To add to the list of effects of global warming, the amount of sea turtles are declining. Just a few short years ago, Leatherback Sea Turtle National Park in Costa Rica used to be a popular tourist location filled with thousands of sea turtles. Now, they are facing extinction. This decline is traced back to warmer temperatures, rising seas and violent storm surges all produced by the phenomenon of global warming. Unlike some marine life, Leatherback sea turtles are directly affected by this change. As the water temperatures rise, the coral reefs are dying which a huge source of food for these turtles. Plus, they lay their eggs on beaches, continuously being harmed by the rising seas and storms. And most drastically, because their egg's genders are determined by temperature during development, an all-female population can be a result.
These sea turtles depend on temperature to produce male turtles and repeat the cycle of reproduction. However, if the sand around the eggs reaches 30 degrees Celsius, their gender turns female. To help this problem, scientists are trying to cool nests with shade and irrigation and protect all areas with eggs. A recent experiment has been conducted where a turtle's eggs were collected and shaded until hatched. Then, they will be released into the water again. But, even finding places to protect these eggs will be a challenge as Costa Rica's Pacific Coast has been industrialized. The coast has been filled with restaurants, hotels, trees and homes which interferes with the egg hatching.
Without a doubt, this shows how much we have affected the environment. Because of our role in global warming, sea turtles and other animals are facing extinction. I know many people who greatly care for animals, like Rachel Martinez, who would find this completely unfair. And, we are completely to blame. Fortunately, our generation is trying to help our planet and becoming "green." We are definitely stepping in the right direction but have a long way to go.
Rosenthal, Elisabeth. (2009, November 14) Turtles Are Casualties of Warming in Costa Rica. The New York Times. Retrived from http://www.nytimes.com
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Trying To Make Use of Saltwater
As learned in a previous chapter, saltwater undoubtedly affects the production of crops. The salty water leaves the soil and crops contaminated with a harmful amount of salt. But, scientists are trying to see this situation as advantageous. Farmers struggle with this problem because they cannot produce their crops in a sufficient quantity. Currently, Professor Greg Leslie at the University of New South Wales is working on a project to turn salty groundwater into a usable resource.
In this plan, a subsurface drip irrigation system is using a reverse osmosis membrane. In this irrigation system, plants draw saltwater through the membrane, removing the salt. Previously, irrigation techniques required high energy consumption for desalination. But with this reverse osmosis, the root systems provide enough of a pressure gradient so the water can move through the memrbrane without high energy consumption.
Because we recently leaned about this subect, I personally hope this system will prevail. Farmers stuggle everyday because of salt in their water. It degrades their soil and harms crops which are essentially their main source of income. People do not realize this is a huge problem in the US as our amount of freshwater is rapidly decreasing. Not one person can argue with the fact that water is overused and wasted. And this problem leads to more problems, like saltwater intrusion into the limited supply of freshwater left. Because the usage of water is not declining, people are just going to have to find ways to work with salty water.
University of New South Wales (2008, September 15). Saltwater Solution To Save Crops. ScienceDaily. Retrived November 28.
In this plan, a subsurface drip irrigation system is using a reverse osmosis membrane. In this irrigation system, plants draw saltwater through the membrane, removing the salt. Previously, irrigation techniques required high energy consumption for desalination. But with this reverse osmosis, the root systems provide enough of a pressure gradient so the water can move through the memrbrane without high energy consumption.
Because we recently leaned about this subect, I personally hope this system will prevail. Farmers stuggle everyday because of salt in their water. It degrades their soil and harms crops which are essentially their main source of income. People do not realize this is a huge problem in the US as our amount of freshwater is rapidly decreasing. Not one person can argue with the fact that water is overused and wasted. And this problem leads to more problems, like saltwater intrusion into the limited supply of freshwater left. Because the usage of water is not declining, people are just going to have to find ways to work with salty water.
University of New South Wales (2008, September 15). Saltwater Solution To Save Crops. ScienceDaily. Retrived November 28.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Electric Cars: New and Improved
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/
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/
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.
Monday, September 28, 2009
New Invention Used To Monitor Air Quality
Thanks to Tel Aviv University, families now have the technology to trace dust pollutants in their own homes. Professor Eyal Ben-Dor and student Sandra Chudnovsky created a new system called “Dust Alert” which informs people exactly of their air quality they are constantly breathing in. Similar to a carbon monoxide monitor, it finds the particles contaminating the air and the chemical composition of the toxins. In just minutes of the installation, this chemical analyzer can tell what dust is surrounding them. Although, the data can be much more conclusive over a couple week’s time. Polluted air can have damaging health effects such as asthma, bronchitis and lung cancer.
This monitor can drastically help after disasters like 9/11, dust storms and chemical fires. Many pollutants are released into the air at these times which many people are oblivious to. It can tell them when a building or office is safe enough to re-enter after being cleared out. In addition, this technology can possibly be used as “dust maps,” tracing cities and neighborhoods. In this way, high polluting areas like construction sites can be monitored. Many families would be more at ease with a monitor like this, knowing that their family is safe.
