Sun, Soil and Standards: Simple Solutions Towards Sustainable Systems Essay Example
Sun, Soil and Standards: Simple Solutions Towards Sustainable Systems Essay Example

Sun, Soil and Standards: Simple Solutions Towards Sustainable Systems Essay Example

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  • Pages: 9 (2314 words)
  • Published: May 2, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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The loss of certain animal and plant species is occurring at a pace resembling the occurrence that led to the eradication of dinosaurs 65 million years ago. This is due to the devastation of crucial habitats, like forests, as well as the effects of climate change.

Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" documentary draws parallels between the current climate crisis and factors that may have led to the collapse of ancient civilizations. While past societies were possibly destroyed by events like asteroid impacts, human actions are now causing unprecedented damage to our planet. The erratic weather patterns seen globally, such as winter heatwaves and summer rains, are mainly due to global warming and excessive greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Regrettably, it is humanity that must take responsibility for these harmful behaviors - Earth's cruelest and most abusive foe.

According to the Union of Concer

...

ned Scientists (2009), the release of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is responsible for global warming. This results in adverse effects such as an increase in surface temperature, sea level rise, changes in rainfall patterns and a decline in ice caps and glaciers. Higher temperatures may lead to forest reductions in Amazon and boreal regions while extreme weather events can cause agricultural problems. Species extinction also becomes more common. The Worldwatch Institute's Pachauri State of the World 2009 report (2009) states that human-generated greenhouse gas emissions are primarily accountable for this increase in temperature, with eleven out of twelve previous years being among the hottest recorded. In 2005, The United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported that carbon dioxide levels have exceeded natural rates from over six hundred thousand year

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ago.

In recent years, diverse regions across the globe have experienced climate-related calamities like typhoons and hurricanes. Scientific data reveals that the melting of polar ice caps is adversely affecting the natural habitats of Arctic fauna. Although these incidents offer a glimpse into how global warming can wreak havoc on our planet, they are not indicative of all possible environmental devastation that could result from future climate-related disasters.

Despite notable progress in science and technology, environmental conservation has been largely neglected by humanity. This disregard has resulted in widespread crises caused by fossil fuel-dependent technologies that emit significant amounts of carbon and greenhouse gases. The consequences have also affected the economy, including the United States' heavy reliance on foreign oil imports leading to budget deficits and diverted taxpayer funds from critical benefits and citizen security. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize solutions for both global warming and economic instability to create a better future for everyone.

Despite some efforts to address these problems, advancements have been inadequate. It is crucial that we take significant measures to execute workable solutions with a considerable influence on both the environment and economy. Fortunately, there is still an opportunity for us to effect change by prioritizing three critical transitions: lowering carbon emissions from industries and communities, decreasing dependence on foreign oil, and handling the growing trade deficit.

Although the challenges we face are influenced by different factors such as the environment, economy, and related issues, they are interconnected and interdependent in a way that worsens our situation. Nonetheless, numerous people, groups, and programs have tried to increase awareness and educate individuals about these matters. Governments have implemented legislation to address these concerns while

the private sector has initiated multiple campaigns covering various topics related to both ecology and finances.

While commonly adopted by the public, eco-friendly practices such as energy efficiency, recycling, and reduction alone cannot effectively combat the current state of decline in environmental and economic issues. To address root causes, a comprehensive approach is necessary. Despite difficulties identifying appropriate solutions due to concerns around greenhouse gases, carbon emissions, fuel consumption, and financial challenges, taking action remains crucial. Thus individual and collective solutions must be developed that effectively tackle each issue.

According to Gore, the planet is similar to a ticking time bomb and demands immediate attention. The solution involves crucial changes such as adopting renewable energy sources, enhancing fuel standards, and establishing sustainable food systems. These primary tactics can address numerous problems concurrently. Even though it has taken us some time to reach this stage, fixing the issue will also require considerable time.

Smart transitions can significantly benefit both the environment and economy. They provide long-lasting solutions to various issues, while also creating future opportunities. These solutions primarily address global warming and economic deficiencies, preventing further damage. Additionally, they can tackle specific areas such as oil dependency, energy security, air pollution, and public health. A significant advantage of smart transitions is their ability to create new jobs, stable markets, and economic savings.

