Wildfires

Lee Bell asked:


Nobody wants to contemplate the tragedies that can overtake a family in the aftermath of a natural disaster. But after listening to the anguish of victims of Hurricane Katrina, preparing for a natural disaster should be on everybody’s mind. Even if you do not live in an area likely to experience hurricanes, there are still many different natural disasters to prepare for, including floods, wildfires, tornados and earthquakes. Any one of these natural disasters can cut off electricity and water and leave you and your family stranded. Having an emergency plan and supply kits really can signify the difference between an annoying situation and a catastrophe. Preparing for a natural disaster is as easy as buying groceries at the supermarket. The fundamental point is to know what your family needs and for how long.

Begin Getting Ready for a Natural Disaster Right Away

The good thing about preparing for a natural disaster is that you can do it rather quickly and economically. To begin with, select a cool, dry place to store supplies. Your first priority should be food and water. Purchase containers of water from supermarket, so you won’t have to be concerned about bacteria or other cross contamination. You should have a three-day store of water for each person in your family. Fit adults require at least one-half gallon of water a day. Children, nursing mothers and sick people will require more water. If the temperature is rising, you will also need extra water per person. Food in your emergency supply kit should be canned or other non-perishables-nothing that requires cooking or have water mixed in it. Good selections include granola bars, peanut butter and jelly, canned juice, trail mix and ready-to-eat meats, vegetables and fruits. And don’t forget the can opener!

Alongside food and water, you should also have a well-stocked first aid kit with ample bandages, antiseptic, thermometer, tweezers, soap, latex gloves and sunscreen. You should also put in some pain reliever, antacid and an emetic substance (to induce vomiting). You also need at least one entire change of clothing per person, outer wear, blankets or sleeping bags and sturdy shoes or boots. To aid in keeping everything and everyone as clean as possible, don’t forget to put in toilet paper, antiseptic, soap detergent, garbage bags with twist ties and other personal hygiene articles in your natural disaster supply kit.

Don’t Forget to Allow for Any Particular Needs of Family Members

Infants and anyone on special medication or with other medical needs require extra emergency supplies. For infants, you should pack formula, bottles, diapers, pacifiers, diaper rash cream and any medicines. Normal medications many adults need include blood pressure medication, prescription medication, insulin, contact lenses or glasses, denture products and hearing aid batteries.

You should also always deposit a copy of significant documents in a safe place that you can access in case of a natural disaster. This includes wills, insurance policies, contracts, stocks, bonds, deeds, photo IDs, social security cards, credit card information and bank account numbers. Store these articles in a waterproof/fireproof strong box that you can move easily. You may also want to pop in some cash, in case you cannot access your ATM or bank in the aftermath of a natural disaster.



TAYLOR

Wildfire Marketing Group asked:


One of the biggest problems businesses face today is developing an employee benefit plan that not only follows all state and federal regulations, but is also superior to the plans offered by rivals. These days, offering competitive salaries isn’t enough to attract and retain top employees. Instead, companies need to incorporate packages that encompass viable retirement plans, excellent health insurance, and efficient payroll services. CPActuaries, a national leader in human resource consulting services, allows you to do all that and more.

Keep employee productivity at an all-time high by utilizing our comprehensive human resource consulting service. We will personally evaluate the human resource structure you have in place and work with you to improve upon it in the ways best suited for your company. Best of all, once we have restructured your human resource services, our experts are always available to advise you and guide should you have any questions. We will even come on-site to discuss your new plans with your employees to ensure they understand the benefits now available to them.

What are you doing to keep your most valued employees? Instead of focusing on courting new prospects, pay attention to the assets you already have. Contact CPActuaries today to redefine the human resource services your company offers. The increase you will see in employee productivity and retention will amaze you.

CPActuaries, a national human resource consulting firm, provides clients with solutions to all types of situations dealing with their human assets. Our personal approach, combined with our knowledge in creating optimal business environments, enables us to offer targeted, relevant ideas that will help your company obtain top performance levels from your employees. Not only that, our professionals offer expertise in all aspects of human resource services, so you can be sure any changes your company implements will fall within state and federal regulations.

It doesn’t matter if you would like to outsource all of your human resource services to our company or if you would like to our experts to advise and assist the HR department you already have in place. Either way, our human resource consulting services are at your disposal.

