The 4 Most Powerful Greenhouse Gases

With global warming still in the fore and still a big issue, a lot of people are still uninformed properly about it! A lot of places are getting warm, forcing quite a number of people to head off to the beach or fan themselves endlessly. Many are still under the assumption that greenhouse gases, which contribute to making the planet warm, should really go. What they don’t know is that the primary purpose of those gases is to prevent heat from escaping into space, preventing the world from turning into one huge snowball! If they didn’t exist, we wouldn’t be able to live on this planet. This little article will tell you about the most powerful greenhouse gases in the world. Some may even surprise you.

1. Water vapor – Yes. Water. Right on top of the list. Water vapor contributes from 36% to 66% of the world’s greenhouse effect. It’s also the most abundant greenhouse gas! Concentrations of water vapor fluctuate throughout the world, and humans don’t affect it directly on a large scale. In addition, warm air caused by the greenhouse effect can carry more water vapor, amplifying the greenhouse effect further. However, humidity is constant. The net effect is overall positive, and also protects against the excess carbon dioxide.

2. Carbon Dioxide – Ah, the gas that many people blame for heating up the earth. It contributes 9% to 26% of the greenhouse effect depending on area. The world’s species and environmental cycles produce this gas naturally, up to twenty times that of what we contribute! Nature cycles the carbon dioxide through plants and weathering, but human production has speeded it up more than nature can account for. Majority of manmade carbon dioxide comes from burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

3. Methane – This gas causes 4% to 9% of the greenhouse effect. Human methane production mostly comes from livestock. By itself, it is an effective greenhouse gas, but it can transforms to water and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which makes it quite effective in warming the earth! If that isn’t enough, it also turns into ozone, which is another greenhouse gas! This is why the amount of methane around is has been more or less constant, and it is why its effect is considered small since many who measure it do not include what it turns into.

4. Ozone – This gas we all know and love as protector against the sun rays is also a greenhouse gas. It causes only 3% to 7% of the greenhouse effect. Ozone causes irritation to the respiratory system at ground level, but is normally very light at that level, choosing instead to concentrate higher up. However, the concentration of ozone at ground level is increasing, because of pollution! This is especially concentrated in populated areas. It decays quickly to normal oxygen.

Now that you know a little bit more about these gases, the question remains. What can we do? What we can, of course. How about you? What do you know about greenhouse gases?

3 Facts About Clean Coal

Hailed as one of the possible solutions to the fossil fuel emission problem, clean coal is coal whose sulfur dioxide is removed and whose carbon dioxide can be recovered easily. It’s still a subject for debate, though, since the technology is theoretical. Here are a few facts about this new type of energy.

1. Not all coal impurities can be removed. Clean coal is essentially an oxymoron! We can’t remove all the impurities from coal, and capturing the ones that remain is still not available on a wide scale. It still gives more emissions than wind or solar power.

2. It is expensive. This may change in the future, but right now the manufacture and burning of clean coal costs quite a bit of money, making renewable energy sources more cost-effective.

3. It may not even happen. There are too many faults with the technology right now, and incorrect implementation will damage our environment because of the possible leaks and emissions it can cause!

I’m all for alternate energy sources, but for me, clean coal is a bad choice due to better alternatives already available, like wind, solar and hydroelectric. What do you think about clean coal? Is it viable?

I Love My Mother

Mother’s Day is special to me. It is because I love my mother very much. Of course, I love my dad too, but mom is truly special to me. It might sound corny, but she’s the wind beneath my wings, my inspiration, the one that I look to when I’m down.

I’ve lost count on how many times she’s helped me up, how may times she’s supported my decisions, how many times she’s comforted me when those decisions turn out to be bad ones.

I can remember an incident a few years ago. We were outside, taking a stroll in the park. That was when it started to rain. My mother, being the selfless woman she is, made sure I was well-covered with the umbrella, getting herself wet in the process. As she shivered and smiled, I couldn’t help but feel love. She knew that I couldn’t afford to be sick that week, so here she was, being herself, taking the fall for me.

Never was there any doubt in my mind that she would suffer for my sake. I would do the same for her, but she never lets me. That’s what mothers do. If ever I become one in the future, I would like to be a mother like my mother is. And I’m sure she’ll love my children the same way she loves me.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Top 5 Cleanest Countries in the World

The environment is a big issue for many of the world’s countries. Billions are spent on making our world a cleaner place yearly. More policies and technological advances help, but the people’s cooperation is what is truly needed. Most do what they can, but some go far and above and aim to make their country the cleanest and greenest it can possibly be, in air, water and land. What are these countries that are the hallmarks of cleanliness?

1. Switzerland – With an environmental performance index (EPI) of 95.5, this European country ranks first in cleanliness. The environment has been in the country’s interest as early as 1876 when it passed a forestry law. There are many major influential pro-environment groups in the country. Nearly all electricity comes from dams and nuclear plants, reducing emissions caused by burning fossil fuels. Strict standards for exhaust are placed on vehicles to lower air pollution. The country is also one of the top recyclers in the world, with stiff penalties levied on offenders. If you want clean, this is the place to be.

