What Happens to the U.S. Midwest When the Water's Gone? By laura parker
national geographic society
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/08/vanishing-midwest-ogallala-aquifer-drought/
This article investigates the relationship between man and his environment by commenting on the severity of water consumption in the Midwest United States. It articulates a claim regarding current water table levels in this region by stating that recent testing has revealed a great loss of ground water as a result of agriculture, drought, and other factors, such as climate change, which have had a great impact on the environment as a whole. It has become apparent that water levels are dropping in many areas up to five feet a year, and at this current rate, the great distribution of water throughout the Midwest, a region that has served America as a sort of ¨breadbasket¨ for over a century, will eventually come to a halt. Even with heavy rainfall in some areas, it appears that the aquifer has not stopped its rapidly decreasing volume, and in many regions, over sixty-percent is already depleted. This has brought forth great controversy regarding the future of the Midwest, especially among grain farmers, who have already been forced to dig deeper wells to find water. Even though this region, the Ogallala aquifer, is one of the largest in the world, it is certainly not resistant to going dry. Many have resorted to dry farming, which involves drip systems instead of mass irrigation, but for much of the crops grown in this region, such as corn, barley, and wheat, dry farming won cut it. Hoards of scientists predict that climate change could account for longer droughts, increased growing periods, and worse outcomes for crops, especially those denied of water. As the Ogallala aquifer runs less and less proficiently, the main question is: how are we going to grow food? Cattle demands copious amounts of water, and without corn meal to feed those cattle, the agricultural industry appears to hold little hope for the future. A push for biofuels, which require water to convert corn into ethanol, have also had a great impact on the supply of water in this region, and for many, the decision of whether or not to continue the biofuel path is imminent. Are we to continue searching for an alternative to fossil fuels if it impedes on our ability to utilize our most basic resource, water?
If one thing is clear, we need to start developing sustainable solutions for this loss of water, for, if we are to continue on our current path, humanity will inevitably starve. It is clear that this overuse of water is not only a trend in the U.S., but it is in fact occurring in numerous other nations, especially in Asia and Africa. With a trend of globalization, it is clearly evident that many other nations, such as Saudi Arabia and China, are growing crops using American resources, in the United States. Much of this use of our nation's water and other resources are accounting for this "tragedy of the commons", and as a result, Americans must decide if we are willing to allow other international states to ship food products grown on U.S. soil back to their home country. This is not a bipartisan issue, but an issue regarding the survival of our nation. It is up to us to make a decision of how we can fix this problem, so that we can transform America into a place that can sustain numerous future generations.
If one thing is clear, we need to start developing sustainable solutions for this loss of water, for, if we are to continue on our current path, humanity will inevitably starve. It is clear that this overuse of water is not only a trend in the U.S., but it is in fact occurring in numerous other nations, especially in Asia and Africa. With a trend of globalization, it is clearly evident that many other nations, such as Saudi Arabia and China, are growing crops using American resources, in the United States. Much of this use of our nation's water and other resources are accounting for this "tragedy of the commons", and as a result, Americans must decide if we are willing to allow other international states to ship food products grown on U.S. soil back to their home country. This is not a bipartisan issue, but an issue regarding the survival of our nation. It is up to us to make a decision of how we can fix this problem, so that we can transform America into a place that can sustain numerous future generations.
KEEP-Up 2 (AUg. 31, 2017)
WHat does the united states do with nuclear waste? By Scientific AMerican
Nature america
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-does-the-us-do-with-nuclear-waste/
This article investigates the feasibility of the United States continuing on the long-term project of constructing an underground nuclear waste facility to hold and store the nation's spent nuclear supply. Since the 80's, attempts at producing such a facility in an underground region known as "Yucca Mountain" have proved to be a failure. Now, new legislation is attempting to bring back these original intentions, and many Nevadans are upset. Recent changes in legislation have set the time limit on radioactive storage facilities from 10,000 years up to 1,000,000 years, a figure that has left many speculating if such a feat is even possible. Cautiously, in the midst of a world being quickly burdened by nuclear waste, many legislators are now considering the use of nuclear power to be more feasible, even after the meltdowns in Chernobyl and Fukishima. It will be a while before a concrete decision is to be made, especially with congress involved.
This article provides the reader with an interesting update on the current state of our nation's spent nuclear supply storage facilities. Such a topic is crucial for discussion, for rising amounts of nuclear waste as a result of energy production, medical use, and military use will eventually lead to a world that can no longer sustain its landfills with hundreds of thousands of tons of nuclear waste. It should be seen as the ultimate ordeal within environmental science. If we are to continue to benefit from the many advantages of nuclear energy, humanity must take up the responsibility of taking responsibility for its drawbacks. As nuclear waste continues to rise, ecosystems are threatened, for such waste, especially that of the reactor kind, will continue to be toxic and deadly for hundreds of thousands of years. Another question we should be asking concerns the design and implementation of new reactor types that are less prone to failure in the event of a natural disaster. Traditional heavy water water reactors still pose a terrible threat to humanity in the case of another accident, and considering such accidents of the past, it is time from us to learn from our mistakes and take action on this case. Long-term nuclear storage appears to be the only option.
This article provides the reader with an interesting update on the current state of our nation's spent nuclear supply storage facilities. Such a topic is crucial for discussion, for rising amounts of nuclear waste as a result of energy production, medical use, and military use will eventually lead to a world that can no longer sustain its landfills with hundreds of thousands of tons of nuclear waste. It should be seen as the ultimate ordeal within environmental science. If we are to continue to benefit from the many advantages of nuclear energy, humanity must take up the responsibility of taking responsibility for its drawbacks. As nuclear waste continues to rise, ecosystems are threatened, for such waste, especially that of the reactor kind, will continue to be toxic and deadly for hundreds of thousands of years. Another question we should be asking concerns the design and implementation of new reactor types that are less prone to failure in the event of a natural disaster. Traditional heavy water water reactors still pose a terrible threat to humanity in the case of another accident, and considering such accidents of the past, it is time from us to learn from our mistakes and take action on this case. Long-term nuclear storage appears to be the only option.
KEEP-Up 3 (Sep. 7, 2017)
New Map SHows the Dark Side of artificial light at night By scientific American
nature america
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/new-map-shows-the-dark-side-of-artificial-light-at-night/
Map of the world showing regions of heavy light pollution around the globe.
This article investigates the growing issue of light pollution around the globe, presenting it as problem that is resultant of urbanization in the modern world. As electric lights have illuminated the night for over a century, many are now questioning the benefits of destroying the natural darkness that humans have existed in for so long. Numerous species, such as sea turtles, certain types of birds, and insects are greatly affected by the constant "glow" that drowns out darkness in regions such as cities and coastlines. Four out of five Americans are unable to see the Milky Way galaxy at night as a result of this light pollution. Many researchers have been investigating the relationship between predator and prey, and the role that darkness, or night, plays in on the ability of regional ecosystems to function. Without complete darkness, many migrating species, such as birds, are unable to navigate the skies while flying at night. Predators rely on the cloak of darkness to hide them from their prey, and as a result of light pollution, the survival of numerous species is being threatened. In addition, the creation of new, more energy efficient LED light bulbs are destined to have a negative impact on light pollution. As efficiency of these light sources increases, many cities will begin to implement these brighter, more artificial sources of light.
The issue of light pollution extends farther than just threatening individual species. As stated in the article, many new forms of lighting emit light in the blue-white part of the spectrum, a crucial color intensity for the human body's ability to dictate its circadian rhythm. As a result, many individuals may begin to develop sleeping disorders. Even so, light pollution also has a profound impact on the way in which humans view the natural world. For countless generations, humans have always been able to look up, and see the towering majesty of the night sky. Without this experience, many are more prone to disregarding our world in general, for being able to see a natural night sky is one of the most enlightening experiences an individual can have. All of this leads to the question of as to whether lighting should be regulated if it is to pose an environmental hazard for our world. Most new lights, such as LED bulbs, emit light that scatters rapidly in the atmosphere. Should we outlaw bulbs that produce light in this part of the spectrum? This is a major question that many individuals are not asking, for it always seems that as new forms of more energy efficient lighting are produced, they are immediately implemented into society. So, the real question is, as human population continues to rise, how will the effects of light pollution change our world and its species in the future?
The issue of light pollution extends farther than just threatening individual species. As stated in the article, many new forms of lighting emit light in the blue-white part of the spectrum, a crucial color intensity for the human body's ability to dictate its circadian rhythm. As a result, many individuals may begin to develop sleeping disorders. Even so, light pollution also has a profound impact on the way in which humans view the natural world. For countless generations, humans have always been able to look up, and see the towering majesty of the night sky. Without this experience, many are more prone to disregarding our world in general, for being able to see a natural night sky is one of the most enlightening experiences an individual can have. All of this leads to the question of as to whether lighting should be regulated if it is to pose an environmental hazard for our world. Most new lights, such as LED bulbs, emit light that scatters rapidly in the atmosphere. Should we outlaw bulbs that produce light in this part of the spectrum? This is a major question that many individuals are not asking, for it always seems that as new forms of more energy efficient lighting are produced, they are immediately implemented into society. So, the real question is, as human population continues to rise, how will the effects of light pollution change our world and its species in the future?
