huhuhu...
I am INC na...
I will comply for my elective 2 project...
I do not know what else can I do, I have plans naman...
GOd bless us all...
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
NOthing to SAY!
Well I do not have anything to post yet. I do not have any update regarding my Research... Do not have something to tell to... well, that is all...
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
My ADVISER is NOT Around!
what should I do? my adviser is out of town...for a seminar!
THere is nothing I can do but wait until he came back... Well, this only means another postponement of my survey letters... still unsigned by him...
Last two weeks was anticipated because of some unfortunate events that pass my way...
I gone home last week for family reasons... Hay...
I think next week would be the week i will get busy and hopefully is the week were I could start my survey to my prospect companies...
Good luck to me!
THere is nothing I can do but wait until he came back... Well, this only means another postponement of my survey letters... still unsigned by him...
Last two weeks was anticipated because of some unfortunate events that pass my way...
I gone home last week for family reasons... Hay...
I think next week would be the week i will get busy and hopefully is the week were I could start my survey to my prospect companies...
Good luck to me!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
The Struggle of Glory
After the struggle of the future tech students for the finale presentation of future technology subject, unexpected wonderful presentations take place.
Well, I could say that it was a successful programme for us last February 10, 2009. Amazingly wonderful. Many students from different colleges came to watch the show and unexpectedly a lot more came by. Faculties of the IC Department also came to witness the presentation.
Luckily, in the last minute, we got a guest speaker. A brgy. Captain from somewhere - i don't remeber the place. hehehe
though, over-all, it was a success
Well, I could say that it was a successful programme for us last February 10, 2009. Amazingly wonderful. Many students from different colleges came to watch the show and unexpectedly a lot more came by. Faculties of the IC Department also came to witness the presentation.
Luckily, in the last minute, we got a guest speaker. A brgy. Captain from somewhere - i don't remeber the place. hehehe
though, over-all, it was a success
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Diorama Presentaiton: The FInal Posting!
WEDNESDAY - February 4, 2009. The final presentation of the future technology diorama.
We have done our diorama but is still unfinished because we had problem regarding the dynamo. we have done the video but was not consulted to the instructor for corrections and suggestions.
ARE WE READY?
Hmmm... i think so with regard to the group presentation. But to the presentation proper?
Hmmm... no back draft plans has been done yet. No budgeting has been made yet. No formal meetings has been implemented with the complete number of students enrolled.
Do you think we are ready? Individually, YES! but as a group, NO.
It is SAD TO SAY IT. is there another possibility that the presentation will be postponed to another day?
Good Luck to us again!
We have done our diorama but is still unfinished because we had problem regarding the dynamo. we have done the video but was not consulted to the instructor for corrections and suggestions.
ARE WE READY?
Hmmm... i think so with regard to the group presentation. But to the presentation proper?
Hmmm... no back draft plans has been done yet. No budgeting has been made yet. No formal meetings has been implemented with the complete number of students enrolled.
Do you think we are ready? Individually, YES! but as a group, NO.
It is SAD TO SAY IT. is there another possibility that the presentation will be postponed to another day?
Good Luck to us again!
Confusion
Time has been very unfair and everything in this world seems to be a burden.
I am very positive with regard to my study and my future.
I am very attentive when it comes to my child and my family.
I am understanding to the things that is worthy to be understood.
I am polite to do what I think is deserving of my service.
I am honest to what I feel. But sometimes, I have to hide the feelings to avoid issuance to something.
I am strong through the years and became stronger by trials I encounter.
I am me...after all. Human. Real. A woman. A mother. A child. A lover. A friend. A student.
But still everything in this world is unfair....
I am very positive with regard to my study and my future.
I am very attentive when it comes to my child and my family.
I am understanding to the things that is worthy to be understood.
I am polite to do what I think is deserving of my service.
I am honest to what I feel. But sometimes, I have to hide the feelings to avoid issuance to something.
I am strong through the years and became stronger by trials I encounter.
I am me...after all. Human. Real. A woman. A mother. A child. A lover. A friend. A student.
But still everything in this world is unfair....
Research distribution: Coming UP!
I am done with my research instrument validation and i am in my distribution stage. but the only update i have made is to gather all the address of the prospect company for my research and nothing yet has followed.
I am thinking to finish first the soon to be presented future technology final presentation to be held this coming Wednesday and is in urgent status...
After the presentation has been done, i am more free and flexible to do my research survey.
Better be that way... i think...
God bless us!
I am thinking to finish first the soon to be presented future technology final presentation to be held this coming Wednesday and is in urgent status...
After the presentation has been done, i am more free and flexible to do my research survey.
Better be that way... i think...
God bless us!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Does technology embrace moral choices? What is your choice then?
Technology is almost part of our life and we cannot deny it.
We all know that today that technology can add to the span of life of the dying individual but also it is one of the cause of life's span shortage of humans. But in the near future it could be implemented not only to animals but in the whole human kind. Long ago it was unpredictable, but with the flow of technology researches and inventions now-a-days, is it still unpredictable?
There is the medical technology that emerge and still undergone further research. Microchip implantation to human body has been in the track and is under experimentation. I have watch it in the television that an encapsulated microchip as tiny as the rice grain was implanted to a boy for experimentation. The danger of this encapsulated microchip in the human life is when the glass capsule would break and/or would have leakage...it may cause death. This case was discussed in one of our class meetings with our instructor's introduction, if you remember it. With the high amount of price money, would you convey the risk to be the subject of the experiment and be the experiment?
Cloning is another technology that had gained moral issues. The cloning existence was proved with successful experimentation to a sheep some years ago. Today, other animals is undergoing cloning. There were movies present that introduced cloning. Have you watched the movie 'the Island'? That is an example... What can you say about it? Could you allow yourself being cloned to be able to produced a child because you are a barren woman? Could you imagine your self being cloned because you need a fresh liver for your liver transplant? And after you have what you wanted, what would you do to your clone? Hmmm...
Technology is useful with its capabilities but it could also be dangerous and deceptive. Our future is just in front of us, and we are the one making the future, for us and for our children... Its our choices, its our decisions... and What is your choice?
Assignment 7 due: January 31, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
N. A. L. O. I.
have you heard of this ACRONYM?
What does it stands for? HHHMMMM?
Well, we got this acronym from our subject instructor concerning our diorama in the past technology of our proposal. We were confused about the 'word' written in our diorama sketch. N.A.L.O.I.? Other got N.I. and one got V.G.; now you get what the acronyms stands f0or?
N.A.L.O.I - is for 'needs a lot of improvement'
N.I. - is for 'needs improvement'
V.G. - is for 'very good'
it only means that our diorama needs too much effort to catch a golden fish... I know what is missing in what we presented in our diorama. it is lack of information, it has no enough content... too bad... and yet another presentation is on deadline and we (me and my group mates) have not much time to prepare but we are doing alternative in order to cope up with the assigned date of displaying the present technology diorama... do you think we can make it?
we hope so, i hope we could!
power!
What does it stands for? HHHMMMM?
Well, we got this acronym from our subject instructor concerning our diorama in the past technology of our proposal. We were confused about the 'word' written in our diorama sketch. N.A.L.O.I.? Other got N.I. and one got V.G.; now you get what the acronyms stands f0or?
N.A.L.O.I - is for 'needs a lot of improvement'
N.I. - is for 'needs improvement'
V.G. - is for 'very good'
it only means that our diorama needs too much effort to catch a golden fish... I know what is missing in what we presented in our diorama. it is lack of information, it has no enough content... too bad... and yet another presentation is on deadline and we (me and my group mates) have not much time to prepare but we are doing alternative in order to cope up with the assigned date of displaying the present technology diorama... do you think we can make it?
we hope so, i hope we could!
power!
