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roppy1999-blog · 4 years

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The Impact of Technology on the Environment

The industrial revolution has brought about new technologies with immense power. This was the transition to new manufacturing processes in Europe and the United States, in the period from about 1760 to 1840. This has been succeeded by continued industrialisation and further technological advancements in developed countries around the world, and the impact of this technology on the environment has included the misuse and damage of our natural earth.

Many of the technologies we use every day consume a lot more resources and power than they need to, and using and manufacturing them can create a mess. These technologies have damaged our world in two main ways; pollution and the depletion of natural resources.

1. Air and water pollution (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP3pbh_-pu8)

Air pollution occurs when harmful or excessive quantities of gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide and methane are introduced into the earth’s atmosphere. The main sources all relate to technologies which emerged following the industrial revolution such as the burning of fossil fuels, factories, power stations, mass agriculture and vehicles. The consequences of air pollution include negative health impacts for humans and animals and global warming, whereby the increased amount of greenhouse gases in the air trap thermal energy in the Earth’s atmosphere and cause the global temperature to rise.

Water pollution on the other hand is the contamination of water bodies such as lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater, usually due to human activities. Some of the most common water pollutants are domestic waste, industrial effluents and insecticides and pesticides. A specific example is the release of inadequately treated wastewater into natural water bodies, which can lead to degradation of aquatic ecosystems. Other detrimental effects include diseases such as typhoid and cholera, eutrophication and the destruction of ecosystems which negatively affects the food chain.

2. Depletion of natural resources (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjAgr3Yzo5E)

Resource depletion is another negative impact of technology on the environment. It refers to the consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished. Natural resources consist of those that are in existence without humans having created them and they can be either renewable or non-renewable. There are several types of resource depletion, with the most severe being aquifer depletion, deforestation, mining for fossil fuels and minerals, contamination of resources, soil erosion and overconsumption of resources. These mainly occur as a result of agriculture, mining, water usage and consumption of fossil fuels, all of which have been enabled by advancements in technology.

Due to the increasing global population, levels of natural resource degradation are also increasing. This has resulted in the estimation of the world’s eco-footprint to be one and a half times the ability of the earth to sustainably provide each individual with enough resources that meet their consumption levels. Since the industrial revolution, large-scale mineral and oil exploration has been increasing, causing more and more natural oil and mineral depletion. Combined with advancements in technology, development and research, the exploitation of minerals has become easier and humans are therefore digging deeper to access more which has led to many resources entering into a production decline.

Moreover, the consequence of deforestation has never been more severe, with the World Bank reporting that the net loss of global forest between 1990 and 2015 was 1.3 million km2. This is primarily for agricultural reasons but also logging for fuel and making space for residential areas, encouraged by increasing population pressure. Not only does this result in a loss of trees which are important as they remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but thousands of plants and animals lose their natural habitats and have become extinct.

3. Waste (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhdziTQRqHg)

Manufacturing technology creates large amounts of waste, and used computers and electronics get thrown out when they break or become outdated. Called "technotrash," these electronics contain all sorts of hazardous materials that are very unsafe for the environment. They need to be disposed of using special methods.

4. Disrupting ecology (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOht6qmuG-k)

Clearing land where animals used to live to build factories and allowing pollution to contaminate the food chain can greatly affect the environment's natural cycles.

5. Health hazards (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBK3PNZj52k)

Using toxic materials that can harm our health can cause cancer, and technology addiction can lead to other health problems like obesity and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Environmental Technology

Despite the negative impact of technology on environment, a recent rise in global concern for climate change has led to the development of new environmental technology aiming to help solve some of the biggest environmental concerns that we face as a society through a shift towards a more sustainable, low-carbon economy. Environmental technology is also known as ‘green’ or ‘clean’ technology and refers to the development of new technologies which aim to conserve, monitor or reduce the negative impact of technology on the environment and the consumption of resources.

The Paris agreement, signed in 2016, has obliged almost every country in the world to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change by keeping the rise in the global average temperature at less than 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

This section will focus on the positive impact of technology on the environment as a result of the development of environmental technology such as renewable energy, ‘smart technology’, electric vehicles and carbon dioxide removal.

Renewable energy

Renewable energy, also known as ‘clean energy’, is energy that is collected from renewable resources which are naturally replenished such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. Modern environmental technology has enabled us to capture this naturally occurring energy and convert it into electricity or useful heat through devices such as solar panels, wind and water turbines, which reflects a highly positive impact of technology on the environment.

Having overtaken coal in 2015 to become our second largest generator of electricity, renewable sources currently produce more than 20% of the UK’s electricity, and EU targets means that this is likely to increase to 30% by 2020. While many renewable energy projects are large-scale, renewable technologies are also suited to remote areas and developing countries, where energy is often crucial in human development.

The cost of renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines are falling and government investment is on the rise. This has contributed towards the amount of rooftop solar installations in Australia growing from approximately 4,600 households to over 1.6 million between 2007 and 2017.

Smart technology

Smart home technology uses devices such as linking sensors and other appliances connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) that can be remotely monitored and programmed in order to be as energy efficient as possible and to respond to the needs of the users.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of internet-connected objects able to collect and exchange data using embedded sensor technologies. This data allows devices in the network to autonomously ‘make decisions’ based on real-time information. For example, intelligent lighting systems only illuminate areas that require it and a smart thermostat keeps homes at certain temperatures during certain times of day, therefore reducing wastage.

This environmental technology has been enabled by increased connectivity to the internet as a result of the increase in availability of WiFi, Bluetooth and smart sensors in buildings and cities. Experts are predicting that cities of the future will be places where every car, phone, air conditioner, light and more are interconnected, bringing about the concept of energy efficient ‘smart cities’.

Electric vehicles

The environmental technology of the electric vehicle is propelled by one or more electric motors, using energy stored in rechargeable batteries. Since 2008, there has been an increase in the manufacturing of electric vehicles due to the desire to reduce environmental concerns such as air pollution and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Electric vehicles demonstrate a positive impact of technology on the environment because they do not produce carbon emissions, which contribute towards the ‘greenhouse effect’ and leads to global warming. Furthermore, they do not contribute to air pollution, meaning they are cleaner and less harmful to human health, animals, plants, and water.

There have recently been several environmental technology government incentives encouraging plug-in vehicles, tax credits and subsidies to promote the introduction and adoption of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles could potentially be the way forward for a greener society because companies such as Bloomberg have predicted that they could become cheaper than petrol cars by 2024 and according to Nissan, there are now in fact more electric vehicle charging stations in the UK than fuel stations.

Direct Air Capture’ (DAC) – Environmental Technology removing Carbon from the atmosphere

For a slightly more ambitious technology to conclude with, the idea of pulling carbon dioxide directly out of the atmosphere has been circulating climate change mitigation research for years, however it has only recently been implemented and is still in the early stages of development.

The environmental technology is known as ‘Direct Air Capture’ (DAC) and is the process of capturing carbon dioxide directly from the ambient air and generating a concentrated stream of CO2 for sequestration or utilisation. The air is then pushed through a filter by many large fans, where CO2 is removed. It is thought that this technology can be used to manage emissions from distributed sources, such as exhaust fumes from cars. Full-scale DAC operations are able to absorb the equivalent amount of carbon to the annual emissions of 250,000 average cars.

Many argue that DAC is essential for climate change mitigation and that it can help reach the Paris Climate Agreement goals, as carbon dioxide in the air has been the main cause of the problem after all. However, the high cost of DAC currently means that it is not an option on a large scale and some believe that reliance on this technology would pose a risk as it may reduce emission reduction as people may be under the pretense that all of their emissions will simply be removed.

#lessismore

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asiajute · 4 years

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Benefits of Jute

We would love to tell you all about jute. Jute is a vegetable fiber that can be spun into strong threads. Jute is one of the cheapest natural fibers and in addition, after cotton, the most widely used. The plants from which jute is obtained occurs mainly in hot, humid areas as Bangladesh, China and India.

