Antarctic Glacial Stability At Risk

Another Blow to Antarctic Glacial Stability-Larsen C Shelf Cracking In Half

There’s a 30 kilometer long and hundreds foot deep crack running through West Antarctica’s massive Larsen C ice shelf.

It’s a rift that now stretches from the Weddell Sea — where winds and currents have driven human-warmed ocean waters to up-well along the ocean-contacting faces of the great Antarctic ice sheets — and deep into the interior of this 49,000 square kilometer and 600 to 700 foot tall block of ancient, floating ice.

Over the past few years this rift has been rapidly advancing at a rate of about 2.5 kilometers each year. Given that the rift has already traversed more than half of the Larsen C ice shelf calving face, a very large break-up could now occur at almost any time.

Larsen C Destabilizing

This evolving situation now threatens to destabilize the entire Larsen C ice shelf — resulting in major losses to a very large block of ice that has been a permanent feature of the Antarctic coastline since at least the last interglacial period 150,000 years ago. Such rapidly evolving risk was the subject of a February 5 communication by a group of glaciologists warning that “significant threats” to “Larsen C ice sheet stability” now existed.

The report notes:

"In a change from the usual pattern, a northwards-propagating rift from Gipps Ice Rise has recently penetrated through the suture zone and is now more than halfway towards calving off a large section of the ice shelf (Figs. 1 and 2). The rate of propagation of this rift accelerated during 2014. When the next major calving event occurs, the Larsen C Ice Shelf is likely to lose around 10 % of its area to reach a new minimum both in terms of direct observations, and possibly since the last interglacial period (Hodgson et al.2006)"

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Larsen A and B Shelves have already disintegrated due to human induced global warming. Yet all we hear from deniers is that there is no global warming because Antarctic "extent" is larger without explaining reasons for it which are also attributable to warming and changing wind patterns. This is the type of misleading that is leading us over the cliff. People need to read about this and understand the physics and dynamics behind it and the consequences of it on a global scale. I am really disappointed to see that so many people refuse to do this even though it means our very survival as a species.

Also see:

Massive Glacial Melt and Sea Level Rise-Antarctica

Collapse Of Parts Of West Antarctic Ice Sheet Has Begun

NOAA: Record Antarctic Sea Ice Due To Global Warming

Effects of Arctic Amplification Being Ignored

Today is designated as National Weather Person Day. I don't know, but on my local station I never hear anything but the same terminology that has been used for decades even though scientists have conceded that extreme changes are taking place in our climate that are now controlling our weather to the point of loss of agriculture, water access and life. How can those who continue to keep the masses in the dark about a grave danger to our future and present be respected? How can we continue to sit silently as if nothing is wrong while these people who are now more celebrity on the whole than scientist continue to do the business of their fossil fuel sponsors?

Anyone with half a brain and two eyes can see the severe and extreme climate change we have set upon the world. The video above with Dr. Jennifer Francis relays the reasoning behind Arctic Amplification and explains why we have been seeing these extremes and blocks in relation to rapidly melting Arctic ice that has already been tied and correlated to human excess, consumption and fossil fuel burning. The globe is now either in excessive heat, cold, drought or flood. Many areas no longer have four distinct seasons, only hot and cold. You know it, I know, they know it. Yet we continue to sit here waiting for the UN to do what exactly? How are people supposed to react enmasse when those who need to tell this truth will not and those who do are marginalized?

Thankfully, many of us who are not rich, or politicos, or tied to mega NGOS that hide behind politicians for their own benefit are not giving up. You want truth? You will find it on small blogs like this and reports by those who have more appreciation for truth than ratings.

Also see:

The "Polar Vortex" Freezing Us Today Due In Part To Global Warming

The Arctic, Humanity's Barometer

Major Loss In Arctic Sea Ice Volume- It Does Affect You

Arctic Melting-Tipping Point That Should Matter To All Of Us

Methane Levels Continue To Destabilize

Arctic Report Card- 2014

Arctic warming is at 2x rate of lower latitudes & is driving jet stream changes that bring frigid air to Northeast, Central Asia, UK, etc.

