Presidents climate commitment April 17, 2008

With the rising suspicion of global warming and the declining economy, an effort arises to restore and rejuvenate the environment. Actions need to be taken in a manner that will acquire the support and dedication of young adults.

The American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment is an attempt to get the next generation of leaders involved in what is happening around them. The Presidents of the colleges and universities that sign this commitment are dedicating their time and effort to help the environment.

By signing the commitment the presidents are agreeing to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions over a period of time. Each college and university involved in this commitment makes their own plan and course of actions that will be taken to make their campuses more environmentally friendly.

“In a very general way this is a reasonable statement and commitment. In the context being too often espoused, elimination of global warming emissions is neither practical nor possible since we cannot exist without these gasses,” said Dr. Wilbur Hugli, Geography and World Affairs lecturer. “It is unfortunate that science has been significantly replaced by emotional and political rhetoric. We need to significantly reduce our resource use and resulting high levels of emissions; but it must be done with a reasoned, science based methodology, said Hugli. This commitment needs to begin now with an understanding of what it will take and the impact of unintended consequences that may result.”

The Presidents will initiate an educational course into the student’s curriculum that will allow them to get involved and understand what is going on in the environment. They will begin purchasing products that are energy-efficient, such as Energy Star products.

When asked about the commitment, University President John Cavanaugh said “the statement raises several good points, but does so in a way that does not take local situations and opportunities into account.” President Cavanaugh has not signed the commitment, although many students believe that he should.

“I think that he should sign it because UWF is a community that features a very close encounter with nature, and there is already a “green” friendly atmosphere present at the school, said Chrisitan Confer, a UWF student. “The signing of a formal commitment that would build a relationship with students who work hard to help us save the environment, inspire those who don’t care about the environment… actively work to save the environment.”

“It’s always a good idea to help the environment,” said Joirob Smith, UWF alumni. “Someone needs to take the first step to rectify the situation.”

President Cavanaugh will not be signing the commitment because he supports “an approach that that does a better job at enabling local opportunities to be leveraged.”

“However, we are developing a similar statement that does reflect UWF’s unique opportunities that we will make public, said Cavanaugh, a draft is being reviewed by the Faculty Senate. We will also seek input form other key groups.”

            The future of the environment rests in the hands of current and future students. Through education they can learn ways to improve the problems that have been created and find possible solutions.

             “Universities are institutions for the development of thought, ideas and learning. They are designed to lead into the future and foster development of new technologies,” said Hugli.

 

global warming April 1, 2008

I believe that UWF could do better in terms of recycling, energy use and attitude. They have the notion to recycle but in my opinion the university hasn’t taken it to the next step. I have seen a set of recycle bins in the library but there doesn’t seem to be an extreme effort put into driving the recycling agenda. 

            I also believe that President Cavanaugh should join other university presidents in the climate commitment pledge. I believe that you lead by example. If he signs the commitment pledge it will help to better the university as well as the world. He should take action. It may be a lot of work, but I believe that the end result will be well worth it. If for nothing else he should look at it as a way to bring in money.

            I don’t believe that it is unusual for a republican to believe in global warming because your political affiliation doesn’t determine your viewpoints. Many people may stereotype republicans this way and democrats another, but what it all comes down to is that we are all human and we all have concerns.

I don’t think that Governor Crist is playing a dangerous game by taking on utilities and industry in his climate change initiatives. He is simply leading by example. He knows what he wants and he is taking the actions necessary to accomplish his goal.

thoughts on the Gulf Restoration Network March 14, 2008

Joseph Murphy is a delightful speaker, filled with enthusiasm and wisdom. He spoke freely about his experiences with the media especially with reporters. Mr. Murphy is the Florida program coordinator for the Gulf Restoration Network. The Gulf Restoration Network is a nonprofit organization that helps to protect and restore the natural resources surrounding the Gulf Coast.
This nonprofit organization has done so much for the Gulf Coast region already. They have worked on issues pertaining to fisheries, gulf energy, the waters of the coast, mercury contamination, preserving the cypress trees and wetlands. There are many other environmental issue that this organization works on and there will be many more to come.
He grew up in one of Florida’s natural coastal areas and as a result developed a keen interest in helping Florida to maintain its environment. At the tender age of 17, he fought to prevent an industry from building a waste plant in his city. During this time he realized how important it was to keep the community clean.
He taught the class about the two different types of media, which are paid and earned media. He also gave us some tips on interviewing and how to get the person that we are interviewing to almost say what we want.
He informed us that no matter how close of a friend you may be with the media you never want to get on their bad side. He also let us know that regardless of whether or not you say that something is “off the record” it never really is. It may be for that moment, but the reporter will always remember what was said and may publish it somewhere else.
During his speech he provided us with a lot of personal experiences that he has had during his career. He speech was filled with a lot of humor and ideas. He seems like he is a very outgoing and personable man. He has a lot of wisdom to share with the newcomers in the nonprofit world as well as the media.

