Democrats urged vendors to make sure 70 percent of the food served at convention events was organic or local and included "at least three of the following five colors: red, green, yellow, blue/purple, and white (Garnishes not included)." They arranged for biodegradable cutlery and, instead of providing trash bins, set up manned "resource recovery stations" complete with compost boxes. To hold their credentials around their necks, convention-goers received lanyards announcing: "I used to be a soda bottle." They were offered free loaner bicycles and "carbon-free parking" for their two wheels. They bought Coca-Cola from Energy Star machines proclaiming: "Every empty bottle is full of potential." And many conventioneers got locked out of their hotel rooms because their electronic keys were made from "sustainably harvested wood."

(Amy Argetsinger - Twp)

The disaster scenarios for the future are today's reality for the 1,000 people of Totope.Abandoned concrete buildings are half submerged under sand. Thatched huts have been repeatedly moved back. And about one mile offshore, an entire settlement lies deep under the water, submerged many years ago. Fishermen say they have to detour around the old underwater buildings which snag their nets.Coastal erosion in West Africa has many causes, but if predictions of the impact of climate change run true, this could be a preview for many coastal areas. Scientists say rising sea levels will be one of the most severe consequences of global warming, along with more drought and floods, the extinction of species of plants, animals and insects, and greater stress on water supplies for millions of people.

A draft document of the new platform would put the party on record as accepting that economic activity contributes to global warming, in line with McCain's views, but is loaded with caveats about the uncertainty of science and the need to ''resist no-growth radicalism'' in taking on climate change.

 Add increased suffering for people with ragweed allergies to the list of problems caused by climate change, a new study suggests.

A state Assembly panel backs a surcharge for the proposed Climate Change Research and Workforce Development Institute.

UNDERSEA EXPLORATION

Scientists are hard at work on the tiny submarine that will replace the legendary Alvin and help open the sea’s depths. “Depth is a big deal,” marine biologist Cindy L. Van Dover said. “It’s hard to wax lyrical on the subject because we don’t know what’s there. So we can’t guarantee a discovery. Yet we know that every time we extend our ability to go somewhere, we discover new things about how the planet works, about how life on the planet is adapted.”

OFF-SHORE DRILLING

In a symbolic vote, the board on Tuesday probably will support offshore drilling. Supervisor Brooks Firestone says new, safer technology is one reason he's reversing his previous opposition to drilling.

POLLUTION

Twelve states are suing the Environmental Protection Agency for violating the federal Clean Air Act by refusing to control greenhouse gas emissions at oil refineries.

The world’s most destructive citrus disease is threatening the largest domestic producer of these fruits.

Front-Row Seats on Broadway, if You Dare (NY Times)
Pedestrians love the new traffic-free esplanade on Broadway, in Midtown, but some have expressed concerns about the cars and trucks right next to them.

Joseph is counsel for SaveThePlasticBag.com -- a group that advocates for plastic manufacturers -- which has sued Los Angeles County regarding its phased ban of plastic bags.

NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION

North Korea said that it had stopped disabling its main nuclear complex and threatened to restore facilities there that the North has used to produce fuel for weapons.

A reactor in Washington state that produced weapons-grade plutonium for the first atomic blast, a test in New Mexico, is now a National Historic Landmark.

NATURAL DISASTER

A new analysis estimates that a magnitude 5 earthquake in or around New York City occurs on average once a century.

If necessity is the mother of invention, then disaster ought to be the mother of reinvention. Seldom has the nation had as big an opportunity, or as urgent a need, to reinvent than in the city that was swept away by Hurricane Katrina three years ago.

CONSERVATION

Alaska Gets to Choose (NY Times)
An initiative intended to strengthen protections for the headwaters of Bristol Bay should get the overwhelming approval of Alaskans.

Swiss campaigners began an effort to ban off-road vehicles, sport utility vehicles and gas-guzzling sports cars, winning enough support for a referendum.

Satellite images show that cattle tend to point north and south when grazing and resting. Bats, birds, bees and whales all use their magnetic sense to help navigate.What the benefit could be for cows, however, remains a mystery.

Researchers have found that crows, renowned for their ability to flourish in human-dominated landscapes, can recognize individual human faces, giving them an evolutionary edge.

"Lotta people wouldn't think [that we in] country music care about the environment -- they stereotype," singer Jennifer Nettles told the packed Red Rocks amphitheater at a "Green Sunday" concert hosted by global warming activist Laurie David.. "Raise your hand if you know how many houses you own!" Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine said. 

SUSTAINABILITY

Air Storage Is Explored for Energy (NY Times)
A New Jersey company will announce a plan to use wind turbines to produce compressed air that can be stored underground or in tanks and released later to power generators during peak hours.

Now, as drivers reel from the shock of high gasoline prices, natural gas vehicles are attracting renewed interest both on Capitol Hill and in Detroit. Proposed legislation and a new impetus at General Motors may bring a modest revival. But there are mammoth hurdles to getting large numbers of natural gas vehicles on the road. Most troublesome is simply where to buy the fuel.

FOOD SAFETY

Government officials revised the number of deaths linked to tainted cold cuts to 12 from four on Monday as a nationwide recall of products produced by Maple Leaf Foods was expanded.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

An American organization has set up an AIDS awareness program inside Mexican prisons, since the myths associated with AIDS are pronounced among the prisoners.

AND FURTHERMORE...

The content is primarily geared to international travelers and is available in five languages — English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese. But browsing through the site provides plenty of inspiration, even for those already on U.S. soil.

---

This news summary has been prepared for you by:

 Carole Ashkinaze
Editor / Writer / Communications Consultant

Washington, D.C.
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

---