UK Divided Over Air Pollution

UK Government Faces Court For Failing to Act on Air Pollution

                         by ClickGreen Staff

                Published Mon 28 May 2012

Image: This picture was taken in London, the capital city of the United Kingdom. You can clearly see the thick smoke/smoggy air that surrounds Big Ben. This is exactly why the English government is being charged with not following European air pollution limits. 

Summary: The United Kingdom Government will be taken to court for failing to uphold air pollution laws set by European Union pollution limits This was brought to the attention of and environmental law group named ClientEarth, whom the High Court dismissed back in December when they brought up this air pollution problem. James Thornton, ClientEarth CEO, explains some of the situation by stating: “The Government is failing to act to tackle Britain’s air pollution crisis – by its own admission the UK won’t meet legal air quality standards until 2025." The reason ClientEarth has brought this to the court's attention is because one, it is against the law, and two, the amount of air pollution related deaths has increased. Not only does air pollution kill simply from inhaling it, but it also causes road accidents. The excess amount of pollution fills the air, which makes the road ahead of a driver less visible. Over 29,000 people have died in the UK because of air pollution, even more if you count the road accident deaths/injuries. The deadline for air pollution plans in the UK was January of 2010, yet current plans will not be carried out until 2020, and none will be carried out until 2025 in London. 

Reflection: Normally when we think of air pollution, we think of the United States and our trouble with air pollution. This obviously is not the case, because air pollution is a global problem, especially in England. I can not believe that the beautiful city of London that I visited last summer has such dirty air. It especially upsets me that the English government has gone as far as simply not worrying about the amount of pollution local factories and business release into the air. Though it's horrible to say, it is a bit comforting to know that we aren't the only country having trouble with air quality and pollution. It is very clear that air pollution was put on the back burner by the court handling this case because they dismissed the case for five months. In our world today, it goes to show that the environment is not our first priority, even though this is the only Earth we'll ever have. 

Questions

1. How do you think the Court should rule? Either in ClientEarth's favor or the UK's government, and why?
2. What should the consequences be for the UK for violating the European Union pollution limit?
3. Why do you believe air quality and the overall environment has not been global governments first concern? Do you think it will ever be a first concern?
4. Do you believe this decision could possibly affect future our government on future environmental laws about air quality? What do you think we would do to improve our air quality and decrease air pollution?

Article url:

http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/national-news/123551-uk-government-faces-court-for-failing-to-act-on-air-pollution.html

Region at Risk: Can Higher Rates of Death Be Linked to Air Pollution?

http://tinyurl.com/82b8vpy

By Don Hopey, Published December 12, 2010 by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

This photo shows a blanket of air pollution over a large city. Why is anyone letting it get this bad?

In the town of Shippingport, approximately 14,636 died from heart disease, respiratory disease or lung cancer. Chad Hysong and his family moved his family when pollution from all the smokestacks was causing an endless cycle of respiratory problems, even ash falling from the sky, pitting his car’s paint. This was caused by all the air pollution and smog filling the air of their once clean, upbeat town. This article is mostly about the link between air quality in an area and the amount of deaths. These air problems still remain in many towns today. The number of deaths in Shippingport were a 10% increase in mortality than what would be expected of a population of nearly 3 million people. The air still contains fine airborne particles, soot, and smog. This is raising costs to nearly $9.4 billion a year in damage to the community’s health. It is shown that if we improve the air quality, there will be less kids in the hospital for sure. For some, they wake up in the morning, go outside to drink their morning coffee, and are already blanketed in a cloud of air pollutants. This is taking deathly tolls.

Opinion/ Reflection:

I honestly do not understand this at all. Factories, industries, even little shops are all contributing to this. Every little bit counts. If we really put our minds to it, (it might have to take a tear-jerking documentary or maybe even some more deaths) we can stop this. Once we start realizing that humans and the earth are really being harmed by all of this, I hope that we can start to make a change. It can be done.

