Nuclear energy is a dream, which is why more and more countries are and should be using this energy source. We know its benefits – an affordable, available and reliable source of electricity that doesn’t generate greenhouse gases. One uranium pellet, can deliver over 17 MBTU of heat energy, which is equivalent to 1780lbs of coal, 17,000 cubic meters of natural gas, or 149 gallons of oil. In a different light, nuclear power generation is unique in how the amount of energy that is contained in a relatively small amount of volume. Burning fossil fuels for energy is dangerous to our environment for many reasons.
These include the ash, air pollution, ecosystem destruction from mining, water pollution, and etcetera. Nuclear energy doesn’t cause any type of greenhouse gases when it is running correctly. Also it causes a smaller effect on ecosystems when the uranium is mined because there is a smaller necessity for it. Uranium also heats water longer, about a few months, which is more sustainable than the short-term burning of fossil fuels, which usually lasts about a half hour.
Even though there are positive factors to nuclear energy, there are also some cons. Once certain fuels are used up it’s not a problem anymore, but in the case of nuclear energy, that is not the case. Since the fuel is both radioactive and fissionable is still concern about how the waste should be handled. Most nuclear waste remains radioactive for thousands of years. Human exposure to radiation can happen through nuclear power plant meltdowns as well as mistakes in the storage of nuclear waste.
Once radioactive contamination is started, there is a variety of different ways that it can contaminate the human body. The largest concern for safety will always be a major impediment in the progress of promoting nuclear power plants. The worst-case scenario for any nuclear power plant is the risk of a meltdown, which has proven to be very deadly in past disasters. A meltdown can be caused from a variety of human errors along with a variety of mechanical failures. Which proves: nuclear power can end catastrophic if not correctly monitored. Nuclear power can also end in a catastrophic end with the threat and chance of a terrorist attack.
Also nuclear power isn’t renewable. Renewable sources are a much better way to make energy for our planet because they are more sustainable and they can be used over and over again without causing much of a problem to ecosystems. Renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and water power. Some renewable energy resources, such as water, may cause ecosystems to be destroyed or changed. This would be due to dams being built that will destroy surrounding areas’ ecosystems and destroying the biodiversity of the water’s ecosystem.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Hydro Power Plants: Friend or Foe
Mankind is about to dive into an energy crisis as fossil fuel gauge falls near empty, and its population creates a global climate change. But we have realized this, is we are beginning to turn away from being dependent on fossil fuel. But what do we have to turn to?
Hydro power is definitely an alternative because it would definitely solve the energy crisis effectively. At first glance, it is also a clean energy source because hydro power does not emit any carbon dioxide or any other green house gas pollutant at all. Hydro power does bring with it a great amount of benefits.
To harness hydro power, we have to build dams. These dams hold rivers back and channel amount concentrated amounts through. This concentration draws power from gravity, which forces the water down a narrow path. There would be a mill wheel that was be turned by the pushing force of the moving water. The motion of this wheel would be help turn a turbine in that is made of magnets. These magnets would spin around a cylinder copper thimble and pull on the electrons in the copper. The moving electrons are what we call electricity.
There are multiple benefits that come around with building the dam. This includes storing the water. The stored water is very useful, especially when there is a drought. The dam would provide a constant supply of water for the needed and for agriculture. Not only so, it can be used as a reservoir to provide drinking water. If not so, then the pond provided by the dam can be used as a recreational area for scenery and fishing. This also creates a new ecosystem for the area and possibly increases the bio diversity. In addition to that, the dam would eventually pay for itself and maintenance is relatively easy. Hydropower is already providing the world with 19% of its electricity. Not only so, this method is extremely safe in comparison to other methods, such as nuclear. The dam can be easily shut down, so when there is a problem, it would be solve very quickly and in turn minimize the damage from whatever the problem is. However, since the designs of these dams are so simply, fixing anything would easily and it has very few breakdowns. Not only so, it can produce a constant supply of energy and the dam itself lasts for a very long time.
