ECA is now CCA :)

City of VENICE

2007-09-01T14:43:00.000+08:00

Isnt the city nice and wonderful?Isnt the place romantic?Isnt its architecture work nicee? Well this is Venice,Italy..where many hopeful Singaporeans like me whom might have an interest to go there to see its wonderful buildings or maybe just for a honeymoon.. Others have already stated things about how nice it would be for them to be in those small boats called gondola' and riding it under those wonderful bridges..

So..would we ever get a chance to have a look at the city when we're old enough and already affording to go there? Well,lets look at the facts...

"One of the most visited tourist centers in the world is today threatened by the very element that makes it famous. The canals of Venice can no longer hold back the rise of the tidal waters.
Of major architectural significance in the sinking city and one of the lowest areas of the island is the Piazza San Marco. The plaza now becomes fully immersed during the highest tides of autumn and winter.
With high tides of more than a meter, the city streets become blocked with water, and raised wooden walkways must be placed along established pedestrian thoroughfares. In addition to disrupting the lives of the inhabitants, the high water is causing considerable damage to their architectural heritage. " -www.architectureweek.com

To summarise,THE CITY IS SINKING!!!

So,where does the problem comes from?
Theres 2 reason..
1stly is because of its architectural problems..Tapping the underground water supply has caused a reduction in pressure in the subsoil and, therefore, a contraction of the ground itself, with a subsequent lowering of structures above...
About this problem,we cant do much..Its all up to the government of the place...

2nd reason,GLOBAL WARMING..
Well wouldnt wan to explain all these again...
its just about the earth getting warm,iced caps melt,water level rise,den finally the city sinks...

Well,think about it,what we do now that effects global changes would indirectly causes damage to all the wonderful places we are dreamed about...
Theres even report that the people there are slowly being evacuated out of the city to mainland Italy...
Well,this is only Venice..
what next???
SINGAPORE???

Well think about it people??
Cut down on pollution or seeing ourselfs wearing a life jacket everyday in a few years time???

Again,this is not a school assignment.

Its done out of the love for the environment.

Support Live Earth

2007-06-28T00:59:00.000+08:00

Live Earth will be a monumental music event that aims to bring together more than 2 billion people on 7/7/07 to raise awareness about global warming. With 24 hours of music across 7 continents and performances by more than 150 of the world's top musicians, Live Earth will engage, connect, and inspire individuals, corporations and governments to take action to solve the climate crisis.

Live Earth will reach this worldwide audience through an unprecedented global media architecture covering all media platforms - TV, radio, Internet and wireless channels.

International artistes who will be present:Madonna, Sheryl Crow, Alicia Keys, Kayne West, Wolfmother, Faith Hill, The Smashing Pumpkins, Kelly Clarkson, Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Beastie Boys, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Foo Fighters, Damien Rice, Roger Waters, Kylie Minogue, James Blunt, Snow Patrol, Lenny Kravitz, Jennifer Lopez, Snoop Dogg, The Police, Duran Duran, Eskimo Joe... & a whole lot more!

Channel 5 will be broadcasting it on Saturday 7/7/07 at 7pm.Channel 5 is the only free-to-air broadcaster in the world who will be airing the full 24-hr event.

Live Earth concerts will also be broadcast to a live worldwide audience by MSN at http://www.liveearth.msn.com/.

Please show your support in this project by wearing green on 7th and 8th of July.

ANSWER THE CALL...

This is not a school assignment.
Its done out of the love for the environment.

CAN THE EARTH BE SAVED?!?

2007-05-21T08:00:00.000+08:00

Should we stop DESTROYing it and start PROTECTing it instead?

Is it worth saving?

What are the biggest threats to the environment?

Can it ever be saved?

These are the few quetions that we have to ask ourselves as we go on living in this ever changing world.As every country strive to be better then the other, more and more resources are being used in the process,more land becoming scarce and not arable and pollution just continues.This is Globalization.So,can we stop all this process once and for all and save the

Earth?Why does we need to save it?Is it worth all the trouble?

