Why Owls Are Amazing

Owl

Why owls are amazing

Three things I love about owls, and you should too!

I’d say that the owl was probably my favourite bird. I know there’s a lot of love out there for parrots and eagles, some people like flamingoes, but the owl is the coolest bird by far in my eyes. There’s a certain Britishness about them that I really like, and even though they are beautiful creatures, they are also a bit scary too. Mysterious even.
If you don’t know anything about these amazing birds, then you’re about to, as I’m going to hit you with a bit of owl related realness. I just hope you can handle what myself and my fine-feathered friends are throwing down!
Watch Their Spit
When an owl spits something out of its mouth, it’s very rarely clearing it’s throat! It’s actually a pellet made up of waste from their prey! Owls eat mice, squirrels, rabbits and other small animals, but because they don’t have any teeth, they have to swallow them whole! Obviously, they don’t eat rabbits whole (that would be weird!), but cut them up into pieces with their razor sharp claws and a beak. They then regurgitate what they can’t digest, such as the fur and bones, and turn them into a pellet that they spit out as waste, so watch out!
Silence is Golden
Over the years, many different species of owls have managed to master the art of flying in almost total silence. Not only are the leading edges of their primary feathers stiff to reduce noise, their trailing edge has soft fringes to reduce turbulence. This of course helps them to hunt there pray in close to silence. They didn’t even see, let alone HEAR, what was coming! Whoosh, gone.
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
The owl is very famous for its piercing yellow eyes that look like they could put you in a trance if you stared too long. But did you know, that the owl’s eyes are fixed in their sockets? This means to be able to look around, they have to move their whole head to be able to check out what’s going on, and have a 270 degree field of view. They also binocular vision, which means when they do see something, the can REALLY see it!
One of the forest’s most deadly predators, the owl is the coolest bird on the planet in my opinion. Even you must think that now you know a little bit more about them!

Ali McDermott is a freelance journalist in the UK. He specializes in writing for the charity sector. In his free time you’ll find him drumming up funds for a range of charities usually with a pair of football boots on! udopt cares about animals and their welfare, each month conservation supporters from all over the world take the first steps in adopting an animal. We aim to bring charities and people together in a unique space where all the family can learn about conservation issues.

3 Reasons Why You Should Protect Wildlife

There are a lot of wonders in the world and among them are wildlife species, such as bears, mountain goats, wolves, elk, and deer. Most people think that there is an abundance of wildlife species in the world, but the truth is, their numbers are dwindling and if nothing is done about it, these species might become endangered and extinct. Animals become endangered all the time and people are not aware about it. Thankfully, more and more preservation programs have been established to ensure that these animals are protected, bred, and well-taken care of. These preservation programs motivate and increase the awareness of the public regarding the proper management of natural resources.

What Is Wildlife Conservation?

Wildlife conservation is the attempt to protect endangered animal and plant species, along with their natural habitat. The main objective of this practice is to make sure that their habitats will be preserved so that the future generations of both wildlife and human can enjoy it. Additionally, wildlife conservation aims to raise awareness regarding the importance of wildlife and wilderness.

Today, there are now government bureaus and organizations that help promote different wildlife conservation areas. The government also aims to implement certain policies that are specifically created to protect the animals.

It is essential to take actions to protect wildlife from extinction. By doing so, we do not only ensure their survival, but also the diversity of the ecosystem. As a result, it will help improve the ecological health of the earth. Listed below are some of the reasons why wildlife protection is essential.

Promote Biodiversity

Biodiversity is essential for a healthy and functional ecosystem. If wildlife is extracted from its natural habitat, the delicate balance of the ecosystem will be disturbed which will then lead to disastrous results. For instance, there is a wide diversity of species living in a tropical rain forest. If any species should become extinct, the food chain will be disrupted affecting all the species. For this reason, promoting biodiversity is one of the main reasons why we should protect wildlife.

Beneficial For Humans

One can learn a lot from animals which can benefit the human race. For instance, a lot of medicines have been derived from the chemicals produced by animals. These medicines are then used to help cure various health conditions, such as heart diseases, disorders, and other illnesses. In fact, based on the statistics provided by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 25% of the medicinal prescriptions given every year contain chemicals from animals. For instance, there are scientists who are studying venom from the pit viper to cure the symptoms of Melanoma, and the venom from a tarantula can help fight neurological disorders.