Although they seem very good, the dams have some very negative aspect to it as well. The flood is a double edged sword; it creates new habitats but it also destroys the one that is already there. By damming the river, the water builds up and floods the land around it, ruining both the homes of any animals or human living in that vicinity. Not only so, it stops the water flow and repels any fish species that climbs the river in their natural migration. The turbines that are used to generate the electricity kill the fishes in the lake as well. For the people that live in that area, they would have no choice but to move out, leaving behind homes and businesses to be swap under water. The silt that usually flows down the river would also be block by the dam as well. Not only so, the flooding usually covers woodlands, which in turn generates green house gases. Not only so, the destroyed trees could no longer absorb the carbon dioxide to help with the green house gas problem. There may be few breakdowns, but when the dam is destroyed, it creates a huge issue. All the water that it holds back would rush down the river and destroy anything in its path, which includes towns and human residential areas as well as wild life. These disadvantages are a real setback to think about when political leaders decide to build a dam.
Hydro power is definitely an alternative because it would definitely solve the energy crisis effectively. At first glance, it is also a clean energy source because hydro power does not emit any carbon dioxide or any other green house gas pollutant at all. Hydro power does bring with it a great amount of benefits.
To harness hydro power, we have to build dams. These dams hold rivers back and channel amount concentrated amounts through. This concentration draws power from gravity, which forces the water down a narrow path. There would be a mill wheel that was be turned by the pushing force of the moving water. The motion of this wheel would be help turn a turbine in that is made of magnets. These magnets would spin around a cylinder copper thimble and pull on the electrons in the copper. The moving electrons are what we call electricity.
There are multiple benefits that come around with building the dam. This includes storing the water. The stored water is very useful, especially when there is a drought. The dam would provide a constant supply of water for the needed and for agriculture. Not only so, it can be used as a reservoir to provide drinking water. If not so, then the pond provided by the dam can be used as a recreational area for scenery and fishing. This also creates a new ecosystem for the area and possibly increases the bio diversity. In addition to that, the dam would eventually pay for itself and maintenance is relatively easy. Hydropower is already providing the world with 19% of its electricity. Not only so, this method is extremely safe in comparison to other methods, such as nuclear. The dam can be easily shut down, so when there is a problem, it would be solve very quickly and in turn minimize the damage from whatever the problem is. However, since the designs of these dams are so simply, fixing anything would easily and it has very few breakdowns. Not only so, it can produce a constant supply of energy and the dam itself lasts for a very long time.
Although they seem very good, the dams have some very negative aspect to it as well. The flood is a double edged sword; it creates new habitats but it also destroys the one that is already there. By damming the river, the water builds up and floods the land around it, ruining both the homes of any animals or human living in that vicinity. Not only so, it stops the water flow and repels any fish species that climbs the river in their natural migration. The turbines that are used to generate the electricity kill the fishes in the lake as well. For the people that live in that area, they would have no choice but to move out, leaving behind homes and businesses to be swap under water. The silt that usually flows down the river would also be block by the dam as well. Not only so, the flooding usually covers woodlands, which in turn generates green house gases. Not only so, the destroyed trees could no longer absorb the carbon dioxide to help with the green house gas problem. There may be few breakdowns, but when the dam is destroyed, it creates a huge issue. All the water that it holds back would rush down the river and destroy anything in its path, which includes towns and human residential areas as well as wild life. These disadvantages are a real setback to think about when political leaders decide to build a dam.
Biodiversity vs. Extinction
Biodiversity is the diverse range of organism within a specific environment. When speaking globally, the Earth is currently on the edge of a mass global extinction of its biodiversity. We wonder how mankind is planning on handling such a threatening situation, expecting world powers to act accordingly. There are economic blueprints and theories thrown here and there but yet there has not been a direct initial action to prevent any further loss of biodiversity. Approximately 10% - 30% mammals, birds, and amphibians, according to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, are being threatened of extinction due to our everyday activities from driving to the store or simply turning on the lights.
