To reduce GHG emissions in your community there are many simple and easy steps:

1. Drive less, and when you do drive, drive moderately. If you are traveling to school, work, or the store, walk or bike instead of driving. If you have to drive, use gradual accelerations and decelerations to reduce fuel and emissions.
2. Use less lighting. If it is a bright day out, open the curtains and utilize what nature has to offer! There is no need for wasting energy.
3. Lower your thermostat in your house. By decreasing your thermostat from, let’s say, 25 degrees Celsius to 23, you can save a great deal of energy (and money!).

(http://envirorentals.com/Topic_of_month/reduceemissions.html)

4. Wash your dishes by hand. Personally, I do this as my household does not have a dishwasher, and it doesn’t take that much time, yet it saves a great deal of energy!
5. Buy Energy Star appliances.
6. Turn off the lights when you leave the room
7. Replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs, which are much more efficient.
8. If you are considering buying a new vehicle, consider a hybrid one.
9. Combine multiple trips into one; if doing errands, do all of them at once, rather than making several trips.
10. Buy local produce as less fuel is required to transport the goods.
11. Plant trees. Trees serve as a carbon sink and use this carbon in photosynthesis, which yields oxygen for us to breathe.
12. Rake your leaves instead of using a leaf blower.
13. Recycle!! It requires much less energy to recycle a product than to create one from scratch.

(http://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Your-Greenhouse-Gas-Emissions)

My Footprint

My results from www.myfootprint.org showed that I needed the following hectares for each area of my life: 3.3 hectares for food, 0.2 hectares for mobility, 1.7 hectares for shelter, 2.0 hectares for goods and services. This results in 7.2 hectares being needed. If each person were to require this amount, 4 planets would be needed to provide us with enough land. The average for a Canadian is 8.8 hectares, and so I require quite a bit less than the average Canadian, which is pleasing.

On my “lifestyle” footprint (http://www.takingstock.org/lifestyle.asp), it was determined that I am a F4: Factor 4. The website states the following about F4: “As people reinvent a new kind of quality of life in local communities, true wealth spreads more evenly. The ecological footprint is reduced overall by a factor of four, by combining increased efficiency, better distribution, and zero-waste closed cycle production and consumption”.

I believe I could reduce my ecological footprint by walking more frequently when weather permits. I actually enjoy walking around town when running errands, and so, this will be more environmentally-friendly, and will keep me active. Furthermore, I can put more energy-efficient techniques to use in my home. We have already converted to using fluorescent light bulbs, and I always make sure I turn off the light when I leave the room. Furthermore, we do not own a dishwasher, and so we wash dishes my hand. More techniques to reducing my footprint could be to carpool more, and to run many errands in one trip.

Canadian Carbon Tax

I believe this carbon tax proposal is a magnificent idea. It is my belief that companies and individuals pollute far too much, and there are no consequences for such actions. In addition, some individuals may not recognize how much they pollute. To be quite honest, I would find it fascinating to see how much I personally pollute compared to others.

According to one website, “compliance-based markets” are often run by a third party, such as the government (http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/cl11179). This is essential, especially in the carbon tax proposal because GHG emissions must be monitored and regulated by an unbiased party. For example, the state of California has passed legislation that required the reduction in GHG emissions by law.

Such a carbon credit system would operate very similar to that of the Kyoto Protocol. It would function as a cap-and-trade system; however, there is one exception (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Protocol). In Canada’s carbon credit system, companies would only be allowed to buy and sale credits with fellow Canadian companies, as to not allow Canadian revenue to go over seas. I believe this system would function very effectively in our country, or in any country for that matter. If a particular company feels the need to excessively pollute, then they must buy credits from other companies; this serves as a great disincentive. On the other side of the spectrum, those companies would pollute less can sell their credits to other companies and make a substantial profit; this serves as a great incentive.

