I have never really been a fan of the color green, but TIME’s Top Science and Health Stories feed made it clear to me that green is here to stay. The number of articles discussing the problems in our environment was overwhelming. I might just need to change my favorite color.
The loss of federal tax credits for renewable energy could do some major damage to our economy. These credits have helped wind and solar energy expand significantly over the past few years. Even if Congress decided not to renew the credits, they would only save tax payers “maybe $1 billion, or less than half a week of the Iraq war.” That is not to mention the 119,000 approximate lost job oppurtunities that would occur in the United States. I simply cannot see how Congress can make all of that worth it. Obviously Bryan Walsh in his article, “The Global Credit Crisis” could not either.
Bryan Walsh also writes about the creators of the magnificent coral reefs in his article, “Coral Reefs Face Extinction.” One third of the 700 species of reef-building corals are on the brink of extinction, making them the most endangered species on earth. Humans are most of the problem. No surprise there! Overfishing, especially with dynamie and/or poison, destroys these amazing creatures. Though diving and snorkeling can be fun, they also damage an extremely beautiful ecosystem. This also relates back to global warming. The rising water temperatures cause stress for the corals, who in turn release the algae that color the reefs. What is left over is bleached coral. Reserves need to be created and expanded to help save this exquisite God-given beauty.
As a hopeless sucker for natural beauty, I really hope I do not see our gorgeous landscapes fall apart anytime soon. I also really hope Congress gets some green knocked into them.
