Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Power Shift 2011: Reflection
Just today I feel to be back on a normal sleep schedule, even though I got back from Washington D.C. tuesday morning. However, the days that seemed to blend right into one another were ones I'd never give up.
Power Shift 2011 Conference
The conference itself was an expirence I'll never forgot. Since I have become aware of our environmental issues I have felt like people who shared my values were low in numbers. (Although I will admit, since becoming more involved in my ENVS major and seeking information this thought was changing.) Attending Power Shift completely shattered all of those lingering thoughts, and replaced them with hope and a will. It was the largest grassroots gathering, over 10,000 youth, geared in movement building, training, and action efforts. For me it felt awesome, and very uplifting to be surrounded with so many who share a same vision, the same sustainable future.
Being able to see Bill Mckibben, Al Gore, Tim DeChristopher, and many more speak was incredible.
We also had separate "State Breakout" meetings, where individual states met and developed customized plans to bring back and employ.
Car Ride & Housing
Students for a Sustainable Earth (SSE) organized this Power Shift trip. I never had been to a SSE meeting so all the kids I was car-pooling with were new faces. I wasn't discouraged however, because I knew if these kids were going to Washington DC for the same cause as me, it wouldn't take much to talk. Surprisingly enough (sarcasm) after a 12 hour car ride everyone packed into the seven-person minivan were pretty well acquainted.
I knew before we left that we would be shacked up in a 4-room apartment. What I did not know was that 28 other kids from across the country would be as well. The awesome part was that I wouldn't have had it any other way. I met kids form Ohio, Texas, and New York who I was able to talk to as if they were my close friends. Our host Collin, was involved in training classes in Power Shift and was someone I saw as a leader.
Washington D.C.
I had never been to the city before, and as an understatement there was a lot to do. First off, it was more beautiful then I had expected. The buildings gave a prestigious atmosphere, the streets had no garbage, and all the fountains, memorials, parks, etc. were amazing. The day I got to walk the city I visited the Smithsonian Natural Histories museum. There was so much to do in Washington D.C. I could have easily stayed four more days.
Power Shift 2011 Conference
The conference itself was an expirence I'll never forgot. Since I have become aware of our environmental issues I have felt like people who shared my values were low in numbers. (Although I will admit, since becoming more involved in my ENVS major and seeking information this thought was changing.) Attending Power Shift completely shattered all of those lingering thoughts, and replaced them with hope and a will. It was the largest grassroots gathering, over 10,000 youth, geared in movement building, training, and action efforts. For me it felt awesome, and very uplifting to be surrounded with so many who share a same vision, the same sustainable future.
Being able to see Bill Mckibben, Al Gore, Tim DeChristopher, and many more speak was incredible.
We also had separate "State Breakout" meetings, where individual states met and developed customized plans to bring back and employ.
Car Ride & Housing
Students for a Sustainable Earth (SSE) organized this Power Shift trip. I never had been to a SSE meeting so all the kids I was car-pooling with were new faces. I wasn't discouraged however, because I knew if these kids were going to Washington DC for the same cause as me, it wouldn't take much to talk. Surprisingly enough (sarcasm) after a 12 hour car ride everyone packed into the seven-person minivan were pretty well acquainted.
I knew before we left that we would be shacked up in a 4-room apartment. What I did not know was that 28 other kids from across the country would be as well. The awesome part was that I wouldn't have had it any other way. I met kids form Ohio, Texas, and New York who I was able to talk to as if they were my close friends. Our host Collin, was involved in training classes in Power Shift and was someone I saw as a leader.
Washington D.C.
I had never been to the city before, and as an understatement there was a lot to do. First off, it was more beautiful then I had expected. The buildings gave a prestigious atmosphere, the streets had no garbage, and all the fountains, memorials, parks, etc. were amazing. The day I got to walk the city I visited the Smithsonian Natural Histories museum. There was so much to do in Washington D.C. I could have easily stayed four more days.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Tim DeChristopher
Recently while I was attending Power Shift I was informed of one the the leading activists in the Green Revolution, Tim DeChristopher. He actually was a key speaker at the convention and had very motivating words.
