How Comparative Environmental Policy Class Has Effected Me

During this semester in my Comparative Environmental Policy class at the University of Connecticut, I have researched, studied and read on the history of environmentalism in our country, current research and policies toward climate change and even implemented my own study on public opinion on climate. I feel that I have gained large amounts of knowledge that have led me to be a more informed and educated citizen during a time where my opinion and knowledge matters.

As we all know, our world is in a state of decline, whether it a question of our values or the way we go about our everyday lives, action needs to be taken in order to sustain and improve the quality of life and the quality of our environment.

After being in this class, I have noticed key changes in my day to day life that I feel are a direct result of what I have learned. This leads me to believe that through education we can make the public more aware of the situation. But I have also learned that one must want to learn and want to change in order to uphold what they have learned.

Over the past three months, I have used my knowledge in conversation and in my practices. While they may be little changes, every little bit counts. I have decreased the use of my vehicle, carpooling with room mates when possible and walking to class on nice days. I implemented passive solar energy habits such as opening the blinds to let the light in.

Also, I purchased a window insulation system that will cut down on energy consumption. I have also been more aware of my paper towel and one time use water bottle usage. But most importantly, my ideology has changed and I now am more aware everyday of my contribution to the world. I think that it is important that every person who can, become educated on the world around us in order to make this world the best place it can be!

The Cheaper Way to Go Green: Passive Solar Power

Even though installing solar panels in your home is what you would like to do to become more environmentally friendly, the cost of the solar panels are very high. An alternative to the photovoltaic cells and mechanical system of active solar power, is just the opposite, passive solar power.

Passive solar power still uses the sun to heat your home, just in different ways. First there is direct gain: which takes in light through your windows. Then there is indirect gain, which stores thermal energy within the walls. Last, there is isolated gain, which can be used through a sun room or solarium.

Ways to increase your home's passive solar energy consumption is to open blinds, landscape changes (cutting down trees to allow for more direct sunlight) and insulate your walls and windows to keep the heat that you gain in.

While it might not be as directly effective, passive solar power is a green and inexpensive way to heat your home and it can be done in both the winter and the summer. During the day, keep your shades open and use extra insulation techniques to hold it all in.

Here is a video on how you can use passive solar power in your home.

Does Water Vapor Really Play an Important Role in Climate Change?

Water vapor is know to be the Earth's most abundant greenhouse gas, but the level of impact that it has on global warming has been debated by many existing models for years. In November, NASA was able to receive new evidence that water vapor plays a large role in global warming. Using new technology called the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), which measures the humidity throughout the lower 10 miles of the atmosphere, NASA was able to conclude that water vapor, which increases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, is potent enough to double the level of climate warming.

According to Sciencedaily.com, "Increasing water vapor leads to warmer temperatures, which causes more water vapor to be absorbed into the air. Warming and water absorption increase in a spiraling cycle. Water vapor feedback can also amplify the warming effect of other greenhouse gases, such that the warming brought about by increased carbon dioxide allows more water vapor to enter the atmosphere."

While scientists have been estimating the effect of water vapor on global warming, it wasn't until now that they had complete data to support their claims. "AIRS is the first instrument to distinguish differences in the amount of water vapor at all altitudes within the troposphere. Using data from AIRS, the team observed how atmospheric water vapor reacted to shifts in surface temperatures between 2003 and 2008. By determining how humidity changed with surface temperature, the team could compute the average global strength of the water vapor feedback."

This amazing research confirms their beliefs that water vapor is a leading cause of climate change and now they will be able to research ways to minimize the impact and damage.

Why Women Are More Likely Than Men To Be Environmentally Aware

Over this past semester, I have been researching public attitudes on climate change and what factors influence these attitudes. One factor that my group and I researched was gender. Based on literature that we reviewed and even a study we did within our community (University of Connecticut) we have become aware that overall, women are more likely than men to be more eco-conscious and have more environmentally friendly values.

I found this fact interesting because in opposition to this, males tended to be more environmentally knowledgeable therefore I would assume they would then be more inclined to act on their knowledge, but there is a disconnect.

When you break it down, it seems that women are more likely to be concerned for issues that effect themselves and their family. They are also usually the primary household provider of food and supplies and therefore make the decisions on buy eco-friendly goods. Women are also seen to perceive risk as more detrimental, all with their family in mind.

While all of this is understandable, I know many males in my family as well as around me that are environmentally aware, but either they are too lazy or too busy to do something about it. But aren't women busy too?

Best Ways to Go Green and Lower Your Carbon Footprint

While it may be considered "hip" right now to go green, reducing your carbon footprint will not only make you more fashionable it will help save our planet. While not everyone can afford to buy a hybrid car or walk to work, there are little things that every single person or household can do to contribute to a global effort to preserve the nature of our planet so that in 100 years it might still be a great place. One place to start is to measure your carbon footprint. Answer truthfully and you will see what an impact small things like how many times a year you fly or how many showers a week you take can have an effect on our climate.