The NEW and NEXT Technology
As the world continues to rotate, as the people are in need and unsatisfied, technology never stops and will continue to change.
From the Stone Age up to the modern age, technology is in continuing process and will always innovate to a new one. There is no way of stopping the evolution of technology as much as the society is in need of it. Technology in general is part of the life of each individual. It could be seen in the home, in the school, at work, while in transport and/or travel and when walking. Technology is everywhere. What is new technology? Everyday in technology is new. Scientists, inventors, manufacturers and users never stop to think and look for the new technologies to come and will come.
New technologies are progressively being discovered to resolve the missing abilities of the existing one. Every field which is involved in technology has the progressive changes and alteration which will result to something new. Mobile gadgets phenomena are one of the results of this alteration to new technology. Flat screen and touch screen television and computers are the new technology that will sooner be the trends. Later we should expect we are holding a laptop and touching its screen when we navigate or typing in the screen automatically. It is now present in the computer industry. Very hi-tech and modern with superb applications for a touch screen computer. Optical computing can be closer to reality as the engineers and scientists are keeping on working on it. Connections and communications can be done from gadget to gadget. When you do recording, storing files and/or backing up the files and videos, the connections of transfer will be from hi-tech gadgets. Sooner, hackers will come in the picture and hack our mobile phones. Because of the new technologies, mobile phones are now be connected on line and is easy to be hacked. Hmmm… Of course, energy saving technologies will never be out of place since they are the most helpful technology to be presented in the technology industry. There are also economic – saving technology when practicality is involved. Your bank account will not be drain anymore because of the superb price of hi-tech gadgets and technologies. Economy will still be the aftermath issue in technology.
According to Pogue, there are tips of saving money even you had the price-superb technologies in your home. The idea is not new but is very helpful in economy saving.
CUT THE TV CORD
Instead of watching television channels, watch your favorite show on line when you had the internet connection. Various cable networks’ Web sites offer up-to-date TV shows on demand and is completely free, with excellent video quality with less advertisement unlike the regular television commercials. But the disadvantage is you have limited television programs and need to download plus you would watch not the television screen but in your computer screen.
CANCEL YOUR MOVIE CHANNELS
This is great for the movie lovers. And to do this, you need to subscribe to Netflix provider.The Netflix on-demand movie software comes built right into equipment that is already connected to your television.
ELIMINATE YOUR CELLPHONE CONTRACT
Eliminate plans and prepaid in your cell phones. Instead, get a cell phone load everytime you just need it and pay phone services by minutes. With this idea, you can have no penalties and credits in your provider.
Well, being an economy saver is not bad at all. It is just about practicality. New technology is rather not bad at all as long as we know how to manage it and control our billings. Another thing is being an environment friendly is not new in technology but rather is in continuing discovery. It is just lately the oil price has increased into tremendous height. Immediately, the transportation is affected with its shocking change in fare price. To solve this problem, bio fuels are being discovered. Bio fuels can be found in waste materials. It was earlier last year when bio fuels from cooking oil was discovered and used in police cars somewhere in metro manila to sustain the needs of the police men to generate alternative energy power for their cars as the oil price increased and unbearably superb.
What is new about the field of energy is another discovery of bio fuel. According to the site whatsnexttechnology, “the research published this month in Agronomy Journal examines one biofuel crop contender: corn stover. Corn stover is made up of the leaves and stalks of corn plants that are left in the field after harvesting the edible corn grain. Corn stover could supply as much as 25% of the biofuel crop needed by 2030. Scientists with the USDA-ARS Agroecosystem Unit located at the University of Nebraska examined the long-term sustainability of using corn stover as a biofuel crop. When corn stover is not harvested as a biofuel crop, it can be left on the fields to restore vital nutrients to the soil. Full-scale harvesting of corn stover may deplete the soil.” By measuring the soil organic carbon levels and the residue production in the soil which are continually planted with corn and other crops for years of research, the researchers had found out that a portion of corn stoves could be harvested for bio fuel production without reducing soil organic carbon levels in high yielding systems. But the research is still an undergoing study and evaluation, so better watch out for it. . Another new technology is the oil filtering which applies environmental and industrial application. To read the full article about this new filtering technology just visit the reference number six (7).
According to Williams, “A major new trend for 2008 and beyond will be the growth of international social and business networking sites. Sites like LiveMocha.com, LinkedIn.com or Google Finance discussions are drawing participants from countries all over the world.” This growth allows people all over the world to learn a language from native speakers, also located all over the world. The potential for these services is enormous. People that speak more than one language fluently certainly have the potential to earn more income. It all depends on how people use the service, how many people contribute to the sites, and the quality of those contributions.
In the past major networking sites tended to segregate users through language or nation-specific versions of their web portals. Now the trend is to have people from many nations mix it up in many forums, usually in English. The prospect of the world using a global computer network to develop greater understanding is phenomenal. It was expected that business would profit from the 'Net but the benefits versus costs to society were once less evident. There is still a digital divide and most people in the world do not have easy access to the Internet. That will be a given for many years but the future is growing in the user audience currently online and soon to get on the Internet.
According to Ballmer, “a dramatic transformation in the world of information technology has been taking shape. It is a transformation that will change the way we experience the world and share our experiences with others. It is a transformation in which the barriers between technologies will fall away so we can connect to people and information no matter where we are. It is a transformation where new innovations will shorten the path from inspiration to accomplishment.”
This transformation is already in place. As one of it is the cloud computing. The cloud computing connects people to vast amounts of storage and computing power in massive datacenters. Social networking is another example of this transformation in the world of information. Social networking has changed the way people connect with family and friends and its way of communication. Another is the phenomenal gadgets such as cell phones that double as digital cameras, large flat-screen PC monitors and HD TV screens, and hands-free digital car entertainment and navigation systems and many more. The only thing that lacks is the ability to connect these with the boundary of device and location.
Ballmer , shared news with software developers about a new set of platform technologies that will help transcend these limits.
A New Platform for Cloud Computing: Windows Azure
Windows Azure will enable developers to build applications that extend from the cloud to the enterprise datacenter and span the PC, the Web, and the mobile phone. Pre-beta code for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2 was previewed. Windows 7 is the next version of the Windows desktop operating system that will take advantage of software and hardware advances to help eliminate the boundaries between information, people, and devices.
Windows Azure is part of the Azure Services Platform, a comprehensive set of storage, computing, and networking infrastructure services that reside in Microsoft’s network of datacenters. Using the Azure Services Platform, developers will be able to build applications that run in the cloud and extend existing applications to take advantage of cloud-based capabilities. The Azure Services Platform provides the foundation for business and consumer applications that deliver a consistent way for people to store and share information easily and securely in the cloud, and access it on any device from any location.
According to Ballmer, “the reason to create a cloud services platform is to continue to enhance the value that computing delivers, whether it is by improving productivity, making it easier to communicate with colleagues, or simplifying the way we access information and respond to changing business conditions.” Well, jumping over the boundaries could be risky but is also very useful. Simplifying the way of accessing information could be less work solution but is more technology requirement. Yet, money is involved and is also at risk.
Technology will come and continue to come, in a new form, new applications, and new abilities and with new prices. As what is discussed in the subject. The fields involving technology such as Nanotechnology, robotics, Artificial intelligence, electronics, communication, engineering, infrastructures, physics, computing, information and transportations will be expectedly have alterations in innovations and developments. Many developments in technology are present and some is under study, there are many to names and are many to define. Effects of this technology will always follow for if there is a cause respectively an effect will come. Being ready for the effects is the most difficult to face and adjustment is in line.
