March 1, 2010 Contact: Linda Albee
News Release Phone: 231.723.0032
For Immediate Release E-Mail: ralbee0032@charter.net
The Arctic is the Mirror of the World
Manistee---If the changes in climate predicted for this century come to pass, everyone will be affected, but the people and creatures of the Arctic will face some of the largest challenges. How prepared is the U.S. to deal with these changes? Why has the U.S. been so slow to react to the growing changes in the Arctic? If Russia installed a drilling rig in the Arctic, what would the U.S. reaction be? On Thursday, March 11, 2010 the League of Women Voters (LWV) Manistee County will address these questions and issues about the Arctic region. Fellow Benzie League member, Pat Laarman will educate us about the importance of the Arctic Region and why we should be concerned about the climate changes taking place in the Arctic. Some scientists who are studying the Arctic region say that, “Whatever is going to happen in the rest of the world happens first and to the greatest extent in the Arctic, because the Arctic is the mirror of the world.”
This Arctic Age program is part of the “Great Decisions” Global Affairs Education Program in which the Benzie League participates. A half a century ago, the Eisenhower administration created the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge “for the purpose of preserving unique wildlife, wilderness and recreational values.” But reckless oil development continues to endanger the future of this one-of-a-kind natural sanctuary. Recently the Obama administration has given the Shell oil company a preliminary green light to begin exploratory drilling off the coast of the refuge as early as this summer.As citizens we need to learn and understand more about the Arctic and how this potential drilling could affect the Arctic region and eventually the entire planet.
Come learn more about the U.S. role in the Arctic region and also find out what the “Great Decisions” program is all about. This March program will be held in the Manistee ISD Office, 772 E. Parkdale, Manistee, beginning at 7 p.m.
Be “green”, share a ride to this March LWV program by calling: Linda Albee, 231.723.0032 or Joanne Schroeder, 231.864.2314. For more information about LWV call Linda or Joanne or visit the LWV website: www.lwvmanisteecounty.org
