Sustain the World's Environment

Image via Wikipedia The eyes of the world are currently focussed on the political and social upheaval that is ongoing in the Arab world . The events in Tunisia , Egypt, Yemen , Bahrain and Syria have dominated the news for weeks now. However, what lies ahead may prove to be more significant than anything we have seen yet. I am not talking about war or political change here. No, I am talking about the environment. Not in abstract terms either. We are not talking about something that may happen in 50 or 100 years. No, we are talking about environmental catastrophe in a decade or so. What kind of catastrophe are we looking at? Well, according to Lester Brown in The Guardian , we are looking at widespread drought on a biblical scale and consequent food shortages of epic proportions. For instance, Yemen and Saudia Arabia are facing severe depletion of natural aquifers, meaning that water shortages are increasing on a scale we in the West can only imagine in our nightmares. He gives ...

Believe it or not, Earth Day has been celebrated on 22 April for 41 years now! Question is, shouldn't every day be one in which we act responsibly and do our utmost for the good of the earth? Today happens to be Good Friday and for Christians its a day to think about the Cross. However, Christians (and indeed those of other faiths) are increasingly seeing that we all have a responsibility to look after the earth. If we truly believe in a Creator God (and despite the Richard Dawkins of this world billions of us do) then we ought to respect Creation and be responsible stewards of what has been given into our care. So, whether you are a believer or not, make today the start of a new determination to look after the Earth and everyone in it. Have a Happy Earth Day and to all those who believe, have a Happy and Joyful Easter! Related articles Free Earth Day Coloring Pages 2011 (socyberty.com) Earth Day (flatchat.wordpress.com) Happy Ear...

Michigan Technological University students have invented their own mini- smokestack scrubbing carbon dioxide from emissions. as an end product it creates a solid material that could have applications as a material useful in construction. On the university site, the announcement states: "An 11-foot bench-model smokestack packed with glass beads is percolating away in a lab. Near the top, a proprietary liquid dribbles down. From below, carbon dioxide bubbles up. By the time the gas reaches the top, fully half of the CO2 has been gobbled up by the liquid. The process not only captures carbon , it binds it in a solid form, making an undisclosed product that can be used as a construction material . The liquid itself can be recovered and used again. The group has applied for a patent and hopes to build a pilot plant in cooperation with an industry partner, Carbontec Energy Corp." The students are planning to improve on their invention so as to capture even more CO2. Hope...

Glacial Meltdown: Understanding the Impact on Our Planet In recent years, the world has witnessed a concerning phenomenon – the rapid meltdown of glaciers. This natural process has garnered significant attention due to its far-reaching consequences on our environment, ecosystems, and the future of our planet. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the intricate details of glacial meltdown, its causes, and the profound effects it has on our world.  Unveiling the Mechanisms Behind Glacial Meltdown Glaciers are colossal masses of ice formed from the accumulation of snow over centuries. They are an integral part of our planet's hydrological cycle and play a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate. However, the alarming rate at which glaciers are melting is a cause for concern. The Role of Climate Change One of the primary drivers of glacial meltdown is undoubtedly climate change. As our planet warms due to the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,...

Everyone can only sympathise with the people of Japan at this time following the massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit the country the other day. We can only hope that when the death toll is known that it will be as low as possible and especially right now that the current crisis at the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant can be quickly brought under control. What all of this underlines is how precarious nuclear plants are, especially in the so-called 'Ring of Fire', the most active region in the world as far as seismic activity goes. Currently Japan has 56 nuclear plants but its not the only country in the Pacific basin to have them. China has 13 (with more planned), all of them on the Pacific coast (or not far from the coast). Here is a map showing nuclear reactors in the region: We can't be sure that in future, even if we escape disaster in this case, that future earthquakes won't lead to severe radiation leaks into the environment. All this underlin...

Ashton Stark is only 14 but he has converted his grandfather's old VW Beetle into an electric vehicle at the cost of just $4,000. The Canadian youth isn't even old enough to drive his handiwork! After researching the technology behind electric vehicles and after a year of labour, he completed his project and now has a fully functional electric car that can travel up to 50 miles on a full charge, at speeds up to 45 mph and all for less than 10 cents a day! “It is my grandpa’s 72 Super Beetle,” he said. “I think he would love it and be incredibly proud of it.” He used 9  separate 8 volt golf cart batteries, with 5 in the rear and 4 in the front of the vehicle. The vehicle  is driven by a single cylindrical drive shaft which is connected to the original shaft of the Volkswagens transmission. Noel Stark, Ashton’s father, said he has driven the vehicle many times, and he believes it is not only green conscious, it is also inexpensive and practical to operate. For more...

The Green Supermarkets Revolution: In recent years, the concept of "green supermarkets" has been gaining substantial traction in the realm of consumerism. With environmental sustainability and ethical consumption at the forefront of global concerns, the emergence of these eco-conscious grocery stores represents a significant shift in the way we shop for our daily necessities. In this article, we will explore the phenomenon of green supermarkets, dissect their key attributes, and underline why they are pivotal in reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a cleaner, more sustainable future. Understanding the Essence of Green Supermarkets Ethical Consumerism Green supermarkets, also known as ethical superstores, go beyond traditional retail by placing a strong emphasis on products and practices that align with ethical and sustainable principles. They prioritize offerings that have a minimal negative impact on the environment, prioritize fair labour practices, and often support...