Unclear Skies Represent Unresolved Disputes

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/09/world/middleeast/blast-hits-pipeline-in-syrian-city.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
summary: Oil was on its way through a pipeline and towards a refinery during the early hours of December 7th. However, an unexpected turn of events was thrown into the mix when this pipeline was blasted in the heart of the dense Syrian city of Homs. An onyx curtain of shielded the sun from the city for about 12 hours before the smoke started to clear up. Once the immediate response of cleanup had passed, the atmosphere was laced with more than smoke: questions. Having this been the third blast on a pipeline in Syria this year, answers are vital in sustaining a stable population. Homs has been in the midst of uprising since an initial revolt in march of 2011. Furthermore, as a response to the news station's accusation of an armed terrorist attack, other activists favor a different opinion. Some believe that the attack was enforced by the government, in a twisted type of punishment to the rebellious city. The foundation of revenue lying in oil imports from Syria have been called to a halt by the European Union, which throws yet another wrench into the recent mishaps of this hectic city. Not only has this affected Syrian civilians and government officials. These blasts have played as a significant contribution to the immense issue of air pollution throughout our entire globe. As a reliable economy dwindles, bystanders have no choice but to simply hope for a more positive future.
quote-  "One resident, who gave his name as Abu Rohayel, said the smoke was so thick that people there were suffering from respiratory problems. 'I can see mothers covering their children with blankets,' he said"
This quote shows how far the attacks have gone in affecting every day life in the cities of Syria.
reflection- I feel sorrow for those living in Homs. Despite who has been initiating these attacks, i don't think that there are any reasonable motives for causing families to suffer in response to extremists' unfavorable opinions. However, the severity of the revolt could have very well been devastating to the efficiency of the country as a whole. I'm somewhat ambivalent in choosing sides on this issue. One thing that i feel strongly about is the destruction which the attacks have had to our atmosphere and it certainly is not fair that, in the long run, even the united states could be hurt by this.
questions:
1. Do you think that spur-of-the-moment blasts such as these, are the sole foundation of the air pollution being emitted all over the globe? Or do you think the fault lies more in a buildup of nonpoint source pollution? why?
2. Who do you think is at blame for these pipeline attacks? Why?
3. As the oil industry spurs from the Middle East, do you think that countries such as these take enough precautions in preventing oil blasts like this? Furthermore, do you think that the Middle East pays enough attention to preserving air quality, and sustaining enough oil for others?

photo:


This picture shows the massive cloud of smoke overtaking the city



Drill Happy

Photo- "Fracking" Is destroying the US by drilling near homes, damaging land, and harming drinking water supplies.

Summary- Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) is causing problems in the homes of people in Pennsylvania. People who have drilling sites set up next door are forced to breath in harmful chemicals, and listen to the drilling throughout the night. But whats even worse, is what is going on beneath the surface. Fracking, which is "millions of gallons of water being injected at high pressure, along with a mixture of thousands of chemicals, into rock shale formations to get at the gas" is causing problems for the drinking supply, and yet fracking is exempt from major laws such as the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Proving that fracking is the cause of water contamination has been difficult, and in some places like New York, attemts are being made to build buffer zones in order to protect watersheds. There has also been talk of banning fracking all together.
People have become aware of the dangers of fracking, that it won't help until renewables are found, and that gas companies plan on fracking one fifth of the U.S., which will derail any hope for alternative energy. It will also send off large quantities of methane into the air, more dangerous than carbon dioxide.
Josh Fox, film maker, and creater of the movie Gasland, is attempting to alert the public of the dangers of fracking. He plans on creating Gasland 2, which will show fracking in New York and Pennsylvania, as well as political movements dedicated to protecting gas drilling.

Opinion- The fact that this is happening so close to home is scary. The consequences to fracking outway the positives, and a lot more should be dont to stop it. The thought that people are trying to protect it and not looking at what could happen to Pennyslvania if it is not stopped should worry us. It seems like if it isn't stopped, we could be looking at a lot more water quality issues and problems with global warming.

Questions-
1. How can we stop fracking?
2. What are some major problems with fracking?
3. Why do you think there is so much protection around fracking?

