EXTRA CREDIT

Exotic cactus Species found in Cuba Havana
6/5/12
http://www.cubaheadlines.com/2012/06/05/35407/exotic

Opuntia Stricta is an exotic cactus found in Cuba and is therefore harming the environment there.

Summary
       Exotic species are organisms who were introduced to new habitats. Invasive exotic species are organisms not native to a region, and whose introduction causes economic and environmental harm or negative effects on human health. Scientists Cuba have discovered an exotic species of cactus called Opuntia Stricta in Cuba. The plant was specifically found in the islets of the Gulf of Ana Maria and near Jardines de la Reina. Jardines de la Reina is known as one of the best marine ecosystems in the Caribbean due to health of coral reefs there. Scientists are concerned about the rapid growth of these species, since they are harmful to native flora and coral ecosystems. Cuba currently has three hundred and twenty-two invasive plant species that can damage the biodiversity, effect soil and water quality.

Opinion/Reaction
         I think this Opuntia Stricta cactus looks like a fruit and has a weird name. I thought cactus's were only located in deserts. I am glad scientists have discovered the presence of these exotic species, before they cause trouble toward the environment and other organisms. I never thought they could do much harm. I think the public needs to be educated about this cactus, since it is exotic. I wonder what would happen if it ever became extinct. This article was very interesting! It reminds me of the time we learned about threatened, endangered, invasive, and exotic species in environmental science class. The discussions and videos we watched were so cool.

Questions
1.  Does Opuntia Stricta benefit anything or anyone? If yes, than pretend it became extinct, what negtaive impacts will it have on anyone or anything ? If no, do you think Cuba should get rid of the Opuntia Stricta?  
2. How can we protect exotic species? Explain.  
3. What are some of the 322 invasive plant species in Cuba? Explain.

ORGANIC FARMING: Local Food Economy
By Megan Reuther
5/23/2012
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47542600

A family farm that produces fresh, organic foods.

Summary

        Eric Morrison owned and operated an electrical contracting company. Now, he and his wife are two of seven full time seasonal employees working at Grinnell Heritage Farm which was built in 1857. Its a family farm so it benefits small businesses. Andrew Dunham owns the certified farm with his wife Melissa and his Aunt Janet. He started a vegetable farm in 2006. At first, he raised about three acres and sold it at farmers’ markets. Now he has 15 acres. Organic food is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, and antibiotics. They cannot be genetically engineered. Dunham brings organic food in fresh from the farm, places it in a cold water bath and then lets it dry. Then he puts it in coolers, which allows him to harvest produce and take the field heat out. Most California farmers store food like this. His coolers cost more than $50,000, but he says he will save about $6,000 by taking advantage of a loan program typically used by corn and soybean farmers. Investments like this are serious because it helps to grow the local food economy. Dunham food, especially lettuce, is sold at many locations, including Whole Foods.

Opinion/Reaction
        This article was a easy, pleasant read. Family farms that grow organic food are so environmentally friendly, unlike industrial agriculture operations, which pollute communities with chemical pesticides, noxious fumes and excess manure. Family farmers live on or near their land and strive to preserve the surrounding environment for future generations. Since these farmers have a vested interest in their communities, they are more likely to use sustainable farming techniques to protect natural resources and human health. The existence of family farms also guarantees the preservation of green space within the area. Unfortunately, once a family farm is forced out of business, the farmland is often sold for development, and the quality land and soil for farming are lost. I think it would be cool to live in the countryside and go horseback riding. I remember learning about famring methods in the 1990's during environmental science class. I am glad Dunham is helping out small industries and companies, making our economy stronger.m

Questions
1. Do you eat organic food? What is your opinion on them?
2. Which one do you think is better a factory farm or a family farm? Explain.
3. Have you ever been on a farm? Why are many of them running out of money? Explain.  

Smog Exposure Linked to Premature Deaths

http://www.naturalnews.com/024262_exposure_smog_death.html

Back in 2008, before president Obama was in office, there was some controversy on whether or not the White House was in support of preventing ozone destruction. There were high levels of smog, and ozone is one of the main componants in it. When the Bush administration claimed that there were no health risks from smog exposure. However, after tests were done, bad air pollution began to negatively affect people in only 24 hours. This is the reason why we should be trying our best to keep our air at its best quality. Once our atmosphere is destroyed, there's no getting it back. There are many ways for people to prevent air pollution that are simple and effective.

