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Week 13

Biodiversity is being lost at alarming rates due to problems like habitat destruction and climate change. This loss negatively impacts ecosystems and local communities that depend on biodiversity. Conservation efforts aim to preserve biodiversity through both in-situ and ex-situ methods like protected areas and breeding programs. It is important to conserve biodiversity as it provides resources for development, supports ecosystem functions, and benefits people in many ways. Various strategies can help conserve biodiversity, including protecting habitats, reducing pollution and overexploitation of resources, and increasing public awareness of the issue.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
28 views28 pages

Week 13

Biodiversity is being lost at alarming rates due to problems like habitat destruction and climate change. This loss negatively impacts ecosystems and local communities that depend on biodiversity. Conservation efforts aim to preserve biodiversity through both in-situ and ex-situ methods like protected areas and breeding programs. It is important to conserve biodiversity as it provides resources for development, supports ecosystem functions, and benefits people in many ways. Various strategies can help conserve biodiversity, including protecting habitats, reducing pollution and overexploitation of resources, and increasing public awareness of the issue.

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blesstongga2002
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Week 13

CONSERVATION EFFORTS ON BIODIVERSITY


Direct Quote:
“Biodiversity is being lost at alarming rates - between 1,000 and 10,000 times faster than the natural extinction
rate, owing to problems such as habitat destruction and climate change. A broad range of ecosystem services are
degraded as a result. The loss of biodiversity has devastating effects on local and indigenous communities around
the world who depend on it for their livelihoods. We have to respect and regenerate biodiversity, and this means
respecting flora and fauna, and also respecting people.”
(The Union for Ethical BioTrade, n.d.)
Consider that:

 7,000 plants species are consumed by humans as food


 17% of plant species are used for medicinal purposes
 70% of the world's poor live in rural areas and depend on biodiversity for their survival

Some drivers of biodiversity loss are localized, such as overexploitation. Others are global, such as climate
change, while many operate at a variety of scales, such as the local impacts of invasive species through global
trade. Most of the responses assessed here were designed to address the direct drivers of biodiversity loss.
However, these drivers are better seen as symptoms of the indirect drivers, such as unsustainable patterns of
consumption, demographic change, and globalization.

What is Biodiversity Conservation?


Biodiversity conservation is the protection and management of biodiversity to obtain resources for sustainable
development.
Biodiversity conservation has three main objectives:

 To preserve the diversity of species.


 Sustainable utilization of species and ecosystem.
 To maintain life-supporting systems and essential ecological processes.

Biodiversity and its Conservation Methods


Direct Quote:
“Biodiversity refers to the variability of life on earth. It can be conserved in the following ways:

 In-situ Conservation
 Ex-situ Conservation

In-situ Conservation
In-situ conservation of biodiversity is the conservation of species within their natural habitat. In this method, the
natural ecosystem is maintained and protected.
The in-situ conservation has several advantages. Following are the important advantages of in-situ conservation:

1. It is a cost-effective and convenient method of conserving biodiversity.


2. A large number of living organisms can be conserved simultaneously.
3. Since the organisms are in a natural ecosystem, they can evolve better and can easily adjust to
different environmental conditions.

Certain protected areas where in-situ conservation takes place include national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and
biosphere reserves.”
(Biodiversity Conservation Definition, n.d.)

Direct Quote:
“National Parks
These are small reserves maintained by the government. Its boundaries are well-demarcated, and human activities
such as grazing, forestry, habitat, and cultivation are prohibited. For e.g.., Kanha National Park, Bandipur National
Park.

Wildlife Sanctuaries
These are the regions where only wild animals are found. Human activities such as timber harvesting, cultivation,
collection of woods, and other forest products are allowed here as long as they do not interfere with the
conservation project. Also, tourists visit these places for recreation.

Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere reserves are multi-purpose, protected areas where the wildlife, traditional lifestyle of the inhabitants,
and domesticated plants and animals are protected. Tourist and research activities are permitted here.
Ex-situ Conservation
Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity involves the breeding and maintenance of endangered species in artificial
ecosystems such as zoos, nurseries, botanical gardens, gene banks, etc. There is less competition for food, water,
and space among the organisms.
Ex-situ conservation has the following advantages:

1. The animals are provided with a longer time and breeding activity.
2. The species bred in captivity can be reintroduced in the wild.
3. Genetic techniques can be used for the preservation of endangered species.

Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation


Following are the important strategies for biodiversity conservation:

1. All the varieties of food, timber plants, livestock, microbes, and agricultural animals should be
conserved.
2. All the economically important organisms should be identified and conserved.
3. Unique ecosystems should be preserved first.
4. The resources should be utilized efficiently.
5. Poaching and hunting of wild animals should be prevented.
6. The reserves and protected areas should be developed carefully.
7. The levels of pollutants should be reduced in the environment.
8. Deforestation should be strictly prohibited.
9. Environmental laws should be followed strictly.
10. The useful and endangered species of plants and animals should be conserved in their nature as
well as artificial habitats.
11. Public awareness should be created regarding biodiversity conservation and its importance.”

(What is Biodiversity Conservation?)


