Source: The following passage is excerpted from online article. It was published online by the BBC News on November 9, 1998. The title of the article is “Global Warming: The Fact.” The Web site address is http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/special_report/1998/10/98/global_warming/202408.stm
Summary
Nowadays, the existence of global warming cannot be denied. Scientists have shown strong evidence to support that global warming is indeed occurring. The obvious evidence is the dramatically rising of surface air temperature. Scientists have proved that 1998 is the hottest year in the last thousand years. Besides, the ice caps have melted and the global sea level has risen by between 10cm and 25cm over the last century(BBC News, 1998). Most scientists believe that greenhouse effect is one of the factors, which directly encourage the global warming. Human activities have influence on the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere too. Carbon dioxides is the main greenhouse gas which causes the climate changes. Global warming has brought catastrophic effects to human and plants. It causes more natural disasters occur. What can be done by the human to reduce the impacts of global warming? For instance, using low carbon fossil fuels, developing green and renewable energy sources, planting new trees and sustaining existing forest cover can reduce the human impacts on the climate change. However, the pollution we caused today will not cause the climate change immediately, it will cause the climate change after 30 years.
References
BBC News. (1998, November 9). Retrieved November 9, 2008, from
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/special_report/1998/10/98/global_warming/202408.stm
Monday, November 10, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Portfolio 5
Nowadays, the development of the science is grown rapidly. A lot of scientific researches have been processed over the world. Our world is full of the materials than our great-grandparents years. We can’t deny that the successful scientific researches have brought many benefits to human beings. However, some of the them cause unethical abuses such as the brain mapping and human cloning. If I were one of the researcher of any of them, I will absolutely prevent and minimize these unethical abuses of my work.
Firstly, I will ensure the privacy of the systems by building well security systems. All the images and the data of the brain mapping could only be read by the persons involved. Besides, the database would be protected by the firewall.
Secondly, I will enhance people’s knowledge by educating and campaign before conducting the research. Of course, I will also explain what are the pros and cons of brain mapping to the public. Also, I will collect feedbacks from the public and try to make brain mapping system more user-friendly to them.
Standards would be established too. People who do not want their mind be read, won’t be forced to go through this system. However, a criminal defendant has to do so under request of a judge that is necessary for the case. What would be the effects if a criminal defendant refuses? According to Caplan (Marano, 2003), “the refusal would affect a jury regardless of a judge’s instructions”.
In conclusion, by setting the standards and constructing a well protection of the privacy, the potential unethical abuses can be predicted and minimized. Each scientific research has its own risk, we can’t stop processing the research due to its ethical problems. In contrast, what we should do is to make them more acceptable.
References
Marano. (2003, June 3). Ethics and Mapping the Brain. Retrieved November 6, 2008, from http://www.cognitiveliberty.org/neuro/brain_mapping_ethics.htm
Firstly, I will ensure the privacy of the systems by building well security systems. All the images and the data of the brain mapping could only be read by the persons involved. Besides, the database would be protected by the firewall.
Secondly, I will enhance people’s knowledge by educating and campaign before conducting the research. Of course, I will also explain what are the pros and cons of brain mapping to the public. Also, I will collect feedbacks from the public and try to make brain mapping system more user-friendly to them.
Standards would be established too. People who do not want their mind be read, won’t be forced to go through this system. However, a criminal defendant has to do so under request of a judge that is necessary for the case. What would be the effects if a criminal defendant refuses? According to Caplan (Marano, 2003), “the refusal would affect a jury regardless of a judge’s instructions”.
In conclusion, by setting the standards and constructing a well protection of the privacy, the potential unethical abuses can be predicted and minimized. Each scientific research has its own risk, we can’t stop processing the research due to its ethical problems. In contrast, what we should do is to make them more acceptable.
References
Marano. (2003, June 3). Ethics and Mapping the Brain. Retrieved November 6, 2008, from http://www.cognitiveliberty.org/neuro/brain_mapping_ethics.htm
Global Warming(Question 2)
Why global warming becomes a part of the debates of the USA president election? What is global warming? Global Warming is defined as the increase of the average temperature on Earth. As the Earth is getting hotter, disasters like hurricanes, droughts and floods are getting more frequent” (Allianz). Although some of the people believe that it is too early to say that global warming had occurred, engineers and scientists have shown strong evidence to support that global warming is indeed occurring. On February, 2007, the United Nations scientific panel studying climate changes declared the evidence of a warming trend as unequivocal (Global Warming).
Nowadays, the existence of global warming cannot be denied. The obvious evidence is the dramatically rising concentration of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are one of the factors, which directly encourage the global warming. Concentration of Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is higher than they was for the last 420,000 years and probably the last 20 million years. This has caused some changes in temperatures. For decades, cars and factories have spewed billions of tons of greenhouse gases into atmosphere, led to the rising of temperatures between 0.6°C and 0.9°C (1.08°F to 1.62°F) over the past centuries (Earth Observatory). Global warming has brought catastrophic effects to humans and the Earth. Furthermore, for the past few years, there are more natural disasters such as tsunamis, storms and earthquakes.
