Light pollution

 Light pollution refers to the excessive or misdirected artificial light produced by human activities that disrupt the natural environment, obscures the night sky, and negatively impacts both human and wildlife health. This phenomenon is most prominent in urban areas, where streetlights, buildings, vehicles, and advertisements emit vast amounts of light.

Types of Light Pollution:

1. Skyglow: The brightening of the night sky over populated areas, making it difficult to see stars and celestial bodies.
2. Glare: Excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort, often from streetlights or headlights.
3. Light Trespass: Unwanted or intrusive light that spills over into areas where it is not needed, such as a streetlight shining into a bedroom window.
4. Clutter: The excessive grouping of bright lights, which can create confusion and distractions, commonly seen in heavily lit urban areas.

Effects of Light Pollution:

• Human Health: Disruption of circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disorders, stress, and increased risks of chronic conditions like obesity and cardiovascular disease.
• Wildlife Impact: Disorientation of nocturnal animals, disruption of ecosystems, and interference with natural behaviors such as migration and reproduction.
• Astronomy: Reduced visibility of stars and other celestial objects, making it difficult for astronomers and stargazers to observe the night sky.

Solutions:

• Shielding Lights: Using fixtures that direct light downwards to minimize wasteful upward emissions.
• Switching to LED Lighting: LED lights can be controlled for brightness and directed to avoid unnecessary light spill.
• Dimming Lights: Reducing the brightness of streetlights and other public lighting during off-peak hours.
• Dark Sky Reserves: Areas that implement regulations to reduce artificial light, preserving the night sky for both wildlife and human enjoyment.

Reducing light pollution not only benefits the environment but also improves human well-being by restoring more natural nighttime conditions.

Noise pollution

Noise pollution refers to the presence of excessive or harmful levels of noise in the environment that disrupt the natural or urban setting. This form of pollution is generally caused by human activities such as industrial processes, traffic (both road and air), construction work, and loud social events.

Common Sources of Noise Pollution:

1. Traffic: Cars, buses, trucks, and motorbikes contribute to constant noise in urban areas.
2. Air Traffic: Airports and low-flying aircraft produce high levels of noise, particularly in areas near flight paths.
3. Industrial Activities: Factories, machines, and large equipment produce substantial noise during operations.
4. Construction Sites: Heavy machinery, drills, hammers, and other tools generate loud sounds.
5. Entertainment Events: Music concerts, parties, and events with large crowds can be a significant source.
6. Household Noise: Appliances like vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and lawnmowers, along with loud music or television, can contribute at a local level.

Effects of Noise Pollution:

1. Health Impact:
   • Hearing loss or impairment with prolonged exposure to loud sounds.
   • Increased stress, anxiety, and irritability.
   • Sleep disturbances, leading to fatigue and decreased productivity.
   • Cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure and heart disease.
2. Environmental Impact:
   • Disruption to wildlife, affecting animal communication, reproduction, and feeding patterns.
   • Reduced biodiversity in highly affected areas.
3. Social Impact:
   • Reduced quality of life in urban areas.
   • Decreased property values in noisy neighborhoods.

Mitigation Measures:

1. Urban Planning: Designing cities with green spaces and noise barriers can help reduce sound levels.
2. Regulations: Governments can enforce stricter noise regulations, especially in residential and wildlife areas.
3. Technology: Soundproofing materials and quieter technologies can be used in industrial, residential, and commercial zones.
4. Public Awareness: Educating people about the harmful effects of noise pollution can encourage responsible behavior.

 

The impact of plastic on human health

Plastic pollution has become a significant environmental and public health issue. The impact of plastic on human health can be direct or indirect and occurs through various pathways. Here are some of the key ways plastic affects human health:

1. Chemical Exposure

Plastics contain various chemicals, some of which can be harmful to human health:

• Bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalates: These chemicals are often used in the production of plastics. They are endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with hormone systems. Exposure to BPA and phthalates has been linked to reproductive issues, developmental problems in children, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
• Additives: Plastics often contain additives such as flame retardants, plasticizers, and stabilizers, many of which are toxic. These can leach out of the plastic and enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.

2. Microplastics

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic debris or are manufactured as small particles (such as in cosmetics or cleaning products):

• Ingestion: Microplastics can enter the human body through the consumption of contaminated food and water. Seafood is a significant source, as marine organisms often ingest microplastics.
• Inhalation: Microplastics can become airborne and be inhaled, leading to respiratory issues.
• Health Effects: The health impacts of microplastics are still being studied, but concerns include inflammation, oxidative stress, and potential toxicity due to the chemicals they carry.