Based on the data presented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the rate of extinctions is as followed: 1 out of every 8 birds, 4 mammals, 4 conifers, 3 amphibians, and 6 out of 7 marine turtles. Climate change has taken a toll for these diverse species, where it leaves them vulnerable and exposed to such changes. The rate at which changes are at has resulted in a variety of habitat loss, on land and oceanic. The damaged done by our actions are measured on a large scale in which it would take decades to repair. From 75% of genetic diversity of agricultural crops being lost, to another additional 75% world fisheries being fully or over exploited. Besides other species, we are affecting ourselves, by depleting our resources, food supply, and water supply. The IUCN has estimated that over 350 million people will suffer from severe water scarcity. If temperatures exceed more than 3 – 5 degrees Celsius, 70% of known species will be at risk of extinction.
Species being extinct has occurred since species were introduced to planet Earth. It has been almost a natural process for ecosystems and biomes. The reasons behind common extinctions are due to unsustainable hunting, introducing alien species to new habitats, destruction of habitats (from deforestation to clearing of lands to establish use for human benefits such as housing or industries), and most important: climate change. Climate change is a natural occurrence. However, due to human actions, has been entirely altered. Constant burning of fossil fuels and natural gases for energy purposes, manufacturing, and transportation, lead to the cause of global warming. Global warming is another global issue; nevertheless it is one of the root causes of biodiversity loss. From the deterioration of our ozone layer to the rise of green house gases, temperatures will continue to rise simultaneous as we continue to destroy our environments and species. With global warming taking its toll, ocean levels rises, with rapid storms are occurring more constant and vicious. Ice caps or icy land masses leave little to no terrain for polar bears or other arctic animals to inhabit. Arctic tundra’s melts; rises in methane in the atmosphere.
Protecting the environment is difficult in terms of stabilizing the economy. It is close to impossible, but it is not. Reducing the amounts of carbon emitting materials/substances and other green house gasses will significantly help the severe declining of biodiversity. Simple actions such as unplugging unnecessary electrical outlets that are not in use may benefit greatly. Although global warming is a major cause of biodiversity loss, it is not the only factor. Pollution is also a subject matter in such losses. The pollutions of oceans and land have reduced the ecosystem of species within the given area. It is necessary to act upon this quickly, and accordingly, for time is limited
Based on the data presented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the rate of extinctions is as followed: 1 out of every 8 birds, 4 mammals, 4 conifers, 3 amphibians, and 6 out of 7 marine turtles. Climate change has taken a toll for these diverse species, where it leaves them vulnerable and exposed to such changes. The rate at which changes are at has resulted in a variety of habitat loss, on land and oceanic. The damaged done by our actions are measured on a large scale in which it would take decades to repair. From 75% of genetic diversity of agricultural crops being lost, to another additional 75% world fisheries being fully or over exploited. Besides other species, we are affecting ourselves, by depleting our resources, food supply, and water supply. The IUCN has estimated that over 350 million people will suffer from severe water scarcity. If temperatures exceed more than 3 – 5 degrees Celsius, 70% of known species will be at risk of extinction.
Species being extinct has occurred since species were introduced to planet Earth. It has been almost a natural process for ecosystems and biomes. The reasons behind common extinctions are due to unsustainable hunting, introducing alien species to new habitats, destruction of habitats (from deforestation to clearing of lands to establish use for human benefits such as housing or industries), and most important: climate change. Climate change is a natural occurrence. However, due to human actions, has been entirely altered. Constant burning of fossil fuels and natural gases for energy purposes, manufacturing, and transportation, lead to the cause of global warming. Global warming is another global issue; nevertheless it is one of the root causes of biodiversity loss. From the deterioration of our ozone layer to the rise of green house gases, temperatures will continue to rise simultaneous as we continue to destroy our environments and species. With global warming taking its toll, ocean levels rises, with rapid storms are occurring more constant and vicious. Ice caps or icy land masses leave little to no terrain for polar bears or other arctic animals to inhabit. Arctic tundra’s melts; rises in methane in the atmosphere.
