Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Plastics in the Marine Environment
We need to really start paying attention when it comes to our plastic what we do with it. When you use or purchase a plastic or a light weight contaner make sure the you do the right thing once you are done using it recycling it be what you should do with it. Because we dont always do that we have some people that just throw it away it some how ends up in our ocean and it is affecting our marine environment. There are plastic flotting out in the ocean and fish are getting caught in them. There is so much flotting out there it's the size of an island that we need to come up with some thing to get ride of this problem before we keep losing more our marine life. check out this website http://www.blueoceansociety.org/plastics.htm it has a lot of info on this.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Our Oceans are turning into plastic....are we?
http://www.bestlifeonline.com/cms/publish/health-fitness
This is a scary article that discusses this huge spot in the Pacific ocean as big as Texas that is full of plastic and garbage. The article discusses the fact that this plastic is very dangerous for animals All of the animals from the smallest to the largest such as whales are in danger. There was a picture of a sea turtle that was being suffocated bt a piece of plastic wrapped around his middle. This was causing his shell to form an hourglass figure. The article also goes on to discuss the dangerous chemicals found in plastics.
This is a scary article that discusses this huge spot in the Pacific ocean as big as Texas that is full of plastic and garbage. The article discusses the fact that this plastic is very dangerous for animals All of the animals from the smallest to the largest such as whales are in danger. There was a picture of a sea turtle that was being suffocated bt a piece of plastic wrapped around his middle. This was causing his shell to form an hourglass figure. The article also goes on to discuss the dangerous chemicals found in plastics.
Global Warming Effects
So many things can occur in our environment because of global warming. There is a visual map on this website that shows all the effects global warming has on this earth such as rising sea levels,threatened cultures, reductions in sea ice, loss of biodiversity and so much more. You can click on each icon and it will give you a brief synopsis of what its about. http://green.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/gw-impacts-interactive.html
Mysterious Clouds More Common Due to Climate Change?
In this article which can be found on the National Geographic website states that very bright and illuminating clouds have been more common in polar skies. According to this article, the possible cause for this may be climate change. So-called noctilucent clouds, which streak across the sky in vibrant colors during polar summers, are ten times brighter than previously believed, according to recent data from NASA's Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) satellite. A likely explanation for the clouds' surge is that temperatures in the upper atmosphere have gotten even colder due to the build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The evidence linking carbon dioxide to changes in night-shining clouds is still tentative, Russell (AIM principal investigator) said. Go to: nationalgeographic.com and check out the images of the night shining clouds, they actually look really nice.
Crime Against Humanity
http://www.monbiot.com/archives/2007/11/06/an-agricultural-crime-against-humanity/By George Monbiot. Published in the Guardian 6th November 2007
This is a really interesting article. It just blew my mind. It is about the government wanting to use ethanol as fuel. This would mean people in countries such as Swaziland will go hungry. These people are already in a bad drought. The author claims that the U.S. has several thousand hectares of land reserved to start producing ethanol. Ethanol comes from cassava those peoples staple crop.The author talks about the fact that food prices are already rising and people could not afford the food when it was inexpensive. Also, this takes more land which decreases the amount of arable land and water, which is already limited. The author also says that the UN Food and Agriculture Organization says this is the lowest global food reserve in 25 years.
Amber Urias
This is a really interesting article. It just blew my mind. It is about the government wanting to use ethanol as fuel. This would mean people in countries such as Swaziland will go hungry. These people are already in a bad drought. The author claims that the U.S. has several thousand hectares of land reserved to start producing ethanol. Ethanol comes from cassava those peoples staple crop.The author talks about the fact that food prices are already rising and people could not afford the food when it was inexpensive. Also, this takes more land which decreases the amount of arable land and water, which is already limited. The author also says that the UN Food and Agriculture Organization says this is the lowest global food reserve in 25 years.
Amber Urias
Artic Sea Ice Gone in Summer within 5 years?
As shocking and in some respects not so shocking, some scientists had first estimated that the Arctic Sea Ice could melt away by the year 2040, however, NASA scientist Jay Zwally is now stating that the ice cap could be gone as early as 2012! As many of us now know, the cause of something like this occurring is due to such activities such as burning coal, oil, and other fossil fuels. Unforutunately when something like this happens the sea level will eventually rise and the global temperatures will gradually change. If you want to read more about this and check out some pictures of melting iceburgs go to -http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/33860636.html
"Mickey Mouse of the Dessert"
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/251.1/popup/index.php?cl=5419409
Watch this first ever video of the “Mickey Mouse of the Dessert.” This small rare threatened rodent is getting a lot of attention because of this clip. Scientists are choosing a few threatened species and providing a lot of awareness so people can help do their part to save these animals. So far it is working out pretty well.
Watch this first ever video of the “Mickey Mouse of the Dessert.” This small rare threatened rodent is getting a lot of attention because of this clip. Scientists are choosing a few threatened species and providing a lot of awareness so people can help do their part to save these animals. So far it is working out pretty well.
Climate Conference in Bali
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071213/ap_on_sc/bali_climate_conference
Al Gore is in Bali, Indonesia right now and was talking about how the U.S. is responsible for blocking process in the talks about emissions reductions. A lot of people took offence to Gore’s comment and one said "The U.S. is being open and working very constructively with the other countries that are here. We are rolling our sleeves up and really working to come up with a global post-2012 framework." Gore is also confident that the next president is going to support environmental changes and the Kyoto Protocol.