3. Environmental Contaminants

Plastics can act as carriers for other toxic substances:

• Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): These chemicals, including pesticides and industrial chemicals, can adhere to plastic debris. When ingested by humans or animals, these pollutants can accumulate in the body and cause various health issues, including cancer and endocrine disruption.

4. Occupational Hazards

People working in industries that manufacture or recycle plastics are at risk of exposure to harmful chemicals and particles:

• Health Risks: Workers may face respiratory problems, skin conditions, and a higher risk of cancers due to prolonged exposure to toxic substances used in plastic production.

5. Impact on Ecosystems

The disruption of ecosystems due to plastic pollution indirectly affects human health:

• Food Chain Contamination: Plastics and associated chemicals can enter the food chain, impacting the safety of food products. This can lead to the bioaccumulation of toxins in human bodies over time.
• Water Quality: Plastic pollution can degrade water quality, affecting both drinking water and recreational waters, leading to various waterborne diseases.

6. Waste Management Issues

Improper disposal and management of plastic waste contribute to public health risks:

• Burning of Plastics: Incinerating plastics releases toxic gases, including dioxins and furans, which can cause respiratory problems, skin issues, and other serious health concerns.
• Landfill Leachate: Plastics in landfills can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater, contaminating water supplies and agricultural products.

Preventive Measures

To mitigate these health impacts, various strategies can be employed:

• Reduce Plastic Use: Limiting the use of single-use plastics and promoting alternatives can significantly reduce exposure.
• Improve Waste Management: Enhancing recycling systems and developing better disposal methods can minimize environmental contamination.
• Regulate Chemicals: Enforcing stricter regulations on the use of harmful chemicals in plastic production can protect human health.
• Public Awareness: Educating the public about the risks associated with plastic and promoting healthier choices can drive behavioral change.

Understanding the various pathways through which plastics affect human health is crucial for developing effective policies and interventions to protect public health and the environment.

Refillable business models

Refillable business models, or subscription-based or service-based models, have gained significant traction across various industries. These models rely on providing customers with a continuous service or product, often regularly, in exchange for a subscription fee. Here are some common types and examples of refillable business models:

1. Subscription Services: These models offer access to a service or a product for a recurring fee. Examples include:
• Streaming Services: Companies like Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon Prime offer access to movies, music, and other digital content for a monthly subscription fee.
• Software as a Service (SaaS): Businesses like Salesforce, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Microsoft Office 365 provide software applications on a subscription basis, typically charged monthly or annually.
• Meal Kit Subscriptions: Companies such as Blue Apron, HelloFresh, and Home Chef deliver pre-portioned ingredients and recipes to customers weekly.
2. Membership Models: These models offer members exclusive access, perks, or discounts in exchange for a recurring fee. Examples include:
• Retail Memberships: Companies like Costco and Sam's Club offer membership programs that provide access to bulk discounts and other benefits.
• Gym Memberships: Fitness clubs like Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness offer membership packages that grant access to their facilities and services.
• Subscription Boxes: Companies like Birchbox and FabFitFun curate and deliver boxes of products to subscribers monthly or quarterly.
3. Refillable Products: These models focus on providing products that must be replenished regularly. Examples include:
• Subscription-Based Razors: Companies like Dollar Shave Club and Harry's offer subscription-based razor services, regularly providing customers with razor blades.
• Coffee Subscriptions: Blue Bottle Coffee and Trade Coffee offer subscription services for regular coffee deliveries.
• Personal Care Products: Brands like Quip (toothbrushes), Native (deodorants), and Blueland (cleaning products) offer subscription-based models for regularly replenished personal care and household items.
4. Freemium Models: These models offer essential services or products for free while charging for premium features or upgraded versions. Examples include:
• Freemium Games: Many mobile games offer free gameplay with the option to purchase in-game items or upgrades.
• Freemium Software: Apps like Evernote and Dropbox offer free versions with limited features, while premium subscriptions unlock additional functionality and storage space.
5. Rentals and Leasing: These models involve renting or leasing products for a period rather than outright purchase. Examples include:
• Car Rental Services: Companies like Zipcar and Enterprise Rent-A-Car offer short-term vehicle rentals.
• Furniture Rental: Businesses such as Feather and Fernish offer furniture rental services, allowing customers to furnish their homes without buying furniture outright.

