A report of the effects of global warming on health published by WHO, has estimated around one million fifty thousand deaths every year due to global warming. Further it declared that each year five million people are suffering from health problems and diseases caused for this global warming. The rising concern over this matter has led many scientists and researchers to take a deeper look and prepare a plan to save human civilization from this onslaught.
Global warming has caused changes in temperature, ocean current flow, sea level, ecosystem, economy, agriculture, industry, settlements and related to all these - the health and living. Warmer world has created congenial atmosphere for the breeding and life expanse of various virus, bacteria and carriers of infectious diseases. Few evidences of global warming leaving negative effects on human health are -- The vectors distribution of infectious diseases have been altered for global warming.- Heat wave resulted for global warming are causing deaths.- The seasonal distribution of few species of allergenic pollen have been altered for global warming.-
Various extreme conditions of global warming like droughts, heat and cold wave, storm, flood, fire will increase the death tolls as well as injuries and diseases.- Malnutrition and disordered development of children are few long term results of global warming.
Global warming will cause increase of malaria, diarrhea, cholera, dengue, encephalitis and other diseases.- There will be constant rising rate of mortality due to ground level ozone related diseases as well as high cardio respiratory morbidity for global warming.Thus global warming will affect human health in two major ways - with extreme weather condition and with rising infectious diseases. IPCC in a study of one of the most global warming affected area of Illionis, Chicago, has provided an apprehensive report that by 2020 extreme climate condition like heat wave will raise the climate average deaths to 400 and to 497 by 2050 from the present average of 191.
European heat wave of 2003 is an example of its severity. Heat waves will even cause cardio respiratory complications resulting to high rate of deaths.The results of ill health due to global warming and infectious diseases are already evident. Many tropical countries are experiencing frequent outbreak of malaria, dengue and other encephalitis diseases. Even colder regions are severely suffering from malaria since 1990 as a result of global warming.
According to IPCC, 65% of world population will suffer from high risk of infectious diseases in near future. The risk itself will be increased by 20%, only as a result of global warming.Facing such an impending calamity due to global warming, the requirement of proper planning and organized adaptation to new and changing condition has received a new dimension. Along with urgent and basic adaptation practices to fight the immediate effects, a longer planning and elaborate gradual methodology are also necessary to address the severity of future conditions resulted from global warming. A participatory approach to the holistic development of human health is expected to sober down the effects of global warming on health to some extent.Save Earth
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Going Green
When we hear "going Green" what comes to mind? Traditionally "going Green" is associated with the liberal end of the political spectrum. Indeed, this may be how the movement got started. But, in reality "going green" is a lot like being patriotic. Anyone can be patriotic no matter where they fall on the political spectrum. The same holds true with "going green".
Anyone can go green and more and more people are taking the necessary measures. What does it mean to go green? I think for most of us going green means protecting are personal environment by making it safe clean and healthy. Our personal environment is where we spend our time and where we have some control or ability to make changes. For all of us this is our homes, but it can also include where we work and where our children go to school. The place to start is in the home because this is where we can have the biggest impact.
At home we can all take measures to make the environment safe buy removing anything toxic or in anyway dangerous to the people who spend time there. These are most often the people we know and love. These will be items such as chemicals, outdated or expired consumable products, especially food items or medicines.
Keep anything necessary that could be dangerous under lock and key or at least out of the reach of children, such as prescription drugs.
If you have fire arms keep then locked in a cabinet, use trigger guards and keep ammunition in a separate location. There are many things that can be done in the home to make your environment safer for those you know and love. Just sit down and think about it and many things will come to mind that can be done to make your home environment safer, cleaner and healthier.
Let's not forget the subject of indoor air pollution. There have been numerous studies that cite indoor air pollution as one of the most serious health issues we face. If you smoke you are creating a potentially unhealthy situation for others in your home. We all need to take steps to clean up our home environment. Once the home environment has been improved it becomes easier to expand efforts to the larger environment by doing little things like recycling and car pooling and not topping off the gas tank when we fill-up. To "Go Green" start by doing little things that can become habit and in the long run have a big impact on the home environment and then eventually the larger environment. You will be making you home environment safer, cleaner and healthier for the people you know and love, especially your family. Go Green
Anyone can go green and more and more people are taking the necessary measures. What does it mean to go green? I think for most of us going green means protecting are personal environment by making it safe clean and healthy. Our personal environment is where we spend our time and where we have some control or ability to make changes. For all of us this is our homes, but it can also include where we work and where our children go to school. The place to start is in the home because this is where we can have the biggest impact.