Protecting the environment is difficult in terms of stabilizing the economy. It is close to impossible, but it is not. Reducing the amounts of carbon emitting materials/substances and other green house gasses will significantly help the severe declining of biodiversity. Simple actions such as unplugging unnecessary electrical outlets that are not in use may benefit greatly. Although global warming is a major cause of biodiversity loss, it is not the only factor. Pollution is also a subject matter in such losses. The pollutions of oceans and land have reduced the ecosystem of species within the given area. It is necessary to act upon this quickly, and accordingly, for time is limited
Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity
Wildlife refers to all living organisms in their natural habitat, not including plants and animals introduced by humans into the habitat. Wildlife conservation is the preservation, and restoration of organisms in the earth’s natural ecosystems. The conservation of wild life is an important environmental issue because wild life is necessary to maintain balance in capture, and food chain and nature cycles. If wild life were not preserved, the earth would suffer a loss of biodiversity. Biodiversity is the variety of species within an ecosystem. Without this variety, ecosystems would not be able to maintain themselves. The loss of one species can ruin an entire ecosystem. The lack of conservation not only has negative effects on the environment, but the well-being of humans as well.
Wildlife conservation is crucial to maintaining the balanced biodiversity of the earth. The activities that contribute to the loss of biodiversity currently taking place in the earth can all be contributed to the existence, and progression of the human race. The earth‘s loss of biodiversity can be contributed to three major ideas; the increase in the human population, increased use of finite resources, and increase of pollution. Activities like lack of safe sex education, inadequate use of green technologies, and improper waste disposal are what lead to the prior ideas. These activities in turn lead to the extinction of species, degradation of habitats, and the overall destruction of the ecological balance. Conservational practices such as the use of green technologies, being conscientious of one’s impact on the environment, and living a sustainable lifestyle can help in preventing, and reversing the loss of biodiversity. Overall, controlling human development to ensure that it does not interfere with the natural processes of the earth.
The advantages of wildlife conservation are the maintenance of ecosystems, diversity of species, and being able to live in a naturally beautiful earth. The disadvantages of wildlife conservation are the limits it puts on development; restricting construction of houses, limiting the gathering of natural resources, etc. While as a whole Wildlife conservation is positive, the negative ways it affects human’s lifestyle keep many individuals from participating in it. Another con is that in wildlife conservation, the public tends to favor certain plant or animal species over others. This could do more harm than good, because focusing on one type of species has the potential to be disadvantageous for the environment rather than beneficial.
The major advantage of biodiversity is that its maintenance results in a healthy planet. A healthy planet has a greater diversity of thriving flora and fauna species, increasing the survival rate of human, animals, and vegetation during the earth’s changing conditions. Biodiversity also benefits agriculture, science, medicine. It helps to improve crops, predict natural disasters, and develop medicine. Biodiversity also provides ecosystem services, such as maintain a stable atmosphere, and water purification. With this in mind, it is hard to believe that there are cons concerning the topic of biodiversity. One con of biodiversity is that it includes pests, and some species that have unknown uses. Also, it is expensive to conserve the environment and prevent the endangerment of species from extinction.
With the growing human population, greater strain is put on the earth’s natural resources. This strain makes other species vulnerable to loss of biodiversity and natural habitat. The conservation of the species and resources ensures the extended health of earth. Also, the diversity of the species helps to keep the earth balanced. A healthier and balanced earth can only be maintained through the conservation of the earth’s wildlife, and biodiversity.
Wildlife conservation is crucial to maintaining the balanced biodiversity of the earth. The activities that contribute to the loss of biodiversity currently taking place in the earth can all be contributed to the existence, and progression of the human race. The earth‘s loss of biodiversity can be contributed to three major ideas; the increase in the human population, increased use of finite resources, and increase of pollution. Activities like lack of safe sex education, inadequate use of green technologies, and improper waste disposal are what lead to the prior ideas. These activities in turn lead to the extinction of species, degradation of habitats, and the overall destruction of the ecological balance. Conservational practices such as the use of green technologies, being conscientious of one’s impact on the environment, and living a sustainable lifestyle can help in preventing, and reversing the loss of biodiversity. Overall, controlling human development to ensure that it does not interfere with the natural processes of the earth.
