the consequences of fashion culture

Posted on July 21, 2024

     Fashion culture is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry that influences lifestyles, economics, and even politics. However, beneath the allure of trendy outfits and seasonal collections lies a darker reality. The environmental consequences and rising costs of fashion culture are becoming increasingly evident, posing significant challenges to our planet and society.
     The production of textiles, especially cotton, is incredibly resource-intensive. For example, it takes approximately 2,700 liters of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt, an amount that could meet the drinking needs of one person for 2.5 years. Additionally, the fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions, surpassing the combined emissions of international flights and maritime shipping.
     Similar to other climate change-related problems, pollution from textile production is also a major concern. The dyeing and finishing processes in the fashion industry release toxic chemicals into water bodies, adversely affecting aquatic life and contaminating freshwater resources. Moreover, synthetic fibers like polyester, which account for about 60% of clothing material, shed microplastics during washing. These microplastics end up in the oceans, posing significant risks to marine ecosystems and entering the food chain. Shockingly, it's estimated that 35% of microplastics in the oceans come from synthetic textiles, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable alternatives in fashion manufacturing.
    The decomposition times for the fibers used in these clothing products may vary. Hemp fiber, one of the most sustainable fibers used in clothing, may decompose in about two weeks. On the other hand, fibers such as acrylic may take longer than 500 years to decompose. Therefore, considering the material of the clothes you buy is of paramount importance. A major reason why we don't realize the sheer amount of waste created by such industries is that it is all outsourced to developing countries. An example of this is Alto Hospicio, near the port city of Iquique in Chile, which is home to one of the largest informal garbage dumps in the world. This dump, known as the "Atacama Desert Clothing Dump," has become a significant environmental concern due to the vast amounts of discarded clothing and textiles that accumulate there, primarily from the fast fashion industry. The massive waste site highlights the severe environmental impact of consumer culture, as tons of unsold and used clothing from around the globe are left to decompose slowly in the harsh desert conditions. The list goes on with the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Jharia Coalfield, Dandora Dump, etc.
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Unpredictability 101: how can we plan for

​OUR changing climate? 

Posted on May 26, 2024

     The unpredictability of our current climate has become more apparent than ever, with extreme weather events, shortened seasons, and daily fluctuations in temperature becoming the norm. Unpredictability is a consequence that we have to face for letting the urgency of climate change becoming so bad. In the face of such uncertainty, how can we plan for and adapt to such a changing climate? 
    There are many steps we can take to address the unknown regarding climate change. As individuals the first step we can take is to work together and build community resilience. But what does this mean? This may involve strengthening social networks and fostering partnerships between local governments, NGOs, and community-based organizations. For more extensive measures one could establish community-based early warning systems for extreme weather events, such as hurricanes or floods, allows for timely evacuation and emergency response, reducing the risk of loss of life and property damage. 
    Because of the constant unpredictability of climate change present day, it is vital to always be prepared. For example, living in a coastal city may require being ready for climate change by fortifying your home with measures like storm-resistant windows, elevated foundations, and reinforced roofs to withstand extreme weather and flooding. For someone living in the central US, preparing for climate change may involve strengthening homes against extreme weather events such as tornadoes and flash floods by installing storm shelters, reinforcing roofs, and securing outdoor furniture. Additionally, maintaining a supply of emergency essentials like food, water, and first aid kits could be a way to help mitigate the impacts of heatwaves and severe storms. By being proactive with precautionary measures, it will become easier to face the unpredictability of climate change. 
    Saying that climate change is unpredictable is a broad statement. After all, it encompasses all ecological systems from increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere to changing animal migration patterns. By working collaboratively and protecting ourselves against any potential threats, we can reduce the problems associated with climate change unpredictability. 

the perils of Pesticides: GLYCOPHOSATE

Posted on December 8, 2023

      Gardening becomes a weekly or monthly routine for many, or for some, the task is outsourced to professionals or even a teenager seeking a quick summer gig. Regardless of the approach, have you ever considered the environmental repercussions of your gardening efforts? More specifically, have you ever thought twice about using pesticides? Pesticides have long been a staple in traditional gardening practices, providing immediate solutions to combat pests and safeguard our outdoor plants. The diversity in pesticides reflects the evolving landscape of our gardening and agricultural processes. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, stands out as one of the most commonly used herbicides globally.     
​      While effective in its role, it poses risks such as skin, lung, and throat irritations if inhaled or in contact with humans, leading to numerous lawsuits due to the heightened risks of cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma development. These health effects are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to glyphosate. It also has multiple environmental impacts. Known for lingering in soils for extended periods, the persistence of glyphosate varies based on temperature and climate. Additionally, pesticides like glyphosate are susceptible to polluting air and water quality through runoff, often affecting plants and non-target insects in the surrounding areas of application.
     Fortunately, there are numerous alternatives to the application of pesticides like glyphosate. Practices such as mulching and hand-weeding can be employed to ensure weeds don't have the space to flourish. Other alternatives include using vinegar-based or essential-oil-based herbicides, which lack the harmful side effects associated with conventional pesticides. These sustainable alternatives not only protect your garden but also contribute to a healthier environment for all.

