Volcanic Disruptions: Past, Present and Future

This week's volcanic eruption is a wake-up call for the airline industry and regulators unprepared to deal with the consequences. It's also a lesson in humanity's inability to control nature. How likely is a much bigger eruption? Is there any way to get ready? Also, President Obama is in New York pushing financial reform, and on this 40th Earth Day, 76% of Americans are shopping green for the good of the planet, but are they making a difference? What does it really take to improve the environment?

Banner image: An aircraft with its engines covered with plastic protection is parked in front of the control tower at Cointrin Geneva's International Airport, on April 18, 2010 as planes are grounded following the volcanic eruption in Iceland. Photo: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images