EPA Proposes Air Pollution Standards for Oil and Gas

Title of article: EPA Proposes Air Pollution Standards for Oil and Gas Production/Cost-effective, flexible standards rely on operators' ability to capture and sell natural gas that currently escapes, threatens air quality
Author: Enesta Jones

Publication: EPA

Release date: 07/28/2011

Link to article: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/8688682FBBB1AC65852578DB00690EC5

Summary:
            The EPA proposed new air pollution standards to reduce harmful pollution from drilling operations. This proposal will help in many ways. First, it will cut smog-forming volatile organic compound (VOC) from several types of equipment used in the oil and gas drilling process. This reduction will easily be accomplished by capturing natural gas that escapes to the air, and actually making it available to sell. Also, the VOC reductions are expected to help reduce ozone problems in many areas where oil is drilled. This means there will be a major decrease of the release of methane; which is 20 times more potent the carbon dioxide. So all of this decrease of pollutants would defiantly decrease cancer risks. But this proposal doesn’t only help the environment, it saves money. You see, the requirements for storage tanks are highly cost effective, with a savings of tens of millions of dollars annually. How could this be? The major decrease of natural gas that escapes into the air would be caught in these tanks. Overall, this proposal is going to be finalized in February of next year, and hopefully this works.  J  


Quote: "This administration has been clear that natural gas is a key component of our clean energy future, and the steps announced today will help ensure responsible production of this domestic energy source," said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "Reducing these emissions will help cut toxic pollution that can increase cancer risks and smog that can cause asthma attacks and premature death - all while giving these operators additional product to bring to market.”


Reflection:

Overall, this plan is amazing. I am so happy the EPA thought of this and actually brought this brilliant idea to many people’s attentions. This will have a huge environmental impact on our lives because we will breathe easier and be healthier! Who wouldn’t want that?! But this goes to show how much pollution is released into the air by fossil fuels. Everyone is affected by it and no one really made an effort to stop it. In my life, I always see factories pumping smog into the air and I think it’s horrible. Just to think we breathe that smog makes me want to gag. The proposal will not only help the environment, but will help oil and gas companies save money. Maybe if they save money, we can reduce the price of gas, which will save everyone money! See? This is a win-win situation and I agree with this proposal 100%.



Questions:

·         What do you think about this proposal?

·         How much of an impact will it have on your life?

·         What do you think will happen if this plan doesn’t go through? How long will it take for everyone to realize how much pollution is being released by fossil fuels?

This picture shows how much smog is released into the air. This plan will help reduce all of this from being in our air, making it healthier to breathe.

Presidential Proclamation for National Farm- City Week, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Office of the Press Secretary

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/11/18/presidential-proclamation-national-farm-city-week-2011

This picture is of Barack Obama, who is our current president, and the one who released the proclamation

Summary-  During National Farm- City Week we celebrate the core contributions our farmers have made, as well as considering the endless possibilities for advancing agriculture in the future.  Our farmers and ranchers provide us with markets full of fresh and healthy produce.  Obama, earlier this year, established the White House Rural Council, and by teaming up with rural America, has been able to "cultivate local and regional food systems, empower young and beginner farmers, and support rural businesses."  The government is also trying to help with the advancements in renewable energy production.  "...We are working to produce more renewable, domestic biofuels and to help bring solar panel arrays and wind turbines to rural businesses."  By doing these things we can create more jobs, improve energy security, and hopefully help the income of farmers.  

Quote-"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 18 through November 24, 2011, as National Farm-City Week. I call upon all Americans to reflect on the vital contributions of those who dedicate their lives to promoting our Nation's agricultural abundance and environmental stewardship."

Opinion/ reflection-  I found this proclamation very interesting, and think it's nice we are trying to help our nations farmers, and the environment at the same time!  I hope that we can help to carry out with some of the resourceful options listed in this summary.  I remember when I was a little girl, and my parents would take me and my cousins in our little overalls to the farm for making scare crows.  Farms are something that have existed for hundreds of years, and will continue to go on and advance in our modern day society, hopefully more energy efficient.

