tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58417212482935189942024-03-13T05:38:20.287+00:00An insight to the world...Just a teenager expanding their knowledge (or lack of)...Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-42719818463956263712011-08-17T23:10:00.002+01:002011-08-17T23:10:54.315+01:00DoomsdayResults day tomorrow.<br />
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Good luck to everyone receiving their AS/A level results tomorrow!Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-4688721680703186482011-08-01T21:40:00.002+01:002011-08-01T21:40:47.270+01:00CountdownOn the 18th of this month, result day rolls around which will decide whether or not I have achieved the grades to attend Portsmouth University to continue my studies of Geography.<br />
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Fingers crossed!Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-43234546044599745992011-06-24T11:13:00.000+01:002011-06-24T11:13:24.708+01:00Biodiversity infographic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Would've been nice if I came across this before my exams..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mnn.com/sites/default/files/Engandered_Species.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.mnn.com/sites/default/files/Engandered_Species.jpg" width="73" /></a></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-18896842156279998872011-06-19T20:44:00.000+01:002011-06-19T20:44:51.222+01:00Geography, round 2So the tectonic paper was a welcomed relief after tuesdays exam. The question was about assessing the importance of physical and human factors in tectonic hazards, whcih was a fantastic question. Still, despite it being a 1.30 hour exam, the tightest timings ever, my bladder still decided it needed to release itself so I had to miss exam time to go to the loo. Bad times. Still, pretty sure the exam went well.. Guess i'll find out in August.Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-51514698243609174512011-06-15T10:10:00.002+01:002011-06-15T10:10:17.046+01:00Geography 2011Well, I did the best I could for my A level exam yesterday and feel like I flunked it. Worst questions ever.Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-24372877858085888332011-04-17T11:00:00.000+01:002011-04-17T11:00:03.502+01:00Iceland 2011Just arrived back from Iceland with my geography class. It was certainly a great experience, and if you're interested in somewhere amazing to go then I'd advise going to Iceland - google the Blue Lagoon. Yeah, I went there, and it was one of the best experiences of my life.Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-14503597955992228302011-02-26T11:20:00.000+00:002011-02-26T11:20:20.408+00:00TV DocumentariesA few days ago I caught onto the Human Planet series which is currently airing on BBC. Unfortunately, it was the 7th of 8 total episodes so I've missed most of the series, but the one episode which I watched was superb.<br />
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It was about Rivers. It was incredible to not only see how important these are to life everywhere, but also how unpredictable and powerful they can be. The effort put into making these documentaries is also extremely high.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZUukmnqgv8o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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I certainly suggest for everyone to watch the series when they get the chance - I'm currently catching up on it myself.<br />
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Whilst this isn't the Human Planet, I found it on YouTube and just had to share it:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hj1MTcQatSc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-87743600144881905712011-02-25T12:05:00.003+00:002011-02-25T12:05:00.714+00:00Ocean Infographic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>This is an infographic I stumbled upon which was very interesting, thought i'd share it with you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You may have noticed a while back I wrote a blog post about number 5 on the infographic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://cloud.aquaviews.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Ocean-Facts-Infographic-1.jpg" /></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-87054059279991652522011-02-24T10:44:00.000+00:002011-02-24T10:44:07.216+00:00Seeing quite a trend with updates?You may start to see a trend with my blog updates...<br />
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With the January exam period finished, a new exam period dawns upon us. With just about 2 months left before my exams, I still look for interesting, contemporary reading to aid my geographical studies at school.<br />
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If you're planning on sitting the Biodiversity paper at school, then here is an ace article which will help you (I've already written 3 or so essays on Coral Reefs alone - this article sums it all up very nicely): <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12530439">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12530439</a><br />
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To sum it up:<br />
<ul><li> Report calls for protection of Coral Reefs</li>
<li>There are macro (global) and micro (local) effects upon them</li>
<li>Main causes of destruction are - bad fishing strategies, pollution (through rivers from developments), Climate Change - causing bleaching. </li>
<li>Those affected most by their destruction will be the local populace who rely on reefs for protection and commercial business. "Where a big proportion of the population depends on reefs for their livelihood, and where people's capacity to adapt is low. Combining these criteria, the countries highest on the risk register are Comoros, Fiji, Haiti, Indonesia, Kiribati, Philippines, Tanzania and Vanuatu.".</li>
</ul>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-84915828269882353092011-02-22T17:49:00.003+00:002011-02-24T13:21:24.873+00:00Wishes for those in ChristchurchI hope that anyone who has been affected by the Christchurch earthquake is OK, and that the affected areas have a swift recovery.<br />
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Read more on the BBC news website: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12533291">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12533291</a><br />
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More info: <a href="http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usb0001igm.php">http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usb0001igm.php </a>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-75327528899560527802011-02-21T11:14:00.000+00:002011-02-21T11:14:33.277+00:00Low carbon, resource efficient green economy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With revision starting soon for my Geography A-level exam, I've been deciding on which topics I'll learn for my actual examination. One of the best choices for me would to consider taking the "energy" question, so I've been doing some background reading regarding issues in preparation for my exams.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week a UN report suggested changes in the spending of a countries GNP to achieve a more energy secure, and environmentally better situation for itself. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/media/images/UN-LOGO%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/media/images/UN-LOGO%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unep defined a "green economy" as one that resulted in "improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities".</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some suggested changes to a countries spending are as followed:</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helmet, Freesans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #505050; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helmet, Freesans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><ul style="line-height: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="background-image: url(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/view/1_4_7/cream/hi/shared/img/story_sprite.gif); background-position: -1200px 5px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 1.077em; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$108bn greening agriculture, such as encouraging and supporting smallholder farms</span></span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/view/1_4_7/cream/hi/shared/img/story_sprite.gif); background-position: -1200px 5px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 1.077em; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$134bn on the building sector, including improving energy efficiency</span></span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/view/1_4_7/cream/hi/shared/img/story_sprite.gif); background-position: -1200px 5px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 1.077em; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$110bn improving fisheries, including reducing the capacity of the world's fishing fleet</span></span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/view/1_4_7/cream/hi/shared/img/story_sprite.gif); background-position: -1200px 5px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 1.077em; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$15bn on forestry, with "important knock-on benefits for combating climate change"</span></span></li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/view/1_4_7/cream/hi/shared/img/story_sprite.gif); background-position: -1200px 5px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 1.077em; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-rendering: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Almost of $110bn on both water and waste, including sanitation and recycling</span></span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you wish to find out more, I suggest that you read this article, published by the BBC: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12507714">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12507714</a></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">It's evident that we need to make a move away from the "business-as-usual" model the world currently adopts - consuming fossil fuels at an extreme rate, with no direct push for renewable energies. With the population to increase by another 2 billion by 2050, estimated to be the same time fossil fuels will be fully depleted, as well as further problems such as bad access to water, the future of this planet is looking fairly grim. </span></span></span></span></div></span>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-83296486591287450722011-02-12T13:28:00.000+00:002011-02-12T13:28:00.923+00:00Britain and the WorldStumbled across this very informative article and video about Britain. Seeing as i've just finished studying colonial rule and superpowers, this still blew my mind at how complicated all this is.<br />
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http://www.asylum.co.uk/2011/01/31/britain-the-world-and-geography-in-general-explained-in-a-hand/Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-26450399117754860632011-02-05T11:07:00.001+00:002011-02-24T01:02:43.576+00:00Geography mocks and relevent material?Yesterday I had two geography mock tests in school - one mock was about "Superpowers", the other was about "Energy Security".<br />
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I remember I needed to mention about Nuclear Power as an alternative method of energy rather than fossil fuels, which caused me to namedrop the Chernobyl event in Ukraine.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://funny.funnyoldplanet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/c4e91_Chernobyl-Today-A-Creepy-Story-told-in-Pictures-funfair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://funny.funnyoldplanet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/c4e91_Chernobyl-Today-A-Creepy-Story-told-in-Pictures-funfair.jpg" width="342" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>This will look very familiar if you've ever played</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Call of Duty 4...</i></div><br />
The BBC has just published an article about the Chernobyl event on development of birds and brain mass which was an interesting read, i'd suggest you read it if you're interested.<br />
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<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9387000/9387395.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9387000/9387395.stm</a>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-29179781444847103552011-02-02T07:15:00.005+00:002011-02-02T07:15:01.013+00:00An inconvenient truthOne of the most critical issues todays world needs to address is climate change. Whilst revising for my AS geography exams, I took the time to purchase and watch Al Gores: An Inconvenient Truth.<br />
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If you have yet to see this, then I would advise watching it. It completely changed my perspective of climate change - I wasn't a skeptic beforehand, but now I know i'll never be one. Hard, solid evidence is provided which really emphasises the destruction we are causing to our planet.Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-33498906406912353972011-02-01T18:43:00.000+00:002011-02-01T18:43:10.175+00:00Recent news?So if you're like me, and you're studying plate tectonics, it's important to stay up to date on world events, hazards and disasters. <br />
Well guess what? A volcano just erupted. Quite handy when I'm studying volcano's and need recent case studies. I just hope it doesn't affect many people and isn't too serious (yeah, I'd love to witness an Armageddon like most people, but realistically, I'd never want anyone or anything to get hurt).<br />
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<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12334368">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12334368</a>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-20998914043876958512011-02-01T16:26:00.000+00:002011-02-01T16:26:47.021+00:00An essay I wrote regarding the USA as a superpower<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If anyone is interested, I wrote an essay for school regarding the status of the USA as a global Superpower. It's very informative, and while it is written in an exam style, it still has up to date information.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="2050"/> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Describe the geographical influence of the USA, reemphasising why the USA is a superpower. Provide maps/articles/diagrams/cartoons of: geographical factors, demographic factors, political factors, economic/financial factors, military strength and culture.</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The USA has a massive geographical influence which has been the backbone behind their superpower status (The basic components of superpower stature may be measured along four axes of power: military, economic, political, and cultural). USA became an independent country when it broke away from the British Empire in 1776 and since then it has grown, easily surpassing Britain in almost every criterion required for superpower status. The USA consists of 50 states making up a total of <span class="categorydata">9,826,675 sq km – the third largest country in the world. To put it into comparison, the USA is double the size of the entire European Union. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="categorydata"><br />
