One study randomly assigned 40 arthritic participants to either continue eating their omnivorous diet or switch to a whole-food, plant-based vegan diet for six weeks.</p>
<p>Those on the vegan diet reported higher energy levels and better general functioning than those who didn’t change their diet ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4359818/" target="_blank">50</a> ).</p>
<p>Two other studies investigated the effects of a probiotic-rich, raw food vegan diet on symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.</p>
<p>Both reported that participants in the vegan group experienced a greater improvement in symptoms such as pain, joint swelling and morning stiffness than those who continued their omnivorous diet ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9117178" target="_blank">51</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9566667" target="_blank">52</a> ).</p>
<p><strong>Bottom Line:</strong> Vegan diets based on probiotic-rich whole foods can significantly decrease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.</p>
<p><strong>Take Home Message</strong></p>
<p>Vegan diets may provide an array of health benefits.</p>
<p>For the most part, the exact reasons why these benefits occur are not fully known.</p>
<p>That said, until further research emerges, it can only benefit you to increase the amount of nutrient-rich, whole plant foods in your diet.</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from our media associate <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/vegan-diet-benefits/" target="_blank">Authority Nutrition</a> .</em><br /></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-53855456730633048772016-10-14T19:07:00.001-07:002016-10-14T19:07:37.674-07:00Solar Power Weekly Roundup EP9 :: Saint Lucia Goes Solar, Cost-Competitive Solar, Energy-Efficiency Revolution, EBRD on Sun-Wind-Solar, US Gov Big Solar Purchase, Vote No on Amendment 1<img src="http://solarsolutionsteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/EP9-best_solar_companies-solar_energy-where_to_by_solar-solar_energy_companies.jpeg" alt="Solar Power Weekly Roundup EP9 :: Saint Lucia Goes Solar, Cost-Competitive Solar, Energy-Efficiency Revolution, EBRD on Sun-Wind-Solar, US Gov Big Solar Purchase, Vote No on Amendment 1" width="150" /> Some of our favorite stories from around the web this week in the solar power industry. Solar Power Comes to Saint Lucia Island in the Sun: Saint Lucia Goes Solar The installation team prepare to install the final panel. Cost-Competive Solar Power on the Way Cost-Competitive Solar Is Coming Soon to a Grid…
<p><a class="excerpt-read-more btn btn-primary" href="http://solarsolutionsteam.com/solar-power-weekly-roundup-ep9-saint-lucia-goes-solar-cost-competitive-solar-energy-efficiency-revolution-ebrd-on-sun-wind-solar-us-gov-big-solar-purchase-vote-no-on-amendment-1/?utm_source=Solar%20Power%20Industry%20News%20and%20Information&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=OneFeedSC" title="Read Solar Power Weekly Roundup EP9 :: Saint Lucia Goes Solar, Cost-Competitive Solar, Energy-Efficiency Revolution, EBRD on Sun-Wind-Solar, US Gov Big Solar Purchase, Vote No on Amendment 1">Read More</a></p>
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<a href="http://solarsolutionsteam.com/solar-power-weekly-roundup-ep9-saint-lucia-goes-solar-cost-competitive-solar-energy-efficiency-revolution-ebrd-on-sun-wind-solar-us-gov-big-solar-purchase-vote-no-on-amendment-1/?utm_source=Solar%20Power%20Industry%20News%20and%20Information&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=OneFeedSC">Solar Power Weekly Roundup EP9 :: Saint Lucia Goes Solar, Cost-Competitive Solar, Energy-Efficiency Revolution, EBRD on Sun-Wind-Solar, US Gov Big Solar Purchase, Vote No on Amendment 1</a> published first on <a href="http://solarsolutionsteam.com">Solar Solutions Team Blog</a>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-16430521934772115502016-10-14T13:57:00.001-07:002016-10-14T13:57:30.406-07:00Climate Denial Collides With Extreme Weather<p>By John Hocevar</p>
<p>In 1992, Hurricane Andrew ripped through southeast <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/florida-sinkhole-radioactive-2008906118.html">Florida</a> , doing more than $26 billion in damage and killing at least 65 people. At the time, I was working on a masters degree in marine biology in southeast Florida; several of my close friends lost their homes during the storm.</p>
<p>Our marine lab was at the end of a barrier island and there were so many overturned Australian pines along the road that it looked like someone had dumped a giant bag of Lincoln Logs. I remember helping friends move their belongings off houseboats and out of trailers to higher and safer ground, and the mint green color of the sky just before our transformer blew up.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="QYCCHF1476477456" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="87de3" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8253711/980x.jpg" name="87de3" /> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">Houses surrounded by water in St. Augustine, Florida Oct. 8 in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.</small> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Marc Serota / Greenpeace</small></p>
<p>Strangest of all, I remember being asked to shoot holes in the deck of a yacht to try to put it on the bottom and prevent it from destroying everything else by being thrown around by wind and storm surge.<br /></p>
<p>Two decades later, another devastating storm— <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/hurricane-matthew-death-toll-2037803913.html">Hurricane Matthew</a> —has wreaked havoc in the southeastern U.S. and claimed more than 1,000 lives in Haiti.</p>
<p><strong>The Link Between Climate Change and Hurricane Season</strong></p>
<p>For a long time, the science has been clear that our reliance on fossil fuels has not only been heating our planet, but also fueling <a href="http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/science_and_impacts/impacts/extreme-weather-climate-change.html" target="_blank">bigger and more devastating storms</a> .</p>
<p>Hurricanes <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/ten-years-after-katrina-1882093409.html">Katrina</a> and <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/hurricane-sandy">Sandy</a> helped make this real for millions of people, especially those who lost homes or loved ones in New York, New Jersey, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.</p>
<p>It has also been clear for a long time that Florida, with its expansive coastline covered with high rise hotels and condominiums often just a few feet above sea level, is among one of the most vulnerable places in the world to <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/extreme-weather">extreme weather</a> heightened by <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/">climate change</a> .</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0D5BPM1476477456" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="3c4e5" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8253717/980x.jpg" name="3c4e5" /> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">Property damaged along the coast in St. Augustine, Florida Oct. 8 in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.</small> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Marc Serota / Greenpeace</small></p>
<p>I studied coral reef conservation in grad school. At the time, <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/noaa-worlds-worst-coral-bleaching-event-to-continue-with-no-signs-of-s-1891179708.html">coral bleaching</a> was a new phenomenon, and no one had yet imagined that coral reefs might be driven to extinction in the coming decades. Much of Florida’s reef tract has been given State Park or National Marine Sanctuary status, but in recent years it has been dying so quickly you can almost watch it happen.<br /></p>
<p>Climate-driven bleaching is one of the main culprits, with implications for a tourism industry that brings 100 million people and $50 billion to Florida each year.</p>
<p><strong>Climate Change and the Politics of Denial</strong></p>
<p>By outright <a href="https://thinkprogress.org/the-2015-climate-guide-to-governors-7f5a6d1ba124#.innte2p3o" target="_blank">denying the science of climate change</a> and the threat it poses to his state, Florida Gov. Scott has utterly failed the people of Florida.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="B4UL4K1476477456" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="7e328" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8276136/980x.jpg" name="7e328" /> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">Now that the waters receded and the power is back on, we need to think carefully about whether climate deniers like Gov. Scott are suitable candidates to take responsibility for our future.</small></p>
<p>Instead of working to reduce carbon emissions and build strategies to cope with climate impacts like <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/james-hansen-dangerous-sea-level-rise-will-occur-in-decades-not-centur-1882198301.html">sea level rise</a> , erosion, <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/flooding">flooding</a> , saltwater intrusion, insect-borne disease outbreaks and <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/earth-record-temperatures-2020710545.html">extreme heat</a> , he has stuck his head in Florida’s sand. Famously, Scott even <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/03/09/florida-state-most-affected-by-climate-change-reportedly-bans-term-climate-change/" target="_blank">banned state employees</a> from using the phrase climate change. This would be irresponsible anywhere, but in a state like Florida on the frontlines of the climate battle, it borders on criminal negligence.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="GOAAOO1476477456" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="d77f4" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8253736/980x.jpg" name="d77f4" /> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">Boats are damaged and sunk in St. Augustine, Florida, Oct. 8 in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.</small> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Marc Serota / Greenpeace</small></p>
<p>Scott has been busy dealing with the impacts of Hurricane Matthew on Florida’s people, environment and businesses, which left <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-storm-matthew-haiti-idUSKCN12A02W" target="_blank">more than 1,000 dead in Haiti</a> and is the worst to hit Florida in decades.<br /></p>
