This is a neat setup and visual displaying environmental movements in conjunction with presidencies. Lots of cool facts included.

The article expands on the issue of moss and homeowners. Along with the high rate of growth for moss this year, there is an economic growth surrounding it. People are paying more for landscapers to remove moss off roofs and gardens. However, some practices of preventative chemical spraying are controversial, as always. It's an interesting look at moss, something this region is so familiar with.

Do we all think of the Earth as a victim to human negligence and greed? Is it unsalvageable and defenseless? Klare believes the Earth is a "powerful actor in its own right and as an avenger, rather than simply victim." Perhaps we should change our perception of Earth to a more robust depiction.

In accordance to our recent 160 readings, the Rocky Mountain Wolf has been removed from the endangered species list. This is the first time Congress has gotten directly involved in the Endangered Species Act. What are your thoughts on government and political control "rather than a science-based federal agency, remove endangered species protections?"

An NYT article highlighting Vaclav Smil's outlook on energy. We have read a few Smil articles in ENVS 160 about population and peak oil, in which he expresses the same ideas in this article. Smil does not oppose new energy alternatives, however he believes oil and coal are still necessary; we just need to be more efficient.

Although it has been almost a year since the Horizon/ BP oil spill began, this article offers hope and summary of the effects on the Gulf ecosystem.

The EPA reported a 15% drop in GHG emissions from 2000-2009, a 21% drop per capita. What do you think could have caused this, or what explains the shocking numbers?

This article discusses the possibility that food additives and chemicals have played a leading role in the increase of ADHD in children ages four to 17 in the United States. It cites several studies that indicate diet in a large role of ADHD development. "One study found that the depletion of zinc and copper in children was more prevalent in children with ADHD. Another study found that one particular dye acts as a 'central excitatory agent able to induce hyperkinetic behavior.'"

A Massachusetts biotechnology company claims it has found the means to produce fuel with a type of cyanobacteria that secretes diesel. They state that they can produce "15,000 gallons of diesel full per acre annually, over four times more than the most efficient algal process for making fuel. And they say they can do it at $30 a barrel." Do you think this is feasible? Could this be a step back from moving away from high emission fuels?

The EPA has unveiled new, more stringent standards for coal-burning power plants. Their main argument for the regulations is for health purposes, not to penalize the industry. However, manufacturers argue that "stringent, unrealistic regulations such as these will curb the recent economic growth we have seen," and create job loss and plant closures.