Tag: Climate Change

Climate Action, Climate Change, sustainability August 11, 2020August 14, 2020

How to Talk with Your Kids About Climate Crisis

Washington (GGM) Analysis | August 11, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings

It is undeniable, climate change is here, and it poses very serious challenges for the world’s population. There are weather changes, health implications, and economic impacts of this complex crisis. If you’re a pro-planet parent, you may be struggling with how to talk to your children about these issues. After all, this topic can be overwhelming and even depressing for adults. It is hard to know what is too little and what is too much in regards to engaging your children on this subject.

Twitter- @MPRnews

First, you must remember that this isn’t your childhood. Information isn’t only delineated from your parents, your teacher, and a neighborhood no it all. Kids have access to information- whether accurate or not- at the touch of their fingertips. Chances are, your child has already done some research on this topic using their tablet or smartphone. This is why your first step in broaching this topic should be to find out what your child already knows– or what they think they know– about climate change. Be sure to talk to them about vetting resources and how to fact check, so that they won’t be misled. Explain why the Environmental Defence Fund, EDF, or the Environmental Protection Agency, the EPA are reliable resources, while Facebook or Instagram may not be.

If your kids are too young to navigate the EDF or EPA, maybe let them know that you can be their resource for information until they are a bit older.

After finding out what your child already knows, and empowering them with the ability to find reliable information, gauge their feelings. This can be a scary subject, and your child may have some really tough emotions to work through. Let them know that you are here for them and that they are not alone. Tell them that there are agencies all over the planet working tirelessly to solve this problem.

Twitter- @myonlinesch

Remind them that the climate crisis is a man-made problem, and there will eventually be a man-made solution. Explain that every choice they make can be a choice to help save Mother Nature. Encourage your child to conserve energy, consume less, and re-use or re-purpose items whenever possible. Every time you or your child turns off a light when they leave a room, or drops a can into the recycling bin, congratulate them! Make them a part of your eco-friendly routines, and most importantly, ask them how they would like to help.

By merely speaking to your children about the climate crisis, you are preparing the next generation for what’s to come. Who knows, you may be raising the next Greta Thunburg or Jane Goodall.

Come back every Tuesday for more Eco-Friendly Parenting tips!

Tl;dr

There are weather changes, health implications, and economic impacts of this complex crisis
Talking to your children about these issues can be tough
Chances are, your child has already done some research on this topic using their tablet or smartphone
Find out what your child already knows– or what they think they know– about climate change
Talk to them about vetting resources and how to fact check
The Environmental Defence Fund, EDF, and the Environmental Protection Agency, the EPA are reliable resources
Gauge their feelings
Remind them that they are not alone: there are agencies all over the planet working tirelessly to solve this problem
Encourage your child to conserve energy, consume less, and re-use or re-purpose items whenever possible
Make them a part of your eco-friendly routines, and most importantly, ask them how they would like to help

Climate Action, Climate Change September 16, 2019January 7, 2020

Energy-Storage Batteries | A Whole New Industry

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | September 16, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

With the global climate crisis focus upon us, which begins Friday September 20, 2019 with a massive worldwide #ClimateStrike, and continues for a full week of events, the entire globe will be fixated on how we can quickly find and execute the cure and save millions of lives, and in certain regions, entire populations.

This year has seen an unprecedented uptick in the switch to solar energy, with California leading the way. EV car sales are leaping tall buildings. The increase in clean energy is so significant, that the new big industry mushrooming overnight is that of storing excess clean energy, to be used after the sun goes down, or when supply runs out. There are investors and innovators popping up in many countries, looking to produce the highest quality energy storage batteries — small ones for homeowners, and massive ones known as “utility scale” for corporations, towns, cities, etc.

It would be very smart if fossil fuel communities jumped in quick to seize the opportunity and transition coal and oil workers into clean energy storage careers.

