Although the retreat of sea ice in 2007 was the largest ever recorded, some people feel that this drastic change in our environment should be viewed as a positive thing. With melting sea ice, new shipping routes are opening up in the Arctic. Ships will be able to traverse the Northwest Passage off Canada and the Northern Sea route off Russia, eliminating the need to travel through the Panama and Suez canals. As well, it is estimated that the Arctic could yield up to 30 % of the world’s untapped gas reserves, creating vast interest among energy producers.
In 2008, satellite images seemed to show that the amount of ice in the Arctic actually increased, bolstering the arguments of global warming skeptics. However, earlier this fall, Dr. David Barber, a University of Manitoba climate researcher, discovered that what appeared to be the formation of new ice only proved to be slush covered by a very thin layer of hard ice. This ice, he believes, will most likely melt during the summer months.
Dr. Barber’s findings will be presented to the public at a Geneva conference next week. International Polar Year, the largest international scientific research program on the Arctic and Antarctic regions, will soon come to an end. But with its closing, an urgent question arises: does the world’s human population really have what it takes to soften its footprint and work to preserve the earth’s natural environment? After all, a healthy planet is what supports all life – not only the lives of plants and animals, but ultimately our own as well.
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Referrences:
guardian.co.uk
ecowordly.com
ca.news.yahoo.com
cbc.ca
Eyes On You
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A Donkey Affair
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Legend, 7 weeks after his rescue.jpg)
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Dogs ask for so little and give so much.
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This sweet girl is a resident of Kindred Spirits, a sanctuary in New Mexico. This group takes in the old and unwanted and gives them a loving place to live out their lives.
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Barnyard Patrol
by Janette Slack
5 1/2" X 8 1/2" (Comes matted to 9" X 12"); Watercolor and Pastel
$75
10% will be donated to: Animal Alliance of Canada
To Purchase Contact: JanetteArt@mts.net
Animal Alliance of Canada is a non-profit organization committed to the protection of both wild and domestic animals. It is urging the province of Manitoba to make changes to the building codes on commercial farm buildings. From 2003 to 2008, a total of 59 fires took the lives of 31,013 animals in Manitoba alone. New code requirements could include sprinkler systems, smoke and heat alarms, alarms detecting ventilation failures, and other fire-prevention measures.
To learn more about Animal Alliance of Canada and the many projects they're involved in, please visit: www.animalallianceofcanada.ca
Life Is An Adventure by Anne Zoutsos - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite
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While countries such as Italy, France, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, Australia, and the U.S. have banned the importation of products made from cat and dog fur, Canada has refused to follow suit. According to HSI: “With global markets for cat and dog fur closing, Canada may become an increasingly tempting market for producers. According to Industry Canada, the Canadian fur and retail industry imported $5 million in animal pelts and $28 million in fur trimmed apparel from China in 2004.”
Why is Canada so reluctant to stop this practice? One answer could be that with its relentless interest in marketing and exporting seal products, Canada is backing away from implementing trade restrictions. However, according to HSI, “Under the World Trade Organization Agreements, nations can justify trade prohibitions in certain circumstances, including where necessary to protect public morals or to protect humans, animals, or plant life, or health.”
How can consumers avoid purchasing dog and cat fur products? Unfortunately, there are no labeling requirements for fur garments in Canada. As well, false labels are often sewn into garments by eastern manufacturers to protect marketability, meaning that many of these fur products also end up being sold in U.S. stores.
In 2008, the Humane Society of the U.S. filed lawsuits against six of America's largest retailers and fashion designers for false advertising and mislabeling of fur garments.
As shoppers, what we can do is practice some vigilance. Most dog and cat fur is used in the manufacture of fur-trimmed parkas, gloves, hats, toys, animal figurines, and accessories. German Shepherds are especially popular for their fur, so please beware of items resembling the fur of these dogs!
The following is a list of labels sometimes sewn into fur garments; you can copy it and take it with you on your next shopping trip. If you find a store carrying any of these items, you may want to let the management know what they are selling, and that you will not purchase their products:
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Shadow And Reflection Of A Jack Russell Terrier by Anne Zoutsos - 7" x 5" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite
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Story and Photos by Janette Slack
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Wildflower Wings
This Monotype is the 3rd in a series of profiles of cats that I have created in various mediums.
$38
10% of the proceeds to benefit Tabby Place.
To Purchase:
Or
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Where Have All the Frogs Gone?
Story by Janette Slack
A Northern Leopard Frog: Endemic to Manitoba, these frogs were shipped to biological supply houses for research by the hundreds of thousands. Between 1975-76, the population was nearly decimated, but this was not attributed to harvesting. Dead Leopard Frogs were discovered along Manitoba's shorelines, and were also observed in piles up to 1 metre high in winter dens. For the next 7 years, harvesting was stopped, and in 1983, the population recovered somewhat. It has failed to reach previous levels, however, and harvesting of these frogs has resumed.
The earth currently serves as home to almost 6,000 species of frogs and toads, but unless we act now, half of these could become extinct within our lifetime.
To view a special plea for rainforest and amphibian protection by The Dalai Llama, Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry, Robin Williams, Harrison Ford as well as other stars, please visit: http://www.amphibianark.org/
For more info on how you can help, please refer to:
www.savethefrogs.com
www.amphibianark.org
http://www.nwf.org/frogwatchUSA/
http://www.torontozoo.com/adoptapond/
Sources:
Save the Frogs
Amphibian Ark
Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Star
Environment Canada
Motherly Love
