Factor That Makes  LCDs Eco-Enemies:
A gas used in making of flat screen televisions, Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3) is 17000 times as powerful as Carbon Dioxide. NF3 is not covered by the Kyoto protocol because it was only produced in small amounts in 1997. Professor Michael Prather from the University of California has highlighted this issue in an article for the magazine ‘New Scientist’.

Studies Say:
Professor Michael Prather estimates 4,000 tons of NF3 will be produced in 2008 and that number is likely to double in 2009. Dr Paul Fraser, the chief research scientist at the CSIRO’s marine and atmospheric research centre and an IPCC author, says without measuring the quantity of Nitrogen Trifluoride in the atmosphere it is unclear what impact it will have on the climate. He explained further, that they haven’t observed NF3 in the atmosphere or  probably it’s in very low concentrations. Dr Fraser concluded, the key to whether it is a problem or not depends on how much NF3 is released into the atmosphere.

LCD televisions and computer monitors are widely used by which the emission of dangerous gases into the atmosphere is also being increased. We only hope the best that these LCDs choose an alternative for the NF3 used to design flat screen televisions.

Ozone Layer:
Ozone layer is located above the troposphere in the stratosphere. Ozone layer is Earth’s natural protection for all life forms, shielding our planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation particularly from UV-B radiation. UV-B radiation is harmful to humans, animals and plants.

Ozone Layer Depletion:
The ozone layer is getting destructed by certain industrial chemicals including ozone depleting refrigerants, halons and methyl bromide, a pesticide used on crops.

Global Warming:
Ozone depletion causes global warming, a term which is often used interchaneably with climate change. Gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and refrigerants create a green house effect by trapping heat in the lower atmosphere. This phenomenon makes the Earth warmer because the sun rays are allowed directly into the lower atmosphere and harm the biolife of the Earth.

Scientists and environmental organizations claim that, continued global warming will speed up the  ozone depletion. Because global warming traps heat in troposphere, very less heat reaches the stratosphere which makes it colder. Ozone depletion becomes a major threat for biolife when the stratosphere becomes colder. Greenhouse gases such acts as a sheild cover for troposphere and will make stratosphere colder.

Consequences of Ozone Depletion and Global Warming:
Ultraviolet radiation particularly UV-B radiation causes cancer, cataracts and immune suppression in both humans and animals and it also affects plants.

Global warming – Infectious Diseases:
Insects and rodents are the main vectors for most of the infectious diseases. If the environment becomes warmer, the insects will fly to new places where they can survive and infect more people. UV-B radiation damages amphibian eggs, larvae and trout.

Global Warming – Food Chain:
If ozone depletion is allowed to continue our food chain will be disrupted effectively. Due to this crops, animals, algae and fungi will all get damaged and  the availability of food will be reduced.

To prevent ozone depletion as well the global warming every individual should contribute to set their environment green and pollution-free. Promoting plantation, biofuel consumption and regulating the usage of refrigerants may help to overcome the threat of ozone depletion and hence  global warming.

The main reasons for this is industrial pollution, urbanization, bad methods of farming, over fishing and poaching. All this together has contributed in rapid decline of the animal population across the globe. The LPI noticed drifts in 4000 populations of species. In this 1477 vertebrate species were studied and the clear-cut human impact was observed.

Some experts however opine that the data still is underestimated. They feel that the damages recorded is far more than the observed ones. The governments plans and polices have failed miserably in delivering the biodiversity commitments, as the decline is ongoing.

The study of LPI is based on the vast population of data sets. It relies a lot on other kinds of data’s such as fish stocks commercial data and common bird monitoring scheme etc. the figures noted clearly indicates that between the yr 1970-2005 the LPI globally has fallen by 27%. It shows that the world has failed to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss. This was set in the yr 2002 convention of Biological diversity.

The reports were released as a part of WWF information. It was entitled as “2010 and Beyond: Rising to the Biodiversity Challenge.” This was published before the global meet on biodiversity.
 

