Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Experts views on Global Warming
Global warming is the average rise in earth's temperature. And it is this rise only that has caused the great change in the climate. Average global temperature has increased by almost one degree Fahrenheit over he past century, an additional 2 to 6 degree Fahrenheit increase over the one hundred years is also expected. This may not surprise you much but it could change the earth's temperature as never before.
The major behind the global warming is the emissions of carbon-dioxide and other green house from human activities that include industrial processes, fossil fuel combustion, and the changes in the land use, such as deforestation. With the development of the industrial economies, larger amount of carbon-dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Several gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide act as the additional blanket around the earth. They allow sun's heat to reach the surface of the earth and warm up the temperature. Along with emission of harmful gases. Deforestation is the another devastating force behind the global warming.
Since 1970, the temperature have gone up at nearly three times the average for the 20th century. By 2100, sea levels are likely to rise between 7 to 23 inches. Resulting in the gradual inundation of coastal areas and increasing beach erosion and flooding from coastal storms, changes in precipitation patterns, increased risk of floods and droughts, threats to the bio diversity and the number of potential challenges for the public health.
However we can all make efforts to save the environment from the serious hazards. And the simplest methods are - using recyclable products, purchase of energy efficient products, tree plantation and reduction in pollution.
Aparana Chauhan
Will the Earth Expire
Dark Earth! Dark Heavens! Swinging in the carbon chemistry
The impetuous storm of climate change is threatening us widely
Too much technological inventions robing the environment
year by year planet earth is getting hotter !!!!!!!!!!
Unfamiliar gases oozing out slowly
Depleting ozone and endangering the earth
Sporadic environmentalists scalding the news
None did a penny thing
But signaling, targeting and still indicating
Make a call to the eco friendly technologies
To frame out the health of our mother earth
Ask the leaders to bring out the solutions
Lets be a preserver than than a destroyer
Aparana Chauhan
Read more...
Environmental Friendly Buildings
Construction of the environment friendly buildings has been largely dominated by the practices related to the construction of the shell and core of a building. Do you know that the construction of the building has the direct and indirect impact on the environment. Modern design buildings alleviates you with the comfort but leads to the hazardous environmental damages. Lets check out how? Construction of buildings consume one sixth of the world's fresh water withdrawals, one quarter of its wood harvest and two fifth of its material and energy flow. With the growth of the population it has become necessary to adopt the newer ways of constructing the environmental design buildings.
Innovations in design, materials used and MEP parameters play the key role in the sustainable construction of the buildings. There are many ways by which we could actually deal with the increasing environmental damages. First of all we need to overcome our bad habit of frequently changing the interiors of the house. Before disposing of the old furniture one could indeed look at recycling the same saving the precious natural resources of the country. The best way is to increase out dependency on the recycled products. Than we need to deal with the issue of safe disposal of the waste.
Than the primary objective of achieving the the sustainability in the interiors is the way we design the space to conserve the electricity. Switch on the use of the energy saving lights, bulbs and other electrical equipments. Try to maximize the use of the natural lights through proper designs that is equally good for health also. Choose the proper location to construct the building that does not harm the eco system. Try to built the building away from the wetlands, coastal regions and other natural locations. You can choose for the areas that have have been destroyed by the time.
The main focus in order to construct the sustainable interiors should be on the low or zero VOC paint and adhesives, carpet tiles with recycled content, furniture with high recycled wood content or even wood free wherever possible. Use of water free urinals, dual flush toilets and low flow faucets can save the water to the great extent. Make use of the tiles that keep the roof of the building cool. There should be proper ventilation system that helps in reducing the heat of the building.
Last but not the least it is advisable to grow more of the oxygen plants and tress in and around the building in order to achieve the eco friendly environment.
Points to Ponder :-
The average urban home uses 640 liters of water per day
A dripping tap can waste as much as 60 liters per day or 1800 liters per month
A Toilet is the biggest user of the indoor water. On average it uses 11 liters of water when flushed
A leaking toilet can waste up to 100 000 liters of water per year
Aparana Chauhan
Surging Solar Industry
The fossil fuels are fast approaching an unfortunate extinction. As the next 50 years roll down the fossil fuels will no longer meet the demand of the world. With oil over 100 dollars a barrel and the treat to the global warming raising concerns across the government, the need for viable or and everlasting source of alternative energy has become a necessity. What we can do now? We should do what we should have done a long time ago. Government should think about the investing in the multiple energy sources. Amidst the hue and cry, the primary source of energy for life on earth- the solar energy has been the most after energy sources to substitute fossil fuels. We have been using the solar energy as far back as the human have existed on this planet. In the years to come solar energy will not be only be one of the potential means for countries to move towards an enhanced energy security, but will also play a vital role in the global energy equation.
