Due Week #4 by Wed. 12/5/10 Environmental Issues
Use this blog to discuss issues related to the global environment. Ideas include: global warming, pollution, earthquake zones, groundwater pollution etc. Feel free to connect to the Enivironment DVD we watched last class.
How materials disposed in a landfill end up polluting the air and water nearby and how landfill sites are managed to reduce these problems
ReplyDeleteIn 1948 fresh kills as opened to deal with New York city’s mounting trash problem. Until Fresh Kills, trash had been shipped to more than a dozen landfills via train, barge and truck as far away as Pennsylvania. Frsh kills was supposed to be only temporary solution, so it was not built with longevity in mind. It was not until decades later that liners were installed to prevent leakage in to the groundwater. Air filters were lacking too, and nearby residents complained of the stench. In the distance, black and white smokestacks loom. Nothing comes out of their tops. They aren’t in use. A whiff of that sweet stink that exists at garbage dumps. You can hear machinery in the distance even though he have been told the landfill is closed. the grounds circling various estuaries that can be found at Fresh kills and get up close to the machinery on the hill. Trucks are moving about large piles of junk. Fresh Kills isn’t accepting new garbage, but it’s still dealing with the old stuff. The city of New York, however, wants to transfer the legacy of fresh kills. The fresh kills park project is focused on converting the landfill into a new public park over the next thirty years. It dubs the project “one of the most ambitious public works projacts in the world, combining state-of- the-art ecological restoration techniques with extraordinary settings for recreation, public, art, and facilities for many sports and programs that are unusual in the city”.
A landfill is designed to meet environmental standers. Those standers include liners and gas-capture systems, which are intended to prevent pollution from leaking into the groundwater or entering the air.
Maintaining a landfill is complicated stuff. Dirt has to be watered down in dry seasons so dust doesn’t kick up and carry toxins. Drainage systems have to be installed so water runoff doesn’t seep into surrounding areas and the underground water.
Groundwater moves slowly underground, generally at a downward angle (because of gravity), and may eventually seep into streams. Lakes and oceans.
Khadhum is raising a major environmental concern! I recently did some geological research about tainted ground water and how our escalating garbage pollutes the land/water. UGH! While we have increased our recycling efforts, I wonder what further steps can be taken to prevent catastrophic damage. Disposal of nuclear waste is another troublesome issue. What is the prevailing conventional wisdom about pollution? Are we doing enough? Suggestions to reduce pollution?
ReplyDeletePollution is killing our planet. I personally think it is causing alot of our own physical health problems that are over coming Americans, that are not attributed, to genetics. Look at the rise on how many children are being born with birth defects. I've only lived on this earth 33 years and can only imagine the amount of pollution that was done before my generation.We are not doing enough to controll this issue at all, Buying bottled water and other such products produce's more waste and pollution to our enviroment. Product's that are able to be recycled can be a good thing, but then I think ok the production of these items cause pollution and to recycle cause's pollution, in that the factory's that produce and recycle these items also produce chemicals back into the air, kinda a catch 22. A way to help against polution is to buy a tap filter for your water, eat at home and wash your dishes not eating out or useing throw away plates is a way to rid a great deal of pollution, besides it's not really conveniance as much as it lazzieness on our part. Also littering, dumping chemicals, even our perscription drugs, improperly over time adds up. Being more responsible as individuals can make great change.
ReplyDeleteThe number of natural disasters that occur globally, has dramatically increased over the past 20 years. Earthquakes have been the deadliest and most destructive for the past 10 years and continue to be threatening for many people. Extreme weather changes have also been an issue lately. The IPCC projects that by the year 2100 global warming will cause extreme high sea levels, intense tropical cyclones, heavier rain, heat waves and fewer cold days. Those things would most likely cause significant problems from water shortages to increased energy demands, due to the extreme hot and cold temperatures. I think it is an ongoing issue and that it may be too late to turn back now. Many of the things that we rely on in our everyday lives are contributing to the problem. Slowing it down would require an enormous global change in our routine and getting people to change is extremely difficult. I hope that there is something we can do but looking at the numbers and statistics, the future environment doesn't look very good.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything Bethany has to say about pollution. It is major problem that our world is facing everyday. We need to take inititive and think before we make everyday decisions. With such an industrius society today though it seems that we will never be pollition free, but there are several things that we can do to help prevent pollution. Like Bethany said we need to think about things before we do them. We as individuals need to realize what we are doing to our earth by driving around as much as we do, and littering. I personally think that pollution is one of our earth's biggest issues, and it needs to be more focused on.
