Author Archives: Kit Stolz

Democrats Poised for November Landslipe, Economic Model Predicts

Krugman runs the numbers and concludes: Right now, GDP is flat (falling in the monthly estimates); Bush has a negative net approval of 30 percent or more; and people are tired of Republicans. So it ought to be a smashing Democratic victory. When I plug current numbers into the Abramowitz model (making a guess aboutContinue reading “Democrats Poised for November Landslipe, Economic Model Predicts”

Mel Gibson to Star in Eco-Thriller

According to Ecorazzi. Judging from the description on imdb, it sounds as if he’s trying to rehab his image. But I won’t judge the movie until I see it — Gibson, for all his flaws, is a star, more than capable of transcending ideology, and the British original won a raft of awards and featuredContinue reading “Mel Gibson to Star in Eco-Thriller”

Kurt Vonnegut: No One’s Thinking about the Future

From the late great Kurt Vonnegut, a brief comment on climate change, via Dan Bloom. (The drawing below is signed by Vonnegut, though it doesn’t show up well.)   DAVID BRANCACCIO: The planet is sort of trying to shed us as if we are some sort of toxin. KURT VONNEGUT: Look, I’ll tell you. It’sContinue reading “Kurt Vonnegut: No One’s Thinking about the Future”

Obama Claims American Voters Not Stupid

This blog has been pounding the issue of the gas tax "holiday" because it’s the one serious issue with enviro implications that’s developed in the campaigns over the last month. Turns out it may have been decisive. As Jonathan Alter of Newsweek wrote: Obama’s decision to push back on the gas tax actually worked. RefusingContinue reading “Obama Claims American Voters Not Stupid”

Sierra Snowpack Low: Drought Stalks California

According to officials quoted by The Los Angeles Times this weekend (here). "I have not seen a more serious water situation in my career, and I’ve been doing this 30 years," said Timothy Quinn, executive director of the Assn. of California Water Agencies. An outmoded delivery system and court rulings that protect endangered fish areContinue reading “Sierra Snowpack Low: Drought Stalks California”

More, Better War in Afghanistan, Promises Bush

Cheney or the equivalent says it’s "The re-Americanization of the war." 40,000 or more troops: nearly two-thirds the total in Afghanistan. Up from an original number of 5,000. NATO nations refuse to live up to earlier promises to help in the war effort. Gee I wonder why not. [Soldiers of the Kalagush Provincial Reconstruction TeamContinue reading “More, Better War in Afghanistan, Promises Bush”

Ocean Oscillations to Slow Global Warming until 2025, Researchers Say

So say a team of researchers led by Noel Keenlyside. (Those interested in seeing the full article, which I bought at the ridiculous price of $32, please let me know during the next week — I’ll send it to you.) For an excellent report and discussion, see the dean of climate reporters, Andy Revkin atContinue reading “Ocean Oscillations to Slow Global Warming until 2025, Researchers Say”

Methane Levels Jump: AGW to Accelerate?

According to a press release from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmopheric Association), the percentage of methane in the atmosphere jumped sharply in 2007. Could this be the beginning of the long-feared melting of the methane deposits frozen in permafrost? Methane levels rose last year for the first time since 1998. Methane is 25 timesContinue reading “Methane Levels Jump: AGW to Accelerate?”