Measure your carbon footprint

1. Unplug your appliances when you are not using them

A lot of people do not realize that electronics still draw electricity if they are plugged in but turned off. It takes two seconds to unplug an appliance and it can make a difference

2. Buy a Brita filter or a reusable water bottle instead of using bottled water

This is a little change that has a huge impact. In the past 15 years one use water bottle usage has extremely increased. Buying a filter and filling up a reusable water bottle instead of using plastic water bottles that you throw away after each use will make a big difference. It is also cheaper and may be better for your health.

3. Borrow from libraries or go to your local bookstore to read your favorite magazine or book

The introduction of online newspapers and online books may be a bad thing for people who love to buy and collect books or hold a paper in their hand while eating breakfast, but it saves on cutting down trees, and its cheaper!

4. Cut meat out of one meal per week

Taking meat out of one meal per week in your diet will help reduce your carbon footprint, and who would object to pizza!

5. Have plants in your home or grow a garden outside

While you may have to learn how to upkeep a garden, and it will cost a little, growing your own fruits and vegetables will save money you would spend in the grocery store. Having plants inside your house are little maintenance and they help create new oxygen in your home.

Is China to Blame?

A chart of proposed U.S. emissions cuts

This week marked the beginning of the Copenhagen Climate Conference. In attendance are countries from around the world that are major players in the international scene and also major contributors to our current climate crisis.

Making a big appearance today was the U.S. and President Obama's cheif negotiator, Todd Stern. Stern, who just got to Copenhagen on Wednesday has already made a big splash when during his first appearance, he pointed out China : “The country whose emissions are going up dramatically, really dramatically, is China,” Todd Stern said according to Bloomberg – adding that “there can’t be a new agreement without China”.

Stern went on to say that the U.S.'s emissions were not as much of a concern, reiterating putting the blame on china, as he stated that the U.S.'s emission were, "pretty much flattening."

While it is true that China is a major contender in the "who emits more pollution" game, it is not entirely true that U.S. emission rates are flattening out, but as Stern also said, pending legislation, the U.S. hopes to reduce its emissions rates by 17 percent by 2020.

You Know That Global Warming is Taking Effect on the World When...The President of the Maldives Orders a Cabinet Meeting Be Held Underwater

In efforts to draw attention to one of the world's lowest lying body of land, Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed, has asked his cabinet members to meet him on Oct. 17th, 20 feet under the sea.  President Nasheed has asked his cabinet members to prepare for the underwater meeting by becoming Scuba certified and learning underwater signs. 

"The intention is to draw the attention of the world leaders to the issue of global warming and highlight how serious are the threats faced by Maldives as a result," said Aminath Shauna from president Nasheed's office. "If we can stop climate change, the lowest-lying nation on earth will be saved."

The Maldives is an archipelago off the southern coast of India. It is one of the smallest low-lying nations, averaging at only seven feet above sea-level, according to an article on the blog GlobalWarmingIsReal.com. Officials from the Maldives fear that it may be one of the first nations to disappear due to sea level rising from the effects of global warming. Needless to say, the residents of this small island are worried. The meeting will take place off the island of Girifushi, which is a 20 minute boat ride from the Maldives capital, Male. 

Since taking office last year, President Nasheed has become a very vocal figure in the international call for help against the effects of global warming. Nasheed has even committed that the Maldives will become the first carbon neutral nation with hopes of stopping the use of all fossil fuels by 2020, according to the website.

 One of the most important things on the agenda for the underwater meeting will be for the cabinet members to discuss and sign a document prepared by the little nation, calling on all countries to cut their carbon emissions. They will bring this document to the COP15 Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, which will occur in December. 

The COP15 Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen will take place from Dec. 7- Dec. 18th and will be held at the Bella Center in Copenhagen. According to the COP15 Climate Change Conference website, "The ambition of the Danish government is that the COP15 conference in Copenhagen will result in an ambitious global agreement including all the countries of the world." 

The purpose of the conference is to gather world leaders together in hopes of renegotiating a treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol Treaty, which was made in 1997. World leaders hope to put together a new treaty before the first phase of the Kyoto treaty is up in 2012.  

As the conference approaches, many countries like the Maldives are taking steps toward new legislation to bring to the conference. In the United States, Energy Secretary Steven Chu has aspirations of getting a bill to the President to sign before the conference.

 The bill, which aims at reducing US emissions and promoting clean energy, has not yet been passed by the Senate. Senator Barbara Boxer, who chairs the Environment and Public Works Committee, said on Monday, "I believe we will get this bill out of my committee soon."

Hopefully small countries and large countries will unite and bring forth good ideas and legislation to the conference in hopes of forming a solid treaty to take the place of the Kyoto treaty, come 2012.

Rainwater Harvesting: a Do or a Don't?

If you are trying to make adjustments in your life to become more "green" and you have some time on your hands, rainwater harvesting may be something you may want to consider.