Earth is definitely worth saving,mainly because its Earth we are talking about.Can you stay anywhere else in the galaxy except Earth?Earth is unique in the Solar System as being the only planet which is able to support life in all its forms: from basic living micro-organisms to highly sophisticated and intelligent human beings.Earth has a breathable atmosphere meaning we,human beings, animals and plants can have no problem in existing here.Earth is also the only planet to have a suitable climate for evrything to take place especially photosynthesis.The temperature and the amount of sunlight receives is just right for us to live in.Lastly it is the only planet that has water; a necessity for all living things.Unlike other planets which just contains harmful elements all over.

If we dont save it,who will?How would generations after us live here?How are they going to get their natural resources if all of them are gone?Where are they going to stay when all land become not arable anymore?Where are they going to get their food when all the food are contaminated?Where are they going to get water when all are polluted?Therefore Earth is definitely worth saving,not only for us,but for more generations to come.

So what are the biggest threats we are facing rite now?The main one is definitely pollution.Harmful gasses like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and nitrogen oxides are constantly produced by industry and motor vehicles. All these causes air pollution and might lead to other major causes like acid rain.Then there is water pollution via surface runoff and leaching to groundwater.These does not only affect ground plants and animals,but also marine life when these polltants are realeased into the sea.And the list just go on with soil contamination,radioactive contamination,noise pollution,light pollution,visual pollution and thermal pollution.

Then theres the threat of using too much natural resources too.Countries are continously using resources without realising what is left.These includes mining,oil extraction,fishing,hunting and forestry.These are non-renewable resources and by the way that these people are using just make these resources closed to "extinction".These resources are usefull for humans in terms of getting food and electricity,but cant we reduced the use of them and use other renewable resources instead?

There is also technology.Due to our world being more and more advanced,alot more of everyday are related activities are related to technology.Without technology, we can hardly function, or get the world going.With the use of technology, we are able to push our boundaries and achieve a lot of things.Without technology we won’t be where we are today. Since born till we die we can’t do away with technology. From giving birth to the transport we take now is all technology.Technoloy can be as simple as the invention of pencil to sophisticated ones like the notebooks we are using in school now. Yes problems are surfacing up because of over reliance on technology like pollutions and spread of deaseases.Technology also are the ones that cause people to be more lazy and have the lag of patients.More people now take transport even in the shortest distance and seconds of waiting for something to being load in the computer irritates us.Although being a big threat, technology too that can help us in overcoming these problems. For example technology in chemical plants causes water pollution and doesn’t the technology of wastewater treatment that treat the polluted water?

These are the 3 biggest threats that i can find but what is bigger than them?Who is to blame?I have to say us;Human Beings.We are the one that causes these problems.Our negligence towards the saving the environment are the ones that causes us to suffer,if not now,in the future.

So,can the Earth ever be saved and protected for years to come?

Personally,I think that it is already too late for us to start thinking about saving the Earth.Many people have thought about this issue and saying that slowly we can save the Earth.But does it ever happened?No.This issue have long been discussed way since i even existed in this world and nothing have been done.This is due to people and countries wanting to put Globalization first instead of the environment.What people think about nowdays is just being No1 and making high profit.Due to technology too,it causes people to always think about comfortablity and doing things at a fast pace just like computers do.Businessmen and economists would rather die than concur with the grand plan to save the Earth.When these happens,all environment issues would just be ignored.People might say that individuals for example farmers and miners have to play a role by reducing usage of pesticides and mine conservatively.But does these people really want to conserve the environment and loose out in the market they are doing in?

People would continue use natural resources to have a better life recreationally and land scarcity would just grow as buildings are build for economic,educational and housing purposes.In the future,people would just overfish and overhunt to satisfy themselves with the fod that they want.Fish like sharks would definitely extinct because of the rate of people having shark fins delicacy.Human health would detoriate because of all the contaminated food we eat and the air we breathe in.And only one positive thing that we get out of all this;Economic Growth.

