Selection 16 More Profit with Less Carbon
Amory B. Lovins
In “More Profit with Less Carbon” by Amory B. Lovins the case put forward is that there is definite business pros associated with becoming more energy efficient. Lovins points out that “experts on both sides claim that protecting Earth’s climate will force a trade-off between the environment and the economy” (65). This is not the case and in fact the extreme opposite is actually the correct analysis. It must be noted that “climate protection would actually reduce costs, not them raise them” because “saving fossil fuel is a lot cheaper than buying it” (Lovins 65). This is a huge development which has spurred the likes of companies such as DuPont, IBM, British Telecom, Alcan, NorskeCanada and Bayer to implement changes in how they use energy (Lovins 65). Using energy more sustainably results in better energy productive factories, higher labor efficiency in proficient offices, and stronger sales in stores which use daylight as their main source of light (Lovins 65-66). Therefore becoming more energy efficient is a wise business investment that has many positive impacts. “More Profit with Less Carbon” signifies the important of becoming more energy efficient by informing readers that “preventable energy waste costs Americans hundreds of billions of dollars and the global economy more than $1 trillion a year” (Lovins 66). Lovins further looks at ways to become more energy efficient and to use more renewable energy sources. He writes that “enhancing efficiency is the most vital step toward creating a climate-safe energy system, but switching to fuels that emit less carbon will also play an important role” (Lovins 66). In order to become less reliant on carbon, society as a whole must become more efficient with the ways in which energy is converted, distributed, and used (Lovins 66). This is turn will greatly help to reduce pollution as well as fuel costs. “More Profit with Less Carbon” illustrates the point that energy efficiency doesn’t have to be a costly expenditure, and proves this by stating that energy-efficient products that were once pricey are now much more cost effective (Lovins 66). Lovins looks at all aspects of energy efficiency from light bulbs, to insulation, and even Pacific Gas & Electric’s smart design experiment called ACT2 (67). Additionally Lovins looks at another energy problem facing the world which is the automobile. “More Profit with Less Carbon” makes it known that “transportation consumes 70 percent of U.S oil and generates a third of the nation’s carbon emissions” (Lovins 67). Automobiles are extremely inefficient and Lovins provides evidence that this problem could be solved by simply reducing the mass of vehicles (67). Furthermore, alternative fuel salutations such as ethanol and the replacement of “oil with lower carbon natural gas” are looked at ways to make more automobiles greener (Lovins 68). Lastly renewable energy such as wind power is examined. Lovins finishes “More Profit with Less Carbon” by writing that global warmer is more cost effective to fix rather to just ignore the problem (69). Ultimately Lovins further restates the notion that “saving energy is profitable” (69).
Lovins, Amory B. More Profit with Less Carbon. Ed. Thomas Easton, New York: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2009.
Selection 16 Reinventing the Energy System
Christopher Flavin and Seth Dunn
Authors Christopher Flavin and Seth Dunn wrote “Reinventing the Energy System” to help reinvent how the world uses energy in modern times. In addition they help push society to cut its ties with oil and move on to greener solutions. Flavin and Dunn write that nobody “predicted the ascent of oil, the proliferation of the automobile, or the spread of suburbs and shopping malls made possibly by cars” (70). They note that oil, the automobile and the suburbs changed consumption habits and encouraged a reduction in sustainable living. The goal of “Reinventing the Energy System” is to move away from oil and mark the twenty first century as a time of new beginnings, and to create a better energy system for the world. Fossil fuels “provide 90 percent or more of the energy in most industrial counties and 75 percent of energy worldwide” (Flavin and Dunn 71). Therefore there is an astronomical reliance on fossil fuels in the world today, but Flavin and Dunn advocate the movement away from fossil fuels to greener solutions such as using the “sun, wind, and other renewable sources of energy” (71). A back to basics method is preferred by Flavin and Dunn although they admit it will take time but that the end result will be worthwhile. As we begin to run out of finite resources, the world will be forced to push and move away from fossil fuels. Flavin and Dunn write that before we run out of fossil fuels, “environmental and health burdens of using them may force us toward a cleaner energy system” (72). It is common knowledge that Carbon Dioxide amounts are the highest ever currently and that temperatures continue to rise thus creating climate change (Flavin and Dunn 72). To help implement change, “Reinventing the Energy System” provides solutions to the worlds energy questions. Flavin and Dunn point towards wind power, solar energy and fuel cell technology to guide Earth into the twenty first century and beyond (73). Most notably Flavin and Dunn they write that “the technology that could most transform the energy system” is the fuel cell (73). Additionally changes in energy systems “would be based on resources that are more abundant and more evenly distributed” (Flavin and Dunn 74). This would mean that “energy would become a more “normal” commodity, one not constantly on the verge of international crisis” which is the case with oil currently (74). One of the most exciting ideas about changes in world energy systems is that a new system based on renewable resources could possibly have a greater opportunity of scattering energy services more evenly (Flavin and Dunn 74). Lastly Flavin and Dunn encourage the movement to begin right now, they suggest that by making modest changes sustainability can be reached and that energy will become a respected once again (75).
