Beyond Boundaries: Temasek Academy - Recently Updated Pages

IDE 2009

jewelry-1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:22:17 CDT

	TA 1	TA 2
Term 3	1) Market and Finance 2) Landscapes of the Mind 3) Gender in Translation 4) Mathematics and Architecture 5) Environmental Science 6) Traditional Chinese Medicine
Term 2	1) Market and Finance 2) Understanding Vegetarianism 3) Mathematics of Passwords 4) Nanchang exchange (LEP)	1) Moving Images: Hollywood and Beyond 2) The Legal Arena 3) Games of Chance 4) Technology in Mathematics 5) The Fuel Cell (8 students only) 6) Outbreak

Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve

barntan — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:55:26 CDT

IDE142 Group 1

JESSIETJIOE — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:27:10 CDT

Group Members:
Jessie Tjioe, Phang Zi Han, Nicholas Ting, Titus Lim. (1C'09)

Group Project Proposal
We chose to do a video regarding how global warming affects the survival of polar bears in the artic region.
We came out with the script and acted out the scenes, then compiled the clips together to a video.
This video will be screened during our exhibition to raise awareness to our school about the vast impacts global warming has on polar bears, gradually driving them to extinction.

Also, we did research on polar bears survival and found out the exact relation between global warming and polar bears.
Causes, Effects and Solutions were also researched and brain-stormed upon.
Our solutions are specially catered to students and staff so that we too can do our part to help save the polar bears. In other words, these actions are small, easy to do, but helpful in reducing global warming.
Through this facts, we designed a big poster about polar bears and global warming.
This poster will be displayed during our campaign to help raise awareness too, in addition to the video.
Hopefully, the school will be able learn from our exhibition and follow the steps stated in our "solutions", hence helping to reduce global warming.

IDE142 Group 2

FaithChia — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:56:51 CDT

Group Members: Valerie Ngieng Joey Cheang Faith Chia Charmaine Daryanani
We chose to do a few posters and a board game, as well as a blog to spread the word about global warming on the internet.
Comments:

.
Group Members:
Valerie Ngieng
Joey Cheang
Faith Chia
Charmaine Daryanani

We chose to do a few posters and a board game, as well as a blog to spread the word about global warming on the internet.

Comments:

Group 1 Report

phangzihan — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 06:40:49 CDT

Group Members: Nicholas Ting, Phang Zi Han, Jessie Tjioe, Titus Lim
Feature: Air-conditioner placements
Why is it not energy-efficient? The air-conditioners are installed in places with North-South facing(cooler environment). On the contrary, places which are warmer (East-West facing), do not have air-conditioners installed there. This is not energy-efficient, and cause the warm places to become warmer while the cooler places would become colder. Though a cool environment provides a more conducive environment for student to study in, a cold environment produces the opposite effect. With the air-conditioners installed in inappropriate locations, it defeats the purpose of installing it in a location which is already cool, whereas the warm areas stay warm.
What can/should be done about it? Re-locate them. Install air-cons in warm places and uninstall those air-cons in already cool places.
Estimated cost of intervention (show how you calculated it) According to our research, the cost depends on the quality, efficiency, size of the air-conditioner, as well as the ease of installation of the condenser. Price range: 600 to 1000 Singapore dollars per air-conditioner.

Group Members: Nicholas Ting, Phang Zi Han, Jessie Tjioe, Titus Lim

Feature: Air-conditioner placements

Why is it not energy-efficient?
The air-conditioners are installed in places with North-South facing(cooler environment). On the contrary, places which are warmer (East-West facing), do not have air-conditioners installed there. This is not energy-efficient, and cause the warm places to become warmer while the cooler places would become colder. Though a cool environment provides a more conducive environment for student to study in, a cold environment produces the opposite effect. With the air-conditioners installed in inappropriate locations, it defeats the purpose of installing it in a location which is already cool, whereas the warm areas stay warm.

What can/should be done about it?
Re-locate them. Install air-cons in warm places and uninstall those air-cons in already cool places.

Estimated cost of intervention (show how you calculated it)
According to our research, the cost depends on the quality, efficiency, size of the air-conditioner, as well as the ease of installation of the condenser.
Price range: 600 to 1000 Singapore dollars per air-conditioner.