1. What are some things you an do to raise awareness about air pollution in your community? How much of an impact could this make?
2. What would have to happen to make people start acting upon this issue?
3. What are the long-term consequences for air-pollution?

Breathing Smog While Pregnant May Worsen Asthma In Offspring

No Author Mentioned. Written on May 20, 2012
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/05/20/breathing-smog-while-pregnant-may-worsen-asthma-in-offspring

Picture: Does this child look happy to you? She certainly does not look happy to me. Well why does she look so unhappy? Because she struggles with asthma along with many other kids around the world. And when we pollute our air we are only making it worse for them and giving other kids a bigger chance of getting asthma.



Summary: New studies are now showing that not only can smog make kids that already have asthma have more difficulty, but can also harm the lung function of kids who are still in their mother's whom. How was this discovered and proven? A study of 162 kids that range in ages 6 to 15 in california that have been diagnosed with asthma were evaluated along with their mother's exposure to air pollution during pregnancy. What was discovered? Well according to the article, "The study showed that exposure to airborne particles and the pollutant nitrogen dioxide during the first and second trimesters was associated with poorer lung function growth in both boys and girls with asthma.". These results have added to 2 things. 1. the evidence that a mother's exposure to air pollution during pregnancy does affect lung development in children with asthma and 2. our current amount of air pollution does greatly affect human health.


Opinion/Reflection:
This really wasn't a long article and it didn't have much to say. But, I wanted to share it with you guys because I think what it did have to say was very important. Honestly, I know I have said this before, but so many people seriously do not understand how bad air pollution actually is!!! I personally hate air pollution so much, (I know some people might jump on me for saying this) but I think air pollution is something we need to worry about more then water pollution. This really is so important and it's scary to think that air pollution can affect you before you even get to say daylight! I never took air pollution so far to think it could affect a child in a womb, but when you think about it, it really makes sense! This article only made me want to raise more awareness for air pollution! I am so happy my family owns a prius!!!

Questions:
1. Could air pollution affect human organs other then the lungs? Which ones?
2. Many articles debate over whether or not air pollution actually causes asthma. Although there is not yet a deffinate answer to the cause of asthma many people strongly believe its caused by air pollution. What are your opinions on this? Does air pollution really cause asthma or does it just make it worse and cause more symptoms?
3. How many people in the U.S. are affected by asthma? Has this number increased or decreased?
4. Do you think we are on the right track to lowering our amounts of air pollution or do you think there is still more that we could do?

Acid Rain: All you need to know

The Cause of Acid Rain
by the EPA
http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/education/site_students/whatcauses.html

Picture: Does this picture creep you out a little bit? It definitely scares me. This is an example of what acid rain can do to statues made of hard concrete and stone. Imagine what is can do to plants and animals!
Summary: Earlier this year, I posted a blog about acid rain during our biosphere unit and how it affects trees. Today, I found an article that highlights what acid rain really is, and how it happens. Acid rain is formed by the mixture of unnatural chemicals in our atmosphere. These chemicals are caused by the release of sulfur dioxide and (non-atmospheric)nitrogen oxides into our atmosphere and ozone layer.  These chemicals are most commonly released by factories burning fossil fuels for electricity and the release of exhaust from cars and trucks on the road. Since over 1 billion cars are on the road every day worldwide, this accounts for a huge amount of exhaust release and acid rain likelihood. 


Reaction:
It seemed like everybody was pretty unaware of what acid rain was last time I posted, so I wanted to find an article that summarized how it's made and what it consists of. Did you also know that acid rain can, in high consistencies, burn the skin? That scared the crap out of me, to be completely honest, as a person who is very sensitive to air quality and skin condition. I really hope that in future years the amount of acid rain can significantly decrease as more people become aware of the terrifying circumstances it presents.


Questions:


1) How aware were you of this situation before this point?


2) Do you think environmental groups should make an effort to spread awareness about acid rain? Why or why not?


3) Do you think the affects of acid rain will increase or decrease in the future? Why?

