Trumps Effects on the Environment
Since Trump's election into office, he has been the cause of a lot of our environmental issues. One example is that the Federal government is selling off parcels of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments for $212 for mining. He has also incorporated a higher tariffs on solar panels. This will make it more difficult for solar panels to be purchased and has hurt the domestic solar panel industry.
He has also suspended the "Waters of the United States" rule that Obama put into place to protect our waters. The regulation reduced pollution from sixty to seventy percent of our nations lakes, streams and rivers. Lastly, Trump's spending plan for 2019 will gut out the Department of Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, and NOAA where his budget would force the agency to stop protecting coastal estuaries, Pacific salmon, and marine animals.
He has also suspended the "Waters of the United States" rule that Obama put into place to protect our waters. The regulation reduced pollution from sixty to seventy percent of our nations lakes, streams and rivers. Lastly, Trump's spending plan for 2019 will gut out the Department of Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency, and NOAA where his budget would force the agency to stop protecting coastal estuaries, Pacific salmon, and marine animals.
How ACs Ruin the Environment
The Trump Administration recently lost one of its strongest advocates for going with the rest of the world and discontinuing the use of hydrofluorocarbon for refrigerating and air conditioning units. The substance is known to cause depletion in the stratosphere. They've signed the Montreal Protocol of 1987 and have signed the Kigali Amendment in 2016, but aren't bound to uphold it. The Kigali Amendment states that they slowly have to end their usage of hydrofluorocarbon on the grounds that it can contribute to global warming.
One study suggests that banning HCF use would drop the global temperature .35 to .5 percent, but many others have debunked that claim. Even in small amounts, they're very potent and efficient in trapping heat in the atmosphere. Mark Lunt from the University of Bristol says, “The growth of developing world and middle-income economies results in additional demand for refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, which are the primary sources of these compounds". Even though the US lost it's strongest advocate, another study suggests that developing countries are actually the problem with forty-two percent of HCF emissions coming from there.
One study suggests that banning HCF use would drop the global temperature .35 to .5 percent, but many others have debunked that claim. Even in small amounts, they're very potent and efficient in trapping heat in the atmosphere. Mark Lunt from the University of Bristol says, “The growth of developing world and middle-income economies results in additional demand for refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, which are the primary sources of these compounds". Even though the US lost it's strongest advocate, another study suggests that developing countries are actually the problem with forty-two percent of HCF emissions coming from there.
Indonesian Landslide
Farmers tending their crops in the Brebes District, Central Java were crushed by a mudslide on a terraced slope of a rice field. The mudslide happened after several days of heavy rainfall that loosened soil on the mountains surrounding the village. Mudslides are very common in Indonesia especially between October and April which is monsoon season.
Rescuers are working through the debris to find anymore victims. The mud makes it impossible to use heavy equipment, so they're forced to use farming tools and their bare hands.
Survivors described the incident as a sudden roar heard, and the side of the hill collapsed bringing trees and anything in it's path with it. A total of five are dead and fifteen are still missing.
Rescuers are working through the debris to find anymore victims. The mud makes it impossible to use heavy equipment, so they're forced to use farming tools and their bare hands.
Survivors described the incident as a sudden roar heard, and the side of the hill collapsed bringing trees and anything in it's path with it. A total of five are dead and fifteen are still missing.
Indonesian Volcano Eruption
Mount Sinabung on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, erupted again after being dormant for centuries. The volcano's first eruption was in 2010 and has since erupted afew times. This eruption spewed ashes and rock 5-7 kilometers into the air. The lava dome destroyed a part of the peak as it erupted, similar to Mount Saint Helens. Ash flows and hot gas spread out in a three mile diameter. Ashes were recorded to be as far away as 160 miles.
Villagers were given out masks to wear and were instructed to stay inside due to the dangerous air quality. Volcanologist and blogger Erik Klemetti said," Breathing volcanic ash is a significant health hazard—the ash is really small shards of glass, so it can abrade your lungs and form a ‘cement.’ |
Does Homeowners' Insurance Covers Mudslides?
