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By Simmons Buntin, April 20, 2011 12:35 pm

Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard.

The Center for American Progress released two reports on the one-year anniversary of the BP blowout: “The Gulf One Year Later: Beyond Rhetoric?” by Michael Conathan, which discusses the Congressional response to the economic and environmental catastrophe, and “One Year Later BP Still Not ‘Making It Right’” by Jorge Madrid and Kiley Kroh, outlining the lack of accountability and responsibility on the part of BP to restore the Gulf since the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

In “The Gulf One Year Later: Beyond Rhetoric?,” Michael Conathan discusses the congressional response to the BP spill, which claimed the lives of 11 men and set off an 87-day environmental nightmare. The explosion also triggered an equally ferocious barrage of rhetoric in the nation’s capital. A frantic burst of congressional hearings emerged as the immediate oversight response. As usual, they were full of sound and fury—sadly but not surprisingly—signifying nothing. The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that 101 oil-spill-related bills were introduced in the 111th Congress, which came to a close in 2010. Exactly zero were enacted into law. Another 15 have been introduced so far this year—none of which has been acted upon by their committee of jurisdiction. This article explores past efforts and current efforts within the legislature and the administration and why this legislation has not been promulgated a year later.

Members of Congress should work toward passing legislation that would:

• Mandate that 80 percent of BP’s Clean Water Act fines be sent directly to the Gulf Coast to repair environmental and economic damage
• Strengthen provisions ensuring local stakeholders have a voice in prioritizing the use of the funds

For the full article, click here.

“One Year Later BP Still Not ‘Making It Right’” by Jorge Madrid and Kiley Kroh outlines the lack of responsibility and accountability by BP to fully compensate for the damage done to individuals, businesses, and the fragile ecosystem of the Gulf region. Despite the administration’s insistence that BP bear the entire cost of the unprecedented cleanup, it looks like taxpayers will be picking up half the bill. The galling payouts don’t end there, either. Transocean gave its top executives safety bonuses in December 2010 and Ken Feinberg and his firm, Feinberg Rozen, which was hired by BP to manage the claims process, negotiated themselves a raise, now receiving pay of $1.25 million a month. BP has made clear that it will be ending compensation proceedings for individuals and businesses by 2013 and is exploring a loophole in the wording of the Clean Water Act that could dramatically reduce its liability for significant penalties under both the Clean Water Act and NRDA.

To provide proper oversight and strategic spending, the following steps should be taken:

• Establish an independent citizens’ advisory council to ensure the money goes to appropriate projects
• BP and other responsible parties should be required to make an immediate down payment on the NRDA process
• Responsible parties should be prevented from using the court system to further delay payment while legal challenges are pending

For the full article, click here.

To speak with CAP experts on this topic, please contact Christina DiPasquale at 202.481.8181 or cdipasquale@americanprogress.org.

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The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan research and educational institute dedicated to promoting a strong, just and free America that ensures opportunity for all. We believe that Americans are bound together by a common commitment to these values and we aspire to ensure that our national policies reflect these values. We work to find progressive and pragmatic solutions to significant domestic and international problems and develop policy proposals that foster a government that is “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

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By Rafael Otto, March 31, 2011 12:43 pm

Jeff Alt, an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, offers great tips and strategies for families to head outdoors. In addition to walking the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail, Jeff Alt has walked the 218-mile John Muir Trail with his wife, and trekked across a 50-mile path of Ireland with his wife, young daughter, and extended family. He and his wife emerged from the church doors on their wedding day with backpacks. His son was taken on his first hike at 8 weeks.

Check out his advice for getting the kids outside.

Best Tips for Teaching Your Kids to Enjoy Hiking

“Getting kids outside is more important than ever,” says outdoor enthusiast and author Jeff Alt. “TV, computer and video game addictions are replacing outdoor play time and contributing significantly to the national obesity epidemic! Get the kids outside!”

Start Early-Develop A Routine:

• Start hiking with your newborn.

• Let the child lead.  This helps you focus on what they’re interested in and keeps you from leaving them in your dust.

• Take a family walk once a day.

Prepare your family for your adventure:

• Research the destination & activity.
  • Maps, guidebooks, websites, local experts, rangers, lectures.