The advantages of wildlife conservation are the maintenance of ecosystems, diversity of species, and being able to live in a naturally beautiful earth. The disadvantages of wildlife conservation are the limits it puts on development; restricting construction of houses, limiting the gathering of natural resources, etc. While as a whole Wildlife conservation is positive, the negative ways it affects human’s lifestyle keep many individuals from participating in it. Another con is that in wildlife conservation, the public tends to favor certain plant or animal species over others. This could do more harm than good, because focusing on one type of species has the potential to be disadvantageous for the environment rather than beneficial.
The major advantage of biodiversity is that its maintenance results in a healthy planet. A healthy planet has a greater diversity of thriving flora and fauna species, increasing the survival rate of human, animals, and vegetation during the earth’s changing conditions. Biodiversity also benefits agriculture, science, medicine. It helps to improve crops, predict natural disasters, and develop medicine. Biodiversity also provides ecosystem services, such as maintain a stable atmosphere, and water purification. With this in mind, it is hard to believe that there are cons concerning the topic of biodiversity. One con of biodiversity is that it includes pests, and some species that have unknown uses. Also, it is expensive to conserve the environment and prevent the endangerment of species from extinction.
With the growing human population, greater strain is put on the earth’s natural resources. This strain makes other species vulnerable to loss of biodiversity and natural habitat. The conservation of the species and resources ensures the extended health of earth. Also, the diversity of the species helps to keep the earth balanced. A healthier and balanced earth can only be maintained through the conservation of the earth’s wildlife, and biodiversity.
The Coral Reefs
I grew up reading and looking at National Geographic magazines and one subject that was profoundly interesting was the life underwater. For some reason, we have a hard time understanding creatures that lurk the depths, but coral is probably the most know besides your average fish. Coral reefs over the past decade have significantly dropped and are becoming endangered by being exposed by many different factors. The overall major factor is by humans. Ocean acidification caused by runoff from several sources of human pollution, Global warming and the rising of ocean temperatures causing weakening of coral. The over-fishing and declining of biodiversity.
In general, most people believe that coral reefs are just apart of the ocean floor scenery, not knowing the actual importance of this critical organism. With that said, “Coral reefs harbor more than 25 percent of all known fish and provide our oceans with the highest biodiversity of any marine ecosystem”(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ effects/eco_coral.html). This would make fish more susceptible to underwater predators and easier to get caught by humans. Another benefactor is that coral reefs are now being tested and being made into a drug that is anti-cancerous (http://www.seaworld.org/ infobooks/coral/conscr.html) It is also being used for bone substitutes as the coral has pores that the bone can graft to, or grow into, and slowly allowing the bone to rebuild itself. The bone almost completely replaces the coral implant. One other benefit is that they protect shores from the impact of waves and big storms! These underwater plants maybe more vital than we expected!
One of the main reasons of the damage to coral reefs is caused by Global warming. Global warming is caused by rising levels of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere (caused mostly by human made technology) and being trapped under the ozone causing the air temperature to rise. With the rise in the temperature of the air, of course there would be an affect on the ocean temperatures as well. This causes an event called “Coral bleaching.” This is when coral loses its color due to stress, and also lose their healthy zooxanthellae, which provides coral with nutrients and oxygen. After this is lost, it takes years or even decades, to recover (http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/ key_issues/climate_change/ climate_change_ and_the_great_barrier_reef/ what_ is_ coral_bleaching). The wonders of the coral reefs, we need to start protecting them, before its too late.