To answer the question “how can you prepare for the changes in technology?” Well, as the years go by and as the technology goes much farther modernized and more hi-tech, individuals also will become more adaptive to the influences of technology and its society. Preparation of one’s self in the situation to come regarding technology is unpredictable depending on its status in the society and on its knowledge about the technology. The level of understanding and financial is very significant in preparation. When that time comes that the technology is on its peak of modernization, everything else will follow and we may not know the reactions of other individuals about the matter but as for me, I would merely accept what reality may give and just take the fact with my understanding and judgment. Every thing has a corresponding pros and cons, and I could say that acceptance to the possible changes is very important in order to make the technology work.
If the modernization of technology will really come, let us just face it and accept it as we had accept what we had and is present in our world today but there is also precautions in technology. Since the technology is made to help us let us use it with proper care and knowledge. Let us not also leave the idea that what we had made can also be the one to destroy us. Technology is made to help us but with out proper usage and precautions, it can also be the one that can cause us harm. So, let us not abuse everything we had in hand, for someday they might be helpful to us.
References:
1. http://www.whatsnextnetwork.com/technology/index.php/2008/08/20/p5583#more5583
2. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/08/technology/personaltech/08cesoutlook.html?_r=1&ref=technology
3. Pogue, DAvid. State of the Art: Many ways to plug in to Tech saving. January 7, 2009
retrieved January 8, 2009 from
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/08/technology/personaltech/08pogue.html?ref=technology’
4. http://www.whatsnextnetwork.com/technology/index.php/2008/08/20/p5582#more5582
5. Ballmer, Steve. A Platform for the Next Technology Revolution. October 28, 2008
retrieved January 8, 2009 from
http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/execmail/2008/10-28nexttechrevolution.mspx
6. Williams, TH. WHAT'S NEW IN TECHNOLOGY?. February 21, 2008
retrieved January 8, 2009 from
http://thwphotos.blogspot.com/2008/02/whats-new-in-technology.html
7. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081118122152.htm
Assignment 6 due January 9, 2009
From the Stone Age up to the modern age, technology is in continuing process and will always innovate to a new one. There is no way of stopping the evolution of technology as much as the society is in need of it. Technology in general is part of the life of each individual. It could be seen in the home, in the school, at work, while in transport and/or travel and when walking. Technology is everywhere. What is new technology? Everyday in technology is new. Scientists, inventors, manufacturers and users never stop to think and look for the new technologies to come and will come.
New technologies are progressively being discovered to resolve the missing abilities of the existing one. Every field which is involved in technology has the progressive changes and alteration which will result to something new. Mobile gadgets phenomena are one of the results of this alteration to new technology. Flat screen and touch screen television and computers are the new technology that will sooner be the trends. Later we should expect we are holding a laptop and touching its screen when we navigate or typing in the screen automatically. It is now present in the computer industry. Very hi-tech and modern with superb applications for a touch screen computer. Optical computing can be closer to reality as the engineers and scientists are keeping on working on it. Connections and communications can be done from gadget to gadget. When you do recording, storing files and/or backing up the files and videos, the connections of transfer will be from hi-tech gadgets. Sooner, hackers will come in the picture and hack our mobile phones. Because of the new technologies, mobile phones are now be connected on line and is easy to be hacked. Hmmm… Of course, energy saving technologies will never be out of place since they are the most helpful technology to be presented in the technology industry. There are also economic – saving technology when practicality is involved. Your bank account will not be drain anymore because of the superb price of hi-tech gadgets and technologies. Economy will still be the aftermath issue in technology.
According to Pogue, there are tips of saving money even you had the price-superb technologies in your home. The idea is not new but is very helpful in economy saving.
CUT THE TV CORD
Instead of watching television channels, watch your favorite show on line when you had the internet connection. Various cable networks’ Web sites offer up-to-date TV shows on demand and is completely free, with excellent video quality with less advertisement unlike the regular television commercials. But the disadvantage is you have limited television programs and need to download plus you would watch not the television screen but in your computer screen.
CANCEL YOUR MOVIE CHANNELS
This is great for the movie lovers. And to do this, you need to subscribe to Netflix provider.The Netflix on-demand movie software comes built right into equipment that is already connected to your television.
ELIMINATE YOUR CELLPHONE CONTRACT
Eliminate plans and prepaid in your cell phones. Instead, get a cell phone load everytime you just need it and pay phone services by minutes. With this idea, you can have no penalties and credits in your provider.
Well, being an economy saver is not bad at all. It is just about practicality. New technology is rather not bad at all as long as we know how to manage it and control our billings. Another thing is being an environment friendly is not new in technology but rather is in continuing discovery. It is just lately the oil price has increased into tremendous height. Immediately, the transportation is affected with its shocking change in fare price. To solve this problem, bio fuels are being discovered. Bio fuels can be found in waste materials. It was earlier last year when bio fuels from cooking oil was discovered and used in police cars somewhere in metro manila to sustain the needs of the police men to generate alternative energy power for their cars as the oil price increased and unbearably superb.
What is new about the field of energy is another discovery of bio fuel. According to the site whatsnexttechnology, “the research published this month in Agronomy Journal examines one biofuel crop contender: corn stover. Corn stover is made up of the leaves and stalks of corn plants that are left in the field after harvesting the edible corn grain. Corn stover could supply as much as 25% of the biofuel crop needed by 2030. Scientists with the USDA-ARS Agroecosystem Unit located at the University of Nebraska examined the long-term sustainability of using corn stover as a biofuel crop. When corn stover is not harvested as a biofuel crop, it can be left on the fields to restore vital nutrients to the soil. Full-scale harvesting of corn stover may deplete the soil.” By measuring the soil organic carbon levels and the residue production in the soil which are continually planted with corn and other crops for years of research, the researchers had found out that a portion of corn stoves could be harvested for bio fuel production without reducing soil organic carbon levels in high yielding systems. But the research is still an undergoing study and evaluation, so better watch out for it. . Another new technology is the oil filtering which applies environmental and industrial application. To read the full article about this new filtering technology just visit the reference number six (7).
According to Williams, “A major new trend for 2008 and beyond will be the growth of international social and business networking sites. Sites like LiveMocha.com, LinkedIn.com or Google Finance discussions are drawing participants from countries all over the world.” This growth allows people all over the world to learn a language from native speakers, also located all over the world. The potential for these services is enormous. People that speak more than one language fluently certainly have the potential to earn more income. It all depends on how people use the service, how many people contribute to the sites, and the quality of those contributions.
In the past major networking sites tended to segregate users through language or nation-specific versions of their web portals. Now the trend is to have people from many nations mix it up in many forums, usually in English. The prospect of the world using a global computer network to develop greater understanding is phenomenal. It was expected that business would profit from the 'Net but the benefits versus costs to society were once less evident. There is still a digital divide and most people in the world do not have easy access to the Internet. That will be a given for many years but the future is growing in the user audience currently online and soon to get on the Internet.
According to Ballmer, “a dramatic transformation in the world of information technology has been taking shape. It is a transformation that will change the way we experience the world and share our experiences with others. It is a transformation in which the barriers between technologies will fall away so we can connect to people and information no matter where we are. It is a transformation where new innovations will shorten the path from inspiration to accomplishment.”
This transformation is already in place. As one of it is the cloud computing. The cloud computing connects people to vast amounts of storage and computing power in massive datacenters. Social networking is another example of this transformation in the world of information. Social networking has changed the way people connect with family and friends and its way of communication. Another is the phenomenal gadgets such as cell phones that double as digital cameras, large flat-screen PC monitors and HD TV screens, and hands-free digital car entertainment and navigation systems and many more. The only thing that lacks is the ability to connect these with the boundary of device and location.