Currently the USA has a population of 310million – 67% of whom are of the legal age to work. It has one of the highest populations in the world, with 1 in 6 of those people working in the military. While other countries such as China (population of 1.33 billion) and India (population of 1.17 billion) have superior populations and workforces, USA is still the only true superpower in the world as it has great cultural, military and economic power. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The United States of America is very diverse when it comes to geography. There are deserts, grasslands, mountains, plains, ice and every terrain possible. This gives America a clear advantage as they are able to adapt to things very easily. Their armed forces can be trained to handle any form of terrain as their country itself provides for a perfect training ground for its personnel. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
The United States of America is the Third largest country in the world in terms of land area. This gives the USA a clear advantage as they have enough land to sustain themselves comfortably and create a comfortable and powerful situation for themselves. There is no shortage of land to build Airbases, Army garrisons, naval yards etc. Also, there is enough land to sustain military research and development. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
The United States of America is situated in North America between Canada and Mexico. On either side it is surrounded by 2 mighty oceans being the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The very location of the USA gives the country a strategic advantage.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">One factor which has led to the USA’s superpower status is its military strength. In 2009, the USA accounted for 46.5% of global military spending (712 billion out of 1.531 trillion in current dollars – there are varying statistics (America spends more on its military than the next 12 greatest spenders combined)) – with military influence in almost all areas of possible gain in the world. A huge land army, availability of combat vehicles, and the second largest nuclear armaments arsenal in the world means that the USA is a formidable force to be reckoned with – while a huge army incites fear; it also promotes cooperation between the USA and various countries so they remain on the same side and doesn’t face its wrath – this can create strong trade blocs (intergovernmental agreements, often part of a regional </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intergovernmental_organization" title="Intergovernmental organization"><span style="line-height: 115%;">intergovernmental organization</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">, where regional barriers to trade (</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tariff" title="Tariff"><span style="line-height: 115%;">tariffs</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> and </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-tariff_barriers_to_trade" title="Non-tariff barriers to trade"><span style="line-height: 115%;">non-tariff barriers</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">) are reduced or eliminated among the participating areas)</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">As a comparison, the map below shows world military expenditure - North America currently has the greatest expenditure and other rising superpowers such as China in Asia & Oceana section having a rising military budget.<span> </span>There are currently ~2,453,000 active personnel (infantry) and 884,000 people in reserve in the United States military, forming one of the largest armies in the world; it has the ability to project influence onto other countries as well as to deploy and supply that military, with the backing of the public.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit; margin-top: 12pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The US has one of the two largest and most advanced <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_force" title="Air force">air forces</a> in the world. It is also tied with powerful military allies in Western Europe (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO" title="NATO">NATO</a>) with their own nuclear capabilities. Runs a global intelligence network, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CIA" title="CIA">CIA</a>, which monitors world affairs – it is a giant database of facts and information about every country in the world. <span> </span>In the USA, the President is the supreme commander of all armed forces. This means that the powers are centralized and not divided in a haphazard way. This means that there is no wastage of time. This ensures political stability at times of war. This stability is required especially in times of quick decision making.</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/Percentage_of_global_currency.PNG"></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">Economically, The US has the largest and most technologically powerful economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $46,400 (3<sup>rd</sup> highest worldwide, following Luxembourg and Norway), and high economic growth. US firms are at or near the forefront in technological advances, especially in computers and in medical, aerospace, and military equipment; with a total of 154million people currently in employment , the US has the 4<sup>th</sup> largest workforce on the planet. With great economic strength, it has given rise to the superpower status. Huge economies lead to giant amounts of goods and services being imported and exported, especially oil, gas and electricity. US have amongst the highest consumption of these resources in the world and are in need of a constant flow of resources into the country to meet its demands. This high purchasing power has led to an extended influence throughout the world, with a peak of 70% of the world using the US dollar.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The USA is the world's largest producer of nuclear power, accounting for more than 30% of worldwide nuclear generation of electricity.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <span>The country's 104 nuclear reactors produced 799 billion kWh in 2009, over 20% of total electrical output.</span> The USA has a </span>large quantity of resources of minerals, energy resources, metals, and timber, large and modernized <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farming" title="Farming">farming</a> industry and enormous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrialisation" title="Industrialisation">industrial</a> base. It is home to many large global <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporation" title="Corporation">corporations</a>, such as Nike and Cola (Cocacolonization). Being home to a huge range of the world’s most renowned TNC’s such as McDonalds, it has given America a huge influence in other countries by spreading its tentacles of power into different domains and cultures (McDonaldization for example, which has changed cultures by exposing them to new foods and nodes of thought – (efficiency (going from hungry to full), Calculability (objectives based around sales), Predictability (same service, products and uniform everywhere))<span>. </span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Americanization<span> </span>is the term outside the U.S. used to describe the influence of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States" title="United States">United States</a> on the popular culture, technology, business practices, political techniques or language, of other countries - During the 15 years from 1950 to 1965, American investments in Europe soared by 800% to $13.9 billion for example – American influence meant higher productivity and greater efficiency, promising science and technology would bring prosperity. More generally it promised a new level of modernity and was applied to economic production and consumption. The United States maintain plenty of bases all over the world. The United States maintain bases in the UK, Qatar, Turkey, Italy, Japan and other countries. This ensures their reach in the international arena. Their naval fleets cruise around most of the seas and oceans. US aircraft carriers have been called “19 acres of mobile American soil”. This in itself shows their ability to reach out. The USA has over 730 bases abroad. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Politically, USA is absolutely nothing without its allies. If it weren’t for the support of the United Kingdom, Israel, Australia, Canada etc then the USA wouldn’t be the powerhouse it is today. However influential and powerful the USA may look like, they still need the support of its allies and the NATO. The USA looks for strong allies who can back them up when they are needed. They try and strengthen their allies by providing them with weapons, training their forces, strengthening bilateral trade, providing them with aid etc. That way, the allies are also powerful enough to support the United States. The United States uses its influence in the international sphere to intimidate potential adversaries. Their usual tactic is to scare the enemy by showing off their military strengths. They also employ various methods like sanctions, severing of trade relations etc. The United States maintains a very aggressive stance in the international forum. That provides the United States with an edge. They make sure that whatever happens, American interests are in no way violated. </span> <br />
</div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-44916930897833534832011-01-31T17:06:00.001+00:002011-02-24T10:32:48.684+00:00Davos meeting<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As you may be aware, the Davos group has met and discussed many pressing issues affecting our world today. One topic was the superpower status of China and India. I gathered some information on the energy futures of both China and India in preparation for my geography course, which is very relevant to current affairs occurring at the World Economic Forum. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Energy Future of China</span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In the last quarter century, China's breakneck economic growth has lifted over 50 million people out of poverty and tripled energy demand. At stake are issues of global importance, including climate change and competition over dwindling oil resources. Perhaps more important for China, however, are domestic concerns such as severe urban air pollution, energy security, and sustained economic growth.</span></span></div><h3 style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">China's current energy mix is strongly influenced by resource availability. With 13 percent of global coal reserves--compared to only one percent for oil and natural gas--China meets over two-thirds of its domestic energy needs with coal. As the dirtiest of fossil fuels, coal combustion accounts for the vast majority of domestic emissions of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>), sulfur dioxide (SO<sub>2</sub>), and nitrogen oxides (NO<sub>x</sub>). As a result, China has many of the world's most polluted cities: urban air pollution accounted for 3.4 percent of all deaths in 2001.</span></span></h3><h3 style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kyoto Protocol</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> is a </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protocol_%28diplomacy%29" title="Protocol (diplomacy)"><span style="font-weight: normal;">protocol</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> to the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Framework_Convention_on_Climate_Change" title="United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change"><span style="font-weight: normal;">United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> (UNFCCC or FCCC), aimed at fighting </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming" title="Global warming"><span style="font-weight: normal;">global warming</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;">. China is part of the Non-Annex I, which means they are not obliged as of yet to comply with the Kyoto Protocol regulations as they are a developing country and economy. </span></span></h3><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As the Chinese economy grows, power consumption must grow right along with it.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">And unlike the U.S., where energy usage peaked in the latest bubble, China's per capita energy usage still has a ton of room to grow. That's because by comparison, the average Chinese consumer burns five times less energy annually than the average American does, leaving nothing but upside as the Chinese workforce consistently consumes more. It's a pattern that will continue, even if the economy begins to “slow.” According to new data from the International Energy Agency, China consumed 2,252 million tons of oil equivalent energy last year — about 4% more than the U.S. It was only 10 years ago that China consumed half of what the U.S did.</span></div><h3 style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">China accounts for 15 percent of the world's energy demand, most of which is satisfied by fossil fuels. With less than two percent of the world’s oil reserves, most of China's growing oil needs are going to have to be imported. </span></span></h3><h3 style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">China's current path of energy growth is not sustainable - significant opportunities for improvement remain:</span></span></h3><ul style="font-family: inherit;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Improve energy efficiency</b><br />
China has set a goal to quadruple GDP by 2020 while only doubling energy consumption, a challenging proposal considering that energy demand has grown faster than the economy since 2001. Reversing this trend will require decreasing energy intensity (energy use per unit of GDP produced) in all of China's economic sectors. Chinese industry, for example, requires 20 to 40 times more energy to create one dollar of goods than does industry in OECD countries (<a href="http://www.iie.com/publications/papers/rosen0507.pdf" target="blank">Rosen & Houser 2007</a>). Greater efficiency could be encouraged by pricing energy, particularly electricity generated from coal, to reflect its full environmental and social costs. Other opportunities include installing energy-efficient appliances in homes and buildings and setting rigorous fuel efficiency standards for vehicles.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Transition to renewable fuels</b><br />
Even with improved energy efficiency, demand for fossil fuels will continue to grow unless alternative energy sources are pursued. China has set a preliminary goal to increase the share of renewable energy in total energy use to <a href="http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4691">16 percent by 2020</a>. Much of this growth will be achieved via hydroelectric power, although wind power is also becoming cost competitive in some areas and contains enormous potential. The controversial <a href="http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/1999/china.50/asian.superpower/three.gorges/">Three Gorges Dam</a>, which displaced nearly two million people, will become the largest hydroelectric facility in the world upon completion in 2009. However, building new dams is also environmentally problematic, especially considering escalating water scarcity throughout the country.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Minimize pollution</b><br />
