Damage Caused by Climate Change

Credit:  

Boston Globe

Climate change, caused by global warming, is apparent everywhere. The rise in global temperature is the cause for the melting of glaciers and ice caps worldwide, which is creating a higher sea level at a pace that has only sped up over time. The warmer climate is the cause of animals moving farther north in search for a cooler home; those areas are becoming harder and harder for them to find. Precipitation is happening at a greater occurrence and the storms are likely to get stronger, which only adds to the problem. Everyone around the globe should be concerned.

     The Great Aletsch, one of Europe’s largest glaciers, coils 14 miles through the Swiss Alps. During the lifetimes’ of people born today, this river of ice could almost disappear due to climate change. At this time, the glacier is 2,950 feet thick at one point, which is 1.9 miles thinner than it was in 1870, and the pace is only quickening at the rate the climate is changing. According to the United Nations’ panel of climate scientists, sea levels will rise up between 26 and 28 cm by the end of the current era.

     Climate change does not only affect the rise in sea level, it is also the reason for the great droughts around the globe. Droughts are accelerating in places where they have already existed and attacking places previously unharmed.

    Lake Powell on the Colorado River has been greatly affected by climate change. Now, it is only providing water at about 42% of its capacity to Nevada, Arizona and California. Severe droughts and non-sustainable withdrawals appear to be the cause for the shallow water; some parts that were once submerged now lay completely above water. The sandstone around Lake Powell has been sculpted by wind and water erosion and is clearly visible above sea level.

    All scientists have come to an agreement that the earth’s atmosphere is growing warmer due to greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activity. Do you part and take action against climate change.

For more information: Earthprints

The Debate on GMO Food Labeling

Credit: http://www.justlabelit.org/dark-act/

Genetically modified foods have had their DNA altered in such a way that it produces traits not normally found; organisms become unnatural. GMOs contain the genes from different species, and are impossible to create through crossbreeding. The creation of new, unnatural organisms has definite effects on the planet around us.

     Environmental change has an extensive impact on everything, whether visible quickly or over a period of time. Widely talked about, toxicity is probably the most substantial piece of evidence against growing genetically modified foods. The abundance of chemical pesticides and herbicides surrounding these crops is worrisome because of their resistance to its effects. Genetically modified foods are considered to be toxic themselves due to the chemicals being sprayed onto them, which has been known to affect non-target organisms, such as bees and butterflies. The effect on bees is extremely alarming because of their importance to the pollination of many food crops; the absence of weed flowers will lessen the amount of nectar for pollinators. The resistance of GMOs to pesticides could cause the crops to become as persistent as weeds and pop up and invade natural settings, which is especially troublesome because of their negative affect on the nutrients in soil.

     In 2014, Vermont became the first state to require the labeling of genetically modified foods. However, in July the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 was passed by the House. The debate has become intensified since, with opponents calling the bill the DARK (Denying Americans the Right to Know) Act because they feel information will become withheld from the public. This act will make the labeling of genetically modified foods not a requirement and potentially allow “natural” foods to contain genetically modified ingredients.

     The opponents’ poll numbers show that 90% of Americans are in support of genetically modified foods being labeled; they want to be aware of what they are ingesting. More than 1.4 million Americans have signed the petition urging the FDA to require labels. However, according to news articles, big food makers want the senate to pass a bill making food labels voluntary before the end of the year. It's your choice; take action and be a part of the debate. 

Information found at: Takepart.com, Justlabelit.org, Huffingtonpost.com

An Update on the Paris Climate Talks

Credit: http://www.cop21.gouv.fr/en

     As stated in a previous post, the United Nations Conference on Climate Change was held from November 30, 2015 until December 11, 2015 at the Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. December 12, 2015 will now be marked as a historic day for the fight against climate change because all scientists came to an agreement that the earth’s atmosphere is growing warmer due to greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activity.

     The unanimous agreement has marked a turn in the right direction. The rise in temperature is to be kept below 2°C, but we should really aim for 1.5°C to insure protection for the island states. On this day, 186 countries published their action plan on ways in which they intend to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions however, the rise in temperature would still be too high. To keep the temperature from rising past 2°C, countries have been asked to check their contributions every five years from 2020.

     Other measures will be taken to keep the rising temperature down: $100 billion (in loans and donations) will need to be raised each year from 2020, and that amount will increase as needed. The money raised will go towards the financing for projects enabling countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

     Countries' obligations will differ in the fight against climate change. Industrialized countries are obligated to fund climate finance for poor countries, and developing countries may contribute on a voluntary basis. All of the funds will be put in the improved tracking system to record everyone’s efforts.

     The agreement was the first step needed to move onward in the reduction of climate change. A signing for countries will be open in New York on April 22, 2016. The agreement will be entered into force if it is ratified by 55 countries. A change is coming.

For more information on the Climate Talks: cop21.gouv

Old Right Road in Ipswich, MA

The start to a new project. More to come later...

Amesbury Project Beginnings in December 2015

Senior Dorm at Endicott College

This is a fun project to watch go up!

Ipswich YMCA December Progress