Environmental Science

barntan — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:56:18 CDT

Announcements

1. Dear students, please note that you will placed in groups of 3s for this term's IDE on Environment Science.

2. On the morning of 2 Sep (Wed), there will be a field trip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Meet at the school canteen at 7.50 am before assembly! We are excused from assembly. You can wear PE attire as we will be doing quite a bit of walking. Please leave a set of full TJC uniform (read all green) in your lockers for contact time. Bring along only essentials like water bottles with lots of water, medication, mosquito repellent (optional), sunblock (optional).

Assessment

1. Group Campaign Project
a. Relevance (15%)
b. Presentation and Effectiveness (20%)
c. Content Accuracy (15%)

2. Personal Portfolio (40%)

3. Peer Assessment (10%)

About Us

Teachers-in-charge: Mr Tan Seng Kwang (email: tan_seng_kwang@ moe.edu.sg), Mr Lim Ann Lee, Mr Alan Varella

Schedule

24 Aug - 9.10 to 10.50 am
Venue: PSL
Introduction to IDE, Video and Discussion
Assignment 1: Global Warming and Its Consequences
Download Slides

25 Aug - 9.10 to 10.50 am
Venue: PSL
Reading Assignment: Ocean Power
Download Slides

26 Aug - 10.50 to 12.30 pm
Venue: PSL

27 Aug - 10.50 am to 12.30 pm
Venue: Research@EastZone
Group Assignment 1 Download Worksheet

28 Aug - 10.50 am to 12.30 pm
Venue: PSL
Group Assignment 2 Building Efficiency in TJ

2 Sep - 9.00 am to 12.30 pm
Meet in Canteen

3 Sep - 10.50 am to 12.30 pm
Venue: Research@EastZone

4 Sep - 10.50 am to 1.20 pm
Venue: Under LT1

Group 2 Report

ValerieNgieng — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:38:30 CDT

Group Members:
Valerie Ngieng
Joey Cheang
Faith Chia
Charmaine Daryanani

Feature: ART BLOCK!

Why it is not energy-efficient
Around the area at the art block, it is exceptionally dark and lights are often switched on, even in the day. In fact, that is the area where lights are on most frequently.

If this goes on, energy will be wasted unnecessarily. However, something can and should be done about it.

What can/should be done about it
Our group feels that the most appropriate solution to tackle this problem is to install motion detectors around that area. The motion detectors can sense human activity and movement. Thus, the lights will only be switched on when the motion detectors sense that there are students or teachers walking by. When there is no one around, the lights would automatically be switched off. A considerable amount of energy can be saved in this manner!

2. The lighting at the art block may not be energy efficient. If the lighting is not energy efficient, all the lighting there should be changed to fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lighting is energy efficient, meaning that more energy can be saved.

Estimated cost of intervention (show how you calculated it)
According to online research, 1 motion detector costs about $30. To install motion detectors around the art block, hundreds of dollars may be needed to be spent. However, it will be money well spent because in a long run, more money and energy can actually be saved!

According to online research as well, the price of fluorescent lighting is around $16.21. Since a number of it may be needed to be installed, it may amount to maybe $100+ , depending on the number of fluorescent lighting needed to be fixed.

LINKS:
http://www.amazon.com/12257-Bright-instant-fluorescent-lighting/dp/B0009J26XQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1251714324&sr=8-3

CONCLUSION:
We hope that the 2 methods we have suggested are feasible. We can all do our part to conserve energy, and even though our group only consists of 4members and we are very small in number, we can still help save Mother Earth.

Group 3 Report

barntan — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:35:41 CDT

Group Members: Michelle, Kailas, Steven,
Feature: Building Orientation in Temasek Junior Colllege
Why it is not energy-efficient Library: good - Allows for natural lighting by sunlight - Slanting orientation of the windows allows for minimal absorption of the sun’s heat: There is a layer of air leading to convection of heat from outside and cool air from inside. This reduces the overall heat absorption of heat by the actual library walls. - Windows facing the north-south direction: Therefore minimizing heat absorption from rising / setting sun - Library shielded by annex block: Blocks the sunlight and reduces heat absorption - White in colour Leadership centre: good - Although the windows are facing the east-west direction:Windows are small and blocked by protruding rooftop (Minimizes direct sunlight shining into it but still allows for natural lighting by sunlight) - Windows are blocked by condominiums on one side, and trees on the other. - Roof is curved, which naturally blocks sunlight that shines into it (without the trees) LEP block: bad - Has windows facing east-west direction: Full-length windows that are not glazed, and do not have much shelter over them - No other buildings or trees around it to block the sunlight: Although it allows for natural lighting, too much sunlight will cause excess heating - North-South side of the building is a wall that absorbs heat
What can/should be done about it SUGGESTIONS: - Science labs: Have glazed and IGU windows - Toilets: Half and full flush. Have a sink near the toilet bowl, with the output pipe connected to the bowl. The water used to wash hands can be used to flush the toilet bowl. - Lighting / Fans: Replace filament bulbs with fluorescent ones. And put up posters of statistics about leaving lights and fans on - LEP block: Glaze windows, and extend shelter over the window - Air-Conditioners: Change air-conditioners to inverter ones
Estimated cost of intervention (show how you calculated it)

