Estimates that corn and other agricultural products could see record high prices if no rain comes. Corn being a base ingredient will have an inflationary consequence for many food items. This could mean higher prices at the grocery store.

By D. Montgomery and Friendly Forecast bringing you your Dallas Texas weather forecast. Just a reminder that all our USA weather forecasts provide watches and warnings for tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and severe thunderstorms.

Sources:
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1024888–southwestern-u-s-headed-for-a-perpetual-drought?bn=1
http://www.freep.com/article/20110714/BUSINESS07/107140508/Corn-prices-may-hit-high-8-75-U-S-drought

The Canadian federal government is to declare the Polar Bear to be a species at risk by the end of the month. The governments decision comes a few years after a recommendation from the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Once the Polar Bears are listed a plan must be made within 3 years to ensure they don’t move up the list to endangered.

The USA in 2008 added the Polar Bear as a species at risk siting climate change and a lack of sea ice. Sea ice is the Polar Bears primary hunting grounds for catching seals, its main food source. Over the past few years with the lack of significant sea ice Polar Bears have been spotted starving and emaciated.

Though some Polar Bear populations are showing decline, others question why the bears should be declared a species at risk when there are other arctic animals vulnerable to the same climate change conditions.

By D. Montgomery and www.friendlyforecast.com bringing you a Churchill Manitoba weather forecast.

Sources:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/story/2011/07/12/cda-polar-bear-sara-listing.html
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/feds-to-put-polar-bears-on-species-at-risk-list-125471998.html

Ash erupting from the Puyehue-Cordón volcano in Chile has sent an ash cloud around the southern hemisphere disrupting air traffic. Thousands of disappointed travelers from Argentina to Australia to New Zealand to South Africa have had their flights delayed or even cancelled. The airport in Buenos Aires is completely closed and travellers are urged to find other ways to get to Argentina’s capital city via bus or boat. Qantas Airlines are reporting “Flights to and from New Zealand are cancelled.” on their air travel disruption page.

The ash has become so bad in the Chilean province of Ranco that authorities have ordered some evacuations. Due to the prevailing wind direction, the ash is not causing too many issues for Chilean air travel as it has in other parts of the world.

Satellite image of the volcanic ash cloud merged from 3 different images. Image credit NASA.

The Puyehue-Cordón volcano has been erupting since June 4, 2011. The volcano is located in northern Chile approximately 700 kilometers south of the capital city of Santiago. Puyehue-Cordón last erupted in 1960 after the then largest ever recorded earthquake.

Chilean Volcano Erupting. Image credit NASA.

This YouTube video shows the Chilean Puyehue-Cordón volcano erupting and spewing ash. Credit Russia Today.

Air travel delays due to volcanic activity has been more common of late due to prevailing winds and a greater awareness of the damage the ash can cause to aircraft. In the past year we have we’ve experienced major European delays due to Icelandic volcanoes, previous to that, volcanoes in Indonesia often have caused flight cancellations as well.

By Darshan Montgomery and Friendly Forecast bringing you a great Portland Oregon weather forecast.

Sources:
http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-fg-argentina-ash-20110615,0,807150.story?track=rss
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puyehue-Cord%C3%B3n_Caullehttp://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/disruptions/global/en

Once again our glorious celestial orb has sent hot plasma our way that will become trapped in the Earth’s magnetic field creating a dazzling display of the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. NASA has reported increasing solar activity over the past couple of weeks resulting in the cosmic rays headed our way. So wheres the best place to view the Northern Lights?

The best places to see the Aurora Borealis is well, like its name sake, in the north. Northern Europe, Russia, Asia, Canada and Northern USA. Also the south also experience the same effect in Antarctica, New Zealand and Australia. The southern version of the Northern Lights are called Aurora Australis. But, if the cosmic rays are strong enough the Aurora Borealis could be seen as far south as the mid US.

So, over the next few days look up. Form now until June 9th your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are above average.

Northern Lights Over Norway. Image credit NB Harstad.

Northern Lights Over Whitehorse Yukon. Image credit Studiolit.

Norwegian Sunset Northern Lights. Image credit Robert Voors.

Northern Lights Norway Reflected In Lake. Image credit Odd.

By Darshan Montgomery and Friendly Forecast providing a great Whitehorse weather forecast.

Today, June 1st 2011 marks the first day of the Atlantic hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center (NOAA) is predicting a larger-than-average year for for hurricanes. NOAA is saying there can be 12 – 18 named storms, 6 – 10 tropical storms that could become hurricanes and 3 – 6 could become major hurricanes. The average hurricanes per season are 11 named hurricanes, 6 tropical storms that could turn into hurricanes and 2 being major hurricanes. So what makes this year different?