“Under the Kyoto Protocol, the Clean Development Mechanism was created as a way of helping industrialized countries, such as Canada, meet their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, while helping developing countries at the same time. Forestry projects known as ‘sinks’ absorb greenhouse gas emissions and if properly designed and implemented, could promote sustainable development in developing countries. Those projects will be able to qualify for carbon credits under the Kyoto Protocol, which investors can earn and use towards their Kyoto targets” (http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Campaigns_and_Programs/Climate_Change/News_Releases/newsclimatechange11260302.asp).

Once again, it is my belief that this carbon tax proposal could effectively reduce Canada’s GHG emissions. This would be an excellent idea only if the revenue made from such a system would be redirected to act as an incentive for those who are environmentally friendly; otherwise, it will be yet another tax among many others. This carbon tax system would work very similar to that of North Middlesex’s garbage tag system. For each garbage bag, you must buy a sticker that costs a few dollars; this is a small amount of money, but such a cost is a great disincentive. To meet Canada’s obligation to the Kyoto Protocol, this system would be of great help.

A Little TOO "Inconvenient"?

After seeing An Inconvenient Truth, I am now aware of how much our world has changed over the last century – whether it was natural or anthropogenic. Nonetheless, our world has increased in both temperature and carbon dioxide emissions. I concur with Al Gore that an immediate resolve must be met to ensure Earth’s survival, and therefore, human kind’s survival. The overall message is very important and everyone should hear it, as it affects everyone on Earth; however, there were a few parts I did not necessarily agree with. Some of the predictions presented in the movie seemed to be too drastic, and it would be impossible to see (with the naked eye) differences in atmospheric gases in the ice cores over a mere couple of years. Nevertheless, I agree with Al Gore that global warming is an imminent threat to our world and that we must set plans in motion to alleviate the effects of the last century of significant pollution. Whether the increase in temperature and carbon dioxide is nature or anthropogenic, reducing green house gas emissions leads to beneficial results.

The first website that supports An Inconvenient Truth is RealClimate at: http://www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2006/05/al-gores-movie/. There are eleven climate scientists that maintain this website. It provides a well-balanced critique of An Inconvenient Truth. They believe it is a very effective and well-researched movie, while noting a few small errors as well. They try to be unbiased on their website, and I believe they are successful in doing so. They appear to be up-to-date on their knowledge and educated in the field. The author collaborates his ideas with his colleagues to get a wider view from the scientific community.

The second website is Wikipedia at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Inconvenient_Truth. Wikipedia provides an overview of An Inconvenient Truth, as well as scientific research from external sources, such as the first website RealClimate. In addition to scientific proof, Wikipedia also provides clarification on some unclear points in the movie, such as the confusion between the drastic increase in ocean levels due to glacier’s breaking off and the less drastic increase in ocean levels due to gradual melting.

The first website that criticizes An Inconvenient Truth is http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YjI4NTc0YWMzNTA3ZjRmYmJiMDRjNmI5MGEwZTFhM2E=. This website uses documents like the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to support his criticism. It is apparent that this Panel came to less drastic predictions of the expected increase in ocean levels. Furthermore, the author also uses a piece of literature to provide support that the Arctic’s recent acceleration in ice loss has been reversed.

The second website that criticizes the movie is http://blog.nam.org/archives/2006/05/an_inconvenient.php. It provides references to other scientific research that has refuted Gore’s predictions. They also refer to other websites, such as blogs, where it is evident that not everybody agrees with Gore’s claims. The website agrees with some of the facts that Gore uses, but claim these facts do not support his claims, as some these facts are irrelevant to his claims.

I believe that the “docuganda” line is a very thin one. I believe that this movie is a very educational and well-researched movie, and it provides scientific proof to support Gore’s claims, and is therefore a documentary. However, in some ways An Inconvenient Truth is a docuganda because the impression one gets from watching Gore talk is that you are either in agreement with him or look like a fool to some degree because of the “proof” he provides. It is my belief that this movie is indeed a docuganda to some degree because of some of the unsupported and misrepresented claims. However! I believe it is a very beneficial and educational docuganda. Even if it is a docuganda, does that make it so bad? I believe that this movie conveys the message that Gore wanted to send and at the same time grabs the attention of the viewer to invoke change. Therefore, if this movie is a docuganda to some degree, it is well warranted.