           For one, car exhaust is destructive. The less we drive, the better. Carpooling and using public transportation or other driving alterinitive scan seriously improve how much pollution we release. Another problem is factories and industrial farms. They use fossil fuels and burn them very unsafely. We should be buying from places that enviromentally safe. I hope that all people make their best efforts to keep our world's wonderous atmosphere clean.

Questions:

1. What are other ways of keeping the air clean?

2. What is the biggest problem of air pollution?

3. Why is it harmful for our air to be polluted?

4. Have things imporved since 2008?

http://greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/effects-air-pollution-acid-rain-2255.html

The Effects of Air Pollution: Acid Rain
by David Chandler, Demand Media, March 2011

This Gargoyle has been damaged from acid rain.

Acid rain is caused by natural deposits of sulfuric and nitric acids that occur in the atmosphere, however, recently much attention has been given to human causes of this type of pollution. Coal power plants give off tons of carbon emissions and other pollution into the air every year. These emissions rise into the air and mix with moisture in the air, which becomes acid rain in the process of precipitation. This rain pollutes water systems and kills fish and other plants. Acid rain can also destroy forest ecosystems, when it kills the leaves off of trees. It pollutes the soil and releases toxins into the roots of trees. Like the picture above, stone and building sculptures can be easily destroyed by acid rain. The calcite material that predominates these structures is quickly eroded and dissolved by acid rain. Finally, acid rain does not have any direct affect on humans, however the pollution that causes it does. These air pollutants cause respiratory illnesses, heart illnesses, and other painful symptoms that are unpleasant for anyone. In some cases, these pollutants can even be responsible for death.

This source shows us that air pollution is not strictly limited to the air. The atmosphere is just another part of Earth, but is directly connected to the surface. If we are to save the Earth from further contamination, we need to thoroughly check how much pollution is released into the air each year, and reduce it. If we fail to do this, symptoms such as acid rain will continue to occur. Fortunately, measures such as the Clean Air Act help protect the atmosphere from pollution that industry releases. According to the EPA, between 1980 and 2009, pollution that causes acid rain such as sulfur dioxide has decreased 76%, and nitrogen dioxide has reduced 48%. This is a great start! I am glad that I found this article, for I want to be a part of helping reduce pollutions even further. I hope to learn more in class, because I find it to be very important. We, the youth, must be a part of this issue.

1. How does Acid Rain harm both the atmosphere and the lithosphere?
2. What other EPA laws could possibly play into acid rain depletion?
3. How can you help to reduce acid rain? How can you let others know about it?
4. Do we have an acid rain problem in our community?

A Fracking Mess: Is New Brunswick's Budding Natural Gas 

Industry Worth the Environmental Uncertainty?

By Kyle Dupont

Red Maple Foundation

http://go.galegroup.com/ps/retrieve.do?sgHitCountType=None&sort=DA-SORT&inPS=true&prodId=GPS&userGroupName=hatterslib&tabID=T003&searchId=R6&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&contentSegment=&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&currentPosition=2&contentSet=GALE%7CA284937110&&docId=GALE|A284937110&docType=GALE&role=OVIC

In orange, you can see how much land the New Brunswick government is controlling
with oil and gas licenses and leases.
         

Summary     

     People all over the world need to be educated about the dangerous impacts hydraulic fracturing has on people and the environment. Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is when water, sand, and other materials are pumped down and across deep (10,000 feet) into the earth at a high pressure. This pressurized mixture causes the rock layer to crack; these cracks are called fissures. The fissures are held open by the sand particles so that natural gas can flow up. New Brunswick’s government voted to move forward with responsible and regulated development of natural gas. That same month, the EPA released a report about how hydraulic fracturing is severely contaminating water quality at a site in Wyoming. Stephanie Merrill, program coordinator for the Shale Gas Alert Campaign, educates the New Brunswick citizens about the dangers of fracking. She says that there are guaranteed negative effects that can harm water quality which can damage the respiratory system. 400 New Brunswick people were surveyed, and the results were the following: 45% in favor of natural gas exploration, 45% opposed, and 10% unsure what the government should do. However, the New Brunswick government has already placed 71 oil and natural gas agreements, and companies are paying more than $1 million annually to be fracking the land. The government predicts to have reached $225 million once the fracturing wells are fully in place.

Opinion/Reflection

                $225 million dollars!? That is a lot of money! Well then wait a minute, this is all for the money. Hydraulic fracturing has so many negative effects, but money is the stronger asset in this situation. I think the main reason hydraulic fracturing occurs is because not many people know about the side effects it leaves; fracking can harm water quality leaving it undrinkable, and people are beginning to walk a few miles day just to get water. Our modern society should not have to be dealing with this, which is why fracking is so bad to do! I will admit, I did not know anything about what hydraulic fracturing was until this year. It is important to educate those who do not know about hydraulic fracturing because the more people who are against it, the more likely it will not take place. I was shocked to find out that 45% of 400 people were in favor of this. That was absolutely absurd; how can people see fracking as a good thing when the negative impacts are so overpowering?! It was also shocking to me that 10% did not know what to do. This is why more people need to be educated about the topic so they can make a smart decision.

