Keeping Natural Gas in Pipelines, Not Air

http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/keeping-natural-gas-in-pipelines-not-the-air/?scp=5&sq=environmental%20science&st=cse

October 22, 2009

The New York Times

By Andrew C. Revkin

Brief Summary:

The EPA is encouraging industries to capture emissions of methane, which is a valuable heat-trapping greenhouse gas with profitable gains. International partnerships have increased the emissions captured, but there is much more potential which has not yet been captured.

Short Response:

Because the emitted gas is not only a climate threat but also a loss to taxpayers, this basically affects most people, so we want to make sure they do it correctly. There are gradually more reductions, and as they have been reduced over the years they will hopefully reduce more for the well-being of our world.

Fossil Fuels’ Hidden Cost Is in Billions, Study Says

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/20/science/earth/20fossil.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=environmental%20science&st=cse

October 19, 2009

The New York Times

By Matthew L. Wald

Brief Summary:

Burning fossil fuels are causing more damage to the health of Americans than previously determined, mostly due to the thousands of premature deaths from air pollution. Recent studies determined that most of the cause is the oil and coal, leaving our country with $120 billion worth of health care costs.

Short Response:

Increased human deaths due to air pollution can make anyone worry and leave them wondering what we can do to improve the air pollution to prevent these deaths and many possible others. The fact is that we know mostly what we should and shouldn't do to help our environment, and I think a lot of progress has been made, but more people need to become involved.

Nanomaterials Under Study by the E.P.A.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/30/science/earth/30nano.html?scp=10&sq=environmental%20science&st=cse

September 29, 2009

The New York Times

By Cornelia Dean

Brief Summary:

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to take a look into nanomaterials to uncover any possible health or environmental risks. These are tiny substances which are becoming very common in products such as sunscreen and industrial adhesives.

Short Response:

This is definitely a substance to look into because if there are health or environmental risks, people, animals, and plants could be effected. Realizing any risks would lead us to find alternatives, and knowing which products to avoid.

Can Leaders Act as Public Climate Runs Hot or Cool?

http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/22/can-leaders-move-as-public-climate-runs-hot-or-cool/?scp=9&sq=environmental%20science&st=cse

September 22, 2009

The New York Times

By Andrew C. Revkin

Brief Summary:

It is pondered what could happen to diplomatic/legislative efforts on climate change if the next decades conditions meet the predictions of many scientists. These predictions mainly state that more years of flat and cooling temperatures are in store for the future before things heat up in a big way again.

Short Response:

This can effect many things in many ways, such as shrinking island states to oil monarchies to established and emerging powers sitting on mountains of coal. Different species recognize changes but are having a tough time with it and the adjustment.

Disputed Solar Energy Project in California Desert Is Dropped

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/19/science/earth/19mojave.html?_r=1&scp=12&sq=environmental%20science&st=cse

September 18, 2009

The New York Times

By Elisabeth Rosenthal

Brief Summary:

A solar power farm in the Mojave Desert was planned to undergo a solar energy project which caused a lot of tension between environmentalists and the developers. Hundreds of small mirrors would redirect desert sunlight onto a central tower.

Short Response:

I think it was responsible behavior on the part of Brightsource. It was a major development that was potentially very profitable.

Health Ills Abound as Farm Runoff Fouls Wells

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/18/us/18dairy.html?ref=earth

September 17, 2009

The New York Times

By Charles Duhigg

Brief Summary:

Excessive amounts of cow manure are causing bacteria and chemicals to flow into the ground and contaminate tap water. This agricultural runoff polluted wells which caused parasites and bacteria to seep into drinking water resulting in stomach illnesses and severe ear infections of residents.

Short Response:

While this isn't occuring right near me, my family and I have nothing to worry about unless the illnesses could be contagious. However, it is possible that if this is occuring in that city, it could eventually occur near where I live so this problem needs to be addressed and fixed as soon as possible so the trend doesn't spread all over the country.

Walruses Suffer Substantial Losses as Sea Ice Erodes

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/science/earth/03walrus.html?ref=science

October 2, 2009

The New York Times

By Andrew C. Revkin

Brief Summary:

The walrus is suffering increasing deaths as the sheath in coastal waters erodes. Marine biologists are therefore worrying more and more that they face a mounting threat from global warming.

Short Response:

There are definitely legitimate reasons to be concerned due to the fact that walruses are already being slaughtered, and they will likely become extinct if the erosion from global warming has this effect on them. As more time passes, it is likely that less and less will be alive which leads me to believe that this is caused by the negative effects humans have on the environment causing global warming, so we need to help save our environment.