Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Global Warming (Problem & Solution)
Task 7:
Global Warming has been an issue of concern for decades, but it was not broadly brought to community attention until the last couple of years. Global Warming is one of the most contentious scientific issues of this century. This is a problem that has serious economic, sociological, geopolitical, political, human and environmental implications. In other words global warming is the increase in the average earth temperature. Furthermore, if temperature continues in rise then that will result in many negative impacts to humans and the environment, but why is that? In this essay, I will illustrate global warming problems and solutions. Let me first deal with the negative sides of global warming. Carbon Free Zone Online
One of the famous documentary movies is called An Inconvenient Truth, presented by Al Gore and directed by Davis Guggenheim in 2006; it talked about the negative sides of this problem. According to Al Gore, most scientists believe that the warming of the climate will lead to more extreme weather patterns, for example more hurricanes and drought. Secondly, the increase in greenhouse gases caused by human activity is often cited as one of the major causes of global warming. According to Carbon Free Zone Online, for decades greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide have been increasing in the atmosphere. Perhaps the worst news is that the Arctic ice cap is melting much faster than expected. Along with the natural causes of Global Warming, scientists have also attributed global warming to rapid in industrialization.
Part of the solution is to realize that there’s no place to run or hide from environmental disasters. Governments should put high demand to get their power from clean, renewable sources like wind or solar (Plumer, 2009). A further solution is to reduce greenhouse gasses by investing in a green project (Plumer, 2009). Finally, according to Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth in order to prevent global worming we have to reduce the electricity usage.
In conclusion, our consumption habits can make a huge difference. Much of our global warming problem comes from burning fossil fuels, especially gasoline for cars. Our dependence on them is massive and increased greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect is feared to contribute to an overall warming of the Earth’s climate, leading to a global warming. Taken as a whole, we have to act together to solve this global crisis which is caused by greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and ice melts.
Global Warming has been an issue of concern for decades, but it was not broadly brought to community attention until the last couple of years. Global Warming is one of the most contentious scientific issues of this century. This is a problem that has serious economic, sociological, geopolitical, political, human and environmental implications. In other words global warming is the increase in the average earth temperature. Furthermore, if temperature continues in rise then that will result in many negative impacts to humans and the environment, but why is that? In this essay, I will illustrate global warming problems and solutions. Let me first deal with the negative sides of global warming. Carbon Free Zone Online
One of the famous documentary movies is called An Inconvenient Truth, presented by Al Gore and directed by Davis Guggenheim in 2006; it talked about the negative sides of this problem. According to Al Gore, most scientists believe that the warming of the climate will lead to more extreme weather patterns, for example more hurricanes and drought. Secondly, the increase in greenhouse gases caused by human activity is often cited as one of the major causes of global warming. According to Carbon Free Zone Online, for decades greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide have been increasing in the atmosphere. Perhaps the worst news is that the Arctic ice cap is melting much faster than expected. Along with the natural causes of Global Warming, scientists have also attributed global warming to rapid in industrialization.
Part of the solution is to realize that there’s no place to run or hide from environmental disasters. Governments should put high demand to get their power from clean, renewable sources like wind or solar (Plumer, 2009). A further solution is to reduce greenhouse gasses by investing in a green project (Plumer, 2009). Finally, according to Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth in order to prevent global worming we have to reduce the electricity usage.
In conclusion, our consumption habits can make a huge difference. Much of our global warming problem comes from burning fossil fuels, especially gasoline for cars. Our dependence on them is massive and increased greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect is feared to contribute to an overall warming of the Earth’s climate, leading to a global warming. Taken as a whole, we have to act together to solve this global crisis which is caused by greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and ice melts.
Bibliography:
An Inconvenient Truth. Dir. Davis Guggenheim. Perf. Al Gore. DVD. Paramount Classics, 2006
"Solution To Global Warming." Carbon Free Zone Online, Online Carbon Fair. 17 May 2009
Plumer, Bradford. (CLIMATE CHANGE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS)." Audubon. 111. 2 (March-April 2009): 24(1). Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale. Higher Colleges of Technology. 18 May. 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Largest Algal Biofuel Project (summary-1)
Part 1:
In the 1980s there was a project which was funded by the USA government to make new type of fuels which can replace the existing petrol and diesel. However for some reason it did not succeed, but today there is a similar project which can make dramatic changes.