Questions:

1. Before reading this, how much did you already know about hydraulic fracturing?

2. Why are governments for hydraulic fracturing? Do you think they should be paying more attention to the people?

3. The New Brunswick government is continuing to “frack” and getting millions of dollars in return. What other benefits are governments getting by allowing hydraulic fracturing?

4. What are some negative impacts to the environment of hydraulic fracturing besides poor water quality? 

DOE invests in future nuclear energy leaders
May 9, 2012
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47364463

A better way to handle nuclear waste or radioactive energy may be discovered soon.

Summary
       The Department of Energy (DEO) in Richland, Washington has decided to give more than $47 million in scholarships, fellowships, grants and university research reactor advancements. The reason is to train and educate the next people of America’s nuclear industry. The 143 awards (from the Department’s Nuclear Energy University Programs and Integrated University Program) will provide nuclear energy R&D, and student investment at 46 colleges and universities across the United States. Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman has received a little under $2 million in funds and two grants to update their infrastructure including the nuclear reactor. Professor, Ken Nash says he will use the money to find a different way to handle nuclear or radioactive waste, which comes from a power plant. He and his students will be doing the research in Richland at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Unfortunately, it has been hard for Department of Energy national labs to hire people with the right knowledge. The radioactive chemistry professor believes the research will help his pupils find an open field of interest.

Opinion/Reaction                    
        I am glad the Department of Energy was generous enough to spend money on the future leaders of America’s nuclear industry. Education is the key to success and I am glad that many opportunities are now available to students across the country. Hopefully, Ken Nash and his graduate students will be able to find a better way to handle nuclear waste, since it is hazardous to organisms. It is great to hear that we might be making progress. How technically sophisticated will our world get, though? In environmental science class, I remember learning about nuclear energy and watching that cool power point. Nuclear energy is a way of creating heat through the fission process of atoms. I also remember going on a website and filling out a chart that had Nuclear Power on it. Nuclear Power is not renewable and must be kept from natural disasters, people, and animals.

Questions
How is nuclear or radioactive waste handled?
Would you want to work for the Department of Energy? Explain.
What events have recently occurred with Nuclear Energy around the world?

Modern Landfills: Safe for the Enviroment?

Modern Landfills Are Safe for the Environment

http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/ViewpointsDetailsPage/ViewpointsDetailsWindow?displayGroupName=Viewpoints&disableHighlighting=false&prodId=OVIC&action=e&windowstate=normal&catId=&documentId=GALE%7CEJ3010301256&mode=view

 Is this what our world will look like with normal waste disposal?

Most will agree that the idea of landfills is not a good choice for the enviroment. Landfills are areas where wastes are disposed of, and more or less just dumped there. These have bad effects such as leaking contaminants into the water and soil, taking up land, and many other things that could go wrong with a pile of garbage sitting there to rot. But is there a way to make these things okay for the planet? This article says yes we can! They place collection systems in the area to prevent the leaking of harmful chemicals. They have liners to prevent gasses from leaving the area. Waste is laid in layers and compacted tightly to put more garbage into one space. Once the area is filled to it's capacity, it is capped off to keep it confined. We can also do things like use the trapped gasses for energy!

I think this idea is genious! Alothough in theory, it isn't perfectm, it is the best we will ever get it to be. We can more easily contain our byproducts when we put them in places like this. One problem we may have is that they would be very expensive. We would also need to have the space to put these things in. But in the long run, they will save us a lot of time and energy. I think the coolest idea about this is that you can use the gasses for fuel. This is a great way of putting our garbage to use, and is well the worth the money we would put into it.

Questions:
1. What are the biggest benifits of these containers?
2. Do you think there are better ways of storing waste?
3. Do you think it is important to keep our garbage contained safely? Why?
4. What long-term benifits would this provide?
5. How can we show that this is the best way of disposing our garbage?

Companies Going Green with Energy Alternatives

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12040418/ns/business-cnbc_tv/t/companies-going-green-energy-alternatives/#.T6GJJOuXTpw

Author: Wendy Furrer

Publication: CNBC and MSNBC

Publication Date: 3/29/

Above is an image of a wind turbine at General Electric. The
demand for wind turbines is so vigorous that GE sold out its
2006 production.