Another proof is the climatic change. Our planet is heating up rapidly, and the rate of warming is accelerating. The intergovernmental panel on climate change has outlined a range of scenarios which predict a temperature rise of between 1.4 and 5.8 degree centigrade (Lamichhane, 2008). It is directly causing the temperatures of the ocean increasing and the number of storms increasing. For example, the stronger storms like Hurricane Katrina in recent years may be partially explained by global warming (Lamichhane, 2008).
Last, the melting of the ice caps and the rising of sea level also show that the global warming is occurring. For example, “last winter, the thickness of sea ice in large parts of the Arctic fell by nearly half a metre (19 per cent) compared with the average thickness of the previous five winters” (Science News, 2008). The warm weather have driven this problem. Besides, the IPCC's Third Assessment Report, projected that the global average sea level would rise by between 9 and 88cm between 1990 and 2100 (Anonymous, 2006). All of these problems can be explained by global warming.
In summary, there are thousands of proofs already all around the world which show that global warming is occurring. The effect of Global warming is being seen widely all over the world. Some of the effects have provoked and challenged the entire ecosystem. We should stop to heat our earth. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to stop our earth from warming up.
References
Allianz. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from
http://knowledge.allianz.com/en/globalissues/climate_change/global_warming _basics/global_warming_definition.html
Anonymous. (2006, January). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://www.climateimc.org/?q=node/275
Earth Observatory. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/GlobalWarmingUpdate/
Global Warming. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics/globalwarming/index.html#
Lamichhane. (2008, May). Global Warming. Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://thesop.org/index.php?article=11264
Science News. (2008, March). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081027200309.htm
Nowadays, the existence of global warming cannot be denied. The obvious evidence is the dramatically rising concentration of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are one of the factors, which directly encourage the global warming. Concentration of Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is higher than they was for the last 420,000 years and probably the last 20 million years. This has caused some changes in temperatures. For decades, cars and factories have spewed billions of tons of greenhouse gases into atmosphere, led to the rising of temperatures between 0.6°C and 0.9°C (1.08°F to 1.62°F) over the past centuries (Earth Observatory). Global warming has brought catastrophic effects to humans and the Earth. Furthermore, for the past few years, there are more natural disasters such as tsunamis, storms and earthquakes.
Another proof is the climatic change. Our planet is heating up rapidly, and the rate of warming is accelerating. The intergovernmental panel on climate change has outlined a range of scenarios which predict a temperature rise of between 1.4 and 5.8 degree centigrade (Lamichhane, 2008). It is directly causing the temperatures of the ocean increasing and the number of storms increasing. For example, the stronger storms like Hurricane Katrina in recent years may be partially explained by global warming (Lamichhane, 2008).
Last, the melting of the ice caps and the rising of sea level also show that the global warming is occurring. For example, “last winter, the thickness of sea ice in large parts of the Arctic fell by nearly half a metre (19 per cent) compared with the average thickness of the previous five winters” (Science News, 2008). The warm weather have driven this problem. Besides, the IPCC's Third Assessment Report, projected that the global average sea level would rise by between 9 and 88cm between 1990 and 2100 (Anonymous, 2006). All of these problems can be explained by global warming.
In summary, there are thousands of proofs already all around the world which show that global warming is occurring. The effect of Global warming is being seen widely all over the world. Some of the effects have provoked and challenged the entire ecosystem. We should stop to heat our earth. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to stop our earth from warming up.
References
Allianz. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from
http://knowledge.allianz.com/en/globalissues/climate_change/global_warming _basics/global_warming_definition.html
Anonymous. (2006, January). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://www.climateimc.org/?q=node/275
Earth Observatory. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/GlobalWarmingUpdate/
Global Warming. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics/globalwarming/index.html#
Lamichhane. (2008, May). Global Warming. Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://thesop.org/index.php?article=11264
Science News. (2008, March). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081027200309.htm
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Zero Waste (Question 2)
Nowadays, our earth is full of the garbage. The production of garbage such as medical wastes, electrical wastes, hazardous wastes and others is greatly increasing with the progressing of countries. The phenomenon have caused impacts on environment as well as human beings. The quality of human lives as highly associated with nature has downgraded too. In response to these effects, many countries have started to concentrate on this issue and negotiate for appropriate solutions. For example, they have come out with the idea of land-filling and the incineration for waste disposal problems. However, the methods mentioned above are not considered the best solution due to the side effects they have caused such as air and land pollution. A later idea with effective system which called zero waste has been implemented and has resolved the previous problems.