• Choose a trail that offers easy access to domesticated amenities.  Be a parent, not a Sherpa.

• Check into transportation options.  Have a plan for what to do if you need to get off the trail.

• What kinds of wildlife can you expect?  Will water be available? What are the weather and terrain like?  Avoid hiking in freezing temperatures, lightning storms, and extreme heat.

• Get everyone fitted into boots and packs.

• Clothing- NO COTTON! Dress in layers (synthetics, fleece, wool, and waterproof breathable items).
  • • Rain jacket
    • Hat
    • Shirt
    • Socks
    • Shorts/pants
    • underwear
  • Deet Free bug repellant
  • Children’s sunscreen

• Train before you go. This will help you adjust to carrying the pack, and your child will acclimate to the routine.
• Bring plenty of water.

Think Food – Think Fun:

Pack your kids favorite snacks to encourage your kids to eat and stay energized.

Bring items that are easy to prepare or ready to eat.

• Freeze-dried meals
• Pasta/rice/beans
• Foil-wrapped meats such as tuna or chicken
• Dehydrated fruit and veggies
• Sliced apples, grapes, bananas, carrots
• Energy bars or granola bars
• Peanut butter
• Cheese and sausage
• Bagels, tortillas, crackers, candy bars, nuts
• Oatmeal and dried cereals

Learn First Aid and be prepared for trail emergencies:

Carry a first-aid kit, and brush up on child first aid and CPR. Learn about the dangers of hypothermia, and monitor children for signs. Pack your child’s medication.

Learn how to use a compass and map or GPS. Learn how to make a shelter. If you get lost, make yourself as visible as possible. Place a bright item (e.g. item of clothing or gear) in the open. Make distress signals and make noise. If you brought a cell phone, see if it works. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member.

Keep the journey fun:

Whatever animal or rock your child takes interest in, stop and explore with them. Talk to your child about what you’re seeing.  Label the animals, rocks, trees, and flowers. Tone down your mileage goals to the comfort level of your child.

Engage older children with trip planning, animals, local history, or anything that applies to what they are learning in school.

Let your older child bring along a friend.

Entice the computer kids with gadgets (e.g. GPS, pedometers).

More on Jeff Alt:

Alt is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). His adventures have been featured in media nationwide including: ESPN, Hallmark Channel, the AP, CNN-Radio, NPR, and more. Alt’s award-winning books, A Walk for Sunshine and A Hike for Mike, have been reviewed in Library Journal, Chicago Sun Times and more.

For more information visit www.jeffalt.com

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By Rafael Otto, December 29, 2010 8:49 am

1/9/11 marks the premiere of Tucson’s newest radio show: “The Jake Feinberg Show.” Feinberg plans on exploring community, what it means and how it functions, while considering how America’s values have changed over the past fifty years. Feinberg will host a wide range of guests and play some great music — primarily west coast jazz from the 50s and funk from the early 70s.

Mark your calendars and tune in at 4:00 Sunday afternoons on KJLL AM 1330.

Click here to listen to my interview with the host, Jake Feinberg, featuring audio clips and a suggested reading list for all things 70s.

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By Rafael Otto, December 4, 2010 12:23 pm

TED began in 1984 as a way to bring together people from the fields of Technology, Entertainment and Design. The nonprofit has since expanded to host speakers from numerous specialties in venues around the world. Their mission is simple: Ideas Worth Spreading.

TEDx (x=independently organized TED event) offers organizers a framework to initiate local, grassroots presentations and discussions. TEDxTucson’s premier gathering took place on Friday, December 3 at the Rialto Theatre in downtown Tucson. The topic: Innovating Our Green Economy. Jane Poynter, a crew member of the historic Biosphere 2 project, hosted the evening.

Among many notable speakers were Dr. George Land of the Arizona Innovation Institute who compressed two million years of human history into a twelve month calendar. On that scale, human beings finally discovered fire by mid-November. All of the change and innovation of the last century would be compressed into the final moments on December 31. Most importantly, he stressed the significance of creative, innovative thinking to help guide us toward a sustainable future. By suggesting that we return to creative thought patterns from our earlier years, about age 5, we would stimulate innovative ideas by physically using larger portions of our brain, specifically activating the frontal lobe.

