Save the Planet: Al Gore Reveals the Inconvenient Truth

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Title: An Inconvenient Truth
Type: Documentary
Focus: Save the Planet
Year: 2006
Length: 1 hour 36 minutes
Host: Al Gore
Producers: Laurie David, Lawrence Bender & Scott Z. Burns
Association with: Paramount Classics
Directors: Davis Guggenheim




l Gore, the former Vice President of the United States urges fellow Americans (and the whole world) to save the planet. He seems sincere but regardless of his motives, I do subscribe to his points of view. This documentary opened my eyes. Yours should be as well. It is so far, I think, the best short documentary I've watched with respect to saving our planet Earth. Highly recommended. Now, what can I share with you? I wouldn't want to spoil the documentary for those who haven't seen it. So, I'll keep it simple by just sharing salient points enough to pursuade you to buy this DVD from Amazon and embrace love for planet Earth!. Here goes (my first documentary review):

"This (global warming) is not a political issue. This is a moral issue. If not addressed, it is deeply unethical!"

Quotation by Al Gore in 2006

Let us start with the atmosphere. It is thickening because of the pollution. The heat from the sun via its infra red rays cannot escape the atmosphere when it is too thick. The heat gets trapped and accumulates surrounding Earth. This is what we call Green House Effect - the mechanism of global warming. How does the thickening happen? Well, naturally, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gets absorbed by plants in their food-creation process. You take away those plants, you take away the primary cleaner for CO2.

In autumn/winter, as we know it, there are not much leaves to absorb CO2 and vice versa for spring/summer. With that you can aspect that the level of CO2 during autumn/winter to rise and subsequently reduce - a yearly trend causing yoyo over the years. This is natural. One would aspect that if a hemisphere is experiencing a particular season, the opposite hemisphere should have the opposite season, negating the CO2 yoyo. That is only true if the land mass between northern and southern hemispheres are the same (... and we know they are not). What worries us is that, if that yoyo over the years forms an upward trend, it means heat is rising. The graph above shows that we ought to be worried. This is supported by scientists' study of trapped air burried in ice for the last one thousand years - i.e. rising heat in correlation with rising CO2.

Al Gore said "This (global warming) is not a political issue. This is a moral issue. If not addressed, it is deeply unethical!" Little do we realise that the global warming has significant negative consequences to us all. Heat level rising causes increase in wind velocity. True enough we do now see stronger hurricanes such as Katrina back on 29 August 2005. The number of storms has increased from 27 in 1975 to 93 in 2004 (USA only). Similarly, big floods have increased from 25 in 1960 to 100 in 2000. We have also noticed that the thickness of the ice in the North Pole has decreased by 40% in the past 40 years. The Arctic ice cap sea-ice extent has dropped by 1.5 million km2 since 1970. With that rate, by 2050 it would be fully melted! Polar bears will drown themselves in search of land (which is the case already in some areas).

We discussed about heat level, ice level, storms, floods, wind, etc. There are also bio-habitatual effects. Changes in climate cause disruption to the natural ecology of the animal kingdom. Scientists in Netherlands studied the seasons for bird reproduction. In 1980 they recorded that the birds hatched in June coinciding with the hatching of caterpillars. As a result of the shift of the world climate, caterpillars seem to hatch earlier in April (2000 study), depriving those chicks of their natural food source. There are many more examples that are devastating. Heat rise improves survival rate of microrganism, increasing the number of new diseases. Both deprivation of food and introduction of new diseases are the recipe for extinction for some animals. One other impact worth mentioning is the bleaching of corals. A sad case really. I have covered this in my earlier blog Coral Armageddon: A Field of Skeleton

This deteriorating health of planet Earth is/will be further compounded by human race's demand for more resources. The population is rising tremendously causing increase in consumption of food, oil and gas, water, tree-cutting, and many more. With the technological advancement of medical sciences and less wars, human race has multiplied itself from a 2.3 billion count in 1945 (just prior to World War 2) to 7.0 billion in 2011. With that rate, we will reach 9.1 billion by 2050. It is interesting to note that the human population was somewhat controlled at sustainable rate for thousands of years (at least from 5,000BC) and suddenly saw an event-turning numbers of significant increase just over the last 66 years (1945 - 2011).