Zero waste is a mean of designing and managing products and process to reduce the volume as well as toxicity of waste materials, conserve all resources, and not burn or bury(“Zero Waste International Alliance”, n.d.). In Malaysia, the waste disposal problems have become seriously. It is totally not the responsibility of government, the public plays a very important role too and they should involve themselves and corporate with government in solving these problems.
First, recycling is one of the common solution. Most of the wastes such as the aluminum cans, papers and glass bottles are recyclable. People should start fostering a good habit of recycling in their houses and within their residential area. Learning how to reduce, reuse and recycle the waste materials is beneficial in decreasing the accumulated household wastes. The recyclable rubbish can be arranged into different groups such as the batteries, papers, glass and others.
Besides, government also play a very important role in solving the waste disposal problems. As we know, recycle bins are rarely found in Malaysia and this has indirectly caused Malaysians lack sense of environmental protection. In order to improve this condition, government should put more efforts such as increasing the number of recycle bins in public places. This will encourage people to recycle and it also brings convenience for people in doing this good deed. Moreover, government can enhance the sense of responsibility among people by educating and making the plans of recycling acceptable. Government should active in organizing more related campaign as a way of educating. For example, the recycling campaign called “Thank You Recycle” was held in March, 2007. This campaign was very successful and during this campaign more than 300,000 waste materials are collected(“CSR Action”, 2007). Furthermore, government should punish the factories which produce the large amount of the wastes. Enforcement of law regulations is always considered an effective way for example, penalties are given to those factories that produce large-scale wastes. In minimizing such losses, the manufacturers will definitely alter their ways of operating.
Besides, there is an increasing accumulation of both hazardous and non-hazardous wastes produced by factories due to industrialization. The zero waste system is an ideal way and should be adopted in the operating of industries. The manufacturers are encouraged to design the products which are environmental friendly and bring the waste amount to the zero waste level. For instances, organic farming avoid the using of synthetic chemical fertilizers but instead environmental-friendly substances such as renewable resources and green manures. These renewable and recyclable materials help in alleviation of environment pollutions.
In conclusion, every individual must bear in mind that their lives are closely related to and heavily dependent on environment. The waste disposal problems bring nothing but suffers to them and even their generation. Therefore, every people and manufacturers must corporate with the government in solving these problems. Zero waste system is considered the best way, at least for now, should be encouraged and widely implemented. Let’s save our earth by reducing, reusing and recycling.
References
Zero Waste International Alliance. (n.d.). Retrieved October 26, 2008, from http://www.californiagreensolutions.com/cgi-bin/gt/tpl.h,content=58
CSR Action. (2007, March). Retrieved October 26, 2008, from http://www.fastretailing.com/eng/csr/news/0706131800%20.html
Zero waste is a mean of designing and managing products and process to reduce the volume as well as toxicity of waste materials, conserve all resources, and not burn or bury(“Zero Waste International Alliance”, n.d.). In Malaysia, the waste disposal problems have become seriously. It is totally not the responsibility of government, the public plays a very important role too and they should involve themselves and corporate with government in solving these problems.
First, recycling is one of the common solution. Most of the wastes such as the aluminum cans, papers and glass bottles are recyclable. People should start fostering a good habit of recycling in their houses and within their residential area. Learning how to reduce, reuse and recycle the waste materials is beneficial in decreasing the accumulated household wastes. The recyclable rubbish can be arranged into different groups such as the batteries, papers, glass and others.
Besides, government also play a very important role in solving the waste disposal problems. As we know, recycle bins are rarely found in Malaysia and this has indirectly caused Malaysians lack sense of environmental protection. In order to improve this condition, government should put more efforts such as increasing the number of recycle bins in public places. This will encourage people to recycle and it also brings convenience for people in doing this good deed. Moreover, government can enhance the sense of responsibility among people by educating and making the plans of recycling acceptable. Government should active in organizing more related campaign as a way of educating. For example, the recycling campaign called “Thank You Recycle” was held in March, 2007. This campaign was very successful and during this campaign more than 300,000 waste materials are collected(“CSR Action”, 2007). Furthermore, government should punish the factories which produce the large amount of the wastes. Enforcement of law regulations is always considered an effective way for example, penalties are given to those factories that produce large-scale wastes. In minimizing such losses, the manufacturers will definitely alter their ways of operating.
Besides, there is an increasing accumulation of both hazardous and non-hazardous wastes produced by factories due to industrialization. The zero waste system is an ideal way and should be adopted in the operating of industries. The manufacturers are encouraged to design the products which are environmental friendly and bring the waste amount to the zero waste level. For instances, organic farming avoid the using of synthetic chemical fertilizers but instead environmental-friendly substances such as renewable resources and green manures. These renewable and recyclable materials help in alleviation of environment pollutions.
