Researchers at McGill University have found that snow absorbs polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are pollutants that are both toxic and carcinogenic. With air pollution claiming up to eight million lives per year worldwide, having knowledge on how these pollutants interact with snow is crucial to try and fix the global issue. A study was conducted in a frozen glass sphere simulation and what they found was snow takes up airborne particulate matter and alters the concentrations of nanoparticles. They also found that colder temperatures, once having interacted with snow, increase the presence of smaller nanoparticles in the air above the snow.
Air pollutants are also being trapped in the snow pack and change chemical compositions creating additional pollutants. This is a concern that researchers have as this winter's snow begins to melt. More research will need to be conducted once this season passes to understand further the effects of the trapping of these chemicals. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170404160052.htm
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A paper has been published by scientists from the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, Scoland's Rural College and the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre discussing the relationship between crops cows eat, and the amount of methane produced by the animals. It was discovered that plants growing in warmer temperatures have lower nutritional value and have adaptations such as thicker leaves and flowering earlier to prevent damage. Tis in turn causes the cattle to breathe heavier while chewing the tough grass, increasing the amount of methane released into the atmosphere. This is a vicious cycle because cooler climates are needed to grow wanted crops but as cows produce more methane, temperatures increase. Methane is 25 times better at trapping heat than CO2 and has significant effects on the growth of plants.
Scientists are now conducting research to identify native plants that are easy to digest and produce a higher yield of meat and milk production. It is necessary for farmers to be aware of what is being fed to their cattle because the cycle of methane entering the atmosphere will not be broken unless the plants eaten produce high yields and low methane output. http://www.victoria.ac.nz/__data/assets/image/0020/261353/varieties/ls_medium.jpg The University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Sciences lab has created a sponge that absorbs mercury from a water source that has been polluted. The mercury can be removed from tap, industrial wastewater, and lake water. The sponge absorbs it in less than five seconds and around five minutes for industrial water.
Mercury is a large problem in the state of Minnesota with more than two thirds of the state's water impaired due to mercury contamination. This leads to contaminated fish inedible to humans and exposures to those who come in contact with the water. In the North Shore of Minnesota, 10% of newborns tested, had concentrations of mercury above the EPA reference dose. Fortunately, if there are cuts in mercury emissions, it is estimated by the US-EPA that there will be 130,000 fewer asthma attacks, 4,700 fewer heart attacks, and 11,000 fewer premature deaths each year. This song will hopefully lead to new regulations and safer waters for those who rely on them to live. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170322110944.htm Nuclear is the most powerful energy source and is 20 percent of the United State's energy. It has 120,000 times more power than coal so when it is no longer powerful enough to create energy, it is still dangerously powerful enough to make it radioactive. One concern of nuclear plants is their cost. They are the most expensive type of plant to build and have much public opposition due to fear.
https://vimeo.com/40109814 Coal is cheap, available and easy. It is located nearly everywhere and is easy to extract, store and turn into fuel. When burned, it powers generators. What companies strive for is an quick way to create energy that can be used to improve cities and counties. However, coal is dirty in that it creates health risks to those that mine for it and has major environmental impacts. In fact, not a single coal plant captures its CO2 emissions it creates.
https://vimeo.com/40099043 CO2 emissions cause one of the greatest environmental impacts. Over one half of these come from oil and one third come from coal. It is recognized that man uses chemicals that produce acid rain and deplete the ozone layer but little is done about it, especially when it comes to agreeing that CO2 emissions can be cut and use can be improved. Other improvements needed are the use of water and how to take advantage of renewable resources in a cost affordable way.
https://vimeo.com/40102636 The coral reefs off the coast of West Maui have been greatly effected from 2000- 2015. The living reefs have decline from thirty percent to ten percent and is due to the runoff of sediment from rain storms. The process of photosynthesis by the coral is inhibited with large amounts of sediment present, which then leads to algae appearing, damaging the coral.
