Psychological Filters of Climate Change

by Scotland Willis
Whether you are a believer in climate change or not, the intensity of your belief passes through many filters.  This is one of the many things preventing the kind of progress which advocates for climate change would like to see.
Opponents, on the other hand, lack research infrastructure, attempting to manipulate and falsely extrapolate intensely researched data from climate experts- not advocates.

Researchers from Yale University published a book titled Global Warming's Six Americas.  They examine varying degrees of individual's perception on climate change.  More extreme views for immediate action(which might include shutting down all coal fired power plants,) make up a small percentage of environmental activists.  You could easily put Jim Hansen in this category.  Though a renowned scientist, he is becoming increasingly recognized as an aggressively staunch environmentalist, rather than scientist.  But like many people, Hansen has likely become frustrated with the tree sap pace implementation of legislative, social, and industrial (policies, lifestyle and operations) respectively, and the commitment to reversing human induced climate change.

Opponents of climate change concern's have a line to tow, depending on the degree of opposition.  Even starlet opponents such as Bjorn Lomborg, who lead a study sponsored by Copenhagen Consensus funded by the IMF, to address what the most pressing issues are facing humanity and how to prioritize them; Lomborg noted the environment is not a priority in his comments.  Claims by legitimate scientist counter Lomborg's opinions as fabricated and deliberately distorted.  Lomborg lacks fundamental insights to science and is not qualified to contest the evidence put forth by most climatologist; and as the evidence mounts his opposition continues to wilt.

Because human activity on the Earth is also directly related to conflict on the Earth(environmental, social, economic and otherwise) setting priorities will grow increasingly difficult- but making the right choices is paramount.  In a recent discussion with a friend who had come up with a model for saving polar bears that are dying because of melting ice caps; he asked for my opinion.  I was forced to ask him a series of provocative questions challenging the invention, for which he was not prepared to receive.  As it turned out he neglected to consider a number of ecological unintended consequences.  Opponents often don't support their arguments with hard data because of such oversights.

Heavily disputed IPCC's work happens to have 831 scientists and researchers in the fifth climate report they will generate.  For whatever data they omit from their report, we still have to recognize the strength of the caliber of talent this body is made up of.  If the strongest argument for opponents of climate change is  that data was left out; which it was, there arguments will continue to fall apart.  It is important to understand that government leaders specifically asked that IPCC research include significant data that might present insight to the most challenging environmental issues.  That would imply that some pressing matters may not take priority over others- report back to us on those matters.  Also universities, and other governing authorities as well as the National Academy of Sciences verified that the work was not compromised in terms of ethics or procedure and is in fact valid.

Ultimately individual people will have to amass enough knowledge to influence government to set environmental policies.  Knowledge helps to persuade government of a matters significance.  And because of the force of lobbyist against climate change policies, consumers must be able to consistently present formidable arguments capable of becoming mainstream thinking- but that requires a change.
Our perception of the cost of goods is skewed in the United States, resulting from a long standing feeling of entitlement.  Cheap fuel, merchandise and taxes all make the United States very appealing but we have a lot to learn about the impact of our amenities.  When we learn to adapt to a higher cost of living for the resources we use we will become a nation of advocates and revolution will be a mantra that is not as painful as it is in its current form.

Thomas Friedman author of Flat Hot and Crowded suggests that we are not even on the cusp of an environmental revolution; in a real revolution there are winners and losers.  That means no cheer leaders, society is much more sophisticated than that.  An environmental revolution will set policies that say either you get on board or get in the water and hope for the best.  There is no compromise . The environment is not going to wait and give us a few more years until we get our house in order.  Friedman was right when he said, the dot com revolution created leaders and those who got left behind- you got it or you didn't.  We need an environmental vision that powerful.

There are very specific reasons we are going to experience what I call Climate Strange, because the climate will always change; but the strange occurrences will increase in frequency.  This is a broader topic I will address in the near future.

Each of us needs to get out of our comfort zone and do something to advance a reversal of our carbon footprint.  There an abundance of evidence and numerous experts indicating the urgency of climate change.  If we fail to acknowledge as a nation the matter before us in the environment; and if we don't make it a national priority(which means creating jobs, investing in research and development and positioning the United States to be a leader in the industry of environmental products and innovation)  we will no longer be identified as a leading nation among our global counter parts.

Scotland Willis is an environmental strategist, lecturer and advocate.  He is currently a dual Masters candidate at Tufts in Environmental Engineering and Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning.  He is a management consultant in systems and large scale change and is a columnist/ photographer for environmental issues.

Human Activity ...In Flames

Not far from the Caspian Sea lies the crater the crater 328 feet wide.  It is the result of gas exploration in Turkmenistan during the early 1970's.   Incidence such as this are a stark reminders that can penetrate psychological barriers that block understanding of the need to protect natural environment.  Here we see evidence that indicates the prevalence of poor judgement, detrimental when exploiting the natural environment.

Located Near the village of Derweze in the Karakum Desert, it is an easy reminder that we need more foresight when embarking on new "oppotunities" so that we proceed with the proper amount of caution.  There is a balance to preservation and the impact of human activity that will allow us to avoid leaving disasters such as this in our wake-- Deepwater Horizon is a reminder of that as well. This particular incident, has  been exacting its revenge for nearly 40 years now and continues to burn today.  This incident occurred near a 350 person village of Derweze and the risks associate with that population are no in my perview as of yet.
Location link Derweze (gass flame crater)
video link: Derweze in falmes

