I enjoyed reading all the articles and making a blog!
Go Envi-Sci!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Japan's Lackluster Goal
June 10,09
Environmentalists and industry officials are criticizing Japan's goal of reducing greenhouse glasses emitted into the air. The country announced that by 2020, it plan to reduce emissions 15 from 2005 levels. Prime Minister Taro Also announced the 2020 levels will be 8 percent below its 1990 levels. Critics had hoped high target would persuade countries like China and India in reducing their emissions but Japan's plans seem to be lacking for the developed country. Japan has struggled to meet their emission levels as their greenhouse gas emissions increased 9 percent from 1990 levels. Although it emits less emissions than other economies, the second to largest economy in the world is fifth in global emission rankings behind the U.S., China, Russian, and India.
I was surprised that Japan did not set a higher goal to reduce emissions. I think in such a developed country, they should look forward to improving the environment setting a precedent for other countries. However, maybe it will increase its goal in the future. Everyone needs to help out the environment even if it might not be an easy task!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/world/asia/11emit.html?ref=earth
Environmentalists and industry officials are criticizing Japan's goal of reducing greenhouse glasses emitted into the air. The country announced that by 2020, it plan to reduce emissions 15 from 2005 levels. Prime Minister Taro Also announced the 2020 levels will be 8 percent below its 1990 levels. Critics had hoped high target would persuade countries like China and India in reducing their emissions but Japan's plans seem to be lacking for the developed country. Japan has struggled to meet their emission levels as their greenhouse gas emissions increased 9 percent from 1990 levels. Although it emits less emissions than other economies, the second to largest economy in the world is fifth in global emission rankings behind the U.S., China, Russian, and India.
I was surprised that Japan did not set a higher goal to reduce emissions. I think in such a developed country, they should look forward to improving the environment setting a precedent for other countries. However, maybe it will increase its goal in the future. Everyone needs to help out the environment even if it might not be an easy task!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/world/asia/11emit.html?ref=earth
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Another Unsatisfied Group
June 8,2008
An environment group is suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the failure in limiting the transmission of air pollution across state lines in the West. WildEarth Guardians are claiming that states like New Mexico and California do not have plans that address the interstate transport of ozone pollution. They are concerned that the pollution would cause an increase in the amount of smog, and soot in the air. The lawsuit states the EPA is two years late in preparing the plans. The EPA has not reviewed the lawsuit yet.
Although I have never heard of the WildEarth Guardians, if their argument is valid, the lawsuit might bring some positive changes. The EPA can ennact laws that would decrease the amount of air pollution those states emit. I wonder how the EPA will respond to the lawsuit and if they will actually go to court.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2009-06-08-epa-lawsuit_N.htm
An environment group is suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the failure in limiting the transmission of air pollution across state lines in the West. WildEarth Guardians are claiming that states like New Mexico and California do not have plans that address the interstate transport of ozone pollution. They are concerned that the pollution would cause an increase in the amount of smog, and soot in the air. The lawsuit states the EPA is two years late in preparing the plans. The EPA has not reviewed the lawsuit yet.
Although I have never heard of the WildEarth Guardians, if their argument is valid, the lawsuit might bring some positive changes. The EPA can ennact laws that would decrease the amount of air pollution those states emit. I wonder how the EPA will respond to the lawsuit and if they will actually go to court.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2009-06-08-epa-lawsuit_N.htm
Monday, June 8, 2009
Benevolent Beavers?
June 8,09
In Massachusetts, people are unhappy with the beavers who are causing their town to flood. the dams the beaver builds clog culverts and causes septic tanks to overflow. Although residents are breaking them down, the beavers are rebuilding the dams quickly. Although some people want to remove the beavers, doing so might disrupt the ecosystem and cause an abundance of black bears, moose, and turkeys. A large amount of money is needed to fix the problems the beavers are causing.
Although the beavers are causing a lot of troubles for the residents of Massachusetts, I do not think there is much that can be done that will not upset the ecosystem's natural balance. The beavers are just trying to live and I don't think they intend to cause flooding. I think engineers can figure out some way to lower the water levels.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/09/science/earth/09beaver.html?ref=science
In Massachusetts, people are unhappy with the beavers who are causing their town to flood. the dams the beaver builds clog culverts and causes septic tanks to overflow. Although residents are breaking them down, the beavers are rebuilding the dams quickly. Although some people want to remove the beavers, doing so might disrupt the ecosystem and cause an abundance of black bears, moose, and turkeys. A large amount of money is needed to fix the problems the beavers are causing.