At the rate of pollution and usage of resources,we can definitely say that it is the end for the Earth.Already we know that many plants and animals already extinct.Because of pollution,the ozone layer are already depleting.These causes the polar ice caps to melt and sink parts of the world.Many lifes have been killed due to natural disaster that are believe to be cause by these problems too.Drought occuring in parts of the world,hail storm and recently tsunami that killed thousand of people.Some people might say that it isnt related to the harm that we are causing to the environment.But in fact,indirectly it does.For example in a chain reaction;air pollution-acid clouds-hail storm.

To conclude from all the 15 problems I have discussed,there are ways that we can save the environment.But overall its just a little too late to think about saving it.Instead we should look forward and find other alternatives to continue living in this galaxy.Ideas like living in Mars might be dumb,but it is the only way out of these chaostic Earth that is slowly dying right in front of our eyes.

Of course these isnt what we and scientist dream of.But due to our ego,selfishness and the reluctance to let go of material possesions would only lead to the downfall of EARTH.

http://www.southbaymobilization.org/

http://library.thinkquest.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/

http://members.aol.com/

Topic 15:Greenhouse effect

2007-05-21T03:20:00.000+08:00

http://www.earthdayenergyfast.org/

The greenhouse affect is the rise in temperature that the Earth experiences because certain gases in the atmosphere(water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, for example) trap energy from the sun. Without these gases, heat would escape back into space and Earth’s average temperature would be about 60ºF colder. Because of how they warm our world, these gases are referred to as greenhouse gases.

Global warming brings about the effects of increasing in temperature, increase of sea levels and decrease in land area. By cutting down on environmental pollution,these effects can be slowed down and thus help us in saving the EARTH.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/
http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/greenhouse.html

Topic 14: Bhopal Gas Tragedy

2007-05-21T03:06:00.000+08:00

http://www.channel4.com/

India,Bhopal-Union Carbide pesticide plant produces carbaryl and methyl isocyanate in carbaryl manufacture.An accident occur and poisonous vapor burst from the tall stacks of the pesticide plant. Of the 800,000 people living in Bhopal at the time, 2,000 died immediately, and as many as 300,000 were injured. In addition, about 7,000 animals were injured, of which about one thousand were killed.Although survive,many suffers from illneses like gastrointestinal disorders and impaired immune systems.Other than that,since all the water were polluted,many other suffers from dehydration.

These shows how a simple human error can really cost thousands of lifes to be dead.It also damages the whole country's environment badly.The effect does not only can be seen at that time but also years after that.The illnesses would just carry on for generations to come as the pollutant wouldnt just dissappear just like that.These shows how important is it for a country to think twice before setting p big chemical plants like this.

http://www.hu.mtu.edu/hu_dept/tc@mtu/papers/bhopal.htm

Topic 13: Cadmium in fertilizers ; Peanuts

2007-05-21T02:54:00.000+08:00

http://www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/

Cadmium is a naturally occurring mineral which can cause kidney damage if large amounts are eaten. It is found in a wide range of foods including green leafy vegetables, root vegetables, meat, kidneys, seafood and peanuts.Cadmium actually comes from pesticides and therefore there is no way that we can prevent it.It can cause kidney damage if large ammount is taken.

For this,the authorities like Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) has regulates the maximum permitted concentration of cadmium in food.In 1998, a meeting by the ANZFSC came to a decision to reduce cadmium contents in peanuts from 0.1mg/kg to 0.05mg/kg.A proposal by the European Commission to reduce cadmium contents in fertilizers finally came in 2003. Their goal is to reduce cadmium accumulation in soil and prevent agricultural land from becoming unfit for crop growing.

In all,scientific research have shown that peanuts are still safe for us to eat.

