green house gases

The Great Barrier Reef is in the Coral Sea, off the north-east coast of Australia. It is one of the most beautiful, natural gifts of the world and is the only living thing which can be seen from space. It includes over three thousand individual reef systems and coral cays and over four hundred different types of coral which is dated back to around twenty million years ago.

Nature has provided a home to over fifteen hundred species of tropical fish, twenty types of reptiles, two hundred species of birds and many smaller animals. It is a breeding ground for Humpback Whales and is also home to a few endangered species such as the Green Sea Turtle and the Dugong. As a result of its inhabitants and the fact that it is one of the world’s greatest natural treasures, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization listed the Great Barrier Reef as a World Heritage site in 1981.

The reef is indescribably beautiful above and below the water and has attracted increased numbers of people to the north-east coast of Queensland. This migration has resulted in increased social activity such as boating, fishing, diving and shipping through the Great Barrier Reef. This may have a negative impact on the coast in the future.

Commercial shipping is potentially a huge threat to our pristine oceanic environment. Ships regularly travel through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to other Queensland docks transporting a range of products which have potential to cause severe environmental damage. Products such as oil, garbage, chemicals, sewerage, toxic compounds, ore and coal could be fatal to a range of animals and plants if something went wrong with the ship. It is argued whether the necessity for transportation through this area simply for money is even worth the risk.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) states that the preservation of the Great Barrier Reef may fail because of the increased surge of ships through the area. The GBRMPA is required to produce a report every five years. The most recent report in 2007, showed nine thousand seven hundred voyages had been made through the marine park. Combine this number with a growing population, an increase in tourism and unquenchable human desire for money, it is inevitable that the number of shipments are going to increase.

Around Easter 2010, the Shen Neng 1 was traveling fifteen nautical miles outside of its shipping lane when it crashed into coral spilled oi onto the Great Barrier Reef. The vessel may have been taking an illegal short cut through a passage between reefs which fisherman say is used by at least one ship every day. About a year earlier on the 11th March 2009 the Pacific Adventurer leaked over two hundred and seventy tonnes of oil into Moreton Bay.

The question is 'how many more environmental disasters will it take before something is done'? Are the fines imposed on these renegade shipping companies acting as a sufficient deterrent to illegal passage through the reef. It is absolutely imperative that proper protection laws be enforced to protect our naturally beautiful coastline if our future generations are to experience the pleasure of this immaculate marine environment we are fortunate enough to share today.

Fossil fuels have been exploited for use in energy production for around 5000 years. In the grand scheme of the planet’s existence, this is a very short time – about .00012% of our planet’s timeline. In this time, we have almost completely drained its fossil fuel resources. Scientists predict that there will be no fossil fuels left in 350 years at most, with coal running out last. Many experts feel that this is a very optimistic estimate. Some estimate that we only have 250 years before we have depleted the earth’s coal resources. We may have as little as 65 years of natural gas available, and 50 years at the outside before we run out of oil. Realizing that our grandchildren may never use oil or natural gas at all is an eye-opening thought.

There are many sustainable methods of creating energy, some of which have already gone into widespread use. However, there will come a time when these methods are our only sources. While all renewable power sources cost money for initial set-up, they pay for themselves many times over with use.

Solar energy is the one renewable resource that has gotten the most press in recent years. Solar panels, while currently quite expensive on the initial purchase, are a free source of energy once installed. They are virtually silent, collect and store energy for use when sunlight is unavailable, and can be installed on rooftops to avoid having to find an area on ground-level to place the panels.

Wind power has been in use for more than five centuries, so it is far from being a new idea. Wind turbines can be placed on land or offshore to conserve land area. Ideal positions for turbines are high altitude and offshore areas, where winds are stronger and more constant than over low altitudes. Views on the appearance of wind turbines vary from the belief that they are appealing, to thoughts that they are eyesores. Modern designs can be quite attractive.