Our team of highly trained professionals will be more than happy to help you with all facets of human resource services, including:

• Payroll – make sure your employees get their paychecks on time, every time

• Insurance – by offering your employees a wider selection of health insurance benefits, you are promoting a healthy environment that will maximize productivity

• Cafeteria Plans – when you allow your employees to pay for benefits on a tax-free basis through payroll deductions, you will both save money

• Retirement – reward and retain your best workers with a competitive plan

Once we have helped you implement the human resource services that will enable your company to operate at its best, CPActuaries will continue to work with you as much as you need to maintain an efficient, happy workplace. Call us today to set up your first consultation.



ROBIN

Wildfire Marketing Group asked:


Take an online dating tip from Brad Finsilver, The Date Mentor: a picture is worth a thousand words. Profiles with photos get exponentially more “hits” than a profile without one, especially when many popular online dating sites offer a search engine feature that enables the user to screen potential matches who have not posted a picture. Usually this feature is already checked for the searcher because, let’s face it, appearance matters.

That being the case, your next move toward success in the online dating arena is to post a great picture. And gentlemen, snapping a picture of yourself looking in the bathroom mirror without a shirt is not a good picture. If you want to project an image of worth and value when trying to attract the opposite sex, you do it with your clothes on.

Internet profile pages typically limit the photo size a user can post, so make the most of the small space allotted and maximize impact through use of lighting, wardrobe, color, cropping, and more. When you book a consultation Brad Finsilver, he will give you a set of illustrated guidelines to follow to ensure your online photo is the best it can be.

After you’ve posted an attractive photo of yourself and written a compelling profile, Brad can work with you one-on-one or in a group to enhance your email etiquette. What should you write in your opening e-mail to capture her attention? How should you respond if she “winks” or “smiles” at you? When should you ask for her phone number? You don’t want to blow your chances with your dream girl by saying (or rather, writing) the wrong thing. The Date Mentor will teach you the tips he’s developed that will accelerate the screening process for you and maximize the attraction level for her. This is guaranteed to lead to dates with the type of women you are interested in meeting.



ANTHONY

Swayam Bhattacharya asked:


The latest fire in San Diego County, in Southern California, burned 400,000 acres of land reducing 1300 homes to the ground. The President declared a state of emergency and mass evacuation was forces as the fire spread across San Diego, Long Beach, Malibu, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Burbank and Santa Barbara.

Well, like all natural disasters the San Diego Wildfire has probably by now taken complete control over the space on your television, newspapers, magazines, & even your computer. If you’re annoyed at being so bombarded by information about the fire—here’s something interesting for you. Statistics reveal that 7 out of ten wildfires are caused strictly by human activities. The wind (Santa Ana, in this case) only plays its role in spreading the fire.

Crazy as it is that a single human act can cause such a natural disaster, there is hardly anything you can do about it!!

Every year a number of people migrate to California in United States. The number of immigrants to California increased from 1.3 million to 8 million between 1990 to1995 and further increased by a few more millions in 2000. That’s a whooping number of people in one state!

In October 2003, a wildfire originating near San Diego engulfed 273,000 acres and destroyed around 4000 structures. The 2003 fire claimed 15 lives. The San Diego fire was one of 15 fires that started around the region. The cause of the fires was a hunter!!

In November 1993, Malibu Los Angeles witnessed a fire resulting from arson. The fire burned for two weeks and killed 25 people. Other devastating fires in the California region include the San Francisco Bay fire of October 1991, San Bernardino Mountain foothills fire of November 1980, San Diego mountain fire of September 1970 and Los Angeles national forest fire of November 1966.

Well there is hardly anything you can do about stopping people camping in the woods from lighting fires. The firefighters are doing their bit in stopping the fire. What you can do for yourself and your family is have a evacuation kit ready especially for forced situations like this. And, that includes:

Social Security Numbers and Identity Cards. Also throw in your documents—legal, educational, medical—whatever is most important. By the way, don’t forget your insurance papers. That often turns out to be the most important.

Take your time to note down the most important contact names, addresses, and contact numbers.

Apart from this you would of course put a first aid kit, hi-calorie food, water, flash lights, and blankets.

Keep this evacuation kit ready and handy for just such a situation. This is about what you can do apart from cursing the government, the TV channels, and specters of hunters in forests.



ADOLFO

Marlene Affeld asked:


The 1910 Fire was the largest forest fire in American history, perhaps in the history of the world. Now, almost one hundred years later, the blackened ghosts of giant cedars stand in silent witness to the devastation and death that rode the wild winds of August.