Al Gore is in Bali, Indonesia right now and was talking about how the U.S. is responsible for blocking process in the talks about emissions reductions. A lot of people took offence to Gore’s comment and one said "The U.S. is being open and working very constructively with the other countries that are here. We are rolling our sleeves up and really working to come up with a global post-2012 framework." Gore is also confident that the next president is going to support environmental changes and the Kyoto Protocol.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Surf Scoter Ducks
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21977456/
I thought this was an interesting article about the surf scoter ducks. The big San Francisco oil spill occurred at the same time these poor ducks migrated to the Bay. They came to S.F for the climate and for its abundant food supply of clams, crabs and mussels. These sea ducks are already having trouble surviving and this has just made it worse. So far, more than 1000 birds have been found dead but more have been saved and rehabilitated at a wildlife center.
These ducks are not on any endangered lists but their population has “declined 50 to 70 percent in the past four decades” and some of this is linked to global warming issues.
I thought this was an interesting article about the surf scoter ducks. The big San Francisco oil spill occurred at the same time these poor ducks migrated to the Bay. They came to S.F for the climate and for its abundant food supply of clams, crabs and mussels. These sea ducks are already having trouble surviving and this has just made it worse. So far, more than 1000 birds have been found dead but more have been saved and rehabilitated at a wildlife center.
These ducks are not on any endangered lists but their population has “declined 50 to 70 percent in the past four decades” and some of this is linked to global warming issues.
Kyoto Protocol: Austrailia Ratifies
As of December 3, 2007, Australia ratified the Kyoto Protocol after more than a decade of opposition. This leaves the United States as the only country not involved in this world fight over global warming. George W. Bush did not want to be included in this program because of some of the inconsistencies between the requirements of the developed and undeveloped countries.
I am willing to bet that in the next election a democrat is going to be president and will probably ratify this protocol. I think like most political issues in the United States, the political parties are split down the middle, not thinking about the entire picture or compromise but what is best for themselves. The Kyoto Protocol would require us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions below levels specified in the Treaty. “These targets must be met within a five-year time frame between 2008 and 2012, and add up to a total cut in GHG emissions of at least 5% against the baseline of 1990.”
I am willing to bet that in the next election a democrat is going to be president and will probably ratify this protocol. I think like most political issues in the United States, the political parties are split down the middle, not thinking about the entire picture or compromise but what is best for themselves. The Kyoto Protocol would require us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions below levels specified in the Treaty. “These targets must be met within a five-year time frame between 2008 and 2012, and add up to a total cut in GHG emissions of at least 5% against the baseline of 1990.”
HOW TO RECYCLE ALMOST ANYTHING!
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3172
In class we have been talking a lot about how to recycle more efficiently. I thought this article was really interesting because provides a lot of tips on how to recycle almost anything. It supplies plenty of resources to contact to get rid of old vehicles, batteries, oil, other chemicals, phones, clothes, electronic devices, glasses, lights, food, books, art supplies, newspapers, paint, boxes, bags, carpet, plastic, peanuts, pans, envelopes, smoke detectors, Styrofoam, videotapes, even wire hangers. These are just a few of the examples this article lists.
I wouldn’t think about how to recycle most of these things and without easy access to a solution I would probably get rid of it without thinking about the effects on the environment. I think this is the case for most people and without widely available information and awareness this problem of waste will not improve. I realize recycling is expensive but if we find other ways to reuse products or find other people who can, we can each do our part to save the world.
In class we have been talking a lot about how to recycle more efficiently. I thought this article was really interesting because provides a lot of tips on how to recycle almost anything. It supplies plenty of resources to contact to get rid of old vehicles, batteries, oil, other chemicals, phones, clothes, electronic devices, glasses, lights, food, books, art supplies, newspapers, paint, boxes, bags, carpet, plastic, peanuts, pans, envelopes, smoke detectors, Styrofoam, videotapes, even wire hangers. These are just a few of the examples this article lists.
I wouldn’t think about how to recycle most of these things and without easy access to a solution I would probably get rid of it without thinking about the effects on the environment. I think this is the case for most people and without widely available information and awareness this problem of waste will not improve. I realize recycling is expensive but if we find other ways to reuse products or find other people who can, we can each do our part to save the world.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
global warming
if you want to watch a video that really makes you think about global warming, this is a good one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FVZSUsT-Ws
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FVZSUsT-Ws
Northern lights...just thought this was interesting
SAN FRANCISCO -- Scientists think they have discovered the energy source of the spectacular color displays seen in the northern lights.New data from NASA's Themis mission, a quintet of satellites launched this winter, found the energy comes from a stream of charged particles from the sun flowing like a current through twisted bundles of magnetic fields connecting Earth's upper atmosphere to the sun.
The energy is then abruptly released in the form of a shimmering display of lights visible in the upper latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, said principal investigator Vassilis Angelopoulos of the University of California, Los Angeles.Results were presented Tuesday at the American Geophysical Union meeting.In March, the satellites detected a burst of northern lights, or auroras borealis, over Alaska and Canada. During the two-hour light show, the satellites measured particle flow and magnetic fields from space.To scientists' surprise, the geomagnetic storm powering the auroras raced 400 miles in a minute across the sky. Angelopoulos estimated the storm's power was equal to the energy released by a magnitude 5.5 earthquake."Nature was very kind to us," Angelopoulos said.Although researchers have suspected the existence of wound-up bundles of magnetic fields that provide energy for the auroras, the phenomenon was not confirmed until May, when the satellites became the first to map their structure some 40,000 miles above the Earth's surface.Scientists hope the satellites will record a geomagnetic storm next year that's now in the making, and end the debate about when the storms are triggered.