Why Should We Conserve Biodiversity?
Direct Quote:
“It is believed that an area with higher species abundance has a more stable environment compared to an area
with lower species abundance. We can further claim the necessity of biodiversity by considering our degree of
dependency on the environment. We depend directly on various species of plants for our various needs. Similarly,
we depend on various species of animals and microbes for different reasons.
Biodiversity is being lost due to the loss of habitat, over-exploitation of resources, climatic changes, pollution,
invasive exotic species, diseases, hunting, etc. Since it provides us with several economic and ethical benefits and
adds aesthetic value, it is very important to conserve biodiversity.”
(Biodiversity Conservation Definition, n.d.)
Direct Quote:
“10 Ways to Protect Biodiversity
1. Help the bees!
Bees pollinate nearly 90% of plant species, and they contribute to more than 35% of the world’s food supply, but
they’re under threat from varroa mites. Plant scientists are developing cutting-edge crop protection products to
help farmers control the mites and protect precious bee populations.
Give pollinators an extra boost in your backyard by planting a variety of wildflowers and native plants to provide
nectar that will bloom throughout the season. You can also build bee boxes for native bees to make their home.
2. Plant local flowers, fruit, and vegetables
Research the plants and vegetables that are local to your area and grow a variety. Each plant and vegetable helps
to protect biodiversity and supports the wider ecosystem of your local area.
3. Protect natural habitats
Human impact on the earth can have a devastating impact on biodiversity. Small steps like keeping to walking
paths and not stepping through flowers or crops can help protect what is growing there.
4. Take a walk
Climate change can have devastating consequences for biodiversity. Reducing your carbon footprint by taking the
bus or walking can help protect it.
Plant scientists are also working to combat climate change every day. One example is through innovative
developments in conservation tillage, which uses less fuel and therefore reduces the emission of greenhouse
gases.
5. Conserve your water use
Fresh bodies of water are essential to biodiversity. Reducing the amount of water you use by having a 5-minute
shower or not running the water when washing up the dishes can help protect vital wetlands.
Plant scientists are also working to help conserve by developing crop varieties that use less water.
6. Reduce, reuse and recycle
Recycling lessens pollution by decreasing energy, electricity, and water consumption and the need for landfills. Not
only can you recycle bottles and cans, but your local recycling center will usually allow you to recycle clothes,
electrical goods, and batteries.
Programs around the world have collected and recycled almost 800,000 metric tons of empty pesticide containers
and agricultural plastics in the last thirteen years. That is more than the weight of 100 Eiffel Towers.
7. Support farmers
Farmers play a key role in conserving biodiversity. With the help of biotechnology and plant science, farmers can
grow more food on the same amount of land. This takes the pressure off the need to convert natural habitats into
farmland.
8. Buy local foods when you can
Buying from your local farmer at a farmers’ market or through a farm stand gives you the ability to find out how
your food was grown and learn what they are doing on the farm to help conserve biodiversity.
9. Visit your local botanical garden
Botanical gardens are great for biodiversity conservation, as scientists can store, study and grow plants in their
native habitats. Visiting and donating to your local botanical garden will help them continue to protect and
promote biodiversity.
10. Educate yourself and those around you
Educating people about the importance of biodiversity conservation increases public awareness of the issue. As
public awareness increases, people become more involved in caring about their environment.”
(CropLife International, 2019)

WEEK 14

THE NANO WORLD

Direct Quote:

“Nano comes from the Greek word for dwarf. The prefix nano means a factor of one billionth (10-9) in
the metric system and can be applied, eg, to time (nanosecond), volume (nanoliter), weight (nanogram)
or length (nanometer or nm). In its popular use nano refers to length, and the nanoscale usually refers
to a length from the atomic level of around 0.1 nm up to 100 nm. Nanostructures or nanomaterials are
forms of matter at the nanoscale.” (Ten things you should know about nanotechnology, n.d.)
The nanoscale, 10 hydrogen atoms laid side by side measure a nanometer across, a strand of DNA is 2.5
nm in diameter, while a red blood cell is about 7000 nm wide.

Direct Quote:

“A piece of paper is about 100,000 nm thick. A human hair is about 70,000 to 80,000 nm. A red
blood cell is about 7,000 nm. A virus is about 10 to 100 nm.

While the exact definition of nanotechnology may vary, most research and studies have
concentrated on particles with at least one dimension of less than 100 nm.” (Canadian Centre for
Occupational Health & Safety, 2018)

Article:

Government Funding for Nano Technology in Different Countries

The main reason for government interest in nanotechnology is strategic: to achieve an


advantageous position so that when nanotech applications begin to have a significant effect in the world
economy, countries are able to exploit these new opportunities to the full.

The main reason for government interest in nanotechnology is strategic: to achieve an


advantageous position so that when nanotech applications begin to have a significant effect in the world
economy, countries are able to exploit these new opportunities to the full. Harper, who describes the
current situation as a global ‘arms race’ puts these ideas into perspective:

Similarities between Information Technology and Nanotechnology Evolutions

“You only have to look at how IT made a huge difference to both the US economy and US Military
strength to see how crucial technology is. Nanotechnology is an even more fundamental technology
than IT. Not only has it the ability to shift the balance of military power but also affect the global balance
of power in the energy markets.’

Main Areas of Nanotechnology Spending

This emphasis on military power is well founded: Smith echoes this sentiment when he
speculates that itis entirely possible that much, or even most, US government research in the field is
concentrated in the hands of military planners. Levels of public investment in nanotechnology are
reminiscent of a growing strategic interest: this is an area that attracts both large and small countries.
Global R&D spending is currently around US$4 billion, with public investment increasing rapidly (503%
between 1997 and 2002 across the ‘lead’ countries). Table 1 summarizes these rises.

Table 1. World-wide government funding for nanotechnology research and development

(US$million).

Excluding non-federal spending, e.g, California. Others include Australia, Canada, China, Eastern Europe,
the former Soviet Union, Singapore, Taiwan, and other countries with nanotechnology R&D. For
example, in Mexico, there are 20 research groups working independently on nanotechnology. Korea,
already a world player in electronics, has an ambitious 10-year programme to attain a world-class
position in nanotechnology. (Commodore Kulshrestha, 2006) (AZoNano, 2004)

Philippine Priorities for Nanotechnology

A hopeful scenario for the Philippines Nanotechnology can provide solutions for Filipinos’ basic
needs. Cheaper and accessible solar cells based on quantum dots, graphene nanosheets, etc. Clean
water may be possible with the use of nanocatalysts and nanofilters “Agricultural productivity can be
enhance by improved pest control using nanoencapsulation Medical diagnosis with nanotechnology-
based portable medical diagnostic kits Wider education through advances in nano-ICT.
We should take advantage of our indigenous resources ~ from our diverse marine, forest, and
agricultural resources to our abundant sunshine. We should apply nanotechnology to address our
national priorities: ICT, energy, health, environment, food, and agricultural productivity.