"January is Warmest on Record" Response (Feb. 20)

The NOAA is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Their website is www.noaa.gov/.

The Goldilocks Effect is the term applied to the comparison between Earth, Venus, and Mars with respect to atmospheric gases. On Earth, 99% of atmospheric gas is nitrogen and oxygen; the remaining 1% are greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane. On Earth, there is the right amount of greenhouse gases to allow life to survive. However, on Venus and Mars there are too little, or too much, greenhouse gases to sustain life. Therefore, Venus is too hot, Mars is too cold, and Earth is right in the middle; hence the term, the Goldilocks Effect (named after the childhood story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears). The website from which I received this information is: http://www.ucar.edu/learn/1_1_2_1t.htm.

As convincing as this article is, it is impossible to determine if global warming is the culprit behind the increase temperature around the world. It is my belief, and therefore my bias, that greenhouse gas emission is causing the drastic increase in temperature. However, some may find it hard to believe that such a short time of environmental damage could cause such an impact on our Earth. Nevertheless, this article should be taken seriously as our environment, and our Earth, is standing in the balance.

More research must be conducted to conclude whether or not the emission of greenhouse gases is causing this increase. The information and the statistics are very persuasive, but one must ask oneself: Could this not just be an anomaly in atmospheric conditions that occurs once every few hundred years?

Therefore, it is my belief that we should implement measures to alleviate the effects of global warming, whether it is global warming or not that is causing this increase. No matter what, a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions could not hurt, and so, we should start being considerate of our environment today. We do not want our foolish actions today to jeopardize our future. Although the only way to know if global warming is causing this increase is for us to wait and collect data over future years or even decades, we should help eradicate greenhouse gas emissions as a precaution if nothing else.

The article that is being described in this blog, January is the Warmest on Record, is from the website: http://www.livescience.com/environment/070216_jan07highest_temps.html

Incentives and Rebates

The following is an analysis of four programs that are offered through various jurisdictions throughout Canada. Each program was created to provide financial incentives for different circumstances in which individuals can help the environment:

1. Drive Clean Emission Test Exemption:

In Ontario, gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles do not have to be tested every two years as regular cars do. Typically, regular cars with a mass less than 4500 kg have to be tested every two years starting five years after its model year.

I like this idea because it allows gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles to have some lenience. I believe this lenience is well-deserved as they are participating in measures to help our environment.

I believe this incentive is effective for two reasons. First, the hybrid vehicle owners save $35 every two years by being exempt from the Drive Clean test. This could amount to a respectable sum of money over the vehicle’s lifetime. Second, by being exempt from this test, a significant inconvenience is lifted off the owner’s shoulder, so to speak. They no longer have to take time out of their schedule and attend a Drive Clean test appointment.
Although, the incentive appears to be small at first glance, I believe it is both beneficial and effective. I know I would consider buying a hybrid car especially with this test being eliminated.

(http://www.incentivesandrebates.ca/gc_fi_search_display.asp?id=128&jurisdiction=0&actionArea=0&keyword= )

2. Existing Homes Energy Efficiency Upgrades Program:

Although this program is not from Ontario, I believe it is such a good idea that Ontario should implement it as well. The province of New Brunswick has created a very impressive program relating to home renovations. Single-family homeowners are qualified for an interest-free loan of up to $10 000 or a rebate of 20% for up to $2000. The homeowner must get an evaluation of the home that is accompanied by a list of recommendations for the home. The homeowner also gets a $100 coupon to go towards this evaluation. Upon completion of a second evaluation (after the renovations are completed) within eighteen months of the first evaluation, they can choose between their two options: interest-free loan or the rebate.

I believe this is a magnificent idea because it allows the homeowner to make renovations to their home, whilst making a significant improvement to the environment by saving energy.