Refillable business models offer several advantages, including recurring revenue streams, enhanced customer loyalty through ongoing engagement, and the ability to predict and manage inventory more effectively. However, they also come with challenges such as customer churn, maintaining service quality, and the need for continuous innovation to retain subscribers.

 

Carbon credits

 Carbon credits are crucial to mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The concept is based on the principle of cap and trade, which involves setting a limit (or cap) on the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by certain entities, such as companies or nations.

 

Here's how it typically works:

 

Setting a Cap: Government authorities or regulatory bodies limit the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by specific entities within a defined period. This cap is often based on the overall emissions reduction goals to combat climate change.

 

Issuing Credits: Under this system, entities that emit less than their allocated limit of greenhouse gases are awarded carbon credits. These credits represent a quantified amount of emissions, usually equivalent to one metric ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases.

 

Trading: Entities with surplus credits can sell them to those exceeding their allocated limits. This creates a market for carbon credits, where the price is determined by supply and demand dynamics.

 

Compliance: Entities subject to emission limits can use purchased credits to meet their regulatory obligations, effectively offsetting their excess emissions. This incentivises emission reductions by creating a financial penalty for exceeding the emissions cap and a reward for staying below it.

 

Carbon credits can be generated through activities that either directly reduce emissions (e.g., renewable energy projects, afforestation) or remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (e.g., reforestation, carbon capture and storage projects). Each credit is rigorously measured, verified, and certified to ensure that the emissions reductions are real, additional (meaning they wouldn't have happened without the incentive of the credit), permanent, and verifiable.

 

The idea behind carbon credits is to create a financial incentive for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging investment in cleaner technologies and practices while providing flexibility for industries to comply with emission reduction targets cost-effectively. However, the effectiveness of carbon credit systems can vary depending on how they are designed, implemented, and enforced.

 

Green concept in agriculture

 In agriculture, the green concept revolves around implementing practices and techniques that prioritise environmental sustainability, conservation of natural resources, and the reduction of negative impacts on ecosystems. Here are some critical aspects of the green concept in agriculture:

 

Organic Farming: Organic farming avoids using synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Instead, it focuses on natural methods such as crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control to maintain soil health and fertility.

 

Agroecology: Agroecological practices integrate ecological principles into agricultural systems to enhance biodiversity, improve soil quality, and promote resilience to pests and diseases. This approach often mimics natural ecosystems and fosters beneficial interactions between crops, livestock, and other organisms.

 

Conservation Tillage: Conservation tillage methods, such as no-till or reduced tillage, minimise soil disturbance and erosion by leaving crop residues on the surface. This helps to retain moisture, enhance soil structure, and reduce the need for chemical inputs.

 

Water Conservation: Green agriculture emphasises efficient water management techniques to minimise water usage and reduce the risk of water pollution. Strategies include drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and the implementation of water-saving technologies.

 

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM strategies combine various pest control methods, including biological, cultural, and mechanical approaches, to manage pest populations while minimising reliance on chemical pesticides. This approach aims to protect beneficial insects, reduce chemical residues in food, and prevent pest resistance.

 

Agroforestry: Agroforestry systems integrate trees or shrubs into agricultural landscapes to provide multiple benefits, such as soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and habitat for wildlife. They can also enhance ecosystem resilience and diversify farm income streams.

 

Sustainable Livestock Management: Green agriculture includes practices that promote the humane treatment of animals, minimise the environmental impacts of livestock production, and improve animal welfare. These practices may involve rotational grazing, pasture-based systems, and feed sourced from sustainable sources.

 

By adopting these and other green concepts in agriculture, farmers can contribute to environmental conservation, mitigate climate change, and build resilient and sustainable food systems for the future.

"Green concept"

 "green concept" refers to ideas, practices, technologies, or environmentally friendly or sustainable initiatives. These concepts aim to minimise adverse environmental impacts, conserve resources, reduce pollution, and promote ecological balance.

 

Examples of green concepts include:

 

Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or depleting finite resources.

Energy-efficient buildings and appliances that consume less energy and reduce carbon emissions.

Sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming, crop rotation, and permaculture, minimise chemical inputs, soil erosion, and habitat destruction.

