Global Warming

Global warming is the term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be permanently changing the Earth's climate.

What causes global warming? 

Carbon dioxide and other air pollution that is collecting in the atmosphere like a thickening blanket, trapping the sun's heat and causing the planet to warm up.

The effects of Global warming are the environmental and social changes caused (directly or indirectly) by human emissions of greenhouse gases.  

• There is a scientific consensus that climate change is occurring, and that human activities are the primary driver.
• Many impacts of climate change have already been observed, including glacier retreat, changes in the timing of seasonal events (e.g., earlier flowering of plants), and changes in agricultural productivity.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_global_warming

Is the earth really getting hotter?
Yes.  

• Although local temperatures fluctuate naturally, over the past 50 years the average global temperature has increased at the fastest rate in recorded history.
• And experts think the trend is accelerating: the 10 hottest years on record have all occurred since 1990.
• Scientists say that unless we curb global warming emissions, average U.S. temperatures could be 3 to 9 degrees higher by the end of the century.
• http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/f101.asp#1

 What is greenhouse gas?

• (sometimes abbreviated GHG) is a gas in an atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range. This process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect.
• The primary greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere are water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.
• Without greenhouse gases, the average temperature of Earth's surface would be about 15 °C (27 °F) colder than the present average of 14 °C (57 °F).[
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gas 

Picture above: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_global_warming

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What is Greenhouse effect?

‘Greenhouse Effect’ is the process by which radiation from a planet's atmosphere warms the planet's surface to a temperature above what it would be in the absence of its atmosphere. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_effect

An example:  a car parked outside on a cold, sunny day. Incoming solar radiation warms the car's interior, but outgoing thermal radiation is trapped inside the car's closed windows.

So Greenhouse effect is the exchange of incoming and outgoing radiation that warms the Earth.  www.mother-nature-blog.com

“There's a delicate balancing act occurring every day all across the Earth, involving the radiation the planet receives from space and the radiation that's reflected back out to space.

[Earth is constantly bombarded with enormous amounts of radiation, primarily from the sun. This solar radiation strikes the Earth's atmosphere in the form of visible light, plus ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR) and other types of radiation that are invisible to the human eye.]

It's this equilibrium of incoming and outgoing radiation that makes the Earth habitable, with an average temperature of about 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius), according to NASA.” http://www.livescience.com/37743-greenhouse-effect.html

However, due to increased levels of carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants in the atmosphere, this balance has been disturbed, leading too…

‘Global warming’ taking place – which is a gradual increase in the overall temperature – that is…the gradual heating of Earth’s surface, oceans and atmosphere.

What is CFC’s? (Chlorofluorocarbon)

“Any of a class of compounds of carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine, typically gases used in refrigerants and aerosol propellants. They are harmful to the ozone layer in the earth's atmosphere owing to the release of chlorine atoms on exposure to ultraviolet radiation.” https://www.google.co.za/?gws_rd=ssl#safe=active&q=what+is+cfc

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Environmental Pollution

Issues such as: 

• recycling, 
• organic gardening, 
• biodiversity, 
• home food gardens and 
• a desire to live more in harmony with nature 

are of top priority.

WHY RECYCLE?
Re-using plastic bags, making compost or recycling bottles make a difference to the environment.

HOW?
• It saves landfill space, reducing the need for new landfill areas (which tends to displace people and wildlife) and saves the cost of transporting waste.

• Non-degradable plastics (such as bottles and bags) wash into rivers and the sea, and kill fish, other sea life, birds and wildlife, either by strangulation or by starvation (they ingest the plastic and starve to death).

• The less paper, plastic, glass and metal we use, the less demand there is for industry to make them. This cuts down on the need for power generation and transport (and thus fuel consumption)

• Most importantly – it cuts down on air pollution, water pollution, Pollution in general.

Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction. So please, let’s all make a concerted effort to re-cycle, if you haven’t started, please do so NOW!

Source:
www.thegardener.co.za

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Environmental Pollution & Its Effects - Soil Pollution

WHAT CAUSES SOIL POLLUTION?

Soil Pollution

It is caused when humans introduce harmful objects, chemicals or substances, directly or indirectly into the soil in a way that causes harm to other living things or destroys soil or water ecosystems.

The main reason why the soil becomes contaminated is due to the presence of man-made waste. The waste produced from nature itself such as dead plants, carcasses of animals and rotten fruits and vegetables only adds to the fertility of the soil. However, our waste products are full of chemicals that are not originally found in nature and lead to soil pollution.