Statistics show that in America alone the emission of gases is 5.6 ton, which is more than double in the Europe. Here are some ways by which one can reduce in emissions: -

• Check your car-
  Always buy the car that is best in fuel economy. With each gallon burned almost 20-25 pounds of gases that traps heat is released into the atmosphere. With better mileage one can not only reduce emissions that lead to global warming but will also help in saving thousands of dollars. Look for cars that offer new hybrid technologies.
• Clean power-
  Most of the electricity in some major economies of the world makes use of power plants that pollute the atmosphere. These power plants are considered to be the major source of emissions and heat trapping gases in the world. It is true that it is impossible to live without electricity but switching to companies that provide renewable source of energy could be a better option.
• Buy the energy star appliance-
  While purchasing any kind of appliance for your home, look for labels that have energy star on it. Though one might have to pay for them in the upfront but in due course of time the amount gets paid back in the form of low electricity bills. By saving on these appliance the national economy could save around $15 billion on energy and can eradicate almost 175 million tons of harmful gases that are affecting the atmosphere.
• Unplug-
  It is a common practice that in most of the homes, most of the appliances are kept in stands still position. Be it refrigerator, television, AC, most of these appliances are kept unplugged. Unplug them when not in use, by this almost 10% of CO2 emissions could be controlled.
• Get a Home Audit done-
  Practice begins at home. One can do the home audit by themselves or can take the assistance of a professional. By this one can check the places where more amount of energy is consumed and can arrest it. For example in AC’s replacing the thermostat with a digital ones can save almost 5% on energy bills.
• Change the bulbs-
  Replace all the bulbs of your home with an energy saving bulb. The incandescent bulbs can be replaced with fluorescent bulbs that give more light and are more efficient. This could drastically reduce the current bills.
• Make use of car intelligently-
  Every time you take your car out remember that you are polluting the atmosphere. Go on foot for small distances or make use of bicycles. For office transit make use of carpool, buses or trains.
• Recycle-
  Try to keep the garbage separate for plastics, papers and metals. These could be easily recycled. Always carry a cloth bag with you so as to avoid plastic bags. These small practices counts a lot.
• Tree plantation-
  Plant a tree in your own garden. Community tree planting and growing trees in the neighborhood jointly can make the difference. Make it mandatory to create green areas in your locality. One can seek the help on local level for this. Encourage and be a part of any community tree-planting program.
• Sign up for a petition-
  Be a part of Any NGO or community that plays significant role against global warming. You can support them by signing a petition so as to raise your voice against global warming. The government and policy makers should get accurate information about the problems. Decisions taken at the national level plays a major role. Remember by working together only we can make the difference.

Personal Action-

Make less usage of gasoline, oil, electricity and natural gas. By reducing these non-renewable sources of energy you can set an example to others. Make smart choices when it comes to energy and transportation.

Invest in those appliances that are extremely good efficient models or cars that are highly fuel-efficient. By purchasing an AC that is energy star efficient or car that emits less gas, is advisable. Remember the energy star in given by the Environmental Protection Agency.

For smaller distances go walking instead of taking the car out. One can also join carpool, or take mass transit like buses and trains to reduce the use of gasoline.

Conduct an energy audit of your home. This could be done with a professional help or by yourself, by carefully examining the areas in the house that makes use of more energy and rectifying it. Make it a point to put the recommendations into every day practice.

Devise a plan by which you can reduce and cut the usage of energy in and around your house. The entire members of the house should participate in it and should follow the practice diligently.

Community Action-

Public buildings could be made a model of energy efficiency. Making use on renewable source of energy like the sun, which is enormous and absolutely free, could do it. Be a part of projects that are incorporating and making use of solar techniques.

Green is the real mantra. Plant as many trees near your house and encourage people of your neighborhood and your community to participate in it wholeheartedly.

Work for the community and educate and promote energy efficient methods. Tell the importance of clean and green energy.

