Another Global Threat: Soil Pollution

By Riley Boag

While the Coronavirus should not be taken lightly, there still are many other issues facing the world, whether it be climate change or something else along those lines. One of those issues happens to be the pollution of soil worldwide. Huge industrialization and human activities such as a spray of various chemicals to kill pests and herbs could leach out into the soil, resulting in raised levels of toxic agents and chemicals in soil. Soil contamination may not only negatively affect the health of people residing in the vicinity but also result in weak plant growth for the future, due to a decline in the level of soil fertility. Numerous cases of diseases affecting people as a result of soil pollution have been reported in several regions of the US such as New Jersey, Tennessee, Montana, according to Bioexplorer.

Many activities can lead to soil pollution. Some of these are, but not limited to, industrial activity, agricultural activity, waste disposal, and acid rain, according to Rinkesh of Conserve Energy Future. Most industries are dependent on extracting minerals from the Earth. Whether it is iron ore or coal, the by-products are contaminated and they are not disposed of in a manner that can be considered safe. As a result, the industrial waste lingers in the soil surface for a long time and makes it unsuitable for other use (Rinkesh). Agricultural activity is a big polluter as well. Chemical utilization has gone up tremendously since technology provided us with modern pesticides and fertilizers. They are full of chemicals that are not produced in nature and cannot be broken down by it. As a result, they seep into the ground after they mix with water and slowly reduce the fertility of the soil (Rinkesh).

Finally, a growing cause for concern is how we dispose of our waste. While industrial waste is sure to cause contamination, there is another way in which we are adding to the pollution. Every human produces a certain amount of personal waste products by way or urine and feces. While much of it moves into the sewer system, there is also a large amount that is dumped directly into landfills in the form of diapers. Even the sewer system sludge often ends up at the landfill, where the biological waste pollutes the soil and water. This is because our bodies are full of toxins and chemicals, which are now seeping into the land and causing pollution of soil.

There are a plethora of examples of this pollution happening in my home county alone. In Bergen County in 2014, there was groundwater contamination in the town of Garfield. The former E.C. Electroplating Company's activity at its Garfield site spilled and leaked cancer-causing chromium into the ground, creating a plume of groundwater contamination at least a half a mile wide. One of New Jersey's orphan sites, the EPA hasn't identified a funding source for a cleanup, and says there's "insufficient data" to measure the risk it poses to the surrounding community.

Obviously, scientists and geologists and other professionals have been working tirelessly to find ways to combat this pollution. A number of ways have been suggested to curb the current rate of pollution. Such attempts at cleaning up the environment require plenty of time and resources. Industries have been given regulations for the disposal of hazardous waste, which aims at minimizing the area that becomes polluted. Organic methods of farming are being supported, which do not use chemical-laden pesticides and fertilizers. Use of plants that can remove the pollutants from the soil is being encouraged. However, the road ahead is quite long and the prevention of soil pollution will take many more years.

Works Cited

BioExplorer. “Top 15 Current Environmental Issues In America: Biology Explorer.” Bio Explorer, 7 July 2019, www.bioexplorer.net/current-environmental-issues-usa.html/#1_Contaminated_Soil.

Rinkesh, J. “Causes and Effects of Soil Pollution on the Environment and Human Health.” Conserve Energy Future, 12 Apr. 2019, www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-soil-pollution.php.

Sullivan, S.P., and NJ Advance Media. “The Most Toxic Sites in Each New Jersey County.” Nj, 6 Apr. 2017, www.nj.com/news/2017/04/the_most_toxic_sites_in_each_new_jersey_county.html

Plastic Pollution Comes Home

By Nicole Kenyon

I recently watched a film called “A Plastic Ocean.” I can recall many times where I have heard that there are insane amounts of plastic and garbage in the oceans and I don’t think it ever dawned on me, maybe because it didn’t affect me or because I never thought about it in such a more complex way. When I was living in Florida there was one point I was working in a restaurant and we stopped providing plastic straws and started providing paper straws per requests. Everyone kept saying “We have to save the turtles.” “Look at those turtles with plastic straws sticking out of their noses.” But that was the only time I thought about it, I honestly didn’t know how much plastic and garbage flooded our oceans. I never took some of the things this documentary stated into consideration.

The main thing that stuck out to me so much in this documentary was when they were talking about how all this plastic affects our food chain. When there are massive amounts of plastic in our oceans and the wildlife consumes this plastic and then we consume these fish we are consuming the harmful toxins as well. When they started showing the seabirds and how from birth these baby seabirds are eating plastic. They show many studies about finding safe effective ways to see how much plastic these birds and fish and other sea life and wildlife are eating. There were birds dead on the beach and when collected and brought into the lab their stomach were cut open and you were clearly able to see that there was no room in this birds stomach for food because there was so much plastic. There is proof that at least 90% of seabirds have consumed plastic at one point or another. The most plastic that they have pulled out of a 90-day old chick was 276 pieces of plastic.

