Global Warming

In a classmates blog she talks about the climatic changes and global warming. Global warming is the increase of the earth's temperature mainly caused by human uses of fossil fuels and deforestation of rain forests, which in turn causes the Greenhouse effect. The rise in the earth's temperature causes ocean waters to warm, glaciers and frozen tundra of the North and South Poles to defrost, droughts in warmer parts of the world and many other earth changes. All of these warming trends have a dramatic effect on our animals, mammals and plant life.

Some people believe that there is no global warming; however, scientists have proven that the temperature of the earth has risen since the Industrial Revolution. In her blog she talks about the impact it’s having on places such as Houston, one of the most heavily populated cities in the US. I agree with her that it is a major threat facing our planet. We should all make simple changes such as recycling, reusing, and buying energy efficient products. These are just a few solutions to reduce global warming.

US Unemployment

Over seven million jobs have been lost in the US since 2007. Unfortunately it is not getting better, and the unemployment rate is steadily increasing everyday. The October unemployment report was 10.2%, and was the highest since 1983. This percent doesn’t even include the people who have lost their unemployment benefits and are currently unemployed and have given up looking for work. This deep recession has made a massive impact on many workers. Because of the national budget crisis and strain on unemployment insurance, it has made it even more difficult to cover unemployment benefits. This creates a real crisis for the people and families who cannot afford basic needs. If the unemployment extension passes then people will hopefully be able to retroactively receive their benefits. In Texas, the unemployment rate has been the lowest in the country because of the low cost of living, no state income tax, and a more stable economy. The number of unemployed in the US is forecast to reach its peak in 2010 during the first quarter and then gradually decline; however, this might be too optimistic. This will probably take several years before we start seeing much improvement and back to the levels prior to this recession.