Summary

     Corporate managers are looking for alternative ways to save money and reduce the amount of fossil fuels being used. According to a recent report by the National Association of Manufacturers, “industrial use accounts for about a third of energy consumed in the U.S., according to Energy Dept. estimates” ("Companies Going Green with Energy Alternatives"). Just by cutting back by 20% of these consumptions, American businesses can save up to $1.9 billion a year, and much of those savings can be achieved without investment. As energy prices increase, more people are motivated to save energy. A company called Cargill, a global food processor, is using meat scraps to make methane and replace high-cost natural gas. In addition to cutting down their own energy use, high energy prices are creating new markets for companies to sell equipment that offers alternatives to fossil fuel. A great example of an alternative energy is a gas-electric hybrid car; this encourages companies such as UPS to cut down their cost of fuel of $2 billion in order to deliver 15 million packages a day.  

Reflection/Opinion

I found it interesting how much can be saved by cutting back 20%. Since the price for energy is going to constantly be increasing, it is important for companies to find ways to save as much energy as possible. I know a few people who drive hybrid cars, and I think they are so smart because they a good for the environment and they benefit people as well. Soon, I hope that majority of people will be driving hybrid vehicles because of their convenience. I also liked how Cargill used their scraps and put them to use. This situation is kind of like composition: people can take leftover soil, plants, or newspaper and use that as soil to plant trees or flowers; Cargill uses their left over meats to make an alternative gas.

Here are some questions to think about:

₁₎        What other companies are out there today that work to go green?

₂₎        What are the benefits of using an alternative energy? Provide an example which benefits people and the environment.

₃₎        Why is the price of energy increasing?

₄₎        Do you think companies are willing to stop what they are doing and make a change by using alternative energy?

₅₎        In your own words, what is alternative energy? Provide an example on how you can make a change in your life by using them (example: solar panels on roof, hybrid cars, energy saving light bulbs, etc.).

Composting vs. Recycling

http://greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/composting-vs-recycling-3060.html

Composting vs. Recycling
by Amy A. Whittle,
National Geographic, Published 2010

(Above) Composting is a good way to reuse materials for growing purposes.




   Composting and Recycling are two great ways to reuse waste materials without harming the environment. Both are simple and easy to do, help the environment, help the economy, and most importantly, help you! This article showed me how easily we can all change our lifestyles to help each other--and the environment out.
   Composting is a process that reuses organic waste such as leaves, grass cuttings, vegetables, and newspaper, and combines them to create a compost that is very useful for growing new plants. The resulting soil is nutrient-rich and does not need to be fertilized. Beautiful plants can be grown with less effort because of all the nutrients found in the compost. If you do not use these materials, your community may. Many communities collect materials to make compost for projects and other community activities. The community may use it for planting new trees in  your local park, or brightening up the town community center with new flowers!
   Recycling is also very material efficient. Recycling takes used materials and reuses them for new uses, without wasting energy to make the materials. These used items are broken down into the basic materials and are then assembled into new products. When customers buy products with recycled materials, they are helping the recycling cause, and are also helping the environment. Much less energy goes into creating these products, so their prices are often lower than products with regular materials.
If recyclable materials or compostable materials are not used for these two causes, they are wasted and shipped off to a local landfill where they rot for millions of years.

   I am glad I stumbled upon this article, because it showed me other ways that recycling and composting are helping the environment. I have never before truly understood the specifics of either process. Now I understand. These two processes alone employ millions of people and bring in billions of dollars to the industry, all while helping a great cause. What more can you ask for? It is the best of both worlds, and I look forward to learning about recycling in Environmental Science. I would enjoy learning about how the process really works, where the materials go, step-by-step. I want to know what can be recycled, who recycles it, and how to improve it.
   I personally am very sure to check what can be recycled in my household and am responsible for making sure it gets to the right place. My family also keeps a compost pile in the back yard, and should be planting some new shrubs there soon. It's so nice to know that there is a better answer than fertilizer! Simply reusing organic material as nutrients for new plants...why didn't I think of that before? Did you know that you can be fined for not recycling certain materials? I like to think that I am not only helping my family out, but am helping my neighbors, friends, and the environment. Think about what the world would be like if everyone thought like that. Well here, recycling and composting is the start of it. Don't miss it.

1. What types of materials can be recycled?
2. Do you own a compost pile? If not, what materials on your property can be used in one?
3. How can we spread knowledge about recycling and composting to everyone?
4. What other processes like these save materials from being wasted or being shipped off to a landfill?
5. Why can't all materials be recycled? How can we add more materials to the recycling list?