Pamela Jameson Boehr and her husband own three properties on Montecito, each affected by the Mudslide. Of the three properties, one only one is severely affected, covered in two feet of mud and debris. "There's major destruction to the carport," she said. "The tool shed was wiped off the face of the Earth."
This pops the question for Boehr and many other Montecito residents, will their homeowner's insurance cover the damage caused by the mudslide? The average homeowners insurance doesn't cover floods which would include mudslides, but it does cover fires. Their argument is this: if the Thomas Fire came first, and that's what ultimately caused the mudslide, then shouldn't their insurance cover the mudslide?
Insurance company's first answers are going to be no says Amy Bach, executive director of the advocacy group United Policyholders , but she still wants homeowners to fight.
There is also the difference between mudslides and mudflows. If a homeowner wanted fight for their flood insurance to cover the damage, they wouldn't have much luck. A mudflow is wateryer than and mudslide and resembles a flood closer. A mudslide is harder and isn't very close to a flood at all.
This pops the question for Boehr and many other Montecito residents, will their homeowner's insurance cover the damage caused by the mudslide? The average homeowners insurance doesn't cover floods which would include mudslides, but it does cover fires. Their argument is this: if the Thomas Fire came first, and that's what ultimately caused the mudslide, then shouldn't their insurance cover the mudslide?
Insurance company's first answers are going to be no says Amy Bach, executive director of the advocacy group United Policyholders , but she still wants homeowners to fight.
There is also the difference between mudslides and mudflows. If a homeowner wanted fight for their flood insurance to cover the damage, they wouldn't have much luck. A mudflow is wateryer than and mudslide and resembles a flood closer. A mudslide is harder and isn't very close to a flood at all.
Afghanistan and Pakistan Earthquake
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan along the eastern border shared with Pakistan. Reports say only one has died so far and at least fifteen were injured. The earthquake was felt in the Afghan capital, Kabul, with tremors also felt in Islamabad and New Delhi. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in northeast Afghanistan, about 22 miles south of the Jarm area of the Hindu Kush, at 119 miles deep. The one definite casualty was a young girl in the country’s Balochistan province when the roof of a mud-brick home in the village of Lasbela fell in on top of her. Five others were said to have been injured in the collapse as local authorities continued to assess the extent of the damage across the province.
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Microwaves Are Ruining the Environment
New research shows that microwaves are even more harmful than we thought. Studies shoe that microwaves are responsible for 7.7 million tons of carbon emissions from the EU alone; which is the equivalent of 6.9 million cars. Experts estimate that the manufacturing process contributes 20 percent of a microwave’s negative environmental impact, and the appliances’ decreasing lifespans create waste disposal problems on top of that, but the real problem comes from the everyday use of microwaves.
Experts figure that we don't think of microwaves as something that contributes to our environmental issues. This is likely because the emissions are coming from a plant far away. You can see the exhaust coming from a car but you cant see the emissions a microwave creates.
Experts figure that we don't think of microwaves as something that contributes to our environmental issues. This is likely because the emissions are coming from a plant far away. You can see the exhaust coming from a car but you cant see the emissions a microwave creates.
Thawing Alaskan Permafrost
The Alaskan permafrost, the frozen ground that runs hundreds of feet below the surface, is currently thawing at an undesirable rate. The permafrost contains large amount of carbon in organic matter, as much as twice the amount that is already in our atmosphere. As the permafrost thaws out, the organic material is converted in to carbon dioxide and methane. The gases get into the atmosphere and add to global warming. Scientist believe that the atmosphere's temperature could jump an extra 1.7 degrees higher due to permafrost alone.
The green house gas emissions coming from the permafrost cause major issues. As mentioned earlier, the organic material trapped in the ground converts into carbon dioxide and methane and is emitted into the air. Carbon dioxide take centuries to leave the atmosphere meanwhile methane only takes about a decade, but it's a hundred times more effective at trapping heat. Also for the locals, the infrastructures are taking a beating too for the ground is thawing and the land is caving.