Never Before in History

Never before in history have all social components of society been on the verge of collapse. Politics, family, economy, religion, education.  The question we are left with then is what do we do?  Before we decide that it is important to look back in history.  This article simpley acknowledges that we need to address these issues and that we are running out of time.  I can't say that the threshold is but it certainly seems as though we are approaching many of them simultaneously.
Looking at the following list, it is difficult to put them in their correct:  Native Americans were clearly established in North America first, but problems arise with each cultural category where do you place African Americans and Women on a timeline when considering historical impacts and implications?  So this order reflects the experience and when major events occurred in no particular order of significance.  African Americans could have a slave experience and a historical experience based on civil rights.  These nuances would consume too much time and I would lose lots of readers.  So for practical purposes I have just chosen to list them in no particular order.
Native American History American; Explorers- Colonial Period 1772- 1786-; The Revolution 1787- 1820- The New Nation; 1820-1855- Antebellum;  The Civil War Period 1865-1897- Reconstruction and Industrialization  1897-1920 World Stage; The Twenties;  The Depression  World War II; Postwar America 1945-1960; The Sixties and Civil Rights- 1960-1974; ; African American History; America 1975-2010 Women's History.
 If you look back to the Native American period, they had education, agriculture, trade etc.  During North American colonization education, economic growth, religion and family values were prevalent.  Even during the Revolution and Civil War, the family unit was essential; despite the intra-family conflicts that occurred families though fragmented, were bound by the pursuit of freedom, prosperity, and agriculture and beyond.  During the formation of the New Nation people coalesced around the idea of independence from Europe and a sense of determining their own fate-- people in control of their own destiny.  Again during Antebellum people were still heavily dependent on the family unit.  Towns and communities were designed for security and social enhancement.  While more people died in the Civil War than at any other time, in U.S. history, it was also a time of growth from agriculture to war as a stimulus for manufacturing and again families worked to populate those who were sacrificed during the war.  Re construction and industrialization revolutionized the world.  New innovations and some of the greatest minds continued to flow into the U.S.  This was a great period of thinking.  World War I and World War II posed more challenges to the United States but it continued to wield its influence as a new comer to the world state, making a name for itself and creating a real presence as a force to be reckoned with.  African American experience stretches from slavery to Civil Rights and beyond, the same could easily be said for the feminist movement and women's rights. 
 But what lead us up to today where religion is not only disruptive but in deep conflict all around the world.  What is responsible for the world economy collapsing?  Why have our family units been dismantled? Why has faith and trust in politics and government gone by the wayside? And why is the state of education look more like the state of chaos?  One thing I can guarantee you is that I do not have the answer, rather this is a wake up call to everyone.
 No one president, leader, organization or government; religious or academic institution is responsible.  My point here is only that each (politics, family, economy, education, and religion) is on the brink on destruction or collapse a place we have never been before.  We are in need of more than just a change in health care; we are in need of more than educational or banking reform.  Nothing Planned Parenthood or right to lifers can do will change the course we are currently on.  And to top it all off we are destroying the very environment we depend on to sustain human life as we know it.  Don't pray about it, fix it.  We need to do and be something revolutionary that will transform the current conditions we face as a society-- as a human race.  If we do not we will surly perish.
 There is much that has not been captured here but we must begin to look at things differently.
This topic requires a much broader conversation which I embrace; but we have a problem greater than any world leader or president, political party, fundamentalist group.  We need to look upon it that way and fix it not the part of it.  We have our priorities wrong and we are not doing anything to create a holistic change.  We must look at all of these components and begin mapping out a revival plan that is strategic and deliberate.  I am amazed we have not articulated this argument sooner but we need to have the conversation.

...Sky's the Limit

There is no limit to what is possible, an insight into the human mind.  Preserving the environment is no different.  And as long as there is 1% chance I will invest 100% effort.

By far our greatest challenge is preserving the balance between environment and the impact of human activity, rivaling the tragedies occurring in Africa, India as well as other developing nation- humanitarily speaking there is no comparison, but there are many links.  Preserving one can improve the outlook for many.

Fortunately human capacity has the unique ability to adapt and change.  Fraught with compromises, questions and with so many to consider, there is no satisfactory answer for what we face.

World population as of October 1, 2010 6,872,233,191

As I reflect on what my task is at Tufts University I think about the power of the resources at my disposal in Urban Planning and Environmental Engineering.  I reflect on the opportunity as a utility, to apply theory, philosophy, ideology, modeling and structure to produce a transformational strategy to preserve our natural environment-- helping others to understand and improve.  I believe we can learn to help others make immeasurable leaps in faith and progress.  My goal is to produce compelling insights that can move the world-- why not?

Engagement with people from around the world, resembling a United Nations located in a place where  our differences become our indifference-- to barriers.  We to explore the frontier together in order to foster new thinking and energy that makes the planet a more habitable place to live.

Critical thresholds of water resources; debate and dialog on economic influences, health risk factors all leave me capitulating to the evidence that rests before me; knowing that within all of this is not solely idealism that drives my commitment to change, but my unshakable belief in what is possible for humanity to achieve.  People managing scarcity, and transforming it into abundance, implementing strategies around policies and sound planning, collectively represent my drivers.

How much time do we have to achieve all this?

We have exactly enough time... starting right now.

Do something environmental (DSE)

Capital Grille... Glad She's not a Bostonian

Saturday evening I went to the Capital Grille for dinner.  They have great bread and a chowder that is pretty robust as well.  Unfortunately the company that was at the bar was not the caliber I am use to keeping.

A recent graduate from a college somewhere in California(Berkley I think she said) whose behavior indicated that she had a tendency to bloviate ad nauseam, about subjects she had amateurish knowledge about, sat one person over from myself.  Being the social person and after an initial seemingly friendly greeting, I mentioned how I developed a habit of choosing restaurants based on how good the bread is-- and stated that she didn't know what she was missing.

The California girl whom I can't quite consider a lady, challenged me as to whether I actually selected restaurants in the manner I mentioned.  Did she think I was lying?  It is important note that I have been selecting restaurants this way for years and that I catalog them so I don't have to think about them; but she insisted that I recall several restaurants.  I mentioned one in Cambridge.  Unsatisfied she thought she might take a stab at humiliating me- but really making a fool of herself.

