It appears that when determining the emissions of carbon dioxide emitting from China, scientists have overestimated this number. Recent studies have shown that this number has been overestimated by a whopping 10 percent. Scientists have been able to conclude this after they did tests on the type of coal being burned in China. They found that each ton of coal had contained lower levels of carbon dioxide than they had expected meaning that there was also less energy being used, and more ash being produced. This is where the flaws in their calculations are evident as they have been assuming that the coal quality in China was similar to that of other developed nations. The cause of this overestimation was also due to the fact that China does not publish official data on annual greenhouse-gas emissions, and a heavy workload goes into simply making an estimate. Although this does reduce the amount of emissions coming from China, it does not change the fact that China is still the largest emitter in the world. In response to this news, I feel a bit relieved that China is emitting less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, however, this relief quickly vanishes as I realize that it does not change the fact that they are still polluting the air by emitting massive amounts of carbon dioxide. Luckily Mr. Xi, China's "paramount leader" will be visiting the United States next month to discuss the pollution and its affects on climate change with president Obama. Mr. Xi has also promised that China's emissions of carbon dioxide would stop growing by 2030, however it is unknown how much gas is billowing throughout China at the moment. Hopefully something can be done soon to stop these massive amounts of pollution, otherwise future generations will be the ones who get the short end of the stick when it comes to dealing with this otherwise fatal emission.
Original article by Chris Buckley (August 19, 2015): posting from The New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/20/world/asia/china-carbon-dioxide-emissions-may-be-overstated-nature-study.html
Original article by Chris Buckley (August 19, 2015): posting from The New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/20/world/asia/china-carbon-dioxide-emissions-may-be-overstated-nature-study.html
In a current study led by Bar-Ilan University, in collaboration with the University of Queensland, it appears that this study is the first to confirm the effect with field trials during a spawning event. It is known that coral only reproduce once a year, and are regulated by moonlight since they can carefully monitor their environment. To do this they rely on photosensitive molecules that help them synchronize with the power of light. The conductors of the study suspected that if reefs are not getting the light they need they could most likely work around it, however scientists were unsure of the long term effects. In the experiment coral reefs were broken up into colonies and the colonies exposed to normal conditions spawned at around the same time as those on the reef. However, there was no sign of spawning behavior in either the corals exposed to artificial light or those left in the dark. The activity of genes was shown to be disrupted and these colonies did not release sperm or eggs. The results of this experiment suggest that the effects of light pollution can occur much more rapidly than previously thought. It was thought that corals take months to become tuned to the moonlight rhythms that guide reproduction. However, the current study suggests that disruption can occur within seven days of coral being exposed to changes in nocturnal light. This is important because coral reefs play a very crucial role in the ocean. Not only are they said to have possibly been one of the oldest forms of a living organism, but they also provide oxygen in the ocean for living sea creatures, which is crucial to their survival.
Original Article by Paulina Kaniewska - elife (December 15, 2015) posting from ScienceDaily
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/12/151215091421.htm
Original Article by Paulina Kaniewska - elife (December 15, 2015) posting from ScienceDaily
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/12/151215091421.htm
Incurable Citrus Disease Triggers Quarantines
As two more trees containing huanglongbing (HLB) are discovered, quarantines have only increased throughout Southern California.
As a result, the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension is urging citrus owners throughout the state to remain vigilant in the face of the incurable disease. Since it is estimated that 60 percent of California residence has at least one citrus tree in their yard, scientists conclude that the widespread effect of HLB could be devastating. In a recent discovery, an HLB-infected lime tree and kumquat tree in residential areas of San Gabriel Valley this month has resulted in an 87-square mile quarantine. Although the bacterium that causes HLB has only been spotted infecting three trees we don't know how many trees infected are out there and spreading. The article states that it is crucial of Californians to assist efforts in removing this tree killing disease, however I feel since HLB does not harm humans or animals, efforts will not be as strong as they could be. HLB is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, that feeds on the leaves and stems of citrus trees. After an they feed on an infected tree, it carries the disease-causing bacteria for life and can transfer the disease when feeding on other citrus trees. An early indication of HLB is the yellowing of leaves on an individual limb or one sector of the tree’s canopy, These leaves will show an asymmetrical pattern of blotchy yellowing or mottling.This is important because it could have a devastating affect on citrus trees if not taken seriously and removed properly. We must work together to prevent this disease from taking away our beloved citrus fruit.
Original Article by Alysson Aredas (July 29, 2015) posting from Turlock Journal
http://www.turlockjournal.com/archives/29848/
As a result, the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension is urging citrus owners throughout the state to remain vigilant in the face of the incurable disease. Since it is estimated that 60 percent of California residence has at least one citrus tree in their yard, scientists conclude that the widespread effect of HLB could be devastating. In a recent discovery, an HLB-infected lime tree and kumquat tree in residential areas of San Gabriel Valley this month has resulted in an 87-square mile quarantine. Although the bacterium that causes HLB has only been spotted infecting three trees we don't know how many trees infected are out there and spreading. The article states that it is crucial of Californians to assist efforts in removing this tree killing disease, however I feel since HLB does not harm humans or animals, efforts will not be as strong as they could be. HLB is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, that feeds on the leaves and stems of citrus trees. After an they feed on an infected tree, it carries the disease-causing bacteria for life and can transfer the disease when feeding on other citrus trees. An early indication of HLB is the yellowing of leaves on an individual limb or one sector of the tree’s canopy, These leaves will show an asymmetrical pattern of blotchy yellowing or mottling.This is important because it could have a devastating affect on citrus trees if not taken seriously and removed properly. We must work together to prevent this disease from taking away our beloved citrus fruit.
Original Article by Alysson Aredas (July 29, 2015) posting from Turlock Journal
http://www.turlockjournal.com/archives/29848/
Paris Climate Agreement
Reading this article got me extremely pumped up, like I wanted to throw a party in celebration. I do realize that this agreement only demonstrates a small step, however it is still a small step in the right direction. The agreement lists that the temperature target for the world will be to keep the global temperature increase below 2 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to aim for below 1.5 degrees celsius. This represents a huge win for smaller less developed island states who state that an increase of 1.5 degrees celsius would devastate them. The countries that sign this agreement are pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, however there is not a set date. Sadly this doe not mean emissions would go to zero, however, if done correctly they will be low enough to be offset by natural processes and modern technology. The agreement also states that more developed countries such as the United States are going to be the ones paying to aid the adaptations of smaller countries to using cleaner energy. This agreement is important because it represents a step in the right direction to stop the vigorous pollution taking place on this earth. It seems like countries are finally recognizing that there is an issue and something has to be done about it. Hopefully, this develops as it should and by the time I'm well into my 70's the world won't be as much of a polluted place.
Original Article by Joby Warrick (December 12, 2015) posting from The Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/12/12/how-the-proposed-landmark-climate-agreement-would-work/?postshare=4711449971095576&tid=ss_fb-bottom
Original Article by Joby Warrick (December 12, 2015) posting from The Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/12/12/how-the-proposed-landmark-climate-agreement-would-work/?postshare=4711449971095576&tid=ss_fb-bottom