Waste reduction and recycling programs to divert materials from landfills and conserve resources.

Green transportation options, such as electric vehicles, public transit, biking, and walking, reduce fossil fuel reliance and air pollution.

Conservation and restoration efforts to protect ecosystems, preserve biodiversity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Overall, the green concept encompasses various strategies and approaches to promoting environmental stewardship and creating a more sustainable future for current and future generations.

Green Industry

"Green Industry" typically refers to sectors of the economy that produce goods or services focusing on environmental sustainability and minimising negative environmental impacts. It encompasses various industries, technologies, and practices prioritising resource efficiency, renewable energy, waste reduction, pollution prevention, and overall ecological responsibility.

 

Here are some key aspects and components of the Green Industry:

 

Renewable Energy: This includes industries involved in the production and distribution of energy from renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass. These energy sources are sustainable because they do not deplete finite resources and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels.

 

Energy Efficiency: Industries and technologies focused on improving energy efficiency play a significant role in the Green Industry. This involves developing and implementing technologies, policies, and practices that reduce energy consumption in buildings, transportation, manufacturing processes, and other sectors.

 

Sustainable Agriculture: The Green Industry encompasses practices and technologies promoting sustainable agriculture, such as organic farming, agroecology, permaculture, and precision farming. These approaches prioritise soil health, water conservation, biodiversity preservation, and reducing chemical inputs.

 

Waste Management and Recycling: Industries involved in waste management, recycling, and resource recovery contribute to the Green Industry by reducing waste sent to landfills, conserving resources, and minimising pollution. This includes recycling facilities, composting operations, waste-to-energy plants, and companies specialising in remanufacturing and upcycling.

 

Clean Transportation: The Green Industry includes sectors focused on developing and promoting clean transportation solutions, such as electric vehicles (EVs), public transit systems, biking infrastructure, and fuel-efficient vehicles. These initiatives aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and dependence on fossil fuels in the transportation sector.

 

Green Building and Construction: Industries involved in green building and construction prioritise energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental sustainability in building design, materials, and practices. This includes using sustainable building materials, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and designing buildings to minimise environmental footprints.

 

Environmental Consulting and Services: The Green Industry also encompasses a range of consulting firms, environmental agencies, and service providers offering expertise in environmental compliance, sustainability assessments, ecological restoration, and environmental remediation.

 

Overall, the Green Industry represents a shift towards more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices across various sectors of the economy, driven by concerns about climate change, resource depletion, pollution, and environmental degradation.

  

Environmental Issues That Construction Firms Must Address

 

For the last couple of years, it seems like barely a week has gone by without an alarming sign of climate change. There have been extreme weather events, unexpected wintry conditions in California, and the record-breaking heatwave we saw here in the United Kingdom last summer. The government has made pledges that it will take the issue seriously, but there has been a lot of scepticism from leading figures about how much that will actually amount to. Businesses and individuals must also step up and take responsibility.

When it comes to construction, there are a lot of different areas that require focus. So much of the conversation around the construction and property industries over the last couple of years has focused on other issues which, while admittedly important, do not factor in the long-term environmental concerns. For example, there was a huge amount written about the shortages in construction supplies and the shortage of skilled workers in that industry. Meanwhile, the property market ballooned during the pandemic years and has since come crashing back to earth. As we look forward to the rest of the year and the years beyond, here are the major environmental issues that construction firms must address when working.

1. Air Pollution

Air pollution has been pushed to the forefront in recent months. For example, London’s mayor Sadiq Khan has made cleaner air a considerable part of his mission. It is important to remember that during the construction process, there are a lot of opportunities for exhaust fumes and other noxious vapours to be emitted for extended periods.

Construction firms must be aware of the air pollution they are causing and look for ways to mitigate it or rule it out entirely. A simple example of how they can cut down on exhaust created is by using electric vans and other vehicles to transport materials to the work site.

2. Non-Recycled And Non-Recyclable Materials

This is an area that every business needs to focus on, regardless of sector, but it can be particularly relevant here. People looking to build their properties from scratch may insist on using entirely new materials, but there is no need for such a definitive approach. Take something as simple as a wooden deck, for example. Recycled materials are just as hardy, just as effective, and just as easy to style.

It is the contractors' responsibility to offer a range of materials to their clients and recommend using recycled materials where they can. This will massively cut down on the amount of waste that the construction industry generates. It is also important to think about using recyclable materials.

