MONDAY Oct. 10TH "GLOBAL WARMING"

Yesterday, when we arrived, we had a test to be divided into four groups for our levels of English. Each group had the name of a Canadian province: Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta.

Today, we have to start the first activity with our group in Navarra. The issue today is Water.

We have had an activity with Gemma and Fina and it was about  "Global Warming".

In the activity ‘’Now you’’ we prepared posters, and a special project about a filter System. At the same time two groups painted their T-shirt.

In the evening, we played a gymkhana in groups. At half past eleven, we went to bed.

Paula

Global Warming

What is global warming?

Global warming is when the earth heats up (the temperature rises). It happens when greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, water vapour, nitrous oxide, and methane) trap heat and light from the sun in the earth’s atmosphere, which increases the temperature. This hurts many people, animals, and plants. Many cannot take the change, so they die.

What is the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is when the temperature rises because the sun’s heat and light is trapped in the earth’s atmosphere. This is like when heat is trapped in a car. On a very hot day, the car gets hotter when it is out in the parking lot. This is because the heat and light from the sun can get into the car, by going through the windows, but it can’t get back out. This is what the greenhouse effect does to the earth. The heat and light can get through the atmosphere, but they can’t get out. As a result, the temperature rises. The temperature rise is due to increased greenhouse gases.

What are greenhouse gasses?

Greenhouse gasses are gasses are in the earth’s atmosphere that collects heat and light from the sun. With too many greenhouse gasses in the air, the earth’s atmosphere will trap too much heat and the earth will get too hot. As a result people, animals, and plants would die because the heat would be too strong.

What is global warming doing to the environment?

Global warming is affecting many parts of the world. Global warming makes the sea rise because ice is melting, and when the sea rises, the water covers many low land islands. This is a big problem for many of the plants, animals, and people on islands. The water covers the plants and causes some of them to die. When they die, the animals lose a source of food, along with their habitat. Although animals have a better ability to adapt to what happens than plants do, they may die also. When the plants and animals die, people lose two sources of food, plant food and animal food. They may also lose their homes. As a result, they would also have to leave the area or die. This would be called a break in the food chain, or a chain reaction, one thing happening that leads to another and so on.

The oceans are affected by global warming in other ways, as well. Many things that are happening to the ocean are linked to global warming. One thing that is happening is warm water, caused from global warming, is harming and killing algae in the ocean. Algae are producers that you can see floating on the top of the water. (A producer is something that makes food for other animals through photosynthesis, like grass.) These floating green algae are food to many consumers in the ocean. (A consumer is something that eats the producers.) One kind of a consumer is small fish. There are many others like crabs, some whales, and many other animals. Fewer algae are a problem because there are less food for us and many animals in the sea.

What causes global warming?

Many things cause global warming. One thing that causes global warming is electrical pollution. Electricity causes pollution in many ways, some worse than others. In most cases, fossil fuels are burned to create electricity. Fossil fuels are made of dead plants and animals. Some examples of fossil fuels are oil and petroleum. Many pollutants (chemicals that pollute the air, water, and land) are sent into the air when fossil fuels are burned. Some of these chemicals are called greenhouse gasses.

We use these sources of energy much more than the sources that give off less pollution. Petroleum, one of the sources of energy, is used a lot. It is used for transportation, making electricity, and making many other things. Although this source of energy gives off a lot of pollution, it is used for 38% of the United States’ energy.

Laura

AIR POLUTION

Introduction

When people think about air pollution, they usually think about smog, acid rain... But the air pollution can also exist inside homes and buildings. Every year, many people is affected by chemical  substances  present in the air. Now the universities and laboratories are finding solutions and explain the public about the problem.

How can we prevent air pollution?

Scientists writte laws to control the emissions.

-The first step to solving air pollution is assessment. The Scientists must then determine how much exposure to pollutants is harmful.

Many countries have set controls on pollution emissions for transportation vehicles and industry. Many state and local organizations also participate in monitoring and controlling the environament.

-The second step is the prevention of the air pollution. In addition, it is possible to prevent many types of air pollution.

The adequate ventilation is also a key to control the indoor air pollution.  Home and work environments should be monitored for adequate air flow and proper exhaust systems installed. 

-One of the most dangerous air pollutants is cigarette smoke. Restricting smoking is an important key to a healthier environment.

What is the air pollution?

 Air pollution is the introduction into the atmosphere of chemicals, particles or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or others líving organisms. Air pollution can cause chamage to the natural envirorment and buildings in cities

Health effects

Air pollution can affect our health in many ways with both short-term and long-term effects. Different groups of individuals are affected by air pollution in different ways. Some individuals are much more sensitive to pollutants than are others. Young children and elderly people often suffer more from the effects of air pollution. People with health problems such as asthma, heart and lung disease may also suffer more when the air is polluted.

Examples of short-term effects include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Other symptoms can include headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions.

Long-term health effects can include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys.

It is estimated that millions people die prematurely every year in the world as a result of smoking cigarettes. It is also harmful for non-smoking people that breath the smoke (passive smokers).

Indoor air pollution:

Many people spend large part of time indoors. We work, study, eat, drink and sleep in enclosed environments where air circulation may be restricted. For these reasons, some experts feel that more people suffer from the effects of indoor air pollution than outdoor pollution. (Pollution exposure at home and work is often greater than outdoors. The California Air Resources Board estimates that indoor air pollutant levels are 25-62% greater than outside levels and can pose serious health problems).

There are many sources of indoor air pollution. Tobacco smoke, cooking and heating appliances, and vapors from building materials, paints, furniture, etc. cause pollution inside buildings. Radon is a natural radioactive gas released from the earth which can be harmful too.

Outdoor air pollution:

Smog is a type of large-scale outdoor pollution. It is caused by chemical reactions between pollutants derived from different sources, primarily automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. Cities are often centers of these types of activities, and many suffer from the effects of smog, especially during the warm months of the year.

The pollution can build up to dangerous levels. A temperature inversion occurs when air close to the earth is cooler than the air above it. Under these conditions the pollution cannot rise and be dispersed. Cities surrounded by mountains also experience trapping of pollution.

Another consequence of outdoor air pollution is acid rain. When a pollutant, such as sulfuric acid combines with droplets of water in the air, the water can become acidified. It damages plants by destroying their leaves, it poisons the soil, and it changes the chemistry of lakes and streams.

Bàrbara, Alèxia, Carles, Paula i Naiara