‘The Philippines’ 5-year Nanotechnology Roadmap

1. Nano-based Technologies/Materials

Nano-based technologies/materials for Environment: Water and Waste

Water Purification, and Nano-based Engineering / Industrial materials

2. Nanosensors and Nanodiagnostics

Food (detection of contaminants), Agriculture and Forestry (detection of diseases), and health

Filipino ethnicity-based nanodiagnostics)

3. Nanosensors and Nanodiagnostics

Fully operational metrology and FA and materials testing laboratory

4, Nanostructured Solar Energy Devices and Storage

National Solar Cell R&D Testing Facility, new design and new methodologies for energy storage devices,
and scaling up processes of nanostructured solar and energy storage devices

Application of Nanotechnology

Direct Quote:

“Though nanotechnology is a relatively new science, it already has numerous applications in everyday
life, ranging from consumer goods to medicine to improving the environment.

Here are a few examples:


a. Medicine

One application of nanotechnology in medicine currently being developed involves employing


nanoparticles to deliver drugs, heat, light or other substances to specific types of cells, such as cancer
cells. Particles are engineered so that they are attracted to diseased cells, which allow direct treatment
of those cells. This technique reduces damage to healthy cells in the body and allows for earlier
detection of disease. For example, nanoparticles that deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to cancer cells
are under development.

b. Electronics

Nanoelectronics holds some answers on expanding the capabilities of electronics devices can be
expanded while reducing their weight and power consumption. These include improving display screens
on electronics devices and increasing the density of memory chips. Nanotechnology can also reduce the
size of transistors used in integrated circuits. One researcher believes it may be possible to put the
power of all of today’s present computers in the palm of your hand.

c. Environment

Nanotecnnology is being used in several applications to improve the environment. Ins) includes cleaning
up existing pollution, improving manufacturing methods to reduce the} generation of new pollution, and
making alternative energy sources more cost effective.

Potential applications include:

1. Cleaning up organic chemicals polluting groundwater. Researchers have shown that iron
nanoparticles can be effective in cleaning up organic solvents that are polluting groundwater. The iron
nanoparticles disperse throughout the body of water and decompose the organic solvent in place. This
method can be more effective and cost significantly less than treatment methods that require the water
to be pumped out of the ground.

2. Generating less pollution during the manufacture of materials. Researchers have demonstrated that
the use of silver nanoclusters as catalyst can significantly reduce the polluting byproducts generated in
the process used to manufacture propylene oxide. Propylene oxide is used to produce common
materials such as plastics, paint, detergents and brake fluid.

3. Increasing the electricity generated by windmills. Epoxy containing carbon nanotubes is being used
to make windmill blades. The resulting blades are stronger and lower weight and therefore the amount
of electricity generated by each windmill is greater.
4. Producing solar cells that generate electricity at a competitive cost. Researchers have demonstrated
that an array silicon nanowires embedded in a polymer results in low-cost but high-efficiency solar cells.
This may result in solar cells that generate electricity as cost effectively as coal or oil.

D . Consumer Products

Nanotechnology has already found its way into numerous consumer products you use every day, from
clothing to skin lotion. They include:

1. Silver nanoparticles in fabric that kill bacteria making clothing odor-resistant.

2. Skin care products that use nanoparticles to deliver vitamins deeper into the skin

3. Lithium ion batteries that use nanoparticle-based electrodes powering plug-in electric

cars

4. Flame retardant formed by coating the foam used in furniture with carbon nanofibers.

E. Sporting Goods

Even sporting goods have been improved by nanotechnology. Current nanotechnology applications in
the sports arena include:

1. Increasing the strength of tennis racquets by adding nanotubes to the frames which increases control
and power when you hit the ball.

2. Filling any imperfections in golf club shaft materials with nanoparticles; this improves the uniformity
of the material that makes up the shaft and thereby improving your swing.

3. Reducing the rate at which air leaks from tennis balls so they keep their bounce longer.”(Chaurasia,
2017)

Article:

The Risk Factor

In order to discuss the risks of nanotechnology, we need to take a closer look at these nanostructures.
The mere presence of nanomaterials is not in itself a threat; as a matter of fact, nanoparticles exist in
nature. It is only certain aspects that can make them risky, in particular their mobility and their
increased reactivity. Only if certain properties of certain nanoparticles were proven harmful to living
beings or the environment would we be faced with a genuine hazard.

Natural and Anthropogenic Sources of Nanoparticles (<10Onm)

Potential for Release and Exposure to Nanoscale Substances

The environmental, health, and safety (EHS) risks of 2 nanomaterial may differ by characterize such aas
size, shape, and surface chemistry, among others.

Characteristics of nanomaterial that could affect risk

Characteristics of nanomaterial that could affect risk include its particles

1 size,

2. distribution of sizes in a group of parties,

3. shape,
4. surface area,

5 likelihood of forming agglomerates (clumps of particles bound together) and

6. surface chemistry including surface composition, shape, or chemical reactivity

In addressing the EHS impact of nanotechnology we need to differentiate two types of


nanostructures

1 Nanocomposites, nanostructured surfaces and nanocomponents (electronic, optical, sensors etc.),


where nanoscale particles are incorporated into a substance, material or device (“fixed”

nanoparticles); and

2) Free nanoparticles, where at some stage in production or use individual nanoparticles of 2 substance
are present These fee nanoparticles could be nanoscale species of elements, or simple compounds, but
also complex compounds where for instance a nanoparticle of a particular element is coated with
another substance.

There seems to be consensus that, although one should be aware of materials containing fixed
nanoparticles, the immediate concern is with free nanoparticles.

The extraordinarily high numbers of nanoparticles per given mass will likely be of toxicological
significance when these particles interact with cells and subcellular components. Likewise, their
increased surface area per unit mass can be toxicologically important. (Source: Source: Reproduced with
permission from Environm. Health Persp.)

Because nanoparticles are very different from their everyday counterparts - thanks to surface and
quantum effects - their adverse effects cannot be derived from the known toxicity of the macro-sized
material. This poses significant issues for addressing the health and environmental Impact of free
nanoparticles.

To complicate things further, in talking about nanoparticles it is important that a powder or liquid
containing nanoparticles is almost never monodisperse but will contain a range of particle sizes. This
complicates the experimental analysis as larger nanoparticles might have different properties than
smaller ones. Also, nanoparticles show a tendency to aggregate, and such aggregates often behave
differently from individual nanoparticles.

