Major Emitters Meet

Sixteen of the world’s 195 nations are responsible for 80% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. On Monday all of these nations will send representatives to Washington D.C. to see if they can slow down the alarming rate of climate change. Just as President Obama promised, he has taken and will continue to take major steps in assuring that the U.S. will be the leaders in solving our current environmental crisis. Later this year, United Nations talks will take place in Copenhagen to see if a treaty can be drafted that would put limits on greenhouse gas emissions.

Recently China surpassed the United States as the world’s leader in greenhouse gas emissions, so their presence at these talks is essential. Officials are hoping that together new standards can be set and new technologies can be put into place that could be spread world-wide. However, even though the United States and China may attempt to curb their emissions, world-wide change will not occur unless all 16 nations can agree on curbing their industrial production. Let’s hope that this first meeting between all of these nations will be the first of many that will hopefully reach meaningful solutions that will sustain our environment and our ability to live on this great planet.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103465542

1 step forward, 2 steps back…

On the 24th of April, an article was released describing how a major oil and gas company would suspend seismic testing off the coast of a major feeding area for the endangered western gray whale. This testing would occur on Sakhalin Island in far east Russia but because of the western gray whale’s criticially low endangered status, they decided to suspend their activities in order to protect these animals.

This decision was made after an environmental panel advised that all testing which would disturb the gray whale’s environment should be halted. Sakhalin energy, which is a partner with Shell agreed to cancel all proposed 2009 seismic tests even with the tests already in place. It was a moment of great pride and relief for the Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel who realize that in order to bring the western gray whale’s numbers up, drastic measures must be put into place.

Only 25 breeding females remain in their natural habitat, and the area around Sakhalin Island is one of the whale’s most crucial feeding grounds. However, over the past year or so, scientists have noticed much fewer whales in the area and many behavior changes. This they believe is due to oil and gas exploration that is occuring near that area which is forcing the whales to retreat to deeper waters. This disrupts their ability to feed and subsequently only lowers their numbers more.

While Sakhalin Energy has agreed to suspend all testing, many companies such as Exxon, BP, and Rosneft have refused to suspend their exploration and have ignored the pleas around them. This just goes to show that no matter how many positive steps we take in the right direction toward coexisting with the nature around us, there will always be others who refuse to comply. This is a sad realization for those who care about the western gray whale because if other companies do not agree to suspend their testing than the marine mammal will perhaps be lost forever.

http://www.panda.org/wwf_news/news/?uNewsID=163083

The process of learning to coexist  with the nature around us must be a communal effort that every single human being makes. Without the beauty of wildlife around us, than our earth is just another rock. We must stop taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back. Large industries have to be the leaders to end environmental prejudice and injustice. Losing the western gray whale will be a horrible tragedy but unless we start really moving forward than we can expect its possible extinction to only be the first of many more to come.

The critically endangered western gray whale

image from http://www.peopleandplanet.net/thumbnail.php?id=1660&max=1000

Wolves Off the List

Ever since I’ve been a little kid, I’ve been fascinated with wolves. I remember watching documentaries about them and learning all I could. From all of my personal interest in them, I gained a sense of respect and compassion for their volatile past with man. I loved how they were put on the endangered species list because that would give them a chance to recuperate from all of the hunting that devastated their population in the 20th century.  However, it turns out that the wolf’s spot on the endangered species list may be all but over.

On April 1st, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a formal rule to remove wolves from the endangered species list in Idaho and Montana, while still keeping protections in Wyoming. Many people in these states were outraged because they did not believe that wolf population levels were steady enough to be taken off the endangered list. According to Ed Bangs, a wolf recovery coordinator with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Montana, 1,645 wolves live in the northern Rockies, including more than 300 in Wyoming, nearly 500 in Montana and about 850 in Idaho. Now if you ask me, that does not seem to be nearly enough to be taken off the endangered species list. Furthermore, the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service issued a seperate rule calling for the suspension of wolf protection in the western Great Lakes area.

Many people, including myself, are very worried that the wolf’s suspension on the endangered species list will only usher in similar events that occurred in the past between wolf and man. Wolves have been known to feed on rancher’s livestock and as a result, wolves have been killed. However, wolves were hunted almost to the brink of extinction. Just now, when they just seem to get their feet underneath them, the protection will be lifted. I believe wolves should be allowed more time to build up their population levels before the ban is lifted. I only hope that the states are willing to fight for their wolves because they are really incredible, interesting, animals.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30000402/

A Gray Wolf

Image from: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/staticfiles/NGS/Shared/StaticFiles/animals/images/1024/grey-wolf-snow.jpg

Addressing the Mercury Problem

No less than 3 days ago, world leaders met to address one of the biggest concerns in air pollution: mercury. Mercury is incredibly dangerous because it can travel thousands of miles beyond its original source through water and air. It accumulates primarily in predatory fish, and after they are consumed by humans, the mercury poisoning is passed on to them. One of the biggest hazards of mercury is its effects on brain development which makes mercury especially dangerous to pregnant women and young children.