Flavin, Christopher and Seth Dunn. Reinventing the Energy System. Ed. Thomas Easton, New York: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2009.
Selection 26 Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
“Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis” produced by The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scientifically looks at how climate change is occurring and how it is impacting Earth. Most notably “global atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide have increased markedly as a result of human activities since 1750” (IPCC 128). Carbon dioxide increases are a result from the use of fossil fuels and changes in land use, methane and nitrous oxide are occurring because of agriculture (IPCC 128). Primarily, Carbon dioxide is examined and is noted as being the “most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas” while more than 33 percent of nitrous oxide emissions are considered to anthropogenic (IPCC 128-129). The IPCC also looks at the effects climate change is having on Earth, they note that evidence is supported by “increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global average sea level (129). Supporting the cause that global warming is having a prolonged impact on Earth is the notion that of the previous twelve years, eleven have been the warmest ever record (129). In addition many long term climate changes have been looked at. They include “changes in Arctic temperatures and ice, widespread changes in precipitation amounts, ocean salinity, wind patterns and aspects of extreme weather including droughts, heavy precipitation, heat waves and the intensity of tropical cyclones (IPCC 130). These findings support the IPCC’s notion that climate change is having devastating effects on Earth in both the short term and the long term. “Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis” links the effects of climate change to anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations (IPCC 131). The findings also suggest that continued levels or higher rates of greenhouse gas will result in further warming of the planet and will have even more devastating effects (IPCC 132). In conclusion the IPCC’s look at climate change shows both the “causes and effects of greenhouse gas-induced climate change” (127).
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Ed. Thomas Easton, New York: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2009.
Selection 3 Principles of Conservation
Gifford Pinchot
Gifford Pinchot’s “Principles of Conservation” looks at the emergence and the role conservation plays. Conservation is defined as “the wise use of natural resources to meet human needs and desires” (Pinchot 8). “Principles of Conservation” boldly states that “no other great movement has ever achieved such progress in so short a time, or made itself felt in so many directions with such vigor and effectiveness, as the movement for the conservation of natural resources” (Pinchot 8). The history of conservation as Pinchot states began with the forest industry and sprang forward at the “Convention of Governors at Washington in May 1908” (8). Pinchot notes that although conservation began with forestry, that it has now broadened to cover further than just natural resources (8). Throughout “Principles of Conservation” Pinchot examines three great facts about conservation. Firstly he notes that conservation “stands for development” first and foremost (8). Noted is the fact that natural resources are meant to benefit the people who live on the continent (Pinchot 9). Secondly, Pinchot writes that “conservation stands for the prevention of waste” (9). Lastly Pinchot advocates that “the nature resources must be developed and preserved for the benefit of the many, and not merely for the profit of a few” (9). This last fact ties in nicely with the Tragedy of the Commons theory and pushes for sustainability. Therefore Pinchot’s “Principles of Conservation “pushes the use of foresight, prudence, thrift, and intelligence in dealing with public matters” to ensure that conservation is taking place (9). Pinchot pushes the envelope and encourages conservation for not only the forest industry but for other facets of everyday life. Pinchot writes that conservation “applies to the body politic as well as to the earth and its minerals” (9). Ultimately Pinchot states “the application of common-sense to any problem for the Nation’s good will lead directly to national efficiency wherever applied” (9). Therefore Pinchot advocates the development and emergence of the role of conservation in “Principles of Conservation.”
