Carbon Footprint

Mike Hirn asked:


When you think of global warming, you might envision dramatic scenes like melting glaciers and flooded coastlines. Agriculture is yet another area that will be seriously affected by climatic changes. Farming challenges may become even more intense. Today it is even more likely that a farmer will face droughts, floods, heat waves, and hurricanes. These types of weather events that are so traumatic for farming will certainly be less rare.

In regions that are already warm, global warming will cause the plants to languish in the heat. Soil evaporation rates will be very high, leaving parched earth and burned plants. Often rain will come down hard when it does come, leading to greater than usual soil erosion.

Some studies show that the news of global warming is not all bad for farming, at least not in the short run.

An increase in temperature has some temporary benefits. For a while, it will simply mean more time for crops to mature because of a longer growing season. This is especially true of regions where the spring and fall were once quite cool.

Strangely enough, all the extra carbon dioxide in the air also has a fertilizing affect on crops. This type of fertilization is most helpful for crops such as wheat, soybeans, and rice. Carbon dioxide fertilization is a beneficial by-product of global warming. However, this benefit may all be in vain. When global warming pushes ground level ozone to higher stages, the carbon dioxide fertilization is voided out by tropospheric ozone. These ozone levels are influenced by both emissions and temperature. When the temperature rises, the ground ozone levels will rise as well.

The overall predictions for farming in North America are neither all bad nor all good. Crops are expected to benefit from the effects of global warming in many regions for a short period of time. Crops will suffer in some places due to regional variations. The Great Plains are now more susceptible to drought. However, Canada will probably benefit from the added heat, causing farming of some crops to shift north.

Right now, and in the near future, global warming does not seem to pose a serious risk for North American farmers in general. There may even be some positive outcomes. However, in the long run, nothing will be able to mitigate the damage to agriculture that will occur if global warming is not slowed or stopped.

Louise Gorrie asked:


GetUpdated, a Swedish Internet Marketing Agency, are holding their annual worldwide Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Competition. The twist - make global warming awareness 2007 top of the pops in Google, Yahoo and MSN by May 2007.

The task of the competition is to appear first in search engines for the phrase “GlobalWarming Awareness2007″, without breaching the Google webmaster guidelines (read “no-spamming”). The competition is excellent research to learn what makes the top three search engines tick.

Unlike typical SEO contests which make up words such as v7ndotcom elursrebmem or carcrasherdotcom as the phrase, GetUpdated has chosen a phrase to make the SEO community more aware of global warming.

Will this lead to climate change websites being bombarded with spam? A quick look at the leaders of the competition shows they have not spammed environmental blogs or directories, so fingers crossed they continue to build links ethically.

So far this year global warming has had a tonne of attention. Australian prime time TV network, Channel 7, in conjunction with the Australian Conservation Foundation, has launched a website, Cool the Globe, which aims to raise awareness of climate change and challenges all Australians to reduce greenhouse gases.

Across the globe in the United States, it looks like global warming will be an election topic next year, according to the Washington Times, “Presidential candidates for 2008 mostly agree that global warming is a problem that merits government action, a signal that debate on the issue will be more practical than conceptual,” writes Christina Bellantoni.

In the UK, global warming is gaining in press coverage, but for some, it’s nearly welcome. 2007 promises to deliver another record breaking year temperature wise. Last year, according to Met Office figures, was the warmest year on record (since 1914) and this year is expected to top that.

So with all the publicity surrounding global warming, when will our leaders decide it’s time to make changes? With more companies and industries, such as GetUpdated, bringing global warming to the forefront of our attention, action should follow and take over from awareness.

After reading this, it’s time for you to take action. If you don’t know where to start, type in your local city and “global warming action” into your favourite web browser. There should be a range of activities you can join, if not then maybe it’s time to start your own.

Sydney company, BlackMax Media, is pleased to add their unique action with their entry GlobalWarming Awareness2007. Their site encourages visitors to become aware and take action by joining online petitions.