The green house gas emissions coming from the permafrost cause major issues. As mentioned earlier, the organic material trapped in the ground converts into carbon dioxide and methane and is emitted into the air. Carbon dioxide take centuries to leave the atmosphere meanwhile methane only takes about a decade, but it's a hundred times more effective at trapping heat. Also for the locals, the infrastructures are taking a beating too for the ground is thawing and the land is caving.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/08/23/climate/alaska-permafrost-thawing.html?nl=top-stories&nlid=53077924
Brazil's president Michel Temer was blocked by court in attempt to mine for metals in the parts of he Amazon. Federal judge Spanolo claims that only Congress has the power to make decisions like that not the president. The Brazilian president originally planned on abolishing Renca, an area 17,760 square miles believed to contain deposits of gold, copper, tantalum, iron ore, nickel and manganese, but couldn't proceed after receiving complaints from environmental campaigners and climate activists. But this was only a set back for Temer, for he re-issued the decree with clearer guidelines concerning the protection of indigenous territory and conservation areas . Environmentalists claim that this is only a marketing strategy because 30 percent of the area would still be legal to mine on.
This is concerning because deforestation is inevitable when creating mines and has a major negative impact on the environment. Majority of animals live in forests, but without a forest to live in a mass of animals will be left without a habitat. This can also lead to furthering global warming. Trees absorb the green house gases that are emitted into the air everyday, without the trees to absorb more gases are left to ruin the air. Lastly, trees are important in blocking moist forest floors from the sun. Without their protection the soil drys up and so creates a dessert where the forest once lived.
This is concerning because deforestation is inevitable when creating mines and has a major negative impact on the environment. Majority of animals live in forests, but without a forest to live in a mass of animals will be left without a habitat. This can also lead to furthering global warming. Trees absorb the green house gases that are emitted into the air everyday, without the trees to absorb more gases are left to ruin the air. Lastly, trees are important in blocking moist forest floors from the sun. Without their protection the soil drys up and so creates a dessert where the forest once lived.
Brazilian President Pushes to Mine in the Amazon
Plastic In Our Tap Water?
New studies are finding that tap water isn't just tainted with lead and arsenic, but also with plastic. It was found that in the US we have the highest concentration with up to 94% in major areas such as the Capitol, the Environmental Protection Agency headquarters, and Trump Tower in New York. Lebanon also had 94%, India at 82% and Europe at 72%. The US averaged 4.8 plastic fibers per 500 ml. Scott Belcher a research professor at North Carolina State University in Orb’s report writes, "We generally assume the water bottle holding that pure spring water... is there protecting our food and drinks. (Instead,) these plastics are breaking down and leaching chemicals".
It's important that we limit our plastic because a common chemical used to make plastic known as BPA, is hazardous to human health and can lead to thyroid and neurological problems and cancer. Also, plastic is virtually indestructible and is meant to be recycled, but because we aren't handling it properly majority just sits in landfills. From there the plastic gets into the ocean, is consumed by fish then we eat the fish harming both people and sea life.
It's important that we limit our plastic because a common chemical used to make plastic known as BPA, is hazardous to human health and can lead to thyroid and neurological problems and cancer. Also, plastic is virtually indestructible and is meant to be recycled, but because we aren't handling it properly majority just sits in landfills. From there the plastic gets into the ocean, is consumed by fish then we eat the fish harming both people and sea life.
How Cocoa is Causing Deforestation in Africa
Major brands like Nestle and Mars are getting their cocoa from traders who are illegally growing cocoa trees in national parks and reserves in Ivory Coast and Ghana. About one-third of protected areas in Ivory Coast have been used for illegal cocoa agriculture. This is very apparent to local authorities, but because they have the largest economy which is ran by cocoa their acts get over looked. Even villages of tens of thousands are pouring into the business with support from their schools and churches. Nestle and Mars claim to be moving to more sustainable means of getting their supplies for they've both joined the Cocoa and Forests Initiative, an organization with intentions of ending deforestation in the global cocoa supply chain.
This becomes an issues for all the forest animals living in these natural parks and reserves. Animals such as hippos, elephants and chimpanzees are all be threatened by the deforestation. This also has poor effects relating to global warming. With the amount of protected land being swept away for agricultural means results in the loss of carbon absorbing plant life.
