Current Events Portfolio
Earth Systems and Resources
Article Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/15/science/earth/algae-blooms-threaten-lake-erie.html?pagewanted=2&contentCollection=Environment&_r=0&action=click®ion=Marginalia&module=RelatedCoverage&pg
Summary:
In "Spring Rain, Then Foul Algae in Ailing Lake Erie", published by the New York Times in 2013, the issue of Lake Erie’s seasonal water quality is discussed. The more rain the area gets each spring, the worse the lake’s algae boom is. Each summer, a growing layer of toxic algae appears, resulting in an expanding dead zone at the lake’s bottom, ruined beaches, and declining fish populations.
The algae boom is a result of the rain’s runoff, which contains phosphorus from fertilizers, as well as other toxins. Also, due to climate change, these heavy rainstorms in the spring have been continually increasing. The article states that at a time, ‘fisheries and sports anglers pulled five million walleye from the rejuvenated lake every year. Today the catch is roughly one-fifth that,’ according to the EPA. Also, to show just how harmful this lake’s dead zone is, recent studies show that sport fish have been leaving the lake’s center and moving toward the shore, in order to get better oxygen and food. Efforts are continually under way to better the fertilizers of surrounding farms, but that comes at a cost that makes change difficult.
Reaction:
I found this article surprising, as I had recently read about the water crisis Toledo had faced this year. This made reading an article from a year prior more interesting, and it made me question whether the community had been making the efforts that discussed in the publication. And if so, how did the lake once again become to polluted?
Vocabulary:
Dead Zone: A place or period in which nothing happens or in which no life exists.
Intractable: Hard to control or deal with.
Spawned: (Of a fish, frog, mollusk, crustacean, etc.) Release or deposit eggs.
Pollutants: A substance or energy introduced into the environment that has undesired effects, or adversely affects the usefulness of a resource.
Summary:
In "Spring Rain, Then Foul Algae in Ailing Lake Erie", published by the New York Times in 2013, the issue of Lake Erie’s seasonal water quality is discussed. The more rain the area gets each spring, the worse the lake’s algae boom is. Each summer, a growing layer of toxic algae appears, resulting in an expanding dead zone at the lake’s bottom, ruined beaches, and declining fish populations.
The algae boom is a result of the rain’s runoff, which contains phosphorus from fertilizers, as well as other toxins. Also, due to climate change, these heavy rainstorms in the spring have been continually increasing. The article states that at a time, ‘fisheries and sports anglers pulled five million walleye from the rejuvenated lake every year. Today the catch is roughly one-fifth that,’ according to the EPA. Also, to show just how harmful this lake’s dead zone is, recent studies show that sport fish have been leaving the lake’s center and moving toward the shore, in order to get better oxygen and food. Efforts are continually under way to better the fertilizers of surrounding farms, but that comes at a cost that makes change difficult.
Reaction:
I found this article surprising, as I had recently read about the water crisis Toledo had faced this year. This made reading an article from a year prior more interesting, and it made me question whether the community had been making the efforts that discussed in the publication. And if so, how did the lake once again become to polluted?
Vocabulary:
Dead Zone: A place or period in which nothing happens or in which no life exists.
Intractable: Hard to control or deal with.
Spawned: (Of a fish, frog, mollusk, crustacean, etc.) Release or deposit eggs.
Pollutants: A substance or energy introduced into the environment that has undesired effects, or adversely affects the usefulness of a resource.
Pollution
Article Link: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/07/120723-fishing-anacostia-river-washington-dc/#
Summary:
In the National Geographic report, “Fishing the Forgotten River in the Nation’s Capitol”, Krista Schlyer discusses the dangers of the frequent fishing in Washington D.C.’s notoriously polluted Anacostia River. Within the waters of the Anacostia River is the urban runoff of D.C.. In its bottom-feeding fish population, 50-68% have liver tumors, and a quarter with visible skin lesions. Beside the waters, are the estimated 17,000 residents who are consuming these fish. The article tackles the problem of a deeply troubled river, surrounded by a community with even deeper cultural and historical ties to its fishing. It asks how people are willing to forgo health when presented with hunger, citing a communication professional involved in the rivers’ public outreach, ““How can you tell someone ‘You might get cancer in ten years from this,’ when they are hungry today?””.