For the foreseeable future, China will remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Technologies exist, however, to mitigate some of the worst effects of fossil fuels, and introducing taxes or incentives will facilitate the adoption of such technologies. For example, in 2006, Beijing raised the sulfur pollution tax on power plants and introduced a market incentive to help offset the cost of installing flue gas desulfurization (FGD) equipment, which removes SO<sub>2</sub> from a plant's emissions stream. Virtually all of coal power plants built since then have installed FGD systems. This instance reveals the potential of market-based incentives in regulating other pollutants, including NO<sub>x</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub>.<br />
(http://earthtrends.wri.org/updates/node/274)</span></li>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Energy Future of India</span></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">India currently owns around 0.8% of known oil and gas resources, and with 17% of the world’s population and a developing economy, this will indefinitely lead to problems. Availability of adequate amounts of energy and water at affordable prices and equitable access to them for all sections of society will be a defining characteristic of life in the 21st century.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE) has formulated the “Renewable Energy Act”, which states that they will achieve sourcing 20% of the entire countries energy usage from renewable energy by 2020. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">2007 was considered the year to promote green energy in India, where an effort was made to push green technology through the media and raise its awareness and its importance – “Year of the Renewable Energy Law for India”. Not only was this plan drafted for green energy, but also to move India away from “Energy Secure”, to becoming “Energy Independent”, meaning they are self-sufficient in providing energy, and aren’t sourcing externally. <br />
Other reasons for this switch was the increasing effects of climate change as a result of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases; peaking of production, depletion and extinction of fossil fuels and Energy Autonomy/ Independence – constant imports of fuels would destroy the economy. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The draft law proposes to increase the target for electricity generation from renewables to 10 per cent by 2010 (as against 2012 currently) and 20 per cent by 2020, of the total electricity generated in the country (and not as a percentage of installed capacity). To do this, these objectives have been set:</span></span></div><ul style="font-family: inherit;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Solar water heating to be made mandatory throughout the urban areas of the country by 2012, in a phased manner.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">A time-bound programme of demonstration of solar rooftop lighting systems in 10,000 government buildings by 2010, also incorporating building integrated photo-voltaics.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Conversion of fossil fuel based industrial heating to solar thermal heating using new solar concentrator technology or its hybrids.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">India has at present about 30,000 MW captive generating units (industrial units), of which about 18,000 MW are diesel based. The draft law proposes time-bound conversion of these captive units to bio fuel based generation. This will save large amounts of diesel.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Provision for small biomass based energy systems for rural areas.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Indigenous development of small wind power systems upto 25 kW (and hybrids) for stand-alone applications.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Widespread application of co-generation concepts (heat and power) for lighting, heating and cooling.</span></li>
</ul><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">A separate chapter of the law deals with accelerating bio fuel development and transportation energy to displace fossil fuels. A time-bound Renewable Fuel programme covering ethanol and bio diesel has been proposed. Backward and forward linkages of the programme to facilitate employment and rural livelihood improvements are also included. </span></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: small;">Time-bound programmes for bio diesel engine production, introduction of hybrid vehicles, fuel cell bus demonstration, increasing railroad efficiency and development of ultra-efficient aircraft technology have been proposed. Most importantly, modern concepts of Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations have been proposed.”<br />
<a href="http://www.merinews.com/article/renewable-energy-act-to-meet-indias-future-needs/126343.shtml">http://www.merinews.com/article/renewable-energy-act-to-meet-indias-future-needs/126343.shtml</a></span></div><h3 style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kyoto Protocol</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> is a </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protocol_%28diplomacy%29" title="Protocol (diplomacy)"><span style="font-weight: normal;">protocol</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> to the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Framework_Convention_on_Climate_Change" title="United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change"><span style="font-weight: normal;">United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> (UNFCCC or FCCC), aimed at fighting </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming" title="Global warming"><span style="font-weight: normal;">global warming</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;">. India is part of the Non-Annex I, which means they are not obliged as of yet to comply with the Kyoto Protocol regulations. </span></span></h3><div style="font-family: inherit;"></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-85940911734830284452010-12-31T15:04:00.000+00:002010-12-31T15:04:31.152+00:00The ArkWell this is a fairly suitable post for the time (by making fairly distant links: Christmas -> biblical -> flooding). Yeah, didn't really know how to start this post, but viola - it's done now.<br />
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Remistudio, the Russian based architectural firm, has announced concepts for a bioclimatic building known as "The Ark". (Technical details for the bioclimatic part: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/30/the-ark-remistudio_n_802732.html#s217214">"The cupola, in the upper part, collects warm air which is gathered in seasonal heat accumulators to provide an uninterrupted energy supply for the whole complex independently from outer environmental conditions.")</a><br />
It will be deployed in areas of flooding, or potential flooding, with the purpose of being able to withstand the effects of tsunamis, earthquakes and similar tectonic activities for example, while protecting the inhabitants on board. A suitable place for deployment would be the Philippines. The arch-shaped building, has a structure that enables it to float and exist autonomously on the surface of the water.<br />
