Ever found yourself making it to the end of a week, hoping for a sunny weekend in which to lie outside or head to the beach or do some gardening, only to wake up on Saturday morning to overcast skies? I bet it’s happened before, probably more than once.
Well it seems that, according to Spanish researchers, this may not be Gods attempt at humor, but rather our own doing.
One of the greatest steps forward that local communities have taken of late is the push to collect rainwater to offset your water use. It is often an easy way to help out the environment and, in the long run, simply save water. There don’t really seem to be any catches to it either. Rain falls from the sky, hits your roof and runs in to your drums or barrels or tanks.
If only it were that simple.
Notch up another one for the members of the Idiots Anonymous who have apparently been camping out in Bellingham, Washington. Apparently, rainwater doesn’t actually belong to individuals, but to the state as a whole. Therefore, all the wonderful efforts of communities to collect water are actually illegal.
A report released by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, has showcased facts that suggest Australia will suffer more extreme temperatures in the years to come, thanks all to climate change.
The report forecasted heat waves, less rain and a subsequent increased drought. It predicted that exceptionally hot years, which had originally only occurred every 20 to 25 years, were now more likely to hit every one or two years. And the report noted that all of this could start as soon as 2010.
Speaking to a friend the other day, our conversation wound its way to the Australian drought. My side of the conversation consisted of imparting facts regarding the Indian Ocean Dipole’s effect on the La Nina, subsequently creating or worsening Australian drought conditions. Dave’s side of the conversation was to inform me that there are kids throughout the country – particularly on the eastern seaboard – that are for the first time in their lives seeing rain.
And these just aren’t 8-month old babies. Kids as old as 16 years old are witnessing rain fall on their very heads.
That rain, according to the National Climate Center (NCC), is an indicator of what might be called the end of our drought. And for this, the entire nation is beyond thankful. We’ve moved all the way through in to … well, whatever is past thankful!
Vibration energy from a falling raindrop striking a piezoelectric structure creates electricity.
Scientists say their process would work well in rainy outdoor environments where solar energy is lacking.
Many people use bicycles for commuting and running errands. We love the fresh morning breeze, the easy parking, the health benefits, and the financial savings. Besides, what other commuting option has its own ’80s theme song? (Cue Queen’s "Bicycle Race"). Yep, while the sun is shining and the weather’s fine, you can’t beat bicycling for a great way to get around town.
But what happens when the going gets wet? With autumn and winter
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