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How NOT to save CO2!

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Image via Wikipedia Mobile phones are an inescapable part of modern life and are constant consumer of energy. They use energy and resources and produce CO2 at all stages of their 'life-span'. So, many of us would like to minimise their impact on the environment. The question is 'how'? Manufacturers don't make it easy to work out the impact of their products and everyone's usage varies so its difficult to know what the total impact is. However, what we do know is that energy that is wasted, such a when phones are left on standby, has a negative impact on the environment. Its been calculated that this wastes enough energy to power 33,000 homes for a whole year in the UK alone! Also, by changing our phones on a frequent basis means that we are probably wasting more energy than we think... after all, each phone we buy has used up energy and resources in its manufacture, distribution, packaging, promotion and design (of publicity, marketing and advertising). As phone

No choice but nuclear power?

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Economist Jeffrey Sachs said carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology and nuclear will be necessary to avoid catastrophic climate change His comments were made as part of a presentation at the Asia Society in New York Monday night."Carbon capture better work because they [China] are not going to stop using coal," said Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and the author of The End of Poverty and Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet , among other books. He gave a lucid and thoroughly depressing talk on " China's Role in the Global Climate Game ," describing a number of unpleasant options China, the United States, and the rest of the world will have to face in dealing with climate changes already underway. "Any quantitatively realistic path for a fast-growing China will mean a tremendous reliance on coal," he said. "They will have to use growing amounts of coal for decades to come." That leaves the U.S.

Climate Change and Its Human Toll: A Stark Reality

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Climate Change and Its Human Toll: A Stark Reality Climate change is a pressing global issue that transcends boundaries, impacting lives and ecosystems across the planet. While we often discuss rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and extreme weather events, there's a harsh reality that deserves our utmost attention: the human toll of climate change.  Every year, a staggering 150,000 lives are lost due to the consequences of a warming planet. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the profound impact of climate change on human health and explore the urgent need for collective action. Understanding the Link Between Climate Change and Human Health Rising Temperatures and Heat-Related Illnesses As the Earth's average temperature continues to rise, we witness an alarming increase in heat-related illnesses. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and even death. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children, are particularly a

Greenbuild Expo - Manchester 17th 18th June 2009

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Sustainability is the key to our futures. The construction industry, as one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions, is a key player in helping to forge a safe and secure future environmentally for all of us. Greenbuild Expo takes place at Manchester Central on 17th & 18th June this year and will promote to the industry new building methods and materials, showcase the latest technologies and innovations and promote discussion on the challenges facing the industry. Highlights include: Expert advice - seminars run b y experts in the industry Get Britain Building - the trade launch of the Get Britain Building campaign Public Sector Village - dedicated to local authorities, housing associations and other key public sector organisations Workshops - including solar thermal systems, air source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting and insulated concrete formwork For more information visit the Greenbuild Expo site.

How to be greener

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How to be greener Many individuals who come across this blog share a common interest in adopting a greener lifestyle and reducing their carbon footprint. Oftentimes, the challenge lies in knowing where and how to embark on this eco-friendly journey. Just like any other endeavour, simplicity should be our guiding principle as we begin this transformative path.  Let's start by taking small, manageable steps that not only make a positive impact but also provide us with the motivation to keep going. There's no need to dive headfirst into a grand eco-project, only to become disheartened by unexpected complications or costs. So, let's commence this green adventure. 1. Energy Conservation:  It all begins with the flick of a switch. Remember to turn off lights and electronic devices when they're not in use. Consider switching to energy-efficient bulbs and avoid leaving appliances like TVs, radios, and computers on standby. The energy savings might seem modest individually, but