Understanding the connections that determine groundwater availability
BY KARA CAPELLI AND KEVIN DENNEHY


http://www.usgs.gov/blogs/features/usgs_top_story/understanding-the-connections-that-determine-groundwater-availability/?from=title

 Typical pump used for obtaining groundwater

Summary:
        Groundwater is essential to the well-being of any community across the Earth. It is used for many things, including drinking water, agricultural purposes, and for businesses and machinery. This article states the importance of maintaining an abundance of good quality groundwater for a healthy community. The people at this organization do just that by testing the water around them and across the country. They study everything about the topic. They have made clear observations on the way water transfers to aquifers underground and how it is retrieved. They make sure their equipment does not effect the water in any negative way. They also make sure they don't contaminate the water beneath them, or run it dry. 
        Many factors contribute to the quality of groundwater, including things as abstract as climate change. groundwater is not only affected by the little things, but it impacts the big things. Se levels have risen due to groundwater patterns. When water is pumped from aquifers and not used, run off leads ultimately to the ocean. Groundwater is major part of life. "The USGS National Water Quality Program is documenting water quality in the principle aquifers throughout the country while continuing studies to determine which groundwater sources are most vulnerable to contaminants like arsenic, radium, and other trace elements." 


Reflection:
      Groundwater has such an impact on our lives it is worth being taken care of. Monitoring it in the way that USGS does is very wise. I believe that most areas should have some group of people to be in charge of making sure groundwater is in check. The path that water follows, from run off to your kitchen ink is incredible. For the safety of our environment, we should also be careful not to block aquifers with pavement. This is why laws that limit how much concrete can be put down is also a wise decision. In conclusion, I think we an agree that without the upkeep of groundwater quality, we would be nowhere.

Questions:
1. In what way is groundwater most important?
2.What is the best way to keep groundwater safe?
3.Are the actions of the USGS adequate?
4. What, if anything, would you change about the way we treat groundwater?

A Greener Strategy for New York’s Runaway Sewage

By: Mireya Navarro
March 13, 2012

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/a-greener-strategy-on-new-yorks-runaway-sewage/?ref=opinion

New York has agreed on an environmental safe idea to decrease the current rush of untreated sewage.


Summary
        New York State and city officials have found a way to reduce the flow of untreated sewage into the city’s surrounding waterways whenever there is heavy rainfall. Under an agreement, the city plans to spend about $2.4 billion in public and private money over the next eighteen years in new techniques. They will approximately invest $187 million over the next three years.
        New York is an old city so it still has a combined sewer system where storm water and sewage are carried through the same pipes. The system often goes beyond capacity during heavy storms and discharges the overflow into local waterways. Such overflows are a major pollution problem preventing many waterways from meeting standards for fishing, swimming and healthy habitats for outside. As a result, traditional sewage control methods like underground storage tanks are thinking about not being used.
        The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters. The state, which is responsible for enforcing the federal law, has been pushing the city to find an answer because building two separate systems would be expensive.
       The Bloomberg administration has devised a plan for new “green infrastructure” projects to capture rainwater before it reaches the sewers. These include rooftop gardens, which can retain rainwater, porous surfaces for parking lots that allow water to seep into the soil and more street-side vegetation. Developers of new buildings must meet rigorous environmental standards.
       City officials believe the 1.5 billion gallons of sewer overflows will be removed gradually by 2030. About twelve billion gallons will be kept out through traditional and green methods combined. City officials agreed to allow ‘say’ in the city’s federal Clean Water Act permits so residents can go to court and enforce the plan if present or future government administrations violate its terms.


Opinion/ Reflection        

        Green roofs are a great example of a way to slow and even stop storm water runoff from buildings all over the city. Not only do they absorb a good portion of water, but they slow down the initial surge that happens after a major storm, reducing the load on the sewer system. The untreated sewage is definitely affecting the residents living there. However, I am glad the city is making great strides funding the green infrastructure and storm water programs. There all positive and good solutions for the future of New York, but how about a simple, low cost way to right now keep some of the sewage water out of rivers and lakes. I have been to New York many times and probably could have guessed they were going through this problem. This reminds me of the time we talked about dirty water and other harmful chemicals in water during environmental science class. Overall, I think this article was very interesting. It describes a current issue that needs to be solved in a city so close to Hatboro-Horsham.

Questions
Do you agree with the city's plan? Why or why not?
How can the residents of New York City help reduce the flow of untreated sewage into waterways?
What other places are going through a similar problem? Explain.