Questions-

1)  If given the option, do you think most farmers would switch to the alternative energy sources, why or why not?

2) How far away do you think we are from achieving some of the goals listed in this summary?

3) Do you think Barack Obama should be focussing on more productive ways to help our energy economy then helping farms?

By: Jordan Hagerty

http://www.emagazine.com/blog/the-charlie-brown-of-alternative-energy?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EMagazineBlogFeed+%28E+Magazine+Blogs+Feed%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

-This picture shows a geothermal plant at work











Summary - This article says that geothermal energy is the "Charlie Brown" of renewable sources. Meaning it does not get the same attention as other renewable sources. Unlike solar and wind, it can be produced 24 hours of the day, while when the sun goes down solar energy is out of the picture, and wind is so unpredictable. Getting geothermal energy moving in forward progress was a recent topic of a Geothermal Energy Association conference in Washington, D.C. Geothermal energry need to have support, wind was just like geothermal, once it was given funding it took off, and did much better. For geothermal energy to go farther much support is needed due to the high costs and risks. It also takes many years to complete, it is no short term project. Alternative energy in America has been hamstrung out with start-and-stop policies, and that is bad for all renewable energy sources. The upsides to geothermal energy could be great though, a successful plant can produce 30 years of affodable energy that emits basically no greenhouse gases, with barley any environmental impact.



Opinion - I think America needs to start converting to renewable energy sources, considering we are running out of other resources, and it is much cleaner. People need to put more thought into this, because the depletion of some sources is just around the corner. No one really thinks about life without what we have, because we haven't lost it yet, but when we lose it there will be a large panic and I believe people won't know what to do.

Questions -

I-Why do we continue to put money into pipelines for shale oil and natural gas, and deepwater ocean drilling with the know fact the climate is changing?


II - If you were at the conference in Washington, D.C., about geothermal energy what would you have said to the people there about converting?


III - Do you think the U.S. will wait till the last second to change our ways to get energy? Why or why not?

Dawn of a thirsty century, Alex kirby, BBC news, June2nd, 2000

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/755497.stm

Only 2.5% of the world's water is too salty to use. Most of it is trapped in icecaps and glaciers, so we can't even get to most of the fresh water. We need to increase our fresh water in the next two centuries because the amount of water we can use is decreasing. All across the world, one in five people don't have access to clean drinking water. Not only that 30,000 children die before reaching their 5th birthdays because they die of thirst. This sounds sad, but it is 100% true. This problem is rising because of the major increase in population and the demand for better living conditions. Also, we waste a lot of water. We let water run in our sinks for a long time, and we use very  clean water for things we don't need it for. But the major reason for water shortage if pollution. Since everyone litters, and puts chemicals in our water, then it kills our chances for having clean water in the future. Scientists are looking for solutions for these problems; but it will take a very long time for us to master these solutions. The major solution they are looking at is distillation. It is the removal of salt from water. It is cost-effective and is very easy to do. But it will take a while and may kill our aquatic life.  The UNEP said, "The environment remains largely outside the mainstream of everyday human consciousness, and is still considered an add-on to the fabric of life." Overall, This is becoming a problem and we need to fix this.
Opinion: Overall, water shortage is a very serious topic. All of our main necessities for life are made of water or include it. Water is just a major resource that we need to preserve. In my opinion, we need to conserve all the water we can before its too late... meaning we won't have anymore water. The thing that hit me most is that 30,000 kids die before their 5th birthday, since they suffer with thirst. I almost started to cry just thinking about this because if kids don't get to live just because of a simple-fixing problem; then we are failing as a world. Everyone should have a chance to live their life; and not suffer because of water shortage.

Questions:
1. What do you think about the whole water- shortage problem?
2. Do you think it can be easily fixed? why or why not?

3. What do you think you can do to help with water shortage?

This picture shows what children around the world are doing to get water. They think its clean, but in reality, it can be much much cleaner.