She challenged me on whether I had ever been to California; I said I had.  In a immature tone she said where; I replied Yosemite.  Unsatisfied and full of spite( probably remnants from an inadequate childhood up bring); her retort was "Californians do not consider Yosemite a part of California."  Really! I said in amazement.  Now at this point I should have dismissed her all together, but I was far too curious about the extent of her ignorance- and how far it could take her.  Though I might have looked silly responding to her questions but the badgering continued- so I baited her and played the role.

It is virtually impossible to carry on a meaningful conversation with a California girl who has a level of intellect that demonstrates the need for academic reform in order to remain competitive in the free market system; and who holds the belief that Yosemite National Park (one of the most acclaimed national parks in the world, is not a part of California (and meant it in her conviction)- but i did.  And she continued to enervate the conversation- this was going to make for an interesting article.  I could not resist finding out how far this charlatan would allow her self to go.

In the end; she is likely to have very little impact in the world because with that  apoplectic type attitude and statements nothing more than balderdash- people would see right through her. With lesser debate skills than that of Sarah Palin(but similar understanding of key landmarks, possibly publications) she will amount to little more than a widget in anything she sets out to do.

This experience was a solid reminder to myself, why it is so important to spend time with people and in places that are good for the soul.  Funny thing is she probably thinks she really achieved something.  I'll have to thank her for the entertainment.

Embracing Climate Change

Healing People and the Earth

by Scotland Willis
When we(those in the field of climate related issues) are in our circles, understanding that most of the U.S. population does not fully grasp the environmental issues that include climate change, the circle can seem full.  It seems like the world knows all about environmental concerns- but we often find ourselves talking to our friends.  With all the recycling(what to recycle, how much, separating compost etc) many people just can't seem to identify the compelling need to support modifying systems that are currently in place.  They are provided with a relatively comfortable lifestyle(for most people), many people are already burdened with economic stressors-- and quite frankly most don't see the difference their efforts will make.  Oh and let's not forget the amenity of cheap oil.

For years agencies and individuals have been working on making climate change a priority for the general public though various campaigns, from hybrid vehicles to littering and even water usage.  Some approaches have been more abrasive; making attempts to threaten non-believers with dyer consequences.  While the consequences are real, approaching environmental concerns should not be about creating fear.  We should no sooner take this approach than thinking that creating fear in the workplace is a good choice- it's not!  Fear does not make people productive; nor do threats, yelling, or misleading bits of information.  There is enough evidence and solid examples we can use to be more persuasive- and we should be.

Response to climate change is a behavioral issue.  As such we need to focus on strategies that change behavior.  Incentives, education(early and adult), inclusionary programs, municipal support and legislation.  People need to see, and feel the difference by contributing to project and ideas that make both large and small scale differences on the environment.  Projects may range from building a small solar panel with their child, to ground water and hydrology research undertaken by research teams.  People need to work, not green jobs but be involved so that we can yield a revolutions of change with waves of people.

A combination of more interesting approaches, visible benefits and opportunities to get involved will prove to be transformational for larger segments of our population.  People are more likely to get engaged in a project they visit while it is under way, especially if it is a large scale project with far reaching implication.

I strongly support environmental and climate change initiatives; as a 15 year consultant and a masters student  in environmental engineering as well as urban planning; how we get these messages out is going to be critical to ensuring successful engagement and implementation for a healthier future for Earth(or our biosphere).

Scotland Willis is an environmental strategist, lecturer and advocate.  He is currently a working on a dual Masters at Tufts in Environmental Engineering and Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning.  He is a management consulting in systems thinking and large scale change.  You can email him at scotland@clearstrategies.us. or visit the clear strategies web site

Bottled water www.(water what a waste)

photo wikipedia

by Scotland Willis

Massachusetts legislation House Bill 3515, Senate Bill 1480 for which the session ended July 31 2010(According to legislative sessions and rules ).  Further discussion on the matter of bottled water and soft drink deposit requirement(of .05 cents) is essentially moot.

Global not just you not just here
Throughout all of this, what rarely comes to the forefront is the impact of plastic on our environment.  Four out of five plastic bottles end up in a landfill, according to UN research. A Pool of plastic swirling in Pacific Ocean commonly known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is visible evidence of how human activity affects the environment(wikipedia maps and description).  Both the manufacturing and disposal have a toxic environmental impact that last beyond your and my lifetime combined.  Perhaps a more effective approach would be to develop a campaign that consistently demonstrates the waste product, its path and the outcome of plastic bottle's aftermath.  Visibility of harmful affects just is not there, despite the discovery of a rubbish patch in the Atlantic as well.  Perhaps politics, plastics, and profits just don't mix- curious.  There should be a 10 cent deposit; there are proven results in other states at this level.  That is a fraction of the toll waste plastic is having on our environment and it is something we can achieve immediately.

Issues with the bottle bill
This bottle bill left out some important provisions in its current form nonetheless.  It did not cover bottles less than 16 ounces(specifically the bill refers to container sizes 16 oz. to 2 liters).  That is ludicrous.  Smaller bottles represent a majority of the container people walk around with daily as well as being the most common container sold at special events because they are easy to hold and store.  Exempting beverage companies from all sizes lesser than 16 ounces is a fatal flaw.  Why? Because if a bill does pass, they will merely begin promoting 15 oz and less bottles.  Worse 15.9 oz bottles.

Corporations need to have a greater sense of accountability for what human demand and activity has on the environment.  Beverage companies don't want to see(what amounts to a .03 cent increase) in handling fees because of the marginal additional cost, or the perceived added expense to the consumer.  What is most disconcerting is that these very same beverage companies will not hesitate to discover new gimmicks to increase their profits by raising the price.  Apparently they are very unfamiliar with the triple bottom line and within that context, corporate accountability.  Beverage companies just don't seem to care.