Gordon Petten asked:


Global warming is a phenomenon that is way beyond and over the level of awareness of the man on the street, but whose impact is felt by him wherever he is.in every nook around the world, in our very residences, in every geographical location in fact. Everyone is starting to feel its impact in our daily lives. Already there are indications of the sad plight of the earth’s climate in some areas of the US that are blessed with very good climate.

There is ample evidence of the effects of a changing climate in California, for example. Records show that in the half century that passed, temperatures in winter and spring have been warmer. There has also been a recorded drop in the level of spring snow in low elevation to mid-elevation mountains. Blooms show up a couple of weeks earlier, while snowpacks are also melting earlier by 1 to 4 weeks. This is very much related to the worldwide increase of average temperatures by 1 degree Fahrenheit over the last 100 years. It is important to note that the US is the biggest contributor to air pollution that traps heat (CO2 emissions from cars, trucks and industrial plants) and causes global warming. Such kind of activities is projected to be the gauge at how much warmer the state’s climate will become as it is also a scientifically projected that California temperatures will rise by 4.7 10.5 degrees Fahrenheit in this century. If state laws and Washington declarations prevail, emissions could be cut and consequently contain the temperature rise to around 3 to 5.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to warmer climate, continued abuse and misuse of the environment can cause corollary incidents of widespread wildfires, as well as reduced production and quality of agricultural harvest.

San Joaquin Valley, according to climatologists, may also bear the brunt of global warming. There are existing problems, like water shortage, that can be aggravated by climactic change. At present, South of Fresno for instance, gets only 8 inches of rain annually; the residents depend on the melting of Sierra Nevada’s snowpack to compensate. But this will be where the main problem would lie with warmer temperatures, the Sierras may not be able to hold that much water anymore. This spells disaster for California’s $32 billion agriculture industry. San Joaquin Valley produces nearly 50% of the US supply of fruits and vegetables, San Joaquin County ranking 5th in the countries total agriculture production.

This is a painful eye-opener; global warming hurts not only the physical environment, but also society and the economy. Worst of all realizations is: mildly put, it was initiated by human activities and it is perpetrated by human indifference.

San Joaquin Valley may, for the most part of the year, be dry. Not the case for the area north of the valley. Higher sea levels (another dangerous consequence of global warming) would pose a danger for the Delta areas like Stockton and Sacramento. They stand the risk of being flooded, especially Stockton which is at sea level. Seawater seeping inland would destroy agriculture that thrives on fresh water.

Another consequence that is not as highly felt as the effect of global warming on water and land resources, is the effect of warmer temperatures on the quality of air. San Joaquin Valley will suffer from poorer air quality; as it is, it is shoulder to shoulder with LA and Houston in not so healthy air quality.

These are no laughing matters. Foreseeing the dismal developments, state leaders are starting to legislate to address global warming concerns by cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Last year saw California as the very first state to implement a law limit emissions of these dangerous gasses.

Concerned agencies are also actively advocate awareness of global warming and encourage helpful measures. The University of the Pacific continually conducts campaigns for the cause. Recycling is highly recommended anything from bottles, to cans, to paper. So is lesser driving and the use of fluorescent bulbs over incandescent ones. These are very simple solutions which can be easily done by everyone, but are usually overlooked and disregarded. If only everyone would stand up to the challenge now!

Daniel Johansson asked:


Recycling is one of the best ways in which to have a positive impact upon the world in which we live in. Recycling is highly beneficial for the natural environment and human beings. The amount of the rubbish we create and dump into the environment is rapidly increasing everyday, which is having a horrendous effect on the environment, resulting in global warming and the increase in temperature rise.

The reasons why we are creating more waste are due to; increase in wealth, therefore we have more money to buy products, resulting in more waste. Increase in population means, there are more people creating waste. New packaging and technological products are being developed, much of these products contain materials that are not biodegradable.

Recycling is incredibly important as waste has an extremely negative blow upon the ecosystem. Harmful chemicals and greenhouse gasses are released from rubbish in landfill sites. Recycling helps to reduce the pollution caused by waste. Habitat destruction and global warming are some the affects caused by deforestation. Recycling reduces the need for raw materials so that the rainforests can be preserved.