Wildlife protection is essential because if the animal is gone, it will be impossible to study and learn from them. Unfortunately, a lot of wildlife has disappeared from earth due to human activities, such as the Bali tiger, Mexican grizzly bear, and the Japanese wolf.

Conservation Of Natural Habitat

When we conserve and protect the natural habitat of wildlife species, we enrich our planet. To do so, we must keep the animals in their natural place. Conservation of natural habitats will also be beneficial for humans since it helps keep the essential watersheds intact and ensuring clean, fresh water.

Today, there are now wildlife preservation programs wherein they allow the animals to roam freely in their natural habitat. Some of these programs also allow the animals to interact with humans. This is beneficial since it educates the people and raises awareness regarding the importance of protecting these wildlife species.

These are just some of the reasons why everyone should work together to protect the different species of wildlife. Thankfully, there are now national parks that provide the best natural habitats for various species.

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The author, Kris Lim, is a wildlife conservationist. She writes about the importance of protecting wildlife species to help inform her readers. Some of her written works have also been used by natural and wildlife safari park websites, such as http://yellowstonebearworld.com/

4 Common Acts Of Animal Cruelty

Most of us have heard the term “animal cruelty”, but a lot of people do not fully understand what it is, especially since the definition of animal cruelty may vary. For instance, an animal activist’s definition may be different from that of a hunter or farmer. Additionally, the legal definition may also vary by state.

Every state has different laws which forbids cruelty to animals. The main objective of these laws is to prevent violence against creatures big and small by imposing penalties and prison time.

If you want to know what actions and behaviors constitute cruelty towards animals, you need to read on. These acts will not only land a person in jail with additional fines and penalties, but they can also endanger the lives of the animals involved.

Neglect

Neglect is the owner’s failure to provide the basic necessities and care that is due to the animals. Failure to provide water, food, shelter, and veterinary care can be deemed as cruelty against animals. Some of the most common examples of neglect may comprise of:

  • Starvation
  • Dehydration
  • Parasite Infestation
  • Failure to seek vet care
  • Failing to change the collar as the animal grows
  • Confinement without light, proper ventilation, and enough space

Neglect is considered as a lesser felony of animal cruelty. As an owner, you have duties and responsibilities which you need to fulfill. Failure to do so might lead to severe consequences and legal ramifications.

Intentional Cruelty

The brutality of intentional cruelty against animals is even more disturbing than the owner’s neglect and indifference. This act involves deliberately harming the animals physically, or inflicting injury towards them. The act may also involve beating, maiming, stabbing or poisoning any mammal.

However, if a person has been accused of intentionally hurting or injuring an animal, it can be a very challenging case since it is hard to prove. Witnesses may choose not to testify due to threats, or there were no eyewitnesses at all.

Animal Hoarding

This is another unique case of animal cruelty. A hoarder is someone who collects large numbers of animals. Hoarders usually start collecting stray dogs or cats with the best intentions; unfortunately, they are unable to control their impulsions. They want to save these creatures, but they are unable to see the reality that they incapable of caring for all the animals they have. Animal hoarding will then lead to neglect, because the truth is, hoarders cannot care for all the animals they have in their home. As a result, the animals will live in their own filth and in a very crowded space. Additionally, they will be unable to eat or drink properly.

Hoarding is a mental disorder; thus, it is essential for the hoarder to seek mental health treatment. If they continue with this kind of behavior, they will get in trouble with the law. There are a number of judges who are hesitant to order a psychiatric treatment but they might agree to it in a plea agreement during trial.

Animal Fights

The inhumane act of allowing dogs or other creatures to fight against each other for the entertainment of blood thirsty spectators is an act of animal cruelty. In fact, every year, there are thousands of young and healthy greyhounds which are killed because they do not have the fighting potential required, or they are no longer competitive.

Thankfully today, there are now laws that criminalize the elements and components of animal fights. In doing so, they can shut down the heart of an animal fighting ring and act upon it.

