Wednesday, July 29, 2009
consumption
Through commercials and advertisements society has been taught to believe the idea that the consumption of unnecessary materials is of much essence. In other terms, the government has found a way to make society believe that there is value on materials that are not important for survival. This fact is proven through all the unnecessary materials that are put on market, with designs that make them very attractive. An example of this would be the cartoons that have been put on cigarettes to attract kids between the ages of 14 through 22. Additionally there is a whole psychological aspect of this process. Although we intentionally purchase certain products on market for ourselves, we technically don’t need them most of the times. The way we companies have advertised these products make us develop the idea that we are really in need of these materials. One example of this appears in the 1950 commercial of Colgate. In this advertising video, the viewer would get the impression that by using Colgate tooth paste, he will be very attractive to the opposite sex. Also advertising companies have found a way for society to consume these products without acknowledging the harmful effects that they might have. Since they have designed materials so that they would not last long before you have to buy a new one, one must dispose of these materials after they are damaged. This disposal process includes burning which creates a toxic gas called dioxin. This gas is among the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming according to the narrator in “The story of stuff” video. Basically the idea that consumption is a very important part of our daily life is a belief that was put into our minds through commercial ads.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Beauty in ruins
An image with such a striking beauty that evokes all sorts of ideas would be the term to label this picture as. The shinning lights and the busy streets create a strong sense of despair when you consider what this would look like after global warming. Such a thought provoking image could be classified among the greatest cites that the United States has to offer, without excluding New York by any means. Images such as this one make me question the purpose of their constructions, because I get the impression they are attracting their destruction. I get the impression that they are attracting their destruction, because the beauty that they posses just make me think about what would happen if they were to be destroyed. I consider what the image would look like if such an amazing work of art was ruined.
At times I wonder if all that mankind has created is the source of our destruction. I wonder all this, because many that were created to facilitate life have a role in the cause of global warming. The invention of cars for instance plays a major role in the cause of global warming in such that it projects CO2 into the atmosphere; which eventually prevents infrared radiation from leaving the atmosphere according to Al Gore in “An inconvenient truth”. Global warming would wipe out all sites that are as beautiful as this image of Pittsburgh in North Carolina. Perhaps, if we could take into considerations the serious effects of global warming, we would then be able to find potential solutions to prevent it from occurring. More over to get to this level, nations from all over the world must be willing to make some sacrifice, because global warming would affect the entire world and not just the United States.
At times I wonder if all that mankind has created is the source of our destruction. I wonder all this, because many that were created to facilitate life have a role in the cause of global warming. The invention of cars for instance plays a major role in the cause of global warming in such that it projects CO2 into the atmosphere; which eventually prevents infrared radiation from leaving the atmosphere according to Al Gore in “An inconvenient truth”. Global warming would wipe out all sites that are as beautiful as this image of Pittsburgh in North Carolina. Perhaps, if we could take into considerations the serious effects of global warming, we would then be able to find potential solutions to prevent it from occurring. More over to get to this level, nations from all over the world must be willing to make some sacrifice, because global warming would affect the entire world and not just the United States.
The potential cause of global warming
The increase of population in the United States has led to a high usage of products that speed up the occurrence of global warming. Leon Kolankiewics, an environmental planner, thoroughly explains in a video provided by sprawl city, the impact of population growth on energy consumption, oil imports and green house gas emission. In this video he accentuates the fact that an average American uses 10 to 100 times more technology than an average person in other parts of the world. Over the past years, America has added 100 million citizens which have led to an increase in the usage of material things such as cars, computers and other energy consuming resources. Additionally Leon furthers his argument by stating how 40 percent of those immigrants who migrate to the United States, directly move to suburban areas; which are areas that disaggregate elements of daily life according to architect Andres Duany. As result to separating these elements of daily life such as stores, malls and schools, cars are needed for all purposes. According to Radiant city Suburban landscape, the usage of cars in suburban areas plays the role of a catalyst in the production of a society that’s short on energy. In other terms, because of the excessive usage of cars that consume energy, we are going to be short on energy in years to come. A potential solution proposed by Leon Kolankiewics is to create a balance between the number of immigrants that are flying in, and those that are leaving. Through this process the United States would be able to reach a level of stability in population, which would eventual lower energy consumption level.