New study strengthens link between Arctic sea-ice loss and extreme winters

Thousands March In Dublin To Protest Water Tax/Austerity Agenda

Irish Water Tax Rebellion Marches on as Thirty Thousand Take to Streets

The center of Dublin has reportedly shut down as demonstrators, joining a chorus of nation-wide protests on Saturday, came out in droves to fight government efforts to tax citizens' right to water.

An estimated 30,000 marched in Dublin while other protests were held in cities and towns across the country including Limerick, Waterford and Donegal. According to The Irish Times, the rallies have caused major traffic disruption and road closures in Dublin, with groups marching from separate train stations and converging outside the General Post Office where speakers addressed the massive crowd.

The demonstrations, organized by local grassroots groups, are protesting threats to privatize Ireland's water bureau, Irish Water, and its plan to charge residents some €160 per year in an effort to satisfy EU-IMF demands. The latest round of protests come as roughly 660,000 households failed to meet a Monday deadline to register for water billing, Irish Water confirmed to media.

Richard Boyd Barrett, a representative with the political party People Before Profit Alliance, told reporters that government concessions made in response to the ongoing demonstrations will not appease protesters. In November, Irish Water announced certain households will have lower flat rates for water consumption.

"The friends of the Government, in various quarters, have been hoping and wishing that the massive popular rebellion against water charges and the wider austerity agenda would end—they are sorely mistaken," he said.

Right2Water, the organizing committee behind some of the large anti-water tax demonstrations, made a similar pledge of resistance in a press statement: "The campaign against these unjust water charges continues. Last year, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets all over the country, and wrung significant concessions from the Government. But as we said at the time—people marched for abolition, not concessions."

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The lessons of Bolivia 2000 must never be forgotten. 2015 will be the year these privateers will really move to take control of public water supplies. It has already happened in my town and in a great portion of the US with people not really caring or even knowing this is happening. It gives me hope to see so many people out in the streets in Dublin protesting this global water grab by private companies in league with the IMF and World Bank bent on commodifying a resource more in demand to profit off a human right. They must be fought at every turn.



Massive right to water protests take place in Ireland

These protests in Ireland have been taking place the last few months of course unbeknownst to the world at large. This is the hidden agenda that results from IMF bailouts, as in the one of 2011 extended to Ireland/EU following the economic collapse of 2010 (which to me was also put into motion by the very organizations and people now profiting from both the spoils of that collapse and now the exorbitant fees to double down on it.) It is a heinous act to exact such a tax on not only a human right but on a resource that people depend on to survive- which of course gives them no choice. Austerity is a scam perpetrated by the rich to continue to enrich themselves at the expense of all others.

Right2Water-Ireland



If you want to preserve your water's quality, access and freedom from market mechanisms bent on controlling it- you will have to fight for it.

Worst Floods In Malawi's History-Half Of Country Declared Disaster Area

Update 2-1-15:

Malawi Floods Leave Grim Legacy of Death,Destruction and Devastation



Update 1-29-15: Fears of waterborne diseases now haunt victims of flooding in Malawi. Had this happened in France there would be nonstop coverage and the laying of wreaths for the dead and displaced. However, since it is happening in Malawi I suppose the media doesn't find it important. Outrageous because they need to... scenarios like this are and will be common globally as climate destruction affects people of all races, primarily those who are poor.



It raises another question: what good are more concerts going to do when people need aid now? And yes, I am referring to Live Earth concerts announced at Davos (another elitist playground) by Al Gore and Pharrell Williams set to take place over 24 hours in seven nations in June (simply to pimp for the UN COP Conference coming up in December after twenty years of failure to lead on climate.) The same as the one I attended in 2007 that obviously didn't do anything to move us forward as they have to continue doing the same thing expecting a different or adequate result.