A little education in corporate responsibilityA basic notion of accountability in this instance might suggest that an organization profiting from the beverage market ( i.e. wastefully [editorial license] manufacturing and packaging municipal grade or lesser water- and call it pure) in bottled water, has a social responsibility( vis a vis corporate accountability) to give back to that from which I took.  Protecting the environment is an investment not a cost.  Damaging the environment is a cost, clearly greater than beverage companies care to realize, which comes from the manufacturing of plastic containers and the waste associated with them(about 2,500,000).  Profits over people, or profits over preservation, both compromise a triple bottom line.

Here is a good exercise for fellow consumers.  Visit the web site of each beverage company that services your area; find out what there mission statement is( these are the principles that guide their work); call them up and hold them accountable for what they promise or state in their mission if it is at all related to creating a sustainable environment, or preserving our natural resources.  Even if they claim to have a connection to the natural environment- hold them to it.

There is absolutely no excuse to allow beverage companies to escape their responsibility to protect the environment; nor should we as consumers allow them to.  So today, protest:   1. learn how safe your local municipal drinking water is (I have been drinking water from the City of Boston for years and I feel great) 2. buy a reusable water container.  They are relatively inexpensive as low as $4.99 and without harmful chemicals in most cases (read the label).

I don't buy bottled water or soft drinks.  If you have it within you, stop or write your beverage company and tell them to step up their commitment to the environment and to you.  Hold them accountable for the mess they are making- literally.  And tell Rep. Alice Wolf (D-Cambridge) and Sen. Cynthia Creem (D-Newton) 1. do not give up and 2. make the policy stronger.  Let them know that you will work to gain additional support to get this bill into legislation.

Green Note: Cement accounts for 5 to 8% of CO2 output, the 3rd largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in the world. 

Scotland Willis is an environmental strategist, lecturer and advocate.  He is currently a working on a dual Masters at Tufts in Environmental Engineering and Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning.  He is a management consulting in systems thinking and large scale change.  You can email him at scotland@clearstrategies.us. or visit the clear strategies web site

Guns Past Midnight

Five sporadic sounds explode off in the distance(crack-- crack..) disrupting the silence of an otherwise perfect rest; like sheets of ice tearing themselves apart from ice caps in Greenland, or the undulating crack of thunder in a severe storm- startling, disturbing.

It's 1:39 a.m. according the time on the smart phone next to me. Someone must have called 911 (I think to myself. I should call, where’s my phone). Undoubtedly several other gun shot conscious residents are contemplating the same.

Did the combination of Summer, access to firearms and ignorance claim another life? It was not the heat - not this time, too cool out. Anxiety fills what was a calm wind that probably helped lull some people to sleep. Too early to mentally assess if there are any victims.

Stories have not hit the headline yet, but they will; and they'll read..."Another man shot In Roxbury. Images of a man gasping for air as the last signs of life escape from his body; was it just one person tonight; too late for children to be out- fortunate for them. Could have been a young lady involved; its getting harder to tell.

It was not the usual sequence; five rounds-- two more; and then silence. No another two rounds- that was unexpected. Perhaps there were screams in the distance but they were barely detectable. Moments later sirens commandeer the silence of the night; one...two-three patrol cars; just before the last two rounds got off.

Perhaps there were no victims this time. But the sounds of rapidly pulsating police sirens were followed by slower drawn out ambulance sirens- assuring there was a victim of some sort- damn.

Patrols thin later in the evening, and coverage per capita is lighter than wealthier sections of the City. But that's changing as downtown density grows; though there are not likely to be any shootings in The Mandarin Oriental.

Guns in Boston are too easy to get, but the outcomes are never easy. By now radio monitors have already picked up reports of shots fired and the news paper are making column space for the story. It may not get headlined; as of August 1 2010 Boston was at 36 homicides a 20 percent increase over this time last year.

Gun violence in Boston is becoming too easy- to accept. Paradoxically more victims are on the horizon combined with few more days of good weather, followed by a discomforting storm from a of flurry of shots fired, another victim- try to go back to sleep...tired, late. Hopefully no condolences.

Carbon Footprints and H2O

Think reducing your C02 footprint and H20 footprint could be reduced by using less water or energy YES and NO. Water usage is not just about how much you as the end user are using but how much water is consumed in the production of the product.

So for example, your ice tea may only be a 16oz beverage(mostly water), but a significant amount of water is used to produce the tea leaves themselves.

Water is like processed food, the more you process your food the more nutritional value you lose. By growing your own food you increase nutrient intake. By mass producing water(processing water i.e. irrigation) you decrease the efficiency of water usage.

Water works essentially the same way; when you use a system to harness water, that system requires energy and large water production- or irrigation . Using irrigation to water a farm means using thousands of gallons of water for an agricultural area or crop. This means each piece of fruit, vegetable, or coffee bean, uses more water than what goes in your cup of coffee or juice that comes out of your watermelon. Much of the water results in runoff as well. Rain barrels also sound like a good alternative but there is an environmental production cost with making rain barrels as well.

Ultimately the best approach is to find a way to capture rain water without manufacturing special products or producing high volumes of water i.e. commercial farming. Enter the natural reservoir or a form of detention tank in a natural area. Not the simplest approach in an urban area but it is possible. Urban farms are also an excellent approach, individuals use much less water than commercial applications and the food does not have to travel over long distances.

So where do you begin and end with all of these environmental concerns, footprints etc. The first and best step is to start doing more to accelerate protection of the environment. Work to reduce water consumption by using reusable water bottles, capturing rain, placing a container under your shower to capture the water before your shower heats up and use that water to water your plants. I am always happy to do a training or information session so you and others can learn how to make more of a difference.

Visit me at Clear Strategies Environmental Consulting at www.clearstrategies.us

Scotland Willis is an environmental consultant for Clear Strategies, columnist for the South End News and freelance writer.

BP Live Stream Deepwater Horizon Repairs

Deepwater Horizon live video stream link

How Much Oil is Out There OCS

by Scotland Willis

If one were to capture the accomplishments of the current Administration over the last year and compared them to previous Administrations, here's what your list might look like(accomplishments); And before you decide that you have no more interest in political discourse, the purpose is not to gloat over President Obama's accomplishments, or even to carry on about politics; no, the numbers are much more interesting than any of that.