Bruce Wright discussed the current state of solar power innovation at the University of Arizona’s Science and Tech Park Solar Zone. The Solar Zone is on track to start producing enough solar-generated electricity to meet its own energy needs, as well as generating power for the Tucson community.

James MacAdam of the Watershed Management Group suggested something quite simple: less concrete = less water runoff = more urban green spaces.

Ever considered growing chemical-free food with artificial light and no soil? Josh Hottenstein of Verdant Earth Technologies discussed “containerized” growing systems that use 99% less water than conventional field-based crops. In fact, these systems are already being used by some Subway restaurants in Japan, providing fresh lettuce grown on location.

Jonathan Northover painted a hopeful picture for the future of all electric vehicles, one where cars might use interchangeable batteries at stations along America’s highways to reduce charging time. He left the audience, and Jane Poynter, drooling over the sporty, $60,000 Tesla S which will be available in 2012. The vehicle can travel up to 300 miles per charge, go from 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds, has no tailpipe emissions, and is built in California.

The message at TEDxTucson was upbeat, hopeful and encouraging, and every speaker left the audience thinking about prospects for the future. From entrepreneurship to regional policy to rainwater harvesting at our homes, the event set the stage for developing Tucson’s green economy, opening the doors for ideas and innovation. Only one question remains, how will you play your part?

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By Rafael Otto, November 30, 2010 10:10 pm

Bangkok At Night. Photo Credit: Benh LIEU SONG

Pop X is the first newsletter from the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) dedicated solely to the issues related to human overpopulation and overconsumption, as well as the the extinction crisis and its effects on biodiversity.

As of this post, the CBD reports that the current world population is 6,888,183,791. Click here for the current tally. That same page offers information and resources exploring the link between human overpopulation and the extinction crisis.

This chart from the U.S. Geological Survey illustrates the correlation between extinction rates and human population growth:

The CBD suggests that “species are disappearing about 1,000 times faster than is typical of the planet’s history.” The current cause? Human population growth at an unsustainable rate.

Need to know more? Get the Pop X newsletter by signing up here, and find out how you can be part of the solution.

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By Rafael Otto, November 23, 2010 7:03 am

The around-the-world race featuring electric-only vehicles reaches Tucson today. Vehicles will be on display at Bookmans (1930 E. Grant Road) from 3:30 to 5:00. After beginning in Geneva, Switzerland on August 16, participants have traversed Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and were transported by boat to Vancouver, British Columbia. After traveling the west coast of the United States and crossing Nevada and Arizona, the race will continue to Austin, Texas and then south into Mexico.

And it’s a race unconcerned with speed. The Zero Emissions Race is exploring vehicle reliability and energy efficiency, as well as design features and current technology. Organizers also wanted to send a message to the World Climate Change Conference being held in Cancun, Mexico next month: Renewable energy is viable and ready to use.

Find out about the teams, vehicles, challenges and adventures by reading the race blog. Follow the 80-day World Route by clicking here.

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By Rafael Otto, November 20, 2010 6:52 pm

Human beings will be the primary artistic medium for the world’s largest display of art spanning the globe at twenty locations. Visible from space and organized by 350.org, the installation begins on Saturday, November 20 and will last for a week.

Why art? 350 EARTH is designed to add a fresh perspective to the scientific debate on global warming. 350.org founder, Bill McKibben, says, “We realize that the human mind doesn’t only respond to bar graphs and pie charts, that art is an important part of how we take in the world and it can help us perceive things we wouldn’t otherwise perceive.”

The installation will take place the week before the United Nations resumes negotiations in Cancun, Mexico on a global climate treaty. The message for the international community from 350 EARTH activists is simple: It’s time to save the planet.

Frustrated by the lack of progress in addressing climate change, 350.org founders turned to art to help communicate the threat of global warming and increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. The project also aims to stress the importance of global cooperation while embracing scientific, political, and economic partnerships.

McKibben, “Art can’t do this job by itself – we need science and engineering and economics and all the functions of the right brain fully engaged. But humans have deep spirit too, and we’re counting on that to help.”