Pinchot, Gifford. Principles of Conservation. Ed. Thomas Easton, New York: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2009.
Selection 4 A Sand County Almanac
Aldo Leopold
Aldo Leopold’s “A Sand County Almanac” is about the creation of “an ethical relationship between humans and the land” (10). Leopold begins “A Sand County Almanac” by “thinking like a mountain”, essentially getting back to basics and looking at nature from a different perspective. Leopold’s changing moment comes when he “saw a wolf die” (10). Leopold considers the effects that killing the wolf has on both the environment and the ecosystem. Leopold writes of the intense green eyes that he saw on the dying wolf which leads him to think about ethics (11). Leopold provides two definitions of an ethic, firstly “an ethic ecologically is a limitation on freedom of action in the struggle for existence (11). Additionally he writes that an ethic, philosophically, is a differentiation of social from anti-social conduct (Leopold 11). “A Sand County Almanac” goes on to examine two pre existing ethics that concern the association between individuals and secondly the relation between the individual and society (Leopold 11). Leopold advocates that there needs to be a third ethic “dealing with man’s relation to land and to the animals and plants which grow upon it” (11).Leopold pushes for conservation in order to protect the land, plants, and animals we must begin to value Earth. Leopold writes that this third ethic is both “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity” (11). As Leopold pushes his notion of a third ethic, he writes that it cannot happen without “love, respect, and admiration for land, and a high regard for its value (12). Next in “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold addresses the fact that both our “educational and economic system is headed away from, rather than toward an intense consciousness of land” (12). Leopold thus further pushes the importance of education to preserve the land and that the idea of ecology needs to be understood to succeed (12). Lastly Leopold writes that “the evolution of a land ethic is an intellectual as well as emotional process” proving that developing an ethical relationship between humans and the land will be challenging but overall very rewarding and worthwhile.
Leopold, Aldo. A Sand County Almanac. Ed. Thomas Easton, New York: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2009.
Blog Reflections
National Parks
· Traditional Access
· Public Access Limited
· Part of the mandate to provide access
Can parks Meet Its Dual Mandate of Access and Protection?
I believe that parks can continue to meet their dual mandate of access and protection. By enabling visitors inside the park only by paying a fee, they are able to use revenue generated to put towards the protection side of its mandate. Although there is concern that visitors do more damage than harm, I still believe it is necessary to allow people to visit the parks to experience them first hand. I think we need to limit development within parks substantially though. National Parks are set aside because they are a valuable natural asset that needs to be protected. For examples does it really make sense to have a highway running through a park such is the case in Riding Mountain National Park? Areas such as Banff National Park contain a very large developed area that almost takes away from the natural wonder that Banff is. Therefore focusing less on development of parks and more on the environmental aspect will allow National Parks to continue to meet their dual mandate of access and protection.
How Can This Be Achieved in Wapusk?
Wapusk National Park has a much different situation than National Parks that are located in more southern regions. Wapusk is located in northern Manitoba on the shores of Hudson Bay. It is an isolated region where access is severely limited due to its remote area. Wapusk should be able to meet its dual mandate of access and protection. Firstly more people need to be given access to Wapusk. With the proximity of Churchill to Wapusk, Wapusk should tap into the large amount of people who travel to Churchill annually to see the Polar Bears. Obviously Wapusk will never generate the traffic that parks such as Banff National Park would so too many people will never be an issue. Possibly allowing helicopter tours would allow people access to Wapusk. Additionally protection can continue how it is already operating. I think additionally there needs to be more staff and funding for not only Wapusk but for all National Parks. In Wapusk, there needs to be better regulation of people entering and leaving the park, more protection for the animals and plants who call Wapusk home and lastly more attention paid to illegal hunters and poachers. All in all by increasing tourism with continued protection, the dual mandate of access and protection will continue to be met in Wapusk.