In the time it takes you to read this, millions of plastic bags are produced. And then we do not even know about the amount of oil that is needed. An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) survey from 2008 showed that only 6.8% of all plastic waste recycled. But what happens with the other 93.2%?

Wastewater in oceans and seas consists of 80% plastic. This is a major threat to the animals in the sea. Many turtles mix up jellyfish with plastic bags and eat them. Birds and fishes get into particles or hit the plastic (deadly). The garbage doesn’t clean up itself; before polyethylene (plastic) is biodegradable, we are about 1,000 years further. Several agencies have already stated that thin plastic bags should be banned immediately. Fortunately, some governments also see the seriousness of this problem.

In China, around 3 billion plastic bags were used today. The garbage bins in China began to look like white mountains because of all the plastic waste. Therefore, the Chinese government has taken measures to remove plastic bags. In addition to China, governments of Australia, Bangladesh, Ireland, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Taiwan, South Africa and some cities in the United States (including San Francisco) have also taken measures to successfully reduce the use of plastic bags.

Jute is a vegetable plant whose fibres are dried in long strips, and it’s one of the cheapest natural materials available; together with cotton, it is one of the most frequently used. The plants from which jute is obtained grow mainly in warm and humid regions, such as Bangladesh, China and India.

Since the 17th century, the Western World has been using jute to make textiles like the people of East Bangladesh have for centuries before them. Called “the golden fibre” by the people of the Ganges Delta because of its usefulness and cash value, jute is making a comeback in the West as a fiber useful to agriculture and commerce. When used in the production of grocery bags as an alternative to paper or plastic bags, jute is both one of the most environmentally friendly choices and one of the most cost-effective long term.

Here are some aspects we want to highlight about this incredible material:

Sustainability

Jute can be grown year round, and is harvested every six months. It can take decades to produce the same volume of wood fiber and it requires much larger tracts of land to cultivate.

The application of jute is also a significant step in combating the use of different materials containing toxic wastes. Jute bags cut down the employment of plastic bags, which have now been effectively banned in many countries due to their harmful components. Jute seems to be one of the best alternatives to it.

Recyclability

Jute is 100% biodegradable (it degrades biologically in 1 to 2 years), low-energy recyclable, and can even be used as compost for the garden. It is clear in terms of reusability and recyclability that jute bags are one of the best options available nowadays. Jute fibers are tougher and more resilient than paper made from wood pulp, and can withstand prolonged exposure to water and weather. They can be reused many times and are thus very environmentally friendly.

Alternative Uses

The woody core of the jute plant, called hurd, has thousands of potential industrial and commercial uses. As an alternative to wood, hurd is capable of meeting most of the world’s demand for wood and wood products. Using hurd and jute fibers means that the level of deforestation to meet the current demand for paper and wood could be significantly decreased if they were used as an alternative.

Ultimate Benefits of Jute Bags

Today jute is considered one of the best substances for making reusable grocery bags. In addition to jute bags being sturdier, greener, and longer lasting, the jute plant offers many ecological benefits beyond better grocery bags. It can be grown in abundance without the use of pesticides or fertilizers, and it requires less land to cultivate, which means that growing jute preserves more natural habitats and wilderness for other species to flourish.

Best of all, jute absorbs huge amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and when combined with reduced deforestation it may help reduce or reverse global warming. Studies have indeed shown that, one hectare of jute plants can absorb up to 15 tons of carbon dioxide and release 11 tons of oxygen during the jute growing season (about 100 days), which is very good for our environment and planet.

Promotional Jute Bags

Jute bags printed with your logo are the perfect promotional tool. Sturdy and affordable, a promotional jute bag will be used again and again by its recipient, resulting in maximum return on investment on your advertising spend. Thanks to its innumerable eco-friendly qualities, this material can offer you a way to promote your business responsibly and broadcast this to all those who see your bags.

For more information about Reusable Bags and the advantages of choosing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Jute is a 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly material and does not pollute our environments like plastic and poly, and we should encourage the usage of jute bags so that we can also contribute to our environment to make our planet clean and healthy place to live in.

Jute is a vegetable plant whose fibers are dried in long strips, and it’s one of the cheapest natural materials available; The plants from which jute is obtained grow mainly in warm and humid regions, such as Bangladesh, China, and India.

Jute can be grown year-round and is harvested every six months. It can take decades to produce the same volume of wood fiber and it requires much larger tracts of land to cultivate.

Jute is very strong and highly durable, 100% biodegradable (it degrades biologically in 1 to 2 years), low-energy recyclable, and cause no threat to the environment. Carrying of products in a Jute bag no threat to hygiene.

Jute bags can be used multiple times. Plastic bags are made to use once only, thus, it is seen that lots of such things are dumped in the face of waterways, sewage, parks, beaches, or streets.

Jute bags are seen to maintain their gloss and glaze for a longer time. They are made from natural fiber and thus are able to keep their strength for a rather long period.

For more Jute bags models, please visit our Jute Burlap Bags.

Happily enough, we have now learned the evil effects of synthetic products in our lives and so have turned to natural or organic products that do not cause harm to the human body. That’s precisely why we now opt for organic food that’s free of synthetic fertilizers, hybrid or green vehicles that leaves minor carbon footprints and wonder of wonders, aircraft that uses solar power for long haul flights.

Similar is the case with carry bags that are essential items in our day-to-day life. We need large carry bags to carry food grains, medium size bags to carry groceries and fancy hand bags for traveling and other miscellaneous purposes. Only a short while ago, synthetic plastic bags made from petrochemical products such as Polyethylene and Polypropylene was extensively used for manufacturing of these bags. However, as these materials are not bio-degradable and in some cases are also prone to be carcinogenic in nature, manufacturing of plastic bags have been severely restricted in most countries.

Best Alternative To Plastic

As a natural alternative to harmful plastic, Jute (Corchorus capsularis & Corchorus olitorius) is now being used in a big way for manufacturing of these bags in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand and a few other Asian countries. Apart from its other qualities described below, Jute is considered to be the best and cheapest natural fiber that has the requisite strength to withstand transportation hazard over longer hauls while the material carried in jute bags can ‘breathe’ and so does not deteriorate quickly.

Why Use Jute Bags/ Products

Bags and other materials made from jute is biodegradable, which means that when left unused for sometime, these will get destroyed on their own, leaving the world free of environmental pollution, as against plastic that remains intact for ages and so causes huge environmental hazard.

Jute is a natural vegetable fiber, second only to cotton and so can be sewn into any desirable shape and size.

Jute plants cleanse the air: studies reveal that 1 hectare of raw jute plants can take in up to 25 tons of CO2 while releasing 11 tons of Oxygen during jute cultivation season, lasting a little more than 3 months.

Possessed of high biological efficiency, jute can be harvested in course of less than 6 months, producing around 40 tons of plant stem per hectare.

Lesser environmental pollution as jute plants need very little fertilizer, herbicides/ pesticides to grow and produce raw jute.

Jute is known for its high tensile strength, low extensibility.

Jute fiber blends wonderfully with other types of fibers, both synthetic and natural, while accepting cellulosic dyes that include natural, basic, sulfur and pigment dyes, creating harmonious designs.

Jute cultivation is labor intensive, which suits developing countries where unemployment is a big issue.

Conclusion:

In order to live healthy as also to turn our lonely planet free of environmental pollution, Use Jute Bags and Jute Products as much as possible. Being cheap, versatile and climate friendly, these natural products will enliven and brighten our lives on mother earth.

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zenruption · 6 years

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Individual Action in the Climate Change Movement

Climate change has been a newsworthy topic for decades now, for reasons that are hardly surprising. Recent scientific data indicates humans have generated emissions that have sparked an increase in global temperatures in excess of nearly 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century. It’s a trend that’s only expected to grow unless we make a number of changes across the planet, and quickly.

It’s an undertaking that many countries have taken seriously. Under the Paris Climate Agreement of 2016, 194 countries, including the United States and China — which together represent almost 40 percent of global emissions — agreed to sweeping pledges in an effort to reduce global temperatures and emissions, in an effort to save the environment.

