Blog Awards Challenge

Blog Awards Challenge 2nd runner-up (Achievement): Reeti Roy (My Blog)

Winning Entry Title: Blogging for Global Warming [original link]

Winning entry is reprinted below.

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According to the NOAA Satellite and Information Service,the term "Global Warming" refers, without any implication or magnitude,to the observation that the atmosphere near the earth's surface is warming.

Thus,Global Warming in itself,is an indication of the constant,ever-changing nature of the Earth's surface.Why then,is Global Warming so important?

Global Warming is important because the hotter the earth becomes,the more the surface of the Earth changes and compels living beings to think about their current lifestyles and food habits.Therefore,as members of the human species and the most advanced of all animals,it is our duty and responsibility to understand and prepare ourselves for the consequences of Global Warming.

Even though most scientists believe that a rise in Carbon Dioxide Emissions will lead to further Global Warming,uncertainties remain about the degree of harmfulness that Global Warming can generate.What most Scientists DO agree on,however,is the fact that
Human Behavior is largely to blame for the increase in Global Warming.Also,they unanimously agree that Global arming will have lethal long-term effects on the earth.

Here is a list of things that I would do in order to reduce the chances of global warming:

Plant more trees in order to reduce Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere

Trees are beautiful,green and what's more,they give off oxygen.I remember how,in high school,we would have a tree-planting ceremony every year.We would plant a sapling on our school grounds.Trees are considered sacred in many cultures and are worshipped. Be it on grounds that are religious or humanitarian,one should stop cutting down trees and begin to use recycled paper instead.With the advent of technology,there is too much pollution everywhere.Trees would let us breathe and would cut down on the excessive Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere.

Restrict the Use of Chemical Fertilizer in Agriculture

Chemical Fertilizers contain harmful chemicals which kill plants,seedlings,insects and other living organisms.Natural Fertilizers like manure will not only ensure that the plants attain their nourishment,but they will also prevent human beings and animals from dying after consuming poisonous food(I'm obviously talking of extremes here-even if people or animals don't die,there's a good chance of them falling sick because of chemical fertilizers).

According to Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Department of Biogeochemistry, Marburg, Germany, Methane is involved in a number of chemical and physical processes in the Earth's atmosphere, including global warming. Atmospheric methane originates mainly from biogenic sources, such as rice paddies and natural wetlands; the former account for at least 30% of the global annual emission of methane to the atmosphere. As an increase of rice production by 60% is the most appropriate way to sustain the estimated increase of the human population during the next three decades, intensified global fertilizer application will be necessary: but it is known that an increase of the commonly used ammonium-based fertilizers can enhance methane emission from rice agriculture. Approximately 10-30% of the methane produced by methanogens in rice paddies is consumed by methane-oxidizing bacteria associated with the roots of rice; these bacteria are generally thought to be inhibited by ammonium-based fertilizers, as was demonstrated for soils and sediments. In contrast, we show here that the activity and growth of such bacteria in the root zone of rice plants are stimulated after fertilization. Using a combination of radioactive fingerprinting and molecular biology techniques, we identify the bacteria responsible for this effect. We expect that our results will make necessary a re-evaluation of the link between fertilizer use and methane emissions, with effects on global warming studies.

The Media should really tell us what is going on about Global Warming. We don't think we have all the Information we need.

Not all of us read Academic Journals and pore over books written by Scientific Heavyweights. The average individual is reliant on the media for information.The film "An inconvenient Truth"was an eye opener.If more and more commercially viable documentaries are made,it will become easier for the masses to comprehend the enormity of a problem like Global Warming.Also,the print and electronic media should come up with well-researched and well-documented articles.They should be up-to-date with the latest information from the Scientists,translate their jargon into lay-man's language and then present it to us.

Reuse newspapers as wrapping Paper for Gifts

I remember drawing butterflies and fishes on newspapers and then using them as wrapping paper.Not just that,brown paper bags and Newspapers should be used as bags instead of the ordinary plastic packets.In many parts of the world,plastic packets are banned.I hope that more and more people wake up to the living realities and refrain from using plastic.If not refrain,they should at least try and minimise their use of plastic in any form.

Use less Electricity, read books, walk, run, surf, play tennis

This,coming from a person who would keep her computer switched on throughout the day,would sound nothing short of didactic.But it's really a pretty lousy thing to do.Apart from the fact that it gives you a headache,it can mar your concentration too.Video games and Blogging and Surfing the net is very nice,but it's all about striking a balance.Use electricity,but don't bury your discretion in a hatchet.Read more books,go for a nice swim,play tennis or volleyball(or basketball,if that's your thing).Even jogging or sprinting is a good idea.

Help save the world from excessive Global Warming!
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