Keep-up 4 (Sep. 14, 2017)
offshore wind power cheaper than new nuclear by bbc news, roger harrabin
bbc environmental analyst
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-41220948
Newly installed wind generators in the UK.
This article discusses the rapidly decreasing costs of wind power around the globe in the past few years. Numerous wind projects, which have focused countless hours and billions of dollars in construction, have finally been able to bring the price of wind energy down below that of nuclear. In addition, costs per megawatt hour have also gotten quite competitive to that of coal and gas. In the UK, offshore wind farms have allowed for the construction of numerous wind turbine sites, all of which will become operational in the upcoming years. The newest turbines stand at over 200 meters tall, and can produce 8 megawatts each. Innovations in turbine technology such as taller turbines, higher voltage power systems, and overall greater usability within the UK have rapidly decreased prices for wind power in this region. Regardless, many still argue that nuclear power is still needed, for recent studies show that wind turbines produce viable energy 36% of the time. Even with the numerous risks involved with nuclear, companies and governments are still investing heavily in this industry, for nuclear power produces long-term, non-intermittent energy that doesn't stop at night or when the wind stops blowing. It appears that nuclear power still holds great potential in the upcoming future. Even so, wind power appears to be a rapidly growing industry, and it will supply thousands of new jobs every year as the market picks up. Regardless of this decrease in price within the wind industry, many experts still believe that both the UK and the rest of the world will need to implement new renewable sources of energy if we are to fight changes in the global climate.
The issue regarding clean energy is a problem that extends farther than just reducing greenhouse gas emission. Coal will not last forever, and if we are to produce a sustainable path for humans and their generations to come, innovations in the energy industry will need to be considered. Wind power appears to be one of the most enticing options, for it is clean, long lasting, completely sustainable, releases no carbon emissions, and highly cost effective. In addition, it is far more efficient than other renewable energy sources such as solar and tidal power. Wind power also appears to be environmentally friendly, at least in terms of affecting ecosystems and habitats. If one turbine can produce up to 8 megawatts, a small array could light a whole city. The only issue is that turbines are slightly overpriced, at least as of now. This cost can be brought down through greater demand and production. In addition, wind turbines will have to be adapted to our current energy grid, a task that is not as easy as it sounds. While winds turbines supply only a small fraction of the total energy production in America and the UK, it appears that they hold the most potential of all renewable energy sources, even greater than nuclear power. Recent studies also show that off-shore wind turbines may decrease hurricane activity by up to fifty-percent, due to their ability to convert storm energy into electricity. Overall, it is clear that the future of humanity depends on a new source of energy, and wind power seems like the perfect candidate for such an energy source.
The issue regarding clean energy is a problem that extends farther than just reducing greenhouse gas emission. Coal will not last forever, and if we are to produce a sustainable path for humans and their generations to come, innovations in the energy industry will need to be considered. Wind power appears to be one of the most enticing options, for it is clean, long lasting, completely sustainable, releases no carbon emissions, and highly cost effective. In addition, it is far more efficient than other renewable energy sources such as solar and tidal power. Wind power also appears to be environmentally friendly, at least in terms of affecting ecosystems and habitats. If one turbine can produce up to 8 megawatts, a small array could light a whole city. The only issue is that turbines are slightly overpriced, at least as of now. This cost can be brought down through greater demand and production. In addition, wind turbines will have to be adapted to our current energy grid, a task that is not as easy as it sounds. While winds turbines supply only a small fraction of the total energy production in America and the UK, it appears that they hold the most potential of all renewable energy sources, even greater than nuclear power. Recent studies also show that off-shore wind turbines may decrease hurricane activity by up to fifty-percent, due to their ability to convert storm energy into electricity. Overall, it is clear that the future of humanity depends on a new source of energy, and wind power seems like the perfect candidate for such an energy source.
KEEp-up 5 (sep. 20, 2017)
WHy Mexico is so prone to strong earthquakes BY nyt, matt stevens
new york times: americas
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/20/world/americas/mexico-earthquakes-explainer.html
Rescuers working on a collapsed building after recent Mexico quake.
This article discusses the recent earthquakes that have occurred in Mexico just throughout this last month. A magnitude 8.1 struck on September 7th on the Pacific shoreline and, on Tuesday night, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southeast of Mexico City. Both of these earthquakes have produced devastating effects upon both the people and infrastructure of Mexico, and many scientists have been asking questions regarding the occurrence of multiple powerful earthquakes in a small window of time. In Mexico, the primary cause of such quakes is a subduction zone, a region where two plates are rubbing underneath and over one another. In the case of the recent earthquakes in Mexico, the sinking Cocoas plate and the rising North American plate have recently been been experiencing seismic activity inside the plates, not withing the actual plate boundaries. Events that occur within the plate boundaries themselves have the potential of producing even larger earthquakes, all the way up into the region of 9 and above on the Richter scale. Luckily, within Mexico, this has not been the case. Earthquakes in this region probably will not traverse into such high intensity unless a plate boundary event occurs. This would require the two plates rubbing up and over one another to build with energy until they snapped, which would cause the ground to rise in many regions and cause catastrophic damage. This is called a Megathrust earthquake. They are far more catastrophic. Now, this article also discusses earthquake threats in the United States that are imminent in the future. For example, the Cascadian subduction zone has been building in energy for over 300 years, and many experts say it is ready to snap. The resulting earthquake could be over 9.0 in intensity and would cause widespread damage and tsunamis. In addition, another subduction zone exists in Alaska, in the same region a 9.2 magnitude earthquake in 1964 devastated the entire region. Lastly, the San Andreas fault, which is not a subduction zone, but a horizontal "sliding" type plate, could produce an earthquake up to 8.2 in the near future.
The issue regarding earthquakes and the threats they pose extends much farther than just preparing for such events. Many geological societies have gotten quite accurate in predicting small earthquakes in regions such as Alaska and the Bay Area. Hopefully the future holds successful and accurate earthquake prediction. The extent of damage from such large quakes has been quite horrifying, especially considering regions such as California are some of the most densely populated in the U.S. An earthquake of 8.0 or higher in the Bay Area could pose serious difficulties all around the world. San Francisco is a major trading port for the entire globe, and if it were knocked out by an earthquake, worldwide commerce would seize or slow for a long while. In addition, extensive damage could occur in farther regions such as the central valley. The 1906 earthquake in San Francisco knocked down the chimneys of many homes in Turlock alone, a town that is around 80 miles as the crow flies from this city. To be truthful, not many natural disasters are as frightening or ominous as earthquakes. They are quiet, unpredictable, damaging, and release unfathomable amounts of energy into the earth's crust.
The issue regarding earthquakes and the threats they pose extends much farther than just preparing for such events. Many geological societies have gotten quite accurate in predicting small earthquakes in regions such as Alaska and the Bay Area. Hopefully the future holds successful and accurate earthquake prediction. The extent of damage from such large quakes has been quite horrifying, especially considering regions such as California are some of the most densely populated in the U.S. An earthquake of 8.0 or higher in the Bay Area could pose serious difficulties all around the world. San Francisco is a major trading port for the entire globe, and if it were knocked out by an earthquake, worldwide commerce would seize or slow for a long while. In addition, extensive damage could occur in farther regions such as the central valley. The 1906 earthquake in San Francisco knocked down the chimneys of many homes in Turlock alone, a town that is around 80 miles as the crow flies from this city. To be truthful, not many natural disasters are as frightening or ominous as earthquakes. They are quiet, unpredictable, damaging, and release unfathomable amounts of energy into the earth's crust.
keep-Up 6 (Sep. 28, 2017)
what is fracking and why is it controversial? by BBC NEws
BBC World
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-14432401
An image depicting the fracking process.
This article discusses the various aspects of fracking, including areas of concern and benefit regarding the highly controversial process. It begins by outlining the definition of fracking by stating that fracking is "the process of drilling down into the earth before a high-pressure water mixture is directed at the rock to release the gas inside". It then goes on to state that while fracking is not currently being practiced in the UK, many officials are considering the practice of fracking due to its beneficial aspects such as being twice as clean as coal, and holding a greater energy potential for the future. Although no major legislation has been proposed in the UK as of yet, governmental agencies will require permission from local city councils before a concensus can be achieved. Many governments in this region are already in great opposition to fracking due the fact that long-term environmental impacts of this process are virtually unknown. Several research facilities have already detected an increase of small tremors due to fracking in such regions, all being under magnitude 2.3. Even so, many experts think that the consequences of greater earthquake frequency are not to be left unseen. While fracking has greatly revolutionized the energy industry in America, many argue that it is simply a distraction from true renewable sources, such as solar and wind. The overall concensus in the UK appears that fracking will be implemented in the future.