What if We Run Out of Water?

What If We Run Out of Water?

Author: Charles Fishman Publication: Salon, Sunday April 10, 2011http://www.salon.com/2011/04/10/the_big_thirst_excerpt/

Summary:

Above is an image of a faucet with the water on. Simple
ways like turning the faucet off while brushing your teeth
can save a lot of water, even if it doesn't affect you.

     If you think about it, water is such a mystery to us, yet we use it so much in our daily routine of life. We never know when the world will run out of water, or when there is not enough water to satisfy the thirsty human population. Whenever you shower, wash clothes, flush the toilet, drink a cup of lemonade, or wash your hands, you are using water from the Earth. 70% of the earth is covered in water, so how is it possible that we would ever run out? Only a small portion of that 70% is fresh water. A lot of the fresh water we cannot access is inside glaciers. One out of six people in the world cannot access clean and fresh water, and at least 40% of homes need to walk to get water, or do not have an abundant supply. The United States alone uses about 410 billion gallons of water a day.

Opinion/Reflection:

     By pushing a button, it is that simple to get a fresh glass of water. But what will happen in one hundred years or a thousand years from today? Will there be enough water for the human population? We all know that the human population is increasing but we do not know when it will level off [even though scientists have many theories when it will]. If the population continues to increase without leveling off, all of these people will be thirsty, and that is a lot of water to be using. It is important that we do not take water for granted. Yes, there are machines that can clean ocean water, but that takes a lot of energy and time. By doing the smallest things like turning the water off while brushing your teeth, using a bucket of water to wash your car instead of a running hose, or taking shorter showers, we can conserve the earth’s fresh water. Personally, I always try to cut back the amount of water I use each day. It concerns me that our country uses 410 billion gallons of water each day…I can’t even imagine what the whole world uses a day! I’m not saying we have to stop using water, but if the whole world cut back by ¼ (or even smaller) of the water they use, that is a whole lot the world can be saving. We can’t be selfish and use all of the water ourselves. We need to think about the future generations who will live on the earth years from today; they need to have a fresh water supply just as much as we do. If we were to run out of water, we would not be able to live because every single thing we do requires water.

Questions:

1. In your opinion, how do you feel about the world’s water supply?

2. Do you think that the government can do something to control the amount of water we use each day? Explain.

3. Consider a dry continent like Africa; do you think there is any chance their water supply could increase? If so why, if not, why?

4. How much water does the average person use each day in the United States?

5. Why is it so important that we conserve water today to preserve it for the future? 

Toxic People: The Pollution Within by David Ewing Duncan, Published October 2006
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2006/10/toxic-people/duncan-text/6

The picture to the left is an X-Ray photograph of a two year old girl with lead chips in her system.

Summary:

     The above link is an article I found on the National Geographic Website. The author is writing about how he grew up in a town surrounded by pollution, and how his doctors are now finding these polluting substances in his blood! His town had tons of industries and dumps right around the county water intake which supplied drinking water for him and his family. Runoff and pollution from these industries and dumps contaminated the river-and these pollutants wound up in the bodies of those who drank the water. "Factories making cars, soap, and fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals"(Duncan, 6), he says were made and used directly next to the river and water intake. The author explains how driving through this part of town was enclosed in a "noxious cloud" (Duncan, 6) of gasses and other pollution which made it hard to see or breathe. He describes how in his childhood his friends would ride bikes through the pollution, holding their breaths. Over time, however, the air pollution and especially water runoff pollution have taken their toll. His doctor has told him of some of the substances he has found in the author's blood: Lead, Mercury, Dioxins, PBDEs, PCBs, and other harmful toxins.
     Fortunately, today less pollution is in the air and less pollution is in the water we drink. Plus, water filters can be bought to take most of toxins out of tap water. This is thanks to the acts created in the 1970s such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act which work to stop pollution in places such as rivers, lakes, streams, and our breathing air. Hopefully we can keep this clean record going, and try to improve even more.

Opinion/Reflection:
     I was shocked when I read the title of the article. I mean really, Toxic People? What could this possibly mean? But as I start to read this crazy article, I understood the scary truth. Due to the pollution in streams and rivers, as well as the air, there are people walking around that literally have what can be considered toxic blood. I sure hope my tap water is clean, because I currently do not own a water filter! If this is still going on then the industries who pollute our drinking water should be ashamed. It concerns me how some businesses will pollute other peoples' drinking water just to make a profit. Companies really need to work harder to find a better solution than dumping their pollution.
     I want to help to stop pollution in our drinking water. It is a serious concern of mine and I sure hope it is a concern of others as well. I am excited to learn about water pollution in class(the last couple days feel like we haven't been learning much, so it should be fun to learn something new) and how we can defend ourselves against it. I see it as a very important and interesting topic!