Air Pollution: Smog, Smoke and Pollen

http://www.nrdc.org/health/climate/airpollution.asp

Picture: This map shows the air pollution in 2002-2006. Notice the areas in brown and red which show there is an unhealthy ozone. Even us, livng in Pennsylvania are affected.

Summary: As a result from different vehicles, factories, and a rise in temperature, there is an increase in smog pollution. Smog pollution leads to irritation in your eyes, nose, and lungs. Smog pollution also leads to an increase in wild fires. The increase in wild fires enlarges the amount of air pollution. This air pollution puts everyone who gets exposure to the outdoors in risk. Smog air pollution has a big affect on people with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. “In 2010, the American Lung Association estimated that about 23 million Americans suffered from asthma.” These 23 million people could face more problems with the amount of smog pollution that is rapidly increasing. Only 11 states have raised awareness about the amount of smog pollution. We need more awareness about this deadly pollution so we save more lives and improve the air quality.

Reflection- I think this is a very important topic to learn. Everyone is affected by this smog pollution if you are outside. It is affecting our health and the environment. I was surprised that only 11 states have raised awareness about this pollution. If over 23 million people are affected by asthma and smog pollution worsens asthma, more states should raise awareness. If more states raise awareness, we could all come up with alternative ways for factories and vehicles to run better than ever.

Questions:

1.) Do you think it will make a difference if more than 11 states raise awareness? Why or why not?

2.) What kinds of alternative energy can we use for factories and or vehicles to reduce the amount of smog pollution?

3.) What kind of impact do you think smog pollution has on wild life? (like animals and plants)

Slimegate: Should USDA Require Labeling for LFTB?
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/04/slimegate-should-usda-require-labeling-for-lftb/
Written by: Helena Bottemiller On April 3rd, 2012

Picture: This picture shows what pink slime looks like before it is used and then after it is in the meat. You can't even see it in the meat can you? That's what is so scary.

Summary: Many people are upset and are arguing over the Lean Finely Textured Beef, commonly known as pink slime or ammoniated beef. Buyers want to know if the beef they are buying has indeed been used with pink slime, but beef sellers are not required to tell you. Although many places are saying they are pink slime free, the beef is not required to be labeled if it is ammoniated beef. Why? Dr. H. Russel Cross who is a USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service administrator says, "There is no need for labeling LFTB--because nothing is being added that is not beef". Other people added that the ingredients in the pink slime do not stay in the product. This was proven false. While untreated beef had about 100-150 ppm of ammonia, beef that has been treated with pink slime contains about 400-500 ppm of ammonia. The product also takes beef from a normal pH of 5.7 to about 8.5. Although the products pH drops to about 7.5 when it leaves the facility in a large frozen brick, that is still 100 times more alkaline then it was before treatment. Although there are these facts there are still major arguments. While some people believe not labeling the pink slime beef is a form of fraudulent labeling, others believe that beef is beef. According to the article, Though it's probably a safe bet USDA won't require it anytime soon, consumers demanding an LFTB label at the grocery store look like they're going to get it.

Opinion/Reflection:

I 100 percent agree that the pink slime meat needs to be labeled!! Just like with everything, I want to know what I am eating (I am not a big surprise person when it comes to food). I remember we went into some detail about pink slime in Mrs. Ulmer's class. After that day, I went home and did research on pink slime and became really grossed out about it! I didn't eat ground beef for a while, I'm not gonna lie, I was scared. But now the grocery store I shop at, Giant, has sent out emails and says that they do not use pink slime. That first burger i ate once I learned the pink slime was no more was so tasty! Food labeling is deffinatly a topic everyone should be aware of. Honestly I am so happy I picked this article about pink slime so I could be more informed.

Question:

1. What Are your opinions on pink slime? Do you think they should have to label beef with pink slime?

2. Are there any other products that the USDA does not require you to have on your labels?

3. How important do you think it is for manufacturers to label their products?

4. Do you ever look at the ingredients in your food? Why or why not is this important to you?

No pests, no pesticides?