Many of the concerns brought up in this article with regards to environmental impacts such as an increase in the frequency of tremors near the fracking site and contamination of land by toxic chemicals are highly significant to the future of our society. This becomes more crucial if fracking is to become a widespread practice all around the world, as it already is in North America. How are we going to deal with the consequences of fracking in the future? Are rivers and water ecosystems going to be contaminated by the carcinogens produced as a result of fracking? These are highly important and viable questions that must be considered. In addition, fracking has also had a great impact upon the homes and properties surrounding the mining sites. For instance, many individuals have had their water wells completely contaminated by fracking projects. In many cases, fracking causes drinking supplies to build up methane, which is highly flammable. If we are to consider this practice as a viable source of fossil-powered energy, how are we going to cope with its side-effects?
Many of the concerns brought up in this article with regards to environmental impacts such as an increase in the frequency of tremors near the fracking site and contamination of land by toxic chemicals are highly significant to the future of our society. This becomes more crucial if fracking is to become a widespread practice all around the world, as it already is in North America. How are we going to deal with the consequences of fracking in the future? Are rivers and water ecosystems going to be contaminated by the carcinogens produced as a result of fracking? These are highly important and viable questions that must be considered. In addition, fracking has also had a great impact upon the homes and properties surrounding the mining sites. For instance, many individuals have had their water wells completely contaminated by fracking projects. In many cases, fracking causes drinking supplies to build up methane, which is highly flammable. If we are to consider this practice as a viable source of fossil-powered energy, how are we going to cope with its side-effects?
Keep-up 7 (Oct. 5, 2017)
Yellowstone supervolcano could power the entire planet twice over
Robin andrews, forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinandrews/2017/09/29/yellowstone-supervolcano-could-power-the-entire-planet-twice-over/#7b3e55d52d87
Castle geyser, Yellowstone National Park
This article begins by discussing the potentially unlimited amounts of energy stored within the earth due to geothermal vents. It states that Iceland, a nation that sits atop a volcanic plume, acquires 13% of its electricity from geothermal sources and the rest from hydroelectric. As a result, Iceland amasses virtually 100% of its energy from renewable sources. It is one of the only nations to do so. The article then considers Indonesia, which possesses one of the most dense populations in the world. It acquires about 88% of its energy from fossil fuels. Currently, the nation is investing copious amounts of funding to increase its geothermal energy generation plants by 500% in 2025. The article then goes on a hypothetical tangent, questioning the possibility of powering the entire planet with geothermal energy. It states that in 2012, the world used about 21 petawatt hours of electrical energy. By placing geothermal energy plants above Yellowstone, all of the magma underneath the region contains about twice as much energy as would be required to power the entire planet twice over. The article ends by discussing the great potential that geothermal power may pose in the near future.
Many of the figures presented in this article are obviously far-reaching, but they also appear quite promising for the future. The potential of geothermal power extends much further than just general power generation for the common populace It is a systematic movement away from non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels. Placing geothermal plants in Yellowstone probably isn't the best idea, due to the fact that it would pose serious environmental hazards to wildlife in the region. The true significance in this article is derived not from the notion that Yellowstone can be seen as a reliable energy source, but that nations around the world can begin to move away from fossil fuels, which are highly destructive in terms of world climate and air quality. Geothermal energy presents an interesting case in terms of energy production. It is entirely clean, renewable, and long lasting. In addition, geothermal energy presents constant onward energy production, something that cannot be said about any other renewable energy source. The implications of an oncoming energy revolution are great, for, if mankind continues to abuse his environment by utilizing fossil fuels as a primary energy source, unborn generations will suffer the consequences dearly.
Many of the figures presented in this article are obviously far-reaching, but they also appear quite promising for the future. The potential of geothermal power extends much further than just general power generation for the common populace It is a systematic movement away from non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels. Placing geothermal plants in Yellowstone probably isn't the best idea, due to the fact that it would pose serious environmental hazards to wildlife in the region. The true significance in this article is derived not from the notion that Yellowstone can be seen as a reliable energy source, but that nations around the world can begin to move away from fossil fuels, which are highly destructive in terms of world climate and air quality. Geothermal energy presents an interesting case in terms of energy production. It is entirely clean, renewable, and long lasting. In addition, geothermal energy presents constant onward energy production, something that cannot be said about any other renewable energy source. The implications of an oncoming energy revolution are great, for, if mankind continues to abuse his environment by utilizing fossil fuels as a primary energy source, unborn generations will suffer the consequences dearly.
keep-up 8 (Oct. 12, 2017)
IN CITIES, IT'S THE SMOKE, NOT THE FIRE, THAT WILL GET YOU By wired
megan molteni, wired science
https://www.wired.com/story/smoke-from-wildfires-is-a-growing-public-health-crisis-for-cities/
A firefighter watches smoke billow in a residential area in Sonoma, California.
This article begins by discussing recent events regarding the fires in Northern California, and the causes and effects that have lead a community of scientists to begin considering the greatest danger of wildfires: the smoke. This article states that recent changes in global temperature are contributing to a greater frequency of wildfires all across the nation. As a result of increased global temperature, droughts are more severe, and because of this, brush is more prone to catching fire because of its dryness. The smoke produced by such fires, especially those in Northern California, has contributed greatly to increased lung disorders, unprecedented air pollution, and decreased visibility. Many of the suspended smoke particles emitted from wildfires can be as small as 2.5 nanometers or less in diameter. As a result, such particulates can easily be inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream. Clean air has less than 2.5 micrograms of such material per meter, but air in cities near wildfires can be as high as 100 micrograms or much more. Numerous public health officials recommend staying indoors where filtered air is plentiful, but in the Bay Area, many individuals do not own air conditioners. Wildfires behave much differently in cities than forests, and as a result, while cities may not burn up like a forest, they hold smoke in for much longer. Many experts predict a rapid increase in wildfires over the next few years and decades. All of this contributes to a much wider health crisis.
Many of the facts stated in this article present a new case towards the fight against carbon emissions: the idea that nature itself can produce rapid changes that can kill humans quickly, such as fires. In many ways, wildfires present a serious threat to mankind if we are to let them get out of hand. Entire ecosystems are destroyed in many cases. This results in a loss of biodiversity and therefore should be viewed as a threat towards the entire world, rather than just an issue that mankind faces. If wildfire frequency increases over the next decades, atmospheric pollution will follow the same trend. Many individuals who had never possessed any breathing conditions are now facing serious health problems. This is not limited to just California. Wildfires are a threat to the entire world. There is little that the average person can do to help slow down the progression of these dangerous hazards, except cutting down carbon emissions. Human lungs are not designed to withstand this sort of pollution, for too much exposure will cause pneumonia and eventually death. The future of wildfires might just be laying in the hands of man.
Many of the facts stated in this article present a new case towards the fight against carbon emissions: the idea that nature itself can produce rapid changes that can kill humans quickly, such as fires. In many ways, wildfires present a serious threat to mankind if we are to let them get out of hand. Entire ecosystems are destroyed in many cases. This results in a loss of biodiversity and therefore should be viewed as a threat towards the entire world, rather than just an issue that mankind faces. If wildfire frequency increases over the next decades, atmospheric pollution will follow the same trend. Many individuals who had never possessed any breathing conditions are now facing serious health problems. This is not limited to just California. Wildfires are a threat to the entire world. There is little that the average person can do to help slow down the progression of these dangerous hazards, except cutting down carbon emissions. Human lungs are not designed to withstand this sort of pollution, for too much exposure will cause pneumonia and eventually death. The future of wildfires might just be laying in the hands of man.
Keep-up 9 (oct. 19, 2017)
There's still time to save the Great Barrier Reef from dying cnet news
MICHELLE STARR & DANIEL VAN BOOM, sci-tech
https://www.cnet.com/news/the-great-barrier-reef-a-tragedy-of-our-own-making/
The Great Barrier Reef
This article begins by conveying the sheer size of the Great Barrier Reef, which stretches nearly 1,500 miles and makes up one of the most diverse ecological systems in the world. It is home to over 9,000 species of fish, molluscs, whales, and other creatures. Even so, the reef is dying at a rapid rate. Massive bleaching occurrences have left many regions of the reef dead in the past few years. Bleaching occurs when the coral that makes up the reef expels tiny algae which, when released, take nutrients and the reef's food supply along with them. Most scientists agree that this is the result of rapid global warming, warming that is purely resultant of human activity with regards to the burning of coal and other fossil fuels. As a result, ocean temperatures have increased by about 0.68 degrees centigrade and this has resulted in a massive increase in the frequency of bleaching incidents around the Australian coastline. A multitude of technologies, including sonar, is attempting to scan the surface of the reef to see how it has degraded over the past few decades. In addition to all the fish at risk of death if the reef were to completely die, this natural wonder also supports about 69,000 jobs in Australia alone due to fishing. While the coral doesn't die right off after bleaching, continuous stress on the reef and its microorganisms would definitely result in complete sterilization of most habitats. In addition, climate change has also lead to an increase in the frequency of tropical storms such as hurricanes and cyclones along the reef. It is during such events that the reef suffers the worst bleaching. If climate change continues to grow worse, then such storms will lead to the destruction of the reef in its entirety.