Mercury is expelled into the atmosphere primarily through coal firing power plants where an estimated 50 tons of mercury are emitted into the Earth’s atmosphere by the United States alone. When taking into account China’s use of coal burning power plants and other industrialized nations the amount of toxic mercury in the atmosphere is astounding. The mercury pollution problem has been growing worse and worse every year but for the first time in decades the problem was addressed.

On February 20th, representatives from 140 countries commited to reduce global mercury emissions. This conglomeration and agreement was propelled by the United States and the Obama administration’s new stance on environmental protection. Currently, the United Nations Environment Program Governing Council is drafting an official treaty to be enacted by 2013. The treaty will legally enact laws to reduce the global mercury pollution by reducing the use of mercury in industrial processes, primarily through reducing the emissions of coal burning power plants. http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/39357

The United States, as a leader in the mercury reduction initiative is reminiscent to the Montreal Protocol where the US took the lead in addressing ozone depletion. A decade later, the ozone is actually healing and regenerating itself. The Montreal Protocol is a perfect example of the positive change that can be achieved for the environment with the US at the lead. Furthermore, the success of the Montreal Protocol should lead us to question why the United States does not back the Kyoto Treaty. If history stands correct, with the United States backing the Kyoto Treaty, vast, positive changes could take place and working with other leaders in the world, perhaps the climate change problem can be solved.

The United States and their stance as an initiator in environmental policies is a bright sign in the years to come. Today it is mercury pollution. Tomorrow it can be carbon dioxide. Before you know it the world could be on its way to a brighter, eco friendlier future.

Driving vs. Flying

It has long been debated, and long been a question in my mind as to which is the most environmentally friendly way of traveling long distances. It appears that I now have my answer.

According to the article, Flying vs Driving: Which is Better for the Environment? driving is the answer. In a trip of 300 miles from Philadelphia to Boston, driving that distance would generate about 104 kilograms of carbon dioxide regardless of the number of passengers. Flying on the other hand would generate about 184 kilograms of carbon dioxide per passenger. Most planes can seat an average of 80 people. Thats equal to 14,720 kilograms of carbon dioxide for one trip! http://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/fly_vs_drive.htm

Planes are usually chosen over cars for their convenience.

However, the economic side must be taken into account and on this side, flying wins. Flying a one way trip from San Francisco to Boston is much more worth it then driving. Although driving would emit less carbon dioxide into the environment, imagine all the money one would spend on food, gas, and hotels, not to mention the hours. Furthermore the strain that one puts on his/her car by driving that distance could have adverse effects on the car in the long run.

Once again, travelers are faced with the decision: conveniency or mother earth. I know I would choose conveniency, and I bet so would 9 out of 10 people. However, maybe this is the problem with our world today and the main reason why our earth is struggling. We are not being humble guests, and we must recognize that without our home we can have nothing more to destroy.

Cowpie Love

Recently, when asked what is one of the biggest producers of methane gas in our world, one of our classmates replied, “cows?” Well cows may not directly be the biggest source of methane in our world today but according to Idaho energy king Paul Kjellander cows may be the next biggest source of energy…Their manure that is.

Cows! Manure! Energy?!

http://jonbiggs.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/cows_69.jpg

The big dream is that the mountains of manure that Idaho possesses will link waste treatment facilities at dairies large and small to central refineries that produce natural gas pure enough for homes or cars. Mr. Knellander hopes that processed manure can be used directly from the dairies. He hopes that the methane produced by the cow manure could be fired up by a turbine that is on location at the dairy, which will produce electricty.

It sounds a little odd. Actually, it sounds really odd. But Idaho is home to about 550,000 dairy cows. That’s a whole lot of cows, and a whole lot of poo. If -and that is a big if- it works that might be translated into a whole lot of energy. 

This proposition illustrates that the world is clamoring for alternative energy sources devoid of greenhouse gas emissions. According to this article, we’ll take whatever we can get.  http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/38910

An Electric Benz.

Earlier this year we watched a film that touched upon some of the problems with electric cars. After watching it I can safely say that my hopes for electric cars were essentially smashed. However, next month Mercedes-Benz plans to unveil numerous models of electric cars at the Detroit Auto Show.  Even better the cars are reported to be able to go from 0-60 in 11 seconds….So it isn’t a Ferrari or a Lambo but could these models be the answer to a more carbon free transportation?

One of the models the BlueZero E-Cell has a range of 60 miles with a two hour charge. Another model, the BlueZero F-Cell uses a hydrogen fuel cell, with 136 horse power and even better, zero emissions.