<p>Now that the waters receded and the power is back on, we need to think carefully about whether climate deniers like Scott—and his party’s presidential nominee <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/surprise-surprise-donald-trumps-energy-advisers-are-a-disaster/" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a> —are suitable candidates to take responsibility for our future.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8LZOP61476477456" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-782931883734683650" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-782931883734683650&created_ts=1475500481.0&screen_name=MichaelEMann&text=%22Yes+-+Donald+Trump+Is+a+Threat+to+the+Planet%22+%7C+My+latest+commentary+at+%40EcoWatch%3A+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FUhzxwsvlo1%0A%23MadhouseEffect&id=782931883734683650&name=Michael+E.+Mann" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-782931883734683650"></iframe></p>
<p>For a growing number of people who suffer at the hands climate-denialist politics, the answer is clear.<br /></p>
<p><em>John Hocevar is a trained marine biologist and an accomplished campaigner, explorer and marine scientist, John has helped win several major victories for marine conservation since becoming the director of Greenpeace’s oceans campaign in 2004.</em><br /></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-18424205744707441622016-10-14T12:57:00.001-07:002016-10-14T12:57:40.603-07:00Billions of Gallons of Animal Waste From Factory Farms Poses Health Risks in Wake of Hurricane Matthew<p>Reports emerging Thursday of <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/flooding-factory-farms-coal-ash-2041486709.html">dead farm animals and breached manure pits</a> highlight a health risk that will linger long after <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/hurricane-matthew">Hurricane Matthew</a> ’s floodwaters recede: The threat of pollution from the billions of gallons of animal waste stored at <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/interactive-map-shows-how-6-500-factory-farms-put-north-carolinians-at-1891180306.html">North Carolina’s loosely regulated factory farms</a> .</p>
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<p>The immensity of the ongoing threat to human health and the environment across a coastal plain clustered with factory farms is demonstrated by the fact that just four counties in the severely flooded lower Cape Fear River basin are home to 36.5 million farm animals, producing more than 40 billion pounds of animal waste annually, according to research by the Center for Biological Diversity.<br /></p>
<p>“Our hearts go out to the tens of thousands of North Carolinians whose lives have been turned upside down by the horrible <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/flooding">flooding</a> ,” said Hannah Connor, a Center for Biological Diversity attorney specializing in harms caused by <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/Factory-Farming">factory farming</a> . “Sadly they’ve been put at additional long-term risk by the threat of pollution of their waterways and groundwater from billions of gallons of largely untreated animal waste at these industrial operations.”</p>
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<p>This is not the first time a major storm event has exposed the risks posed by factory farms in North Carolina, which is home to the second-largest hog population in the country as well as one of its largest poultry populations.<br /></p>
<p>During Hurricane Fran in 1996, 22 animal waste pits in the state were reportedly ruptured or overflowed. A major manure spill was reported following Hurricane Bonnie in 1998, and after Hurricane Floyd dumped as much as 20 inches of rain across the region in 1999, animal-waste lagoons overflowed directly into waterways and surrounding communities.</p>
<p>Even during more routine weather events, the unchecked growth of massive, poorly regulated factory farms has left the region’s high water table and numerous waterways at constant risk of pollution from the industrial hog and poultry production operations that rely on waste management and disposal systems that are highly susceptible to harmful runoff and spills.</p>
<p>The escalating environmental risks posed by poorly regulated animal waste will be highlighted in a forthcoming report from the center identifying the 10 areas across the nation where factory farms produce the greatest amounts of sewage—most of it virtually untreated.</p>
<p>“Unfortunately the environmental health risks posed by the billions of gallons of waste generated by factory farms won’t go away when Matthew’s floodwaters disappear,” said Connor. “Until we move toward more sustainable farming practices, and the EPA [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency] takes a more realistic approach to reducing the harm these industrial operations have on animals and the environment, the risks are only going to escalate.”</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-67798556042368338132016-10-14T10:47:00.001-07:002016-10-14T10:47:13.293-07:00Bill McKibben: The Question I Get Asked the Most<p>The questions come after talks, on twitter, in the days’ incoming tide of email—sometimes even in old-fashioned letters that arrive in envelopes. The most common one by far is also the simplest: What can I do? I bet I’ve been asked it 10,000 times by now and—like a climate scientist predicting the temperature—I’m pretty sure I’m erring on the low side.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="13GYHM1476466408" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="40a17" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8274084/980x.jpg" name="40a17" /> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">“What can we do to make a difference?”</small> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">The Thinker</small></p>
<p>It’s the right question or almost: It implies an eagerness to act and action is what we need. But my answer to it has changed over the years, as the science of global warming has shifted. I find, in fact, that I’m now saying almost the opposite of what I said three decades ago.</p>
<p>Then—when I was 27 and writing the first book on <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/">climate change</a> —I was fairly self-obsessed (perhaps age appropriately). And it looked like we had some time: No climate scientist in the late 1980s thought that by 2016 we’d already be seeing massive <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/melting-of-arctic-sea-ice-already-setting-records-in-2016-1891079333.html">Arctic ice melt</a> . So it made sense for everyone to think about the changes they could make in their own lives that, over time, would add up to significant change. In <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0812976088/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=35038340244&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2541375611339833668&hvpone=11.24&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015282&hvtargid=kwd-6106617967&ref=pd_sl_3f6mly8cq0_b" target="_blank"><em>The End of Nature</em></a> , I described how my wife and I had tried to “prune and snip our desires,” how instead of taking long vacation trips by car we rode our bikes in the road, how we grew more of our own food, how we “tried not to think about how much we’d like a baby.”<br /></p>
<p>Some of these changes we’ve maintained—we still ride our bikes, and I haven’t been on a vacation in a very long time. Some we modified—thank God we decided to have a child, who turned out to be the joy of our life. And some I’ve abandoned: I’ve spent much of the last decade in frenetic travel, much of it on airplanes. That’s because, over time, it became clear to me that there’s a problem with the question “What can I do.”</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="TQPY0E1476466407" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-766781825016471552" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-766781825016471552&created_ts=1471650007.0&screen_name=rustygreen59&text=Bill+McKibben%3A+It%27s+Time+to+Declare+War+on+Climate+Change+via+%40EcoWatch+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FgHkaGU8riw&id=766781825016471552&name=Doug+Marr" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-766781825016471552"></iframe></p>
<p>The problem is the word “I.” By ourselves, there’s not much we can do. Yes, my roof is covered with <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/solar-energy">solar panels</a> and I drive a plug-in car that draws its power from those panels, and yes our hot water is heated by the sun, and yes we eat low on the food chain and close to home. I’m glad we do all those things, and I think everyone should do them, and I no longer try to fool myself that they will solve <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/debate-climage-change-fracking-2037789200.html">climate change</a> .</p>
<p>Because the science has changed and with it our understanding of the necessary politics and economics of survival. Climate change is coming far faster than people anticipated even a couple of decades ago. 2016 is smashing the temperature records set in 2015 which smashed the records set in 2014; some of the world’s largest physical features (giant coral reefs, vast river deltas) are starting to die off or disappear. <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/drought">Drought</a> does damage daily; hundred-year <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/flooding" target="_blank">floods</a> come every other spring. In the last 18 months we’ve seen the highest wind speeds ever recorded in many of the world’s ocean basins. In Basra Iraq—not far from the Garden of Eden—the temperature hit 129 Fahrenheit this summer, the highest reliably recorded temperature ever and right at the limit of human tolerance. July and August were not just the hottest months ever recorded, they were, according to most climatologists, the hottest months in the entire history of human civilization. The most common phrase I hear from scientists is “faster than anticipated.” Sometime in the last few years we left behind the Holocene, the 10,000 year period of benign climatic stability that marked the rise of human civilization. We’re in something new now—something new and frightening.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="QNCFHX1476466407" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-709113671071338496" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-709113671071338496&created_ts=1457900848.0&screen_name=forkare&text=Bill+McKibben+Arrested+%2B+56+Others+in+Ongoing+Campaign+Against+Proposed+Gas+Storage+at+Seneca+Lake+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FVPteXtv15b+via+%40ecowatch&id=709113671071338496&name=Ecokare" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-709113671071338496"></iframe></p>
