Floods Are Getting Worse,
and 2,500 Chemical Sites
Lie in the Water’s Path
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/02/06/climate/flood-toxic-chemicals.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fclimate&action=click&contentCollection=climate®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=8&pgtype=sectionfront
Kelp Farms and Mammoth Windmills Are Just Two of the Government’s Long-Shot Energy Bets
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/16/climate/arpa-e-summit.htmlrref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fclimate&action=click&contentCollection=climate®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront
New Orleans's Future
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/02/24/us/new-orleans-flood-walls-hurricanes.html
Colombia's Melted Rainbow
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/26/science/colombia-cano-cristales.html
Coral Sperm Frozen to Save Them
https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/12/largest-coral-sperm-bank-australia-reefs-environment-science/
As the climate changes ans the global temperature warms, sea levels rise and also grow warmer, risking all kinds of aquatic life. Research teams collected 171 billion sperm from 31 coral colonies, representing eight species of hard coral to freeze and contribute to the world’s largest coral sperm bank, held at the Taronga Conservation Society’s Western Plains Zoo in New South Wales. These scientists would like to collect sperm from all 400 coral species to freeze. However, many coral species are dying and losing much of their genetic diversity. Also, coral reefs release their sperm only once a year for a week in a specific time of night. The sperm are then frozen for when a time is called that the coral population needs to repopulate.
I think these scientists are on the brink of a method to save all endangered species. I think that scientists should considerfroeexing other species' eggs and sperm to protect these species from extinction.
I think these scientists are on the brink of a method to save all endangered species. I think that scientists should considerfroeexing other species' eggs and sperm to protect these species from extinction.
Light Pollution
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-42059551
Since 2012 there had been increased urbanization in many rural areas at the expense of inhabited land. As a result, the number of outdoor lights that have been installed have increased. South America, Asia, and Africa have grown brighter by two percent. This is wasteful as an energy source and has detrimental effects on humans. The increased light means that there are also increased LED lighting which is harsh on the hormone that the human body needs to sleep. Melatonin is sensitive to blue light that is emitted by poor LED lights. The artificial light is also a threat to crop pollination. The light interferes with nocturnal insects' pollination schedule. The artificial light also alters the behavior of migrating birds and other animals' behaviors, like sea turtles.
The human vision does not need light exactly, in fact it needs contrast. And it is proved that human vision improves with less glaring light. I want to be able to see a starry night and to do so there must be less wasted energy. People need to turn off all unnecessary light.
The human vision does not need light exactly, in fact it needs contrast. And it is proved that human vision improves with less glaring light. I want to be able to see a starry night and to do so there must be less wasted energy. People need to turn off all unnecessary light.
How Much CO2 Will the World Have to Remove from the Atmosphere?
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-much-co2-will-the-world-have-to-remove-from-the-atmosphere/
Scientists agree that it is almost impossible to stop the global rising temperature of 1.5 degrees Celsius. The carbon dioxide levels will keep increasing and so will the global temperature, however it will stop rising eventually as action is taken. The global temperature will fall and get cooler as scientists try to siphon carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere using new technology. Under the Paris climate accords, there are no rules on how the global temperature should be decreased. The accords are weak unless serious legal action is taken against companies that release a large amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Another problem is the inefficient technology that cannot be used on a global scale to remove the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. However, scientists do not agree on the method that should be used to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and cannot give a timeline of when the emissions will decrease.
I am tired of not seeing many nations contribute to the cause of decreasing cardioxide emissions. Although the subject is talked about and considered, climate change and global warming is still not seen as important. The leaders of this world need to cooperate to devise a plan that could save generations of humans.
Fossil Fuel Burning is at all Time High
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/13/fossil-fuel-burning-set-to-hit-record-high-in-2017-scientists-warn
The burning of fossil fuels is set to hit an all time record high in 2017 after three years of little growth. The plateaued growth of fossil fuel emissions made scientists assume that we had reached an all time high and would be decreasing in the future. Scientists say that if not now, the global peak needs to occur by 2020 to keep the global warming below the two degrees Celsius limit. Many researchers agree that since 2015 there had been many action taken to reduce fossil fuel emission, but the global emission readings are still increasing.
