The article that I read is “Global Warming Puts the Arctic on Thin Ice”. It answers the questions about the Arctic’s shrinking ice caps and its significance.
The Arctic draws much attention from scientists all around the world. It is because that the Arctic is fairly sensitive to any climate changes. In response to global warming, its average temperature is doubled; and ice is shrinking and melting with the speed of 9% very decade. Such dramatic ice melt affects both locally and globally. On one hand, the local plants and animals have to change their behaviors and shift habitats in order to survive. This also increases the work of natives for hunting. On the other hand, melting glaciers speed up global warming. Their usual protective and cooling effects on the earth are ceasing. The increasing temperature is bringing tragedies in Alaska where pests are breeding faster dramatically. Moreover, it elevates sea-levels and poses a serious threat to low-lying coastal regions. The U.S. is also affected by the rising sea levels, because many of its projects are constructed quite near to the sea surface. Thus, it is under a risk of inundating. Besides, the warming Arctic has impacts on weather pattern as well, giving rise to the change of farming. We should go against global warming by saving energy, because the more we burn, the more we consume and the faster we accelerate global warming. Fortunately, new technologies now allow us to generate more and cleaner energy without harming our climate.
2008年11月9日星期日
A computer that can read people's minds
Some people are afraid of the technology in which computer can read people’s minds. They fear that in this situation, privacy is stolen. Thus, this mapping skill makes them feel unsafe. In my opinion, this technology should not be used by evil purposes, say unfairness in employment or stealing of privacy. In order to minimize the potential unethical abuses of my work, I think we should regulate three groups, namely how much screening is allowed, who has such an access to others’ mind, what will happen if the modification is made.
Firstly, I think scanning should not be used to detect people’s privacy. We can only use this technology to scan cancers of patients or under police permission to detect potential criminals. Further scanning of brain should base on both sides’ approval. In this way, scanning is fair and ethical. Secondly, it is important to decide who has the access to others’ minds. Scientist, doctors and police can, but they should get the permission of people who are scanned, except that it is for forensic purposes. Thirdly, by knowing how brain works, we may probably know how to modify different parts in brains so to let it function as we wish; and we must know the consequences that if the modification is made, like whether it dose harm to the patient or not. We can use this technology to cure the cancer cells and activate the dead or disabled brain cells; or we can heal mental disorders which are hard for conventional treatments to function well. However, it is not moral to apply this technology to a mentally good people. They can think, speak and live properly. They can determine independently about whether they need such modifications or not, or how much the treatments are put into use. Under this situation, they are the one to decide what consequences will come about.
In conclusion, we should use this scanning technology properly and wisely, most importantly, to use it morally.
Firstly, I think scanning should not be used to detect people’s privacy. We can only use this technology to scan cancers of patients or under police permission to detect potential criminals. Further scanning of brain should base on both sides’ approval. In this way, scanning is fair and ethical. Secondly, it is important to decide who has the access to others’ minds. Scientist, doctors and police can, but they should get the permission of people who are scanned, except that it is for forensic purposes. Thirdly, by knowing how brain works, we may probably know how to modify different parts in brains so to let it function as we wish; and we must know the consequences that if the modification is made, like whether it dose harm to the patient or not. We can use this technology to cure the cancer cells and activate the dead or disabled brain cells; or we can heal mental disorders which are hard for conventional treatments to function well. However, it is not moral to apply this technology to a mentally good people. They can think, speak and live properly. They can determine independently about whether they need such modifications or not, or how much the treatments are put into use. Under this situation, they are the one to decide what consequences will come about.
In conclusion, we should use this scanning technology properly and wisely, most importantly, to use it morally.
Trial Essay
Q2: essay
Over the last few years, thousands of scientist around the world gathered at IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes) to study the issues on the global warming. Based on the research and journals of the increasing temperatures on the earth surface and some natural scenarios related to global warming, they then came into a conclusion that global change is indeed occurring, even though it is unequivocal worldwide (Riebeek, 2007). Global warming is a significant issue that is happening worldwide. The evidences come from the shifting habitats of wildlife, dramatic melting of the Arctic ice cap and increased heat waves and wild fire and more intense storms (“Global Warming,” n.d.).