The animals who have been subjected to this kind of torture must be provided with all the help they need. If you find any signs or evidence of animal cruelty, call a local animal control department right away. Participate in the fight against animal cruelty for the sake of the animals.

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Kris Lim is a writer for lifestyle and legal websites where she specializes in animal cruelty charges. Some of her written works were also used by companies offering bail bonds in Van Nuys.

Know Your Trees

How many trees could you identify? Most of us can tell the difference between a deciduous tree which loses its leaves in the autumn and an evergreen, but could you tell the difference between a Douglas fir and a Norway spruce or between an oak and a horse chestnut?

Oak

The oak is perhaps the most iconic of all British native trees and we have used it for centuries for shelter, wood and it even had special religious significance to the early Britons. The oak is one of the most common trees in the UK, especially in the south of the country and is easily identified by its sheer size. Oak trees can be several hundred years old and can grow to tower above most of the other trees in the forest. Oak leaves are dark green and have distinctive wavy edges. In late summer and autumn, you will also see acorns on the tree. Oak is still an important wood for furniture making, and when buying items from brands such as Kettle Interiors, you will be buying quality oak.

Horse Chestnut

Surprisingly, the horse chestnut is not a native species in the UK. It was introduced sometime in the 16th century from south-east Europe. It quickly gained in popularity and is now found all over the country. Horse chestnut trees are recognizable by their distinctive leaves which look a bit like hands with five fingers, and their spiky conkers which fall off in the autumn. Chestnuts are a decorative tree; we don’t fell them for timber so you are unlikely to find a chestnut sideboard or table from Kettle Interiors along with the oak and ash.

Ash

The ash tree has been in the press recently due to the fungal infection which has spread from the continent and is killing trees. This may mean we see a large decrease in the number of ash trees in the UK over the coming years. The bark of the ash tree is pale great in colour and the leaves are arranged in pairs along a long stalk. Ash wood has traditionally had a variety of uses as it is very flexible and pliable compared with other sorts of woods. It has been used in furniture making, for making sports equipment such as tennis racquets, and even in the wings of aircraft.

Beech

The Common Beech is another tree which is native to the UK and is commonly found both in woodlands and growing in people’s gardens. It can grow as tall as 40 metres, and has classically shaped, shiny leaves which are dark green in winter and orange in the autumn and early winter. Beech wood burns particularly well, so we have traditionally used the trees as fuel for fires and for cooking. Beech smoke is often used to smoke fish with, and the nuts which are the seeds of the tree are used as food for livestock, especially pigs. Beech trees are most common in the south of England, but grow well throughout the UK.

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This article was written by L. Keen, our guest blogger on this occasion, writing with National Furniture, retailers of great wooden furniture from brands like Kettle Interiors and Steens.

Top 5 Invasive Aquatic Plant Species in US Lakes

While experts estimate that only about one percent of the plants introduced into the United States become severe invasive weed problems, that small percentage is causing the US about $30 billion in management costs each year.


Further, we’re losing some 4,500 acres of public land and water to invasive species. Invasive aquatic plants throw off the natural balance of native plants and contribute to a multitude of problems to include:

  • Fish kills,
  • Wildlife habitat destruction,
  • Lost recreational opportunities,
  • Reduced tourism revenue and property values, and
  • Clogged hydroelectric, irrigation and drinking water pipes.

This list highlights the economic impacts of invasive aquatic species. Fighting the problem is one of those areas in which we see environmental activists and savvy developers on the same side of the issue.
Perhaps the biggest problems today are caused by Hydrilla, Water Hyacinth, Purple Loosestrife, Eurasian Watermilfoil and Giant Salvinia. Here’s a quick look at each member of this “Foul Five.”

1. Hydrilla. Common names for this plant include Florida elodea, Wasserquirl, water thyme and Indian star-vine. It found its way into our lakes and streams from aquariums in Florida during the 1960s. It made its way to California by the 1970s and is now as far north as Idaho. It forms a virtual carpet of weeds on the surface of a lake and, because it gets entangled in propellers, it can make boating impossible.