This becomes an issues for all the forest animals living in these natural parks and reserves. Animals such as hippos, elephants and chimpanzees are all be threatened by the deforestation. This also has poor effects relating to global warming. With the amount of protected land being swept away for agricultural means results in the loss of carbon absorbing plant life.
Mexico Gets Hit With Two Earthquakes
Although uncommon, Mexico was hit with two earthquakes only 12 days apart from each other. Scientists hypothesize that this may have happened by the first earthquake altering nearby stresses resulting in another large earthquake, but thy aren't quite sure.
Being that Mexico is right by a subduction zone, it's more susceptible to large earthquakes. Both earthquakes occurred in the Cocos Plate not between that and the North American. Had this happened the result would have been a devastating megathrust.
Being prepared for earthquakes, or any natural disaster, is extremely important because scientists can't predict earthquakes. They can calculate the probability and give a few seconds warning but that's the extent. Natural disasters can unexpectedly take thousands of lives which is why we need to have emergency bags ready and know the right precautions to take in order to protect ourselves.
Being that Mexico is right by a subduction zone, it's more susceptible to large earthquakes. Both earthquakes occurred in the Cocos Plate not between that and the North American. Had this happened the result would have been a devastating megathrust.
Being prepared for earthquakes, or any natural disaster, is extremely important because scientists can't predict earthquakes. They can calculate the probability and give a few seconds warning but that's the extent. Natural disasters can unexpectedly take thousands of lives which is why we need to have emergency bags ready and know the right precautions to take in order to protect ourselves.
Yosemite Granite Slab Falls
Just recently a large slab of El Capitan's granite surface, " the size of an apartment building" broke off and fell while 30 climbers were on the wall. The rock is amongst the largest monoliths in the world at 4,000 feet above Yosemite Valley. Many said that they heard rumbling and saw large clouds of white dust puff out as the rock fell. Experienced climbers claimed to have never seen anything like it before.
Rock fall is dangerous one because it can take the life of someone if they're nearby by. This happened to a man named Mason Robinson who was scaling El Capitan in 2013. His rope was severed by a dislodged rock and fell 230 feet to his death. Also as rock breaks off and falls from El Capitan, the attraction slowly withers away.
Rock fall is dangerous one because it can take the life of someone if they're nearby by. This happened to a man named Mason Robinson who was scaling El Capitan in 2013. His rope was severed by a dislodged rock and fell 230 feet to his death. Also as rock breaks off and falls from El Capitan, the attraction slowly withers away.
Japanese Marine Life on US Coast
As a result of the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, thousands of tons of debris like docks, TVs, refrigerators, and plastic was poured into the ocean. Since then plenty of the waste has shown up on US shores running from Hawaii to Alaska and with it was marine life. Scientists have astonishingly found almost 300 different species native to Japan attached to the debris. Many were surprised to have found so many species because it's uncommon for coastal animals to have survived in deeper waters.
Although we don't know the effects of these animals right now, invasive have never been proven to be a good thing. Invasive species can prey on the natives and disrupt an ecosystem. Also, with the effects of global warming taking place, we can only expect to see more typhoons and hurricanes throwing debris into the ocean and moving marine life along with it. |
Hurricane Nate
Hurricane Nate is expected to hit the Gulf Coast Saturday evening as a category 2. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida are all taking the proper precautions to prepare for the storm. As of Saturday morning Nate was moving at 26 mph towards the coast with winds at 90 mph deeming it as a category one, but is expected to strengthen to a category 2 by afternoon. Meteorologists are predicting 3 to 6 inches of rain through Monday. Also, the National Hurricane Center says that the combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide is expected to raise water levels by as much as 7 to 11 feet from the mouth of the Mississippi River.
While Nate was a tropical storm in the western Caribbean sea, deadly flash floods and mudslides where brought to Central America. "According to The Associated Press, 22 people were killed, including 15 in Nicaragua and seven in Costa Rica. Costa Rican officials said 15 people were missing as well".
It's important that the people in the areas expected to be effected by Hurricane Nate don't take the storm lightly. Although it may only make landfall as a category 2, it will still bring dangerous flash floods, storm surge and tornadoes. Also, those instructed to evacuate should do so because it not only puts themselves in danger , but also first responders who have to go and save them.