Carrie Kappel and Kim Selke are two senior fellows at UC Santa Barbara who are working with ecological economist Kirsten Oleson from University of Hawaii to address the problem. They have found that the most cost effective way to reduce sediment runoff is simply have landowner cooperation. In attrition, the team is also looking at new methods to improve agricultural roads, most of which are gravel, causing high amounts of runoff. What they found is that the most cost effective way to approach the road problem is to target runoff hot spots rather than all road segments. The problem that the team is facing is money. The budget is very small in Hawaii so researchers are trying to find the most efficient solution to save the coral reefs. The declining health of the reefs is a flashing sign of cultural eutrophication and what will result if we do not reverse our ways. Reefs are a fragile ecosystem and must be cared for at all costs. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170302143810.htm As a result of the opening of the Don Pedro spillway, the Tuolumne river continues to rise and has surpassed the flood stage as of Tuesday. Modesto is experiencing effects of the flood currently. There are no mandatory evacuations but some residents that live near the river have begun packing in case of one. At one point, two men on the west edge of Legion Park had to be rescued as it began to flood. Don Pedro is at a steady release of 16,000 to 17,000 CFS for the next nine to ten days until the reservoir is at 815 feet. Those living close to the river in mobile homes have been hit hard by the flooding and some areas are without power. Authorities are aware but due to high water levels, they are on standby until conditions are safe. The flooding that has occurred as a result of multiple storms is unfortunate and has the potential to harm some ecosystems but the same storms have also taken any parts of the state out of a drought state and have added to the snow pack. It is a give and take that comes with nature. It will be interesting though to see how this flooding effects the local areas in the upcoming months. http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2017/02/21/rare-releases-from-don-pedro-spillway-reach-modesto/ African penguins are facing a new challenge of becoming stuck, foraging for food in poor places due to fishing and climate change. The young endangered penguins leave the colony for the first time, traveling long distances searching for signs of plankton, and the feed that feed on the species. However, the penguins are led to destinations with plankton but no fish due to over fishing and climate change, and are instead replaced with low energy fish and jelly fish. Richard Shirley and his colleagues at the University of Exeter made this discovery when they were using satellites to track the movement of newly leaving African penguins. What they found was that they still travelled to the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) and in the past it was one of the most abundant ocean areas in the world, with anchovies and sardines available fro penguins and humans. Now, fish numbers are low but penguins still travel to where the plankton are. Researchers suggest that penguins respond to a substance given off by phytoplankton when they are under stress, which to the fish means there are fish. As a result, the penguins often fail to survive. Breeding numbers are are about 50% lower than if the penguins found other feeding locations but precautions are beginning to take place. Possible protection is to translocate chicks to an area that the penguins will not get trapped. Although this is temporary relief, if climate change does not slow down and if fishing is not more closely regulated, the penguins will run out of places they can be moved to. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170209133516.htm The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) may be disassembled in the near future, by the hand of President of Donald Trump. The pro- coal, global warming skeptic does not see the need for the EPA and also wants to back out of the Paris Treaty, a global deal between 200 countries created to cut greenhouse greenhouse gases. Myron Ebell, the man who headed Trump's RPA transition team claims that Trump will be removing the US from the treaty either by executive order or may withdraw later on as a part of a bigger plan. Although any country who wants to remove themselves from the Paris agreement must wait four years, Trump and his team are currently looking for quicker alternatives.
Trump's push for this change is fueled(pun intended) by his involvement in the gas drilling and coal mining industry and with lesser regulations or even no regulations by the EPA, profits will increase. This scenario is quite frightening. With the EPA at a stand still, scientists and engineers are silenced and there will be much conflict in the near future regarding the nation's environmental standings. The coal industry is losing its power as renewable and clean energies are becoming more accessible, which is why Trump is limiting the EPA, the obstacle in the way of his vision for coal. http://fortune.com/2017/01/30/donald-trump-paris-agreement-climate-change-withdraw/ President Donald Trump has made the executive decision to continue the building of the Dakota Access and Keystone XL pipelines. The project would carry crude oil from BAkken in North Dakota to Patoka, Illinois. This plan goes directly against former President Obama's plan, helping environmental efforts.
