Ideas

Hi Everyone, I was wondering if you all would like to start an "ideas" page. On it you could post comments about your ideas for what to do on my blog in addition to just writing your opinions about what I write or anything that you've heard in general. What do you think?
Thanks for all the support, I really appreciate it!
-Danya Dubrow-Compaine

The Little Things

Hey everyone! Below is a fun quiz about how eco-friendly you are and what ways you can improve...enjoy! Keep in mind, none of the questions are required, so complete whatever works with your schedule.

http://goo.gl/forms/k6dnPA6RVC

Those were just my favorites, for more ideas check out: http://www.50waystohelp.com/
Next Week: US and China Reach a Deal

Other October Articles

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/20/business/energy-environment/buying-into-solar-power-no-roof-access-needed.html?emc=eta1

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/02/business/economy/persuading-china-to-act-fast-on-climate-change.html?emc=eta1

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/24/world/asia/greenpeace-says-chinas-energy-plans-exacerbate-climate-change.html?emc=eta1

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/24/business/energy-environment/texas-is-wired-for-wind-power-and-more-farms-plug-in.html?emc=eta1

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/09/09/us/climate-change-will-disrupt-half-of-north-americas-bird-species-study-says.html?emc=edit_th_20140909&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=39385531&_r=0&referrer=

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/17/opinion/mark-bittman-lets-reject-the-inevitable.html?emc=eta1

http://billmoyers.com/2014/05/16/eight-pseudo-scientific-climate-claims-debunked-by-real-scientists/

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/22/science/earth/scientists-report-global-rise-in-greenhouse-gas-emissions.html?emc=eta1

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/22/us/politics/environmental-issues-become-a-force-in-political-advertising.html?emc=edit_th_20141022&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=40002096

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/29/opinion/europes-ambitious-climate-goal.html?emc=eta1&gwh=D69EBDD60A024C3070A71AF4B91BF590&gwt=pay&assetType=opinion

Capturing Carbon

Though I don't know much about the engineering aspect of trying to prevent emissions that harm our earth, I've always thought that if we could capture them somehow, all our environmental issues could be solves. I turns out that there is a process that can actually do just that. It's called CCS or Carbon Capture and Storage. By releasing a chemical agent that attaches to CO2 before it leaves the smoke stack of a power plant, it is possible to redirect the carbon emitted towards a pipeline. The pipeline than transports the carbon to a well that goes deep into the ground. Once the process is complete, the carbon is locked away safely under layers of impermeable and the chemical is reused. 

So why aren't all power plants using this technique? As with all ideas, CCS has it's negatives. Not only is it extremely expensive, it may also reduce the amount of energy released from power plants by up to 20%. Additionally, there is the question of whether or not storing carbon in the ground is even safe. Still, already 2 power plants are using CCS and it is certainly a good idea if we can find a way to address and solve the negatives.

Multiple countries are studying this new idea, yet whether or not CCS will be a success is still question to answer right now. However, I am hopeful that the technique and other ones like it will soon become a part of our everyday lives. I believe that if we could combine all of the different ways of limiting harmful emissions (ie. hybrid cars, solar panels, CCS, wind energy, etc...), we might be able to prevent the worst effects of global warming. Right now, it's just a matter of using what we have and taking action.

Also: Check out the "World" page for an interesting question to think about. Comment your answer.
Source (includes an interesting video): http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/22/science/corralling-carbon-before-it-belches-from-stack.html?emc=eta1 
Next week: The Little Things You Can Do