December 31, 2009

In the 12 Months of 2009

David Biello offers a semimusical look back at the year just had by the Earth and its people

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In the first month of 2009 people gave to me: a coal ash spill in Tennessee. (Technically occurred in 2008, but it lingered.)

In the second month of 2009 people gave to me: $436 billion in energy stimulus money.

In the third month of 2009, people gave to me: an update on global warming.

In the fourth month of 2009 people gave to me: a swine flu virus evolving.

In the fifth month of 2009 people gave to me: a debate on using corn for ethanol.

In the sixth month of 2009 people gave to me: a U.S. bill to cut CO2 for all.

In the seventh month of 2009 the moon gave to me: the longest solar eclipse of this century.

In the eight month of 2009 people gave to me: a solar power tower to make electricity.

In the ninth month of 2009 people gave to me: bad news for Arctic caribou.

In the 10th month of 2009 people gave to me: the first coal plant to bury its CO2.

In the 11th month of 2009 people gave to me: the first passenger flight on biofuels, yippee.

In the 12th month of 2009 people gave to me: 12+ world leaders do agree… to combat climate change.

What a difference a year can make, from 11 new species that went extinct to bans on BPA. Thanks for listening this year and I wish you all the best in 2010. Happy New Year!

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