The United States has since backed out of the Paris Agreement under President Donald Trump. In response, more than 80 mayors of cities across the U.S. have remained steadfast to the terms set forth by the Paris Agreement.

It’s a call-to-action that individuals have taken to heart as well. Today, more than ever, American citizens have an understanding about how their personal choices might have an impact on the environment and have begun to adjust their own habits in an effort to be more conscientious about their carbon footprint.

It’s a change that has come to surprise many, as for years there was a common misconception in American society that being conscientious about your carbon footprint or choosing an eco-friendly lifestyle costs time, effort, and perhaps most importantly, money.

As many have come to find out, however, there are a number of things that individuals can do that not only benefit the environment, but are also cost effective, and more easy to implement than one might think. We highlight some of those simple changes people can make below.

Make Eco-Friendly Updates To Your Home

Routine maintenance is a part of every homeowner’s checklist. Part of that routine maintenance can also be used to make your home more environmentally friendly. Environmentally friendly homes are not only valuable real estate — should you plan on selling at any point — but they can also save you money in the long term if you’re willing to make the investment now.

These changes range in cost, and a little can go a long way. Probably one of the most impactful things you can do to your home is evaluate the ways in which you consume energy, as that has a direct correlation to your individual carbon emissions. By consuming less power, or prioritizing more eco-friendly power usage, you reduce the amount of toxic fumes released into the atmosphere. This can be done in a number of ways.

Switching to solar power is probably one of the most significant and most impactful things you can do for your home in order to reduce your carbon footprint. But there are a number of other benefits to switching to solar as well, including a less expensive electric bill, and increased value on your home.

You might also consider updating any old appliances and lightbulbs you may have to a more energy efficient model. According to the Department of Energy, a series of simple upgrades has the potential to save you thousands of dollars per year.

If you’re not ready to replace any of your major devices, it is important to maintain what you do have to make sure it functions properly and doesn’t add further to your carbon footprint. Try to tighten up any leaky faucets you may have, insulate your windows, and maintain your fireplaces and other heating sources.

Keeping up-to-date with routine maintenance and converting to eco-friendly options will not only save you money in the long run, but will also reduce your environmental impact.

Consider Adopting a More Minimalist Lifestyle

Minimalism has been a growing trend for years now, especially for millennial Americans. Inspired in part by Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, minimalism is now a mainstream movement that has inspired individuals to move into smaller and more affordable spaces, declutter their lives, and cut back on economic consumption and environmental waste.

Degrees of minimalist lifestyles vary. Some choose to go all-in on the endeavor, while others are simply hoping to be more organized.

One end of the spectrum are those who have taken drastic steps to minimize their possessions. Some of the most easily recognizable are those who have opted to join the tiny house movement. For those who want to live minimally, save money, and live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, tiny houses are a great alternative to a more typical living environment. And it’s becoming more and more common every day.

For the past two decades, tiny house communities have sprouted in places like Washington D.C., Austin, Sonoma, Olympia, Portland, San Francisco, and more. It’s a trend that’s not only here to stay, but it’s also good for the environment.

Tiny houses reduce environmental impact by a significant margin. The average tiny house is 400 square feet or less, meaning that it produces very little waste when it comes to construction, and use drastically fewer natural resources than the average home or apartment building.

The size also allows you more financial freedom in choosing your home’s building materials. Many choose to use recycled materials, like aluminum or salvaged wood. Others choose to invest in more quality materials, such as bamboo, cork, palm, and environmentally friendly paints. Solar power also typically becomes much easier, due to the limited dimensions of the home.

But tiny house living isn’t the only way to adopt minimalism into your life. Many simply choose to declutter, donate their unwanted belongings, and avoid overconsumption in favor of products that are of higher quality and last longer.

“We’re all becoming more aware of how our love of disposable fast-fashion, single-use plastics, and the latest devices is contributing to damage and pollution in the environment,” writes Julia Lansdale of the World Wildlife Federation. Minimalism gives people the opportunity to help combat that.

Utilize Public Transportation, Ridesharing, or Alternative Transportation

Traffic is a nuisance no matter how you look at it, especially if you’re a commuter who lives in a big city. Beyond the annoyance, however, traffic and transportation has become an environmental hazard costing over $160 billion per year. Additionally, Americans lose 7 billion hours of time, and burn 3 billion gallons of fuel each year.

Recent MIT studies suggest, however, that by utilizing carpooling options, the number of vehicles on the road may decrease by a factor of three without affecting commute times.

“Instead of transporting people one at a time, drivers could transport two to four people at once, resulting in fewer trips, in less time, to make the same amount of money,” Daniela Rus, the lead researcher of the study and director of MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory recounts. The study found that 3,000 four-passenger cars had the potential to serve 98 percent of taxi demand in New York City. The average wait time for each commuter would be under three minutes. Rus continued, “A system like this could allow drivers to work shorter shifts, while also creating less traffic, cleaner air, and shorter, less stressful commutes.”

In the long term, ridesharing, bussing, and other alternative forms of transportation will not only help Americans save the planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it will also be much cheaper than riding solo.

Climate change is going to be a continuing topic of discussion, and one that will require diligence — especially at the government level — in order to make a difference. But there are still a number of practices that individuals can adopt in order to do their part. Not only will that help to save the environment, but it’ll also be great for your finances in the long term.

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intelizon-blog · 6 years

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy

The solar industry is booming all across the world. It doesn’t matter if it’s a developed country or not, many governments and corporations are jumping on the bandwagon. They’re all joining hands to fight climate change and also reduce their electricity bills at the same time to boost profits. There is so much talk about this incredible renewable source of energy. It is set to change the course of world history and business. But there is there a dark side to this energy derived from sunlight? Here we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy and you can decide for yourself if it is good for our planet or not.

Top Advantages of Solar Energy

1. Clean Energy

Fossil fuels, which are at the moment the main source of the world’s energy, release toxic chemical compounds such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Use of solar energy helps in reducing the discharge of greenhouse gases primarily carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and reduces the emission of sulfur dioxide(burning of fossil fuels). The toxic gas sulfur dioxide combines with water and air and is responsible for acid rains.

This is one of the main causes of climate change. Mining for fossil fuels causes the destruction of forests and the pollution of our environment. Additionally, there have been numerous cases of oil pipelines leaking into streams, rivers, seas, and soil over the years. These pipeline leakages have corroded our soil and led to the poisoning of groundwater affecting the planet’s flora, fauna, marine life, and humans on a large scale. Solar power is an alternate source of clean and renewable energy. It neither pollutes the environment nor destroys forest cover.

2. Renewable

Solar energy which converts the sun’s light and heat into electricity is renewable and inexhaustible until the death of our sun, which would take around 5 billion years. Solar panels are fitted with photovoltaic cells that convert the ever abundant sun’s rays into electrons and turn it into electricity.

3. It’s Free

Since the sun does not belong to any government, corporation or person, it has not yet been taxed. This means that once solar panels are fitted, the energy harnessed is absolutely free.

4. Low Maintenance

Once solar lights are installed, it does not cost much to maintain them. Good quality solar lights last for decades without the need to service or maintain them.

5. Multiple Uses

Solar Energy is generally associated with lighting up houses, streets, communities, villages, towns and so on. However, solar energy is not restricted to this. There are multiple other uses such as heating water at home, keeping houses warm, powering vehicles, powering airplanes, cooking, powering calculators, watches, clocks and many more.

6. Conserves Wildlife

Fossil fuels destroy our planet’s ecosystem and forests, leaving tens of thousands of species of birds, animals, and insects homeless. Due to this many of our planet’s species face mass extinction. There are so many species that have been eradicated from the face of the Earth while thousands of others are on the verge of extinction. We can take solace in the fact that this form of renewable energy does not cause any damage to our planet, thus allowing the world’s ecosystems to thrive.