What really caught my attention was his unique background story.
Tim, is a 27-year-old economics major. After a question on one of his final exams proposed wether or not a sale of public land from the outgoing Bush administration to private oil and gas developers was legal or constitutional. He finished and went directly to the actual auction. He participated, without contest, buying public land at $2.25 an acre. Tim totaled about $1.8 million on 13 lease parcels that he admitted he had no intention or the money to pay.
Charges: 2 Federal Felonies
1 count of violating the Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Act
1 count of False Statement
Penalties: Each Count
5 years Federal Prision
$750,000 in fines
THE CATCH
The “leases” no longer exist as leases under national government; they were cancelled by Interior Secretary Salazar. Only 29 of the 116 parcels up for auction went through. Most of them were permanently dismissed, but a handful of the parcels warranted further evaluation.
Basically...
All the oil companies were given their money back and given a "do-over". It was if the action never even took place.
The government is embarrassed by this very public trial, and wishes it would go away, but Tim has refused any kind of plea bargain because he thinks a jury of his peers should decide if he was justified in defying an unjust system that is dooming us to an unlivable future.
What really caught my attention was his unique background story.
Tim, is a 27-year-old economics major. After a question on one of his final exams proposed wether or not a sale of public land from the outgoing Bush administration to private oil and gas developers was legal or constitutional. He finished and went directly to the actual auction. He participated, without contest, buying public land at $2.25 an acre. Tim totaled about $1.8 million on 13 lease parcels that he admitted he had no intention or the money to pay.
Charges: 2 Federal Felonies
1 count of violating the Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Act
1 count of False Statement
Penalties: Each Count
5 years Federal Prision
$750,000 in fines
THE CATCH
The “leases” no longer exist as leases under national government; they were cancelled by Interior Secretary Salazar. Only 29 of the 116 parcels up for auction went through. Most of them were permanently dismissed, but a handful of the parcels warranted further evaluation.
Basically...
All the oil companies were given their money back and given a "do-over". It was if the action never even took place.
The government is embarrassed by this very public trial, and wishes it would go away, but Tim has refused any kind of plea bargain because he thinks a jury of his peers should decide if he was justified in defying an unjust system that is dooming us to an unlivable future.
Outside on the White House. Monday (04/18/11) afternoon march down Pennsylvania Avenue, into Lafayette Park. Tim DeChristopher announces a second sit/sing-in protest in the Camber of Commerce.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
1%
I came across a documentary titled The One Percent searching Netflix. After reading what it was about I was interested. This documentary shows the growing wealth gap between America's rich elite and the rest of the public. The title touches on the fact that only 1% of our country's population, the elite, control 38% of the wealth. It was released in 2006.
Created by Jamie Johnson, the specific focus is on his family's Johnson & Johnson pharmaceuticals and health care. Because of Jamie's involvement in bringing social justice into view though a very rare window of opportunity, his family begins to distance themselves. His father is especially flustered with Jamie's efforts to tell the truth. This is Jamie's biggest challenge because; when his father was his age, he also helped in creating a social justice documentary on African poverty
The entire documentary is full of interesting facts, interviews, accounts, and hidden footage. I highly recommend that you take the time to watch it if you feel somewhat interested.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Need A Visual ?
Very well may be one of the best pieces of artwork I have ever seen.
! ! ! VIDEO ! ! !
I can't figure out how to get the actual video to show up in my blog. If anyone knows please help.
! ! ! VIDEO ! ! !
I can't figure out how to get the actual video to show up in my blog. If anyone knows please help.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Carbon Footprint
A carbon footprint is a representation of the impact made on the environment, specifically global climate change. Warming of our Earth is due to accumulating, heat trapping, greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (most commonly CO2, CH4, N2O, O3, SF6, and halocarbons). Slight fluctuations in global temperature are a natural process, but since the industrial age human beings have pumped out unfathomable amounts of greenhouse gases. This is measured in pounds of CO2
510 lbs per person
97% Home Energy 3% Transportation
Parents House
7115 lbs per month
2372 per person
29% Home Energy, 71% Transportation
The main thing that separates my household form my parents is the carbon emissions form transportation. My dad is an engineer of GM and drives all around the metro-Detroit area. Also my mom relies on her car to get to work and complete other motherly duties. And to round it out, my brother just bought a new car and, like any 16 year old, is constantly out and about.