Potential for Release and Exposure to Nanoscale Substances

Health Issues

There are four entry routes for nanoparticles into the body: they can be inhaled, swallowed, absorbed
through the skin or be deliberately injected during medical procedures. Once within the body, they are
highly mobile and, in some instances, can even cross the blood-brain barrier. How these nanoparticles
behave inside the organism is one of the big issues that need to be resolved.

Basically, the behavior of nanoparticles is a function of their size, shape, and surface reactivity with the
surrounding tissue. They could cause “overload” on phagocytes, cells that ingest and destroy foreign
matter, thereby triggering stress reactions that lead to inflammation and weaken the body's defense
against other pathogens.
Apart from what happens if non- or slowly degradable nanoparticles accumulate in organs,
another concern is their potential interaction with biological processes inside the body: because of their
large surface, nanoparticles on exposure to tissue and fluids will immediately absorb onto their surface
some of the macromolecules they encounter. Can this, for instance, affect the regulatory mechanisms of
enzymes and other proteins?

For instance, there are ongoing studies that are investigating whether the amount of free
radicals formed on the surface of nanoparticles is sufficient to induce cellular effects. Read more about
nanoparticles, free radicals, and oxidative stress here with an overview about what free radicals are,
how they originate, why organisms need them, how they are neutralized, and what weknow about the
connection between nanoparticles and free radical production.

Environmental Issues

Not enough data exists to know for sure if nanoparticles could have undesirable effects on the
environment. Two areas are relevant here:

1) In free form, nanoparticles can be released in the air or water during production (or production
accidents) or as waste byproduct of production and ultimately accumulate in the soil, water, or plant
life.

2) In fixed form, where they are part of a manufactured substance or product, they will ultimately have
to be recycled or disposed of as waste. We don't know yet if certain nanoparticles will constitute a
completely new class of non-biodegradable pollutants. In case they do, we also don't know yet how such
pollutants could be removed from air or water because most traditional filters are not suitable for such
tasks (their pores are too big to catch nanoparticles).
To properly assess the health hazards of engineered nanoparticles, the whole life cycle of these
particles needs to be evaluated, including their fabrication, storage and distribution, application and
potential abuse, and disposal. The impact on humans or the environment may vary at different stages of
the life cycle.

One term you hear quite often in discussion about the potential risks of nano technology is the
precautionary principle. This moral and political principle, as commonly defined, states that if an action
or policy might cause severe or irreversible harm to the public or to the environment, in the absence of
a scientific consensus that harm would not ensue, the burden of proof falls on those who would
advocate taking the action.

The principle aims to provide guidance for protecting public health and the environment in the
face of uncertain risks, stating that the absence of full scientific certainty shall not be used) as a reason
to postpone measures where there is a risk of serious or irreversible harm to public health or the
environment. (Ten things you should know about nanotechnology, n.d)

Week 15

Gene Therapy (scielo.br, n.d.)

“The first scientific work involving gene transfer was described in 1944 and involved two strains of Pneumococcus,
one pathogenic and the other non-pathogenic. However, only in the 1950s, the three-dimensional structure of
DNA was elucidated, allowing the emergence of what we now know as genetic engineering. Since then, the
possibility of using the genes or gene fragments for different scientific purposes emerged.” (scielo.br, n.d.)

“About ten years later, in 1963, the idea of anticipating the in vitro culture of germ cells genetically engineered to
obtain direct control of these cells by selecting and integrating specific genes in human chromosomes arises. Since
then, numerous experimental designs to establish safe methodologies to insert healthy genes into defective cells
were initiated.” (scielo.br, n.d.)

“However, the first successful in vitro gene correction in mammalian cells occurred in 1977, using a viral vector as a
vehicle to transport the genetic material. The first clinical trial of human gene therapy was performed in 1989 using
a viral vector in five patients with metastatic melanoma. This pioneering study in humans established some
important experimental designs for future clinical interventions using gene transfer.” (scielo.br, n.d.)

“The method stimulated intense research in subsequent decades to optimize viral vectors for the insertion of
therapeutic DNA, leading to the possibility of clinical applications in humans. The choice of viral vectors for the
purpose occurred because these beings can recognize and infiltrate naturally in the cell nucleus and thus transfer
the therapeutic DNA into the host cell. “ (scielo.br, n.d.)

“Moreover, with the advent of human genome sequencing and the development of new software tools for
comparing genes, the diagnosis of almost all human diseases related to genetic defects became possible. Thus,
gene therapy is currently the most efficient and promising clinical tool available, capable of predicting with a high
level of accuracy if someone will develop a disease and cure it.” (scielo.br, n.d.)

“In general, gene therapy can be organized according to its cellular target, being called somatic gene therapy when
the target is limited to somatic cells. This therapeutic method can also be considered an ex vivo system since tissue
samples or cells from the patient must be collected for biopsy with subsequent re-implantation after the cells are
reprogrammed genetically, allowing the correct synthesis of desired gene products. Another widely used method
involves germ cell lineages generated after collection; the genes of interest are reprogrammed. The new features
will be perpetuated for future generations of cells from the patient.” (scielo.br, n.d.)

Stem Cell and Gene Therapy

According to primaryimmune.org (n.d.), “A “stem cell” is a type of cell that can divide over and over and produce
more stem cells and descendant cells that turn into different types of cells. Embryonic stem cells, for instance, can
make descendants that turn into any tissue in the body, like skin cells, brain cells, heart cells etc. For each organ in
the mature body, specific stem cells can make all the different kinds of cells in that organ.” “For example, in the
blood system, hematopoietic (“blood-forming”) stem cells (HSC) give rise to each of the different types of blood
cells such as red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets (SciTechNol.com, n.d.).”

“Gene therapy can be targeted to somatic or germ cells; the most common vectors are viruses. Scientists
manipulate the viral genome and thus introduce therapeutic genes to the target organ. Viruses, in this context, can
cause adverse events such as toxicity, immune and inflammatory responses, and gene control and targeting issues.
Alternative modalities being considered are complexes of DNA with lipids and proteins” (Alenzi et al., 2010).