Biofuel is separated into categories of biodiesel and bioethanol. Bioethanol is created by fermenting the sugar in plant materials that contain high starch or sugar and can fuel vehicles in its pure form. Pure biodiesel has the lowest emission of any type of diesel. It is made from recycled animal fat, vegetable oils, and greases. While production is becoming easier, producing biofuels currently uses almost as much energy as the fuels can generate themselves, unfortunately.

Hydropower can be produced in a number of ways. Many dams, though they can possibly impact the number of fish in surrounding waters, are used to create electricity. Energy can be harnessed from the movement of the ocean’s tides and currents. Even a slow stream has the ability to produce electricity. Hydroelectric plants have already been in use for years – some have existed for nearly a century.

The demand for fuel is not levelling off – quite the contrary. Our demand for fossil fuels increases each year. We are profoundly reliant on these quickly dwindling sources of energy, and we will require forms of renewable energy long after fossil fuels supplies have been exhausted.

The pollution level of the earth is growing annually. To reduce the pollution level of the planet, a lot of people are trying to follow a green lifestyle. All people must make up their mind if they are looking to be part of the green living group. Living green has gotten a bad name by the radical groups that grab all the attention. There are numerous ways to start living green without overdoing it and turning a hardcore fanatic. For some people, using the power of the sun and wind is essential, but not everyone needs to go to such extremes. There are lots of uncomplicated, common things that the vast majority of the population can do. These things can easily be taught to youngsters so it becomes common for them to do.

Below you will note some quick steps to get you started. Switch your lights to fluorescent bulbs since they last ten times longer. Because we're living in the computer age, try using a laptop whenever possible as it will merely use about half the power as compared to a regular desktop PC. If you're not in a room, make sure to turn off the electronics and lights in that room. If you switch off an item and you still see a light on, just unplug it because that light is consuming electricity. Ensure that your car running in perfect condition, as this will cause your car to use less fuel. By making sure your tires are inflated to the correct pressure, you can actually save on your gas consumption. When you are stopped in traffic, switch off your engine since more gas is used while your vehicle is idling than when restarting. Furthermore, you should switch your car engine off any chance you get, like at the drive-through window. The new washing machines can not merely save money and pollution by using less detergent, but they also use less water.

A little can save a great deal, particularly in terms of home heating costs try lowering your thermostat. You can save quite a good deal of money annually by turning down your thermostat 1 or 2 degrees. You should really insulate your hot water pipes to help keep in the heat, as this can help you spend less money on heating the water and you can save water by not needing to let it run as long for hot water. Go and get the new low flow shower heads, since you can get just as much pressure without using as much water. Some people's urge to make money is also helping the Earth and they don't even realize it. Some people are into recycling, but their motivation is to generate money. It actually is easy for us to recycle and bring down our waste. I mean, how difficult is it to just gather all your recyclables and take them to a recycling facility each week?

Instead of taking all your leftovers on your plate and scraping them in the bin, use them to start a compost for your flower pots or gardens. Also by purchasing locally grown food, you can help lower greenhouse gases, which are produced when trucks have to transport food across the United States. Co2 can be counteracted by trees, so think of how much good could be done if everyone planted merely one tree. Green living requires a great deal of small things that each one of us can do.

An important area of green living that could alter the world is by making use of alternative health remedies. Not only is it going to help your health to make use of herbal plants and organic foods, but eliminating chemical substances and pharmaceuticals is awesome for the environment by reducing poisonous wastes. You don't have to be a fanatical tree hugger, but small steps can make a huge difference.

You may be starting to think about implementing solar power in your home and wondering where to start, this article will take you through some of the initial steps you have to think about if you want to "Go Solar" around your home.

The first questions you need to answer are
1. Do you actually know how much electricity you require to run your home
2. Are you looking to go completely of the grids - stop using power from the utility company
3. Are you looking to just supplement your current power needs.