In conclusion, every individual must bear in mind that their lives are closely related to and heavily dependent on environment. The waste disposal problems bring nothing but suffers to them and even their generation. Therefore, every people and manufacturers must corporate with the government in solving these problems. Zero waste system is considered the best way, at least for now, should be encouraged and widely implemented. Let’s save our earth by reducing, reusing and recycling.
References
Zero Waste International Alliance. (n.d.). Retrieved October 26, 2008, from http://www.californiagreensolutions.com/cgi-bin/gt/tpl.h,content=58
CSR Action. (2007, March). Retrieved October 26, 2008, from http://www.fastretailing.com/eng/csr/news/0706131800%20.html
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Portfolio 4
The main difficulty I have in my engineering classes is writing lab reports, particularly completing it within the given time frame. Most of the time, I could not finish my lab report in time. Basically the lab session takes about three hours long that includes experiment conducting and lab reports completion. However, I am unable to come out with the reports on time as I was stuck in the writing part. I was forced to forsake my lunch in order to finish my lab report and then I had to rush to my following tutorial classes. If I have the good skills in writing and summarizing, I can finish my lab report as fast as I can. It will save a lot of time.
Writing a good lab report requires both the engineering knowledge and English skills. It is not enough to have knowledge in our own modules or courses taken, good English writing is fundamental requirement in doing well in lab reports. I have difficulty in summarizing the concepts and physics laws as to avoid plagiarism. I find that it is difficult for me to use the short sentences to summarize the physics laws. The sentences which I used are incoherent. Besides, we have the discussion session with the lab assistant while doing the lab. We also need to summarize our discussions. I find that I cannot summarize all the main points and translate mathematic formulas into English. For example, after the discussion on “the principle of conservation of momentum”, I cannot really describe all of the conditions well. Although the tutor has physics background, he would still feel that the points do not flow. Lastly, I have difficulty in writing the conclusion because it needs to conclude all of the previous sections which I have done. Most of the time, my conclusion is irrelevant to the previous parts.
To tackle these problems, I need to use conjunctions to make the ideas flow freely. For examples, I must use the conjunctions to connect the two fragmented parts. Supporting details must be used directly to explain the concepts and ideas. Besides, I need to do more exercise of summary and try not to put unnecessary information in my conclusion. Redundant and irrelevant information will make the essays choppy.
In conclusion, I will keep reading the examples of lab reports on the ITSELF and try to improve my writing skills. Besides, physics lab report is done in a group of two, I will ask for suggestions from my partner and seek advice from the lab assistant.
Writing a good lab report requires both the engineering knowledge and English skills. It is not enough to have knowledge in our own modules or courses taken, good English writing is fundamental requirement in doing well in lab reports. I have difficulty in summarizing the concepts and physics laws as to avoid plagiarism. I find that it is difficult for me to use the short sentences to summarize the physics laws. The sentences which I used are incoherent. Besides, we have the discussion session with the lab assistant while doing the lab. We also need to summarize our discussions. I find that I cannot summarize all the main points and translate mathematic formulas into English. For example, after the discussion on “the principle of conservation of momentum”, I cannot really describe all of the conditions well. Although the tutor has physics background, he would still feel that the points do not flow. Lastly, I have difficulty in writing the conclusion because it needs to conclude all of the previous sections which I have done. Most of the time, my conclusion is irrelevant to the previous parts.
To tackle these problems, I need to use conjunctions to make the ideas flow freely. For examples, I must use the conjunctions to connect the two fragmented parts. Supporting details must be used directly to explain the concepts and ideas. Besides, I need to do more exercise of summary and try not to put unnecessary information in my conclusion. Redundant and irrelevant information will make the essays choppy.
In conclusion, I will keep reading the examples of lab reports on the ITSELF and try to improve my writing skills. Besides, physics lab report is done in a group of two, I will ask for suggestions from my partner and seek advice from the lab assistant.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Portfolio 3
Source: The following passage is excerpted from online article written by Matthew Hick. The title of the article is "Renewable Energy Tax Credits." The Web site address is http://renewableenergy-today.com/Renewable-Energy/Renewable-Energy-Tax-Credits.html.
It’s certainly no secret: the cost of renewable energy production and its implementation can be extremely high. This is the very reason why tax credits are often used to enable renewable energy sources to compete with fossil fuels.
With rising oil and natural gas prices, the war in Iraq and environmental problems centering on global warming and air pollution, our nation is concerned about their energy security and environmental issues. The United States is recognizing the need and power of renewable energy and is supporting its development through federal income tax credits and incentives.
President George Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 into law on August 8, 2005. It took over four years for Congress to pass after reviewing several different versions. It extended tax credits for wind and biomass energies for two more years and included additional tax credits for solar, geothermal and ocean energy.
