AP Environmental Science

The cost of the Mediterranean Sea in Beirut, Lebanaon, is suffering from a massive oil spill from two months ago. The cause of this mess was due to an Israeli attack on a local power plant, which then leaked over 110,000 barrels of fuel oil into the Mediterranean Sea.  “It’s going to take a year before it’s back to normal,” said Commander Christian Nedelec, the leader of an eight-person aid group from France. Only 3,500 barrels have been cleaned up so far, mainly due to the fact that Israel did not remove their air and naval blockade until September 8th.

Image from:  http://www.wral.com/2006/0728/9594662.jpg

Volunteers have spent countless hours cleaning up the chemicals, in hopes that next year they will be able to use the beaches that they frequently enjoyed. “I usually spend all my time here. I’m here to clean it so I can come here with my friends and swim next summer,” said Tarek Moukaddem, an 18-year-old student. Unfortunately, Israel is not taking responsibility for the spill, and is not sending aid to help clean it up.

For many people, the oil spill is not a matter of disappointment, but a matter of having a stable income. Mohamed Itani, a Beirut fisherman who has not been out to sea in his boat since the spill, is struggling to support his 7-year-old twin sons and his wife, who is expecting a third child. Not only are the humans facing a matter of life and death, but think of all the plants and animals that live in and around the sea. The spill has also blackened some ancient ruins in the ancient city of Byblos.

Image from: http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2006/07/29/knBEACH_wideweb__470×305,0.jpg

Oil Spills Can:
* Harm/kill marine animals and sea birds.

* Destroy beaches

* Emit chemicals into the air

It’s sad that amidst a war, every part has to suffer; humans, plants, AND animals.

Source for article:  http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=11305

Image from: http://www.dr.dk/NR/rdonlyres/DE81F260-F419-4DFD-B16A-2F4461198821/228962/6200603231203045.jpg
We all know China to be the most populated country in the world. However, the massive amounts of fumes and chemicals released into the air and water, because of the numerous Chinese residents, are taking their toll. As the economy is continually developing, the environmental control simply cannot keep up. China has set a goal to reduce pollution by 10% in the next five years, but are experiencing numerous setbacks. For example, due to hazardous chemicals such as sulfur dioxide being emitted into the air, acid rain results and causes danger to food safety. Acid rain ruins land used for agriculture, and food for wildlife. There seems to be no respite in sight of the release of these harmful chemicals, seeing as the amount of sulfur dioxide released from coal-fired power stations has risen 4.2% from this point last year. A Parliament official commented that all in all, the amount of sulfur dioxide released has risen 25% from 2000 to 2005, making China the number one emitter of the chemical.

Image from: http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/08/30/china.pollution.reut/story.hk.pollution.cnn.jpg

As you can see, this problem is not helping anyone. Though cities such as Hong Kong are important for the world economy, urban dwellers need to focus on methods to save what little plant and animal life exists in city life. This pollution not only affects plants and animals, but humans also. Who wants to breathe air heavily saturated in chemicals? Inhaling hazardous air can sometimes be as bad for you as smoking. Ever hear of second-hand smoke? It’s amazing how some of the most advanced countries in the world are some of the worst places to live in terms of your health.

Image from: http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/image_full/china/ch/photosvideos/photos/smog-in-hong-kong
Methods to consider to reduce pollutants:

* Take public transportation

* Carpool when possible

* Use automobiles only when walking is not an option

* Avoid using aerosols such as hairspray or bug repellent

* Avoid using pesticides

Source for article: http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/08/30/china.pollution.reut/index.html

We all remember that guy with the “crazy Australian accent” who used to investigate crocodiles and many other wild animals. Unfortunately, the fearless Croc Hunter died early this morning due to a freak accident with a stingray.

Steve Irwin, besides having his own tv show, made a large effort to promote the conservation of the environment. The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, described Irwin as a “passionate environmentalist,” who promoted a serious conservation message. Howard also said, “He made an extraordinary contribution to creating a widespread appreciation of the value and uniqueness of Australian wildlife.” Irwin also had been director of the Australian Zoo. He also began working with Philip Cousteau, the grandson of the famous Jacque Cousteau, on a tv show that unfortunately did not get aired due to inclement weather.

As a tribute to Irwin, the Discovery Channel plans on establishing a Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund, which will support wildlife protection, education, and conservation.

I think that the death of the Croc Hunter will be a big loss to the environment. He allowed his message of wildlife conservation to be integrated in pop culture. He was able to teach little kids from the start to be respectful of the environment while entertaining them at the same time. The Discovery Channel will just not be the same. Crikey. : (

RIP Croc Hunter

Source for article:  CNN.com

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/09/04/australia.irwin.remembered/index.html