To answer these questions the first step would be to have a look at your current electric bill.
With the online service you now get from most power companies you can see a chart of your monthly usage throughout the year. From this you could average the total, or if you are looking at going completely of the grid you will have to look at your peak demand to ensure you always have enough power.

From this you can estimate the number and size of PV (photovoltaic) modules you need. Photovoltaic is the method almost all solar cells use to convert sunlight into electricity. So look at the size of you south facing rooftop and calculate the number and size of modules you require. Each module will generate a certain amount of power at a given cost. When connected the right way the modules add up, so finding the total output (and cost) is equally as easy.

Depending on where you live the sun doesn't shine all day every day. It's dark at night, obviously. Rain and heavy cloud cover will reduce the amount of insolation, as it's called. Other uncontrollable factors reduce the amount of sunlight available. So, almost anyone going 'off grid' will want a battery storage system. Those not taking the complete plunge can draw power from the local utility company during those times.

The power company will also insist on inspecting your system before finalizing any agreement. In fact, most municipalities will require that you have your system inspected and approved even if you go entirely off grid. They need to ensure that it's implemented in a way that's safe for local lineman. During power outages they have to assume there's no power running through the lines. Your system has to be installed in a way that guarantees that.

The average homeowner woun't have the skills required to install and safely connect the system so you will have to remember to factor this into the final installation costs.

With the price of panels and batteries falling and continuing to do so and the price of electricity continuing to rise, the initial outlay may seem a large, but this cost should be offset against what you would pay for electricity from the power company over the lifetime of the system, usually about 20 years without substantial replacements.

A tornado is a violent, churning maelstrom of whirling winds sometimes filled with debris that destroys everything in its path. Every year hundreds of people are killed by tornadoes. They are one of the most violent and unpredictable forces in nature that can often strike without warning taking innocent people by complete surprise.

Tornadoes do occur in many parts of the world but they are found most frequently in the spring and summer months over the Central Plains of the United States. In an average year eight hundred tornadoes are reported here resulting in eighty deaths and nearly fifteen hundred injuries.

These super cell thunder storms are triggered by a unique combination of cold air from the north, warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico in the south and dry air from the desert south-west. Sustained by strong winds these ingredients can form super cell thunderstorms which can produce tornadoes.

The Fujita Scale for tornadoes was invented in 1971. It is a scale for rating tornado intensity based on the damage they inflict on structures and vegetation. The scale reads as follows: F0 Light F1 ModerateF2 Considerable F3 Severe F4 Devastating F5 Annihilating

Some of the most recent recordings of tornadoes include:

May 3, 1999 'The Moore Oklahoma City F5'. This tornado grew to be a mile wide spinning at 300 mph traveling a distance of more than 35 miles for 40 minutes. This tornado caused over one billion dollars damage. Thirty six people lost their lives and five hundred and eighty three people were injured.

July 24, 2003 'The Manchester Wedge'. This tornado was an F4 tornado with winds estimated between 200 to 260 mph. It was on the ground for 20 minutes and devastated the town of Manchester, South Dakota. A wedge tornado is where the distance across the tornado is larger than the distance to the cloud base from the ground. They may touch down as the slender funneled tornado and sustained by winds usually of 200 mph stir up dirt and dust enlarging the base width.

May 12 2004 'Attica Tornado'. This tornado was 200 yards wide and traveled 2 miles. It was the worst of a number of tornadoes to hit Kansas was that year.

November 12, 2005 'The Woodward Tornado'. This was a rare late-season F-2 Tornado in Woodward Iowa. It caused extensive damage to a number of communities.

Tornadoes follow along a path determined by the storms cell itself. If it undergoes a change in direction you must have time to make adjustments accordingly. It is the unpredictability of tornadoes that make them such deadly forces of nature. If you have to ask 'how close is too close?' then you probably are.

How does one survive a tornado? Experts agree that taking shelter under an overpass affords almost no protection and it may be one of the worst decisions you can make. The reason is that the higher you go up a tornado, the greater the wind speed. By ascending to the girders of the overpass there is more risk here of a wind tunnel sucking or blowing you out of the overpass.