Sewage Frequently Fouls Hudsen River

Image- A woman long distance swimming in the Hudsen River

Summary- A recent study shows that one fifth of the testing done to the Hudsen have come back showing the water to be unsuitable for recreation. The study says that 21 percent of testing showed unsafe levels of bacteria, most likely coming from faulty sewage plants or overflowing rain. It also states that most of the contamination is from the rivers and streams that flow into the river, and many of the unsafe samples come from areas of the river between New York and Albany.
Despite the multitude of residents in New York, the majority of contaminentts come from the Albany area this is most likely because of the narrow stretch of river that the sewage is entering from, or that Albany's treatment plants do not disinfect the sewage and that area of the Hudsen is "Sewage-laden"
New York does have several problems with its sewage, like when it rains and their treatment plants are unable to handle the volume, and the unsafe samples rise from 9 to 32 percent.
As a result, Riverkeepers are recommending having weekly testings and enforcing cleanings.
A deputy commisioner with the New York City Department of Enviormental Protection, Carter Strickland, says that the city has spent nearly $2 billion adressing the problem which includes run-off from storms and sewage in the same pipes. He also states the solutions can include seperating sewage and storm water, or building special roofs and porous parking lots.
In the meantime he is working to release the water testing results as soon as possible.
Opinion- To know that a common recreation place like the Hudsen is polluted enough to cause this much of a problem is scary. You start to think of lakes or rivers that you might frequently sim or boat in, and whether or not they have the same kind of contaminents. I think more people should be working to take care of all of the pollution we have, so we can be able to swim and do what we want without worrying about the bacteria swimming with us
Questions-What can we do to help clean up the rivers?
How many rivers and lakes are contaminated like this, and how can we find out?
What other actions are being taken to handle these problems?

Coral Reef Bleaching

Spotlight: John Guinotte, Marine Conservation Biology Institute

Coral doctor sounds the alarm about more acidic seas

http://www.grist.org/article/2010-08-19-coral-doctor

Picture:  This shows a coral reef that has "bleach" on it (notice the white color).

Summary- Besides generating about two thirds of the oxygen we breathe, oceangoing phytoplankton -- those floating microscopic plants that form the base of the aquatic food chain -- absorb about a third of all the carbon dioxide we pump into the atmosphere. In this way, the oceans have managed to slow the buildup of heat-trapping greenhouse gases and stave off even more dramatic warming of the planet.

But John Guinotte and colleagues are discovering that the critical role of "carbon sink" comes at a potentially devastating cost for the world's oceans: acidification.
Guinotte is a coral specialist at the Marine Conservation Biology Institute in Bellevue, Wash. The changes he sees in ocean chemistry spell trouble for the coral that he studies closely. If the acidification process continues on its current trajectory, it poses a dire threat to the whole marine ecosystem.
"What I'm really concerned about with ocean acidification is that we are facing the prospect of a crash in marine food webs." says Guinotte. "There is no question that many of my colleagues in marine science are scared about what is happening. We know we need a more precise understanding of the changes and biological responses now under way -- and we need it as quickly as possible, before it is too late to turn things around."  Based on some 25 years' worth of measurements scientists know that oceans absorb about 22 million tons of carbon dioxide every day.  Guinotte fears that many marine species might be unable to adapt quickly enough to survive these dramatic changes.
As carbon dioxide is absorbed by seawater, hydrogen ions are released. This lower the pH, making the water more acidic. Scientists know from the fossil record that reefs which sustained damage from high atmospheric concentrations of CO2 in the geologic past took millions of years to recover. "Given that we need to think in human time scales, it means we're playing for keeps here," says Guinotte. "To me, it sometimes seems like a school bus full of children heading for a cliff. Somehow we have to slow it down enough to find some real solutions."
Because of the very clear potential for ocean acidification to effect everything from the tiniest oxygen-providing phytoplankton to the larger fish that feed in the coral reefs -- or, as Guinotte has written, "from the shallowest waters to the darkest depths of the deep sea" -- the threat to humankind is immense.
To figure out precisely how much acidification many varieties of coral can tolerate, and what we can do to preserve the health of the marine ecosystem, Guinotte argues for a coordinated research effort that tackles every aspect of the problem.

