The Great Outdoors

One thing most Americans love to do is take a trip to the park. Seeing raw nature is always a treat and I hope everyone takes some time to enjoy it. There is some cause for concern though as the park can be dangerous to the unwary. Here are some things to watch out for.

Many believe that bear attacks are the worst thing that could happen. While they do occur on occasion, it is much more likely that an auto accident will occur. It is easy to be distracted by the scenery and lose concentration on the road. Those who drive should be especially careful. I hope everyone will remember to be safe while enjoying our national parks!

Scientists are calling the blown-out well the worst spill in U.S. history. The well in the Gulf of Mexico has spilled an estimated 20 to 40 million gallons of oil into the gulf. So far, all attempts to stop the oil flow have failed, including the latest attempt called the top kill method. BP is planning another way to stop the leak.

Since the well is more than 5,000 feet under the sea, new technologies need to be tried. Undersea robots are difficult to work with and this has made matters difficult. The spill has been ongoing since April when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded. I really hope they can find a way to stop the leak soon!

One problem with modern transportation is that many plants and animals hitch a ride to destinations unknown. The natural fauna of some areas in the U.S. is being taken over by foreign species of similar plants. The worst part is that some of these plants and animals were brought here on purpose.

Many scientists believe that we will see less biodiversity over the coming years as deforestation and competition from foreign plants eat away at the habitats needed to maintain these species. I hope that everyone will realize the importance of keeping foreign plants and animals out of our country.

The recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico could be a really large environmental disaster. Oil is spewing into the water at a rate even greater than was expected. The winds and tides will determine where the spill hits land, but no matter where it goes, the effects will be enormous. Animals, plants, and people will be hurt.

This problem is only part of a larger one. Our countries dependence on fossil fuels will only lead to more disasters of this magnitude. We must find ways to use the gas and oil we have in a more logical way. I hope our government will go further in their efforts to find a solution to the problem!!

Today marks the 40th anniversary of earth day. The day was meant to raise awareness around the world of the importance of our earth and our impact on it. Thousands of people participated in various events that reflected the concern many of us have that we need to do a better job of preserving our wild places and the animals that live there.

I hope everyone will join me in raising their voices to those who will listen and demand that we begin to take this problem seriously. I want my children to have a better world than I and its going to take some changes to do it. I believe that everyone should take some time and spread the word about this important subject!