Effective Pest Control Without Chemical Pesticides
by Arlington Organic Club Newsletter
http://www.aogc.org/effpest.htm

Picture: This photo shows a sign in a local neighborhood where using pesticides on lawns is prohibited. If more people would adopt this policy, pollution would be severely decreased.

Article: This link talks about the alternate ways you can prevent bugs on your lawn and in your garden without the use of harmful pesticides. Although the article focuses mainly on gardens, many of these same measures can be taken to prevent bugs on your lawn as well. There are several different methods used. First, you could try using water on certain areas as a natural pesticide. This works against many aphids and spiders. Also, try and diversify the different kinds of plants you have in one area. This helps prevent a large amount of one type of insect overrunning an area. You also should regularly tend to your lawn and garden to prevent weeds. The most damage-inflicting critters often are only found in areas which are untended and overgrown.

Reflection

This idea sounds really good to me. Although it focuses mainly on gardens and not on lawns, I think that's a good thing. Gardens are a more environmentally-friendly use of space than lawns are anyway, except for the use of pesticides they cause. I think if more people followed these ideas, our environment would be fundamentally healthier.

Questions:
1) What are some things that could go wrong with this plan?
2) How affective do you think this could be?
3) Can you think of any other ways to prevent insects without using pesticides?

A Light in the Desert

http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA275037961&v=2.1&u=hatterslib&it=r&p=GPS&sw=w

This picture shows a wind turbine farm in the abandoned desert of Mojave. They are using these abandoned, desolate areas to create a lot of types of renewable energy.

Summary: On the border of California and Nevada lies a desolate desert, perfect for solar panels and wind turbines. They are turning this area into one of the largest renewable energy facilities. BrightSource is building a solar electric generating system that is expected to be as big as four Central Parks and generate 392 megawatts of power. This will cost about $2.2 billion. In spring and summer, this area gets so hot, and as the Pacific air flows in at about 20 miles per hour, the wind turbines pick it up and turn it into energy. Each of these turbines can produce enough energy to power roughly 1,000 homes. Not only is there solar and wind power being extracted in this desert, there is also an open-pit operation that extracts rare earth minerals needed for the magnets in electric cars and wind turbines. This place is the only supplier of rare-earth minerals in the western hemisphere. All in all, jobs are opening up and energy is being healthily distributed throughout the nation.

Reflection: This is great how so many types of renewable energy are being created in an area where nothing otherwise happens. Also, it is wonderful to actually know how much energy is being produced here, because it gives me a sign of how much is actually happening here. It is a brilliant idea, and I don’t see why all the deserts are doing this!

Questions:

1.       Are there any other ways to get renewable energy?

2.       Why is getting renewable energy from a desert so much different than doing it in a city like Philadelphia?

3.       How does getting renewable energy like this different from getting non-renewable energy?

Are Pests the Problem -- or Pesticides?

http://www.nrdc.org/onearth/06spr/frontlines.asp

Picture- This insect is called a boll weevil. It is one of the many insects that infest cotten fields. There are more than 10 million across the United States.

Today, many American farmers overuse pesticides and fertilizers. They are creating dead zones in the ocean. If dead zones increase, then there will not be a place for aquatic creatures to live in the sea. These chemicals also use up many of our fossil fuels, which we are in desperate need of. Using fertilizer on plants also increases the number of bugs you attract. If this is the case, is it even worth it? American farmers spend about $2.4 billion a year on pesticides and fertilizers, which is a huge waste of money. In a study, it was proven that 18 times as many moth eggs were grown in a fertilized ground other than an organic farm. Organic matter decreases insect outbreaks by releasing nutrients at rates and in proportions that best meet the plants' needs. It is hard for farmers to get funding to switch to organic farming, but with the right kind of money it is possible.

