Second Post of 2nd 9 Weeks Due 12/2

[Mr. Dove]

Please respond to this topic post to complete your first post for the first nine weeks. PLEASE RESPOND TO ONLY THIS POST. If you wish to appropriately comment on your classmates post then respond to their thread in this discussion. 

[Caroline Firer]

Caroline Firer

A. Environment, Pollution, And Human Health

B. On November 14th, a conference was held in Brasilia regarding deforestation in areas in Brazil. From July 2012 to August 2013 deforestation has gone up 28% with four areas heavily effected by this treachery: Mato Grosso, Roraima, Maranhao, and Para.  Mato Grosso deforestation rates raised 52&, Roraima's 49%, Maranhao's 42%, and Para it raised 37% since July 2012.  A reason why deforestation increased in Para is because mining is illegal and people are trying to find other ways to make a living with natural resources from the earth. Also it is said to be the precious canopy tree that are rare and illegal to cut down but have can have many uses that appeal to anyone with an axe. Francisco Oliveira, director of the Department of Policies to Reduce Deforestation at the Brazilian Environment Ministry, has created a plan with maps of where deforestation is at its peak and plans to spread the importance of keeping it illegal and plans to execute this message at a more drastic rate by getting the government involved. Sadly, only three "states" received dropping rates of deforestation which were Acre, having a 35% decrease. Amapá, having a 60% decrease and Tocantins, having a 17% decrease. Oliveria and his team plan to take action and hopefully reverse the deforestation trend in Brazil.

C. I chose this article because i found it interesting how in parts of Brazil they were expierencing a drastic decrease in deforestation and just a few miles away they were experiencing drastic increases in deforestation. Everyone would benefit from reading this article because it creates awareness of where deforestation is happening in the world and whats happening as to why and how to prevent it from spreading.  Because alot of deforestation is illegal in Brazil, supporters of stopping deforestation should invest in government action and cracking down on violations in order to lessen and hopefully the amount of illegal deforestation that happens. 

D.Editor, . "Brazil Deforestation up 28%." Enn.com. 2013.nov 21 n. page. Print. <http://www.enn.com/ecosystems/article/46709>.

[Hannah Bingler]

A. Environment, Pollution, and Human Health

B. On Thursday, October 17th, 2013 the World Health Organization's cancer agency said that the air we breath is laced with cancer causing substances and is being classified as carcinogenic to humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2010 had linked 223,000 deaths world wide due to air pollution, and then said that their has been some evidence to show that it can also lead to bladder cancer. Air pollution, which is mainly caused by transportation, power generation, residential heating and from industrial and agricultural emissions. The IARC found the highest levels of air pollution in Asia, South Asia, eastern North America, and in some places in Mexico, Central America, and North Africa. Air pollution is considered the leading environmental cause of cancer deaths. It is now classified as a Group 1 Human Carcinogenics, along with asbestos, ultraviolet radiation, and tobacco smoke

C. I choose this article because I was curious to find out how air pollution can cause lung cancer. I think that its important for people to read this article and find out how much air pollution is affecting us and then we need to come up with ways to stop or at least decrease air pollution worldwide. 

D.Kelland, Kate, and Stephanie Nebehay. "Air pollution a leading cause of cancer."Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 17 Oct. 2013. Web. 29 Nov. 2013. <http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/17/us-cancer-pollution-idUSBRE99G0BB20131017>.

[Wade Goodrich]

A. Environment, Pollution, and Human Health.

B. This article is reporting that the world's oceans are becoming more and more acidic every day. Since the start of the industrial revolution the oceans have become 26 percent more acidic, and by 2100, the oceans will be 170 times more acidic. This information was shown to the attendees of the Warsaw Conference of Climate Change. It acidification continues at this rate fishing companies could lose 130 billion dollars every year. The article also states that once the oceans become "full" of C02, they won't be able to absorb it anymore and it will go directly into  the atmosphere. Many organizations and groups have been formed to try to stop ocean acidification, but all they have done so far is measure the CO2 and set goals. 

