"An Inconvenient Truth" Questions

The documentary was done well, it had many good points and they were shown in a way the regular viewer could understand. The documentary is a must see, even if the viewer as conflicting views. I learned a few things while watching the documentary. I always knew that people had  affect on the environment, but never to this extent. Humans seem to affect many things indirectly, diseases and other things are being affected by Global-Warming. Personally, I don't really have a response to the commentary in the movie. Al Gore's personal role in the project is good I guess, that he has this connection to the topic. The personal connection in the movie really doesn't matter to me, what matter was the facts in the documentary.

Posted by: Amanda Pata

Energy Goals a Moving Target for States

Author:KATE GALBRAITH

Date: 12/4/08

Source: New York Times

Summary:

There is a possibility that there will be mew energy mandates for states involving renewable energy. There is a problem the goals set by some states already are not even close to being met, while there are other states who have met their goals already. This is a problem because it is hard to meet those standards because of land issues and other related problems.

Response: 

This is a tough situation of the states in general. There is a need for renewable energy now and the new laws that may be passed are good way to force the states to go green. The down side it's not that easy. I feel that the states needs to be looked at separately  because some states it's easier for them to go green.  We should try and push for early deadlines, but they can't be unreasonable. They need t0 be realistic or there will be problems for the companies because in some cases there are fines. That is the last thing a company needs right now are fines because they can't go green quick enough. 

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/environment/2008-02-18-green-factories_N.htm
Title:It's waste not, want not at super green Subaru plant
Date:2/19/2008
Author:Chris Woodyard
Source:USA Today

Summary:
The Subaru Plant in Lafayette, Indiana is currently recycling 99.8% of its waste. They are leading the way in the U.S. for zero emission plants, partly because they Japaneses owners have made it a priority. Also, going green saves lots of money for the company, they save 1.3 million a year by recycling Styrofoam alone.

Response:
This is great for the environment and the auto industry which is in trouble. Subaru is saving money by doing this, GM and Ford need to hop on the band wagon. A problem with the Big 3 is probably that they need to recycle more. The Subaru plant conserves materials and has cut back on wasted steel and etc. If the auto companies recycle they produce the same amount of cars for cheaper and they can lower their prices. This is a obvious must do for all industries and is a benefit to everybody.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/14/world/14cloud.html
Title:U.N. Reports Pollution Threat in Asia
Date:11/13/08
Author:Andrew Jacobs
Source:NY Times

Summary:
Smog, soot and other pollutants are causing a haze to spread over Asia blocking sunlight. This has lowered crop yield for many farms across Asia. This cloud has affected the rivers and the health of many people in the area.

Response:
This is horrible and it needs to stop now. Look at the picture it looks like there is smoke in the air. 340,000 people die a year due to this smog and crops are being reduced this is not good. It affects us all the cloud drifts and goes to Japan or even California. The smog blocks the sun and in one city sunlight levels have dropped by 20% since the 70's. There needs to be a solution because wearing a mask around all day isn't an option.

Indonesian Officials Unveil a Deal to Protect Forests

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/10/world/asia/10forest.htm

Author: James Kanter
Published:10/9/08
Source:NY Times

Summary:
10 governors of Sumatra agreed to protect endangered forests, this could help control the global warming problem. When the trees are cut the CO2 in the soil directly affects greenhouse gas emissions. Now Indonesian leaders are trying to find an agreement involving the whole island.

Response:
This is good and a step foreword for environmentalists. Anytime a country saves the environment is great, but its more important for Indonesia. This show that many countries contribute to conservationism not just us. This is a model for other countries and may they will follow in their footsteps. Hopefully Indonesia can work out a conservation plan for the whole country. This would show the world how committed people are to saving the planet.

1st APES Blog Post

http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/labnotes/archive/2008/10/17/solar-and-wind-energy-in-a-world-of-70-a-barrel-oil-rip.aspx

Title:Solar and Wind Energy in a World of $70-a-Barrel Oil: RIP?
Date:10/17/2008
Source: Newsweek
Author: Sharon Begley

Summary:
New forms of energy are stalling because of the current financial meltdown. The banks are more reluctant to hand out loans,which hurts the Eco-friendly companies in the short term. The problem is that's it's now hard to get a loan for a wind farm, when it was easy to do three months ago.

Response:
This is horrible for alternative energy and it will no take even longer to stop our dependence of fossil fuels. Why do these projects have to take a back seat? just because oil isn't expensive now? It helps that they get included in the bailout, but they need more help. People need a new mass source of power. Individual solar panels are great and can work, look at Jack Johnson, his house and recording studio run on solar power. For the regular family in Grosse Pointe something needs to change and new forms of energy need to be implemented.

1st Day

this is my first post