CO2 level is at the top of the list nowadays with the introduction of Kyoto Protocol. Our (humans) attemp to control carbon emmission is noble but many have not yet embrace this. If, as mentioned earlier, significant disasters flooding our lives just in the space of 50 to 100 years, we then do not have enough time. We must rectify in the immediate 50 to 100 years. Back to carbon emmission, who is the biggest culprit of all? Well, surprise, surprise,... the United States of America ranks #1 at 30% contribution to the world carbon emmission of 5.47 billion metric tonnes. China comes second, then Europe, Russia and Japan.

What do we need to do? We should reduce the use of oil and gas and increase the use of electricity that is more efficient. We need renewable energy - the likes of hydro. If this is to be the main driver to reduce carbon emmission and thus, help address global warming, we need the political will to enforce it. Do we have the political will? Politicians have a lot to lose when they derive significant income from oil producing ventures. Kyoto Protocol must be taken seriously. At the time this documentary was made, only 2 nations have not yet ratified their support for the protocol - Australia and the U.S.A. I hope by now they have.

We need to do this collectively as human race. After all, we have not yet found another planet that can replace Earth. Are you ready? To change the way we live. The climate crisis can be solved. At least visit www.climatecrisis.net. At the end of the documentary, the following message was shared. If you love planet Earth, spread this message around. Save the Planet. Save our Planet. Save Earth. Save humanity. God bless.

You can reduce your carbon emmission to zero. Buy energy efficient appliances + lightbulbs. Change your thermostat (use clock thermostats). To reduce energy for heating + cooling, weatherise your house, increase insullation, get an energy audit and recycle. If you can, buy a hybrid car. When you can, walk or ride bicycles. Where you can, use light rail + mass transit. Tell your parents not to ruin the world that you live in. If you are a parent, join with your children to save the world they will live in. Switch to renewable sources of energy. Call your power company to see if they offer green energy. If they don't, ask them why not? Vote for leaders who pledge to solve this (global warming) crisis. Write to those leaders. If they don't listen, run for election. Plant trees, lots of trees. Speak up in your community. Call radio shows and write to newspapers. Insist to freeze CO2 emmissions + join international efforts to stop global warming. Reduce our dependence on oil. Help farmers grow alcohol fuels. Raising fuel economy standards require lower emmissions from automobiles. If you believe in prayers, pray the people will find the strength to change. In the words of the old African proverb "... when you pray, move your feet". Encourage everyone you know to see this documentary. Learn as much as you can about the climate crisis. Then put your knowledge into action.

"... when you pray, move your feet" An old African proverb

* kopihangtuah



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The Economic Drama of East vs West

www.kopihangtuah.blogspot.com

Post World-War period saw global growth of 5% per annum on the back of emerging economies such as Japan and the Asian Tigers ....

tandard Chartered, in their recent seminar on Global Research Briefing on 16 January 2012, shared with the fellow Malaysians what they think about the current world economy. The world economy, to large extent, relies on the corporate performance under the management of esteemed CEOs around the world. Whether or not it heads to the right direction, one thing is for sure, these CEOs are making money. It is believed that CEOs are now making 300 times more income than the average worker. With that kind of remuneration, they bloody well have to make sure we are heading towards the right direction. Are we moving towards the right direction? As far as Malaysia is concerned, two economies, or group of economies, are most relevant. They are the West (Europe and USA) and the East (Japan, China, India, etc).

In the 1990's, Japan experienced a bubble burst. Its overhang of debts in the corporate fraternity necessitate government spending/assistance that in turn, increased government debts. A recipe for disaster that eventually chrystalised. During that period, the balance sheets needed to be adjusted. Hence interest rates kept at low levels to boost economy. This is a perfect example of an overheated economy. Will the other Asian countries, Malaysia included, follow the same foot step? I hope not. Careful management of the economy is therefore warranted. We ought to balance between government's responsibilities and corporate responsibilities.

What is the behaviour of the economy? From world economic perspective, there are the Super Cycles that mark the different economic era. Super Cycles are periods of long global economic growth. The first was believed to be between 1870 and 1913 where USA emerged as the world economic super power moving from 4th to 1st ranking economy that has pervasive impact to the rest of the world. The 2nd Super Cycle was from 1945 to 1970, a post World-War period that saw global growth of 5% per annum on the back of emerging economies (back then) such as Japan and the Asian Tigers as well as countries like India and Brazil, all accounted for a huge share of 75% globalisation of economy arising out of international trade. This happened following the strong trade flows between these regions with the rest of the world. A strength that insulated Asia from the global economy that was heavily relying on the USA (& Europe).

In 2010, the world economy only grew by 4.4% and further reduced to 3.8% for 2011 and expected to reduce further to 2.2% for 2012.

