Because of the increase anxiety of oil supplies and air pollution, electric cars are quickly being sold again. When they first appeared, the demand was high; since the prices are astronomical, the amount of these cars sold has dramatically decreases. Hybrid cars like the popular Toyota Prius, however, are favorable because the gas is cheaper and help the environment. These cars have a combination of a small battery with a small electric motor. Currently, these are almost 1 million Priuses driving, while thousands of other hybrids are being made. And, not to mention, these hybrid cars will soon become plug-in hybrids, where the electricity comes straight from the grid instead of gasoline. But, again these prices are expensive whereas an extra battery pack sells for about $10,000.
Recently, the display of a new plug-in Chevrolet has been shown. This small car will sell for about $35,000. The Volt has been announced to go the first 40 miles purely on electricity – less than what most people drive per day. After the 40 miles, the generator turns on to make electricity for the motor. This car will have a 16 kilowatt-hour battery, probably lasting over 120,000 miles. People are surely interested, however. With just a view of the car, people were said to be “drooling” over it. And even though many are interesting in it’s looks, they are happy with it’s impact on the environment. A gallon of gasoline can produce about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide but with these electric cars, a little more than half as much will be burned.
Personally, through my newfound knowledge of global warming, I feel as though I want to do everything I can to help the environment. (Hopefully I can reduce the amount of planets needed to support my lifestyle!) With new technology, like the electric cars, people will feel inclined to make the right choice. I know if I had the money, I would be the first one in line for a new Volt. The amount of CO2 emissions is so greatly reduced which can substantially affect the declining atmosphere.
Wald, Matthew. (2009, October 29) Fill It Up With Electricity, Please. The New York Times. Retrived from http://www.newyorktimes.com/
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tragic Tsunami Occuring In The US?
The Cascadia Subduction Zone, ranging from Northern California to British Columbia, lines a huge fault system marked with volcanoes. The last major earthquake along this fault was recorded on January 26, 1700 which produced a record-breaking tsunami. Yumei Wang, geotechnical engineer for the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, worries that the next earthquake could be sometime very soon. Wang says this massive tsunami will ultimately flood the Pacific Northwest which will destroy unprotected homes and cause many casualties. The area is a prime region for the next earthquake-triggered tsunami, probably growing up to 50 ft. or more in a mere time of 10-20 seconds.
To try to help this region, Wang has been working hard. She has talked with public officials about setting up evacuation buildings up and down the Northwest coast. These buildings will be made of reinforced concrete, a deep foundation, strong columns, an 18-foot tall first floor and many other safety precautions. Also, she believes it is a good idea to raise awareness as well. She presented a session called “Risks and Realities: Current Advances in Understanding Societal Risk and Resilience to Natural Hazards” in Portland, Oregon. However, all these measures will be costly; the added cost could be between 1-2 million dollars.
Although expensive, I think Yumei Wang definitely has the right idea in mind. This could ultimately change the course of history of the U.S. and people should be informed. Any precautions that could be done now positively should be. There are many ways, like the evacuation buildings, that could save thousands of lives. I don’t think people really realize the severity of something like a tsunami. Many Americans don’t think anything could actually happen to them until something tragic occurs. But, the money put towards this is definitely worth it in everyway. Wang says the quake could occur tomorrow or in a couple years; it’s simply up to fate.
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