Criticism is what makes science strong. When a group of scientists publish a new idea their peers carefully weigh in to critique methods, data and conclusions. The scrutiny that an idea must undergo to be accepted within the scientific community is possibly the most meticulous thought process humans have developed. There is, however, a flaw in the process – people will often report scientific ideas that support their ideals without looking for scientific criticism.

In Africa, a series of malaria epidemics began in 1988 in an area that had not experienced frequent epidemics before: the East African highlands. The IPCC stated in 1998 that climate change in Africa could increase the range of mosquitoes and therefore lead to increased epidemics. In any highland area climate changes are more easily observed; higher elevations are naturally cooler, therefore changes in temperature related to a species habitat are more dramatic.

However, a group of scientists published in 2001 that there had not been any statistically significant changes in climate in the East African highlands area. They concluded that other human factors like drug resistance, increased travel or crumbling health infrastructures were more likely causes of malarial increases. The idea that there was no observable climate change in East Africa was published far and wide.

There was immediate criticism of the 2001 findings. The statistical method used was questioned, as well as the data set, which only included observations until 1995. The highlands region in East Africa has a highly variable climate, therefore more study was required.

In 2006, a group of scientists revisited the 2001 study using a different statistical method and weather observations up to 2002 rather than 1995. They found that indeed there was a significant warming trend in East Africa responsible for increasing the range and numbers of mosquitoes in the highlands. Rather than ignoring the human factor involved in malaria spread, the authors suggested both humans and climate change contributed to the epidemics.

There is no doubt that there are deniers of climate change. However, studies such as this show that when held up to scrutiny using recent data, denials fall apart. There exists little debate in the scientific community that climate change is happening. Rather the debate exists in the media, where ideals are supported by old ideas.

April 25, 2007

Spring has sprung and hibernation is over. College and university students are slowly recovering from post-exam stress disorder and migrating home to nap, mooch and possibly look for summer work. Most people feel invigorated and can hardly wait to begin fishing, golfing or simply enjoying a walk outdoors. Yard work becomes a reality - a chore - but this spring in Kincardine let’s shift the focus of work in our yards.

We are increasingly becoming aware of the danger of pesticide use in our communities. Many municipalities, including local ones, have banned their use. However, we still want our piece of land to look fresh, green and inviting. Even if we don’t use pesticides, we are constantly mowing and weed-whacking to maintain our lawns appearance. What we need to begin to ask is, ‘do our yards look fresh and green after this treatment or does it look sterile and boring?’

The effort put into yards can be more pleasant and have more tangible rewards. A simple garden will not only provide food, but a conversation piece and a chance to watch the growth of your yard. A garden is a learning tool for youngsters and can nurture an appreciation for work and its rewards. As well, a garden increases biodiversity which brings in creatures to feed on the pests that we try to eliminate with pesticides.

For those who are a little more ambitious about their yards, consider planting fruit trees, berry bushes or even landscaping a pond into your yard. Ponds considerably increase the biodiversity of a yard, but maintain them properly. Be sure water can circulate and that you incorporate frogs and minnows so the pond does not become a breading ground for mosquitoes. Incorporating fruit trees and berry bushes will bring birds to your yard which also helps combat mosquitoes.

Many individuals in our community have begun taking back the natural landscape of Bruce County to enhance the beauty of their lands. While this has largely been confined to farms, there is no reason why this cannot be done in town as well. Spring provides many opportunities; it is truly the New Year for life. If every seventh house in Kincardine had a functioning pond and every third house a garden, could you imagine how pleasant our community would be?