Group Members: Michelle, Kailas, Steven,

Feature: Building Orientation in Temasek Junior Colllege

Why it is not energy-efficient

Library: good
- Allows for natural lighting by sunlight
- Slanting orientation of the windows allows for minimal absorption of the sun’s heat: There is a layer of air leading to convection of heat from outside and cool air from inside. This reduces the overall heat absorption of heat by the actual library walls.
- Windows facing the north-south direction: Therefore minimizing heat absorption from rising / setting sun
- Library shielded by annex block: Blocks the sunlight and reduces heat absorption
- White in colour

Leadership centre: good
- Although the windows are facing the east-west direction:Windows are small and blocked by protruding rooftop (Minimizes direct sunlight shining into it but still allows for natural lighting by sunlight)
- Windows are blocked by condominiums on one side, and trees on the other.
- Roof is curved, which naturally blocks sunlight that shines into it (without the trees)

LEP block: bad
- Has windows facing east-west direction: Full-length windows that are not glazed, and do not have much shelter over them
- No other buildings or trees around it to block the sunlight: Although it allows for natural lighting, too much sunlight will cause excess heating
- North-South side of the building is a wall that absorbs heat

What can/should be done about it

SUGGESTIONS:
- Science labs: Have glazed and IGU windows
- Toilets: Half and full flush. Have a sink near the toilet bowl, with the output pipe connected to the bowl. The water used to wash hands can be used to flush the toilet bowl.
- Lighting / Fans: Replace filament bulbs with fluorescent ones. And put up posters of statistics about leaving lights and fans on
- LEP block: Glaze windows, and extend shelter over the window
- Air-Conditioners: Change air-conditioners to inverter ones

Estimated cost of intervention (show how you calculated it)

IDE142 Group 3

xEpilogue — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:32:41 CDT

Building Orientation in Temasek Junior Colllege
Library: good
- Allows for natural lighting by sunlight
- Slanting orientation of the windows allows for minimal absorption of the sun’s heat: There is a layer of air leading to convection of heat from outside and cool air from inside. This reduces the overall heat absorption of heat by the actual library walls.
- Windows facing the north-south direction: Therefore minimizing heat absorption from rising / setting sun
- Library shielded by annex block: Blocks the sunlight and reduces heat absorption
- White in colour

Leadership centre: good
- Although the windows are facing the east-west direction:Windows are small and blocked by protruding rooftop (Minimizes direct sunlight shining into it but still allows for natural lighting by sunlight)
- Windows are blocked by condominiums on one side, and trees on the other.
- Roof is curved, which naturally blocks sunlight that shines into it (without the trees)

LEP block: bad
- Has windows facing east-west direction: Full-length windows that are not glazed, and do not have much shelter over them
- No other buildings or trees around it to block the sunlight: Although it allows for natural lighting, too much sunlight will cause excess heating
- North-South side of the building is a wall that absorbs heat

SUGGESTIONS:
- Science labs: Have glazed and IGU windows
- Toilets: Half and full flush. Have a sink near the toilet bowl, with the output pipe connected to the bowl. The water used to wash hands can be used to flush the toilet bowl.
- Lighting / Fans: Replace filament bulbs with fluorescent ones. And put up posters of statistics about leaving lights and fans on
- LEP block: Glaze windows, and extend shelter over the window
- Air-Conditioners: Change air-conditioners to inverter ones

Building Efficiency in TJ

barntan — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:28:56 CDT

Consider a feature in TJC's building structure/infrastructure that is not energy efficient.

1. Explain why the feature is not energy efficient.
2. Suggest ways to improve it.
3. Try to come up with a cost estimate.