C. I chose this article because of our recent lab in class about ocean acidification. The acidification is going to create many problems in the future, and while it is positive that the new information was presented at the Warsaw Conference, it seems like the goals and measurements and studies aren't actually DOING much to physically stop acidification. I think this article should not only inform people about the current acidification article, but I would like to see some people realize after reading it that forming tons of agencies with fancy acronym names doesn't solve problems. 

D."Acidifying Oceans Alarm Hundreds of Scientists." Environment News Service RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2013.

[Kaona Ayres]

A) Environment, Pollution & Human Health

B) Due to human pollution of the atmosphere, mainly CO2, the ocean is becoming increasingly more acidic. Because of the oceans ability to absorb so much carbon, our air is actually a lot less polluted than it would be otherwise, without the ocean. However, as the ocean absorbs increasing amounts CO2 and becomes more acidic, it loses its ability to perform that service and less carbon will be absorbed, devastating 70% of our planet as well as destroying more of our atmosphere. Theres more to it. The decreasing pH effects multiple marine ecosystems, coral reefs and shellfish especially. Coral reefs become weaker and reef erosion is likely to outpace reef building before 2100. Shellfish shells are also becoming weaker, dissolving away in the acidic waters. This destruction to these habitats will also have economic effects as shell-fisheries will decrease in production and other marine goods will become more scarce. d

The main and most obvious way to slow this process is to greatly reduce CO2 emissions.

C) I chose this article because it was very familiar to me. It is exactly what we learned on friday before break on ocean acidification. It gives more information on the issue and helped me to better understand it.

D) . N.p.. Web. 1 Dec 2013.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131113213854.htm

[Mary Elam]

Mary Elam

A. Environment, Pollution, and Human Health

B. Trout generates about $250 million per year specifically in the state of Montana alone. The trout is an incredibly popular brand of fish all across the world, but the climate change is incredibly impacting its population and quality. The climate change has heated the stream waters and has led to multiple droughts and reduction of snow which effects water flow in the spring. Scientists have started to utilize electric currents to track the lives of these trout to see the impacts from these environmental changes. The electric current is used to lure in the trout, making it easier for the fisherman to net. They insert the devices and follow the progress for years at a time, which help the scientists to determine mortality rates, population development and even causes of death. It relates it back to changes in the stream flow rate and temperature. The changes have caused species of trout, such as the rainbow, to move further upstream which originally was too cold for them to live in. They have been mixing in with the cutthroat species, causing rapid hybridization. This has created a less fit species of trout that has become prey for other species of fish. The climate change is causing a serious problem for the West referring to trout generation for specific areas, leaving the people uncertain of what's to come if measures are not taken now to preserve the species. 

C. I chose this article because I wanted to learn more about how climate change can effect all types of species. I wanted to know what exactly the climate change was impacting that makes it so difficult for the fish to survive and what the outcome would be. I find it interesting that scientists have decided to use tracking devices in order to see how the changes were effecting them, yet it may take years to come up with any specific information. It's interesting to see that climate change is a huge threat to the trout species now and we already realize it, yet may take decades to really show an affect.

D. November 15th, 2013- Marcelene Sutter

http://www.americanforests.org/blog/trout-in-trouble/

[Hunter Critzer]

A. Sustainable Use of Natural Resources/Biodiversity

 

B. The article I read talked about the bird species in general around the United States, and how many steps are now being taken to prevent extinction. Previously, much of all bird habitats were destroyed due to deforestation. Now that we are more educated on how this affects biodiversity, many steps are being taken to lessen the blow. For example, the wood stork, golden-cheeked warbler, and the red-cockaded woodpecker were saved from extinction by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The article also talked about the other side of problem, with migratory birds staying all year in the south, causing harm and destruction to other bird species and property.

 

C.   I found this article very interesting because the loss of habitat and lowering of populations is rather obvious, but it was different to see that the opposite is occurring, and some birds are becoming overpopulated! If it were my job to find a solution to the problem, I would likely continue to preserve the species with low population, and allow people to hunt to species that are overpopulated.

