Slots for Presentations to start April

Tuesday, April 1

1. Zach and Anne: Howard Hughes
2. Lomina and Bosteya: Diana Nyad
3. Tong and Radika: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Thursday, April 3

1. Aziz and Christian: Jimi Hendrix
2. Jai and Naman: 
3. Molly and Gabrielle:
4. Chloe and Amal:
5. Mike, Eri and Jake:
6. Sudi and Najima:

Exploration 6

The problem I focused on was human waste. Human waste affects the environment, animals and humans. Waste can cause severe health issues and diseases to man and animals. It can also have an effect on environmental pollution and the soil. Right now, human waste is having harmful effects on the environment and animals. As the human population continues to get larger, the build up of waste is continuing to get bigger. If we don't put a stop to human waste, then waste is just going to become more of an issue and might become more of a devastating impact on the human population.

A posible solution to the problem is dumping more money into the environmental sound waste management system. Landfills and methane would be reduced by vast amounts. Recycling has also became a major trend with substantial results. The only problem with spending more money on environmental solutions is this will take money away from other important factors, including education and healthcare.

http://www.waste-management-world.com/articles/print/volume-11/issue-2/features/waste-management-2030.html

exploration 6

Today we see many different pollutants over the world. One of the environmental issues is air pollution which I feel is important. World air pollution is a huge and I research in Air pollution in India is a serious issue with the major sources being fuel wood and biomass burning, fuel adulteration, vehicle emission and traffic congestion. I read an article based on air pollution in India in the New York Times paper. According to India’s Central Pollution Control Board, in 2010, particulate matter in the air of 180 Indian cities was six times higher than World Health Organization standards. In the report, India ranks 127 in terms of human health from environmental damage and in air quality where it ranks 174, barely above Pakistan, China, Nepal and Bangladesh. "India's air quality is among the worst in the world, tying China in terms of the proportion of the population exposed to average air pollution levels exceeding World Health Organization thresholds". In the report a health study that found last year in 2013 that (outdoor) air pollution is the fifth biggest threat to people lives in India. The study says that it is responsible for over 600,000 premature deaths in the country, which is six times as many as in the year 2000. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/14/opinion/indias-air-pollution-emergency.html?_r=0

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/14/opinion/indias-air-pollution-

Exploration 6 Christian

An environmental issue that I feel is problematic to our planet is sustaining a well rounded biodiversity. Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, all have an important role to play. An unbalance of biodiversity directly affects humans , and animals as well. Preserving species and their habitats is important for ecosystems to self-sustain themselves, and this means that it takes a well diversity group of species to have a efficient ecosystem. Its important to humans that the ecosystem is efficient and self-sustaining because it helps regulate crops that we use for farming, animals that are used for consumption, and also the preservation of wildlife in general.

Currently, I think that biodiversity affects wildlife the most. Human activity is causing massive extinctions, and global warming is a huge issue that impacts the artic the most. The Arctic is very sensitive to climate change and already seeing lots of changes especially within the ocean. One type of ecosystem that perhaps is neglected more than any other is perhaps also the richest in biodiversity—the coral reefs. It clear to me that if there is not enough biodiversity than it will later on have an impact on humans. Humans rely on the ecosystem with an abundance of things. For example, the preservation of plant life is important in the medical aspect of things because new species of plants could perhaps cure a number of illnesses.

Solutions to this problem would be to cut down on the use of fossil fuels. The use of fossil fuel produces carbon dioxide which in result creates an unhealthy atmosphere. The use of clean energy such as solar panels and energy that is powered by nature seem like a plausible solution, and very effective. However, it seems like it is evitable to avoid the use of fossil fuels to power the economy. Another solution is to stop the  deforestation of places such as the amazon forest. The amazon forest produces a large portion of the earths oxygen and with the deforestation of the amazon it allows more carbon dioxide to enter the earths atmosphere. I think that the use of clean energy is a better solution because with the improvement of technology it will be easier and more accessible to humans to use as an alternate source of energy.

www.globalissues.org › Issues

Exploration 6: Jai Patel

One environmental issue that I think is a big problem in the world today is water pollution. Water pollution affects a lot of counties and people in the world. "In developing countries, 70 percent of industrial wastes are dumped untreated into waters, polluting the usable water supply." People dump chemicals and things in water every day. When people dump chemicals or solutions in the water there polluting other peoples drinking water. Fertilizer and chemicals are used everyday. "On average, 99 million pounds (45 million kilograms) of fertilizers and chemicals are used each year." 
       A couple of state in the United States are doing projects to prevent sewers from over flowing and polluting the rivers. "Portland, Oregon, is actively pursing “green roofs” and “green streets” to prevent sewer overflows into the Willamette River. Chicago, Illinois, now has more than 517,000 acres (209,222 hectares) of vegetated roofs—more than any other U.S. city—which are helping to catch storm water, cool the urban environment, and provide opportunities for rooftop gardens." This problem affects the people and it also affects the animals because they drink the water as well. Possible solutions for this issue would be for every state to pursing green roofs and green streets like how Portland and Oregon are doing. A much easier solution would be just for us not to dump chemicals in rivers. 