Batteries are very important in enabling energy companies to store the excess energy generated by a sunny or windy day, to then be used at night, or on a very still day, when there’s no strong wind force. Critical requirements for high quality energy storage batteries include the following:

Capacity & Power – measured in kilowatt hours (kWh), we should get stackable kind so we can easily increase capacity as need grows
Depth of Discharge (DoD) – the amount of the battery that has been used, a battery’s use level has a floor; the higher the DoD (ie 80%), the more the battery can be used before needing to be recharged
Round trip efficiency – it takes a certain amount of energy to store energy, so the higher the efficiency, the more energy you’ll receive from your battery; the efficiency rate is measured as a percent, the higher the percent, the higher the efficiency (30% is bad, 80% is good)
Battery life & warranty – clean energy storage batteries have a “cycle” of charging and draining; battery life is listed as a specific number of cycles, ie 4,000; a warranty will read something to the effect: 4,000 cycles or 8 years at 65% of it’s capacity… meaning at the end of the warranty the battery will have only lost 35% of it’s initial capacity.
Manufacturer – there are no so many different brands that it’s difficult to determine which is the best, so it’s important to compare using the above four critical features

Companies around the world hoping to become the top clean energy storage producers. Here are 7 to keep your eye on:

Tesla
Vivint Solar
LG Chem
Eos Energy Storage
Sonnen
Nissan
Sunverge

Climate Action, Climate Change, National Security August 20, 2019September 3, 2019

Recycling Cancelled in Jackson, MS | Climate Action

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | August 20, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

It’s alarming to learn that Jackson, MS has cancelled it’s curbside recycling program with Waste Management effective September 1, 2019, claiming that there aren’t enough residents recycling to continue paying the cost. Why does Jackson allow residents not to recycle? It seems that most towns and cities would initiate a marketing campaign to lure their residents on board with the importance of recycling. Recycling is typically the very first step we all take to help cut carbon.

It’s imperative that everyone on earth understand that the climate crisis erupted from unrestrained small actions by the global public, particularly Americans as a result of our wealth, and that all it takes to cut carbon is for each of us to focus on these same small actions. We each have to lower our own carbon footprints.to an optimal range from 4-7 million metric tons of carbon per year. Americans currently average 20 million metric tons of carbon annually.

Recycling is a must. So many of our products are now manufactured from recycled material rather than virgin. Using recycled material to manufacture new products creates a substantial energy savings which cuts carbon emissions. Every little bit helps. For a city like Jackson, MS to have a convenient curbside recycling service, there’s no reason for residents to not step up. Many towns have to rely on recycling centers which are drive to sites and can be very annoying, yet these residents establish weekly habits that make it work.

Every single day there’s another alarming headline warning of the perilous climate crisis we now find ourselves embattled in. There’s no time to delay. There’s no excuse for not complying with basics like recycling.

To cut carbon significantly, and lower our carbon footprints to 7 metric tons per year, we only need to focus on 4 areas of concern:

Household energy – go solar!
Transportation – EV cars, walk, public transportation
Food – minimize dairy and red meat
Stuff – buy less stuff, always recycle

Recycling is mandatory. We can do this!

Climate Action, Climate Change, National Security August 19, 2019September 3, 2019

EV Cars Are Finally Making Traction in U.S. | A Decade Later

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | August 19, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

It’s exciting to see EV cars suddenly begin taking off similar to the way the iPhone did a decade ago. The iPhone’s first release was June 29, 2007, with sales of 1.39 million units worldwide. Sales leaped to 11.63 million units sold within one short year. And by the five year mark, 2011, Apple pulled off a stunning success of 72.29 million units. Although EV car sales haven’t seen the same immediate sustained sales success as the iPhone, mostly because of the initial high price, short range, and no charging station infrastructure, now that those issues have all been addressed, the tide will change.

Key Improvements that are giving EV cars traction with American public:

Price has come down dramatically, several start at only $30,000
Range has increased substantially (can now drive up to 200 miles on one charge); the range will continue to grow
Charging stations are popping up all over the country
It now only takes 20 minutes to recharge a BEV
Many employers now have charging stations in the employee parking lot
EV drivers will save approximately $1,000 a year not buying gas, possibly more

In 2018, Americans purchased 361,3017 EV cars out of a worldwide total sales of 2,018,247. (U.S. sales in 2009 were a paltry 6,000.) Norway has had remarkable success selling EV cars with 40 – 58% of the population already owning an EV, with the expectation that as soon as 2025 100% of Norwegian driving public will own an EV.

China sales have picked up substantially, driving global success. In 2018, the chinese purchased 1.1 million EVs.

The 10 best selling EVs in U.S. in 2019:

10. Smart EQ fortwo – 496 units sold in 2019
9. Jaguar I-Pace – 1,309
8. Audi e-tron – 1,835
7. Volkswagon e-Golf – 1,893
6. BMW i3 – 2,207
5. Nisson Leaf – 6,008
4. Tesla Model S – 7,225
3. Chevrolet Bolt EV – 8,281
2. Tesla Model X – 9,000
1. Tesla Model 3 – 67,650

2018 was an amazing year for EV sales, with fall of course being the biggest sales months as new models roll off the production line. Based on June 2019’s strength, nearly matching November 2018, it looks like 2019 will be a record year.

