. http://phys.org/news/2016-10-soap-molecule-environment.html A group of researchers discovered a new soap molecule made from renewable sources that could "dramatically reduce the number of chemicals in cleaning products and their impact on the environment." A soap molecule is made of natural materials like soybeans, coconut,and corn. According to the article, normally soaps and detergents are environmentally unfriendly because they are made from fossil fuels and have many other chemicals. This new soap molecule is environmentally friendly, on the other hand, as it is composed of natural products instead and has eliminated many of the other chemicals. I think that in order to actually help the environment a combination of fields must combine and support each other. This new soap molecule combines elements of biology, chemistry, and environmental science.However, I do not think that the soap molecules will make a difference until they are adopted on a large-scale. Focusing on larger causes of the environmental problems will be much more beneficial.
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The endangered Forbes’s blackbird, scientifically named the Anumara forbesi, stimulated the effort to restore the Brazilian Rain Forest. Anita Studer began the program to save the Pedra Talhada Forest as she wanted to study the endangered bird. A large cause of the endangerment of the bird was its habitat destruction. To prevent further decline in the blackbird population, she helped preserve the forest. Studer recruited donors and established the Geneva-based Nordesta Reforestation and Education Association. Her program helps tree-growing operations, the spread of environmental awareness,and education projects. The endangered bird study directly correlates with our current topic of study in class. Overall, the initiative taken by Anita Studer is significant to the environment because deforestation and the endangerment of certain species are both large areas of concern for all of us. Deforestation is habitat destruction which is a large cause of the endangerment of many other species as well. I believe that the forest restoration will be extremely beneficial in restoring the populations of the endangered birds. It is important to prevent further endangerment of species in order to maintain a balanced food web. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161012095740.htm China has now been classified as the largest emitter of certain toxic flourinated chemicals in the world according to a new study. Researchers from Sweden, Norway and China measured the levels of 12 substances at Chinese rivers.Specifically, they focused on the fluorinated substances, PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid). These substances have been proven to be harmful to animals and humans. Researchers explain China's high emission of toxic substances by revealing how "Chemical manufacturers in the US and Europe have phased out local production, and instead moved its manufacturing to China, since regulations are less strict there," Although China has been classified as a large emitter of certain toxic chemicals, this is a global scenario. Events in China eventually will effect us and the entire globe. The problem, in fact, is not limited to China as it effects the global pollution levels and the environment of the entire world. A possible solution to the problem is the establishment of increased regulations on the businesses by the government, specifically. Overall, the new classification of China is not a large shock, as most people are aware of the large-scale pollution in the country. However, the problem is not unique to China as many other countries contribute to the high pollution levels. http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/u-s-adds-seven-types-bees-endangered-species-list-first-n657926 Bees have now been added to the federal list of endangered species in the United States. Seven types of bees which were abundant in Hawaii have now been threatened through extinction. The bees are well-known for their "yellow and white facial markings", and they have been suffering through habitat loss, wildfires, and the invasion of plants and insects. Bees serve as important pollinators: they are important for the production of nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Bees are also important in the economy as they represent billions of dollars in value in the agricultural department. The bumble bee is the first type of bee to be proposed for protections. It is quite interesting that some types of bees are endangered species. We normally do not understand the importance of bees, but they are key for the ecosystem. I do not know the extent of their endangerment, so I can not judge if they qualify for the list. However, I would not have considered bumble bees to be endangered species. Overall, I do not consider the issue to be extremely significant or devastating but just interesting. |
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May 2017
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