Control the Climate at Your Desk, Save Energy

http://ecogeek.org/component/content/article/3015

Brief Summary:
New office buildings and even some old ones are becoming more green everyday. They have now invested in an AC unit that can be controlled in each room to minimize the companies energy costs by up to 50%. The people could control the AC by vent in their rooms turning them down or off it they were out of the room, or away from it for a while.

Short Response:
More companies should do this to become greener and it is also benefits to the company for how much energy they save.

Ontario Issues $8 Billion in Renewable Energy Contracts

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/09/ontario-issues-8-billion-in-clean-energy-contracts/?ref=earth

By John Lorinc

April 9, 2010

The New York Times

Brief Summary:

$8 billion in new renewable energy deals was announced just recently by the Ontario government agency under the provinces feed-in tariff program. This includes 184 solar, hydro and landfill gas projects winning long term contracts which will provide a total of about 2,500 megawatts of green power.

Short Response:

This is good news for the environment, but provincial rate payers will end up spending over $300 more a year on their electricity bills, which i'm sure will raise controversy and make many people unhappy, but it is for the best ultimately.

Florida: A Bad Winter for Slithering

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/us/17brfs-ABADWINTERFO_BRF.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Brief Summary:

An unseasonably cold winter may have taken care of what python hunters could not. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission says cold weather mya killed up to 50 percent of the state's pythons.

Short Response:

This article is pretty pointless. Yeah, Florida had a cold winter, we know/ It's three sentences long, there was not enought information about this topic.

Vertical Farming That Does Work

http://www.ecogeek.org/component/content/article/3139

Brief Summary:

Although vertical farming can be very expensive it also allows us to reduce the solar gain on walls causing many building to be hot inside. This will also allow more scenery in the towns and cities.

Short Response:

It might cost us money to build but it might also help us reduce the money we spend on air conditioning.

Declare Your Independence from Toxic Fireworks Pollution

http://environment.about.com/od/healthenvironment/a/toxicfireworks.htm

Summary:
Perhaps is should come as no surprise that the fireworks displays that go on around the U.S every Fourth of July are still typically propelled by the ignition of gunpowder, a technological innovation that pre dates the American Revolution itself. And the fall out from these exhibitions includes a variety of toxic pollution that rain down on neighborhoods from coast to coast, often in violation of federal Clean Air Act standards.

Brief Response:
Depending on the effect sought fireworks produce smoke and dust that contain various heavy metals, sulfur and other noxious chemicals. Barium, for instance, is used to produce brilliant green colors in fireworks displays, despite being poisonous and radioactive

Control the Climate at Your Desk, Save Energy

http://ecogeek.org/component/content/article/3015

Summary:
New office buildings and even some old ones are becoming more green everyday. They have now invested in an AC unit that can be controlled in each room to minimize the companies energy costs by up to 50%. The people could control the AC by vent in their rooms turning them down or off it they were out of the room, or away from it for a while.

Brief Response:
More companies should do this to become greener and it is also benefits to the company for how much energy they save.

Florida: A Bad Winter for Slithering

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/17/us/17brfs-ABADWINTERFO_BRF.html?ref=earth

April 16, 2010

The New York Times

By The Associated Press

Brief Summary:

Up to fifty percent of Florida's pythons have been killed due to the harsh cold of this past winter, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Not one python has been caught since the state has allowed hunters to attempt this on state managed lands around the Everglades.

Short Response:

This cold winter could lead to take care of what hunters could not, which would be an unfortunate outcome for these pythons because it could eventually be a sign of leading to their extinction, at least in that state, if they cannot survive the winter of Florida.

At Upstate Campus, Saving Energy is Part of Dorm Life

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/17/nyregion/17ithaca.html?ref=earth

April 16, 2010

The New York Times

By Lisa W. Foderaro

Brief Summary:

At Ithaca College, two dormitories proudly wear the Energy Star label, being known for its embrace of all things sustainable. The residence halls have six-way zoned heating, energy efficient boilers, digitally controlled heating systems and ample weather stripping. Many students on campus post fliers and talk to other students with advice on how to make the positive changes.

Short Response:

Instead of it being someone telling you what to do such as an older person talking "at" you, the people in charge of helping make these changes are students at the college trying to influence other students without making any demands. This is the best approach possible because students would prefer it be that way rather than someone making orders at them.

Ontario Issues $8 Billion in Renewable Energy Contracts

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/09/ontario-issues-8-billion-in-clean-energy-contracts/?ref=earth

By John Lorinc

April 9, 2010

The New York Times

Brief Summary:

$8 billion in new renewable energy deals was announced just recently by the Ontario government agency under the provinces feed-in tariff program. This includes 184 solar, hydro and landfill gas projects winning long term contracts which will provide a total of about 2,500 megawatts of green power.