               For more in-depth information relating to pesticides and glycophosate check out the link from Drugwatch HERE 
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AIR TRAVEL TAX and CORSIA

Posted on November 6, 2023

     Consider this: if global aviation were a country, it would rank among the top ten greenhouse gas emitters. Within our transportation sources, it stands out as one of the most significant contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. In response to this challenge, the European Union and the European Economic Area have implemented aviation taxes, initially focusing on flights within the European Economic Area. Ongoing developments in aviation tax policies, reforms, and sector changes are shaping the future of these initiatives.
     While these measures may seem inconvenient, rest assured, they are essential for achieving our sustainability goals. Aviation currently contributes 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions, a figure expected to rise with increased globalization and consumerism. Addressing these challenges led to the development of a new industry standard: CORSIA. CORSIA, which stands for Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, was this standard aimed with making carbon offset purchases optional until 2027 - after which it will become mandatory. 
    Despite the fact that many of us don't use air travel as frequently as we drive a car, the comprehensive approach to environmental reform is a key strength in combatting our current environmental crisis. By addressing the aviation sector, we recognize the importance of reform from all angles, contributing to a more sustainable future.

                             For more in-depth information learn more from the International Air Transport Association HERE

TIRE ABRASION: THE LARGEST SOURCE

OF MICROPLASTICS?

Posted on October 5, 2023

     Plastic pollution is major and widely-known environmental problem. From our water bottles to our rugs, plastics are embedded almost everywhere in our daily lives. Like we talked about in the "Plastic Problem" post, microplastics also make up a large chunk of our current plastic crisis. Microplastics are basically smaller pieces of plastics that have become broken down to invisibility over time. According to the World Wildlife Foundation, the average person could be ingesting around 5 grams of plastic every week. Microplastics have the potential to lead to prematurity and neurodevelopmental impairment in children. Across all ages, ingesting these particulates can lead to an increased risk of cancer and early death. So, in summary, we do not want microplastics floating around in our air.
     But how can we mitigate this problem if we can't even see them? Many studies have shown that there is a singular large source of microplastics: tires. Yes, the tires on the cars we drive around every single day. Previous studies estimate that tires release around 6 million metric tons of dust annually the ends up in our waters and the air we breathe. This happens every day simply from tires being worn out from friction with the roads.
     Taking action to reduce tire abrasion can have a simple start from just driving the car more gently to making sure the tires have the proper pressure. Scaling up the action on this would require an effort to drive less everyday and to inform others about tire abrasion (not many people know about the environmental harms). Some institutions have taken rigorous action on this issue. Duke University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have conducted extensive research on creating flexible yet durable materials to cut down microplastic pollution. Read more HERE.

HOW IS CLIMATE CHANGE

AFFECTING AGRICULTURAL

OUTPUT? 

Posted on June 8, 2023

     One of the key impacts of climate change is the impact that it is having on our current crop productions. Going hand-in-hand with the issue of overpopulation, an increasing agricultural output is necessary for people to have adequate access to food sources. But is climate change facilitating this output? The answer is not so simple. 
     According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, "Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of heavy precipitation in the United States, which can harm crops by eroding soil and depleting soil nutrients." Agricultural output is not dependent on temperature alone; there are many factors that affect it including land, water, and organic matter supply. 
    Let's go off and see the likely effects of frequent, heavy precipitation in the United States. A longer precipitation correlated with higher temperatures will likely lead to longer growing seasons. Because this may lead to increased agricultural output, there is also a greater likelihood that the soil will be over-farmed. This could jeopardize the agricultural outputs of soil the following season leading to less food being harvested. 
   In addition, making nutrient contents in soil more unpredictable, climate change is also contributing to other problems discussed on this page such as wildfires. Wildfires are becoming more common with rising temperatures and can greatly alter croplands. By burning up existing plants and depleting the soil of nutrients, uncontrolled wildfires are a farmer's worst nightmare. 
   I have still not touched on another detrimental effect that climate change is having on crops. This, likely one of the worst consequences, is the dissemination of invasive species. This is by far the worst consequence. With global warming as a result of climate change, the ranges for invasive species such as the locust and Japanese beetle spreads. This leads to greater habitat to produce and more food sources to reproduce. There are many efforts to contain invasive species but climate change will only make these efforts harder. 
​  Overall, climate change is affecting agricultural output in a negative way. Although increased precipitation may lead to temporary success, the not-long-after nutrient depletion, wildfires, and invasive species, show that the effects are not so pleasant. With an increasing population and tougher circumstances to mass produce crops, climate change is putting our production systems in a dilemma. The only way to mitigate this problem is by curtailing climate change. 

DO WE LACK

ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY?

Posted on March 19, 2023

     Environmental literacy is the knowledge and understanding of the natural environment and human's impact on it, as well as the ability to use that knowledge to make informed decisions. In present-day, there are arguments that environmental literacy is lacking. One reason for this is that environmental education is not mandatory in many schools and therefore, many people may not receive enough information about the natural environment and human's impact on it. Furthermore, there is a lack of emphasis on environmental education in higher education institutions, and the media often gives more attention to other subjects.
     Additionally, some argue that even when environmental education is available, it is not always effectively communicated or easily accessible to all individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. This can lead to a lack of representation and understanding of diverse perspectives in the conversation around environmental issues. Furthermore, there is a lack of emphasis on scientific literacy and critical thinking, which are essential in understanding complex environmental issues.
    While environmental literacy may not be emphasized within school settings, joining nonprofits, climate organizations, and NGOs, provide great opportunity for individuals to bolster their knowledge. Our Beautiful Earth is a resource for this very purpose. Environmental literacy is crucial to take meaningful environmental action.
    Overall, there is a growing awareness and concern about environmental issues globally, and many initiatives and efforts are being made to promote environmental education and literacy. There may be a gap in environmental literacy in developing countries compared to developed countries, as access to education and resources can be more limited in these areas. Additionally, many developing countries may be more focused on addressing immediate economic and social needs, rather than environmental concerns. However, this gap may be closing as more developing countries are recognizing the importance of sustainable development and making efforts to address environmental issues.