India receives solar energy equivalent to over 5000 trillion KW/year, which is far more than the total energy consumption in India. Being located in the tropical region, the country experiences clear weather during the major portion of the year. At present only 0.2 per cent of solar energy is being used annually. Companies all around the world are trying to bridge the gap between high energy prises and global warming through solar PV cost in order to achieve grid parity. The country like India, too need to participate in this effort, as significant gap exists between power requirement and generation. With the introduction of the Special Incentive package scheme for semiconductors and solar cells, the solar industry in India is on the hype. The solar energy business in India is nailed down at four to five billion presently and is expected to touch six billion in the next three to four years. Globally the solar PV market is expected to grow over $40 billion by 2010. Investments in solar power are encouraging companies like Moser Baer, Signet Solar, Tata BP Solar and Sun-Technics to set up their manufacturing unit and R&D units in India.
The main focus is on the rural areas that offer more than 70% of the solar energy potential. Premier solar has electrified a large number of villages in the north and the eastern region and Jharkhand under the under the rural electrification programme under the aegis of MNRE. Tata BP Solar got orders for implementing 500 to 600 water pumping systems in Punjab at the cost of 160 million Rs. It was even chosen by the Ladakh Renewable Energy Development Agency to implement a 166 million rupee project to electrify 80 villages in Leh and Kargil districts.
Due to the high initial cost, fund for solar energy is dependent o government subsidies. The only thing that is needed now is some more knowledge and information to increase awareness, financial incentives to customers and manufacturers to help more and more players enter this business.
Aparana Chauhan
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Earth Day
Celebrate everyday as the earth day. Earth day is entirely upon us and lot of people amongst us are working to make to make the planet earth a better place to live. Earth Day was originated in U.S. by the Senator - Gaylord Nelson. Today on 22 April, Earth Day is celebrated annually all over the world to protect the natural gifts of the earth.. But after the earth day, environmentalist go back to their normal routine and the desire to preserve the environment fades. The most simplest way to turn every day into the earth day is to keep the spirits high throughout the year, use the recycled products and encourage people to turn their life-style into the eco friendly lifestyle.
Gaylord Nelson created the Earth Day, as he was of the view that education is the key to change people's attitude towards the environment. The objective was to attract the people's attention towards the growing needs of the cleaner air and water.
Earth day give us the opportunity to unite altogether and work for the preservation of the mother earth. It inspires us to involve in various type of eco practices for the healthy living. Several countries are already turning their attention towards the prevention of our natural resources, improvement of water and air quality as well as promotion the land conservation.
Today is the need of the proper energy management, optimum utilization of the renewable resources as well as ecologically sustainable and economically viable agriculture and water management. All the members of the society must cultivate a lifestyle that is consistent with the sufficiency rather than greed and excess. The focus must be on the environmental conscious living.
Every citizen of the society should be encouraged to participate morally and politically in all levels of decision regarding the environmental policies. Than the NGO's should play the role of the watchdogs and must be prepared to evaluate the policy decisions where-ever necessary and should also propose alternate environmental policies. But it is sad that the majority of people in the developing countries are even unaware of the event. They are busy in the daily chores and do hardly care about the much touted events.
Aparana Chauhan
Switch on to the Recycled Products
Today is the need to involve ourself in the Eco practices. Science and technology can not resolve the impending environmental issues alone. And this requires the widespread adoption of eco friendly production technologies and the increased use of the renewable material and products. BRBA (Buy Recycled Business Alliance) has set an good example for environmental concerned people. It is committed to the purchase and use of the recycled content products through the development of the sustainable marketplace.
The choices are wide and the products are readily available in the market. The use of the recycled products is the approach to deal with the problem of the waste and its disposable. For the information of the people the recycled products are equal in quality, use and appearance to virgin products. The item range from hybrid products, cars, issues, tile flooring etc. It means that the papers and bottles that we throw off like this only are worth something.
