Scientists alarmed as CO2 passes threshold

[damnedifIknow]

The amount of heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the atmosphere passed a symbolic milestone last week, reaching levels that haven’t prevailed on the Earth since long before human civilization began.

"The long-expected announcement Friday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — that CO2 concentrations had finally hit 400 parts per million at a key measuring station in Hawaii — means little by itself. But it’s a sign that time is slipping away to head off or lessen the rising sea levels, worsening storms, species die-offs and other fallout from global warming, scientists and climate activists warned."

"Still, there are few signs that Washington will emerge from its deep snooze on the issue.

Congress remains unable to pass serious legislation to tackle climate change. Efforts to reach a major binding international climate change treaty have sputtered. And while the Obama administration has made some strides in lowering greenhouse gas emissions, including increasing fuel-efficiency standards for cars, climate experts say much more needs to be done — and fast."

http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/scientists-alarmed-as-co2-passes-threshold-91205.html

[WCGreen]

1. Oh well, some guy changed a story about an attack at an obscure

outpost in Libya, a couple of overly zealous IRS agents were trying to get a handle on the new flood of quasi political tax free applicants at the Agency and then the AP thing.

Oh well, these things are much more fun than dealing with the way we leave the world for the next generations.

[Gregorian]

2. 1.5 million new people are added to the equation every WEEK.

So the situation is getting worse in several ways at the same time. If population were stable, we'd still be in deep trouble.

That's like adding half of a 1950's New York city, every fucking week.

[AverageJoe90]

3. Getting some of the Republicans out of Congress, enough to give us a Democratic majority.....

Would be a great starter for progress; as far as I know, there's no nutty climate doomers in our party(I would hope not, anyway, as it would provide convenient ammo for the Koch Bros. and company), and the vast majority of deniers are in the GOP; take enough Republicans out and there's going to be a far better chance to get more things done, sooner......there is only so much POTUS can do on his own, sadly.