Tragedy of the commons: a

psychological issue

Posted on January 5, 2023

     Tragedy of the commons is a situation that we find ourselves in all the time. Specifically, it is a situation that arises when people have access to a resource that can be utilized freely as a result of societal classifications. An examples includes deforestation; the Earth provides humans unhampered access to forests and, as a result, we utilize this resource provided. Another example includes overfishing; the ocean has provided a habitat for its marine species, yet humans have unlimited access. Well, this is what the problem is. We don't really have unlimited access.
    Let's go back to the example of overfishing. Overfishing is a problem that has developed from overexploitation of our resources. If more fish species are removed from the ocean than can be regenerated, this contributes to the decline in species biodiversity and even the potential extinction of some species.
   When tragedy of the commons occurs, it is a result of overexploitation of resources. These resources are often shared and thus people use them without thinking about the future consequences. It is of human nature for each individual to look after their "self-interest". Tragedy of the commons can also be seen at a smaller scale on everyday life. For example, is how you treat your own or someone else's items different?
   The main way to mitigating tragedy of the commons is to overcome this "self-interest" mindset. Humans need to seek what is best for the collective good rather than their own personal interests. On a larger scale government intervention could be used. By encouraging privatization of resources or placing limits on resource use, this situation could be essentially nonexistent.

SOIL FERTILITY

Posted on December 14, 2022

     The issue of overpopulation has been addressed as an inevitable problem in many parts of the world. The main setback is that a greater yield and output of food is needed. Some solutions for this include increasing agricultural areas, using GMOs, and other technologies from the Green Revolution (check out the article further down on this page with the title of overpopulation). However, no matter the yield of food, the soil is one of the most important factors. Climate change has a major impact on soil fertility, a potential problem of more significance with overpopulation.
   How does climate change impact soil fertility? Does it decrease food output or do something else? Increasing soil temperature can lead to loss of soil organic matter, reduced moisture, and loss of soil structure. Climate change also influences other indirect factors such as the amount of rainfall the soil receives or the severity of pest infestations.  Elevation in carbon dioxide levels are another problem contributing to decreased soil fertility. Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels can affect the acidity of soil as well as many other properties. While changes in carbon dioxide levels are normal, anthropogenic activities are responsible for some of the highest CO2 levels ever.
   This topic again emphasizes the scope of climate change's effects. While we may identify it as simply one problem, there are many more that are resulting from it. Ways to take action include advocating for sustainable farming strategies and educating others on the consequences of soil infertility. Overgrazing and other agricultural tactics are greatly responsible for much of the soil fertility loss that is currently happening. This leads to desertification and the expansion of deserts. By doing your part to combat climate change, you are already taking action for this issue. Climate change is connected to a multitude of environmental problems which is why it is so important that we try to mitigate its effects.

Read more about climate change and soil fertility here:
MedCrave
NIH

PUBLIC Vs. PRIVATE SECTORS: ARE

THE IMPACTS DIFFERENT?

Posted on October 3, 2022

      The phenomenon of climate change is directly influenced by anthropogenic, or human-induced, activities. The anthropogenic effects on climate change can fall into two broad sectors in the economy: public and private. They both affect the climate in very different ways. But what is each sector composed of?
     The public sector is a part of the economy that is composed of government-related businesses. It also includes the military, law enforcement, infrastructure, public education, public transit, and those directly involved in working with the government. The private sector is very broad and encompasses all parts of the economy that is not under governmental control. Examples in the private sector include real estate, automobile, and independent businesses/organizations.
    While the public sector of the economy is regulated, by the government itself, both have impacts on contributing to climate change. As the population of countries grow worldwide, so does the public sector of each country. This leads to greater infrastructure development, larger numbers of government employees, and more resources needed for supporting the public. Infrastructure development and usage, transportation, and a growing population inevitably contributes to a larger carbon footprint from the public sector. As stated before, governments control their public sectors but sustainability is not the sole focus. Allowing the country to thrive as a whole and supporting a growing population are of greater importance. Still, governments around the world are implementing programs to becoming more eco-friendly. Some examples include using solar energy for mass transit, developing infrastructure sustainability, and shifting to a more digitalized workforce.
   The private sector is the opposite. Governments or overlying authorities do not have direct discretion on one's individual choices. For example, an individual can determine the size of the house they live in. Is it a mansion run on coal energy or a 3,000 square foot house run by renewables. This can even go to automobiles. Does an individual drive a two-seater or a pickup truck. While certain limitations can be set in the private sector, our choices can directly influence our impact on the environment. Living sustainability is a choice you can make.
   This was just a broad overview between the differences in public and private sectors. Both sectors contribute to climate change and resulting environmental problems. While some anthropogenic emissions are unavoidable, largely in the public sector, our choices largely influence the private sector. Every action we take to be sustainable adds up and allows us to be one step closer to a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment.
  