The Ark will be able to sustain life for several months at a time, employing self-sufficient ways of preservation due to the the Ark several innovative green strategies.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxLp-SFnble87bzJTRH3926fFuryv7H7NbR82OSVnCPKtoRAhkP9F8j9A9G_X20Dw4jGxSxq5BuOHDXId9gwYYj-qKZrUEtURiH9GYAzBstPfAP7k1iI-F25EIrb5j59ZgCJVTaDsSuU/s1600/slide_15542_217193_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxLp-SFnble87bzJTRH3926fFuryv7H7NbR82OSVnCPKtoRAhkP9F8j9A9G_X20Dw4jGxSxq5BuOHDXId9gwYYj-qKZrUEtURiH9GYAzBstPfAP7k1iI-F25EIrb5j59ZgCJVTaDsSuU/s400/slide_15542_217193_large.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u>The Ark was designed by Remistudio in connection with the International Union of Architects’ program "Architecture for Disaster Relief."</u> </div><br />
While this sounds all well and dandy, I somehow doubt it'll pass the theoretical/concept stage. The concept is very good, however there are already similar structures around which perform exactly the same - Cruise Ships for example. <br />
Secondly, judging by the scale of the project and its deployment, it will indefinitely cost vast sums of money. Who will fund the projects? Possibly tied aid from MEDC's to the affected areas would be the most likely outcome, but then there's the issue of who is actually allowed on the "The Ark.". Much like the biblical Ark, it could have the restrictions. While it wont be one male and one female from the affected area, it will most likely be only allowing the rich on board, which provokes ethical issues. This defies the point of supplying aid to the area as it's meant to help the needy, <i>not the greedy.</i>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-323217177621547412010-12-15T16:40:00.001+00:002010-12-15T16:42:52.743+00:00UN Climate talks and invasive specieHot topic at the moment is the UN Climate Change talks held in Cancun, Mexico.<br />
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The aim of the talks was the establish the total amount of cuts needed for CO2 em missions, which was established at between a 13-16% globally. There has been tension however, that by the time it takes to reduce emission to these levels, the planet would have warmed by an approximate 4C, which will undoubtedly affect many areas severely due to droughts, desertification, and economic damages such as agricultural decline etc. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecopolitology.org/files/2010/12/un-climate-talks-cancun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://ecopolitology.org/files/2010/12/un-climate-talks-cancun.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The problem with the talk is that they established <i>how much</i> to reduce CO2 emissions, but not<i> how to</i>. Secondly, several nations are using the Kyoto Protocol as a means of escaping the demands issued through these talks.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">"The Green Climate Fund is intended to raise and disburse $100bn (£64bn) a year by 2020 to protect poor nations against climate impacts and assist them with low-carbon development."</div><div style="text-align: right;">The Green Climate fund will be managed by the World Bank as demanded by:</div><div style="text-align: right;">America, UK and Japan.</div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">As per usual, it's the periphery which is affected most, therefore developing countries can now draw upon new sources of money to mitigate the affects they will experience due to climate change.<br />
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You may think that rabbits and squirrels look sweet, behave cutely and are simply adorable, but y'know, once you take a peek into the damages they cause, all these little rodents are a nuisance. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Research, conducted on behalf of DEFRA, estimates that non-native invasive species cost the UK economy £1.7bn per annum. "The study found that the rabbit was the most economically damaging species, followed by Japanese knotweed."</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/spf/fhp/weed_book/images/japanese_knotweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/spf/fhp/weed_book/images/japanese_knotweed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i><u><b>Japanese Knotweed, as shown in Alaska.</b></u></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;">"The cost was significantly higher at £1.3bn in England where invasive non-native species have become more established.<br />
The price was put at £251m in Scotland and £133m in Wales."<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Controlling these non-native invasive species is expensive short term, but in the long run the money saved supersedes that which is used to cull or control certain pests.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>It's been a while since I've written an update, just been so busy with universities, revision and exams. I've been so dedicated to work and personal development, I've hardly touched the new World of Warcraft expansion: Cataclysm. <i>Maybe I've matured away from games and know prioritising work is better...</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-66870295371306986932010-12-03T19:47:00.002+00:002010-12-03T20:04:03.018+00:00Environment and EnergyContested planet. It's the core topic for Geography A-level.<br />
Sustainable energy. It's the subject at hand all over the world; we need it.<br />
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It's been a while since I wrote an update, but with all the snow that's covered the UK, I've had other things on my mind (making Snowmen and procrastinating much, exercising and reading my first ever book).<br />
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Tocco Da Casauria, ever heard of it? It's located in Italy. Sounds pretty fancy.<br />
It has a population of about 3,000 people. Nothing out of the ordinary, except the extraordinary scenery. Oh, and the wind turbines. There are 4 wind turbines located on the outskirts of the town, which is the <i><b>only </b></i>source of electricity.<br />
These turbines are so efficient at producing energy, they generate 30% more than the populace uses - the remaining energy is sold to the Italian National Grid, profiting 170k Euros annually, all of which is pumped into the local services and economy. Free school meals, subsidised taxes, street cleaning, you name it, the profit generated from the turbine provides it. <u>With benefits like that</u>, <u>you wish all areas of the world could benefit from and have wind turbines</u>..<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.sundancechannel.com/UPLOADS/blog/wordpress/images/2010/09/TOcca-Wind-Turbines.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://media.sundancechannel.com/UPLOADS/blog/wordpress/images/2010/09/TOcca-Wind-Turbines.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
However, there are always haters and restrictions. <br />
A fundamental flaw of wind energy is that they can only be placed in windy regions - you never would've guessed that, right? Luckily, Tocco experiences almost 24hour breezes. Other areas may not. Secondly, visual pollution dissuades people from building Wind Turbines. In my opinion they don't destroy the scenery or view, in fact I find them quite relaxing. Maybe I'm just weird...<br />
People need to get over the trivial points like turbines obstructing the view, surely the benefits negate all minor flaws like that. I'd much rather pay less for services than have a completely natural landscape (maybe I'm a cheapskate too). Migrating flocks are also at risks from turbines, but like I said, benefits > cons. <br />
