Filed under: RAISING AWARENESS | Tags: Beijing, China, electric car, global warming, Olympics, pollution, water
So what can we expect from 2008? Here are the issues and trends I (Anne Thompson of NBC News) will be keeping an eye on in the new year.
The greening of the presidency
What role will the environment play in the race for the White House? Will a commitment to cut greenhouse gasses help or hurt candidates?
Water
From the drought in the southeastern U.S to availability in China, access to clean, fresh water will continue to be a major issue around the world.
A cleaner Congress
The Lieberman Warner Bill, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and setting up a cap and trade system, made it out of a Senate committee, but can it make it all the way through Congress? Has there been a real shift in the American political will when it comes to global warming?
Olympian feats
Just breathing in Beijing could be a struggle. Despite promises from the Chinese government to provide clean air for the summer Olympics, can it really be done? And could air pollution affect the performance of some of the world’s best athletes?
Electric cars
Tesla’s hot, all-electric roadster is slated to be delivered in the first quarter of 2008. Can the technology match the dream? Will GM be able to meet its promise of putting the Volt into productions by 2010? Are these truly the cars of the future?
Anne Thompson is an NBC News chief environmental correspondent, based in New York City.
Filed under: BABY STEPS FOR US | Tags: anglers, fishing, jigs, lead, tackle, wildlife
Non-lead fishing tackle is an effective alternative, and it protects loons, eagles and other wildlife. The Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance has provided a great, easy read summary of the issue and what is being done at the state level to protect their waters and wildlife.