The production of computer parts involves numerous chemicals which are highly dangerous to our health and surroundings. The Information Technology production industry has enormous carbon imprints; however the carbon imprints can be reduced through recycling of computer components.

In order to produce computer parts the IT industry uses raw dwindling resources and materials which are already relatively scarce. It is a well known fact that major companies only keep IT equipment for around 3 years and then dispose of it. Most of the IT equipment is in good condition and can be reused and deployed in the use of charities, homes, schools etc.

Recycling can help in the deployment of old computers, computer components and other computer related equipment, recycling redundant and damaged computers can be turned into component metals which can then go towards building new computer or fixing damaged machines.

Most of the environmental concerns which lie with inappropriate disposal of computers are the monitor. Each colour monitor contains on an average of 4 to 5 pounds of lead. Other chemicals found in computers are mercury, cadmium a known carcinogen and Hexavalent Chromium which is known to cause high blood pressure, iron-poor blood, liver disease, and nerve and brain damage in animals.

Organisations such as Oxfam have set up schemes where other charities and schools in the third world can benefit from old disposed computers. Oxfam collect old computers in order to raise money to help those in need. By disposing of computers in this way, you can help the environment and decrease the population levels. Also at the same time companies can feel good about the way they have disposed computers, knowing that they are helping others.

It is very important to recycle computers, due to high number of computers being disposed of incorrectly or just stored away, is increasing the risk of polluting the environment with unfriendly toxins and excess waste.

Basically any part / component of a computer can be recycled, the keyboard, mouse, printer and monitor. The steel cases can be sold on for scrap metals, as can the chassis of the computer, floppy drive chassis, hard drive cases and drive platters. Heat sinks have to be separated out during the recycling process due to their high aluminium alloy content and these are recycled separately and for less money per kilo nonetheless still worth a cash value.

Just by correctly disposing products can help the environment greatly. By doing this you are also doing your bit to help fight against global warming, habitat destruction and deforestation. All things which are harmful to us and the future generations that have to live on this planet. Due to vast amount of computer waste, computers could become more expensive, due to European laws may force makers to recycle old machines and computer hardware in order to help the environment.

Computer experts have warmed when the new laws are put into force overall computer prices may levitate to anything between $50 to $100. This may force companies into leasing computers to reduce their CPA, and bring down cost in general.

Overall disposing of computers correctly by recycling parts and components could result in a better cleaner less toxic environment. Cleaner environment means less global warming, habitat destruction and deforestation. Also reducing the amount of raw materials needed in order to produce these machines. It is therefore highly important to dispose of the computer in the right place. In many countries dumping of electronic equipment in many areas is banned due to highly toxic chemicals in some components.

Joshua Keaton asked:


Everyone needs air to survive. It is imperative to our health that we constantly get a fresh supply of air that has no contaminates. This is the same when you are outside or inside your home. Most of the homes and work places in the United States are fitted with air heating and cooling systems. These systems require air filters to clean and detoxify the air that is being circulated through out your indoor environment.

In order to keep the air heating and cooling systems running correctly and efficiently you need to maintain the filters. The air filter has two main jobs. The first being to remove all of the harmful contaminates that are in the air including dust particles, pet dander, smoke, pollution, bacteria, and other allergy causing contaminates. The air filters also keep your system running properly and actually prolong its life.

One study found that your home can actually have up to five times the contamination than the air outside, if not properly filtered. There are three strategies which help lower the chances of air pollution including dictating the main sources of pollution, ensuring adequate ventilation, and purifying internal air. A properly maintained air system will do all three.

If you air filters are not properly maintained they can actually do harm to your family and become a major disadvantage. It is important, especially in colder winter month when windows are closed constantly and the heater is on all the time to maintain the filters. You don’t want to circulate the same polluted, germ filled air through out your home for three or four months!

If you live in the Indianapolis area you can locate filter recycling services and filter cleaning services which will help you lower the cost of your filter maintenance by a considerable amount. These services not only cater to home owners but also offices and other commercial buildings which require alot of time and money to maintain.