Monday, July 20, 2009
"The truth behind the curtains"
As we move on with life, more people begin to realize how important the issue of global warming is. Scientific researches tie the burning of fossil fuel, and deforestation to the cause of global warming. At present time the cause of this global issue goes beyond fossil fuel, and stretches far back in time. During the 1950’s, population in the suburbs increased by more than 46 percent. Moving from middle class areas to suburbs led to a high usage of cars; which in result, projects gas to the atmosphere that we all live in. The purpose of automobiles or cars has been misconceived by many individuals, because many tend to use them for everything. In a small clip of “Radiant city” from YouTube, I learned that “people drive to nearby places like malls, supermarkets, and grocery stores”. While individuals continue to use cars for useless activities, the atmosphere continues to get polluted. This issue of global warming did not just begin with the migration of white people to suburban areas during the 1950’s, but instead the motive of this migration proves to be deeper than places with beauty, luxury.
During the 1950’s white individuals began to isolate themselves from color people, because they believed that they were superior to them. This migration increased the necessity of cars, which increases the pollution of the atmosphere. At this time middle class color folks were denied housing as well as jobs in certain areas, because white believed that nature put them above colors. Due to the thoughts of inferiority that color individuals were forced to conceived, many decided to form small groups or brother alliance to protect each other from getting attacked by white segregated groups. In conclusion, the issue of global warming began, because some white folks felt that they were superior to color people, and thus they needed to build suburban areas that soothed them.
As population in suburban areas rapidly increased, the construction of opulent houses or even building also increased. In a video narrated by James Howard Kunstler, I learned that many buildings were built for useless purpose. Specifically many buildings in suburban areas are of little or no use according to James Kunstler who labels these areas as “national automobile slums”. The issue of global warming is an issue that humanity has neglected, and continues to do nothing if not very little to prevent. One possible solution proposed by James is that we must resize, and reshape everything so that our offices, or workplaces, or stores would be nearby. This global issue should be addressed before the situation escalates beyond our capabilities.
During the 1950’s white individuals began to isolate themselves from color people, because they believed that they were superior to them. This migration increased the necessity of cars, which increases the pollution of the atmosphere. At this time middle class color folks were denied housing as well as jobs in certain areas, because white believed that nature put them above colors. Due to the thoughts of inferiority that color individuals were forced to conceived, many decided to form small groups or brother alliance to protect each other from getting attacked by white segregated groups. In conclusion, the issue of global warming began, because some white folks felt that they were superior to color people, and thus they needed to build suburban areas that soothed them.
As population in suburban areas rapidly increased, the construction of opulent houses or even building also increased. In a video narrated by James Howard Kunstler, I learned that many buildings were built for useless purpose. Specifically many buildings in suburban areas are of little or no use according to James Kunstler who labels these areas as “national automobile slums”. The issue of global warming is an issue that humanity has neglected, and continues to do nothing if not very little to prevent. One possible solution proposed by James is that we must resize, and reshape everything so that our offices, or workplaces, or stores would be nearby. This global issue should be addressed before the situation escalates beyond our capabilities.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Actual truth
To whomever it may concern,
The fact that you might not be aware of the scientific evidences presented by many people to advocate the occurrence of global warming is pretty reasonable. Perhaps you have not been given the opportunity to listen, or even get involved in such topic, because of your families interest. Being the CEO of major oil and Gas Company, your parents business stands a chance of collapsing, for multiple reasons allow me to further my explanation
Scientists have been able to connect the burning of fossil fuel to the cause of global warming. The burning of fossil fuel creates a mixture of what one can call “a cocktail like” gas combination or greenhouse gases according to Al Gore in An Inconvenient Truth. In this same documentary, Al Gore states that “one of the gases included in this mixture is CO2.” Furthermore, he thoroughly explains that “when the sun projects infrared gas radiation into the earth, sum of it is redirected to the atmosphere. Do to air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuel, this infrared radiation is incapable of leaving the earth, as a result the earth gets warmer”. As I mentioned before, your lack of understanding of this specific matter is logic; however, you must be very open minded to comprehend this complicated issue.
