No Deposit, No Refund

The Guardian notes a report by a number of leading scientists suggesting that humans are treating the earth like a can of soda:

A report backed by 1,360 scientists from 95 countries - some of them world leaders in their fields - today warns that the almost two-thirds of the natural machinery that supports life on Earth is being degraded by human pressure.

The study contains what its authors call "a stark warning" for the entire world. The wetlands, forests, savannahs, estuaries, coastal fisheries and other habitats that recycle air, water and nutrients for all living creatures are being irretrievably damaged. In effect, one species is now a hazard to the other 10 million or so on the planet, and to itself.

"Human activity is putting such a strain on the natural functions of Earth that the ability of the planet's ecosystems to sustain future generations can no longer be taken for granted," it says.

Of course, given what we know about the Bush administration's approach to science, I can't say this will so much as raise an eyebrow in the executive branch (though it might cause some clown to worm out of the woodwork with equivocal statements about how the issue "is open to interpretation"). Then again, considering the batshit insane ravings of the religious right regarding the end of times, I wouldn't be surprised if they'd go out of their way to hasten the process...

Armageddon as self-fulfilling prophesy...