These issue is related to Topic 6 and 7.

http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/newsroom/factsheets/factsheets1999/cadmiuminpeanuts.cfm
http://www.environmental-expert.com/articles/article1346/article1346.htm

Topic 12: Mercury Poisoning in Siberia

2007-05-21T02:40:00.000+08:00

http://leahy.senate.gov/

Like in Japan in 1952,now its in Siberia.More than 1,500 tonnes of mercury have been believe to seep trough the ground and pollute the water there.It get worst when the temperature increases and mercury starts to evaporate causing air pollution too.Mercury is an environmental hazard and if it is not treated carefully, will result in severe consequences.The pollution affects the nervous system, and is a problem for pregnant women and newborn babies.It causes headache, respiratory and istentinal disease,hand tremors,personality changes, hallucinations,sleeping difficulty,memory loss and many more.They get into bodies in 2 ways;by the air we breathe in and the fishes that we eat which has already been contaminated.

There is no way that we can stop these problem.The only thing that we can do is wait and see what happen next.Its been 4 years and mercury content is still in the air and water.And the authorities cant even do a proper clean up because of the lag of funds.

I believe that it is already to late to do anything about this problem.In the first place the company handling the mercury should have the responsibility to dispose of the mercury properly.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2062595.stm

Topic 11: Pollution in the Baltic

2007-05-21T02:23:00.000+08:00

http://www.nbii.gov/

The Baltic Sea is in a critical condition due to pollution from the Russian city of St. Petersburg - the main polluter of the Baltic Sea. A major contributory river of the Baltic is the Neva river where the city is built on. Because of it ridges and troughs and the narrow outlet to sea, the water can only take 25-30 years to totaly refresh itselfs.Overfishing,untreated and unfiltered sewer flow, dumping of waste and illegal spilages have added on to the problem.Now what is left are only algae and plankton growth,trapped pollutants and starve fish.

This is one of the worst issue that I've ever come across regarding water pollution.Fishes being prevented from consuming,bacteria which kills all marine life, 300-400 cubic metre of unfiltered water,40% untreated water,and it just get worst.I think the th government should have step up earlier in this issue as its already to late to save marine life from extinction.They should put up a law regarding dumping of illegal waste and start collecting funds to build up a sewage collector company and the waste water teatment plant.

Unless they start doing something now,or else its goodbye to those herring.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3007228.stm

Topic 10: Effects of Mining on Environment and Human

2007-05-21T00:08:00.000+08:00

http://www.palladiumcoins.com/

Mining and smelting activities has tottaly wipe out a once forested area in Russia.Now,there isnt any place for the grazing of reindeers.Lakes and rivers are vanishing.Russia being a big nation depended badly on this metal industries to boom their economy.Plans to further destroy the environment there are still taking place.Not only the environment and animals are affected but humans are effected in this problems too.Drinking water are polluted and many workers suffer from ill health, ranging from throat irritation to cardio-respiratory disease and cancer.

From this issue,we can learn that mining can really change the whole Earth surface.Firstly,many trees are cut down in the process.For this, they will be less photosynthesis,meaning more carbon dioxide and depletion of oxygen in the air.Then,suphur dioxide emession just continue to increase causeing more health problems to humans like respiritory illness and cardiovascular disease.It also cause acid rain, and thus further damage to the evironment.Other then that,mining has also causes extinction to many species of plant and animals.

Although the prices for these metals have greatly increases,but the metal market just cant stop growing as it becomes more competitive.The only way for this industry to go is up.And so the environment destruction continues.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6103382.stm

Topic 9: E-waste recycling - India

2007-05-20T23:29:00.000+08:00

http://www.thedirtproject.com/

Every year thousands of computers are being throwed to India to be recycled.These e-waste contains harmful chemicals like mercury, lead, flame retardants and PVC-coated copper wire.All these destroys the environment when gone into recycling.Those parts that cant be recycled are burned which released harmful chemicals in the air or dumped polluting the groundwater.People taking these jobs are exposed to many dangers when doing these processes.