Group 1 Report
Group 2 Report
Group 3 Report

We are drowning! soon -.-

phangzihan — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:39:38 CDT

Title:	Rising Sea levels!!!!!!
Causes:	Sea levels are rising due to the melting of polar caps. The polar caps exist in the solid form, ice. Being in a solid form allows water to rise above the sea level and thus occupies lesser space in the water. Melting of polar caps is due to a higher global temperature. Water freezes to form ice at 0 degrees Celsius. Similarly, it would melt at 0 Degrees Celsius, thus, once the temperature rises above that temperature, it would start to melt. A higher global temperature is due to more heat being trapped in the ozone layer. More heat are trapped due to an increased in Greenhouse gases Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane. These gases act as a barrier and do not allow the heat to escape the Earth. More heat being trapped in the Earth would naturally increase the heat experienced on the surface of the Earth. Increase in greenhouse gases due to increasing emissions. Increased emissions due to increase in vehicles, and manufacturing plants Increase in vehicles and manufacturing plants due to modernization In the modern world, energy is needed to allow electrical equipments to function. Take computers, handphones for example, they are unable to function without energy, the cellphone is also unable to function without the network that a broadcasting centre sends out. That requires energy too. The most common source in which humans are able to get the energy is through burning of fossils fuels and thus causing emissions. Modernization due to Humans Humans brought about modernization, humans are the ones that had developed equipment that would be very dependent on the burning of fossils fuels that would supply with the energy to function their machines. ∴ Humans are the CRUX of sea level rising. It is also important to note that water do expand when it gains heat. The expansion of water would cause the sea levels to rise.
Effects	The rising of sea level would cause port cities to be flooded by water. Low lying areas would also be covered by the sea. This would cause much of the world’s population to be in danger of being engulfed by the sea. This would not only affect the people living at the seaside or beaches as if they continued their practices, sooner or later, the sea level would rise to such a level whereby, the lands thought unreachable would become part of the sea.
Intervention:	Initiates have been taken by government world wide with top countries like America, and Britain taking the lead in the research into alternative sources of energy. Nationwide organization like the United Nations as well as the ASEAN community are all making their voices on the method that they could adopt to combat the problem of the Ozone depletion as well as the emissions that comes from their own country. (~100 words)
References:

Online Debate: Nuclear Energy versus Biofuels

barntan — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:54:45 CDT

Click here to participate.

Positive Feedback Loops: Methane

FaithChia — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:20:33 CDT

Title:	Permafrost in Siberia and Alaska
Causes:	Note: Methane feedback loops are triggered off by rising temperatures, causing permafrost and peat bogs to melt. These contain methane, a potent greenhouse gas. When methane is released, it speeds up global warming, increasing temperatures and cause the peat bogs/permafrost to melt even faster, releasing even more gas. Thus global warming is accelerated, and positive feedback loops pose a serious threat. Since methane feedback loops are generally triggered off by global warming, its causes can be simplified to be the causes of global warming. 1. Excessive release of carbon dioxide a. Power plants In the United States, about two fifths of carbon dioxide emissions come from burning fossil fuels for electricty. Coal is responsible for more than 90% of these emissions. Coal releases nearly twice as much carbon as compared to natural gases. b. Cars In the United States, roughly a third of carbon dioxide emissions are a result of burning gasoline in vehicles. Vehicles with poor gas mileage are key contributors to global warming. America consumes the most oil, about 20 million barrels a day. If only each car could drive an extra 3 miles per gallon, 5% of that oil could be saved and drivers could save $25 billion a year. c. Airplanes d. Buildings 2. Deforestation By destroying forests, we are reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that can be converted to oxygen. In addition, some methods of deforestation, such as burning, releases even more carbon dioxide. Deforestation also causes loose soil, which pollutes the water and makes it hard for water animals in that area to live. 3. Release of CFCs The release of CFCs into the atmostphere causes ozone depletion. CFCs combine with the ozone layer, releasing oxygen and depleting the ozone.
Effects	Effects Methane feedback loops cause global warming, so its effects can be said to be the effects of global warming as well. 1. Rise in temperature Since methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, having almost 23 times the warming effect as carbon dioxide, it might cause the average global temperature to increase by 5°C on its own. This will lead to droughts and extreme weathers. 2. Melting ice caps As temperatures will rise rapidly, ice bergs will melt as well. The importance of these ice bergs may not be significant to us, but it means a loss of habitat for the animals living there, and also a rise in sea levels. 3. Agriculture (Food production) Due to the change in temperature, certain regions may benefit from the warmer weather while others may see their crops diminished, due to high temperatures.
Intervention:	1. Genetically modified forage crops There are able to reduce methane release from animals such as cows. Since the melting of peat bogs/permafrost is relatively hard to stop, scientists are trying to reduce as much methane as possible. Animal produced methane accounts for a fifth of the world's methane emissions. 2. Methane to Markets partnership A national initiative started by the United States. It aims to reduce methane emissions and convert them to useful, clean sources of energy.
References:	http://ecobridge.org/content/g_cse.htm http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20050625005443data_trunc_sys.shtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_global_warming http://www.odt.co.nz/news/farming/67987/claim-ge-could-curb-global-warming http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507145752.htm http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn6431-burp-vaccine-cuts-greenhouse-gas-emissions.html