“Plastic doesn’t break down, it breaks up.” This is one of those examples that I mentioned above that I didn’t take into consideration. This documentary showed a submarine go down about 5,300 feet deep where sunlight doesn’t even reach and showed plastic bottles and plastic bags and other plastic things. I knew that plastic never really decomposed, but I never thought about what really happened. They showed you in this documentary that they were able to skim the top of the ocean and collect tiny pieces of plastic, all different colors and different sizes. In Hong Kong there was a shipment that crashed and there were tiny plastic pellets all over the beaches and in the ocean. This was in Chi Ma Wan and Sinopec is the company that distributed these plastic pellets. When they showed these, I had no awareness that this has happened in another country. They showed that Sinopec sent people to help clean up as best as they can, and people from all over came out to help clean this up. One person stated, “It looks like snow on the beach, that’s how many little white plastic pellets are everywhere.” That made me speechless.

           

Sometimes I find myself much more unaware of what is going on in other countries than I like to admit. When they showed you on this documentary that villages are covered in garbage and slug and plastic and it’s because in their area there is no landfill, there isn’t any garbage services and it makes me take a step back. In some countries to light fires to cook their food they were using plastic. Burning plastic in general smells bad and burns your eyes, I can’t imagine cooking my food with burning plastic. When igniting a fire, burning plastic was a lot cheaper than buying gas or kerosene. In this documentary the families using plastic to ignite their fires stated that they have gotten so use to it to the point where it doesn’t bother them anymore.

            

There was something stated in this documentary that has been stuck in my mind since I watched it. Towards the end of the film journalist Craig Leeson made a comment that I found very interesting. “Every other species does something to try and work towards the benefits of the environment that they live in, but humans don’t.” I keep replaying that repeatedly in my head to figure out if that’s a true statement or an opinion. 

I thought it was amazing that the film showed ways that we, as a community can start making a difference on how much plastic is produced and how to decompose of it in a healthy and safer way. They mentioned Bioremediation which is “The use of natural organisms to break down hazardous substances into less toxic or nontoxic substances.” I am so amazed by that, and one of the reasons is because I feel like the world has become much more mature with technology and we can keep finding new ways to help not only our oceans but our planet.

Work Cited

Ruxton, J. (Producer) Leipzig, A. (Producer) & Leeson, C. (Director). 2016. A Plastic Ocean

https://www.netflix.com/

Renewable Energy Crucial to Future

By Allison Varga

It is a fact that our current reliance on energy sources like fossil fuels are doing a lot of harm to our planet. They are expensive, polluting our water supplies, the air that we breathe, and are huge contributors to the greenhouse effect thus leading to global climate change. The good news is that there are alternatives. We know that there are a plethora of clean renewable energy sources that have incredible potential that we have only begun to tap into. Only positives can come from utilizing these types of energies; they are cost effective, bountiful, and above all else are environmentally friendly.

           

Fossil fuels include coal, petroleum (oil), and natural gas. Although these energy sources have been producing energy for us for centuries, they are not sustainable. Fracked gas for example requires drilling and polluting nearby water sources as well as polluting the air with the factories needed to refine it. Oil wells often encroach on native land like rainforests which destroys the ecosystems as well as displaces indigenous tribes. 

Matt Smith advocates for better sources of power. He is the New Jersey State Director for Food & Water Action and discussed his work with our class. He talked about how his work “focuses on protecting clean and affordable public water, stopping the expansion of polluting fossil fuel infrastructure, and facilitating a rapid and fair transition to a 100% renewable energy economy” (Food and Water Watch). His mission shows how crucial the need to turn to renewable energy sources really is. He urged us to contact our governor Phil Murphy and get him to issue a moratorium on all new fossil fuel projects. 

We can also limit our greenhouse gas emissions by rejecting the air quality permit. Murphy campaigned saying that New Jersey would be on 100% renewable energy by 2050, so we need to take a stand now. Another guest speaker, Paula Rogovin enlightened us about how we could get involved in something similar to the Meadowlands Coalition. Through working in coalition with other groups that have similar values and goals, they were able to stop the fracking. She also suggested that we can all help spread the news through petitions, rallies, strikes, calling the governor’s office, forums, and through social media. By advocating for renewable energy, we are paving the way for a brighter tomorrow and there are many alternative sources that we reap the benefits from.

