Blog 10 "Solar Planel creates positive changes to Europe nations"

With the rising prices in electricity, Europe countries like Germany have turned to photovoltaic generation. They have seen successful results and environmental benefits with the change to solar panels. “Compared with electricity from coal, PV electricity over its lifetime uses 86 to 89 percent less water, occupies or transforms over 80 percent less land, presents approximately 95 percent lower toxicity to humans, contributes 92 to 97 percent less to acid rain, and 97 to 98 percent less to marine eutrophication,” Close to the end of last year, they have installed photovoltaic that meet about 30 million household families’ need of energy and at the same time saved over 53 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Because the prices for solar planes are actually cheaper, it is easier to distribute to major of the population. They are able to add Photovoltaic to homes or buildings for just one euro per a watt. This will be a challenge in United States because it will be a lot more expensive.          

Like mention earlier, solar planes seem to have great benefits to European counties, but there are many countries that will not be able to supply PV. Whether those counties are underdeveloped or are unable to afford Photovoltaic for their population. The United States for example, will need some law enforcements changes in order to supply photovoltaic for the larger population. Though Photovoltaic seems effective in European countries, it might not be so to other nations across the global. There needs to be a variety of options available for countries to choose how to solve the issue of greenhouse gas emissions.

Mailee Vue

November 11, 2013

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/11/business/energy-environment/solar-power-begins-to-shine-as-environmental-benefits-pay-off.html?partner=yahoofinance&_r=0

Blog 9 "Food Supplies affected by Climate Change"

Climate change is estimated to shorten food supplies by 2 percent every decade. With our rising population estimated to be about 9.6 billion in 2050, will be affected by the food shortage. Food prices will sky rocket and so will the gasoline.  The wealthy class will not be hurt, but the poor will suffer dramatic impacts and starvation will be in even greater numbers. “If the report proves to be correct about the effect on crops from climate change, global food demand might have to be met — if it can be met — by putting new land into production. That could entail chopping down large areas of forest, an action that would only accelerate climate change by sending substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the air from the destruction of trees.” Humans have created too many activities contributing to increase climate change, as simply as burning woods for fire is already an influence.

There have been efforts in addressing this issue of Climate Change, but these efforts are not effective in solving the issue. Scientists also says “it is not too late for cuts in emissions to have a strong impact on the future risks of climate change,” They are sure with the cuts in emissions will slow climate change and positive effects will be seen.

Car is the main transportation in the United States and also the leading caused in climate change.  To stop or lower car emissions, serious enforcement must be made by the government. Almost every individual in the Unites States have a car, it can be very difficult to prevent them from using it. Determining to lower car emission will also draw some serious effect to the economy. Cooperation’s or business will be impacted, the actions to solve climate change will have to be carefully considered.  

Mailee vue

November 5,2013

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/02/science/earth/science-panel-warns-of-risks-to-food-supply-from-climate-change.html?hp&_r=1&

Blog 8 "Human reponsible for Climate Change"

Scientists all around the world are certain that human is the cost of climate changes. Whether that it is environmental destruction from deforestation to fossil feud emissions, they are all activity done by humans. “Human activity has been responsible for at least half of the increase in global average surface temperatures since 1950, the report concludes.” In the past thirty years, it has been recorded as the warmest years since 7^th century and the cause of this is due to human activity. “Since the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, levels of carbon dioxide and other gases have risen at rates unprecedented in the preceding 800,000 years.” As scientist grew more and more attention toward this topic, there is no doubt that human activity influences the global change in climate.   Since the 1900, the ocean has imbibed about 90 percent of the increase in carbon dioxide. This we see is having a huge impact to marine life which is going on right now.    

Climate change is a complex issue needed to be addressed. There are many controversies to this issue, there are billions of people in this world starving to surviving on whatever means they can find. The question is raised to what is considered more worthy people’s lives or environmental life? There are so many social problems in the world, people will support those that they are more effected and similar to them. Climate change is an issue that can be difficult to understand for those without an education. Only those with college degree and employed in the professional field can sacrifice their effect in fighting for policy changes to climate change.   

Mai lee vue

October 28, 2013

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2013/09/27/humans-undeniably-responsible-for-pace-of-climate-change-ipcc-reports/

Blog 7 "Smog's in Harbin"

 Harbin is a city best known as “the Ice City,” its temperatures can reach as low as -40F in the winter. The city will have to provide heating for at least six months because of the extreme weather. Smog’s from heating coal have been so heavy, policeman have to signal cars in the driveway. Many schools, roads, or airports have been shut down. The winter heating systems by burning of coal was responsible for the caused. To lower energy usage, the city spent 1.1 million dollars to supply residential building with additional five layers of wall protection from the freezing temperature.

            Now, China is the leading country in the consumption of coals, over 70 % of coal burning runs the energy China use. The dense pollution can cause heart and lung diseases in people that have shorten the life expectancy by 5.5 years younger. “The level of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, in Harbin's air this week reportedly reached 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding the World Health Organization's daily target level by a factor of 40.” Beijing and cities nearby are not so different from Harbin; they were noted as some of the most polluted cities globally. 

            China will need to discuss this matter seriously and develop new plans to attack this issue. Though this issue cannot be easily solved, it will need to be cleared up because people’s lives are affected. It caused the depletion of the environment, a major concern need to be address. Regardless of what happens, heating 24/7 is required for almost every household or else the people will suffer. China will have to find cheaper and natural gas to warm up the city and lower pollution.    

 Mailee Vue

October 22, 2013

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2013/10/131022-harbin-ice-city-smog-crisis-china-coal/

Blog 6 "Air Pollution in Europe"

European Environment Agency (EEA) study shows that there is connection between low birth weight and air pollution. Women living in Europe urban sectors have very high chances or giving birth to under weight babies. "Air pollution is causing damage to human health and ecosystems. Large parts of the population do not live in a healthy environment, according to current standards.” The advice to this is for Europe to really go beyond their legislation requirement and pushed for this change or else the problem will not be solved. The environment will also suffer due to the results of air pollution. “The EEA report showed that data suggested that up to 96% of the EU's urban population was exposed to fine particulate matter concentrations above UN World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.” The major concern is that 98% are dangerous ozone concentrations of ozone layers that will succeed the recommended levels by WHO. Babies born with low birth weights are risk for mortality and illness. They are also at risk for asthma and reduction in lung functions.

            This is a really big concern especially for the vulnerable populations like elderly, toddlers, or pregnant women’s. Strict regulations will have to be set for companies to follow. The government will have to find efficient ways for people to travel around without cars, to dwindle car emissions. Air pollution in Europe doesn’t only affect them but contributes to the car emission globally. This begins from a local level but pays a contribution to the global levels. This is something need to be addresses international and involves the cooperation’s of all nations.  

Mailee Vue

October 18, 2013   

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24493530