Solar tax credits apply to residential and business users. This tax credit would pertain to eligible equipment installed between 1/1/06 and 12/31/08. The equipment installed would include those solar systems that generate electricity, heat and cool or provide hot water to structures. It must also be operational in the first year the credit is taken and the taxpayer must be the original user. The credit is 30% with a $2,000 cap for each unit for residential taxpayers and it is 30% with a no business cap specified for corporate users. After 12/31/08 the corporate tax credit will return to 10%.
The geothermal corporate credit remains at 10% with no maximum stated. This credit does not apply to geothermal heat pumps and is limited to geothermal energy equipment that produces, uses or distributes energy derived from geothermal deposits. A personal tax credit of 10% with a $300 maximum can be taken for geothermal heat pumps.
The federal government also included production tax credits for renewable energies. These credits allow companies to invest in renewable technologies and write the investment off against other investments. This was a major push of support for renewable energy technologies. The credit was extended until December 31, 2008. The credits are 1.9 cents per kWh for wind, geothermal, closed-loop biomass and 1.0 cent per kWh for hydroelectric power, landfill gas, municipal solid waste and open-loop biomass. These pertain to the first ten years of operation.
Similar to production tax credits, there were also provisions for renewable energy production “incentives” (REPI) for state and local governments, as well as, nonprofit electrical cooperatives. The enacted law included new qualifying energy generation facilities for solar, wind, biomass (excluding municipal solid waste combustion) landfill gas and certain types of dry steam geothermal energy. It was extended through fiscal year 2016 and also included ocean and wave energy.
These credits will be applied to any amount that remains after any other state or utility incentives have been taken. There are numerous states that do offer incentives also. Some new state incentives include a California state rebate program for photovoltaics, an Illinois state grant program for wind energy, a New Jersey state rebate program for geothermal heat pumps and a Pennsylvania property tax assessment for wind energy. These are just a few of the many state incentives that exist.
The United States government and the individual states are promoting renewable energy sources as an energy source to be encouraged. With all the incentives available, this may be one of the best times to make your air cleaner with a commitment toward this energy. With everyone’s support we can recharge renewable energy’s development.
Summary:
We cannot deny that the price of the renewable energy products is very costly. They need tax credits because they cannot compete with the fossil fuels on price. Because of the environmental problems and rising prices, people admit the need for green energy. The United States extended the tax credits for green energy to support the development of the renewable energy. All the original users can have these credits. Besides, the federal goverment also implements production tax credits and provides incentives for green energy products. These are the dominant supports for the development of renewable energy technologies. Many companies can invest in renewable technologies due to these credits. The USA encourages people to use green energy instead of the ongoing fossil fuels. We can enhance the green energy's development by everyone's effort and make them more user-friendly to the public (Matthew Hick, n.d.).
References
Matthew Hick. (n.d.). Renewable Energy Tax Credits. Retrieved September 26, 2008, from http://renewableenergy-today.com/Renewable-Energy/Renewable-Energy-Tax-Credits.html
It’s certainly no secret: the cost of renewable energy production and its implementation can be extremely high. This is the very reason why tax credits are often used to enable renewable energy sources to compete with fossil fuels.
With rising oil and natural gas prices, the war in Iraq and environmental problems centering on global warming and air pollution, our nation is concerned about their energy security and environmental issues. The United States is recognizing the need and power of renewable energy and is supporting its development through federal income tax credits and incentives.
President George Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 into law on August 8, 2005. It took over four years for Congress to pass after reviewing several different versions. It extended tax credits for wind and biomass energies for two more years and included additional tax credits for solar, geothermal and ocean energy.
Solar tax credits apply to residential and business users. This tax credit would pertain to eligible equipment installed between 1/1/06 and 12/31/08. The equipment installed would include those solar systems that generate electricity, heat and cool or provide hot water to structures. It must also be operational in the first year the credit is taken and the taxpayer must be the original user. The credit is 30% with a $2,000 cap for each unit for residential taxpayers and it is 30% with a no business cap specified for corporate users. After 12/31/08 the corporate tax credit will return to 10%.
The geothermal corporate credit remains at 10% with no maximum stated. This credit does not apply to geothermal heat pumps and is limited to geothermal energy equipment that produces, uses or distributes energy derived from geothermal deposits. A personal tax credit of 10% with a $300 maximum can be taken for geothermal heat pumps.
The federal government also included production tax credits for renewable energies. These credits allow companies to invest in renewable technologies and write the investment off against other investments. This was a major push of support for renewable energy technologies. The credit was extended until December 31, 2008. The credits are 1.9 cents per kWh for wind, geothermal, closed-loop biomass and 1.0 cent per kWh for hydroelectric power, landfill gas, municipal solid waste and open-loop biomass. These pertain to the first ten years of operation.