MAIN CAUSES OF SOIL POLLUTION

• Industrial Activity
• Agricultural Activities
• Waste Disposal
• Accidental Oil Spills
• Acid Rain: Acid rain is caused when pollutants present in the air mixes up with the rain and fall back on the ground. The polluted water could dissolve away some of the important nutrients found in soil and change the structure of the soil.

EFFECTS OF SOIL POLLUTION

• Effect on Health of Humans
• Effect on Growth of Plants
• Decreased Soil Fertility
• Toxic Dust
• Changes in Soil Structure

For more information:

http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php

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Environmental Pollution & Its Effects - Noise Pollution

Sound is essential to our daily lives, but NOISE is not.

Noise is generally unwanted sound, or sound which produces unpleasant effects and discomfort on the ears, e.g. vehicle horns, loudspeakers etc. 

NOISE POLLUTION AFFECTS BOTH HEALTH AND BEHAVIOR. Noise pollution can cause hypertension, cardiovascular issues, high stress levels, tinnitus, hearing problems, trouble communicating, sleeping disorder, and other harmful effects.  Sadly noise also has a huge effect on pets – making them fearful and or more aggressive in households where there is constant noise.

CAUSES OF NOISE POLLUTION

1. Industrialization - big machines, compressors, generators, exhaust fans, grinding mills etc.

2. Poor Urban Planning – Leads to congested houses, large family’s sharing small spaces which lead to frequent fights over basic amenities, parking etc. – this noise pollution disrupts the environment and society.

3. Social Events: Noise is at its peak in most of the social events e.g. marriages, parties, pub, disc or place of worship.

4. Transportation: Large numbers of vehicles on roads, aero planes/helicopters flying over houses, underground trains, all produce heavy noise.

5. Construction Activities - mining, construction of bridges, dams, buildings, stations, roads etc. takes place in almost every part of the world on an on going basis - too noisy.

6. Household- household gadgets such as mixers, grinders, pressure cooker, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, music sound systems, TV’s etc.

7. Household animal – constant barking.

EFFECTS OF NOISE ON WILDLIFE

Wildlife populations around the globe continue to diminish in size, due to the impacts of human encroachment and environmental pollution.  Human-induced noise pollution is one of many factors contributing to the depletion of wildlife populations.

STUDIES PERFORMED INDICATE:

• Hearing loss, due to high noise levels
• loss of habitat and territory
• loss of food supply
• behavioural changes in mating predation and migration
• changes in interspecies relationships
• masking, which is the inability to hear important environmental cues and animal signals
• increased heart rate and respiration and general stress reaction
• Altered predator-prey balance, increased competition for food and shelter

Sources:

http://www.naturesounds.org/conservENW.html

http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-noise-pollution.php

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Environmental Pollution & It's Effects - Water Pollution

We, Humans are continuously polluting the water on a large scale by disposing our garbage, household waste, cleaning agents and toxic chemicals into the water.

• As well as industrial waste products that are continuously being released into lakes, rivers and other water bodies.  This is destroying our marine life and other water bodies.   
• In many rural areas one can still find people bathing and cooking in the same water, making it incredibly filthy.
• Acid rain further adds to water pollution in the water.
• Water pollution can also indirectly occur as an offshoot of soil pollution – through surface runoff and leaching to groundwater.
• Thermal pollution* and the depletion of dissolved oxygen aggravate the already worsened condition of the water bodies.
• Thermal pollution is the degradation of the quality of water caused by the dumping of heated gases or heated wastewater often from power plants and industrial manufacturer into the water.  A rise in the temperature of rivers and lakes can threaten plants and animals living in it.(Thermal pollution in the air can affect the weather)

WHAT CAN WE DO TO REDUCE WATER POLLUTION?

There are many things that we can do to help prevent water pollution of rivers and lakes as well as groundwater and drinking water by following some simple guidelines in your everyday life.

• DO NOT pour fat from cooking or any other type of fat, oil, or grease down the sink.  Keep a “fat jar” under the sink to collect the fat and discard in the solid waste when full.
• DO NOT dispose of household chemicals or cleaning agents down the sink or toilet
• DO NOT flush pills, liquid or powder medications or drugs down the toilet. 
• Avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket.  Most tissues, wrappers, dust cloths, and other paper goods should be properly discarded in a wastebasket.  The fiber reinforced cleaning products that have become popular should never be discarded in the toilet.
• Run the dishwasher or clothes washer only when you have a full load.  This conserves electricity and water.
• Use environmentally friendly household products - washing powder, household cleaning agents and toiletries.
• Use the minimum amount of detergent and/or bleach when you are washing clothes or dishes.  Use only phosphate free soaps and detergents.
• Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers. This will prevent runoffs of the material into nearby water sources.
• DO NOT dispose of these chemicals, motor oil, or other automotive fluids into the sanitary sewer or storm sewer systems.  Both of them end at the river.
• Conserve water by turning off the tap when running water is not necessary. This helps prevent water shortages and reduces the amount of contaminated water that needs treatment.

