The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium plans to build an expanded Mote Research and Education Facility on Mote Property in Summerland Key, Florida. The main Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is located in Sarasota, Florida. Donations have been underway to found the Summerland Key facility expansions. The improvements to the Summerland key Facility will help to ensure Motes objectives of understanding and restoring Florida’s Marine life and coral reefs. A very generous $325,000 donation from the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation has allowed the facility to start the Summerland Key construction in January of 2016.  The Barancik Foundation representatives said they value the work Mote is doing at its existing property on Summerland Key, Fla., where the new facility will be built: “We are pleased to help Mote Marine Laboratory — a champion of the oceans — take this major step to enhance their marine research, restoration and education efforts,” said Teri A Hansen, President & CEO of the Barancik Foundation, a private family foundation based in Sarasota, Fla. “It is exciting that our gift will help launch the construction of this new facility, which will benefit scientists, students, the State of Florida and the oceans. We firmly believe that philanthropy can change our world, and we encourage others to support Mote’s efforts.”  The plans should start late next month, which will include demolishing two residential and office buildings on Mote‘s Summerland property, leaving the current science building and working lab fully to operate during construction. MORE… More:

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Drip, drip, drip…there are a number of options to reclaim reverse-osmosis waste waterWhile reverse-osmosis units are among the more practical, affordable means for producing purified tap water suitable for sensitive reef systems, there’s no question that they tend to generate a lot of waste water relative to the volume of purified product. In fact, they often produce upwards of four gallons of waste water for every one gallon of purified water. It’s only natural for conservation-oriented hobbyists to look for ways to reclaim this waste water and put it to meaningful use rather than send it swirling down the drain. But finding realistic ways to use all that water isn’t as simple as it seems, especially if you have a relatively large aquarium system and, therefore, need to produce a hefty amount of RO water on a fairly regular basis.The usual advice is to use the waste water to give your plants or lawn a drink. These are certainly valid options, but let’s face it, you’d have to have an awful lot of plants to keep pace with all the waste water produced. And as far as watering the lawn is concerned, I’m sure someone more inventive than I (which isn’t saying much) could find ways to do this efficiently using RO waste water, but I haven’t figured out a method that would work for my yard yet.

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Hi guys, I took the day off yesterday to work on getting our new driftwood Christmas tree set up which is a major all day job. Next week I will be on vacation for a week, I’m staying here and working on a long list of photos that are piling up, like new Ikelite promo shots, sea-glass images, flowers, GoPro stuff, and Christmas photos, lots to do, lets hope we have some nice weather for a change. I have a hard to find colony of Grooved Brain coral, Diploria labyrinthiformis for you all today that I found on the sandy slopes of Klein Curacao.  Diploria labyrinthiformis, known by the common name grooved brain coral, is a species of stony coral in the family Mussidae. Found in tropical areas of the west Atlantic Ocean, it has a familiar, maze-like appearance

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M. cf atrodorsalis from Ngulu Atoll, near Yap. Credit: Gerry Allen

 
The Biogeography and Evolution of Meiacanthus Blennies are common and familiar fishes to aquarists, generally thought of as benthic creatures who make a living rasping algae from rocks. There is, however, a major lineage that breaks free of this stereotype—the fangblennies of the Tribe Nemophini. The group, consisting of five genera and some 55 recognized species, can be diagnosed by the enlarged canines of the lower jaw. Species vary from the benthic, anguilliform Xiphasia to the shoaling, benthopelagic Meiacanthus. Mimicry is a common theme across nearly all of the genera, with some species (e.g. Petroscirtes) imitating venomous species, while other (e.g. Aspidontus) feed on fish scales by mimicking cleaner wrasses, and still another genus (e.g. Plagiotremus) mimics venomous species while also being a scale-eater. For such a small and cohesive group of fishes, the ecological and behavioral diversity is truly remarkable. Meiacanthus, with 28 species currently recognized, is by far the most diverse genus. Unlike others in its tribe, these fangblennies have a groove running along the enlarged canines which feeds into a venom gland, with the precise configuration of this gland relative to the lower jaw bones being informative for deciphering the evolutionary history of the genus. The venom is potent enough that predators will routinely spit them out after receiving a bite from their prey. I was once bitten through an aquarium net, and I would describe the pain as akin to a quick pinch, followed by a brief moment of befuddlement and eventual realization of one’s own stupidity.   

