Weather, Water, Energy 12-20-06

Water Wars--the next Lucas production? Well, right now, they're the three-way "talks" between GA, AL, and FL over use of common water sources that we've talked about here before. The deadline for action has been extended to Jan 31. Not sure if that's good or bad news. Just know that we'll be hearing a lot of stories like this one. Already have, in fact. . . . Wanna know what a real global warming war will look like? Head to Uganda, where herders and pastoralists (with really good weaponry) are actively protecting their cattle and resources as the land dries, even against the government. Yet another story we'll hear more of. . . . Of course, Sen. Inhofe (OK-REPUB) will have his fingers in his ears, even as part of his own state suffers from the worst drought in the country right now. Bring on those prayers, Jimbo. . . . CA and KS are moving to stop coal use by utilities within their borders, including stopping new construction of plants using coal. But read this Grist piece before getting too excited about the likelihood of success. . . . Think a decrease in acid rain in Appalachia would be a good thing, wouldn't you? But not if the resulting new chemistry hikes dissolved CO2 in forest streams. . . . Appears that some European birds are delaying their southern migration so far this winter, and robins are popping up regularly in places there should be snow. . . . And in upper NY, bald eagles are nesting and producing more babies, raising the possibility of having more of the national symbol and at lower longitudes (or is it latitudes?). That may not be a good sign, but, really now, isn't it at least one thing cool to come out of this?