Before unwrapping the product check out the details on its packaging about the recycled content. It is not compulsory for the manufacturers to label the products which contain the recycled content, but still there are many manufacturers who are doing so to make it easier for the customers to make choices. After that check out the recycled content in the product. Do not get fool by the label, as sometimes it is labeled as the recycled product but it is not made from the recycled materials. Recycled products are good to use, but the use of the recycled content is far much better. Check out the quantity of the recycled content it contains.
Compare the quantity of the recycled content with the one mentioned on the package of the product. It is good to seek help if you are doubtful. You can always question the vendor, seller or 
the retailer to provide you with the information about the manufacturer's program for the product that you are interested in purchasing. Survey the people who have already used that particular product. Ask them for how long they have been using the product and what is the price difference between the recycled product and the virgin product. Inquire about the satisfaction and about the warranty of the product. Or sometimes the sellers already have the review of the customers who have already used the product.
Share responsibilities, encourage other people to use the recycled products. As all the members of the society have the responsibility to preserve the natural ecological resources of the country, basically used in the making of virgin products.
Aparana Chauhan
Read more...
Eco Friendly street lights
Due to the economic growth and development, the use of the global energy has risen by approximately seventy percent. The rise in the energy use, has resulted in the increase in the greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and an anticipated increase in global warming. And all this calls for the greater use of the eco friendly technological inventions.
Every day we come across number of street lights, have you ever wondered how much electricity do these street lights consume. Or have you ever thought of any other alternative to save the electricity consumed by these traffic lights. It may surprise some of you. But the alternative is there, and that is the use of the hybrid street lights.
Thanks to the latest technological inventions, very soon our roads will be lighted by these solar wind power street lights. The city of Missouri, US, has already set the example of the foremost 'eco conscious' city. If we talk about the functioning of these streetlights they generate power during the day, store it into their battery and illuminate at night while continuing to generate wind power. During the day time they remains in the off state, while lights up during the night. The light is the same as the electric power light. When the wind blows, these street light charge when the sun shine they get charged, don't you think that this concept will bring good green results towards the end.
Read more...Monday, May 26, 2008
Fossil Fuels Vs Green Energy
Oil, coal, natural gas, and Uranium are all fossil fuels. They are the remains (or an impression) of a plant or animal that existed in a past geological age and that has been excavated from the soil. Millions of years ago, during the time of dinosaurs, the heat and pressure and remains of the dead animals and plants led to the creation of the fossil fuels deep inside the earth. These fossil fuels were formed in the Paleozoic Era. They are the non- renewable source of energy. On burning the fossil fuels they emit the chemical energy stored within them. The supply of these resources is inexhaustible. Being the necessity of the modern society they are the used disproportionately. Greater use of the fossil fuels means greater release of the green house gases into the atmosphere, which in turn led to the destruction of the environment. Uranium is the one fossil fuel that can provide energy with a much smaller green cost. The only problem is humanity typically discovered the destructive potential of uranium in the guise of nuclear weapons before it considered it as the potential energy source of humongous proportion.
Wind, solar, ocean, geothermal, hydro power, biomass are all green energy resources. They are the renewable source of energy. They are the totally environmentally friendly , that do not release greenhouse gases in the process of producing energy. Only biomass is not the renewable energy source. Produced by burning organic material or harnessing the gas produced by garbage landfills, biomass release carbon-di-oxide as by products. But it can also be balanced by planting vegetation that counters the gases released. But it is the most important fuel after coal, oil and natural gas. Today's priority is the generation of the green energy in order to leave the better environment for the next generation.
Aparana Chauhan Read more...
Friday, May 23, 2008
Climate Change and Food Security
If we talk about the sustainable food security in the country, it involves physical, economic and social access to the balanced diet to all the men, women and children. But is it really possible? To achieve the sustainable food security, the productivity and adequate purchasing power needs to be increased.
Agriculture sector is the first one to feel the impact of the climate change. According to the agriculture meteorologists climate change that leads to the rise in temperature, further give rise to the frequents and heavy floods and un-seasonal rainfall posing a threat to the crops nearing maturity. Impacts of the climate change are really complicated. Such changes in climate can endanger the physical access to the food and the economic access will be further fretted due to change to livelihood security caused by the contrary changes in the climate.