Another way the coral reefs are being relinquished is a process known as ocean acidification. Also caused by global warming, the amounts of carbon dioxide entering the ocean water is changing the ocean chemistry. The CO2 in the air is reacting with the water to create carbonic acid making the ph levels in the ocean lower which makes it more acidic. This could affect the growth of the coral skeletons and causing mass bleaching of coral reefs which in turn is killing the species. Not just the coral reefs are affected by the ecosystem around it, the zooplankton’s protective shells are also reduced, microalgae produce less calcium carbonate, and fish populations and biodiversity is lossed according to (http://www.reefresilience.org/Toolkit_Coral/COAb0_ AcidImpacts. html). Coral reefs are a home to many different organisms, and since they are starting to die off, the effects will be drastic on other species because they are dependant on the coral reefs!
Around 20% of the worlds coral reefs have been destroyed, and another 24% are at the risk of collapse due to human pressures. These underwater ecosystems help create the foundation for fish and many other species lives. This is just another reason why that us humans need to realize we re sharing this earth and we need to reduce global emissions of carbon dioxide. Global warming is having a direct impact on almost every other organism on this planet. We need to band together and stop this mess at any cost.
In general, most people believe that coral reefs are just apart of the ocean floor scenery, not knowing the actual importance of this critical organism. With that said, “Coral reefs harbor more than 25 percent of all known fish and provide our oceans with the highest biodiversity of any marine ecosystem”(http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ effects/eco_coral.html). This would make fish more susceptible to underwater predators and easier to get caught by humans. Another benefactor is that coral reefs are now being tested and being made into a drug that is anti-cancerous (http://www.seaworld.org/ infobooks/coral/conscr.html) It is also being used for bone substitutes as the coral has pores that the bone can graft to, or grow into, and slowly allowing the bone to rebuild itself. The bone almost completely replaces the coral implant. One other benefit is that they protect shores from the impact of waves and big storms! These underwater plants maybe more vital than we expected!
One of the main reasons of the damage to coral reefs is caused by Global warming. Global warming is caused by rising levels of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere (caused mostly by human made technology) and being trapped under the ozone causing the air temperature to rise. With the rise in the temperature of the air, of course there would be an affect on the ocean temperatures as well. This causes an event called “Coral bleaching.” This is when coral loses its color due to stress, and also lose their healthy zooxanthellae, which provides coral with nutrients and oxygen. After this is lost, it takes years or even decades, to recover (http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/ key_issues/climate_change/ climate_change_ and_the_great_barrier_reef/ what_ is_ coral_bleaching). The wonders of the coral reefs, we need to start protecting them, before its too late.
Another way the coral reefs are being relinquished is a process known as ocean acidification. Also caused by global warming, the amounts of carbon dioxide entering the ocean water is changing the ocean chemistry. The CO2 in the air is reacting with the water to create carbonic acid making the ph levels in the ocean lower which makes it more acidic. This could affect the growth of the coral skeletons and causing mass bleaching of coral reefs which in turn is killing the species. Not just the coral reefs are affected by the ecosystem around it, the zooplankton’s protective shells are also reduced, microalgae produce less calcium carbonate, and fish populations and biodiversity is lossed according to (http://www.reefresilience.org/Toolkit_Coral/COAb0_ AcidImpacts. html). Coral reefs are a home to many different organisms, and since they are starting to die off, the effects will be drastic on other species because they are dependant on the coral reefs!
Around 20% of the worlds coral reefs have been destroyed, and another 24% are at the risk of collapse due to human pressures. These underwater ecosystems help create the foundation for fish and many other species lives. This is just another reason why that us humans need to realize we re sharing this earth and we need to reduce global emissions of carbon dioxide. Global warming is having a direct impact on almost every other organism on this planet. We need to band together and stop this mess at any cost.
How Does Loss of Biodiversity affect the environment?
Biodiversity reflects the number, variety, and variability of living organisms in the environment, involving microscopic bacterias to plants and animals. This includes diversity within species, between species, and among the ecosystem. Biodiversity is everywhere; both on land and in water.