<p>Against all that, one’s Prius is a gesture. A lovely gesture and one that everyone should emulate, but a gesture. Ditto riding the bike or <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/vegan-food-colleges-2034166814.html">eating vegan</a> or whatever one’s particular point of pride. North Americans are very used to thinking of themselves as individuals, but as individuals we are powerless to alter the trajectory of climate change in a meaningful manner. The five or ten percent of us who will be moved to really act (and that’s all who ever act on any subject) can’t cut the carbon in the atmosphere by more than five or ten percent by those actions.</p>
<p>No, the right question is “What can we do to make a difference?”</p>
<p>Because if individual action can’t alter the momentum of global warming, movements may still do the trick. Movements are how people organize themselves to gain power—enough power, in this case, to perhaps overcome the financial might of the fossil fuel industry. Movements are what can put a price on carbon, force politicians to keep fossil fuel in the ground, demand subsidies so that solar panels go up on almost every roof, not just yours. Movements are what take 5 or 10 percent of people and make them decisive—because in a world where apathy rules, five or ten percent is an enormous number. Ask the Tea Party. Ask the civil rights movement.</p>
<p>The other side knows this, which is why it ridicules our movements at all times. When, for instance, 400,000 people march on New York City, I know that I will get a stream of ugly tweets and emails about how—saints preserve us—it takes gasoline to get to New York City. Indeed it does. If you live in a society that has dismantled its train system, then lots of people will need to drive and take the bus, and it will be the most useful gallons they burn in the course of the year. Because that’s what pushes systems to change.</p>
<p>When brave people go to jail, cynics email me to ask how much gas the paddywagon requires. When brave people head out in kayaks to block the biggest drilling rigs on earth, I always know I’ll be reading dozens of tweets from clever and deadened souls asking “don’t you know the plastic for those kayaks require oil?” Yes, we know—and we’ve decided it’s well worth it. We’re not trying to be saints; we’re trying to be effective.</p>
<p>We’re not going to be forced into a monkish retreat from society—we need to engage this fight with all the tools of the moment. We’re trying to change the world we live in and if we succeed then those who come after will have plenty of time to figure out other ways to inhabit it. Along the way those who have shifted their lives can provide inspiration, which is crucial. But they don’t by themselves provide a solution. Naomi Klein once described visiting an “amazing” community farm in Brooklyn’s Red Hook that had been flooded by <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/hurricane-sandy">Hurricane Sandy</a> . “They were doing everything right, when it comes to climate,” she said. “Growing organic, localizing their food system, sequestering carbon, not using fossil-fuel inputs—all the good stuff.” Then came the storm. “They lost their entire fall harvest and they’re pretty sure their soil is now contaminated, because the water that flooded them was so polluted. It’s important to build local alternatives, we have to do it, but unless we are really going after the source of the problem"—namely, the fossil-fuel industry and its lock on Washington—"we are going to get inundated.”</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="89EZ571476466408" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-759930423044608001" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-759930423044608001&created_ts=1470016506.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=Bill+McKibben%3A+The+Real+Work+Begins+Nov.+9+-+EcoWatch+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FNewwnBK5bn+%40tcktcktck+%40OneWorld_News&id=759930423044608001&name=EcoWatch" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-759930423044608001"></iframe></p>
<p>Like Klein, I find that the people who have made some of those personal changes are usually also deeply involved in movement-building. Local farmers, even after a long day pulling weeds, find the energy to make it to the demonstration, often because they know their efforts out in the field aren’t enough, even to guarantee a climate that will allow them to continue their efforts. No, the people calling environmentalists hypocrites for living in the real world are people who want no change at all. Their goal is simply to shame us and hence to quiet us. So we won’t make them feel bad or disrupt the powers that be.</p>
<p>It won’t work, unless we let it. Movements take care of their own: They provide bail money and they push each other’s ideas around the web. They join forces across issues: BlackLivesMatter endorsing fossil fuel divestment, climate justice activists fighting deportations. They recognize that together we might just have enough strength to get it done. So when people ask me what can I do, I know say the same thing every time: “The most important thing an individual can do is not be an individual. Join together—that’s why we have movements like 350.org or Green for All, like BlackLivesMatter or Occupy. If there’s not a fight where you live, find people to support, from Standing Rock to the Pacific islands. Job one is to organize and jobs two and three.”</p>
<p>And if you have some time left over after that, then by all means make sure your lightbulbs are all LEDs and your kale comes from close to home.</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-53998793325022723102016-10-14T10:37:00.001-07:002016-10-14T10:37:40.970-07:00“Mr. Positive”<p><strong>Look, to be a positive person, you need to have a smile, good posture, light in your eyes, and interest in the person you are interacting with. Your attitude is your mental disposition in life—your feeling or position to another or a thing. Your attitude can be bad, neutral, good, or great. There is only one attitude you should have to sell—a great attitude. You can’t deal with bad, neutral, or even good. Your paycheck is dependent on this one thing. Your attitude is that x-factor, and it’s very difficult to measure. It’s critical to your life, and particularly critical for selling. You want people calling you “Mr. Positive” or “Ms. Positive”.</strong></p>
<p>It’s not too difficult to be positive once, but how do you stay positive over hours, days, weeks, or your whole life? Your attitude is determined by your thoughts. Your thoughts are determined by the content of your mind. The content of your mind is determined by your environment. The environment around you includes the Internet, TV, your friends, co-workers, and family. Where does your attitude come from and how do you keep it great?</p>
<p>Your body is a reflection of what you put in it and how you take care of it, and your mind is the same. Whatever is going on in your head is going to come out of your mouth. What comes out of your mouth had to come from what first came into your mind. Your mind got the content from somewhere. If you have angry content coming into your mind you will have an angry attitude. If you have apathetic, quit, give up, no solution content, you will have that kind of attitude. If you have positive, solution-oriented, can-do content coming in, you will communicate it when you are with customers.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Think, what is the content you have received since you woke up this morning?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I keep positive books in my house. I write my goals down each day. I record programs on TV so I can blow through all the negative stuff and control what I watch. I want to watch winners. Your life and your career depend on your attitude. You need to control your content. I stay positive by controlling the content of my mind.</p>
<p><strong>18 Rules to live by and you will be positive:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Be seen by others as positive.</li>
<li>Act so positive that people have to ask why you are so positive.</li>
<li>Use energy and enthusiasm in every action.</li>
<li>“Wear” the attitude.</li>
<li>Go “all-in” like you have unlimited energy.</li>
<li>Be 100% in your expectations.</li>
<li>Set your goals high.</li>
<li>Drive yourself for more.</li>
<li>Confront your fears.</li>
<li>Allocate your time.</li>
<li>Put your biggest challenge first.</li>
<li>When in doubt, just do it.</li>
<li>Be an over-achiever.</li>
<li>Commit to yourself.</li>
<li>Only blame yourself.</li>
<li>Operate like your life depends on it.</li>
<li>Act hungry.</li>
<li>Be willing to do anything to close a deal.</li>
</ol>
<p>Be a positive person today, and I also want to remind you that I just released my new book <a href="http://www.grantcardone.com/obsessed/"><em>Be Obsessed or Be Average</em></a> this week. Get yourself a signed copy from <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/be-obsessed-or-be-average-grant-cardone/1122824318">Barnes and Noble</a> for some encouragement and motivation. Also, in celebration of my book release, I’m giving my premium training programs <a href="http://www.grantcardone.com/training/"><strong>90% OFF with coupon code OBSESSED</strong></a> to all those who want to skill up.</p>
<p>Get your deals <a href="http://www.grantcardone.com/training/">here</a>.</p>
<p>Be great,</p>
<p>GC</p>
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<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.grantcardone.com/blog/mr-positive/">“Mr. Positive”</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.grantcardone.com">Grant Cardone - Sales Training</a>.</p>
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<a href="http://www.grantcardone.com/blog/mr-positive/">“Mr. Positive”</a> published first on <a href="http://grantcardone.com">Grant Cardone Blog</a>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-35407247165406012292016-10-14T10:32:00.001-07:002016-10-14T10:32:29.291-07:00President Obama, Here's How to Cement Your Climate Legacy<p>Wednesday started the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/mark-ruffalo-obama-fracking-letter-2041994556.html">last 100 days of Obama’s presidency</a> . So rather than speculate on who our next leader will be, let’s focus on what our current one still has the power to do on behalf of our climate.</p>