Trump says the pipeline will me made of 100% "American steel" but the project is 90% complete, with only 57% of the steel "American" made, bringing up the question of how he will keep his word. In addition, he claims it will create a boom in middle class jobs and bring millions to local communities, but the question of "How?" is still in the air. Industry groups such as the National Association of Manufacturers claims it is a "long awaited victory" simply delayed by the Obama administration. Tribal nations and environmental activists have joined together for peaceful protests in hopes to make a change. Trump's plan puts the fossil fuel industry ahead of environmental issues and human and indigenous rights. This project is quite concerning becasue it disregards all progress that has been made in alternative energies. Rather than moving forward in technology, fossil fuels and the profits are more important to the Trump administration. It raises a red flag as to how the rest of the country will be doing forwards, or even backwards in environmental efforts. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/01/24/whats-next-after-trump-jumpstarts-dakota-access-pipeline/97018676/ The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus have announced that the show will be ending forever in May of 2017. This circus was composed of juggling acts, human oddities and a spectacle of animals. The show dates back to the mid- 1800's and was a popular event for families to attend. Kenneth Feld, the CEO of Feld Entertainment blames high operating costs, a change in public desire, and battles with animal rights groups for the closing of the show. Animal rights activists have fought for the wild animals forced into captivity and forcefully trained to perform acts and stunts. Supporters agree that there is no reason to make animals perform and it is "cruel and unnecessary". Another factor was the elephants used. The prohibition of bull- hooks was put into effect, and finally elephants were removed from the show all together. This led to a decrease in ticket sales and further declined the success of the show. This is no sad event though. With the circus now closing, the topic of mistreatment of wild animals will be brough to the light and hopefully a rippling effect will occur, causing other circuses to shut down for good. New laws are being passed, and companies are losing their fight, and progress is being made in the conservation of animals and their natural right to live freely. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/big-top-ringling-bros-circus-closing-44788007 This past week there has been an ogoing storm in parts of Nothern California and Nevada. It is due to an atmospheric river, creating a constant stream of rain and snow, all coming from the Pacific. In a rural area near Sacramento, residents were told to evacuate due to possible flooding of a nearby river, and those in Wilton were told to evacuate as well. Precautions were taken becasue it is unknown if the Cosumnes river will flood.
In addition to flooding, a blizzard alert was put into effect in the Sierra Nevadas for the first time in nine years. Scientists stress not travelling for the great dangers of the snow fall. In Lake Tahoe there were gusts of 60mph winds and the Sierra ridge had gusts of over 100mph. This storm is welcomed of course, with the drought California has been experiencing these past five years. However, there are still dangers at hand such as fludding and blizzards. It will be exciting to see how much snow is retained and how much snow melt will be available in the coming summer months. http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/northern-california-nevada-brace-storms-44669627 There is a controversial method of cutting greenhouse gas emissions called climate engineering. Climate engineering would lower climate temperatures by reflecting the run's radiation back into space, which will possibly be made done through changing cloud forms, or repecating particles that cover the atmosphere casued by volcanic eruptions.It is hoping to limit global warming to under two degrees and is said to be rapid and cost effective, though uncertainties are still present. It is possible that there may be side- effects and if they are to arrise, the method would have to be stopped suddenly, assuming it is possible to do so. Side effects may include the weakening of monsoon rains and food production in Asia and Africa. If it were a necessity to end the climate engineering, this too would lead to significant climate change and many ecosystems would struggle to adapt.
Though climate engineering has the potential to halt global warming, the side effects are too unknown at this point to risk the use of such a method. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161208085848.htm Prairie cordgrass is an especially durable plant, able to withstand the effects of flooding, salt stress, and now newly discovered, freezing. The discovery that the grass can withstand freezing is so important becasue it provides an insight to engineering freeze tolerant plants. When a plant is exposed to temperatures at freezing point, crystals form and burst the living cell. Cordgrass, however, quickly pumps ions to the outside of the cell, keeping the crystals from forming. Scientists are just beginning to unravel the genetic mechanisms in order to understand how the cordgrass is able to react in a way that preserves its state. There are hopes that wth further knowledge, the concept can be used towards other crops such as corn. With a longer planting season and resistance to frostbite, more successful seasons may be possible. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161129133631.htm The ancient silk road in China is being brought back into the light in order to economically connect China to Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Indian and Mediterranean Ocean. The large project is sought after to stimulate the world economy. Although this is the main reason behind it, another hopeful outcome is global cooperation. Jack Liu, director for the Center of Systems Integration and Sustainability(CSIS) explains that our globe is facing environmental challenges such as global change and various forms of pollution. So, having a connection between 63 countries will create unity not only economically but environmentally as well. It is crucial for Liu that solutions are immediate but is aware that it takes a sophisticated way to relay the message to neighboring nations. With this modern "Silk Road" connecting China to dozens of countries, China is hoping for not only positive economic outcomes, but solutions to environmental issues. Plans to do this include efficient infrastructure building, multi- country joint research programs, festival and fairs to promote environmental appreciation, and the inclusion of the UN in climate adaptation and poverty alleviation. It may not seem like this is achievable, but the fact that a system as large as this in China is taking environmental issues into consideration when tackling economic goals is a large step in the right direction. Connecting countries together to solve the problems of climate change and pollution will lead to progress not just one country at a time, but simultaneously. Hopefully this plan goes into effect in the upcoming years. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161104190820.htm It is well known that the western United States including California, Oregon and Washington are experiencing record low levels of snow. It is not however, due to low precipitation levels but instead high temperatures; according to scientists at Oregon State University. Over 80% of the snow measurement sites in these states showed that the low snow levels were because of higher than average temperatures, suggested to be caused in part by greenhouse gases. 1977, the previous record low year for snow was due to not enough moisture in the air, not greenhouse gases. In 2015, 111 snow recording sites showed the April 1 value at zero, meaning there was no snow by that time. This data showed that the California and Oregon snowpack was 90 percent below average.