Agriculture and climate are interdependent. Since the industrial revolution human induced greenhouse gases into the atmosphere have adversely affected the the quality and the quantity of the crops. And the result is the rise in prises of staple food at the national and international level that further enhances the poverty related endemic hunger.
No doubt in the near future climate change will have larger effects on the food supply. Despite the technological advances, agriculture is mainly dependent on climate. The question is – What quantity of food is produced? How much food is available to the people and so on. According to the latest reports from Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change agriculture contributes to 13.5% of global green house emissions, largely a result of the methane emissions from the livestock and flooded rice cultivation and nitrous oxide emissions from fertilizer application.
If management of climate change becomes everybody's business, we can easily safeguard the food security to the maximum extent possible.
Aparana Chauhan
Understanding the Greenhouse Effect
The earth and its atmosphere are warmed up due to the increase in the concentration of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The solar rays as well as the heat generated by the earth are not dissipated entirely into the space vacuum due to the gases that trap them into the earth's atmosphere. And this needed also as if there is no heat being trapped, the earth would overall be about 30 degree Celsius cooler and life would not be the same as we can feel it today. After million of years the delicate balance has been fractured, perhaps irreparably in the last 100 years. After the industrial revolution man adapted the to the newer lifestyle choices that have increased the production of greenhouse gases. The greenhouse gases primarily consists of Carbon-di-oxide, Argon, Neon, Helium, Methane, Hydrogen, and Nitrous Oxide. The greenhouse effect was discovered by Joseph Fourier in 1824 and first investigated quantitatively by Svante Arrhenius in 1896. These greenhouse gases trap the heat from the sun and are also used to grow the plants during the winter season. In other words we can say that GHG's are essential, as without them earth would not be warm enough for the human to live. But on the contrary if the level of these gases increases, if can warm up the earth and led to the climate change.
The earth's atmosphere composition is :-
Nitrogen : 7.8%
Oxygen : 21%
Other gases : 1%
The Greenhouse Gases are :-
Carbon-di-oxide
Methane
Nitrous Oxide
Ozone
Water Vapour
Halocarbons
Aparana Chauhan
Now is the Time..........................
The earth and its people are warming up. There have been tremendous awareness programmes and mass media campaigns about the environmental degradation about the related health impact. People need to understand climate changes and the related health hazards of the harmful chemicals. The chemicals are the major reason of the contamination of air, water, soil and food products. If the government is responsible for all this, than we are equally responsible for this. In oder to minimize the environmental changes its is important to plan out the action for the benefit of the society.
The first step involves the assessment of environmental risks such as examination of the contamination level and the related toxicity in air, water,soil and food. There are basically two type of assessment. The first one is scientifically, which determines the best estimates of the risk from exposure deals with high risk values that are often termed as worst case estimates, and these incorporate margins of safety. The main purpose of the second type of risk assessment is to provide risk managers with numbers they can use in developing regulations for the protection of the environment.
The second step involves the communication of the risk assessment to the municipal bodies. Again there are two types of risk communication- Informational Risk communication and Persuasive Risk communication. The former informs the recipients of the severity and magnitude of the risk and methods that can be used to tackle the risk. Than the Persuasive Risk communication is meant to shock the recipients into changing their behavior patterns and the outcome is measurable and monitored by identifying different indicators on parameters.
The earth and its people are warming up. There have been tremendous awareness programmes and mass media campaigns about the environmental degradation about the related health impact. People need to understand climate changes and the related health hazards of the harmful chemicals. The chemicals are the major reason of the contamination of air, water, soil and food products. If the government is responsible for all this, than we are equally responsible for this. In oder to minimize the environmental changes its is important to plan out the action for the benefit of the society.
The first step involves the assessment of environmental risks such as examination of the contamination level and the related toxicity in air, water,soil and food. There are basically two type of assessment. The first one is scientifically, which determines the best estimates of the risk from exposure deals with high risk values that are often termed as worst case estimates, and these incorporate margins of safety. The main purpose of the second type of risk assessment is to provide risk managers with numbers they can use in developing regulations for the protection of the environment.