In just over 48 horrific hours, starting in the late afternoon of Saturday, August 20th, the raging inferno devoured more than 8 billion board feet of virgin timber on 3 million acres in western Montana and northern Idaho, caused the deaths of 78 firefighters and 8 civilians and decimated 13.5 million dollars of personal property. Other forest fires have been more deadly, but none moved as savagely or swiftly across such a vast timbered wilderness as did the massive fire of 1910.

Accounts of the firestorm mention Edward Stahl, a forester, who wrote of flames that shot hundreds of feet into the night sky “fanned by a tornadic wind so violent that the flames flattened out ahead….swooping to earth in great darting curves, truly a veritable red demon from hell”.

Hurricane velocity winds turned canyons into crematoriums. Of the 86 who perished, 28 or 29 firefighters - history is unclear - attempted to outrun their deaths only to be trapped in a vertical canyon.

Hysterical, in a state of confusion and shock, men fled for their lives, the caustic smoke searing lungs and obstructing vision. The fires, the dense smoke, the intense, blinding heat and the crackling flames were inescapable. Many men, too terrified to face death by fire, took their own lives by gunshot. One man jumped from a burning train. Two firefighters surrendered to their fate and simply walked into the flames as their companions watched in horror from where they had sought refuge in the overhang of a creek bank.

Eyewitness accounts describe the terror experienced by those who fought the 1910 fire and lived to tell about it. One survivor told a newspaper reporter, “The fire turned trees and men into weird torches that exploded like Roman candles”.

Excerpts from Ranger Edward Pulaski’s accounting of the fire on Placer Creek near Wallace, Idaho. Pulaski was a Ranger on the Coeur d’Alene National Forest in 1910.

His personnel file included this evaluation, written by his boss, Forest Supervisor, W. G. Weigle: “Mr. Pulaski is a man of most excellent judgement; conservative, thoroughly acquainted with the region, having prospected through the region for over twenty five years. He is considered by the old-timers as one of the best and safest men to be placed in charge of a crew of men in the hills”.

“True to form, Ranger Pulaski guided his crew through darkness and a raging inferno driven by hurricane-force winds, to the safety of the War Eagle Mine tunnel. In the years following the fire, he was lionized for his heroism, perhaps in part because he was everyone’s vision of what a hero ought to took like. He bore a remarkable resemblance to the actor, Gregory Peck, stood six-foot three, had steel-blue eyes, and struck a commanding presence everywhere he went”.

“Some crying, some praying” - The mine timbers at the mouth of the tunnel caught fire, so I stood up at the entrance and hung wet blankets over the opening, trying to keep the flames back by filling my hat with water, which fortunately was in the mine, and throwing it on the burning timbers. The men were in a panic of fear, some crying, some praying. Many of them soon became unconscious from the terrible heat, smoke and fire gas … I, too, finally sank down unconscious. I do not know how long I was in this condition, but it must have been for hours. I remember hearing a man say, ‘Come outside, boys, the boss is dead.’ I replied, “Like hell he is.” I raised myself and felt fresh air circulating through the mine. The men were all becoming conscious. It was five o’clock in the morning… “

“Shoes burned off we had to make our way over burning logs and through smoking debris. When walking failed us we crawled on our hands and knees. How we got down I hardly know. We were in a terrible condition, all of us hurt or burned. I was blind and my hands were burned from trying to keep the fire out of the tunnel. Our shoes were burned off our feet and our clothes were in parched rags… “

Another survivor of the fiery holocaust described the devastation - “The green, standing forest of yesterday was gone; in its place a charred and smoking mass of melancholy wreckage. The virgin trees, as far as the eye could see, were broken or down, devoid of a single sprig of green. Miles of trees - sturdy, forest giants - were laid prone… Men, who quenched their thirst from small streams, immediately became deathly sick. The clean, pure water running through miles of ashes had become a strong, alkaline solution, polluted by dead fish, killed by the lye. Thereafter we drank only spring water”.

Blueprint For Disaster

The winter of 1909-1910 was bitter cold with little snow cover. East bound weather fronts from the Pacific that normally buried the area in tens of feet of snow, instead vented their fury on the Cascades. Only a small percentage of that moisture was carried inland as far as northern Idaho and western Montana. The area received less than a half inch of precipitation from January to June and was the driest in anyone’s memory.

The temperature soared and late evening thunder and lightening storms, bereft of moisture, sparked wildfires across the wilderness. By mid May Glacier National Park was already under siege. Multiple fires broke out across the high county of northern Idaho and northwestern Montana, as men and pack teams rallied to battle the outbreaks. Reports came in daily from the Blackfoot, Cabinet, Clearwater, Flathead, Lolo and Kaniksu forests of new wildfires that swelled to triple their size at a speed faster than a man could move.