So much waste from construction projects ends up in landfills. It is vital that the industry considers this issue and tries to avoid using everything from single-use plastics to non-biodegradable materials.

3. Impact On The Local Wildlife

The local wildlife will be affected every time a construction project gets underway. There is such a massive number of different elements and species at play that the idea that a project could be completely free of this issue is a hard one to believe. However, with the right preparation, surveys and consideration, the impact can be minimal. The specifics will vary from project to project depending on the location and the type of wildlife in the area. For example, a project near water must consider everything from fish and frogs to the animals that use the space.

One of the most important species that anyone considering renovating or demolishing a building must think is bats. Bats are a protected species in the UK, and they often make their nests in roofs, lofts, and barns. They are also often found in trees, and a bat survey must be conducted to ensure you are not damaging their habitat.

The first step is to take a preliminary roost assessment. If a roost is found, you will need further surveys about the best way forward. For more information about bat surveys and other wildlife surveys, talk to the team at Arbtech. They can help you to get surveys done quickly and efficiently and advise on how your project can proceed.

4. Noise Pollution

This point may seem a little less grave than some of the others discussed already, but it is a major factor to the local people and wildlife. Sustained noise pollution can be a serious problem, so it is advised that construction companies check with the local council before they begin a project. Work must be restricted to certain times of day, or it may be that the project needs to be moved entirely.

5. Using Methods That Cause Erosion And Contamination

As unfortunate as it may be, there are still many ways that construction companies can damage the local environment through carelessness. For example, it is possible for the soil surrounding the worksite to become eroded thanks to the coming and going of heavy vehicles and heavy equipment, not to mention the ongoing disruption of the construction work itself. Soil and water contamination is also a significant risk on many projects and requires constant vigilance from the people working on the site to ensure that it is not happening.

One of the main factors contributing to these harmful scenarios is businesses not investing in newer techniques and new equipment, which are less likely to have a negative impact. Given the challenging market, it is understandable that spending a lot of money is the last thing any firm wants to commit to. However, the environmental impact of any construction project must be kept to a minimum.

'Green' synthesis of plastics from CO2

By combining a CeO2 catalyst with atmospheric carbon dioxide, researchers from Osaka City University, Tohoku University, and Nippon Steel Corporation have developed an effective catalytic process for the direct synthesis of polycarbonate diols without using dehydrating agents. Their method, published in Green Chemistry, does not rely on toxic chemical feedstock like phosgene and carbon monoxide, making it the world's first high yield "green" reaction system.

(Nanowerk News) Using a CeO2 catalyst, researchers develop an effective catalytic process for the direct synthesis of polycarbonate diols without the need for dehydrating agents. The high yield, high selective process has CO2 blown at atmospheric pressure to evaporate excess water by-product allowing for a catalytic process that can be used with any substrate with a boiling point higher than water.

CeO2 catalyzes the direct polymerization of flow CO2 and diols to provide polycarbonate diols in high yields, which are useful chemicals for polyesters, polyurethanes, and acrylic resins. (Image: Masazumi Tamura)

By combining a CeO2 catalyst with atmospheric carbon dioxide, researchers from Osaka City University, Tohoku University, and Nippon Steel Corporation have developed an effective catalytic process for the direct synthesis of polycarbonate diols without using dehydrating agents. Their method, published in Green Chemistry, does not rely on toxic chemical feedstock like phosgene and carbon monoxide, making it the world’s first high yield “green” reaction system.

There is a worldwide need to reduce carbon dioxide, one of the major greenhouse gases, and converting it into a useful chemical compound has attracted much attention in recent years. Various effective catalyst systems have been developed but they rely on toxic chemicals that churn out unmanageable by-products. Processes using substrates that are easily available and safe, with water as the only by-product, have emerged as an alternative. Yet, high levels of water by-product keep these processes from synthesizing enough polycarbonates.

"Most processes use a dehydrating agent to keep water levels low to overcome an equilibrium," said Masazumi Tamura of the Osaka City University, "but some of the issues to address are the high pressure of carbon dioxide needed, the recovery and regeneration of the dehydrating agent, and contamination of by-products generated by its use."

To bypass these issues, the research team developed a catalytic process that does not use a dehydrating agent. By focusing on the difference in boiling points between the chemical product/diol and water, the research team predicted a high carbon fixation yield by blowing in CO2 at atmospheric pressure to evaporate excess water.