While the earth gets warmer, the temperature increases and thus, ice caps in places like Greenland, and Alaska melt according to Elizabeth Kolbert in her article “The Climate of Man” ( Elizabeth , p.67). When evidences from both Al Gore and Elizabeth Kolbert are combined, one can conclude that CO2 is a catalyst in the cause of global warming. In addition, one can see a liaison between these bodies of evidence. Even though the evidence presented to support the cause of global warming is very strong, there are still individuals who are refusing to accept this matter as it is. Among this kind of individuals falls politicians, companies like Exxon, and your father.
Although scientist have done a great job in providing evidences of the cause of global warming, gas industries such as the one owned by your father would not consider it for multiple reasons. Gas industries are lucrative businesses that bring billions and billions of dollars. As the CEO of such industry, your father would be more likely to deny that they play a role in the cause of global warming because of the interests involved. The reason why you have not been exposed to this topic is, because your father is the CEO of a company that is a potential cause of global warming according to Al Gore in “An Inconvenient Truth”. Additionally, the evidence that certain individuals have provided to disprove the occurrence of global warming appear to be very strong and of much essence to people like your father. According to Mark Maslin’s book Global Warming a (very short story) “ice core data suggest atmospheric CO2 responds to global temperature, therefore, atmospheric CO2 cannot cause global temperature changes” (Mark p.60). This evidence suggest that CO2 cannot be the cause of climate change if its part of it. Also Doctor Tim Ball who is a former climatology professor at the University of Winnipeg , stated that “CO2 has no effect in the cause of global warming”. Such evidences are very helpful to individuals like your father because it supports their claim that CO2 has no effect on global warming.
To recapitulate, scientists have provided much evidence to support the fact that CO2 has a major role in the occurrence of global warming; however, individuals who disagree have also provided evidence to support their arguments. I believe individuals such as Tim Ball have used minor evidence to support their arguments, because the interest that people like your father would lose. In order for you and me to be alive by 2050, gas industries such as that of your father must cut down gas emissions.
The fact that you might not be aware of the scientific evidences presented by many people to advocate the occurrence of global warming is pretty reasonable. Perhaps you have not been given the opportunity to listen, or even get involved in such topic, because of your families interest. Being the CEO of major oil and Gas Company, your parents business stands a chance of collapsing, for multiple reasons allow me to further my explanation
Scientists have been able to connect the burning of fossil fuel to the cause of global warming. The burning of fossil fuel creates a mixture of what one can call “a cocktail like” gas combination or greenhouse gases according to Al Gore in An Inconvenient Truth. In this same documentary, Al Gore states that “one of the gases included in this mixture is CO2.” Furthermore, he thoroughly explains that “when the sun projects infrared gas radiation into the earth, sum of it is redirected to the atmosphere. Do to air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuel, this infrared radiation is incapable of leaving the earth, as a result the earth gets warmer”. As I mentioned before, your lack of understanding of this specific matter is logic; however, you must be very open minded to comprehend this complicated issue.
While the earth gets warmer, the temperature increases and thus, ice caps in places like Greenland, and Alaska melt according to Elizabeth Kolbert in her article “The Climate of Man” ( Elizabeth , p.67). When evidences from both Al Gore and Elizabeth Kolbert are combined, one can conclude that CO2 is a catalyst in the cause of global warming. In addition, one can see a liaison between these bodies of evidence. Even though the evidence presented to support the cause of global warming is very strong, there are still individuals who are refusing to accept this matter as it is. Among this kind of individuals falls politicians, companies like Exxon, and your father.
Although scientist have done a great job in providing evidences of the cause of global warming, gas industries such as the one owned by your father would not consider it for multiple reasons. Gas industries are lucrative businesses that bring billions and billions of dollars. As the CEO of such industry, your father would be more likely to deny that they play a role in the cause of global warming because of the interests involved. The reason why you have not been exposed to this topic is, because your father is the CEO of a company that is a potential cause of global warming according to Al Gore in “An Inconvenient Truth”. Additionally, the evidence that certain individuals have provided to disprove the occurrence of global warming appear to be very strong and of much essence to people like your father. According to Mark Maslin’s book Global Warming a (very short story) “ice core data suggest atmospheric CO2 responds to global temperature, therefore, atmospheric CO2 cannot cause global temperature changes” (Mark p.60). This evidence suggest that CO2 cannot be the cause of climate change if its part of it. Also Doctor Tim Ball who is a former climatology professor at the University of Winnipeg , stated that “CO2 has no effect in the cause of global warming”. Such evidences are very helpful to individuals like your father because it supports their claim that CO2 has no effect on global warming.