The article goes on to ask if there is hope for the river's waters. Residents of D.C.’s metropolitan area have long assumed the river to be dead, its waters burdened by the combination of their own toxic runoff and sewage waste. There are still, however, some works to clean up the Anacostia. Advocacy groups like the Anacostia Watershed Society stress the urgency of the water’s situation, given the dependence of so many fishermen and visitors on its safety. But even with the best efforts, restoring the river will take decades. Its restoration depends on good federal funding and cleanup. According to the Clean Water Act, the river should be fish-able and swim-able, and it rests in the hands of advocacy and federal cooperation to ensure this becomes the case.
Reaction:
When I encountered this article, I had never heard about the Anacostia River. I was startled to find that it is so famous for its pollution, given the rivers' proximity to Nationals Park, and to the birth place of the Clean Water Act. I was under the impression that since the passing of this act, the state of the country’s rivers had been improved, and the prevention of dumping of toxic sewage was heavily enforced. So, learning about the unfortunate state of the Anacostia was both disheartening and worrying.
The article makes you ask just how many ‘forgotten’ rivers there are in the US. How many polluted rivers have gone unchecked and neglected for this long, while allowing residents to fish in its waters? The report raises the readers awareness about where exactly their own market’s fish is coming from, and how they can be sure it is safe for consumption. Also, what can they do to make sure that their own neighboring waters to do not suffer the same fate as Anacostia’s?
Vocabulary:
Petrochemicals: Chemicals made from petroleum (crude oil) and natural gas.
Detritus: Waste or debris of any kind.
Archaic: Very old or old-fashioned.
Watershed: An area or ridge of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas.
Contaminants: Something that contaminates or carries contamination.
Summary:
In the National Geographic report, “Fishing the Forgotten River in the Nation’s Capitol”, Krista Schlyer discusses the dangers of the frequent fishing in Washington D.C.’s notoriously polluted Anacostia River. Within the waters of the Anacostia River is the urban runoff of D.C.. In its bottom-feeding fish population, 50-68% have liver tumors, and a quarter with visible skin lesions. Beside the waters, are the estimated 17,000 residents who are consuming these fish. The article tackles the problem of a deeply troubled river, surrounded by a community with even deeper cultural and historical ties to its fishing. It asks how people are willing to forgo health when presented with hunger, citing a communication professional involved in the rivers’ public outreach, ““How can you tell someone ‘You might get cancer in ten years from this,’ when they are hungry today?””.
The article goes on to ask if there is hope for the river's waters. Residents of D.C.’s metropolitan area have long assumed the river to be dead, its waters burdened by the combination of their own toxic runoff and sewage waste. There are still, however, some works to clean up the Anacostia. Advocacy groups like the Anacostia Watershed Society stress the urgency of the water’s situation, given the dependence of so many fishermen and visitors on its safety. But even with the best efforts, restoring the river will take decades. Its restoration depends on good federal funding and cleanup. According to the Clean Water Act, the river should be fish-able and swim-able, and it rests in the hands of advocacy and federal cooperation to ensure this becomes the case.
Reaction:
When I encountered this article, I had never heard about the Anacostia River. I was startled to find that it is so famous for its pollution, given the rivers' proximity to Nationals Park, and to the birth place of the Clean Water Act. I was under the impression that since the passing of this act, the state of the country’s rivers had been improved, and the prevention of dumping of toxic sewage was heavily enforced. So, learning about the unfortunate state of the Anacostia was both disheartening and worrying.