The second step involves the communication of the risk assessment to the municipal bodies. Again there are two types of risk communication- Informational Risk communication and Persuasive Risk communication. The former informs the recipients of the severity and magnitude of the risk and methods that can be used to tackle the risk. Than the Persuasive Risk communication is meant to shock the recipients into changing their behavior patterns and the outcome is measurable and monitored by identifying different indicators on parameters.
Aparana Chauhan
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Go Green
Now is the high time to inspire people to be aware of the looming environmental dangers around us. Each of our small initiative could be big contribution to tackle the problem of climate change. It is today the greatest problem that is affecting all of us. The climate change problem is too urgent that it will be the biggest stupidity to postpone it further.
The focus on climate change now has geared towards taking the solid steps in this direction. Well all of us need to come together and work as the representative of change. Youths have the power to ignite the issue as they are voice of nation and it is the one such issue that is concerned with their future as well as present.
Increasing human activities, change in lifestyle patterns, more use of the land resources, high waste generation and deforestation led to the increase in the emission level that later on add to the climate change. Strong Public opinion act as a tool in recharging the passive industries to act climate friendly. Steps taken by the government and the industries have the potential to spark the global initiatives.
Each one of us can play a big role by not only following the eco lifestyle but by also persuading other to adopt the sustainable living. There are little things that can save us from future devastation. If you are purchasing a new gadget or the new product use it to the fullest and dispose it properly. To tackle the problem of climate change we first of all need to deal with the problem of greenhouse gases and water pollution. It seems very small but it is very essential to get your vehicles serviced every month. If you need to cover the shorter distance prefer walking or bicycling.
As youths are the 40% of the total population, they can make the greatest impact on the society. Join the organizations supporting the environmental issues. The South Asia Youth Environment Network with support from UNEP is working on a resource material package on 'Youth for Clean Air', through which it plans to provide information to the youths that they can help reduce the emissions at the personal level.
There could be road shows that includes actions such as walking or bicycling for short distances, wearing the T-shirts labeling 'Go Green', watching the pollution and making other realize the impact of the climate change.
Aparana Chauhan
Climate Change unnerves the experts
No doubt, Climate change is the omen of future devastation and turmoil. It is one of the greatest challenges that the mankind faces today. The causes of climate change are unambiguous. Human induced green house gases are the indication that we are approaching towards the period when we will not only observe but also feel the agitation of the global 
climate change.
Signs of Global Warming
Rise in the Sea level : Rise in sea level is the outcome of the global climate change. Thermal expansion of the sea water and rapid melting of sea ice are the major causes of this sudden rise in the sea level. If the earth's temperature warms up, ice sheets melts that result in the sea level rise. During the 20th century sea level rose to 10 - 12 cm and in the next 100 years it will rise as much as 85 cms. Rise in the sea level is the threat to the coastal areas, wetlands and the coral reefs.
Melting of Arctic Ice : Ice is melting speedily. Since the industrial revolution the human activity has belched out nearly 300 Giga tons of carbon-di-oxide. The greatest impact of the climate change can be noticed at the Arctic. Average surface temperatures in the Arctic circle has risen by more than half a degree Celsius per decade since 1981. Year 2007 amazingly counted the lowest amount of sea ice ever recorded. The summer thickness of the Arctic icebergs is half of what it was 50 years ago.
Flooding : Due to the climate change, billion of people will be at risk from floods and droughts. Many regions are experiencing the heavier rainfall that causes flood. In the last few year the floods have caused more damage than in the last 30 years. The amount of droughts have also increased due to the global warming.
Biodiversity Loss : According to the reports millions of plants and animal species would eventually become extinct as a result of the climate changes expected by 2050. Further the land use changes will make it more difficult for species to adapt to global warming.
Change in Ecosystems : Many species are unlikely to survive the climate change. Due to the further rise in the
temperature the species will either migrate to the cooler places or will die.
Climate Change and Infectious diseases : Extreme change in climate can cause the loss of life. Serious diseases will appear in the warmer regions. Moreover warmer climate will increase air and water pollution, which affects human health.
Aparana Chauhan
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Earth Hour
Year 2007 was the year of awakening. The avalanche of progress in the field of communications and digital technology coupled with the mass media campaigns does the great job in focusing the world's attention towards the climate change. Among all the greatest job done in the year 2007, Sydney made it mark on the top, with the success of the Earth hour. On March 31, over 2.2 million Sydney residents and more than 2,100 business turned off their lights for one hour.