“Stem cells are primitive cells that can self-renew and differentiate into one or more mature cell types. Pluripotent
embryonic stem cells derived from the inner cell mass can develop into more than 200 different cells and
differentiate into the three germ cell layers. Because of their capacity for unlimited expansion and pluripotency,
they are useful in regenerative medicine. Tissue or adult stem cells produce cells specific to the tissue in which
they are found. They are relatively unspecialized and predetermined to give rise to specific cell types when they
differentiate” (Alenzi et al., 2010).

“Both stem cell and gene therapy research are currently the focus of intense research in institutions and
companies worldwide. Both approaches hold great promise by offering radical new and successful ways of treating
debilitating and incurable diseases effectively. Gene therapy is an approach to treat, cure, or ultimately prevent
disease by changing gene expression patterns. It is primarily experimental, but several clinical human trials have
already been conducted“ (Alenzi et al., 2010).
Ethical Aspects of Gene Therapy (Mauron, 2017)

“Gene therapy consists of a wilful modification of the genetic material in a patient's cells to bring about a
therapeutic effect. This modification usually occurs by introducing exogenous DNA using viral vectors or other
means. Although gene therapy is still in its infancy as a clinically useful therapeutic modality, discussing the ethical
issues is useful in several respects because it involves ethical principles of broad applicability in clinical medicine.
Furthermore, many current applications of genetic engineering in medicine (DNA vaccines, therapeutic use of
encapsulated genetically modified cells) are conceptually close to gene therapy. So the border between gene
therapy and other gene-based therapies is getting fuzzier as time goes by (Mauron, 2017).”

“Two conceptual distinctions are central to an understanding of the ethical issues of gene therapy:

1 - Therapy vs. enhancement.


“There is a consensus that gene therapy should be “therapy” (the correction of bona fide disease conditions),
rather than enhancement or "improving the human species". Therefore, it would entail the introduction in human
subjects of novel characteristics going beyond the usual, medical understanding of health (i.e. health as an absence
of serious disease) (Mauron, 2017).”

2 - Somatic vs. germline gene therapy.


“All current research on humans deals with somatic gene therapy. In these projects, somatic cells such as bone
marrow, liver, lung or vascular epithelium etc., are genetically modified. Since the germline is not affected, all
effects of therapy end with the patient's life, at the very latest. Most somatic therapies will probably require
repeated applications, much like common pharmacological treatments (Mauron, 2017).”

“Initially, gene therapy was conceptualised mainly to correct recessive monogenic defects by bringing a healthy
copy of the deficient gene in the relevant cells. Somatic gene therapy has a much broader potential if one thinks of
it as a sophisticated means of bringing a therapeutic gene product to the right place in the body. The field has
moved increasingly from a "gene correction" model to a "DNA as drug" model (ADN médicament, A. Kahn). This
evolution towards an understanding of gene therapy as "DNA-based chemotherapy" underscores why the ethical
considerations for somatic gene therapy are not different from the well-known ethical principles that apply in trials
of any new experimental therapy (Mauron, 2017).”

 “Favourable risk-benefit balance (principle of beneficence/non-maleficence); (Mauron, 2017)


 Informed consent (principle of respect for persons); (Mauron, 2017)
 Fairness in selecting research subjects (principle of justice)”. (Mauron, 2017)

Week 16

Climate Change
Direct Quote from an Article:
“The Earth's climate has changed throughout history. Just in the last 650,000 years, there have been seven cycles
of glacial advance and retreat, with the abrupt end of the last ice age about 7,000 years ago marking the beginning
of the modern climate era — and of human civilization. Most of these climate changes are attributed to minimal
variations in Earth’s orbit that changed the amount of solar energy our planet receives.”
Climate Change and Energy Crisis
“The current warming trend is of particular significance because most of it is highly likely (greater than 95 per cent
probability) to be the result of human activity since the mid-20thcentury and proceeding at an unprecedented rate
over decades to millennia.”
Climate Change
“Climate change is a long-term shift in weather conditions identified by changes in temperature, precipitation,
winds, and other indicators. Climate change can involve both changes in average conditions and changes in
variability, including, for example, extreme events.
Earth's climate is naturally variable on all time scales. However, its long-term state and average temperature are
regulated by the balance between incoming and outgoing energy, determining the Earth's energy balance. Any
factor that causes a sustained change to the amount of incoming energy or the amount of outgoing energy can
lead to climate change. Different aspects operate on different time scales. Not all of those factors responsible for
changes in Earth's climate in the distant past are relevant to contemporary climate change. Factors that cause
climate change can be divided into two categories - those related to natural processes and those related to human
activity.”
Natural Causes of Climate Change

1. Orbital Changes

Milankovitch Cycle
Direct quote:
“The Milankovitch Theory explains the three cyclical changes in Earth’s orbit and tilt that cause the climate
fluctuations over tens of thousands of years to hundreds of thousands of years. You have learned about these
orbital changes in the Temperature over Time module. These fluctuations include changes in the shape
(eccentricity) of Earth’s orbit every ~100,000 years, the tilt (obliquity) of Earth’s axis every ~41,000 years, and the
wobbling (precession) of Earth’s axis about ~23,000 years. Milankovitch proposed that glacial periods began when
the three cycles align to favour an extended period of more solar radiation in the winter and less solar radiation in
the summer at a latitude of 65°N. These conditions for the northern latitudes favour somewhat higher
temperatures and more water vapor in the air, causing more snowfall. Relatively cool summer for the north
latitudes favours less melting of winter snow and glacier formation.”

2. Volcanic Eruptions

Direct quote:
“Volcanic eruptions discharge carbon dioxide, but they may also emit aerosols, such as volcanic ash, dust, and
sulphur dioxide. Aerosols are liquids and solids that float around in the air. They may also include soot, dust, salt
crystals, bacteria, and viruses. Aerosols scatter incoming solar radiation, causing a slight cooling effect. Volcanic
aerosols can block a percentage of sunlight and cause a cooling that may last for 1-2 years.
The year 1816, often referred to as the “year without a summer, occurred after the violent eruption of Indonesia’s
Mount Tambora. This was possibly the most significant known eruption in the history of human civilization. Snow
fell in the northeastern United States and Canada in June, causing regional losses of crops, food shortages, and
increased mortality. Relatively cold years also followed other famous volcanic eruptions (such as the 1883 eruption
of Krakatau also in Indonesia and the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines).”

