Oh That’s My Zone

Rather than focusing on a threat to climate change, I thought it would be nice to focus on something positive- the effects of reducing behaviors that are harmful to the atmosphere. Australian researchers have detected a recovery in ozone levels in the Antarctic Region. This detection is occurring 22 years after the Montreal Protocal ban on CFCs came into effect. Although this is exciting news, these researchers continuously have years in which the levels of the ozone fluctuate. This is confusing, making it difficult to track any progress. However, a recent study done by Murry Salby shows that this fluctuation is nothing to be concerned about. Salby and his team have credited this fluctuation to a certain pattern of weather known as dynamical forcing.

In the years when dynamical forcing is strong during the winter, more ice crystals form in the atmosphere. They then “form the surface on which chlorine destroys ozone, catalyzed by sunlight returning to the Antarctic during the spring” (Crow). With this discovery, it is easier to understand what is occurring in the atmosphere and why the ozone is not gradually healing. It is predicted that in 2085, the ozone levels will still fluctuate down to 1980 levels. This shows that the progress is slow and unstable. However, this study also shows that watching what we put into the atmosphere can save our ozone layer.

A good note to end on would be one of motivation for humans to be cautious of these things. Salby highlights that “the increase in ozone levels revealed by the calculations closely mirror the decrease in the levels of anthropogenic chlorine in the region” (Crow).

If you're anything like me, a definition wouldn't hurt
Courtesy of Google

Source:

Article by James Mitchell Crow http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=first-signs-of-ozone-hole-recovery-spotted

Christmas Already??

With Halloween decorations being dead and gone for nearly a week, it seems premature to be talking about Christmas. However, local radio stations are playing holiday music, stores have set up their trees, and an Elf has just been mentioned on a national television game show. Luckily, the Elf that the game show contestant was describing to the host has nothing to do with the upcoming holiday season. It is a type of vehicle that some might describe as a “bike-car”.

http://www.organictransit.com/

Crafted by a team of designers led by Rob Cotter, the Elf operates on a combination of human power (pedaling) and electrical or solar power. This development of two combined energy sources could prove to be beneficial to the environment AND human health. The Elf has normal bicycle pedals that can be operated by the driver. It can also be charged up either through an outlet or through the solar panels on its roof. (A full solar charge takes about seven hours and provides 30 miles of power). This solar energy source is based on the background theory of photoelectric application; photovoltaic cells are used to convert solar energy into electricity.

The inventors at Organic Transit have found that solar energy is powerful enough to operate a vehicle, and the Elf only maxes out at 20 mph in order to meet federal bicycle requirements. They have also found that this solar power can be combined with human power to create an efficient mode of transportation. A major conclusion made by these researchers is that the Elf will reduce carbon footprints in developed countries. In third world countries, they conclude that “the Elf could help shave hours off tasks like collecting water” (Stone).

I have learned that technology can be much more efficient when different types of energy are combined. With the development of the energy-efficient Elf, people will not have to pay for gas. They will also be able to get exercise while traveling, rather than simply sitting in a car. This invention is extremely promising and reasonable. Although the current top speed is 20 mph, future development could maximize this speed, qualifying the Elf as a “car”. It appeals to buyers because of the low cost (roughly $5,000). It also encourages physical activity that is built directly into the daily schedule. Amidst the numerous benefits, perhaps the most notable outcome of this energy development is the reliance on solar energy and human power rather than earth-harming fossil fuels.

The Elf is currently being sold, and it has already been distributed to its major supporters from Kickstarter. I guess it was an early Christmas for them!

Sources:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=is-this-solar-powered-half-electric-2013-01

http://library.thinkquest.org/20331/types/solar/theory.html

http://www.organictransit.com/order/