<p>With an election season as inconceivable as this one’s turning out to be, it’s easy to forget that Barack Obama is actually still our president—and he still holds the power to take the bold action on <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/">climate change</a> we need.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4TOCRH1476466013" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="a3196" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8272036/980x.jpg" name="a3196" /> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">There’s no question President Obama has moved the needle when it comes to taking action on climate change.</small> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Flickr / Creative Commons</small></p>
<p>There’s no question President Obama has moved the needle when it comes to taking action on <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/james-hansen-climate-change-2030724330.html">climate change</a> . More so than any other U.S. president to date, he has pushed for political solutions to <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/noaa-scientist-creates-new-way-to-track-carbon-pollution-1891114766.html">carbon pollution</a> at home <a href="http://grist.org/climate-energy/heres-why-supporters-of-the-clean-power-plan-are-feeling-optimistic/" target="_blank">with the Clean Power Plan</a> (though that now has to fight its way through legal challenges).<br /></p>
<p>On the global stage he has pushed for consensus among world leaders that we all need to deal with our addiction to fossil fuels, helping to broker the Paris climate accord and a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/12/world/asia/china-us-xi-obama-apec.html" target="_blank">landmark deal with China</a> .</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="G3DQXR1476466013" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-773450818502664192" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-773450818502664192&created_ts=1473240019.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=U.S.%2C+China+Formally+Join+Paris+Climate+Agreement+-+EcoWatch+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FDE9BVuroEe+%40carbonbrief+%40Climate_Rescue&id=773450818502664192&name=EcoWatch" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-773450818502664192"></iframe></p>
<p>This would be a strong legacy, if it weren’t for the stark reality that even developing the oil, gas and coal in fields and mines that already exist would take us beyond 2 C of warming into climate chaos territory, let alone if we <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/fracking/">frack</a> , drill or otherwise dig up fossil fuels from new sites, of which there are plenty of companies hoping to do just that. (If you want to know more about the math behind our planet’s climate boundaries for energy production and use, check out Oil Change International’s brilliant but scary <a href="http://priceofoil.org/content/uploads/2016/09/OCI_the_skys_limit_2016_FINAL_2.pdf" target="_blank">new analysis</a> ).<br /></p>
<p>Faced with this reality, we need President Obama to do everything in his power to keep fossil fuels in the ground.</p>
<p>Specifically, in the next 100 days, the president needs to use his executive power in the U.S. to put a stop to new oil and gas drilling and fracking projects on our public lands and waters, just as his administration did earlier this year when <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/president-obamas-big-coal-leasing-moratorium/" target="_blank">it imposed a moratorium on new coal mining</a> . Since President Obama took office, more than 10 million acres of public lands across the U.S. and more than 15 million acres of public offshore waters in the gulf have been turned over to energy corporations for fossil fuel extraction.</p>
<p>And there’s plenty more where that came from.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="80BGKZ1476466013" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-786682981524054016" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-786682981524054016&created_ts=1476394813.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=Mark+Ruffalo%3A+President+Obama%2C+You+Still+Have+Time+to+Ban+Fracking+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FTIjRoF0TPe+%40greenwatchdogNY+%40FrackAction&id=786682981524054016&name=EcoWatch" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-786682981524054016"></iframe></p>
<p>Taking public lands off the table when it comes to fossil fuel developers would not only be an important step towards safeguarding our climate, but would also protect the many communities whose land, air and water are being poisoned. From the <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/03/23/3762630/gulf-oil-drilling-rally/" target="_blank">Gulf Coast</a> , to <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/2016/05/12/hundreds-swarm-blm-auction-in-lakewood-to-protest-oil-gas-drilling/" target="_blank">Colorado</a> , to <a href="https://www.thenation.com/article/its-time-for-every-ally-to-show-up-in-the-fight-against-the-dakota-access-pipeline/" target="_blank">North Dakota</a> , to <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/arctic-offshore-drilling-alaskans-say-keep-ground/" target="_blank">Alaska</a> , the way that fossil fuels are extracted, processed and transported pose grave threats to public health, people’s livelihoods and ancestral lands and waters. Protecting these spaces would send a clear message that America wants a just transition away from fossil fuels, not an abusive relationship where we’re beholden to them, however much they hurt us.<br /></p>
<p>When t <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/08/us/politics/obama-climate-change.html?_r=0" target="_blank">The New York Times interviewed President Obama</a> recently, the reporter observed that “He believes that his efforts to slow the warming of the planet will be the most consequential legacy of his presidency.” <a href="https://www.sei-international.org/publications?pid=2937" target="_blank">Studies have shown</a> that by ending fossil fuel extraction on federal lands and waters, Obama can significantly reduce global emissions and make progress towards his Paris commitments.</p>
<p>So with 100 days still as the leader of the free world and the ability to stop fossil fuel extraction on our public lands and waters, the president doesn’t have to just believe in his climate legacy, he can take action that makes it real.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.obamaactonclimate.org/?source=GP" target="_blank">Join us in telling President Obama</a> : Protect our communities and our climate. End new fossil fuel leasing today.</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-64782535024661794552016-10-14T09:12:00.001-07:002016-10-14T09:12:54.409-07:007 Reasons Biotin Is Important for Your Health<p>By Hrefna Palsdottir</p>
<p>Biotin is a water-soluble B-vitamin that helps your body convert food into energy.</p>
<p>It is especially important during <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/11-foods-and-beverages-to-avoid-during-pregnancy-1882129126.html">pregnancy</a> and breastfeeding.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="895ARF1476460976" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="18dd3" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8273089/980x.jpg" name="18dd3" /> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">Biotin is one of the B-vitamins, also known as vitamin B7.</small> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Shutterstock</small></p>
<p>In addition, biotin is important for the health of your <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/5-toxic-ingredients-in-shampoos-and-conditioners-you-should-avoid-1891077666.html">hair</a> , <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/5-powerful-skin-care-products-found-right-in-your-kitchen-1882190857.html">skin</a> and nails.<br /></p>
<p>This article explains everything you need to know about biotin, including its seven main health benefits.</p>
<p><strong>What Is Biotin?</strong></p>
<p>Biotin is one of the B-vitamins, also known as vitamin B7.</p>
<p>It was once called coenzyme R and vitamin H. The H stands for <em>Haar und Haut</em> , which is German for hair and skin.</p>
<p>Biotin is water-soluble, which means the body doesn’t store it. It has many important functions in the body.</p>
<p>It’s necessary for the function of several enzymes known as carboxylases. These biotin-containing enzymes participate in important metabolic pathways, such as the production of glucose and fatty acids ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22869039" target="_blank">1</a> ).</p>
<p>A commonly recommended intake is 5 mcg (micrograms) per day in infants and 30 mcg in adults. This goes up to 35 mcg per day in breastfeeding women.</p>
<p>Biotin deficiency is fairly rare. However, some groups—such as pregnant women—may experience it in mild forms ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19727438/" target="_blank">2</a> ).</p>
<p>Eating <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/eating-raw-eggs/" target="_blank">raw eggs</a> may also cause a deficiency, but you would need to eat a lot of eggs for a very long time. Raw egg whites contain a protein called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avidin" target="_blank">avidin</a> , which binds to biotin and prevents its absorption. Avidin is inactivated during cooking.</p>
<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Biotin is a water-soluble B-vitamin that’s important for energy metabolism. Deficiency is quite rare, although it has been associated with the long-term consumption of raw eggs.</p>
<p><strong>1. Plays a Key Role in Macronutrient Metabolism</strong></p>
<p>Biotin is important for energy production. For example, several enzymes need it to function properly ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22869039" target="_blank">1</a> ).</p>
<p>These enzymes are involved in carb, fat and protein metabolism. They initiate critical steps in the metabolic processes of these nutrients.</p>
<p>Biotin plays a role in:</p>
<ul>