2. Water Hyacinth. Beautiful but deadly would be one way to sum up the Water Hyacinth. In the late 1800s, residents of the Southeast brought it in from South America for its showy purple flowers. Big mistake. It’s one of the fastest-growing plants and can double its coverage area in two weeks. It can drastically reduce the oxygen content of water, killing fish and other species; it has even been known to push over bridges.


3. Purple Loosestrife. Walk around certain marshes, and this is all you’ll see. This plant is causing areas that used to have rich biodiversity to lose their populations of cattails, bulrush, fish, turtles and muskrats, just to name a handful of native species. It made its way to the US some 200 years ago from Eurasia. Its striking purple color prompted people to spread it through our wetlands, and now it’s a major problem in every state but Florida.


4. Eurasian Watermilfoil. This plant was accidentally brought to the US in the 1950 and is now found in 45 states. Because new plants can grow from bits and pieces of larger plants—gardeners will know these as “cuttings”— Eurasian Watermilfoil spreads easily when propellers break it up and boats haphazardly carry it to new areas. It is such a problem that it’s now illegal to own or transport it in the United States.


5. Giant Slavonia. Here’s another invasive aquatic plant that escaped from our aquariums, this one in the 1990s. Although its common name starts with “giant,” it’s actually a bunch of little ferns. However, the dense mats of choking plants it produces are by any measure “giant.” They can be thick enough to float cinder blocks. Of course, that makes them big and thick enough to wreak havoc on boating and native aquatic plant and animal life as well.

Working Together

Environmentalists who moniter the current status of our lakes and streams are alligned with companies such as Smith Mountain Homes at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia and real estate developers in Clear Lake, California; both understanding the threat of invasive aquatic plants to our biological homes and our investments that are directly related to the beauty of the lakes, rivers and streams in the USA.

Sources:
http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/main.shtml#aqpl
http://apms.org/
http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/education/amps_activity.html
http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/education/misc_pdfs/APMS_activity_book.pdf

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Meg Jones writes about issues dear to her heart, including the environment.  It is not only the home to plants and animals, but ours as well, and deserves caretaking.

Rescue Our Environment

The River

The environment is something we should all be conscious and aware of. Climate change is one of the results of what we have been putting into our environment for several generations, but especially the last few decades. If we want our children to grow up in half as pleasant and comfortable a world as we live in, we really should, indeed must, change the way we live and do things. Most of us surely love our children and do want them to live with at least some of the comforts we have enjoyed, and yet most of us go on with our way of life completely ignoring what climate scientists are saying. We go on driving our cars, moving a ton of steel just for one person to get from A to B, we waste fantastic amounts of electricity which is generated with fossil fuels, we waste fresh water which the world of agriculture soon will not have enough of, and we go on flying abroad at every opportunity regardless of the effect on our atmosphere. If everybody else continues to destroy the environment, I alone can not make a difference. So I continue to abuse and pollute the environment and my grandchildren can suffer the consequences. What can I do? Well, actually, a growing number of people are changing their lifestyles in order to reduce the need for transportation and electricity and water consumption, and to reduce the amount of plastic waste constantly thrown into landfill sites. What are they doing?

  • Finding local employment
  • Cycling to work and to market
  • Growing their own food
  • Buying local produce
  • Building local communities
  • Recycling as much as possible, including water
  • Rejecting plastic packaging
  • Making compost

Get Local

Finding local employment is more easily said than done, for sure, but as local communities develop and get stronger there is and will be more for everyone to do within the community and less necessity for a salary high enough to pay for new clothes and social evenings and transportation costs and restaurant bills and mortgages and the numerous other expenses of twenty first century industrial life. These people’s lives are becoming more centred on their home and their neighbours and neighbourhoods. They are spending more time outdoors, getting more exercise, eating healthier foods and really enjoying their lives. When they go to the local market, some of them take as much as they bring back. They may take fruit or vegetables, socks or gloves. These are not religious cults living in isolation from the world outside but people who want to live in a sustainable way and do not want to be responsible for destroying the world that their children and their children’s children will live in. So, getting back to the earlier question, what can we do?