Questions:
1. What does the Clean Water Act do to prevent water pollution? Can it be revised to "amp up" the standards for our drinking water?
2. Is there a simple way to tell if our tap water is polluted? And if so, will simple water filters fix this problem?
3. How can we as citizens help to limit pollution in our drinking water? Can recycling play a part in this process?
4. How many of the toxins mentioned in the article are still in use today? What are they used for?

-Aaron Selnick

The Road to Recovery: 100 Success Stories for Endangered Species Day 2007

Article: http://www.esasuccess.org/reports/


Picture: The image shows one endangered species for each continent. These are so to say the "most important" for each  one as you will recognize nearly all of them. There are hundreds of more for each continent.

Summary: We often don't realize how fortunet we are that our world has such large biodiversity. The ESA is partially to thank for this. Every year they save many many species that are crucial to our environment. By 2007, 100 species of animals had been aided to the point of being taken off the list of endangered. This group includes the bald eagle, the whooping crane, the gray whale, and the grizzly bear.  Around Pennsylvannia we are trying to conserve the red wolf, the shortnose sturgeon, the finwhale, the atlantic green sea turtle, and many other plants and animals.
            Not only does the act help to increase the number of animals alive, but it increases from the double-digits to the thousands. The act is in debate on it's effectiveness. With numbers like these, how can we say the act isn't working? the article states: "A recent study of all endangered species in the Northeastern United States found that 93% increased or remained stable since being placed of the endangered list. Few other laws can boast that kind of success." The numbers are continuing to rise as the act takes action. 


Opinion/Reflection: I think these numbers shows the true success of the Act. Because of it's good results, it makes me wonder what makes people conclude that it is not working. I have not researched the flaws of the bill and wonder what holes there are. Maybe instead of making a "new" bill they could just improve on what's already working. Perhaps there are certain rules of the bill that don't work for some species as well as they do for others?
        The amount of endangered species is sort of intimidating. What would happen is humans were endangered? If we don't keep trying to save our world's biodiversity, maybe we will be! It isn't just about keeping animals safe, but we also need to consider what would happen if a keystone species dies out? Once they're gone, they're gone forever and we can't bring them back. It is urgent we help our Earth remain stable as it is now. 


Questions: 
1. What species is one we should be most concerned about saving?
2. What are the downsides of the act?
3. How can we improve on what's already working?
4. What was the most important success?
5. How does the Act help humans?

Habitat Loss

PICTURE: This image shows what
used to be a forest, but it was taken under
construction. Many habitats have been
lost because of this destruction.

Summary:

 http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Wildlife-Conservation/Threats-to-Wildlife/Habitat-Loss.aspx

     There are many causes of habitat loss (in the United States) such as natural weather occurrences, construction, destruction, and fragmentation. When humans dramatically influence an ecosystem, that ecosystem may no longer be able to provide food, water, coverage, and areas to raise their young. It is sad to say that there are fewer places left in the wild that can be called a home for these animals.

     The different types of habitat loss are mainly caused by destruction, fragmentation, and degradation. An example of habitat destruction would be a bulldozer pushing down trees; many organisms live in and on trees, so by taking these trees down, animals and plants are being killed and taken away. Habitat fragmentation is when terrestrial wildlife is cut into fragments by roads and other types of development. Aquatic animals may no longer have a home due to building dams or water diversions. Habitat degradation is when a habitat is polluted or disruption by invasive species. The loss of habitat makes it difficult for species to find places to feed their young and rest.

     Other leading factors of habitat loss in the U.S. include agriculture, land used for development, pollution, global warming, and water development. All of these things are slowly wearing away habitats of animals and they have nowhere to live their life.

My Opinion/Reflection:

     I always knew that humans are the main reasons for habitat loss. It’s so sad to think that innocent animals have no homes because of us, but it’s not like humans purposely take away their habitats. Humans need to continue with their lives too, but I think we also need to be aware or how our actions shape the world around us. Before people go taking a bulldozer and taking down a handful of trees, I think environmentalists or scientists should inspect the trees and area around them for habitats and organisms; if there are animals and endangered species near there, the bulldozers should just leave! No way should they kill animals especially if they are endangered.

Questions:

1    1. Although there is probably not much you can do physically to end so much habitat loss, what other ways can you think of that we can do to save these animals?