ReplyDeleteGot these latest comments re: pollution. Good work gang. Keep the thoughts and information flowing.
ReplyDeleteEvery time even a small amount of the ozone layer is lost, more ultraviolet light from the sun can reach the Earth which will have major effects. Every time the ozone layer is depleted, more UV-B is able to reach the surface of the planet. UV-B increase is one of the most harmful consequences of ozone depletion because it can cause skin cancer. Other research has shown shows that a decreased ozone layer will increase rates of malaria and other infectious diseases.
ReplyDeleteThe environment will also be negatively affected by ozone depletion. The life cycles of plants will change, disrupting the food chain which will have an effect on animal survival. The ecosystems such as oceans, forests, and deserts will also be harmed. The planet's climate could also be affected by depletion of the ozone layer. Wind patterns could change, resulting in climatic changes throughout the world. It is time to take an active stand to save our planet.
We do need to do more to limit pollution. I don’t have any great thoughts on how to motivate the world, but I do try to help in my own little circle. I believe everyone should be responsible for reducing their carbon footprint. In my home, we keep lights off in rooms when no one is in them. When the frigid temperatures arrive (like today), we put on a sweater instead if cranking up the furnace. By recycling plastic and aluminum, we are reducing waste dumped into our landfills. I believe if everyone gave some small effort to control their pollution output, our environment would improve. The corporate world may need government regulations to reduce their footprint, but individual citizens should step up their efforts without regulation. What ever happened to responsibility?
ReplyDeleteThe vast snowfalls and severe flooding from coast to coast in the US have me wondering if global warming is the culprit? Can mankind be responsible for weather? I agree we can all act more responsibly re: pollution!
ReplyDeleteI've noticed sense I was a little kid that even in Erie we don't get as much snow as we use to , I mean look at this week (the week of December 29,2010) it is suppose to get up to the mid-forties but ah HELLO it's winter we are suppose to be freezing.
ReplyDeleteSomething has to be done to help our Earth; it is amazing to me how severe weather is becoming harsher. Has it always been like this and I just never paid that close attention to it? Is it the cause of humans taking what is a natural resource that may have needed to stay in the ground untouched, being the cause of the offset of bad weather? Is it a part of the cause and effects, where people and their waste polluting and causing a major offset, which in return causes death to many during a hurricane? I am sure that these are things that scientist have been evaluating for many years now, but is it too late? There are so many questions that need to be answered, and are we doing enough to save what is left of the earth for our children and grandchildren. You see these movies that do portray what the future holds and it is a scary thought. I am sure we have all driven on 90 or 79 in the dark, you are driving by rural areas and in the distant you can see a glow, kind of like an orange color of light pollution that you can virtually see.
ReplyDeleteResponding to Mrs. Nelson's post on if mankind is responsible for the weather. I think yes we are in some way, scientists don't even have the absolute answer. I say yes because we pollute the earth in so many different ways by burning, dumping, and recently with the oil spill. All this definetly plays a part. I agree with other posts that we have to make changes and I also agree it might be too late but we should all do something to help.
ReplyDeleteGroundwater is a source of water for many people. We contaminate the water by the fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides we use on our farms. We also contaminate the water from disposal sites, dumps or landfills and accidental spills and leaking gasoline storage tanks. Some groundwater pollution occurs naturally also. Our water is so contaminated with chemicals and stuff that lately I've been complaining at home that I can smell it when I shower and can taste it when I drink the water. The water we are drinking I think is very dangerous and the cause of many of the health issues we have.
ReplyDeletePollution is an issue we can all agree on, however what can we do to really reduce our dependence on fossil fuels? I have an older brother who works at a power plant, the plant does not fun all the time. The profit from producing energy is great enough that there are plants that sit idle until there is a great enough demand for them to run. Most power plants run on fossil fuels, either natural gas, or coal. If we want to cut down on the amount of carbon going into the environment, the least amount of carbon is created by nuclear power. The issue with nuclear power is the by-product of that is radioactive waste. The best solution that we currently have for that is to seal it in drums, and bury it in the desert in a large concrete and steel and plastic container. At best we are hoping that if if leaks at least it will only pollute sand and cacti. The issue of alternative energy sources is certainly a difficult one...
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of global warming, it was in the 50s this Friday!..in Erie, in January - that's amazing!