To fully understand these transitions' impacts and benefits on the economy and environment, we need to examine different aspects of each one. Essential questions to ask include: What are these transitions? How will the necessary technologies be implemented? What are their advantages for the economy and environment? And how can we ensure that they remain effective and sustainable

over time?

In conclusion, exploring all of these topics helps us better grasp smart transition's significance in addressing global challenges effectively while allowing us to keep in place.

In June 2008, some locations experienced a peak in self-serve retail fuel prices, reaching nearly $4.10. This occurrence had both positive and negative effects. While it caused significant financial hardship for individuals, it also spurred the search for cost-effective energy sources, leading to the development of renewable and alternative technologies such as wind power, geothermal energy, biomass fuel, photovoltaic systems and others. Among these options, solar power emerged as the most promising solution.

Altenergy (n.d.) states that the sun provides an immense amount of solar energy to Earth, surpassing global energy requirements for a whole year within a minute. Furthermore, the total solar radiation received by Earth in three days is equal to the stored energy in all fossil fuel reserves.

According to Altenergy (n.d.), solar energy has historically not been widely utilized as a primary energy source due to the perception that fossil fuels were more accessible and affordable, despite its abundance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. However, with rising energy demands, worsening environmental issues, and declining reserves of fossil fuels, alternative solutions are currently being pursued.

There are two primary categories of solar power: thermal and photovoltaic. Thermal energy is generated by converting concentrated sunlight into heat, which can then be used to create electricity via a steam generator. This type of energy can be distributed to various locations, including factories, farms, homes, buildings, and more. On the other hand, photovoltaic power requires silicon semiconductors that produce electrical currents when exposed to sunlight.

Renewable energy from the sun is an auspicious prospect,

providing numerous advantages. With a lifespan of approximately 20-30 years, it necessitates minimal upkeep and oversight. Additionally, it does not require extensive construction or feature mobile components that are susceptible to malfunctions.

Altenergy (n. d.) states that solar energy is a renewable and domestic source of energy, which is considered the cleanest and most accessible option without any pollution drawbacks.

Despite criticism of the high cost and inconsistent energy supply of solar power, advancements in solar thermal technology such as Ausra's Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector are addressing these challenges. This innovative approach uses mirrors to reflect sunlight onto pressurized liquid, producing steam that powers a turbine.

The states of California, Nevada, and Texas in the United States have initiated the implementation of solar thermal energy technology. These regions possess vast desert lands that can accommodate numerous miles of technology for gathering, focusing, and disseminating sunlight as an energy source. Various industries and utilities are following this trend to tackle the environmental and economic issues we encounter. Solar thermal energy is becoming increasingly popular as a substitute method for creating energy that will not contribute to air pollution or worsen carbon emissions and global warming.

The importance of diminishing our reliance on foreign oil cannot be overstated as it is essential in preserving self-sufficiency and reducing the need for imported parts and technology. The development of energy storage solutions has great potential for enabling long-range distribution and mitigating the effects of escalating fuel expenses and dwindling reserves. Recognizing the interdependence between national security, economy, and resolving energy issues, the Obama administration has been promoting renewable sources of energy. Our considerable dependence on imported oil has spurred efforts towards more efficient

fuel standards in both automobiles and industries, contributing significantly to achieving a reduction in foreign trade deficits while combating global warming.

By implementing improved fuel standards, the opportunity arises to shift reliance away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources, resulting in cleaner energy. To incorporate renewable energy into our mix, specific technologies and standards must be established that enable affordable solutions to decrease carbon emissions and mitigate the harmful effects of transportation and mining activities related to fossil fuel production (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2009). The initiation of better standards for renewable fuels is a crucial step towards reducing the carbon footprint of US industries by significantly decreasing global warming pollutants emitted by automobiles and lowering gasoline consumption.