Opinion- In my opinion this article was very interesting, but scary.  It is scary to think that we could lose a majority of our marine ecosystem due to acidification.  Also, if any of our food webs start to decline, that could effect our ecosytem in a very negative way.  I remember when i went to Hawaii and swam with the sea turtles in a coral reef, everything was so beautiful and colorful.  I can't imagine our whole ocean turning white and discolored like in the picture.  I hope that we can put a stop to acidification and that Guinotte and his crews research works accuratley.

Questions-
When do we hit the maximum limit of acidification?
What food webs are most at jeopardy for endangerement with acidification escalating?
What can we do to help the marine ecosystem, in terms of acidification?

--By: Jordan H.

"What Will Happen When the World's Population Hits 7 Billion?": a dose of insight regarding an overwhelming population

This shows the world struggling through our exponential population growth rate

Summary: The author of this article, Lester Brown, believes that our population has already surpassed our earth's carrying capacity. Advances in technology and industrialization have slowed fertility rates from 5 children per woman to 2.5 children per woman. However, the population continues to grow as fertility rates from country to country drastically vary. Another component of this reproductive rate is the use of contraceptives; 40 percent of births worldwide are accidental.The author believes that the many countries pledging to invest great amounts of money in reproductive health and family planning need to stick with their claims. Studies suggest that a large contributing factor to this reproductive rate is education. Women with more of an education are shown to have less children than those without. Furthermore, when women can decide what time they choose to have their children, when they are ready, there schooling does not have to be cut short due to an unplanned pregnancy. Population affects many issues from resources to the economy to the general welfare of societies. As population continues to grow, the necessities for a balanced world begins to teeter-totter.
quote: "If we do not voluntarily stabilize population, we risk a much less humane end to growth as the ongoing destruction of the earth's natural systems catches up with us." in other words, if we start to limit reproduction now, before the babies are born and the women impregnated, it will be much easier to preserve our population, rather than having to take drastic measures to cut it back.
Opinion/Reflection: I think that population is the greatest issue on the face of the earth right now. The underlying cause of mishaps in our world will always lead back to humans. The more people that are born, the more mouths that have to be fed, the more shelters that have to be built, the more money that has to be spent, the more living space that needs to show up. I think that rapid population growth is one of the most detrimental affects on our world. Lastly, i believe that more money needs to be spent on educating women throughout the world, and spreading equality throughout men and women. If women knew that they have the power to determine their own future, I'm sure that they would choose to.
QUESTIONS:
1. Name 3 other factors involving humans, that contribute to depleting our natural resources. Can you think of any that don't involve humans? Why or why not?
2. How do you think the United States can help other less fortunate countries to slow their reproduction rate?
3. Why do you think contraceptives are not available to so many women, when it is no secret that overpopulation is a serious issue?



http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/10/what-will-happen-when-the-worlds-population-hits-7-billion.php?campaign=th_rss

Shell drilling

http://www.emagazine.com/blog/shells-slick-track-record?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EMagazine Blog Feed+%28+Magazine+blogs+feed%29&utm_content=googe+reader

Picture: This picture is of the endangered species the bowhead whale, whose low population could be affected by the drilling









Summary: Basically this article is about the U.S. federal officials giving Shell the chance to keep drilling for oil, but now in the Arctic. Not long ago the United Nations released a report saying that Shell has contributed to 50 years of pollution in the Niger Delta. As of now Shell is beginning a ver expensive and extensive cleanup in one country, and with the start drilling is racing to put one of the most pristine and remote places on earth at risk. A lot of major energy companies have been coveting the Arctic for years, but conservation groups have been arguing that we need a better understanding of the Arctic ecosystem. Where should be drilling there are endangered species and many other species that could be affected from irresponsible drilling. Shell also does not have an adequate oil spill cleanup plan fo the Arctic, and the Arctic;s ice waters would be much more difficult to clean up than those in warmer climates. Canadian researchers have found that "conditions in the Arctic can be so bad that clean up measures in the Arctic are not even possible about 20% if the time in June;40% of the time in August and 65% of the time in October. The company says it will take full responsibility for any cleanup necessary, but in the previous Nigerian oil spill Shell said that 15 site were remediated, but 10 of the had pollution levels exceeding government standards. Although Shell got the green light from the Interior Department they still have much to do before they can begin drilling

Reflection: I think that although it may be good for the economy in the beginning of this drilling, if anything goes wrong the costs of the cleanup would overcome the amount made from the drilling. Also, there is alot more we need to know about the ecosystem, there are many species that could be affected just from one oil spill. Also there is alot of talk about Shell's past and not alot of it is positive. I do not think it would be a good idea to let Shell drill in the Arctic.