Firstly, some studies have shown that half of the species are undergoing shifting pole ward or other responses, due to global warming. It is because that global warming induces changes in rainfalls, temperature, food availability, which have a significant effect on the survival of wildlife. As a result, many plants and animals change their range or behaviors. For example, reports from botanical garden worldwide showed that flowers are blooming several weeks ahead of schedule. What’s more, many animals that used to hibernate are now waking much earlier than usual. That’s how natural species react in response to climate change (“Shifting habitat due to climate change,” n.d.).
Secondly, the average temperature in Arctic region is rising twice as fast as they are elsewhere in the world; and its ice is melting and getting thinner, because of global warming. The disappearing glaciers and ice caps do both harm locally and globally. On one hand, rising temperatures and melting glaciers change the natural environment; consequently, the wildlife, plants are changing their feeding and mitigation patterns. It makes the natives more difficult to hunt and live. On the other hand, melting glaciers and land-based ice sheets also contribute to rising sea levels which results in the mitigation of coastal living people and animals towards inner continents; and disappearing ice caps also accelerate global warming. Snow and ice usually serve as a protective and cooling layer. Without enough glaciers, the earth receives more sunshine and absorbs more heat. Consequently, the earth surface temperature keeps on rising (“Global Warming Puts the Arctic on Thin Ice,”2005).
Thirdly, climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves in the Midwest America. In recent years, the destructive wildfires continue to spread in the Western America, together with increased drought. According to Georgia Tech scientist Peter Webster (“Intense storm blames on heat”), who this year reported that rising ocean temperatures worldwide are directly linked to a 35-year trend of increased hurricane strength. Global warming is fueling more and intense storms. Because rising temperature warms the ocean and accelerates the water evaporation. Thus, intense storms are more likely to happen.
In summary, global warming is happening. The evidences come from wildlife shifting habitats, dramatic melting in Arctic ice caps and intensive heat waves, wildfires and storms. In order to make our earth a better home, we should work together to protect our environment.
References:
Riebeek,H.(2007, May 11). Global Warming. Retrieved November 8, 2008, from http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/GlobalWarmingUpdate/
Global Warming. (n.d.) Retrieved November 8, 2008, from http://www.pewtrusts.org/our_work_category.aspx?id=112
Shifting Habitat Due to Climate Change. (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2008, from http://www.patagonia.com/usa/patagonia.go?assetid=28123
Global Warming Puts the Arctic on Thin Ice. (2005, November 22). Retrieved November 8 2008, from http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/qthinice.asp
Biello, D. (2007, December 5). Thunder, Hail,Fire: What Does Climate Change Mean for the U.S.? Retrieved November 8, 2008, from http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=thunder-hail-fire-what-does-climate-change-mean-for-us
Nesmith, J. (2006, June 23). Intense storm blamed on heat. Retrieved November 8, 2008, from http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/content/world/epaper/2006/06/23/m1a_WARMING_0623.html
Over the last few years, thousands of scientist around the world gathered at IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes) to study the issues on the global warming. Based on the research and journals of the increasing temperatures on the earth surface and some natural scenarios related to global warming, they then came into a conclusion that global change is indeed occurring, even though it is unequivocal worldwide (Riebeek, 2007). Global warming is a significant issue that is happening worldwide. The evidences come from the shifting habitats of wildlife, dramatic melting of the Arctic ice cap and increased heat waves and wild fire and more intense storms (“Global Warming,” n.d.).
Firstly, some studies have shown that half of the species are undergoing shifting pole ward or other responses, due to global warming. It is because that global warming induces changes in rainfalls, temperature, food availability, which have a significant effect on the survival of wildlife. As a result, many plants and animals change their range or behaviors. For example, reports from botanical garden worldwide showed that flowers are blooming several weeks ahead of schedule. What’s more, many animals that used to hibernate are now waking much earlier than usual. That’s how natural species react in response to climate change (“Shifting habitat due to climate change,” n.d.).