In 2010, the world economy only grew by 4.4% and further reduced to 3.8% for 2011 and expected to reduce further to 2.2% for 2012. USA is expected to grow at 2%, Europe at 1.5%, UK at 1.3%, but China,... at 6%. China and the rest of Asia are expected to drive two thirds of the world economy for 2012 onwards. These are merely economists' estimates that are based on economic fundamentals which supposedly have its own merits. Whilst neo-classical economists still believe the "Invisible Hands" theory, the reality is quite the opposite. Government intervention becomes even more critical. Central Banks across the globe may reduce lending rates and governments become strict in their policies. All thanks to Lehman Brothers and Enron. Hence, the headline for 2012 ought to be "2012 will depend on economic fundamentals coupled with financial policy development".

How is the European nation doing? Well, Europe, unlike its US counterpart, is trying to operate 17 countries with 1 currency, Euro. Cross border financial subsidy becomes a big issue. Whilst Greece, Spain and Portugal are forced to remain in European Union draining the financial resources, Germany, on the other hand, bleeds their coffers. Pretty worrying times (for the Germans) especially when money is channelled to support Greece that went through four years (2008 - 2011) of recession and potentially another 5 years to go until 2016. How do you manage an economy (Europe) when under single currency (Euro), different policies are required for the different component countries? Greece, Spain and Portugal need Euro to be devalued to boost their economy whereas German needs appreciation of the currency. A dilemma that haunts the Europeans in this present world with the syndrome of EMU, i.e. European Monetary Union renamed Even More Unemployment.

USA used to generate 400,000 jobs per month. Now down to around 200,000. Housing market in the US hit rock bottom and economic recovery is at a very slow pace. Salaries are growing slowly and tax reforms are badly required. Economists believe that USA will only see a growth of about 2%. A bad year for Obama and his administration.

(1) Made in China 1995-2005; (2) Bought in China 2005-2015; and (3) Paid in Renminbi 2015-2025

So, if Europe and USA are not in their good economic health, then where will the world economic antibody coming from? As Tun Mahathir once said, "Look East". In 2011, Japan, despite their economic turmoil and natural disasters, seems to be on an investment spree. They bought 198 companies in Asia. They are channelling their financial resources outside Japan. Putting their bets on a different horse. It is an irony that investment activities in Asia suddenly increased when times are not good. Why? Asia promises potential growth. With proper recipe such as the 3Cs (Cash, Commodity and Creativity), the growth can go up to 7%. Countries like China, India, and Vietnam are those identified to be the horses on the turf leading the race. Along with those countries, Africa and the Middle Eastern nations are following close behind.

Let's talk about China. They are in their twelfth 5-year plan of boosting consumption, social spending and green economy. With such vast resources and optimistic plan, it will become difficult to manage. Will the Japanese bubble burst recur in China? The risk is there and indicators are apparent. Overheated? Well, as a start, 48% of its Gross Domestic Products are fuelled by investment activities. It is only natural that that is the case given the cheap financial resources flanked by leverage and warm expectations. Despite this bullish outlook, it may be dampened by the contracting property market.

So everyone is looking to the East now? Earlier I mentioned that the two Super Cycles were led by USA and Japan & Asian Tigers. The next Super Cycle is expected to be driven by China. China, with its over 1 billion population will have a significant economic impact to the world, if not real, at least psychologically. The craze over China seems to appear almost every decade changing its perspective to how it influences the world. Almost like Madonna releasing new musical concept every time she releases a new album. In this case, the titles of the album (for China) would sound more like: (1) Made in China 1995-2005; (2) Bought in China 2005-2015; and (3) Paid in Renminbi 2015-2025. A smooth world domination via economic psychology. A sleeping giant waking up. A closed market turned capitalists.

With the global growth expected at 2.2% for 2012, Malaysia is expected to show a growth of 2.7%

So, what do we (Malaysians) care about all these sagas? Will it help boost our economy? Nothing is certain. With the risk of bubble burst, even if the economy is growing, it grows with fear - like a cancer. Asia is expected to show soft growth despite the Chinese prophecy. For second half of 2011, exports have increased steadily. Fuel and food prices slowly reducing easing the inflation to around 3% (CPI). The rapid loan growth now expected to decelerate. International money lenders to Asia may drop their gears (a good opportunity for local banks to step in). With the global growth expected at 2.2% for 2012, Malaysia is expected to show a growth of 2.7% and the above statistics (see table) for the next 3 years, .... a not very exciting story I must say.






* kopihangtuah



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