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Maxene
Graham introduced
Making Environmentally Sustainable Choices
Dr.
John H. Parker
Professor
of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Florida International University
Maxene Graham introduced
Making Environmentally
Sustainable Choices
Dr. John H. Parker
Professor of Chemistry and
Environmental Science, Florida International University
Maxene Graham: We’ve having a heat wave and we took the
easy way out and ignored the problem. Former VP Gore has been applauded for focusing the world’s
attention on this topic with the documentary An Inconvenient Truth.
This dedicated scientist shows that going green is great. He
first spoke about this topic in 1988.
Climate change is the most severe problem we face today –
more serious than the threat of terrorism.
In some ways, we’ve waited too long – but Dr. Parker
is not a doomsayer – if we act now we can avoid the most catastrophic
effects of what we have started with manmade emissions of greenhouse gases
The last 11 of the last 12 years have been the warmest on the
planet in recorded history.
Transportation and electricity use is the culprit.
1) Rapid increase of co2
2) Sulfate particulates – volcanoes and coal burning
3) Solar radiation - decreased
The planet Earth has been warming 1 degree for the last 40
years.
N America is +1.6 degrees
By 2025, N. American will be up 2 degrees and we’re locked
into this course However, can we stop this rate of increase.
As a scientist he bases his premise on 29,000 sets of
observations – 90% of these validate computer models
Expect:
Rapid melting of sea ice, glaciers
Intense and longer droughts (Australia – worse impacted
country in the world) Mega droughts in SW America and Africa.
Environmental damage greater than expected from unexpected
sources Example: Kenai Area in
Alaska – 90% of the Sitka spruce is dead due to a beetle which used to
die off in the winter. The insect
has devastated this area’s forest.
Patterns and trends of extreme changes. Rising seas in S. FL
with all beaches lost by the end of this century. A sea wall to maintain South Beach
will need to be built. The
Florida Keys are going to be under water by 2100.
Coral reefs devastated throughout the Caribbean –
acidification of the oceans and the rate of degradation around the world
1⁄2 will be lost in 50 years.
Hurricanes to be more intense but less frequent.
ECONOMY
The USA will lose 5% of our GNP due to the cost to circumvent
these problems. However, to address it with focus on green technology will
cost 1% GNP (with quality of life improvements to health, environment)
We need to create sustainable cities that move away from the
automobile. This emphasis is
really good for creating jobs. If we start spending resources on green energy
you create 3X as many jobs as gas, electric, etc. Many of these jobs will be
local. Read Tom Freedman in the
NY Times.
Even though China is now producing tons, Europe and the U.S put
up 80% of all greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Florida’s Governor Crist goal is to reduce greenhouse
emissions in this state to 1990 levels to prevent catastrophic global warming
–
This is going to devastate the poorest people on the planet; so
global warming is a fundamental moral issue. It is about stewardship of the
earth and protecting God’s creation.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
Reduce energy use, reduce consumption, reduce our waste
Change the culture to a more conservation ethic
Reduce A/C
Buy more efficient appliances.
Combine errands. Donate pop tops to McDonald’s House.
Do not wait on these issues – see what you can do.
Inflate your tires you’ll get 2% better gas mileage
Low flow shower head – water and sewer giving away these
free
State gives you back money back for solar water heater
20% return on your investment
The ozone hole near Australia is a separate global pollution
problem. However, it shows that when we drastically changed the production of
CFC, in 60 years the hole will close. Reversals of damage can occur.
Hydrogen cars? As of today, It would cost $500,000 to produce
and it won’t be available for at least 20 years.
A plug in hybrid is a solution today. It could get up to 125
miles to the gallon.
How should you move our society to a more just and sustainable
future?
1. In your
community you should support efforts to build low-income housing and zoning
that reduces pollution and global warming
2. In your
workplace, you should support efforts to establish a livable wage for all
workers and encourage your business to incorporate
environmentally-sustainable practices such as recycling and energy
conservation
3. In your
personal consumption, you should spend more sustain ably such as investing in
a solar water heater, buying a less-polluting car and, yes, even purchasing
this trade-certified, shade-grown coffee for a more just and sustainable
society.
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