ReplyDeleteI think global warming is both a reality and an exaggerated phenomena. To at least some extent, human beings in this modern age are responsible for warming the planet. When you think about how much energy we consume, how many cars we own, how our whole culture is so oriented around convenience and as a result waste (just in this country alone!) it is ignorant to say that human beings have not contributed to the increasing CO2 levels in the atmosphere. Even if you are a skeptic of all the statistics and research, you have to admit that common sense says our lifestyles are less than environmentally friendly. That being said though, I don't think it's completely our fault because the earth's natural cycles result in periods of warm and cold. In my generation all we've ever heard is global warming, but I recall my teacher (maybe in her 40s?) telling us that back when she was a kid, everyone was conserving for the upcoming ice age! I believe a lot of it is exaggerated, but then again, would living green and reducing our carbon footprint be of any priority to us, if our culture didn't make such a big deal out of it? I feel like we are only spurred to action when the consequences are dramatic.
Thus global warming is most definitely occurring, but I don't think it means doomsday.
I strongly believe every place in the world is facing some issues of global environment. There were two different natural disasters that I have experienced. One was the major global environment in Thailand was occurred on 26 December 2004, Tsunami hit Thailand. This natural disaster caused loss of life as well as major damage to property, the environment and the economy. Another natural disaster that I have experienced was occurred on 16 October 2006, the earthquake magnitude at 6.6 rolled Hawaii. This natural disaster caused damage to buildings and knock out power across the state. This global environment can occur anytime and anywhere that you might not think of.
ReplyDeleteMilitary warns of massive shortfalls by 2015 - These short falls could reach 10 million barrels a day. By 2012 the entire oil production surplus could disappear. This has a great impact on not only developed countries but those that are under developed as well. The warning is the latest in a series from the world that has peak excess of demand. Other alternatives need to be seriously considered and production of items such as electric cars and the use of wind energy should start construction. With the new pipeline from Russia to China, this will further stress and already stressed out maxed out situation.
ReplyDeleteI am learning much from you all:) Thanks for contributions!
ReplyDeleteThe title of the article that I read for class has to do with nuclear fuel. The Chinese scientists have announced that they have mastered the technology for processing fuel from nuclear power plant. This is used to increase the supplies of carbon free electricity. This will help the economy greatly. This is a hot topic because it will increase the amount of power that China can produce from nuclear plants. From this, fissile and fertile materials are recovered to be new fuel. Because of this new mastery of nuclear fuel china has taken the United States position as the world’s leader as the largest energy consumer in 2009.The following states are concern over this new advancement by china. The United States, Russia, India, China. These countries are already processed nuclear fuel. This is causing great concern to the international community. The article states “nuclear fuel costs significantly more than using it once and storing it as waste. It is also controversial because extracted plutonium can be used in nuclear weapons, although china has long had a nuclear arsenal”. Because nuclear fuel can be used for nuclear weapons it is of great concern for all states. China recently only has 13 plants and hopes to produce 100 more. This is bringing up the issue of national security to the front line. The United States is not longer looked at as the world leader in this particular field. Plutonium was halted by then –president jimmy carter because of nuclear proliferation worries. During the George W. Bush administration the national research council found it not to be justifiable. This is not one of the hot topics for North America and our nation defense.
ReplyDeleteI would like to comment on Tony’s observation of pollution and fossil fuel. The article that I have posted before this one is on the same basis as Tony’s example. China just like the United States has heavily depended on fossil fuel. But china has used coal for most of its uses. The new technology of reprocessing fossil fuel has allowed china to take the place as leader in this particular field. It currently has 13 plants and want to create more. This is great news for our environment given that china and use are two of the great polluters in the world.
ReplyDeleteMy following remarks are regarding Kseniya statement about how warm it was in Erie Pa. on January first. What a way to start the New Year! As for this issue of global warming I think we are in a fight that can not be won on ground level. What I mean by this is that for as long as I can remember there has always been a push to go green and finally I see some very dismal changes. As Kseniya states our country is in a state of “ I got to have the best of whatever there is to have” bigger houses, bigger cars, bigger machines for industry. I am not especially surprised about this. We are a status country. We want it all and the more the merrier it seems. Wouldn’t you agree? If you don’t how do you explain that there are three and a half cars for each person living in North America? But I guess at the end of the day it does not really make much of a difference and it probably wont change during my life time. Thus like Kseniya said “global warming is most definitely occurring, but I don’t think it means doomsday”.
ReplyDeleteAround the globe animals have been dropping dead due to some sort of poisioning. Fish have washing up on shore lines through out the world and birds have literally been falling from the sky through out the world as well. Many scientists are puzzled and wont know the causes untill test results come back. The birds all were found with a mysterious blue substance on their beaks which indicate suffocation or poisioning. Is this due to humans wreckless behavior (pollution habbits) or is the end of the world really near? It all boils down to the same cause, humans polluting the enviornment with poisions.
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