Rising Sea Levels

JESSIETJIOE — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:22:21 CDT

Title:
Causes:	Global warming is the increase of the average temperature on Earth. This is affected by the amount of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. Greenhouse gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane( help to retain some of the heat energy from the sun to keep the earth warm. Hence, an increase in greenhouse gases would mean an increase in amounted of heat absorbed, causing global warming. Firstly, Methane gas is released from arctic tundra and wetlands. As methane is found in the ground, human activites such as the mining of coal and oil release this gas, increasing the amount of greenhouse gases. Secondly, carbon dioxide is the main culprit for global warming. As humans exhale carbon dioxide, population increase would mean an increase in carbon dioxide. Furthermore due to deforestation, trees that convert carbon dioxide to oxygen are being cut down, hence resulting in an increasing amount of greenhouse gases. Therefore, increasing global temperature will result in the melting of sea ice, hence more water will be present in the sea, causing the rise in sea levels.
Effects	Rising sea level will causes shores to be eroded, thereby increasing their susceptibility to storms, by removing the beaches that help to protect coastal property from storm waves. It also increases coastal flooding from rainstorms, as low-lying areas drain the excess water more slowly as sea level rises. Low-lying island nations have been the worst victims of the floods caused by rising sea levels. Some are even threatened with total disappearance. Rising seas have already swallowed up two uninhabited islands in the Central Pacific. On Samoa, thousands of residents have been forced to move to higher ground as shorelines have retreated. Since over 600 million people (10% of the world population) are only 10m above sea level, they would be forced to relocated too. However, not all nations have enough land at higher elevations to contain the displaced coastal populations. Also, in some nations, salt water intrusion from the sea has caused their fresh-water supplies to be undrinkable. Also, rising sea levels throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world have influenced coastal ecosystems, and reducing the populations of plants and wildlife, due to loss of habitats. Furthermore, animals like polar bears who rely on the existence of sea ice for survival will be more impacted as sea level rises, posing the threat of extinction.
Intervention:	Rising sea levels is due to the emission of greenhouse gases. Hence, intervention is taking place to reduce the emission, hence to lower the rise of sea levels. One of which is Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement in which 37 industrialized countries are to reduce their collective emissions of greenhouse gases by 5.2% compared to the year 1990. The aim is to lower overall emissions from six greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, HFCs, and PFCs - calculated as an average over the five-year period of 2008-2012.
References:	http://aljaljic.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-its-affecting-us.html http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/node/4577 http://www.climate.org/topics/sea-level/index.html http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/coastal/index.html http://www.causesofglobalwarming.net/the_causes.html http://environment.about.com/od/greenhouseeffect/a/rising_sea_leve.htm http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php http://www.kyotoprotocol.com/

Melting of the polar ice caps);