To recapitulate, scientists have provided much evidence to support the fact that CO2 has a major role in the occurrence of global warming; however, individuals who disagree have also provided evidence to support their arguments. I believe individuals such as Tim Ball have used minor evidence to support their arguments, because the interest that people like your father would lose. In order for you and me to be alive by 2050, gas industries such as that of your father must cut down gas emissions.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Viewpoint on global warming
Global warming appears to be an issue that torments the life of many people. In some cases it is viewed as a very critical situation that could amount to disastrous effects, and in other cases, it is taken less seriously. Professor John Adams quotes in this article that the issue of global warming “depends on how we view nature as a risk”. This is such a strong way of analyzing the situation because some people may just not be intelligent enough to understand how serious the issue is. In other terms, what John Adams is suggesting is that, the issue of global warming is kind of a psychological issue. Its importance depends on ones beliefs and convictions. This article goes on to explain the four myths of nature that John Adams has came up with, to view the different perspective that people may have concerning global warming. These four myths clearly demonstrate the different views that individuals may have about global warming. Some may take it as a world threat, while others could consider its occurrence to be slim or very unlikely. The issue of global warming is just as important as one makes it. If we can all predict that global warming is going to happen, we’ll be better prepared or know how to address it better as stated by John Adams. I personally believe that man kind could only learn affectively after he or she has been hurt. In order for certain individuals to view global warming as a more serious issue, they must see its effects on an entire population
Manhattan in water
Being a New Yorker make me feel so proud because of all the privileges I have. Across the world, there are many children of my age who wish they were as fortunate as I am. Although I am proud to live in the most beautiful city in the world, I am baffled by the fact that the existence of this beautiful site is at stake. The rapid change of climate, and rise of sea level, puts one of the busiest boroughs in critical conditions. Seeing what Manhattan might look like in a couple of years of sea level continues to increase really hurts me. Where Wall Street is located could be under water if no major actions are taken. This issue had been brought to attention years before, but politicians neglected the harmful effects. At present time that one of the most active places in the world stands in a very dangerous condition, many are still refusing to accept reality and face the truth of the matter. While climate change, sea level continues to rise, politicians and many are still not addressing the matter. To decrease the chances of such rise on sea level, scientists from all over the globe need to work together. Manhattan and many other places in the world that include Africa, China, and India need to be saved from this fast approaching natural disaster.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
climate change
Emile Keller
Climate Change/ Global warming
The over used statement “the world is coming to an end” would soon be taken into considerations thanks to scientific research. The issue of Global Warming has been neglected by non science affiliated individuals, and politicians while the countless evidences are crystal clear. They are presented to us in news paper articles, documentaries, and even in cartoons, but the public seems not to be aware of this. In Chapter one, of “What is Global warming”, it is stated that “politicians argue that the climate system is very insensitive to changes in atmospheric CO2 so very little will happen in the future”. The documentary “An Inconvenient truth” narrated by Al Gore for instance, describes in prolific details, what is happening in different parts of the world as a result of Climate change. One specific aspect touched on this documentary is the influence of green house gases in climate change. According to “An Inconvenient Truth”, the earth spins on its axis around the sun. During this process, the earth absorbs heat projected by the sun called infrared radiation. This heat also, goes in lakes, oceans and the atmosphere; however it is blocked by a composition of substances called greenhouse gases. Stated by Al Gore in “An Inconvenient Truth”, “greenhouse gases prevents infrared radiation from leaving the earth, and thus the earth gets warmer”, which amount to a temperature increase. Additionally he goes on to say that “as temperature increases, wind velocity increases also and precipitation is the finale result” across the world.
