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This week, Focus Earth takes a look at the dramatic effects climate change is having on weather and resources around the world. From unseasonable wildfires in California to an increasingly dire water shortage throughout the United States, Bob Woodruff and the team investigate signs that the climate has changed and the possible solutions available to deal with the transformation. Then it is off to China, where a new report has shown that pollution in Asia has altered weather patterns and affected the health of millions. Finally, Focus Earth takes a look at the carbon footprints of Thanksgiving travelers.
First, Mike Von Fremd reports from Los Angeles where a recovery effort is taking place after wildfires broke out in Southern California. The fires, which have occurred unusually late in the year, devastated a fashionable neighborhood in Santa Barbara. While not uncommon in the summer, wildfires this late in the year demonstrate that the climate in the region has changed: temperatures are higher, the weather drier, and fires are possible year round.
Clearly, something must be done to slow the creep of climate change. One answer is an aggressive policy to fight global warming. Focus Earth takes a look at early proposals from President-elect Barack Obama who vowed, via satellite to a climate summit in California, to implement policies that would reduce U.S. emissions by 80% by 2050. Combined with a proposed $150 billion investment in new energy technology, this could be the answer Californians and many other Americans are looking for.
Then, Focus Earth travels from the fires in California to the smoggy skies of Beijing, where Stephanie Sy reports on the effects of pollution on the regions weather. A new report from the United Nations shows that pollution in Asia has changed the weather and is hurting the respiratory health of millions.
Meanwhile, a historic drought in the Western United States continues. Caused by rapidly growing populations, expanded agriculture, and climate change, the problem threatens to drain several major water sources dry. Ryan Owens reports from Lake Mead and the Colorado River with the latest news on the dilemma.
The problem is severe but is there a solution? Bob Woodruff talks with Phil Gordon, mayor of Phoenix, Arizona, who claims his city has found a way to meet the needs of its ballooning population. Could this sustainable water-management policy be applied across the nation?
Finally, Focus Earth looks to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and asks who is traveling farther: you or your turkey? Find out who has the biggest carbon footprint in this special report.
Checkout the Planet Green Schedule to see these stories and more on Focus Earth.
Don't miss Focus on Focus Earth: U.S. to Battle Global Warming and Focus on Focus Earth: Western Water Woes.
Read more about water, pollution, and politics:
The Beauty Queens of Drought Tolerance
Deserts Have Ecosystems Too, You Know
Drought Around The World: Atlanta In Perspective
Killer Smog Cloud Smothers Sunlight Across Asia
Envirofit: Retrofit Engine Kits To Reduce Southeast Asia's Pollution
Barack Obama Faces Environmental Clean Up After Two Centuries of Bingeing: Bill McKibben