           

Clean energy is the energy not only for the future but for now. It can create jobs, reduce energy bills, and is sustainable. Types of renewable energy source options include: solar, wind, and water fueled. By using the natural earth elements there is an abundant amount of energy and the generation of energy is renewable. Changing our dependence on energy sources can open up a world of possibilities. Some examples of these resources are solar panels, which Ramapo College of New Jersey have already installed to cut down on costs and to be eco friendly. The college has also implemented environmental clubs such as 1Step. This organization helps bring awareness to ways to be more mindful about lifestyles including switching to fully clean energy. 

Other possibilities that are already being used are wind turbines that can be set up off the coasts, and water turbines powered either through waterfalls or another moving water source. All of these options are proven effective and this area is also subject to more innovative advancements that could be even more helpful. The industry of renewable fuel is continually on the rise. There are smart grid technologies that can convert and stabilize these energies to power more people at a lower rate than traditional fossil fuels. These new facilities would also create jobs, helping the economy and allow for the full transition to sustainable energy in the near future. This would also allow the United States of America to be less dependent on foreign outside energy sources which can again help with financing and limiting our dependence on imported fuels. Another benefit is that it is sustainable, meaning that it can last for generations to come. Along with that, the ultimate reward would be the betterment of our planet. Earth is suffering tremendously from our actions and it is our job to reverse the damage. By utilizing these sustainable renewable energy approaches, we can restore the balance of nature.

            

Overall renewable energy is the only way to go moving forward; it is cost effective, natural, and is sustainable. Now is the time to make the switch so that we can have an impact on the future generations if we still want Earth to be able to continue to support life. An example of just how severe the current situation is is the new illness. Presently, we are in a state of panic. The COVID-19 virus has turned into a pandemic. This year can be the wake call that is so desperately needed to start treating the planet better and this includes putting renewable energy at the forefront of our minds as soon as possible. Our energy is also a global crisis because it can make or break our planet.

Works Cited

“Matt Smith.” Food & Water Watch, 17 Oct. 2019, www.foodandwaterwatch.org/bio/matt-smith.

M. Liserre, T. Sauter and J. Y. Hung, "Future Energy Systems: Integrating Renewable Energy Sources into the Smart Power Grid Through Industrial Electronics," in IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 18-37, March 2010.

Rogovin, Paula. “Don't Gas the Meadowlands Coalition.”, 11 March 2020, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah, NJ. Guest Lecture.

Coronavirus and the Global Climate

 By Ally Da Costa

These past few months with the Coronavirus spreading has left people in a panic and the economy to shift drastically. So far in the US there have been five hundred, thirty four deaths and has been doubling every three days. With calls to close businesses and having people stay in their homes unless it is totally necessary. Everyday crowded places like Times Square are becoming ghost towns while people quarantine inside to hopefully slow the spread of the virus. It is almost as if the world stopped and humans disappeared to try and fix what's going on in the world. So far we've been able to see what a big difference people spending less time in their cars outside and have every business and factory running has on the environment.

Ever since people have been told to stay inside unless they need to go outside the effects are starting to be seen more clearer. Like we've seen for recent natural disasters many are trying to come to the aid because of this disease. The reactions from the government and people have been huge. Almost every other commercial you see on tv is about what you can do to stop the spread of the coronavirus, it has gotten so much attention so quickly because it is affecting our day to day lives right now. 

But issues like global warming which affect us both now and later don't get nearly enough attention as the pandemic has been getting. Many have stated that if we approach topics such as global warming as we do the coronavirus we would see more results and the impact would be so much greater. Political scientist Leah Stokes spoke out saying that using aggressive steps to reduce planet-warming emissions “such as investing in solar and wind power, switching to electric cars and requiring more efficient buildings(Roth 2020).” would not disrupt people's daily lives nearly as much as the quarantine people must go through with coronavirus. So why is it not being implemented into our lives to help the planet if it won't disrupt our daily lives? 

With less travel by plane and car and having businesses that are deemed unessential closed down, we are seeing positive effects on the environment. Air pollution is down in major cities due to this decrease in work. Other examples of changes we are seeing: in Venice the “water canals are clear due to no boat traffic and you are able to see the fish(Newburger 2020).” “Air pollution in China has plunged(Newburger 2020).” But experts are saying that these results are only temporary because when life starts up to how it normally is everything returns to how it has always been. 

If people paid closer attention to the scientists’ warnings, then we would be able to see a change for the future of global warming. Pandemics are often fast moving and everyone is rushing to stop it, but that same speed isn't taken with global warming. We can learn by being unprepared for this pandemic to prepare for the future of the climate which may be slower moving but still can affect us day to day.