Earth Hour is the global international event brought forward by the World Wildlife Fund, that is held on the last Saturday in the month of March, annually. It is the only event celebrated that unifies all the countries of the world towards the common cause. On this particular day the households and businesses switch off their lights and all the non essential electrical appliances for one hour in order to create awareness about the world's greatest threat climate change. It is the one major step taken by the mankind to make earth a better place to live. It was initiated by the WWF Australia and Sydney Morning Herald in 2007.
After its worldwide popularity, in 2008, 24 global cities participated in Earth Hour
on March 29 at 8 pm including- Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco), The Empire State Building (New York City), CN Tower (Toronto), Canada, Sears Tower (Chicago), Bank of America Plaza (Atlanta), Sydney Opera House (Sydney, Australia), Coliseum (Rome,Italy), Royal Castle (Stockholm, Sweden), London's City Hall (England)and the Wat Arun Buddhist Temple (Bangkok, Thailand). If we all join hands together, than we can definitely make the big difference. Earth Hour is the perfect opportunity for each one of us to unite for the common purpose and make it a global success. Take steps to contribute towards making the positive impact on the climate change. Lets hope to celebrate every hour as the Earth Hour in the future.
Aparana Chauhan
Climate change – A menace to the environment
Inspite of the tremendous technological growth, the problem of climate change is becoming large and larger every day. The graphical map of climate change and its impact on environment follows the a steep upward curve – rising up the earth's temperature. The rare and endangered species of plants and animals are on extinction. The concentration of the green house gases in the atmosphere is growing at an alarming rate. The winters are becoming milder and much shorter. The polar ice caps are melting, the glaciers are vanishing and the level of water in the oceans is rising. The disastrous reality that's facing the mankind today refers to the - global climate change.
Nobody could exactly imagine as what is going to happen next. The necessity of eco friendly technologies has come forward now. The consequences of climate change and its effects are really unpredictable. Since the industrial revolution increasing human activities has burped out nearly 300 Giga tons of carbon-di-oxide. The ratio will become almost double in the next 25 years. Before the end of the century the concentration of green house gases in the atmosphere will reach 550 ppm, twice the pre industrial level.
For the first time in 1997, the world community took the right step by signing the Kyoto Protocol in order to tackle the problem of the climate change. Kyoto Protocol is the major step for the stabilization of the level of the green house gases at various levels into the atmosphere. According to the estimation, by 2010 there would be 6% increase in the level of the carbon-di-oxide emissions as compared to the 1990 levels.
If present trend continues the problem of climate change will not only increase it will become unapproachable very soon for the inhabitants of the earth. In the past few years, we have the felt the drastic changes in the environment. Deforestation and pollution has proved to the major threat to the biodiversity on earth. Land degradation has threatened food security. Water pollution is the cause yo large number of deadly diseases.
Climate change is no doubt a tremulous reality. Now is the time to stop thinking and take the concrete steps in this direction. Instead of passing the blame on one another think as one and initiate the newer ways to tackle this problem.
Aparana Chauhan
Monday, May 19, 2008
Wake up to the Reality
Did you know ?
- I degree Celsius = 33.8 degree Fahrenheit
- Records from land stations and ships, show that the global mean surface temperature has warmed between 1 degree F and 1.7 degree F since 1850
- From the 1970's the average surface temperature has warmed up by 1 degree
- At the present rate , earth's surface is warming up at the rate of 3.2 degree F per century
- The top ten warmest years have all been after 1990.
The global average temperature, it is predicted , will rise between 34.52 degree F and 42.44 degree F by 2100- Average temperature in the arctic have increased at almost twice the global rate in the past 100 years
- Hooter days over land and less cold days and frost
- At the current rate of glacier retreat in the Himalayas, scientists predict the loss of all central and eastern Himalayan glaciers by 2035
- More floods, heat waves and insect borne diseases in the near future
- Overall, the Himalayan region has warmed by about 1.8 degree F since the 1970's
Aparana Chauhan
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Kyoto Protocol and Global initiatives towards Climate Change
The adoption of the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention was the major step to tackle the problem of the climate change. It mainly focuses on the stabilization of the greenhouses gases at various levels into the atmosphere. Climate change could have apocalyptic consequences if the green house emissions are not cut atleast 80 percent by 2050. The following reductions in emissions are rigorous but affordable.
The 1997 Kyoto Protocol was an agreement in which the developed (industrialized)nations agreed to limit their green house gas emissions to 1990's level. The main objective is to lower is to lower overall emissions from the six green house gases – carbon-d-oxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, HFCs and PFCs calculated as an average over the five year period of 2008-12. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCCs ) forth assessment report in November 2007 stressed on the fact that temperature will going to rise by 1.8-4C (3.2-7.2F) by the end of the century. The sea level is going to rise by 28 to 43 am and the global warming was likely to influence the intensity of the tropical storms. In the past so many years the Intergovernmental Climate Change negotiations has produced a course of action that is strict in principle but somehow ineffective.
The legal binding emissions commitments under the Kyoto Protocol apply only to the developed, industrialized countries. This is due to the belief that it is the industrialized countries that are chiefly responsible for the for the accumulated green house gas emissions since the industrial 
revolution. And now there is a constant fight on the question that the lack of legal binding commitments by the developing countries would place the developed nations industries at the competitive disadvantage and undermine the effectiveness of the Protocol. The developing country parties are only concerned to the voluntary participation under the Kyoto Protocol.
The industrial developed nations are committed to transfer the climate friendly technologies to the developing countries and to the countries with economies in transition. In addition to that they are also pledged to provide the financial resources to the developing countries. The hope is that the so much of the global efforts will finally help in combating the climate change and save the world from further global warming.
Aparana Chauhan
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Save the earth, make it a better place to live
Corporate World making efforts to tackle the problem of climate change
Environmental issues have been the major concern for the last many years. Environment is our most important resource. But some how there are several environmental problems that we are unable to solve, despite the extensive research in the concerned area. Now with the wider media attention, increased public awareness about environmental problems, Indian corporates are making efforts to tackle with the problem of the environmental changes and its ramifications through the corporate social responsibility. Corporate Social Responsibility is a concept whereby organizations work towards protection and preservation of the environment, that further improves our quality of life.
CSR is one such tool that synergies the efforts of the Corporate to improve their environmental performance and help them understand how they can operate sustainable growth and development. Here is the list of all those organizations that houses the excellent CSR, to reduce the environmental impact on the planet's ecosystem and bio chemical cycles.
ICICI Group : The ICICI group has won rewards for its CSR initiatives for the protection of the environment. Over the last few years, ICICI has payed variety of roles to support the environmental issues. It has been considerably providing support to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Green Business Center in Hyderabad and has been working in working with the city of Nashik in improving the efficiency of their street lightening system. Apart from that, ICICI Group, as an organization has been providing solutions for the wastage of water and energy conservation too.
Jindal South West : Than the Jindal South West (JSW) has been making efforts to reduce the impact of their operations on the environment. Being the mineral processing industry, they are duty bound o make substantial contribution to the environment management. JSW Foundation has taken up several CSR activities that include Bio fuel plantation, Rain water harvesting, Garbage Management and Drainage development. Training programs are conducted , in order to create the pubic awareness among the employees.
HSBC : HSBC is constantly working to combat one of the major global issue, that is climate change. HSBC Group has been providing reliable solutions to reduce pollution and to improve the energy efficiency including the low energy lighting, variable speed drives in air conditions and more efficient heat management systems. In several countries HSBC is buying green electricity (generating electricity without the fossil fuels).
Deutsche Bank : Deutsche Bank is collaboration with the Clinton Climate Initiative is panning to launch a worldwide landmark program aimed at improving the energy efficiency of the buildings in the urban areas.
Jindal Steel and Power Limited : Jindal Steel and Power Limited has built up a strong Environment Management Department, backed up with the team of professionals and technicians that take good care of the environment management, land scaping and house keeping. Apart from the they have taken initiative towards focusing people attention towards the tree plantation.
Aparana Chauhan Read more...Revealing the Truth - Are we responsible for the Climate Change?
What do we talk about when we talk about the Climate Change? Planet Earth is getting hotter, ice is melting and the wildlife is on the extinction. But does each one of us make efforts to combat this global problem. One day we learn't that the ozone layer is depleting, other day we recognize that the ice might be gone from the Arctic sea. Climate change has become the 'defining issue of our era'.