Short Response:

This is good news for the environment, but provincial rate payers will end up spending over $300 more a year on their electricity bills, which i'm sure will raise controversy and make many people unhappy, but it is for the best ultimately.

Rule on Lead Safety Set to Take Effect

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/09/science/earth/09lead.html?ref=earth

April 8, 2010

By Mireya Navarro

The New York Times

Brief Summary:

A regulation which requires the construction company to help prevent lead poisoning of children is on track thanks to the Environmental Protection Agency. This occurs after more than two decades of delays and the regulation will take effect on April 22.

Short Response:

This is a positive decision and could potentially save many lives, now that the contractors will be trained and certified in lead safe work and containing their work areas which could help prevent other accidents from occuring.

Nuclear Labs Raise Doubts Over Viability of Arsenals

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/27/us/27nuke.html?ref=science

March 26, 2010

The New York Times

By Mathew J. Broad

Brief Summary:

The nation’s nuclear weapon's laboratories have warned Congress that federal programs to extend the life of the nation’s aging nuclear arsenal are insufficient to guarantee the viability of the weapons for decades to come. The warning has no direct bearing on the new arms control agreement reached this week by the United States and Russia.

Short Response:

It addresses a long-simmering debate on what steps the United States should take to ensure confidence in the destructive capacity of its shrinking nuclear arsenal. It was criticized by many, so obviously an agreement needs to be made soon.

Audit Finds Vulnerability of EnergyStar Program

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/26/science/earth/26star.html?ref=science

March 25, 2010

The New York Times

By Mathew L. Wald

Brief Summary:

In a nine-month study, four fictitious companies invented by the accountability office also sought EnergyStar status for some conventional devices like dehumidifiers and heat pump models that existed only on paper. The fake companies submitted data indicating that the models consumed 20 percent less energy than even the most efficient ones on the market.

Short Response:

Auditors found problems beyond the approval of nonexistent products. They determined that once a company registered as an EnergyStar partner, it could download the logo from the government’s Web site and paste it on products for which it had not even requested approval.

Health Costs of California Air Pollution

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/12/health-costs-of-california-air-pollution/

March 12, 2010

The New York Times

By Kristina Shevory

Brief Summary:

According to a RAND Corporation study released last week, air pollution in California cost federal, state and private health insurers $193 million in hospital costs. California has failed to meet federal clean air quality standards, which this study shows, and in result hospital expenses have been increasing and increasing the impact on insurers.

Short Response:

This is extremely unsafe for the people living in California. The air pollution led to almost 30,000 cases in the hospital for asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and it is the states responsibility to meet the federal standards so that things like this don't happen and effect the health of so many people.

Climate Change Threatens Migratory Birds, Report Says

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/13/science/earth/13birds.html?ref=earth

March 12, 2010

The New York Times

By John M. Broder

Brief Summary:

Hundreds of species of migratory birds which are already endangered, threatened and suffering from population decline are now threatened by the changes in the global climate. Destruction of habitat, hunting, pesticides, invasive species and loss of wetlands are also threatening nearly a third of the nations 800 bird species.

Short Response:

Many species that we are worried about will face heightened threats, giving us an increased sense of urgency to insure that we protect and conserve vital bird habitat. Birds are very good indicators of the health of our environment, so this growing incident shows a lot about the environment.

Darwin Foes Add Warming to Targets

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/science/earth/04climate.html?ref=earth

March 3, 2010

The New York Times

By Leslie Kaufman

Brief Summary:

Critics of evolution are gaining ground by linking the issue to climate change. They are arguing that the views on both matters should be both taught in public schools, rather than just one over the other to insure that enough information on the subjects are taught.

Short Response:

I don't see a problem in discussing the advantages and disadvantages of scientific theories, but I don't think either should be drilled into a students head or try to be convincing the student. Some kids don't agree with certain things being taught and they may be offended by this.

In Aftermath of Ash Spill, a New Round of Challenges

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/07/us/07coalash.html?ref=earth

March 5, 2010

The New York Times

By The Associated Press

Brief Summary:

A coal ash spill in Tennessee created one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history, and now, a year later, the problem is spreading to several other states. The arsenic and mercury laced muck has been moving by rail and truck to at least six sites in three states.

Short Response:

The muck is laced with heavy ladens which are linked to cancer, so this is an environmental issue as well as an issue regarding the safety of citizens of these states. If there isn't a way to eliminate the muck it could severly cause harm to people.