One thing that the coronavirus is teaching us is that we may not be ready to deal with a climate based emergency, which is why we should care about climate change now rather than later when we have no time left. If we experience a climate emergency then people, like animals, will be “forced to migrate, likely in paralleling other animal species: away from extreme weather phenomena and warming regions towards higher altitudes(Zhang 2020).” When this happens people will be near others that may not have the same body systems as them and have been exposed to what they have in their original living areas, thus bringing things like diseases to areas that could be fatal to people or animals. 

People have not yet realized that this is an issue that we have to deal with now rather than later before we have no options because we waited too long. Though the coronavirus has brought numerous negatives, hopefully one positive is that people now see that the US has to be more prepared for the future and that global warming is one matter that can't be put off too long. 

        

       

                                                  Bibliography 

Roth, Sammy. “Here's What a Coronavirus-like Response to the Climate Crisis Would Look Like.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2020, www.latimes.com/environment/story/2020-03-24/what-coronavirus-like-response-to-climate-crisis-would-look-like.

Newburger, Emma. “Air Pollution Falls as Coronavirus Slows Travel, but Scientists Warn of Longer-Term Threat to Climate Change Progress.” CNBC, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2020, www.cnbc.com/2020/03/21/air-pollution-falls-as-coronavirus-slows-travel-but-it-forms-a-new-threat.html.

Zhang, Jennifer, et al. “Coronavirus Response Shows the World May Not Be Ready for Climate-Induced Pandemics.” State of the Planet, 27 Feb. 2020, blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2020/02/24/coronavirus-climate-induced-pandemics/.

Mental Health, Climate Change, and COVID-19

By Madeline Hendl

          

 It is becoming even more apparent in the time of COVID-19 how important mental health is to our well-being. In times of great stress such as a pandemic, natural disasters, and climate change, it invokes an “anxiety-response as well as chronic and severe mental disorders” (Morganstein 2017). Not only does anxiety increase, but aggressive behavior and domestic violence increases as well in times of stress. For the people not at risk of developing situational anxiety or making a preexisting condition worse, the actions of others due to aggression could put them at risk. The world needs to realize the importance of maintaining mental health not only in a crisis but in the ever-changing climate of our world.

For people already struggling with mental illness, the changing climate of the Earth can have several different negative effects to their well-being. In some psychiatric drugs, hot weather can interfere with how effective the medication is. In some cases, patients are unable to control their body temperature because of the drug and when there is hot weather, it can lead to injury or death.

In terms of pandemics and natural disasters, individuals with chronic or severe mental illnesses rely on services provided by the community to survive. With warming climate, more natural disasters will occur leaving devastation in its path. With devastation comes closures of many of the resources that these people rely upon to function. If individuals with mental illness cannot get access to counseling, medication, care-givers, and other resources, their conditions can worsen and cause the suicide rate to increase.

As well as the mentally ill, groups who are put at risk of developing disorders include first responders, doctors, and other emergency workers. These people see the worst side of climate change in the form of disease and natural disasters. They are surrounded by destruction and death while being expected to work around the clock to provide care to the victims. These people are at a substantially higher risk of developing anxiety-related disorders such as panic disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.

In terms of mental health care, the COVID-19 virus is bringing forward the importance of talking about problems and how stress during uncertain times has negative mental affects. There will be a time after this virus and the United States government needs to plan ahead for that time. Mental health among not only the United States population but of all countries affected by the virus will have declined drastically. Due to this high demand, the government needs to implement universal mental health care to all people. By doing this, the potental rise in the suicide rate will stop and people will get the care that they desperately need. However, universal mental health care should not end with the virus. Proper treatment of mental health is essential for everyday function and will lead to a better outcome overall.

During this crisis, some organizations and practices, such as Bergen County Therapy, have gone online to offer their services through social media. Bergen County Therapy has started a Facebook group where the sole purpose is to give people the resources to reduce stress and anxiety from home during social distancing and quarantine. What they are doing is helping a lot of people who desperately need a distraction from the anxiety provoking media and want to destress. What they are doing is amazing and they are front runners in the future of mental health care.

Changing climate of the Earth is having a largely negative impact on not only the Earth, but on the mental health of the population. Natural disasters and pandemics bring unwanted stress into our lives and completely turn it upside-down. By changing the way mental health is treated in the changing times is essential to better the quality of life for not only the mentally ill but for the neurotypical population as well.

Work Cited

         “How Extreme Weather Events Affect Mental Health.” Edited by Joshua Morganstein, Psychiatry.org, American Psychiatric Association, Mar. 2017, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/climate-change-and-mental-health-connections/affects-on-mental-health.