Maple Syrup and Wine–A Common Fate?
October 24th, 2006 by Carbon CoalitionAs New Englanders fret about climate change impacts to their maple syrup industry, the folks Down Under have similar worries, although theirs are a bit more intoxicating. The worst recorded drought in Australian history is devastating the region and bringing to light future concerns for the country. CSIRO, Australia’s most prominent science organization, has recently told the country’s $3.6 billion dollar wine industry that it needs to start shaping future plans that take climate change into account. Temperatures in the region are predicted to rise 3 degrees Fahrenheit by 2030 which could potentially impact grape quality by 12%-57% (read the Washington Post story here.)
Worldwide research and international scientific reports have made it clear that global warming is truly a global problem. Despite US opposition to the Kyoto Protocol world leaders are still working to make global efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Today representatives of the US and the European Union meet in Finland to discuss “climate change, clean energy and sustainable development ‘on a political level.’” Finnish Environmental Minister Jan-Erik Enestam says that because Kyoto is “dead in the United States” the hope for the conference is to “concentrate on other issues and new tracks.” This article in the Washington Post reports on the conference.
The Union Leader and WMUR are hosting NH District congressional debates this week. Tonight you can watch 1st District U.S. House Candidates Rep. Jeb Bradely faces off against Dem. Carol Shea Porter, and Wednesday tune it to see 2nd District candidates Rep. Charlie Bass go head to head with Dem. Paul Hodes. For the entire debate schedule from the Union Leader click here.
Climate Change speakers come to NH campuses. At UNH on Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 Stacy D. VanDeveer, Associate Professor of Political Science, will speak about “Contemporary Climate Change Politics.” New York Times environmental reporter Andy Revkin will be at Dartmouth College speaking about his latest book, “The North Pole was Here: Puzzles and Perils at the Top of the World” Wednesday at 4:30, and he participates in a roundtable discussing at the Hanover Inn on Thursday from 8:30-11:30am (click here for more information.)