So a few quick facts based on data produced by government resources which experts count on and defer to for decision making; but not before we look at the flaw of President Obama's latest interest in off shore drilling. This means that executive and congressional restrictions would be removed that prevent offshore drilling in the outer continental shelf (OCS). Whoa, where did that come from? This is likely a more passive response that what most environmentalists feel would be appropriate.

As the Huffington Post put it "He(president Obama) cited the need for this move to meet short-term economic needs and a longer-term, clean energy future." This is highly questionable, so back to the numbers. According to 2008 figures, the United States consumes about 19.5 million barrels of oil every day. These numbers come from a federal agency, not a environmental watch group. Estimates from the U.S. Department of the interior say that is 0.5-1 billion barrels(Bbbl) of oil in the Mid Atlantic area and 0.03-0.15 billion barrels of oil in the South Atlantic. Stick with me.

At best collectively this represents 1.15 billion barrels of oil. We are almost home. Now if you divide that by the rate of consumption you end up with results that look like this... really complex but hang in there. Total amount of usage this oil will yield by removing these restrictions is...58.97 days. One must agree that this not only qualifies as "short term economic needs", it could easily qualify for extremely short term economic needs. If you are shaking your head in disbelief, there is an open invitation to research these numbers for yourself. I love to be proven wrong, it means that someone else is doing their homework; but then you would also have to train the Energy Information Administration.

It is important to keep in mind that they will also explore natural gas in these same areas; but it is critical not to overlook the obvious as well as the counter productive. Natural gas will yield significantly higher numbers about 11.7 trillion cubic feet( tcf ) about half of what we consume in a year in the U.S. Overall in the United States we consumed 22,227,000,000,000 (twenty-two trillion-two hundred-twenty-seven-billion,) cubic feet of natural gas in 2008. It shows up third behind coal and oil in terms of CO2 (carbon dioxide) output at 5,300 metric tons, but is expected to overtake coal CO2 by 2030.

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Imagine

Imagine a place where no student struggles where their dreams last forever and none ever busts their bubble

Imagine if on the Horizon no Deepwater blew, if the ocean was still clean and still looked brand new
Imagine if safety truly existed for all, young women, girls and boys not getting raped but being exalted

Imagine if Darfur was just a land of peace where women, men and children were just our brethren to the East

What if Kosovo were not a reality, no suffering, pain or useless brutality and if Hitler in Germany never killed, millions of people, blood whole and not spilled; in Sudan, South Africa, Watusi and fate how on Earth could we live in a world full of hate.

Imagine if conflict were just a word,
that never found a way into our vocabulary
and were replaced with exponential power even just in a third
of what we feel when we know the meaning of sanctuary.

Imagine if politicians did more than represent, a fiction of what people hope really wanted, might they then make a dent.
Imagine if the land we cherish so much were more than economic and political clutch, more than a place for esoteric foods for people with a fetish or elitist broods.

Can you imagine what it is like to breathe clean air, to live a life of laughter and not despair
Imagine how many lives we could have saved if we to treat people like humans and not like slaves

Imagine banks that worked like a friend, lending helping hands without making you bend

Imagine if energy were something we protected without exploiting resources using the pipes we erected.

Imagine valuing life in a way that there was no dollar value to make you feel like you'll pay. Would we finally live life and knowing freedom comes our way.

Imagine that Katrina had never occurred, where the voice of people could still be heard; egregious acts and lack there of, acts are just a performance, blood requires a glove.

Imagine if Palestinians and Israelis knew no war, imagine what women, infants and children died for.

Imagine if you your gender or race didn't matter, if people cared for people, if there were never homeless on the streets feeling sadder

Imagine if hugs, I love you, and kiss were just pure; and that law suits and malfeasance existed no more.

Imagine Edison's belief in natural resources
where coal, nuclear and oil were not power forces

doubt and despair are inimical traits take time to imagine take time to wait
It is not how soon things can come to an end, sometimes its just how you begin- and how you can continue which takes time and makes friends

Imagine that I never had to think like this, cause the world that we lived had more thoughts with more bliss.

iPhone Factor

Corporate Responsibility

By Scotland Willis

iPhones have become an international icon for communication savvy and pop culture. Unfortunately a connection between the iPhone and the hazardous chemical n Hexane, have become linked; it appear a step in manufacturing of the iPhone is resulting in neurological damage to some workers in China. N Hexane is a toxic chemical and on rare occasions can be deadly.

In February 2010, claims were reported that Wintek Corporation a subsidiary of Suzhou had workers who experienced neurological symptoms due to exposure from Hexane. The significance- Wintex produces the iPhone product and the n Hexane is a chemical used for cleaning the screens on iPhones. Hexane has a flash point of -10F and there for evaporates faster than alcohol as a cleaning agent- speeding up production. It is important to understand a few more facts about n Hexane itself.

Hexane if inhaled enters your body through your lungs. A person's liver helps to break down harmful substances such as the gases from n Hexane. The liver makes proteins that regulate your blood, and attempts to neutralize toxins in the blood like those found in Hexane. These toxins that don't get filtered pass through your blood stream and are carried to all of your organs.

Research from NIOSH (responsible for health and safety standards under the Center for Disease Control,) reveals that n Hexane has severe neuro toxins and can lead to a range of debilitating affects from peripheral neuropathy to pneumonitis. OSHA's permissible exposure limits of hexane in a contained workspace is 500 parts per million (ppm). Though proposed limits of 50 ppm were submitted to the U.S. court system, the court repudiated this proposal and its legal limits remain at 500 ppm today as listed on OSHA and CDC's NIOSH. It should be noted that even at 500 ppm neurological damage can still occur.