Researchers ran multiple simulations with lower greenhouse gas levels to imitate preindustrial time as well as greenhouse gas emissions from 2014 and the results of snow levels correlated, the preindustrial time having more snow fall. This data disproves statements that the western states are simply having dry months. The rise in temperatures is in part caused by greenhouse gases and needs to be corrected. Low levels of snowfall contribute to California's multi year drought. A new soap molecule has been invented that is both made from renewable sources and cleans better than conventional soaps. Researchers at the University of Minnesota used products such as soybeans, coconut, and corn to create the soap, an alternative to comparable products made from fossil fuels and other harmful chemicals. One professor from the University of Minnesota explains the breakthrough and how it may have a lasting impact on the billion dollar cleaning industry. The process includes combining fatty acids of soybeans or coconut with sugar- derived rings to form a molecule shortened to OFS. It works with cold water, unlike regular soaps as well water in hard conditions. In addition to this, studies have been conducted and the new biodegradable soap can be used in current dish washers, washing machines and dishes.
This invention shows hope in the future of eco-friendly and biodegradable products. Soap has a rippling effect in the oceans' ecosystem one it has entered water systems but this new soap shines light on the issue. Products like these will change way products are made in the near future. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161026091856.htm Amazon fishery management provides rare 'win-win' chance for conservation and poverty alleviation10/20/2016 A study was conducted to determine the best management solutions for the depletion of fish stocks in the Amazon River. The goal was to analyze the recovery of the Arapaima gigs, the world's largest scaled freshwater wish. Data compiled for eight years was used to measure how population sizes varied between managed, protected oxbow lakes and open- access lakes. The study showed a substantial rebound in fish populations under community- based management. This was a "win- win" because it showed a conservation solution as well as being a sustainable development opportunity for the socioeconomic standing in the Amazonian countries. Community- based management stimulates influences health, economic income and local involvement. Professor Carlos Perez from the University of East Anglia explains how even in the world's most underfunded protected areas, local security can be a powerful instrument in biodiversity conservation both in forest and freshwater ecosystems. This "win- win" event is important because it shows that even one oh the poorest areas in the world can reverse an overfished area of water to one that provides increased health, stimulates economy, and of course brings back the once abundant fish population. The errors made by man are able to be reversed through new techniques and approaches in conservation efforts. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161020092257.htm Bees are the number one pollinator, responsible for the growth of crops like almonds and strawberries, as well as the hay to feed cows. 71 of every 100 crops are pollinated by bees and provide 90% of most of the world's food. Bees are dying by the millions because of global warming, habitat loss, parasites, and an insecticide called "Neonics". This chemical is 6,000 times more toxic to bees that DDT and for one farmer, killed 37 million of his bees. Most would think that everyone is against this chemical because of its deadliness towards the world's pollinators, but instead, agrochemical companies are fighting against bans. A few governments are not with these companies, banning the chemical and raising awareness. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has committed to take action against it and businesses like Home Depot limit plants they sell treated with the chemical, and label plants that have been treated. The EPA needs to join forces against the agrochemical companies and stop the killing of these bees. Without the world's largest pollinators, crops will not be available to feed our society. Rutgers geography professor, David A. Robinson voices that as sea levels rise in connection to a warming climate, storms more destructive and deadly than Sandy are likely to happen. For every 1 degree rise in Fahrenheit, the atmosphere will hold 4% more moisture. This rise will lead to warmer sea surface temperatures. Even with the threat of coastal storms, it is still desirable to build beach front homes, adding to the devastation after a storm. These upcoming storms may not be as powerful as Sandy but will cause more extensive floods and reach farther inland. Anthony J. Broccoli, a meteorologist and professor at Rutgers also explains that warmer inland climates can allow the storms to maintain its force further in, unlike past storms. They will continue to do so as global temperatures increase.
