Calif Drought: Schwarzenegger declares a state of emergency

California drought: An ecological time bomb

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Friday declared a state of emergency because of three  consecutive years of drought.

He urged Calif residents to cut their water consumption by 20 percent or risk mandatory cuts.

Layers of sun-baked earth are exposed in an area of the San Luis Reservoir near Gustine that was previously underwater but was dried out in January because of drought conditions. (Patrick Tehan / Mercury News). Image may be subject to copyright.

The governor said drought conditions were having “a devastating impact” on people, causing enormous financial harm to California’s economy, with losses to the farmers  approaching $3 billion in 2009.

Schwarzenegger reportedly said the water crisis was “self-inflicted, it’s not mother nature’s fault.”

“This drought is having a devastating impact… making today’s action absolutely necessary,” Schwarzenegger said.

“We have a water system that is for 18 million people [but] now we are 38 million. We’ve got to go and redo our water system [to] bring it up to date.”

“The Santa Clara Valley Water District board is expected to consider recommending mandatory reductions of 10 to 20 percent for customers, which include more than a dozen towns and cities, including San Jose.” Mercury News reported.

“Our board was already considering calling for mandatory conservation, and the governor’s proclamation will give them another reason to move ahead with it,” said Susan Siravo, a spokeswoman for the district.

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Avoid Coke, Die Naturally

Coke is most certainly it!

Coke’s no joke, says Aussie cancer research report

Nick Miller
February 28, 2009
Source: theage.com.au

A “WAR on Coke” should be part of a global push to fight cancer, according to a report from the peak international anti-cancer body.

Cutting the consumption of sugary drinks by half is a key recommendation of the World Cancer Research Fund report.

The Kiss of Death? Image Source. Image may be subject to copyright.

It says almost a third of cancer cases are preventable and are caused by sedentary habits and an unhealthy diet.

It recommends that people drink less alcohol and eat less meat and more vegetables.

It also comes out against dietary supplements, despite their anti-cancer claims, because not enough is known about their effectiveness or side effects.

The report was welcomed by Craig Sinclair, director of the Cancer Council Victoria’s Cancer Prevention Centre.

He said it was the most authoritative advice yet on how to cut cancer rates.

Mr Sinclair estimated that up to 5200 cases of cancer a year in Victoria could be prevented by simple improvements to lifestyle and diet. Copyright the author or news agency.

Buried in Lahar

Lahar Burying Chaitén Town, Chile

A view shows a destroyed house at the flooded Chaiten town located some 1,220 km (758 miles) south of Santiago February 26, 2009. REUTERS/Victor Ruiz Caballero. Image may be subject to copyright.

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• Chaitén explosion causes partial cone collapse