3. Variation in Solar Radiation

Direct quote:
“The total amount of solar radiation varies by minimal amounts. The energy emitted by the sun only goes by 1.3
W/m2. This change in solar radiation is related to the number of sunspots. Sunspots are darker areas on the sun’s
surface. A sunspot develops where an intense magnetic field weakens the flow of gases that transport heat energy
from the sun’s interior. Sunspots appear dark because their temperature is lower than the surrounding area.
Approximately every 11 years, the number of sunspots changes from a maximum number to a minimum number.
The sun emits slightly more radiation during active periods of sunspots. Because the sunspots are suppressing
heat, the heat flows to surrounding areas causing these regions to be brighter than usual, radiating more heat.
While more sunspots may contribute to a warmer global climate, fewer sunspots appear to be associated with a
cooler global climate. About 300 years ago, there was a period of reduced solar activity. This was called the Little
Ice Age.”

4. Movement of Crustal Plates

Direct quote:
“As tectonic plates move over geological timescales, landmasses are carried along to different positions and
latitudes. These changes affect global circulation patterns of air and ocean water and the climate of the continents.
One form of evidence for plate tectonics and an example of how plate tectonics affects the environment is the
location of coal mines. Coal mines were formed millions of years ago in tropical areas yet are found at higher
latitudes today. In the Temperature Over Time module, you also learned that, since the industrial revolution, the
Northern Hemisphere had warmed more than the Southern Hemisphere. This is because the Northern Hemisphere
has a larger percentage of Earth’s landmass compared to the ocean than the Southern Hemisphere. Remember
that landmasses warm faster than oceans due to the high heat capacity of the oceans.”

5. El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

Direct quote:
“El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is an oscillation of the ocean and atmosphere system in the tropical area of
the Pacific Ocean that affects global weather. Typically the southeast trade winds blow across the equatorial Pacific
Ocean toward the west. Every 3 to 10 years, the southeast trade winds weaken, allowing the warm water to flow
eastward toward South America. This warmer current of water typically reaches the western coast of South
America near Christmas and has become known to the Peruvian fishermen as El Niño (for the Christ child).
El Niño is also known as the warm-water phase of the ENSO. El Niño causes the water temperature off of South
America to be warmer, and this phase changes global weather patterns. South America experiences wetter than
average weather, while North America experiences mild but stormier winter weather. During an El Niño warm
water phase, there are fewer and less intense hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean. The rising warmer air over the
eastern Pacific Ocean causes more wind shear and storms not forming in the Caribbean Sea. Sometimes, after an El
Niño phase subsides, a colder-than-normal water phase, known as La Niña, results.”
Human Causing Climate Change
Direct quote:
“Most climate scientists agree the leading cause of the current global warming trend is human expansion of the
"greenhouse effect"— warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space.
Certain gases in the atmosphere block heat from escaping. Long-lived gases that remain semi-permanently in the
atmosphere and do not respond physically or chemically to changes in temperature are described as "forcing"
climate change. Gases, such as water vapour, which respond physically or chemically to changes in temperature,
are seen as "feedbacks."

The greenhouse effect describes how certain gases in our atmosphere increase the temperature on Earth’s surface
by preventing some of the energy radiating from the planet’s surface from being lost into space. Gases that
contribute to the greenhouse effect include:
Direct quote:

1. Water vapour. “The most abundant greenhouse gas, but importantly, it acts as feedback to the
climate. Water vapour increases as the Earth's atmosphere warms, but so does the possibility of
clouds and precipitation, making these some of the most important feedback mechanisms to the
greenhouse effect.”

2. Carbon dioxide (CO2).”A minor but essential component of the atmosphere, carbon dioxide is
released through natural processes such as respiration and volcano eruptions and human activities
such as deforestation, land-use changes, and burning fossil fuels. Humans have increased
atmospheric CO2concentration by more than a third since the Industrial Revolution began. This is
the most important long-lived "forcing" of climate change.”

3. “A hydrocarbon gas produced both through natural sources and human activities, including the
decomposition of wastes in landfills, agriculture, especially rice cultivation, and ruminant digestion
and manure management associated with domestic livestock. On a molecule-for-molecule basis,
methane is a far more active greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide and much less abundant in the
atmosphere.”

4. Nitrous oxide.“A potent greenhouse gas produced by soil cultivation practices, especially the use
of commercial and organic fertilizers, fossil fuel combustion, nitric acid production, and biomass
burning.”

5. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). “Synthetic compounds entirely of industrial origin used in several


applications but now largely regulated in production and release to the atmosphere by
international agreement for their ability to contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer. They
are also greenhouse gases.

On Earth, human activities are changing the natural greenhouse. Over the last century, burning fossil fuels like coal
and oil has increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). This happens because the coal or oil
burning process combines carbon with oxygen in the air to make CO2. To a lesser extent, the clearing of land for
agriculture, industry, and other human activities has increased concentrations of greenhouse gases.
The consequences of changing the natural atmospheric greenhouse are difficult to predict, but specific effects
seem likely:

 On average, Earth will become warmer. Some regions may welcome warmer temperatures, but
others may not.
 Warmer conditions will probably lead to more evaporation and precipitation overall, but individual
regions will vary, some becoming wetter and others dryer.
 A more substantial greenhouse effect will warm the oceans and partially melt glaciers and other ice,
increasing sea level. Ocean water also will expand if it warms, contributing further to sea-level rise.
 Meanwhile, some crops and other plants may respond favourably to increased atmospheric CO2,
growing more vigorously and using water more efficiently. At the same time, higher temperatures
and shifting climate patterns may change the areas where crops grow best and affect the makeup of
natural plant communities.”