Things First

Perhaps the best way to begin is by getting out into your local community, getting to know the people in it and then, most importantly, leading by example. Find out about permaculture and start practicing it in your garden. Grow some food in it and share that food with neighbours. Buy as much local produce as you can, and go everywhere within reason by bicycle. You will very soon start to save significant amounts of money, on food and fuel at least. If you live in a decent climate, like California or Australia, get a trampoline and invite friends and neighbours to join in the fun and lose some of the weight they put on with that processed and packaged junk food diet. As inflation gets higher and higher during the next few years it will become easier and easier to persuade people to localise and become self sufficient. The simultaneous effects of climate change, which are already affecting many people in many places, will only help to encourage people to abandon the consumer’s way of life that the Wall Street bankers have made so much money from and exploited so many with. Living off the land as our ancestors did will eventually be the norm once again, as the amount of energy we have taken from fossil fuels can not be replaced by the technology we have developed with that energy. So why not be one of those happy hippies leading the way and make a change in our life?

This article was written by Sarah Hickens for Trampoline Warehouse. Trampoline Warehouse is dedicated to providing best trampolines Australia products to customers at the lowest prices possible. Sarah is a keen blogger and enjoys writing on a wide range of topics

There is plenty more fish in the sea…or is there?

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As we all know, campaigners have been travelling hither and dither to ensure that we look after our planet for future generations to enjoy. Unfortunately, us as humans are progressively failing to understand the extremity of the situation – the o-zone layer depleting, the amount of CO2 we eject from our cars and 12-tonne buses and of course the one thing that surrounds about 80% of our planet Earth – the ocean.

The Deep Blue

The ocean has been a place of sanctity for families and children everywhere, due to the simple fact that splashing water is a guilty pleasure for most people. The whole experience of realising that underneath our feet in the deep blue sea are some of the most spectacular creatures known to man and oceanographers have been studying them for decades. They, being the specialists, are the people who know the most about the danger of contaminating the ocean with harsh chemicals and waste disposal at our discretion and they are right. Sea creatures are dying from the toxins and poisons that are being drained into what are basically their homes because of our need to continue our survival, but at the expense of the sea life. This means that if there is no sea life, there are no fishes as pets.

Hanging with My Pals

Fish have got to be the simplest yet most delicate pets to look after. A routine feed of fish food on your return from work/college and stick a plastic castle in the bottom and they are set for life. Fish however, do rely on companions and do thrive on company, so it is best if you have a bunch. Now, some fish owners have one in a bowl, some others have several in a tank. Or, you can go to the extreme and a have your very own fish pond.

Garden Friends

A fish pond is a beautiful addition to any garden, to spruce up the atmosphere in the summer. Fish ponds are useful for accommodating larger fish and even the process of breeding them, and add that piece of nature to a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity. However, like you would with a bowl or a tank, fish need to be treated essentially like humans. We as humans would not like to be neglected of necessities like food and water so neither should a fish, or any animal for that matter. A comfortable, spacious bowl or tank is the basic need for a fish, along with a regular supply of food. But, similar to humans, do not overfeed! When overfed, fish can become ill and eventually perish. Also, be sure to change the tank often to ensure a clean environment for fish to live in, because it is the least they deserve! Make sure that the tank/bowl you purchase has had no previous fish in there, as bacteria can still be left on/inside the bowl and could cause harm. The best way to avoid this is to simply buy a brand new tank – it is more expensive but it is also the safest option.

Put the Fish Outside

If you do decide to have an outdoor pond, be sure that the water is changed regularly and that there are no harmful objects/liquids that could injure the fishes and surrounding insects and bugs that interact with the pond. Also, if you live in a country/area that has regular rainfall, it is proven that rainwater is the cleanest type of water for your fish, so your pond will be cleansed at the expense of the clouds that are sitting above you.

Taking everything into account, these campaigners have a point. If you wish to possess a fish in the future, then looking after the ocean and Earth as a whole is vitally important.

To make sure that your pond and your fish are safe and happy, be sure to look at the several different types of pond accessories to suit your pond such as butyl rubber pond liners, to ensure that your scaly friends are kept happy and safe in their beautiful environment. Remember, a healthy fish is a happy fish.