The implementation of a low-carbon fuel standard entails a comprehensive approach that encompasses the impact of all modes of transport fuels. A crucial element in the formulation of improved fuel standards revolves around prioritizing carbon - "carbon counting and rendering carbon meaningful" (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2009). To be deemed "renewable", low-carbon fuel standards mandate that fuels must decrease emissions and curb global warming pollution by a minimum of 20 percent. The guideline takes into account the sourcing, manufacture, delivery, and utilization of these more efficient fuels.

Improved fuel standards would aid in the transition to "second-generation" fuels, which use land and energy more efficiently, leading to reduced global warming effects. Various scientific and industrial entities suggest substituting regular gasoline with cellulosic (corn) ethanol or biodiesels. Advocates believe these alternative fuels could decrease emissions and pollution by 50 to 60%. Detractors question the impact of land usage on global warming during production of these fuels, arguing that clearing

land for biofuel and corn ethanol generates pollution that offsets any potential benefits of using these fuels. Proponents of this shift counter these criticisms by stating that superior fuel standards necessitate evaluating fuel based on its complete lifespan's global warming effects.

Emphasizing the significance of enforcing stringent regulations centered on safeguarding the environment to support the implementation of new standards; transitioning toward enhanced fuel standards and low-carbon renewable fuels would benefit the world by reducing vehicle emissions and minimizing reliance on foreign oil thereby reducing foreign trade deficits. Taking prompt action is necessary, prior to industries considering adopting "dirtier" fuel sources such as liquid coal or tar sands which generate over double the amount of pollution as regular gasoline.

President Obama highlights the opportunity to create new jobs in the clean vehicles and fuels industry and emphasizes the importance of building fuel-efficient cars in America (Broder, 2009). In addition to this, transitioning towards sustainable food systems is a plausible solution to address both economic and environmental concerns. The prevalent abundance of cheap and convenient food compels us to examine the nature of our food systems and the methods utilized by industries to produce quick and inexpensive foods for consumers (Ikerd, 2001).

The transformation of American agriculture from small family farms to larger commercialized businesses has led to the production of easily transportable food. However, environmental concerns associated with food production and distribution have been overlooked despite efforts to enhance efficiency in our food systems. Regrettably, technological advancements in food have negatively impacted our lands.

The quest for affordable food has caused considerable degradation of our farmland, as erosion, pollution, and contamination have reduced productivity and efficiency. The excessive

tillage results in topsoil loss exceeding regeneration rates, while pesticides and herbicides make natural water sources unfit to support biological life. In prioritizing enhanced efficiency at the expense of our land's long-term health, we are jeopardizing the planet's capacity to sustain life. Ultimately, this endangers humanity's future.

As resources dwindle, our dependence on food is akin to that of oil. To promote sustainability and renewable practices in the food industry, we must revive the traditional method of purchasing local products. It should be emphasized that approximately 80% of our spending on food goes towards expenses related to marketing which includes production, packaging, transportation, preservation and advertising.

Despite being produced locally, Ikerd emphasized in 2001 the significance of taking into account the distance that our food has to travel. The convenience aspect frequently outweighs quality. Nevertheless, endorsing local food systems can offer advantages like aiding independent family farms and enhancing regional economies in manners which global food markets cannot accomplish.

Having several advantages, local food systems can offer fresh and nutritious food while also conserving the pristine local environment. Additionally, they promote social bonds within the community and may even help lessen the foreign trade deficit by lowering reliance on imported produce.

Opting to purchase from nearby sources offers various benefits. These include boosting the local economy and retaining wealth within the area. Additionally, it lessens reliance on foreign oil by eliminating transportation of goods over long distances, thereby reducing carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. Moreover, sustainable food systems can aid in preventing excessive waste and pollution resulting from industrial practices.

Buying from nearby sources helps avoid the harmful effects of urban sprawl and overdevelopment on farmland. This eliminates

the need for unattractive establishments such as shopping malls and box stores, which hide social and environmental concerns. The land can remain healthy, allowing for sustainable and renewable agricultural cycles to take place. Additionally, a thriving local food economy creates more job opportunities and establishes a basis for implementing higher environmental and labor standards.

By eliminating subsidies, local independent businesses can compete on an equal level with corporate industries. Embracing sustainable food systems has numerous benefits, as outlined above, and buying locally supports our community and the fight against environmental damage.

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