<li>Gluconeogenesis: This metabolic pathway enables glucose production from sources other than carbs, such as amino acids. Biotin-containing enzymes help initiate this process ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18613815/" target="_blank">3</a> ).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Fatty acid synthesis: Biotin assists enzymes that activate reactions important for the production of fatty acids ( <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15968460" target="_blank">4</a> ).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The breakdown of amino acids: Biotin-containing enzymes are involved in the metabolism of several important amino acids, including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucine" target="_blank">leucine</a> ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15930469" target="_blank">5</a> ).</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Biotin assists in energy production. It supports a number of enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbs, fats and protein.</p>
<p><strong>2. May Help Brittle Nails</strong></p>
<p>Brittle nails are weak and easily become chipped, split or cracked.</p>
<p>It’s a common condition, estimated to affect around 20 percent of the world’s population ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16198786" target="_blank">6</a> ).</p>
<p>Biotin may benefit brittle nails ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2648686" target="_blank">7</a> ).</p>
<p>In one study, 8 people with brittle nails were given 2.5 mg of biotin per day for 6 to 15 months. Nail thickness improved by 25 percent in all 8 participants. Nail splitting was also reduced ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2273113" target="_blank">8</a> ).</p>
<p>Another study of 35 people with brittle nails found 2.5 mg of biotin per day for 1.5 to 7 months improved symptoms in 67 percent of participants ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8477615" target="_blank">9</a> ).</p>
<p>However, these studies were small and more research is needed.</p>
<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Brittle nails are fragile and easily become split or cracked. Biotin supplements may help strengthen the nails.</p>
<p><strong>3. Good for Your Hair</strong></p>
<p>Biotin is often associated with <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/best-vitamins-hair-growth/" target="_blank">increased hair growth</a> and healthier, stronger hair.</p>
<p>Surprisingly, there is very little evidence to support this.</p>
<p>However, a deficiency in biotin may lead to hair loss, which indicates that the vitamin is important for hair ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19727438" target="_blank">2</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6429370" target="_blank">10</a> ).</p>
<p>While it is often marketed as an alternative treatment for hair loss, only people with an actual biotin deficiency get significant benefit from supplementing ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25007363" target="_blank">11</a> ).</p>
<p>Whether it improves hair growth in healthy people has yet to be determined.</p>
<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Biotin is claimed to promote hair growth and healthy hair, but the evidence is weak. However, deficiency has been linked to hair loss and those who are actually deficient may benefit from supplementing.</p>
<p><strong>4. Plays a Role During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding</strong></p>
<p>Biotin is important <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/pregnancy-diet-101/" target="_blank">during pregnancy</a> and breastfeeding. These life stages have been associated with an increased requirement for this vitamin ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25122647" target="_blank">12</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9329428" target="_blank">13</a> ).</p>
<p>In fact, it has been estimated that up to 50 percent of pregnant women may develop a mild biotin deficiency. This means that it may start to affect their well-being slightly, but isn’t severe enough to cause noticeable symptoms ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9164991/" target="_blank">14</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19056637/" target="_blank">15</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11815321" target="_blank">16</a> ).</p>
<p>Deficiencies are thought to occur due to the faster biotin breakdown within the body during pregnancy ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9176832/" target="_blank">17</a> ).</p>
<p>Additionally, a major cause for concern is that animal studies have found that a biotin deficiency during pregnancy may cause birth defects ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12888630/" target="_blank">18</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10632957/" target="_blank">19</a> , <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8263603/" target="_blank">20</a> ).</p>
<p>Nevertheless, remember to always consult your doctor or dietitian/nutritionist before taking supplements during pregnancy and <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/breastfeeding-diet-101/" target="_blank">while breastfeeding</a> .</p>
<p><strong>Summary:</strong> If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, your biotin requirements may go up. Up to 50 percent of women may get less of this vitamin than they need during pregnancy.</p>
<p><strong>5. May Lower Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetics</strong></p>
<p>Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease. It’s characterized by high blood sugar levels and impaired insulin function.</p>
<p>Researchers have studied how biotin supplements affect blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics.</p>
<p>Some evidence shows biotin concentrations in blood may be lower in people with diabetes, compared to healthy individuals ( <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269972103" target="_blank">21</a> ).</p>
<p>Studies in diabetics given biotin alone have provided mixed results ( <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269972103" target="_blank">21</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14749229" target="_blank">22</a> ).</p>
<p>However, several controlled studies indicate that biotin supplements, combined with the mineral chromium, may <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/15-ways-to-lower-blood-sugar/" target="_blank">lower blood sugar levels</a> in some people with type 2 diabetes ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17496732" target="_blank">23</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17684468" target="_blank">24</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17109595" target="_blank">25</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17506119" target="_blank">26</a> ).</p>
<p><strong>Summary:</strong> When combined with chromium, biotin may help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.</p>
<p><strong>6. May Benefit the Skin</strong></p>
<p>Biotin’s role in skin health isn’t well understood. However, it is known that you may get red, scaly skin rashes if you’re deficient ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1764357" target="_blank">27</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15165201" target="_blank">28</a> ).</p>
<p>Some studies also suggest that biotin deficiency may sometimes cause a skin disorder called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seborrhoeic_dermatitis" target="_blank">seborrheic dermatitis</a> , also known as cradle cap ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14678527" target="_blank">29</a> , <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4261960" target="_blank">30</a> ).</p>
<p>Biotin’s role in skin health may be related to its effect on fat metabolism, which is important for the skin and may be impaired when biotin is lacking ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1764357" target="_blank">27</a> ).</p>
<p>There is no evidence showing that biotin improves skin health in people who aren’t deficient in the vitamin.</p>
<p><strong>Summary:</strong> People with a biotin deficiency may experience skin problems. However, there is no evidence that the vitamin has benefits for skin in people who aren’t deficient.</p>
<p><strong>7. Affects Multiple Sclerosis</strong></p>
<p>Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease. In MS, the protective covering of nerve fibers in the brain, spinal cord and eyes is damaged or destroyed ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1710177" target="_blank">31</a> ).</p>
<p>This protective sheath is called myelin and biotin is thought to be an important factor in producing it ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26327679" target="_blank">32</a> ).</p>
<p>A pilot study in 23 people with progressive MS tested the use of high doses of biotin. More than 90 percent of participants had some degree of clinical improvement ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25787192" target="_blank">33</a> ).</p>
<p>While this finding needs much more study, at least two randomized controlled trials have been carried out in people with progressive MS. The final results have not been published, but the preliminary results are promising ( <a href="http://www.neurology.org/content/86/16_Supplement/S49.004" target="_blank">34</a> , <a href="http://www.neurology.org/content/84/14_Supplement/PL2.002" target="_blank">35</a> , <a href="http://www.neurology.org/content/86/16_Supplement/S49.005" target="_blank">36</a> ).</p>
<p><strong>Summary:</strong> High biotin doses hold promise for treating multiple sclerosis, a serious disease that affects the central nervous system.</p>
<p><strong>Which Foods Contain Biotin?</strong></p>
<p>Biotin is found in a wide variety of foods, so an actual deficiency is rare.</p>
<p>Foods that are particularly good sources include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Organ meats, such as liver and kidney</li>
<li>Yeast</li>
<li>Egg yolks</li>
<li>Cheese</li>
<li>Legumes, such as soybeans and peanuts</li>
<li>Leafy greens</li>
<li>Cauliflower</li>
<li>Mushrooms</li>
<li>Nuts and nut butters</li>
</ul>
<p>In addition, your gut bacteria produce some amount of biotin. It’s also available as a supplement, either on its own or as a component of mixed vitamin supplements.</p>
<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Many foods contain significant amounts of biotin and it is also available as a supplement. Your gut bacteria can also produce it.</p>
<p><strong>Safety and Side Effects</strong></p>
<p>Biotin is considered very safe. Even mega doses of up to 300 milligrams daily to treat multiple sclerosis have not led to adverse side effects ( <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25787192" target="_blank">33</a> ).</p>
<p>To put this in perspective, 300 milligrams is 10,000 times the commonly recommended 30 microgram dose for adults.</p>
<p>Because it’s a water-soluble vitamin, excess amounts are excreted in urine.</p>