Loss of biodiversity is an important environmental issue because it can cause environmental changes. The lost of one species can cause a chain reaction which will result in a change to the ecosystem itself. We know that we cannot specify what each organisms contribute to in its environment, and we cannot predict how the ecosystem will be affected; but the overall result is that the whole ecosystem will be weakened from loss of biodiversity.
Plants and animals "produce defense mechanisms which are often chemicals used to either repel predators or to aid in elimination of their competition"(airheadsscuba). To the humans, these chemicals are important because they can become cures for human diseases. If species are lost because of our interference in its ecosystem, then we do not have the ability to be able to study it for the benefits of the people or for other living organisms.
Another problem would be that, humans would have less choices as humans. For example, if certain species are lost, we no longer would have the availability of food, enjoyment, or for the use of other resources for things that we may not know yet. Another example is, If fishes were extinct, then we would not be able to enjoy the beauty and exploration of them anymore, or also, if fishes disappear, we will lose the amount of species available for our consumption .
.independent.co.uk
One cause of loss of biodiversity is the habitat of humans and the "destruction and encroachment"(airheadsscuba) that humans continue to develop constantly everyday. This results in the destruction of the natural ecosystem. Sometimes our developments does not ruin an ecosystem, but instead decreases its size. Another cause of biodiversity loss is how humans also use coastal areas as vacation places. This affects oceans in a way that all life under the sea are affected as well; species being killed and harmed. Also, wastes that are being dumbed at sea such as, plastic in our garbages or hazardous toxins, causes injuries to many marine animals and even birds either though accidental entanglements or ingestion of the materials.
There is nothing good or benefiting towards the loss of biodiversity. Because of this, animals become extinct, humans lose medicines, ecosystems are destroyed, businesses can suffer greatly, and the ecomony deccreases due to lack of business. Humans can slow biodiversity loss by protecting areas, "Prevent intrusion from other species, informing/educating, slowing climate change, and promoting sustainability"(priweb). If humans choose to follow these guides, then the process of slowing down the loss of biodiversity will progress.
Loss of biodiversity is an important environmental issue because it can cause environmental changes. The lost of one species can cause a chain reaction which will result in a change to the ecosystem itself. We know that we cannot specify what each organisms contribute to in its environment, and we cannot predict how the ecosystem will be affected; but the overall result is that the whole ecosystem will be weakened from loss of biodiversity.
Plants and animals "produce defense mechanisms which are often chemicals used to either repel predators or to aid in elimination of their competition"(airheadsscuba). To the humans, these chemicals are important because they can become cures for human diseases. If species are lost because of our interference in its ecosystem, then we do not have the ability to be able to study it for the benefits of the people or for other living organisms.
Another problem would be that, humans would have less choices as humans. For example, if certain species are lost, we no longer would have the availability of food, enjoyment, or for the use of other resources for things that we may not know yet. Another example is, If fishes were extinct, then we would not be able to enjoy the beauty and exploration of them anymore, or also, if fishes disappear, we will lose the amount of species available for our consumption .
.independent.co.uk
One cause of loss of biodiversity is the habitat of humans and the "destruction and encroachment"(airheadsscuba) that humans continue to develop constantly everyday. This results in the destruction of the natural ecosystem. Sometimes our developments does not ruin an ecosystem, but instead decreases its size. Another cause of biodiversity loss is how humans also use coastal areas as vacation places. This affects oceans in a way that all life under the sea are affected as well; species being killed and harmed. Also, wastes that are being dumbed at sea such as, plastic in our garbages or hazardous toxins, causes injuries to many marine animals and even birds either though accidental entanglements or ingestion of the materials.
There is nothing good or benefiting towards the loss of biodiversity. Because of this, animals become extinct, humans lose medicines, ecosystems are destroyed, businesses can suffer greatly, and the ecomony deccreases due to lack of business. Humans can slow biodiversity loss by protecting areas, "Prevent intrusion from other species, informing/educating, slowing climate change, and promoting sustainability"(priweb). If humans choose to follow these guides, then the process of slowing down the loss of biodiversity will progress.