The New Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Class

http://wikicars.org/en/Mercedes-Benz_E-Class

Ok so it all sounds pretty sweet. The only question remains is how is it actually going to work. If its any indication from previous electric car models, these ones have a lot to prove. Let’s hope that they can at least be the beginning to carbon free automobiles worldwide. http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/38921

World’s Greatest Reef in Peril

My parents have always told me fascinating stories about their trips to Australia. However, what remained with them the most throughout the years is their memories of the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world. It is sprawled over an area of 133,000 square miles and is the largest single structure made by living organisms. The reef is a safe haven for thousands of species including many endangered and rare ones. Due to its biodiversity it has drawn tourists for years, and in the future I hope to be one of them. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Barrier_Reef

The Beautiful Great Barrier Reef

However, my plans to visit the Great Barrier Reef just took a major hit. For years now the corals have experienced a downward spiral in growth. Scientists fear that if these trends continue by the year 2050, the coral will completely stop growing, killing the reef, and making it a dead zone full of algae. A recent report shows that some of the grander corals have decreased in growth by 14% since the 1990s. The cause of the decline is attributed to rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification. When large amounts of carbon dioxide enter water it affects the corals ability to grow at a regular rate and protect itself with an exoskeleton. This leaves it susceptible to other outside influences such as crashing waves and strong tides.

Despite the dire circumstances of the matter, the Australian government has recognized this serious problem and will begin regulating chemical run-off from farming or agricultural activities into the reef for the first time. One can only hope that this will lead to the prevention of the destruction of one of the world’s most incredible ecosystems. I may get the opportunity to visit the pristine reefs and see the beauty with my own eyes after all. http://news.smh.com.au/national/barrier-reef-coral-growth-will-stop-20090102-78yo.html

An example of the teeming wildlife that calls the Great Barrier Reef home

Where’d Snow Go?

Fresh powder…The best two words a skier or snowboarder, like myself, can hope for. Thankfully, upon my recent vacation to Utah, I saw a lot of it. Nothing better. However, one day as I was riding up the chair lift a thought came to my mind. What effect does global warming have on snowfall? Clearly, where I was at, there was not much negatively affecting the amount of snow fall. But what about other places?

After doing a little research I came across an intriguing article entitled, As Alps Warm, a Snow-Deprived Ski Resort Sells for $1. Upon reading the title I found that quite hard to believe. However, as I read through the article I discovered that this was the truth. Lack of snowfall in the Swiss Alps have forced many ski resorts to close down. This particular ski resort, located in Ernen, Switzerland, is located at medium altitude. The closing of this resort is consitent with many other closings of resorts located at medium and low altitudes. Global warming is the apparent cause for the lack of snow. In response, ski resorts are forced to purchase costly snow making machines. Unfortunately, most skiers prefer natural snow, a bigger ski area, and longer trails. This has led to the subsequent loss in business.

Last winter, Ernen lost more than $180,000.  When Ernen needed $1.4 million to renew its operating license it became impossible to keep open. This trend of business loss has been observed since the early 1990’s. Since that time, tourists in Ernen have steadily decreased until they reached their lowest number this past winter. Ultimately, it was too much to keep open so it was closed down.

This led to the purchase of Ernen by a certain English gentleman for only $.90. This certain chap now has plans to refurbish the resort and bring it back to prosperity. However, even despite the amount of money this man invests into Ernen, success cannot be guaranteed because of the simple fact: snow is becoming less and less common. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/22/world/europe/22ernen.html

Looking back on it, I sure was lucky to get to board in all that powder. But then again, if current trends continue, I can expect my days on the slopes to be numbered….

Fungus is a Fuel?

Transportation seems to be the one area of our world where alternative sources of energy will not help. Electric cars, so far, have proved to be ineffective. Sure fuel efficient cars are great and greatly reduce carbon emissions but they still emit SOME carbon dioxide. The point of the matter is we need a fuel that works, is truly carbon emission free, and can be mass produced.

Scientists might have found their solution in a type of Patagonian fungus. The fungus called Gliocladium roseum has the ability to produce a multitude of hydrogen and carbon molecules unlike any other organism in the world. Scientists are now working to develop this amazing organism into a biofuel that could power our cars and means of transportation. Its potential is so great that scientists have coined the term “myco-diesel” a derivation of the word fungus, to illustrate the extent of its benefits. This fungus has the power to make diesel compounds from cellulose which is more than any other biofuel can say for itself. This direct means of producing fuel will have an impact on the reduction of cost and carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.

Some of the main problems associated with biofuels is the problem they have on the price of food. A perfect example is ethanol derived from corn. However, Gliocladium roseum could be reproduced in a factory which would eliminate all of the price problems. Of course, there would be carbon dioxide emission in the transport and development but it would be much less compared to other means of fuel we use today. Development and research continues on this new alternative but the future definitely looks bright. Maybe just maybe, this could be the solution to eliminating our transportation emissions.

http://www.enn.com/wildlife/article/38805