At home we can all take measures to make the environment safe buy removing anything toxic or in anyway dangerous to the people who spend time there. These are most often the people we know and love. These will be items such as chemicals, outdated or expired consumable products, especially food items or medicines.
Keep anything necessary that could be dangerous under lock and key or at least out of the reach of children, such as prescription drugs.
If you have fire arms keep then locked in a cabinet, use trigger guards and keep ammunition in a separate location. There are many things that can be done in the home to make your environment safer for those you know and love. Just sit down and think about it and many things will come to mind that can be done to make your home environment safer, cleaner and healthier.
Let's not forget the subject of indoor air pollution. There have been numerous studies that cite indoor air pollution as one of the most serious health issues we face. If you smoke you are creating a potentially unhealthy situation for others in your home. We all need to take steps to clean up our home environment. Once the home environment has been improved it becomes easier to expand efforts to the larger environment by doing little things like recycling and car pooling and not topping off the gas tank when we fill-up. To "Go Green" start by doing little things that can become habit and in the long run have a big impact on the home environment and then eventually the larger environment. You will be making you home environment safer, cleaner and healthier for the people you know and love, especially your family. Go Green
Global Warming—Warning Bell to Human
The unprecedented super accelerate rate of global warming is vehemently baffling the human civilization The excessive human interference and meddling to the fragile biosphere caused severe climatic disruption and insurmountable loss to the biodiversity.
global warming
Haphazard industrialization, messy urbanization, puzzled modernization and irresponsible forest fire and deforestation have played a central role in disproportionate released of some heat trapping gases- carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor and fluorinated gases that act like as greenhouse gases.
global warming
These gases allow the solar radiation to come on the Earth surface but minimize its intensity from radiating back (terrestrial radiation) into outer space. Due to less terrestrial radiation, the greenhouses gases become able to increase the average temperature of lower atmosphere and thereby raise the surface temperature of the Earth. This continual increase of heat in the Troposphere is the single most crucial and critical factor of Global Warming. The unprecedented super accelerate rate of global warming is vehemently baffling the human civilization because it makes an effective horizon for steady momentum to glacier melting in polar areas, sea level rising, unnatural temperature and precipitation and so on. On account of its severity in climatic and weather changes and its consequences in daily life, it is convincingly successful to draw the attention of worldwide scientists and state heads.
global warming
Hence, to save the health and economic well being of present and future generations, we have to control on spewing of greenhouse gases by using the technology, know-how and other practical solutions so that a sustainable and resilient biosphere could visualize. Global warming and its potential to future large scale irreversible climatic change could be numerous and diverse at the local, regional and global level. The most important effect of it is the gradual increase of temperature. The first culprit of steady rise of temperature is the rapid and ubiquitous retreating and disappearing of glacier and ice caps that already result in 50 per cent loss of ice sheet. The retreating of glacier is also responsible for landslides, flash floods and sea level rise.
High sea level will result in submergence of low land densely populated areas (coastal land of Bangladesh) and oceanic islands- Maldives, Seychelles, a large part of South East Asia and so on.
Oceanic imbalances will directly affect the habitats of fishes and other water borne living beings that ulimately a threat on the emloyment generation because in a number of countries –Iceland, Norway and Japan fishing is one of the leading industry. Oceans and Seas which are heap of potential resources like metallic, non-metallic and biogenetic resources will also face disturbance and disorder in its ecological settings. The increase in temperature is possibly lead to enhance in precipitation , especially in the tropical areas, where more rainfall will cause more erosional activity. Heavy rainfall along with reckless deforestation may lead to desertification. The imbalance biosphere due to high temperature, forest fire, more downpour and global upheaval will build up a suitable horizon for extinction of various species. This imminent threat may directly affect the diversity of species throughout the world. Due to melting of ice cap from the mountain peaks will force various species to coastal areas and thus endanger them because of unsuitable environment. It is estimated that more than one million species will disappear from the different ecosystems by 2050, if the rate of global warming is continuing at its present level. It also augment the fear of drought at the rainfed area and continous high temperature will generate heat waves and finally the harbinger of diseases. The total damage due to this climatic hazard is at the order of 25 per cent of world Gross National Product(GNP), and may increase due to improper decision making of human beings. The impact of global warming can be minimized to some extent by using the sophisticated technology and adapting rationality and ingenuity in the styles of living. But beyond this, now, time has come that the developed countries, especilly The US, England, Canada, Grmany, and Australia would take some deliberate steps to curtail the greeenhouse gases so that peace and stability could be sustained for a longer period of time.