Let’s GO! Let’s beat China!

Climate Action, Climate Change, Technology August 13, 2019September 3, 2019

Energy Storage | Exciting Upside With Climate Action

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | August 13, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

Energy storage is one of the many exciting benefits of green energy. As communities increase their use of green energy sources as well as EV transportation, we quickly find that it’s a whole new world, filled with multiple cost-saving elements as well as the all-important carbon cutting advantage.

Battery Energy Storage for the home:

Once we convert to Solar or Wind home energy, we’ll have the option of selling the extra energy we generate back to the grid. In doing so, we’ll earn credits. The credits can be used later – at night, for example. But if we are energy efficient, and generate more energy than we use, we can convert our extra credits to a check. There’s a strong financial incentive for being efficient.
We can also buy home energy storage batteries for housing the our extra energy when we over produce. Many families are diving into this rewarding plus.
Many states have tax credits for implementing renewable energy, so it’s highly recommended that you research this financial benefit as well.

Battery Energy Storage for the car:

Additionally, new EV cars enable energy storage as well. Drivers that have the ability to charge their cars during the day while they work, can transfer the extra energy generated beyond what they need back to the grid and earn income.

Green solutions for the home and transportation are creating amazing opportunities for the energy efficient to reduce monthly expenses and earn extra income all while cutting carbon. Very smart!

Environment, National Parks, Trump August 6, 2019February 2, 2020

It’s Criminal to Destroy Our National Parks | They Belong to The People

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | August 6, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

There’s very little that the American public seems to have anymore. Three trillion dollars of historic and cherished assets lining our coasts are in the midst of being destroyed before our eyes as a result of the climate crisis. Every year, many millions of American families have found memorable, quality, family time visiting our national treasures, our National Parks. These travel experiences are powerful, therapeutic, and inspirational. Strong emotional and mental attitudes serve our country well. The fact that our nation was blessed with these natural wonders has brought much comfort to previous presidents, as well as state and national leaders. The belief that nature can nurture an entire population at a very low cost is a significant advantage in maintaining a healthy and productive population.

“…The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased and not repaired in value.” ~ President Theodore Roosevelt

Further, tourism is a $3 Trillion industry in the United States. Protecting these valuable natural assets is not only the right thing to do morally, but also economically. It’s therefore unfathomable that our president and GOP leaders would confirm David Longly Bernhardt , an oil lobbyist, to run the Department of the Interior, particularly when his self acclaimed mission is to carve away 12 million acres in our National Parks for oil drilling.

The apparent reason why Bernhardt is on a mission to destroy millions of acres of public land when the oil boom is now behind us, and the public is transitioning to renewable energy, is because Trump and Bernhardt refuse to have oil left in the ground when it can be pulled out immediately and converted to cash before the opportunity disappears forever. The extreme greed of a few, at the expense of 325 million Americans, is dehumanizing and infuriating.

America’s natural wonders are irreplaceable. They can NOT be refurbished once decimated. They become lost, lost forever.

CALL TO ACTION: Please call elected Representatives ASAP and demand that our National Parks NOT be destroyed to line the pockets of a few.

Climate Change, Environment, National Security, Politics August 5, 2019February 2, 2020

Clean Water is Vital | Trump Gives EPA Green Light To Poison Water With Coal Ash

Washington (GGM) | Analysis | August 5, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

Clean water shortages around the world are considered a civilization altering condition that threatens the survival of millions, perhaps billions of global citizens. Prolonged heat waves and sustained droughts are already creating unlivable zones in large swaths of the world, and increasing the demand for clean water in areas that currently have an adequate water supply. More people trying to sustain themselves on less water often escalates conflicts and violence and has the potential to become a national security threat.

In light of the extreme water shortages resulting from climate change, it’s now more important than ever that the water we do have, remain protected and pure. Thus, it’s incomprehensible that Trump would insist the EPA rollback Obama’s regulations on coal ash removal and storage, established to protect ground water, and allow coal manufacturers to use coal ash for leveling in unrestrained quantities, as well as store in unlined ponds without liners.

Every single irresponsible, life-threatening Trump decision like this one, is a call to action. Constituent phone calls to Congressional Representatives make a significant difference. Climate change further exacerbates an already dangerous situation, spreading the thick coal ash hundreds of miles beyond the original site. For example, Hurricane Florence in North Carolina last year, with 1,200 roads flooded, and an epic spreading of hazardous waste such as coal ash, was so alarming, the state still has no conception of the overall extent of the harm to human health. Only time will tell.

