Research shows that the rising and falling of global temperatures are natural causes. We are coming out of an “Ice Age” and climate becomes warmer and wetter, it is an earth cycle. Today it is different historically in that high levels of CO2 headed the warming periods. The increase in CO2 is clearly traced to man's burning of fossil fuels. News reports in the US said 90 companies are to blame for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions. These companies see that the trend of cutting emissions is unavoidable and are factoring carbon-emission price thru political allies, understanding climate change poses a direct economic threat to their business. China government plan to limit coal burningby converting coal into synthetic natural gas (SNG). It approved construction of 9 large (SNG) plants in the hinterlands regions, with 30 more proposed plants awaiting approval.
A new study (PDF) in Nature Climate Changestated,that the entire life cycle of harvesting coal and turning it into gas produces 36% to 82% more total greenhouse gas emissions than burning coal directly. While solving the pollution crisis in urban China, the net effect of the new plan could be to accelerate global climate change, dramatically increase water use, increase greenhouse gas emissions, and additional air and water pollution. It is a governmental error of approach to environmental challenges instead of finding sustainable solutions. In the Central Pacific, it is inevitable before the end of this century that miles of land will be swallowed by water. Water expands as it warms and the oceans have lately received colossal quantities of melted ice. All it takes is one wave, the like of Yolanda and not recede. Mass movement of people will flee from the consequences of climate change rather than war or famine. People will look for work in other countries or search for other places to move into.
Industrialized nations of the world who produce greenhouse gasses maybe didn't know what they were doing ten years ago, but it's not an excuse any longer today. President Anote Tong of Kiribati, Central Pacific said, “Ecoterrorism is equal to terrorism.” It is a kind of terrorism more dangerous in one way because it is treated as legitimate and acceptable. He argued that industrialized nations of the world are murdering his country. Jeffrey Goldberg of Businessweek said, “Climate change is the ultimate gift of the West who produce greenhouse gasses, to the people living in the Pacific Region who don't. Many people may soon become refugees or casualties of climate change. May our global and local leaders find sustainable solutions to address these inevitable effects of global warming and not seek ways to profitinstead.
***
Tidbits:
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) 28th Assembly, met in London last November 25 – December 4. Its main theme is Maritime passenger ship safety, also coveringpreparation for the introduction of a mandatory IMO audit scheme, the adoption of an agreement to implement fishing vessel safety regulations, and work on maritime security and anti-piracy measures.
***
G.R. No. 186180 March 22, 2010 MAGSAYSAY MARITIME CORPORATION AND/OR CRUISE SHIPS CATERING AND SERVICES INTERNATIONAL N.V. vs. NLRC AND ROMMEL B. CEDOL. (Courtesy of Atty. Fidel Borja)
In short, the evidence on record is totally bare of essential facts on how the respondent contracted or developed lymphoma and how and why his working conditions increased the risk of contracting this illness. In the absence of substantial evidence, we cannot just presume that respondent's job caused his illness or aggravated any pre-existing condition he might have had. |