Fall 2017 - Science Forward

This article called “How Much Food Do We Waste? Probably More Than You Think” by Somini Sengupta speaks about the massive amount of food we as a nation. The article begins with a shocking statistic; globally, we throw out about 1.3 billion tons of food a year, or a third of all the food that we grow. This food waste plays a role in sustainability of the global population as well as in reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Sengupta). On the global scale, waste comes in a variety of forms and illustrates the inequality that exists between nations. In poorer countries, food waste is from the farm or on the way to the market. For example, in South Asia, half of all the cauliflower that is grown is wasted simply because there is not enough refrigeration. In these areas, food waste is not because the food is thrown out by the consumers—it’s much too precious for that. On the other hand, in wealthy countries, like the United States, around 40% of wasted food is just thrown out by consumers (Sengupta). This is a result of many factors; we as a nation buy too much food, we don’t finish our food and a much smaller portion of our incomes go towards food (Sengupta). The US as a whole wastes more than $160 billion in food a year (Sengupta). Food waste is the single largest component going into landfills in the US, and this waste quickly generates methane and contributes to making landfills the third largest source of methane in the US, which also contributes to greenhouse emission (USDA).

The implications of this data are far-reaching. Food waste and food loss has a massive carbon footprint: 3.3 billion tons of carbon equivalent, to be exact. In addition, wasting this much food leads to more water wasted as well (Sengupta). Some solutions to the problem as already underway, including using metal for grain silos to prevent fungus ruining grain stocks in places like Africa and encouraging farmers in India to collect tomatoes in plastic crates instead of in sacks to prevent squishing and rotting, which are more simple solutions. On a larger scale, supermarkets are making an effort to change the way the “best before” labels are used to discourage consumers from throwing out food that is in fact safe to eat, and by trying to sell misshapen fruits and vegetables instead of immediately throwing them away (Sengupta). Now that food waste is being recognized as a major problem to be addressed, these initiatives in addition to other ones that are occurring around the world are working to cut down on waste.

https://www.usda.gov/oce/foodwaste/faqs.htm

This article entitled, “Score One for Corn: In Battle Over Biofuel, a Rare Setback for Big Oil” by Hiroko Tabuchi speaks about our current regulations on fuel. Our fuel is partially derived from corn and soy due to an old federal mandate. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program created under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, requires refiners or importers of gasoline or diesel fuel to blend renewable fuel into transportation fuel (“Overview”). Last month, the Trump administration decided to stick closely to the current guidelines in place, so refineries must blend about 20 billion gallons of biofuel into the nation’s gas supply (Tabuchi). This decision supports farmers since much of the biofuel is ethanol made from corn, but is a setback for the oil industry (Tabuchi). Though it may be helpful for our national agriculture, many environmental and health groups oppose the mandate, arguing that ethanol is no better than gasoline and isn’t truly helping environmentally (Tabuchi). The RFS program was enacted to reduce the country’s oil dependence, help out struggling corn and soy farmers in the area, while also control the rising greenhouse gas emissions (Tabuchi).

This article is significant because it provides another source of energy that could potentially be useful and sustainable. However, if biofuels actually do what they were intended to do is highly debated. Recent research shows that the predicted environmental benefits of biofules are difficult to achieve, in part because a group of more advanced biofuels has not grown as hoped. The corn and soy farming industry has grown, but arguably too much. According to the Department of Agriculture, 40% of domestic corn and 30% of domestic soy go towards making ethanol, and biofuels make up about 10% of the gasoline used in the nation (Tabuchi). However, this massive growth has pushed cultivation into neighboring, previously untouched lands, which hurts biodiversity and lowers the land’s ability to store carbon. Scientists also warn that bioenergy can also increase competition for land because food crops are taking over livestock grazing areas (Tabuchi). In addition, the underlying issue of helping greenhouse gases is also under scrutiny. A study published last year by the University of Michigan Energy Institute concluded that biofuels had increased, rather than decreased, the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions and these results are still being debated. These appear to be the first steps in moving towards a clean energy source, however there is much more research and work to be done in order to achieve a lasting solution that is effective.