Question 1: Do you think that drilling in this area has been brought up enough as it should be?

Question2: Do you think enough precautions are being taken for drilling in the Arctic?

Question 3: If you were an official would you let Shell drill in such a prestine place?

Plastic Seas

"A Sea Captain Chances Upon a Sea of Plastic Waste—And a Lifelong Mission—in the Book Plastic Ocean."

http://www.emagazine.com/magazine/plastic-seas?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EMagazineIssueFeed+%28E+Magazine+Print+Issue+Feed%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

August 26, 2011 | Lindsey Blomberg |

Picture- This is a picture of the story about Captain Charles Moore's voyage written by Cassandra Phillips

Summary- Captain Charles Moore was sailing the Pacific between Hawaii and California when he spotted a big island of floating trash.  He described it as "a bottle here, a bottle cap there, scraps of plastic film, fragments of rope or fishing net or broken down bits of former things."  The bits of garbage that the Captain came across are now known as the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch."  In the book Plastic Ocean: How a Sea Captain's Chance Discovery Launched a Determined Quest to Save the Oceans, the captain takes the reader on his voyage in 1997 and leads them through his discovery.  He describes the oceans as a "global dumpster," and more plastic is still to come, adding more and more every year.  This story is not only about the pollution of our great waters, but is also the story of an oceanographer on a quest to explore the ocean, and everything in it.

Quote: Captain Moore said, “latter-day Columbus discovering a plastic continent."

Opinion/ Reflection- I found this article very interesting and upsetting.  I think it's such a shame that the pollution is getting so bad that they are even comparing it to the size of continents.  If we keep polluting our waters at this rate, most of our marine life will be endangered or extinct.

Questions:

1) What percent of the ocean is polluted, and what is the most common thing it's polluted with?

2) Why do most people find it necessary to litter rather than wait for a proper disposal method?

3) what is being done to help resolve these issues?

Caw of the wild

http://www.emagazine.com/magazine/caw-of-the-wild?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EMagazineIssueFeed+%28E+Magazine+Print+Issue+Feed%29

Picture: The picture to the left shows the cover of Lyanda Lynn Haupt's book Crow Planet, which tells all about her love and connection with crows

Summary: Though this artical was short, it told all about author and bird lover Lyanda Lynn Haupt, and her special connection to a certain bird a lot of people don't seem to notice. Crows. Though Lyanda is incredibly familiar with all birds, crows happen to be her favorite. In her artical, it states how she is able to connect human life with that of a crow, and how she put those and personal connections into her book. It is very much like a guide to crows, and helps exploit every aspect of crows life, living in the urban life and surviving just like humans. She also states that though she knows this bird as well as she does, she still doesn't exactly love it, and doesn't want the world to be overcome by nothing but crows.

Quote: "Here is a bird much like us, at home, yet not entirely at home in the urban habitat, gleaning what's here while remaining wild, and showing us what's beautiful, what's ugly, and what's missing."
Reflection: I think it's great that she brings such awareness to this mostly unknown species of bird, though I don't understand how she mentions she knows them, but doesn't necessarily love them.
Questions:
1-What connections can you make to our lives and to crows?
2-How can we learn more about these species and their role in the enviorment?
3-What can we do to help protect this species?

Graphic: As you can see, many people encourage the EPA with all of their missions. This picture ties into the artical beacuse most people are very happy with this mission. When the EPA gets involved with laws and rights, it can really make a difference.