The British government has started a project to make fuels from algae, which is expected to replace the existing fuel by 2020 and it’s approved by government. On the other hand, algae fabricate chemicals which also affect the environment badly. In addition to the above, the first phase will engage some British companies in potential algae research. The second phase is expected to start next year. It will involve scaling up the algae rising operation. Furthermore, the Carbon Trust will construct multi-hectare open ponds to perform as laboratories for the most hopeful algae technologies identified ever. One of the weaknesses which can make the project hard for the British is that in order to have more algae and fast growing algae, it always requires warm and sunny weather for a long term. In the writer's view, it is expected to be built abroad, not in the UK.
In conclusion, if this project succeeds then the new fuel is expected to reduce the carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, so we might have cleaner air.
Part 2:
In this article about an innovation of algae fuel, this is announced by the British government. The writer talks about how the algae project will be done and what changes it will make if the project succeeds. Still some countries don’t want to support this project because if this project succeeds then these countries can’t sell petrol or diesel, because the prices will go down rapidly.
Part 3:
I think this article is very interesting because it gives you the sense to not stop innovating new things and the good example of this is what the USA government did in the 1980’s. In my view, the article is well organized as it gives you information which makes you think about the future of the GCC countries since they are depending on oil mostly. I agree with the author’s views about finding alternative to oil as there was a significant increase in oil prices last year when it reached about $170 per barrel. I am wondering to know how the GCC countries are thinking about this matter and what they have done so far in order to protect their economies.
In the 1980s there was a project which was funded by the USA government to make new type of fuels which can replace the existing petrol and diesel. However for some reason it did not succeed, but today there is a similar project which can make dramatic changes.
The British government has started a project to make fuels from algae, which is expected to replace the existing fuel by 2020 and it’s approved by government. On the other hand, algae fabricate chemicals which also affect the environment badly. In addition to the above, the first phase will engage some British companies in potential algae research. The second phase is expected to start next year. It will involve scaling up the algae rising operation. Furthermore, the Carbon Trust will construct multi-hectare open ponds to perform as laboratories for the most hopeful algae technologies identified ever. One of the weaknesses which can make the project hard for the British is that in order to have more algae and fast growing algae, it always requires warm and sunny weather for a long term. In the writer's view, it is expected to be built abroad, not in the UK.
In conclusion, if this project succeeds then the new fuel is expected to reduce the carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, so we might have cleaner air.
Part 2:
In this article about an innovation of algae fuel, this is announced by the British government. The writer talks about how the algae project will be done and what changes it will make if the project succeeds. Still some countries don’t want to support this project because if this project succeeds then these countries can’t sell petrol or diesel, because the prices will go down rapidly.
Part 3:
I think this article is very interesting because it gives you the sense to not stop innovating new things and the good example of this is what the USA government did in the 1980’s. In my view, the article is well organized as it gives you information which makes you think about the future of the GCC countries since they are depending on oil mostly. I agree with the author’s views about finding alternative to oil as there was a significant increase in oil prices last year when it reached about $170 per barrel. I am wondering to know how the GCC countries are thinking about this matter and what they have done so far in order to protect their economies.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Cool Cities
Task 6:
Since the industrial revolution, the world has achieved amazing economic growth. On the other hand, the world is experiencing massive problems like environmental problems. These problems include rises in population, traffic delays, increase of energy, increases of temperature, over consumption, as well as increases in CO2. If we continue today’s life style without solving these problems then we would need another earth, which is unattainable.
We need to reduce 50% of Carbon Dioxide emitted into the air in order to live sustainably on the earth. In Japan during the last 30 years the Gross Domestic Product has risen 100% while energy efficiency is 37% greater than before; in addition oil consumption has dropped 8%. Furthermore, 90 percent of carbon dioxide emitted into the air comes from buildings and transportation. SDCJ, a Japanese based company is developing a Cool City. Cool city means an environmental green city because in this city, people would use hybrid cars, energy efficient buildings, and renewable energy which make the city environmentally friendlier. In addition to that, people would use three ways of transportation such as water taxi, monorail and hybrid cars in this city. There are various zones in the city such us:
• Business and Public zone
• Residential zone
• Culture and sports zone
• Resort zone
Moreover, there are some techniques that would be used in order to reduce heat in this city like tree-planting; waterways; rooftop membranes. Furthermore, there are two types of buildings which would reduce CO2; one is called eco-towers which are going to reduce 50% and the second one is eco-residences and it will reduce about 30%. Finally, 60 percent is the overall percentage of reduction of CO2 emissions claimed in the video.