I believe it is very effective because it will attract a great deal of people to make renovations of their home. Even if a person isn’t interested in helping the environment, they will want to make the renovations to their home. Therefore, people will be making an improvement in the environment whether they know it or not! I strongly believe that Ontario should follow in New Brunswick’s footsteps and should adopt this program as well.

(http://www.incentivesandrebates.ca/gc_fi_search_display.asp?id=207&jurisdiction=0&actionArea=0&keyword= )

3. Citizens Bank Clean Air Auto Loan:

Through federal jurisdiction, the Citizens Bank offers its clients prime rate loans when they are buying a gasoline-electric hybrid car. Over the maximum five-year loan term, an individual could save up to $3000.

I like this idea because it allows those concerned with helping the environment to save money. In addition, it is refreshing to see corporate businesses to show an interest in the environment and to help alleviate the costs of a new automobile.

I think this program is very effective because those considering buying a new hybrid vehicle will now have a viable means to finance such a purchase. In addition, those who were not necessarily considering a hybrid car, but were thinking of buying a new vehicle, may now consider buying a “green” car to save money. Nonetheless, this program is promoting environmental awareness and is providing substantial financial assistance.

(http://www.incentivesandrebates.ca/gc_fi_search_display.asp?id=250&jurisdiction=10&actionArea=0&keyword= )

4. Summer Savings 10/10:

This program is designed to cut down on energy usage in Ontario. If a residential consumer cuts his/her energy use by 10%, then they will receive an additional 10% off their power bill. This program has been announced, but has yet to be activated.

I like this program because not only does it provide financial incentives, but it also calls on consumers to cut their energy usage. If each resident of Ontario cuts their energy usage by 10%, then a significant amount of energy will be conserved.

I believe this is an effective program because it provides a financial cut in the consumer’s electric bill. If a consumer cuts their usage by 10%, not only will their electric bill be less, but they will receive an additional 10% off (in effect, saving 20%). Providing incentives for consumers to cut back on their energy usage is both economically smart, but environmental smart as well.

(http://www.incentivesandrebates.ca/gc_fi_search_display.asp?id=249&jurisdiction=10&actionArea=0&keyword= )

Why Does One Take This Course? What Are Some Environmental Issues of Concern? (Feb 5)

I am taking this course because I wanted to drop my first period Phys Ed, and so, I needed to pick up a replacement class to be allowed to play high school sports. However, I believe this class suits me better as well because it is more academic, and I am very interested in the environment. Furthermore, the mark I achieve in this class will be included in the marks sent to universities, and so, this mark actually matters, unlike Phys Ed (which is an open class).

By taking this course, I hope to better understand environmental issues that pertain to both our generation and generations to come. Over the past few years, citizens of Canada, and of the global community, have felt an increasing pressure to turn green (use renewable resources, cut down on pollution, and alleviate the effects of ozone depletion and climate change to name a few). I believe it is very important to understand the scientific concepts behind the planet on which we live.

The fact of the matter is that if we lack the understanding needed to alleviate and eliminate the effects of such environmental issues, there is no way we can set forth solutions to saving our world. Therefore, it is a necessity to become educated in Environment and Resource Management in order to create such solutions.

There are many issues with which I am concerned. For instance, climate change has caused a drastic depletion in glaciers. Because these glaciers are melting, two major problems are presented. First, these glaciers contain a great deal of the earth’s fresh water, and so, if these glaciers melt, this fresh water will come into contact with the saltwater oceans that are surrounding it. Second, this great increase in water will cause an increase in the water levels of the earth. Hence, millions upon millions of inhabitants of coastal regions will have to migrate elsewhere due to the rising water levels and flooding in their regions.

Note that in the paragraph above I refer to the condition of a change in temperature as “climate change” rather than “global warming”. The fact is that while many regions of the earth are increasing in temperature, there are regions that are becoming colder due to the heat transfer caused by the convection of oceanic currents. Nonetheless, the average temperature of the earth is increasing.

The bottom line is that there are great deals of very important issues that pertain to our environment, and so, it is my goal that from this class, I will obtain the knowledge to understand our environment, and at the same, help set forth and participate in solutions to saving our planet.