environment
Friday, May 8th, 2009
by RyanB
At some point in our lives we have all had to listen to someone talk about how we are destroying the Earth, due to the fact that we don’t think about the harmful chemicals we produce using different products. Now I don’t know about you, but my ways have not changed even after those long talks. To be honest, I actually only listen to half of the speech, usually because I get bored and dose off. Once I began researching for this article, I realized that I can make a difference and help the environment. I can make a difference not only by changing my ways, but also by trying to change yours. I researched the greenest phone and car and this is what I discovered…
Most Energy Efficient Cell Phone
Although it is not on the market yet, the most energy efficient phone around is the Samsung Blue Earth. It partially runs off of solar power. Although it doesn’t completely run off the sun, by charging the phone with the solar panels, you are capable of making one phone call at a time. Not only is it energy efficient, but also is made from a material called PCM, a recycled plastic from water bottles.
Another feature of the phone is that it contains an “eco” mode, which adjusts screen brightness, back light duration, and Bluetooth usage. Now there is one more feature that doesn’t really help the environment, but it shows how much carbon dioxide emission you save by walking rather than driving. Lastly, it comes in recycled packaging with an energy efficient charger.
Personally, I would use this phone. It’s not like the other energy efficient phones that are unattractive to be quite honest with you. It’s a phone where if you didn’t notice the solar panels at first, you would think it was just as ordinary as anything else.
Greenest Car Ever Unveiled
The most energy efficient car that is known right now is the Aptera. It looks like no other car around today, but something from the future. At first, the car promised at least a 200-MPG driving range but now the company has stepped up it’s game, and now is going for a 300-MPG range in typical driving conditions. Not only do they just have this version, but they are also coming out with a new car that is an all-electric version in addition to the plug-in hybrid model. The new model promises to last around 120 miles before needing to be recharged.
Both vehicles include some luxury features such as both, driver and passenger side airbags, interior and exterior LED lighting and a “solar assisted” climate control system. They also have “advanced drive computer” that includes GPS, a rear-view camera, and a complete vehicle diagnostic system. For a car like this you think it would be extremely expensive, however it only runs around $20,000 for the regular one, and the hybrid model runs for a little more money. You are currently able to reserve one of the vehicles for about $500, and they are coming out in about 12 months or so.
In my opinion, this car doesn’t look safe at all. It looks like if something hits you have a high risk of getting hurt. Also, since there are three wheels on the vehicle it may be a lot different to drive than the traditional four wheels, but I don’t know. If it is different it may take people some time to adjust from their old four wheel ways to the new three wheel concept. It could be an issue for some to get used to it. I personally would not by this car, but it may appeal to some.
Photo Credit: nickwheeleroz
Popularity: 24% [?]
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
by RyanB
- Shanghai, China before and after Earth Hour
On Saturday, March 28th, more than 1,000 cities in over 80 countries observed Earth Hour 2009. Starting at 8:30 PM, cities and towns around the world shut off the lights to promote climate change awareness and action. Started in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, Earth Hour has grown tremendously in the last three years. The event was sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund.
- Earth Hour 2009 in Toronto
Although there are many advocates of this event, there are also many people who criticize it. Many question how much energy is saved in only one hour of shutting the lights off, arguing that the planning and promotion of the event causes enough environmental harm that it offsets the benefits of Earth Hour. However, the sheer number of people involved in the event guarantees that much more energy is conserved because of the event than is used. Also, Earth Hour is more of a symbolic demonstration, with millions of people around the world telling world leaders that we need to do something about the climate crisis. As UN’s Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said, Earth Hour has the potential to be “the largest demonstration of public concern about climate change ever attempted.”
With Earth Day 2009 coming up on April 22, we are facing possibly the most serious environmental crisis ever. As the population grows, we need to use more resources, much of which are nonrenewable and result in emissions of greenhouse gases. As climate change worsens, an environmental movement is beginning around the world, and world leaders including President Obama are making it one of their top priorities. However, recent events are suggesting that we may have less time to act than we originally thought. For example, in 2007, a large portion of Arctic sea ice (about 40%) vanished. Even with climate change, scientists predicted in 2004 that this would not happen for another 50 or 100 years. Along with this, we are seeing increases in occurrence and severity of droughts, floods, and storms around the world, as well as decreases in agricultural yields due to the changing climate. On a statistics website called Worldometers.info, you can actually see the average global temperature increase. Also, the amount of Carbon dioxide emissions this year goes up about 1,000 ton every three seconds. These statistics and recent events make it evident that we are facing a serious threat to our population and that urgent action is necessary.
Arctic sea near Svalbard
Millions of people simply shutting the lights off for one hour was a powerful message that gained worldwide attention. Clearly, Earth Hour 2009 was a much needed wake-up call to politicians and citizens around the world that we need to get serious about stopping climate change. This event is one of the largest public demonstrations ever, and has the potential to become increasingly influential in coming years.