However,its good to hear that measures have been taken to stop all these harm from taking place.In Europe, manufacturers will have to eliminate such harmful substances inside the machines by 2006.Some company needs to take back in what they sold and recycle their computer parts.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3307815.stm

Topic 8: Mothballs; not just for humans

2007-05-20T23:09:00.000+08:00

http://www.ehponline.org

Mothballs are used by humans to keep insects away. Termites also use one of mothballs' active ingredients, napthalene, to keep its enemies such as ants, poisonous fungi and nematode worms away from their underground nests.From this,termites can still live on with a mothball near it,meaning,it can still chew your furniture off.

These is really interesting.
If termites has the same characteristics of a mothball,
why not we use termites in our furniture instead? =)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/76115.stm

Topic 7: Pesticides.Good or Bad???

2007-05-20T22:44:00.000+08:00

http://www.veganpeace.com/

Pesticides can both help us and endanger us.So, should we continue using it?

Advantages.
Firstly,pesticides kills pests that eats up people crops.It doesnt only help farmers,it also helps us by preventing us from seeing something unwanted in our food.It is because of pesticides that we can eat fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples fresh,by just rinsing it with water.Other then that it also prevents the growth of bacteria,weeds,fungi and viruses.

Disadvantages.
Like in this case study,a family living in a home surrounded by fields suffers health problems. The first born baby suffer from asthma and is partially sighted.And a dog and its owner suffering from cancer too.These shows the health problems that these pesticides cause to people who are near these farmsIndirectly too,pesticides can cause us health problems when we eat the food from these farms and when we eat fishes that are in a marine environment which has been already poluted by these pesticides.Another way of consuming these pesticides is when we eat animals that eat these pests or eat the grass that are around the farm.All these would cause health problems too us.

My opinion is that,we should continue using pesticides as it really does us alot of benefits.However,farmers and the government can take precautionary measures like making sure farms are away from homes and farmers disposing off their waste water properly to ensure the people safety.In this way,we can still consume food without worrying about its chemical content.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/politics_show/3873761.stm

Topic 6: Pesticides in Food.

2007-05-20T22:34:00.000+08:00

http://www.aboutorganics.co.uk/

Nearly a third of UK food and drinks, including fruits and vegetables, contains pesticide. Out of the166 samples of food tested, 132 had chemical traces either at or below the maximum permitted levels. Another 3 samples had residues above the legal limits.

So should we stop hearing what professionals say about eating 2 serving of veges and 2 serving of fruits a day?Well, we shouldnt.

The health benefits;getting vitamins far outweigh the concerns about pesticides residue in these foods.Not only that,the chemicals that we consumed isnt that toxic as it is actually down to the level of dose.

In the first place,which is more better?
Seeing insects in your foods...
or
having these pesticides that we didnt even see...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5384138.stm

Topic 5: How healthy is barbecued food?

2007-05-20T22:24:00.000+08:00

http://www.thebbqclub.com

Who doesnt like to eat barbecued susages,chicken wings..etc...But do people really get cancer and stomach flu out of improper cooking of barbecued food?How healthy is it?

From these case study,we can know that all these health issue really depends on how we handle and cook our food that makes how healthy the food is.In order to have a great bbq and taking our mind of these issue,here are some of the things that we need to nake note.

Prepare food hygienically - wash hands before handling food.

Keep separate tongs for handling cooked and raw foods to avoid cross contamination.

Make sure that raw foods such as chicken and sausages are cooked right through.

Commercial firelighters should be used with charcoal because they are easy to ignite safely - never use methylated spirits, petrol or lighter fuel instead

Carry or store cold food in insulated containers in order to keep the temperature between 0-5°C.

Cooking meat and meat products, such as sausages, until they are overcooked or burnt can cause a number of chemicals to be formed, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which can be harmful.

Although overcooking meat may produce harmful chemicals, it's very important to make sure you don't undercook meat otherwise any bacteria in the meat could survive and cause food poisoning.

It's especially important to make sure that chicken and minced meat products, such as burgers and sausages, are piping hot all the way through with no pink meat left.