One can promote community carpooling plan and encourage the construction of bike lane so that people may also make use of these lanes by using their bicycles.
Recycle, recycle and recycle. Keep the garbage segregated from the stuffs that could be recycled ones from the ones that are naturally perishable. Plastics, papers, metals and glass could be easily recycled.

At the local level see and help that the electric utilities are energy efficient and make use of renewable sources of energy.

On a national level-

Contribute by writing to the local newspaper the consequences of global warming and need for leadership at the national level as well as amendments of rules at the governmental and federal level. 

Be a part of the campaign that is against global warming and supports cleaner and greener earth. You can also sign a petition to strengthen and support your cause.

The senators and the congressional leaders and representatives should be asked to encourage, address and support green world. The root cause of global warming could be discussed at the public level only through them.

Be a part of the campaign that is meant to plant trees and promote green and supports wildlife.

The technology today is so advanced that vans, cars and SUV’s are so powerful and so efficient that they run on 40 miles per gallon and sometimes even more. Their performance could vary depending upon the terrain, road and even individual maintenance.

Apart from these better engines and good transmissions with designs supporting aerodynamics, materials that are light for the body and chassis can drastically reduce the consumption of fuel.

The fleet of cars on roads can come down to 24mpg from 40mpg. It means that almost 44 million cars could be removed from the road and drivers who use their vehicles individually could save significantly. It should be noted that 30% of emissions in US only occurs on account of transportation. And by increasing fuel economy one can arrest the climate change to a great extent.

The CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) should bring in more fuel –efficient cars, increasing the average gasoline mileage and lesser emissions could do this. The standards of the SUV’s also have to be increased. The government can intervene by making strict regulations on vehicle emissions.

The government can further go ahead and can offer credit on tax to the consumers who invest in eco friendly vehicles. It should encourage the usage of fuel like the ethanol and cell operated vehicles. Solar cars are another best alternate solution to it. The auto and cars manufactures can contribute in bringing in new technologies that supports clean and green technology. Toyota and Honda have already started producing hybrid vehicles that are fuel-efficient.  

A personal check-
Whenever you are planning to buy a personal car, look for one that is fuel-efficient. Each and every vehicle that hits the road contributes singly on the global warming. Remember that each gallon your vehicle consumes releases almost 20 pounds of Carbon-di-oxide into the atmosphere. Cars with better mileage will not only reduce emission around the globe but will also help in saving thousands of dollars. Always look for the fuel economy sticker and hybrid engines before buying the new car.
 
For people who have more than one vehicle, use the less fuel efficient one while traveling in-group or mass. The tyres should be kept inflated, be a member of carpool or can take mass transit like bus or trains.

It is true that these amendments cannot happen overnight and one has to rely on these non-renewable fuels for sometime. Using these fossil fuels irresponsibly will dry the natural source. Burning more of it will bring in more climate change and the economy will suffer, as it will rely more on foreign oil. Without governmental support it would not be possible. The government should also invest in bringing in the technologies that promotes green and welcome cleaner energy.

The new listing asserts that in order to secure the habitat of these wild bears the federal government should interfere and must impose certain strict norms. It was suggested that it should first pass restrictions on green house emissions. These emissions if corrected at the right hour will influence the earth in a positive way that even the shifts of glaciers in the arctic region could be stopped. By listing the polar bears among the threatened species the activists can then take the help of lawsuit and can compel the nation in limiting the sources of energy.

Though some of the people are against the listings, as they believe it would not work effectively. Some of the people supporting this argument are Myron Ebell who is the competitive Enterprise Institute Director of Energy & Global Warming Policy.

They opine that the listings needs “high bar” as support to prove that the green house gas is responsible of extinction of a particular group of population of the bears. The CEI secretary believes that this listing will have horrible consequences. The listing highlights the need for amendment of the endangered species act. On behalf of CEI Marlo Lewis submitted comments giving details why the polar bear should not be listed among the endangered species.
 

The observatory located at the Mauna Loa, Hawaii in the US has confirmed their recordings stating that the carbon-di-oxide levels in the atmosphere is at 387 parts per million (ppm). It has shot up to almost 40 % since the advent of industrial revolution. The latest recordings depict that it has reached the peak in the last 650,000 yrs.

