Colombia and Venezuela in misery

BOGOTA, Colombia - President Juan Manuel Santos urged people to evacuate their homes and the surrounding areas on Tuesday due to major floods and mudslides that have plagued the area. Dozens have been killed and thousands have abandoned their homes to try and prevent major disaster. President Santos is doing all he can to try and protect the people saying he already has plans to rebuild 1,000 homes for at-risk families. Meanwhile, more than  700 Venezuelans are staying in shelters and even some military installations to aovid danger. "The government of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez plans to take care of 10,000 displaced families while it builds more than 20,000 homes within two years..." (MSNBC).

Although these two fairly low economic regions have suffered some deaths, I think they are doing a good job in trying to prepare adn evacuate as we have covered numerous times in class. Community preparedness and awareness is a key ingredient in maintaining safety. Sometimes it is impossible for rescue squads and aid to reach the areas of major damage, but this is where local people can work together to help rescue people in the "golden hours" after a disaster strikes.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40557703/ns/weather/

Israel suffers worst wildfire in years

ISRAEL - Thursdays fire that hit Israel has killed 41 people and injured 17 others. The fire still continues to burn in several areas, but firefighters have done a good job in putting out a majority of the fire fronts. The flames were fueled by high, shifting winds. The Prime Minister of Israel and the cabinet has already gotten in gear and begun a quick start response. The finance ministry has issued 16 million to aid in people affected by the fire, compensating local governments for damage. Additionally, shelters have been provided for the homeless, and there will be steps taken to restore plant and animal life in the area.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/12/05/israel.forest.fires/index.html?hpt=T2

Artic freeze overwhelms Europe

WARSAW - A huge Artic chill that hit Europe has killed dozens of people in Poland, stranding cats and freezing ducks in lakes. Most of the deaths in Poland were the result of the homeless freezing to death. Southeastern Europe suffered some of the worst flooding in a long time, which added to the major freeze. With the latest deaths in Poland, the total death toll has risen to 40. "...the cold comes from north-south winds pushing an Arctic chill over the continent, a phenomenon also seen at the start of last year's long and frigid winter. Most of the time, winds blow from west to east over Europe" (USA Today). 

2010 calm year for Hurricanes

"For the first time in recorded history, 12 hurricanes formed this year in the Atlantic basin without a single one making landfall in the United States, according to experts at Colorado State University" (USA Today). These hurricanes either turned right towards the Atlantic Ocean or left to the Caribbean Sea; in other words the U.S. got very lucky with the Hurricane season officially ending Tuesday. Now, why did these storms dodge the U.S.? Meteorologists think the hurricanes were deflected due to high and low pressure ridges. Only one actually made landfall, Hurricane Bonnie despite five of the twelve hurricanes being categorized as major. 

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/hurricanes/2010-11-29-hurricanes29_ST_N.htm

Environmental progression remains slow

President Obama seems seems to have an array of problems coming his direction. His plans to reduce industrial pollution 17% from 2005 levels by 2020 has not been accepted by Congress, and with the increase of Republicans in the House and Senate will further push his plans out of the mix. Currently, he is pursuing smaller measures and has made a bit of progress. "He has cited efforts to promote electric vehicles, nuclear power, renewable energy and energy efficiency. He also has touted the Environmental Protection Agency's plans, beginning next year, to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases" (USA Today). 


The major problems with Obama's plans and environmental agencies, is that they are trying to promote large scale changes. "Climate" is a word that seems to scare people, rather than inspire people to make a change. Companies need to begin focusing on what the people find appealing such as electric cars; things that directly affect people right now.


http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/2010-11-29-climatepolicy29_ST_N.htm

Wintery weather across the globe

LONDON - Heavy snow spread across much of the United Kingdom over the weekend and temperatures are expected to remain below freezing through Sunday afternoon. Up to 6 inches of snow was expected for Scotland and around 4 inches for Northern Ireland. Snow blanketed the Netherlands as well which was the first snowfall of the year. On Saturday, up to 16 inches of snow buried northeast England and Scotland which the BBC said was the most widespread snow for the date since 1993 (MSNBC). This harsh weather pattern caused several delays and cancellations of races and soccer matches. Meteorologists warned people to avoid travel and stay indoors if possible. 


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40399876/ns/weather/

Minnesota storms take residents by surprise

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