Roger Munns asked:


Local authorities in popular tourist destinations are beginning to take matters of environmental protection into their own hands. Governments and nonprofit organizations are banding together in the fight against pollution. Efforts to sustain tourism to favourite destinations without harmful effects to the local environment, as well as culture and social interactions, are the main focus for the most recent campaigns.

Mallorca Promotes Environmental Protection and Tourism

In order to maintain sustainable tourism in the Balearic Islands, Mallorca - often known as Majorca - is promoting a campaign that promotes environmental protection. Environment friendly tourism in heavily visited areas is important for the overall atmosphere of tourist areas.

Island tourist locations tend to take more abuse from tourism than most other areas. The new campaign, developed by Palma’s Tourism Institute, IMTUR, is called ‘Palma, Responsible Tourism.’ The World Tourism Organization also supports the initiative. The primary goal is to encourage tourists to be more environmentally responsible in Palma.

A few of the programme’s objectives are:

* To educate tourists and residents on water consumption.

* Promote Palma and Mallorca as a prime tourism destination that places emphasis on protecting the environment and the Mediterranean.

* Encourage environmentally safe tourism once tourists arrive.

* Decrease carbon levels and air pollution from vehicles.

* Increase energy awareness and introduce energy conservation practices.

This isn’t a comprehensive list, only examples of what tourists can expect from the ‘Palma, Responsible Tourism’ campaign. The programme includes incentives, activities, competitions and a cycling event available to all interested tourists. Palma Town Hall will donate 1 euro to the campaign for every tourist that takes part in activities related to the campaign.

Other Environment Friendly Vacation Locations

Palma’s campaign is new to the Balearic Islands. The general idea, however, is not new to other tourist destinations around the world. Whether it is referred to as ‘environment friendly tourism’ or ‘ecotourism’ the end result is the same.

The general idea is to introduce tourists to recycling and other activities that will help sustain tourism in their favourite destinations. In protecting their favorite vacation spots, tourists also help to protect neighbouring rivers, streams, wildlife and communities from potential harm caused by pollution.

Similar campaigns exist in the Caribbean. One development firm was quoted as saying sustainability is ‘finding the right balance between the need for development and the need for environmental protection.’

Overdevelopment of a destination can lead to a drastic downfall of the quality of vacations available to tourists. Locally owned shops and fisheries on the Caribbean Islands have joined the efforts to help combat the negative effects of mass tourism.

Resorts and hotels on Malta promote environment friendly tourism by setting a high standard for their guests and employees. Water and energy conservation are very high on the list, as are reuse and recycling.

Employees and guests are urged to turn off lights in rooms that aren’t being used and to ensure water has been used conservatively and turned off when not in use. Recycling bins are placed in hotel rooms, and guests are encouraged to use only environment friendly, recyclable containers.

Environment Friendly Hotels and Resorts

Each passing year sees more hotels and resorts join the fight against pollution. Environmental agencies have begun offering initiatives and awards to hotels and resorts that go the extra mile to protect the environment. The very environment they seek to protect is the one that draws more tourists to their location year after year.

Several U.S. ski resorts have earned awards from environmental protection agencies recognizing the work they put into protecting the environment and local forests. Their efforts include using environment friendly cleaning products and recyclable take-out boxes, cups and flatware, as well as encouraging reuse of linens and towels and composting kitchen scraps with wood chips for use in landscaping. In all, eight U.S. ski resorts were recognized by Clif Bar & Company for environmental excellence.

Roger Munns asked:


When Prince Albert of Monaco visited the North Pole in April this year he declared that it was as part of an effort to push the environmental issue up the agenda with other world leaders.

Now he has established a foundation as part of his personal commitment for ‘the protection of the environment and sustainable development’ - and in the process show that far from his North Pole visit being a publicity stunt it was the beginning of a campaign to highlight the dangers of global warming.

The Albert II foundation aims to be a permanent source of dynamic and innovative actions for environmental protection.

It is just over a year since Prince Albert succeeded his father Prince Rainier to become Monaco’s leader, and in that year Prince Albert has changed his image from that of a Playboy Prince to one of a leader concerned for the future of not only Monaco - the second smallest country in the world - but for the world as a whole.