While Nate was a tropical storm in the western Caribbean sea, deadly flash floods and mudslides where brought to Central America. "According to The Associated Press, 22 people were killed, including 15 in Nicaragua and seven in Costa Rica. Costa Rican officials said 15 people were missing as well".
It's important that the people in the areas expected to be effected by Hurricane Nate don't take the storm lightly. Although it may only make landfall as a category 2, it will still bring dangerous flash floods, storm surge and tornadoes. Also, those instructed to evacuate should do so because it not only puts themselves in danger , but also first responders who have to go and save them.
1970s Bay Area Pollution
Forty-six years ago when the Environmental Protection Agency was formed, they quickly realized that they needed to document the pollution happening in the United States. In hopes of bringing more attention to environmental issues we man has brought about, the EPA hired 70 photographers to "photographically document subjects of environmental concern." They took photographs for 5 years and captured more than 80,000 images. The photos included sewage pouring into the San Francisco Bay, crop-dusting grapevines in the Central Valley and thick smog over the Golden Gate Bridge.
This project was really important because it not only brought awareness to the damage humans are doing to the planet, but also gives us a way to compare how our environment is now to how it was then, in 1974. It allows us to see our progress or failures from the work we're doing to help the planet.
This project was really important because it not only brought awareness to the damage humans are doing to the planet, but also gives us a way to compare how our environment is now to how it was then, in 1974. It allows us to see our progress or failures from the work we're doing to help the planet.
Plant Emits 99% of US Chloroprene Pollution
A single synthetic rubber factory owned by DENKA is responsible for 99% of the entire United State's chloroprene emissions. Locals in the Louisiana town have been been breathing in the chloroprene emitted from the plant for forty years and were never informed of it's effects. Chloroprene is a possible human carcinogen, known to cause cancer. The chloroprene has boosted the locals' chances of developing cancer up to 40 times the national average.
The EPA says that the plant is most likely responsible for other illnesses as well. For example, one man who grew up near the plant struggled with a chronic kidney disease and was always in and out of hospitals. He later went to college and didn't have any troubles until he moved back to his home town and within just six months, his kidneys failed. I think that this is good exposure for people to see the dangers of living near factories and plants. Also, this encourages plants to be checked more often to see if they're harming anyone or the environment.
The EPA says that the plant is most likely responsible for other illnesses as well. For example, one man who grew up near the plant struggled with a chronic kidney disease and was always in and out of hospitals. He later went to college and didn't have any troubles until he moved back to his home town and within just six months, his kidneys failed. I think that this is good exposure for people to see the dangers of living near factories and plants. Also, this encourages plants to be checked more often to see if they're harming anyone or the environment.
Solar-Powered Cell Phone Cart
At the age of only nineteen, Henri Nyakarundi created a mobile kiosk to charge cell phones with solar power. Born in Burundi, Africa, Nyakarundi moved to the United States to study computer science at Georgia State and soon after created his business. His idea came from revisiting his home town during the holidays. He noticed that many people had cell phones, but most of them couldn't charge them,"In Rwanda, industry analysis estimates that roughly 70% of the population have a cell phone, yet only 18% have access to electricity". As of now Henri has 25 running kiosks in Rwanda, but hopes to gain between 600 and 800 in the two years.
Nyakarundi's invention is obviously environmentally friendly and helps community members charge their phones, but it's also creating job opportunities for people. Henri's ideal employees are those who are poor and lack job opportunities. The carts make about 37-107 US dollars a month; enough to feed and family and pay rent. Most employees have to make a down payment and installation fees, but Nyakarundi made these costs free to women and disabled people because they's the most vulnerable groups in Africa.
Nyakarundi's invention is obviously environmentally friendly and helps community members charge their phones, but it's also creating job opportunities for people. Henri's ideal employees are those who are poor and lack job opportunities. The carts make about 37-107 US dollars a month; enough to feed and family and pay rent. Most employees have to make a down payment and installation fees, but Nyakarundi made these costs free to women and disabled people because they's the most vulnerable groups in Africa.