Opinion/Reflection

            I think organic farming is way more useful to everyone. The food is just as good and it will be helping the earth. We have to stop thinking about ourselves and start thinking about the big picture. There is life at sea and we are killing all that life off when we do not have to. I feel like it is just an on going process of using fertilizer and then having too much bugs so you need pesticides and so on. There are also alternatives. I know my mom uses compost instead of fertilizer and her plants are still beautiful. If more people hear about this issue than I think more farms will get the funding to start an organic farm. By creating organic farms, we are just one step closer to repairing our world.

Questions:

1.) What are some alternatives to fertilizers and pesticides?
2.)  What other affects do you think fertilizers and pesticides have on the world?

3.) Do you think there is a reason to keep fertilizers and pesticides?

4.) How do you think we can get the word about the harm of pesticides and fertilizers?

Reversing Deforestation Is Complicated; Planting a Tree Is Simple

Dianna Vassallo

Gov. Martin O'Malley (Of Maryland)

Posted: 04/30/2012

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gov-martin-omalley/reversing-deforestation-i_b_1465102.html

Picture: This picture shows the results of deforestation in the United states. Deforestation leaves a once beautifully green land bare and torn up. 

Summary: The future of Earth is in the hands of those who chose to destroy forests, or help replant. As the title states, stopping deforestation is not an easy task, but planting a tree isn't complicated. Maryland has decided to take on this task of re-growing, Marylanders say they consider themselves "pro-growth" Americans. Not only do they wish to grow trees, they also want to grow stream buffers, and food. Unfortunately their mission may not be achievable, because first they must find out whether or not we have the capacity to grow. Maryland is beginning it's journey to cleaning up their bit of earth by upgrading to a better sewage treatment technology, and starting better farming practices. A goal they are setting is to have 40 percent of their land covered by trees and forests by 2020.

Reaction: It's really amazing that a state that is very close by to us is beginning to implement such great goals. I was surprised that this article/letter from Gov. Martin O'Malley mentioned many of the things we learned in class. Before environmental science, I had never heard of a buffer zone. Yet Maryland is beginning to grow more stream buffers, along with trees. It also connected to class because they're trying to clean up their sewage, which eventually ends up in local water ways. This is very inspiring, and since it isn't too far away, it makes me think, why don't we try this too? Pennsylvania means "Penn's Woods", how about we try to restore that name and plant a few trees.

Questions

1. Do you think we should make similar goals? If so, what should be the same, and what else could we add?

2. What kind of things would help make this dream of stopping deforestation a reality? 

3.Would you help make a change? What would you do?

4. Do you think these goals are achievable? What could stop them from achieving these goals?

:)

Thirsty Planet

Ali Pollock

This picture shows the many ways that water helps our body.
Every one needs water to survive.  Whether the water is equally
distributed without the countries on earth is up to everyone to make it happen.

Summary- The world needs water for so many different things. Humans need water to drink on a daily basis, clean themselves, and clean clothes and dishes. Land animals also need water to survive on. They drink and bath in water too. Aquatic animals obviously need to survive on water also. Without water, fish and other sea creatures would not be alive. Without sea creatures alive, it also takes a big food resource away from humans. We know that water is so important every living thing, but the thing is, we all have to share the 1% of fresh water on earth. We all share drop by drop every drop of water. The rest of the water on earth is not suitable for humans to drink. The average American uses about 100 gallons of water a day. Over in Europe they use half that amount. In some parts of Africa, the people have to liv on about 5 gallons per day. Everyday when you are brushing your teeth or flushing a toilet, you are using about 9 gallons of water. It is up to us to share every droplet of water so everyone around the world and animals too can survive on the water we have.

Reflection- we learned about this is class today, but reading about how good we have it compared to the rest of the world really got to me. We are so fortunate for the water that is supplied to us. Some people do not get it that easy. There are children that have to wake up earlier than we have to for school to walk to the nearest water supply and get their family their day’s worth of water. Although we have it so well here in America, I think we take advantage of what we have. We do not need to be using 100 gallons of water a day. There are many ways to cut back on our water usage. If 20 people do this we will save 2,000 gallons of water each day. That is a huge improvement and one step closer to distributing the water around the world more equally.  