7. Saves Water

Water is an ingredient that is used to generate electricity. There is, however, a shortage of fresh water throughout the world. The use of solar energy does not require the use of water. Since the energy from the sun is plentiful, solar energy indirectly helps in the conservation of water.

Though there are seemingly loads of advantages when it comes to generating electricity through solar energy, there are a few disadvantages as well.

Top Disadvantages of Solar Energy

1. Solar Energy is Initially Expensive

The cost of setting up a solar power plant is high. This is due to the demand and supply curve. As the demand for solar energy increases, the cost would also decrease in time. However, since the energy generated after installation is absolutely free, in the long run, it works out to be the most inexpensive option for power generation.

2. Sunlight Availability

Though there is no shortage of sunlight on our planet, there are places in where the sun’s rays barely reach the surface. It is also possible that more than one solar panel may be required to light up a house depending on the amount of sunlight available. Some parts of the world are too cloudy, shady or windy to effectively generate solar energy and light, which reduces the effectiveness of solar energy.

3. Solar Energy is not always Reliable

Solar energy is very dependable. However, not all solar panels work at night. If the solar panels are not charged enough during the day, the efficiency is reduced. It would then not be reliable enough to provide a good amount of power to sustain an entire household or village.

4. Installation Requires Space

Installing solar panels at home or in corporate and IT parks require a good deal of empty land. This land should also be exposed to the sun. Due to this factor, not too many companies or houses have installed solar panels.

5. Inefficiency

Most solar panels are not 100% efficient. A good amount of electricity is generated using solar energy but 60% of energy ends up being wasted. Only 40% is actually utilized. To counter this, one has to conduct proper research and make sure that the solar panel being used is set up right and manages to harness most of the sun’s rays in order to produce a good amount of electricity and increase its efficiency.

Though solar energy has its disadvantages, it is negligible when compared to energy produced due to fossil fuels.

6. Weather Dependency

Solar panels dependence on the type of weather is another disadvantage. This is because more power is generated only when solar panels receive direct sunlight. The output of solar panels is dramatically decreased when the weather turns cloudy. While there are several areas around the world which receive adequate direct sunlight, there are others which spend much of the year under the clouds.

7. Safety

The primary concern for safety is due to the use of chemicals and toxic materials used in the manufacturing of photovoltaic cells. Some of the thermal solar systems use fluid to transfer heat. These fluids are might be hazardous. In case of leaks, it might be harmful to the nearby areas and the environment as a whole.

Water is also required for cooling of the generators and cleaning solar panels. If the solar power plant is located in an area which is dry or barren, it could affect the ecosystem of the area.

How solar energy benefits environment?

Creates clean & renewable energy from sun

Reduces reliance on fossil fuels

Reduces carbon footprint

Decreases greenhouse gas emissions

Reduces environmental pollution

How solar energy benefits society?

It Reduces respiratory & cardio health issues which primarily are caused due to burning of fossil fuels

Reduces financial costs for electricity in long run

Reduces dependency on nuclear power

Preserves habitats affected by mining

No power disruptions like with grid electricity

Brings in energy efficiency

Energizes rural communities

Inexhaustible source of energy

Universal access to energy

Ethical investment avenue

How does solar energy benefit the economy?

Decreases usage of foreign imported oil

Creates more jobs as solar industry is labor intensive

Provides stability to economy with fixed costs

No expense on raw materials for generating electricity

Multiplier effect in spurring the economy with abundant energy

What are disadvantages of solar energy compared to fossil fuels?

Solar energy is initially expensive

Government subsidies are required for keeping solar costs low

Not everyone can pay for installation of solar power set up

Energy storage solutions need to be improved for solar power

Solar energy technology still needs lots of improvement

Availability of sunlight is globally uneven

Solar panel installations require space

Most solar panels are not 100% efficient

Production of solar energy is not constant & depends upon the weather

Advantages of Solar Panels

It has no mechanical or moving parts

Operating & maintenance costs of solar panels is low

Solar panels can be installed almost anywhere where there is sunlight

They are environmental friendly

Solar panels do not produce any harmful greenhouse gases

They work silently & do not cause any noise pollution for generating electricity

Residential solar panels are easy to install on rooftops

Disadvantages of Solar Panels

Quality & quantity of generation of energy with solar panels gets affected by weather conditions

Unpredictability of solar panels makes them a less reliable solution

Solar panels also require additional equipment for electricity production including storage equipment

Investment costs of solar panels & other equipment is still high

Land mounted solar panels require large areas of deployment

Solar panel efficiency levels are relatively low

Solar panels are fragile & can be easily damaged

#solar street lights #wireless solar street light

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danielanduranb · 6 years

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Has the Climate Change Taken Out the Life for Wildlife?

Sadly, we have come to a point that it is no longer surprising when we hear all the havoc about the constant change in climate. It is not that we aren’t concerned but what can an individual do? Yes, making efforts to maintain the balance is what we have been doing, like powering houses with renewable solar panel energy, reducing water waste and replacing the 60-watt bulb into LED light bulbs. These are just small matters we have been taking into our hands for years but if looked into bigger issues that are leading to cause bad effects to the world’s wildlife, our eyes point to the factories that constantly fumes with toxic gas and chemical wastes into rivers. According to the New York Post, ‘more than half of the world’s forest wildlife could be extinct by the end of the century,’ and the increased temperatures are expected to lessen down the rainfall in several places leading the wildlife to suffer. We have faced and still face such global issues that only gets bigger with time but are there factors done to help prevent such global mess? Yes, there are but it is not a one day matter.

Through this blog, we will highlight the major drawbacks and issue we are facing, so let us start with the chart given below that helps understand how the weather is drastically changing around us.

This chart will show you the destruction done by Human

Photo: http://bit.ly/2G1YDL2

Our Involvement and Misdeeds that has caused Global Warming

Here’s a thought, we tend to chase away monkeys from our backyard without thinking we build colonies where they once lived, basically, we are to be blamed for interrupting wildlife habitat not them. And the worst part is, we never stop, we keep building modern marvels that lead to destroying the forests. This is one factor that started the global warming, the more we practice on deforestation, by the end of this century, we may not be able to see any naturally grown trees around us, expect artificially made ones perhaps. We are the creators of such destruction that is causing the earth’s crust to move rapidly and also the glaciers to melt. We all know that forest help in balancing the earth by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen but unfortunately, forests are constantly being destroyed. According to (WWF) World Wildlife Fund, the US-based scientists came to the conclusion stating that more than 13 percent of global carbon emission comes from deforestation. It is worse than the emissions that are produced from automobile and planes. When we speak of Indian cities, the increase in vehicles like the passenger driven cars and heavy trucks are the main sources that lead to air pollution. The fumes emitting from cars include particulate matter, ozone and smog-forming substances. The health risks are at its peak through air pollution, poor air quality means high chances of life-threatening diseases for humans as well as animals.

Automobiles are one of the leading causes of air pollution, here are the 10 cities with hazardous air pollution in India

Photo: http://bit.ly/2u6IOkG

Besides India, the vehicle fumes in the US states in 2013 contributed a hazardous mix of toxins like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons into our air. Although greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide exist naturally, the burning of fossil fuels leads to adding more carbon dioxide covering the air with a thick blanket of harmful toxins; the thicker the warmer climate. Such instances also cause destruction to the plants and animals. According to Nikhil Advani of World Wildlife Fund, the hotter days are affecting the wildlife around the world leading to an extended period of drought and intense storms. As per the study published in Climate Change, Wildlife regions like south western Australia, Amazon, Madagascar, Caribbean and Galapagos Islands are on the verge of devastation due to global climate. The reports that are shown in New York Post, around 50 percent of wildlife and 60 percent of plant life in the Amazon are at risk if the global temperatures are raised 3.2 degrees celsius. In such cases, during the increase in temperatures, the rainfall will lessen down in areas like the Mediterranean, Madagascar and Cerrado-Pantanal in Argentina resulting scarcity of water supplies for the African animals. It could also increase the sea level affecting the breeding wildlife grounds of tigers at Sundarbans in India and Bangladesh.