https://www.epa.gov/renewable-fuel-standard-program/overview-renewable-fuel-standard

Science Journalist Natalie Angier discusses  the production of precious stones underneath Earth’s crust, an unimaginably slow and difficult process. While gems were originally thought to be too commercial for study by academics, recent understanding of the importance of their formation has caused a shift in focus towards the “shiny rocks”  in the geology community. While diamonds are simply a crystalline structure of carbon atoms, they only form in very unique circumstances, so it is possible to gain information about history billions of years ago with the appearance of diamonds. In addition, they only come to the surface intact if they are shot out quickly, like through a volcanic eruption, because if they have time to decompress as they come to the surface, they can become graphite. Scientists have been able to replicate this process in the lab, turning valuable diamonds into graphite. Rubies, emeralds and sapphires all have trace amounts of elements which cause them to filter the light passing through differently, thus only reflecting certain wavelengths, which appear as the distinct red, green and blue colors. These coloring elements can give geologists information about the events which occurred in the past to bring together the necessary “ingredients” to form the stones.

Gemstones have always been a source of monetary wealth for royalty and the very rich, but now they can also act as a source of a wealth of scientistic knowledge. The process of creating graphite from diamonds in the lab shows that the understanding of this phenomenon is more important than the use of gems as wealth for geologists. However, the human need for power is behind both the destruction of a diamond and the wearing of one. Diamonds were worn by kings to display the strength of their command– that it extended into the depths of the earth, and that it was indestructible and lasting,  like the stones. How ironic, then, that this unbelieved destruction should now symbolize the growth of man’s understanding and power over nature. Reversing the process that earth took billions of year to complete is an extraordinary feat, one which was sought by scientists to gain knowledge. At a time when diamonds are now within reach of even the middle class, something more than beautiful display must be gained from them to make them truly valuable.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/11/science/gemstones-diamonds-sapphires-rubies.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront

The Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory of Australia have opened a bauxite mine.  This will be the first mine owned by Aboriginals.  Bauxite is a rock that formed from a laterite soil which has been drained of silica and other soluble materials from wet tropical environments. It is the main ore that aluminum is extracted from.  Bauxite is the main source through which aluminum materials are made.  The main international sources of bauxite are Australia, China, Brazil, India, and Guinea.  It is mainly used for aluminum production, but it could also be used as an abrasive (calcined alumina) or a proppant (hydraulic fracturing).

The opening of the mine was an important occasion because it is a demonstration of Aboriginals gaining power by owning an indigenous mine.  It is expected to provide over 100 jobs by 2018.  The leader of the Gumatj Aboriginal clan, Dr. Galarrwuy Yunupingu, has voiced his pride in his people and the fact that they can make their own decisions about the land.

References:

King, H. (n.d.). Bauxite. Retrieved December 11, 2017, from http://geology.com/minerals/bauxite.shtml

Topf, A. (2017, December 10). First Aboriginal mine opens in Northern Territory. Retrieved December 11, 2017, from http://www.mining.com/first-aboriginal-mine-opens-northern-territory/

This article analyzes the risk of earthquakes in mountainous regions. Researchers have developed a 2D simulation which uses long-time scale processes to explain short time scale problems.  It can replicate the results that were observed from historical earthquake catalogues. This new study which utilizes the simulation has found that the magnitude and frequency of earthquakes is directly related to the rate at which tectonic plates collide.  Fast tectonic plate collisions tend to occur in mountainous regions like the Alps, Himalaya, Apennines, and Zagros.  The researchers have justified this by saying that low temperatures and a large radius of impact is caused by faster collisions and as a result, a large relative number of earthquakes in the area.

These earthquakes are important to study because many of these mountainous regions are also densely populated.  Hopefully, understanding why such powerful earthquakes occur at such a high frequency will help researchers to be able to better predict when they will happen.  I think this is what seismologists should mainly focus on because by simply alerting the people of when they need to evacuate, they will be able to directly help save numerous lives.

