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Thursday, June 21, 2012
Amazon deforestation at record low, data shows
Posted by Linda H on 6:32:00 AM
Deforestation of the Amazon has fallen to its lowest levels since records began, according to data recently released by Brazil's National Institute for Space Research.
Using satellite imagery, the institute said 6,418 sq km of Amazon forest was stripped in the 12 months before 31 July 2011 – the smallest area since annual measurements started in 1988.
The data continues an encouraging trend. Since the peak deforestation year of 2004, the rates of clearance have fallen by almost 75%.
"This reduction is impressive; it is the result of changes in society, but it also stems from the political decision to inspect, as well as from punitive action by government agencies," Rousseff said.
Sept. 11 Cancer Victims To Get Medical Coverage From U.S.
Posted by Linda H on 6:32:00 AM
The U.S. may spend as much as $147 million through 2016 to pay for the medical care of responders to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks who are diagnosed with breast, liver and other types of cancers.About 50 cancers will be covered by the money, which is part of a $1.5 billion federal health-care fund for rescuers, cleanup crews and others exposed to carcinogens at or near New York’s World Trade Center. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made the proposalin a regulatory filing yesterday, which would also cover the other Sept. 11 sites, at the Pentagon in suburban Washington and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Consumer Confidence in U.S. Rises for Fourth Consecutive Week
Posted by Linda H on 5:37:00 AM
Consumer confidence in the U.S. climbed for the fourth straight week as more Americans said their personal finances were improving.
The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index rose to minus 36.4 in the week ended June 10, the highest level since late April, from minus 37.6 the prior period. Each of its three components -- the economy, finances and buying plans -- advanced.
Record-low mortgage rates are spurring a surge in refinancing, which combined with the lowest fuel prices in four months and stabilization in stocks, may be easing constraints on Americans’ financial resources. At the same time, it may be difficult to achieve additional gains in confidence without a pickup in the job market.“It is likely a function of the steady drop in gasoline prices,” saidJoseph Brusuelas, a senior economist at Bloomberg LP in New York. “Households feel a bit more comfortable about their own financial situation.”
Apple Needs to Make it in America