This hurricane season is different due to a global phenomena that has been going on for quite some time now. LA NINA! During a La Nina cycle, that we are still currently in, the world can expect harsher weather conditions like, monsoons, flooding, landslides, heavy snowfall, longer-colder winters, more tornadoes and a longer and more active hurricane season.

Just look at some of the extreme weather activities that have happened over the last six months or so.

• December 2010 – Massive snowstorm hits Europe stranding thousands of people in airports. Read more about Heathrow Snow Shutdown.
• January 2011 – Massive flooding in usually dry Australia wiping out towns, destroying property and leaving thousands homeless. La Nina also brought flooding to Barzil and Colombia at the same time. Read more about 2011 Australia flooding.
• April – May 2011 – One of the most active and destructive tornado season in the Mid West of the USA killing hundreds.
• Of the non major events there has been longer winters, more flooding globally, bigger storms and long lasting monsoons that have gone under the global media radar.

And now, at the precipice of the Atlantic hurricane season, here we are about to embark on another active environmental journey. At least now that science is aware of El Nino, La Nina and the Southern Oscillation we can make better predictions on what to expect in regards to general and extreme weather conditions for the next season or even year. Science can’t prevent the disasters from happening, but the fact that we are aware adverse conditions are coming we can be better prepared for when they arrive.

By Darshan Montgomery and FriendlyForecast.com providing a great Miami FL Weather Forecast.

Taking Steps to Reverse Global Warming

It is hard to ignore the effect that global warming is having around the world. Whether it’s the accelerated melting of the polar ice caps or the extreme weather of the last few years, global warming can be seen everywhere. Though there seems to be no quick fix, there are many lifestyle changes that can help reverse this trend.

Cars are a significant contributor to global warming. Instead of giving up the car for good, choose to make wiser choices. When it is time to buy a new vehicle, choose a car that gets good mileage. It will use less gasoline, emit less pollution, and be cheaper to drive. By choosing an electric or hybrid car, the amount of fossil fuels released into the environment is reduced even more.

It is also beneficial to decide upon a travel route before getting into the car. This will help reduce the amount of time spent traveling. Planning ahead is as easy as deciding which errands need to be done and then doing them in one trip instead of many. It will reduce gas consumption, limit the amount of pollution released into the environment, and free up time to spend on more important things.

Carpooling can be a fun way to reduce costs while lessening the environmental impact of commuting each day. Coworkers who drive together, rather than in separate cars, drastically reduce the amount of pollution released into the environment when they commute. Car sharing can also lengthen the life of your vehicle significantly.

There are many ways to be environmentally responsible at home. Make sure that all doors and windows are properly caulked or have weather stripping to keep the cold air out. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 10% of their energy bill by sealing any cracks and openings that let air escape to the outside. Properly sealing any gaps around windows and doors can do a lot to reduce the amount of energy needed to keep your home warm.

Replacing old appliances with energy efficient ones will also significantly reduce the amount of energy that is used at home. Old appliances consume much more energy and can be draining on power plants. Replacing all major appliances with ones that use less energy will not only help the environment, but also put some money back into your pocket.

Wind Power. Image credit WAstateDNR – Department of Natural Resources

People who support clean energy initiatives help ensure that these technologies continue to be developed in the future. Choosing to switch to solar or wind power at home supports clean energy and sets a good example. This type of energy emits zero greenhouse gases and reduces the demand on coal-fired power plants that release harmful toxins into the environment. By supporting government initiatives to use these new technologies, the future will be a much cleaner one.

Reversing the negative effect of global warming is not an impossible task. Even small changes can make a huge difference. Smarter choices, such as fuel efficient cars and energy efficient appliances, can help reduce the amount of pollution released into the environment. As the Earth reaches a crisis point, we can start by looking within ourselves to reverse global warming.

By, Truleigh and FriendlyForecast.com bringing you a great weather forecast.

Remember when everything went into the garbage and we didn’t recycle? Well times have changed and so is the way we treat our trash. It seems like everyone is going green now a days and caring about the environment we live in. So our challenge to you is to take it up a notch and give you some tips and tricks for being more environmentally friendly.

Recycle. Ok I know I mentioned it in the opening paragraph, but some of you are still holding out. Taking the time to separate your paper, cardboard, cans and bottles helps saves resources, saves energy to make those products from scratch and reduces space in the land fill.