2. Sweden – Coming in second with 93.1 are these two countries. Like Switzerland, almost all power is produced without fossil fuels. A good percentage of Sweden’s forests still stand thanks to the people’s efforts, up to today. Like most clean countries, they have emission laws in place. Yet another clean place you can visit!

3. Norway – Tied with Sweden, Norway still uses some forms of oil to power the nation. Norway was once a heavy air polluter, but that has changed after Norway took steps to reduce emissions. A good portion of its land is also protected. It’s always a good time to visit Norway.

4. Finland – Unlike the first three, Finland still uses fossil fuels for power, but this is gradually lessening. Finland takes care of its shores, assigning a majority that can never be built on. Like all the other now-clean nations, it had a past problem with pollution until the government decided to act. Now, it’s one of the cleanest places in the world. I’d love to go there!

5. Costa Rica – It may be unexpected for some, but Costa Rica comes in fifth. This country has a large total area dedicated to parks. Early on in its history, Costa Rica was already acting to have water and air standards. Almost a quarter of the country is protected to preserve wildlife, one of the largest percentages in the world! The nation also contains 5% of the entire world’s species! The country is generally poor but educated, and is the most stable country in its region. They still make an effort for the environment. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t have all those lovely beachside resorts to bring in tourists! They are the most visited place in Central America. Why not come, too?

Next time you plan a vacation, why not go somewhere where you’re sure to breathe clean air? It will be good for you! What are your experiences in these countries? Speak up!

4 Good Things About Biofuel

Biofuel is yet another possible energy source we can have for the future. Many people still don’t know what biofuel is, though! Coal and oil are fossil fuels, they’re made from long-dead plants and animals. Biofuel is the same thing, except that they come from recently dead plants and other similar material. You can even use algae to make it, and avoid using foodstuffs that people need more!

We’ve been using biofuels for a long time now, as wood we burn in stoves. Ethanol and vegetable oil are more examples. How are they better than biofuel, though? Let us compare normal diesel gas and bio-diesel.

1. Biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegradable! Much safer for humans! It has zero emission as well. The exhaust actually smells rather nice!

2. It is harder to burn. When a car filled with biodiesel crashes, it’s not likely to explode! It’s also safer to transport because of this.

3. It can run in any normal diesel engine! No modifications needed! It can even be mixed or blended with normal diesel very easily with no problems. Many countries already do this.

4. It’s good for your vehicle! Biodiesel lubricates the engine more, thus extending life and requiring less maintenance.

How about you? What do you think of biofuel?

Don’t Assume

An online friend of mine from the Philippines recently told me this story. In his country, it is common to see street vendors with hand-drawn carts selling fried processed fish or squid balls, especially near schools. I don’t know how they stand eating that stuff! Anyway, the food was skewered on small wooden sticks. Times are hard over there, so some vendors would pick up the sticks tossed away by the children and actually re-use them.

The fact disgusted him, but he could see why they did it. Profit was very small for such a vendor, barely feeding him for the day.

This particular day, he saw a vendor picking up the discarded sticks. Making a face, he strode over to the man and tapped his shoulder. He asked the man what he was doing.

The older, poorer man smiled and replied that the local parish priest disliked the trash, and he was cleaning up after the people that did not bother to throw them away in the right place. Needless to say, my friend was stunned…and humbled.

He was taught a valuable lesson that day. Don’t assume the worst of people. There are still decent ones in this world, ones that can teach you valuable life lessons like my friend was taught.

5 Easy Ways To Cleaner Water

Water is a near-infinite resource in our world. However, that’s not enough! Water may be everywhere, but are you sure it is clean? Is the water you drink or the river near your house clean? The nearby river or creek may not have the same sparkling water you can find in a beach resort, but that’s no excuse to leave it as it is! We should all do our part to make sure all types of water is clean. How? Here are my tips.

1. Wash those water dispensers! A lot of people are not aware that those hot and cold dispensers may be dirty. Bacteria stick to the hot and cold taps, as well as the inside when you change the bottle. Over time, all that bacteria accumulates. Eventually, every glass you drink is laced with bacteria! You don’t want any children to get sick, do you? To prevent this, clean your water dispenser by running bleach through it every month. Rinse it by running a lot of tap water through. This also applies to any water containers you reuse. Make sure you wash them!

2. Clean up animal droppings. Storms can carry that stuff to rivers and creeks, dirtying the water and introducing bacteria. Keep them clean by disposing of poop in the trash bin! It may be disgusting to handle it, and I will be the first to say that, but remember that it is for the environment! Getting your hands dirty is no big thing.

3. Have your water tested. If you get your water from a well, make sure to have it tested at least every few months, specifically for nitrate. If you get it from a public supply, make sure that it’s a clean supply! If you’re paranoid, you may even want to test that. It may cost money, but prevention is better than cure any day. I’m glad my own water supply is clean. Make sure it complies to the Clean Water Act!

