If I have failed to include stories you think should make the “top stories” list for 2006, or if there are stories on my list that you think should never have made the cut, leave a comment to share your thoughts with me and other readers.
So here, in no particular order, is my list of the top 12 environmental stories of 2006.
1) Global Warming Continues to Make News
In 2006, global warming was the environmental issue that continued to command center stage in the news media worldwide. Scientists released evidence linking global warming to phenomena ranging from melting ice in the Arctic to the increase of forest fires in the United States—and the likely increase of earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.
A report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showing that U.S. greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing year over year sparked an international outcry, six former EPA administrators called on President Bush to curb global warming, while other world leaders pledged to get tough on global warming.
2) Water, Water Everywhere, but Not Enough to Drink
Water, or rather water scarcity, was a big story in 2006, and that isn’t likely to change any time soon. According to a new report released in 2006, a third of people worldwide lack access to clean water, and the problem is increasing much faster than previously predicted. As the global population grows, the supply of drinking water is drying up.
Water is now the world’s most valuable commodity—even more valuable than oil—and leading investors, entrepreneurs and corporations are positioning themselves to profit from producing and trading fresh, clean drinking water.
3) China to Invest $175 Billion in Environmental Protection Over Five Years
China has created an “economic miracle” over the past two decades, air pollution is choking its cities, chemical spills are fouling its rivers and drinking water supplies, soil contamination is undermining its agriculture, and raw sewage is causing widespread disease. This environmental toll has led to internal riots, international protests, and the arrest and trial of a leading Chinese environmentalist.
In 2006, China pledged to invest $175 billion by 2010 to control water pollution, improve air quality, increase solid waste disposal and reduce soil erosion—investments intended to pay economic as well as environmental dividends.
4) Federal Agencies Investigate Claims that Bush Administration Muzzled Scientists
The inspectors general at NASA and the U.S. Commerce Department began investigations to determine whether the Bush administration tried to muzzle government scientists and to censor or alter their research on global warming.
The investigations were prompted by a request from 14 U.S. senators in a letter sent to the two inspectors general on September 29, 2006.
5) U.S. Surgeon General Reports Indisputable Dangers of Secondhand Smoke
In a comprehensive new report, the U.S. Surgeon General for the first time declared secondhand smoke a serious hazard to human health and said the only way to eliminate the dangers of secondhand smoke to children and nonsmoking adults is to create smoke-free environments by stopping all smoking indoors.
The report shows that nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke increase their risk of developing heart disease by 25 to 30 percent and their risk of lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent. This is a major public health concern, because a large percentage of nonsmokers are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke.
6) Lebanese Oil Spill May Rival Exxon Valdez Disaster
An oil spill in Lebanon, caused by Israeli bombardment of the Jiyyeh power plant in mid-July, created an environmental disaster in the Mediterranean Sea that drew comparisons to the Exxon Valdez disaster that fouled the coast of Alaska in 1989.
The situation was made worse because international cleanup efforts were stalled due to the continuation of armed conflict between Israel and Lebanon until the cease fire began in September.
No matter what you think of Al Gore or his celebrated slide show, An Inconvenient Truth made news in 2006, becoming one of the most financially successful and widely discussed documentaries in history. Oprah even did an entire show about the film. An Inconvenient Truth, which has reignited rumors of a possible presidential bid by Al Gore in 2008, is expected by many observers to garner an Academy Award nomination this year. An Inconvenient Truth is now out on DVD, and there is a popular companion book with the same title. Gore has donated all proceeds from An Inconvenient Truth to fight global warming.
8) U.S. Supreme Court Hears Landmark Global Warming Case
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a landmark environmental case that will determine whether the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has the authority, and the responsibility, to regulate greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. The decision, which will likely be announced in the summer of 2007, is expected to have a dramatic effect on U.S. environmental policy and could lead to global environmental consequences.
See page 2 for more top stories