“It became clear that among the metal oxide catalysts we used,” stated Keiichi Tomishige of Tohoku University, “CeO2 showed the highest activity.” This simple catalytic reaction system is the first ever to successfully synthesize polycarbonate diols from carbon dioxide and diols at atmospheric pressure. “This process, without the need of dehydrating agents, can chemically convert carbon dioxide using any substrate with a boiling point sufficiently higher than water,” concluded Kenji Nakao of Nippon Steel Corporation, “and can be applied to the synthesis of carbonates, carbamates, and ureas, which are useful additives for lithium-ion batteries and/or raw materials for polymer synthesis.”

Source: Osaka University https://www.nanowerk.com/

Global Warming will Continue No Matter What We Do Even if humanity stopped emitting greenhouse gases today

"Even if humanity stopped emitting greenhouse gases tomorrow, Earth will warm for centuries to come and oceans will rise by metres, according to a controversial modelling study published Thursday.

Natural drivers of global warming—more heat-trapping clouds, thawing permafrost, and shrinking sea ice—already set in motion by carbon pollution will take on their own momentum, researchers from Norway reported in the Nature journal Scientific Reports."
Why permafrost releases carbon as it thaws.

O. Roger Anderson, a biologist at the Earth Institute’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, explained

why permafrost releases carbon as it thaws.

The ‘active layer’ of soil on top of the permafrost, which may be two to 13 feet deep, thaws each summer and can sustain plant life. This layer releases carbon from the roots of plants that respire out CO2, and from microbes in the soil. Some microbes break down the organic matter into CO2. Others, called archaea, produce methane instead, when conditions are anaerobic—when the soil is saturated with water or no oxygen is available. Methane is 20 to 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide at exacerbating global warming, but it remains in the atmosphere for less time.

As permafrost thaws, the active layer deepens. The microbes become active and plant roots can penetrate further down, resulting in the production of more CO2. The amount of methane generated depends on how saturated the ground is.

Scientists don’t know the relative proportions of carbon dioxide and methane emissions that might result from largescale thawing permafrost, said Anderson, because this has never happened in human history. However, research on the upper layer of the tundra (treeless plains overlying the permafrost) suggests that the average carbon dioxide emissions are about 50 times higher than those of methane.

“And we know that for every 10 degrees Celsius that the soil warms up, the emission of CO2 will double,” said Anderson.

Robert Stonjek

https://phys.org/news/2020-11-greenhouse-gas-emissions-global.html?fbclid=IwAR1lgiveF5pYpbHA1LNBIArUfvw4FSEy4IONRmNvXvx_OEMpDebpY9bwy1k https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/01/11/thawing-permafrost-matters/

Environmental Benefits of Coronavirus

 Coronaviruses are well-known to us. In fact, you are probably an unknown host to millions of them now. Coronaviruses cause various illnesses ranging from the common cold to severe and often deadly respiratory infections. This new strain, COVID-19, is short for coronavirus disease-2019.  This novel coronavirus is responsible for the current global outbreak. Although coronaviruses are well-known, this new strain has no cure or prevention. This fact has jeopardized millions of human beings worldwide, particularly the elderly or immune suppressed.

“The coronavirus outbreak has seen widespread changes in human behaviour, encouraging companies to alter everyday operations by suggesting employees work from home, reducing congestion and enhancing air quality.”

It is possibly too soon to arrive at conclusions concerning the consequences of the new sickness. Still, at present, we see the significant impact the topic has on the mass media and how this is being transmitted into drastic individual decisions that affect the smooth functioning of our society, particularly the economy.

According to Green Connect CEO Kylie Flament, there's been a 25 per cent increase in people wanting to buy fruit and vegetables from her organisation's Lake Heights farm.

She also saw a significant increase in people looking to other environmentally friendly alternatives to cushion the impact of COVID-19 social distancing and self-isolation.

"Coronavirus is causing enormous health, social and economic upheaval, and that shouldn't be underestimated, but there are silver linings and some of these are environmental," she said.

She pointed out that local nurseries have been selling out of plants, especially edible ones, and said she had noticed an increasing demand for people wanting backyard chickens.

"These might have been things at the back of people's minds, and suddenly it's become an urgent priority," she said. "So the silver lining in all this is that people are being pushed to more sustainable living."