vaishu_kailas — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:49:16 CDT

Title:	Polar ice caps melting
Causes:	GLOBAL WARMING. A rise in temperature would cause any frozen water to begin melting, which is how the polar ice caps would be affected. However, due to the result of extreme weather also caused by global warming, it isn't immediately clear if global warming will cause a complete melting of the ice caps. For example, global warming causes more extreme temperature fluctuations so, while one year the ice caps shrink to record lows, the next year that might expand again. Also, it's been observed that when the north pole ice cap melts, the south pole ice cap expands.However, scientists are still studying global warming effects, and unfortunately have not reached a consensus about what will happen in the future. The only thing for certain is that the ice caps fluctuate much more than in the past due to extreme weather and temperature fluctuations. Changing wind patterns also causes the ice caps to melt. As they melt, the moving water corrodes at the remaining ice, speeding up the process. As the ice caps are growing again, we now see that global warming is not the only cause and actually a natural cycle in itself. But Global Warming is a bigger factor of the melting. But, global warming certainly contributes to the melting and it also increases more and more, disturbing the natural cycle. Just as the greenhouse effect, a natural cycle of itself, global warming is a cycle too. However, they are both increasing and it is now the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Effects	Four main deadly effects 1. Rising of sea levels 2. Melting ice caps will throw the global ecosystem out of balance -The ice caps are fresh water, and when they melt they will desalinate the ocean, or - make it less salty. -The desalinization of the gulf current will upset ocean currents, which regulate temperatures. The stream shutdown or irregularity would cool the area around north-east America and Western Europe. 3.Temperature rising -Will cause changing landscapes in the artic circle which will endanger several species of animals -Only the most adaptable will survive. 4. Global warming could snowball when the ice caps are gone -Ice caps are white and thus reflect sunlight -Much of which is reflected back into space, thus further cooling Earth. -If the ice caps melt, the only reflector is the ocean and darker colors absorb sunlight, further warming the Earth.
Intervention:	Since the main cause is GLOBAL WARMING, the interventions related to the melting of ice caps will be similar to that of reducing global warming to a large extent. Therefore interventions include switching to non-renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind and turbine from conventional methods of non-renewable energy such as the burning of fossil fuels.In Singapore, new HDB flats that are built will come installed with solar panels in an effort to reduce carbon emissions. Even small measures that individuals can adapt include such as the increasing the temperature of our air-cons or better still, use the fan instead! Other measures that have been taking place from along time include water conservation, water rationing, and adaptive agricultural practices.
References:	http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/sciencetech/5-deadliest-effects-of-global-warming/276 http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_is_global_warming_melting_the_polar_ice_caps

Increase in probability and intensity of droughts and heat waves

CrownOne — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:12:35 CDT

Title:	Increased in probability and intensity of droughts and heat waves
Causes:	The increase in greenhouse gases which include, water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane gas and nitrous oxide, causes more of the sun's heat to be trapped in the atmosphere and less of it to be emitted back to space causing the earth to heat up more than usual. More heat in the earth means that more of the water in certain parts of the earth would be evaporated and therefore causing droughts to these area and often heat waves. An example would be the 1980 United States Heat Wave which was so severe that it lasted the whole summer of 1980 and it was among the worst and most devastating natural disaster in the history of United States claiming almost 1700 lives.The main cause for the increase in greenhouse gases is due to theexcessusage of objects that emit a lot of carbon gases.
Effects	The effects of this excess accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere means that more heat is being transmitted from the atmosphere to the earth and thus heating the earth affecting many parts of the earth. There would be more droughts and more floods at the same time. More heat means that more of the earth's water would go to the atmosphere and therefore result not only in droughts but also more downpour which means more rain. More rain will definitely cause more floods in certain areas. These floods also mean that there would be more mudslides which will not only result in the lost of lives but also the major damage on properties. One example of a major flooding is theAfghanistanflood in November 2006 which was caused by heavy downpour and caused many parts of the country to be affected. Also, the official death toll was put at 80 and it took more than two days to reach the more severely affected villages.
Intervention:	Since the root cause of all these is global warming, we must find ways and means to reduce or even stop thisphenomenon. All this can actually start with us. One thing that can be done is to reduce our carbon footprints so that we do not release so much greenhouse gases that will trap the heat to make the earth warm up. Some examples to do this is to recycle more as the incineration plant release a lot of smoke that contains a lot of gases. Another thing we can do is to save the trees as they can 'convert' carbon dioxide into oxygen. Since oxygen is more useful than carbon dioxide to us humans, we should do all we can to save the trees so that there would be more of these natural 'filters' to help the world.
References:

Polar Ice Caps are Melting! :O

NaiIynHuii — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:08:03 CDT

Title:	The Rise of Sea Level due to Global Warming
Causes:	Global warming is caused by basically two kinds of causes; natural and man-made causes. Natural causes of global warming include the release of methane gas from arctic tundra and wetlands, climate change, volcanoes and more. Methane, a greenhouse gas which traps the heat within the earth's atmosphere, is let out in large quantities in the arctic tundra and wetlands. However, as compared to the effects caused by man-made causes, these natural factors are very insignificant. The most prominent cause of global warming is man-made causes; pollution.Pollution can be caused by the burning of fossil fuels, burning of coal to produce electricity etc. When these fossil fuels are burnt, they let out carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas which traps heat within the atmosphere of the Earth and contributes to global warming. Furthermore, when the Earth is dug to extract fossil fuels, during mining, the methane inside the Earth's crust escapes into the atmosphere and adds to other greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. These reasons have caused thermal expansion which led to the polar ice caps to melt, resulting in a rise in sea level.
Effects	The consequences of this phenomena will be dramatic: • Low-lying coastal areas, such as Florida and Louisiana, could be flooded by the sea. A 1.5 feet (50-centimeter) rise in sea level could cause the coastline to move 150 feet (45 meters) inland, resulting in substantial economic, social, and environmental impact in low-lying areas. • The health and food security of some indigenous peoples would be threatened, challenging the survival of some cultures. • It is likely that polar bears and some seal species would become extinct. • The melting of so much ice, and the resulting addition of so much fresh water to the ocean, could impact the circulation of currents and affect regional climate.
Intervention:	Many measures have been taken to reduce the effects of global warming. These interventions include small measures such as the installation of air-conditions to infrastructure projects, such as abandoning settlements threatened by sea level rise. Other measures include water conservation, water rationing, adaptive agricultural practices, construction of flood defences and interventions to protect the endangered animals that are being jeopardized by the current environmental situation.
References:	http://www.buzzle.com/articles/global-warming-causes-and-effects.html http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/11/1109_041109_polar_ice.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming#Responses_to_global_warming

Global warming in Antarctica

TitusLim — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:57:47 CDT

Title:

Global warming in Antarctica

Causes:

Global warming is mainly caused mainly by the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Since there are few trees in Antarctica, all the carbon has no way of being turned into oxygen. The excess build up of carbon in Antarctica causes there to be a hole in the ozone layer. The reason it got there is because carbon from near by continents escape and reside on Antarctica.Global warming can be caused by other green house gases as well other than carbon dioxide. Two examples of green house gases are methane and nitrous oxide. Deforestation is the principle of the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as well. With the increasing trend of deforestation, there would be lesser trees to remove carbon from the atmosphere. Just by destroying tropical forests alone leads to the throwing of hundreds of millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year.

Effects

Global warming in Antarctica has led to serious effects. One thing to note is that Global warming has caused the seven gigantic ice shelves to get reduced in area by 13,500 square kilometers since 1974.Another thing to note is that due to global warming in Antarctica, the Larsen B ice shelf has lost 3,250 square kilometers into the ocean. In addition, Global Warming has caused the increase in rainfall in some parts of Antarctica and has resulted in the death of various animals such as penguins.
Also Global Warming in Antarctica would pose to a serious threat to the rise of water in sea.
The Krill in the sea is also being affected. This is caused by less ice in the sea around Antarctica. The number of Krill have declined significantly just in the last few years and will affect the penguin population, as well as almost all other forms of marine life in the area as a result. Many fish, whales, and other marine species feed on the Krill, and with less of this food source there will be fewer species capable of survival in the area leading to a profound effect on commercial fishing in the area, and a decline in the amount of fish in our food supply chain.
Rising sea levels, leads to less land in an already overpopulated world. Food crops can be greatly affected, causing food shortages and starvation deaths, especially in countries that are not developed.

Intervention:

In order to prevent Global Warming in Antarctica many countries have been working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent global warming; some have signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol for this purpose. More trees are grown to prevent the presence of carbon dioxide, a green house gas in the atmosphere . Countries are also encouraging people to buy organic and local food as the chemicals used in much of modern agriculture pollute the water supply and require energy to produce. Local foods however reduces the amount of energy required to create the product . Therefore reducing the need for using energy. This is related as greenhouse gases are produced when energy is produced through coal burning etc.

References:

http://ecobridge.org/content/g_cse.htm
http://hubpages.com/hub/Ways-to-Stop-Global-Warming
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_main_causes_and_effects_of_Global_Warming
http://www.bionomicfuel.com/global-warming-effect-on-antarctica/
http://www.mapsofworld.com/antarctica/information/global-warming.html
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/environment/global-warming-environment/
http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/science/global_warming.htm