The energy is then abruptly released in the form of a shimmering display of lights visible in the upper latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, said principal investigator Vassilis Angelopoulos of the University of California, Los Angeles.Results were presented Tuesday at the American Geophysical Union meeting.In March, the satellites detected a burst of northern lights, or auroras borealis, over Alaska and Canada. During the two-hour light show, the satellites measured particle flow and magnetic fields from space.To scientists' surprise, the geomagnetic storm powering the auroras raced 400 miles in a minute across the sky. Angelopoulos estimated the storm's power was equal to the energy released by a magnitude 5.5 earthquake."Nature was very kind to us," Angelopoulos said.Although researchers have suspected the existence of wound-up bundles of magnetic fields that provide energy for the auroras, the phenomenon was not confirmed until May, when the satellites became the first to map their structure some 40,000 miles above the Earth's surface.Scientists hope the satellites will record a geomagnetic storm next year that's now in the making, and end the debate about when the storms are triggered.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Valley Air Quality Improving
Although this news piece may be two months old, I still found this to be very intriguing. According to a news piece on KSEE 24, our valley air quaility is the best it has been in the last thirty years, which I personally think is amazing considering that we do live in the Central Valley where a lot of the pollution settles. According to this article ozone violations have gone down almost in half since 2002. I think that this kind of news gives those who live in this area some hope that our air quality can and will improve even more in the years to come. What do you think? What do you think has caused this improvement of air quality?
http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/10214221.html
http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/10214221.html
The San Joaquin river and Salmon
On December 6, the Fresno bee reported on the proposed bill to return water and salmon to the San Joaquin river that was first introduced a year ago. The bill proposes that both water and salmon to be returned to the San Joauquin river below the Friant dam. Debates are going on discussing on who would pay for the project and if it would really help the salmon. A resolution is being hoped for in the near future.
Wastewater
On December 7, the Fresno bee reeported that Chukchansi resort and casino has received a permit to that allows treated waste water to be discharged unto coarsegold creek. Many locals and residents who live downstream protested at the first talk of this idea. The casino had been tied up in courst for months due to opposition but a casino representative claims that the pernit will not be used immediately. The casino is also in development of adding an 11 story hotel tower, raising questions of the reason for the water permit. Chanel Wright, a spokewoman for the casino stated, "Chukchansi Gold resort and Casino has no intentions of discharging water at this time, the permit is merely a measure the casino is taking in the event the water discharge is needed." The permit takes effect January 4th. This causes a major problem for organic farmers because they must certify that they dont use recylced water.
Global warming and take action now
Should we take action now or just sit around to see whether global warming is happening ? Here is a video that explain the role you may take and what would be the results of taking action right away.
Sustainable Agriculture
Just because something is grown locally doesn’t mean that it is better for the environment. Researchers at the
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/09/business/yourmoney/09feed.html?ex=1197954000&en=036c8f8587ee0257&ei=5024&partner=BLACKBOARD
Fresno air quality image
Here is a link to the NASA site that shows Fresno and Bakersfield's air quality. You can clearly see the haze over the central valley and southern part of the central valley.
Diablo nuke plant waste could travel through San Luis Obispo
Diablo nuke plant waste could travel through San Luis Obispo
12/10/07 05:21:09
Related Content http://www.sanluisobispo.com
Nuclear waste from the coastal Diablo Canyon power plant could be shipped by truck over San Luis Obispo County roads for loading onto trains heading for a proposed desert disposal site.
The federal Department of Energy says the exact method for transporting radioactive waste to Nevada's Yucca Mountain will be made on a case-by-case basis. Rail and barge methods are being considered.
The San Luis Obispo Tribune newspaper says that means there is still a possibility that Diablos waste could be taken by barge to Port Hueneme for loading onto Nevada-bound trains.
Federal officials hope to open Yucca Mountain in about nine years with shipping of spent fuel from Diablo Canyon coming seven years after it opens
12/10/07 05:21:09
Related Content http://www.sanluisobispo.com
Nuclear waste from the coastal Diablo Canyon power plant could be shipped by truck over San Luis Obispo County roads for loading onto trains heading for a proposed desert disposal site.
The federal Department of Energy says the exact method for transporting radioactive waste to Nevada's Yucca Mountain will be made on a case-by-case basis. Rail and barge methods are being considered.
The San Luis Obispo Tribune newspaper says that means there is still a possibility that Diablos waste could be taken by barge to Port Hueneme for loading onto Nevada-bound trains.
Federal officials hope to open Yucca Mountain in about nine years with shipping of spent fuel from Diablo Canyon coming seven years after it opens
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Conservation International
This is an awesome website that I happened to stumble upon when I was looking for articles on Ecological Footprints. It talks about everything we've been going over in class, has informational quizzes, and A LOT of really good information. Check it out. Google conservation international or simply type www.conservation.org into your URL and it will take you directly to the site. Enjoy.
Eco-Footprint
In the spirit of our recent Ecological Footprint analysis, I found a free online quiz that anyone can take to determine their very own ecological footprint. I highly recommend this quiz to anyone who is interested in their analysis rather than going through the month long data collection that we had to do. This is much less time consuming, and will probably give you about the same results as our analysis that we went through. Visit http://www.conservation.org/act/live_green/Pages/ecofootprint.aspx and spread the word.
Challenge your knowledge
Just for fun, you can challenge yourself to online quizzes from the World Book Encyclopedia. Just go to www.worldbook.com and click on the link below the Trivia Question of the Day for a number of different quizzes on any subject imaginable. I took a couple of quizzes in the Science and Nature category, and surprisingly, I didn't do to bad thanks to the information I've learned throughout this class. Give it a try, you might surprise yourself.
Local Food Have Impact Beyond Kitchen Table
Read, listen, or watch the story of locally grown food and the impact it's having on society and their choice to buy locally grown rather than in supermarkets at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/social_issues/july-dec07/localfood_11-22.html. This is an interesting story of how society as a whole are making a movement to support local farmers and buy locally grown foods because the closer to home you can get it, the better it seems to taste. This is the opinion of most of the consumers in this story, and frankly, I agree. I would much rather buy food that is locally grown and know exactly what went into growing it and where it came from exactly, then not know any of the above. Check out this story and maybe you'll to think twice the next time you're at the grocery store.