What are the challenges Wildlife face during the Climate Change?

The African elephants require at least 150-300 litres of water per day if the temperature rises elephants need it to soothe their upper body by splashing water. The sea turtles could face challenges finding cleaner breeding grounds and according to the daily mail, one such incident that could heartbreaking even the strongest was when a female turtle was forced to lay eggs surrounded by plastic waste materials on Greta Beach of the Australia territory near Indonesia. The WWF also adds on to say that the African wild dogs are also another easy targets during warmer seasons, they prefer cooler temperatures to hunt. Because of the rise in temperature, the wild dogs could also shrink in animal range and since they live in packs, they are prone to various diseases.

The climate change only worsens to spread wildlife diseases around. However, when we speak of Giant Pandas, they may be able to adapt to the weather but it hampers their sole favourite food, bamboo. Without getting proper nutrition, the already slow breeders that Pandas are, it will affect their development. The global hit on climate change has brought in many challenges for animals. According to National Geographic, ‘It’s a tough time to be a polar bear.’ These are the highly affected species and is the famous poster animal for global warming. According to a research done by a non-profit organization, Polar Bears International, there are less than 25,000 species of polar bears left in the Arctic and are reducing annually.

Impacts of climate change in Asia and the Pacific

Photo: http://bit.ly/2uQEcf4

An Urgency to Control the Change in Climate

With an urgent need to control the climate change, the Paris Agreement pledges to rescue the melting earth by reducing global warming from 4.5 degrees C to 3 degrees C. Since the signature of the Paris Agreement were opened, all countries and European Union except three countries signed. But as of November 2017, Syria and Nicaragua also signed the agreement on climate change control, leaving only US outside the Paris Agreement.

But What is the Paris Agreement?

Paris Agreement main purpose is to strengthen the climate that has been sinking. Its main goal is to get a global response by joining hands with all international network and governmental bodies to low the toxic emissions. It pledges to keep the average temperature below 3 and 2 degrees C, ideally, aiming 1 degree C.

The climate change is a serious issue and it cannot be avoided, it affects our wildlife and our future generation as well. Due to change in climate, some of the wild species have come close to endangerment. The African elephants that require more than 200 litres of water every day are unable to find any and the polar bears that survive in the ice is already coping with the change, but for how long? Only time will tell. A global issue that causes havoc to our mother earth, the change in climate is a serious matter we all should contribute to saving it which we are by using solar panels and using less water. But there is another way to help global warming by participating in Earth Hour on March 24, 2018. We can witness this historic lights-out social event from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time. Together, we can tackle the change in climate and create a better future where people and nature can thrive together. Click here NOW and do your bit: earthhour.wwfindia.org.

The post Has the Climate Change Taken Out the Life for Wildlife? appeared first on Tour My India.

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mayapraharaj · 7 years

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World Architecture Day 2017

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CLIMATE HAZARDS: ODISHA NEEDS SUITABLE BUILDING DESIGNS

World Architecture Day (October 2) was established in 2005 by the International Union of Architects (UIA) to show appreciation for the works architects do and to celebrate some of the great global architectural works. The theme for this year was ‘Acting against climate change.’

Currently, cities suffer from severe environmental problems ranging from pollution, congestion, excessive waste, etc. Paying attention to the environmental impacts of growth is critical for provision of adequate housing, energy, water, sanitation and mobility needs in a manner that does not cause major depletion of natural resources or endangers future generations.

Climate change is one of the biggest global crises of the 21st century. Scientific consensus shows that increasing atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide contributes significantly to rising sea levels, extreme weather events and degradation of natural resources. The increase in carbon dioxide concentration, which is gathered in the atmosphere due to burning of fossil fuel and industrial activities, has been impacting the global warming to a big extent. These trends threaten human health, food supply, natural ecosystems and global economies.

Odisha is experiencing distinctive changes in the climatic pattern. Atmospheric temperature is rising in the State making the summer seasons unbearable. The environment of the city of Bhubaneswar has been degraded due to high population growth and different manmade activities. The effects of climate change have been observed since last few years in the city. The temperature in summer is ranging in most of the days around 40 degree Celsius, which is not only affecting the health and comfort of the people but also demands more energy. A number of buildings are designed in the city without considering climatic conditions of the area. These buildings need air-conditioning to keep them cool and lead to more energy use.

The Government of India has prepared a National Action Plan for Climate Change. The mitigation measures would primarily include energy efficiency in buildings, improved urban land use planning and shift to public transport and management of water, waste water and solid wastes. Besides, the action plan would also facilitate adaptation to vulnerabilities arising out of climate change. Odisha is a leader in formulating a State Climate Change Action Plan identifying urban planning, water resources and disasters, etc.

Architects play a vital role in combating climate change. They are largely responsible for the passive energy use systems of a building—the orientation, fenestration, envelope, and massing of the buildings. They can reduce such operational and embodied carbon production with passive design techniques and energy efficiency measures which increase human health and productivity. Architects also integrate renewable energy sources into buildings, making them more sustainable, resilient and economical.

Numerous agencies in India along with Government are trying to make cities more climate-responsive. The setting up of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) provides a legal framework for energy efficiency initiatives in the country. The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 defines the powers of the State Government to facilitate and enforce efficient use of energy and its conservation. The State Governments have to designate State Designated Agencies in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency to coordinate, regulate and enforce the provisions of the Act in the State. The BEE launched the ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) in 2007. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design and construction of buildings. The process of development of the ECBC involved extensive data collection and analysis regarding building types, building materials and equipment. Further, the code takes into consideration the climatic conditions of the area. The ECBC provides design norms for building envelope, including thermal performance requirements for walls, roofs, and windows; lighting system, including day lighting, and lamps and luminaire performance requirements; HVAC system, including energy performance of chillers and air distribution systems; electrical system; and water heating and pumping systems, including requirements for solar hot-water systems.

There are five distinct climatic zones in India and the ECBC takes into account these climatic zones in case of Building Envelop Design. ECBC is currently voluntary, but it is proposed that it will be made mandatory for all new building that have a connected load of 100 kW or higher or a contract demand of 120 kVA or higher. The code is also applicable to all buildings with an air conditioned floor area of 1,000 square meter or more. The Government of Odisha had mandated the Odisha Energy Conservation Building Code (OECBC) in 2011. Under the OECBC, all buildings except manufacturing industries having connected load of minimum 100 kW or transformer capacity of 120 kVA require to comply with the code. The code is also applicable to constructions having minimum 500 square meter air-conditioned area. ECBC 2017 sets parameters for builders, designers and architects to integrate renewable energy sources and energy efficient appliances in building design.

Architects should keep climatic conditions in mind and design building that will cut down energy consumption. Energy-efficient buildings are only effective when the occupants of the buildings are comfortable. If they are not comfortable, then they will take alternative means of cooling a room such as air conditioners which will increase the energy load and affect the environment of the city.

To reduce the impacts on settlements and infrastructure, it is critical to develop appropriate mitigation and adaptation responses. Climate responsive buildings have minimal adverse impacts on the natural environment. These buildings also seek to maximize opportunities for indoor environmental quality and performance, saving money, reducing waste, increasing worker productivity and creating healthier environment for people to live and work.

Reducing the contribution of cities to climate change, or mitigation, requires an adequate understanding of the drivers of urban GHG emissions, while effective adaptation must be based on a good understanding of what makes cities vulnerable or resilient to climate change impacts. If properly designed, constructed and operated, a sustainable city and sustainable building will require less money and fewer resources to operate and will be healthier for its occupants.

Climate is the most important environmental factor and should be considered when designing a building. Architects can choose passive design strategies suited for their building based on the climate type. They can lead the climate change movement by designing climate responsive buildings. Climate design is the part of design that is concerned with the creation of healthy and comfortable indoor environments. Many elementary design decisions made by the architect determine the quality of the indoor climate. Architects can achieve energy efficiency in the building design by studying the climate of the site. Besides, building by-laws of the city need to be revised and updated keeping in view the effects of climate change.

