Air Pollution

A Mighty Wind

By: Trevor Butterworth

Published: Newsweek May 21, 2012

http://go.galegroup.com/ps/retrieve.do?sgHitCountType=None&sort=DA-SORT&inPS=true&prodId=GPS&userGroupName=hatterslib&tabID=T003&searchId=R3&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&contentSegment=&searchType=BasicSearchForm&currentPosition=1&contentSet=GALE%7CA289601000&&docId=GALE|A289601000&docType=GALE&role=SUIC

 Picture: This image shows what is accounting for 2 percent of greenhouse gases, flatulence of animals.

http://jeremywilliams.net.au/portfolio.html

 Summary:  Three British academics researched and found that it is possible that dinosaurs could have put methane into the atmosphere with their burping and farting causing changes in our climate. When an animal needs to digest plant material it produces quite an accumulation of methane. So when a rather large animal, such as a dinosaur, is constantly eating plants its produces very large amounts of methane. It is estimated that dinosaurs produced between 500 and 600 million tons of methane per year.  John Whitlock, a paleontologist at the University of British Columbia, states that the theory is not unreasonable. However, he questions just how much of the climate change is a result of flatulence of the dinosaurs in the Jurassic era. Today, cattle are replacing the dinosaur’s methane production but are not producing nearly as much.

 Opinion/Reflection: I find it very interesting that our climate change could have something to do with flatulent dinosaurs. We are constantly being told that the change in climate is because of our use of cars polluting the atmosphere, etc. This is true, but there are things that we have little or no control over that are contributing to climate changes as well. What dinosaurs did can’t be changed but we have to change our habits to accommodate for the high amounts of methane in the atmosphere from millions of years ago.

Questions:

1.       Do you think there is validity to the theory that dinosaur flatulence warmed the earth’s climate?

2.       What can help reduce the amount of pollution in the air?

3.       Do you think we should add oregano or curry to cow feed to minimize the emissions?

Tidal Power Could Create New Wave Of Energy

Federal and State Governments Should Support Tidal Power

Written by Larry Eisenstat
Published in 2010

5/14/2012

URL: http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/ViewpointsDetailsPage/ViewpointsDetailsWindow?displayGroupName=Viewpoints&disableHighlighting=false&prodId=OVIC&action=e&windowstate=normal&catId=&documentId=GALE%7CEJ3010723212&mode=view
Picture: This picture gives a basic overview on how tidal power works. The motion of waves and tides power small turbines. Within a short amount of time these turbines can potentially produce a sizable amount of electricity.


Summary: Currently our country is facing a potential energy crisis. Our heavy reliance on oil and coal will prove to be disasterous unless we start shifting to alternate energy sources. One of the most reasonable options of alternative energy is tidal power. Hydrokinetic power uses the motion of waves to power small turbines and create electricity. The tides are consistant and predictable making hydrokinetic power very practical. Creating power stations along the coast would create despirately needed jobs as well. Hydrokinetic power is not just a hopefull idea or theory, the United Kingdom has been experimanting with since May 2008. Great Britain uses tidal power for 20% of its electricity needs. Tidal power is extremely promising, and not beyond our grasp. We should take advantage of the tides now in order to establish a secure energy future.

Opinion/Reflection: I think tidal power is a fantastic idea to solve the looming energy problem we face in the near future. Tidal energy is extremely predictable and sustainable. The waves will never cease, creating energy day and night. I personally love to visit the beach, and often find myself marveling at the sheer power the tides are capable of. We would find plenty of opportunity in tidal power to create a superior energy future. With plenty of coastal area around the country, shifting into smarter and healthier energy options couldn't be easier.

Questions:
        1. What are your thoughts on tidal power? Does it seem useful to you? Why or why not?
        2. Do you believe we could potentially look towards tidal power as a major source of energy for our country? Explain your reasoning.
        3. What are the problems with tidal power, if any? How could these problems be fixed?

 

Ball State University dedicates geothermal system
From: American School and University  Published on Student Resources in Context on March 21, 2012
Link: http://go.galegroup.com/ps/retrieve.do?sgHitCountType=None&sort=DA-SORT&inPS=true&prodId=GPS&userGroupName=hatterslib&tabID=T003&searchId=R5&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&contentSegment=&searchType=BasicSearchForm&currentPosition=14&contentSet=GALE%7CA283778591&&docId=GALE|A283778591&docType=GALE&role=SUIC

Picture Link: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/

 Picture: This picture shows the process of geothermal energy being created. Geothermal energy is a possible replacement for fossil fuels in the future.

Summary: Ball State University is starting to use geothermal energy to cool and heat all of the buildings on their campus. This new form of energy could save them about $2 million dollars annualy after it is fully installed. It will become the largest geothermal system in the U.S. after it's completion. Currently, $20 million is still needed to complete this project for the 660-acre campus. It will require a total of 3,600 boreholes to be drilled in order to get to the heat beneath the Earth used for geothermal heating/cooling. To heat the buildings, heat will be removed from fluids in the Earth's crust. For cooling, heat will be pumpd out of the buildings and back into the Earth.

Opinion/Reflection: I think that this is a great idea for the university. Saving money will help them fund important things at the school. Also, they are becoming eco-friendly by switching to this cleaner form of energy. The huge investment that they are making with this geothermal energy system will be well worth it in the future. Personally, I always look for ways to save money and energy like they are doing at Ball State, so I can really connect to what they are doing, even though their savings are on a much larger scale.

Questions:
1. What do you think of Ball State's plan to switch to geothermal energy?
2. Do you think the size of their project is practical? Why or why not?
3. What would be a better alternative to geothermal energy for Ball State? Explain.