How Climate Change Affects Your Coffee
New research suggests that the world's fifth largest coffee bean producer, Ethiopia, may lose up to sixty percent of its suitable farming land by the end of the century. This means lower quality coffee and less of it overall. As the climate continues to get warmer and the amount of rainfall they're getting decreases, says Nature Plants, coffee-growing areas could be affected substantially. Coffee grows it's best in cooler temperatures, giving it time to ripen slowly. But when it's hotter, as it is in Ethiopia, the beans ripen too quickly and hamper the acidity and sweetness of the bean. A report by World Coffee Research says, " the demand for coffee will have doubled by 2050, but the suitable land to grow it on will be cut in half".
Although paying a little more for coffee isn't the worst thing that could happen to us, a loss in coffee production could still have it's effects. Being that sixteen percent of Ethiopia's population(fifteen million people) work in coffee farming, many jobs could be lost as the suitable land is lost. Also, coffee production is responsible for twenty-five percent of their total export earnings. Coffee farmers are usually smallholders or family owned businesses, which means they most likely don't have the resources to adapt to climate change and will probably have to stop growing coffee altogether.
Although paying a little more for coffee isn't the worst thing that could happen to us, a loss in coffee production could still have it's effects. Being that sixteen percent of Ethiopia's population(fifteen million people) work in coffee farming, many jobs could be lost as the suitable land is lost. Also, coffee production is responsible for twenty-five percent of their total export earnings. Coffee farmers are usually smallholders or family owned businesses, which means they most likely don't have the resources to adapt to climate change and will probably have to stop growing coffee altogether.
Working Towards Zero Waste in Brooklyn
A new shop in Brooklyn, New York has opened up known as Package Free. Their goal is to create a store where people can shop for everyday products while creating zero trash. Everything at Package Free can and has been recycled. They offer everything from shower curtains to to bamboo toothbrushes. Founder of the company, Laura Singer, claims that she can fit all the trash she has generated over the last four years into a single sixteen ounce mason jar. She says, "The most important thing is to understand the power of buying," she said. "Every time you buy, that's a vote. You have the power to support a practice that is either sustainable or not."
The average American generates sixteen-thousand pounds of garbage a year, that's about four and a half pounds a day and half of that ends up in landfills. So, zero waste activists plan to change that number by reducing, reusing, and recycling. Places like Package Free make it easier for everyday people to live waste free without the inconvenience. They're also taking away the hippie stigma living trash free has and making it normal for people to live a waste free life.
The average American generates sixteen-thousand pounds of garbage a year, that's about four and a half pounds a day and half of that ends up in landfills. So, zero waste activists plan to change that number by reducing, reusing, and recycling. Places like Package Free make it easier for everyday people to live waste free without the inconvenience. They're also taking away the hippie stigma living trash free has and making it normal for people to live a waste free life.
Eating Healthier is Good for the Environment Too
New research suggests that eating along the guidelines that your government sets is actually beneficial for the environment, not just your personal health. Scientists say that food production including transporting, feeding and watering animals; as well as growing crops and fishing, is responsible for 20-30% of green house gas emissions. Paul Behrens, an environmental scientist at Leiden University in the Netherlands says that the top 28 high-income countries could cut down on their emissions by 13-25% if they followed the diets recommended by their governments. Most governments recommend eating less meat and the less we eat meat, the less energy will be lost and the less energy used to get the meat.
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Real vs. Artificial Trees
There is debate over whether buying an artificial tree versus a real tree is more environmentally friendly. Growing trees on a tree farm requires, water, pesticide, herbicide, and fungicide as well as the gasoline to transport them to be sold. On the other hand, artificial trees require PVC plastic, aluminum, steel and cardboard for packaging as well as other shipping materials. manufacturing an artificial Christmas tree is the equivalent of making a patio chair. But, there is also the after math of what happens to a Christmas tree. Farm grown trees can break down and decompose, but artificial trees cannot. Most fake trees end up in landfills after nine years and can never be recycled or broken down.
Ultimately, buying a real Christmas tree is more environmentally friendly. Artificial trees will never go away once they are made. They go to sit in landfills forever. Farm grown Christmas trees on the other hand, decompose and they help with global because they adsorb carbon dioxide while they are being grown. |