Secondly, the average temperature in Arctic region is rising twice as fast as they are elsewhere in the world; and its ice is melting and getting thinner, because of global warming. The disappearing glaciers and ice caps do both harm locally and globally. On one hand, rising temperatures and melting glaciers change the natural environment; consequently, the wildlife, plants are changing their feeding and mitigation patterns. It makes the natives more difficult to hunt and live. On the other hand, melting glaciers and land-based ice sheets also contribute to rising sea levels which results in the mitigation of coastal living people and animals towards inner continents; and disappearing ice caps also accelerate global warming. Snow and ice usually serve as a protective and cooling layer. Without enough glaciers, the earth receives more sunshine and absorbs more heat. Consequently, the earth surface temperature keeps on rising (“Global Warming Puts the Arctic on Thin Ice,”2005).
Thirdly, climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves in the Midwest America. In recent years, the destructive wildfires continue to spread in the Western America, together with increased drought. According to Georgia Tech scientist Peter Webster (“Intense storm blames on heat”), who this year reported that rising ocean temperatures worldwide are directly linked to a 35-year trend of increased hurricane strength. Global warming is fueling more and intense storms. Because rising temperature warms the ocean and accelerates the water evaporation. Thus, intense storms are more likely to happen.
In summary, global warming is happening. The evidences come from wildlife shifting habitats, dramatic melting in Arctic ice caps and intensive heat waves, wildfires and storms. In order to make our earth a better home, we should work together to protect our environment.
References:
Riebeek,H.(2007, May 11). Global Warming. Retrieved November 8, 2008, from http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/GlobalWarmingUpdate/
Global Warming. (n.d.) Retrieved November 8, 2008, from http://www.pewtrusts.org/our_work_category.aspx?id=112
Shifting Habitat Due to Climate Change. (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2008, from http://www.patagonia.com/usa/patagonia.go?assetid=28123
Global Warming Puts the Arctic on Thin Ice. (2005, November 22). Retrieved November 8 2008, from http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/qthinice.asp
Biello, D. (2007, December 5). Thunder, Hail,Fire: What Does Climate Change Mean for the U.S.? Retrieved November 8, 2008, from http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=thunder-hail-fire-what-does-climate-change-mean-for-us
Nesmith, J. (2006, June 23). Intense storm blamed on heat. Retrieved November 8, 2008, from http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/content/world/epaper/2006/06/23/m1a_WARMING_0623.html
2008年11月2日星期日
Waste management
Writing Task 1: Briefly compare and contrast any two waste disposal scheme and decide which one might be more suitable for your country.
Zero waste might be a suitable solution to the pollution problem in China. Zero waste seems more cost-effective. For zero waste, all the products are made of reusable, recyclable and repairable materials. So savings can be made, because people don’t need to deposit the wastes and factories don’t bother to manufacture or create new materials. In contrast, land filling is very costive, for people have to investigate sites, bury wastes and take care of these deposits. Secondly, zero waste has more advantages over land filling, because no land is needed in zero waste, for all of them can be recycled at the end of its life cycle. So it saves the land area. In the particular case of China, China is a densely-populated country, so every mile of land is valuable. However, in land filling, all the wastes have to be buried under the ground. So, the more waste, the more land is required. Thirdly, zero waste is more environmentally friendly. With all the materials renewable, zero waste does not do any harm to environment. On the other hand, wastes dumped the ground are under risk of leaking. It might contaminate its surroundings.
Zero waste might be a suitable solution to the pollution problem in China. Zero waste seems more cost-effective. For zero waste, all the products are made of reusable, recyclable and repairable materials. So savings can be made, because people don’t need to deposit the wastes and factories don’t bother to manufacture or create new materials. In contrast, land filling is very costive, for people have to investigate sites, bury wastes and take care of these deposits. Secondly, zero waste has more advantages over land filling, because no land is needed in zero waste, for all of them can be recycled at the end of its life cycle. So it saves the land area. In the particular case of China, China is a densely-populated country, so every mile of land is valuable. However, in land filling, all the wastes have to be buried under the ground. So, the more waste, the more land is required. Thirdly, zero waste is more environmentally friendly. With all the materials renewable, zero waste does not do any harm to environment. On the other hand, wastes dumped the ground are under risk of leaking. It might contaminate its surroundings.