This is the link to the artical: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/D61877F90D74C1EF8525790B00599458

EPA Releases Strategy to Protect People’s Health

 and the Environment in Communities

 Overburdened by Pollution

Author: Stacy Kika   Publication: EAP Newsroom  

Date published: September 14^th, 2011

Summary:
    This article explains the strategy of a new plan called Plan EJ 2014. It is a three year comprehensive plan, which will improve environmental justice efforts in nine areas. These areas are heavily polluted and the population’s health risk is rising; so the EPA wanted to help them. This plan includes new rulemaking, permitting enforcement, and science.  Also, this plan will establish partnerships with local state, tribal and federal governments, to promote a new and healthy place where our economy can thrive. Lisa F. Garcia, Senior Advisor to the EPA Administrator for Environmental Justice said, “Far too often, and for far too long, low-income, minority and tribal communities have lived in the shadows of some of the worst population, holding back progress in the places where they raise their families and grow their businesses.” As you can see from her opinion, even the EPA wants to change the way America cares about the environment. This plan is the EPA’s strategy to meet the expectations of the “Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations.” This states that each federal agency with this law should make environmental justice one of their main priorities. The EPA will conduct annual reports on the progress of this mission; to show that they are committed to reaching the goals in this mission.
Reflection:
        
        When I read this article, I was very surprised. I knew the EPA helps communities, but I honestly didn’t know how much they impact people’s lives. The one quote that I did not list in my summary was, “… and that all Americans have a voice in this environmental conversation.” This quote made me stop and think, because I realized we actually have a voice to speak out, but no one really uses that oppertunity. Most people don’t understand how much pollution is really out there. Honestly, I didn’t  know until I read this article and realized how much of an effort the EPA is making for us. All they are doing is trying to make our world better; but most people just ignore them. If more people read this article, I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of people get involved.

Questions:

What is your personal opinion of the EPA?

Do you think this plan will reach its goals? Why or why not?

How can YOU get involved and help the EPA?

"Nature and religion come together in Nepal": The Sacred Garden of Lumbini Gets a Facelift

http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?uNewsID=201645

author & publication not stated; posted on September 13, 2011

Photo: This picture shows one of the many trees already located in the Sacred Garden of Lumbini. 

Summary: Although this article was short, the message that was relayed definitely served its purpose. A goal was checked off of the Nepal sector of WWF's, World Wildlife Fund, list, when 108,000 trees have officially been planted in Lumbini,Nepal, all in the year of 2011. It is a major step in the right direction; the ultimate goal of one million trees within 10 years will soon be accomplished. This will attract many people to the area, honor the birthplace of Buddha, and prevent destruction caused by climate change. The project itself has already united citizens from a variety of different socioeconomic classes. Lastly, the trees will help preserve the crucial Terai Arc Landscape, home to three very important endangered species. Planting the trees here will help sustain the coexistence between these imperative animals, humans, and irrevocable industrialization. In conclusion, WWF of Nepal is planning on planting one million trees, which will protect the interaction between people and the environment.

Quote: Mr.Nepal said, “The key objective of the Terai Arc Landscape program is to build connectivity across the landscape to facilitate wildlife movement while promoting harmony between humans, wildlife and nature.” In other words, the land of the Terai Arc Landscape is important in preserving the relationship between humans and the environment.

Opinion&Reflection:The trees will be very beneficial to the ecosystems they are contained in. I think that the many new trees will subsequently be a landmark in improving air quality once they begin emitting oxygen into the atmosphere. Furthermore, with the problematic surplus of carbon dioxide increasing, this could possibly assist in mending that wound. I enjoyed reading and analyzing this article because i love trees and the destruction of nature is one issue that is close to my heart.

Questions:

I. Why is the relationship between humans and the environment currently so vulnerable?

II. Who would you blame the most for deforestation, like what has been happening to the Terai Arc Landscape? Why?

III. How do you think deforestation affects the food chain in the ecosystems of the forest?

IV. Name at least 5 ways that people can help prevent the pollution of the rivers, deforestation, and poaching ( "to illegally hunt or catch (game or fish) on land that is not one's own" -Google) in the plains of the Terai?