The venomous fangs of Meiacanthus, note the ventral groove for envenomation. Credit: Smith & Wheeler 2006

 
Several Meiacanthus are regularly seen in the aquarium trade, with a few being of rarer occurrence, and with a great many species yet uncollected. Unlike most reef fishes, Meiacanthus are benthic egg layers with a relatively short larval stage. This has allowed for captive breeding efforts to succeed in bringing several uncommon and endemic taxa to wider distribution. These are, in my estimation, some of the most recommendable reef fishes. Despite their venomousness, Meiacanthus are completely harmless to other fishes around them, and even amongst themselves there is relatively little squabbling. These may in fact be the best small reef fish to keep in groups. What’s more, larger fishes are wise enough not to attempt eating them, so even a tank filled with groupers and lionfishes is likely to be safe for adding a fangblenny.… More:

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Don’t you wonder what your aquarium fish are feeling? I know I have had the thought cross my mind many times. Now, a recent study featured in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Biological Sciences,  observed that when Zebrafish (Danio rerio) experience stress, the temperature of their body rises by around two to four degrees. This emotional fever in response to stress has never been seen or accounted for in fish before. The study took 72 Zebrafish and put them into two groups of 36 fish each. Each group of fish was placed into a tank with interconnecting compartments containing different temperatures of water.  The  water temperatures in the compartments ranged from 18 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius.  As a control, some of the fish were left in 28 degree C water.
 The subject fish, were placed in tanks in order to simulate a stressful situation for the fish.  While the animals in the control group preferred to stay in compartments with the temperature at 28 degrees Celsius, the Zebra Fish exposed to the stressful situation often swam to areas of the tank with high temperatures which caused their body temperature to increase by around two degrees to four degrees. According to the researchers, this is an indication that the zebrafish were experiencing a form of emotional fever related to their situation. “These findings are very interesting – expressing emotional fever suggests for the first time that fish have some degree of consciousness,”  said UAB researcher Sonia Rey. However, many other scientists have different theories regarding the level of consciousness that fish have. Some point out that fish  are not capable of having consciousness because of the simple structures of their brains. They argue that fish have a limited capacity for memory and learning and cannot feel suffering. Admiring the fish in my tank, I believe that they do have at least some sense of intelligence and memory.  MORE… More:

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The new Bashsea Mano sump is small in stature but big on style.  Priced at $279.00, the Mano sump is sure to be popular among the nano reefing community. AquaNerd Sponsor, Bashsea has come out with what looks like to be a very sleek and feature rich Signature Series compact sump that will do any nano reef setup justice.  Constructed, designed and built with USA made materials, the Mano sumps are built using 1/4 cast acrylic.  The Mano cube is 14″ x 14″ x 15″ and it’s available in 4 different color configurations that include, white/black, red/black, blue/clear and blue/black. Like the larger Bashsea signature series sumps, the Mano includes an adjustable height baffle wall, filter sock holder, a compartment for a small reactor

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M. anema
 Surprisingly, this primarily marine genus has a single species which specializes in brackish waters. Specimens of M. anema have been found far upstream in pure freshwater, though it is presumed they are incapable of breeding there. They also seem to have a preference for very shallow waters, not more than a meter in depth.  

M. anema, from Meiro River, Madang, Papua New Guinea. Credit: John Randall

 
Morphologically, this species is placed in its own subgenus (Holomeiacanthus), which lies basally in the Meiacanthus phylogeny. This is the only species in the genus which has more than 6 dorsal fin spines (modally 8), which would seem to indicate a similarity with the rest of the Nemophini, all of which have 10+ spines. The unusual ecological niche perhaps indicative of an ancient lineage which has survived by occupying a marginal habitat. I’m not aware of this species having ever been exported for the aquarium trade (though other freshwater blennies have been). In all likelihood, were it to ever be collected, it would be made available to freshwater aquarists. The common name of Threadless Blenny has been applied, which is a literal translation of the specific epithet and alludes to the rounded caudal fin. M. ditrema & urostigma The two species comprising this isolated lineage of fangblenny (Allomeiacanthus) present behavioral and morphological characteristics which help to differentiate them from their congeners. Most noteworthy is the ventral (vs. dorsolateral) placement of the venom gland, leaving this structure fully encapsulated by the dentary bone. Additionally, there is a reduction in the number of pores associated with the mandibular and posttemporal sensory canals of the head, as well as a completely absent lateral line (present to some degree in all other taxa).  