Simply speaking, rainwater harvesting consists of collecting rainwater and using it in place of water from a well or city water. It is a system that has been adopted in many areas of the world where conventional water supply systems have failed to meet peoples needs. It also aids in reducing water bills and consumption. While harvesting can not take the place of your household water supply, it can be used to supplement your system already in place. Some people use the water they collect to wash dishes, wash clothes, water plants and if you implement a filtration system it can be used for drinking and cooking.

There are many examples of rainwater harvesting (RWH) usage in underdeveloped countries such as Sri Lanka and Uganda where simple methods of collection are used and the rainwater collected is used for everyday domestic use (DRWH) such as cooking and cleaning. While these underdeveloped countries typically use simple collection systems and rarely using filtration systems, there are also countries such as Germany where "they incorporate clever computer management systems, submersible pumps, and links into the grey water and mains domestic plumbing systems."

Whether you have a family and some extra time to devote to harvesting rainwater, or a college student looking to become more environmentally aware, RWH is something to consider.

The benefits of rainwater harvesting are

• To harness good quality water resource now being wasted
• To prevent groundwater depletion 
• To augment the expensive piped water supply
• To save expenditure on water 
• To prevent soil erosion and urban flooding
• Inexpensive and simple technology
• Aids ecological conservation

Some downsides to RWH can be lack of time to implement the system necessary in filtrating the water making it safe to use in cooking or for consumption, if it is being used for consumption it is important to use a filtration system which can be expensive and it takes some time to put together a system for a household or if you are looking to implement RWH on a larger scale such as a town or a city, a lot of planning is necessary.

If you are willing to take the time to research and plan out a RWH system it is worth checking out websites devoted to RWH such as www.harvesth2o.com, www.rain-barrel.net and www.harvestingrainwater.com. All websites include instructions on making your own system and a breakdown of what you will be accomplishing by creating your own system.

Rainwater harvesting is a good way of taking a natural resource and using it for everyday life. It is environmentally safe and beneficial and a great way to become Green!

In Order to Combat Global Warming, We Need a Global Contract

Many people believe that it will take a lot to fix what has been done. Global warming has taken a toll on our world, and there are necessary steps that need to be taken to correct this. According to an article in Science Daily, the steps we need to take begin and end with a global cooperative force.

When writing in the journal, Science, researchers say that "nations alone are unable to resolve the sorts of planet-wide challenges now arising." The researchers are calling for a cooperative global committee to deal with the issues we are facing, issues which existing governments and institutions cannot deal with alone, says the article.

The researchers pointed to issues that need global action such as "ozone depletion (the Montreal Protocol), high seas fisheries and antibiotic drug resistance" and they even said that enforcing compliance may be necessary. They make an interesting point when identifying that laws and rules may need to be set in order to accomplish change, a point that I agree with.

"Energy, food and water crises, climate disruption, declining fisheries, ocean acidification, emerging diseases and increasing antibiotic resistance are examples of serious, intertwined global-scale challenges spawned by the accelerating scale of human activity,” say the researchers, who come from Australia, Sweden, the United States, India, Greece and The Netherlands.

They say that these issues are happening too quickly for institutions that are attempting to fix them. They are just simply not able to keep up. It is apparent that cooperation and collaboration is the key to overcoming these issues and making a change.

The article goes on to make a point that I find to be very poignant and valid, the main challenge is getting countries to agree to take part in global institutions designed to prevent destructive human practices.

“Plainly, agreements must be designed such that countries are better off participating than not participating,” they say. "This would involve all countries in drawing up standards designed to protect the earth’s resources and systems, to which they would then feel obligated to adhere. However they also concede that the ‘major powers’ must be prepared to enforce such standards and take action against back-sliders."

The United States considers itself to be a powerful country, and there needs to be an effort put in place that would use our power to bring together countries for the cause of helping to maintain and fix our environment.

Global Warming May Be a Threat, But Temperature Reading From This Summer Could Prove Otherwise

Temperatures this past summer prove that global warming may not being affecting every climate and place the same, as explained an article posted on the website for the Environmental News Network. The averages for June-August 2009 for the United States are the 34th coolest on record, according to the article.

The average for the summer 2009 for the United States was "71.7 degrees F. This was 0.4 degrees F below the 20th Century average. The 2008 average summer temperature was 72.7 degrees F."

Over the summer the United States as a whole had a decrease in average temperature but states such as Florida, Washington and Texas had some of their hottest recorded summers in history. "Florida had its fourth warmest summer, while Washington and Texas experienced their eighth and ninth warmest, respectively."

According to an article on the National Climate Data Center website, the Northeast region of the U.S., including Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Mass., and New Hampshire, experienced some of the wettest weather they have ever seen. "For the summer season (June–August), the Northeast Region had its eighth wettest period on record."

It seems that global warming has indeed affected certain areas differently than other, even within the U.S.. While some areas experienced high temperatures, a lot of areas experienced record low temperatures. This proves that global warming is having an effect on our climate, but the results are varied and inconsistent.

Here is a video describing the effects of global warming courtesy of MSNBC.