Global warming is affecting many parts of the world but yet actions are not being taken. Another example presented by Al Gore, is “the melting of the ice caps in the Kilimanjaro” over a short period of time. As we continue to burn fossil fuel and cut down trees, the atmosphere continues to get polluted by gases that include CO2. “More CO2 causes the temperature to get warmer” according to Al Gore in An Inconvenient Truth. As temperature gets warmer, ice sheets across the world rapidly melt, and thus we experience a raise in water level. This raise in water is the cause of massive flooding in India and in China.
A quick remedy for global warming would be very much appreciated by those who are well aware of its harmful effects. On this term, comes the effect of global warming on an innocent continent like Africa. “As Al Gore reports, lake Chad has dried completely in Darfur”, leaving resident extremely dehydrated. Another example provided by Al Gore in An Inconvenient Truth is the “diminishing of ice caps by forty percent” in Green Land. As the ice caps continue to melt, various places like India are experiencing flood. If the ice cap in Greenland was to melt completely New York, San Francisco and many other coastal cities would be flooded. The cause of this fast occurring melt down of ice cap has been found and presented to the world. In Mark Maslims’ article titled “what is global warming”, it is stated that “the distribution of solar radiation to earth, is thought to cause the waxing and waning of the ice ages”. As strong as this evidence presented proves to be, the majority of the world still remains oblivious of the matter. The world will be in a major flood if we continue to ignore this issue and take no measure.
Climate Change/ Global warming
The over used statement “the world is coming to an end” would soon be taken into considerations thanks to scientific research. The issue of Global Warming has been neglected by non science affiliated individuals, and politicians while the countless evidences are crystal clear. They are presented to us in news paper articles, documentaries, and even in cartoons, but the public seems not to be aware of this. In Chapter one, of “What is Global warming”, it is stated that “politicians argue that the climate system is very insensitive to changes in atmospheric CO2 so very little will happen in the future”. The documentary “An Inconvenient truth” narrated by Al Gore for instance, describes in prolific details, what is happening in different parts of the world as a result of Climate change. One specific aspect touched on this documentary is the influence of green house gases in climate change. According to “An Inconvenient Truth”, the earth spins on its axis around the sun. During this process, the earth absorbs heat projected by the sun called infrared radiation. This heat also, goes in lakes, oceans and the atmosphere; however it is blocked by a composition of substances called greenhouse gases. Stated by Al Gore in “An Inconvenient Truth”, “greenhouse gases prevents infrared radiation from leaving the earth, and thus the earth gets warmer”, which amount to a temperature increase. Additionally he goes on to say that “as temperature increases, wind velocity increases also and precipitation is the finale result” across the world.
Global warming is affecting many parts of the world but yet actions are not being taken. Another example presented by Al Gore, is “the melting of the ice caps in the Kilimanjaro” over a short period of time. As we continue to burn fossil fuel and cut down trees, the atmosphere continues to get polluted by gases that include CO2. “More CO2 causes the temperature to get warmer” according to Al Gore in An Inconvenient Truth. As temperature gets warmer, ice sheets across the world rapidly melt, and thus we experience a raise in water level. This raise in water is the cause of massive flooding in India and in China.
A quick remedy for global warming would be very much appreciated by those who are well aware of its harmful effects. On this term, comes the effect of global warming on an innocent continent like Africa. “As Al Gore reports, lake Chad has dried completely in Darfur”, leaving resident extremely dehydrated. Another example provided by Al Gore in An Inconvenient Truth is the “diminishing of ice caps by forty percent” in Green Land. As the ice caps continue to melt, various places like India are experiencing flood. If the ice cap in Greenland was to melt completely New York, San Francisco and many other coastal cities would be flooded. The cause of this fast occurring melt down of ice cap has been found and presented to the world. In Mark Maslims’ article titled “what is global warming”, it is stated that “the distribution of solar radiation to earth, is thought to cause the waxing and waning of the ice ages”. As strong as this evidence presented proves to be, the majority of the world still remains oblivious of the matter. The world will be in a major flood if we continue to ignore this issue and take no measure.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The climate of Man
Emile Keller
Writing assignment
The Climate of Man
The disastrous effects of global warming are rapidly increasing in the four corners of the universe as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuel becomes perpetual. This fact is strongly supported by the fast pacing changes occurring in cold places like Alaska, Arctic Ocean, and Greenland. Scientists have been able to provide sufficient evidence that support the harmful effects of global warming and have also predicted possible natural disasters. One effect of Global warming in Alaska applies to hunting. According to Elizabeth Kolberts’ article The Climate of Man in the New Yorker, “men in Shismaref hunted for seals by driving out over the sea ice with dogsleds.” Beginning during the nineteen nineties, this changed when the hunters notice the quick melting of this massive ice sea. At present time it is extremely dangerous to hunt using snowmobiles as the usage of boat has become frequent. Additionally global warming has also increased the occurrence of natural disasters such as heavy storms. Elizabeth’s article goes on to state that “a storm in October, nineteen ninety seven, scoured away a hundred and twenty five foot wide strip from the northern side of Shismaref”, resulting to the destruction of many homes. These are just the effect of Global warming in Alaska, while the damages are in counting in other parts of the world.