In 1910 Timber management was still a new idea in the United States. In 1905 President Theodore Roosevelt established The United States Forest Service to manage the national forests with the goal of providing the county with a consistent supply of quality water and timer. At that time the focus was on conservation and policy mandated that the best way to conserve the timber reserves was to protect them from forest fire.

Although newly formed and inexperienced, the US Forest Service clearly recognized the immediate danger of the situation and recruited thousands of men to fight the ever growing numbers of remote forest fires across the northwestern states.

Prospectors packed up their gear and moved out of the high country, settlers and ranchers buried equipment or removed it from harms way and moved families and animals closer to the river. Town and camp residents up and down the trail were encouraged to relocate to areas of safety in Spokane or Missoula.

As the fire season progressed, so did the number and size of fires that raged across the wilderness. Equipment, experience and manpower were in short supply. Joe Haim, a graduate from Washington State College in 1909, was employed as a surveyor in the Coeur d’ Alene National Forest and described the hardships and handicaps faced by the fire fighters. “There were no trails or roads and we had to go in 65 miles to get to the fire when we were first sent out . . . it took more time getting into the country than to put out a small blaze.” Joe Haim reportedly held his terrified crew at gunpoint to keep them from fleeing a fire they could not possibly escape. His decisive and heroic action saved many lives.

The drought continued into the summer and the many inches of rain that annually blessed the area failed to arrive. Hot dry winds wicked moisture from the forest floor, drained creeks and shriveled the usually verdant meadow grasses; crops failed and livestock suffered. All the necessary elements for a catastrophic firestorm were in place.

On August 20th, a fierce cold front spawned hurricane velocity winds that feed fresh oxygen to the many scattered fires. Previously controlled, low intensity fires mushroomed into a gigantic fireball, dormant fires crowned and trees exploded into a blazing inferno several miles wide and hundreds of feet tall. Poisonous smoke blackened the countryside as day instantly turned to darkest night. In Denver, 800 miles away from the epicenter of the firestorm, the temperature dropped 19 degrees in 10 minutes and at 5 PM a roaring wind descended upon Denver, obliterating it with toxic smoke from the fires to the northwest.

Firefighters scattered throughout the forest were caught unaware. Impeded by the intense heat, blinding smoke and hazardous terrain, many were trapped and unable to flee the conflagration. Some survived by crawling into caves or mine shafts or by drenching themselves with water and laying down in creeks and streams. Residents of the small towns fled the area by train or stayed and desperately lit back fires against the terrifying wall of flame racing towards them.

By the morning of August 21st the devastation was evident and mind boggling. Over a third of the town of Wallace, Idaho was incinerated. Nearby Grand Forks lay in ruins. On the other side of the Lookout Pass the towns of DeBorgia, Taft, Haugen and Henderson were destroyed. Dense smoke filled the sky as far east as New York State and south to beyond Denver, Colorado. Sailors navigating in the Pacific reported that they could not see the stars through the smoke veil.

Two days later, on the 23rd, a secondary cold front swept in from the Pacific dropping a deluge of heavy rain. The “Big Burn” was finally extinguished, however not before lives were lost and lives were changed forever by the experience. It will be centuries before a normal forest is restored.



MERVIN

Dylan Sun asked:


The concept of e-commerce has been catching on with raging speed just like wildfire in a forest. There are stories all over the place about people becoming millionaires by selling on the net. International trade has become easier and so have the procedures and processes associated with import/export of goods and services, not to mention the innovative concept of global sourcing in order to find out the best suited price of a product or a service. But one might stop for a moment and reflect that has really e-commerce made such a difference in the phenomenon of international trade which even existed centuries before the advent of e-commerce. Of course import/export and global sourcing are some things which did not require e-commerce for their development at least in the earlier days, however indispensable this technology may have become for the current times.

Some experts are not so optimistic about the future of e-commerce and they feel that although as of now the figures may be on the rise but this will not remain so in the times to come. Of course they give different reasons for this, but whatever may be the reason the fact remains that despite the risks involved about the future of e-commerce its usage in current international trade, import/export and global sourcing is on the rise. Of course nothing can be said with guaranteed surely about any technology in the long term future be it e-commerce or any other technology, yet the immediate future certainly does seem bright for the use of e-commerce in the ever expanding phenomenon of international trade, import/export and global sourcing.