My House
2548 lbs per month510 lbs per person
97% Home Energy 3% Transportation
Parents House
7115 lbs per month
2372 per person
29% Home Energy, 71% Transportation
The main thing that separates my household form my parents is the carbon emissions form transportation. My dad is an engineer of GM and drives all around the metro-Detroit area. Also my mom relies on her car to get to work and complete other motherly duties. And to round it out, my brother just bought a new car and, like any 16 year old, is constantly out and about.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Power Shift 2011
When it comes to issues involving our environment and environmental policy one of my best friends has really shown me how to get involved. Recently he as been talking to me about something called Power Shift 2011.
A national clean/green energy movement, specifically geared toward the youth of our country. Throughout history, America's youth has lead many pivotal movements for change when thought impossible. "Youth is the engine of the world" is a lyric in one of my favorite songs, Youth by Matisyahu, and is something I strongly believe in.If you never have heard the song take a listen. Lyrically there isn't a better fit for these issues.
After researching more on Power Shift 2011 I came across two of their cooperative organizations.
Green For All and Energy Action Coalition are both directed to address and take action in the economic sector of this green movement. Also youth based, much of their work takes place in collaboration with various college campuses. They both have been installing solar panels, wind turbine, and other forms of sustainable energy to show how our economy can be shifted away form old/outdated ways, and on a sustainable/eco-friendly direction.
Each of the pictures above are linked to their website. All are simple, easy to navigate, and offer a lot of valuable information. Take some time to surf around, it is well worth the time.
I chose to post this bog now, not so much as to highlight this movement (as I am sure you already are aware), rather in response to Power Shift 2011's upcoming event.
April 15-18
Washington DC
Youth who are committed, or just interested, in the green/clean energy movement will convene in Washington, DC. The future of our country and planet will be the main topic of discussion. Kalamazoo has the most representation then anywhere else in the Midwest.
At Western Michigan, our Students for a Sustainable Earth, have been discussing Power Shift 2011 for some time. They are having a final information and/or sign up meeting this Friday, April 8th in room 212 of the Bernhard Center.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Now, Not Later
The time to act is now! After reading the first portion of Bill McKibben's, Eaarth: Making Life on a Tough New Planet, many of the fears I've been so briefly exposed to became very clear. No longer is global climate change a matter of the future.
To me, it would be a waste of time to just summarize the reading. However, there were certain parts I found were glaring issues worth a second word.
As stated above, and repeated now, global climate change has effected our planet much sooner then anticipated. The Greenhouse Effect was first proposed in the 1800s, but only took root in the public around the 1960's. Carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gasses that cause the greenhouse effect are in fact apart of out planets natural systems, but this fact may be deceiving. The debate is not over whether the greenhouse effect is a natural process. Rather, it is debated if humans have added significant amounts of heat-trapping gasses to the atmosphere to alter the greenhouse effect. In this debate over 90% of the scientific community agrees that humans have altered the greenhouse effect, and it's side-effect is global climate change. Some places on Earth will in fact heat up, yet other places will cool down. Every natural phenomenon has and will continue to worsen.
We measure the amount of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gasses in our atmosphere on a parts per million scale (ppm). For ten thousand years our planet has sat comfortably, in a perfect harmony, to let human civilization thrive. During this time the carbon dioxide ppm hovered right around 275-290. 350 ppm is now what scientists believe is our planet's ceiling for a sustainable, livable, "modern" life as we know it.
To me, it would be a waste of time to just summarize the reading. However, there were certain parts I found were glaring issues worth a second word.