Global Warming has also affected ice caps in Greenland. The temperature has increased over a single decade. This rapid increase in temperature amounted to the reappearance of a plant called Dryas octopetala, which only appears in areas experiencing rapid warming. The effects of Global Warming in Greenland have also led to the “collapse of the West Antarctic ice Sheet”, according to Elizabeth’s article. This ice sheet also “holds enough water to raise sea levels worldwide by twenty-three feet”. As ice caps continue to melt in areas that use to be extremely cold, water continue to raise at sea level. This increase would eventually amount to the flooding of coastal areas in the up coming years.
Despite the many scientific evidence presented by scientist and multiple organizations, political leader have yet to take serious measures. Even though potential solutions have been proposed to slow down this inevitable process, many are still unaware of this matter if not, refusing to accept it. Elizabeth ends this article with a shocking fact “in another decade or so, many ice caps will be invisible” which will lead to a possible world flood.
Writing assignment
The Climate of Man
The disastrous effects of global warming are rapidly increasing in the four corners of the universe as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuel becomes perpetual. This fact is strongly supported by the fast pacing changes occurring in cold places like Alaska, Arctic Ocean, and Greenland. Scientists have been able to provide sufficient evidence that support the harmful effects of global warming and have also predicted possible natural disasters. One effect of Global warming in Alaska applies to hunting. According to Elizabeth Kolberts’ article The Climate of Man in the New Yorker, “men in Shismaref hunted for seals by driving out over the sea ice with dogsleds.” Beginning during the nineteen nineties, this changed when the hunters notice the quick melting of this massive ice sea. At present time it is extremely dangerous to hunt using snowmobiles as the usage of boat has become frequent. Additionally global warming has also increased the occurrence of natural disasters such as heavy storms. Elizabeth’s article goes on to state that “a storm in October, nineteen ninety seven, scoured away a hundred and twenty five foot wide strip from the northern side of Shismaref”, resulting to the destruction of many homes. These are just the effect of Global warming in Alaska, while the damages are in counting in other parts of the world.
Global Warming has also affected ice caps in Greenland. The temperature has increased over a single decade. This rapid increase in temperature amounted to the reappearance of a plant called Dryas octopetala, which only appears in areas experiencing rapid warming. The effects of Global Warming in Greenland have also led to the “collapse of the West Antarctic ice Sheet”, according to Elizabeth’s article. This ice sheet also “holds enough water to raise sea levels worldwide by twenty-three feet”. As ice caps continue to melt in areas that use to be extremely cold, water continue to raise at sea level. This increase would eventually amount to the flooding of coastal areas in the up coming years.
Despite the many scientific evidence presented by scientist and multiple organizations, political leader have yet to take serious measures. Even though potential solutions have been proposed to slow down this inevitable process, many are still unaware of this matter if not, refusing to accept it. Elizabeth ends this article with a shocking fact “in another decade or so, many ice caps will be invisible” which will lead to a possible world flood.
Global Warming
Scientist believe that the burning of fossil fuel and deforestation will amount to catastrophic disasters by the year 2100 if serious measures are not taken. Several potential outcomes specifically emphasized include massive increase in floods, droughts, storms, as well as severe changes in health, economy, and agriculture. If man kind continues to ignore this issue, the threats may become global and the most affected would be the poorest.
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