global warming
At the same time, the developing nations are also not behind the race because in the name of development; they promote hapazard and rampant industrialisation and urbanisation without considering of scientific ethics. The use of renewable source of energy (wind, hydel, tidal, geothermal and above all the Sun energy) instead of fuel oil will be a judicious and effective step in controling of heat trapping gases. Vehicle technology solution, efficient engines and judicious use of energy will be useful for reduction of harmful gases and thus make the society more secure and healthy. The effect of global warming can also be lessen due to less use of electricity at home, using fuel efficient engines, recycle air conditioner coolant and good quality of home appliances because some of these are responsible for release of Chloro Flouro Carbons(CFCs) and Ozone Depleting Substances(ODSs). Eco-balance is the norm of the nature which tries to maintain it at the best of her effort . But the anthropogenic activity has its own say to destablize the equilibrium of the system. So, is the result of unseasonal flood in the arid regions and drought in the wet and monsoonal regions. Though, in recent times , effective strategy and steps have been chalk out by the Civil society, NGOs, media brethern and Environmentalists along with state heads of some nations to maintain the sustainability of the nature.
global warming
To generate awareness and conciousness among the people regarding saving of environment, various summits, have been organised and a number of treaties has been sigened at the international level. Some of the summits and protocol related with less emission of carbon dioxide are Toronto summit and Kyoto protocol while Rio summit and Montreal protocol gave thrust upon CFCs. Above all it is the responsibility and accountability of each and every individual to show a rational and sensible approach towards the very fragile nature and time has come to give back to the nature.
global warming
Haphazard industrialization, messy urbanization, puzzled modernization and irresponsible forest fire and deforestation have played a central role in disproportionate released of some heat trapping gases- carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor and fluorinated gases that act like as greenhouse gases.
global warming
These gases allow the solar radiation to come on the Earth surface but minimize its intensity from radiating back (terrestrial radiation) into outer space. Due to less terrestrial radiation, the greenhouses gases become able to increase the average temperature of lower atmosphere and thereby raise the surface temperature of the Earth. This continual increase of heat in the Troposphere is the single most crucial and critical factor of Global Warming. The unprecedented super accelerate rate of global warming is vehemently baffling the human civilization because it makes an effective horizon for steady momentum to glacier melting in polar areas, sea level rising, unnatural temperature and precipitation and so on. On account of its severity in climatic and weather changes and its consequences in daily life, it is convincingly successful to draw the attention of worldwide scientists and state heads.
global warming
Hence, to save the health and economic well being of present and future generations, we have to control on spewing of greenhouse gases by using the technology, know-how and other practical solutions so that a sustainable and resilient biosphere could visualize. Global warming and its potential to future large scale irreversible climatic change could be numerous and diverse at the local, regional and global level. The most important effect of it is the gradual increase of temperature. The first culprit of steady rise of temperature is the rapid and ubiquitous retreating and disappearing of glacier and ice caps that already result in 50 per cent loss of ice sheet. The retreating of glacier is also responsible for landslides, flash floods and sea level rise.
High sea level will result in submergence of low land densely populated areas (coastal land of Bangladesh) and oceanic islands- Maldives, Seychelles, a large part of South East Asia and so on.
Oceanic imbalances will directly affect the habitats of fishes and other water borne living beings that ulimately a threat on the emloyment generation because in a number of countries –Iceland, Norway and Japan fishing is one of the leading industry. Oceans and Seas which are heap of potential resources like metallic, non-metallic and biogenetic resources will also face disturbance and disorder in its ecological settings. The increase in temperature is possibly lead to enhance in precipitation , especially in the tropical areas, where more rainfall will cause more erosional activity. Heavy rainfall along with reckless deforestation may lead to desertification. The imbalance biosphere due to high temperature, forest fire, more downpour and global upheaval will build up a suitable horizon for extinction of various species. This imminent threat may directly affect the diversity of species throughout the world. Due to melting of ice cap from the mountain peaks will force various species to coastal areas and thus endanger them because of unsuitable environment. It is estimated that more than one million species will disappear from the different ecosystems by 2050, if the rate of global warming is continuing at its present level. It also augment the fear of drought at the rainfed area and continous high temperature will generate heat waves and finally the harbinger of diseases. The total damage due to this climatic hazard is at the order of 25 per cent of world Gross National Product(GNP), and may increase due to improper decision making of human beings. The impact of global warming can be minimized to some extent by using the sophisticated technology and adapting rationality and ingenuity in the styles of living. But beyond this, now, time has come that the developed countries, especilly The US, England, Canada, Grmany, and Australia would take some deliberate steps to curtail the greeenhouse gases so that peace and stability could be sustained for a longer period of time.