Similar to production tax credits, there were also provisions for renewable energy production “incentives” (REPI) for state and local governments, as well as, nonprofit electrical cooperatives. The enacted law included new qualifying energy generation facilities for solar, wind, biomass (excluding municipal solid waste combustion) landfill gas and certain types of dry steam geothermal energy. It was extended through fiscal year 2016 and also included ocean and wave energy.
These credits will be applied to any amount that remains after any other state or utility incentives have been taken. There are numerous states that do offer incentives also. Some new state incentives include a California state rebate program for photovoltaics, an Illinois state grant program for wind energy, a New Jersey state rebate program for geothermal heat pumps and a Pennsylvania property tax assessment for wind energy. These are just a few of the many state incentives that exist.
The United States government and the individual states are promoting renewable energy sources as an energy source to be encouraged. With all the incentives available, this may be one of the best times to make your air cleaner with a commitment toward this energy. With everyone’s support we can recharge renewable energy’s development.
Summary:
We cannot deny that the price of the renewable energy products is very costly. They need tax credits because they cannot compete with the fossil fuels on price. Because of the environmental problems and rising prices, people admit the need for green energy. The United States extended the tax credits for green energy to support the development of the renewable energy. All the original users can have these credits. Besides, the federal goverment also implements production tax credits and provides incentives for green energy products. These are the dominant supports for the development of renewable energy technologies. Many companies can invest in renewable technologies due to these credits. The USA encourages people to use green energy instead of the ongoing fossil fuels. We can enhance the green energy's development by everyone's effort and make them more user-friendly to the public (Matthew Hick, n.d.).
References
Matthew Hick. (n.d.). Renewable Energy Tax Credits. Retrieved September 26, 2008, from http://renewableenergy-today.com/Renewable-Energy/Renewable-Energy-Tax-Credits.html
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Recess Week
Within these few weeks, I have learnt some writing techniques such as create mindmap and outlining to make my essays flow smoothly as well as citation.In addition, I have gained the fundamental skills of writing argumentative essays. However, my grammar is still weak and always can't come out with good and sophiscated vocabularies as lack of reading. Thus I have to put more effort in reading and exercise.Besides academic acquisition, I got to meet many new friends who are very friendly and helpful. I'm sure this is will be one of the sweetest memory part during my university life. Enjoy our recess week and have a balance holidays. Gambateh!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Resistance to New Technology
The development of the new technologies has grown rapidly for the past ten years. However, new technologies are not readily accepted by everybody. According to the article "Introduction to the Grand Challenges for Engineering" (National Academy of Engineering, 2008), people resist new technology. What are the reasons for people’s resistance? There are many factors that contributed to people’s resistance. One of the reasons is that people do not know how to use new technology. They lack the basic technical information and do not have a good understanding of engineering and science. It is difficult for them to understand the concepts behind the products of engineering and new technologies. For example, elderly people do not know how to use computers and what the internet is because they lack the knowledge. They wonder how their grandsons and granddaughters can talk to friends through the internet. Also, some of the methods of using new technologies are very complicated; therefore, people find that it is inconvenient to use them such as solar energy system and computer system. People prefer doing things in the old way because it is more familiar to them. Furthermore, people resist new technology because there are some ethical issues that arise from new technologies such as human cloning and human embryo research. They believe human cloning and transgenic technology will destroy ecological balance.
According to the Society, Religion and Technology Project (n.d.), “Statements opposing cloning human beings have issued from numerous national and international organizations, like the UN, the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the European Commission's ethical advisors, a special report of the UK Human Genetics Advisory Council and Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, and also the scientists at Roslin who cloned Dolly.”
In conclusion, people resist new technologies due to a few factors such as lack of basic information, inability to use them and others. Consequently, engineers should try hard to make new technologies more user-friendly to the public.
References
National Academy of Engineering. (2008, February). Introduction to the grand challenges of engineering. Retrieved June 3, 2008, from
http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9221.aspx
Society, Religion and Technology Project. (n.d.). Human Cloning. Retrieved August 30, 2008, from http://www.srtp.org.uk/cloninf5.htm
National Academy of Engineering. (2008, February). Introduction to the grand challenges of engineering. Retrieved June 3, 2008, from
http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9221.aspx
Society, Religion and Technology Project. (n.d.). Human Cloning. Retrieved August 30, 2008, from http://www.srtp.org.uk/cloninf5.htm
Portfolio 2: Identify of My Common Mistakes
One of the common grammar mistakes that I have always made is subject and verb agreement. Although subject and verb agreement seems to be very easy, many people still will make mistake on it. I always make mistake when using it in my writing.
