Amphibian Ark

A fungus threatens the world's amphibian populations. The fungus originated in Africa and has been spread around the world by the African clawed frog. Numerous amphibian species from Australia to Costa Rica have already become extinct and some in the US are close. 85% of the mountain yellow-legged frog populations in Yosemite National Park are infected.

Amphibians have been found to produce chemicals that serve biomedical purposes such as pain relievers and potential uses in AIDS prevention.

The group, Amphibian Ark, is trying to prevent the world's ponds and lakes from becoming silent by having zoos, botanical gardens and aquariums take in 500 endangered amphibians to protect them from the fungus. Once the fungus can be eradicated, these amphibians would be reintroduced into the wild.

Lose Carbon, Win Cash

Sir Richard Branson, chairman of the Virgin Group, announced the Virgin Earth Challenge, a $25 million dollar prize to anyone who can develop a method to extract one billion tons of carbon dioxide per year. The world's leading climate scientists have warned that global warming is getting worse, and emissions of carbon dioxide are a major cause.

Contest entries will be judged by Branson, former Vice President Al Gore and numerous climate experts. The contest will stand for 5 years, but if no winner is identified, the contest may be extended. The winner's method must remove one billion tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for 10 years. $5 million will be awarded at the start and the remaining $20 million at the end of the 10 year period.

The Earth cannot wait forever for a solution to global warming. "We need everybody capable of discovering an answer to put their minds to it today," said Branson.