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fingerlakesmark · 7 years

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Tesla’s solar roof tiles are already sold out ‘well into 2018’

Tesla solar roof tiles sold out well into 2018. Get new roof and also cut electricity bill by 50-100%. Instead of paying 20K for a solar system, one can just redo the roof for 20K and get brand new roof and ALSO solar panels. Imagine how many people who always wanted solar for free, and are getting quotes to replace roof within 12 months will want this roof that basically gives them free solar panels. Many will replace roof years earlier, because of this new product, in order to get the nicest looking solar panels and not have to worry about cracked clay tiles or the extremely rare possibility of a cheap company creating a roof leak (or rainy areas where it would be noticed) :) ► https://plus.google.com/+AlexPsi/posts/XgeRwGEk2zU

Below are some reasons for buying your next car electric, installing solar panels (or solar tiles from Tesla) and supporting 100% renewable energy in all nations (via carbon price for example):

1. help humanity survive since absorbed CO2 leads to ocean acidification which kills plankton. Plankton generates 50-80% of oxygen we breathe, so without oxygen we will die ► https://plus.google.com/+AlexPsi/posts/hRv2Z4DmTUX

2. help humanity since elevated CO2 levels were shown to impair brain performance of all future humans ► https://plus.google.com/+AlexPsi/posts/SskhmQCkqQz. Today in offices with high CO2 levels (like we will have if no action is taken), people's brain performance decreases.

3. Help humanity as you no longer generate carcinogenic exhaust, otherwise known as smog, which kills millions of people each year ► http://goo.gl/jDj0hI and leads to lower IQ ► http://goo.gl/alNQIk and autism ► http://goo.gl/66nqwr, as well as Alzheimer, cancer, heart disease, asthma, Parkinson, Multiple Sclerosis, Memory Loss, Cognitive Decline as explained in the many studies at ► https://plus.google.com/+AlexPsi/posts/fdmCqkLgZt1. Also, http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/2007/08/pollution-causes-40-percent-deaths-worldwide-study-finds explains that 40% of deaths are due to pollution. Smog kills billions earlier than their normal time. Coal fired plants generate most human emissions of mercury and arsenic in the air.

4. save lives since you reduce heart attacks caused by traffic noise ► http://goo.gl/Fuhvn. Electric cars are much quieter.

5. save humanity from oil wars that destroy the environment and kill countless civilians. Iraq war trillions could have powered all US with solar/wind ► http://goo.gl/ZqN47.

6. you no longer have to change oil (because there is no oil to change) or spark plugs; no more smog check either; electric cars have 60% less parts, so you will go for repairs much less. Combustion engines are noisy and only 15% efficient; electric motors are 90% efficient.

7. reduce heat and AC costs, because electric cars produce 5 times less heat than combustion engine cars per mile, reducing the heat-island effect in cities ► http://www.nature.com/srep/2015/150319/srep09213/full/srep09213.html

8. bring the end of gas stations that poison the water wells with MTBE or other compounds leading to billions of dollars wasted in cleaning up the well water (example: $0.4 billion settlement ► http://goo.gl/eKasZD)

9. save money as you spend 4-8 times less money on "fuel" depending what area of the globe at the current low prices of oil. ► https://plus.google.com/+AlexPsi/posts/aqpoUTuBV5z. If you have enough solar panels, you get free CLEAN fuel for life, since you charge at home and utilities pay you for energy you put on the grid. ► https://plus.google.com/+AlexPsi/posts/D3B8qikwNie. Likewise, Tesla Motors offers free solar ☼ charging for life ► https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgk5-eB9oTY?

10. save money for noble purposes because electric cars are cheaper than many oil cars after the federal and state rebates: in Colorado, you can buy a Nissan Leaf for only 15, 000, while in most other states for 18-21, 000. A Smart EV costs only $12,000 in Colorado, see http://smartusa.com. Mitsubishi i-MieV is only $13,000 in California and $10, 000 in Colorado ► http://www.evworld.com/news.cfm?rssid=31881.

11. Save money since it is cheaper to buy solar panels over 5-12 years than to pay the electric bill without panels - so you save MONEY and the environment - just choose the best deal, they got 12 year loans for 2-3% interest rate - plus after 12 years you get free electricity for the next 30 years or longer if panels last 60 years which they should.

12. Electric car batteries and solar panels are far greener than alternatives. Battery recycling for today's oil car lead batteries is happening at a 97% rate globally. It will be even better for the far safer lithium car batteries. Lithium Ion batteries are classified by the federal government as non-hazardous waste. Lithium ion batteries are made from nontoxic lithium carbonate (used in ovenware), nontoxic cobalt oxide (in pottery glaze), nontoxic graphite (in pencils), and a polymer (plastic) membrane. The most toxic components are the electrolyte and lithium cobalt oxide, neither of which are persistent in the environment and both of which are increasingly being replaced by safer compounds. Wang Chuan-Fu, CEO of BYD, demonstrated the safety of the electrolyte in their lithium ion batteries by drinking it. Zero Motorcycles founder Neal Saiki said that the Lithium Ion batteries they use are safe to eat.

Solar is way better than coal, oil or natural gas which spew 100-1000 times more carcinogens in the environment per unit of energy produced, besides far more CO2. How long does a solar panel system have to operate to recover the energy used for making the panel? Energy payback for rooftop panels is 1-4 years depending on type. Assuming a life of 30-60 years for a panel, that means that most energy produced will be free from pollution of any sort ► http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy04osti/35489.pdf.

13. save time, thus money, since you are allowed to use the carpool lanes to avoid traffic if you drive an electric car, in many countries, even if there is only 1 person in the car.

14. Natural gas and Coal can be replaced with solar-wind immediately:) as a public health priority, especially since they are cheaper in many areas than fossil fuels and storage eliminates the need for sun-wind 24-7 ► http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjNKz8qXRmk. In China's worst areas, smog makes people live only 4 decades ► http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1DNjJd2YfA. Coal-fired plants lead to birth defects in China, see the 2 min video ► http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wImJC6xEoU. In all nations, including USA, people near coal-fired plants often die of cancer at 45 or so, see the 10 min video ► http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZWAQ_3yoj8. Coal pollution leads to cancer, asthma, autism (mercury), etc. Clean coal doesn't exist ► http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l0iqdfFyC0.

15. Germany increased its solar capacity 16000 times between 1990 and 2012 ► https://plus.google.com/+AlexPsi/posts/2K5Ln8zyrqH. It's possible. In 2014, Denmark generated 39% electricity from wind ► https://plus.google.com/+AlexPsi/posts/1FraSFPpWBv. For comparison, the current renewables percentage in the US India & China 16%, Japan 11%, Israel 2.6%, Russia 15% (hydro), Mexico 26%, UK 25%, Canada 60% (hydro), Portugal 50% (hydro+wind), Ghana 75% (hydro), Spain 45% (wind-solar-hydro), New Zealand 80% (hydro+geoth+wind), All Africa 32% (hydro), Germany 36%, Italy 43% (solar-wind-hydro), Sweden 57%, Finland 37%, Brazil 90% (hydro), Iceland 100% (hydro+geothermal), Paraguay & Norway & Lesotho & Bhutan 100% (hydro).

https://plus.google.com/+MarkFinewood/posts/frqtG2JjTiM

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nuttyhologramgoatee-blog · 7 years

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And Also You Thought Electric Cars Are the Best Bet for future years

Before proceeding further, I would like to strongly impress upon my readers that what I'm saying in this post will not be that some serious flaws about EVs have just been discovered. I'm not saying, for example, that EV technology is unsound, at all! Neither am I praoclaiming that the claims of EV manufacturers are too tall. The performance claims of electric vehicles are realistic and agree well in what were promised. Then, precisely what is this article trying to get at? Whatever is meant through this 'dark side'? The reply to such questions is the fact that earlier assessments of EVs have missed on going for a from-a-grassroots-level, holistic look at the entire EV ecosystem - not just that section of the life-cycle between manufacture and retirement. The truth is, that part life-cycle of EVs between manufacture and retirement is recognized to us, and that we know that EVs have passed all assessments on this part with flying colors. However, if someone changes one's perspective to incorporate the whole EV ecosystem, after which performs an all natural analysis, those 'dark' facts will become apparent. Now, let's take a tour of the things experts have realized in this particular matter.