Ballmer , shared news with software developers about a new set of platform technologies that will help transcend these limits.
A New Platform for Cloud Computing: Windows Azure
Windows Azure will enable developers to build applications that extend from the cloud to the enterprise datacenter and span the PC, the Web, and the mobile phone. Pre-beta code for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2 was previewed. Windows 7 is the next version of the Windows desktop operating system that will take advantage of software and hardware advances to help eliminate the boundaries between information, people, and devices.
Windows Azure is part of the Azure Services Platform, a comprehensive set of storage, computing, and networking infrastructure services that reside in Microsoft’s network of datacenters. Using the Azure Services Platform, developers will be able to build applications that run in the cloud and extend existing applications to take advantage of cloud-based capabilities. The Azure Services Platform provides the foundation for business and consumer applications that deliver a consistent way for people to store and share information easily and securely in the cloud, and access it on any device from any location.
According to Ballmer, “the reason to create a cloud services platform is to continue to enhance the value that computing delivers, whether it is by improving productivity, making it easier to communicate with colleagues, or simplifying the way we access information and respond to changing business conditions.” Well, jumping over the boundaries could be risky but is also very useful. Simplifying the way of accessing information could be less work solution but is more technology requirement. Yet, money is involved and is also at risk.
Technology will come and continue to come, in a new form, new applications, and new abilities and with new prices. As what is discussed in the subject. The fields involving technology such as Nanotechnology, robotics, Artificial intelligence, electronics, communication, engineering, infrastructures, physics, computing, information and transportations will be expectedly have alterations in innovations and developments. Many developments in technology are present and some is under study, there are many to names and are many to define. Effects of this technology will always follow for if there is a cause respectively an effect will come. Being ready for the effects is the most difficult to face and adjustment is in line.
To answer the question “how can you prepare for the changes in technology?” Well, as the years go by and as the technology goes much farther modernized and more hi-tech, individuals also will become more adaptive to the influences of technology and its society. Preparation of one’s self in the situation to come regarding technology is unpredictable depending on its status in the society and on its knowledge about the technology. The level of understanding and financial is very significant in preparation. When that time comes that the technology is on its peak of modernization, everything else will follow and we may not know the reactions of other individuals about the matter but as for me, I would merely accept what reality may give and just take the fact with my understanding and judgment. Every thing has a corresponding pros and cons, and I could say that acceptance to the possible changes is very important in order to make the technology work.
If the modernization of technology will really come, let us just face it and accept it as we had accept what we had and is present in our world today but there is also precautions in technology. Since the technology is made to help us let us use it with proper care and knowledge. Let us not also leave the idea that what we had made can also be the one to destroy us. Technology is made to help us but with out proper usage and precautions, it can also be the one that can cause us harm. So, let us not abuse everything we had in hand, for someday they might be helpful to us.
References:
1. http://www.whatsnextnetwork.com/technology/index.php/2008/08/20/p5583#more5583
2. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/08/technology/personaltech/08cesoutlook.html?_r=1&ref=technology
3. Pogue, DAvid. State of the Art: Many ways to plug in to Tech saving. January 7, 2009
retrieved January 8, 2009 from
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/08/technology/personaltech/08pogue.html?ref=technology’
4. http://www.whatsnextnetwork.com/technology/index.php/2008/08/20/p5582#more5582
5. Ballmer, Steve. A Platform for the Next Technology Revolution. October 28, 2008
retrieved January 8, 2009 from
http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/execmail/2008/10-28nexttechrevolution.mspx
6. Williams, TH. WHAT'S NEW IN TECHNOLOGY?. February 21, 2008
retrieved January 8, 2009 from
http://thwphotos.blogspot.com/2008/02/whats-new-in-technology.html
7. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081118122152.htm
Assignment 6 due January 9, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Addressing Effects and Strategies
Addressing the effects of technological change in our society and the strategies used in the Philippines to address the skills shortage.
Technology invention and innovation has been very fast approaching in the past years. Work has never been easier and accurate than with the manpower labor of the ancient working policy. The certainty of jobs has been fast approving to the society as the consumers and users. Industrial technologies make the work more regular and precisely scheduled and machinery is not cost effective when used irregularly. The emerged of technology in the world has brought easiness and trends that make the work much efficient but technology innovation has also brought negative effects to the society and the environment. The suitable term of the sudden change of technology in the society is simply called ‘technological change’. The word is simple but the sense is very deep and has to be extremely understood. The term simply described the process of invention, innovation and distribution of technological development. It is merely the development of technology through inventions, continuous development process and the distribution to the industries and society.
According to Adam, et.al., “An understanding of the process of technological change is important for two broad reasons. First, the environmental impact of social and economic activity is profoundly affected by the rate and direction of technological change. Second, environmental policy interventions themselves create new constraints and incentives that affect the process of technological change.” The two reasons simply explain that new technologies may provide additions to pollutions and/or may mitigate existing pollution state in the society and the policy interventions may have implications for the further policy decisions, important consequences in the terms of cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness policy analyses and welfare analyses.
Technological change is a term that is used in economics to describe a change in the set of feasible production possibilities. According to the number one (1) Internet site reference, “Technological change has profound effects not just in terms of work, but also on other aspects of our lifestyles. Some of technological change has been positive and negative effects in the society, which are the following:
1. Employment
the emerging of technology simply means labor saving in the industries such as the decline in employment in manufacturing and/or industrial work. Number of workers in manufacturing has declined 30% of labor force. In agriculture, it has been a direct consequence of mechanization of agricultural production. Small farmers have been forced off the land because of incapacity to operate or manage a large scale to use modern agricultural machinery. More and more white-collar occupations exist and technology plays an important role in this work. It has been suggested that the computer industry will take over as the major area of employment, as more and more people and business use computers. Computer has created the need for greater expertise in clerical work and act as the electronic equivalent of a supervisor.
2. Work
Technological change has led to a greater degree of specialization of function in the workforce. This is called division of labor. The worker on the factory line who performs only one function repetitively has replaced the tradesperson of the nineteenth century and earlier. This is referred to as deskilling. Skilled tradespersons and professionals are replaced by semi-skilled of unskilled workers on production lines, rendering jobs repetitive and personally unrewarding. With the division of labor, manufacturing production costs is reduced; it makes managerial control easier, the factory workers are not specialized and can be easily discarded and replaced when industrial actions occur, and manager rather than worker’s control regulates production.
3. Quality of life
The invention of labor-saving devices is said to have taken the toil out of housework, freeing up more time for leisure. In fact, people are spending more time working to pay for the appliances, which are supposed to save them from boring household task that are totally correct and approving. Advances in technology have also brought the increases in other diseases, such as some cancers and heart disease.
4. The environment
the implementation of new technology has been consumed high rate in natural resources. With the completion of technology distribution, scarcity to natural resources exists and exposed damage to the environment such as the burning of fossil fuels, incorrect waste disposal, and modern agricultural system like chemicals as pesticides and insecticides.
5. Urbanization
As employment decline in agriculture has brought flow rate in the population to the urban sites and cities where manufacturing industries and factories are located due to the transfer for employment from rural areas. The concentration of population into cities has meant that facilities like transport, entertainment, hospitals and schools can be provided at a relatively low cost. The improvement in standards of living resulting from the availability of these amenities must be offset against the negative consequences of city living.”
With the appearance of technology and its effects either positive or negative, reactions from workers have generally been unfavorable. Faced with loss of jobs and livelihood, workers have reacted against the introduction of new technology. Some of such reactions are industrial action and strikes, greater labor turnover, increased absences due to illness and industrial sabotage, such as interfering with machines.
