Practicing "Sustainability"

Our concerns about the environment are countered by our need for economic development which entails the use of energy to increase production to generate income to sustain society.  Our cleanest sources of energy are solar energy from the sun and wind to propel windmills and lastly the power of flowing water to turn water wheels also, in all cases generate electricity. And here in lies the predicament. How do those who generate wealth from our usual source of energy generation prevent people from using sun, wind and water to create their own electricity? Simply, by the price of obtaining the technology.  In oil and gas industry, prices are falling to maintain a competitive advantage to secure their sources of income, not only for personal profit but to sustain production and utilities to citizens in their charge.  Technological research should be geared towards counteracting the effects of carbon footprints by creating systems to utilise the carbons we produce. Carbon is a basic element in all facets of evolution. We are a carbon based evolution in all life forums and the foods we require for survival. Without carbon we cannot survive. Where are the creative minds we need to recycle carbons we produce?  Global warming and its opposite, ice age are all part of the history of evolution. Man, even before advent of technology adapted to suite. Over 300,000 years of ice sits on our polar caps. The caps are melting. Why aren't we harvesting our ice for future use? An Arab state, which I can’t recall, towed icebergs into the Middle -East to make use of fresh water. Global warming will adversely affect temperate regions more so, than tropical regions. But the crux of this issue lies in the fact that developed countries have trampled the environment with carbon footprints now, being aware of their abuse, want to blame developing countries for adapting their methods for economic development and success. Like an European warned, they will be flooding the tropics to survive and we in the tropics would once again be subjected to their exploitive missions. Be warned.

No Bees- Decline in our Ecosystem

For the past few years in Trinidad we've all heard about deaths caused by bees which brought us to think of them as a danger to our livelihood. But does that give us the right to judge our ecosystem and put practices (bee-killing pesticides) in place to decline the bee population? Ask yourself this question: What if there were no bees?

In Trinidad, bees are of major importance to us in 2 main categories: 1) Pollination and 2) Our local produce-Honey. Without pollinators such as bees, many food produce will decline and die off such as: cabbage, broccoli, watermelon, carrots, paw paw, pigeon peas etc. which sustain our human diet. Also with this decline, will lead in a drop of animal produce as well since most depend on plant material as a food source.

Another major factor is the production of honey. It was stated that local honey production exceeded $7 million in sales before the decline. The production of wax from beeswax has also contributed to our economy by the construction of candles, hair food and creams locally made.  Since 2005 there has been a decline in beekeepers going from 720 to 350 which is leading to a devastating impact in our country.

Despite we are in the trials of educating the public on bees, a ban on bee-harming pesticides and the promotion of ecological farming should be 2 other practices in place.

With this, I leave you with a quote: Einstein once said- “If the bee disappeared of the surface of the globe then man would have only four years of life left.”  

Patents Go Green

            There are numerous possibilities which are enabling today’s population to mitigate the impact of human activity on the environment. One of the main possibilities lies with technology. This resolution involves research into technical methods to help safeguard the environment without the disturbance of human activity. In other words, “clean” or “green” inventions are being created to conserve and protect the destruction being imposed to the environment, so that we would not have to radically change our lifestyles.

Over the last few years, the relationship between environmental sustainability and intellectual property has frequently captured the headlines. Patents are the most significant vehicle to foster technological revolution.

Technology in the 21^st century is becoming more and more innovative with respect to ideas and the expressed creations of the mind. New inventions are being thought about and made to help mitigate or reverse the effects of human activity on the environment.  The fact remains that inventions and patents are the key to the green revolution, for only technological innovations will allow us to contain the effects of human activity on the environment.

            For example, several brands of cars are now “Going Green” in order to enhance sustainable development. According to the CleanTech focused website, “CleanTechnica,” Toyota is moving and shaking in clean energy patents and leading green technology patents for the third consecutive quarter according to reports. Toyota’s patents were first and foremost in the fuel cell technology. This will have strong benefits over conventional combustion based technologies, in that, the product is water vapour instead of greenhouse gases and air pollution which create smog and cause health problems.

            On the other side of things, Nokia is a mobile company which is trying to move in a more sustainable way. The company has filed a patent application in which the phone will charge up based on the movement of the user. Based on the article “Piezoelectric Kinetic Energy Harvester,” reports are wondering if this could be the start of the next generation of renewable energy cell phones. This will be a major advantage and opportunity for persons in developing countries with restricted electricity access. Imagine a person going about their everyday activities and the device is charging itself. A patent like this is major news!

            With this being said, these two corporations, Toyota and Nokia are examples of industries utilizing more ecological technologies. Imagine the possibilities that still exist for not only industries, but us as individuals to create a more eco-friendly environment. 

A Vile Biz- End Commercial Whaling!!!!!!!!

