Groundhogs and Global Warming
February 2nd is the day that everyone waits for Punxsutawny Phil, the weather predicting groundhog, to tell us if we can expect cold and wintry conditions in the coming weeks, or if we’ll be seeing the early signs of spring. Unfortunately, with the changing weather patterns associated with global warming, Phil may soon find himself out of a job.
According to an article posted yesterday to LiveScience.com, global warming is waking up groundhogs and other hibernating animals earlier and earlier. The article states:
The balmy weather could snap awake groundhogs and other hibernating animals too early this year, well before their breakfasts are ready and threatening their survival.
In addition to the problem with finding food, a groundhog who is early to rise could find himself vulnerable to predators.
Global warming is the hot topic these days. Even a year ago, the subject was mostly ignored by the mainstream media, at least here in the US, and what little was reported focused mainly on denial of the problem.
Thankfully, shift happens. In the past few months news stories on global warming and the coming climate crisis have snowballed (pun intended). Many of them are worrisome and some of them are downright scandalous. An article in the Guardian UK reports:
Scientists and economists have been offered $10,000 each by a lobby group funded by one of the world’s largest oil companies to undermine a major climate change report due to be published today.
The bribes were offered by the American Enterprise Institute, a thinktank funded by ExxonMobil with close ties to the Bush administration.
Fortunately, with the new view on global warming, stories like this no longer get swept under the carpet. The Los Angeles Times reports today that Representative Henry Waxman, the new Democratic chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, is demanding that the White House hand over any relevant documents.
As an astrologer, I can’t help but think that Jupiter’s move into its own sign of Sagittarius has done much to help change public opinion on climate change. Jupiter and Sagittarius both rule the forces of nature, as well as beliefs and ethical decisions.
I also credit Al Gore who, with his documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, and his tireless public appearances worldwide, has led the crusade for education on global warming and environmental change. BTW, former Vice President Gore has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
Unlike the United States, where schools are banning the showing of Mr. Gore’s documentary, calling it too controversial, the UK has announced plans to make sure that all British schools include teachings on climate change and environmental issues in their curriculum.
I wonder if Punxsatawney Phil has a passport.
Technorati Tags: groundhog, global warming, climate crisis, lobby, ExxonMobil, Bush administration, Al Gore, Nobel Peace Prize, Punxsatawney Phil, Groundhog Day
Posted: February 2nd, 2007 under Environment, World Affairs.
Comments: 2
Comments
Comment from mary
Time: February 3, 2007, 11:12 am
I don’t feel any need to wonder – Jupiter in Sag is an obvious asset to those who’ve seen the “controversy” Al Gore promotes. 
If you’ve peeked into his chart and palm it would be interesting to review your comments.
Increasing communication and connections with our global friends will show how there’s a lot about this nation that is being tucked under the rug with proactive words being used for actions and requirements that actually undermine progress.
Comment from Bob
Time: March 6, 2007, 8:49 am
Hi Leslie,
It’s not true that global warming has been mostly ignored until the past year. The New York Times (you can’t get much more mainstream than that) has been covering it prominently for many years.
And it’s less true that the coverage has focused on denial of the problem. I was, in fact, surprised to learn that there are prominent scientists who have serious doubts about whether greenhouse gasses are a significant factor in the warming that has occured. The recent IPCC report assigns a probability of 90% to the hypothesis that greenhouse gasses have caused the bulk of the warming. 90% may be good odds, but it’s certainly not the settled science being portrayed in the media.
What’s lacking is a deep public debate by scientists on both sides of the issue. There’s too much one-sided coverage by politicians and journalists who approach the issue from a political point of view first and the science comes second. People have to learn to live with doubt and uncertainties rather than looking for sure answers when the science itself is still in flux.
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