In the first half of Friday's program, reporter and editor of Earthfiles.com, Linda Moulton Howe discussed global warming and the world's melting glaciers, as well as conversed with listeners on a variety of other topics.
According to Linda's report, 2005 was the hottest year in modern human history. By the end of the century temperatures could be higher by 3 to 10 degrees F, she said. The increasing temperatures and record levels of CO2 are contributing to a faster than predicted ice meltdown, Linda explained, which is causing sea levels to rise. As evidence, Linda shared her interview with Dr. Jason Box, who said Greenland is contributing significantly to higher sea levels and should temperatures increase further, the melting of Greenland's glaciers could be irreversible.
Linda also provided information about new satellite data that shows Antarctic ice is melting at the rate of 36 cubic miles a year. Particularly troublesome, Linda noted in her presentation, is that ice melt from Antarctica, Greenland and other glacial regions is projected to increase the sea level this century by three feet or more, possibly displacing millions of people who live along the planet's shorelines. Read Linda's full report.
Good & Bad Luck Tales
During Open Lines, George offered a special topic line for people who wanted to share their good luck/bad luck stories. Erin from Colorado Springs said she drank a highly corrosive liquid capable of burning flesh when was three years old. She claims to have suffered no burns or ill effects from the caustic concoction. Erin also said she used to play with snakes, but thanks to her good luck never got bitten.
One caller remembered the time he woke up from a nap to find an arrow sticking out of his shoulder. He said the arrow severed a nerve, which is probably why he didn't feel the arrow hit his shoulder and remained asleep. Another caller shared a lucky occurrence after a police officer pulled him over for a moving violation. He said the officer accidentally handed him the entire citation, including the police department's copy, so he was never charged for the infraction.