Don’t throw litter into rivers, lakes or oceans. Help clean up any litter you see on beaches or in rivers and lakes, make sure it is safe to collect the litter and put it in a nearby dustbin.

REMEMBER: Recycle and dispose of all trash properly. Never flush non-degradable products -- such as disposable diapers or plastic tampon applicators -- down the toilet. They can damage the sewage treatment process and end up littering beaches and waters. And make sure to properly dispose of all pet waste from your property to keep it out of storm drains and water supplies.

Use Native plants since they need less water, are more tolerant of drought conditions, cost less to maintain and provide habitat for birds and butterflies. Apply natural fertilizers and soil conditioners, such as compost, peat, rotted manure, and bone meal to stimulate plant growth and retain soil moisture. You can create your own compost; compost bins are widely available for purchase,

WATER IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCES.

Let us all try very hard to do our part to help put a STOP to water pollution.  By making small simple changes as mentioned above can make a huge difference.

One more thing, it is important we speak up against industries that are contributing to the destruction of our streams, rivers, and beaches.  Every action we take makes a difference.

Be an activist. We should educate ourselves about the water issues in our community.

                  “Just because it disappears, doesn’t mean it goes away”

Source:

http://www.simsbury-ct.gov/water-pollution-control/pages/ten-things-you-can-do-to-reduce-water-pollution

http://www.water-pollution.org.uk/preventingyou.html

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Environmental Pollution and Its Effects - Air Pollution

One of the greatest problems that the world is facing today at an alarming rate is that of “Environmental pollution”.  Environmental pollution consists of five basic types of pollution:  Air, water, soil, noise and light.

AIR POLLUTION

Air pollution is by far the most harmful form of pollution in our environment.

• Air pollution is caused by the injurious smoke emitted by cars, buses, trucks, trains, and factories, namely sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
• Even smoke from burning leaves and cigarettes are harmful to the environment causing a lot of damage to man and the atmosphere. Evidence of increasing air pollution is seen in lung cancer, asthma, allergies, and various breathing problems.
• Along with severe and irreparable damage to flora and fauna.
• Even the most natural phenomenon of migratory birds has been hampered, with severe air pollution preventing them from reaching their seasonal metropolitan destinations of centuries.
  
   

WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP REDUCE AIR POLLUTION?

Every time we drive to school, use our heater or air conditioner, clean our windows, or even style our hair, we make choices that affect air pollution.

A FEW STEPS WE CAN TAKE TO HELP REDUCE AIR POLLUTION:

• Conserve energy – remember to turn off lights, computers, and electric appliances when not in use.
• Use energy efficient light bulbs and appliances.
• Participate in your local utility’s energy conservation programs.
• Limit driving by carpooling, using public transportation, biking and walking.
• Combine errands for fewer trips.
• Keep your automobile well-tuned and maintained. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on routine maintenance, such as changing the oil and filters, and checking tire pressure and wheel alignment.
• Avoid excessive idling of your automobile.
• Use electric or hand-powered lawn care equipment.
• Be careful not to spill gasoline when filling up your car or gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment.
• Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when full.
• Choose environmentally friendly cleaners.
• Use water-based or solvent free paints whenever possible and buy products that say "low VOC".
• Seal containers of household cleaners, workshop chemicals and solvents, and garden chemicals to prevent volatile organic compounds from evaporating into the air.

Source:

http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/air/tsb/ams/aqmdp/share.htm

http://www.uccee.org/Environmental_Pollution.html

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The Difference between Timber Plantations and Natural Forestry

After going through a few articles on the above subject, I realised that there are those people who are ‘for’ Timber Plantations and there are those who are totally against Timber Plantations.

‘Forests’ is a more complex structure, being made up of various species of plants and fauna, that ensure that important ecological functions such as pollination, seed dispersal and feeding take place,

Whereas, ‘Plantation forests’ are man-made forest grown as a crop.  Usually seedlings of a single preferred species are planted together in rows, which are harvested to be marketed.