It is the debris in tornadoes such as wood glass and metal traveling at 200 mph which causes fatalities and shreds structures in their path. Seek shelter indoors at the lowest level preferably a basement. If outdoors however, take cover in a low area such as a ditch.

The threat of tornadoes will always be present and the only way to make ourselves less vulnerable to tornadoes is to build a storm shelter in our home. If you do nothing to enhance the construction of your home, you will have no security at all.

The unpredictability of tornadoes can surprise even the most seasoned storm chasers and the most knowledgeable meteorologists. These experts spend months trying to chase down these elusive twisters but all too often tornadoes touch down where people least expect them to strike. No amount of study will render tornadoes totally predictable. There are so many environmental variables that come into play. It is therefore extremely challenging to be able to alert the public to the threat of a tornado.

A tornado warning is an alert issued by weather services to notify areas that a tornado or funnel cloud has been spotted or their radar show indications of a possible tornado. Warnings are issued by TV, radio and sirens. It is the hope of every weather forecaster that the public are taking heed of the information being supplied to them.

Tropical Cyclones are low pressure systems. They are not associated with a front but are formed over warm tropical waters and have gale force winds. These winds can extend hundreds of kilometers from the center of the storm. Once these winds hit 118 kilometers per hour the cyclone is classified as a severe tropical cyclone. The center of the storm is known as the eye and is characterized by light winds and clear skies. It is surrounded by a wall of dense cloud about 16 km high. This marks the area of the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall.

At 0600 hours on Wednesday February 2 2011 the word went out across the airways that Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi had been upgraded to a Category 5 cyclone. A Category 5 storm is characterized by winds in excess of 280 kilometers per hour and described as dangerous. The chances of this storm causing widespread destruction were excellent. This cyclone had a diameter of six hundred kilometers and the eye was estimated to be more than thirty kilometers wide. At this time the authorities warned the public to expect a storm of catastrophic proportions. It was forecast to hit in the most highly populated part of tropical North Queensland Australia on the early morning of February 3rd.

Everyone had been watching Cyclone Yasi approach the North Queensland coast for days since the system formed over near Fiji. It had tracking south to south-west and the model suggested that it was heading towards Cairns and Innisfail. The public were told to expect:
* Winds up to three hundred kilometers per hour.
* Airborne debris.
* Deafening noise.
* Torrential rain and flooding.
* Road closures.
* High seas and dangerous swells with three to five meter storm surges.
* Loss of power to two hundred thousand people.
* Loss of telecommunications.

Storm surges are dangerous tsunami-like, fast-moving waters which are certain to inundate low-lying areas. The level of the water rises within the low pressure area in the eye of the cyclone and this is pushed forward by the storm. Unfortunately this storm surge was due to coincide with the high tide as Yasi crossed the coast. Authorities also predicted that this storm surge would be higher at the southern side of where the cyclone would meet the mainland.

Thirty thousand people had been urged and some ordered to evacuate to eleven nominated evacuation centers in the area in the path of the storm. Two hundred and fifty intensive care patients in the area were evacuated to Brisbane hospitals 1500 kilometers to the south. This was the largest hospital evacuation ever to take place in Australia. Two hundred thousand text messages alerts were sent to people in the danger areas.

The warnings or advice given to those residents who insisted on staying at their residence throughout the storm were to prepare for the cyclone with the following advice:
* Gather in the smallest room in the house. The bathroom is normally considered the safest and strongest part of the house.
* Gather mattresses and use for shelter in case the roof is blown off.
* Once the storm hits, stay put as it is impossible for emergency service personnel to respond until after the event.
* Store water and fill the bath full of water for drinking water. Have purification tablets handy.
* Tape all windows to strengthen and reduce the risk of breakage.
* Ensure adequate tin food and water supplies for up to a week.
* Ensure enough cash for food and petrol.
* Ensure the operation of torches, radio and batteries.
* Wear covered shoes to protect the feet from any instance of broken glass and other sharp objects.
* Wear warm clothes and keep rain coats handy.
* Ensure there is something to urinate into such as a portable potty.
* Disconnect and unplug all gas, water and electrical equipment and appliances.
* Clean the surrounding yard to ensure there are no potential missiles.
* Stay calm and sober. People will be then more likely to make good decisions if the need arises.
* Mentally prepare children for what is ahead.
* As the eye of the cyclone passes over, be careful not to think that the cyclone has passed.
* Release the pressure within homes by opening windows on the opposite side to the way the wind is blowing.
* Expect the wind to come from a different direction once the eye passes.