You can learn more about the Gulf Restoration Network or to learn more about Joe Murphy you can visit their website at www.healthygulf.org.

Thoughts on pollution in my area March 11, 2008

They say I live in toxic town. Filled with pollution from traffic and from the plants. I recently read an article that informed me that my city has a higher percentage of birth defects and cancer rates than the state of Florida as a whole.

They say I live in toxic town. Do I agree? YES and NO. I believe that there are cities that are worse than mine is. Unfortunately my city is worse than what I thought. I knew that it was getting BAD…but not this BAD.

It almost makes me want to move. As if it wasn’t bad enough becuase there isn’t much to do around here, now I have to worry about the pollution and the health affects that it can cause ME….. Yeah that sucks to be stuck somewhere where boredom is almost unavoidable and now pollution is becoming a concern.

West Fraser McDavid Lumber Mill March 11, 2008

The West Fraser McDavid Lumber Mill is making valuable efforts in an attempt to reduce their emissions. According to information made available by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on toxic chemical releases, the lumber mill has reduced their release of toxins.

 To lower their emissions the company is now using “low nox emission units on their boilers,” said Jeff Pierson, a spokesman for West Fraser McDavid Lumber Mill. “We have also reduced the number of operation hours from 40 hours per week to 30.

 In 2005 the lumber mill was releasing 60,997 pounds of methanol into the air, land or water. The 2006 TRI report indicates that while they have reduced their emissions of methanol to 40,465 pounds, they have also began releasing 1,234 pounds of lead compounds.           

 Methanol is a chemical that is extremely poisonous and can create serious health effects. According to the material safety and data sheet methanol can cause skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation; as well as liver, kidney and heart damage.           

Lead compounds are a recognized carcinogen.  This toxin can cause problems with development and reproductive organs. It is suspected to cause problems with the cardiovascular system, kidney and immune system.           

West Fraser McDavid Lumber Mill plans to keep reducing the amount of pollutants that they release in the future. They have decided to stop using natural gas in their route to reduce emissions.           

“Right now we are currently planning to stop using natural gas and instead begin wood burning,” said Pierson. “We would use our own waste to dry our own lumber. This is going to take place within the next year or two.”

Water Usage March 6, 2008

I would have to agree with the viewpoint of the author in the story about the fight over water usage. Taking water out of the rivers in order to accommodate the lack of water available due to the drought is not the solution. Florida already has enough problems with the water supply, while tapping into rivers may seem like a temporary solution it is only going to create greater damage for us in the future. The writer is trying to explain the lack of concern the public has for our environment and the economic disaster that can occur if we continue to take the quickest route to fix a problem.

            In a country fixated on materialistic things it would seem like shopping centers are more important than the diminishing wetlands. Agreeing to restore a few acres of wetlands doesn’t make the decision to destroy others okay. I agree with building the shopping centers into two stories rather than destroy unnecessary acres of wetlands. Even though it will cost more money it is worth saving a valuable aspect of the environment. Again, going with the easiest and cheapest route for a problem will only cause more damage to our environment.

Thoughts on Fossil Creek Documentary March 6, 2008

     I thought that the documentary on Fossil Creek was very interesting and informative. It provided a lot of information on exactly what environmental organizations strive to accomplish. It also showed that what may seem like an impossible and arduous task can be well worth the effort in the end. I believe that the environmental organizations seized the agenda at Fossil Creek. They all worked extremely hard together and as a result they were able to create a better environment for not only the animals but for the people as well. There were many uses for Fossil Creek; a habitat for animals, a land mark and as a source of electricity. The streams provided electricity for the entire state of Arizona allowing the state to function economically.

            It has a long history ranging from human culture to animal life. This documentary also depicted how easily animal’s habitats can be corrupted and causes them to readapt to their environment.

Water Pollution in Pensacola, FL March 6, 2008

     I researched water pollution going on in the Pensacola area. I found that there have been a number of concerns rising from the possible pollution of the water. The groundwater contains traces of chemicals that can be detrimental to the health of Pensacola citizens. The cause of the water pollution has been linked to various factors including landfills, negligence and through other contaminated areas in the Pensacola area. It was found that more than half of the county’s drinking water is contaminated with several harmful toxins. The drinking water’s main source is the Sand-and-Gravel Aquifer which is not in a remote location meaning that it can quickly and easily become contaminated.  They say that there aren’t very high levels of pollution in the water, not to cause any serious concerns but a little goes a long way for children. Their bodies aren’t as strong and defensive as ours so the little pollution that is in the water is going to be worse for them than it will be for adults.

            Another form of water pollution is due to the amount of rain that has been hitting the area, causing large amounts of red clay to leak into the bay. The clay is a result of roadwork that has been going on for more than five years.