Compost. All those table scraps and any other bio-matter household waste can be put to good use. If you are fortunate enough to have a yard you can get one of those composters and put it in a small corner of your yard. The waste is naturally broken down by microbial activity and can serve to fertilize your lawn or garden. Don’t have a yard? Here are some instructions for building your own apartment composter.

Plastic bags, forget about them. Every year up to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed, this takes up a lot of resources and generally end up in the dump. However there are many places that recycle them like most major supermarkets. Some jurisdictions have actually banned the use of plastic bags, South Africa has banned plastic bags since 2003 as well as Oakland and San Francisco in the USA. Buy cloth bags instead and stop wasting all that plastic.

Do you like coffee and often buy one at one of those trendy coffee shops? Bring your own mug or thermos and save the land fill from all those discarded paper and Styrofoam cups. Heck, lets take it a step further and stop buying bottled water too, get a nice stainless steel reusable container instead.

Carpool. This seems to be one of the hardest ways to convince people to embrace about saving the environment.. It’s true, we love our cars and the percieved freedom and convenience they provide. But just think about it, the money you can save in gas and those noctious emmissions you avoid putting into the atmoshere. Talk to your coworkers or put a notice on your lunch room bulitin board letting know what part of town you live in and if anyone is interested in sharing a ride and saving some money.

No one to carpool with? Try walking, biking or heaven forbid, public transportation. All medium to major urban centers around the world have to a greater or lesser degree some sort of public transportation. It is often inexpensive, some cases free and is also a place where you can make new friends.

Driving your car by yourself is an eccentric waste of a finite resource. If you are having trouble ridding yourself of your ‘driving by yourself to work in your car fix’ then start off with small baby steps. Try taking the public transportation or carpool just one day a week, you will feel better if you do.

By Darshan Montgomery and FriendlyForecast.com providing a great local weather forecast, Victoria BC Weather Forecast and Vancouver Weather Forecast.

Understanding the Impact of Global Warming

Minor fluctuations in the world’s climate are natural. Recently though, these climate changes have accelerated, causing severe weather and concerning environmentalists around the world. Garnering the name global warming, the slow progression of climate change can give the impression that it is not an immediate threat. However, with more extreme weather being reported in the news, it’s hard not to deny the effect that global warming is having on the world that we live in.

Though extreme weather isn’t always indicative of global warming, the severity of storms in the last number of years is a sign that global warming is here to stay. Hurricanes, like Katrina that devastated New Orleans in 2005, are causing record amounts of damage. In fact, these storms are causing more destruction on average than they did even twenty years ago. This damage can be linked to the warming temperature of the ocean’s surface, which has increased hurricane wind speeds by more than fifty percent in the last fifty years.

Ironically, global warming is also responsible for the long periods of drought and severe flooding occurring around the world. Many African nations have experienced the worst wet seasons in recorded history, while in other parts of the continent, Africans are faced with devastating droughts that threaten their livelihood. Similar conditions can also be seen in North America. The Midwest has suffered numerous droughts since the 1950s while the flooding of the Mississippi River is considered to be above normal.

Much of the glacier melting in the Arctic has been caused by global warming. It has already reduced much of the migratory grounds for many of the Arctic’s endangered animals. Continued melting will increase the devastation worldwide by raising sea levels and flooding low laying coastal communities and habitats.

This YouTube video explains the basics of Global Warming.

Global warming is one of the most complicated issues facing the world. On one hand, its progression is slow enough that the effects of climate change can go by almost unnoticed. At the same time, the number of hurricanes, droughts, flooding, and receding glaciers are warning signs that global warming is occurring. Ignoring the problem may seem like a solution for now, but in the long run, the cost of doing nothing is unimaginable.

By, Truleigh and FriendlyForecast.com providing a great local weather forecast and Vancouver BC Weather Forecast.

Take Steps to Protect the Rainforests

The world’s giant rainforests simultaneously absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. In conjunction with our carbon-producing habits, continued deforestation on a massive scale presents a serious danger to the stability of this planet. Whilst much media focus is on reducing our carbon output, far less attention is paid to the state of the forests, which provide essential habitats to countless endangered species.

Although great efforts are being made to source paper from sustainable, managed forests, the deforestation continues in the name of paper pulp and palm oil profits. Here are some effective steps you can take at home towards protecting our remaining forests:

Firstly, do your research. Find out where your paper suppliers source their pulp and ensure you are buying either recycled paper or paper from managed sources. Also start to be aware of what is in the products you buy, and change products if necessary.

Sadly many food, beauty and cleaning products contain palm oil, but improved labelling is being phased in, with supermarkets aiming for 100% sustainable palm oil by an average of 2015. Meanwhile, join environmental campaigners such as Greenpeace, who recently persuaded corporate giants as Nestle, Unilever and Kraft to change their palm oil suppliers to protect the forests.