The laboratory is considered to be producing some of the most consistent, reliable data’s. The location is so secluded so that the sensors are not getting interfered with other gas sources in the atmosphere.

The US National Oceanic also confirmed the latest recordings, and Atmospheric Administration, showing considerable rise in carbon-di-oxide content. They have verified that this main greenhouse gas is getting accumulated at a rapid rate. Though the talks are in progress but nothing much has been done to check it. If measures not taken readily things might move from bad to worse. Research from various fields has shown the rising trend of greenhouse gases in recent years and the rate is alarming. Researchers say that the increase could signify that the earth’s natural capability to absorb CO2 is gradually depleting.  

In some parts of the world the impact can be seen in the form of tornados like the one that hit the New Orleans region and the Tsunami that occurred and engulfed Asia’s largest region. If things continued to move at this pace then more severe climatic changes may occur and their scale will be much more high.

Lothar Stramma conducted the research along with his group assembling records and studying the water world of past 50 yrs. Study reveals that in the past 50 yrs there has been expansion in hypoxic zones. The most prominent ones are the Eastern Tropical Atlantic and The Equatorial Pacific. The carbon and nitrogen cycles are also affected due to it. The level of oxygen is less then the critical oxygen level needed to support the marine habitat. The time line of oxygen concentration was studied at depths between 985 and 2295, keeping the records of past 50 yrs.

The depletion of oxygen in water is due to rise in temperature. The warm water looses its capacity to store oxygen. Pollution also contributes to hypoxia. The World Resource Institute has found 415 sites across the globe, these regions have observed to be over enriched with nitrogen and phosphorous. This eutrophication can prompt the development of algae that further depletes the oxygen in water. The result is oxygen deprived regions are unable to support marine organisms and other aquatic life.

This has triggered more suffocating zones due to these hypoxic waters. The deserts not only run vertically but horizontally as well. It is believed that the underwater desert is widening. The reason behind it is with the rise in temperature the warm oxygen rich surface water does not circulates to lower depths. The density of water reduces, as it gets warmer. The deeper and middle layers are most affected, as there is less supply of oxygen from the surface. The larger fishes and aquatic animals are at risk, as they require considerable amount of energy.

The low oxygen zones are increasing and they may shift towards the Continental shelf influencing areas of fishing. The biological productivity can get reduced severely hampering the food chain. It has been reported that the concentration levels of oxygen have gone down at the depth of 330 to 1310 feet between the yr 1956-2006.

The new study though highlights that the global warming could be a possible reason, but again it was noted that this phenomenon had occurred before also.

Records of the paleontological era have shown the ocean suffocation in the past. About 250 million yrs ago 90% of marine habitat was wiped out. But the fact remains that other factors are aggravating the global warming problem.

This vast lake though isolated, is now no more remains untouched by the harmful hazards of global warming. The rise is temperature is the proof that even the extreme corners of the globe are getting affected. The lead member of the team Stephanie Hampton presented the report on Global Change Biology Journal. She is a renowned ecologist and deputy director of NCEAS in Santa Barbara, California. Another major team member is Marianne Moore, biologist as Wellesley, together with a group of four conducted the research and put forward the study.

The research was conducted keeping the statistics of last 60 years. This research work was collected by three generations of one family of Siberian Scientists. The data also highlighted the considerable warming of water and changes in the food cycle of the prehistoric largest lake of the world. Study was based on sampling for six decades of water sampling and environment.

Readings show that there in increase in water temperature to 1.21 degree Celsius from the year 1946, chlorophyll A 300 % from the year 1979, zooplankton grazers 335 % since 1946 shows the insinuation of cycles and food web.

Scientists have concluded this lake also has joined bandwagon like the other lakes namely lake superior, Tanganyika and Tahoe. The UNESCO in the year 1996 had declared it as the world’s heritage site on account of its biological diversity.