To provide some perspective OSHA allows 5000 parts per million(ppm) of CO2 (carbon dioxide), per million parts of air. This indicates that n Hexane at an allowable 500 ppm, present a dangerously higher level of risk to human welfare when compared to the allowable ppm for carbon dioxide(U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services).

Hexane is also found in many soy products from baby formula to soy milk. Manufactures use Hexane to extract proteins in these food products. Traces found in food products are often in the low 20 ppm and even less in soy milk. The objective is to explain how common the presence of Hexane is in our food, and put its risk factor in perspective. Hexane is a very harmful chemical and ideally manufacturers of soy products would not use Hexane in processing food at all. Preventable measures would be most ideal but that would most likely require reducing the production levels- as is the case with the iPhone.

Any of the point made here can be verified and are in no way presented to drastically shift public opinion, but hold companies accountable for counter intuitive practices to sustainability. As an environmental strategist the goal is to encourage businesses to look at more effective ways to approach eco-friendly practices, by making alternative recommendations.

From a public consumer perspective, we can influence what happens in the manufacturing process. By letting the company know that we would like evidence within 60 days that their policy regarding exposure this chemical demonstrates significant change; and that we would consider shifting our loyalty to their brand if reasonable steps were not taken. This give the manufacture reasonable time to make changes and does not threaten the disruption of business immediately. Everyone should have time to respond so that they don't react in a nonproductive or less meaningful way.

Corporate and social responsibility extend beyond our boarders. When we decide to globalize our products and services, that brings with it accountability in those new territories; not only for those products and services but to the quality of life that speak to who we are and our regard for people and the ecosystem. For business, environmental priorities should be a expansive part of a evolving green print for success.

Cycling on Purpose

by Scotland Willis

Sustainability does not always have to be an intense effort to persuade individuals to learn more about their carbon footprint, not drive gas-guzzlers, and buy carbon offsets. With a look at the pleasures of sustainability we just might convert a few more people.

In April 2009, tired of feeling the frustration that goes along with owning a car, I decided to get rid of my car and buy a bicycle. Since that time I have put in over 3,600 miles on my bike. I am an aggressive cyclist but try to be respectful of other vehicles and people around me. The population of cyclists is growing as consciousness of the environment, cycling campaigns, City initiatives, and fuel prices increase. Staying ahead of the curb is important but so is cycling awareness.

Great living

Living in the South End affords many amenities, including proximity to some of Boston’s best activities. Fortunately sustainability can be coupled with these amenities in a very practical way - cycling. With the Southwest Corridor, Charles River, and Greenway virtually at our doorstep, there is no excuse to not pedal to your heart’s content.

Breezing down Dartmouth towards the overpass is a simple route to the Charles River. It places you between the Harvard Bridge (often referred to as the Mass. Ave. Bridge) and the Esplanade. On great spring days, when the air is brisk, it is a perfect time for riding; as your raised metabolism increases your body temperature, the cool air keeps you comfortable. Despite the liberating feeling of cycling, the amenity of stopping whenever you want to enjoy the sites, and not having to worry about parking, safety is paramount above all else.

Experience teaches us

I have found that the skills from decades of motorcycle riding are proving to be very beneficial to being a cyclist. I like to keep the flow of riding as constant as possible; I prefer taking a longer route if it means I don’t have to disrupt my ride - this tends to lead me to quieter streets. Riding my motorcycle has taken me to places few other experiences have, topping out at 206 m.p.h., across the wide open roads of Colorado. What that forced me to do is to always be very alert of my surroundings, constantly looking at least three-quarters of a mile down the road to anticipate sudden changes in the landscape. I always pause and look twice in both directions while cycling; I look in drivers’ eyes, which helps me to gauge their intended action. Lastly if you look through the rear window of a car as you are riding in the bicycle lane, to see if anyone is in it, you might avoid getting "doored," a serious concern for cyclists. My number one rule is raise my alertness when I get comfortable, even if it is just to remind myself for a second that anything could happen. And while it may be obvious, not owning one is just poor judgment - get a helmet. Helmets are lightweight, can be stylish and they reduce your risk of serious injury.

Back on the pathway

Heading south down the Southwest Corridor, a 20- to 30-minute ride will place you at the Arnold Arboretum, near the Forest Hills T stop. Walk or cycle through the 265 acres of lush landscape of birds, plant life and ponds. It is a sanctuary in the middle of Boston, which I ride to once a week. Leaving the Arboretum you can head up the Jamaica Way path to the Riverway bringing you back into the depths of the City; it makes for a peaceful transition with light traffic sounds in the background. Hundred-year-old oaks, maples and other tree life insulate the ride as you pass walkers and families playing in the grass.

Mayor Menino’s Boston Bikes initiative is part of creating "a vibrant healthy city for all." This plan includes adding new bike lanes, increasing bicycle safety and awareness and addressing the concerns of experienced cyclists. A little research and you will never feel alone; there are multiple groups you can join, including meet-up groups and Bike Fridays and Hub on Wheels.

Boston is a great place to ride a bicycle (in many areas), more so than riding a motorcycle. Hilly roads, winding streets and riverside pathways make riding here a real gem; it is important, however, not to overlook the reality of riding in heavily condensed traffic. There is a rhythm to riding bicycles responsibly like that of motorcycles; to that end I am constantly seeing the value of one meeting the needs of the other. Bike season is here! Get out, have fun, save the planet ... and stay healthy and safe.

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Deepwater Horizon Disaster

by Scotland Willis

The ongoing disaster as a result of the fire on oil rig Deepwater Horizon, in the Gulf of Mexico, should be of major concern for consumers of fish, environmentalists, scientists, and President Obama. Public health implications when such events occur, seem to be easily forgotten as a result of distancing ourselves from the event; this event should remain present in our decision making, regarding food consumption and our energy choices for the United States. 2009 data from the Department of Agriculture research shows that in the United States, Americans consume 743,858,000 pounds of fish and another 240,113,000 pounds of lobster, clams and other crustaceans.