Fresno State Pledges Campus Sustainability
In a recent article from the campus Collegian newspaper, writer Shirley Lau talks about how the university plans on taking a more environmental friendly approach to the everyday hustle and bustle of campus life. During the grand opening ceremony of the solar parking lot, Lot V, on November 9, 2007, university president John Welty signed the Talloires Declaration. This is a 10-point plan calling for the incorporation of programs such as research and teachings of environmental issues into the higher education system. The thought is, that since most of the people who manage society's institutions are part of or attending the university, this is the prime place for the environment awareness to be introduced and reinforced. As part of making the students and faculty on campus more aware of environmental sustainability, the new Henry Madden Library is one of the focal points of this project. The university sought out furnishings and carpet among other things to help make the library more environmentally sound. Another way that the university is trying to spread awareness of sustainability, is by providing more recycling deposits around campus alongside regular trash deposits. Right now there are only about 50 recycling deposits, but considering how many trash deposits there are around campus that number highly exceeds the number of recycling deposits. Just think, if there was one recycling container for every trash container, students and faculty would be more inclined to throw there trash and recycling in the appropriate deposits instead of just what was convenient at the time. Overall, I think it's a wonderful step towards sustainability awareness. If everyone on campus joined the movement and did their part, we would save more of the environment over time than we realize.
Go Green
In the Wednesday, November 28, 2007 edition of the Collegian (Fresno State's campus newspaper) the front page headline was "Go Green". The article talked about how for the past three semesters, teachers, students, and volunteers have been trying to cut down on the universities overall power usage. Student organizers were able to get 85,000 Energy Star light bulbs donated from Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to hand out during free giveaway's through out the year. Amazingly, 20,000 light bulbs were given out during the first week alone. The students also handed out other items that had a long shelf life and would be a consistant reminder for the owner to do their part to reduce, recycle, and conserve as much as they can. Another big idea that the students came up with which has really made an impact throughout the university is labels for the light switches. They are reminders to students and teachers that when leaving an empty classroom, the last one out should turn off the light. This has had and will continue to have a huge impact on the conservation of energy and electricity throughout the campus. You can check out the Collegian online at http://collegian.csufresno.edu
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Do Global attitudes and Behaviors Support Sustainable Development?
The global population continues to stil grow. The rate of growth continutes to decline almost everywhere. Proverty had 63 % of blames of unfair treatment by society and 26% of laziness of being poor themself. 33% in U.S. said that the government was helping out too much. Yes, I think that is alot still and its just going to keep growing more and more. Because people in the U.S. don't care and rather than working use foodstamps. It is really sad to see people pay with foodstamps.
Ecological Footprint quiz in Mexico
CATEGORY
GLOBAL HECTARES
FOOD
1.2
MOBILITY
0.4
SHELTER
1.5
GOODS/SERVICES
2.3
TOTAL FOOTPRINT
5.4
IN COMPARISON, THE AVERAGE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT IN YOUR COUNTRY IS 2.5 GLOBAL HECTARES PER PERSON. WORLDWIDE, THERE EXIST 1.8 BIOLOGICALLY PRODUCTIVE GLOBAL HECTARES PER PERSON.
IF EVERYONE LIVED LIKE YOU, WE WOULD NEED 3 PLANETS.
Municipal solid waste management
Littering of ogranic wastes creates favourable conditions for rodents and other diseases.
Waste was used as fuel for indoor burners and destroyed in fireplaces or outdoors bonfires. Waste is also deposited in open bodies of water, such as ponds, bogs, lakes, and rivers and the ocean.
The industrial revolution increased the population of cities in America and even Europe. The industrial revolution transformed America into an urban nation.
Waste was used as fuel for indoor burners and destroyed in fireplaces or outdoors bonfires. Waste is also deposited in open bodies of water, such as ponds, bogs, lakes, and rivers and the ocean.
The industrial revolution increased the population of cities in America and even Europe. The industrial revolution transformed America into an urban nation.
illegal logging
In
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/06/world/asia/06indo.html?ex=1197608400&en=7cb219a893b70719&ei=5024&partner=BLACKBOARD
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
The Road to Kyoto
Though the road to Kyoto started in the year of 1985 where evaulations of the climate changes were happening, the Kyoto Protocol was not negotiated until Dec. 11,1997 in Kyoto, Japan( hence the name). It basically targeted the reduction of greenhouse gases that were being emitted in developed countries which aided in the global climate change. Also the countries that were involved in the protocol would participate in different stratagies such as emissions trading. Emission trading basically is where the developed countries in which secreet the most greenhouse gases would by permits, and traded credits from the developing countries that do not have a high cost in reducing their pollution. By doing this it would help reuce pollution in hope to reduce the rate of the climate change. The UN had realized that pollution was becoming a huge issue, they wanted to reduce CO2 emissions by 2005 to 20 percent below those of 1988.
The United States and Australia were not in agreement with the Kyoto Protocol. This Kyoto Protocol was a good step in taking action to reduce the effects of the greenhouse gases it has on Earth.
The United States and Australia were not in agreement with the Kyoto Protocol. This Kyoto Protocol was a good step in taking action to reduce the effects of the greenhouse gases it has on Earth.
Global Warming
I found this article on the Fresno Bee website. This article talks about global warming and effects that are happening right now all around the world. At the rate of increasing global temperatures, at this time, it can cause major extinctions in 30 percent of the Earth's species. What is happening is that temperatures are rising everywhere in which certain species are not capable of evolving or adapting to the environment as quickly as it is changing. Different habitats around the world are being altered by the weather with increasing temperatures that it is changing the habitats completely. Some examples of the start of extinction in some species that this article gives are: over 3000 bats called the flying foxes have dropped dead from trees in Australia and butterflies have gone extinct in the Apls. because of the extreme increase in weather. It is evident that global warming is happening right now and it is a treat to different species all around the world.
http://www.fresnobee.com/640/story/247363.html
http://www.fresnobee.com/640/story/247363.html
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Let's Talk Trash!