These effects are really happening not only in foreign countries but also in our country, which locally happen in earlier years. Some factory decreased workers due to the economic crisis happening in the country; and this is also due to the technological change factors. To address the skill shortage, the government had made some agreement and step to help minimize the increasing number of unskilled and unemployed people in the country. These were made true by the following:
1. In January 2008, the government of the Philippines is particularly receptive to partnering on international recruitment. The agreement targets the sectors most in need of skilled employees - tourism and hospitality, retail and construction. This British Columbia agreement with the Filipino government will provide employers effective, quicker access to foreign workers. The British Columbia is looking to attract temporary or permanent immigrants in areas where they have labor shortages. The same kind of agreement was also finalized and signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippines and Honourable Hector Goudreau, Minister of Employment and Immigration of Canada. Under the MOU, both governments will explore shared priorities, such as meeting occupational standards, improving recruitment and employment practices, and promoting employment opportunities in Alberta. Investigated key immigration issues impacting the flow of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) and immigrants from the Philippines, including strategies to address fraud and credential assessment. The department of Labor and Employment also endorsed recruitment of work in South Australia as the country is in need of workers to address their skill shortage. To address the skill shortage in the Philippines, the department of Labor secretary said that South Australia would welcome Overseas Filipino Workers, which are recognized as hardworking, productive, adaptable, dependable, and very respective individuals.
2. Another is by the increase of employment in Call Centers presently located all over the country. Call center has been a greater help in employment especially for graduate, which have not found any job opportunity after college. In the country, the Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her state of the nation address has vocally endorsed it in just this year 2008.
3. Another strategy is the line of marketing taking the issue in skill shortage. In just recently, the major stakeholders in the Philippines' business process outsourcing (BPO) market recently forged an agreement to address the acute labor shortage plaguing the services sector. Representatives of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPA/P), Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) and IBM Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to help develop a relevant curriculum to ensure that the products of the country's colleges and universities can be absorbed by the outsourcing industry. The kind of skills required now by industry requires a lot more technical as well as management skills, particularly this service science management. Call center is an example of companies, which can benefit with this kind of agreement.
Skilled shortage is an issue in the working industry now a day. Other countries are in much need of skilled workers like the Australia and Canada and the Middle East. In the country, Filipino workers are most suitable and somehow recognized for the job vacancy. And to address the labor shortage in our country, it is best for job recruitment for immigrant workers to fight the acute state of labor shortage and economic crisis.
As an observation, technology has brought skill shortage in every part of working industry. Because of the appearance of new technology for cost effective and beneficial purposes, lack of skilled laborers was emerging and is increasing in number due to the supposedly work they should do is transferred to the electronic machineries. Technology henceforth is very important but somehow it has also caused the economic problems and lacking in some aspects of the industry, in the environment and in the society. To address this, let us just work and strive hard to the real world competitions and survival of work and living.
References:
1. http://www.intcul.tohoku.ac.jp/~yamaguch/JPG/systemic_room_supplement/systemic_room/sfl_images_resources/value_as_metaphor/history%20is%20life/technological_change.html
2. http://www.hrmguide.net/canada/jobmarket/bc_skills_shortage.htm
3. http://employment.alberta.ca/documents/rrm/RRM-MIN_expensereport_08.pdf
4. http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/details.asp?id=N000002261
5. http://www.cw.com.hk/article.php?id_article=2110
6. http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/280/soctechchange/soctech10.htm
7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_change
*Assignment 5 due December 26, 2008
“Addressing climate change and taking actions and steps to prevent it from happening”
Climate change…what it is? Do you feel it? Can we feel the ultimate change in our climate? For me, Yes. Now in our present times I could really say that the climate is really quite different back then during my elementary and high school days. Before, children could play in the fields with other children. Play hide and seek and flying colorful kites in the air. Compare the past with the situation of our climate in the present, children could not play too long outside in the fields because of too much heat and its burning effect to the human skin which could later result to sun-burn and could possibly cause to skin cancer. Too much sun heat exposure could also cause dehydration to our body which is bad for our health.
But what is CLIMATE CHANGE? Literally, climate change is accordingly name-explanatory. Simply, it is a serious, crucial or vast change in climate and in the atmosphere. Years back, we have not imagined that the climate could change ultimately like what it is in the present and/or today. Climate change results could be seen by the melting and disappearing icebergs in the Arctic. Inuit people are the major witnesses of that change in the North. In South America and in European countries, the climate change can be observed by the lethal storms, floods, disappearing glaciers, numerous forest fires and fatal heat waves caused by too much heat from the sun. Climate change means a change in the atmosphere, in the earth’s temperature, in the storm cycles and the sea water level. These changes are observed now-a-days because of the substantial difference between the condition of the atmosphere before and its condition recently.
According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change or IPCC, climatologists articulate that global warming was caused by human activities. And this articulation creates a growing fear of the possible feedbacks that this warming could generate. Human activities stated were the burning of Earth’s natural resources such as coal, oil and natural gases. Because of the said activities, billions of tons carbon dioxide was released to the air which we called the ‘greenhouse gases’. The greenhouse effect has been introduced to science for a long of time. And carbon dioxide or CO2 as we all know is a greenhouse gas that traps the Sun’s radiation in the Earth’s lower atmosphere together with the other greenhouse gases such as the methane and the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gases. According to Pearce, if these current activities will certainly continue, the world’s temperature will exceed double from two degree Celsius up to five degrees Celsius which eventually means that the heat we feel during daytime will double and could easily burn our skin in seconds of staying under the sun. We may suffer from heat strokes and dehydration. This condition is the cause and effect of global warming. The arising of global temperature could result to the melting of icebergs, changes in the oceans, in the water vapor cycle and the possible changes in the cycle of vegetation.
Further, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency or EPA, these human activities have significantly contributed to the amount of these heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere since the dawn of agriculture and/or the start of the Industrial Era. The burning of fossil fuels and biomass such as the forest and vegetation has also contributed to the greenhouse effect by the production of aerosol entity from the burnt matter. This entity absorbs and release heat which results to reflect light. Even in the Philippines, the ‘kaingin’ system also contributes to the climate change. Aside from the fact that it destroys the natural diversity of plants and trees that live and give life to the mountains, it also make addition to the greenhouse gases present in the Earth’s atmosphere. By using of burned wood or ‘uling’ in daily cooking - three times a day, seven days a week, also means that large amount of greenhouse gases added to the atmosphere. According to the IPCC in 2007, the addition of greenhouse gases and aerosols has changed the composition of the atmosphere. The changes in the atmosphere have likely influenced temperature, precipitation, storms and sea level. It has influenced the mentioned because of the too much heat and light produced from by the heat-trapping gases. The IPCC predicted in their semi annual report that the major impacts of Climate change would be the lowered farm production, more frequent and severe droughts, floods and storms and rising of sea level. Warming is bringing other unpredictable changes. Melting glaciers in the Northern part of the world causing rivers to overflow, while in the other area evaporation cause rivers to die and empty. Diseases and illnesses are spreading even the number of death. Crops are damaged by diseases and strong typhoons and heavy rains with hurricanes; and others are destroyed by drought.