Although we do not realize it, several of our everyday actions impact the environment. We are also affected by the environment everyday as well, and all of us experience the effects of climate change. Although many people will disagree with me on this, I believe that climate change is the most important problem we face today, because whether we realize it or not, it impacts every aspect of our life. It is affecting our food supply, rain cycles, ocean currents, sea levels, biodiversity and human health, as well as other aspects of our earth . Its impacts will only increase over time, but there is hope. There is a movement happening right now as concern about climate change grows. Renewable energy technology is being developed, windmills and solar panels are being installed around the world, and people are voicing their concerns on climate change. American colleges are reporting a dramatic increase in interest in renewable energy technologies and environmental science. Individuals, corporations, schools, and organizations are moving towards sustainability. This is one of our greatest opportunities to prove what the human race can accomplish while working toward a collective good. One person at a time. One light at a time. One goal: protecting this beautiful place we call home.
(Note: if you want to see more pictures of Earth Hour, there are some outstanding pictures at Boston.com
photo credit: Earth Hour Global
photo credit: Denmar
photo credit: Kenyai
Photo Credit: Pip_Wilson
Popularity: 11% [?]
Sunday, March 15th, 2009
by MollyM5
As my parents approach the age of 50, it got me thinking about the world issues that could be potentially reduced by the time I am 50 years old.
1. Peace on Earth
In the world today, there are about 41 wars being fought. The majority of those wars are seen as the traditional warfare, yet there are some that do not even include fighting. The Korean War began in 1950 and lasted until 1953. Although all fighting in the war has ended, both sides have seized fire and there has yet to be a peace treaty signed. World peace would stop so many world issues, and would eliminate a variety of obstacles. All of the pain, expense, death and destruction caused by a war is not worth it.
2. World Equality
Although all men are supposed to be created equal, there are still many issues of inequality in the world today. There are groups of people viewed as minorities just because they do not fit a given stereotype. People are judged because of their race, ethnicity, financial income, gender, sexual orientation and religion. I find it ridiculous that people are judged on those qualities. People should be evaluated based on their personality, not what color their skin is, or because of their beliefs.
3. Cure for Cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed annually with cancer and 564,000 die each year. That is 1,500 American deaths each day. Internationally, cancer is the leading cause of death among children and teens. Personally, my family has been heavily affected by cancer. My mother lost her sister and niece to cancer, and we recently lost a close family friend. Finding a cure for cancer would reduce heartbreak all over the world. A cure would save more than 500,000 American lives each year, and even more internationally.
4. An End to World Hunger and Poverty
In Asian, African and Latin American countries, 500 million people live in “absolute poverty.” Every year 15 million children die of hunger, and 1 in 8 American children under 12 go to bed hungry. The price of one missile could feed an entire school full of children every day for five years. Every 3.6 seconds, someone in the world dies of hunger.
80% of humanity live on less than $10 a day. 1.3 billion, or every 1 in 4, live on less than $1 a day. Nearly one billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their name. Only 1% of weapon costs could put every child into school. There are 2.2 billion children in the world, and 1 billion of those children are living in severe poverty.
5. A Cleaner Environment
The cost of basic sanitation for the world is $13 billion, which is also the cost that Americans and Europeans spend on perfume each year. 660 million people who live without basic sanitation also live on less than $2 a day. These people are forced to choose between food and a clean environment. Most ozone issues are caused by motor vehicles, and the risk of cancer from breathing in diesel exhaust is 10 times more than ingesting all other toxins combined. Statistics show that if each person walked for 30 minutes a day instead of using their car, they would lose 13 pounds and the carbon dioxide emissions would decrease by 64 million tons.
If everyone paid closer attention to the major issues in this world, the world could be a better place. Things as simple as picking up a piece of trash on the street or saying hello to someone you do not usually talk with all contribute to a happier, cleaner world. There are many world issues, but these are the 5 that I believe are the most important. Any other ideas?
Websites Used:
http://www.growthhouse.org/cancer.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/C002291/high/present/stats.htm
http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats
http://www.cleanairsys.com/airzone-blog/2008/01/staggering-statistics-of-air-pollution.html
Popularity: 6% [?]
Monday, November 10th, 2008
by RyanB
Let’s just admit it, America is addicted to oil; we consume 20.4 million barrels a day! We use it for our cars, to heat our homes, and to run the machines that produce the products that we use in our everyday lives. Our addiction causes us to drill all around the world and buy massive amounts of oil from foreign countries. Our addiction to oil has destroyed many natural areas like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Instead of using money to pay for the cost of drilling, shipping, and processing oil, we should turn to a cleaner and more efficient forms of energy; ones that would not pollute the earth and its atmosphere. There is a need for dramatic reduction of the consumption of fossil fuels.
Even though heating oil and gas prices have gone down, two dollars and thirty-nine cents at the Hess in the center of town, there is still a need for a new type of energy. Soon there will not be enough oil left to meet our increasing needs and the prices will once again sky rocket. The senate has addressed this issue and many clean energy legislation have been passed. One proposal approving solar powered and wind powered energy for the future has been discussed. This legislation will slowly end the large grasp the oil companies have on our economy. Recent incentives such as the new energy tax credit have been passed to also assist with reducing our dependence on oil.