* Fresno Country recycling directory
<http://www.co.fresno.ca.us/4510/4360/misc/2007FresnoCountyRecyclingDirectory.pdf>
*Public Education
Teachers in public and private schools throughout Fresno County can request solid waste educational assistance with classroom presentations, tours of the American Avenue Landfill, teachers workshops, and other resources, free of charge. Literature addressing a variety of ways to manage solid waste is available to the public upon request. Speakers are also available to address civic and community groups regarding solid waste issues.For additional information, contact the Resources Division at 262-4259.
*AMERICAN AVENUE MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILL, Fresno County
Located approximately five miles southwest of the City of Kerman and is 440 acres. It is estimated that the landfill will be able to continue operation until 2031 when it will be full and will have to be closed.
<http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/rwqcb5/tentative/0504/AmercianAvenue/amer-buff.pdf>
<http://www.fresno.gov/Government/DepartmentDirectory/PublicUtilities/SolidWaste/Additional+Services/Landfill.htm>
*Local Enforcement Agency
The purpose of the Fresno County Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) is to protect the health, safety and well-being of the public and to preserve and improve the quality of the environment by assuring proper storage and disposal of solid waste; to minimize the presence of vectors related to solid waste handling and disposal methods; and to respond to public complaints relating to the accumulation, storage, collection, processing and disposal of solid waste in Fresno County.
<http://www.fresnohumanservices.org/CommunityHealth/EnvironmentalHealth/SolidWaste/#P29_3703>
Videos
E-Waste in India - Short documentary
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5944615355863607664
UC Davis NewsWatch: Landfill Gas I
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3092869608850641627
<http://www.co.fresno.ca.us/4510/4360/misc/2007FresnoCountyRecyclingDirectory.pdf>
*Public Education
Teachers in public and private schools throughout Fresno County can request solid waste educational assistance with classroom presentations, tours of the American Avenue Landfill, teachers workshops, and other resources, free of charge. Literature addressing a variety of ways to manage solid waste is available to the public upon request. Speakers are also available to address civic and community groups regarding solid waste issues.For additional information, contact the Resources Division at 262-4259.
*AMERICAN AVENUE MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILL, Fresno County
Located approximately five miles southwest of the City of Kerman and is 440 acres. It is estimated that the landfill will be able to continue operation until 2031 when it will be full and will have to be closed.
<http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/rwqcb5/tentative/0504/AmercianAvenue/amer-buff.pdf>
<http://www.fresno.gov/Government/DepartmentDirectory/PublicUtilities/SolidWaste/Additional+Services/Landfill.htm>
*Local Enforcement Agency
The purpose of the Fresno County Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) is to protect the health, safety and well-being of the public and to preserve and improve the quality of the environment by assuring proper storage and disposal of solid waste; to minimize the presence of vectors related to solid waste handling and disposal methods; and to respond to public complaints relating to the accumulation, storage, collection, processing and disposal of solid waste in Fresno County.
<http://www.fresnohumanservices.org/CommunityHealth/EnvironmentalHealth/SolidWaste/#P29_3703>
Videos
E-Waste in India - Short documentary
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5944615355863607664
UC Davis NewsWatch: Landfill Gas I
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3092869608850641627
Kyoto Protocol Summary
The Kyoto Protocol was established in 1997. This was different from any other environmental contract because it not only promoted the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but it demanded action. Any country that adopted this agreement was then committed to the cause and most countries did, with the exception of the United States and Australia.
The Protocol gives developed countries five years to reduce their GHG to a specified amount and it is enforced by the United Nations. There is added pressure for developed countries because they caused more of the problem and they have more money to help rectify the situation. The program does have some flexibility to help countries reach their goal and three of examples include Emissions Trading, Joint Implementation and a Clean Development Mechanism. These aids allow countries to trade credits according to programs that they design to help lower emissions. Both developing and developed countries can benefit from this process.
According to a recent study, there is a direct correlation between human influences and the way our climate has changed. The Kyoto Protocol is a great step forward in reducing emissions. Many countries have worked hard achieve their goal. This first agreement expires in 2012 and a new plan needs to be worked out by then. This will help keep the world’s awareness of environmental issues up and GHG emissions down.
The Protocol gives developed countries five years to reduce their GHG to a specified amount and it is enforced by the United Nations. There is added pressure for developed countries because they caused more of the problem and they have more money to help rectify the situation. The program does have some flexibility to help countries reach their goal and three of examples include Emissions Trading, Joint Implementation and a Clean Development Mechanism. These aids allow countries to trade credits according to programs that they design to help lower emissions. Both developing and developed countries can benefit from this process.
According to a recent study, there is a direct correlation between human influences and the way our climate has changed. The Kyoto Protocol is a great step forward in reducing emissions. Many countries have worked hard achieve their goal. This first agreement expires in 2012 and a new plan needs to be worked out by then. This will help keep the world’s awareness of environmental issues up and GHG emissions down.
Monday, November 26, 2007
SF oil Spill
On November 8th, a heavy duty fuel bunker spilled oil into the bay leaving the coast and sand in disastrous conditions. Among the victims where many of the local birds, leaving many of them dead along the coastline. About 58,000 gallons were spilled into the bay when a container ship called the "Cosco Busan" rammed the bay bridge at about 8:30 AM. The coast guard initially thought that only about 150 gallons had been spilled into the bay but by night fall they realized it was more like 58,000. The coast guard is being questioned about the response time and the first estimate about the spillage. Beaches like Baker Beach, Point Isabel and Fort point have been closed due to contamination. A pungent oil smell can be smelled on the beach.