Finally, when cooking make sure any juices run clear - cook evenly over a steady heat.

SAFETY COME FIRST BEFORE DELICACY.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/breakfast/4585353.stm

Topic 4: Pearl River Delta and Yellow River

2007-05-20T20:49:00.000+08:00

http://www.carto.net/

China is having more then 210,000 chemical factories located along its rivers and shorelines.These hae posed a threat towards the marine life in the 2 major rivers;Yangtze and Yellow River.Although being progressive economicaly,China have been more protective and over their water resource.Due to this,thier water quality are above standards and the fish in these rivers are safe to be eaten.

These is good news to the world.China,being a big country that is growing drastically towards being a developed nation have took a step forward by thinking about the enviroment.All these may have been related to topic no 3,now that they are more careful after what happened during the Harbin leak.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4642090.stm

Topic 3: Harbin Leak in China

2007-05-20T20:34:00.000+08:00

http://english.people.com.cn/

A chemical leak does not only affect other coutries but also affect the environment badly.In these case,the explosion at a petrochemical plant in Jilin have caused the rivers to be contaminated by oil, resulting in a cut off of water supply for up to 40 hours and closure of schools, childcare and restaurants in Russia.The 80km long toxic trail might stay there for another 2 weeks and affect some 500,000 Russian citizens.Tonnes of marine life would definitely be dead because of this problem.

In this issue,these 2 countries should not associate whats happening between them politically and asking the one in the wrong position to apologised or something.For me,these is totaly childish.Instead,they should look forward and work together to prevent more environmental problems from taking place.Other then informing their citizens of the danger of using the river water now,they should also in no time control the spill,making sure it doesnt spread further affecting more marine lifes and humans.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4474284.stm

Topic 2: Moses and 10 plagues

2007-05-20T20:18:00.000+08:00

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

The first plague - river water turned to blood
The second plague - frogs
The third plague - gnats
The fourth plague - flies
The fifth plague - death of livestock
The sixth plague - boils
The seventh plague - hail
The eighth plague - locusts
The ninth plague - darkness
The tenth plague - death of the firstborn

Some believes that it is just the acts of God working trough nature.But can it be explain scientifically?

In the pfisteria theory,millions of gallons of pig-waste got into the river from a pig farm further up that river. It caused a genetic mutation in a marine micro-organism called pfisteria. The river turned red, all the fishes died, the frogs were chased to land and died.Then from the frog to the flies and finally the livestock,killing one by one naturally.This is actually a chain reaction starting from the first issue;pig manure poluting the waters.

Some other volcanist believes that in the volcano theory;Ash columns that were ejected into the atmosphere from an eruption triggered the plagues.These ashes causes darkness and hail and acid rain which causes an outbbreak of other plagues.

From all the evidence in these case study, the pfisteria thoery is definitely the best reason that might lead to these 10 plagues.These is further supported by the case study in topic 1.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/history/moses_4.shtml

Topic 1: Intensive Agriculture

2007-05-20T19:53:00.000+08:00

http://www.scienceclarified.com

Countries in Europe are pushing their way trough economic growth.Increasing demand for cheap food have lead countries like Poland towards intensive agriculture.Without realising it these countries are actually polluting the environment badly.Smithfield Foods which slaughters 20 million hogs a year are boosting the country's economy by creating alot of jobs in their pig farms.What they did not know is that their farms have greatly damage the environment.Firstly the huge ammount of waste from the farms does not only polute the air surroundings,but also can cause a risk to marine life and indirectly to human beings.Antibiotics realeased from this farms also can cause harm towards other pigs and humans.The people there are complaining that they dont mind about the high price of these pigs but what is more important are the long term effects towards the environment.

These case study is one example of what is happening to our earth when countries put economic growth first rather then the environment.These cause not only harm towards their own citizens but the whole world food supply especially when these companies are the ones that are competing in the global market.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4035081.stm

2007-05-20T18:56:00.001+08:00

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