<blockquote><div style="text-align: right;">"We're demonstrating what is possible with wind. It's something others could follow, whether it's with wind, solar power or other types of renewable energy. Italy and the world can learn from this."</div></blockquote>On more of a local note, the Government has unveiled a plan to spend £4million on planting trees over the next 4 years. While it's intended to keep Britain looking lovely, it'll obviously bring environmental benefits, not just aesthetic. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Forestry Commission and organisations such as the Woodland Trust are leading this plan, which aims to double woodland cover in the UK over the next 50 years, as well as make tree planting a "habit" rather than a neglected "chore".<br />
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In comparison to this, the Amazon Rainforest has had the least deforestation in 22 years, which Brazil aims to keep low - they're starting to realise that the forest is one of the worlds largest carbon sinks, removing ~20%CO2 from the atmosphere - the lungs of planet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.celsias.co.nz/media/uploads/admin/Amazon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://www.celsias.co.nz/media/uploads/admin/Amazon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> If they continue to destroy and not nurture the forest through policing and monitoring, then it could have devestating effects a few decades down the line.Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-45410081455513960502010-11-25T19:32:00.003+00:002010-11-25T20:30:35.437+00:00Snowsnowsnowsnersnersnernser!Snow is coming to Britain, and for some parts, it's already arrived!<br />
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I thought this would be a suitable update as everyone with an inner child just loves to play in snow (even though the hassle it causes outweighs the benefits for the most part).<br />
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While the Northern parts of the UK have already experienced snowfall (up to 15cm in some parts), fear not, the snow will reach the Southern areas within the next week!<br />
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Temperatures will drop to around -5C during the night, it's not expected to rise above +5C during the day - <i>doesn't really matter though, as we'll still classify it as "bloody nippy"... </i>On another negative note, there will be black ice so good luck navigating around slowly and carefully, avoiding SatNav routes and taking main roads - <i>it could literally be the difference between life and death</i> (or a huge insurance bill - after all, 1,000 people an hour are calling in to be rescued due to the conditions).<i></i><br />
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Pretty excited for the snow (as long as my horrific cold has gone by the time it arrives). Even though I know my coat can't handle the cold, I've got no gloves or hat, and my shoes will retain the coldness and wetness all day, it's still the best thing to come to England (excluding obvious things we love, like Coca Cola and Immigrants) - it makes everything <b>beautiful</b>.<br />
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I'm sure salt gritting companies are equally as excited - last year companies were criticised for the lack of grit that was available to salt roads. This years stocks have surpassed any previous year, so England is set for a "The Day after Tomorrow" cataclysmic event.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuaDzYYDitHHhIELN3mbJIE-FBVqGCKsHxaAYDyXsboSwoyXbaJS0taANq5L75LypeyPnsRzBW1qbxadc4wjDFECvFLI3Z_gtObXv3H09IqU9egR7YxtFF4WEwQvBXIuLuq9ZJJ5Vmws/s400/Gallery-Snow-in-England---015.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><u>Just waiting for the snow to hit London...</u></i></b><br />
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</div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-87934959622967106782010-11-13T20:46:00.004+00:002010-11-21T18:21:00.909+00:00Sixth Seal, M25 extension, Muslims and UniversitySo there's a theory popping around the Internet suggesting that there may be a major Earthquake in New York City tomorrow (an Earthquake that measures 7.0 and above on the Richter scale).<br />
It's been theorised that the Earthquake will be the "Sixth Seal" (oooh, biblical terminology):<br />
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<blockquote><div style="text-align: right;">"And I beheld when he had <b>opened the sixth seal</b>, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the <b>sun became black</b> as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, <b>Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne</b>, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"</div></blockquote><br />
I'm not entirely sure of the meaning, it sounds quite graphic however - almost like an Armageddon, but I think it's referring to the death of Christ and the world falling apart because of it - the Sixth seal has broken apart all the elements. That's just me rambling now...<br />
Anyway, if the Earthquake does happen (I'm not one to predict such drastic things, but I'm praying (and doubting) that nothing will happen), then New York's infrastructure will be torn apart. The buildings are not built to withstand major earthquakes, but could resist small quakes that are around 4.0 and below. Historic buildings like the Empire State Building may crumble (I've been there, too), many people could potentially lose their lives due to the high density of the City (with a permanent population of around 8.5million), any major quake will be devastating.If you're interested in viewing a quick video about the scenario then <i><b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVCzw12sasE">watch this</a></b></i><br />
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Secondly, I was informed today that the M25 is going to be extended to around the Hutton area. I haven't heard anything about this, so it came to me as a shock. Fortunately for me, where I live, it won't personally affect me through environmental, visual or noise pollution. However, for some people, it will be "in their back yard", leading to NIMBism related protests. While this will mostly drop house prices for those within visual and acoustic range, house prices within a suitable distance will most likely receive a price increase of their house due to improved transport links (if there's a change at all that is, and yes, I spoke to an estate agent about it, so it's not waffle). Currently, I've found no sources of information about it, but it's certainly controversial news.<br />
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As you may have heard, there has been a lot of debating over the issue of a small group of Muslims burning poppies during the two minute silence, held on Armistice day - 11/11/10; a date dedicated to remembering all those who have fought on home and foreign soil, providing and conserving freedom of people all around the world, past and present. I admit, it's always the minorities which provide the stereotype for the masses - just like in this case. A minority of the Muslim beliefs abused freedom of speech and suddenly the whole religion has been generalised. Generalisation of this incident is a mix of peoples ignorance and the medias abilities to fear monger on every religion which roots are around the middle east; or basically any religion than isn't Christianity. Sadly, there isn't much we can do to prevent such actions taking place, in reality, we're hardly going to extradite anyone in this country unless they are on the CIA's most wanted list for example - they're in our country and due to social sensitivity, the only way they're leaving it is through deportation due to an expired visa; in the end our society will remain multicultural and different religions will need to coexist peacefully, however I believe there will always be clashes between viewpoints, such as this one. I know, I need to work on my wording for socially sensitive issues....<br />