Whatever the pessimistic experts might think, the other side of the coin is quite positive and sales figures have been rising drastically over the years and certainly the scope of e-commerce in international trade, import/export and global sourcing is going to rise in the future times to come.

Hence it can be concluded that one should take a balanced view when considering about e-commerce any making any decisions which involved spending time or money in terms of long term investment in the arena of international trade, import/export or global sourcing using e-commerce. The era of e-commerce may not be a total bed of roses with all advantages and no drawbacks; nevertheless it is not something which can be thrown away at a moments notice. Rather the usage of e-commerce with certain keep on rising and the phenomenon of international trade would continue to benefit the trade of goods and services in form of import/export and the search of optimum products and services via global sourcing.



HIRAM

Wildfire Marketing Group asked:


At CPActuaries, your source for human resource consulting services, we specialize in the management of your top resource – your employees. It is the mission of our organization to create and deliver benefit solutions that will optimize value while inspiring employee commitment. Our consulting professionals take the time to learn the ins and outs of your company so we can better assist you in realizing the vision you have for your company’s human resources.

Whether your company employs 1 person or 1,000 people, you we can tailor a plan to fit your human resource needs. Not only that, we offer our human resource services to clients at an affordable cost. Our efficient system is designed to improve the hiring process while retaining the employees you have through superior benefits packages. With our help, you will maximize your investment in Employee Capital through long-term solutions.

When you partner with CPActuaries, you are gaining an ally with expertise in all aspects of human resource services. Our company offers the experience and the capability to help our clients with everything from selecting the most qualified candidate to putting together a 401(k) package that saves money for you and your employees. That, coupled with the personal attention and total availability we offer our clients, equals an investment that is unmatched by any other human resource consulting firm.

Contact CPActuaries today and let us help you reach your company goals.



SERGIO

Helen Gienke asked:


There’s something rather special about Beaver Creek. The creation of the resort was influenced by St.Moritz in Switzerland and Cortina in Italy and the result is an exciting mountain to ski and a village wrapped in luxurious treats.

Perhaps it’s the ski valets who unload your skis from the buses and place them on the snow for you. Or maybe it’s the escalators that take you from the village to the bottom of the lifts, so you don’t have to walk in clumpy ski boots or carry your ski gear. The moving walkway to take you between ski lifts at the bottom of the hill is a great idea and the hot chocolate chip cookies at three o’clock every afternoon really are the icing on the cake.

Beaver Creek is one of those ski resorts that is tucked away, just past Vail on the I 70 corridor in Colorado. As many Denver “weekend warriors” stop at Copper, Breckenridge or the world famous Vail ski resorts before they get to Beaver Creek, this resort stays quiet and untouched. Beaver Creek likes it that way. On busier weekends they even limit the number of skiers allowed on the mountain to keep the slopes empty.

Beaver Creek resort is made up of 3 separate and distinct villages: Beaver Creek village is the first stop for many and really the main centre of the resort. As you enter the village all the walkways are heated and clear of snow. The focal point is an ice rink, where you’ll see children and adults alike practising their skills and picking themselves off the ice. Around the periphery are boutiques, art galleries, the Vilar Center for the Arts, bars and restaurants ranging from reasonably prices to very top end offerings. The fur coat selection is not to be missed.

Bachelor Gulch sports the world renowned Ritz Carlton Hotel and many other homes and condominiums. Fully linked to the other areas, Bachelor Gulch offers mostly intermediate skiing and skiers can make turns all the way down to the Ritz Hotel and often spot swimmers in the indoor-outdoor pool with steam rising from the pool.

Arrowhead Village is the westernmost entrance to the resort and offers the Broken Arrow restaurant and bar with outdoor patio to enjoy some of the 300 days of sunshine whilst watching the skiers & snowboarders come whizzing down the slopes.

The 148 trails and 17 lifts make this a resort of reasonable size and gives plenty of skiing. Designed for all abilities, Beaver Creek can challenge you on its Grouse Mountain bumps or let you relax on Strawberry Park’s gentle groomers. Beaver Creek is big on grooming and you can see those piste bashers on the slopes at any time of day.

And don’t forget the famous World Cup Course for ski racing. The Birds of Prey downhill course attracts hundreds of skiers early in the season to compete on the world cup circuit. The Golden Eagle and other double black diamond runs are part of the course and although not for the faint hearted are definitely skiable for visitors who care to try their skills.