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/pollution/

Exploration 6- Anne

I decided to research the environmental issues that come along with using commercial household cleaning products.  Everyone uses some type of cleaning product in order to keep their home clean, but research shows that most of these products contain harsh chemicals that lead to indoor air pollution.  According to Phillip Dickey of the Washington Toxics Coalition, the most dangerous of these cleaning products are corrosive drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and acidic toilet bowl cleaners.  After soapy water has been rinsed down the drains of our sinks, they are treated along with sewage and then discharged into nearby waterways.  Some ingredients in household cleaners breakdown into harmless substances, but others do not, which threatens the quality of the water.  The solution to this problem would be to make your own cleaning products, homemade, using more gentile substances.  

http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_279.cfm

                                

lomina6

I think one of the biggest problems to me is mostly about fossil fuel. Most regions, particularly developing countries are experiencing significant energy demand growth which puts pressure on global fossil fuel consumption. There are growing difference in distribution of wealth within many countries and also growing middle-class in the advanced developing nations like China and India. Growth in energy and decrease of conventional reserves of fossil fuels will increase in prices. Fossil fuels are the cheapest forms of energy in developing nations, especially in regions where large populations that do not even have access to electricity. Economic growth is driven mostly by fossil fuels.

• Fossil-fuel consumption subsidies, $312 billion in 2009 for 25 countries, are distorting price signals.
• Many of these countries were developing economies.

 http://www.twas.org/sites/default/files/sustainenergyreport.pdf

Exploration 6

After doing some research, one of the biggest enviromental issues I found for the present and the future is water pollution, and water wastage.  This is a pretty big problem for society in my opinion, dirty water is the worlds biggest health risk, 1/5 of the world population don't have access to clean water, yet the issue of water scarcity is still an issue because of water wastage.  When water from rain and snow runs off into rivers, it picks up toxic chemicals, dirt, and disease carrying organisms on the way. Many of our water resources also lack protection, making them more vulnerable to pollution from factory farms, industry plants, and activities like fracking.  This affects  us as people, but also the wildlife that lives in water, and also animals that depend on clean water to survive.  I think this problem affects every living species as they all depend on water to survive.  In order to increase water use efficiency and decrease water wastage, the NRDC works to promote adopting sensible standards for efficient appliances, building, and irrigation, supporting cost-effective investments by utilities to help customers save water and improve pricing structure to save both water and money.  I think that simply not wasting as much water as we usually do would be a big step to solving this issue.  

http://www.nrdc.org/water/

Exploration on Ecology&Energy Use

I think there are many environmental issues that happened in today's society.  I think the air pollution could be the most important issue that I feel is important.  According to the article on CNN news, Opinion: Pollution could turn China's dream into nightmare, written by Tao Xie, the professor of political science in Beijing Foreign Studies University.  He writes that when he was walking on the air ridge, he saw the outside was dark even it was 4:40 pm.  The heavy smog was in Beijing.  He realized how terrible it was because the visibility was extremely low as if a dense fog had descended upon the city.  This is very important environmental issue that happened in China.  Most schools and highways were closed because it hard to see the road.  It also hurts the China's economic because of the smog.

I think pollution issue always happened in China because of the many issues.  China had the large population in the world.  I think the smog can cause a lot of negative effects such as the cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.  According to Chen Fengjuan, a doctor at the No. 8 Shanghai People's hospital, that the umber of respiratory patients treated by the hospital in early December increased by 96% and medical costs for these patines increased by 195% compared with statistics from the same period last year.  

In conclusion, according to the article I read, the pollution is big issue that had a negative effect in China's society.  I think we should try to do something that can reduced the smog and air pollution's.  We can use the hybrid car that can reduce the pollution.  We can recycle the trash.  We should plant more trees and flowers.  I think plant more tree can really help the problems because the tree can reduced the pollution by absorb the CO2 and other dangerous sources.  It will help prevent human's lung.  