These are the following examples.“Neither of them are available to speak right now” and “Neither Lim nor Low are coming”. This is the way of my writing according to my so-called sixth sense. This concept is based on the using of plural verb form for plural nouns “them” and “Lim and Low”. This basic concept is correct, but cited in this topic is totally wrong. When singular nouns and plural nouns are connected by "either…or" or "neither…nor", the use of verb is dependent on the closest subject to it. For instance, “Neither Low nor his friends are coming”. The second condition is when either and neither become subjects, they always take singular verbs. Thus, the example one that shown above should be changed to “Neither of them is available to speak right now”.
Besides that, collective nouns are so important for us to take note of. "Team" and "staff" may be either singular or plural depending on the situation in the sentence. For example, “The staff is in a meeting”, “The staff are in disagreement about the findings”. The staff is acting as a unit in the first example whereas the second one is acting as separate individuals.
Furthermore, we need to be careful of common indefinite pronouns such as some, none, anyone, no one, each, etc. They are always singular so they require singular verb. For instance, "No one has done the homework". Albeit “each” is always followed by a plural noun, it requires singular verb. I often remind myself for not being confused by the plural noun. For example, each of the students comes from Malaysia.
Using the subject and verb agreement correctly is the fundamental of speaking and writing good English. What we need to do is to understand the rule of it and doing more practice. Following is some examples that I find from internet. Try and see whether you fully understand of this or not!
Practice (Quiz on Subject-Verb Agreement):
1. Either the physicians in this hospital or the chief administrator ____ going to have to make a decision.
2. ______ my boss or my sisters in the union going to win this grievance?
3. Everyone selected to serve on this jury _____ to be willing to give up a lot of time.
4. Some of the votes __________ to have been miscounted.
5. He seems to forget that there __________ things to be done before he can graduate.
6. Three-quarters of the students __________ against the tuition hike.
7. Three-quarters of the student body __________ against the tuition hike.
Answer:
1. is
2. is
3. has
4. seem
5. are
6. are
7. is
Have you scored?
If you did not get all correct, you must read the rules again!!!
You can check your knowlegde through the more practices provided in the website below.
References
These are the following examples.“Neither of them are available to speak right now” and “Neither Lim nor Low are coming”. This is the way of my writing according to my so-called sixth sense. This concept is based on the using of plural verb form for plural nouns “them” and “Lim and Low”. This basic concept is correct, but cited in this topic is totally wrong. When singular nouns and plural nouns are connected by "either…or" or "neither…nor", the use of verb is dependent on the closest subject to it. For instance, “Neither Low nor his friends are coming”. The second condition is when either and neither become subjects, they always take singular verbs. Thus, the example one that shown above should be changed to “Neither of them is available to speak right now”.
Besides that, collective nouns are so important for us to take note of. "Team" and "staff" may be either singular or plural depending on the situation in the sentence. For example, “The staff is in a meeting”, “The staff are in disagreement about the findings”. The staff is acting as a unit in the first example whereas the second one is acting as separate individuals.
Furthermore, we need to be careful of common indefinite pronouns such as some, none, anyone, no one, each, etc. They are always singular so they require singular verb. For instance, "No one has done the homework". Albeit “each” is always followed by a plural noun, it requires singular verb. I often remind myself for not being confused by the plural noun. For example, each of the students comes from Malaysia.
Using the subject and verb agreement correctly is the fundamental of speaking and writing good English. What we need to do is to understand the rule of it and doing more practice. Following is some examples that I find from internet. Try and see whether you fully understand of this or not!
Practice (Quiz on Subject-Verb Agreement):
1. Either the physicians in this hospital or the chief administrator ____ going to have to make a decision.
2. ______ my boss or my sisters in the union going to win this grievance?
3. Everyone selected to serve on this jury _____ to be willing to give up a lot of time.
4. Some of the votes __________ to have been miscounted.
5. He seems to forget that there __________ things to be done before he can graduate.
6. Three-quarters of the students __________ against the tuition hike.
7. Three-quarters of the student body __________ against the tuition hike.
Answer:
1. is
2. is
3. has
4. seem
5. are
6. are
7. is
Have you scored?
If you did not get all correct, you must read the rules again!!!
You can check your knowlegde through the more practices provided in the website below.
References
Quiz on Subject-Verb Agreement. (n.d.). Retrieved September 11, 2008, from http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/GRAMMAR/sv_agr.htm
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Portfolio 1
In my opinion, the most dominant problem facing by the engineers today is to find the solutions for grand challenges. According to the article "Introduction to the Grand Challenges for Engineering"(National Academy of Engineering, 2008), the world's cadre of engineers are finding ways to put their knowledge into practice to overcome these grand challenges. We are unable to neglect or deny the importance on interactions between environment and living beings.Human beings are strongly dependent on environment for the energy , food and others.