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(A) Consumption Of LIGHT-WEIGHT PARTS Which Can Be ENERGY INTENSIVE TO MANUFACTURE, THUS Ultimately Causing Climatic Change

The battery of your EV is undoubtedly its heaviest and a lot expensive part. The battery from the Tesla Roadster, for example, accounts for over a third of their weight.

To deliver exactly the same payload to users, the weight in the unusually heavy battery is manufactured up for by reducing the weight of other parts. To be able to produce light-weight EV parts, aluminum and several carbon composites are primarily used.

Energy intensive production processes take part in the manufacture of the above light-weight materials. The power so used, comes from energy production processes with an associated carbon footprint e.g. thermal energy is often based on the burning of coal or other energy sources as well as the GHGs released, expressed when it comes to CO2 equivalents will be the carbon footprint.

The final user, being the EV ecosystem in this case, needs to assume responsibility for your associated carbon footprint. By consequence, the EV sector is not 'clean' as supposed. It does possess a significant stake in global warming, though indirectly, because of its addiction to the type of material mentioned previously.

(B) SOLAR ENERGY Higher Priced THAN ENERGY FROM CONVENTIONAL SOURCES

Currently, charging EV batteries using solar power is far more costly in comparison to grid sourced charging (which, therefore, receives electricity from conventional sources viz. hydro, thermal, nuclear, wind & tidal). This means that no matter what other claims might be made, the per-mile cost to function a power car is going to be higher than that of a gasoline/ diesel powered one. Consequently, the EV will likely be an unattractive transport option until such time as solar technology becomes cheaper than energy from conventional sources.

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is really a greenhouse gas (GHG) that may be manufactured in small quantities when EV batteries are made. This gas is 23, 900 times better, in comparison with CO2 when it comes to its climatic change potential. In other words, just 1 tonne of sulfur hexafluoride, on entering the climate, will produce climate change effects equal to 23,900 tonnes of CO2. (View information of SF6? If yes, click this link. It will take you to Section 2.10.2 from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes' Assessment Report #4 (2007) titled "Direct Global Warming Potentials")

Energy intensive processes are involved in the extraction of raw materials which are utilized in the output of EV batteries and for their fabrication and assembly. This energy should get is met by burning considerable amounts of standard fuels, that, consequently, produce their share of GHGs.

As a result, when large-scale manufacture of EV batteries commence, significant quantities in the killer GHG, SF6, is going to be released to the atmosphere together with other GHGs made by the burning of non-renewable fuels. The world wide web result on global warming is anticipated being practically ZERO to ensure that there won't be any visible slowdown in climatic change.

(D) ECONOMICALLY DIFFICULT-TO-MANUFACTURE RARE EARTHS Linked To EV MANUFACTURE

Highly specialised magnets are used through the traction motors that move EVs. They contain, among other substances, rare earth elements dysprosium (Dy-66) and neodymium (Nd-60). (For details of rare earths, you might go to the Ames Lab website of your US Department of Energy.) As the earth contains sufficient quantities of the elements to sustain EV manufacture for several years to the future, they are bought at geographical locations that happen to be so disperse that economical manufacture is rendered extremely difficult. To suit the projected need for electric vehicles across the next twenty-five years, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers estimate that mining of these rare earths must rise by 2600 and 700 percent, respectively, during the same period.

China is the world's leading producer of rare earths. And that country recently sought to ban exports of these substances. Thus, if the EV or its ancillary industries will be able to place their act together soon enough to produce sufficient quantities of the rare earths at economical prices continues to be a large, unanswered question that faces the EV industry.

(E) HAZARDS As A Result Of UNSAFE DISPOSAL OF END-OF-LIFE BATTERIES

Trashed EV batteries, if recycled properly, tend not to pose any risk towards the environment. Failure to get strict within this matter, however, will cause launch of a number of toxic chemicals in to the environment.

The specific information on these chemicals in addition to their effects in the environment have not yet been studied on account of certain difficulties in doing so. However, by drawing parallels with e-waste and solar industry waste, we are able to predict that improper disposal of EV batteries will likely lead to ground-water contamination, irreversible environmental damage and extra side effects as a result of the retention of toxic compounds of lithium, nickel and copper from the environment.

(F) OVERALL CLEAN-AND-GREEN Outcomes Of EVs BELOW GASOLINE/ DIESEL POWERED COUNTERPARTS

When concerns in regards to the EV industry reached the ears from the US govt., US Congress commissioned an assessment through the National Academies of Science to obtain in-depth findings addressing each concern (you can download and view the complete report from the assessment by following this link ). The assessment, specifics of which were published in 2010, took a holistic look at the entire EV ecosystem and summed the results of vehicle construction, fuel extraction, refining, emissions and also other factors for electric and gasoline powered cars separately. It came to the sobering conclusion that "health insurance and environmental damages (excluding long-term climatic effects)" due to EVs are higher when compared to gasoline-powered cars.

The above, grim conclusion of National Academies of Science is backed up by an independent study on electric vehicles done by the Norwegian Institute of Technology and science. The outcome of the study were published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology (2012) of your selfsame institute. Prof. Anders Hammer Stromman, one of many authors, states that "All over the other impacts considered inside the analysis including possibility of effects linked to acid rain, airborne particulate matter, smog, human toxicity, ecosystem toxicity and depletion of fossil fuel and mineral resources, electric vehicles CONSISTENTLY perform worse or on par with modern internal combustion engine vehicles, despite virtually zero direct emissions during operation". (It is possible to view a relevant excerpt on this study with the BBC website, by searching for "business-19830232" under "news".)

We percieve through the above that investigations of two independent organizations of repute agree viz. US' National Academies of Science & Norwegian Institute of Technology and science. Therefore, it is actually abundantly clear and beyond doubt that EVs May have a sinister side. Because of this, the EV industry faces a grim and uncertain future unless it turns across a new leaf after incorporating some path-breaking technological improvements.

To summarize, consumption of EVs is not really gonna lead to any significant slowdown in climate change, as was once touted. Nor a safer, less-polluted environment. Until solar energy becomes less expensive than energy from conventional sources, there won't be a lot of takers for electric vehicles together with the result that gasoline/ diesel powered vehicles continues to dominate the roads. The consequent result on world usage of petroleum will probably be just a marginal drop - no big savings, really, as was once expected!

Checking out the pluses, at locations where automobiles are the primary source of pollution, anybody can expect so as to breathe cleaner air when billions & millions of gasoline/ diesel powered vehicles are taken off the roads for good. And, needless to say, at places where automobiles are definitely the major reason for noise pollution, a quieter environment.

Future advancements in technology might well turn back the negatives above. However, since it stands, you won't become any cleaner or greener by switching through your present vehicle for an electric car today!

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sheenaarroyo · 6 years

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BLOG #2

PART 1: FIELD DAY ASSIGNMENT

Tree Audit

List one tree that was commonly found on your transect. Describe how this tree can be identified by its features including the leaves, bark, twigs, buds, etc. Include a photograph of the tree.

Green Ash tree was commonly found on transect. To identify the features of the tree we use the Field Guide to the Native Trees of Manitoba that was provided by Professor Kristina Hunter before we went to the field. According to Field Guide to the Native Trees of Manitoba, the green ash tree should have a form of “medium-to-large deciduous tree with a slender trunk and spreading crown”, the bark should have a “greyish-brown color, furrowed into soft scaly ridges and a diamond pattern in the mature bark”, the twigs are “opposite, stout, smooth; lenticels brown linear, common”, and the leaf scars are “horseshoe-shaped with about 18 bundle scars in a single row with same contour as leaf scar” (Oswald & Nokes, p.40). Since it was mid-fall, there is no terminal bud, flowers, and fruits were present. The weather a night before was very windy, therefore most of the leaves in the trees are already fallen which means leaves was eliminated to identify what kind of tree is it. The experiment was conducted at the red river bank, it was stated in the booklet that the green ash tree commonly found in river bank through Southern Manitoba which is also supported my intuition (Oswald & Nokes, p.40). Aside from the Field Guide, there was also an assisting professor that are helping us if we have trouble identifying what kind of tree is it.