The article makes you ask just how many ‘forgotten’ rivers there are in the US. How many polluted rivers have gone unchecked and neglected for this long, while allowing residents to fish in its waters? The report raises the readers awareness about where exactly their own market’s fish is coming from, and how they can be sure it is safe for consumption. Also, what can they do to make sure that their own neighboring waters to do not suffer the same fate as Anacostia’s?
Vocabulary:
Petrochemicals: Chemicals made from petroleum (crude oil) and natural gas.
Detritus: Waste or debris of any kind.
Archaic: Very old or old-fashioned.
Watershed: An area or ridge of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas.
Contaminants: Something that contaminates or carries contamination.
Land Use and Resources
Article Link: http://blueandgreentomorrow.com/2014/08/03/sustainable-forestry-project-supporting-900-families/
Summary:
In this article, the success story of the Cochabamba Project is shared. The project of sustainable forestry is based in Bolivia. It offers the native farmers and their family’s beneficial alternatives to slash and burn farming, which is harmful to the environment of the Amazon. Since 2009, the project has established large areas of commercial tree plantations on thousands of separate plots, owned by locals.
The project’s aim is to provide support and advice as well, as increased involvement in commercial trade has raised the living standards of the communities. The establishment of a self-sustaining forest enterprise in the community has encouraged overall responsible land management. The project aims to “arrest deforestation and repair degraded ecosystems” as well.
Reaction:
I think that the Cochabamba Project is a very good example of ways that outside influences can effectively aid and develop communities like those in Bolivia. Through education and support, they have involved the people themselves in the care and management of their land, rather than take it from them. By allowing them to manage a commercial enterprise, it is bringing the community into a larger market that will continue to grow and expand. Instilled with sustainable practices, the commercial forestry in Bolivia seems to have a right future.
Vocabulary:
Degraded: Treated or regarded with contempt or disrespect.
Fringes: An outer edge; margin; periphery.
Sustainable: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Tangible: Perceptible by touch.
Forestry: The science or practice of planting, managing, and caring for forests.
Summary:
In this article, the success story of the Cochabamba Project is shared. The project of sustainable forestry is based in Bolivia. It offers the native farmers and their family’s beneficial alternatives to slash and burn farming, which is harmful to the environment of the Amazon. Since 2009, the project has established large areas of commercial tree plantations on thousands of separate plots, owned by locals.
The project’s aim is to provide support and advice as well, as increased involvement in commercial trade has raised the living standards of the communities. The establishment of a self-sustaining forest enterprise in the community has encouraged overall responsible land management. The project aims to “arrest deforestation and repair degraded ecosystems” as well.
Reaction:
I think that the Cochabamba Project is a very good example of ways that outside influences can effectively aid and develop communities like those in Bolivia. Through education and support, they have involved the people themselves in the care and management of their land, rather than take it from them. By allowing them to manage a commercial enterprise, it is bringing the community into a larger market that will continue to grow and expand. Instilled with sustainable practices, the commercial forestry in Bolivia seems to have a right future.
Vocabulary:
Degraded: Treated or regarded with contempt or disrespect.
Fringes: An outer edge; margin; periphery.
Sustainable: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Tangible: Perceptible by touch.
Forestry: The science or practice of planting, managing, and caring for forests.
Global Change
Article Link: http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/environment/earth-is-heating-up-2013-shatters-climate-records/article/391113
Summary:
The article, “Earth is heating up: 2013 smashes climate records,”discusses the recent findings published in the annual State of the Climate report of 2013, released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The overarching message of the report: Earth’s climate is changing rapidly. Citing carbon dioxide as the main factor, the report compares the most recent data on temperature change with the oldest recorded data possible, and shows that 2013 was one of the hottest years on record. It even goes so far as to explain how this data is measured, and how the numbers coincide with increased human population and activity within the environment.
Along with carbon dioxide, the report mentions rising levels of ozone depleting nitrous oxide, and methane. The NOAA lists out the consequences of the rising temperatures, in order to portray the urgency of this crisis. Rising sea levels, melting permafrost, and extreme weather are all attributed to the increasing temperatures of the atmosphere. All three side effects had noticeable consequences in 2013, and they will only become more apparent, the article states, as the temperatures climb.
