Stimulus is Good Green Environmental News

Those in the know are saying positive things about buried environmental news in the stimulus bill. Let's hope they are right.

"It's rare for a compromise to make a bill better, but that's what happened yesterday," said Gene Karpinski, president of the League of Conservation Voters. "According to the reports we've seen, the members of the Conference Committee kept the best aspects of the House and Senate versions of the bill. Tens of billions of dollars for clean energy, energy efficiency, public transportation, scientific research and a smart energy grid remain. Tens of billions set to be wasted on coal and other outdated energy sources were removed."

"This is a huge win, for our planet and for taxpayers who want stimulus funds to be invested wisely," said Friends of the Earth President Brent Blackwelder. "The bailout in question would have thrilled nuclear industry lobbyists but done virtually nothing to stimulate the economy. Congressional leaders did the right thing and prevented waste by removing this bailout."

University of Miami Rosenstiel School-Speaking Feb.18

2009 Sea Secrets Speakers Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sailing The Northwest Passage in
 The Era of Climate Change

Famed Filmmaker Examines “Chilling” Reality of Global Warming

VIRGINIA KEY, Fla. — The conquest of the Northwest Passage, a sea route through the Arctic Ocean, winding along the northernmost coast of the Americas, has baffled and intrigued explorers for centuries. Its treacherously frigid waters represent untold beauty and unparalleled economic access as one of the only free transit routes left in the world. The Artic pack ice has long left this route impassable, but now climate change has opened up previously frozen straits to a whole new era of explorers. February 18, join the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School as it welcomes David Thoreson, explorer and Blue Water Studios photographer and filmmaker as part of its 2009 Sea Secrets lecture series.

Thoreson will provide a perspective on polar exploration through his stunning photographs and tales of adventure, and share firsthand accounts on how climate change is shining new light on a mysterious northern wonder. The presentation will take place in the Rosenstiel School Auditorium, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Virginia Key. The event includes a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the lecture at 6:00 p.m., and is free and open to the public.

2009 Expedition AtA

The Arctic continues a downward trend in sea ice. As the Around the Americas campaign kicks off from Seattle, May 31, for the Northwest Passage, this is one of the trends we will be taking a look at. I sailed the Passage in 2007 from east to west. Will the Passage again be open for a west to east transit? And what will be the conditions of the sea during the summer of 2009? Stay in touch through my website and follow the links as we embark on a 25,000 mile sail around the North and South American continents.

February 3, 2009
Ice extent continues to track below normal.
National Snow and Ice Data Center

As is typical during mid-winter, sea ice extent increased overall in January; maximum monthly extent is expected in March. However, January ice extent remained well below normal compared to the long-term record. Ice extent averaged for January 2009 is the sixth lowest January in the satellite record. Also of note is that from January 15 to 26, ice extent saw essentially no increase; an unusual wind pattern appears to have been the cause.

2008 year in review

Arctic sea ice in 2008 was notable for several reasons. The year continued the negative trend in summer sea ice extent, with the second-lowest summer minimum since record-keeping began in 1979. 2008 sea ice also showed well-below-average ice extents throughout the entire year.

The ice cover in 2008 began the year heavily influenced by the record-breaking 2007 melt season.

Ultimately, summer 2008 finished with the second-lowest minimum extent in the satellite record, 9% above the 2007 minimum and 34% below average. A more diffuse ice cover and a thinner pack nevertheless suggested a record-low ice volume (ice area multiplied by thickness) at the end of summer.

2008 Documentary Premier on Climate Change

I am proud to announce the premier of my documentary, "An Arctic Journey in a Changing World," is making its debut on Thursday, December 4th, 7 pm on Iowa Public Television. This documentary combines expedition, history, and climate change, from a personal viewpoint, into a compelling issue-oriented piece. Thank you all out there for your patience and help along the way. There are links on the top right of the page to YouTube and IPTV websites for promos and slideshows. I will post on news happening soon and believe me, there is much going on. Enjoy the premier and promos. Keep thinking about hope and positive change. Thanks again, especially to IPTV and all the great people who make this one of the finest public television facilities across the country.

More Melting in the Arctic

There are more disturbing signs that the positive feedback loop is now in "fast forward." Sea ice is dissipating all the way to 90 degrees north, potentially this month yet. Polar bears have been seen swimming far out into the Chukchi Sea looking for an ice edge and food supply which has disappeared. As with last year, a number of small vessels have been moving on through the NW Passage not encountering any ice whatsoever. And the drilling pressure and exploitation of resource issues are mounting.

As we move on into the autumn and political season, it is good to keep in mind the biggest issue facing us on the planet is climate change. It trumps all else and absolutely must be dealt with by the human species. This is a critical time to be involved. Make sure your representatives know how you feel about the issue and vote for the candidates who are taking this issue seriously.

More New York Thoughts

Well, it has been a week since the World Science Festival and I am still buzzin' with all the excitement generated by this first and probable annual event. Here are a couple images of Dr. Richard Leakey and myself, Bernie Krause and his lovely wife Kat. What a great time in New York City for science.

World Science Festival Notes

Yes, that is me speaking at the World Science Friday evening. Nice to have a huge screen for my images, all the fantastic help, and, of course, the latest technology.

Wow. Just returned from the five day festival in NYC which was one of the true highlights of my life. Every event sold out, lines around the block for tickets, and 100,000 people out for the street fair at NYU.

My event entitled the "Sixth Extinction" was remarkable. I spoke for about ten minutes on climate change and sailing through the NW Passage last summer at the moment in time when the Arctic's summer sea ice disappeared for the first time in recorded history. I followed paleontologist, Dr. Richard Leakey, oceanographer, Dr. Ellen Prager, with audio historian, Bernie Krause, in turn, following me.

What a special evening. Sold out crowd at Columbia University and a round table discussion followed our individual presentations. Special time with special people.

I want to thank the entire WSF staff, from top to bottom, for the tremendous work you accomplished and the great success achieved. Not only were you very professional, Id have to say you were all quite fun. Cheers mates!

I will continue to post links and quotes from the various sources who covered the event from Science Magazine, NY Times and ABC News amongst others. This was truly a remarkable event to be involved with and quite an honor to say the least.
Enjoy the reading and I will keep compiling!

Live links-
Science Magazine
NY Times
Science Festival News Links