Rise in sea level

ValerieNgieng — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:30:14 CDT

Title:	Rising sea levels
Causes:	Burning fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum, volcanic activity, deforestation cause the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to increase. Greenhouse effect would be enhanced, causing more heat to be trapped in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is the main reason why so much heat is trapped. This is causing global warming to take place. Global warming in turn, leads to the increase in global temperature. Global warming heat up the oceans and causes it to expand, causing the rise in sea level. A second cause of rising sea level is the melting of ice caps. When the ice caps melt, a large amount of water is displaced, causing the sea level to rise significantly. Global warming is causing the ice to melt at a faster pace than snowfall and cannot be replaced fast enough. As the ice melts, a large amount of liquid flows down to the sea.
Effects	1) Tsunamis may occur and cause parts of a nation to be destroyed. A rise in sea level can cause tsunamis to occur after a large amount of water has been displaced. Many lives will be lost and homes will be submerged in the water. 2) There can be an increase in the size of waves. The power of the large waves can erode the coastline of beaches. Places that are now above sea level may be submerged in water. 3) Agriculture along the coast would be impossible. There would be too much saltwater on the land and no cultivation can take place. Farmers would be affected because they would have lost their livelihood. 4) Water bodies can be destroyed. When the ocean rises, the saltwater will flow into the water bodies, and the water bodies will have more sea salt. Thus, a lot of water supplies can be destroyed and can no longer be used.
Intervention:	Many countries are conducting research to find out what is causing global warming and what can be done to minimize global warming. The United Nations has drafted quite a number of proposals about the causes of climate change (one factor that can cause the rise in sea levels) and how green house emissions can be reduced effectively. The NDRC (Natural Resources Defence Council) has also set up a 5step plan to reduce global warming. They believe that global warming is something that cannot be taken lightly and we must invest in clean energy, green jobs and saving energy.
References:	http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/04/0420_040420_earthday_2.html http://www.ace.mmu.ac.uk/eae/Global_Warming/Older/Sea_Level.html http://www.secretsofsurvival.com/survival/rising_sea_levels_global_warming.html http://www.ringsurf.com/online/2411-what_causes_a_tsunami_.html http://globalwarmingpages.com/ http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/solutions/default.asp?gclid=CPnJ7Mf8u5wCFRUwpAod2iSnuA

HEAT WAVES :D

charmainedaryanani — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:00:52 CDT

Title:	heat waves
Causes:	Heat waves are periods of time where the weather is significantly warmer than is usual for the season and usual climate. Many locations around the world routinely report experiencing a heat wave at some point during the calendar year. In some places, the heat wave is a common phenomenon that takes place during the summer months, although a weather condition of this type of not limited to a particular season. In general, the main cause of heat waves has to do with the positioning of the jet stream in an area where a significant amount of high pressure is present in the atmosphere. The air found on one side of the jet stream is likely to be much warmer than on the opposing side. At the same time, if the higher pressure in the region is characterized by almost no cloud cover or precipitation, the air and top level of ground are heated to temperatures above the normal range for that time of year. As long as the cloud cover remains thin and there is not sufficient precipitation to cool the air and ground, a heat wave is likely to develop.
Effects	A heat wave generally refers to at least three consecutive days with unseasonably high temperatures often accompanied by high humidity and where the temperature does not cool down significantly at night. Extreme heat can cause severe illness and even death. Heat Cramps These are painful spasms usually in the leg and stomach muscles and usually accompanied by heavy sweating. Heat Exhaustion During heat exhaustion, a person may be sweating heavily, but their skin may be cool, pale or flushed. Other symptoms are a weak pulse, fainting, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion and headaches. Body temperature may be normal but it will likely rise. Heat Stroke (also called Sun Stroke) This is a severe medical emergency that can result in death. The person suffering heat stroke may be experiencing throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, have red, hot and dry skin (not sweating), and may become unconscious. Other Effects Heart disease, especially high blood pressure Kidney disorders Psychiatric disorders Heat waves may make air quality problems (such as smog) worse and increase the risks of respiratory or cardiovascular illness. If a heat wave is accompanied by air pollution, anyone with chronic lung conditions such as bronchitis or emphysema or with a variety of cardiac conditions could be particularly affected.
Intervention:	There are a few ways to respond to the heat waves. The first way is to avoid strenuous activityor do it only during the cooler times of the day. One can also stay indoors as much as possible and stay out of the sun. Try to go to a public building with air conditioning, such as a shopping centre, each day for several hours but rather use electric fans because it can cools the body and help to evaporate perspiration. Ensure that the building you are in has adequate ventilation. One should also wear lightweight, loose fitting, light coloured clothes and drink plenty of water regularly. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They may make you feel good briefly, but they make the effects of the heat on the body worse. Eat small meals and eat more often. As eating foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat; and, check on elderly relatives or neighbours, especially if they are living alone, and ensure that they also follow these risk mitigation measures.
References: