Showing posts with label pollution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pollution. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Climate change summit in Copenhagen brings more polluting carbon emission

12/07/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


In spite of the economic downturn that needs some form of austerity among delegates of the global warming conference in Copenhagen, those who will attend will display a measure of extravagance. The huge number of cars, limousines, and gas-guzzling private jets coming to the capital city of Denmark will produce polluting carbon dioxide---the agent that is blamed for the planet's warming.

According to Majken Friss Jorgensen, managing director of Copenhagen's biggest limousine business, her company has only twelve vehicles, but during the summit there will be 200. Together with other limousine companies, the number of vehicles is expected to reach more than 1,200. Of these, only 5 will be among the class of “non-polluting cars”---the electric or the hybrid.

In addition to the agents of pollution on the road, Danish airports are expecting 140 private jets to be used by the VIP delegates and guests.

“The airport says it is expecting up to 140 extra private jets during the peak period alone, so far over its capacity that the planes will have to fly off to regional airports – or to Sweden – to park, returning to Copenhagen to pick up their VIP passengers.

As well 15,000 delegates and officials, 5,000 journalists and 98 world leaders, the Danish capital will be blessed by the presence of Leonardo DiCaprio, Daryl Hannah, Helena Christensen, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Prince Charles. A Republican US senator, Jim Inhofe, is jetting in at the head of an anti-climate-change "Truth Squad." The top hotels – all fully booked at £650 a night – are readying their Climate Convention menus of (no doubt sustainable) scallops, foie gras and sculpted caviar wedges. “---Telegraph.co.uk (12/05/09, Gilligan, A.)

Whether this flashy summit will realize its goal of saving the planet is unclear. The strident controversies behind global warming are still raging. There is no unanimity if the observed climatic alteration is truly a man-made phenomenon or part of a cycle of planetary change. There are serious questions on the validity and veracity of certain climate data on which decisions have been based.

The doubts behind global warming have intensified as scientists have been accused of tampering data to influence policy and public opinion. An embarrassment to the global warming proponents, the fraud reports cast a bad shadow on the credibility and recommendations of the environmental scientists.(Photo Credit: chrismadden.co.uk) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon $30 billion aid needed by poor countries to curb global warming

12/07/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Just as the Copenhagen international conference on climate change is about to start, United Nations climate chief Yvo de Boer said an emergency $30 billion funding is needed by poor countries to help them deal with the effects of climate change. The funding which will largely come from rich donor-countries is endorsed by the European Union is needed to curb carbon emissions that are thought to be some experts to the main cause of global warming.

“Scientists say carbon gas emissions must be reduced globally in the next decade by 25 to 40 percent from 1990 levels to control rising temperatures. The European Union has pledged 20 percent cuts, and more if other nations agree.

China has proposed reducing its emissions by 45 percent from 2005 levels, while India has offered a 20 to 25 percent cut.”---VOA, (12/06/09) (Photo Credit: magazine.ucla.edu.)

Small and poor countries decry the fact that they bear the brunt of pollution that they are not largely responsible of. The aggressive move of rich countries to advance industrialization cause many parts of the world to suffer from pollutants brought by the destruction of the environment =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Coal mine blast in China points to the cost of development for 1.3 billion people

11/23/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Out of the 528 people working in XinXing coal mine, 420 survived the predawn blast on Saturday, Novermber 21, 2009. A total 104 died after gas levels suddenly went up and triggered a huge explosion. At least 4 were still unaccounted for and about 40 were brought to nearby hospital for treatment of burns and injuries.

According the survivors, some of their friends were not able to escape in spite of the warning they relayed on the impending explosion. Soon after the fatal blast, fearful mine workers in an adjacent site of the accident were hesitant to come down the shaft, but they had no choice for they need to work. Otherwise, they will be jobless and have no means of livelihood.

The blast is the worst in 2 years as China tries to generate its energy source for fuel for its 1.3 billion people. Coal is the source of ¾ of China’s electricity. The communist country, accelerating to grow and attain development, wants to achieve 8% economic growth for this year. This is part of their desire to boost their economy and have prominence among the world's influential nations.

In 2007, shafts at two neighboring mines suffered flooding which killed 181 miners in eastern Shandong province. A massive landslide caused by heavy mining led to deaths of 277 people in mud in Shanxi province.

Residents were awakened by the latest blast in the early morning in Hegang province, an old city with snow which often is dark-gray resulting from coal contamination---a big issue in environmental pollution. Despite closure of about 1,000 dangerous mines last year, accidents and deaths of miners still happen. (Photo Credit: Niklausberger) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Can a marathon save a dying river in Manila?

11/09/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Many believed a marathon can save a dying river. About 21,000 runners participated in a run last Saturday, November 7, 2009 in Manila to demonstrate their awareness and support to revitalize the life of Pasig River---- an important waterway in the huge city.

Aside from a tributary for transport, the Pasig River is important in providing drainage of water during typhoons and inclement weather. In the last tropical storm, 85% of the city was submerged. People realized the importance of a clean and unobstructed waterway to avoid disastrous flooding over the metropolis.

Tons of garbage illegally dumped in Pasig river choked the waterway's vitality. The filthy water is murky--- heavy with silt and sediments. Plastic refuse, pieces of discarded household items, and toxic chemicals accumulated in the natural habitat of fish and animals in the area, destroying much the ecosystem.

Along its banks stood squatter shanties that impeded the river flow. Government authorities had long tried to offer solution to the problem of pollution by relocating illegal dwellers for years but without much success. Funding for clean-up, dredging, public cooperation by law-abiding and socially conscious citizens are part of saving a river. (Photo Credit: Zimrilim) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Fighting global warming and pollution

9/26/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


On my way home this Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from NYU Clinical Cancer Center, I wasn’t able to use my usual route to Queensboro bridge using First Avenue where the UN Headquarters building stands. Many police officers guarded each street corner preventing motorists like me to go close to the United Nations building which was having a general assembly. I almost crossed a red light when a police officer distracted me with the brisk order that I had to change course. In spite of the onset of fall, the weather was hot.

At Third Avenue, it took me almost an hour to reach the bridge to Astoria and I had time to listen to the radio inside my car, one among those that clogged the streets. What was discussed in the airwaves was the climate summit in UN where Pres. Barack Obama warned of worldwide catastrophes if nothing is done on global change. His tone was almost hyperbolic, but an NY tabloid printed alarming articles of the disasters that may befall the city if man-made global warming is not halted.

America is the biggest polluter of the environment. Obama is speaking for planet preservation, but the United States is not among the countries who signed the Kyoto Treaty on the environment. Among the fastest growing economies and significant polluters, China and India ignore their hydrogen fuel and methane gas emissions. Like the US, if they strictly comply with the standards by cutting their emissions, their industries will suffer.

The believers of global warming are as many as those who doubt its existence. The UN scientific panel studying environmental changes said in February 2007 that global warming is real and “unequivocal,” and for the last 50 years, human activity i.e. industrial use of fossil fuel and burning of forests, is likely to have contributed to the alteration the earth’s climate. The UN speakers ominously told the world that time is running out before global catastrophes occur.

“The latest report from the climate panel predicted that the global climate is likely to rise between 3.5 and 8 degrees Fahrenheit if the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere reaches twice the level of 1750. By 2100, sea levels are likely to rise between 7 to 23 inches, it said, and the changes now underway will continue for centuries to come. “ ---New York Times (09/25/09, Science)

I’m reminded by hypocrisy when leaders who support measures to rescue the planet are among the biggest contributors of CO2 emissions and pollution. In New York, the streets are filled with gas guzzlers that give rides to the UN delegates. In their expensive limousines, diplomats and head of states display their disregard of global warming ---their limousines burn lots of hydrocarbons as they idle on the streets.

Former vice-president Al Gore, America’s leading advocate against global warming who was awarded an Oscar for a documentary “The Inconvenient Truth” had been repeatedly criticized for his jet travels that ruin the ozone layer. Senators and congressmen are similarly cited for their lifestyles that contribute to environmental damage. If these guys are serious about cleaning up the pollution and saving the earth, I guess the work on the environment must be done right at their home and backyard. (Photo Credit: freejay3) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon RP’s awesome underground river and Bicol’s pollution

1/28/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The search for “the new seven wonders of the world” is on and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is attracting more attention. The underground waterway in Palawan is among the leading nominees in the category of forest, national parks, and nature reserves. In fact, it has taken the top lead ahead of the great Amazon Rainforest of South America and the astounding Subdarbans Delta in Bangladesh and India.