Friday, November 23, 2007
How to Teach Evolution
The national battle over how to teach evolution. In Dover, Pennsylvania, where the school board had voted to teach both evolution and competing theories, eight of the nine board members were up for reelection, and all eight were defeated. Meanwhile, in federal court the trial over the issue ended, with a decision expected by early January. In Kansas, a different course. The conservative majority on the state board of education opened the way for teaching intelligent design along with evolution. Evolution, the theory that all organisms descended from a common ancestor, is widely accepted as a cornerstone of biology. Kansas will now also permit other ideas, including intelligent design. It holds that some biology is so complex that it could only be the result of design. No designer is mentioned, but critics say intelligent design is disguised creationism, a religious view.
THE ROAD TO KYOTO
I wish the pages were in order, because I had to go over and read it twice before class. The USA, Australia, Monaco, and Liechtenstein was not in the Kyoto Protocol. As of December 11, 1997, the Kyoto Protocol had two important things: one was the greenhouse emission that targets the developed countires. The second thing was to trade value in money of $10 billion and the trading of the six most important greenhouse gases. 2008-2012 is the first target of treaty, which the carbon budget of 8 percent less in 1990 in the European Union. Which the United States is one of the 7% less. Australia, has a 8% greater budget. Ninety percent of Australia's electricity is genarated by burning coal. Here are some of the so-called developing nations; Korea, China, India, and Brazil. the developing nations were not bound by it, yet it proved to be an outstanding accomplishment in tackling the danger presented by the ozone hole.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Summary: Kyoto Protocol
On December 11, 1997 a conference was held in the City of Kyoto to discuss the ways to reduce the emmissions of greenhouse gases that cause climate changes in the world. Those countries that have agreed to participate in the effort to reduce gases have rules and regulations on the emmssions one country could emit, some countries more than others. SOme countries earn "carbon dollars" and could share with another country in return for something valuable. In my opinion, the Kyoto protocol is a step in the right direction to help clean up our air and stop global warming. Even the U.S haas not become part of the protocol, we are the primary consumers consuming 25% of the world's natural resources but only having 5% of the world's population. We as inhabitants must make a sacrifcice in order to achieve a desired outcome.
San Francisco Oil Spill
ASSOCIATED PRESS
10:23 a.m. November 19, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO – Ten members of Congress including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are in San Francisco seeking answers on the recent oil spill.
The chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation tells The Associated Press his number one goal is to figure out how the spill happened November 7th, and the Coast Guard's performance.
Cummings says the Coast Guard took on more national-security duties such as protecting ports after September 11th. He tells A-P he wants to determine whether the Coast Guard is now stretched too thin to respond to disasters such as the spill.
Cummings also wants to study the possibility of requiring double hulls on the fuel tanks of cargo ships, and the possibililty of requiring the Coast Guard to more actively manage vessel traffic in waterways.
10:23 a.m. November 19, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO – Ten members of Congress including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are in San Francisco seeking answers on the recent oil spill.
The chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation tells The Associated Press his number one goal is to figure out how the spill happened November 7th, and the Coast Guard's performance.
Cummings says the Coast Guard took on more national-security duties such as protecting ports after September 11th. He tells A-P he wants to determine whether the Coast Guard is now stretched too thin to respond to disasters such as the spill.
Cummings also wants to study the possibility of requiring double hulls on the fuel tanks of cargo ships, and the possibililty of requiring the Coast Guard to more actively manage vessel traffic in waterways.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Global warming and the kyoto protocol
Harold Sun
A UN climate conference has agreed on a blueprint for fighting global warming and warned governments have only a few years to avert some of the worst effects.
Delegates at the 130-nation talks stood and applauded at the end of the meeting in Valencia, Spain, yesterday.
Delegates agreed on a 20-page summary on Friday about the mounting risk of climate change.
"This is the strongest report yet by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), but says that there is still time to act," said Australian climate scientist Bill Hare.
The document will put pressure on environment ministers, who meet next month in Bali, to agree a two-year plan on how to negotiate a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, the main UN plan for fighting warming until 2012.
"The report sends a very strong signal to Bali," said Hans Verolme, director of the World Wildlife Fund conservation group's climate change program. "Now it's up to the politicians."
Kyoto sets binding goals only for cutting greenhouse gases in 36 nations. Australia, the US and developing nations led by China have not agreed to Kyoto.
The IPCC report says human activity is "very likely" to cause rising temperatures, and that deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions are needed to avert more heatwaves, melting glaciers, extinctions and rising sea levels.
Climate change, population growth and biofuel demand mean food prices will keep rising, making the world's poorest even more vulnerable, warns UN World Food Program boss Josette Sheeran.
"Many people are simply being priced out of the food market," Ms Sheeran said.
A UN climate conference has agreed on a blueprint for fighting global warming and warned governments have only a few years to avert some of the worst effects.
Delegates at the 130-nation talks stood and applauded at the end of the meeting in Valencia, Spain, yesterday.
Delegates agreed on a 20-page summary on Friday about the mounting risk of climate change.
"This is the strongest report yet by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), but says that there is still time to act," said Australian climate scientist Bill Hare.
The document will put pressure on environment ministers, who meet next month in Bali, to agree a two-year plan on how to negotiate a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, the main UN plan for fighting warming until 2012.
"The report sends a very strong signal to Bali," said Hans Verolme, director of the World Wildlife Fund conservation group's climate change program. "Now it's up to the politicians."
Kyoto sets binding goals only for cutting greenhouse gases in 36 nations. Australia, the US and developing nations led by China have not agreed to Kyoto.
The IPCC report says human activity is "very likely" to cause rising temperatures, and that deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions are needed to avert more heatwaves, melting glaciers, extinctions and rising sea levels.
Climate change, population growth and biofuel demand mean food prices will keep rising, making the world's poorest even more vulnerable, warns UN World Food Program boss Josette Sheeran.