Questions:

11.)  What other ways do we use water?

22.)  What other ways can we conserve water?

33.)  Do you ever think we will equally distribute the water around the world?

44.)  Do you think it is right to equally distribute water around the world?

aarticle found: http://tinyurl.com/7rvj2vl

Acid Rain Destroying Native Trees

New concern about acid rain

http://search.proquest.com/docview/218575996?accountid=41322

Picture: Acid rains destroys trees like these every year due to fossil fuels in the atmosphere.
Summary:
Acid rain, which is caused by dangerous chemicals released into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels, is very harmful to the environment. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the amount of acid rain being released in precipitation. This can be extremely damaging to trees and soil, which absorb these harmful substances and potentially stunt the growth of these plants. Acid rain also sucks out and kills the nurtients that many plants need for growth from topsoil on the ground. It can also cause calcium deficiency in treesm, which makes the susceptible and weak during the winter months. A California University discovered that trees get one of their most-necessary nurtients, essential metal elements, from the topsoil surrounding them. They also were alarmed to notice that these nutients were extremely low in numbers compared to the demand needed to support all of the trees. When acid rain further destroys these supplies, the trees are in extreme danger of malnutrition and death. Humans greatly impact the output of fossil fuels into the atmosphere, which is the primary cause for acid rain. If we can stop exerting so many toxic chemicals into our air, we may be able to stop this destruction of nature.
Opinion/Reflection:
I aways knew that acid rain was a negative effect of pollution from fossil fuels, but I had no idea that it was getting worse. The fact that not only are the trees getting directly destroyed, but their resources are as well is extremely concerning. Not only are these trees in danger of dying from acid rain corroding thhem, but now they are also in danger of losing their source of nurtients and life support. If something like this was happening to animals, everyone would know about it and would be finding ways to stop it. Because it's happening to plants, though, nobody seems to realize how big of a deal it is.

Questions:
1) What are some ways we can prevent this from happening in short term/long term periods?
2) Can you think of any ways we can currently protect these trees from being damaged?
3) What are some other animals/plants that are harmed by acid rain?

Is Your Drinking Water Contaminated By Prescription Drugs?
Written by: Denise Civiletti Last updated on 3-18-2011
http://riverheadlocal.com/general-health-topics/1757-is-your-drinking-water-contaminated-by-prescription-drugs




Picture: This picture shows someone putting their prescription drugs down the toilet, which is the cause of prescription drugs in our tap water.


Summary: Recent environmental studies have now shown that your drinking water could be contaminated with pharmaceutical drugs. The main cause of these compounds in our drinking water is the practice of people flushing unwanted drugs down the toilet. Some of the drugs in your tap water may include heart medications, antibiotics, estrogen, mood stabilizers, tranquilizers, contraceptives, and steroids. Some effects of humans drinking contaminated water are hormone distribution, antibiotic resistance, and synergistic effects. The contaminated water not only can affect humans, but also the aquatic life. The biggest concern is antidepressants, which can alter the behavior and reproductive functions of the fish. Many people are beginning to understand what is happening and are taking action. In particular, the Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport by having its own community medication disposal program. The article says, "The issue is especially important as the population ages and more people are taking various maintenance medications, according to both environmental advocates and hospital administrators".

Opinion/ Reflection:
Wow! I was honestly so shocked about this! I had no idea that our drinking water could have prescription drugs in it. It makes sense though, I always thought that put drugs down the toilet was a little "fishy" or not right. This is obviously something we need to take care of. So many people are trying to "go green", which involves drinking tap water instead of bottle water. But as we can see from this article it may not be safe to drink your sink water. I think the scariest part about this is the compounds are so small, that you could drink tons of medication and not even know it.