Many of the facts presented in this article relate directly to the impact that climate change is having on Earth from a global perspective. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the main sources of oxygen production and CO2 reduction for the earth. If it were to be destroyed, our planet would lose all such benefits that this amazingly diverse structure provides. In addition, the destruction of the reef would also act in accordance to even greater climate change, due to the fact that the CO2 conversion that occurs along the reef would cease to exist and this would allow for even greater CO2 concentration in the earth's atmosphere. The consequences of the destruction of ecosystems, ecology, biodiversity, and the macroeconomies surrounding the reef are too great to be denied or regarded as insignificant. The loss of the this magnificent structure would represent a loss of one of earth's greatest natural resources, reefs. It is clear that the future of this reef might be lying directly in the hands of mankind.
Many of the facts presented in this article relate directly to the impact that climate change is having on Earth from a global perspective. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the main sources of oxygen production and CO2 reduction for the earth. If it were to be destroyed, our planet would lose all such benefits that this amazingly diverse structure provides. In addition, the destruction of the reef would also act in accordance to even greater climate change, due to the fact that the CO2 conversion that occurs along the reef would cease to exist and this would allow for even greater CO2 concentration in the earth's atmosphere. The consequences of the destruction of ecosystems, ecology, biodiversity, and the macroeconomies surrounding the reef are too great to be denied or regarded as insignificant. The loss of the this magnificent structure would represent a loss of one of earth's greatest natural resources, reefs. It is clear that the future of this reef might be lying directly in the hands of mankind.
keep-up 10 (Oct. 26, 2017)
Methane Is A Powerful Greenhouse Gas, But Where Does It Come From? Forbes
university of houston contributor
https://www.forbes.com/sites/uhenergy/2017/09/29/methane-is-a-powerful-greenhouse-gas-but-where-does-it-come-from/#2787250e5912
A plume of gas burns dirty.
This article begins by discussing the vast problem that has occurred as a result of methane build up and production over the past several decades. It states that methane is often overlooked as a greenhouse gas, but the reality is, methane is over 28 times as potent as CO2 in absorbing infrared energy. Methane, the main component of natural gas, is utilized as a cooking and heating fuel across the world. It has many sources, which include wetlands with microbial decomposition, animal digestion, especially among mammals, and the oil and gas industry. Recent studies have shown that the concentration of methane in the atmosphere has increased by about 1-2% per year at a steady rate. While many sources have made the claim that methane production is fueled primarily by the oil and gas industry, carbon-13 analysis has shown that the majority of methane in the atmosphere is accumulating as a result of agricultural sources, such as cattle ranching. Other studies have shown that microbial production of methane has also increased over the years, and this may be a primary contributor of this potentially harmful gas in the atmosphere.
The information presented in this article is quite distressing, considering that CO2 may not be classified as the primary greenhouse gas that is leading to global warming any longer. The rise of agriculture has also led to the input of large amounts of methane into the atmosphere, a gas that is relatively short-lived in the atmosphere, but is far more potent than CO2. The impact of such greenhouse gasses also present a feedback cycle that only gets worse as humans continue to emit these gasses. As the earth begins to warm, this holds the potential of causing thousands of square miles of permafrost in Siberia to melt. Huge expanses of methane are stored underneath this region, as a result of a long term build up of decaying organisms and other organic material. Releasing all of this methane into the atmosphere could prove to be one of the most catastrophic events throughout the past 200 years. It would rapidly speed up global warming and cause nearly all of the polar caps to melt. It appears that the future of methane in our world is quite grim.
The information presented in this article is quite distressing, considering that CO2 may not be classified as the primary greenhouse gas that is leading to global warming any longer. The rise of agriculture has also led to the input of large amounts of methane into the atmosphere, a gas that is relatively short-lived in the atmosphere, but is far more potent than CO2. The impact of such greenhouse gasses also present a feedback cycle that only gets worse as humans continue to emit these gasses. As the earth begins to warm, this holds the potential of causing thousands of square miles of permafrost in Siberia to melt. Huge expanses of methane are stored underneath this region, as a result of a long term build up of decaying organisms and other organic material. Releasing all of this methane into the atmosphere could prove to be one of the most catastrophic events throughout the past 200 years. It would rapidly speed up global warming and cause nearly all of the polar caps to melt. It appears that the future of methane in our world is quite grim.
Keep-Up 11 (Nov. 2, 2017)
How a 672,000-Gallon Oil Spill Was Nearly Invisible New york times
christina carton, nyt
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/29/science/gulf-oil-spill-louisiana.html
A large off-shore oil rig.
This article begins by discussing a recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that was relatively unseen and unknown until officials made it public. About a mile beneath the ocean's surface, in the early morning hours on Oct. 11, about 672,000 gallons of oil were released through a fracture in an oil line. The strangest part was that the oil was not detected except for light discoloration in some regions above the water near the leak. While the 16,000 barrels of oil that were leaked are quite substantial in terms of other oil spills, it was not enough to warrant a cleanup order. Experts believe that the oil escaped from the cracked lines at such great force (about 3,000 psi), that it dispersed the oil into microscopic droplets that quickly spread into the surroundings. Many believe that most of the oil has already been digested by microscopic organisms that live in the gulf region. Many of these organisms already consume up to 20 to 50 million gallons of oil every year, just from natural seepage from the ocean floor. Such organisms rely on this oil to produce carbon dioxide and to reproduce. They become a food source for numerous other creatures.
The information presented in this article sheds a new light on oil spills, for I had never known that the earth seeps millions of gallons of oil every year into the ocean on its own, without human intervention. The existence of such decomposing bacteria are also highly interesting as well, for it seems so unlikely that bacteria could ever convert crude oil into food to survive. This brings hope to all of the oil spills of the past, for perhaps such bacteria could be used to clean up terrible spills in the future. The existence of such spills in the first place is bad enough, but when they occurs for extended periods of time, the effects are truly devastating for surrounding ecosystems. After spills such as Exxon Valdez in California and the BP Deepwater Spill of 2010, many of the regions affected will never be the same again. Perhaps the future of oil will fundamentally change as society learns of its truly devastating effects.
The information presented in this article sheds a new light on oil spills, for I had never known that the earth seeps millions of gallons of oil every year into the ocean on its own, without human intervention. The existence of such decomposing bacteria are also highly interesting as well, for it seems so unlikely that bacteria could ever convert crude oil into food to survive. This brings hope to all of the oil spills of the past, for perhaps such bacteria could be used to clean up terrible spills in the future. The existence of such spills in the first place is bad enough, but when they occurs for extended periods of time, the effects are truly devastating for surrounding ecosystems. After spills such as Exxon Valdez in California and the BP Deepwater Spill of 2010, many of the regions affected will never be the same again. Perhaps the future of oil will fundamentally change as society learns of its truly devastating effects.
keep-up 12 (nov. 9, 2017)
99% of Ocean Plastic Waste Is Invisible, But This Method Could Help Find It
MIKE MCRAE, SCIENCE ALERT
MIKE MCRAE, SCIENCE ALERT
https://www.sciencealert.com/missing-99-percent-ocean-microplastic-detection-method
Microscopic plastic debris shown and highlighted above.
This article begins by summarizing the widespread nature of microscopic plastics in the world's oceans. Most of the oceans around the world have been completely contaminated by microscopic bits of plastic that are not only ending up in the digestive tracts of numerous ocean species, but also release deadly chemicals into surrounding waters as they decompose. A new method of spotting this plastic utilizes fluorescent dye that releases light in the presence of other chemicals. Most of the waste in the oceans appears in gyres, large rotating regions in the oceans driven by opposing oceanic currents. It is in these regions, some of which are as large as entire oceans on their own, that concentrations of small plastic fragments are highest. Plastic fragments in the micrometer range are difficult to see even under microscopes, and new research is being conducted to calculate the concentration of such fragments. Experiments have shown that amounts of this plastic are far greater than previously expected, and this occurs mostly in surface waters.
The incidence of such small particulates floating in surface waters is quite disheartening. The risks of ecosystem failure due to the presence of such toxins appears to be one of the greatest environmental threats humanity faces. New methods to properly identify such pollutants appear quite promising and may allow for new techniques that remove this waste develop. The future of our oceans is unknown, and as more and more of consumer products move to plastics, the concentrations of these plastics will only rise. Perhaps biodegradable plastics like PLA will come into greater use? If humanity is to preserve its oceans for years to come, then it will have to cut down on the amount of toxins such as plastics that are being released. Not only do the species that live in these regions depend on it, but human consumption of food depends on it.
The incidence of such small particulates floating in surface waters is quite disheartening. The risks of ecosystem failure due to the presence of such toxins appears to be one of the greatest environmental threats humanity faces. New methods to properly identify such pollutants appear quite promising and may allow for new techniques that remove this waste develop. The future of our oceans is unknown, and as more and more of consumer products move to plastics, the concentrations of these plastics will only rise. Perhaps biodegradable plastics like PLA will come into greater use? If humanity is to preserve its oceans for years to come, then it will have to cut down on the amount of toxins such as plastics that are being released. Not only do the species that live in these regions depend on it, but human consumption of food depends on it.