Reaction:
The article was extremely in depth, citing an enormous amount of data from multiple resources in order to back its claims. It even goes so far as to explain how the data was collected, and how the conclusions were drawn from it. I was really impressed by how it managed to be simultaneously informative, concise, and interesting with its information. The information itself was not particularly new, as it only serves to confirm what climate and environmental experts have been saying for years. I thought it was really interesting that they not only cited carbon dioxide, but some less discussed gases too.
Vocabulary:
Biomass: The total mass of organisms in a given area or volume.
Exploitation: The action of making use of and benefiting from resources.
Permafrost: A thick subsurface layer of soil that remains frozen throughout the year, occurring chiefly in polar regions.
Stratospheric: The part of the earth's atmosphere which extends from the top of the troposphere to about 30 miles (50 kilometers) above the surface and in which temperature increases gradually to about 32° F (0° C) and clouds rarely form.
Methane: A colorless, odorless flammable gas that is the main constituent of natural gas. It is the simplest member of the alkane series of hydrocarbons.
Summary:
The article, “Earth is heating up: 2013 smashes climate records,”discusses the recent findings published in the annual State of the Climate report of 2013, released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The overarching message of the report: Earth’s climate is changing rapidly. Citing carbon dioxide as the main factor, the report compares the most recent data on temperature change with the oldest recorded data possible, and shows that 2013 was one of the hottest years on record. It even goes so far as to explain how this data is measured, and how the numbers coincide with increased human population and activity within the environment.
Along with carbon dioxide, the report mentions rising levels of ozone depleting nitrous oxide, and methane. The NOAA lists out the consequences of the rising temperatures, in order to portray the urgency of this crisis. Rising sea levels, melting permafrost, and extreme weather are all attributed to the increasing temperatures of the atmosphere. All three side effects had noticeable consequences in 2013, and they will only become more apparent, the article states, as the temperatures climb.
Reaction:
The article was extremely in depth, citing an enormous amount of data from multiple resources in order to back its claims. It even goes so far as to explain how the data was collected, and how the conclusions were drawn from it. I was really impressed by how it managed to be simultaneously informative, concise, and interesting with its information. The information itself was not particularly new, as it only serves to confirm what climate and environmental experts have been saying for years. I thought it was really interesting that they not only cited carbon dioxide, but some less discussed gases too.
Vocabulary:
Biomass: The total mass of organisms in a given area or volume.
Exploitation: The action of making use of and benefiting from resources.
Permafrost: A thick subsurface layer of soil that remains frozen throughout the year, occurring chiefly in polar regions.
Stratospheric: The part of the earth's atmosphere which extends from the top of the troposphere to about 30 miles (50 kilometers) above the surface and in which temperature increases gradually to about 32° F (0° C) and clouds rarely form.
Methane: A colorless, odorless flammable gas that is the main constituent of natural gas. It is the simplest member of the alkane series of hydrocarbons.
Energy Resources and Consumption
Article Link: http://www.popularmechanics.com/how-to/blog/half-of-germany-is-now-powered-by-solar-energy-16906790?src=spr_TWITTER&spr_id=78282215
Summary:
In this article, published by Popular Mechanics, the current state of renewable energy in Germany is observed, and compared to that of the United States. In particular, solar power is discussed. According to the Fraunhofer ISE Research Institute, Germany now produces more that half of its energy via solar power. The country’s citizens have adapted their lifestyles to fit in solar panels on their homes, rather than installing miles of farm land worth of panels. This is beneficial as it saves space and conserves valuable agricultural land.
The US currently gets .2 percent of its energy from solar power. The lack of a push for solar power may be a result of decreased growth of the industry. Decreasing subsidies for solar power may be the culprit behind the renewable energy's slow growth. However, the use of solar power continues to rise, and perhaps with this push, the US will succeed Germany in it's renewable innovations.