References:

1. Elsevier. (2017, December 4). Earthquakes in the Himalaya are bigger than in the Alps because tectonic plates collide faster. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 11, 2017 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/12/171204091833.htm
2. Luca Dal Zilio, Ylona van Dinther, Taras V. Gerya, Casper C. Pranger. Seismic behaviour of mountain belts controlled by plate convergence rate. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 2018; 482: 81 DOI: 10.1016/j.epsl.2017.10.053

By: Annalissa Thomas

Hazardous chemicals used to be found in common consumer products, however many efforts were made to fix that, and now almost all consumer products are fine. It has been found, however, that these hazardous chemicals are present in drinking water. New Jersey has some of the highest concentration of these chemicals, so it’s taking the lead in controlling this risk (Hurdle). The class of chemicals that are present in the drinking water is called perfluorinated chemicals, and it has been linked to cancer, high cholesterol, and developmental problems in young children. This has prompted the United States Environmental Protection Agency to take action and issue a health advisory. Certain states have taken matters into their own hands, however, and have begun imposing their own restrictions – one state being New Jersey, as risk is highest there. A panel of scientists has imposed strict limits on perflurooctane sulfonate. This chemical has health effects that may include low birth weight in infants, kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage, etc. This action was necessary in order to mitigate the effects this class of chemicals is having.

Issuing policies and orders when it comes to hazardous chemicals is essential, as people need to be informed and aware of what is inside the products they are consuming. The vast majority of individuals do not know what is even in the things they are consuming, so these actions by those who do in fact know about the hazardous chemicals are very important.

“Health Effects of PFAS.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 Aug. 2016, www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfc/health_effects_pfcs.html.

Hurdle, Jon. “New Jersey Seeks Stricter Limit on Chemical in Drinking Water.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 6 Dec. 2017, www.nytimes.com/2017/12/06/nyregion/new-jersey-pfc-water-limits.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=10&pgtype=sectionfront.

By: Annalissa Thomas

The many changes that are occurring in ground vegetation has a tremendous impact on global water resources. Urbanizing land and converting forests for alternate uses effect our water regimes, and as a result entire watersheds are effected. A watershed drains water into specific bodies of water, and they consist of networks of rivers, streams, and lakes (“Watersheds”). Forests are crucial to our water resources, so as forests are destroyed, so are watersheds. This article talks about how bringing attention to this fact is essential to prevent further damage from occurring. The recognition of the importance of vegetation needs to occur. Additionally, forest vegetation is a key indicator of the health of our water sources, so attention should be brought to this matter and actions should be taken. Vegetation has an important impact on waterways as it contributes to the balance of oxygen, nutrients, and sediment. Vegetation absorbs nutrients from water flowing into a waterway, slowing the flow of water, which allows sediment and pollution to deposit in the fringing zone, reducing sedimentation and pollution of the waterway (Western).

The article brings up how about 21% of the global population depends on forests for their water supply, so the destruction of these forests would affect a vast number of people. The conversion and destruction of forests and vegetation can increase chances of drought, especially in places where water supply is already scarce. Many may not realize the effect that forests have on our water, so it is important to bring attention to this matter because by knowing this information we are equipped with a tangible way to help the issue, and that is to stop the conversion and destruction of forests and vegetation.

Works Cited:

University of British Columbia Okanagan campus. “Forests are the key to fresh water: Both forest vegetation and climate change have an impact on water supply.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 7 December 2017. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/12/171207095007.htm>.

“Watersheds.” Watersheds, www.dec.ny.gov/lands/26561.html.

Western Australian Government, Department of Water. “Aquatic and Riparian Vegetation.”Western Australian Government, Department of Water, Western Australian Government, Department of Water, www.water.wa.gov.au/water-topics/waterways/values-of-our-waterways/aquatic-and-riparian-vegetation.