<p>However, there have been some reports of high-dose biotin causing strange results on thyroid tests, so check with a doctor before using if you are currently taking thyroid medication ( <a href="http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc1602096" target="_blank">37</a> ).</p>
<p><strong>Summary:</strong> Biotin appears very safe, even at extremely high doses. There are no known side effects of supplementing with biotin.</p>
<p><strong>The Bottom Line</strong></p>
<p>Biotin is a B-vitamin that plays a crucial role in carb, fat and protein metabolism.</p>
<p>Many of its potential health benefits are based on weak evidence. Nonetheless, it may be important for your skin, hair and nails.</p>
<p>Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women may require more biotin. High doses are also being investigated as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis.</p>
<p>You can find biotin in a wide variety of foods, so actual deficiency is very rare.</p>
<p>For this reason, supplements probably have no significant benefits for healthy people who eat <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/healthy-eating-for-beginners/" target="_blank">a balanced diet based on real food</a> .</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from our media associate <a href="https://authoritynutrition.com/biotin-benefits/" target="_blank">Authority Nutrition</a> .</em><br /></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-38402707842859268782016-10-14T08:47:00.001-07:002016-10-14T08:47:07.595-07:00It's Official: Injection of Fracking Wastewater Caused Kansas’ Biggest Earthquake<ol>
<li>The largest earthquake ever recorded in Kansas—a 4.9 magnitude temblor that struck northeast of Milan on Nov. 12, 2014—has been officially linked to wastewater injection into deep underground wells, according to new research from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).</li>
</ol>
<p>The epicenter of that extremely rare earthquake <a href="https://dutchsinse.com/11122014-4-8m-earthquake-strikes-kansas-fracking-operation-largest-movement-in-140-years/" target="_blank">struck near</a> a known <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/fracking/">fracking</a> operation.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.kansas.com/news/local/article108190992.html" target="_blank">The Wichita Eagle</a> noted from the study that this man-made quake, which hit 40 miles southwest of Wichita and felt as far away as Memphis, likely came from just one or two nearby wells. The publication ominously noted that, “one of those two wells, operated by <a href="https://sandridgeenergy.com/" target="_blank">SandRidge Energy</a> , is still injecting water at the same level as when the earthquake occurred two years ago.”</p>
<p>The USGS scientists believe that the 4.9-magnitude earthquake was triggered by wastewater injection for the following reasons:<br /></p>
<ul>
<li>There had not previously been similar earthquakes in the area.</li>
<li>There were waste-water injection wells nearby.</li>
<li>The earthquake activity started after the amount of water injected in the wells increased.</li>
<li>There’s a piece of earth that could be activated by changes in pressure.</li>
</ul>
<p>Kansas has had a long history with fracking. In fact, the first well ever fracked in the United States happened in 1947 in the Sunflower state. The process is now used for <a href="http://www.kansas.com/news/article1087482.html" target="_blank">nearly all</a> of the 5,000 conventional wells drilled in Kansas every year.<br /></p>
<p>But just like Oklahoma, Kansas is seeing an <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/alarming-uptick-of-earthquakes-in-kansas-linked-to-fracking-with-52-in-1882114801.html" target="_blank">alarming uptick</a> of “induced” earthquakes connected to the underground disposal of wastewater from the fracking process. Kansas is a region previously devoid of significant seismic activity, however, the number of earthquakes in the state jumped from only four in 2013 to 817 in 2014, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/10/27/southern-kansas-sees-sudden-spike-in-earthquakes/" target="_blank">The Washington Post</a> reported.<br /></p>
<p>According to an August report from <a href="http://www.kansas.com/news/local/article94679727.html" target="_blank">The Wichita Eagle</a> , Kansas has seen fewer and weaker earthquakes following the Kansas Corporation Commission’s recommendations to reduce underground injection of oilfield wastewater.</p>
<p>Incidentally, the Milan quake and the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/oklahoma-earthquake-largest-on-record-1998208742.html" target="_blank">record-breaking 5.8 earthquake</a> that struck Pawnee, Oklahoma last month occurred on faults that scientists did not previously know existed.<br /></p>
<p>“If the well is in the right place next to a fault and the fault is oriented the right way, a little change in stress could cause (an earthquake) to occur,” USGS geologist George Choy, the study’s lead author, told The Wichita Eagle.<br /></p>
<p>The study will be published in <em>Seismological Research Letters</em> next month.<br /></p>
<p>“The source parameters and behavior of the Milan earthquake and foreshock–aftershock sequence are similar to characteristics of other earthquakes induced by wastewater injection into permeable formations overlying crystalline basement,” the study <a href="http://srl.geoscienceworld.org/content/early/2016/09/08/0220160100" target="_blank">abstract</a> states.</p>
<p>SandRidge Energy is the largest oil producer in Kansas and the largest disposer of wastewater in Oklahoma. <a href="http://www.kansas.com/news/local/article54220685.html" target="_blank">In January</a> , the Oklahoma-based company refused to abide by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s recommendations to shut down or decrease wastewater injection in order to prevent more earthquakes. The company agreed to shut down wells and reduce wastewater volumes <a href="https://stateimpact.npr.org/oklahoma/2016/03/23/regulators-approve-new-rules-to-settle-disputes-over-earthquake-actions/" target="_blank">months later</a> .<br /></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-15258530372105351802016-10-14T08:42:00.001-07:002016-10-14T08:42:18.856-07:00Duke Energy 'Asleep at the Switch,' Takes News Station to Inform Them of Dam Breach<p>The embarrassment continues for <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/solar-war-continues-in-north-carolina-nonprofit-vs-duke-energy-1891168741.html">Duke Energy</a> who is dealing with the breach of a 1.2-billion-gallon <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/duke-energy-hurricane-matthew-flooding-2042199295.html">cooling pond dam</a> at its H.F. Lee plant due to flooding from <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-deniers-drudge-limbaugh-2039601400.html">Hurricane Matthew</a> .</p>
<p>It all began Wednesday morning when Duke Energy issued a statement claiming that the “ash basin and cooling pond dams across the state continue to operate safely,” but then helicopter footage from Raleigh’s local television station WRAL showed that one of the dams had been breached.</p>
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<p>In the statement, Duke Energy also attacked <a href="http://waterkeeper.org/" target="_blank">Waterkeeper Alliance</a> for raising what Duke considered <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2016/10/13/tv-station-tipped-duke-energy-to-breach-caused-by.html" target="_blank">inaccurate and inappropriate concerns</a> about the safety of coal ash ponds in the wake of Matthew.</p>
<p>On Thursday, Duke spokeswoman Erin Culbert confirmed to the <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2016/10/13/tv-station-tipped-duke-energy-to-breach-caused-by.html" target="_blank">Charlotte Business Journal</a> that the company found out about the breach after WRAL contacted Duke about a half-hour after their statement came out and shared its <a href="http://www.wral.com/environmentalists-fear-coal-ash-spills-from-flooding/16111388/" target="_blank">video</a> . Culbert said a Duke inspection crew had flown over the area earlier in the morning and, at the time, the dam was intact and showed no signs of stress. After they saw the video, the company put out an update acknowledging the damage at the dam.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="CM3NB71476458845" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="fc88c" src="https://assets.rbl.ms/8272942/980x.jpg" name="fc88c" /> <small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="add caption...">The breach at the main cooling pond is visible on the right of the photo and is releasing to the Neuse River, which is outside of the frame on the left.</small> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="add photo credit...">Duke Energy</small></p>
<p>“We are really grateful for their good timing which allowed us to respond and put our emergency protocols into effect,” Culbert said.<br /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/community/donna_lisenby" target="_self">Donna Lisenby</a> of Waterkeeper Alliance said this incident proves Duke Energy was “asleep at the switch when it was supposed to be monitoring the safety of dams at the H.F. Lee facility during record setting floods.”<br /></p>
<p>“They weren’t aware of a 50-foot wide breach in the cooling pond dam until notified by a TV crew. How is it possible for a company with helicopters actively flying over dams and hundreds of engineers to miss a 50-foot-wide breach? Apparently, one small WRAL news crew is more competent and better at monitoring the safety and integrity of Duke Energy dams than all the hundreds of Duke Energy employees and contractors combined,” Lisenby exclaimed.<br /></p>
<p>Duke Energy <a href="https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/cooling-pond-at-duke-energy-s-h-f-lee-plant-breaks;-minimal-river-impact-expected" target="_blank">said</a> the 545-acre man-made reservoir that was breached does not contain <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/35-students-occupy-deq-lobby-demanding-investigation-of-illegal-coal-a-1882187900.html">coal ash</a> and supplies cooling water to power plants at the site. It said the active ash basins are not affected by this incident and continue to operate safely.<br /></p>
<p>“We are giving this our fullest attention,” said Regis Repko, senior vice president of Fossil-Hydro Operations. “We are assessing what resources we need and will position repair materials so we can respond quickly once conditions are safe to do so.”</p>