Reaction:
I was not all surprised when I encountered the article as Germany is a very economically and environmentally conscious country. Nevertheless, I was still impressed by the country's ability to join together as a whole around the specific resource. To get 90% of your citizens to install solar panels on their homes is very impressive. After reading the article, I wondered what it would take for the US to convert in such a large way. I would be interested in reading further on the topic, and find out just how much installing solar panels into one's house costs.
Vocabulary:
Photovoltaics: The branch of technology concerned with the production of electric current at the junction of two substances.
Solar: Of, relating to, or determined by the sun.
Renewable: (Of a contract, agreement, etc.) Capable of being renewed.
Energy: Power derived from the utilization of physical or chemical resources, especially to provide light and heat or to work machines.
Subsidies: A sum of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business so that the price of a commodity or service may remain low or competitive.
Summary:
In this article, published by Popular Mechanics, the current state of renewable energy in Germany is observed, and compared to that of the United States. In particular, solar power is discussed. According to the Fraunhofer ISE Research Institute, Germany now produces more that half of its energy via solar power. The country’s citizens have adapted their lifestyles to fit in solar panels on their homes, rather than installing miles of farm land worth of panels. This is beneficial as it saves space and conserves valuable agricultural land.
The US currently gets .2 percent of its energy from solar power. The lack of a push for solar power may be a result of decreased growth of the industry. Decreasing subsidies for solar power may be the culprit behind the renewable energy's slow growth. However, the use of solar power continues to rise, and perhaps with this push, the US will succeed Germany in it's renewable innovations.
Reaction:
I was not all surprised when I encountered the article as Germany is a very economically and environmentally conscious country. Nevertheless, I was still impressed by the country's ability to join together as a whole around the specific resource. To get 90% of your citizens to install solar panels on their homes is very impressive. After reading the article, I wondered what it would take for the US to convert in such a large way. I would be interested in reading further on the topic, and find out just how much installing solar panels into one's house costs.
Vocabulary:
Photovoltaics: The branch of technology concerned with the production of electric current at the junction of two substances.
Solar: Of, relating to, or determined by the sun.
Renewable: (Of a contract, agreement, etc.) Capable of being renewed.
Energy: Power derived from the utilization of physical or chemical resources, especially to provide light and heat or to work machines.
Subsidies: A sum of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business so that the price of a commodity or service may remain low or competitive.
The Living World
Article Link:
http://www.foxnews.com/science/2015/01/19/barren-deserts-can-host-complex-ecosystems/
Summary:
The article "Barren deserts can host complex ecosystems", originally published in Astrobiology Magazine, discusses the complex ecosystems that can be found in biological soil crusts. These soil crusts are often overlooked, but act as host to extremely delicate, intricate ecosystems. The microbial communities of these soil crusts are just starting to be examined, and the number of different types can be present is still unknown. It's suggested that the diversity of these ecosystems far exceeds that of the Amazon. The article goes on to discuss the extremely harsh environments, such as the Moab Desert, that these microbes are able to survive, and thrive within.
Reaction:
This article serves as a good reminder that there are still ecosystems, excluding those under the ocean, that remain unexplored. I thought it was very interesting how little scientists still know about the inhabitants of biological soil crusts,but what they do know seems promising, as any creatures that can survive such harsh conditions has a lot to teach humans about evolution and adaptation. The discovery raises questions about what other ecosystems could be right under our feet, which science has yet to explore.
Vocabulary:
Microbial: A minute life form; a microorganism, especially a bacterium that causes disease.
Dissemination: The act of spreading something, especially information, widely; circulation.
Niche: A position or role taken by a kind of organism within its community.
Anaerobic: Living without air.