FIRES: Wild and Prescribed

Posted on September 26, 2022

      Fires are a natural process resulting from a variety of forces working together. But how do they start. Fires start from the application of heat to an energy source with the presence of oxygen. However, the problem comes when these fires get out of control such as in wildfires. 
     Wildfires are often spontaneous and can get out of control very quickly. There are three different types of wildfires: ground, surface, and crown. Crown fires are the most dangerous and the most difficult to contain. They burn the entire tree up and are often spread to the highest canopy of trees. The difference between a ground and surface fire is that surface fires simply burn litter on the surface, thus the easiest to put out, while ground fires can occur from deep accumulations of organic material. Wildfires are necessary for healthy ecosystems and for the next generation to thrive, however they can often go out of hand.
   This is a major reason of why prescribed burns are used in ecosystems. With humans intentionally starting fires, they have the means to control the radius of the fires. The purpose of prescribed burns are to allow the ecosystem to have a healthy development, allow underlying plants to grow, and to allow for succession. Fires are natural phenomena and vital for our ecosystems. But how does this concept relate to our environmental concerns?
   Climate change, like many of the other environmental problems, is exacerbating the wildfire issue. With warming temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns, it is becoming more and more difficult to prepare for wildfires. The increasing frequency of wildfires is leading to ecosystems being burned down and release of carbon into the atmosphere. Again, another climate-induced positive feedback loop. By combating climate change, we are tackling many environmental problems. Through collective conservation and sustainability practices, we can make progress and simultaneously mitigate this issue.

The Manufacturing Industry

Posted on June 23, 2022

     Climate change is heavily influenced by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. But where does all of the carbon dioxide come from? There are many anthropogenic sources of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but a source that is often neglected is the manufacturing industry. The manufacturing industry encompasses many goods including steel, cement, lumber, toys, synthetic material, and much more. But how big of an impact does it have on carbon emissions in the environment? Well, 76.6 percent of US emissions are driven by manufacturing production and 17 percent of that is directly attributed to the manufacturing sector. According to the US Energy Administration, the industrial sector will see increases in manufacturing process emissions of 26 percent by 2050 while other highly productive sectors will be steady or on decline (NIST).
   With a growing world population the scope of the manufacturing sector is only bound to increase. A greater degree of industrialization and production is taking a toll on the environment and leading to more carbon emissions from the manufacturing sector. However, the growth of human population is inevitable so mitigating the carbon emissions of the manufacturing industry would involve making the production of goods more sustainable. For example sustainable alternatives for steel and cement could be geopolymer concrete or fiber cement (BioFriendly Planet). Implementing such substitutions at a large scale could drastically reduce carbon emissions and help governments around the world reach their climate change goals.

 Asbestos and the environment

Posted on May 17, 2022

.       The health of humans are directly correlated with our environment and the disturbances we create in the environment. On this page we have already discussed VOCs and PM, but these substances are not the only threat to our health and the environment. Asbestos also poses a major threat as an indoor air pollutant and to the degradation of our health without us knowing. It is a threat in both developed and developing countries.
     Asbestos is a mineral renowned for its resistance to heat and corrosion having been mined for more than 100 years. It is naturally occurring however it can often be found in building materials, car breaks, and even in makeup. However once airborne, these fibers can sneak into the body when inhaled or ingested leading to serious health issues such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer and symptoms can range from chest pain to general fatigue. The average expected lifespan is 18-31 months after diagnosis. But where specifically is asbestos coming from? Asbestos naturally forms underground of certain kinds of rocks, often close to fault zones.
  Despite asbestos being naturally occurring, the environment can impact its spread. Natural disasters such as strong winds, floods, and rainwater can carry asbestos into communities and local drinking sources. Sudden destruction of infrastructure as a result of these disasters can lead to the release of harmful asbestos and other contaminants into the waterways. Asbestos is a major problem: every 20 tons of mined asbestos equaling 1 asbestos-related death.
  Making sustainable choices can directly reduce the amount of asbestos exposure we have. Some alternatives include using cellulose fiber, flour fillers, and polyurethane foam which are all economical and made from recyclable materials.
  If there is anything to take from this short article on asbestos it is to be aware of your surroundings in which asbestos may be present. Talking to an asbestos professional can be a great way to discover any potential risks of asbestos around you and how to be protected from it. Human-induced climate change plays a major role in the proliferation and spread of asbestos. The environment and our health goes hand-in-hand and thus it is necessary that all of our decisions keep the environment in mind.

    Learn more about Mesothelioma, treatment, and environmental and health impacts at MesotheliomaHope and The Mesothelioma Center.  

climate change as a partisan issue

Posted on March 19, 2022

     Since the founding of the United States in the 18th century, political parties have largely determined people's views on a menagerie of issues. The two major parties include the Democrats, who are often classified as liberal, and the Republicans, who are classified as Conservative. Present-day, in comparison to Republicans, Democrats tend to lie more pro-environment. They seek legislation to protect the environment through regulation of businesses and government intervention. In contrast, Republicans are typically pro-business supporting the wealthy and economics. As tending to the environment can be an impediment to capitalist business-building, it is a trivial focus for the party. 
     According to polls taken by Resources for the Future, majorities of Democrats and of Republicans agree about the likely effects of global warming--98% of Democrats and 54% of Republicans believe global warming will be a very or somewhat serious problem for the US if nothing is done to address it. 94% of Democrats and 69% of Republicans also believe that if warming has been happening, human actions have been responsible for causing it. However, particularly intriguing is the statistic that 76% of Democrats believe that unchecked global warming will hurt them personally at least a moderate amount, but only 26% of Republicans believe the same. These results show that will the partisan divide is evident, numerous Republicans also believe in climate change but differ in the belief of dire repercussions they can have. Still, these generalizations are not representative of everyone.
    The main takeaway you should make from this short article is that political parties do favor some issues over others. But this does not need to impact your care and love for the environment. Some people value political parties a lot, while others may not. An increasing number of people are starting to associate themselves with middle parties which have their own set of political ideologies and views. There is even a party dedicated primarily to safeguarding the environment, which is the Green Party. Partisan divide is very unpredictable; it is very likely that the values of the current parties will continue to evolve.
                                                                                                                                                                      Information courtesy of the Resources for the Future