Will environmental elitists ever understand that we need something new and more drastic to address this than more ego induced concerts that actually create more garbage and CO2? How about a seven nation tree planting event over 24 hours that is broadcast as well that doesn't include the same celebrities just using the climate crisis to sell CDs? One that takes place in destinations like Malawi to plant trees, provide seeds and solar energy instead of us seeing Paris, NY, Rio, etc. again be the targets? When will they understand that to continue to support hypocritical politicians as the world continues to sink deeper in the climate morass it winds up being no more helpful than an oil spill? For many in our world it is getting to the point of no return... I doubt they feel like dancing to "Happy" as their world drowns.

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Floods Kill At Least 260 In Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar

Dr. Jeff Masters

"In what is likely to be one of 2015's deadliest natural disasters, two weeks of heavy rains have hit the southeastern African nations of Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar, triggering rampaging floods that have killed at least 260 people and left 260,000 homeless, said Bloomberg News today. Hardest hit was Malawi, where 176 people are dead or missing and 200,000 homeless. According to EM-DAT, the international disaster database, only one other flood disaster has killed more people in Malawi: the floods of March 10, 1991, with a death toll of 472. That flood was also the most expensive weather-related natural disaster in their history, with damages estimated at $24 million (1991 dollars.) The floods of 2015 may be ten times more expensive: last week, Malawi requested humanitarian assistance of $430 million for recovery efforts. Many areas remain cut off, with aid workers struggling to provide food to the hardest-hit southern portion of the country. The heaviest rains in Malawi came on January 13, when Chileka, Malawi measured 6.57" (167 mm) of rain in 24 hours."

End of Excerpt



Floods Hit Southern Malawi

The floods that continue to inundate Malawi and neighboring countries have brought suffering to thousands. Reports state 200-260 now dead with 135,000 people displaced-with more flooding forecasted. Malawi is a mainly agricultural country so this flooding is also submerging their lifeline. Cholera and other infectious diseases are also a great concern.

Rescue Teams Face Challenges In Malawi

Malawi Flood Survivors Cry For Aid



When I see disasters of this magnitude happening I can't help but remember the times I saw thousands in the streets calling for action on climate change, peace, freedom, etc. The most recent in France where it was estimated that three million people gathered to oppose terrorism. Yet, where are those millions when we see such events as what is now occurring in Malawi? Terrorism is a great threat to the world, but not on the same scale as climate destruction. There will be no other moral challenge that is greater in this century than the fight to stem the effects of our apathy.

Hundreds of thousands will perish as agriculture becomes decimated due to the pervasive and destructive droughts and floods that are already more prevalent and severe in poor areas of the world- areas that did not contribute to climate pollution on anywhere near the same scale as industrialized countries.



Yet, even governments of these countries refuse to truly deal with the reality in front of them as they seek to downplay the severity of the tragedies. This is in part due to corruption but I think also out of fear.

However, we can no longer allow fear or corruption to stop us from addressing this crisis equally on a global scale. Malawi is just the first of many disasters we will see in 2015. Real people are dying and being effected in ways that will reverberate through the coming decades. It would seem we the people of this planet can always come together to march when what we are marching for is popular and has affected the part of society we wish to identify with. If we are to survive this century however, we will have to learn to do more than march and not only for those causes we have a personal stake in.

Scientists now claim we have already gone beyond four of nine planetary boundaries of existence that now threaten our very ability to live on Earth. Malawi is now just one of many former warnings that seem to be getting the same lack of media attention and concern that is warranted and imperative if we are to truly state with any resolve or truth that we as a species can come together.

Malawi Floods Cut Off Thousands

In this age of climate consequences organizations like Doctors Without Borders become even more important. Please think about donating to them as the aid they receive always goes directly to those affected.

More information on this will be forthcoming.

Let Water Be Your Inspiration In 2015

The year 2015 has been designated the year of soil which also means that 2015 is the year of water- for without water soil cannot survive. The inextricable link between the health of our soil and our own health is forever joined to the health of our water. I can say that from experience as my own health has suffered for these past few months and in that time I have learned even more the incredible power of water in providing a healthy balanced body and soul.