Just outside the resort area are the two towns of Avon and Edwards, which offer accommodation for those of us who haven’t quite made the A star celebrity list. Wildfire Lodge in Avon is a one to be recommended - a European style chalet fits rather well into this setting of elegance and charm. For more info on Vail, Beaver Creek, Wildfire Lodge or other Colorado ski resorts, visit www.chalets-usa.co.uk



KRIS

Wildfire Marketing Group asked:


Commercial property for sale is gaining popularity more than ever, but is still a difficult venture especially for the newbie real estate agent. This can sometimes cost an enormous amount of money. Which is why free classifieds offers a place for you to list your commercial property, whether you are a real estate agent or a private individual.

The following article offers you some methods in exposing your commercial property without spending a fortune on advertising.

1.List Your Property Online For Free

Many online classifieds allow free ad posting for your property for sale. These sites even lets you list your properties in bulk, without restrictions. Often, Australian real estate listings online get you more exposure quickly without asking you to pay huge prices compared to traditional classified ads in your local paper. Also, they provide more marketing and advertising options for your convenience. Sometimes it is worth putting a little money into some ads if it means the difference between having to pay a commission and pocketing it for yourself.

2.Invest in a Quality “Commercial Property for Sale” Sign

A good quality “Commercial Property for Sale” sign is an excellent way to make people know and get interested in your property. If you are situated on a major road, a good sign attracts passing traffic and locals looking for property to move their business. Basically, your sign targets those people who may not have gone through the Net for Australian real estate, or those who may have missed your real estate listing. In successfully advertising commercial real estate for sale, you have to explore all available options, whether online or offline.

Many people are unaware of the properties around them and do not have the time to go looking. By placing a large visible sign on your property, you can draw attention and create excitement in the property.

3.Free Real Estate Publications

Many suburban areas have ‘free’ local publications that include real estate for sale in the area. Contact these publications and see if they take advertisements free. Since most are looking for ‘free’ content to add to their publications, they are usually very willing to work with you.

If this doesn’t work for you then you may need to contact a commercial real estate agent and work with them to get your property sold. Many sites provide information on property brokers in different areas and they can assist you to find a professional who will be able to help you too.

No matter what, keep your ads going. It can take quite a while to sell your commercial property depending on your area, but continue to provide information in publications and websites, and your efforts will bring rewards in no time.



DELBERT

James Nash asked:


Loss of forests contributes as much as 30 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions each rivaling emissions from the global transportation sector. The Kyoto Protocol’s offset mechanisms allow credits to be given for replanting trees or establishing new forests, which capture carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. But the current policy regimen does nothing to prevent existing forests from being cut down in the first place.

With Kyoto set to expire in 2012, a new round of talks is under way to develop the next framework for climate change. Experts believe a policy to avoid further deforestation will be a major topic at the conference. But some environmentalists remain wary of forestry climate policy, fearing it will draw attention away from the need to reduce emissions caused by fossil fuels.

The world currently has about ten billion acres of forest. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) 2007 report on the world’s forests, the world lost about 3 percent of forest area between 1990 and 2005, and the net rate of loss has declined since 2000 (the world loses on average 32 million acres per year). Growth in northern hemisphere forest has helped offset tropical deforestation. There is disagreement, however, on the extent to which increases in temperate-zone forests offset the loss of carbon sinking in tropical zones.

Deforestation is caused by exploitation of natural resources, including expanding populations, logging, agriculture, biofuel production, and wildfires. Clearing forests for the production of biofuels is causing major concern, as experts contend that it has a significant negative impact on forests without doing much to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The FAO report shows that the greatest overall loss is occurring in Africa, followed closely by Latin America and the Caribbean. Indonesia has the fastest deforestation rate of any single country in the world. When emissions from loss of forests are taken into account, Indonesia could be considered the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, according to a recent World Bank report. Indonesia recently has made a show of planting 80 million trees ahead of the Bali conference, but some question the country’s long-term commitment to slowing exploitation of its valuable resources, such as stemming illegal logging.

China’s rapid growth in the production of manufactured goods that need wood also poses challenges. The country’s consumption of forest products leads the world. According to Forest Trends, a nonprofit research group, China’s increasing demand has lead to unsustainable and sometimes illegal logging practices in many of the countries seeing significant deforesting activities, such as Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

China has a seemingly limitless appetite for cheap wood, says Don J. Melnick, a conservation biology professor at Columbia University. Products made from this timber often wind up in U.S. and European markets. Richard Z. Donovan, chief of forestry for the Rainforest Alliance, an advocacy group, says that right now China is not only adding to climate change by burning large amounts of fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gas but also by being a non-discriminating buyer of wood.



HUBERT