Blog Activites
Jane Goodall helps humans and animals live together
http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_goodall_at_tedglobal_07.html
Jane Goodall’s talk at TEDGlobal looked at the strong connection between humans and animals. Goodall began her discussion comparing the similarities between chimpanzees and humans, and notes how chimpanzees are the most like humans of any animal. Most notably, she compares chimps and humans in terms of things such as personality, childhood dependency, lifespan and age, the role of learning, and our means of communication. Goodall notes the striking similarities and spoke of a blurry line between humans and animals. “There is “no sharp line between humans and the rest of the animal kingdom” said Goodall. She further emphasizes her beliefs by saying that we are part of animals and not separate from them. While speaking at TEDGlobal, Goodall uses this opportunity to promote TACARE, which is a community conservation plan. The main initiative of TACARE is to improve the wellbeing of both humans but of the Earth and its animals overall. Goodall speaks of the improvements TACARE is implementing such as improving farming methods, reducing soil erosion, reclaiming overused land, and improving the quality of water. Furthermore it also aims to create schools in underprivileged areas and educates women on things such as family planning and HIV. Goodall also looks at how we must embrace conservation because although we are the most intelligent beings on Earth, that we are also the ones destroying it. She points to evidence like pollution, climate change, and global warming as evidence that we much make changes. Additionally Goodall also discusses Roots and Shoots which is meant to engage young people and to provide a message of hope to make the world a better place. She promotes the notion that we can all make a difference, and pulls on the idea that a journey begins with a single step. She pushes youth to question how our actions will affect the environmental around me. Lastly Goodall talks about the resilience of both nature and animals. She pushes humans to make better choices in order to improve the wellbeing of many animals but also the wellbeing of the Earth overall. Therefore Jane Goodall strives to connect and show how humans and animals live together, and she ultimately pushes humans to live better so we can protect Earth and its inhabitants.
Additional Blog Activites
http://winnipeg.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20091019/layton_climate_091019/20091019/?hub=WinnipegHome
This article from CTV is about the last change efforts to pass a climate bill before the Copenhagen meeting on climate change. The Conservatives have put a motion in place to pause an NDP bill that has hopes to create stricter "greenhouse-gas reduction targets for Ottawa, and require the government to give progress reports" NDP Leader Jack Layton feels that this is Canada's chance to redeem themselves after failing Kyoto's goals of emission reduction. The leader of the NDP states that if the Conservatives are successful in putting a hold on his bill, that it will not be able to be passed before Copenhagen which would not help Canada's already stark and bleak case. Layton's bill is proposing to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80 per cent from 1990 emissions by 2050. While Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his Conservatives are pushing for a 20 percent reduction of 2006 levels by 2020. The article also suggests that the goals of Copenhagen is to replace the Kyoto Protocol which was created in 1997.
http://www.hydro.mb.ca/your_home/lighting/compact_a_bright_way_to_save.shtml
While driving in my car listening to the radio, I found myself listening to an advertisement about a Manitoba Hydro green initiative. Manitoba Hydro is offering rebates for switching to energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). These bulbs use less energy and last up to 8 times longer than a normal incandescent light bulb. Manitoba Hydro is running there rebate from October 1 2009 only until March 31 2010 and is offering a number of different rebates. This Manitoba Hydro rebate encourages many people to make smaller contributions to sustainable living.
All pictures used were from the public domain and the information is courtesy of Manitoba Hydro.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS69fuCOhTM
I decided to include Pearl Jam's "Do the Evolution" music video because it looks at environmental topics such as how humans have had had a negative impact on animals. Pearl Jam uses whales as their prime example of this. Most importantly pollution is looked at in "Do the Evolution" and the negative effects industrialization has had on Earth. In the music video for "Do the Evolution," harmful toxic smoke is seen from factories escaping into the atmosphere to prove their point about pollution. Lyrics that state "this land is mine, this land is free. I'll do what I want but irresponbily" spins light into the idea that most humans are not living sustainably. Pearl Jam uses music and a graphic music video to shed light on the issue that the environment among other things needs to be treated with more respect.
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