It is concerning that after three years of little growth, the global emissions rises a bit quickly. Even though there had been increasing global awareness of global warming and climate change that affects life, the change has not been enough and there needs to be drastic change to make a difference in the fossil fuel emissions.
It is no surprise that this year holds the record for highest fuel emissions because as humans evolve and create more industries, they are not producing in an efficient or sustainable manner. I think that nations' policies should include restrictions on fuel emissions a company creates and provide renewable resources that are healthier for the environment.
It is concerning that after three years of little growth, the global emissions rises a bit quickly. Even though there had been increasing global awareness of global warming and climate change that affects life, the change has not been enough and there needs to be drastic change to make a difference in the fossil fuel emissions.
It is no surprise that this year holds the record for highest fuel emissions because as humans evolve and create more industries, they are not producing in an efficient or sustainable manner. I think that nations' policies should include restrictions on fuel emissions a company creates and provide renewable resources that are healthier for the environment.
Hurricane Ophelia heads toward Ireland
http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/14/europe/hurricane-ophelia/index.html
After the United States was hit with three record breaking hurricanes, the United States receives a break from loss and destruction. Hurricane Ophelia, ran its course toward the United Kingdom on Friday October 13 and since then has rerouted toward Ireland specifically. Ophelia gradually weakened from a category 3 to a category 2 hurricane on Sunday October 14, but picked up speed northeast toward Ireland.
Hurricane season is still open as Hurricane Ophelia heads toward Ireland. Ophelia is forecast to produce 2 to 3 inches of rain in Ireland and Scotland. Ophelia's intensity is abnormal as the intensification of a storm usually takes place in cooler regions of the Atlantic.
Although Hurricane Ophelia is not a United States concern, the hurricane is still a concern to environmentalist everywhere. The increased ferocity of these recent natural disasters makes climate change especially dangerous to coastal cities everywhere.
Hurricane season is still open as Hurricane Ophelia heads toward Ireland. Ophelia is forecast to produce 2 to 3 inches of rain in Ireland and Scotland. Ophelia's intensity is abnormal as the intensification of a storm usually takes place in cooler regions of the Atlantic.
Although Hurricane Ophelia is not a United States concern, the hurricane is still a concern to environmentalist everywhere. The increased ferocity of these recent natural disasters makes climate change especially dangerous to coastal cities everywhere.
Death toll from Northern California fires jumps to 31
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-northern-california-firestorms-20171012-story.html
Northern California has been hit with numerous wildfires the past couple of days, but the most affected city was Santa Rosa. Almost 3,000 homes and 400,000 square feet of commercial space were destroyed in Santa Rosa. The fires also took 31 accounted for lives from Sonoma, Mendocino, Yuba, and Napa County. From the 10 that could be identified, the average age was 75, emphasizing the high risk among elderly people with disabilities that also live in rural areas. Fire departments and the police departments from the affected counties have worked together to stop the fires and search for missing people. Red Cross and other shelters have provided food and a place to sleep for those that have lost their homes or were evacuated from their home due to danger. In difficult times, is it comforting to know that there are people willing to help others.
These great fires create fear that strong winds could strengthen fires and carry embers to surrounding areas that had escaped fires so far. The smoke filled air has created breathing problems, especially for those with asthma. Some people do not have a home to return to and others fear for their lives due to their immigration status. These fires are dangerous to humans and the environment. The decrease in plants could cause a decrease in animal life; and, not to mention, some animals' homes could have been destroyed by the fires.
These great fires create fear that strong winds could strengthen fires and carry embers to surrounding areas that had escaped fires so far. The smoke filled air has created breathing problems, especially for those with asthma. Some people do not have a home to return to and others fear for their lives due to their immigration status. These fires are dangerous to humans and the environment. The decrease in plants could cause a decrease in animal life; and, not to mention, some animals' homes could have been destroyed by the fires.