A large school of M. ditrema at Okinawa. Credit: OceanBlue

   Behaviorally, these two species are reported to form moderately-sized shoals which hover several meters off the reef feeding on zooplankton. This is in sharp contrast to the many species seen elsewhere in the genus which live far closer to the substrate, typically feeding on benthic invertebrates. M. ditrema is by far the more widespread of these two, occupying a range which includes nearly all of the West Pacific. Specimens from Fiji are reported to differ in the relative thickness of the dorsal fin stripes of males, though photographic evidence to confirm this is wanting.… More:

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Home Nova is pleased to announce the launch of their kickstarter campaign, focused on the production and distribution of their beautiful, organic herb garden aquariums. From their site: “Many people living in the city do not have the luxury of space to grow food for themselves.  Even when they have backyards for gardening, cultivating some herbs and vegetables indoors can be a convenient, pest-free way to grow fresh greens year-round. On the web, there are many articles about building organic gardens and aquaponic systems, but most of them are designed with backyards in mind. We have devised an eco system to grow fresh produce at home while simultaneously enjoying keeping aquatic pet animals.Our Aquaponics Eco 10 lets you experience standard deep-water hydroponics and hybrid hydro-aeroponics (patent pending) all in one.  We have designed this versatile system so that you can share with your children. Visual back planes allow you to see the plants grow above and under the surface. Children can learn how aquaponics, hydroponics and aeroponics work.   With cloning stations, you can continue to grow the crops without frequently buying new seeds.  They also act as algae control and decoration, much like water lilies in ponds. If you keep a beta fish or Gouramis, they will readily make bubble nests with these extra shades. By the way, we keep crayfish in our prototype and they like to craw on the cloning stations and stick their heads out of the water once a while and or hang around the roots of the clones.   This is the most comprehensive table top aquaponics system in the market. The fail safe grow bed consists of a section of air for roots to breath. Expanded clay is used here both for aquaponics purposes and processing of the fish waste. This medium does not change pH of the water so the fish won’t be adversely affected.  The numerous pores will enable more beneficial bacterial growth to process the waste in the water.  It’s shape and porous texture also provide  more air exchange for the fish and roots.  In many hydroponic and aquaponic systems, when power is off, it will either flood the chamber or drain the chamber. If left for extended period of time, it will suffocate or dry out the roots.  Our advanced system will maintain a sustainable condition for long time even when there is a power outage.… More:

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Yellow watchman goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)Marine aquarium hobbyists who maintain nano tanks, whether by choice or necessity, often find it challenging to acquire fish that are well suited to their diminutive systems. But in the yellow watchman goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus), they can get all the attributes they seek—small mature size, attractive coloration, hardiness, and interesting behavior—in a single package. While the yellow watchman goby, aka the yellow shrimp goby or yellow prawn goby, can be housed by itself with no problems, in my opinion, it’s much more interesting and rewarding to keep it as it commonly occurs in nature—with an Alpheus spp. pistol shrimp (e.g., Alpheus bellulus, the tiger pistol shrimp) sharing its burrow.In this mutualistic symbiotic relationship, the shrimp, which has very poor eyesight, continuously excavates the burrow while the goby stands sentinel against predators. Almost at all times, the shrimp keeps at least one of its antennae in contact with the goby so it can immediately sense when danger is near via the goby’s body language. Physical traits C. cinctus has a torpedo-like body shape; two distinct dorsal fins; a rounded caudal fin; the typically goby-esque fused pelvic fins; high-set, bulbous eyes; and an oversized, “frowning” mouth.

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Everyone wants to look younger, to find that fountain of youth. Countless products are touted as ‘miracle’ cures to reverse aging, but for some  people, especially children, have a more serious problem: a very serious and rare genetic disease known as progeria. Progeria normally effects children within their first year, and causes premature aging. A new study has indicated that a very common fish tank cleaner may be the key to reverse aging. Researchers at the University of Maryland have discovered that methylene blue, a common fungal infection treatment for fish, and common cleaner in freshwater aquariums, may be the cure. This is a very readily available and inexpensive product, often used in hatcheries to help prevent fungal infections in fish eggs while being very safe for fish and fish eggs.The study has indicated that small doses of methylene blue completely repaired the defective cells. Associate professor of cell biology and molecular genetics Kan Cao said,  “We tried very hard to examine the effect of methylene blue on all known progeria symptoms within the cell. It seems that methylene blue rescues every affected structure within the cell. When we looked at the treated cells, it was hard to tell that they were progeria cells at all – it’s like magic.” Dr Zheng-Mei Xiong added: “This is such an exciting result with so much potential, both for progeria and normal ageing. MORE… More:

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Good morning friends, I have a colorful juvenile Puddingwife wrasse for your viewing pleasure today. As many of my fellow divers/underwater photographers know this fish never stops swimming and is very hard to get a photo of. I chased this one for 20 minutes trying to get off a lucky shot and came close to just calling it quits but wasn’t about to get beat by a little fish! Like many wrasses, the Puddingwife goes through a dramatic color/pattern change as it matures, though both the juvenile and adult animals in an attractive fish. The puddingwife wrasse, Halichoeres radiatus, is a species of wrasse native to the Western Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to Bermuda, through the West Indies and Gulf of Mexico, to offshore islands of Brazil, being absent from Brazilian coastal waters. It can be found on reefs at depths from 2 to 55 m (6.6 to 180.4 ft), with younger fish up to subadults being found in much shallower waters from 1 to 5 m (3.3 to 16.4 ft).

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M. grammistes & kamoharai Identifiable by a unique pectoral fin spot and the comblike extensions of the caudal fin, this pair of species exhibits an interesting biogeographical puzzle. The Striped Fangblenny (M. grammistes) is a common and widespread species throughout the West Pacific. In Japan, however, it is replaced by a melanistic phenotype recognized as M. kamoharai. The puzzle becomes apparent when the biogeographical variation is looked at on a finer scale. In the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, a region which forms a permeable bridge connecting Japanese and Indo-Philippines populations, there exists an intermediate phenotype not otherwise found in either range. 

M. grammistes at Anilao. Note the distinctive caudal fin shape and pectoral spot. Credit: Zubi

 
M. grammistes from the Coral Triangle shows a series of stripes along the body, a yellowing of the anterior half of the body, and a lack of any spotting on the underside of the head. Contrast this with kamoharai, which begins life with a similar juvenile coloration as its sister species, which then develops increasingly greater amounts of pigmentation. Large mature males can appear almost entirely black, with reticulations along the lower head. Note that there is never any yellow to the head.  

Variation in kamoharai from Yaeyama Islands (top left) and Okinawa. Credit: Junichi Yakamoto, unknown, Keido Uchino, dolphinkick, Patrick Randall, Miho Uchino

 The intermediate phenotype, documented from Okinawa and the nearby Yaeyama Islands very much resembles grammistes, save for the complete lack of yellow on the head. More mature specimens also develop the hypermelanism we see in kamoharai, but never do these Okinawan specimens seem to develop the reticulations of the lower head. This could be an artifact of limited documentation, but I am more inclined to ascribe this to a clinal variation within the grammistes/kamoharai complex. Given that this region is known for harboring populations from both the Japanese and Philippines ecoregions, it seems quite probable that these Okinawan specimens are showing evidence of hybridization. 

Interspecies spawning documented at Yakushima, Japan. M. grammistes is said to be quite rare here. Credit: Neyoshi Ishida

 
Elsewhere in the range of grammistes, there are few consistent differences which might allow for regionally endemic taxa to be recognized. Still, we should strongly suspect that this widespread species follows the typical endemism common to so many other reef fishes. In particular, specimens from Western Australia appear to differ in having yellow present on the underside of the head, beneath the black stripe, as well as along much more of the body than usual.… More:

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The Vertex Aquaristik I-Supra C+ filter video trailer.  There are two models to choose from.  One option includes the popular Vertex Omega 180i while the other model includes the Omega 200i protein skimmer.  Both options have an optional upgrade for the Vertex Rx-Z 2.0 Zeovit media reactor.  The MSRP is $2349.99 and  $2499.99 respectively.  As you can see from the trailer, a bevy of features are included within the Supra which we will cover in a separate article in the coming days. [embedded content]

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The Mystic Aquarium features a colony of 28 resident African Penguins, one of the largest populations in the United States. Currently, African Penguins are endangered; in the wild, they are only found on the south western coast of Africa, and it is estimated that there are less than 50,000 penguins world wide. 1100 of those penguins reside in zoos and aquariums. In the last ten years alone, the African Penguin population has decreased by 50 percent, most likely due to food shortages based on the increase of commercial fisheries and general human disturbances. With the decline of the population, the penguins are even more susceptible to events such as bad weather. That is why the health of the Aquarium’s penguins is so important. Recently, a cancerous tumor was found on one of the aquariums residents penguins, but after treatment by Mystic Aquarium veterinarians with radiation, the penguin is doing well and appears to be in full remission. Aquarium veterinarians plan to discuss the treatment of the penguin with other individuals in the field, assuming the penguin’s health continues the thrive. The Mystic Aquarium has its own research department and on site laboratory, that focuses on the health of marine animals. The Mystic Aquarium is a founding member of the African penguin Species Survival Plan (SSP) through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Aquarium has also discussed African Penguin research initiatives with South African Penguins and is committed to promoting the conservation of these endangered animals. MORE… More:

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M. bundoon, procne & reticulatus
 There are two major clades which are recognizable by the lack of prominent stripes along the body, as well as frequently possessing a diagonal line extending from the eye to the dorsal fin. The first to be discussed is the bundoon Group, comprised of three taxa restricted in range to the Coral Sea and the Melanesian waters to the east. 

M. bundoon in an aquarium. Note that the caudal lobes can get far more elongate than this. Credit: tamberav

 
It’s difficult to provide a simple, one-size-fits-all diagnosis for the bundoon Group, as the member taxa are more heterogeneous than in other clades. As far as appearances go, all three have a darkening running along the body, though this varies from dorsally in the Tongan endemic procne, to ventraly in the Coral Sea reticulatus, while the Fijian bundoon has evidence of both, as well as a midlateral stripe. It is perhaps most accurate to state that these three taxa show a tendency towards diffuse darkening along the body.  

M. reticulatus, showing its eponymous markings along the body. Aquarium specimen collected near Cairns, Australia. Credit: Lemon Tea Yi Kai

 
There is, however, a particularly salient characteristic which can help define the group—these are the only three unstriped Meiacanthus which lack a Plagiotremus mimic. This is an unusual trait to use in recognizing evolutionary relationships, as the absence of a character can be unreliable as a character itself. Not only are we relying on this absence for a phylogenetically important trait, but we are relying on a completely unrelated group (Plagiotremus) to inform our decision here. Still, there is every reason to believe this is a legitimate phenomenon, wherein the phylogenetic correlation of a mimicry complex can elucidate relationships of the model organism. This will become particularly relevant when we consider another Coral Sea endemic, M. phaeus.  

The rarely seen M. procne. Credit: John Randall

 
As aquarium exports, only bundoon appears with any regularity, and it is the only member of its group to have been captive-bred. M. reticulatus is collected from Cairns, Australia, though it seems to be a fairly uncommon offering. This is an intriguing species, which displays a subtle and unique reticulation along the sides of the body. Such a pattern is apparently found elsewhere only in the Red Sea endemic M.… More:

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Keeping a healthy and thriving reef tank is dependent on a lot of variables, including the prevention of pests. Thats right, just like in our natural oceans, parasites do make their way into our living room reefs. The most well known pests among those who keep SPS are Red Bugs and AEFW (Acro Eating Flatworms). Red Bugs are a nuisance and do impact SPS health but they are pretty easy to eradicate. AEFW, on the other hand, are a different story. An untreated infestation of AEFW can devastate a tank. There are a few options to treat a tank when the little buggers are discovered so it is certainly not a death sentence. You can opt for a more aggressive approach or a more passive, less invasive

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M. atrodorsalis, oualanensis, tongaensis, smithi, fraseri, mossambicus & nigrolineatus
 The atrodorsalis species complex represents the only widespread Indo-Pacific species group in the genus and is comprised of numerous endemic taxa, both scientifically described and undescribed. What all these species share is a similarly unstriped appearance, a mimicry relationship with Plagiotremus blennies, and a biogeography in which the various phenotypes appear to fit together like a phylogenetic jigsaw puzzle. 

Variation in M. nigrolineatus, all from Red Sea. Credit: John Rochester, Richard Field, Arne Kuilman

 
In the Red Sea we find the most aberrant member, M. nigrolineatus, which can be recognized by its blue and yellow coloration and from the unusual black line which emanates behind the eye and proceeds posteriorly to the upper margin of the caudal peduncle. The location of this stripe doesn’t seem to match well with any of its congeners, giving this blenny the sort of sui generis appeal rare fish enthusiasts get excited for. It has been exported on rare occasions, and captive-bred specimens are on the books, but, in general, this is not a common find in the aquarium industry. There is also surprisingly little photographic documentation for such an ostentatious fish given how well-studied and photographed the Red Sea is. Most specimens identified online as M. nigrolineatus are in fact Ecsenius gravieri, a remarkably accurate mimic. 

