Nuclear Labs Raise Doubts Over Viability of Arsenals

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/27/us/27nuke.html?ref=science

March 26, 2010

The New York Times

By Mathew J. Broad

Brief Summary:

The nation’s nuclear weapon's laboratories have warned Congress that federal programs to extend the life of the nation’s aging nuclear arsenal are insufficient to guarantee the viability of the weapons for decades to come. The warning has no direct bearing on the new arms control agreement reached this week by the United States and Russia.

Short Response:

It addresses a long-simmering debate on what steps the United States should take to ensure confidence in the destructive capacity of its shrinking nuclear arsenal. It was criticized by many, so obviously an agreement needs to be made soon.

Audit Finds Vulnerability of EnergyStar Program

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/26/science/earth/26star.html?ref=science

March 25, 2010

The New York Times

By Mathew L. Wald

Brief Summary:

In a nine-month study, four fictitious companies invented by the accountability office also sought EnergyStar status for some conventional devices like dehumidifiers and heat pump models that existed only on paper. The fake companies submitted data indicating that the models consumed 20 percent less energy than even the most efficient ones on the market.

Short Response:

Auditors found problems beyond the approval of nonexistent products. They determined that once a company registered as an EnergyStar partner, it could download the logo from the government’s Web site and paste it on products for which it had not even requested approval.

Health Costs of California Air Pollution

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/12/health-costs-of-california-air-pollution/

March 12, 2010

The New York Times

By Kristina Shevory

Brief Summary:

According to a RAND Corporation study released last week, air pollution in California cost federal, state and private health insurers $193 million in hospital costs. California has failed to meet federal clean air quality standards, which this study shows, and in result hospital expenses have been increasing and increasing the impact on insurers.

Short Response:

This is extremely unsafe for the people living in California. The air pollution led to almost 30,000 cases in the hospital for asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and it is the states responsibility to meet the federal standards so that things like this don't happen and effect the health of so many people.

Climate Change Threatens Migratory Birds, Report Says

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/13/science/earth/13birds.html?ref=earth

March 12, 2010

The New York Times

By John M. Broder

Brief Summary:

Hundreds of species of migratory birds which are already endangered, threatened and suffering from population decline are now threatened by the changes in the global climate. Destruction of habitat, hunting, pesticides, invasive species and loss of wetlands are also threatening nearly a third of the nations 800 bird species.

Short Response:

Many species that we are worried about will face heightened threats, giving us an increased sense of urgency to insure that we protect and conserve vital bird habitat. Birds are very good indicators of the health of our environment, so this growing incident shows a lot about the environment.

Darwin Foes Add Warming to Targets

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/science/earth/04climate.html?ref=earth

March 3, 2010

The New York Times

By Leslie Kaufman

Brief Summary:

Critics of evolution are gaining ground by linking the issue to climate change. They are arguing that the views on both matters should be both taught in public schools, rather than just one over the other to insure that enough information on the subjects are taught.

Short Response:

I don't see a problem in discussing the advantages and disadvantages of scientific theories, but I don't think either should be drilled into a students head or try to be convincing the student. Some kids don't agree with certain things being taught and they may be offended by this.

In Aftermath of Ash Spill, a New Round of Challenges

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/07/us/07coalash.html?ref=earth

March 5, 2010

The New York Times

By The Associated Press

Brief Summary:

A coal ash spill in Tennessee created one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history, and now, a year later, the problem is spreading to several other states. The arsenic and mercury laced muck has been moving by rail and truck to at least six sites in three states.

Short Response:

The muck is laced with heavy ladens which are linked to cancer, so this is an environmental issue as well as an issue regarding the safety of citizens of these states. If there isn't a way to eliminate the muck it could severly cause harm to people.