Ozone Apocalypse: An Editorial
By Vaughn Steiner
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| Acute gaseous pollutant damage to red maple leaves. All leaves on the tree are chlorotic (pale yellow). Photo:http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-022/430-022.html |
In the spring of 2008, I began to notice that the all the pines and hemlock trees were turning brown. I had no clue why. I thought it was a disease or a fungus. In June of 2010 I found the blog http://witsendnj.blogspot.com. A woman from New Jersey has noticed the exact same thing at the same time. After much research she has come to the conclusion that ground level ozone is killing plants. The symptoms are the same all across the world and crops are in danger. At first I thought it was not happening here until I noticed the exact same damage on leaves near my house. I have gotten in touch with her and found out more about this crisis. If we do not stop burning fossil fuels soon, we will face a future not unlike what is often seen on the movies. The only difference is that this is real. The dying forests will release CO2 and global warming will be unstoppable. This damage can occur at less than 40 Parts per billion. The current EPA limit is 75 PPB. Here is a picture from the above website. The damage I have seen resembles it exactly. Please visit the website. Show it to your family and friends and spread the word. We need to take immediate action. The alternative is our own extinction.