"Many people are simply being priced out of the food market," Ms Sheeran said.
Russian Oil Spill
Residue from a large oil spill in the Black Sea region will take more than a month and a half to completely clear, Russian officials said Thursday.
The Ministry for Emergency Situations. ministry said improved weather was helping the effort to clear the spill, which environmentalists fear could damage the area for years.
About 2,000 workers are being called on to clean up the oil which has washed up over the past few days
Watch this video on cnn.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/11/15/russia.spill/index.html?section=cnn_latest
The Ministry for Emergency Situations. ministry said improved weather was helping the effort to clear the spill, which environmentalists fear could damage the area for years.
About 2,000 workers are being called on to clean up the oil which has washed up over the past few days
Watch this video on cnn.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/11/15/russia.spill/index.html?section=cnn_latest
Thursday, October 25, 2007
U.N. Warns of Rapid Decay of Environment
I hope you all have time to read this. Here is a small part
“The human population is now so large that the amount of resources needed to sustain it exceeds what is available at current consumption patterns...”
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/26/world/26environ.html?ex=1193976000&en=2e3234f7b1c651e3&ei=5024&partner=BLACKBOARD
“The human population is now so large that the amount of resources needed to sustain it exceeds what is available at current consumption patterns...”
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/26/world/26environ.html?ex=1193976000&en=2e3234f7b1c651e3&ei=5024&partner=BLACKBOARD
Monday, October 22, 2007
Pesticides
Pesticide is a term to describe any kind of chemical used for controlling various kinds of pests, of fungi, weeds, mites or insects. Its a substance used to destroy pests.
A pesticide is absorbed by organisms of the lower level of the food chain the higher organisms food chain will eat many of the lower organisms to retaine the chemical.
A pesticide is absorbed by organisms of the lower level of the food chain the higher organisms food chain will eat many of the lower organisms to retaine the chemical.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Water shortages will leave the worls in dire straits
usatoday.com/news/nation/2003-01-26-water-usat_x.htm
USA Today published an article in January of 03 warning us of the potential outcome if we don't learn how to conserve our water.
USA Today published an article in January of 03 warning us of the potential outcome if we don't learn how to conserve our water.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
California's Water Issues
I posted this earlier last week but was just finally able to view it as well. So here it is... Just recently a very important rally took place in Sacramento with Alan Autry trying to come up with ideas on how to find a solution to California's lack of water resources. Some believe that adding a dam could possibly help this issue, but others believe that the problem will still persist.
Water issues take center stage in SacramentoStory Published: Oct 4, 2007 at 9:15 PM EDTStory Updated: Oct 6, 2007 at 5:51 AM EDTBy Adam SextonWatch the story After one of the driest water years in recent memory state lawmakers are grappling with how to plan for the future of California’s most precious resource.For Valley leaders, the answer is simple: add more surface storage with a new dam above Millerton Lake.Fresno Mayor Alan Autry and others led a rally at the capitol Thursday afternoon to highlight the Valley's pressing water needs.At the end of August, California’s reservoirs held 20.4 million acre feet of water, down from 29.2 million a year before.The looming threat of drought underscores the crisis, but state Democrats say they don't want to rush a solution. In this special session, Republicans are looking to get a $9 billion bond for dam building, while Democrats are advocating for about half as much money on less expensive projects. It doesn't appear either plan will make it on the February ballot. Republicans in the legislature are threatening to torpedo any solution that does not put up bonds for dam-building. But experts say dams alone won't solve the problem. In the meantime, two stubborn facts remain: California’s water supply is finite and the demands being made on that supply continue to grow. Click on the video link to watch Adam Sexton's report.
http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/10248141.html
Water issues take center stage in SacramentoStory Published: Oct 4, 2007 at 9:15 PM EDTStory Updated: Oct 6, 2007 at 5:51 AM EDTBy Adam SextonWatch the story After one of the driest water years in recent memory state lawmakers are grappling with how to plan for the future of California’s most precious resource.For Valley leaders, the answer is simple: add more surface storage with a new dam above Millerton Lake.Fresno Mayor Alan Autry and others led a rally at the capitol Thursday afternoon to highlight the Valley's pressing water needs.At the end of August, California’s reservoirs held 20.4 million acre feet of water, down from 29.2 million a year before.The looming threat of drought underscores the crisis, but state Democrats say they don't want to rush a solution. In this special session, Republicans are looking to get a $9 billion bond for dam building, while Democrats are advocating for about half as much money on less expensive projects. It doesn't appear either plan will make it on the February ballot. Republicans in the legislature are threatening to torpedo any solution that does not put up bonds for dam-building. But experts say dams alone won't solve the problem. In the meantime, two stubborn facts remain: California’s water supply is finite and the demands being made on that supply continue to grow. Click on the video link to watch Adam Sexton's report.
http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/10248141.html
Monday, October 15, 2007
Nunes bills targets 28 projects....
This article is from the Oct. 4,2007 issue of the Fresno Bee. It basically states that Rep. Devin Nunes proposed and then revised a bill for restoring the flow of water to the San Joaquin River. There are going to be feasiability studies of 28 projects in which are different ways to improve water conservation in the Central Valley. With this restoration plan comes with its pros and con. One of the negative outcomes of this plan would be the percentage loss in the Fraint-area irrigation dilveries. There are many good outcomes to what Nunes is proposing. Alot of it has to do with just the lack of water in our San Joaquin river since the construction of the Friant Dam. This is a good action that Nunes is taking. With this plan it should increase our aquatic life in the Central Valley and this could help our farmers.