In summary, if we make small changes now in the way we live, we can avoid huge changes in the future and we don’t need to search for another earth to live, which is impossible. Governments and individuals must work as one in order to prevent these problems and should promote developments like Cool Cities.
Since the industrial revolution, the world has achieved amazing economic growth. On the other hand, the world is experiencing massive problems like environmental problems. These problems include rises in population, traffic delays, increase of energy, increases of temperature, over consumption, as well as increases in CO2. If we continue today’s life style without solving these problems then we would need another earth, which is unattainable.
We need to reduce 50% of Carbon Dioxide emitted into the air in order to live sustainably on the earth. In Japan during the last 30 years the Gross Domestic Product has risen 100% while energy efficiency is 37% greater than before; in addition oil consumption has dropped 8%. Furthermore, 90 percent of carbon dioxide emitted into the air comes from buildings and transportation. SDCJ, a Japanese based company is developing a Cool City. Cool city means an environmental green city because in this city, people would use hybrid cars, energy efficient buildings, and renewable energy which make the city environmentally friendlier. In addition to that, people would use three ways of transportation such as water taxi, monorail and hybrid cars in this city. There are various zones in the city such us:
• Business and Public zone
• Residential zone
• Culture and sports zone
• Resort zone
Moreover, there are some techniques that would be used in order to reduce heat in this city like tree-planting; waterways; rooftop membranes. Furthermore, there are two types of buildings which would reduce CO2; one is called eco-towers which are going to reduce 50% and the second one is eco-residences and it will reduce about 30%. Finally, 60 percent is the overall percentage of reduction of CO2 emissions claimed in the video.
In summary, if we make small changes now in the way we live, we can avoid huge changes in the future and we don’t need to search for another earth to live, which is impossible. Governments and individuals must work as one in order to prevent these problems and should promote developments like Cool Cities.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
How Europe can save the world - (Summary 3)
Part 1:
In this article about the EU initiative, the writer says that the European Union has taken one of the most important commitments in Brussels. According to the writer, the aim of the meeting was to think up an ambitious commitment on tackling climate change and energy security. A brief description follows.
27 countries have decided to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by 1/5 within a decade to their previous level of 1990. In addition, these countries are already increasing their demand on the renewable energy like water, air and biofuels. It was settled in Brussels that any new power station must be in a superior category level after 2010. One of the good examples was France, since they are depending on nuclear power which is clean and renewable energy. On the other hand, renewable energy will cost the European companies a lot compared to their competitive countries, which might force them to reallocate there operations to different areas which will dramatically affect the European economy. In the end, although renewable energy is expensive, EU countries don’t want to depend on oil and gas forever.
In this summary, if EU and other countries co-operate together to solve the massive problem then, we will be successful to reduce the increases of temperatures and our greenhouse gas emissions.
Part 2:
In this article from The Observer, 2007, the writer talks about 27 countries from EU who decided to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions to the 1990 level in Brussels as well as the other meeting which is to be held in Indonesia. The aim of the meeting was to encourage more countries to co-operate with the EU to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions.
Part 3:
I think this topic is very interesting because it talks about a remarkable movement of some countries to solve a massive problem so, the new generation will be less effected by increases of temperature and the earth will be cleaner. In my opinion, the article is well organized. In addition, the writer mentioned the positives of using new energy and he also mentioned effective use of new energy by the companies. I agree with what David Miliband said if one country starts truly to solve the problem, then the other countries will follow an equivalent strategy. The idea in this article reminds me of a movie called The Inconvenient Truth which talks about a similar project. In contrast, I would like to know how GCC countries are contributing to solve the problem.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Carbon Footprint
Task 5
What does carbon footprint mean?