Keep-Up 13 (Nov. 16, 2017)
Artificial volcanoes designed to reverse global warming could risk natural disasters, scientists warn
Josh Gabbatiss, independent
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/volcanoes-artificial-geoengineering-climate-global-warming-natural-disasters-aerosols-atmosphere-a8054526.html
Volcanic eruptions release sulphate particles into the air
This article begins by summarizing the issue of global warming in the twenty-first century by describing the upcoming problem of climate change in certain regions of the world that already face serious climate challenges. In a process known as geoengineering, the future of earth's climate could be altered substantially as a result of efforts to help reduce overall global warming due to carbon dioxide accumulation in the upper atmosphere. One possible solution to this warming has been suggested by several scientists over the past few years. It involves producing "artificial volcanic eruptions" to help increase sulphate levels in the earth's atmosphere. These particles are highly reflective of sunlight, and increasing the overall concentration of this substance and several other similar substances could help to change the direction that climate change is leading humanity in. Many are highly opposed to this solution. Some climate computer simulations have made it clear that increasing reflective substances in the atmosphere could help limit warming in the northern hemisphere, but could cause an increase in droughts and natural disasters in the southern hemisphere. This concept known as solar geoengineering appears to up for debate among many.
The incidence of global warming in the past few decades has brought about several solutions to help curb the effects of a mass increase in temperature around the world. The notion that such solutions could be highly detrimental to the earth and its resources provides a much greater sense of worry in terms of the earth's current climate. How will the future progress if chemicals are constantly being released to help slow global warming? Will an increase in substances such as sulphates in the upper atmosphere attribute to illnesses and disease around the world? These are questions that are being left aside, for many see global warming as a problem that should be solved at any means necessary. This outlook is highly irrational for reasons such that one small change in the overall climate could lead to numerous issues later on. This is known as the butterfly effect, and it must be taken into consideration if humans are to be purposefully spraying chemicals into the earth's atmosphere that reflect sunlight. It may be possible that the detriments of these solutions outweight the benefits.
The incidence of global warming in the past few decades has brought about several solutions to help curb the effects of a mass increase in temperature around the world. The notion that such solutions could be highly detrimental to the earth and its resources provides a much greater sense of worry in terms of the earth's current climate. How will the future progress if chemicals are constantly being released to help slow global warming? Will an increase in substances such as sulphates in the upper atmosphere attribute to illnesses and disease around the world? These are questions that are being left aside, for many see global warming as a problem that should be solved at any means necessary. This outlook is highly irrational for reasons such that one small change in the overall climate could lead to numerous issues later on. This is known as the butterfly effect, and it must be taken into consideration if humans are to be purposefully spraying chemicals into the earth's atmosphere that reflect sunlight. It may be possible that the detriments of these solutions outweight the benefits.
keep-up 14 (nov. 23, 2017)
A new wave in renewables harnesses the power of the ocean quartz
ephrat livni
https://qz.com/1129474/a-new-wave-in-renewables-harnesses-the-power-of-the-ocean/
The future of tidal power is rapidly changing.
This article begins by summarizing the spreading nature of wind and tidal power in just the past decade. While fossil fuels have mostly dominated the energy industry for over a hundred years, new renewable sources such as tidal energy are beginning to pick up steam. As new methods for harnessing the power of the ocean and its complex tidal patterns develop, it is becoming ever more clear that tidal power may be the energy source of the future. If all nations around the globe were to implement tidal energy production techniques on a large scale, it could finally solve the world's ever-growing hunger for electricity. The UK government has put up about $773 million for the production and research of alternative energy sources such as tidal and several companies are developing new methods for harnessing low-lying oceanic currents. Currents in the upper strata tend to be more sporadic and therefore can damage even the most robust equipment quickly. Regions such as Japan and Brazil appear to be very promising due to their geographic locations relative to nearby ocean currents. It is likely that such energy systems will be taken abroad more quickly in Europe due to the great demand for new energy sources and lack of fossil fuels. Some feel that tidal power may pose a threat to numerous ecosystems due to the disruption of oceanic currents that drive the lives of organisms year by year.
The notion that tidal energy may pick up in the near future is quite uplifting, due to the great scar that fossil fuel use has placed on the world and its delicate ecosystems. It appears that the future of energy production may be driven primarily by wind, considering that tidal power itself is in fact also closely related to wind movement. This is a giant leap forward from the perils of carbon dioxide emission that not only warm the atmosphere, but are also accompanied by a host of other dirty pollutants. If nations around the world are going to invest larger amounts of money into such projects, this will not only provide millions with new-found employment, but it will also push humanity away from its firm grasp on fossil fuel use. It appears that future energy production depends upon the will of humanity to move away from fossil fuels and towards renewables.
The notion that tidal energy may pick up in the near future is quite uplifting, due to the great scar that fossil fuel use has placed on the world and its delicate ecosystems. It appears that the future of energy production may be driven primarily by wind, considering that tidal power itself is in fact also closely related to wind movement. This is a giant leap forward from the perils of carbon dioxide emission that not only warm the atmosphere, but are also accompanied by a host of other dirty pollutants. If nations around the world are going to invest larger amounts of money into such projects, this will not only provide millions with new-found employment, but it will also push humanity away from its firm grasp on fossil fuel use. It appears that future energy production depends upon the will of humanity to move away from fossil fuels and towards renewables.
Keep-up 15 (nov. 30, 2017)
How close a supernova would have to be to wipe out all life on earth Business Insider
Fernando Marinho
http://www.mysanantonio.com/technology/businessinsider/article/Here-s-how-close-a-supernova-would-have-to-be-to-11185964.php
Depiction of a supernova in comparison to an entire galaxy made up of billions of stars.
This article begins by stating the definition of what a supernova is. A supernova is an event that occurs at the very end of a star's life, after most of its fuel has burned up and its gravity is too great to sustain the outer layers of the star. As a result, the star explodes, thus creating one of the most intensely bright objects in our universe. In fact, some supernovas shine so brightly that they outshine their entire parent galaxy, a structure with billions of stars. Many astronomers have been conducting research upon the safe distance of a nearby super nova occurring and its effects on earth. The safe distance is generally accepted to be around 50 light years, but now, earth is moving through a region known as the "Local Bubble". This is a region where past supernovas left large remnants of gas and other matter floating freely in interstellar space. Many scientists fear that the presence of such matter left over by the remains of these stars may intensify the radiation that would strike earth during a supernova.
The notion that a supernova could at any time, potentially wipe out all life on Earth if, say, a gamma ray burst (GRB), which is emitted by supernovas, were to strike our planet is quite disconcerting. The potential effects of such an event are completely unavoidable, and the fact that there is nothing humanity can do to save us from such a fate is worrisome. On the other hand, it appears that no stars exist within our proximity that could pose such a threat, at least, to date. It appears that this matter is wholly out of the hands of humans.
The notion that a supernova could at any time, potentially wipe out all life on Earth if, say, a gamma ray burst (GRB), which is emitted by supernovas, were to strike our planet is quite disconcerting. The potential effects of such an event are completely unavoidable, and the fact that there is nothing humanity can do to save us from such a fate is worrisome. On the other hand, it appears that no stars exist within our proximity that could pose such a threat, at least, to date. It appears that this matter is wholly out of the hands of humans.
Keep-up 16 (jan. 11, 2018)
Unexpected environmental source of methane discovered EUREKALERT!
univ. of wash. health/sci.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-01/uowh-ues011218.php
Simplified depiction of newly-discovered methane production process.
This article begins by making the claim that researchers at both the University of Utah and the University of Washington have discovered a new means by which certain bacteria can produce methane gas utilizing a previously unknown biological pathway. This process, known as iron-only nitrogenase, converts atmospheric nitrogen gas and carbon dioxide into ammonia and methane in a single step. Researchers are astounded by the significance of this discovery, considering that methane is a potent greenhouse gas contributing greatly to global warming. This process has been altogether unknown in science until now. Although the enzymatic processes that contribute to this form of methane production were discovered years ago, the actual process regarding the production of methane has been disregarded.
This article holds numerous implications in the field of science and effectively demonstrates the scope of what science has failed to reveal to humanity, even in the face of deep research an discovery. If methane possesses numerous pathways in its production within nature, this could have serious effects on our planet as the earth continues to warm over time. Science itself is the search for answers regarding these processes, but it seems that in many cases, something is missed. There could potentially be numerous other biological pathways by which these greenhouse gases are being produced, completely unknown to science. If we are to become more knowledgable of the future of our planet and what is to come, humanity must put greater efforts in the finer details of nature, for these discoveries may possess the greatest significance in the end.
This article holds numerous implications in the field of science and effectively demonstrates the scope of what science has failed to reveal to humanity, even in the face of deep research an discovery. If methane possesses numerous pathways in its production within nature, this could have serious effects on our planet as the earth continues to warm over time. Science itself is the search for answers regarding these processes, but it seems that in many cases, something is missed. There could potentially be numerous other biological pathways by which these greenhouse gases are being produced, completely unknown to science. If we are to become more knowledgable of the future of our planet and what is to come, humanity must put greater efforts in the finer details of nature, for these discoveries may possess the greatest significance in the end.
keep-up 17 (Jan. 18, 2018)
The dark side of wireless technology Epoch Times
Conan Milner
https://www.theepochtimes.com/the-dark-side-of-wireless-technology_2403062.html
Society is living in an increasingly wireless world.