The unique Philippine underground river grabbed the top spot after a successful campaign to gain points on the first round of voting. The contest which drew 261 nominees in 7 categories had been the brainchild of the New 7 Wonders Foundation, a group established by the Swiss-Canadian aviator Bernard Weber. From January 1 to July 7, 2009, the contest’s second voting will select 77 nominees and 21 finalists They will be announced on July 21, 2007 by a panel of jurors to be led by Federico Mayor, a former UNESCO director-general.---- Inquirer (01/27/09, Anda, R)



Obviously, the stunning below-the-ground river system located southwest of the archipelago is a cause of happiness for Filipinos who take pride in their homeland’s beauty----a cluster of 7,100 emerald isles in Asia. The popularity of the tropical underground attraction highlights the need for kababayans to be part of the conservation campaign in order to protect the country’s natural treasures.

Nature preservation is most timely for the Filipino people. In Bicol, because of improper waste disposal, the effects of pollution have reached the coastal towns of Masbate. Shown in Bicol Mail (01/22/09,) are graphic photos of filthy garbage washed to shore. The damage on the towns makes a good argument in favor of environmental protection. Discarded plastics, papers, and human wastes floating at sea have certainly fouled the environment. Garbage poses a huge health hazard to humans and all living things which thrive in the area. =0=



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PostHeaderIcon Beijing Olympics & China’s Human Rights Record

8/09/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
A nation of 1.3 billion people welcomes the world as it hosts the Beijing Olympics which started on 08/08/08. (Photo Credit: AP) Beaming with national pride, China pulls out a rousing 3 ½ -hour program of pageantry and fireworks to usher in the onset of competitions. It’s an occasion to show its best, after its modern transformation since the communists came to power in 1949.

In regions ravaged by the earthquake in May which killed 70,000 people and rendered close to 5 million people homeless, the people in the countryside and city took time to revel on the glitter of the moment, congregating in villages to watch the spectacular event in TV. About 70 world leaders which include Russia’s Vladimir Putin, France’s Nicholas Sakorzy and Philippines’ Gloria M. Arroyo came to greet Chinese President Hu Jintao. More than 100,000 security personnel were deployed to assure the orderly conduct of the spectacle which was viewed by the largest audience ever: 2.3 billion people worldwide.

Costing about $70 billion, the sporting event has been hounded by political and environmental concerns in spite of government officials' diplomatic maneuvers and efforts to curb air pollution. Beijing still has the smoggy haze that concerns athletes.

The city is moderately polluted (air pollution index of 94 vs. WHO's recommended level of <52.) Participants raise environmental concerns and fret over the heat and humidity which may affect their performance in the games.

The world seems not ready to forget China’s poor human rights records. From various places worldwide protests have erupted against China’s domestic repressive policies. Critics and political activists condemn China’s supply of arms to the genocidal regime of Darfur. The Chinese government hasn't opened a meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama to resolve Tibet's autonomy and desire for self-rule. In a speech which irks Chinese officials, US Pres. George W. Bush said the people of China deserve to enjoy basic liberty, the natural right of very human being.

In spite of government measures to curb pollution, Beijing still has the smoggy haze that concerns athletes. The city is moderately polluted prompting participants to complain over the heat and humidity which may affect their performance in the games. The Olympic organizers are closely monitoring the air safety and weather to determine if competitions need to be rescheduled.

As Beijing Olympics play on, we can’t ignore the positive forces of peace, friendship, understanding and goodwill that propel the holding of the games. Yet, behind the sublime intentions of nations, there are political, social, economic, and environmental concerns which stick out as urgent challenges for the people of the world to tackle.=0=
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PostHeaderIcon Air Pollution Worries Athletes in Beijing Olympics

8/07/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


In spite of efforts to curb pollution in the August Beijing Games, concern lingers among athletes who are arriving to compete in the olympics. Some American track cycling athletes recently planed wearing masks in spite of China shutting down factories and preventing half of 3.3 million vehicles to ply on the road to decrease pollution. Photo Credit: AFP/Getty/Brown,F.

“You got to take every chance you have just to protect the airways,". "It's really just taking every precaution necessary. Who knows how bad it's going to be in a few days so if you can resist any air pollution, any contaminants, then you know it's better performance hopefully," Michael Friedman, an US Olympic cyclist said

Masks are of doubtful use if chemical pollutants that affect the athletes’ health and performance are suspended on the air.

Arne Ljungqvist, chairman of the IOC medical commission, said the committee is evaluating the city's air quality based on standards set by the World Health Organization. She said the air monitoring results from 27 sites since July 27, 2008 had been encouraging. AP(08/05/08)
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