Environment Is Big Winner in U.S.–Mexico Colorado River Agreementhttps://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/10/05/environment-is-big-winner-in-u-s-mexico-colorado-river-agreement
A new agreement between Mexico and the United Sates continues an important partnership in managing the Colorado River and also gives hope for reviving stretches of the river that have run dry. The agreement is beneficial to farmers and cities in both Mexico and the United States as the agreement will seek to sustainably manage the water of the Colorado River basin. Minute 323, the agreement, requires the United States to invest millions of dollars into water conservation projects in Mexico and allows Mexico to store some of its water north of the border, but the United States also receives a portion of the Colorado River. In essence, Minute 323 is an agreement between two countries to manage their shared river as one.
This is important because it signifies the beginning of a movement for countries to collaborate on special projects which is beneficial for the environment and humans. The United States and Mexico is setting a precedent by sharing the cost of delivering the environmental flows that will provide seasonal benefits to the plant and animal habitats. It also practices the method in which water will be saved. The water saved will be stored in Lake Mead, about 180,000 acre-feet to be used by the U.S. and the 40,000 acre-feet left will be for Mexico to use. In addition to the 40,000 acre-feet, Mexico will also receive 1.5 million acre-feet each year from the Colorado River. |
Environmental Injustice in Puerto Rico
http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2017/09/puerto_rico_is_experiencing_a_crisis_created_by_environmental_injustice.html
The brutal disaster of Hurricane Maria which Puerto Rico was hit with has created a public health crisis in the country since emergency responders are not able to communicate with remote communities that are in need of medical attention and need medical buildings to be restored. Puerto Rico has lost their main source of power, has nonoperational water and waste systems. Many researchers have, long before the hurricane hit, expressed the environmental injustices that face a poor, underrepresented minority population where these experts have learned of the dangers and increased risks of a catastrophe.
This issue is important because people, U.S. citizens, are dying due to the ignorance of the warning and risks of the Caribbean island. The environmental disaster has put Puerto Ricans at a disadvantage of adequate medical supplies that need electricity to function.
This issue is important because people, U.S. citizens, are dying due to the ignorance of the warning and risks of the Caribbean island. The environmental disaster has put Puerto Ricans at a disadvantage of adequate medical supplies that need electricity to function.
New EPA Advisers to be Climate Change Skeptics
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/09/18/next-epa-science-advisers-could-include-those-who-question-climate-change/?utm_term=.ac0a14493da3
President Donald Trump has drastically altered the future of the Environmental Protection Agency by removing many of the United States environmental policies instituted to protect earth from severe climate change. His actions have caused many former EPA advisers to resign and some new potential members to apply. Some of the possible candidates have questioned and criticized aspects of climate research, even gone as far to challenge some of the EPA's science in court. The EPA has already shut down an informational climate change page due to conflicting interests with the Trump administration. The EPA may possibly be made up of members that do not have the climate and future of the earth in their best interests.
This article is important because it warns against the future of the United States if the major environmental agencies do not take action in reducing the amount of greenhouse gases the United States emits. Skepticism will tear apart these agencies, although scientists have debunked most or all those skeptic's myths, because a skeptic will not accept the facts.
This article is important because it warns against the future of the United States if the major environmental agencies do not take action in reducing the amount of greenhouse gases the United States emits. Skepticism will tear apart these agencies, although scientists have debunked most or all those skeptic's myths, because a skeptic will not accept the facts.
Is climate change to blame for storms?
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-harvey-climate-change-20170829-story.html
The intensity of recent tropical storms can be linked to the changing climate that has created disasters all over the world in the last decades. The most recent floods have also been previously called the most rare floods to occur in the span of 100 to 500 years, yet these floods have surpassed all odds and occurred within 10 to 100 years. For example, Hurricane Harvey, and Houston's Memorial Day floods in 2015 and 2016 had been categorized as 500-year floods, but all occurred within a year of each other. Climate change does not directly create more storms, but does enlarge storms that form. The rising ocean surface temperatures allows the atmosphere to retain more moisture. The more moisture in the air, the higher the chances of heavy rainfall and larger flooding. In Harvey's case, both occurred and destroyed a large area.