Why shrinking glaciers could mean more volcanic eruptions. (2017, November 30). Retrieved December 11, 2017, from https://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21731814-volcanology-and-glaciology-why-shrinking-glaciers-could-mean-more-volcanic

By: Preeya Ninan

According to an article published in The Economist titled, “Why shrinking glaciers could mean more volcanic eruptions,” geologists explore the relationship between glacial activity and volcanic activity, specifically meaning the shrinking and melting of glaciers and how that is related to the happening of volcanic eruptions. Based on correlation and observation of events, it was observed that during an Ice Age, where there was a significant presence of glaciers, volcanic activity was next to nothing. Once the Ice Age had passed and glaciers were shrinking and melting, however, volcanoes began to erupt more frequently and readily. After further research, it was concluded that the presence of glaciers worked to prevent the eruption of volcanoes, due to pressure levels between the ice sheets on the surface and the heat of the crust and earth’s mantle.

As we are currently in a period of global warming, where human activity is working to increase the earth’s temperature, melting and shrinking icebergs and remaining glaciers, this research shows that we can expect an increase in volcanic activity and volcanic eruptions. It’s important to consider the implications of what this might mean, as well as looking at active volcanoes around the world and preparing with necessary precautions to adapt to the way that the earth is moving.

By: Preeya Ninan

Jordan’s water crisis is made worse by a feud with Israel. (2017, December 02). Retrieved December 11, 2017, from https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21731844-thirsty-kingdom-can-ill-afford-fall-out-its-neighbour-jordans-water

A recent article published in The Economist titled, “Jordan’s water crisis is made worse by a feud with Israel,” frames the current political and economic tensions between the two neighboring regions. The Dead Sea, the salty body of water lying between the two areas, has been shrinking and declining at an especially rapid rate in recent years. A solution that Israel and Jordan came to was to work together to desalinate the water and to pump it back into the Dead Sea each year. Though this wouldn’t entirely solve the problem, it would play an important role in slowing the issue and helping a small amount. This would be especially helpful to Jordan, who is experiencing serious levels of water scarcity according to the standards of the World Bank. This dual project, however, is currently held stagnant – a recent incident between a Jordanian teenager and an Israeli guard, and the Israeli Prime Minister’s nonchalant response to the incident sparked anger and tension between the two areas, causing a political riff and a stop to the project.

This situation is important because of Jordan’s dire need to work on this project, and their need for assistance, as working to desalinate the Dead Sea by itself will do nothing to quench the scarcity of water that Jordan is experiencing. The government is working to find other solutions, such as cutting back in various parts of agriculture to decrease the dependence of water, but these are only temporary solutions. This situation is just another example of how political tensions can have lasting detrimental effects on the economic and environmental status of a country in need.

Point Hope, Alaska is an extremely remote town in the United States. It is connected to the mainland by only one unpaved path and is surrounded by icy seas on all three other sides. Basic necessities like milk and bread are delivered by air and gas is brought in by barge during the summer. This town is a very traditional community of Inupiaq native Alaskans who are very in touch with nature and have not had access to high speed internet and so have not been disconnected from the outside world. Recently, the surrounding Arctic ice of Point Hope has started melting and receding. This has opened new underwater passageways for high-speed internet cables that Quintillion, a fund administration company, is taking advantage of to build a faster digital link between London and Tokyo. Point Hope is one of the places along this route so these Inupiaq native Alaskans will now have access to broadband speed internet.

While it is great that these people who have been long disconnected from the outside world will have means of communicating with the world, the receding Arctic ice has negative implications for the environment. The rising waters affect the sea mammals of the community and the seafood they rely on for sustenance. While these rising waters will help people communicate faster over great distances, this global warming will disrupt local ecology. Melting ice caps also change the dynamics of the planet’s temperatures, changing the global distribution of rain and causing drought.

Kang, Cecilia. “Melting Arctic Ice Makes High-Speed Internet a Reality in a Remote Town.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 2 Dec. 2017, www.nytimes.com/2017/12/02/technology/from-the-arctics-melting-ice-an-unexpected-digital-hub.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fclimate&action=click&contentCollection=climate®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=13&pgtype=sectionfront.