THE DESIRE FOR LITHIUM ENERGY

Posted on January 29, 2022

     Lithium is a naturally-occurring element and has an atomic number of three on the periodic table. Like many other elements, lithium is available only in finite quantities and requires a very energy intensive process of excavation. Although many think that lithium energy may play a big role in reducing carbon emissions, it isn't a very environmentally friendly energy option. Mining a resource from the ground is never sustainable.
     Lithium is used in a wide array of materials including in smartphones, tablets, laptops, electric vehicles and other devices. It has risen in popularity due to having a high energy density and a longer battery life.
    There are many consequences that come with the extraction of lithium for energy. Lithium has the same repercussions as any other mining practices such as loss of biodiversity, erosion, sinkholes, and water contamination (ground and surface). As the largest producing lithium countries include Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Australia, and China, the energy for transporting this internationally also increases carbon dioxide emissions. Finally, to extract one metric ton of lithium around 500,000 gallons of water are needed. Some of this water being used also leads to the possibility of air contamination.
   The source of the environmental repercussions of lithium comes from mining. If we reduce the uptake of the primary sources this issue could be drastically mitigated. Recycling existing lithium could help us reduce our dependence on the primary sources. Another solution could be retrieving used lithium which could create a domestic supply of the resource and altogether reduce the environmental and transportation costs.
                                                                         Information courtesy of Medium.com, Source: https://medium.com/batterybits/lithium-the-non-renewable-mineral-that-makes-renewable-energy-possible-4f14e4651e39

Urban PolluTants:

NOX, SOX, VOCs, AND PM

                                                                             Posted on December 22, 2021

     Wherever humans are, pollutants are. In order to survive we must pollute, whether it is intentional or unintentional. As a result there are significantly more pollutants in the air around urban areas where population are large. Like their names pollutants cause pollution.
   
Let us define some of the specific pollutants that are commonly found around urban areas:
NOx, or nitrogen oxides, is a chemical compound formed mainly from the combustion of fuels such as oil, gas, and organic material. It can cause respiratory illnesses, headaches, and can cause loss of appetite (Noxfondent)

SOx , or sulfur oxides, is also a chemical compound made up of sulfur and oxygen. It is released from common mining processes including the burning of fossil fuels. It can cause skin, throat, and respiratory irritation.

VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are emitted as gases from certain liquids and solids. As the name implies, VOCs are "volatile" and can evaporate at room temperature. Some examples include benzene, ethylene glycol, and formaldehyde. Side effects of VOCs include nose and throat discomfort, allergies, nausea, and irritation (EPA)

PM, or particulate matter, are a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Particulate matter is separated into three main groupings: coarse particles (PM10), fine particles (PM2.5), and ultrafine particles (PM0.1). As the particulate matter gets finer the health effects can become more severe (Kaiterra). This is because finer particulates are able to travel in deeper parts of the lungs thereby creating more disturbance. Some particulate matter side effects are irregular heartbeat and problems in lung function.

Although these four are the main pollutants emitted by human activity, there are many pollutants in the atmosphere in smaller amounts such as methane (CH4).  The reason people wear masks in large cities in China, such as Beijing and Shanghai, are because of the amount of pollutants in the air. Going out into the public without a mask could potentially result in more health problems and even an earlier death.

    Urban pollutants are a problem but there are many solutions. Some ways we can reduce the amount of these pollutants in the air include reducing dependence on fossil fuels, making the transition to renewable energy for all energy sectors, planting more trees, and like always, spreading awareness.

                                                                                              Sources: https://www.noxfondet.no/en/articles/what-is-nox/, https://learn.kaiterra.com/en/resources/three-types-of-particulate-matter

environmental effects of developed

and developing countries

Posted on November 11, 2021

      All countries are responsible for climate change in some way. However, it is eminent that some countries are more responsible than others. This difference can be clearly visible when contrasting developed and developing countries. While the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a still developing country, emits around 6 million tons of CO2  emissions, the United States, a fully developed country, emits approximately 5 million kilotons of CO2  yearly. Keep in mind that 1 kiloton equals 1,000 tons. This shows that fully developed countries like the United States have more severe environmental repercussions in comparison to developing countries. As a result of more fully supporting people, developed countries use much more energy, transportation, infrastructure, and natural resources.
      The good news is that many developed countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Sweden are trying to implement more sustainability such as providing energy and building infrastructure. Many developed countries have acknowledged these goals by setting milestones such as making carbon "net-zero" by 2050.
Because developing countries are in the process of becoming developed countries, a green country is not a priority. Their priority is to transition to a developed country in order to support their people and economy.
This is why many of the goals set by intergovernmental organizations like the United Nations will be very hard to reach. Therefore, developing countries need to also start reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to help our planet combat climate change.

The Internet's Impacts on

the environment

Posted on October 16, 2021

      We are all becoming increasingly dependent on the internet as technology continues to rapidly develop. Whether it be on our computer, tablet, or TV the accessibility of the internet has allowed all information to be within our reach. You may be wondering why is this under the  "environmental global concerns" tab. This is because the internet is now used everywhere and we are so dependent on it that our economy would collapse without it.

