It also seems highly improbable that the mission will be canceled, but, at the risk of sounding biased, one has to wonder whether Russian roulette is the best launch pad for space exploration policy. Very informative, if a bit biased. Looking from another angle, a state representative felt these numbers have been sprayed around somewhat carelessly. During this time period harvests were up, meaning the inevitable use of more pesticides. Furthermore, the wetter winters of the last few years, compared to the drought years prior to 1991, also impacts pesticide usage.
Wet weather means more pests in summer and so more pesticides are used.
These are certainly valid points, but the increased use of toxic substances is, nonetheless, up. This means the possibility of human exposure increases and the amount of environmental pollution intensifies. Neither are desirable outcomes and demonstrate the need to develop safer alternatives to the highly aggressive pesticides currently in use today and alternative agricultural strategies. Two recent events in San Francisco are drawing attention to traffic congestion and air pollution in metropolitan areas and the alternatives to commuting by car. Critical Mass is a mass bicycle ride around San Francisco intended to bring attention to the lack of adequate accommodation for bike users in the city.