Nuclear power plants
With the rise of global climate, and rising CO2 levels we humans must find a way to change, but what solutions do we have? The constant changes in technology can fix this problem with Nuclear power, a method of splitting atoms to create energy or heat. Nuclear power is very efficient as it powers 14% of the world’s electricity. France being one of the leading countries in the use of Nuclear power, National Public Radio reported from its source, World Nuclear Association that France relies on 75.2% of its electricity from Nuclear power. But does that necessarily mean that this power source is safe?
After the disaster at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, many countries are reviewing their nuclear programs. Nuclear power is very beneficial since it does not produce greenhouses gases such as carbon dioxide, smoke, and other air pollutants, but in certain situations, such as Japans case, they are very dangerous. Nuclear power plants are safe when kept in check. This type of power is as cheap as coal, is reliable, and does not produce as much waste, and overall can be built to last fairly long. Compared to other sources of energy such as burning coal or fossil fuels, nuclear power is much cleaner for our environment.
Although it seems to have its advantages, this source of power in reality is rather dangerous. The wastes produced from these power plants are extremely radio-active, and the radioactivity in the wastes could last for thousands of years. Nuclear power works by splitting the atoms of the element Uranium; this is the process of nuclear fission. The splitting of these atoms produces energy in the form of heat. This heat boils water around the reactor which creates steam and goes through a turbine which moves generators and produces electricity. If these power plants are not maintained appropriately they could be dangerous.
In recent months Japan had a major disaster. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant blew up and its reactors failed. This was due to a massive earthquake they experienced which produced a tsunami that hit the power plant, as a result radioactive material was thrown into the environment and thousands died of radioactive poisoning. With disasters from uncontrollable weather, and unpredicted events Nuclear power plants are exposed to many dangers, especially safety hazards from within the plant. These plants are very expensive to maintain as they have to keep many backup generators, cooling systems, and constant personal maintenance.
So is Nuclear power worth the risk, and are we at the point where this type of power is a necessary change? To most people this power source is very dangerous, but in fact nuclear power is safe, and the chances of nuclear power plants blowing up or releasing radioactive materials from unpredicted events are low. All that is needed now is support, and effort to create more safe and effective power plants that can withstand, or endure harsh conditions in dire times.
After the disaster at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, many countries are reviewing their nuclear programs. Nuclear power is very beneficial since it does not produce greenhouses gases such as carbon dioxide, smoke, and other air pollutants, but in certain situations, such as Japans case, they are very dangerous. Nuclear power plants are safe when kept in check. This type of power is as cheap as coal, is reliable, and does not produce as much waste, and overall can be built to last fairly long. Compared to other sources of energy such as burning coal or fossil fuels, nuclear power is much cleaner for our environment.
Although it seems to have its advantages, this source of power in reality is rather dangerous. The wastes produced from these power plants are extremely radio-active, and the radioactivity in the wastes could last for thousands of years. Nuclear power works by splitting the atoms of the element Uranium; this is the process of nuclear fission. The splitting of these atoms produces energy in the form of heat. This heat boils water around the reactor which creates steam and goes through a turbine which moves generators and produces electricity. If these power plants are not maintained appropriately they could be dangerous.
In recent months Japan had a major disaster. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant blew up and its reactors failed. This was due to a massive earthquake they experienced which produced a tsunami that hit the power plant, as a result radioactive material was thrown into the environment and thousands died of radioactive poisoning. With disasters from uncontrollable weather, and unpredicted events Nuclear power plants are exposed to many dangers, especially safety hazards from within the plant. These plants are very expensive to maintain as they have to keep many backup generators, cooling systems, and constant personal maintenance.
So is Nuclear power worth the risk, and are we at the point where this type of power is a necessary change? To most people this power source is very dangerous, but in fact nuclear power is safe, and the chances of nuclear power plants blowing up or releasing radioactive materials from unpredicted events are low. All that is needed now is support, and effort to create more safe and effective power plants that can withstand, or endure harsh conditions in dire times.
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