For close to a decade now I have also tried as best I can to relay this symbiosis in my entries on this blog. Last year 76 entries covered water quality to access, political corruption to control and pollute it for profit, the effects of climate destruction, privatization and the link between water and humanity. This year will be no different as these challenges become even more important to disseminate. I personally have deemed 2015 not to just be the year of soil but the year of illumination. I say that because a great light is being distinguished and it must not be allowed to go out... that would be the light within all of us that illuminates our path to the knowledge of what is truly important for our survival.

Water is the key element in our understanding our place on this Earth. Water is the equalizer. Water is the liquid from which we spring into life. Water is our very breath. As we now enter into yet another year we must be cognizant more than ever of the crossroads humanity now stands at regarding this relationship. Through greed, selfishness and political corruption that dismisses the concept and practice of humanity as an ideological fantasy with material goods being more important than our true legacy we as a species have now rendered this Earth unsustainable for a large portion of not only the human species but all others as the rate of extinction continues to increase due to human invasion of habitats as climate destruction becomes more severe and prevalent around the globe.

As we say goodbye to the last year and seek to now do the best we can in this new one the message and solution to doing so remain the same: Respect our Earth (water, air, land, soil) and respect each other. This one simple sentence if heeded by all would solve all of our problems. I would be remiss to not say that I have lost some hope this can ever be achieved on a wide enough scale to have us see the world we should see for future generations. However, I still have hope that those who understand this message and are not letting the inner light be extinguished are enough in number to see that this new year of 2015 can be a year of illumination... of hope... of humanity... of clean water for all. Be part of the solution. Hold politicians accountable. Speak out against corporate crimes against nature. Work for water/climate justice for all.

Thank you also to those who read this blog and who make a conscious effort every day to be that light. Unfortunately, this blog doesn't get the readership I would like. I suppose not being a celebrity or someone who markets themselves does present a unleveled playing field in this modern society in the attempt to reach people even on the Internet. Therefore, if you do read this blog and like what you read and find it informative please pass it on.

Also see:

2014-The Year Of Clean Water and Climate Justice?

Most read posts in 2014:

The 'Polar Vortex" Freezing Us Today Due In Part To Global Warming

Colorado River Drought Forces A Painful Reckoning For States

The Decline Of Glorious Babylon

Scientists Sound Alarm On Climate

West Virginia Chemical Spill

Extreme Drought Causes Environmental Crisis in Colombia

Bosnia/Serbia Experiencing Worst Flooding In Their History

Water Being Shut Off To Thousands In Detroit

Midwest Flooding/Rain Breaks Records

Pacific Ocean Now Dead From Fukushima Radiation(?)

Water/Climate Change Through 2095

Brazil Drought Leads To Rationing and Tension

Four Billion Gallons Of Mining Waste Pour Into Pristine BC Waterways

The World Bank Wants Water Privatized Despite Risks

A Voice From The Future

Methane Levels Continue To Destabilize Arctic-Yet Silence

Chile Scraps Huge Patagonia Dam Project

One bright spot in the year.

Excessive Drought-Floods In California-Abrupt Climate Change

Flash Floods In California

For those of you actually paying attention to our Earth and her response to our continued waste and folly even in the face of disaster this is a classic example of what has been happening around the world in response to climate change. We have added 7% more moisture to our atmosphere due to fossil fuel burning, deforestation, industrial agriculture and other destructive actions. We have seen this exact reaction in Asia, Africa, Europe, etc... Severe drought followed by deluges that do nothing to replenish the water lost through heightened evaporation. Yet, there is not one mention of this on my local news and I still read articles that say that even though these extreme conditions will now become commonplace and more severe than this people on the whole aren't really worried about it. Matter of fact I just read an article today saying that even though this drought will now enter its fourth year people on the whole in California still aren't conserving water as they should be. I just then have to ask myself- what is wrong with people?

We continue to see extreme severe events occurring globally- massive snowstorm in Buffalo NY recently as one example followed by warm temperatures causing flooding, storms and flooding in Europe and Asia, severe drought in South America and Africa, continued melting of ice in Arctic, methane increases, accelerated melting in Antarctica, more storm activity in the Pacific with huge temperature swings and abnormal jet stream activity as 2014 is on track to be the warmest year on record. Climate is changing all around us affecting our ability to live-yet we continue to sit patiently waiting for some obscure UN meeting to "save" us?

