The skin of earth, you know how I ve those close ups Nev !! A bit thirsty, no ?

nev: The skin needs some moisturiser badly florence.

Oh, Man! I don't know that song, Neal, but the words are so very relevant. Aren't there still those who are pooh-poohing global warming, saying it is NOT happening? OMG. They must be out in Left Field somewhere!

nev: Ginnie the Australian federal conservative government that has been in power here for 10 years has refused to ratify the kyoto protocol, not wanted to commit to reducing carbon emissions, has denied global warming is happening, not wanted to take part in carbon trading. All of a sudden there is an election in the air. They suddenly care about the environment, they want a new treaty to replace Kyoto that will allow australia to get in on the global carbon trading act, they have also appointed a minister in charge of water all of a sudden. not sure about left field but maybe right out there in right field.

That is a powerful image. (Wish the white thing in the middle wasn't there though - takes the mind away from the message - sorry being very picky.)

All what you have just said to Ginnie could be leveled at Mr Bush too except that he's still avoiding the issue and keeping his populace occupied with a war. Neither Australia nor America can make much difference now though, it's China that will decide our fate over global warming.

nev: The white thing is a muscle shell though it is hard to tell. You are right Jose i should have cropped around/cloned the shell out, it does detract. Even Al Gore/Clinton agreed to Kyoto in principal but failed to pass it. You are right about china. They have however signed kyoto and are buying a lot of alternate energy solutions like solar from australia and others to reduce their carbon emmissions

it can't get more dry than this...

nev: there is a aussie saying which is probably not suitable for posting but is along the lines of "drier than a dead dingos something"

This is a brilliant image to get a discussion going about global warming et al.
When the image appeared on my monitor, though, I immediately thought about the skin of elephants...the texture is similar, although I suppose it is unlikely one would find a bleached mussel shell on an elephant!
Excellent post, Nev.

nev: Maybe a diving beach elephant that has gourged himself on seafood might be the only chance. cheers Ray

Now that does drive home how dry it is out there. It is also very beautiful in a disturbing sort of a way. Very good photography!

nev: thanks Martin

Powerful image again Neal.

nev: thanks sleepy chris

Dramatic shot, again. Great photo!

nev: gracias José-Angel

I think the shell is important to this picture, it shows that the cracked earth was/should be under water and gives a hint of what happened to the wildlife.

I don't think many politicians are really doing enough, here all they seem to do is raise taxes, but we never know what schemes the money is supposed to fund. It's almost impossible to put solar panels on your roof because they 'don't look nice'. The whole thing is crazy, and makes me think of the Emperor Nero. .. Rant over!

nev: We of all countries shouldhave solar cells on our roofs. i cannot see why in the slash and burn developments that at least one solar cell should be mandatory on a roof. thanks for your thoughts ellie.

Strange and very desolate ! I like this shot !

nev: thanks zeb

Hi Nev!
I had missed that one... Beautiful shot. Love the details.