     So let's begin our discussion on the environmental impacts of the devices and the internet. The cooling systems in devices to make sure they do not overheat can emit pollutants through CO2 emissions into the environment. Data centers themselves can ‘consume up to 100 times more energy than a standard office building.’ (Cho, Chang, Jung, & Yoon, 2017). But it isn't just the internet's impacts now that are bad; it is also the potential environmental repercussions that could result in the future. As written in an Ari Howard's allconnect article, "According to The New Republic, the internet will generate 20% of the world’s carbon emissions by 2030 if we continue to use it at its current rate. This would put the internet right behind the U.S., China and India for greatest environmental impact. " Howard also writes in her article streaming one hour of Netflix each week consumes more energy annually than the output of two new refrigerators. For most of us Netflix is a commodity, yet it is doing so much more harm than we think.

     BBC's Smart Guide to Climate Change states, “​​Although the energy needed for a single internet search or email is small, approximately 4.1 billion people, or 53.6% of the global population, now use the internet. Those scraps of energy, and the associated greenhouse gases emitted with each online activity, can add up.”

     Everybody uses the internet but not many people know that it has dire environmental effects. Spreading awareness of this issue is the first step out of many we can take to increase publicity of this issue. Because we are overly dependent on our devices and the internet, we can aim to prevent this problem from growing by encouraging computer scientists and engineers to better the internet's sustainable functions. We could also limit this problem by slowing down our internet speeds and by trying to use it fewer times everyday. It is our decision whether we take the initiative to make the change or the effects take control of us.

                                                                                                                           Special thanks to allconnect for the information needed for this short article, statistics, and image below. Article HERE

A Major positive feedback looP:

the amplification of Natural

Disasters

                                                                                            Posted on July 28, 2021

   Most of us probably know some of the problems that climate change can cause. Most of us have even directly experienced the repercussions of human-induced, accelerated climate change. This write-up gives a broad overview of the amplification of natural disasters.
    What are some common thoughts that pop up when you hear the word "natural disaster"? A natural disaster is, like its name, a natural event that can induce harm and hardships. Some examples include wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, droughts, heat waves, and active volcanic eruptions.
   Climate change is greatly affecting the strength, predictability, and frequency of natural disasters. For example, in southeastern North Carolina where I live hurricanes are frequent during "hurricane months" from August to October. However, they are becoming more unpredictable and even more dangerous. In 2018, Hurricane Florence hit the Carolinas and lingered for days causing great property damage, split trees, and deaths. The costs from this single hurricane was 24 billion dollars. Hurricanes also hit in 2019 and 2020 at a much less extent. However, Hurricane Dorian that hit in 2019, had peaked as a Category 5 hurricane in the ocean, a rare occurrence that had only happened once before.
  Although North Carolina has always dealt with hurricanes, weather reports are becoming much less predictable of future forecasts. Climate change results in changing ocean temperatures, currents, and other abiotic factors many times facilitating the formation of hurricanes. Wind gusts have the potential to become much stronger thereby contributing to greater hurricane categories.
  This pattern that we have discussed in the extensive example of hurricanes is called a positive feedback loop, where change continues to be amplified. Climate change has caused many positive feedback loops with negative implications. Here is another positive feedback loop example with overfishing: fishing too much --> no fish --> collapse of the food web --> eutrophication --> hypoxia. From something as simple as fishing too can eventually lead to hypoxia or oxygen deficiency in an ecosystem.
 Natural disasters are inevitable. However as we continue to accelerate climate change they will continue to get more unpredictable with potential problems lurking in the future.

For more information on preventing natural disasters: https://www.nap.edu/read/1840/chapter/6

 biodiversity's continued

decrease

Posted on May 2, 2021

Throughout the world there are many regions that had once been perfect that have now been destroyed by humans. As a result of humans' increasing power, activities throughout the world continue to increase without thinking of the harm it may do to the environment. Many species are going on the list of endangered or extinct because of the destruction we, humans, are causing to the environment. Although Charles Darwin did state that evolution would be a result of survival of the fittest, because of the drastic changes we are causing to the environment many species that would be able to evolve, cannot. Therefore we are having a loss in biodiversity. Biodiversity is what makes life on Earth one-of-a-kind. Biodiversity is also needed for ecosystems and niches to thrive. Losing biodiversity will lack an ecological balance, which in turn will end up resulting in a more unhealthy environment for all living organisms including us. We can identify how the overall biodiversity of a community is by identifying how many keystone species there are, what the species richness/eveness is. A special formula called the Simpson's Biodiversity Index can also be used for a more mathematical biodiversity calculation.

Link about the  Simpson's Biodiversity Index: https://geographyfieldwork.com/Simpson%27sDiversityIndex.htm

Also check out the European Commission Environment to learn why we need to protect our biodiversity. 

The recorded information session from the Zoom Webinars on this topic is below:

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 Global Warming

Posted on March 20, 2021

 Global warming is a problem that continues to become greater and greater everyday. As we industrialize and innovate we are constantly assisting in the rise of temperatures throughout the world. Global warming happens when CO2 (carbon dioxide), air pollutants, and greenhouse gases collect in our atmosphere which absorbs solar radiation and sunlight that bounce off of Earth's surface. This means that heat gets trapped in within our planet causing the planet to get more hot which is also known as the greenhouse effect. Burning of fossil fuels and the transportation sector are two of the largest sources of carbon pollution and global warming. Because of global warming our ice caps in turn are also melting. This adds to the rising ocean sea levels which in turn forces those living on the coasts to move more inland. In Arctic area, the permafrost is also melting due to global warming. This leads to release of methane and other hydrocarbons which further speed up the rate of global warming.