Reducing consumption is an even more effective solution than recycling. The less you use of anything, the less strain is placed on the planet’s precious resources. Think about what you’re using, whether you can re-use it, and whether you need as much as you think.

Take the trouble to save paper at home by using both sides of your paper. If you have only printed on one side, think before throwing it away. Print drafts, write lists, notes and memos on the back. Cut up a few sheets and leave them by the telephone for if someone calls. Envelope re-use is another simple paper-saving habit to get into, as is sending electronic rather than paper greeting cards.

Consumer pressure really does work, so if each of us took a little more care to shop responsibly and consume less, it would go a long way towards protecting these unique and essential forests.

By, Meg Griffiths and FriendlyForecast.com bringing you a great Vancouver Weather Forecast, Victoria BC Weather Forecast and Toronto Weather Forecast.

Debates have been ongoing for the last several years on whether man is responsible for the rise in the earth’s temperature. The consensus among scientists is that the warmer temperatures occurring in the last 50 years are definitely due to human activity. Global warming is happening and it is an urgent issue that can no longer be ignored.

The accumulation of greenhouse gases is building at an alarming rate. The United States, China and India are the top producers of carbon emissions in the world. Yet, despite the fact that they agree with the rest of the world that these emissions need to be cut, they don’t want to be legally bound to it. Many Americans do not believe that people are responsible for the rise in greenhouse gases or do not think it will directly impact them.

What is the greenhouse gas effect?

This is where carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide as well as water vapor are released into the earth’s atmosphere. The gases trap the solar heat, causing a rise in the earth’s temperature. Under normal circumstances, the greenhouse effect is necessary to provide heat and warmth to the earth; otherwise all living things could not survive. Pollution has magnified the amount of these gases in the air. Levels are the highest in 650,000 years.

How does this impact you?

Phytoplankton is responsible for 50% of the world’s photosynthesis and it consumes carbon dioxide and creates massive amounts of oxygen. Our world could not exist if it weren’t for these little microscopic organisms. It also provides the key food for the entire marine life food web. There seems to be a link between the warming of the oceans and the reduction of plankton being seen by scientists (Connor,2010). If there were massive die offs, the effects would not only be devastating to sea life but to all life on the planet.

Warmer water and melting glaciers are causing a rise in the level of the oceans. Certain islands and coastal regions are now in jeopardy of being returned to the sea. Temperature increases that normally have taken thousands of years to occur, are now taking only decades. Animals just cannot adapt to these changes quickly and the results could be extinction. Also there have been detrimental effects of global warming with the extreme weather patterns. Turn on a TV and immediately you will hear of some hurricane, monsoon or tsunami catastrophe. Inland, there have been problems with droughts and wildfires wreaking havoc on communities.

This YouTube Video explains the basics of what global warming is and its effects.

Contributors to global warming are the burning of fossil fuels, use of electricity and the massive deforestation of land (“Causes of Global Warming,”n.d.). Every time you drive your car, flip on a light switch, and heat or cool your house, you are emitting more greenhouse gases into the air. Trees also convert carbon dioxide to oxygen. With the clearing of land, there are fewer trees to counteract the effects of climate change.

Ways to prevent more global warming is to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Drive less or carpool when you can. Make energy-efficient smaller vehicles. Develop energy alternatives and reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. Cutting back on electricity usage, by unplugging electronics, appliances, and raising the thermostat in summer and lowering in winter can help a lot. Also planting more trees and being prudent about replacing trees that are cut down will be beneficial. The United States will need to reduce carbon emissions 20% by 2050 if they have any hope of turning this situation around.

It will take a significant effort on each person’s part to curb greenhouse emissions. Changes will need to be implemented in the home, at work and with the products bought. Undoubtedly, lifestyles will be altered and sacrifices will have to be made. It truly will take a collective effort by all of humanity to have an impact. If you knew the survival of the world was in your hands, would you not do everything possible to stop or delay global warming?

References:

Causes of Global Warming.(n.d.). Retrieved August 20,2010 from environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/gw-causes.

Connor,S.(2010, July 29) The dead sea:Global warming blamed for 40% decline in the ocean’s phytoplankton. Retrieved from independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/the-dead-sea-global-warming-blamed-for-40-per-cent-decline-in-the-oceans-phytoplankton-2038074.html.

By ghostauthor and FriendlyForecast.com providing a great weather forecast, a great Toronto Weather Forecast, Vancouver Weather Forecast and Montreal Weather Forecast.