(Whales - Slaughter - 17)  Recently slaughtered Pilot Whales are prepared to be chopped and diced for food and "byproducts" after massive roundups in the once-scenic Faroe Islands of Denmark.
Photo from: Lail-Alsahara

Several countries such as Japan, Norway and Iceland kill approximately 2000 whales each year in order to gain a profit by trading whale meat or whale products. Despite the ban on commercial whaling which was introduced in 1986 by the International Whaling Commission (IWC), there has been over 30,000 whales which have been killed due to loopholes of some countries.

The whale population is faced by daily threats and the act (hunting) of humans are adding onto the strain of the diminishing populations.The act of whaling is cruel and inhumane. The way a whale's death is usually subjected is by grenade harpoons which give them a long, slow and painful death. As humans, question yourself on that torturous act! Is it fair the way we treat these aquatic mammals?

Whales play an important role in the ecosystem in the co-evolution of predator and pray by influencing the marine food chain. Additionally, to the evidence of commensal relationships with several other species such as birds.

In order to help halt this process permanently awareness as well as public help given to the whaling organizations will aid them in conservation efforts. 

You Lead, We Follow!

There is this saying which goes, “You Lead, We Follow.” With respect to this saying, the strongest usually lead and the rest just goes behind following. Being a third world country we try to shadow and look up to first world nations. Both developing and least developed nations see developed countries as an example to imitate. However, is it that everything the first world nations do is RIGHT?

The environment and climate warming crisis we face today occur due to the use of pollution, creating substances adapted by developed (first world) economies to bring them to their level of wealth that they are presently enjoying. Now, one may not think so or by pass this because of their level, being a first world nation.

Developing countries are now being castigated because they are using the same system to create wealth. Now I may ask, are we to be blamed solely?  New technologies to preserve a safe environment are now being used by wealthy countries to, not only generate their wealth, but to force developing countries to import their technologies to control development and milk more cash into their systems.

Climate change will take a long time to impact tropical countries. We, in tropical countries must be prepared to deal with the new wave of exploiters that once committed genocide and instituted slavery to clear and work land to produce crops and raise cows.

Are we prepared to resist or would we bow our heads and worship the new masters?

Major Oil Spill in Trinidad- Let's see the bigger picture!!!!

Several questions are being asked for the past few days whether it was a lack of management on Petrotrin's behalf or if sabotage was suspected. According to reports, President of Petrotrin, Khalid Hassanali said he had received a report that oil had been deliberately spill by leaving a tank valve open at Trinity Oil and Gas, one of Petrotrin's lease operators. My question is, "why would an individual even do such deed???" According to Ancel Roget, President of OWTU said Petrotrin is short by some 273 security officers. Now, I do not know how true this is but what I do know is now is not the time for dispute between Petrotrin and the OWTU, but to see the bigger picture that is to work together with several authorities in place (EMA, WASA, Ministry of Energy and the Environment and Health, IMA) to help control this "Environmental Disaster" which has occurred. 

In yesterday's news, it was reported that an SOS was sent out to one of the largest oil spill response companies in the US to help clean up the spill in La Brea. Several residents have been affected by this oil spill resulting in nausea and headaches. Marine life of more concern is of greater danger and risk as this can reduce the population and species number in Trinidad as well as affect the lives of humans as this is a source of food and income to us. Such marine life is of risk for example, adult fish may experience reduced growth, enlarged livers, changes in respiration and heart rates, reproduction impairment and also has effects on larval survival.

With this being said the EMA is currently looking into what steps can be taken to better enforce compliance with environmental laws as well as the management of Petrotrin and is boosting security around fuel installations amongst the south-western area. Let's just hope this enforcement of laws and boost of security continues repeatedly and not only when there is a "disaster". 

Let's all wish for the best that this oil spill suppresses very soon and that the effects are limited on both marine and human life. 

Oil covering a Station Beach in La Brea on south-west Trinidad. Kristian de Silva/ Trinidad and Tobago Guardian.

Employees of state-owned Petrotrin pull a containment boom as the try to contain the spread of the oil spill at Queen's Beach La Brea yesterday. Petrotrin has now entered into it's sixth day of clean up of the oil spill along the south-western coastline which is affecting communities from La Brea to Cedros. PHOTO: RISHI RAGOONATH

A GREAT REVOLUTIONARY!!!!

Despite this blog is about conserving the Environment I would like to take some time and pay respect to one of the greatest men on earth, The Honourable Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Throughout his 95 years he became an idol and an inspiration to many throughout several nations. He was a Freedom fighter, prisoner, moral compass and South Africa's symbol of the struggle against racial oppression.

Mandela was an African Nationalist and believed in democracy, driven by belief in natural and human rights. With this, it drove him to not only pursue racial equality but also to promote gay rights as part of the post-apartheid reforms. Despite all his struggles he fought for what he thought was best for his country and people and with this I will end with stimulating quotes of a simple, humble and inspirational man:

“No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” —Long Walk to Freedom

“Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is people who have made poverty and tolerated poverty, and it is people who will overcome it. And overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.”

“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.”

R.I.P The Honourable Nelson Mandela, you will always be remembered for your ENORMITY!!!!