Underwater Plate Cuts 400-Mile Gash

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/world/americas/28quake.html?ref=earth

February 27, 2010
The New York Times
By Henry Fountain

Brief Summary:
A magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Chile Saturday occured along the same fault responsible for the biggest quake ever measured. The rupture was estimated to be about 400 miles of the zone.

Short Response:
This quake was a severe ordeal because it was more powerful than most that had occurred especially in that area. It had the same impact as one of the biggest ever measured, so if something could be done to prevent these it would save many lives but nothing can be done.

Wal-Mart Unveils Plan to Make Supply Chain Greener

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/26/business/energy-environment/26walmart.html?ref=earth

February 25, 2010
The New York Times
By Stephanie Rosenbloom

Brief Summary:
Wal-Mart claims that they will cut 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from its suppy chain by 2015. This would be the same as removing more than 3.8 million cars from the road per year. This is planned to happen by focusing on product categories with the highest embedded carbon.

Short Response:
This is an investment where everybody's sure it makes the supplier more profitable. I think its a good plan because given the success that this company has, it can do a lot and make a huge impact.

Pacts Signed to Help River and Salmon

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/19/us/19klamath.html?ref=earth

February 18, 2010

The New York Times

By William Yardley

Brief Summary:

The removal of four dams and the revision of how water is shared in the Klamath River basin in southern Oregon and northern California have recently been made into formal agreements, and have been signed. The dams have provided hydroelectric power and water for farm irrigations for decades.

Short Response:

The dams have caused severe depletions in salmon, so I don't see the good that this movement has brought. Not only is it eliminating salmon, but the dams provided the hydroelectric power and water, so it seems to be a lose-lose decision and I don't agree.

A Base for War Training, and Species Preservation

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/22/science/earth/22endangered.html?ref=earth

February 21, 2010

The New York Times

By Leslie Kaufman

Brief Summary:

A city in Georgia, Fort Stewart, spends around $3 million each year in order to maintain wildlife management. This is going on as well as their attempt at round-the-clock exercises to support two wars. It has 279,000 acres to home five endangered species.

Short Response:

There have been many arguments in what is being done there because people think protecting the endangered species hinders the battle preparedness. I don't agree with this. There are many people working on both situations and I think both are very important, so since they can obviously manage both at the moment I don't see what the problem could be.

When Windmills Don't Spin, People Expect Some Answers

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/05/science/earth/05cold.html?ref=earth

February 4, 2010
The New York Times
By Monica Davey

Brief Summary:
Minnesota decided to use wind turbines to provide power, but have been experiencing problems with this plan. Apparently with the weather being too cold this winter, some of the wind turbines can't bear it, and most have just been standing still without movement.

Short Response:
The people in charge of this decision to use the wind turbine to provide power should overthink any possible problem that could occur, because this seems to be something that should have been an apparent problem. If the area gets bitterly cold, maybe wind turbines shouldn't be installed to provide power.

Hawaii Senate Says Cutting Back on Paper Has Saved $1.2 Million

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/us/07hawaii.html?ref=earth

February 6, 2010
The New York Times
By The Associated Press

Brief Summary:
Two years ago, the Senator of Hawaii decided to work on targeting the production of paper and used the two years to save $1.2 million which was nearly 8 million pages or 800 trees. They reduced the use of heavy duty copy machines and came to the conclusion that they could generate the paper themselves and take that responsibility.

Short Response:
They came up with the idea that no paper should be used unless absolutely necessary, and this could actually be something to learn a lesson from. If other countries could take action like this, we could save many trees and make a difference.

China Tries a New Tack to Go Solar

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/09/business/energy-environment/09solar.html?ref=earth

January 8, 2010

The New York Times

By Keith Bradsher

Brief Summary:

China is attempting to master an alternative energy industry. This is by using mirrors to capture sunlight, produce steam and generate electricity. This is by concentrating solar power.

Short Response:

Concentrating solar power is not suitable for China. The technology will be useful in a large scale in China, and there are many obstacles that will be faced.

E.P.A. Seeks Stricter Rules to Curb Smog

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/08/science/earth/08smog.html?ref=earth

January 7, 2010

The New York Times

By John M. Broder

Brief Summary:

A much stricter standard for smog causing pollutants has been proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. If used, it would benefit the health of millions of Americans. It would replace that which was adopted under the Bush administration.

Short Response:

If adopted, this would impose large costs on industry and local governments. The current standard was challenged in court because it was thought to be too weak to fully protect human health and the environment.