A major reason why we need to start the change to clean and efficient energy is the effect the production and consumption of oil has on the earth. Our dependence has caused global warming among other environmental problems. In 2002 about forty percent of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was from the burning of oil. Coal issues ninety-three percent into the atmosphere from the electric industry. These two renewable energies are the largest contributing factor in the release of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.
Another contributor to the carbon dioxide issue is the automobile. About thirty-three percent of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere comes from cars, and cars that have low gas mileage produce more. America could save 25 million dollars in fuel yearly and save a million barrels of oil every day if gas mileage was increased by three miles per gallon for every car. Still, oil will run out sometime and we will need to turn to clean energy sooner or later.
The U.S. produces about three percent of the world’s oil yet; they consume twenty-five percent of it. The Energy Information Administration says that oil will not be available for nearly a decade and that introducing clean energy will decrease our dependence on foreign oil ten times. Big oil companies are making profits exceeding forty billion dollars, and it is costing Americans increasing more to drive to work in the morning. America consumes the most oil even though we are one 4.54 percent of the population. Every time anyone spends the amount of one American dollar, the equivalent of half a liter of oil is burned to produce what the money buys.
Oil powers America life style and is used everyday; weather it is to get to work or to heat homes in the winter. Without it, America would not function because everything is based on the fossil fuels. Soon there will not be enough oil available to meet our needs because we will have drilled it all and used it. There is a need for clean and efficient energy that would be used and help stop global warming. The money that goes into helping drill for the oil should go into research for a new type of energy to use. This new energy would benefit people every where.
Photo: caseyhelbling
Photo: ilmungo
Popularity: 11% [?]
Monday, October 6th, 2008
by Alaina Stochaj
Vehicle manufactures are taking technology to a whole new level with new and futuristic fuel-efficient vehicles. There have been exiting new developments in making the best and most fuel-efficient vehicle out there. Consumers have a variety of vehicles to choose from such as hybrids, fuel cell, electric, and diesel. The new lineup of cars that will be out in the future are definitely worth being built and purchased because of the environmental advantages they include such as better gas mileage and lower emissions. Many argue that the new fuel-efficient vehicles are expensive and are not worth it, however that does not address how the U.S. emits incredible amounts of greenhouse gasses into the air. Fuel-efficient vehicles would save people a lot of money on gas because of how many miles to the gallon they get. The Toyota Prius is the most popular selling hybrid out there. In fact, more Prius cars have been sold than any other hybrid combined. The Prius gets about 45 mpg on the highway and around 48 mpg in the city and emits 89 percent less smog than the average car. This current hybrid is incredibly fuel efficient, but there are more hybrids to come that will be even more technological advanced and efficient.
A new plug-in hybrid called the VentureOne, which will arrive in the showrooms soon is one of the most unique vehicles we have ever seen. It is a combination of a motorcycle and a car that has two seats and runs on three wheels. It will be able to ride similar to the style of a motorcycle turning sharp corners and leaning from side to side. The vehicle apparently uses advanced technology to determine the perfect balance while driving. When I first learned about the three-wheel car, it seemed a bit dangerous, but it will supposedly be thirty times safer than a standard motorcycle. It will have all the safety features of a vehicle like airbags, bumpers, and impact protection, and it’s going to be environmentally friendly getting about 100 mpg and equipped with two 20 kW electric motors and a 17 kWh lithium ion battery pack. More importantly the manufacturer is really trying to show how environmentally friendly the vehicle is, coming in three different shades of green. I’m surprised that they are coming out with this vehicle because I am not sure how many people will find it appealing. It is a very cool piece of technology, but I am not sure that the average driver will choose to purchase one of these. Despite being fast and fuel efficient, it will be expensive and drivers might not find it safe.
Another interesting soon to be vehicle in the hybrid market is the Honda FCX Clarity, a fuel cell car that will be available in 2008. The vehicle will run on a hydrogen fuel cell stack. It will produce electricity, but no exhaust emissions will come out of the tailpipe. Honda is also working on trying to build a hydrogen fueling station for homes. It would be very convenient for an owner of one of these cars if the company were able to create such a home based refueling station. What I really took notice of was that the hydrogen station would also supply a house owner with heat and electricity in addition to producing hydrogen fuel. From the natural gas, it would generate the hydrogen for homes. I could imagine that this would expensive, but would be extremely efficient reducing energy costs as well as emissions dangerous to the environment. It is unlikely that this home fueling station will be out for several more years. It’s a really intriguing idea that people should take notice of, but who knows what other types of fuel-efficient vehicles will come out during that period of time.
There are now numerous different types of fuel-efficient cars out now and many arriving in the future. Drivers need to take an interest in what is coming out and should take a closer look. They might be more expensive then the average car, but are incredibly more efficient and better for the environment.
Photo Credit: geognerd
Popularity: 8% [?]
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