We do see more rejection of the fossil fuel death trap with more people protesting at pipeline sites (although they don't get nearly as much attention as the chosen partisan spokespeople who never really hold politicians accountable.) We are going to need to see a lot more however if we are to ever break the chokehold it has on our lives. You would think the fact that the world is now in the grips of experiencing the fallout of our destructive actions over the past century it would bring about an epiphany. California needs not inches but many feet of water to even get close to where they were. That won't happen without snowpack-or that epiphany. It all really does at times just leave me wondering what it is that has to happen for that to come on a scale great enough to save us. But of course, it is now the Holiday season and shopping for all that "stuff" seems to be way more important than what making it is doing to the true gift we have been given.

Also see:

Hard California Rains Provide Little Relief From Record Drought

Rain Pounds California Causing Mudslides/Floods

Warm Arctic Winds Rip Polar Vortex In Half

Hotter, Wilder, Dirtier: Earth's Climate Change By The Numbers

Sanitation For Health and Life -We Can't Wait

World Toilet Day alert: Feces-contaminated water used by 1.8bn people

Almost 2 billion people use excrementally polluted water, which poses not only a global health risk, but also flushes away $260 billion out of the world economy annually, according to a report published on World Toilet Day.

Regardless of the billions of dollars spent on sanitation and investments in water, 1.8 billion people are exposed to contaminated water, a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Water agency said Wednesday.

"If people don't invest in sanitation the costs are going to be incredible and health is going to be a big issue," Bruce Gordon, WHO’s water and sanitation coordinator, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"Extraordinary efforts need to be made now to take it to those remaining pockets of people who don't access water and sanitation.”

Most of the funds often neglect rural areas, where one in seven people, the reports says, still take their private business outdoors. It contaminates the water and leads to such diseases as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery and typhoid.

"Water and sanitation and hygiene are fundamental pre-requisites to have in place not only for development, but to stop outbreaks of diseases like Ebola or cholera," Gordon said.

What’s more, sanitation troubles often mean a lack of privacy and safety for women. One out of three women around the world lacks access to safe toilets, UN noted.


A resident uses a floating public toilet on the Ciliwung river bank in Jakarta (Reuters/Beawiharta)

However, in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa open defecation remains a cultural norm.

"People enjoy that social event," said Jack Sim, the founder of the World Toilet Organization. "But they have to understand that the contaminated water ... eventually comes back as diseases to kill the children and to make people sick."

Nevertheless, the report also outlined some progress in the last two decades. Over 2 billion people have gained access to clean water, and a little bit less gained access to improved sanitation.

This development resulted in the decline in the number of children dying from diarrheal diseases – that is, from 1.5 million in 1990 to just above 600,000 in 2012.

End of excerpt

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It truly mystifies me how we as humans can always find money to make war. More people also have cell phones in this world than toilets. Some may not see this as important - but then they have toilets. The toilet is not just a porcelain God to sit on while you read the latest newspaper. It is a symbol of health, education, human rights and dignity- especially for young girls whose lives in poor rural countries are transformed through just having a safe place to take care of their needs. Toilets save lives. So on this World Toilet Day remember how lucky you are to have those things you take for granted every other day of the year...and pay it forward.

Also see:

World Sanitation Day

World Toilet.org

It's World Toilet Day- And It's No Laughing Matter

World Toilet Day Quiz-Are You An Expert On The Loo?

Also as this is World Toilet Day let us not forget the cholera outbreak in Haiti that the UN refused to take responsibility for. It is one thing to designate days for caring, quite another to actually put actions into them. Haiti is a stark example of why these days are necessary. Please UN and other organizations- don't designate special days to make yourselves look benevolent and caring and then forget the reason behind it besides your own image. Real people are dying out here.

Cholera Outbreak In Haiti



Only 1/4 of Haitians have access to private toilets. This is a human failure. There should be no prejudice or intolerance regarding access to basic needs. How many more years will it need to be said?