 

D.Petit, Daniel R., and Paul R. Schmidt. "Bird Conservation: More than Just Chasing the Tails." Endangered Species Bulletin July 1998: 4. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 2 Dec. 2013.

[Lauren Cosner]

A. Sustainable use of natural resources

 

B. With the company LEGOS selling products globally and in high demand, they plan to make a change in their effect on the environment. The company plans on partnering with the World Wildlife Foundation Climate Savers to go beyond just the factories producing the product but also the distributing chains. The focus on not only the greenhouse emissions from the factories but the efforts to ensure the products make it into the costumers hands impressively significant. Only 10% of the greenhouse gas in fact comes from the factories themselves. The other 90% comes from the supply chain. LEGO plans on making changes such as using more recyclable materials as well as using fewer materials when possible. LEGO will also work with suppliers to develop a pilot program to work on  reducing operational carbon emissions.

 

C. I chose this article because the holiday season is near and this topic was relevant. With millions of LEGOS about to be sold and placed into the hands of children on Christmas day, it's important this company is working hard to make a difference. I was affected by this article in the means of being proud of companies that are furthering their company in ways to better the environment and make a difference. I enjoyed this article due to the well written idea of how the company will go about making a change. Also I enjoy being kept up to date on current environmental issues that involve people working hard to make the world a better place. Everyone benefits from the outcome of this article. Children of all ages play with LEGOS making this relevant to anyone.

 

D. "ENN: Environmental News Network -- Know Your Environment." Global Pollution and Prevention News: With Eye on Asia Market, LEGO Plans Huge Carbon Emissions Reduction. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2013.

[Alanna Breeden]

“In New Jersey Pines, Trouble Arrives on Six Legs” by Justin Gillis

A. Climate System and Biodiversity

B.This article is about a spread in beetles that kill pine trees. The outbreak or increase in the beetles populations occur in the pine forests of New Jersey. Dr. Ayers, a top beetle expert, confirms that the population increase is due to global warming. The beetles have been present for a while, but the increase in temperatures haven’t been able to kill the beetles. The beetles are usually killed by cold temperatures reached during the night, around 8 degrees below zero, a temperature that is usually reached at least a few times per decade. Thousands of acres are being affected and experts are expecting that the increasing temperatures will allow the beetles to migrate further north. The beetles are a constant in the south, but survive by targeting and feeding on weak and diseased trees. Pine trees that have the beetles, show it by the unnatural yellow and red needles. The beetles crawl inside the bark and eat a layer of nutrients that is necessary for the trees to survive, ultimately starving the trees. Usually, these beetles are pushed out by a sap, but the beetles succeed because they are attacking trees in mass amounts.

C.I choose this article because it was very interesting to me. I have pine trees near my house and it’s very concerning that these beetles could move and affect the trees near us, or the entire country. I think we should take better care of the northern forests. To do this I think they should help control the underbrush and ensure that the trees have a fighting chance to survive the attack from the beetles. I liked this article because it shows that the smallest change in the temperature affects the world around us and lowers the biodiversity of trees. I think people that believe that global warming doesn't affect us should read this article and learn that it does indeed affect the world we live in.

D. Gillis, Justin. “In New Jersey Pines, Trouble Arrives on Six Legs.” NY Times December 1, 2013.

[Shannon Simko]

1. Climate System

 

2. Over the last 1,300 years the current warming trend has increased significantly due to human induced reasons. NASA's earth orbiting satellites and other technologies have been able to obtain this information about our planet and its climate. Some of the evidence includes; sea levels rising(6.7inches in the last century, extreme events( record high temperatures in areas), and ocean acidification.Human pollution and greenhouse gases cause the earth to warm up in a result of there increase. This article showed that the climate data collect over many years has revealed the signals of a changing climate.

 

3. When reading this article, I thought it of as everything I've already heard about our climates changing and global warming. As the article present evidence for the rapid climate change, it gave me more of an idea of what was happening and how serious it is. The sea levels rising are causing so much more than we think, as well as a little temperature increase. It makes me wonder that if this continues on the path its on now what will the climate be like for our grandkids?