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/06/opinion/china-pollution-opinion-taoxie/index.html?iref=allsearch

Exploration 6: Naman Patel

The ting that i did research on was global warming. I think that this is a big problem in the world right now, and it was affect how we live in the future. Global warming affects mostly everyone. Global warming is something that can't be changed over time, and not all of it is the humans problems.

 As of today global warming is affecting a lot of things. Food is the big one, Food prices are rising as climate change makes it trickier to maintain the specific conditions crops need to thrive. As the climate warms, the air holds more moisture and rainstorms become more intense, damaging crops. This making it harder for famers to grow plants, and also organic stuff. "Overall precipitation patterns are also changing, bringing droughts to some areas of the world and floods to others." The other things that the people are concerned about it is Fresh water.
 Fresh water is becoming scared in some of the countries. "Many mountainous states rely on snowmelt to replenish their water sources, and snowpack is declining as well as melting earlier in the season." With all of the ice melting in the arctic can cause a lot of damages to the humans and the animals. 
The ice melting affects the humans because of "Arctic sea ice has shrunk by 30 percent since 1979. As it melts and ocean levels rise, coastlines and low-lying areas like New Orleans, Miami and New York are threatened." While this is happening a lot of the life around the water will be hurt and will have a lot of damage. 
The next big thing is Wildfire. The numbers of wildfire had increased over the years. drought has a lot to do with it. "Fires that go through drought-stricken land spread more quickly and burn longer, destroying forests and homes, public recreation spaces and grasslands." This has been happening a lot and it also affect everyone living there. the other thing that hurts is all the crops and tree that we get our resources from. 

In the Future if we keep living like this and not change things starting today, the things will only get worse and worse. some of the things that can happen in the future are "natural resources will be further depleted, and there will be risks of wildlife extinctions, melting of the polar ice caps, coral bleaching and disintegration, floods and droughts, disease, economic disaster, sea level rise, population risks, unsustainable land, and more." The thing that stood out to me the most was what one of the reporter said "With a rational balance between protecting our environment and developing human technology, we will live in a world where we can simultaneously progress the capabilities of mankind with the beauty and necessity of our natural environment." i think that this really important because the earth has provided us with so much and if we miss use all of the resources then its our fault and we can't blame anyone else. 

Some of the things that we can do to make improve our situation is that we can, First, we can reduce electricity use around the house. "If we switch to energy-efficient lighting, or reduce energy needed for heating or cooling, we will make a change in emissions". This reduction can also be made through improving vehicle-fuel efficiency. Driving less than needed or buying a fuel-efficient car will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "Recycling whenever possible greatly reduces the energy needed to create new products". one of the reporter said that "Although it's a small change, many small changes will someday lead to a bigger change." This is true because it takes many small steps and to take a big one. doing something right now will only help us in the future.

http://geography.about.com/od/globalproblemsandissues/a/globalwarming_2.htm
http://geography.about.com/od/globalproblemsandissues/a/globalwarming_2.htm

Exploration Seven: Amal

      

Photo of Before and After Deforestation

         One environmental issue that I think is extremely important is the matter of deforestation. Deforestation is clearing Earth's forests on a massive scale, often resulting in damage to the quality of the land. It is said that the world's rain forest could completely disappear in a hundred years in the rate that it is currently going. The problem that I really want to focus on is the fact that by cutting down the trees, they are hurting the animals and plants that are there. Forests are cut down for many reasons, but most of them are related to money or to people’s need to provide for their families. The biggest cause of deforestation is agriculture. Farmers cut forests to deliver more room for planting crops or scraping livestock. There are millions of habitats lost every year due to deforestation. They produce oxygen and spread the water cycle by letting loose water vapor into the atmosphere. Without the trees, forest lands can quickly become sterile land. This truly affects everyone because trees are so valuable that without them we have nothing. They produces so much that people don’t know and appreciate. And in the coming future, everyone will come to truly see how much damage they have done to Mother Nature. The advantages of deforestation are housing purposes and also building. And the disadvantage is that by burden so we set a course for the destruction of wildlife habitation. And it is increasing global warming around the world. All of these problems are mainly caused by big companies wanting more for their businesses. One best solution to deforestation is to stop the chopping of trees, by engaging a series of rules and laws to govern it. Secondly, Clear cutting of forests must be completely banned to preserve Mother Nature. This will totally result in the reduction of the forest cover. And it is a real solution and is very possible. 
http://www.botany.uwc.ac.za/envfacts/facts/deforestation.htm