2008年10月19日星期日
CCS-Not a solution in developing countries
Human beings’ demand for energy continues rising dramatically these days, so more fossil fuels are burnt to satisfy their needs. Meanwhile, the climate problem, due to carbon dioxide emissions, has become far more serious. A new technology called carbon capture and storage (CCS) is put into practice in some cities so that atmospheric concentration of CO2 can be reduced. According to Stephen’s view (2006), CCS technology seems to be the most likely technology to solve this serious problem. Although Stephen stated that some CCS projects have achieved success in developed countries, it still cannot be put into use on a large scale, especially in the developing countries. There are three reasons, namely their high cost, potential risk, and pollutions.
Many supporters of CCS argue that nowadays there are a handful of projects succeeded in capturing CO2. However, most of those projects are limited to the developed countries which are rich in fossil fuel resources and have large capitals, like the U.S., Norway and Canada. For developing countries, the high cost of CCS is the main barrier that prevents the construction of plants with CCS technology. Roughly, if CCS is established, the retail cost of electricity will be raised by 20%. (“Putting the carbon back,” 2006). Thus, CCS is not cost-effective, especially in the capture stage. A huge burden will then fall upon both coal producers and consumers. Therefore, CCS is not realistic for developing countries which are short of capital resources and natural resources.
Potential risk is another problem. Even though, in principle, the deep aquifers can trap huge amounts of gases, these deposits are still under the risk of leaking the gases. No matter how carefully the sites are chosen, gas releases are hard to avoid. The reservoirs’ limited ability to tackle carbon dioxide or a sudden catastrophic disaster, such as an earthquake, may contribute to the CO2 emission. (“Putting the carbon back,” 2006). Since carbon dioxide is denser than the air, it will come down and fill up a hollow or valley nearby. Moreover, the gases which are trapped under the sea can even cause a tsunami, or landslide. The potential risk troubles both the public and the private sites. In developing countries, the situation gets even worse, for if they don’t have enough financial resources to build up the security system, the safety cannot be guaranteed. As a result, CCS cannot solve the problem in developing countries.
Last but not least, pollution caused by CCS is another severe issue. The deposited carbon dioxide might react with minerals. Once the reactions begin, many undesirable contaminants form. Gradually, the surface layer of riverbeds or ‘cap-rock’ will be removed. In addition, the quality of water is affected. Consequently, soil and underground drinkable water are contaminated. The research of the Frio Brine Pilot Experiment in Texas shows that the more acid is formed under the deep brine which poses potential threats to its surrounding environment. If CCS were constructed in developing countries, they might not afford to cover the cost to prevent the pollution. In other words, the CCS technology is not environmentally friendly, and developing countries will bear a huge burden to take care of the pollution caused by CCS.
In conclusion, CCS technology is only at the laboratory stage. Even though the successful capture of carbon dioxide emissions has shown its positive effects, this technology is not practical in developing countries, on a large and industrial-scale. Their high economic costs, uncertainties or risks and pollution are three main obstacles which restrict the application of CCS.
References
Stephens, J. C. (2006). CCS: Research is not enough. In The World Energy Book (pp.15-18). London: World Energy Council.
Sheppard, R. (2007, March 9). CBC News In Depth: Kyoto and beyond. Retrieved October 2, 2008, from http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/kyoto/capturing-carbon.html
Many supporters of CCS argue that nowadays there are a handful of projects succeeded in capturing CO2. However, most of those projects are limited to the developed countries which are rich in fossil fuel resources and have large capitals, like the U.S., Norway and Canada. For developing countries, the high cost of CCS is the main barrier that prevents the construction of plants with CCS technology. Roughly, if CCS is established, the retail cost of electricity will be raised by 20%. (“Putting the carbon back,” 2006). Thus, CCS is not cost-effective, especially in the capture stage. A huge burden will then fall upon both coal producers and consumers. Therefore, CCS is not realistic for developing countries which are short of capital resources and natural resources.