Impacts of Climate Change


Direct quote:
“Climate change caused by the global increase in temperatures triggers multiple adverse effects on the planet.
These effects interrelate with each other and increase their violence, putting at risk the species that inhabit the
Earth, including humans. The image below shows how the rise in temperatures caused mainly by greenhouse gas
emissions affects multiple scenarios:

Three Main Levels of Climate Change Impact


The global increase in temperatures can influence the physical, biological and human systems. First, variations in
the physical systems of the planet can be observed in the melting of the poles, which at the same time cause
glacial regression, snow melting, warming and thawing of permafrost, flooding in rivers and lakes, droughts in
rivers and lakes, coastal erosion, sea-level rise and extreme natural phenomena.
There is the death of flora and fauna in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, wildfires and flora and fauna
displacement searching for better living conditions in the biological systems. In human systems, climate change
affects and destroys crops and food production, causes disease and death, destruction and loss of economic
livelihoods and migrations of climate refugees.
Interrelationships between the effects of climate change
In addition, these negative consequences feed each other back and increase their magnitudes; for example:

1. Droughts frequently cause wildfires, which then destroy crops.


2. The melting of glaciers, snow and ice causes sea level rise, which erodes the coast and involves the
destruction of many economical means of subsistence.
3. Droughts, rising sea levels, extreme natural phenomena, and floods cause climate refugees.

The Role of Human Activity


Direct quote:
“In its Fifth Assessment Report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a group of 1,300 independent
scientific experts from countries all over the world under the auspices of the United Nations, concluded there's a
more than 95 per cent probability that human activities over the past 50 years have warmed our planet.
Our modern civilisation's industrial activities depend upon have raised atmospheric carbon dioxide levels from 280
parts per million to 400 parts per million in the last 150 years. The panel also concluded there's a better than 95
per cent probability that human-produced greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide
have caused much of the observed increase in Earth's temperatures over the past 50 years.
The potential for human activities to increase the temperature of the Earth through greenhouse gas emissions has
been described and calculated for over a century. Volumes of scientific research across multiple scientific
disciplines agree that humans are warming the climate, and the 2013IPCC Fourth Assessment
Reportstates,"Human influence on the climate system is clear. This is evident from the increasing greenhouse gas
concentrations in the atmosphere, positive radiative forcing, observed warming, and understanding of the climate
system."
There is overwhelming evidence that human activities, especially burning fossil fuels, lead to increased levels of
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which in turn amplify the natural greenhouse
effect, causing the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere, ocean, and land surface to increase. That greenhouse
gases "trap" infrared heat is well established through laboratory experiments going back to the mid-1850s when
Sir John Tyndall first measured the effect.
The well-documented trend of increasing CO2in the atmosphere is caused by burning fossil fuels and massive land
cover changes. The "smoking gun" that shows clearly that human activities are responsible for recent increases in
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is provided by carbon isotopes (carbon atoms of different atomic weight). These
isotopes allow scientists to "fingerprint" the carbon dioxide molecules' source, which reveals that the increased
CO2in the atmosphere is caused by fossil fuel burning.
Due to the fundamental physics of heat-trapping gases, there is an exponential rise in population and energy
consumption. This is a topic with enormous political, socio-economic, and emotional dimensions, but the scientific
results show clearly that:

1. Human activities, particularly the combustion of fossil fuels, are altering the climate system.
2. Human-driven changes in land use and land cover such as deforestation, urbanization, and shifts in
vegetation patterns also alter the climate, resulting in changes to the Earth's reflectivity (albedo),
emissions from burning forests, and urban heat island effects and changes in the natural water
cycle.
3. Because the primary cause of recent global climate change is human, the solutions are also within
the human domain.
4. Because we understand the causes of climate change, it paves the way for practical solutions to be
developed and deployed.

The Impacts of Climate Change on the World’s Economic, Political, and Demographic Structures
Climate change will have negative impacts on the political, economic, and demographic structures of society.
These include a rise in ethnic tensions in the Indian Sub-continent, massive immigration to Europe, regional
economic collapse and political destabilization in Africa, the inundation of island nations and financial losses in the
Americas, among many other changes which will combine to destabilize humanity for generations. International
affairs have failed to develop a solution because global warming is a universal prevention-focused problem that
trades short term gains for long term losses. Global warming will be solved by the onset of grid parity within the
next few decades, but it will be too late to avert drastic consequences. Humanity is resilient, and civilization will
ultimately find a way to cope in an age of global warming.”
WEEK 17
Environmental Awareness
Direct quote:
“The environment includes all living and non-living objects. We live in the environment and use
environmental resources like air, land and water to meet our needs. Development also means meeting
the needs of the people. While completing the ever-growing needs, we put pressure on the environment.
When the pressure exceeds the carrying capacity of the environment to repair or replace itself, it creates
a severe problem of environmental degradation. If we use any environmental resource such as
groundwater beyond its limit of replacement, we may lose it forever. Therefore, there is a need to create
‘awareness’ about Environmental protection. While efforts are being made at the national and
international level to protect our environment, every citizen's responsibility is to use our environmental
resources with care and protect them from degradation. In this lesson, we will discuss the meaning and
causes of ecological degradation and the importance of environmental conservation”
Environmental Degradation
“The environment constitutes a significant part of our life. To understand life without studying the impact
of the environment is simply impossible. The need to protect the environment can be ignored only at our
peril. We use environmental resources in our day to day life. These resources are renewable and non-
renewable. We have to be more cautious in consuming non-renewable resources like coal and
petroleum, which are prone to depletion. All human activities have an impact on the environment. But in
the last two centuries or so, the human influence on the environment has increased manifold due to the
rapid population growth and the fast development in science and technology. These two are the
significant factors in reducing the quality of the environment and causing its degradation. Environmental
degradation poses a considerable danger to man's survival. It should be realized, sooner than later, that
conservation and improvement of the environment are vital for humanity's survival and well-being. Natural
resources of land, air and water have to be used wisely as a trust to ensure a healthy environment for the
present and future generations.”
Environmental Problem
Some of the significant problems of the environment can be identified as under:
a. Land, Air, and Water: pollution of land and water has affected plants, animals and human beings.
The quality of soil is deteriorating, resulting in the loss of agricultural land. The loss is estimated to be
about five to seven million hectares of land each year. Soil erosion, as a result of wind and water, costs
the world dearly. The recurring floods have their peculiar casualties like deforestation, silt in the river bed,
inadequate and improper drainage, loss of men and property. After being turned in to dumping grounds
for all nuclear wastes, the vast oceans have poisoned and polluted the whole natural environment.
b. Population Growth: population growth means more people can eat and breathe, put excessive
pressure on land and forest, and ultimately disturb the ecological balance. Our growing population is
putting pressure on the ground, leading to poor quality of productivity, deforestation (the loss of forest
land so necessary for environmental balance and extinction of wildlife leading to an imbalance in the
ecological order, loss of wildlife heritage, and ultimately dwindling of several species. The growing
population is not only a problem for the natural environment; it is a problem for any other aspect of the
environment, say, for example, social, economic, political etc.
c. Urbanization: Urbanization is no less than a source of pollution, and therefore, a threat to the
environment. Urbanization means a maddening race of people from villages to cities. The net result of
urbanization is dirt, disease and disasters. In a state of growing urbanization, an environmental problem
like sanitation, ill-heath, housing, water supply, and electricity keep expanding. On the other, ecological
degradation is caused in rural life due to indiscriminate firewood collection, overgrazing and depletion of
other natural resources.
d. Industrialization: Industrialization coupled with the development of transport and communication
has polluted the environment and has led to the shrinking of natural resources. Both ways, the loss is
hefty. The increasing level of heat fluxes, carbon dioxide and particulate, radioactive nuclear wastes and
the like create environmental hazards. On the other hand, the consumption of conventional energy
sources leads to the loss of natural resources. We are building a world without caring for future
generations.
Go Green
When people ''go green,'' they are practicing environmental awareness. The term means being aware of
the natural environment and making choices that benefit--rather than hurt--the Earth we all live on. In
recent years, environmental awareness has gained increased attention. It is fair to say it has become a
trend: from environmentally friendly tiny homes to organic food, ecological awareness is a hot topic.
However, it is nothing new, and it ought to be more than just a fad because of its importance. Let's dig
deeper and learn more about environmental awareness. Examples:
A. Homes

