On May 15, the Bush Administration announced that polar bears may now be listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. Unfortunately, Congress is insisting that the new laws aren't abused to affect other related issues such as, oh, protecting WHERE POLAR BEARS LIVE.

While it may seem like a no-brainer (and don't worry, it still will after I explain), this new protection from the ESA is controversial because this is the first time an animal has needed protection from extinction because of global warming. It's totally different than normal extinction, you guys.

As we mentioned earlier this year, the Bush Administration pushed back a January 9 deadline regarding the polar bears' protection, conveniently moving up an approval for oil drilling in their habitat worth almost $3 billion. "Essentially, the administration is giving a gift to Big Oil, and short shrift to the polar bear," said Rep. Edward J. Markey, D-Massachusetts.

Polar bears use ice caps to catch and eat seals that, scientist Steve Amstrup explains, "are kind of like giant 'fat pills' that have allowed polar bears to become the largest of the bears and to expand across the range of the sea ice."

The good news is that without these "fat pills", polar bears will be leaner and therefore able to swim farther and tolerate warmer climates. Because that's what they're going to have to do. Because THEIR HOME IS MELTING.

And hey, since no one is protecting the polar ice caps, maybe we can focus on body-image counseling for those poor seals and some sensitivity training for Steve. How would you like being called a "fat pill?" Words hurt, Steve.

Polar Bear Now Listed As 'Threatened' Species (CNN)

Posted by Stephie at 11:12 AM | Permalink

I don't know about you, but this warms my heart in a weird, weird way:

That’s right, two of our “national treasures” – Al Sharpton and Pat Robertson – have teamed up for the fight against climate change. Who could bring these two together for a common cause? Jesus? Mr. Monopoly? Bono? Nope – Captain Planet himself, Al Gore. This is the first of a multi-million dollar ad campaign by Gore's nonprofit agency, the Alliance for Climate Protection.

“It's just common sense that we ought to be good stewards of the environment and do everything within our power to protect this fragile planet that we all live on,” say Robertson of his surprising appearance. Future ads will feature awesome pairings such as Toby Keith and the Dixie Chicks and Nancy Pelosi and Newt Gingrich.

Now, we can't all make pigs fly like Al Gore, but there are plenty of ways you can celebrate Earth Day, as well as keep the planet clean year-round. Click the links to find Earth Day events in your area and environmental tips.

And if that video truly ooked you out, I apologize. Watch this gem from the Discovery Channel instead and be sure to sing along:

HAPPY EARTH DAY, EVERYBODY!

Gore Announces 3-Year Campaign Against Global Warming (AP)

I Love The World (Neatorama)

Posted by Stephie at 6:01 AM | Permalink

Well... it's a start. On Monday, the White House met with a group of GOP conservatives to discuss supporting a limited cap on greenhouse gasses, among other climate change proposals. However, the idea was poorly received.

What are they so afraid of (besides admitting they're wrong)? Senior White House officials and Republican lawmakers fear an oncoming "train wreck" of climate change regulations. These include recent pressure to enforce the Clean Air Act and protect polar bears under the Endangered Species Act.

The White House press secretary says the idea of dealing with all three issues at once is "fraught with peril." Peril? Like what, a jammed copier from all of the paper work? Happy dancing hippies? An onslaught of baby polar bear videos that are too cute to handle?

Senate debates on legislation for capping greenhouse gas emissions will begin in June. The House is drafting legislation of their own. So whether the GOP bails or not, something should hopefully happen this year.

And hey, if they decide to support a mandatory cap-and-trade proposal, then hell has officially frozen over and the planet should cool off quite a bit. So, win win.

Bush Floating New Climate Proposal (AP)

Posted by Stephie at 10:56 AM | Permalink

A new species of fish has been discovered off the coast of Indonesia that would rather crawl then swim. Oh, you know what else is crawling? My skin. The fish is part of the Anglerfish family, famous for their leg-like appendages and lures that grow out of their forehead, which they like to wiggle. *shudder*

This new species does not have the lure - THANK GOD - but it does have something even creepier: human-like binocular vision. "With its unusual flattened face, the fish's eyes appear to be directed forward, something [Ted] Pietsch says he's never seen in 40 years as an ichthyologist, a scientist who studies the structure, classification and habits of fishes." You hear that, guys? IT IS WATCHING YOU.

Sure, sure - this could potentially lead to the discovery of entirely new species and change the way that science looks at the ocean. However, this could also lead to creatures climbing out of the sea to storm Manhattan and eat my gorgeous grandchildren. Seriously, I thought we had to wait another million years before this stuff became an issue. You may be rolling your eyes, but let's just hope this little guy doesn't team up with the twelve-foot jellyfish and the shark that walks on its fins.

Here is my favorite part of the news: "One of the adults laid a mass of eggs, just spotted Tuesday." The crawling fish are expecting. Wonderful. Let's get out there and have a great weekend, everybody.

New Species Of Fish Discovered That Would Rather Crawl Than Swim (ENN)

Posted by Stephie at 6:37 AM | Permalink

Here's the good news: a new painless Brazilian Wax is quickly gaining international interest. Here's the bad news (at least for the ladies) - it's actually a Brazilian Wax for your car, and this new method is easing the strain on the environment. An ingenious brand called DryWash, based out of Brazil, has developed a way to wash every part of a car without using water or harmful chemicals. DryWash removes dirt from cars using a small pad infused with organic Carnauba wax.

DryWash has saved over 100 million gallons of water since it opened in 1994. However, it has been gaining notoriety for more than it's environmental impact. Their technology and quality has yet to be replicated, prompting expansion to locations in Mexico, Portugal and Australia. And based on demand, DryWash has created a separate branch called DryWash Air that cleans helicopters and airplanes without using water. Now, if DryWash could just create new technology for that other Brazilian Wax (using like, cotton or bubbles or whatever) then they would probably win a Nobel Prize for something.

Great Innovation: The Brazilian Waterless Car Wash (ENN)

Posted by Stephie at 6:18 PM | Permalink