On April 20, 2010 the oil rig Deepwater Horizon exploded resulting from an oil leak. The spill occurred between 30 and 50 miles offshore from Louisiana's coast, and is currently under investigation. Estimates indicate that the rig, operated by BP Global(for crude oil production) was spewing 700 thousand gallons of oil a day into the Gulf Region, according to the AP.

Corporate Response

According to a BP press release 32 spill response vessels were deployed to the area including a barge capable of skimming 171,000 barrels per day and an additional 175,000 on standby. This seems adequate to capture the 700 thousand gallons a day if that is in fact accurate. They also announced that 100,000 gallons of dispersants are on site, having received approval from the U.S. Coast Guard. BP's forecasting suggest that the spill will remain offshore. The largest oils spills in history range from the Gulf War at 1,400,000 tons to the Exxon Valdez at 35,000 tons, and Deepwater Horizon appears to be moving in that direction.

Government Action
As a part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Mineral Management Service(MMS) is also working with the U.S. Coast Guard to assess and deploy emergency response to this oil spill. The MMS is responsible for managing everything from renewable energy to gas and oil, and minerals for the United States; part of that management includes emergency responses. Ilene Angelico appears to be overseeing the gulf region as the emergency point person for this particular oil disaster.

Ownership

After attempting to contact BP directly, the calls were redirected to a Houston office to a recording in direct response to the oil spill; the calls were once again redirected to a Transocean spokes person. After speaking briefly with Guy Cantwell responsible for communication, it was discovered that Transocean, the worlds largest drilling contractor, was responsible for drilling the well.

Oil rigs are somewhat like airlines in that rigs are leased by investment groups because of large expense. The rig was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries Shipyard in South Korea; it is owned by Transocean Ltd. and leased to BP Global. BP's annual report shows sales and revenue of $239 billion dollars; producing 5.9 million barrels of refined oil a day in 2009, and an interest in 16 refineries around the world. BP also has investments in renewable energy .

Deepwater Horizon has now collapsed and is approximately 5000 feet below the sea. The platform was 396 feet (121 m) long and 256 feet (78 m) wide and designed to drill in water depths of up to 8,000 feet (2,400 m). Maximum drill depth was 30,000 feet (9,100 m).

Environmentalist Reprisal

On March 31, 2010, President Obama and the Secretary announced the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Strategy as part of President Obama’s comprehensive energy plan for the country. The Department is pursuing a strategy for exploring and developing oil and gas resources on the OCS. This accident will lead to great concerns, and leveraged arguments for environmental and marine scientists. The fallout from this accident regarding the ecological impact and food consumption in the Gulf region, has yet to be determined. It is likely that there has been extensive damage which will impact that area for years to come, with the slick less than 30 miles off shore.

Oil disasters are important to understand and keep on our radar because of the ecological impact and threat to the environment overall. Since the fish we consume is exposed to the waste products we produce and fossil fuels we use, understanding what is happening regarding the impact of products or amenities that provide a lifestyle we enjoy in the U.S, these issues should at bare minimum, be an active concern for everyone.

Dedicated to Jaewon Martin Demand for Change

Never have I felt how compelling my blog name was until this day. In no way would I attempt to compare my title to the suffering of the Martin family right now but a level of frustration continues to mount that supports the grief the family must feel.

We already know much of the details of Jaewon Martin's murder, which is not why I am writing this article; Jaewon's age, school, academic intelligence etc. are all above par for a public school student. No this is a question to the public.

So I was sitting on the Memorial Drive side of river bank on the Charles unable to let go of the apoplectic emotions that stirred inside. I already knew what would follow this event; people would be outraged, the mayor, commissioner, and other public figures would make statements and hold a press conference; for a few weeks Jaewon would be memorialized. In other words nothing would really change. This time, that was not enough, so I began writing feverishly about real solutions to this violent conundrum. I wanted to really understand what was at the heart of the issue- safety! No surprise there.

I found a great sense of safety as I was sitting by the Charles. I had to convince myself that same sense of safety was at least possible- and it is. If you look in certain places in the country even here in Greater Boston, there is a sense of safety. And as I looked around, the remaining Harvard students and other pedestrians appeared to have a similar sense of safety. So if it is possible why are we not making the kind of investment felt in Cambridge for example. Then I went down the Green Belt; again I felt a strong sense of safety, and I went over by the Ritz Carlton, again I felt a strong sense of safety. I ended up in City Hall, to further establish that a sense of safety was possible. Knowing that budget hearings were occurring I felt a compulsion to see what accommodations had been made in the BPS budget to address this critical need. My timing was impeccable.

Sitting in on the fifth of the school budget hearing at City Hall today; deeply disturbed by Jaewon's murder over the weekend, I was looking for what charters had been made on behalf of students for their well being. Answer, none. To the Boston Public Schools; safety meant bus monitors, and truancy officers- neither of which met the concerns of real safety. Not even a sense of food security, did I feel. I had something in mind along the lines of the type of safety people should have when they lay down to sleep at night, or that of a good wholesome meal that awaits- not even that.

How long will we allow these events to dictate the future and aspirations of youth in the City of Boston. My call today is multifaceted. There should not in my opinion, be a single program or service in Boston that does not have a component of elimination of youth violence in it. I am not calling on the usual suspect to do the ground work; this is a call to all residents, business owners, and public officials alike to marshal an effort that provide students with a indisputable sense of safety. Each one teach one is not enough. We don't need better schools we need a better society.

Thomas Edison has one of my favorite quotes; "Nonviolence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages." What I would add to this quote is that, if we stand by inactive, but able to do something, then we are just as culpable.

Here is what I believe might be a good start to a Student Manifesto; money not being an issue, how would go about creating safety for each school age student?

No school age student will experience random shootings, unsafe areas for leisure developmental activities or bullying without exception.

FIRST Each community member is to support 1 youth for the rest of this school year and summer and bring them to or collectively meet with other mature adults in a safe place.