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<p>Waterkeeper Alliance said they remain very concerned about the integrity of Duke Energy’s ash pond dams as the river recedes over the next week.</p>
<p>“This failure likely happened because the river has begun to recede, which is when structural problems often develop,” Pete Harrison, staff attorney at Waterkeeper Alliance, and Matthew Starr, Upper Neuse Riverkeeper, said Wednesday. “Like so many of <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/victims-of-coal-ash-contamination-demand-access-to-solar-at-duke-energ-1882036841.html" target="_self">Duke Energy’s coal ash ponds</a> across the state, the cooling pond at Lee has a long history of structural problems—these are disasters waiting to happen.”<br /></p>
<p>In addition to concerns at Duke Energy’s coal ash ponds, environmentalists are keeping an eye on floodwaters that have washed over <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/interactive-map-shows-how-6-500-factory-farms-put-north-carolinians-at-1891180306.html" target="_self">factory farms</a> in eastern North Carolina following the storm.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/flooding-factory-farms-coal-ash-2041486709.html">Millions of chickens</a> are feared dead after at least a half-dozen poultry houses were found completely flooded and tens of thousands of carcasses were seen floating the water in Cumberland and Robinson counties.</p>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-39086895745972766852016-10-14T07:42:00.001-07:002016-10-14T07:42:36.509-07:00Climate Denier Ted Cruz Debunked Again<p>Climate-denying arguments by <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/11-reasons-why-everybody-hates-ted-cruz-1882128569.html">Ted Cruz</a> at a Senate committee hearing last year have been soundly debunked by a new study published in the <a href="http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/abs/10.1175/JCLI-D-16-0333.1" target="_blank">Journal of Climate</a> . Testimony at the hearing attacked <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/">climate change</a> by using cherry-picked satellite temperature data allegedly inconsistent with global warming. The paper found errors in this analysis that refutes the bogus claims.</p>
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<p>In the midst of the Texas senator’s stillborn run for nomination as the Republican presidential candidate, he used his position as chairman of the Subcommittee on Space, Science and Competitiveness to convene a <a href="http://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/hearings?ID=CA2ABC55-B1E8-4B7A-AF38-34821F6468F7" target="_blank">hearing</a> entitled, “Data or Dogma? Promoting Open Inquiry in the Debate over the Magnitude of Human Impact on Earth’s Climate."Hand-picked witnesses included noted climate skeptics <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/16/us/skeptic-of-climate-change-john-christy-finds-himself-a-target-of-suspicion.html?_r=0" target="_blank">John Christy</a> , <a href="http://www.npr.org/2013/08/22/213894792/uncertain-science-judith-currys-take-on-climate-change" target="_blank">Judith Curry</a> , conservative author <a href="http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/12/08/why-is-shock-jock-mark-steyn-testifying-at-a-se/207349" target="_blank">Mark Steyn</a> and Princeton University’s William Harper. Harper was caught up in a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/09/science/greenpeace-subterfuge-tests-climate-research.html?_r=0" target="_blank">sting operation</a> by Greenpeace last year when he agreed to write a paper that, he was told, would be paid for by an unnamed Middle Eastern oil and gas company that wanted the payments to remain undisclosed.</p>
<p>The core of the arguments in the Senate hearing centered around satellite data that measures the emissions of oxygen molecules in the atmosphere using microwave sensors and uses that to extrapolate temperature. It’s not the same as sticking a thermometer in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troposphere" target="_blank">troposphere</a> . These datasets are among the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/jan/18/ted-cruz-fact-check-which-temperature-data-are-the-best" target="_blank">least reliable</a> .</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="LP8EU51476455642" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-690530399143886848" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-690530399143886848&created_ts=1453470251.0&screen_name=MichaelEMann&text=%22Snow-Deprived+Ski+Industry+Wants+to+Know+What+%40TedCruz+Plans+to+Do+About+%23ClimateChange%22+by+Cole+Mellino+%40EcoWatch%3A+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FmlbBFlrq17&id=690530399143886848&name=Michael+E.+Mann" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-690530399143886848"></iframe></p>
<p>The study looked at two claims made by the climate skeptics: that temperatures in the mid-troposphere are rising three times faster in climate models than measured by satellites, and that there has been no statistically significant warming in the troposphere for 18 years. The researchers, who hail from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, NOAA and private research firm <a href="http://www.remss.com" target="_blank">Remote Sensing Systems</a> , found that the "three times faster” divergence is significantly reduced when the most recent data is used and when the effects of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratosphere" target="_blank">stratospheric</a> cooling on the troposphere is accounted for.</p>
<p>“Next, we assess the validity of the statement that satellite data show no significant tropospheric warming over the last 18 years,” states the report. “This claim is not supported by our analysis: in five out of six corrected satellite TMT [mid- to upper troposphere] records, significant global-scale tropospheric warming has occurred within the last 18 years.”</p>
<p>Environmental scientist <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/jan/18/ted-cruz-fact-check-which-temperature-data-are-the-best" target="_blank">Dana Nuccitelli</a> , writing in The Guardian in response to the views aired in the Dec. 8, 2015 hearing, stated, “In the end, Ted Cruz’s claim is rated false by every objective measure.” New Mexico Senator Tom Udall, a Democratic member of the committee, <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2015/12/08/senate-democrats-blast-ted-cruz-for-climate-change-denial" target="_blank">said</a> , “Climate change should be a bipartisan issues. That is why it is so regrettable today with the way Sen. Cruz is proceeding.”</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="A1NDEL1476455642" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-673126832397541376" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-673126832397541376&created_ts=1449320917.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=11+Reasons+Why+Everybody+Hates+%23TedCruz+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2Fb5nzkJvxoM+%40Trevornoah+%40TheDailyShow+%40billmckibben+%40MarkRuffalo+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2Fp7HpKRceKs&id=673126832397541376&name=EcoWatch" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-673126832397541376"></iframe></p>
<p>It has been well reported that Ted Cruz repeatedly <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/ted-cruz-lies-again-about-the-science-of-climate-change-1882107149.html">lies</a> about the science of climate change, has used his position in the Senate to <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/watch-climate-denier-ted-cruz-bully-sierra-club-president-in-senate-he-1882106755.html">bully</a> Sierra Club president Aaron Mair, works to promote his <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/ted-cruz-continues-to-coddle-his-fossil-fuel-funders-in-wake-of-deadly-1882045773.html">fossil-fuel funders</a> and calls climate change a “ <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/watch-this-alarming-video-of-ted-cruz-attacking-climate-change-as-a-re-1882116533.html">religion</a> .”</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-60769588292217611692016-10-14T07:02:00.001-07:002016-10-14T07:02:50.197-07:00London Zoo Placed on Lockdown When Gorilla Escaped 'Through Open Cage Door'<p>The London Zoo was placed on lockdown Thursday after a 400-pound adult western lowland <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/leading-primatologist-weighs-in-on-controversy-surrounding-shooting-an-1891148335.html">silverback gorilla</a> escaped from his enclosure around 5:15 p.m. local time.</p>
<p>Visitors at the Gorilla Kingdom exhibit were given quite a scare when the 18-year-old silverback, Kumbuka, began smashing his way out of the enclosure—a few seconds of which was caught on video.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="QGQC9D1476453145" frameborder="0" height="480" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U7ooG0zqRjk" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>Some visitors were ushered <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-37652212" target="_blank">into indoor areas</a> where they could be kept safe and others were evacuated while Gorilla Kingdom staff and police searched for Kumbuka.</p>
<p>Malcolm Fitzpatrick, curator of mammals at the zoo, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/oct/13/gorilla-reported-to-have-escaped-at-london-zoo" target="_blank">told</a> The Guardian Kumbuka’s escape was a “minor incident” and that he got into a secure keeper area that was not open to the public. He was tranquilized around 7 p.m. and returned to the Gorilla Kingdom where he was given extra treats and was interacting with the rest of his family.<br /></p>
<p>“At no time were any of our visitors in any danger,” Fitzpatrick said. “The gorilla did not get out of the safe space, there were only about 100 visitors, it was the end of the day and I would like to thank all of those visitors for co-operating and moving into buildings.”<br /></p>
<p>The zoo is launching a full investigation into how Kumbuka got out of his enclosure, but sources say that the cage door to the gorilla’s enclosure was left open. “Every enclosure has a gated area which is off-limits to the public to stop animals running straight past when the door is opened,” the source <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/14/london-zoo-gorilla-escaped-through-open-cage-door/" target="_blank">told</a> The Telegraph. “That door shouldn’t have been left open.”</p>