Water Issues Take Center Stage in Sacramento
In the beginning of the month, legislation and government officials joined together in Sacramento to discuss the water issues that are growing here in the Valley. They said that building dams alone will not be enough to control the problem. Read more or watch this story by going to www.ksee24.com. What can we do in our everyday lives to help preserve our water? If we don't act now, it is very likely that we will run out and that's a scary thought.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Arsenic in drinking water
I found this article/fact sheet from the World Health Organization website, called "Arsenic in drinking water" at http://www.who.int/en/.
This article is about arsenic which is a semi-metallic naturally-occurring chemical. It is found in water which has flowed through arsenic-rich rocks into underground water supplies. It is odorless and flavorless. If poisoned, a person will usually die. There are many other health problems associated wiht arsenic, such as cancer, kidney failure, skin thickening, etc. "Environment Protection Agency of The United States of America has estimated that some 13 million of the population of USA, mostly in the western states, are exposed to arsenic in drinking- water." There are technologies used for arsenic removal in water supply, but it is costly and requires technical expertise. People just need to be more aware of the problem and take drastic measures to prevent themselves and their families from arsenic poisoning because it can happen.
This article is about arsenic which is a semi-metallic naturally-occurring chemical. It is found in water which has flowed through arsenic-rich rocks into underground water supplies. It is odorless and flavorless. If poisoned, a person will usually die. There are many other health problems associated wiht arsenic, such as cancer, kidney failure, skin thickening, etc. "Environment Protection Agency of The United States of America has estimated that some 13 million of the population of USA, mostly in the western states, are exposed to arsenic in drinking- water." There are technologies used for arsenic removal in water supply, but it is costly and requires technical expertise. People just need to be more aware of the problem and take drastic measures to prevent themselves and their families from arsenic poisoning because it can happen.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Water Conservation
http://www.americanwater.com/49ways.htm
I found a neat website that gives tips on how to conserve water and I think it is worth looking at. Just utilizing a few of these simple tips, everyone can do their part to help mend this terrifying water issue. There can be great incentives for those whose water is monitored by a meter because you can save a lot of money. I agree that there is a growing problem with the water supply and I know that doing only these tips will not fix the issue but it can be a great start.
I found a neat website that gives tips on how to conserve water and I think it is worth looking at. Just utilizing a few of these simple tips, everyone can do their part to help mend this terrifying water issue. There can be great incentives for those whose water is monitored by a meter because you can save a lot of money. I agree that there is a growing problem with the water supply and I know that doing only these tips will not fix the issue but it can be a great start.
Water Conservation on Farms
I found this article titled "NRDC: Wasting Water on California Farms" www.nrdc.org/water/conservation/fcawater.asp
This is a very interesting article that discusses how central valley agriculture wastes huge amounts of water. The article pointed out that alfalfa crops use the most amount of water with the least return in profits. Also, there are more conservation conscience irrigation methods that are not being put into practice. For example, drip irrigation and bedded alfalfa. Instead the farmers are using methods like flooding the crop. I found that it was interesting that there are a few alternatives that are not being practiced that would make since. The article, stated that crops could be reduced slightly to save tons of water. I think that Educating people about waste of resources is important. However, it has to start at a governmental and Big business level. After all they are setting the example.
This is a very interesting article that discusses how central valley agriculture wastes huge amounts of water. The article pointed out that alfalfa crops use the most amount of water with the least return in profits. Also, there are more conservation conscience irrigation methods that are not being put into practice. For example, drip irrigation and bedded alfalfa. Instead the farmers are using methods like flooding the crop. I found that it was interesting that there are a few alternatives that are not being practiced that would make since. The article, stated that crops could be reduced slightly to save tons of water. I think that Educating people about waste of resources is important. However, it has to start at a governmental and Big business level. After all they are setting the example.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Bottled Water
I know we're talking about water issues, but I'm still thinking about the bottled water issue.
Should Fresno join this campaign?
4 cities join anti-bottled water campaign
http://www.fresnobee.com/state_wire/business/story/160178.html
" So people who are concerned about what they put in their bodies - clean water- start to worry about what's going on outside their bodies: global warming, pollution, overflowing landfills, profligate use of fossil fuels to import and ship plastic bottles of water." - Judy Stark writer for Fresno Bee
Should Fresno join this campaign?
4 cities join anti-bottled water campaign
http://www.fresnobee.com/state_wire/business/story/160178.html
" So people who are concerned about what they put in their bodies - clean water- start to worry about what's going on outside their bodies: global warming, pollution, overflowing landfills, profligate use of fossil fuels to import and ship plastic bottles of water." - Judy Stark writer for Fresno Bee
Fresno's Environement
Well, living in the Central Valley of California is fun for food lovers. One can get farm fresh vegetables from the local farmers market almost every day. You can grow your own vegetables without much effort in your backyard and of course all the organic farmers and CSAs such as TD Willey Farm are there in the central valley of California. One can also be close to the mountains... you can hike to the Giant Redwoods and Yosemite or any other parts of Sierras at any time during the week or weekends. However, all of these come with a price - price that you pay for your health! San Joaquin Valley's air quality is one of the worst in the Nation. Asthma, allergies and other health issues that can cause by the air pollution are in the rise. The population growth in Cental valley is projected to be highest in the state in next few years. On the other hand, central valley is host of many endemic species of flora and fauna. California is one the 17 "Biodiversity Hotspots" of the world. The Tulley Elk and San joaquin Kit foxes are few to name.
What can we do? What should we do? What can we learn? How can we cope with the growth and natural environment? We also worry about global environmental issues on growth, pollutions, natural resource use and overuse, global warming. These are some of the issues we discuss in the class. This Blog is about discussion in the Natural Science 115 class.
What can we do? What should we do? What can we learn? How can we cope with the growth and natural environment? We also worry about global environmental issues on growth, pollutions, natural resource use and overuse, global warming. These are some of the issues we discuss in the class. This Blog is about discussion in the Natural Science 115 class.
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