Although the beavers are causing a lot of troubles for the residents of Massachusetts, I do not think there is much that can be done that will not upset the ecosystem's natural balance. The beavers are just trying to live and I don't think they intend to cause flooding. I think engineers can figure out some way to lower the water levels.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/09/science/earth/09beaver.html?ref=science
The Award for the Most Efficient City Goes To...
June 8,09
Although San Francisco has the highest recycling rate in the country, it is still trying to reach it's goal of diverting 75 of its waste from landfills. To do so, a new mandatory recycling and composting law was proposed. The law would require residential and commercial building owners to sign up for recycling and composting services or be fined 500 dollars. An additional fine would be given to those who put recyclable or compostable waste in regular trash bins.
Although the new law would increase the amount of waste that will be recycled or composted, it will require authorities to make sure people are following the law. However, if successful, San Francisco would have a 90 percent recycling and composting rate, which would be very beneficial to the environment. I think more cities should have a law requiring recycling too.
http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/08/tougher-recycling-rules-for-san-francisco/
Although San Francisco has the highest recycling rate in the country, it is still trying to reach it's goal of diverting 75 of its waste from landfills. To do so, a new mandatory recycling and composting law was proposed. The law would require residential and commercial building owners to sign up for recycling and composting services or be fined 500 dollars. An additional fine would be given to those who put recyclable or compostable waste in regular trash bins.
Although the new law would increase the amount of waste that will be recycled or composted, it will require authorities to make sure people are following the law. However, if successful, San Francisco would have a 90 percent recycling and composting rate, which would be very beneficial to the environment. I think more cities should have a law requiring recycling too.
http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/08/tougher-recycling-rules-for-san-francisco/
Belching Cows
June 4,09
Yogurt company Stoneyfield Farms is experimenting with cows and determing if a change in diet will lead to less methane being belched out. The cows are fed plants like alfalfa and faxseed.Methane output has dropped 18 percent and the cows are healthier with shinier coats. Methane emitted from cows are accounts for 2 percent fo the countries emissionof heat-trapping gasses. However, the new diet costs more than the regular corn and soy used.
I never knew cows emit methane into the environment. Stoneyfield's Farms' efforts to decrease the amount of methane seems to be effective. The organic yogurt company is increasing its efforts to make the company more eco-friendly. Yay!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/05/us/05cows.html?ref=earth
Yogurt company Stoneyfield Farms is experimenting with cows and determing if a change in diet will lead to less methane being belched out. The cows are fed plants like alfalfa and faxseed.Methane output has dropped 18 percent and the cows are healthier with shinier coats. Methane emitted from cows are accounts for 2 percent fo the countries emissionof heat-trapping gasses. However, the new diet costs more than the regular corn and soy used.
I never knew cows emit methane into the environment. Stoneyfield's Farms' efforts to decrease the amount of methane seems to be effective. The organic yogurt company is increasing its efforts to make the company more eco-friendly. Yay!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/05/us/05cows.html?ref=earth
Shnazzy British Houses
May 24,09
Houses in Britain are going to be super efficient. Starting 2016, all new houses will be zero-carbon in efforts to meet the goal of cutting 80 percent of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 as required in the Climate Change Act. Architects and construction companies are developing energy efficient structures, solar panels, and community heat-sharing systems. However, homeowners may not want to pay 20,000 euros more for a more eco-friendly home.
If I can afford an eco-friendly house, I would definitely one. Britain's new housing plan is a huge process, but it is a good step towards helping the environment. I think by 2050, carbon dioxide emissions will decrease as long as plans like Britain continue to develop.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/25/business/energy-environment/25iht-rboghome.html?_r=1
Houses in Britain are going to be super efficient. Starting 2016, all new houses will be zero-carbon in efforts to meet the goal of cutting 80 percent of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 as required in the Climate Change Act. Architects and construction companies are developing energy efficient structures, solar panels, and community heat-sharing systems. However, homeowners may not want to pay 20,000 euros more for a more eco-friendly home.
If I can afford an eco-friendly house, I would definitely one. Britain's new housing plan is a huge process, but it is a good step towards helping the environment. I think by 2050, carbon dioxide emissions will decrease as long as plans like Britain continue to develop.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/25/business/energy-environment/25iht-rboghome.html?_r=1
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)