<p>The <a href="https://give.bornfree.org.uk/" target="_blank">Born Free Foundation</a> <a href="http://www.bornfree.org.uk/campaigns/zoo-check/zoo-news/article/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=2334#.WAC7OjcwUA4" target="_blank">said</a> Friday it is “deeply concerned” about Kumbuka’s escape and is calling for an “urgent inquiry” into the circumstances surrounding it.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="QXWGY91476453143" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-786886676538875908" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-786886676538875908&created_ts=1476443377.0&screen_name=BFFoundation&text=Born+Free+deeply+concerned+by+reports+of+gorilla+escape+at+London+Zoo+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2F6k0aJS5ECr+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FSUEbhVhl7n&id=786886676538875908&name=Born+Free+Foundation" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-786886676538875908"></iframe></p>
<p>“While we are relieved that this incident apparently ended without injury to visitors or to Kumbuka, it is yet another startling reminder of the risks associated with maintaining dangerous wild animals in captivity,” Chris Draper, associate director for Animal Welfare and Care at the Born Free Foundation, said. “This incident could have ended very differently.”<br /></p>
<p>When the escape occurred, the Born Free Foundation said it was already investigating “unconfirmed reports from a BBC journalist of damage to the perimeter glass at the gorilla enclosure and of a previous near-escape involving the gorillas.”<br /></p>
<p>Born Free, which wants to see zoos phased out, is also calling on the government advisory committee on zoo issues to investigate the safety and welfare of <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/gorilla-declared-critically-endangered-1997690720.html">great apes</a> in UK zoos.</p>
<p>“How many more times does this sort of incident have to happen? How many times must people be put at serious risk before what Born Free has been saying for years is acknowledged? Zoos simply cannot guarantee the safety of their visitors and their animals,” said Will Travers, president of the Born Free Foundation .</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="G4D1OG1476453143" frameborder="0" height="150" id="twitter-embed-772917379810619392" scrolling="no" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-772917379810619392&created_ts=1473112838.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=World%27s+Largest+Gorilla+Declared+Critically+Endangered+-+EcoWatch+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2F7ZpyQJISuG+%40SWildlifepics+%40anon99percenter+%40MoveTheWorld&id=772917379810619392&name=EcoWatch" width="100%" name="twitter-embed-772917379810619392"></iframe></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-71114087670896848502016-10-13T17:56:00.001-07:002016-10-13T17:56:16.316-07:00$5B solar project planned for Nye County Nevada<img src="http://solarsolutionsteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_1013-kevin-smith_7183194.jpg" alt="$5B solar project planned for Nye County Nevada" width="150" /> 3,000 construction jobs and 250 operational jobs are at stake in a major solar panel project proposed for southern Nevada. While the final location has not been identified, the proposed project is 5 times the cost of the recently completed Crescent Dunes solar plant, also in Nye County. The 10-tower project could take up as…
<p><a class="excerpt-read-more btn btn-primary" href="http://solarsolutionsteam.com/5b-solar-project-planned-for-nye-county-nevada/?utm_source=Solar%20Power%20Industry%20News%20and%20Information&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=OneFeedSC" title="Read $5B solar project planned for Nye County Nevada">Read More</a></p>
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<a href="http://solarsolutionsteam.com/5b-solar-project-planned-for-nye-county-nevada/?utm_source=Solar%20Power%20Industry%20News%20and%20Information&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=OneFeedSC">$5B solar project planned for Nye County Nevada</a> published first on <a href="http://solarsolutionsteam.com">Solar Solutions Team Blog</a>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700279590311313661.post-44345141444773347012016-10-13T17:31:00.001-07:002016-10-13T17:31:14.592-07:00Outrageous! Felony Charges Given to Journalist Filming Anti-Pipeline Protest<p>Many of you may have read my post on <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/arrest-dakota-access-pipeline-josh-fox-2043414741.html">EcoWatch this morning</a> , and already know that Deia Schlosberg, the producer of my new climate change documentary, <a href="http://www.howtoletgomovie.com/" target="_blank"><em>How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can’t Change</em> ,</a> was arrested Tuesday in Walhalla, North Dakota, for filming a <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-canada-pipelines-idUSKCN12B26O" target="_blank">protest action</a> against a pipeline bringing Canadian tar sands oil into the U.S.</p>
<p>But, what you probably don’t know is that she was escorted to the courthouse this afternoon and was charged with Class A and C felony charges that carry 45 years maximum sentences combined. The charges include, two Class A felony charges and one Class C felony charge, and conspiracy to theft of property, conspiracy to theft of services and conspiracy to tampering with or damaging a public service.</p>
<p>I am outraged and need your help. Please watch my Facebook video below, read the letter I’m asking you to sign and then if you want to sign it, comment below the article and we’ll add your name. Thank you!</p>
<p>Here’s my Facebook live video from just one hour ago:</p>
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<div class="fb-video" data-allowfullscreen="true" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/joshfoxintlwow/videos/10207495947892566/?pnref=story"></div>
</div>
<p>Here’s the letter I’m asking you to sign on to. Comment below if you’d like to be added to the letter.</p>
<p>Dear Colleagues and Friends,</p>
<p>I regret to inform you that documentary filmmaker Deia Schlosberg, producer of <em>How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can’t Change</em> was arrested while filming a protest action in North Dakota. She was held for 48 hours in Pembina County Jail without access to her attorney.</p>
<p>This should send a chill down the spine of every documentary filmmaker and journalist. In my view, the North Dakota police are in violation of the First Amendment, charging a documentary filmmaker with conspiracy rather than viewing her as a reporter/journalist exercising her First Amendment right is unfair, unjust and illegal. We need a show of support right now for Deia’s immense courage and for the First Amendment.</p>
<p>Now here is the really bad news and this is why we need you to act right now. This afternoon she was escorted to the courthouse where she was charged with Class A and C felony charges that carry 45 years maximum sentences combined. She has been charged with: two Class A felony charges and one Class C felony charge, and conspiracy to theft of property, conspiracy to theft of services and conspiracy to tampering with or damaging a public service.</p>
<p>These charges are a threat to our freedom of expression on the most basic level and especially to documentary filmmaking. If we cannot film events as they’re happening, especially protest events or events that the establishment and the police might consider crime, we will never work or live in the same way again.</p>
<p>How many times have you been in a situation where people were being arrested and your camera was the only witness to the event that could truly portray what was happening?</p>
<p>Imagine now that simply by filming the actions of others you could face felony charges with maximum sentences of 45 years. That’s why we have a First Amendment. The Constitution protects the freedom of the press and our right to document events.</p>
<p>We need an outcry from all documentary filmmakers, journalists and artists immediately.</p>
<p>I’m asking you to sign onto a very simple letter that states this:</p>
<p>Dear members of the media, governor of North Dakota Jack Dalrymple, U.S. Attorney General Chris Myers and President Obama:</p>
<p>Deia Schlosberg was exercising her First Amendment right as a journalist. The state of North Dakota’s criminal complaint filed against her on Oct. 13 should be dropped immediately. Journalism, especially documentary filmmaking, is not a crime, it’s a responsibility. The freedom of the press is a fundamental right in our free society. The charges filed against her are an injustice that must be dropped immediately.</p>
Thank You:<br />
<ul>
<li>Josh Fox, Oscar Nominated director, documentarian and filmmaker</li>
<li>Daryl Hannah, actress/activist</li>
<li>Neil Young, musician</li>
<li>Frances Fisher, Activist, Treasurer - EMA, Actress</li>
<li>LEE CAMP, Host, Redacted Tonight</li>
<li>Christopher Ryan, writer</li>
<li>Bill McKibben, Writer, Co-Founder 350.org</li>
<li>Mark Ruffalo, Actor, Director, Activist</li>
<li>David Braun, Director, Writer, Producer</li>
<li>Alex Ebert (AKA Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros) golden globe winner</li>
<li>Steven Tabakin, Peabody Award-winning film producer</li>
<li>Chloe Maxmin, Founder First Here, Then Everywhere</li>
<li>Alexis Krauss, musician</li>
<li>Jon Bowermaster, author, filmmaker, journalist</li>
<li>Alexander Zaitchik, author/journalist</li>
<li>Francesca Fiorentini, Journalist</li>
<li>Paul Bassis, Producer</li>
<li>Tim DeChristopher, Founder of Climate Disobedience The Action Center for Education & Community Development, Inc.</li>
<li>Nathan Truesdell Documentary Filmmaker</li>
<li>Bethany Yarrow, singer/activist</li>
<li>Chris Paine, director “who killed the electric car”</li>
<li>Vallejo Gantner, curator, arts executive</li>
<li>Jane Kleeb, Our Revolution Board Member, Nebraska Democratic Party Chair-Elect</li>
<li>Tanya Rivero Warren, journalist</li>
<li>Maggie Surovell, Professor of voice and speech</li>
<li>Seven McDonald Award Winning Columnist (LA Weekly, Harper’s Bazaar, Nylon)</li>
<li>Henry Lai, director of product design, Echo360</li>
<li>Councilman Robert Eklund, Town of New Lisbon NY</li>
<li>Julia Pacetti President of JMP Verdant Communications</li>
<li>Deborah Parker, Tulalip Tribal Citizen, Board Member, Our Revolution</li>
<li>Greg King, Editor, Filmmaker</li>
<li>Alex Tyson, Filmmaker</li>
<li>Alison Klayman, Sundance-winning, Emmy-nominated documentarian and filmmaker</li>
<li>Stefanie Spear, Founder/CEO EcoWatch</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00932345275883744958noreply@blogger.com0