The Causes of a Warmer Planet

 

Global Warming Can No LOnger Be Ignored

As Thanksgiving has come to an end for those who celebrate it, the US and countries around the world resumed talks about issues that may impact the planet for the next hundred years.  In Doha, Qatar, leading global climate officials met in November to discuss the issues that are affecting global warming. With a year filled with freakish storms, heat waves and droughts, those around the world are beginning to see the effects of a warming planet and the need for a reduction in the world’s carbon footprint. There are very few scientists left who don’t see that the cause of global warming is due to man-made forces.  Let’s take a closer look at some of these forces.

While the world certainly goes through cycles, the warming of our planet must be taken into account by other thing than natural changes. The IPCC, a UN group of the leading scientists, was asked to determine what the main heat-trapping gases were that were causing the rise in temperature. They concluded that the number one gas was CO2. In fact, since 1990, our CO2 emissions grew at a rate of 20%. Other gases included methane and nitrous oxide. So what’s the connection between man-made forces and higher emissions?

Growing Industries

As China, India and other developing countries’ economies grow, so do their emissions. China is in fact now the world’s leading carbon emitter. Additionally, these countries are not part of the expiring Kyoto Treaty – neither is the United States for that matter because of the definition of developing nations. The Kyoto Treaty aimed to reduce emissions but did not put as many restrictions against developing nations. When developing nations and developed nations burn fossil fuels for energy, they are releasing carbon dioxide in the air. A universal climate treaty is crucial to changing this.

Growing Populations

The more people you have in the world, the greater the amount of CO2 because humans exhale CO2. A larger population also means you have more mouths to feed. Agriculture is a significant contributor of methane and other greenhouse gases. This is due through the animals we raise and the manure we use to fertilize our fields for crop production.

Transportation

If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, you may want to look at the type of automobile you drive. A growing and economically-stronger population means more people are driving. These automobiles are a significant source of CO2 emissions. Businesses and individuals alike must make an effort to reduce fuel consumption and improve emissions standards to reverse this dangerous trend.

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Chris Hardwick is a freelance writer from New Jersey who writes on a variety of topics. He is currently at work on his first YA mystery novel. Follow him @hardwickman.

Green Gardening

A green garden is not only healthy for you but also attracts wildlife as well.

Gardening is often mostly associated with the colour green but nowadays the word green does not just apply to colour but to the consequences of gardening.  A lot depends on the scale of the operation one is in.  When managing a small plot or just some pots it is easy to follow lofty ideals but on a larger scale it becomes more difficult.  One does not normally expect to make money from a hobby but the commercial operator has to in order to stay in business!

For the small operator a little organisation goes a long way.  Even commercial outfits make it easier nowadays as I have come across organic potato fertilizer in the pound shops!

Of course there was a time when chemical fertilizers and pesticides were a rarity but our ancestors did not give up in despair.  The old techniques made a difference.  In order to keep aphids in check and whitefly down growing plants which have sulphur in them deters colonies from exploding.  Even if one only has window box or two growing a few cloves of garlic can work wonders at keeping a lot of pests at bay.

A lot of insects are vulnerable to drowning so spraying plants with soapy water removes many of them.  Do be careful as there is a big difference between soap and detergent!  We may not notice the difference plants do!  Some plants will die off if sprayed with detergents!

A lot of garden waste can be re-used with a little care.  It can make an enormous difference if one does a little research beforehand.  Achieving a proper balance of ingredients in the compost pile can speed up the process enormously.  It can be a bit awkward reaching a recycling site for garden refuse but for those with a bit of space laying aside an area for composting should deal with 99% of the problems!  Many local authorities give away a composting bin and will deliver it to your home for free!  Find out to apply for one from your local library or do a search online.

In a cool climate it will take two summers for most green waste to rot down sufficiently for re-use and woody items even longer but the result is well worthwhile. It will act as fertilizer and improve the condition of most soils.   Do not make your compost piles so large that they become difficult to be managed by one person.  A commercial operator can use bulldozers, the hobbyist wants something easier!  Gardening is supposed to be a pleasure not a burden so take it easy.  With a little forethought (and practice) one can enjoy the colour from plants all the year round and if that does not suffice one can always fall back on a florist to supply something extra for those special occasions.  Online specialists open up the whole world to us and it seems a pity not to take advantage of what is available every now and again.