The Earth's energy-source will be used up one day. Engineers need to develop new sources of energy. For example, using solar energy instead of the ongoing use of fossil fuels. Solar energy, which is a renewable energy, will not cause pollution and can be used as a long-term energy. Since 19th century, solar energy had been used in our life. According to an article, "In the 1830s, the British astronomer John Herschel used a solar thermal collector box to cook food during an expedition to Africa"(Energy from the sun). However, using solar energy still has some problems. Many people cannot get it due to the cost. The price of solar cells is very costly. Furthermore, there are many factors will affect the efficiency of the solar energy system; for instance, its performance is not so well when using it at the rainy day and at night. Now, engineers are trying their best to make it economical and efficient.
Besides, burning of fossil fuels will cause global warming. It will produce carbon dioxide, a key gas involved in global warming. "Global observations coordinated by WMO show that levels of carbon dioxide, the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, continue to increase steadily and show no signs of leveling off,'' Secretary-General Michel Jarraud said (Greenhouse Gas Hits Record High). Now, engineers are developing a new method to capture the carbon dioxide.
In conclusion, there are still many barriers await for engineering solutions. Engineers play an important role in changing our life. They have the abilities to save our earth and make the impossible task become possible. Let us wait for the engineers to change our life and make a better future.
National Academy of Engineering. (2008, February). Introduction to the grand challenges of engineering. Retrieved June 3, 2008, from <http://engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9221/.aspx>
Greenhouse Gas Hits Record High <http://www.livescience.com/environment/ap_060315_carbon_dioxide.html>
Energy from the sun
<http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/solar.html>
The Earth's energy-source will be used up one day. Engineers need to develop new sources of energy. For example, using solar energy instead of the ongoing use of fossil fuels. Solar energy, which is a renewable energy, will not cause pollution and can be used as a long-term energy. Since 19th century, solar energy had been used in our life. According to an article, "In the 1830s, the British astronomer John Herschel used a solar thermal collector box to cook food during an expedition to Africa"(Energy from the sun). However, using solar energy still has some problems. Many people cannot get it due to the cost. The price of solar cells is very costly. Furthermore, there are many factors will affect the efficiency of the solar energy system; for instance, its performance is not so well when using it at the rainy day and at night. Now, engineers are trying their best to make it economical and efficient.
Besides, burning of fossil fuels will cause global warming. It will produce carbon dioxide, a key gas involved in global warming. "Global observations coordinated by WMO show that levels of carbon dioxide, the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, continue to increase steadily and show no signs of leveling off,'' Secretary-General Michel Jarraud said (Greenhouse Gas Hits Record High). Now, engineers are developing a new method to capture the carbon dioxide.
In conclusion, there are still many barriers await for engineering solutions. Engineers play an important role in changing our life. They have the abilities to save our earth and make the impossible task become possible. Let us wait for the engineers to change our life and make a better future.
National Academy of Engineering. (2008, February). Introduction to the grand challenges of engineering. Retrieved June 3, 2008, from <http://engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9221/.aspx>
Greenhouse Gas Hits Record High <http://www.livescience.com/environment/ap_060315_carbon_dioxide.html>
Energy from the sun
<http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/solar.html>
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Portfolio1
In my opinion, the most dominant problem facing by the engineers today is finding the solutions for grand challenges. According to the article "Introduction to the Grand Challenges for Engineering"(National Academy of Engineering, 2008), the world's cadre of engineers are finding ways to put knowledge into practice to overcome these grand challenges. We are unable to neglect or deny the importance on interactions between environment and living beings.Human beings are strongly depend on environment such as the energy sources, food production and others. The Earth's energy-source will be used up one day. Engineers need to develop new sources of energy. For example, using solar energy instead of the ongoing use of fossil fuels. Solar energy will not cause pollution and it can be used as a long-term energy. Since 20th century, solar energy had been used in our life. Now, engineers are trying their best to make it economical and efficiency. Besides, burning of fossil fuels will cause global warming. It will produce carbon dioxide, a key gas involved in global warming. "Global observations coordinated by WMO show that levels of carbon dioxide, the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, continue to increase steadily and show no signs of leveling off,'' Secretary-General Michel Jarraud said (Greenhouse Gas Hits Record High). Now, engineers are developing a new method to capture the carbon dioxide. However, there are still many barriers await engineering solution. Let us wait for the engineers to change our life and make a better future.
National Academy of Engineering. (2008, February). Introduction to the grand challenges of engineering. Retrieved June 3, 2008, from http://engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9221/.aspx
Greenhouse Gas Hits Record High
<http://www.livescience.com/environment/ap_060315_carbon_dioxide.html>
National Academy of Engineering. (2008, February). Introduction to the grand challenges of engineering. Retrieved June 3, 2008, from http://engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9221/.aspx
Greenhouse Gas Hits Record High
<http://www.livescience.com/environment/ap_060315_carbon_dioxide.html>
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