Monday, March 29, 2010

Text Production #2

What are the potential effects of global warming in terms of climate change and how they can be arrested?

It is admittedly that we are currently facing a dominating issue concerning our mother Earth—global warming. Although the scientific and technological revolution has led human beings a luxurious and convenient life, this blessing ceases to be a tremendous advantage when it has simultaneously brought us into a life of devastation. As a matter of fact, global warming, or simply defined as the gradual rise of Earth’s temperature, is caused by a phenomenon called the greenhouse effect. Scientists believe that the emission of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide is the major contribution to global warming. Accordingly, it is imperative for us to explore the potential aftermath of global warming in terms of climate change and subsequently map out compatible strategies to resolve this issue to its minimum.

One of the feasible impacts of global warming has to deal with the geographical change of the Earth. Sea-level rise is an inevitable consequence. Chris Woodford (2006) illustrates that the expansion of sea water and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets are driving up the sea-level. The IPCC estimates that sea levels will rise between 0.18 and 0.59 meters by 2099. Besides, global warming may also shift major climate patterns as well as prolong and intensify current catastrophes such as hurricanes, tornadoes and droughts. There will also be paradoxical phenomenon where a country is facing severe drought at the same time a neighbouring country is having horrendous flood. The rapid disappearance of ice shelf in Antartica and the dramatic topographical change in Greenland are several instances demonstrating the effects of global warming.

Apart from that, global warming may also disturb the world’s ecosystem when the loss of species and lives occur. According to Albert Gore (2007), species loss is now occurring at a rate of 1000 times greater than the natural background rate. A case in point, the warming oceans are bleaching the coral reefs and this has put most of the fish species in jeopardy. Moreover, the erratic climate change will also bring disastrous effects on human beings all over the world. Hotter summers will lead to more cases of heat stroke and deaths. Resurgent infectious diseases such as malaria, are predicted to emerge and cause further deceases. Mosquitoes, for example, breed faster in warmer climates, spreading diseases to more people. (Riebeek, 2007) Furthermore, the intensifying catastrophes such as hurricanes, tornadoes and typhoons will sacrifice millions of lives too.

Realising the deleterious impacts we may get from global warming, more pragmatic measures should be implemented to arrest this obstinate problem. Reducing the emissions of carbon dioxide and using energy efficiently are those steps that should be put in precedence. For instances, buy energy-efficient appliances, recycle, plant more trees and switch to renewable energy such as solar energy. We can also practise car-pooling, use a bicycle or walk instead of drive a car, or maybe use a hybrid car if possible. In addition, according to Albert Gore (2007), he says that when the warnings are accurate and based on sound science, then we as human beings, whatever country we live in, have to find a way to make sure that the warnings are heard and responding too.

After all is said and done, global warming has the potential to bring us disastrous consequences. The current anomalous climate change should act as a portent to all of us that we are going to reap as we have sown for the worsening global warming. As what Albert Gore (2007) says, we are witnessing a collision between our civilization and the Earth. One may concern about the economic growth when measures of using less energy are carried out, but have we ever thought that how are we going to enjoy the affluence if we do not have a healthy Earth? Ergo, it is up to us as human beings to make the right decision. The fact is, we do have the ability to avert this issue and secure the nature for our next generation.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Aus News 4: Lights go out worldwide for Earth Hour

FILES-CLIMATE-WARMING-EARTH HOUR
Nasa satelite image shows the amount of light pollution in the world / AFP Source: Getty Images
CLIMATE-WARMING-EARTH HOUR
The Empire State Building, the Houses of Parliament and the Eiffel Tower all went dark / AFP Source: Getty Images
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Sydney Harbour Bridge before the big switch-off / Getty Images Source: Getty Images
95921788LM001_Earth_Hour_20
And after / Getty Images Source: Getty Images

SYDNEY Opera House fell into darkness last night as millions of lights were switched off across Australia, kicking off a global energy-saving marathon.

Homes and businesses killed their lights at 8.30pm (AEDT) for Earth Hour in an effort to lower the planet's carbon footprint and raise awareness of the environment.

In Sydney, harbour ferry horns blared to signal the rolling event, which began in New Zealand and will wrap up 25 hours later in Apia, Samoa, at 6.30pm (AEDT) on Sunday.

Earth Hour executive director Andy Ridley said: "I'm so amazed that people take part on the scale that they do and enjoy it, because that's what it's about.

"What we're still looking for in this coming year is a global deal that encourages all countries to lower their emissions and China is going to have to be a big part of that but so is every other major economy."

In December, two weeks of UN talks in Copenhagen failed to produce a binding commitment to limit global warming or set out concrete plans for doing so, in a setback for the environmental movement.

But commitment to change still exists at a grassroot level.

Earth Hour is supported by 4000 cities in a record 125 countries. It also includes 1200 landmarks, among them the Pyramids, the Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower.

For the first time, the Forbidden city in Beijing is also be taking part, along with 20 cities across China, despite the country's resistance at Copenhagen.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007 when 2.2 million people switched off the lights in their homes, offices and businesses for 60 minutes to make a point about electricity consumption and carbon pollution.