global warming
At the same time, the developing nations are also not behind the race because in the name of development; they promote hapazard and rampant industrialisation and urbanisation without considering of scientific ethics. The use of renewable source of energy (wind, hydel, tidal, geothermal and above all the Sun energy) instead of fuel oil will be a judicious and effective step in controling of heat trapping gases. Vehicle technology solution, efficient engines and judicious use of energy will be useful for reduction of harmful gases and thus make the society more secure and healthy. The effect of global warming can also be lessen due to less use of electricity at home, using fuel efficient engines, recycle air conditioner coolant and good quality of home appliances because some of these are responsible for release of Chloro Flouro Carbons(CFCs) and Ozone Depleting Substances(ODSs). Eco-balance is the norm of the nature which tries to maintain it at the best of her effort . But the anthropogenic activity has its own say to destablize the equilibrium of the system. So, is the result of unseasonal flood in the arid regions and drought in the wet and monsoonal regions. Though, in recent times , effective strategy and steps have been chalk out by the Civil society, NGOs, media brethern and Environmentalists along with state heads of some nations to maintain the sustainability of the nature.
global warming
To generate awareness and conciousness among the people regarding saving of environment, various summits, have been organised and a number of treaties has been sigened at the international level. Some of the summits and protocol related with less emission of carbon dioxide are Toronto summit and Kyoto protocol while Rio summit and Montreal protocol gave thrust upon CFCs. Above all it is the responsibility and accountability of each and every individual to show a rational and sensible approach towards the very fragile nature and time has come to give back to the nature.
NEEM-A Rare And Amazing Plant...!!
The Neem Tree-Still Unknown…!!
The Indian people are very familiar with the properties of Neem tree from many centuries. An American scientist had remarked that the Neem is rare plant with so many potentiality and qualities to solve many problem like-insecticide, soil conservation, destruction of forest, air pollution and even a birth control!
All the five parts of the Neem-roots, bark, gums, leaves and oil from its seeds are antiviral, antibacterial, fungicidal and anti biotic .Neem remains almost green through all seasons and it can solve many environmental problem like rehabilitation of degraded forest, wasteland development, replacement of toxic insecticides.
It’s very easy o raise Neem plantations as its leaves are acrid and not palatable to the animals. It needs no irrigation rather it’s drought resistant. It can be raise in desert for soil conservation. The nursery technique of raising Neem seedlings and plantations are very easy and at cheap cost. One year old seedlings may be planted in pits 1’x1’x1’ at a distance of 20’x20’ in rows. The seeds of Neem can be sown in the pits directly by dibbling method thus, saving the cost and time of nursery rising. The plantation could be done in fully established rainy season.
Many experiments on this plant have proved that insecticides of Neem tree are as standard as DDT, Malathion and Dieldrin and it’s all without any adverse effects. So, it can be used as good pesticide and insecticide. The chemical pesticide and insecticide have had worst toxic effect on our environment. In some farmers are still using those insecticides, pesticides and weedicides in their agriculture and horticulture. Which ultimately goes mixing into soil water-that’s hazardous for health.The water consumed for drinking has beome toxic with use of these chemicals?
Noticing this effect many advanced countries have banned their use long ago and now using soft insecticides instead. The insecticides made of Neem are soft insecticide and free from any pollution. The pesticides prepared from Neem kills many pests and don’t harm the pollinators or predators .Neem based insecticides are non toxic, harmless and leaves no residual effect, anyway!
The Neem leaves, bark and oil are very effective in curing any type wound. The farmers in have been using Neem leaves, mixing them with their corn to store for centuries. The products of Neem are used as contraceptive and manufacturing soaps and other medicines. The cakes made from Neem’s oil are used as good organic manure, which kills many insects like white ants. In many parts of people use its twigs as toothbrush, which keeps teeth disease free. When there was no medicine for small pox Neem leaf was the best treatment for it.
The Indian people are very familiar with the properties of Neem tree from many centuries. An American scientist had remarked that the Neem is rare plant with so many potentiality and qualities to solve many problem like-insecticide, soil conservation, destruction of forest, air pollution and even a birth control!
All the five parts of the Neem-roots, bark, gums, leaves and oil from its seeds are antiviral, antibacterial, fungicidal and anti biotic .Neem remains almost green through all seasons and it can solve many environmental problem like rehabilitation of degraded forest, wasteland development, replacement of toxic insecticides.
It’s very easy o raise Neem plantations as its leaves are acrid and not palatable to the animals. It needs no irrigation rather it’s drought resistant. It can be raise in desert for soil conservation. The nursery technique of raising Neem seedlings and plantations are very easy and at cheap cost. One year old seedlings may be planted in pits 1’x1’x1’ at a distance of 20’x20’ in rows. The seeds of Neem can be sown in the pits directly by dibbling method thus, saving the cost and time of nursery rising. The plantation could be done in fully established rainy season.
