DAILY QUICK READ - AUGUST 4, 2016

It’s A Dog’s Life

So besides being a conservation paradise with miles of perfect beaches, rain forest and pura vida; Costa Rica apparently is a haven for stray dogs.

Imagine a place where the sun shines year-round, the average annual temperature is 73°, and more than 900 dogs with breed names like “Chubby-Tailed German Dobernauzer” and “Fire-Tailed Border Cocker” roam free across the lush landscape.

Sound like Heaven? Well believe it or not, it exists right here on earth! Territorio de Zaguates, or “Land of the Strays” is a privately funded, volunteer-run organization in Costa Rica.

Global Warming – A Hoax

The U.S. Senate has 100 members.  It is one of the world’s oldest and most respected examples of democracy and representative government.  Ron Johnson is a United States Senator – and apparently a complete idiot.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) compared those mounting the efforts to address climate change to Joseph Stalin and Hugo Chavez, while claiming that it has been "proven scientifically" that the climate is not in fact warming. He suggested in a radio appearance that progressives' concern about climate change was driven by their desire for government control of Americans lives.

To expand the senator’s point, if only there was some scientific evidence the earth is getting warmer.  Some sort of comprehensive, rigorously researched and peer reviewed evidence.   Oh wait….

Last year was unequivocally the warmest year on record for Earth. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Tuesday released a 300-page report documenting the historic warmth as well as scores of other aspects of 2015’s climate.

The hefty report, State of the Climate in 2015, was produced by more than 450 scientists from 62 countries around the world — more than any previous edition.

Every single direct indicator of temperature described in the report leaves no doubt that 2015’s global surface temperature towered over any year preceding it. Numerous other climate indicators related to temperature exhibited characteristics consistent with such historic warmth.

Little Things You Can Do

The African Wildlife Foundation offers some suggestions for painless support of wildlife conservation activities in Africa.  Gaming apps, clothing suppliers and shopping options that donate a percentage to the foundation.

There’s something for everyone. Whether you want to shop online, get lost in a mythical world while helping solve real-world problems, or wear tees that show off your love of elephants, you can do it all while supporting wildlife. We here at AWF are so appreciative of any kind of support from fellow wildlife enthusiasts!