 

 

Jenkins, A.. N.p.. Web. 2 Dec 2013. <http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence>.

 

[Zach Lazen]

A. Environment, pollution and human health

B. According to a study done by Roger Westerholm, an assistant professor at Stockholm University in Stockholm, Sweden, lawn mowers actually emit much more pollutants than was originally thought. Precisely one hour spent on an average lawn mower equals the same amount of emissions from a 100 mile car ride. The most destructive and active pollutant emitted from a riding or push mower is polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). More than 4,000 micrograms of PAH per hour are emitted using unleaded fuel. The solution to this problem, Westerholm says, is catalytic converters. These converters filter 3,200 micrograms of PAH from floating around in our air. These converters have been used on cars since the 70's, but are more recently being put on the mowers.

C. I chose this article because it shows how little we know about the environmental dangers we are unknowingly promoting on a daily basis. It makes me think about all the small changes I can make in my day to day activities to place a smaller footprint onto the earth. I think these kinds of environmental problems that can be fixed should be broadcasted on television and throughout the media, so more and more people can reduce the negative impact they may not know they are making.

D. American Chemical Society. "One Hour Of Grass Cutting Equals 100 Miles Worth Of Auto Pollution." ScienceDaily, 1 Jun. 2001. Web. 2 Dec. 2013.

[Ryan Jacobson]

A. This article pertains to pollution.

B. LEGO is one of the biggest companies worldwide, but there's one flaw that we should take a close look at when it comes to the tiny toys. Supposedly, only 10% of emissions from LEGO comes from the manufacturing factory itself. 90% of the other emissions come from the chain supply and distributors. To fix the problem the company made a plan. This plan is to partner with suppliers to develop pilot programs for reducing their operational carbon emissions. Another part of the plan is to reduce materials-related emissions, which would also have a positive impact on supply chain emissions. This could mean new products that use fewer materials as well as mixing in recycled materials to make the new and improved toys.

C. I believe this is a good and new step in refining the toys. There are so many emissions and other pollution that come from making dozens of toys. LEGO is a huge company that develops various toys for children and that won't go away for a long time. It's about time that someone in the corporate world is taking action to benefit the earth, rather than just sitting back and being all talk. 

D. Casey, Tina. "LEGO Plans Huge Carbon Emission Reduction." Global Pollution and Prevention News: With Eye on Asia Market, LEGO Plans Huge Carbon Emissions Reduction. Environmental News Network, 02 Dec. 2013. Web. 02 Dec. 2013. <http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/46743>.

[Sarah Hale]

A. Environment, pollution and human health

B. Here in America, we tend to take "fresh water" for granted. It's obviously crucial for human health, and we can simply turn on a faucet and have virtually unlimited amounts of it at any time. Kenya, however, is a different story. With a population of over 43 million, Kenya is one of the poorest countries on earth, and it's climate one of the roughest. The people have to literally search for clean water, and sometimes the "clean water" they find isn't even completely clean. The risk of exposure to pathogens and disease is greatly increased due to the infected pumps and basins that the people collect their water from. In Ghana, 80% of all disease is caused by infected water. In Honduras, 75% of citizens are left without clean drinking water. In response, NativeEnergy which is based in Vermont has partnered with National Geographic. They've already installed 2,300 water filters in homes where clean water is scarce. People who get to receive these filters ultimately see a decrease in waterborne illnesses and diseases, and they can use the money they would put into cleaning water and use it for education and recreation.

C. I chose this article because it's something completely foreign to most Americans including myself. No one really thinks about the people in Africa and other third-world countries who live struggling to find water, because here in America finding clean water is not a problem. It's good to be informed about the waterborne illnesses that these people face daily, because it could happen to us as well if we don't be careful. Everyone can benefit from reading this article because it informs people about other countries struggles where we don't seem to have any.

D.

\ENN: Environmental News Network -- Know Your Environment." Sustainable Ecosystems and Community News: Clean Water Filtration: Basic Necessity. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.