Many experiments on this plant have proved that insecticides of Neem tree are as standard as DDT, Malathion and Dieldrin and it’s all without any adverse effects. So, it can be used as good pesticide and insecticide. The chemical pesticide and insecticide have had worst toxic effect on our environment. In some farmers are still using those insecticides, pesticides and weedicides in their agriculture and horticulture. Which ultimately goes mixing into soil water-that’s hazardous for health.The water consumed for drinking has beome toxic with use of these chemicals?
Noticing this effect many advanced countries have banned their use long ago and now using soft insecticides instead. The insecticides made of Neem are soft insecticide and free from any pollution. The pesticides prepared from Neem kills many pests and don’t harm the pollinators or predators .Neem based insecticides are non toxic, harmless and leaves no residual effect, anyway!
The Neem leaves, bark and oil are very effective in curing any type wound. The farmers in have been using Neem leaves, mixing them with their corn to store for centuries. The products of Neem are used as contraceptive and manufacturing soaps and other medicines. The cakes made from Neem’s oil are used as good organic manure, which kills many insects like white ants. In many parts of people use its twigs as toothbrush, which keeps teeth disease free. When there was no medicine for small pox Neem leaf was the best treatment for it.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Plastics and the environment
Plastics have a wide variety of uses in our society, however we are now realizing the high cost to the environment that plastics have long after their use. As a waste product plastics are very difficult to deal with. Although modern technology has improved how plastic waste is handled, used plastic products linger for decades in landfills or where ever dumped causing a hazard to wild life, ground water and the atmosphere in general. To summarize plastic is not environmentally friendly at all.
The manufacturing of plastics creates large quantities of chemical pollutants. Indeed until fairly recently the manufacturing of plastic contributed significantly to the depletion of the ozone layer. CFCs are now banned and no longer used in the manufacturing process for plastic resulting in a significant improvement regarding environmental impact. Nevertheless, while the manufacturing process has improved the handling of plastic waste remains a difficult problem.
Plastics breakdown very slowly and burning plastic releases toxic fumes. Bacteria have been developed to help break down plastic waste but this process causes the release of carbon gases into the atmosphere contributing to global warming.
By the mid-nineties plastic recycling programs had become common. Some types of plastic can be melted down and reused while other types can be ground up and reused and still other types can be broken down into a different compound and reused. Unfortunately recycling plastic is difficult to automate making it labor intensive and thus unprofitable. There have been some successful programs, for example with prison industries in some states, where products have been made using recycled plastic. If you have ever seen plastic picnic tables at rest areas along highways you have experienced the use of recycled plastic at its best, the tables are virtually indestructible hard plastic.
These type programs can be successful because the labor costs are low. For the most part plastic recycling has not been successful because it is so hard to make a profit.
The best way for people concerned about the environment to help is to stop using plastic grocery bags and to stop buying bottled water. Instead use paper bags or reusable net or cloth bags, use a water filter at home and carry a reusable non-plastic water bottle with you. These simple steps would cut down on plastic waste tremendously and have a huge positive impact on the environment.
The manufacturing of plastics creates large quantities of chemical pollutants. Indeed until fairly recently the manufacturing of plastic contributed significantly to the depletion of the ozone layer. CFCs are now banned and no longer used in the manufacturing process for plastic resulting in a significant improvement regarding environmental impact. Nevertheless, while the manufacturing process has improved the handling of plastic waste remains a difficult problem.
Plastics breakdown very slowly and burning plastic releases toxic fumes. Bacteria have been developed to help break down plastic waste but this process causes the release of carbon gases into the atmosphere contributing to global warming.
By the mid-nineties plastic recycling programs had become common. Some types of plastic can be melted down and reused while other types can be ground up and reused and still other types can be broken down into a different compound and reused. Unfortunately recycling plastic is difficult to automate making it labor intensive and thus unprofitable. There have been some successful programs, for example with prison industries in some states, where products have been made using recycled plastic. If you have ever seen plastic picnic tables at rest areas along highways you have experienced the use of recycled plastic at its best, the tables are virtually indestructible hard plastic.
These type programs can be successful because the labor costs are low. For the most part plastic recycling has not been successful because it is so hard to make a profit.
The best way for people concerned about the environment to help is to stop using plastic grocery bags and to stop buying bottled water. Instead use paper bags or reusable net or cloth bags, use a water filter at home and carry a reusable non-plastic water bottle with you. These simple steps would cut down on plastic waste tremendously and have a huge positive impact on the environment.
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