Questions:
Could there be other causes to having drugs in our drinking water, other then flushing down the toilet?
What are people doing to take action and get the drugs out of our drinking water?
What is the proper way to dispose of prescription drugs?

http://tinyurl.com/6nc9zv7

U.S. Coral Reefs-- Imperiled National Treasures by Michael E. Field, Susan A. Cochran, and Kevin R. Evans. Published n.p in 2002

Coral Reefs are home to about 25% of sea creatures. They contribute many factors to their ecosystems. But these undersea mounds are quickly decreasing due to natural forces and human activity.

Summary: This article tells us everything we need to know about coral reefs; what they are, how important they are to us, why they are in peril, and what is being done to preserve them. The coral reef is not only home to 25% of sea animals, but they also contribute hundreds of millions of dollars every year to the United States fishing industry and billions of dollars towards the Nation's tourist industry. These wonderful masses of limestone can be destroyed by natural forces like storms, but they are mostly at risk from human activities. When waters are polluted, the amount of sunlight that can reach these reefs is limited, therefor reducing the amount of photosynthesis happening. Ocean temperatures around the world are rising, putting corals under stress. When corals are stressed, the release algal symbionts that are critical to their health. This process is called coral bleaching. The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force is working to understand the human impacts on coral reefs and impacts of natural processes. Their research is essential for our coral reefs to be saved.

Opinion/Reflection: When I think of endangered species, I think of the obvious ones, such as the polar bear and Asian elephant. I would have never thought of coral reefs as something humans need to start thinking about also. To me, they have always been pretty little globs I would see while snorkeling, but now I realize that they are pretty important! This also ties in with the biosphere in how coral reefs are a keystone species. They are so important to ecosystems that if they were to become extinct, the whole ecosystem would struggle for years and not operate correctly. The fish would have nowhere to live, the algae would have to find somewhere else to grow, and the plankton will grow in numbers! It’s pretty crazy to think about.

Questions:

1. What kind of things can we humans do to save the lives of coral reefs?
2. Are coral reefs so important to preserve that we should be going out of our way to help them?
3. Why do you think coral reefs are so important to their ecosystems?

World Water Forum Breaks Down Dam Impacts

Posted by David Robinson in Water Currents on March 19, 2012 National Geographic

http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2012/03/19/world-water-forum-study-breaks-down-impacts-of-dams/

Picture: I chose this picture because it shows what it means to build a dam, and how it could effect the surrounding area/place it is built. Building dams requires destroying the surrounding area by digging and destroying animal's habitats.

Summary: In the 1990's, the construction of dams dropped due to the fact that dams have a large environmental and social impact. Now these monsters are now beginning to become more common in countries that are struggling for water and electricity. One new study released at the 6th World Water Forum in Marsielle shows the impacts of 6 dams built in West Africa. The study shows that the dams bring more stress for locals then relief, though they may not have to rely on other countries for energy sources, dams have such a large environmental impact that natives aren't able to adjust to the change. Environmental impacts include loss of fish population, flooding, and also causes poor harvests. Countering these negative impacts are the positive, such as how dams create economic opportunities and jobs. Though dams seem to bring more negative side effects than positive, governments are looking to help citizens receive the benefits from the dams (such as irrigation for crops and electricity)

Reaction: When I saw this article, I like how it relates to our new topic (the hydrosphere) and the topic in my Global Studies class (Africa). After reading the article, It helped me understand dams more, because even though I know what they are, I don't believe I've actually seen one in person! The only time i've seen one is in the movie Evan Almighty. The dams seem pretty harmful from an environmental point of view. The builders of these dams basically destroy their surroundings before they are able to do any good, such as bring power and help irrigate farmer's crops. 

Questions:

1. Do you believe more Dams should be built in the US? Why or why not?

2. What are some other ways water can provide energy for certain countries(other devices that convert water into energy) ? What are they and where/when they have they been used 

3.  Do you believe the possible destruction of the environment is worth receiving cheaper energy? (rephrase: Do you believe the benefits of building dams outweigh the risks? Why or why not?)