Rightly so, many families today are concerned for their health. The world is constantly being overused and then polluted with the wastes. But with technology like this, I think people would certainly be interested. Knowing exactly what they’re breathing in, they can find ways to improve air quality. Honestly in my opinion, the more the people know the better. We are the ones who are harming the environment and polluting the air so we should ultimately find ways to fix it.
American Friends of Tel Aviv University (2009, September 23). 'Dust Alert' Invention Monitors Air Quality, Determines Chemical Composition Of Toxins. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 28, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/09/090922162303.htm
This monitor can drastically help after disasters like 9/11, dust storms and chemical fires. Many pollutants are released into the air at these times which many people are oblivious to. It can tell them when a building or office is safe enough to re-enter after being cleared out. In addition, this technology can possibly be used as “dust maps,” tracing cities and neighborhoods. In this way, high polluting areas like construction sites can be monitored. Many families would be more at ease with a monitor like this, knowing that their family is safe.
Rightly so, many families today are concerned for their health. The world is constantly being overused and then polluted with the wastes. But with technology like this, I think people would certainly be interested. Knowing exactly what they’re breathing in, they can find ways to improve air quality. Honestly in my opinion, the more the people know the better. We are the ones who are harming the environment and polluting the air so we should ultimately find ways to fix it.
American Friends of Tel Aviv University (2009, September 23). 'Dust Alert' Invention Monitors Air Quality, Determines Chemical Composition Of Toxins. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 28, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/09/090922162303.htm
Discarding Leaves Becomes Harmful
Although many people might not think so, leaf burning and some methods of disposing leaves are very harmful to the environment. Once leaves are burned, their pollutants and smell linger in the air for everyone to breathe. Fortunately, this practice is now banned from many areas and if not, it is highly discouraged. Dust, soot and mold are all results of this seemingly harmless task. The Environmental Protection Agency, also known as the EPA, indicates that leaf burning causes health problems and ultimately disrupts the environment. Therefore, this leads to an increase financially as well.
Leaf burning may not be the only problem. Recently, leaf blowing has become banned as well. Although this method is much easier and faster, it is creating more environmental issues. Almost 2.5 leaf blowers are purchased in the US per year creating as much pollution as 80 cars. In addition to harming the environment, it is also harming people’s health. The pollutants being discharged can certainly infect lungs and other areas of the body.
To many lawn caring individuals, falling leaves can definitely be considered a nuisance. They think burning or blowing the leaves away can solve their problems and make their lawn look nice. However, most do not realize how much impact this task has on the environment. There are already too many pollutants in the air today that can be prevented. Simple solutions such as old fashioned raking and turning leaves into mulch can drastically improve our quality of living. Although people always say how we are constantly harming the environment, living styles are not changing the way they should be. But, after knowing this, everyone should reconsider their easy but harmful lifestyles.
Sierra Club Green Home (2009, September 25) Burning Leaves is Bad News. Retrieved from http://www.enn.com/wildlife/article/40523
Leaf burning may not be the only problem. Recently, leaf blowing has become banned as well. Although this method is much easier and faster, it is creating more environmental issues. Almost 2.5 leaf blowers are purchased in the US per year creating as much pollution as 80 cars. In addition to harming the environment, it is also harming people’s health. The pollutants being discharged can certainly infect lungs and other areas of the body.
To many lawn caring individuals, falling leaves can definitely be considered a nuisance. They think burning or blowing the leaves away can solve their problems and make their lawn look nice. However, most do not realize how much impact this task has on the environment. There are already too many pollutants in the air today that can be prevented. Simple solutions such as old fashioned raking and turning leaves into mulch can drastically improve our quality of living. Although people always say how we are constantly harming the environment, living styles are not changing the way they should be. But, after knowing this, everyone should reconsider their easy but harmful lifestyles.
Sierra Club Green Home (2009, September 25) Burning Leaves is Bad News. Retrieved from http://www.enn.com/wildlife/article/40523
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
My Footprint
My ecological footprint is 229.78
Number of acres for food: 89.6
Number of acres for mobility: 76.0
Number of acres for shelter: 23.9
Number of acres for goods: 40.3
Number of planets needed: 5.92
I am pleasantly surprised that most of my categories are under the country's average. Honestly, I thought my results would have been much higher. On a day to day basis, I normally do not go out of my way to help the environment. But, this quiz made me realize, the environment is crucial and I should do my part in helping out. My food acres was higher than the country's average which makes me consider changing my lifestyle. An act such as buying organic foods can definitely help me and the world I live in. I will now strive to be a greener person!!
Number of acres for food: 89.6
Number of acres for mobility: 76.0
Number of acres for shelter: 23.9
Number of acres for goods: 40.3
Number of planets needed: 5.92
I am pleasantly surprised that most of my categories are under the country's average. Honestly, I thought my results would have been much higher. On a day to day basis, I normally do not go out of my way to help the environment. But, this quiz made me realize, the environment is crucial and I should do my part in helping out. My food acres was higher than the country's average which makes me consider changing my lifestyle. An act such as buying organic foods can definitely help me and the world I live in. I will now strive to be a greener person!!
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