Apart from his visit to the North Pole, Monaco has shown her commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by making the Monaco Yacht show, due to be held in September, to a carbon-neutral event by paying for enough wind turbines in New Zealand to generate power for 45,000 homes.

In a more recent development Monaco, at Prince Albert’s behest, has decided for the first time to calculate her GDP so she can play a more active role at the United Nations, which will include calculating how much to pay to meet the UN’s request for 0.7 per cent of developed countries GDP for third world development.

Tax Haven

Previously Monaco has best been known as Europe’s number one tax haven, and for the Monaco Grand Prix, held each May around the streets of Monte Carlo.

Often referred to as the ‘Playground of Europe’ any concerns over Monaco changing style are misplaced insist local travel guide YourMonaco.

‘Monaco will continue to attract the wealthy due to her to income tax policy’, comments spokesman Henri Boulanger, ‘And as well as the Monaco Grand Prix there is also the annual Yacht Show each September. Prince Albert knows that these events along with being a tax haven are the geese that lay the golden eggs and without them there wouldn’t be a lot of point in calculating the GDP to send to the United Nations as it would account for very little. By promoting and encouraging events like the Monaco Grand Prix it allows him to play a serious and active part on the world stage’.

Real estate in Monaco ranks among the highest priced in the world, with one bedroom apartments ranging from nearly a million Euros to two million, and three bedroom apartments often over three million Euros.

Buyers from the UK have increased significantly in the last couple of years, and demand from them has helped push property price inflation to nearly ten per cent a year.

For the future it is expected that prices will continue to rise for the short and medium term, but with interest rates expected to rise in the UK it is not certain whether the supply of British buyers will continue at the same pace as recent years.

Daniel Salas asked:


Are you ready to help the environment, get some fresh air and exercise, and have fun with family and friends? Consider volunteering at a beach cleanup, either locally or during your next vacation.

My first experience with a beach cleanup was at the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, during our family’s “eco-tourism resort” vacation. One easy-going day I sat in a hammock and saw my wife and sons carry empty trash bags down to the beach. Between reading a novel and napping (yes, I’m the lazy one) I watched them stroll back and forth across the sand, often stopping to pick something up. After a few hours they returned tired, dirty and smiling with an impressive collection of beer bottles, candy wrappers, and cigarette butts. After returning home, putting my watch back on, and returning to work, I realized that the vision of that spur of the moment volunteer exercise had stayed with me. I concluded that we should be doing this same kind of service in our own community.

The easiest way to get started in this endeavor is to find a non-profit organization that runs cleanups. Just enter “beach cleanup” or “coastal cleanup” into your favorite search engine to find out when and where they are signing up volunteers. In some counties, cleanups are organized every Saturday, plus the day after a major holiday when beach crowds are expected.

When you get there, some organizations provide plastic bags, rubber gloves and even trash grippers. It helps to read their Web site or call first and find out what they provide. Your group might even get a gift after your day of volunteering, such as tickets to a fair or an ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s.

If you can’t find an organized cleanup, consider organizing one yourself, with groups such as local schools, scout troops, or church groups. If not, you can just head out there with some family, friends, or co-workers and plenty of empty trash bags.

Here are some tips to make the cleanup easy, safe and fun:



Dress for working outdoors. Wear good walking shoes, a comfortable top and pants with lots of freedom of movement, plus a hat and sunglasses.

Bring rubber gloves to protect your hands from filth and sharp edges, if the trash is handled carefully.

Bring a long-handled trash grabber/gripper tool to protect your hands and save your lower back from too much bending down. The tool is especially good for picking up broken bottles.

If you bring the kids, organize yourselves into two-person teams. One person carries the bag and the other picks up the litter.

Don’t forget the drinking water and sunscreen.



You’ll be surprised at how many cigarette butts, soda straws, plastic cups and shredded clothes you can find in two hours. And if you pick up the broken pieces of a beer bottle, think about all the kids’ feet you might have protected.

As always, thanks for volunteering!