Hurricane Harvey should have dissipated once it made landfall, but because it was larger than most hurricanes it's arms were stretched out far enough that they could still reach the Gulf of Mexico and obtain some moisture. Climate change has put 100- and 500-year floods at criticism as they are no longer as rare as they used to be. The fact that disastrous floods are possible in the near future puts all cities in coastal areas at risk and it is urgent that they take precaution.
Hurricane Harvey should have dissipated once it made landfall, but because it was larger than most hurricanes it's arms were stretched out far enough that they could still reach the Gulf of Mexico and obtain some moisture. Climate change has put 100- and 500-year floods at criticism as they are no longer as rare as they used to be. The fact that disastrous floods are possible in the near future puts all cities in coastal areas at risk and it is urgent that they take precaution.
Hurricane season not unusual
http://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2017/09/hurricane-season-not-unusual
in 5 weeks, the United States has had the most catastrophic hurricane disasters than it has in recorded time. Hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, has become active with three consecutive hurricanes over the Americas--Hurricane Harvey, Irma, and Jose. All three hurricanes have been labeled Category 4 status and set records. Harvey has set a record for dumping the most amount of rain in Houston and Irma surpassed the record for the largest Category 5 hurricane. The formation of these massive hurricanes can be as a result of warm oceans. While these recent hurricanes have been unusually powerful, the forecasters predict that this season may be more active than usual. However, it is not unusual for hurricanes to form successively or become major hurricanes. The active season can be affected by the lack of an El Niño event, which has been associated with decreasing the severity of hurricanes, and the changes in wind speeds with height. Whether climate change is a contributor is still unknown because there is not yet any evidence of climate change directly affecting hurricane strength.
This article important in the understanding in the severity of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, but more significantly to understand the dangers of human development in creating these massive hurricanes. To understand the trend in growing hurricanes, scientists will follow hurricane seasons for years before they can discover if climate change is a contributor to the larger hurricanes, but humans must take action before to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere so heat can escape earth and therefore cool our oceans. Since global warming is the most researched contributor, we can assume that the melting ice caps that rise sea levels and the higher sea level can damage coastal developments made by humans. In all, humans need to act on decreasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the air.
This article important in the understanding in the severity of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, but more significantly to understand the dangers of human development in creating these massive hurricanes. To understand the trend in growing hurricanes, scientists will follow hurricane seasons for years before they can discover if climate change is a contributor to the larger hurricanes, but humans must take action before to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere so heat can escape earth and therefore cool our oceans. Since global warming is the most researched contributor, we can assume that the melting ice caps that rise sea levels and the higher sea level can damage coastal developments made by humans. In all, humans need to act on decreasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the air.
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Chemical Spill in Houston
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Atlantic v. Pacific Salmon
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-salmon-escape-20170823-story.html
A fish-farm spill off of Cypress Island in Washington has put the Pacific salmon at risk of endangerment. The increase in fish has created more completion between species for food and shelter. In addition, the Atlantic salmon farmed fished have been recorded to have sea lice which could lead to disease and the extinction of Pacific salmon. The farmed Atlantic salmon have been known to have deformities,swollen gills, open sores, and tumors which can be spread through crossbreeding with the native Pacific salmon and could wipe out many species of fish. For this reason, Washington state officials are asking anglers to catch these spilled Atlantic salmon.
The extinction of the Pacific salmon would, other than deny homes of a delicious meal, affect a whole ecosystem. Without Pacific salmon to eat their prey, or salmon for predators to eat, an ecosystem is unbalanced and with limited resources would eventually extinguish an entire ecosystem. As the Atlantic salmon's prey overpopulates and uses more space, disease and limited food would wipe them out; and the Atlantic salmon's predators, would starve without the salmon.
The extinction of the Pacific salmon would, other than deny homes of a delicious meal, affect a whole ecosystem. Without Pacific salmon to eat their prey, or salmon for predators to eat, an ecosystem is unbalanced and with limited resources would eventually extinguish an entire ecosystem. As the Atlantic salmon's prey overpopulates and uses more space, disease and limited food would wipe them out; and the Atlantic salmon's predators, would starve without the salmon.