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Post written by Flowers24hours.co.uk online London florist know more about the florist on their About Us page.

Global Warming Facts

Global warming is a real and undeniable threat to nature, wildlife and ourselves

If A Tree Falls, And No One Is Around To Hear It… Should We Care? 

Thus far, scientists have identified Carbon Dioxide as the leading culprit in global warming. Carbon Dioxide is a naturally occurring chemical compound that is composed of two oxygen atoms that are covalently bonded to a single carbon atom.

It exists in Earths atmosphere, the breathing of humans and animals, volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, deep under the sea, and among oil and gas deposits. How most people know of Carbon Dioxide however is through its creation from the combustion of coal and hydrocarbons, which is where the demonization of such a common chemical began. Especially considering we as humans produce an intense amount of this on a daily basis.

As a result of this extreme increase in carbon dioxide production, there have been a number of noticeable changes on Earth. So without further ado, here are 10 of the most noticeable changes due to Carbon Dioxide increasing the affects of global warming.

#1. The U.S produces 20% of the Carbon Dioxide emissions worldwide: The world’s population is a bit more than 7 Billion. The population of the U.S is almost 315 Million. So the U.S has around 4.5% of the world’s total population, yet we make up 20% of the worlds Carbon Dioxide emissions.

#2. Since 1990, Carbon Dioxide emissions have increased by 20%: The majority of this increase in Carbon Dioxide emission is due to humans, though some of it is produced naturally on earth as discussed above. The increase is likely due to countries becoming developed, more automobiles being sold and used worldwide, and developed countries developing further.

#3. Carbon Dioxide takes a century to disperse in the atmosphere: It takes a long time, nearly 100 years, for Carbon Dioxide to disperse from the atmosphere. So mostly everything we see being created today will last well beyond our lifetime. Thus the more carbon dioxide added, the more compounded the problem becomes in the future.

#4. In the 20th Century, the average temperature on Earth increased .2 degrees Fahrenheit: From 1901 to 2000, there was a .2-degree change in the average temperature on Earth. What this shows is the building up to the point we are currently in, which becomes noticeable once you read the next few points.

#5. 8 of the hottest 10 years on record have occurred since 2000: Ever since man began keeping track of the global temperature, so far in the 21st century, man has witnessed 8 of the hottest 10 years on record. Not only is surprising we would witness such a thing, but that we witnessed it in such a short period of time.

#6. Global Warming causes more than high temperatures: There are various environmental considerations which global warming is believed to cause. As would be expected, drought is one them, which comes about when high temperatures prevent rain from collecting. Oddly, on the other end of the spectrum, extreme rainfall can occur which can flood populated areas and farmland.

#7. Sea levels have risen up to 8 inches across the world. Over the next 100 years, sea levels are likely to rise more than 2 feet. This will be due to the thermal expansion of the ocean and from melting glaciers and ice sheets. This can cause terrible problems for costal cities and towns.

#8. Global warming is claimed to cause 150,000 human deaths a year: Global warming is not solely a danger for people in the future, it currently adversely affects people every year. This is caused by extreme weather, including drought, heat waves, food availability and an increase in deadly diseases such as malaria. As global warming becomes worse, the death toll will as well.

#9. Coral reefs are severely affected by global warming and water temperature: Coral Reefs are extremely sensitive to the temperature of the water. As expected, global warming changes that temperature, and though it may not be great, not much is needed to harm the coral.

#10. Various species have begun migrating north to escape higher temperature: Such animals include the Comma Butterfly and Cetti’s Warbler. As our planet changes, and becomes less habitable in places for certain species, some manage to survive by adapting, while others perish being unable themselves.

 

The author of this article is Damien S. Wilhelmi. If you enjoyed this piece you can follow me on twitter @JakabokBotch. There is a tipping point for Global Warming, and one we shouldn’t wish to reach. If you are worried about your company’s emissions, contact aerinox.com to view the various NOx Emissions Reduction products available.