This article investigates recent changes in wireless technology in both America and the entire world, and the various implications that this "wireless revolution" will have on the environment. The article begins by making the claim that as of now, about 4.8 billion wireless devices are on line, with this number inevitably going to increase as time goes on. In 2015, a group of 200 scientists published an appeal to the UN making the claim that cell phone radiation is "proven to be harmful to humans and the environment". The group came to this conclusion after numerous experimental studies finding that cell phone radiation leads to an increase in cancers, free radicals, DNA damage, sterility in humans, and neurological conditions. In 2016, the Neurological Toxicology Program conducted a $25 million experiment finding that cell phone radiation does in fact cause brain tumors, heart tumors, and DNA damage. Numerous individuals have attempted to shed further light upon this subject, finding all of their toils to thwarted by media, technology, and radio corporations. Complications involving radio wave exposure have all been given the name "microwave sickness", a group of disorders that are resultant of microwave radiation exposure. According to Karolinska Institute in Sweden, the human body is subject to 1 quintillion (1,000,000,000,000,000,000) times more radiation today that it had been ten years ago. Some physicians believe that a large majority of medical complications occurring today may be resultant of this microwave exposure from sources such as cell phones, radio towers, and wifi-routers.
This article, being of a highly disconcerting nature, does in fact bring greater depth to my own observations and predictions regarding radiation exposure. For decades, the modern medical system has been telling the public that radio exposure is not harmful to biological tissue due to the fact that it is not of a high enough frequency to result in actual heating of water. In reality, the damage incurred by such exposure has been completely hidden under corporate UN control. The damage resulting from radio exposure occurs is not a result of frequency, but output power. With 5G telecommunication coming out in 2018, the implications of this new technology are astounding. It is unbelievable that these scientific studies are not receiving greater attention. It appears that the future of humanity and its ability to reproduce are dependent upon our upcoming actions in radio technology.
This article, being of a highly disconcerting nature, does in fact bring greater depth to my own observations and predictions regarding radiation exposure. For decades, the modern medical system has been telling the public that radio exposure is not harmful to biological tissue due to the fact that it is not of a high enough frequency to result in actual heating of water. In reality, the damage incurred by such exposure has been completely hidden under corporate UN control. The damage resulting from radio exposure occurs is not a result of frequency, but output power. With 5G telecommunication coming out in 2018, the implications of this new technology are astounding. It is unbelievable that these scientific studies are not receiving greater attention. It appears that the future of humanity and its ability to reproduce are dependent upon our upcoming actions in radio technology.
keep-up 18 (Jan. 25, 2018)
Cloud Seeding For Snow Actually Works, It Turns Out NWBP/EArth fix
Courtney Flatt
https://www.opb.org/news/article/cloud-seeding-for-snow-actually-works/
Researchers examine snow fall in Idaho after cloud seeding.
This article beings by summarizing recent attempts in Idaho to increase precipitation yields through cloud seeding. After years of study in the field of cloud seeding, it now appears that the controversial process does in fact result in a greater yield of precipitation in treated regions. This form of geoengineering has been active since the early 1940s, but it is just up until recently that scientists are beginning to realize that their efforts are finally paying off. Researchers were able to directly monitor microscopic particles present in clouds which form the basis of water droplets. Such particles can move up to 200 miles per hour in the sky, drifting substantial distances. It has now become evident that cloud seeding is in fact acting in a similar fashion to help increase precipitation yields. This process works by airplanes releasing small amounts of silver iodide particles into the atmosphere, thus generating small surfaces for water to cohesively attach to, therefore producing raindrops. As a result of such experiments, some regions in Idaho have experienced a 14% increase in snowfall.
This article is particularly interesting in that it shows how the future of weather modification may change the landscape of our natural world. With droughts evidently on the rise, such technologies may prove to be highly valuable for agriculture. The only downside of this treatment is the releasing of silver iodide into the environment. Little is known the environmental effects of this treatment, so it may be prudent for such research to be performed before cloud seeding is used on a larger scale. Considering that humanity has always lived at the will of nature and its ability to provide natural resources, such as rain, it is strange to consider that humanity is starting to take control of our world's natural processes. It appears that the future of weather activity may be in the hands of humanity.
This article is particularly interesting in that it shows how the future of weather modification may change the landscape of our natural world. With droughts evidently on the rise, such technologies may prove to be highly valuable for agriculture. The only downside of this treatment is the releasing of silver iodide into the environment. Little is known the environmental effects of this treatment, so it may be prudent for such research to be performed before cloud seeding is used on a larger scale. Considering that humanity has always lived at the will of nature and its ability to provide natural resources, such as rain, it is strange to consider that humanity is starting to take control of our world's natural processes. It appears that the future of weather activity may be in the hands of humanity.
Keep-up 19 (Feb. 1, 2018)
How batteries could charge up the fight against climate change GreenBiz
Jonathan Eckart
https://www.greenbiz.com/article/how-batteries-could-charge-fight-against-climate-change
Lithium mines have proved to be quite unsustainable for the environment and surrounding ecosystems.
This article begins by telling the reader of the environmental impact entailed through lithium battery production. In many ways, the production of electrical vehicles has actually resulted in greater carbon output than fossil fuel use. The reason for this lies in the fact that lithium batteries require costly and toxic metals, such as cobalt and lithium to function. This results in gigantic mines being constructed in regions such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where more than half of the required cobalt is mined. In addition, an electric car is only as efficient as the electricity that powers it. Almost all current electric cars are charged using electricity that was produced in coal electric plants. It also takes around 50-70 thousand miles of driving an electric car for it to break even in carbon emissions when compared to a fossil fuel burning vehicle. By 2025, an estimated 11 million tons of spent lithium batteries will flood the market, thus resulting in companies needing to find something to do with all of this waste. Lastly, battery manufacturing is in many cases an industry that neglects workers. Most battery workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are exposed to toxic substances and exposed to pollution resulting from the mining and production of batteries themselves.
I find this article to be highly disconcerting, considering that many have promised a future of electric cars and all of the benefits they supposedly entail. The notion that electric cars are more inefficient and have a greater carbon footprint than traditional fossil fuel burning vehicles seems obvious, due to the fact that the electricity used to charge such vehicles must come from somewhere. The implications of such pollution as a result of battery production is also highly worrying. It seems that as humans continue to look for new solutions to help solve the problem of global warming, they are in fact causing greater overall damage. This is the paradox of advancement, the drawbacks.
I find this article to be highly disconcerting, considering that many have promised a future of electric cars and all of the benefits they supposedly entail. The notion that electric cars are more inefficient and have a greater carbon footprint than traditional fossil fuel burning vehicles seems obvious, due to the fact that the electricity used to charge such vehicles must come from somewhere. The implications of such pollution as a result of battery production is also highly worrying. It seems that as humans continue to look for new solutions to help solve the problem of global warming, they are in fact causing greater overall damage. This is the paradox of advancement, the drawbacks.
Keep-up 20 (Feb. 8, 2018)
A microscopic fungus could mop up our Cold War-era nuclear waste Popular SCience
Kate Baggaley
https://www.popsci.com/microscopic-fungus-cold-war-nuclear-waste
Certain varieties of yeast may be able to aid in efforts to clean up nuclear waste.
This article begins by summarizing the fact that the United States and several other nations produced unthinkable amounts of nuclear waste during the Cold War. Recently, researchers have been searching for new ways to contain waste from leaking containers and underground storage facilities. It turns out that certain varieties of yeast may be able to contain such waste in substances known as biofilm, which is a substance generated by the yeast in their metabolic processes. It appears that such a solution may possess great potential. One specific yeast, known as Deinococcus Radiodurans, can withstand radiation levels thousands of times greater than almost all other species. The only problem is that it is quite sensitive to acidic conditions. As a result, researches are trying to cross this variety of yeast with other yeasts to fix this problem.
The fact that certain varieties of yeasts can sustain life even in the face of deadly radiation is quit astonishing. It appears that substantial potential may lie in this sort of research, considering the risks that radioactive wastes pose on our planet as a whole and the ecosystems that inhabit it. If this research can help to reduce the danger of such wastes, it appears that the future of toxic regions such as Chernobyl and Fukashima may prove to be quite bright.
The fact that certain varieties of yeasts can sustain life even in the face of deadly radiation is quit astonishing. It appears that substantial potential may lie in this sort of research, considering the risks that radioactive wastes pose on our planet as a whole and the ecosystems that inhabit it. If this research can help to reduce the danger of such wastes, it appears that the future of toxic regions such as Chernobyl and Fukashima may prove to be quite bright.
Keep-up 21 (Feb. 15, 2018)
Ozone Pollution Grows, but It Can Be Fixed Scientific american
Dave Levitan
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ozone-pollution-grows-but-it-can-be-fixed/
Ground-level ozone poses serious health implications for humans.
