Topic 15: Greenhouse effect

The greenhouse effect, also known as global warming is a naturally-occuring phenonemon, without it, the Earth would be too cold.

It is caused by certain gases in the atmosphere trapping infra-red radiation from the sun. Incoming sunlight passes through the atmosphere relatively easily, whereupon it warms the surface of the earth, thus losing energy. Heat energy of lower energy, is reflected back and is absorbed by molecules of greenhouse gases. These molecules then have extra energy, causing vibrations of the chemical bonds. This excess energy is then dissipated in all directions causing the atmosphere, and therefore the planet, to warm up.

The presence of ozone in the stratosphere is essential to life, filtering out harmful ultraviolet light from the incoming solar radiation.

However, if the ozone layer is depleted, and global warming continues, it could harm the environment as the earth becomes too hot and the ice in the atlantic would melt and ultimately 'drown' Earth.

Therefore we should all help to protect the environment and reduce causing harm to the Ozone such as CFCs. Together, we can make Earth a better place.

Topic 14: Bhopal gas tragedy

The Bhopal gas tragedy was a environmental disaster caused by humans. A poisonous vapor burst from the tall stacks of the Union carbide pesticide plants, and was highly toxic.

Not only has it had drastic effects immediately, where over 2000 people died at that instant, people also suffer in the long term, due to radiation and toxins even after 5 years, such as newborn babies with genetic defects.

The cause of the tragedy was suspected to be due to a leak from a tank containing the gas. Such cases is the mishandling of technology which cost the lives of humans.

The disaster has made us more aware of the haphazards of the chemical industry, and spurred more people to become more careful with the environment.

Topic 13: Cadmium in fertilizers/peanuts: Oz

Cadmium is a kind of substance found in peanuts which can cause kidney cancer if large amounts are eaten. However, this cannot be prevented as cadmium is one of the natural occuring mineral found in peanuts. And the worse thing is, we all consume peanut as one of our food in our lives.

To solve the problem of peanuts, The Australian New Zealand Food Standards Council has set a food standard to set the limit for the amount of cadmium that can be present in peanuts to be safe for consuming.

With that, we can feel safe eating the peanuts without worrying about the cadmium level. However, we must also not take it for granted and control ourselves when eating peanuts.

Topic 12: Mercury poisoning: Siberia

Mercury from a polluted industrial site in Siberia is posing a serious threat to public health and the environment, say the campaigners.

These mercury that are discharged from industrial site goes straight into the waterstream, and as people consume the contaminated water, people suffer. It is a problem for pregnant woman and even newborn babies. It can cause intestinal diseases and respiratory problems. Not only human beings are affected, the fishes in the water are also said to have mercury found in their bodies, and ultimately human beings suffer as we eat them.

Such industrial pollution must be monitored extensively and prevented as it is precious lives of human beings we are talking about here.

Topic 11: Pollution in the Baltic

It is arguable that St Petersburg - Russia's biggest city is the biggest polluter to the Baltic. The industry in St Petersburg is very outdated and overburdened, thus causing untreated sewage to be sent straight into the sea.

It is not their fault as these underdeveloped countries also want to advance in tecnhnology as well. However, it is being done at the expense of the environment. As on-lookers in the world, we should try to help these countries whose industry is outdated and does not have the ability to treat industrial waste.

Not only are we helping the country, but also the environment and our fellow human beings who exist.

Topic 10: Effect of mining activities on the environment & human health

Mining activities have wiped out mother nature, and now the forest in Russia is known as a man-made desert. The smelting of metals in a nearby town have cause drastic effects to the forests nearby and now has become what looks like a scorched piece of land.

Apart from environmental effects, human health were also at risk. Those working in the mines are definitely affected, and some even suffer from cardio-respiratory cancer due to the poor working conditions.

Waters in the region are also polluted and drinking water is no longer safe for drinking.

These are examples of human exploiting nature, and it should be stopped. We shouldnt be trying to improve our lives at the expense of mother nature, and instead, risking our lives.

Topic 9: E-waste recycling: India

E-waste are discarded parts of computers, mobile phones and other consumer electronics equipment. However, so much of these are produced and then thrown away, it is now a new environmental problem in India.

It is, at least as environmentalists, good to hear that these are being recycled. However, not everything can be recycled and apart from the parts that cannot be recycled, they are burnt. Things like PVC-covered wires are burnt, and toxic chemicals like dioxins are released and harms not only the environment, but also the health of these employees.

To help these people as well as the environment, producers should change some of the components in their products. And as consumers, we should do our part by not buying unnecessary equipments, which would result in unnecessary of throwing away of equipments.