Potential risk is another problem. Even though, in principle, the deep aquifers can trap huge amounts of gases, these deposits are still under the risk of leaking the gases. No matter how carefully the sites are chosen, gas releases are hard to avoid. The reservoirs’ limited ability to tackle carbon dioxide or a sudden catastrophic disaster, such as an earthquake, may contribute to the CO2 emission. (“Putting the carbon back,” 2006). Since carbon dioxide is denser than the air, it will come down and fill up a hollow or valley nearby. Moreover, the gases which are trapped under the sea can even cause a tsunami, or landslide. The potential risk troubles both the public and the private sites. In developing countries, the situation gets even worse, for if they don’t have enough financial resources to build up the security system, the safety cannot be guaranteed. As a result, CCS cannot solve the problem in developing countries.
Last but not least, pollution caused by CCS is another severe issue. The deposited carbon dioxide might react with minerals. Once the reactions begin, many undesirable contaminants form. Gradually, the surface layer of riverbeds or ‘cap-rock’ will be removed. In addition, the quality of water is affected. Consequently, soil and underground drinkable water are contaminated. The research of the Frio Brine Pilot Experiment in Texas shows that the more acid is formed under the deep brine which poses potential threats to its surrounding environment. If CCS were constructed in developing countries, they might not afford to cover the cost to prevent the pollution. In other words, the CCS technology is not environmentally friendly, and developing countries will bear a huge burden to take care of the pollution caused by CCS.
In conclusion, CCS technology is only at the laboratory stage. Even though the successful capture of carbon dioxide emissions has shown its positive effects, this technology is not practical in developing countries, on a large and industrial-scale. Their high economic costs, uncertainties or risks and pollution are three main obstacles which restrict the application of CCS.
References
Stephens, J. C. (2006). CCS: Research is not enough. In The World Energy Book (pp.15-18). London: World Energy Council.
Sheppard, R. (2007, March 9). CBC News In Depth: Kyoto and beyond. Retrieved October 2, 2008, from http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/kyoto/capturing-carbon.html
problems in study
Wow, how time flies… I have been an engineering undergraduate in NUS for 9 weeks already. It is a nice and impressive experience. I make a lot of friends here and enjoy my new life. More importantly,I try to study hard and at the same time join many clubs. Life is really wonderful.
When reflecting on the modules I’m learning, I think MLE1101 is the hardest one. I’m still not very familiar with the technical words and I don’t have the background of material science. So the knowledge of material science is quite a new subject to me. As a result, I often get lost during lectures. That's bad... In order to overcome such a problem, I think I need to put more efforts on self-learning. Moreover, I should ask tutors or friends about the questions I have.
Hope I can get a good result on MLE1101.
When reflecting on the modules I’m learning, I think MLE1101 is the hardest one. I’m still not very familiar with the technical words and I don’t have the background of material science. So the knowledge of material science is quite a new subject to me. As a result, I often get lost during lectures. That's bad... In order to overcome such a problem, I think I need to put more efforts on self-learning. Moreover, I should ask tutors or friends about the questions I have.
Hope I can get a good result on MLE1101.
2008年9月27日星期六
Reflection
So far, I found learning english is a lot of fun. From EG1471, I learned how to write citation professionally, knew the strucrure of academic essays, for example, compare and contrast/argumentative, etc. I also learned how to summarize an article. In addition, I even built up my own blog. Woww, that's fantastic. I love it so much.
In the following weeks, I think I could develop my writing skills, because I often felt confused when I am writing essays. I don't know how to grab readers' attention and how to start my topic. So generally it's my weakness that I should put more efforts on it.
In the following weeks, I think I could develop my writing skills, because I often felt confused when I am writing essays. I don't know how to grab readers' attention and how to start my topic. So generally it's my weakness that I should put more efforts on it.
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