This article begins by discussing the incidence of ozone pollution in towns and cities around the world, a problem that poses serious health risks for humans. Numerous research has been performed to investigate the effects and proper levels of ozone for humans, along with methods by which such ozone could be reduced. The existance of ozone in communities is truly a global health problem, with those who are exposed to ozone as children at risk of asthma and heart attacks for the elderly. This oxidant is primarily resultant of industrial sources, such as cars and factories, which have caused levels of ozone to go above 100 ppb in certain cities around the world. The acceptable level of ozone in the environment that should be considered safe is unknown.
Considering the effects that industrial society upon our natural world, it is not surprising that even a molecule such as ozone, 03, generally considered as harmless due to its altitude in the atmosphere, now poses a health hazard for humans in urban regions. It appears that the only solutions that currently exist include the planting of trees and other foliage, to help reduce the effects of high ozone concentrations. Perhaps the incidence of cleaner burning cars and factories will also help to reduce the amount of ground-level ozone. Legislation will also have to be passed to set new standards for exposure limits and the amounts that can be legally released by single parties. Hopefully, the future will bring about a society that no longer suffers from the effects of this harmful, yet essential molecule.
Considering the effects that industrial society upon our natural world, it is not surprising that even a molecule such as ozone, 03, generally considered as harmless due to its altitude in the atmosphere, now poses a health hazard for humans in urban regions. It appears that the only solutions that currently exist include the planting of trees and other foliage, to help reduce the effects of high ozone concentrations. Perhaps the incidence of cleaner burning cars and factories will also help to reduce the amount of ground-level ozone. Legislation will also have to be passed to set new standards for exposure limits and the amounts that can be legally released by single parties. Hopefully, the future will bring about a society that no longer suffers from the effects of this harmful, yet essential molecule.
keep-Up 22 (feb. 22, 2018)
Secrets of solar flares are unlocked BBC NEWS
Paul Rincon
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-42979043
Magnetic flux ropes are resultant of eruptions from the sun.
This article begins by summarizing the process by which solar flares occur in the form of a star's violent re-arrangment of its magnetic field. This process occurs in the form of structures known as ropes and cages, where ropes of magnetic flux are contained by magnetic cages around a star. When such a cage becomes weakened, these plasma jets are released by the solar surface, thus resulting in a flare. Scientists have recently been able to simulate such events within computers, hoping to be able to one day predict and understand these incredibly powerful events with high accuracy.
The means by which solar flares occur prove to be both highly interesting and worrisome, both for humanity and all of its innovations in technology. Electronics in particular are effected with the greatest profundity, and it is this that poses the greatest threat for modern humanity, the loss of communications by such solar events. Hopefully, innovation in the field of radio-resistant electronics, along with other shielding techniques with help prevent calamity from solar flares. If such a solar flare were to occur in the near future, it could not only knock out world communicational satellites and other electronics, but it could also destroy current power deliver systems around the world, thus putting humans into a dark age. It appears that such a problem may be wholly preventable, hopefully in the near future.
The means by which solar flares occur prove to be both highly interesting and worrisome, both for humanity and all of its innovations in technology. Electronics in particular are effected with the greatest profundity, and it is this that poses the greatest threat for modern humanity, the loss of communications by such solar events. Hopefully, innovation in the field of radio-resistant electronics, along with other shielding techniques with help prevent calamity from solar flares. If such a solar flare were to occur in the near future, it could not only knock out world communicational satellites and other electronics, but it could also destroy current power deliver systems around the world, thus putting humans into a dark age. It appears that such a problem may be wholly preventable, hopefully in the near future.
keep-up 23 (feb. 1, 2018)
Space junk threatens to disrupt our daily lives. Here's what experts are trying to do about it CBC News
Nicole Mortillaro
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/space-debris-1.4545467
Space junk in the geostationary ring poses serious problems for future space missions and existing satellites. As of lately, private institutions such as SpaceX have been launching thousands of satellites into orbit. in fact, private space institutions will have launched in three or four years the same amount of satellites as have been placed into orbit throughout all of space history. Many of such satellites will provide support for upcoming data institutions for broadband companies. Many of these satellites, especially the older ones, will eventually become space junk, floating freely around the planet for decades to come, posing threats to other satellites. NASA has devised numerous plans to help get rid of such space junk such as massive lasers to help destroy this debris before it gets our of hand.
The incidence of space debris floating freely in the upper orbit around earth is quite a disconcerting thought to ponder. It seems that with future communication and technology, such services will be quite difficult to define and develop with space junk constantly posing a serious issue to new technologies. In the future, if humans fail to discover a means for which to destroy such space debris, it appears that the future of space travel may be dark.
The incidence of space debris floating freely in the upper orbit around earth is quite a disconcerting thought to ponder. It seems that with future communication and technology, such services will be quite difficult to define and develop with space junk constantly posing a serious issue to new technologies. In the future, if humans fail to discover a means for which to destroy such space debris, it appears that the future of space travel may be dark.
Keep-up 24 (mar. 8, 2018)
Finding more time to detect a tsunami The economist
https://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21737250-ahead-wave-finding-more-time-detect-tsunami
Tsunamis can be difficult to predict and even more difficult to track after they occur.
The incidence of tsunami warning systems in place around the world have been highly beneficial in saving numerous lives from such events. Current technology, which generally employs seismic sensors and sensitive gyroscopic buoys to predict the size and direction of the earthquake which produced the tsunami in the first place have been quite successful. Even so, the world needs more time to help make these predictions, and if this is to occur, current systems in place will need an upgrade. Newer technologies which employ satellite sensors to measure tiny differences in the displacement of the earth's crust are just one of the many new methods for which tsunamis can be predicted and measured.
The current state of tsunami warning systems appears to be quite amiable in terms of the number of lives saved by such systems. Earthquakes such as those in Japan have proved to be some of the most destructive forces in nature, along with causing one of the greatest losses of life. Hopefully, radio wave technology will prove to supply the world with a new method of tsunami tracking. Perhaps the growth of such technology will help to both provide greater coverage and reliability in terms of detection around the globe.
The current state of tsunami warning systems appears to be quite amiable in terms of the number of lives saved by such systems. Earthquakes such as those in Japan have proved to be some of the most destructive forces in nature, along with causing one of the greatest losses of life. Hopefully, radio wave technology will prove to supply the world with a new method of tsunami tracking. Perhaps the growth of such technology will help to both provide greater coverage and reliability in terms of detection around the globe.
keep-up 25 (mar. 15, 2018)
Tools for battling e-waste Illinois times
Karen Ackerman Witter
http://illinoistimes.com/article-19799-tools-for-battling-e-waste.html
E-Waste has proved to be quite difficult to dispose of in the twenty-first century.
Electronic waste, otherwise known as E-Waste, has been following an increasing trend for the past several decades. In 2016, 44.7 million metric tons of E-waste was produced globally and is set to increase by millions more in the next few years. The increase in technology worldwide has resulted in such large amounts of electronic-based garbage that is highly toxic to nearly all environments and ecosystems. The reason for such toxicity is due to heavy metals, such as lead, tin, and cadmium, which are utilized in nearly all electronic devices around the world today. The incidence of toxicity due to the release of such toxins into the environment has resulted in many individuals to begin searching for solutions to this rapidly expanding issue around the globe. As a result, 25 states and the District of Columbia have passed and began implementing some sort of electronics waste recycling program. In addition, many individuals are in support of electronic devices that can be repaired, rather than just thrown out after a few years of use.
The issue of E-waste build up has proved to be a serious issue, especially in the wake of heavy ecosystem decline around the world due to numerous other factors. With electronics use building substantially, it appears that the future of E-waste is only in a steady increase, if not a rapid increase. It is time for humanity to find a solution to such waste, for it will be difficult in the future for humans to find viable locations to store such waste without contaminating local groundwater supplies and other inhabited regions.
The issue of E-waste build up has proved to be a serious issue, especially in the wake of heavy ecosystem decline around the world due to numerous other factors. With electronics use building substantially, it appears that the future of E-waste is only in a steady increase, if not a rapid increase. It is time for humanity to find a solution to such waste, for it will be difficult in the future for humans to find viable locations to store such waste without contaminating local groundwater supplies and other inhabited regions.
keep-up 26 (mar. 22, 2018)
The plastics crisis is more urgent than you know. Recycling bottles won’t fix it the guardian
John Vidal
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/28/plastic-crisis-urgent-recycling-bottles-no-fix
Plastic pollution has proved to be one of the most difficult problems to solve.
This article begins by discussing the consequences of modern-day plastic production, consequences that are difficult to face even in a society that claims to have the technology to back itself up in virtually any crisis. Modern-day plastics are wholly unique from every other substance produced previously. The reason for this lies in the fact that modern plastics do not biodegrade in soil, wind, or water. They simply break up into millions of much smaller particles, some of which are microscopic. Society, being that nearly all of modern-day production relies upon plastics as the universal packaging agent, is exposed to such plastics in high concentrations, with nearly all individuals possessing some level of plastic toxicity in their body. Environments, both inside the realm of human influence and out, are constantly being exposed to this plastic, by means of wind, waves, and other organisms, such as birds, nearly all of which contain high levels of such plastic particles in their digestive systems.
