Global Warming 101: Solutions

Global warming may or may not be a problem.  Man may or may not be driving it.  Given the uncertainties, a significant amount of global regret may apply if we divert too much of our global wealth to solving what may be a non-existent or trivial problem, especially if that diversion mires billions in poverty.  On the other hand, we may also regret not doing anything if man-made global warming does turn out to be a problem.  It is therefore prudent to examine what steps we can take that would prove beneficial whether or not anthropogenic global warming turns out to be a problem.  These steps can be termed "no regrets" policies.

What makes a No Regrets Global Warming Policy?  A global warming policy can be termed "no regrets" as long as it:

* Reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere, or

* Mitigates, prevents or reduces a harm associated with global warming, or

* Provides greater capacity for dealing with problems associated with global warming

* Without imposing significant cost or diverting economic activity.

Top Five "No Regrets" Policies

1.)  Eliminate all subsidies to fuel use.
Subsidies to energy R&D cost taxpayers millions of dollars while producing minimal benefits. While these programs may be relatively small given the size of domestic energy markets, they serve little, if any, useful purpose while subsidizing large corporations at taxpayer expense. The potential threat of global warming, whether it is real or not, is simply one more reason to eliminate these subsidy programs. An international agreement aimed at ending energy subsidy with binding targets would be a significant victory for emissions reduction.  Unlike Kyoto, which forces an energy starvation diet on its participants, such a treaty would be a move to combat energy obesity.

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Posted in: Articles,Global Warming

Endangered Sea Turtles To Be Killed After Experiments At UBC

Is killing an endangered species ever justified? A University of B.C. research team plans to kill seven endangered turtles after their research is complete, and they are defending their actions.

According to a Vancouver Sun report, the ten-year research project focused on turtle diving depths, global fishing policies, and the impact of climate change on the turtles. Bill Milsom, head of UBC's zoology department, reports that in the past twenty years, over 85,000 green sea turtles died from being accidentally caught in fishing nets. Fishing nets also kill an estimated one thousand whales, dolphins, and porpoises every year. To cut down on the turtle death count, the UBC study aims to make recommendations on the placement of fishing nets based on the animal's diving depth.

The study began as a minimally invasive project, implanting tiny devices in the skin of the turtles to determine the impacts of climate change. But the turtles will need major surgery for the final chapter of the research project, which will study why the turtles die when caught in the nets. After the observations are complete, researchers plan to increase the anesthesia until the turtles die.

Milsom explains to Vancouver Sun why they plan to kill the turtles. First, the turtles are legally prohibited from being released into the wild. Due to their long time in captivity, they could infect other animals with parasites or bacteria. Second, nearby aquariums aren't open to taking the sea turtles because they require a large living space. Lastly, Milsom explains that part of the turtle experiment is to harvest their tissues.

Also, the building that is housing the turtle tank is set for demolition -- Milson claims that this did not motivate their decision to kill the turtles. According to Milsom, "As biologists our passion is animals... The work we do is ultimately to the end of conservation and many experiments require some animals to be sacrificed."

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Posted in: Animals,Articles,Environment,News

A Toxic Vitamin B12

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Posted in: Health,News,Nutrition,Video

Caramelised Pear, Cranberry and Pecan Salad

Ingredients

• 3 medium slightly unripe pears, quartered and cored
• 2 tbsp soft brown sugar
• 100g pecan or walnut halves
• 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
• 270g cherry tomatoes on the vine, halved
• 75-100g ready-made croutons
• 1 small bunch of mint leaves, torn
• 25g butter
• 8 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 75g dried cranberries
• 6 tbsp sherry vinegar
• 2 avocados, stoned, peeled and sliced
• 145g mixed salad leaves, washed

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Posted in: Recipes

Green Tomato Chutney

Ingredients

• 500g onions, peeled and finely chopped
• 250g seedless raisins
• 25g root ginger
• 12 cloves
• peppercorns
• 500g demerara sugar
• 25g salt
• 250g sultanas
• 4 red chillies
• 1 tbsp whole black
• 600ml malt vinegar

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Posted in: Recipes

Iron in the Vegan Diet

Dried beans and dark green leafy vegetables are especially good sources of iron, even better on a per calorie basis than meat. Iron absorption is increased markedly by eating foods containing vitamin C along with foods containing iron. Vegetarians do not have a higher incidence of iron deficiency than do meat eaters.

Heme vs. Non-heme Iron

Iron is an essential nutrient because it is a central part of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Iron deficiency anemia is a worldwide health problem that is especially common in young women and in children.

Iron is found in food in two forms, heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron, which makes up 40 percent of the iron in meat, poultry, and fish, is well absorbed. Non-heme iron, 60 percent of the iron in animal tissue and all the iron in plants (fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts) is less well absorbed. Vegan diets only contain non-heme iron. Because of this, iron recommendations are higher for vegetarians (including vegans) than for non-vegetarians. The RDA for iron is 14 milligrams per day for vegetarian men and for women after menopause, and 33 milligrams per day for women prior to menopause ¹.

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Calcium in the Vegan Diet

Calcium, needed for strong bones, is found in dark green leafy vegetables, tofu made with calcium sulfate, calcium-fortified soy milk and orange juice, and many other foods commonly eaten by vegans. Although lower animal protein intake may reduce calcium losses, there is currently not enough evidence to suggest that vegans have lower calcium needs. Vegans should eat foods that are high in calcium and/or use a calcium supplement.

The Need for Calcium

Calcium is a very important mineral for humans. Our bones contain large amounts of calcium, which helps to make them firm and rigid. Calcium is also needed for many other tasks including nerve and muscle function and blood clotting. These other tasks are so important for survival, that, when dietary calcium is too low, calcium will be lost from bone and used for other critical functions. The body tightly controls calcium in the blood, so measuring blood calcium levels cannot assess calcium status.

Tofu and Other Sources of Calcium

Because of heavy promotion by the American dairy industry, the public often believes that cow's milk is the sole source of calcium. However, other excellent sources of calcium exist so that vegans eating varied diets that contain these foods need not be concerned about getting adequate calcium. Sources of well-absorbed calcium for vegans include calcium-fortified soy milk and juice, calcium-set tofu, soybeans and soynuts, bok choy, broccoli, collards, Chinese cabbage, kale, mustard greens, and okra ¹. Grains, beans (other than soybeans), fruits, and vegetables (other than those listed) can contribute to calcium intake but cannot replace these key foods. Table 1 shows the amount of calcium in selected foods. When you realize that there is as much or more calcium in 4 ounces of firm tofu or 3/4 cup of collard greens as there is in one cup of cow's milk, it is easy to see why groups of people who do not drink cow's milk still have strong bones and teeth.

How Much Calcium Do We Need?

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