Coal Ash‘s impact on health:

Contains: arsenic, lead, mercury, chlorine, and many other heavy metals
Causes cancer
Impacts Nervous System
Cognitive deficits
Developmental delays
Behavioral problems
Birth defects
Heart damage
Lung disease
Reproductive problems
And more…

The writing is clearly on the wall, however. Regulations for the storage of hazardous materials during a time of shrinking water supply, and increased weather extremes, is an absolute imperative. Trump increasing profit margins for a few cronies, while destroying the health and well-being of millions of Americans, seems criminal.

I urge you to please let your Representative know how strongly you object to your water supply being contaminated and your health compromised.

Children, Climate Action, Climate Change, National Security July 30, 2019February 2, 2020

Focusing On Small Things | Climate Action Success

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | July 30, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

Succeeding at substantial climate action in the shortest period of time is an absolute imperative. However, we’re never going to reach our carbon targets if we promote the required changes using intimidating long-range objectives as the key selling points for executing the Climate Action strategy.

Clearly, many of our political leaders care deeply about the intense climate crisis and want us to know about the dire consequences if we don’t act quickly. They feel passionately about this looming catastrophe. Their tireless commitment to the Climate Crisis is heroic and noble.

But, in order for the general public to make the necessary changes we must break everything down into small simple weekly steps that can be executed immediately:

Call local Solar Energy companies and ask about promotions for switching. Search online for all those with solar sharing about how low their energy bill is. (Solar is MUCH less expensive than electric or gas and oil). Deadline, Friday August 2, 2019.
Call town hall and ask about the city’s plan for switching to solar panels for street lighting, solar panels on town buildings, and electric buses. While on the phone, suggest apiary bus stops (planting flowers and greenery on the roofs of bus shelters for bees and other pollinators to visit ). Cities in general need far more green downtown. Mrs can simply invest in rooftop gardens. Others can add to sidewalks along the streets. Deadline, Friday August 2, 2019.
Stop by car dealership and ask about deals for Hybrids and EVs. It’s absolutely incredible how far the price has come down. Take a test drive. Deadline, Sunday August 4, 2019.
When grocery shopping, grab the almond milk instead of regular milk. Choose chicken or turkey rather than red meat. Deadline, Sunday August 4, 2019.
Do all errands on the same day. ONLY use re-usable bags.
At dinner each night, talk with family about trees and gardening and where to plant more trees. How to care for the trees you’ll plant. Where to buy the trees. What kind of trees. Trees are a great way to build strong family ties. Trees nurture our children when they take good care of them. Trees become part of the family. As children grow, they return home and marvel at the tree height, and the sprawling branches and subliminally identify that they have grown taller and ar branching out just like the tree.

None of these small tasks are difficult. Or time-consuming. They are not expensive. There are very few excuses for why we can’t do each this week, versus next week. The Climate Crisis DEMANDS we each, every last one of us, immediately execute all of these.

Good luck… Have fun!

Climate Action, Climate Change, National Security July 28, 2019February 2, 2020

Civilization-Destroying Droughts | Farmers & Climate Action

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | July 27, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

Farmers have a vested interest in cutting carbon emissions at breakneck speed, and are currently striving to make that happen.

The United States has experienced several intense droughts, spanning entire decades, that have uprooted entire communities, leaving ghost towns in their wake. The most recent drought plagued devastation was across the great plains in the 1930’s, termed the “Great Dust Bowl.” This heart wrenching era altered America’s DNA forever:

There were only 127 million American at the time
100 million acres were impacted, with no farming for ten years
2.5 million Americans had to relocate hundreds of miles away… 300,000 relocated to California
2 million became homeless
6,500 people died in one year, and it’s expected that each of the ten years was similar
Generally, food prices go up sharply during droughts unless the government can step in with aid

If carbon emissions continue to rise unchecked, the United States will face the existential threat of extreme droughts in the not so distant future. Farmers can look to the past, to guide them into quick action today and prevent the horrors of the past. It’s an epic opportunity.

Further, farms are major carbon emitters. If the agriculture industry can swiftly shift into new technology and updated methods, by moving away from fossil fuels, the world will be rewarded with strategic benefits at a critical, planet-saving turning point in our fight against carbon emissions.

