Task 7 - Problem & Solution

In the middle of the twentieth century, a big issue started to work quietly and there was no attention given to it. However, two years ago, governments, scientists and individuals recognized the harm of this issue, so they started to find the solutions. This issue is the Global Warming. Global Warming means the increase of temperature, sea levels and carbon emission levels. In this essay, I am going to discuss some of the causes of the Global Warming and try to find some possible solutions.

Starting with the causes of the Global Warming, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) mentioned in their website under Global Warming Basics article, that the main cause is the carbon dioxide and other air pollution that is produced from industries, cars, buildings and airplanes and which is collected in the atmosphere. This trap the sun’s heat and increase the temperature levels. Another important cause mentioned by James F. Kasting in his article about the Global Warming “The Carbon Cycle, Climate, And The Long-Term Effects Of Fossil Fuel Burning” is the deforestation. Millions of trees are cut and burned every year which has two side effects. One is the huge carbon emissions of burning trees and the second is that they are burning trees which help us by absorbing millions of carbon emissions from the air.

Turning to the possible solutions, Larry West mentioned in “Top 10 Things You Can Do to Reduce Global Warming” that one of the solutions is to generate electricity from renewable energy like solar, wind and plants instead of using oil and other gases. It would save money and reduce the very high percentage of greenhouse gases. Another solution is to make cars that run cleaner and use less gas. Walking and biking are great forms of exercise which also mean fewer greenhouse gases. Trains produce less global warming pollution than either cars or airplanes so people can use them instead of cars.

In conclusion, we are facing a big issue and everybody is involved. All the countries should combine together and find solutions. Individuals also should share the responsibilities; otherwise unexpected disasters will be seen in this planet.

Word count: 307




Bibliography


"Global Warming Basics." NRDC.com. 18 Oct. 2005. Natural Resources Defense Council. 17 May 2009

.

Kasting, James F. "The Carbon Cycle, Climate, And The Long-Term Effects Of Fossil Fuel Burning." US Global Change Research Information Office. 29 Mar. 2005. The Nature and Implications of Environmental Change. 16 May 2009 .

West, Larry. "Top 10 Things You Can Do to Reduce Global Warming." Environmental Issues. 22 Oct. 2006. About.com. 17 May 2009 .

Task 6 - Cool Cities

• Since the start of the industrial revolution, many countries achieved an obvious successful movement in their economic development. However, there must be some side effects which were brought to us by the economic and industrial revolution such as the grouth of population, CO2, the traffic jams and the temperature.

• To solve these issues, we have to find out a new earth which is impossible.

• We need to reduce the carbon emissions by 50% in order to live on the earth.

• In Japan during the last 30 years GDP (Gross Domestic Product) has gone up 100% percent while energy efficiency has increased 37% percent and oil consumption has decreased 8% percent.

• Buildings and transportation are responsible for 90% of the carbon dioxide that is emitted into the air.

• Cool city is a green city which is built to be environmentally friendly and with no carbon emissions. It is developed by SDCJ, a Japanese company.

• The three types of transportation that will be used in the cool city are:
  Monorail/Light rail
  Solar water taxis
  Hybrid cars

• There are three main zones which are:
  Business zone
  Culture zone
  Residential zone

• Some of the techniques that will reduce heat are:
  Tree-planting
  Waterways
  Rooftop membranes

• The two types of buildings: eco-tower and eco-residences will reduce the CO2 by 50% and 30% respectively.

• Overall, 60% is the expected reduction of the carbon emissions.

To conclude, cool city is one of the solutions. However, it is not enough; the government and individuals must co-operate to prevent the increase of the carbon emissions.

Task 5 - Carbon Footprint

Nowadays, people start realizing what the footprint is, and what effect could be done by the large amount of their footprint. In this essay, I will describe my research into carbon footprints and outline some possible solutions on how to reduce them.

Footprint is the carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gases that your activities produce, which could affect the climate. It is often measured in pounds or kilograms. I measured my footprint in http://footprint.wwf.org.uk/ and it was 6.38 which the highest in the class. The average figure for CRB was 3.778. I travel about twice a month, which increased my footprint.

In the UAE, the CO2 emitted per person is 32.83 tonnes per year. The government of the UAE took several actions to reduce the carbon dioxide. They try to use nuclear power to low the CO2 which made by electricity. They also support the new green buildings to make them more efficient in their use of recourses. The first zero carbon city in the world which will be build in Abu Dhabi by Masdar. These steps will reduce the greenhouse gases in the UAE.

However, individuals could be part of the solution. Here are some actions could help reducing the carbon dioxide. First, turn off your water heater, because it almost take 20 minutes to heat enough water so why do you keep it switched on 24 hours? Second, switch all the lights before you leave your home.

In conclusion, It is all about us. We have to decide whether we want to reduce the carbon dioxide or not. Actually, it saves our money and our health too.

269 words