The rate of global warming continues to get quicker and quicker. Animals are migrating to different locations, and the geography of places is also changing. It is solely up to us to change this vicious cycle. *Please note that many times global warming and climate change are mixed up interchangeably. However, climate change technically refers to changing climatic conditions in general while global warming focuses on one aspect: the warming of the planet.

The recorded information session from the Zoom Webinars on this topic is below:

Information courtesy of NRDC

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 infrastructural development

Posted on March 7, 2021

Although many of us have heard of common environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity there are many major issues within these branches that are equally important. One of these important sub-topics is infrastructural development. This involves building roads, rail, metal building structures, transmission lines, and even dams. Infrastructural development has many environmental consequences related to it. Infrastructural development can lead to deforestation as a result of the clearing up of lands. It can also contribute to biodiversity loss by disrupting the native ecosystems. Infrastructural developments also encompasses the production of metals and steels. These productions have numerous consequences including the emission 31 percent of the 51 billion tons of greenhouse gases each year (Bill Gates, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster). So by now you can probably see the numerous consequences as a result of extensive infrastructural development which is why we need to either industrialize less (not feasible) or development more sustainable infrastructural developments. These are just some of the problems related to infrastructural development but please feel free to continue to explore this topic if you are interested by it and think you can impact this issue. HERE is one of the many source available to learn about infrastructure's impacts on the environment.

Deforestation: We Need our

trees

Posted on February 11, 2021

Trees are essential to our planet and us in many ways.

Here are some examples:

• Trees give us the oxygen we need to breathe
• They reduce the amount of storm water runoff which helps reduce erosion 
• Many species of wildlife have their habitats in trees
• Trees improve our air quality and filters harmful chemicals

Trees also have many other benefits not just environmentally but economically, socially, communally. 

Deforestation happens as a result of the human greed. The want of agricultural expansion, wood extraction, and infrastructure expansion has led to acres upon acres of trees that have been cut down. Deforestation is also a very large carbon emitter. This is an issue that although we have started it, we can end it. 

                                                The recorded information session from the Zoom Webinars on this topic is below:
                                                                                                                                                             Information courtesy of TreePeople and Canopy. 

Courtesy of National Geographic

The ozone layer destruction

Posted on January 27, 2021

Our use of chloroflorocarbons and halons, the substances found in aerosols and refrigerants, is the main cause of the destruction of the ozone layer. You might be wondering about what the purpose of the ozone layer is and why it is so crucial to us. The ozone layer sits in the atmosphere and absorbs ultraviolet radiation, a type of radiation that comes from the sun which is harmful to not only humans but also animals and plants. Ultraviolet, or more commonly known as, UV radiation cannot be seen or felt but they still are very powerful and potential of causing genetic mutations in organisms. This is the main reason why ozone destruction is concerning, it will play a major factor on our health and well-being. The ozone layer continues to deplete and has now even formed an ozone hole in the atmosphere. Chloroflorocarbons and halons can remain in the atmosphere anywhere from ten to one hundred years. This ozone layer problem is another issue that is only up to us to change. If we stop the release of cholorflorocarbons and halons, the ozone layer will eventually be able to recover. 

The recorded information session from the Zoom Webinars on this topic is below:

Information courtesy of Union of Concerned Scientists

The plastic Problem

Posted on January 9, 2021

Plastic, is the most common manufactured item on this planet. Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year. 8 million of these tons are dumped into oceans every year. 50% of this is for single-use purposes. Used just for a few moments, plastic can last on the planet for a minimum of several hundred years. Plastic is not just staying on the environment but it is also harming much of the wildlife on the planet. Many animals such as sea turtles think that the plastic is food, which they eat and as a result can kill them. Microplastics are also a major concern for our environment as a lot of the time we cannot see the impacts it has on our environment. The image on the bottom right shows what microplastics look like. There is already an immense amount of plastic in our oceans, on the side of the road, and almost anywhere you can imagine. We cannot clean up all the plastic but going into the future we can be more eco-friendly and conscious of how much plastic we use on a daily basis. Stop Ocean Plastics is a great link to learn about what people are already doing to stop this problem. 

Information courtesy of Environmental Health News and condor Ferries

​population Growth

and urban sprawl

Posted on December 27, 2020

        Many of you may be thinking that what harm is there in population growth? The rapidly increasing population growth globally has numerous benefits including scarcity of resources, less space of land, less space for other wildlife to live, and a continuous increase of other global concerns such as global warming and ocean acidification. Basically, what I am trying to say is that with over-controlled population growth not only will life become harder for us and other species but it will also worsen the other global concerns already mentioned on this page. The only way to control this problem is to lessen or put a limit on the amount of offspring that parents can have. Still, although this is a major problem it has major ethical concerns. Is it ethical to put a limit on offspring? Is it ethical to take away the freedom from parents for the amount of kids that they can have? This opinion may differ from family to family. India and China are the top two leading countries in population. Both of them are in the billions and there are numerous problems that have been caused by this unbelievably high number. 

      Urban sprawl is the widespread development outside cities onto undeveloped land. It basically is the continuous increase of city size and is a process that does not stop. You may be wondering, what is the environmental harm in urban sprawl. Urban sprawling leads to increased need of automobiles, high energy, and water use. In many instances homes and workplaces are moderately spread out which creates a lot of traffic throughout the cities and suburbs. Urban sprawls can also worsen air, be a threat to groundwater supplies, lead to a high pollution runoff, and lead to increase flooding. For native species, urban sprawl can also lead to loss of biodiversity (another concern listed on this page) and loss of habitat for native species. This is a problem that will take a lot of community effort and time to stop, but if you live and work in a suburban area be sure to also know urban sprawl health risks.

