When asked what will happen to our world if our population continues to grow at the rate we are now, Isaac Asimov, an author, said, “It will be completely destroyed.” I like this quote because it shows how serious this issue is. Although it’s too late to reverse our damage, we can still help lower the consequences. I think this problem has become so serious because there aren’t really any good solutions to overpopulation. However, if we don’t do anything, there will be very dangerous consequences.
Showing posts with label journal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label journal. Show all posts
Monday, January 6, 2014
Dystopia - Overpopulation
Dystopia is a world where the environment is in a horrible condition because of overpopulation, disasters, or terror. Overpopulation is becoming a major issue today. It is estimated that by 2050, there will be 9.7 billion people on Earth. The difference between that number and the world population today (which is 7.2 billion) is 2.5 billion which is about 200 million more than the entire world population in 1940. There are not enough resources, including food, space, and safe drinking water to support this many people. Even today, we are running out of natural resources. The world is 8,000 miles wide and 24,000 miles in circumference, making space on land an issue as well. People are already being forced into lands that were unpopulated just a few decades ago which are prone to flooding and tsunamis. Global warming will worsen this problem, displacing many people from their homes due to its effects.
When asked what will happen to our world if our population continues to grow at the rate we are now, Isaac Asimov, an author, said, “It will be completely destroyed.” I like this quote because it shows how serious this issue is. Although it’s too late to reverse our damage, we can still help lower the consequences. I think this problem has become so serious because there aren’t really any good solutions to overpopulation. However, if we don’t do anything, there will be very dangerous consequences.
When asked what will happen to our world if our population continues to grow at the rate we are now, Isaac Asimov, an author, said, “It will be completely destroyed.” I like this quote because it shows how serious this issue is. Although it’s too late to reverse our damage, we can still help lower the consequences. I think this problem has become so serious because there aren’t really any good solutions to overpopulation. However, if we don’t do anything, there will be very dangerous consequences.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
11/6 Quarter Reflection
1. Throughout my blog posts I’ve looked at different issues such as Obama’s environmental accomplishes, endangered animals, and alternative energy sources. The blogs have helped me learn more about the environment on a global scale, instead of just what’s going on at Deering.
2. My main personal project was the composting/ recycling bins in the cafeteria. I went to Cape Elizabeth with Hannah and we talked to their janitor and vice principal. I measured the stations at Cape and Deering and put a slide show together based on this information. Then we went to the meeting to Mr. Kehoe and presented the slide show.
3. I emailed Mr. Kehoe a few times about the composting bins and about the slideshow. I emailed Mr. Waltz, Doug Sherwood, Ms. Jepson, Mr. Moses, Ms. Adam, and Mr. Pineda introducing us as interns. Also, I have sent several other emails with them planning meetings and asking questions.
4. In October I canvassed for the Waterfront Ordinance with the other interns. I think that was a perfect way to do something in the community. For about the first two months I monitored the composting stations everyday (except Tuesdays) in the cafeteria with Molly.
5. The meetings have been a good time to catch up, stay focused, and come together to see what we’ve accomplished in the past week and what we need to accomplish the following week.
6. I think it always bothered me when I saw someone litter or throw a redeemable can in the trash, but this year I’ve realized that it’s reached a whole other level. In the cafeteria while composting at first I was very hesitant to tell anyone where to put things. Usually, I would wait until they dumped everything in the trash and then dig through it myself. Now I’m not afraid to tell them where everything goes. I think this internship has already helped me be more assertive. A couple days ago I saw a recycling sign on a trash can and got kind of frustrated and went up and switched it. I think monitoring the stations made recycling, redeeming, and composting automatic.
7. I would really like to see the composting/ recycling bin be a success. I also hope the egg project get the students a little more motivated to compost. I think it would be great to leave Deering with the compost bins set up and the students using them properly. Also, Garbage to Garden emailed me asking if we wanted to take a picture with the shirts they gave us on and then they could possibly promote us on their social media page!
Monday, November 4, 2013
11/3 Obama on Climate Change
After Molly mentioned Obama is one of her posts, I was interested in seeing his environmental accomplishments as president. In June, Obama announced a plan to cut carbon pollution, help with international climate change, and prepare for the consequences of climate change. In his second inaugural address, he promised that America will lead against climate change. However, this hasn't exactly happened. He has made some progress but not quite as much as he promised. One of Obama's biggest interferences is the unwillingness of the Congress. There are many congressmen that don't think climate change is an issue or don't even believe that global warming exists. Also, many people believe that environmental changes will hurt the economy because of large costs and cutting jobs. Others think it would also hurt our competition with other countries such as China.
Obama said, "We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that failure to do so would betray our children and future generations." I think that he should be focused on the environment more, however, he is definitely trying and he obviously understands that not doing anything will have serious repercussions. Since the start of his presidency, emissions have declined about ten percent which is a start but not enough. Still, it is very difficult when a large number of Congress is against him. I think that as years go on, environmental laws and politics will improve. However, I fear that it will be too late.