Is it possible that hunger and illnesses are caused by climate change? Well this speculation has been discussed by Joy deep Gupta in her article regarding climate change summit (Poznan Summit) and hunger and illnesses worldwide. A quote from her article says that “climate change summit is entering its final day without any sign of substantial progress, but climate change effects have progressed dramatically worldwide, adding to hunger and illnesses worldwide”. In just this year as discussed in the Poznan summit held in Poland, the drought that arises in Western Australia had been the major impact of climate change presently arising in the world. To struggle with the climate condition and in order to preserve bio-diversity, many have switched tin using bio-fuels. But the extreme change and the drought caused famine and food crisis to western Australian dwellers in this year of 2008. As a result according to Parry, a professor at the Imperial College in London and a former Co-chair of a working group at the IPCC, in this year 2008 “forty (40) million people had been added to the list of “at risk of hunger”, taking the total of 963 million or one-sixth of the world’s total population”. With the large industries causing this change, the most affected country would be the developing countries and poorest in the human population. Reduction of water supply and reduction in food production would the major effect of the changes in the climate.
In addition to the relation of hunger and sickness and climate change, Maria Niera of World Health Organization stated that ‘aside from the numerous number of people and countries at risk of hunger, many people also turn ill and/or diagnose to diseases because of the sudden change in climate’ in the Poznan Summit. She pointed out that safe water, food and clean air are all at risk to climate change. For further information, the Poznan Summit is a gathering of 3,000 negotiators of 186 countries and over 5,000 Non0government Organization representatives and scientists. The summit is held in Poznan, Poland on December 1-12, 2008 which concerns global warming and climate change, and its effect to the people and their living. Niera also pointed that public health depends on safe drinking water, sufficient food, secure shelter and safe houses, and good social condition. By the change of climate, all of the mentioned will be affected eventually and many would be ill if left unattended. And yet, the community of the poor people, which contributed least to greenhouse gas emissions, would be the much affected areas. Whenever, big pipes from the big industries released gases which largely contribute to the climate change, the poor society like us would be the first people to feel and respond to the effects of sudden rapid change.
Niera also enumerate some of the health effects made possible by climate change in the Poznan summit. Firstly, the health effects of climate change are the increasing frequencies of heat waves. Recent analyses showed that human-induced climate change significantly increased the likelihood of the European summer heat wave of 2003. In the country, I do not feel much heat wave when I stayed under the day; I could only feel that the heat of the sun is a little warmer than it used to be. Slight sunburn would later on be recognized in the skin; and if around noon and you stayed out for a long time, heat strokes might strike you down. Is that the effects of climate change? Maybe and possibly…
The second health effect is more variable rainfall patterns are likely to compromise the supply of freshwater, increasing risks of water-borne diseases. Yes, I have observed that these past few days, it always rains. If not heavy, slightly pouring the ground until wet. And rainy days could bring illnesses such as influenza, cold, coughs and even fever. Thirdly is the rising temperatures and variable rainfall are likely to decrease the production of staple foods in many of the poorest regions, increasing risks of malnutrition. This health effect is correct because food production varies on the weather condition of the atmosphere. If it rains heavily and/or if there are calamities due to typhoons, the crops would be damaged and possibly turn useless. No harvest would happen and farmers will have no food production. the affected poorest community will have no enough food supply and children could be malnourished due to lack of food.
Fourthly is the rising of sea levels could increase the risk of coastal flooding, and may necessitate population displacement. According to Niera, more than half the world's population now lives within 60 km of the sea. Some of the most vulnerable regions are the Nile delta in Egypt, the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, and many small islands, such as the Maldives, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu. It was in the year of 2005 or 2006 when Maldives was wiped out by a tsunami and every single pieces of island’s beauty was totally destroyed by the great wave. Great waves exist because of the change in the sea level and when it happens to a certain place, many people and business would be affected and damaged. Lastly is the changes in climate are likely to lengthen the transmission seasons of important vector-borne diseases such as malaria and chikunguniya, and to alter their geographic range, potentially bringing them to regions which lack either population immunity or a strong public health infrastructure. This last heath effect is quiet approving because whenever an area has change in climate such as unpredictable rain conditions, mosquitoes which causes malaria would eventually move out and gather. Like in our country, malaria is known because of some attacks it has made to some of the Filipinos. Our country is their likely to dwell because of the change in climate and of the vast population they can suck off blood for their food. Strange reality but yes, I could say that migration of diseases caused by pests could be possibly brought by the change in climate in their dwelling area.
Well, climate change is a really dangerous to happen. The population could suffer to calamities brought by change of weather from time to time, famine and food crisis would be recognize as an aftershock because when there are calamities, drought, floods and typhoons, lack in food supply would be rendered due to transportation and communication problem especially to the unreachable affected areas. When the time of the great flood from the rising of the sea level due to the melting of the ice in the North, everything in this world would be possibly destroyed just like what scientists predicted as the caused of the disappearance Dinosaurs. The human race would be vanished just the same as the dinosaurs. When the sun’s radiation would not be filtered by the atmosphere, we cannot go out of the house afraid of burning our skin due to too much heat. In other places, drought is much possible to worsen and no water supply might be found in water wells and rivers just like what is happening in Africa. When the change in vegetation would take place to its worse point, hunger and illnesses would possibly attack human race, and even death to the most affected.
If the climate’s temperature condition would be to the worse level, what should we do? Can we do something about it? If not totally resolve the rapid change in climate, can we do something to minimize its effect? According to Pearce in his article, the world has agreed to prevent the so called ‘dangerous’ climate change during the 1992 Earth Summit. The first action they had made was the response of 1997 Kyoto Protocol. The protocol was to bring the meek emission reductions industrialized countries like European countries, Australia, and United States. The protocol was then take place during 2005. In 2005, United States and Australia engaged to Kyoto protocol; and collaborated with other countries suggested the ‘clean fuel technologies’ as an alternative to emission cuts. But according to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), a quick improvement in energy usage efficiency is needed and development of renewable non-carbon fuels is very significant such as wind, solar, tidal or even nuclear power. With this suggestion also means new methods of converting clean energy into motive power such as hydrogen fuel cells for cars and mobile gadgets now a days. Other solutions mentioned in the article is the idea of mega-engineering covering the planet giant mirrors in order to prevent the Sun’s rays. The so-called Giant Mirror was brought by the engineers who make the idea of cloud seeding and got the plan to warm Siberia by melting the Arctic ice. The giant mirror could shade the planet by covering it with tiny metal balloons, seeding the oceans with iron to generate algal blooms and/or burying greenhouse gases below the sea. Sounds interesting for the climate scientist but the proposal were dismissed because of the cost, effectiveness and potential ecological impact it could bring. Aside from all of this ideas and suggestions in cutting emissions, the bottom line is we need to stabilize the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and temperature to prevent the unbearable heat our future may BRING.
As an IT student and concern individual, I could help minimize to the emission of greenhouse gases by saving energy efficiently in my home, when I am at school or going out. I will help and contribute to the emission by saving water and energy and/or electricity usage, and by disposing garbage waste properly. But there are actions and steps to help minimize the emission of greenhouse gases present in the Web. The Environmental Protection Agency introduced some actions steps we can make to contribute to the emission cut. There action steps are the following:
Firstly are the actions we can make when we are at home:
1. Change 5 lights
2. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products
3. Heat and cool smartly
4. Seal and insulate your home
5. Use green power
6. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
7. Be green in your yard
8. Use water efficiently
9. Spread the Word
With these actions in our home, we can save energy and lower the cost of our energy bills. We could also help to the environment and be the mediator of spreading the information to other people so that they will be aware of what is happening around them.
Secondly are the actions we can make when we are on the road and traveling:
1. Buy smart
2. Drive smart
3. Tune your ride
4. Check your tires
5. Give your car a break
6. Use Renewable Fuels
Smoke from the cars is one of the contributors of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. That’s the side effect of car technology that uses natural energy; the release of black smoke from the pipes causing air pollution to the air. This affects the people riding and/or walking.