                                                                   Want to learn more about urban sprawls: Click here

Information courtesy of Tox Town, NIH, and U.S. National Library of Medicine

Ocean Acidification: Another

problem ​Involving co2

Posted on November 28, 2020

In the reading on climate change we have already seen CO2's impact on climate change. CO2 also plays an infamous role in ocean acidification. Still, we are, similarly to the other issues, the root cause for ocean acidification. As mentioned in the climate change reading, as we continue to industrialize and innovate, more and more CO2 continues to be released into the atmosphere. Oceans come to be impacted by this because as the atmosphere CO2 increases so does the CO2 of oceans around the world. When hydrogen ions form from the chemical reaction of CO2 and seawater, the pH of the ocean starts to decrease, which ultimately means the ocean becomes more acidic. This is the nutshell of ocean acidification. If we reduce our carbon emissions, this is also a problem we can potentially stop. 

This here is the exact process of ocean acidification when CO2 enters the ocean provided by the National Park Service: 
When CO2 enters the ocean it reacts with sea water and forms carbonic acid (H2Co3). Carbonic acid is a weak acid which separates or dissociates into a hydrogen ion (H+) and a bicarbonate ion (HCO3-). Scientists use the pH scale to measure the amount of hydrogen ions in a substance because hydrogen ions determine the acidity of a substance. When there are more hydrogen ions in a substance, then it is acidic and has a lower pH (1-6 on pH scale). When there are less hydrogen ions in a substance, then it is basic and has a higher pH (8-14 on pH scale). A pH of 7 is neutral, neither acidic nor basic.
Information courtesy of the National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior.

Food Production: A global problem?

Posted on October 3, 2020

 As human population and serving sizes continue to increase so does the production of food. Food production is crucial to our survival and to ensure that food supply never runs out techniques such as genetic modification and hormones (for animals) are used. On techniques such as these not only are there major ethical problems but there are major environmental impacts. These means of food production contribute to issues such as climate change, quick eutrophication, acid rain, and also the depletion of diversity. Food production leads to much waste and piling in the landfill as 30-40% of all food in the United States ends up in waste. Problems such as these are not heavily focused topics because many people do not know about the behind-the-scenes issues of food production.
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Want to learn more about Food Production Issues? Click here
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billion tons of food is produced each year in the United States
Information courtesy of LukeFi,

                                          The recorded information session from the Zoom Webinars on this topic is below:

Household and industrial waste

Posted on September 1, 2020

You may be wondering how is household and industrial waste different from other types of wastes. You may also be wondering why are these types of wastes so important for us to learn about and realize the harmful effects. Firstly, household and industrial waste is the leading waste type compared to all other wastes. For your house think about how often your throwing stuff away, discarding items you don't need, and other such activities. After all the average American person throws away 4.40 tons of trash each year; just think about how many people there are and how quickly that can add up. On top of this some items such as paints, cleaners, oils, and batteries need to be disposed properly otherwise they can create problems that are hazardous and potentially fatal. Industrial waste is no better; United States industries on average product 236 million tons of waste annually. 10 million of these tons are toxic chemicals that are seriously taking a toll on our environment. Want to learn more about industrial waste? Click here.

Information courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency.

INVASIVE SPECIES

Posted on August 21, 2020

You have probably heard of invasive species before and are wondering why they are such a problem. Just like their name invasive species are "invasive" and can disrupt the habitat of the native species that are vital to the ecosystem.  Invasive species are also considered "invasive" due to their excessively high overabundance. A lot of the invasive species today are spread by human activities both intentionally and unintentionally. Many invasive species  are also brought overseas by boat.

 There are way too many invasive species but some of the most invasive ones according to Earth Rangers include:
1. Asian Carp
2. Zebra Mussel
3. Cane Toad
4. European Starling
5. The European/Common Rabit
6. Kudzu
7. Asian Long-Horned Beetle
8. Small Indian Mongoose
9. Northern Pacific Seastar
10. Water Hyacinth
You can learn more about these specific invasive species by clicking HERE
Who knows, there may be some invasive species in your backyard. Do a little research to learn more about them and check out the "Action for the Environment" tab to learn more about preventive measure you can take to stop the spread of invasive species. 

Noise Pollution

Posted on July 29, 2020

Have you heard of the term noise pollution before? If you haven't, it is basically just pollution created by noise. You may be thinking, noise is definitely annoying but how is it harmful for the environment? Well the truth is that noise is that noise levels over 70 dB are harmful both for us and other animals in the environment. This is because excessive exposure to loud nose can cause stress, high blood pressure, heart disease, and sleep disturbances. These side-effects are the same for animals too. In areas where noise pollution is high, noise pollution can mask communication amongst certain animal species. Every corner you turn it is probable that you can find some source of noise pollution whether it be your car or an industrial factory in the distance. Hopefully, by now, I have convinced you that noise pollution is a direct problem both for us and other animal species. It is also very likely that noise pollution will become more of a problem in the future due to continued population growth and increasing technology.

There are many ways we can do our part to decrease noise pollution. Check the "Action for the Environment" tab to learn what you can do.

    The recorded information session from the Zoom Webinars on this topic is below:

Email me at [email protected] if you have ideas for more global concerns to write about.

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