Secondly, I feel as if people are simply exploding about this issue due to the culture clashes - I don't remember anyone commenting on things like <a href="http://www.news.com.au/world/scottish-soccer-club-airdrie-united-mistakes-nazi-soldiers-for-australians-in-remembrance-day-program-fail/story-e6frfkyi-1225954232466">http://www.news.com.au/world/scottish-soccer-club-airdrie-united-mistakes-nazi-soldiers-for-australians-in-remembrance-day-program-fail/story-e6frfkyi-1225954232466</a> ; even though it no where near as severe, people didn't seem to notice this on social networking sites.<br />
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Finally, I WENT TO MY FIRST UNIVERSITY OPEN DAY TODAY!I popped on down to Oxford Brookes and had a whirl of a time, totally like their Geography course and the one lecturer I met, plus their teaching technique is quite new and experimental from my point of view, but sounds great none the less! (just a -tad- costly...)Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-44960312588985568522010-11-10T20:34:00.006+00:002010-11-25T19:53:17.971+00:00Thinking of traveling this year?<div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How about a trip to The Aokigahara Forest in Japan?</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's a beautiful forest that lies at the base of Mount Fuji, which has been nicknamed "The Sea of Trees", due to it being green all year round when viewing from the mountain.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The forest was the product of the eruption which happened in 864 - the nutrient rich volcanic ash provided the perfect foundation for excessive organic growth.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Take a peek at the pictures below:</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20090320/In-WORLD-AOKI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20090320/In-WORLD-AOKI.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Beautiful, right?</i></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://digitaljohnny.cementhorizon.com/archives/forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://digitaljohnny.cementhorizon.com/archives/forest.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I wouldn't mind visiting this place...</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://rheide.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/img_7080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://rheide.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/img_7080.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Characterised by rocky, icy caverns, the </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Aokigahara Forest sounds like an idealic retreat for a hike; however it has become part of a modern phenomenon...</span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It became the centre of attention for suicides when Kuroi Jukai was published in 1960 - a tale which eventually leads to a lovers suicide in the forest (the forest has since been dubbed Jukai).</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Pretty grim, ey..?</i></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">50-100 people commit suicide annually each year, quite a depressing figure; however statistically the Golden Gate Bridge is still the most popular place for suicides; nice to know.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've read about this forest before, but I found a documentary about it which was extremely intriguing and worth watching, <i><b><a href="http://www.vbs.tv/en-gb/watch/vbs-news/aokigahara-suicide-forest-v3--2">which can be found here.</a></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The documentary puts into perspective the growing demands of today on social status - how people are beginning to become autonomous and isolated through communication - despite being connected to everyone today in the virtual world, we're becoming disconnected in the physical world.<i><b>... And it's taking it's toll..</b></i></span></div>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-5204864342140166122010-11-10T18:53:00.002+00:002010-11-21T18:22:01.219+00:00Student protest and nuclear protestsI wish I could have attended the student protest which occurred in London today, challenging the government about its plans to treble tuition fees up to £9,000 a year.<br />
50,000 students from all over the England and Wales attended the demonstrations to sock it to the government, guaranteed to be front page news tomorrow due to the parliamentary bashing.<br />
If you're interested in the full article and information about the protests, then <i><b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-11726822">click here</a></b></i> <br />
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Currently learning about Energy Security in geography and vaguely covered nuclear power in today's lesson (although I've covered it in the past).<br />
If you didn't know, Nuclear Power stations produce nuclear waste -<i> </i>not the sort which will give you superpowers, but rather waste which will give you <i>super cancer and degenerative illnesses</i>.<br />
14 wagons containing 123 tonnes of reprocessed nuclear waste in glass and steel containers is being sent from France (which relies heavily on nuclear power; ~79% of it's energy is derived from Nuclear power), into Dannenburg, Germany, then transported to a salt mine in Gorleben. The plan is to store the waste in a empty salt mine for the next several thousand years til it becomes less radioactive. <br />
Protesters tried to sabotage train tracks, halt the trains progress, as well as several protesters rappelled down from a bridge onto the train in a true military style.<br />
This highlights the issue between social security and waste management of nuclear power stations - although Nuclear energy is almost unlimited due to the relatively small amounts of uranium needed to produce energy and its massive quantities, the waste produced does have a devastating effect on the health of organisms which come into contact with it, which will<i> inevitably cause conflict...</i>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841721248293518994.post-76374983702824205802010-11-09T21:07:00.002+00:002010-11-21T18:22:16.757+00:00Going solo while every other boy goes commando...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>As some of you may, or may not know, Call of Duty: Black Ops was released today.<br />
It's the follow-up to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, which is amongst the highest sold games worldwide. Almost every man around the world has heard, played, or bought a game which is part of the Call Of Duty series (commonly referred to as COD worldwide).<br />
This latest installment has left me researching some wonderful "group" work - <i>alone...</i> And I expect it to be like that until the initial excitement calms down in a few weeks time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.windingdown.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://www.windingdown.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11708139">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11708139</a></div><br />
While most boys are currently sweating over the graphics, game play or frustration of the new Call of Duty game, I'm scrawling through countless pages of Geothermal Energy information as well as how the Vietnam War affected international relations. Fun times.<br />
I don't mind anyway, education is a priority, so I can't be dealing with this unnecessary distracti- <i>ooo, is that something shiny?</i>Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441483512034942849noreply@blogger.com0