Low to no NO2

The NO₂ is a noxious gas. It generates from motor vehicles. Thus, it is clear that the recent plummet of this gas was due to the nationwide shutdown of vehicle movement. The fewer vehicles on the road mean low-to-no NO₂ in the air. Evidence of the reduction of pollution started in Wuhan and spread over the entire mainland China.

We see reduced production in the Chinese industry, which has resulted in a considerable drop in China's pollution. We also understand that many international conferences, summits or events that concentrate thousands of individuals from different countries are being cancelled or made virtual because of the fear of extending the infection of coronavirus. This is happening in tech, business, science, and other sectors, even museums and Disneyland in several places in Asia. Venice, in the distant past a lovely town of canals, but converted in recent decades into a pathetic unpleasant attraction park with mass tourism of 20-30 million visits per year, is now deathly silent. What a respite for the Venetians! What good news for the ecologists and tourist-haters! This positively affects the reduction of CO2 emission and the whole wave the destruction associated with holiday and professional conference tourism. Possibly not so good for airline companies or travel agencies. It is certainly not very good for the economy in general, but it is fantastic for the environment.

For decades, we have witnessed the struggle between the expanding forces of the economy and the restoring forces of ecology. Conclusions that may be derived from observing this confrontation are that:

1) an ecological/green/sustainable capitalist economy is an oxymoron; that is, capitalism and sustainability are mutually exclusive ideas, and

2) the economy is winning almost all of the hands of the battle down. A prominent example of the failure to arrive at a green solution within the current model of our western-style societies in developed countries is illustrated in global warming conferences: a perfect example of hypocrisy in which climate scientists and many politicians, administrators and people living on the green lobbies behave as a "jet-set" among the highest ratio contaminators. At the same time, they exert their moral authority to demand that people in less privileged groups of our society, such as coal miners, teamsters working on oil pipelines, and mining-dependent workers sacrifice their own economic well-being to fight climate change. One of the latest failed attempts to find solutions came from the COP25 in Madrid of 2019 summit; another one in the long list of fruitless negotiations to try to stop or mitigate the adverse effects of the global warming already knocking on our doors.

The implicit or explicit explanation for the long list of unsuccessful negotiations is always the same: "yes, yes, we see the problem, but... you know, we have the economy to think about, and many people will suffer if we significantly modify any of its parameters, so let us continue to live as usual, even increasing our consumption habits, and we will meet again at next summit to eat in good restaurants, enjoy tourism and take beer with colleagues to try to find a solution". Putting it bluntly, there is no solution, and we are damned to a disaster unless a miracle happens.

Suddenly, much to the surprise of the economic and political gurus, the solution is spontaneously arising in front of our very eyes: a virus. As in H. G. Wells' The War of the Worlds, a microscopic Earth lifeform has finally proved to reverse the victory in what has so far been a losing war to reduce the excesses of a crazy, self-destructive world. Neither Greenpeace, nor Greta Thunberg, nor any other individual or collective organization have achieved so much in favor of the health of the planet in such a short time. A miracle happened, and, suddenly, all the excuses to avoid a reduction of contamination have been shown to be spurious. In less than two months, worldwide organizations have shown us how it is indeed possible to close museums, shut down whole towns, including such top touristic destinations as Venice, reduce the number of flights, and cancel many of the most important conferences and summits, etc. And this is only the beginning.

When I said in a previous article that we should ban conferences or hugely reduce their numbers, I knew that almost nobody would take this advice seriously, but it now comes as a complete surprise that I am now witnessing the very thing I was recommending. Suddenly, we realize that all the excuses to avoid the reduction of contamination were just excuses, and that we can perfectly live in a world without conferences, a world of academicians and scientists without beer-drinking with colleagues and feeding the narcissism of some researchers, an expensive luxury that we should not be able to afford in these times of climate crisis.

"Yes, we can", said the slogan of a former US president. Certainly, we can; we can stop the world if necessary and keep the people alive and healthy and happy without an expanding and destructive economic system. But words are not enough to move the world; arguments are not enough in the midst of irrational systems. With beasts like human beings, which are moved by a more terrible and irrational monster such as Money, only fear works, and sickness such as COVID-19 of moderate mortality (not so dangerous so far, it is not as mortal as the Ebola virus although it is more infectious) may be more effective than good arguments in pushing humanity in more sustainable directions.
Thanks https://www.calamitypolitics.com,https://www.illawarramercury.com.au,https://www.rt.com