Obama said, "We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that failure to do so would betray our children and future generations." I think that he should be focused on the environment more, however, he is definitely trying and he obviously understands that not doing anything will have serious repercussions. Since the start of his presidency, emissions have declined about ten percent which is a start but not enough. Still, it is very difficult when a large number of Congress is against him. I think that as years go on, environmental laws and politics will improve. However, I fear that it will be too late.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
10/20 Moose Population is Decreasing
The moose population throughout North America has decreased substantially throughout the last few years. Climate change is one of the main contributing factors. Winters are shorter because of global warming. Moose's bodies are designed for the winter time, so many die from heat from the long summers. Shorter winters have also caused an increase in the amount of diseases spread from ticks and snails that survive in warmer weather. Some moose have over 100000 ticks on them. Ticks drain the moose of blood and cause them to scratch their hair off.
"In the Cariboo Mountains of British Columbia, a recent study pinned the decline of moose on the widespread killing of forest by an epidemic of pine bark beetles, which seem to thrive in warmer weather. The loss of trees left the moose exposed to human and animal predators." This quote shows how animals, plants, and everything in our ecosystem affects everything else. As the temperatures rise, the population of bark beetles increases, which causes the population of trees to decrease causing the population of moose to decrease too because of protection. As the population of moose decreases many other organisms are affected as well. This is happening everywhere on earth. A long chain of extinctions are affecting each other. By saving the environment, we are saving every animal. There is not one animal that won't be affected by global warming eventually.
"In the Cariboo Mountains of British Columbia, a recent study pinned the decline of moose on the widespread killing of forest by an epidemic of pine bark beetles, which seem to thrive in warmer weather. The loss of trees left the moose exposed to human and animal predators." This quote shows how animals, plants, and everything in our ecosystem affects everything else. As the temperatures rise, the population of bark beetles increases, which causes the population of trees to decrease causing the population of moose to decrease too because of protection. As the population of moose decreases many other organisms are affected as well. This is happening everywhere on earth. A long chain of extinctions are affecting each other. By saving the environment, we are saving every animal. There is not one animal that won't be affected by global warming eventually.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
10/9 Cellulosic Biofuels
I read an Article in OnEarth Magazine called “Turning Grass Into Gas”. Cellulose is a compound found in plants; in the early 1800’s Henri Braconnot discovered that it can be turned into a crude form of ethanol. However, due to economic reasons, cellulosic biofuels weren’t produced until the 2000’s. Even then, the United States faced many problems with producing them. In 2007, cellulosic biofuels were included in the Renewable Fuel Standard, a program mandating more biofuels to be produced. The government promised millions of gallons of these biofuels would be produced in the following several years. However only about 20,000 gallons were produced because of economic and technologic reasons. Finally, in 2013 refineries are beginning to produce fuel while the demand for it increased. The military and the airlines are the two biggest demanders of cellulosic biofuels. If the process is done correctly, these biofuels can help reduce the amount of oil the world depends on.
“Imagine a future in which airlines run on cornstalks and Navy ships ply the oceans on tanks of switchgrass.” I found this quote to be very inspiring because it is possible and this is what our country is working towards. Cellulosic biofuels is a very good start to decreasing our nation’s dependency on oil. Although it was a challenge to get going, it is finally beginning to work. This shows that our technology is improving, leading us down a track to improve our our ecosystem.
Monday, October 7, 2013
This week I read about tar sands, particularly in South Portland. An oil company called ExxonMobil is attempting to turn South Portland into a shipping port for tar sands. On November 5th there will be a citywide vote. If this passes, tar sands will cause more chemicals in the air, new smokestacks, a new oil station, and increase in the risk of spills from the oil tanks exporting the tar sands from South Portland. Overall, the tar sands will severely harm the environment, not only in South Portland but also surrounding cities. ExxonMobil and its supporters want to create this tar sand port solely to profit themselves. So, the town of South Portland has come up with about 3800 signatures, leading the movement to pass the Waterfront Protection Ordinance. Their involvement shows how important this issue is to the citizens of South Portland.
“The oil sands are the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.” The oil sand are also more toxic than crude oil. Therefore, this is a very important issue that needs to be addressed immediately. It also shows that this isn’t just an issue in South Portland, it is happening all over the continent, including Canada. We should be focused on stopping ExxonMobil but also trying to decrease the amount of chemicals harming the environment from tar sands across the world.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
10/2 Tar Sands Hannah
This week, Ms. McWilliams assigned us a reading about tar sands. This is thick, refined oil deep in the ground. Many countries desire this oil, but it as not easily transported, like conventional crude oil. Currently, there is a debacle of Exxon Mobile and the American Petroleum Institute versus the citizens of South Portland. These citizens are fighting for a protection ordinance against the tar sands exportation. They are rallying for support, and ask each of us to consider the cons to this idea.