Thirdly are the actions we can make when we are at the office:
1. Manage office equipment energy use better
2. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products for the Office
3. Ask your office building manager if your office building has earned the ENERGY STAR.
4. Use less energy for your commute
5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Offices are part of the industries and company that provide technology and contribute greenhouse gases. Workers could also help through these actions. The better is to reduce, reuse and recycle the equipments to save energy and help the environment.
Fourthly are the actions we can make when we are at school:
For the Students, we can make the following actions:
1. Bring science to life
2. High school students check your school's climate impact
3. Get involved your College or University
For the Educators, you can make the following actions:
4. Teach students about climate change and ecosystems
5. Engage middle school students in estimating emissions
6. Learn from other educators
The Administrators could also do the following actions:
7. Save money and the environment
8. Estimate your emissions and take the challenge
9. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
As a student, educator and administrator or whoever what your occupation may be, with these steps we can make a very big difference in our world today and help minimize the release of greenhouse gases and lessen the greenhouse effect. These are the steps introduced by Environmental Protection Agency for the United States population but if we apply it in the our country we could also make a contribution to the emission cut discussed in the Poznan Summit and in the Earth’s Summit. People should be aware of the changes we feel and observed in our climate and in our surroundings. If we cannot resolved the emission of greenhouse gases, we can minimize it by doing what we think is right and could help our environment. Technology and big industries will still continue to grow, produce and use energy but with precautions to prevent the unbearably hot climate of the future. Technology will always be a technology but the technology today also turn into environment friendly technology to help in the stabilization of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration.
References:
1. Pearce, Fred. Instant Expert: Climate Change. 01 September 2006. Retrieved 12 December 2008
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn9903-instant-expert-climate-change.html
2. US Environmental Protection Agency. Recent Climate Change. 21 December 2007.
Retrieved 12 December 2008 http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/recentcc.html
3. Gupta, Joydeep. Climate change adding to hunger, illnesses worldwide. 2001-2008 NEWKERALA.COM. All Rights Reserved.
Retrieved 12 December 2008
http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-59439.html
4. http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg18124403.700
5. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/actionsteps.html
Assignment 4: December 19, 2008
But what is CLIMATE CHANGE? Literally, climate change is accordingly name-explanatory. Simply, it is a serious, crucial or vast change in climate and in the atmosphere. Years back, we have not imagined that the climate could change ultimately like what it is in the present and/or today. Climate change results could be seen by the melting and disappearing icebergs in the Arctic. Inuit people are the major witnesses of that change in the North. In South America and in European countries, the climate change can be observed by the lethal storms, floods, disappearing glaciers, numerous forest fires and fatal heat waves caused by too much heat from the sun. Climate change means a change in the atmosphere, in the earth’s temperature, in the storm cycles and the sea water level. These changes are observed now-a-days because of the substantial difference between the condition of the atmosphere before and its condition recently.
According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change or IPCC, climatologists articulate that global warming was caused by human activities. And this articulation creates a growing fear of the possible feedbacks that this warming could generate. Human activities stated were the burning of Earth’s natural resources such as coal, oil and natural gases. Because of the said activities, billions of tons carbon dioxide was released to the air which we called the ‘greenhouse gases’. The greenhouse effect has been introduced to science for a long of time. And carbon dioxide or CO2 as we all know is a greenhouse gas that traps the Sun’s radiation in the Earth’s lower atmosphere together with the other greenhouse gases such as the methane and the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gases. According to Pearce, if these current activities will certainly continue, the world’s temperature will exceed double from two degree Celsius up to five degrees Celsius which eventually means that the heat we feel during daytime will double and could easily burn our skin in seconds of staying under the sun. We may suffer from heat strokes and dehydration. This condition is the cause and effect of global warming. The arising of global temperature could result to the melting of icebergs, changes in the oceans, in the water vapor cycle and the possible changes in the cycle of vegetation.
Further, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency or EPA, these human activities have significantly contributed to the amount of these heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere since the dawn of agriculture and/or the start of the Industrial Era. The burning of fossil fuels and biomass such as the forest and vegetation has also contributed to the greenhouse effect by the production of aerosol entity from the burnt matter. This entity absorbs and release heat which results to reflect light. Even in the Philippines, the ‘kaingin’ system also contributes to the climate change. Aside from the fact that it destroys the natural diversity of plants and trees that live and give life to the mountains, it also make addition to the greenhouse gases present in the Earth’s atmosphere. By using of burned wood or ‘uling’ in daily cooking - three times a day, seven days a week, also means that large amount of greenhouse gases added to the atmosphere. According to the IPCC in 2007, the addition of greenhouse gases and aerosols has changed the composition of the atmosphere. The changes in the atmosphere have likely influenced temperature, precipitation, storms and sea level. It has influenced the mentioned because of the too much heat and light produced from by the heat-trapping gases. The IPCC predicted in their semi annual report that the major impacts of Climate change would be the lowered farm production, more frequent and severe droughts, floods and storms and rising of sea level. Warming is bringing other unpredictable changes. Melting glaciers in the Northern part of the world causing rivers to overflow, while in the other area evaporation cause rivers to die and empty. Diseases and illnesses are spreading even the number of death. Crops are damaged by diseases and strong typhoons and heavy rains with hurricanes; and others are destroyed by drought.
Is it possible that hunger and illnesses are caused by climate change? Well this speculation has been discussed by Joy deep Gupta in her article regarding climate change summit (Poznan Summit) and hunger and illnesses worldwide. A quote from her article says that “climate change summit is entering its final day without any sign of substantial progress, but climate change effects have progressed dramatically worldwide, adding to hunger and illnesses worldwide”. In just this year as discussed in the Poznan summit held in Poland, the drought that arises in Western Australia had been the major impact of climate change presently arising in the world. To struggle with the climate condition and in order to preserve bio-diversity, many have switched tin using bio-fuels. But the extreme change and the drought caused famine and food crisis to western Australian dwellers in this year of 2008. As a result according to Parry, a professor at the Imperial College in London and a former Co-chair of a working group at the IPCC, in this year 2008 “forty (40) million people had been added to the list of “at risk of hunger”, taking the total of 963 million or one-sixth of the world’s total population”. With the large industries causing this change, the most affected country would be the developing countries and poorest in the human population. Reduction of water supply and reduction in food production would the major effect of the changes in the climate.
In addition to the relation of hunger and sickness and climate change, Maria Niera of World Health Organization stated that ‘aside from the numerous number of people and countries at risk of hunger, many people also turn ill and/or diagnose to diseases because of the sudden change in climate’ in the Poznan Summit. She pointed out that safe water, food and clean air are all at risk to climate change. For further information, the Poznan Summit is a gathering of 3,000 negotiators of 186 countries and over 5,000 Non0government Organization representatives and scientists. The summit is held in Poznan, Poland on December 1-12, 2008 which concerns global warming and climate change, and its effect to the people and their living. Niera also pointed that public health depends on safe drinking water, sufficient food, secure shelter and safe houses, and good social condition. By the change of climate, all of the mentioned will be affected eventually and many would be ill if left unattended. And yet, the community of the poor people, which contributed least to greenhouse gas emissions, would be the much affected areas. Whenever, big pipes from the big industries released gases which largely contribute to the climate change, the poor society like us would be the first people to feel and respond to the effects of sudden rapid change.