We measure the amount of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gasses in our atmosphere on a parts per million scale (ppm). For ten thousand years our planet has sat comfortably, in a perfect harmony, to let human civilization thrive. During this time the carbon dioxide ppm hovered right around 275-290. 350 ppm is now what scientists believe is our planet's ceiling for a sustainable, livable, "modern" life as we know it.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Answer: Sun
After the presentation given in Tuesday's class by Dr. Steve Bertman, I found myself surfing the internet on the all too captivating StumbleUpon. A few minutes later, an amazing article just popped up right in front of my eyes.
Titled 'Artificial Leaf Promises New Form of Sustainable Energy' my curiosity obligated me to read.
After, I felt like I had just sat through a slightly different version of the same lecture I heard Tuesday. In class Dr. Bertman emphasized that the sun is ultimately the source of all our energy; past, present, and future. As in the past, since the emergence of the Industrial Revolution, presently we harness the sun's energy through the use of fossil fuels. One way I like to refer to these fossil fuels are as ancient pockets of 'trapped sun'. Ten-million years worth of accumulated, stored energy that humans burn in a blink of an eye. It has become apparent these fossil fuel reserves are on their way to extinction.
So the next logical question is how else can we harness the sun's energy? Most people would answer with an already emerging market sector in solar panels. However true, why not bring it back to the basics. Long before any animal crawled this Earth life still flourished with plant life. All species of plants posses the very common and very unique process of photosynthesis, their harnessing of the sun as energy.
This is exactly what Dr. Daniel Nocera has done at MIT and Sun Catalytix. The first artificial leaf was created a decade prior by John Turner of the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado. However, it was made of very rare/expensive metals and only lasted one day. Dr. Nocera's leaf is made of widely available materials (nickel and cobalt) which makes it relatively inexpensive. It runs 10 times more efficient then natural photosynthesis, with a fourty-five hour lifespan.
It works by splitting water molecules into their separate elemental foundations of oxygen and hydrogen. This takes place when the artificial leaf is placed in a gallon of water under bringht sunlight. Hydrogen is then stored in fuel cells for later use.
Titled 'Artificial Leaf Promises New Form of Sustainable Energy' my curiosity obligated me to read.
After, I felt like I had just sat through a slightly different version of the same lecture I heard Tuesday. In class Dr. Bertman emphasized that the sun is ultimately the source of all our energy; past, present, and future. As in the past, since the emergence of the Industrial Revolution, presently we harness the sun's energy through the use of fossil fuels. One way I like to refer to these fossil fuels are as ancient pockets of 'trapped sun'. Ten-million years worth of accumulated, stored energy that humans burn in a blink of an eye. It has become apparent these fossil fuel reserves are on their way to extinction.
So the next logical question is how else can we harness the sun's energy? Most people would answer with an already emerging market sector in solar panels. However true, why not bring it back to the basics. Long before any animal crawled this Earth life still flourished with plant life. All species of plants posses the very common and very unique process of photosynthesis, their harnessing of the sun as energy.
" Sunlight + water = fuel. So what does that mean ? "
This is exactly what Dr. Daniel Nocera has done at MIT and Sun Catalytix. The first artificial leaf was created a decade prior by John Turner of the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado. However, it was made of very rare/expensive metals and only lasted one day. Dr. Nocera's leaf is made of widely available materials (nickel and cobalt) which makes it relatively inexpensive. It runs 10 times more efficient then natural photosynthesis, with a fourty-five hour lifespan.
It works by splitting water molecules into their separate elemental foundations of oxygen and hydrogen. This takes place when the artificial leaf is placed in a gallon of water under bringht sunlight. Hydrogen is then stored in fuel cells for later use.
Check Out The Video
The Beginning
This world is changing and just about every person I have talked to in the recent four years seems to agree. Old routines of energy consumption are depleting our non-renewable fossil fuels. In addition, the methods used are harmful to this Earth and everything on it, a proven dead end.
However, this change isn't so much a bad thing as you may tend to feel. In today's world we are the most connected, intelligent, and informed then ever before. To me, I see an opportunity to set our future right. I want a future that is not feared, as it appears in the media today.
Since I have become aware of these issues I have seen endless hope. In this blog I plan to show my everyday-life encounters with, what I feel to be, our sustainable future and its related culture.
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