SECONDLY I am asking each person in he city to coordinate getting a youth to school and picking one up from school each day.

THIRD I am asking Google, MIT, Harvard and BU, NU to support the logistics of this effort using students in technology tracks as part of service learning and to earn credit for course work

FOURTH I am asking for $$$ to launch this effort immediately.

FIFTH I am asking all councilors to halt personal campaigns and hearings to cease until it is established that every initiative funded in the City of Boston has a component of school age safety built into it. This includes development of new properties and receipt of federal and state revenue.

SIXTH establish where the least homicides occurring; and everyone identify 5 places you identify as safe, relay them to a central repository.

SEVENTH I am requesting a 1% pay cut for every teacher, public official, administrator until each has a student safety plan built into their budget as part of a wrap around plan plugged into a central goal

EIGHTH It is my REQUEST. That the city do a survey of all BPS students to better understand the relationship between FEAR, and ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IMPEDIMENTS

NINTH The Boston Police Department will establish what settings most of these crimes occur based on historical data initiate change in a concentrated effort for that area.

TENTH Establish when students have the greatest sense of fear and fortify the services by communicating with businesses to support employees that help to escort students to school?

ELEVENTH Provide mentors to help recondition the damage that has already been done and a real support structure to foster healthy psychological development.

We can deduce that the same number of homicides will occur this year that occur last year based on the current trajectory, possibly more if the weather is nicer. Some people believe last year's short Summer season influenced homicide numbers downward.

These events have a devastating effect on youth, their confidence, and self concept. Youth live with a sense of fear from the very environments they are suppose to grow up in with a sense of security and we need a different strategy. I simply believe we can do more.

Young People Rising

Recently I had a brief conversation with a young man and woman in a festive setting. Loud urban hip hop music was playing in the background; while clusters of people in their mid to late twenties, occupied a portion of the yard space where I grew up celebrating similar festive events. From birthday parties to cookouts, this place has always been a gathering space where good friends and family come together to enjoy each others company- and learn from one another.

As things were settling down around 11:00on a Thursday night, I made a brief announcement to the women among the some thirty odd people, about a Young Black Women's Society event on Saturday- recommending that they attend. One young man exclaimed, "Can I go?" I replied, absolutely you can go, and you should go, you might learn something about how to truly treat a woman right. While my response was stated somewhat jokingly, there is a little truth in jest. His lady friend chided him implying that he just might learn something, as well. He conceded in his remarks acknowledging what was likely to be partial reality relative to the conversation.

Nearly all of the young men and women in attendance, at this family and friends style cookout, were career oriented or college graduates. One young woman mentioned that she saw the posting on Facebook, this seemed to be the push she needed to attend, realized only after a brief conversation. I further encouraged her to reconsider mentoring despite her career commitment as well.

It is refreshing to know that some settings never lose their charm. Having a save place where conversations can still happen, where I can ensue counter measures to cultural norms that result in harmful barriers or stereotypes. In fact, the very question this second young lady had for me prior to my appeal to her was, "do you think I am a working professional?" I stated that I had no reason to believe she was not. She continued to say "Because some people believe I could not be(a working professional) just because of the setting;" I told her is not my job to judge. Yet another struggle for budding professionals, balancing work life with professional life.

I am always glad to see young women in any culture rise above the odds and statistics. Since 1 in 4 women have experienced sexual assault; and the numbers in high school settings are even more piercing. Youth violence and bullying are devastating cultures, families, and genders across the nation. Each of us is responsible for making a concerted effort to transform the status quo. If I can encourage young women to both learn and teach on their life's journey, I feel I have done my work. This is part of my daily walk.

A neighbor walking by was a pleasant reminder that the diversity of Highland Park is the very reason why that charm exists; it is made up of males and females of all ethnicities and cultures. It is a part of the City where great things happen because of amenities that within, ranging from walkable streets to lush forestry; from involved residents to friendly neighbors. It makes having otherwise challenging conversations easy for the teacher and the pupil.

Boston Bottleneck

Boston has its share of issues but the bottleneck is virtual and perceived not real. We have congestion between the Mayor and the fire department, an abundance of crime, and deteriorating public school system, youth violence, and illusionary budget issues. People are so stuck on making their point that they are neither doing the research or proposing solutions.

If we really want to do something about these issues we might consider scrapping a few archaic policy systems that were established more than a century ago and revamp a few things. In this past Sunday's issues of the Boston Globes Magazine, they addressed bullying and compared the archaic intervention methods to a modern social problem as incongruent; "That’s like trying to develop strategies to reduce highway deaths based on data from horse-and-buggy accidents." At the federal level we have a constitution that was founded during a time that women and men who were not white, land owners, or educated could not vote. If we really want to think about best practices, doesn't all the data suggest that best practices mean beginning at the right starting point? But that means potentially dismantling a system that is centuries old (albeit dysfunctional). If where we began is wrong, why would we want to grow from there? Deep change is costly; not only in time and energy, but psychologically, and most people as well as governments are not prepared to deal with that.

BPS and the City have their hands full. Perhaps Carol Johnson is on the right path- clean house and give it another shot. The city council and Mayor Menino are experiencing major opposition because of their position that opposes the "racial profiling" issue in Arizona. From what I understand the phone lines are blowing up and the council is experiencing a bit of racism themselves- and no one is exempt. Other than angry racial slurs has anyone heard any rational counter proposals? I mean hey, I am open. Oh right the people who hate immigrants and want to send them back across the border, these are probably the same people who are no more than third generation removed or less. I happen to think we actually have a city council that is prepared to do something and be provocative in a way that gets voters off their ass and well...engage their government.

Recommendation to the opposition; come up with a clear well thought out proposal that demonstrates your alternative makes sense. Shouting and hollering will get you nowhere- business as usual, just lots of noise that will be forgotten in a matter of weeks or days- and still no plan. Our bottleneck occurs because very few people actually invest the time to change the status quo.