This topic is crucial to the environment because as our world continues to allow the oceans to rise and atmospheric temperatures grow hooter, stronger and more durable coastal storms will occur. There is no way that a hurricane can be stopped and they will devastate entire areas and towns. If temperatures lower, it is more likely that they will cause less damage. Improved radiocarbon dating of soil has led scientists to discover that the ground's soil will be absorbing far less atmospheric carbon dioxide this century than expected. Researchers at UC Irvine used carbon-14 data from 157 sites around the world to find that the carbon found in soil is roughly 3,100 years old, not 450. The previous finding of soil absorbing carbon at a strong rate led researchers to believe that atmospheric CO2 would decrease but instead it will be staying in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. The process occurs through photosynthesis; plants absorb CO2 from the air and when they die, they conceal the carbon in the soil. However, with the findings due to new technology, this process will be occurring at a much slower rate. Even through the new discoveries were not positive, the method of radiocarbon helps further knowledge and understanding of CO2 in the atmosphere as well as within soil. With this information, it is even more pressing that fossil fuel emissions are decreased, whether it be through clean energy or increased amount of plant life. The myth is that the earth's current warming is due to a 1500 year cycle observed in the ice cores of greenland then the ocean sediments in the Atlantic.
This theory supports a temperature "see-saw" effect that the total heat on the globe remains constant. This was drawn from the above mentioned ice core data. However, there has been a dramatic increase in CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere in these last 200 years. For the previous 800,000 years, it remains under 300 parts per million but has now reached 400 ppm in the span of these 200 years. Unlike natural variations in heat, this human produced warming is being recorded all around the globe, in the oceans, air, and on the ground. It has been said that the documentary created by Al Gore is scientifically incorrect and contains nine significant errors. These errors were said to be pointed out by Mr. Justice Barton. These errors were said to have arisen in the context of alarmism and exaggeration according to the source. In addition, the idea that Al Gore was prosecuted in the UK and a judge found errors arose. However, these statements are proven to be wrong. The film was supported by to date climate science, a round- up of research, projections, and cinematic elements. The only error in the film was attributed to information proven to be wrong after the film was released. He claimed that climate change caused the shrinking of Mount Kilimanjaro but later research showed it was due to deforestation. The incorrect data was mistakenly taken by Dr. Thompson and not Gore. The "case" regarding Gore was heard in the civil court brough by a school governor to stop the film from being presented in classes due to its political views. Mr. Justice Burton, the judge earlier mentioned found no errors and included in his written statement "Al Gore's presentation of the causes and likely effects of climate change in the film was broadly accurate" disproving the earlier claim of his disapproval. CORAL(COral Reef Airborne Laboratory) is a new mission created by NASA to study the current condition of the reef systems around the globe. The mission will allow scientists to understand and predict the future of these reefs as well as the actions needed to be taken to ensure their safety. Such locations will include portions of the Great Barrier Reef, systems in the Hawaiian Islands, Mariana Islands, and Palau.With the Great Barrier Reef being nearly 133,000 square miles, it generates billions of dollars in fishing but faces environmental consequences. Studies of these consequences have been very limited up until now and the new research will include how the reefs respond to environmental changes, responses to stress, and irreversible erosion. To achieve this data, CORAL will be using PRISM(Portable Remote Imaging Spectrometer) which creates high definition images with accuracy, range, resolution, and signal to noise ratio. PRISM's data will be compared with the ten key biological factors affecting coral reefs from precious data to further knowledge.
This project is significant because it is the first major mission taken on to understand the world's coral reefs. Having knowledge of these animal made homes will guide scientists on ways to protect them as well as the animals that inhabit them. With the growth of algae replacing reefs, it is important to know how humans can help before the reefs are gone. |
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