Photo credit: 350.org/Sara Martin

From Jaime Henn, co-founder and communications director for 350.org, “We’ve never faced something quite as big as climate change. Art’s ability to help us see the crisis for all that it is – and imagine the solutions we need to solve it – will be crucial to our success.”

Forty-two years ago, the crew of Apollo 8 looked at the earth for the first time as an isolated sphere in the dark expanse of space. Today, satellites will begin to record an eight-day SOS signal from communities around the planet seeking to safeguard the one place everyone calls home.

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By Rafael Otto, November 17, 2010 10:09 pm

The first photograph of the earth was taken in 1968 by the crew of Apollo 8:

Take a look at some fascinating photographs taken by astronaut Douglass H. Wheelock from the International Space Station. Or follow his photographic posts on Twitter: @Astro_Wheels.

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By Rafael Otto, November 17, 2010 10:39 am

On October 31, the world’s largest marine reserve was finalized in the Indian Ocean in the British territorial waters of the Chagos Archipelago. The sanctuary is designated as a “no-take” zone that bans commercial fishing and covers an area twice the size of Britain.

The reserve also serves to remind the international community that the 2002 goals for marine life protection have not been met. The original goal, set by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), was to protect ten percent of the world’s oceans by 2012. Current projections extend to just over one percent.

Dr. Heather Koldewey, manager of the Zoological Society of London’s international marine and freshwater conservation program warns that failure to meet or exceed protection goals would result in “a massive loss of marine resources and, with that, an associated loss of people’s livelihoods.”

The Chagos reserve is home to a diverse habitat with more than 1,200 species of coral and fish – including one of the world’s largest coral reefs. But marine life has been severely affected by commercial fishing practices that capture other species while in pursuit of primary commodities such as tuna.

On November 11, the Ecology Centre at the University of Queensland in Australia completed a two-year analysis that involved a team of marine and social scientists from around the country. The report calls for establishing a network of marine sanctuaries along the Australian coast that will protect marine ecosystems in order to support environmental, economic, and social interests.

Click here for more information on CBD goals, global biodiversity efforts, and resources.

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By Rafael Otto, November 15, 2010 11:33 am

Recent measurements of ocean temperature near Tasiilaq, Greenland reached 40 degrees. It’s the highest temperature recorded in the area, raising concerns that water temperature could be melting the Greenland ice sheet from below. Scientists working in the area are gathering data about melting ice and its impact on rising sea levels. Justin Gillis, writing for the New York Times, reports that the developing scientific consensus points to sea levels rising three feet or more in the next 90 years.

More from the New York Times article, “Strictly speaking, scientists have not proved that human-induced global warming is the cause of the changes. They are mindful that the climate in the Arctic undergoes big natural variations. In the 1920s and ’30s, for instance, a warm spell caused many glaciers to retreat.”

However, data continues to point to the human impact on the earth’s environment. Melting ice, rising land and sea temperatures, an increase in extreme weather events, dying coral reefs, and changes in plant cycles indicate a warming trend on a global scale. As the Greenland ice sheet releases more icebergs into the ocean, rising sea levels are expected to threaten coastal communities around the world.

Gillis writes, “In the United States, parts of the East Coast and Gulf Coast would be hit hard. In New York, coastal flooding could become routine, with large parts of Queens and Brooklyn especially vulnerable. About 15 percent of the urbanized land in the Miami region could be inundated. The ocean could encroach more than a mile inland in parts of North Carolina. Abroad, some of the world’s great cities — London, Cairo, Bangkok, Venice and Shanghai among them — would be critically endangered by a three-foot rise in the sea.”

In the next forty years, the world’s population will likely reach nine billion. The demand for natural resources will increase in step with the rise in population. Everything from food production, manufacturing, heating and cooling needs, and transportation contributes to carbon dioxide emissions. NASA’s measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide go back 650,000 years and indicate a record increase beginning in the 1950s at the start of the Industrial Revolution.

Scientists continue to work to project climate change for the next century, pushing scientifically advanced countries to develop strategies for studying land ice, rising sea levels, and global climate. As the research continues, it seems that a global focus on environment will require international cooperation to address the needs of human communities across the planet.

Related link:

The science behind increasing Antarctic sea ice