2. Do you think it is important that the government kicks in before bulldozers kick down?

  

3. How does agriculture affect habitat loss? Explain.

4. Since we cannot control the weather, what can humans do after a natural disaster happens to preserve habitats?

5. Why do you think we don’t see much about habitat loss in the media if it is such a concerning topic? Explain.

Australia delays decision on koala listing  


http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/16/world/asia/koala-australia-endangered/index.html

 This graphic shows a dead koala lying on the road. Many koalas are hit or killed by cars in Australia. As a result, the number of them is decreasing. 

Summary
         As few as 43,000 koalas are left in Australia. Habitat loss, disease, dog attacks, car accidents, and hunters are killing them. These animals are defenseless to bush fires and droughts. Today, more than 1,700 species could be facing the threat of extinction, but there is no way of knowing for sure. However, scientists use clues to predict and see if the population of a specific animal will decrease.
       As a result, some koala conservationists believe the national icon of the country should be added to the endangered species list. However, environment minister, Tony Burke says he needs more time to evaluate the new information. Hopefully, his decision will be made, before April 30, 2012.
       Chief executive of the Australian Koala Foundation, Deborah Tabart said the minister wanted to avoid making a decision because it was becoming a problem, before the upcoming Queensland state election in March.This is unfortunate because politics should not be interfering when listing a species as endangered. Every selection should be based on scientific evidence.
        There are many places where the population of the koala is high. In some areas of Victoria and South Africa koalas are "blooming." In the states of Queensland and New South Wales, there was a large decline of koalas. The most koalas in the state of Queensland are found in a growing city where housing is not that affordable. If the city continues to progress, then I believe the marsupials will eventually decrease in population. Koalas are rare in South Australia.
        A koala being known as a endangered species is an issue that has been considered three times in the last fifteen years by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC.) However, they declared that there was not enough information to list them as endangered by federal law. Fortunately, the United States considers koalas to be threatened species so they can get the proper care they need. Internationally, the koala is listed as "least concerned." Koalas are currently not granted any extra protection in Australia, but campaigners are hoping these innocent animals will stay alive.

Opinion\Reflection 
         What is Australia without koalas? As a future tourist, I protest! Stop waiting and give them more protection. Their population has already been severely impacted. The sooner they are safer the more successful the continuation of their species will be. Humans destroy what they can't control and claim land that wasn't given to them to start with. They destroy natural resources for greed and ruin environments. As a result, we should at least help out the poor creatures around us, especially  threatened or endangered ones. We need to save the planet, but no one can mess with Mother Nature. Is Tony Burke waiting until the adorable koalas are extinct, before he makes a decision? Hopefully, he will make the right one.

Questions
How can we help protect endangered species? Explain.
If koalas became extinct, what impact will it have on the earth or in the surrounding areas in which they live?
Why is the extinction of species not always a bad thing?

Deforestation
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/climate-change/science/deforestation/

Picture:

This is a picture of a forest fire that the US based Cargill corporation intentionally lighted in order to make space for a soya plantation. This burning releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the air.

Summary: 

    Deforestation via forest fires releases the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into the air, which is part of the reason for global warming. This goes along with humans burning fossil fuels, disrupting the carbon cycle by releasing huge amounts of carbon into the air each year. However, with deforestation it is even worse for the environment. Not only, is carbon dioxide being released into the air, but the very trees that take in the carbon dioxide and keep the cycle balanced are being used as fuel. This is doubling the damage we do to the environment because it cannot be reversed. 

    Also, deforestation destroys the habitat of thousands of plants and animals that rely on the forest to survive. If the trees are  cut down or burned, many animals that used that tree now need to find a new home and build a new shelter. If plants and animals are constantly pushed backwards, one can only imagine what this may be doing to the communities. 

    If we wish to stop this terrible process, we must stop deforestation and continue reforestation. Planting new trees and protecting them in order to soak up carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses such as methane which cause global warming. This process can easily be stopped, and it is a shame that nothing substantial has been done so far.

Reaction:

It is a shame that this process is allowed to proceed. This is clearly a cause of global warming, yet not enough is being done. I hear people whining and complaining about global warming, yet nobody seems to realize that they themselves are part of the problem. Deforestation is a danger to wildlife, as well as ourselves. It creates room for plantations and farms, and helps some people, but meanwhile it destroys ecosystems and harms the entire world. Why is this allowed to continue? Why has nothing been done to stop it?

Questions:

1. What can be done by the government to slow deforestation?

2. How does deforestation harm you?

3. What point of view do you have on this problem? Why?

4. How can you help stop deforestation?