How can the humans change the Climate :
We ourself bear the greatest responsibility of creating the climate change, so it is our responsibility to deal with the causalities. Global temperature rose by 0.6 degree Celsius during the 20th century and it is the human beings that are responsible. Each one of us has contributed to this phenomenal change. The fossil fuels that we use such as the coal, oil and gas are one of the foremost change behind the sudden climatic change. When these fossil fuels are burnt they release carbon-di-oxide. Carbon-di-oxide is the greenhouse gases. Methane, water vapor, nitrous oxides, ozone, chlorofluorocarbons are the other green house gases. For over many many years we have been releasing the huge amount of green house gases into the atmosphere.
Due to increase in the green house gases the temperature of the earth is increasing, which is leading the global warming. And it is the warming of the earth that has led to the change in the climate. Earth is our mother and we all holds the responsibility towards her. Have you ever thought what could be the impact of these changes?
Extreme Weather : There will be frequent cyclones, storms and floods. There will be unwanted change in different parts of the world. Some places will become more hotter, other more drier or more wetter.
Receding glaciers: Mountain Glaciers around the world are shrinking at the fast pace. The glacier from which Edmund Hillary and Tenzing began their expedition of Mt. Everest in the year 1953 has retreated by over 4 km in the past 50 years.
Rise in the sea level : Because of the continuous rise in the temperature globally and the trend of glaciers retreating on the large scale has given rise to the another problem and that is the increase in the water of sea level. Rise in the sea level is the threat to the coastal areas and the small islands.
Agriculture production : Further changes in the climatic patterns has reduce the soil productivity. The areas around the world that produce the rice, wheat and food grains would not be able to produce the same quantity for long. Increased evaporation and drier soils in some of the regions would result in the prolonged droughts. Agriculture suffers from increased used of pesticides, crop diseases and weeds.
Aparana Chauhan
Hot ideas for the Cooler Planet !
Can we stop Climate Change
Everyday we hear the shocking news of disappearing ice shelves, receding glaciers or rise in water level of the oceans. But have you ever took out the time to understand the nuts and bolts of the what actually has led to the sudden climatic change? Can we do something to combat this problem.
The answer is Yes ! We all can definitely work out to make a difference. Check out how : -
A Cooler Planet Awaits You
Each one us should take steps to turn our lifestyle into the smart and sensible eco lifestyle.
Understand the Climate Change : First of all try to understand the reasons responsible for the climate change. Search for the to rated sites and discuss with you friends and the family members as how to deal with the problem.
Use of the common transport : More car and bikes on the roads means more of the green houses gases. Use the common transport, if you have to go the same place. You can even use the mass transport like the bus or train instead of using the car or bikes. If you have to cover the shorter distance prefer walking or using the bicycle.
Get the servicing done : You are requested to drive gently and below the speed level. In addition to that keep the 
vehicles serviced at the proper time.
Become resource savvy : Conserve energy at schools and at the work place. Prefer suing the recyclable products. Save water and electricity. Adopt for the waste management system.
Save Electricity : Switch off the fans and lights when not in use. Try to save the electricity, as the every time we use the electricity we put GHSs into the air.
Tree plantations : Tree plantation is the best way to cope up with the problem of global warming. Trees absorb the carbon-di-oxide from the air and release oxygen. They also lower down the temperature and absorb down the harmful gases generated by the vehicles. All this can definitely help in saving our earth from the future turmoil and devastation.
Aparana Chauhan
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Monday, May 5, 2008
100% Wind Powered City
Located in Missouri, Rockport has been proclaimed as the first US city to meet all its electricity requirement through the wind power. The developer of the whole project is the 'Wind Capita Group'. The total cost spent on the project is around 90 million. It is expected to generate five megawatts each day, through Suzlon turbines from 1.25 megawatts each. Wind Capita Group was founded by the Carnahan in 2005.
It produces up to 16 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, which exceeds the 13 million kilowatt hours that the that the Rockport town uses every year. According to the Tom Carnahan, the president of Wind Capital Group, by producing clean and renewable electricity to meet Rockports energy needs, while also generating additional revenue for their tax base, the Loess Hills facility is the finest example of the benefits of the wind energy development.
In addition to that the amount of energy left will be purchased by the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission for use in the other Missouri communities. In case the wind turbines stop generating power than the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission will supply power to the Rockport.
Aparana Chauhan
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