5 Simple Changes farmers can make today, to prevent future annihilation tomorrow.

(1) Wind turbines & solar panels are ideal on farmland. Wind turbines can be installed in the same fields as the crops. The elevation enables the same quantity of crops to be grown below. The farmer is benefited by a duo harvest, energy and crops, substantially increasing the revenue generated from the same acres. Many farmers have begun placing solar panels on acres laying fallow for a year to regain nutrients, resulting in all land generating income all the time.

(2) Rethinking irrigation. Current irrigation methods use extensive amounts of fuel, and water. The new green methods will conserve water as well requires less energy, and preferably no fossil fuels at all.

(3) Soil health to increase carbon sequestration. Carbon is pulled from the air and stored in soil and water. In fact, soil stores 40% of the carbon. Soil can store more carbon if the carbon has more to feed on. Farmers are being advised to treat the soil with special compost, and planting cover crops that foster more bacteria and fungi and bacteria, as well as protozoa, etc.

(4) Increasing the amount of green on a farm by planting trees, and shrubs, forest vegetation and hedgerows. The increased green will store more carbon, further reducing the amount in the air.

(5) Managing cattle to a new higher green standard, with an awareness that cows are responsible for 15% of the global carbon level. Manure lagoons are a major culprit as well as anaerobic decomposition.

Let’s make it happen!

Climate Action, Climate Change, National Security July 17, 2019February 2, 2020

Oceans Are the Heart of the Climate Crisis

Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Analysis | July 17, 2019)
by Noreen Wise

The melting glaciers are an urgent wake up call for all of us to pay attention to global warming. The vast mountains of snow and ice that blanket our poles, are what has provided climate stability for 20 million years. Glaciers breaking apart and melting, immediately raises sea levels along the world’s coastlines, particularly the entire East Coast in the United States, flooding many major cities from Maine to Florida.

If anyone is having trouble visualizing the dramatic impact of rising sea levels, please visit Miami ASAP. Scientists have determined, that due Miami being built on to the lime rock, retaining walls can’t save Miami. It literally won’t survive global warming. In fact, it’s projected that if we maintain to current carbon emission trajectory, Southern Florida is guaranteed to disappear, the only question is “when?”

Ocean waters store carbon, which has always been considered a good thing. Scientists refer to this as carbon sink. The positive benefits unraveled however, when the oceans began to store too much carbon, due to the rise in carbon levels in the atmosphere from irresponsible carbon emitting daily habits and lifestyle.

Too much carbon in ocean waters, raises the ocean temperature
Warmer ocean waters, melt the polar glaciers from underneath
Less snow & ice, and more water cause the oceans to heat faster because dark blue ocean waters store the sun’s heat, while white snow and ice reflects it; an increase in water equal an increase in heat
An increase in the amount of water on the globe, also esults in an increase of moisture in the air, causing fiercer storms
This massively shifting balance between ice and water and atmospheric moisture, alters the jet streams
Without the reliable jest stream moving storms along and out of the way, storms & droughts hover for much longer periods resulting in massive flooding and prolonged droughts
Prolonged droughts leads to entire communities having to relocate, often to foreign countries, resulting in a refugee crisis
We’re seeing this right now in Central America… the thin section of land, rising sea levels on both coastlines, sustained drought conditions in the middle, all this created by US carbon emission excesses; citizens fleeing the unlivable land to our southern border and then stuffed into concentration camps
The military and CIA have both asserted that Global Warming is a major nation security threat, particularly when we are blamed for another countr’s economic woes that result from climate woes

It only takes a few of these events to open our eyes. But clearly in the past two years, we’ve seen the deadly weather systems destroy communities, and undermine our security.

It will take thousands of years to rebuild out glaciers, but we can immediately curb the rising ocean temperature by making different choices in 4 key areas for ourselves and our families, as well as speak with community leaders about using solar panels to run street and traffic lights as well as town buildings.

Climate Change Expert Dr. Joseph Romm, an MIT alumni, has organized Climate Action choices into four categories:

Transportation: make the switch to Hybrid or EV autos; public transportation, walk, scooter, ride bikes
Home: go solar, LED lightbulbs, turn out lights when leaving a room
Diet: change our eating habits, red meat & dairy increase our carbon footprint
Stuff: buying, storing and carting around “stuff”

Switching from our current home electricity source to solar, and from current gas guzzling cars to Hybrids & EV’s is as exciting and life-changing as switching from flip phones to iPhones, or from 3G to LTE. Huge game changer that we immediately love and never look back.

We can do this!