The campaign went global the following year, and it has now harnessed support from a raft of multinational companies including Google, Coca-Cola, Hilton, McDonalds, Canon, HSBC and IKEA.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Text Production #1

What are the potential effects of global warming in terms of climate change and how they can be arrested?

It is admittedly that we are currently facing a dominating issue concerning our mother Earth—global warming. Although the scientific and technological revolution has led human beings a luxurious and convenient life, this blessing ceases to be a tremendous advantage when it has simultaneously brought us into a life of devastation. As a matter of fact, global warming, or simply defined as the gradual rise of Earth’s temperature, is caused by a phenomenon called the greenhouse effect. Scientists believe that the emission of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide is the major contribution to global warming. Accordingly, it is imperative for us to explore the potential aftermath of global warming in terms of climate change and subsequently map out compatible strategies to resolve this issue to its minimum.

One of the feasible impacts of global warming has to deal with the geographical change of the Earth. Sea-level rise is an inevitable consequence. Chris Woodford (2006) illustrates that the expansion of sea water and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets are driving up the sea-level. The IPCC estimates that sea levels will rise between 0.18 and 0.59 meters by 2099. Besides, Holli Riebeek (2007) indicates that the rising sea-level will cause more frequent coastal flooding. Global warming may also shift major climate patterns as well as prolong and intensify current catastrophes. There will also be paradoxical phenomenon where a country is facing severe drought at the same time a neighbouring country is having horrendous flood. The rapid disappearance of ice shelf in Antartica and the dramatic topographical change in Greenland are several instances demonstrating the effects of global warming.

Apart from that, global warming may also disturb the world’s ecosystem when the loss of species and lives occur. According to Albert Gore (2007), species loss is now occurring at a rate of 1000 times greater than the natural background rate. A case in point, the warming oceans are bleaching the coral reefs and this has put most of the fish species in jeopardy. Moreover, the erratic climate change will also bring disastrous effects on human beings all over the world. Hotter summers will lead to more cases of heat stroke and deaths. Resurgent infectious diseases are predicted to emerge and cause further deceases. The intensifying catastrophes such as hurricanes, tornadoes and typhoons will sacrifice millions of lives too.

Realising the deleterious impacts we may get from global warming, more pragmatic measures should be implemented to arrest this obstinate problem. Reducing the emissions of carbon dioxide and using energy efficiently are those steps that should be put in precedence. For instances, buy energy-efficient appliances, recycle, plant more trees and switch to renewable energy such as solar energy. We can also practise car-pooling, use a bicycle or walk instead of drive a car, or maybe use a hybrid car if possible. In addition, according to Albert Gore (2007), he says that when the warnings are accurate and based on sound science, then we as human beings, whatever country we live in, have to find a way to make sure that the warnings are heard and responding too.

After all is said and done, global warming has the potential to bring us disastrous consequences. The current anomalous climate change should act as a portent to all of us that we are going to reap as we have sown for the worsening global warming. As what Albert Gore (2007) says, we are witnessing a collision between our civilization and the Earth. One may concern about the economic growth when measures of using less energy are carried out, but have we ever thought that how are we going to enjoy the affluence if we do not have a healthy Earth? Ergo, it is up to us as human beings to make the right decision. The fact is, we do have the ability to avert this issue and secure the nature for our next generation.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

INTI Charity Night

Hey guys, it has been a long time I didn't update my blog...so now is the time for me to share something here with you all...

Last two days (Monday), I went back INTI for Charity Night. Haha, believe it or not guys, I really went for the charity show!! Well, I want to say thank to my friends who sent and accompanied me back to INTI. We reached INTI around 7pm and the show had actually started. We got into the hall at about 7.30pm, and of course we had missed out a few performances. Anyway, we enjoyed the following performances. There was variety of performances, which included performances from each orphanage, INTI club performances, singing and dancing, as well as the highlights of the night--beat box performance, performances from Ultimate Power Groups and the singing session of Anthena Beh.

For your information, the beat boxer, Shawn, is only an 18-year-old guy, yet he is already a world ranking 16th beat boxer. We were amazed of his live performance. Next, there were four performances from the top twelve Ultimate Power Groups. We missed out the first group, but still enjoyed the rest, and not forget to mention about the MC who came along with them was really humour. The last event on the list was the singing session from Anthena Beh. I have to admit that she is a not-really-that-famous singer, and I not even know her even till the time when she performed on the stage. Anyway, though she is not famous, she did sing really well that night.

Overall, I would say that the Charity Night was a success. The organizer managed to hand over a fund of RM1700 to each of the six orphanages. The orphans representing their respective orphanages had performed well throughout the night, especially for the group of boys who performing break dance. It was nice, and cute too. ^^ Some of them are really talented.

I like this kind of event, it’s meaningful and meanwhile can help those who are in need. Hopefully, there will be more charity events in the future, not only in our school, but throughout the world too, spreading LOVE to the world, to those in need.

Sometimes I feel quite sympathetic to the orphans. Do we have to say this is what so-called fate to them, or do we have to point our fingers accusing the irresponsible parents? I wonder.