4. Wash on your lawn. Clean your car on the lawn instead of the driveway; better have the soapy water absorbed into the ground instead of making soapy runoff. For that matter do all your washing on the lawn! Runoff can pick up pollutants en route to its destination, so better if you can reduce that. My neighbors wash their animals in the front yard. You may also want to redirect downspouts from your roof to the lawn, or into a container so you can use it for watering later.

5. Don’t be trim-happy! If you live near the bank of a body of water, keep the vegetation there as is! Plants, grass and trees prevent and reduce erosion and hold back pollutants, so do not cut them down or mow them. You’ll be glad you did, one day. You get to keep more actual land on your property!

Whew! It may be tedious, but we can do all our part for clean water. What tips do you live by?

3 New Reasons To Go Vegetarian

A friend told me that humans were meant to eat meat. That may be true, but we have free will! We can eat what we want, and I chose to be a vegetarian. I know you’re tired of hearing the whole health benefits spiel, so I’ll give you different reasons why veggies are the way to go!

1. More people will be fed! Animals who are farmed for meat consume a lot of grain. You could feed the entire world if you fed 100% of it to people! Also, Soil and Water journal states that one acre of land produces 250 pounds of beef…or 50,000 pounds of tomatoes.

2. You spend less. Switching to vegetables saved my friend a few thousand a year on food expenses. That’s a few thousand more you can spend on a vacation or new clothes!

3. You can drink cleaner water. It only takes 25 gallons of water to produce a pound of wheat. It takes a hundred times more to produce a pound of beef! Nitrate from manure is also one of the leading water pollutants in the US.

I’m not blaming non-vegetarians, since it’s what they chose, but for me, this lifestyle is better. What do you think?

Nuclear Power

Looking through the comments from the previous entry, someone mentioned nuclear power as an alternative to fossil fuels. While technically, it is a good alternative, I’m well aware of the risks of that. I don’t want to be irradiated and have all my hair fall out after growing it out! And it’s something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

I did a bit of research and I see that nuclear power has come a long way from before. I’m still opposed to it because of the risks, but if this type of technology keeps growing, and the huge load it will take off the coal and oil plants, I may have to change my mind.

A big problem before was nuclear waste…now they can recycle the waste back into the plant! I also saw innovative security measures and devices, and fail-safes as well. If science keeps it up and keeps proving that they can make nuclear completely safe, consider me a convert.

There’s also clean coal. However, I think nuclear is going to advance faster than clean coal, and maybe, sometime in the future, we will be using both for our primary power needs.

I’m not all for nuclear yet, but I have my hopes up.

Top 5 Fossil Fuel Alternatives

We’ve heard it over and over. Oil is going to run out some day, and the government isn’t doing much about it! An article over at the Environmental News Network says that a poll with over 15,000 respondents said that majority believed that oil is running out. I agree! Especially with the oil prices rising! Even if some people claim that we won’t run out for a while, power plants running on coal and oil still pollute the environment! Luckily, we still make more power, through cleaner means.

1. Solar Energy. The sun is above our heads, shining until the world ends. Why not use it? One problem: solar energy is expensive! Science is finding a way to make it cheaper than oil or coal, but it will probably take another decade or so. Still, more and more people are investing in solar power, even solar power conferences like this one in 2008, and who knows? It may just become our largest source of energy! You can even make a solar generator at home for only around $300 for those sudden blackouts.

2. Wind Energy. Ah, the fresh morning breeze. Windmills have been around for a long time, and now we have turbines using the wind’s power for electricity! Prime places for wind, however, sometimes run into other interests like farms, cities or resorts. I can sort of understand that. I don’t want places like that resort in Bora Bora to disappear! Hopefully science can find a way to solve this.

3. Hydroelectric Power. Ever been on a powerful river? That current is strong! The river powers turbines that provide electricity. Water will keep flowing as long as the world is alive! We’re already aware of the effects of damming up a river, sometimes causing loss of homes, but it’s still a good source of energy.

4. Geothermal Power. Hot springs are a natural relaxation spot for many people. They can also be used for power! The steam and hot water can be used to turn turbines, and can also heat houses and buildings. Not only do you have a way to soak and relax, you have a power source, too! Sadly, not too many places in the world are prime spots for this type of power.

5. Ocean Power. Any surfer will tell you that those waves pack a wallop! So it’s only natural that they can be used for energy. Tides make water rise and fall, and wind along the ocean surface can make waves. Wave power is already used by some lighthouses and buoys, even! Canada and France already have power plants that use the power of the tides to make electricity. A third, experimental system uses heat flow in oceans, but it’s still being researched. All methods are expensive, though. But we have science for that!

There you have it! In case one day we run out of oil and coal, by then, we will have enough knowledge to let these energies power our world. What method do you prefer?

You may also want to read these articles:

• 5 Anti Global Warming Tips You Can Do
• 4 Good Things About Biofuel
• Nuclear Power