Denizen: A person, animal, or plant that lives in or often is found in a particular place or region.
http://www.foxnews.com/science/2015/01/19/barren-deserts-can-host-complex-ecosystems/
Summary:
The article "Barren deserts can host complex ecosystems", originally published in Astrobiology Magazine, discusses the complex ecosystems that can be found in biological soil crusts. These soil crusts are often overlooked, but act as host to extremely delicate, intricate ecosystems. The microbial communities of these soil crusts are just starting to be examined, and the number of different types can be present is still unknown. It's suggested that the diversity of these ecosystems far exceeds that of the Amazon. The article goes on to discuss the extremely harsh environments, such as the Moab Desert, that these microbes are able to survive, and thrive within.
Reaction:
This article serves as a good reminder that there are still ecosystems, excluding those under the ocean, that remain unexplored. I thought it was very interesting how little scientists still know about the inhabitants of biological soil crusts,but what they do know seems promising, as any creatures that can survive such harsh conditions has a lot to teach humans about evolution and adaptation. The discovery raises questions about what other ecosystems could be right under our feet, which science has yet to explore.
Vocabulary:
Microbial: A minute life form; a microorganism, especially a bacterium that causes disease.
Dissemination: The act of spreading something, especially information, widely; circulation.
Niche: A position or role taken by a kind of organism within its community.
Anaerobic: Living without air.
Denizen: A person, animal, or plant that lives in or often is found in a particular place or region.
Population
PopulationArticle Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/21/world/asia/indias-rebounding-tiger-population-grows-30-percent-in-4-years.html?_r=0
Summary:
The article is reporting on India's recently recovering tiger population. Within the last four years, the population has reportedly grown 30%. This is crucial, as India is home to 70% of the world's tigers. According to the Indian government, the current number is 2,226, as compared to 1,411 in 2006. It was reached through strenuous efforts to fight poaching and find rehabilitation projects, costing 400 million dollars in government spending.
Reflection:
The data presented by the Indian government offers an optimistic outlook for the future of the country's environmental conservation efforts. I knew about worldwide endangered populations of tigers, particularly in India, but prior to reading the article had not heard about their recent recovery. In a developing country like India, often government efforts to focus on environmentalism are negated by corruption and scarcity of funds, so the success of India's program is encouraging for many other countries in similar situations. I hope that this article will encourage others to look into what their own governments are doing fro their country's endangered species.
Vocabulary:
Poaching: The illegal killing or capturing of wild animals, usually associated with land use rights
Census: An official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals.
Conservation: Preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment, natural ecosystems, vegetation, and wildlife.
Rupees: The basic monetary unit of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mauritius, and the Seychelles, equal to 100 paise in India, Pakistan, and Nepal, and 100 cents in Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and the Seychelles.
Tiger: A very large solitary cat with a yellow-brown coat striped with black, native to the forests of Asia but becoming increasingly rare.
Summary:
The article is reporting on India's recently recovering tiger population. Within the last four years, the population has reportedly grown 30%. This is crucial, as India is home to 70% of the world's tigers. According to the Indian government, the current number is 2,226, as compared to 1,411 in 2006. It was reached through strenuous efforts to fight poaching and find rehabilitation projects, costing 400 million dollars in government spending.
Reflection:
The data presented by the Indian government offers an optimistic outlook for the future of the country's environmental conservation efforts. I knew about worldwide endangered populations of tigers, particularly in India, but prior to reading the article had not heard about their recent recovery. In a developing country like India, often government efforts to focus on environmentalism are negated by corruption and scarcity of funds, so the success of India's program is encouraging for many other countries in similar situations. I hope that this article will encourage others to look into what their own governments are doing fro their country's endangered species.
Vocabulary:
Poaching: The illegal killing or capturing of wild animals, usually associated with land use rights
Census: An official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals.
Conservation: Preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment, natural ecosystems, vegetation, and wildlife.
Rupees: The basic monetary unit of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mauritius, and the Seychelles, equal to 100 paise in India, Pakistan, and Nepal, and 100 cents in Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and the Seychelles.
Tiger: A very large solitary cat with a yellow-brown coat striped with black, native to the forests of Asia but becoming increasingly rare.