Niera also enumerate some of the health effects made possible by climate change in the Poznan summit. Firstly, the health effects of climate change are the increasing frequencies of heat waves. Recent analyses showed that human-induced climate change significantly increased the likelihood of the European summer heat wave of 2003. In the country, I do not feel much heat wave when I stayed under the day; I could only feel that the heat of the sun is a little warmer than it used to be. Slight sunburn would later on be recognized in the skin; and if around noon and you stayed out for a long time, heat strokes might strike you down. Is that the effects of climate change? Maybe and possibly…
The second health effect is more variable rainfall patterns are likely to compromise the supply of freshwater, increasing risks of water-borne diseases. Yes, I have observed that these past few days, it always rains. If not heavy, slightly pouring the ground until wet. And rainy days could bring illnesses such as influenza, cold, coughs and even fever. Thirdly is the rising temperatures and variable rainfall are likely to decrease the production of staple foods in many of the poorest regions, increasing risks of malnutrition. This health effect is correct because food production varies on the weather condition of the atmosphere. If it rains heavily and/or if there are calamities due to typhoons, the crops would be damaged and possibly turn useless. No harvest would happen and farmers will have no food production. the affected poorest community will have no enough food supply and children could be malnourished due to lack of food.
Fourthly is the rising of sea levels could increase the risk of coastal flooding, and may necessitate population displacement. According to Niera, more than half the world's population now lives within 60 km of the sea. Some of the most vulnerable regions are the Nile delta in Egypt, the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, and many small islands, such as the Maldives, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu. It was in the year of 2005 or 2006 when Maldives was wiped out by a tsunami and every single pieces of island’s beauty was totally destroyed by the great wave. Great waves exist because of the change in the sea level and when it happens to a certain place, many people and business would be affected and damaged. Lastly is the changes in climate are likely to lengthen the transmission seasons of important vector-borne diseases such as malaria and chikunguniya, and to alter their geographic range, potentially bringing them to regions which lack either population immunity or a strong public health infrastructure. This last heath effect is quiet approving because whenever an area has change in climate such as unpredictable rain conditions, mosquitoes which causes malaria would eventually move out and gather. Like in our country, malaria is known because of some attacks it has made to some of the Filipinos. Our country is their likely to dwell because of the change in climate and of the vast population they can suck off blood for their food. Strange reality but yes, I could say that migration of diseases caused by pests could be possibly brought by the change in climate in their dwelling area.
Well, climate change is a really dangerous to happen. The population could suffer to calamities brought by change of weather from time to time, famine and food crisis would be recognize as an aftershock because when there are calamities, drought, floods and typhoons, lack in food supply would be rendered due to transportation and communication problem especially to the unreachable affected areas. When the time of the great flood from the rising of the sea level due to the melting of the ice in the North, everything in this world would be possibly destroyed just like what scientists predicted as the caused of the disappearance Dinosaurs. The human race would be vanished just the same as the dinosaurs. When the sun’s radiation would not be filtered by the atmosphere, we cannot go out of the house afraid of burning our skin due to too much heat. In other places, drought is much possible to worsen and no water supply might be found in water wells and rivers just like what is happening in Africa. When the change in vegetation would take place to its worse point, hunger and illnesses would possibly attack human race, and even death to the most affected.
If the climate’s temperature condition would be to the worse level, what should we do? Can we do something about it? If not totally resolve the rapid change in climate, can we do something to minimize its effect? According to Pearce in his article, the world has agreed to prevent the so called ‘dangerous’ climate change during the 1992 Earth Summit. The first action they had made was the response of 1997 Kyoto Protocol. The protocol was to bring the meek emission reductions industrialized countries like European countries, Australia, and United States. The protocol was then take place during 2005. In 2005, United States and Australia engaged to Kyoto protocol; and collaborated with other countries suggested the ‘clean fuel technologies’ as an alternative to emission cuts. But according to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), a quick improvement in energy usage efficiency is needed and development of renewable non-carbon fuels is very significant such as wind, solar, tidal or even nuclear power. With this suggestion also means new methods of converting clean energy into motive power such as hydrogen fuel cells for cars and mobile gadgets now a days. Other solutions mentioned in the article is the idea of mega-engineering covering the planet giant mirrors in order to prevent the Sun’s rays. The so-called Giant Mirror was brought by the engineers who make the idea of cloud seeding and got the plan to warm Siberia by melting the Arctic ice. The giant mirror could shade the planet by covering it with tiny metal balloons, seeding the oceans with iron to generate algal blooms and/or burying greenhouse gases below the sea. Sounds interesting for the climate scientist but the proposal were dismissed because of the cost, effectiveness and potential ecological impact it could bring. Aside from all of this ideas and suggestions in cutting emissions, the bottom line is we need to stabilize the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and temperature to prevent the unbearable heat our future may BRING.
As an IT student and concern individual, I could help minimize to the emission of greenhouse gases by saving energy efficiently in my home, when I am at school or going out. I will help and contribute to the emission by saving water and energy and/or electricity usage, and by disposing garbage waste properly. But there are actions and steps to help minimize the emission of greenhouse gases present in the Web. The Environmental Protection Agency introduced some actions steps we can make to contribute to the emission cut. There action steps are the following:
Firstly are the actions we can make when we are at home:
1. Change 5 lights
2. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products
3. Heat and cool smartly
4. Seal and insulate your home
5. Use green power
6. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
7. Be green in your yard
8. Use water efficiently
9. Spread the Word
With these actions in our home, we can save energy and lower the cost of our energy bills. We could also help to the environment and be the mediator of spreading the information to other people so that they will be aware of what is happening around them.
Secondly are the actions we can make when we are on the road and traveling:
1. Buy smart
2. Drive smart
3. Tune your ride
4. Check your tires
5. Give your car a break
6. Use Renewable Fuels
Smoke from the cars is one of the contributors of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. That’s the side effect of car technology that uses natural energy; the release of black smoke from the pipes causing air pollution to the air. This affects the people riding and/or walking.
Thirdly are the actions we can make when we are at the office:
1. Manage office equipment energy use better
2. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products for the Office
3. Ask your office building manager if your office building has earned the ENERGY STAR.
4. Use less energy for your commute
5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Offices are part of the industries and company that provide technology and contribute greenhouse gases. Workers could also help through these actions. The better is to reduce, reuse and recycle the equipments to save energy and help the environment.
Fourthly are the actions we can make when we are at school:
For the Students, we can make the following actions:
1. Bring science to life
2. High school students check your school's climate impact
3. Get involved your College or University
For the Educators, you can make the following actions:
4. Teach students about climate change and ecosystems
5. Engage middle school students in estimating emissions
6. Learn from other educators
The Administrators could also do the following actions:
7. Save money and the environment
8. Estimate your emissions and take the challenge
9. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
As a student, educator and administrator or whoever what your occupation may be, with these steps we can make a very big difference in our world today and help minimize the release of greenhouse gases and lessen the greenhouse effect. These are the steps introduced by Environmental Protection Agency for the United States population but if we apply it in the our country we could also make a contribution to the emission cut discussed in the Poznan Summit and in the Earth’s Summit. People should be aware of the changes we feel and observed in our climate and in our surroundings. If we cannot resolved the emission of greenhouse gases, we can minimize it by doing what we think is right and could help our environment. Technology and big industries will still continue to grow, produce and use energy but with precautions to prevent the unbearably hot climate of the future. Technology will always be a technology but the technology today also turn into environment friendly technology to help in the stabilization of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration.
References:
1. Pearce, Fred. Instant Expert: Climate Change. 01 September 2006. Retrieved 12 December 2008
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn9903-instant-expert-climate-change.html
2. US Environmental Protection Agency. Recent Climate Change. 21 December 2007.
Retrieved 12 December 2008 http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/recentcc.html
3. Gupta, Joydeep. Climate change adding to hunger, illnesses worldwide. 2001-2008 NEWKERALA.COM. All Rights Reserved.
Retrieved 12 December 2008
http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-59439.html
4. http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg18124403.700
5. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/actionsteps.html
Assignment 4: December 19, 2008
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