Important Innovations

  European Union's Latest Findings on Climate Change Source:  Climate Change Stock Images Temperatures & Severe Weather Rising   The European Union's Copernicus Earth observation service says that global temperatures in 2019 were the highest on record and tied  2016 for that dubious distinction.  Also, 2010 - 2019 was the hottest decade ever. And, the pattern continues to escalate.  Europe, the Arctic and southern Siberia experienced their hottest year ever in 2020.  All experienced extreme heatwaves and fires.  In the US, the rising temperatures in 2020 caused 22 distinct disasters, including wildfires and hurricanes, resulting in $95 billion in damage. Greenhouse Gas Emissions The scientists at Copernicu s  are calling for immediate action on greenhouse gas emissions to reduce the amount going into the atmosphere.  The UN sponsored global summit on Climate Change won't happen until November in Glasgow. So the Paris Accords stand in play, which the US has withdrawn fro

Making a Comeback Source:  Stock Photo of Great Barrier Reef $40 Billion Natural Wonder The Great Barrier Reef is the longest coral reef in the world.  It stretches 1,430 miles off the coast of Queensland, Australia.  Scientists just reported that the reef is showing signs of a comeback after a large coral die-off. The reef is valued by Deloitte at more than $40 billion.  It supports tens of thousands of jobs, pumps billions of dollars a year into the Australian economy and is one of the world's most beautiful natural treasures. It's the 1st coral reef to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Reef 30% Damaged or Destroyed in 2016 There were dire predictions for the reef in 2016 and 2017 because of massive coral bleaching.  The bleaching is caused by rising temperatures or poor water quality.  At lease 30% of the reef was damaged or destroyed in 2016 alone.  But Australia's Reef and Rainforest Research Center now reports signs the reef is recovering. Signs of