Reference:

Nokes, F. and Oswald E. (n.d.). Field Guide to the Native Trees of Manitoba [Brochure]. Author. Retrieved October 18, 2017, from https://universityofmanitoba.desire2learn.com/d2l/le/content/255759/viewContent/1172671/View?ou=255759

PART 2: READ AND RESPOND

Article: “It’s not the environment versus the economy”

Question: Describe 3 challenges and 3 opportunities for our economic future in the face of a changing climate and environmental degradation.

3 challenges for our economic future in the face of a changing climate and environmental degradation:

1. Changes that are happening to the environment. Global warming affects the species that are relying on ice. The season become shorter and shorter and the species are in danger because their natural habitat starts to disappear. Aside from animal species, human are also affected because we are depending on those species (Attfield, 2015).

2. The second challenge is the increasing frequencies and severity of storms. This event give a huge cost to people, government, to economy and even to insurance company. The destruction that caused by storm needs a lots to money to restore the damages (Attfield, 2015).

3. The last challenge will be lowering the carbon emissions. If the change happens, big industries that producing high carbon emissions will be affected the most. In order to support this change, it needs a huge investment which it takes a lot of time and money.

3 Opportunities for our economic future in the face of a changing climate and environmental degradation:

1. Developing low-carbon energy infrastructures. For example, in Seoul they developed a place where they use solar energy (City of Sunlight). By this kind of movement it will lower the greenhouse gas emissions (Attfield, 2015).

2. Creating products that have less effect on the environment. Entrepreneurs should focus on developing products that have less pollution. And consumers should support that kind of development.

3. Reduce energy consumption. The main source to create energy was the fossil fuel which is not friendly to the environment. The extraction of the fossil fuel destroys the Earth by polluting the air, land and water. As we become more dependent to fossil fuels, the supply of it becomes limited due to over extraction.

Reference:

Attfield, P. (2015, December 11). It’s not the environment versus the economy. Retrieved December 07, 2017, from https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/international-business/its-not-the-environment-versus-the-economy/article27727251/?ref=http://www.theglobeandmail.com&

PART 3: ACTION

a. Investigate the chemicals in your personal care products. Use the product guide from the Environmental Working Group http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ to see how your products are rated for carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, etc.

PRODUCTS

HAZARD

HAZARD NUMBER

DATA

Ivory bar soap

Moderate

Limited

TRESemmé botanique shampoo

Moderate

Limited

TRESemmé botanique conditioner

Moderate

Limited

Aveeno lotion

Low

Fair

Aveeno body wash

Moderate

Limited

Dove dry-spray

Moderate

Limited

Clinique liquid facial soap

Not in the database

Clinique clarifying lotion

Not in the database

Clinique moisturizing lotion

Not in the database

b. Do an analysis of your purchases for one week. Record all products, food, beverages and services purchased over this period. Create screening criteria to categorize all items as “Good”, “Bad” or “Ugly”. The criteria is up to you, but must be justified. You may wish to consider factors such as: environmental impact, social impact, local or foreign, corporate or small business. Add up the dollar values spent in each category and reflect on where you would like to make changes – if any.

Food Products and Services

GOOD

BAD

UGLY

Mozzarella Cheese

$5.57

✓

Butter Top Buns

$3.00

✓

�� Starbucks coffee

$4.65(4)

✓

Egg Sandwich

$4.20

✓

Starbucks (Bacon, Gouda & Eggs Sandwich)

$3.75

✓

Cashew nuts

$15.00

✓

Strawberries (fresh)

$4.97

✓

Taxi Fare

$20.00 (2)

✓

Christmas Gifts (t-shirt and cardigan)

$60.00

✓

Good Products/Services: local small business, good quality, lower price, nutritious

Bad Products/Services: foreign small business, fine quality, lower price, moderate (nutritious)

Ugly Products/Services: foreign corporate business, good quality, over price

Reflection:

I would say, I need to reduce my coffee intake. In this week I drink 4 cups of coffee which is not good to my health. Aside from that Starbucks coffee are a little bit over price. So I will suggest that you should make your own coffee by that you will save money and reduce waste.

c. Investigate the options and end fate of your household’s e-waste. Discuss where and how you will dispose of this waste and your future electronics purchase plans in relation to the waste they will one day become.

- My parents thought us to recycle things and e-waste is one of them. Most of the electronic devices that we have is usually pass down from oldest sibling to youngest, as long as it is still works. Aside from passing it down to youngest siblings, we also pass it to our relatives, especially our cousins. During summer my dad always participate on the community yard sale and the stuff that he sales includes electronics such as radio, computer, lamps, camera, etc. it is a good environmental practice at the same time you earn money.

In the City of Winnipeg there are some places where you can dispose your electronic devices. On the website, www.winnipeg.ca just simply type e-waste on the search bar and will give three places where you can throw your devices. Aside from places, it also give you a lists of devices that you can dispose.

References:

Electronic waste (e-waste). (2016, December 15). Retrieved December 07, 2017, from http://www.winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/garbage/electronics.stm

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

PART 4: IN-CLASS BLOG QUESTIONS

Zoos

a. What role, if any, should zoos play in conservation / education?

- In my opinion zoos should not play a role in conservation or education. I believe that keeping animals away from its natural habitat is not a good thing. We can still promote conservation by protecting public lands and banning of hunting the animals. For education we can still learn about them by studying them from afar.

b. Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos? If so, what size / type of animal or zoo?

- I don’t think it’s ethical to keep animals in zoos because keeping animals in the zoo is not the same thing as living in the wild. There are only small spaces for them to roam around and animal cannot not express their natural behavior, like hunting their preys.

c. Do you enjoy visiting zoos?

- I would say that when I was a kid I enjoy visiting zoos but as I grow up I become more aware of what is happening to those animals. Taking animals away from its natural habitat, it means taking away their freedom. Animals was deprived to their basic needs in order to entertain us.

Food

Consider your food system: (Consider taste, nutrition, cost, equity, and environmental issues): what do you like about it? & what do you dislike about it?

- I would say that my food system is good. Most of our meal was cooked by my mom because she believe that it is more safe to have home cooked meal rather than eating outside where you don’t know how your food was prepared, especially I have every sensitive stomach. We also save money by cooking our own meal. Mostly what my mom always buy is fruits and vegetables, she make sure that we should have it at least one fruits and vegetables a day. During summer my family relies on our garden where it produce fresh products like tomatoes, lettuce, kale, spinach, string beans, etc. I would say that fresh produce are tastier than products from grocery. Our meat intake before was a little bit high but now my mom reduce it and instead of eating pork or beef she substitute it to chicken because it is healthier compare to those two. When it comes to seafood especially fish, I would say that I’m not fond of it maybe because I’m used to eat fresh caught back home in Philippines and compare to here most of them are frozen and has a different taste. Although my mom make sure we eat healthy which is a good thing, we sometimes cooked more than we should have and ended up throwing it at the garbage which is I’m not proud of.

Oceans

a. What are your primary concerns about the oceans?

- Ocean become more environmental issue now. My primary concern about the oceans is the overfishing. Over extraction of fish become a serious impact on our oceans. People took fish more than they needed and now fish become lessen. We suffer from this impact but we didn’t recognize that we are not the only one who is suffering from this. Marine animals who are dependent to those fish is also suffering. More and more marine animals starve to death because of this.

b. What, if anything, do you plan to do about it?

- What can I do is to spread the word about this issue and how will this problem will impact our lives. Also, knowing what you eat is a big help, make sure that pick ones that have a lowest impact.

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