As it turned out, the communities of Mission Beach, Tully, Tully Heads, Cardwell and Innisfail, about 160 km south of Cairns, bore the brunt of the storm. There was extensive damage to hundreds of buildings with roofs torn off and power poles knocked over. Banana and sugar cane crops were all but wiped out. The Prime Minister of Australia Ms Julia Gillard described the cyclone as the worst cyclone to hit Australia. There was one known death from the storm. A man died from asphyxiation from the exhaust fumes from a generator he was running inside a closed room. The fact that the death toll was not higher as a consequence of the 'worst cyclone to hit Australia' is a great testament to the sensibility of the residents of North East Queensland. They obviously listened to the warnings and cooperated with authorities.

Within five hours of hitting the coast, the storm was downgraded to a Category 3 system. It proceeded inland North Queensland where it weakened to a tropical depression. Thousands of people were made homeless and many lost everything. Roads, schools and airports were closed. Food shortages, water supply and sewerage were a major concern. 180,000 people were left without electricity. There was no telecommunication coverage as towers had been disabled. The military together with emergency service volunteers were deployed to the area to assist with the cleanup. The place looked like a bomb had hit it. One can only guess at the damage bill and the number of lives disrupted by this powerful freak of nature.

Fossil fuels are not going to last forever. Our fossil fuel resources are quickly diminishing. The world's oil supply is estimated to run dry in less than 50 years and natural gas may last only 20 years more than that. While coal will last longer – about 200 years – it is estimated to run out more quickly after natural gas and oil are depleted. If we wish to continue living in a modern world with our energy-requiring devices, more energy sources must be brought forward.

Wind Power
Harnessed by wind turbines, wind power is a remarkably convenient option with the ability to produce 40 times the world's current demand of electricity each day. Offshore wind turbines would be of greatest use, as wind speeds over water are higher than those over land by 90 percent.

Hydropower
The flow of water can be harnessed and used to produce energy. Considerable amounts of energy are produced by even a moderate tide or slowly-flowing stream. While hydroelectric dams already exist, there is the potential for wider use. Tidal power and wave power are just two more examples of the ways in which hydropower can be harnessed for mechanical function and electricity.

Solar Energy
Energy from our sun is derived from solar radiation, harnessing the energy with solar thermal collectors or photovoltaic panels. These devices capture, convert, and distribute the energy for virtually any use. Solar energy is 100% efficient, clean, safe, and produces no pollution.

Biofuel
Biodiesel and bioethanol are the most common biofuels. Biodiesel can be made from recycled animal fat, vegetable oil, and greases. Bioethanol is an alcohol created with the fermentation of plant materials, most commonly of starch and sugar crops. Since both of these can be created from recycled material and refuse, they are cost-efficient and less polluting than fossil fuels. Already in limited use, biofuels currently provide almost 2% of the world's fuel for transportation.

Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is obtained by tapping into the earth herself via locations that are volcanically active. This form of energy is 100% efficient because it does not have to work to create heat, only needing to transport the heat from one area to another, and requires no fuel to produce.

While humans have the technology to produce machinery that will use these forms of energy on a worldwide scale, many people, from home users to business electricity providers, still don't understand the options and are hesitant to back them for that reason. The more information available about our renewable energy options, the better equipped we will be to embrace and use them in everyday life.