Reading of such plastic contamination is quite disconcerting, for it becomes clear that in the process of "advancing" humanity through new materials and materials science, humans have in fact enacted a mass contamination of our world's ecosystems. To think of the level of inconsideration that is reflected by this contamination is quite saddening. And many of the plastics produced today, if not nearly all, degrade eventually into carcinogenic chemicals that invade all walks of life upon our planet. Cancer used to be a small issue. Now it is huge, and everybody has it. Obviously a connection exists between these plastics that we live and breath by, and our health. It is time for changes to made to the current system that exists. We must bring back recyclable and reclaimable packaging materials such as glass.
Reading of such plastic contamination is quite disconcerting, for it becomes clear that in the process of "advancing" humanity through new materials and materials science, humans have in fact enacted a mass contamination of our world's ecosystems. To think of the level of inconsideration that is reflected by this contamination is quite saddening. And many of the plastics produced today, if not nearly all, degrade eventually into carcinogenic chemicals that invade all walks of life upon our planet. Cancer used to be a small issue. Now it is huge, and everybody has it. Obviously a connection exists between these plastics that we live and breath by, and our health. It is time for changes to made to the current system that exists. We must bring back recyclable and reclaimable packaging materials such as glass.
keep-up 27 (mar 29, 2018)
Air Pollution national geographic
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/pollution/
Many cities around the world are struggling with air pollution.
Modern society has effectively placed itself in harms way with regard to what is placed in the earth's atmosphere. As a group, humanity has released a brew of toxic chemicals including sulfur compounds, carbon compounds, and fluorine compounds, all of which have contributed to widespread toxicity on our planet. It is this release of such compounds that have contributed to the formation of substances such as acid rain, all of which is contributing to a net loss of ecosystems and wildlife. On the other hand, world wide legislation like the Paris Climate Accord has attempted to fight against the release of such toxic compounds into the atmosphere, and even though it failed to pass, numerous individuals are attempting to cut down on the release of these toxic compounds.
In many ways, the current state of the world in terms of air quality and pollution can and should be seen as highly worrisome for the future of our world. In upcoming decades, it is only inevitable that the build up of such toxins in our environment will continue to lead to health decline for many of the world's ecosystems. It seems that at the current pace humans are pumping toxins into our atmosphere, there is little hope for humanity in upcoming decades. Hopefully, humanity can clean up its act and move towards renewables such as solar that produce less toxins.
In many ways, the current state of the world in terms of air quality and pollution can and should be seen as highly worrisome for the future of our world. In upcoming decades, it is only inevitable that the build up of such toxins in our environment will continue to lead to health decline for many of the world's ecosystems. It seems that at the current pace humans are pumping toxins into our atmosphere, there is little hope for humanity in upcoming decades. Hopefully, humanity can clean up its act and move towards renewables such as solar that produce less toxins.
keep-up 28 (april 5, 2018)
You probably have BPA in your body — but don’t freak out just yet NINE.COM
Kimberly Gillan
https://coach.nine.com.au/2018/05/07/09/47/bpa
BPA in bottles has presented itself as a highly controversial topic.
With the creation of new plastics, society has almost completely adopted the use of these materials in the food packaging industry, especially within water bottles. Such plastics in many cases also contain various toxic chemicals, one of which, Bisphenol A, or BPA, has presented itself as especially controversial. The reason for this controversy is due to the fact that BPA is easily absorbed into the body, especially into the lymphatic system. It also affects internal organs, including the kidneys, liver, nervous system, and cardiovascular systems. Recent studies have shown that up to 86 percent of teenagers had BPA in their body, although at extremely low concentrations.
The existence of BPA in American children and adults is quite disconcerting, especially considering how widespread plastic bottles are in society. Luckily, the use of BPA free bottles is catching on, and with various groups in opposition to the use of BPA in bottles, it seems as though the existence of this chemical in the blood of so many will eventually phase out. Hopefully, new study will be conducted to investigate the effects of this chemical and numerous others in the human body.
The existence of BPA in American children and adults is quite disconcerting, especially considering how widespread plastic bottles are in society. Luckily, the use of BPA free bottles is catching on, and with various groups in opposition to the use of BPA in bottles, it seems as though the existence of this chemical in the blood of so many will eventually phase out. Hopefully, new study will be conducted to investigate the effects of this chemical and numerous others in the human body.
keep-up 29 (april 12, 2018)
Hawaii lava finally reaches the Pacific -- only to create another deadly danger
Holly yan, CNN
https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/20/us/hawaii-kilauea-volcano-lava-flow/index.html
The Hawaii volcano is causing great havoc in the region.
The Hawaiian volcanic eruption has shown itself to be one of the most surprising environmental dangers in the past year. After erupting and releasing clouds of volcanic sulfur dioxide and lava, the process of the lava meeting the ocean produces and even more dangerous threat: sulfuric acid and glass particulates which move up into the atmosphere. The volcano's initial eruption produced large earthquakes in the region that rocked the whole of Hawaii, sending many to flee from their homes. A certain number of fissures around the area have also proved very stubborn to close up, leaving many worried that the eruption will last much longer than expected. Many are simpoly fleeing the region in worry that the volcano may show more activity in the future.
The incidence of the Hawaiian volcanic eruption in the past month has truly rocked the world. Many are waiting patiently to see the final outcome of this eruption. There appears to be little that anyone can do to stop such occurrences, and with so many homes being destroyed in its path, people truly are helpless at best. It seems that the best thing for people living on the island to do is wait, and flee from the volcano's path as it fulfills its eruption patterns. Hopefully, humanity will continue to learn more about these intriguing yet perilous geological formations.
The incidence of the Hawaiian volcanic eruption in the past month has truly rocked the world. Many are waiting patiently to see the final outcome of this eruption. There appears to be little that anyone can do to stop such occurrences, and with so many homes being destroyed in its path, people truly are helpless at best. It seems that the best thing for people living on the island to do is wait, and flee from the volcano's path as it fulfills its eruption patterns. Hopefully, humanity will continue to learn more about these intriguing yet perilous geological formations.
keep-up 30 (April 19, 2018)
Taipei encourages residents to recycle batteries to help protect environment george Liao, taiwan news
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3423618
Thrown-out batteries pose serious health consequences to the environment.
In an attempt to keep batteries and their toxins from entering into the environment, Taipai City's Department for Environmental Protection has offered residents to turn in old used batteries in exchange for rewards such as stainless steel chopsticks, drink carriers, and scrub brushes. Such action is resultant of the large amount of dangerous substances found in batteries, such as cadmium, lead, and nickel, which can move into groundwater and contaminate local ecosystems and kill organisms. Residents are being urged to place their used batteries in an empty container to keep their contents from leaking outward before tuning them in.
Modern batteries, especially those found in smartphones and other electronic devices, do in fact pose a serious environmental threat to ecosystems across the world. The face of our society has thoroughly been cast into utilizing batteries as a primary staple, and if this trend doesn't slow down soon, then such toxins that are found in batteries will continue to leech into groundwater where it can eventually end up in drinking water. The consequences of this are monumental, and great precaution must be taken to fend off this sort of contamination in the future.
Modern batteries, especially those found in smartphones and other electronic devices, do in fact pose a serious environmental threat to ecosystems across the world. The face of our society has thoroughly been cast into utilizing batteries as a primary staple, and if this trend doesn't slow down soon, then such toxins that are found in batteries will continue to leech into groundwater where it can eventually end up in drinking water. The consequences of this are monumental, and great precaution must be taken to fend off this sort of contamination in the future.
keep-up 31 (April 26, 2018)
Eco-friendly water treatment works best with experienced bacterial flora
Lund university, science daily
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180514091506.htm
Bacteria help to greatly enhance the breakdown of substances in wastewater.
Modern wastewater treatment methods, which normally involve chemicals and lots of energy, are now being reconsidered due to certain studies pointing to evidence which shows that older sand filters may actually work more effectively than newinnovations in filtration technology. It was once believed that older sand filters decrease the ability the ability for bacteria to digest and decompose particulates found in wastewater. New research is pointing in the opposite direction, showing that older methods may in fact work more effectively than newer ones. The addition of "starter" bacteria to such sand filters is crucial to the proper functioning of these older but more effective systems.
The notion that an older system in wastewater treatment may be able to outperform newer systems with the addition of bacteria to such older systems is quite intriguing. Perhaps the future of wastewater filtration systems will point in the direction of allowing nature to take its course in the decomposition of human detriment. The would not only decrease the overall pollution produced by such systems, but allow for the facilitation of a more efficient, environmentally friendly process that requires less input energy and released less output waste. the consequences of human wastewater being left unchecked are far too looming. We must continue to innovate, even if that means bettering older systems.
The notion that an older system in wastewater treatment may be able to outperform newer systems with the addition of bacteria to such older systems is quite intriguing. Perhaps the future of wastewater filtration systems will point in the direction of allowing nature to take its course in the decomposition of human detriment. The would not only decrease the overall pollution produced by such systems, but allow for the facilitation of a more efficient, environmentally friendly process that requires less input energy and released less output waste. the consequences of human wastewater being left unchecked are far too looming. We must continue to innovate, even if that means bettering older systems.