To protect their city, the citizens have created a pamphlet of pros and cons for this establishment. A pro included the millions made in profit, while their cons included the environmental impact that would proceed the exportations. Most of their cons hit home with the citizens, by asking them to protect their beautiful city.
One of their main concerns is the waterfront. This would be the area most impacted. According to the article, Exxon already has a permit to establish the exportation, but the fight is not over. The advocates express their concern with the pollution within the air. There were very powerful and intellectual arguments being brought to life in these pamphlets. One was the concern of benzine, thought to be associated with the cause of cancer, and the other chemicals that would be emitted into the air.
A quote that stood out to me is excerpted from the little book from oilsandsrealitycheck.org. It states that, "carbon emissions from the production and processing of oil sands have more than doubled in the last decade and are on track to double again." This statement was appalling to me. It made me realize that if the emissions are raising at such a rapid pace, why should we extract more chemicals and pollute the air more than we already have? This scared me enough to believe that we should NOT allow the exportation and extraction of the tar sands.
To protect their city, the citizens have created a pamphlet of pros and cons for this establishment. A pro included the millions made in profit, while their cons included the environmental impact that would proceed the exportations. Most of their cons hit home with the citizens, by asking them to protect their beautiful city.
One of their main concerns is the waterfront. This would be the area most impacted. According to the article, Exxon already has a permit to establish the exportation, but the fight is not over. The advocates express their concern with the pollution within the air. There were very powerful and intellectual arguments being brought to life in these pamphlets. One was the concern of benzine, thought to be associated with the cause of cancer, and the other chemicals that would be emitted into the air.
A quote that stood out to me is excerpted from the little book from oilsandsrealitycheck.org. It states that, "carbon emissions from the production and processing of oil sands have more than doubled in the last decade and are on track to double again." This statement was appalling to me. It made me realize that if the emissions are raising at such a rapid pace, why should we extract more chemicals and pollute the air more than we already have? This scared me enough to believe that we should NOT allow the exportation and extraction of the tar sands.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Introduction to global issues
Hannah Mooney
Introduction to global issues
The beginning of the introduction begins by stating the importance of youth. According to the text, the world's population is about 50% under 27 years old (11). The change begins with the youth, and a metaphor of technology is used. With today's technology, we are able to communicate with others across the globe more easily. The article asks, if we can transmit ideas at such a rapid pace, and the youth is such a large part of the community, why shouldn't we begin to dig deeper into the global issues (11)? The introduction drew me in to the idea that we are the ones with the most access to the global issues, and we are the generation to start making a change.
There are many influences around the world, and they're mentioned in the first section of the chapter. The influences include: cultural, media, technology, and globalization. With the cultural aspect, many people have immigrated from home countries, sharing their culture, and building on to a new one with their surroundings (12). Reading this chapter, I feel that everyone should embrace new culture ideas, and incorporate them into their everyday habits. On a global scale, everyone should be open to new and innovated ideas. It is interesting to think that we all share common interests and ideas across the globe.
"There are approximately 250 television sets per 1,000 people globally" (12). That's crazy! That is 1 out of every 4 people. And that includes third-world countries as well. This statistic startled me the most, and made me think of how much energy we waste on a day to day basis.
I think that after reading this article, we all need to roll with the times in order to improve our sustainability. Technology has improved greatly and we should utilize this. With this technology we have the ability to share ideas, and communicate with one another about preserving the one earth that we share. As the article says, we need to begin with personal solution (20). Each of us can make a difference by doing a small act that will pay off across the globe.
Introduction to global issues
The beginning of the introduction begins by stating the importance of youth. According to the text, the world's population is about 50% under 27 years old (11). The change begins with the youth, and a metaphor of technology is used. With today's technology, we are able to communicate with others across the globe more easily. The article asks, if we can transmit ideas at such a rapid pace, and the youth is such a large part of the community, why shouldn't we begin to dig deeper into the global issues (11)? The introduction drew me in to the idea that we are the ones with the most access to the global issues, and we are the generation to start making a change.
There are many influences around the world, and they're mentioned in the first section of the chapter. The influences include: cultural, media, technology, and globalization. With the cultural aspect, many people have immigrated from home countries, sharing their culture, and building on to a new one with their surroundings (12). Reading this chapter, I feel that everyone should embrace new culture ideas, and incorporate them into their everyday habits. On a global scale, everyone should be open to new and innovated ideas. It is interesting to think that we all share common interests and ideas across the globe.
"There are approximately 250 television sets per 1,000 people globally" (12). That's crazy! That is 1 out of every 4 people. And that includes third-world countries as well. This statistic startled me the most, and made me think of how much energy we waste on a day to day basis.
I think that after reading this article, we all need to roll with the times in order to improve our sustainability. Technology has improved greatly and we should utilize this. With this technology we have the ability to share ideas, and communicate with one another about preserving the one earth that we share. As the article says, we need to begin with personal solution (20). Each of us can make a difference by doing a small act that will pay off across the globe.
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