A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the atmosphere mainly climate change which we individually produce. In other words the amount of greenhouse gases produced on a daily basis through burning fossil fuels for electricity, transportation and from other well known issues.
I measured my personal carbon footprint at http://footprint.wwf.org.uk/ which shows an average of 3.17, which makes clear that it is a high figure. The major ways I contributed most to greenhouse gases were:
a) Travel: 39%
b) Stuff: 25%
c) Food 20%
On the other hand, the average figure for my class CRB is 3.778 which is almost same as my figure. The worst contribution was for my colleague Mubarak Al Mansoori which was 6.67. Frankly, every single person, company, institution, college including ADMC which I am studying at and even the other countries have carbon footprints which badly affect to the environment. Indeed, the U.A.E has the largest per person footprint in the world.
We are all part of the problem, should we not also be part of the solution?
Although it seems hard to believe, the actions we take and the things we do in our daily life are so opposite and negative. If we don’t all do our part to reduce our carbon footprint, we’re in for hot weather and likewise our children and grand children.
Although it seems hard to believe, the actions we take and the things we do in our daily life are so opposite and negative. If we don’t all do our part to reduce our carbon footprint, we’re in for hot weather and likewise our children and grand children.
Truthfully, we have to take some serious steps to reduce our carbon footprint. Firstly, we can reduce our carbon dioxide emissions by saving energy as well as saving water. Secondly, we could cut down on waste. For example, we can re-use the things that can be used for more than one time or we can support the companies who recycle the waste. Moreover, we can buy recycled products such as toilet tissue and stationery. Lastly, don't travel by air if you can avoid it or don’t travel much if you can.
Overall, I believe it is a serious matter and we have to do something about it. Even though we are blamed, we are concerned to solve this problem.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
An Inconvenient Truth: (Part 2)
Task 4
Brandon Fibbs, http://brandonfibbs.com/2006/05/24/an-inconvenient-truth/
According to Brandon, the film proved that global warming is no longer a theory. In addition, the writer believes that Al Gore has massive information which includes evidence like pictures and pie charts which show and prove how the earth is getting affected badly by global warming which is caused by humans and no one can challenge the evidence which was provided by Al Gore. In addition, the scientists agreed that the earth is being affected rapidly by the global warming and the weather is changing. In the writer's view, the film is well organized and it ends with advice how to get as good weather as it was in the past. Last of all, the writer states that although humans were blamed in this movie, but they were also highlighted to be heroes who can help to solve this problem along with the government.
Brandon Fibbs, http://brandonfibbs.com/2006/05/24/an-inconvenient-truth/
According to Brandon, the film proved that global warming is no longer a theory. In addition, the writer believes that Al Gore has massive information which includes evidence like pictures and pie charts which show and prove how the earth is getting affected badly by global warming which is caused by humans and no one can challenge the evidence which was provided by Al Gore. In addition, the scientists agreed that the earth is being affected rapidly by the global warming and the weather is changing. In the writer's view, the film is well organized and it ends with advice how to get as good weather as it was in the past. Last of all, the writer states that although humans were blamed in this movie, but they were also highlighted to be heroes who can help to solve this problem along with the government.
On the other hand, in a more negative way Scott said how come Al Gore wants the others to stop contributing to CO2 emissions and giving the audience plans to stop these emissions while he is the first who can be blamed for contributing to CO2 emissions while he is promoting his movie and traveling here and there. The writer outlined from the program that Al Gore is quite often saying negative comments about Bush which gave you the impression that Al Gore was looking for something else like his political ambitions rather than educating us about global warming. The writer believes that although Al Gore gave a good speech, he tries to make an effort to influence the audience with that fact by talking about his family loss.
In my opinion, I do agree with Brandon that global warming is no longer a theory, since we are seeing the earth is getting warmer and ice is melting. I do agree also with Scott saying that Gore has a mass of scientific data because he used charts, pictures in addition to diagrams in order to convince the audience as best as he could. However, neither Scott nor Brandon mentioned any figures about people who agreed or disagreed with their own opinions about this program. However, although Gore sensitively was controlling the audience sometimes, but I diverge with Scott seeing Gore is trying to win people over to his point of view. Overall, I believe that the film is about Al Gore's efforts to educate the public about global warming not about his personal concern to win the next election or any similar interest.
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