Billions threatened by floods, warns UN

[dArKeR]

The number of people vulnerable to floods was expected to double to two billion worldwide by 2050 due to global warming, deforestation, rising sea levels and population growth in flood-prone areas, United Nations researchers claim.

A billion people live in the potential path of a worst-case flood, and most of these are among the poorest, according to a study by United Nations University scientists.

The campus in Tokyo issued the report as it prepared to open an institute in Bonn, Germany, to study the impact of the environment on human security.

http://iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=31&art_id=vn20040614104107686C561019&set_id=1

The 'Jesus Factor' sure has the world right on course!

[bluestateguy]

1. The Bush Doctrine will apply

The US will be happy to help...as long as their is either oil or white people at stake.

[amazona]

2. don't kid yourself -- they WON'T help white people either

I live in an area that is formerly a "no flood" zone. Suffice it to say that run-away development had caused this area to be flooded several times in past years. During our most recent emergency, a Republican governor, Mike Foster, requested federal emergency assistance, and he couldn't even get the worthless wonder W on the phone. Aid was denied. No explanation, as we've received federal declaration for previous, lesser disasters.

No one is going to benefit or be protected other than multi-millionaires. No one. White skin won't save you. A middle class background won't protect you. A GOP representative or voting history for your area won't protect you. They just don't care about anyone except the very upper "elites."

My humble opinion, anyway. As for nations slated to be completed washed away by global climate change, such as the Marshall Islands or Bangladesh, at this point I honestly wonder what option they have to get attention other than terrorism, not that these nations would indulge in terrorism, I realize they wouldn't. What a world.

[nolabels]

4. Rayguns murderous thugs employed from drug money and stolen funds.....

From illegal arms sales were called freedom fighters (Fighting against freedom I guess)

[bloom]

7. that is what I've decided, also

Just as many feel it is overwhelming to help the poor, I think our government has decided it is "overwhelming" to help the poor AND the middle class.

They will look out for themselves and rich contributors and anyone helping them get richer.

[underpants]

3. Pretty much what the Pentagon said in the buried report.

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,1153513,00.html

[Jim__]

5. When you said billions threatened, I thought you meant dollars ...

... these are just people; and mostly poor people at that.

[nolabels]

6. You're worth more than you think!

You're worth more than you think!

A great number of people have spent a great deal of human and financial resources calculating the composition of, prior to the decomposition of, and the worth, or worthlessness of, the human body.

When we total the monetary value of the elements in our bodies and the value of the average person's skin, we arrive at a net worth of $4.50!

This value is, however, subject to change, due to stock market fluctuations. Since the studies leading to this conclusion were conducted by the U.S. and by Japan respectively, it might be wise to consult the New York Stock Exchange and the Nikkei Index before deciding when to sell!
(snip)

http://www.coolquiz.com/trivia/explain/docs/worth.asp