M. fraseri (above) and mossambicus. Credit: Phil Heemstrai & unknown

 
The coastline of Eastern Africa is home to M. mossambicus, a rather drab grey and black species accented with a bright yellow caudal fin—the only Indian Ocean species lacking black margins to this fin. There is little known about the true extent of this fish, with Mozambique being the southernmost record. It has been documented as far east as Northern Madagascar, where it may or may not co-occur with M. fraseri, a species primarily known from Mauritius and Réunion Islands. This poorly known Mascarene species differs in having a clear anal fin (black in mossambicus) and a clear caudal fin with black margins. M. fraseri has not been exported yet for the aquarium trade, though collection takes place in both Mauritius and Northern Madagascar.   

M. smithi, showing typical soft coral and algae-rich habitats. Specimens from Similan Islands and Sumatra. Credit: Takeshi Omura, Dive to Blue, Josh Hatton

 
M. smithi is an elegant fish which is woefully overlooked by aquarists—when it comes to predominantly white coral reef fishes, there are few which can rival smithi for its combination of beauty and affordability.… More:

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Ralphie checking out his brand new Red Ryder BB gun on Christmas morningBack in the sixth grade, I had my sights set on a BB gun for Christmas. No, it didn’t necessarily have to be the Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action, Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle so famously coveted by Ralphie in A Christmas Story. Make and model were of no consequence. Besides, that popular holiday film hadn’t even gone into production yet. I just needed something to keep up with my good friend, Dan Rogers, who was already duly armed with a pump-action Daisy. Dan and I spent many of our waking hours (and more than a few of what were supposed to be sleeping hours) exploring the vast (it seemed back then) ravine behind his house, and there were definitely things lurking in the forbidden recesses of that ravine that needed shooting—like old beer cans and…older beer cans. So any time we weren’t building campfires, fighting each other with makeshift quarterstaffs on fallen logs, or detonating firecrackers, we could be found picking cans off any level horizontal surface with BBs

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From the boat, there’s nothing remarkable about the place — just choppy water and a white mooring ball, a few miles offshore. But once we’re underwater, I can see the rows and rows of PVC trees, suspended above the sand in a grid that stretches away into the distant murk. This is a coral nursery. Each tree bears a ripening crop of a hundred or more pieces of coral. The smallest fragments are pinkie-sized, twirling on their tethers as other divers kick by; the largest hang like many-limbed chandeliers, turning slowly in the current. When I get closer, I can see the individual polyps, the anemone-like creatures that make up each fragmented colony. Nestled in the crenellated openings in their solid skeletons, they

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Last weekend, leaders from 196 countries approved the first global agreement aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions, a milestone in human history. President Obama has been considered a deciding figure in the agreement, as Obama’s climate change agenda has been hidden within the administration’s actions since the president’s first month in office. Now suddenly, we are seeing the fruits of that labor, which have been taking place for some time without any fanfare. The climate change agreement is without a doubt a triumph of international diplomacy, and proof that leaders from different countries around the world can come together for a common cause, something that will greatly affect future generations, long after everyone alive today has turned to dust. Some are calling this the Obama administration’s most important accomplishment, and it doesn’t matter what side of the isle you’re on, the agreement is a tremendous achievement, not only for the president but for human kind.   

The Eiffel Tower lights up with the slogan”Action Now”referring to the COP21, United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015. Negotiators adopted a draft climate agreement Saturday that was cluttered with brackets and competing options, leaving ministers with the job of untangling key sticking points in what is envisioned to become a lasting, universal pact to fight global warming. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

 Observations about the agreement:

• In pitching the scenario to the international community, the Obama administration made several key observations. First, climate change is an issue like no other. This isn’t something that can be fixed with a legislative session, or executive order. The damage from climate change is irreversible. Melted glaciers cannot easily be re-frozen, and rising sea levels cannot be easily dropped. Extinct species may be impossible to resurrect and flooded coastal cities are likely gone forever. Most scientists agree that if we don’t act now to limit greenhouse gas emissions, the scale will tip and humanities’ only option will be constant damage control and eventually a planet that is no longer suitable for mankind.
• Also, it was in 1990 that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change called for a global treaty to limit the effects of greenhouse gas. For the last quarter of a century the United Nations has failed to organize effective world action. Even in the face of deadly and dire warnings that our actions were having a grave impact on the planet, the international community has avoided coming together on an agreement.

… More:

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