Sadly, Human activities have impacted negatively on forests. Deforestation through logging, and clearing for agriculture has been the obvious way.  We now also understand that ‘timber plantations’ are in fact also responsible for substantial damage to, and loss of forest ecosystems, together with associated wetland and grassland.

Here are a few examples of the differences between:

NATURAL FORESTS

1. Support species and processes within adjacent ecosystems
2. Support a wide range of indigenous fauna and non-tree plant species
3. All life forms usually indigenous
4. No ecological disturbance- Contribute to continuation of macro evolutionary processes
5. Long term self-sustainability ensured by natural replenishment
6. Control soil erosion – Humus layer buffers soil loss
7. Do not require the application of man-made chemicals
8. Do not cause pollution of soil, air and water
9. Maintain a stable soil ph. which helps to retain nutrients
10. Multiple products and services
11. Supply needs of communities that inhabit forested areas
12. Provide diverse products on a continuous cyclical basis
13. Conserve and purify water and help to regulate flow
14. Diverse landscapes retain the ‘sense of place’ that sustains language and cultural differences
15. Stimulate artistic expression through painting, poetry etc.
16. No hidden costs in respect of maintain productive forests

TIMBER PLANTATIONS

1. Damaging to adjacent natural plant and animal communities
2. Radical habitat alteration threatens indigenous animal life
3. Usually dominated by alien plants
4. Major ecological disturbance- destroys original vegetation and disrupts evolution locally.
5. Not sustainable beyond medium term even with human input
6. Result in increased soil erosion through repeated disturbance
7. Heavy applications of chemical fertilisers and poisons
8. Major direct polluter of soil and water both on and off site
9. Soil acidity increases and this causes the leaching of nutrients
10. Limited range of products
11. Undermine and displace traditional human communities
12. Supplies products after a specific time period e.g. every 10 years
13. Consume excessive water and cause increased runoff damage
14. Monotonous landscapes incapable of stimulating diversity of thought, language or creativity
15. Have very little potential for stirring the human soul
16. If plantations fail, the land is rendered virtually useless

WHY DO WE NEED TREES?

WE LITERALLY COULDN'T SURVIVE WITHOUT TREES!

•  Humans and animals inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide

 Trees and other plants inhale carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen

So Trees, through their leaves, take in carbon dioxide from the air, use it to make the sugar that is their food, and release gases they don’t use back through their leaves- OXYGEN!

This process called ‘Photosynthesis’ is the most important chemical reaction occurring on Earth!

By cutting down trees, we are literally destroying the existence of life on Earth!

WHAT IS GLOBAL WARMING?

Global Warming is the increase of Earth's average surface temperature due to effect of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, CFCs and other pollutant, emissions from burning fossil fuels and from deforestation, which trap heat that would otherwise escape from Earth. This is a type of greenhouse effect.

By increasing the heat in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases are responsible for the greenhouse effect, which ultimately leads to global warming.

SO… WHY DO WE NEED TREES?

1.  Trees Produce Oxygen

2.  Trees Clean the Soil

Trees absorb dangerous chemicals and other pollutants that have entered the soil. Trees can either store harmful pollutants or actually change the pollutant into less harmful forms. Trees filter sewage and farm chemicals, reduce the effects of animal wastes, clean roadside spills and clean water runoff into streams.

3.  Trees Control Noise Pollution

5.  Trees Are Carbon Sinks

To produce its food, a tree absorbs and locks away carbon dioxide in the wood, roots and leaves. Carbon dioxide is a global warming suspect. A forest is a carbon storage area or a "sink" that can lock up as much carbon as it produces. This locking-up process "stores" carbon as wood and not asan available "greenhouse" gas.

6.  Trees Clean the Air

Trees help cleanse the air by intercepting airborne particles, reducing heat, and absorbing such pollutants as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Trees remove this air pollution by lowering airtemperature, through respiration, and by retaining particulates

7.  Trees Shade and Cool

8. Trees Act as Windbreaks

9.  Trees Fight Soil Erosion

10.  Trees Increase Property Values

 And of course, wood humans need in many otherways as well as providing ingredients for drugs that fight disease andillness.  Oh and what about foods likenuts and fruit and not forgetting flowers…

“FORESTS ARE THE LUNGS OF MOTHER EARTH”

Source:

http://www.keepbanderabeautiful.org/why-trees.html

http://forestry.about.com/od/treephysiology/tp/tree_value.htm

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