We have already cited a few examples of environmental awareness, but let's look at a few more.
Environmentally friendly homes and building materials is a great place to start. In recent years, advanced
nations have become more aware of harmful building materials, such as asbestos, lead-based paint, lead
pipes, and others. People can demonstrate environmental awareness by choosing to use building
materials that are natural and do not hurt the environment. Wood, stone, brick, copper, and other
materials are excellent choices.
B. CONSERVING ENERGY AND WATER

Going along with the home theme, conserving energy is another way to demonstrate environmental
awareness. One easy way to save energy is to turn off lights when not in use. Some people even install
solar panels and other types of alternative energy sources. There is much potential for solar power to
become mainstream and efficient in the future.
Going along with energy conservation is water conservation. People should be mindful to not waste water
by leaving the faucet running while brushing teeth, etc. Water is a valuable natural resource that we often
take for granted. In many parts of the world, clean water is scarce. Being mindful of this is a massive step
in demonstrating environmental awareness.
C. PURCHASES, RECYCLING ACTIVISM
Some people choose to buy clothing and products that contain natural fibres/materials rather than
synthetic ones. Recycling is another massive part of demonstrating environmental awareness. Still, others
who are highly passionate about this issue become activists. They might march in protests or organize
rallies/events. As we can see, environmental awareness takes many forms, and each person must figure
out what specific practices work for them.
Factors to consider from the External Environment
Direct quote:
“Once we appreciate the importance of our environment to our well-being and when we connect the
toxicity of our environment and developing a chronic disease, we can then use this meaningful
environmental awareness to modify our lifestyle to our healthy self-interest and towards the reduction of
global pollution in general. It is well worth thinking about the following:
· Avoid chlorine and fluoride in the water of swimming pools, showers and baths
· Avoid toxic personal hygiene products for bathing and showering
· Use fluoride-free toothpaste
Then extend this consideration to what comes into contact with your skin and consider:
· Toxic perfumes and fragrances
· Toxic hairspray
· Toxic soaps and shampoo
· Toxic makeup, nail varnish and beauty products
· Toxic hair gel
· Toxic makeup remover
As we move further out extending our circle of concern, consider the home environment:
· Toxic washing powder
· Toxic paint
· Toxic bedding and garments
· Toxic cookware
· Toxic carpets, air fresheners, cleaning agents, and detergents
· Toxic building materials
· Also, avoid smoking and using so-called air fresheners
Then, consider the immediate outdoor environment:
· Toxic weed killers and pesticides
· Toxic slug pellets
Alternative Energy Resources
Direct quote:
“Human civilization has started realizing how much harm they have already caused to the environment.
When it comes to taking a stand against these environmental problems, the focus shifts to the use of
Renewable Energy. Have you ever wondered what alternative energy sources are? And why are they
supposed to help us sustain? Alternative sources of energy are the ones that do not cause any
undesirable consequences to the environment, are renewable and are free.
Alternative energy sources can be implemented for houses, cars, factories and any other facility you can
imagine. Scientists worldwide are researching, developing and discovering new Alternative Energy
Sources so that the growing energy needs of the human population can be met more quickly, safely and
efficiently. Here is a list of Alternative Energy Sources that will help us maintain the balance of nature
without causing it much harm compared to the conventional energy sources.”
Commonly Known Alternative Energy Sources
1. Hydroelectric Energy
Direct quote:
“The potential energy stored in the water held in dams is made to drive a water turbine and generator,
producing electric power. This form of energy generation is called hydroelectric power. Out of all the
alternative energy sources, this one has been most commonly adopted in the current time.
Advantages of Hydroelectric Power Generation
a. The source of hydroelectric power generation, i.e., water, is free of cost.
b. Dams can provide virtually continuous electricity generation.
c. The water used for power generation can be put to use again.
d. There is no chemical process involved in the power production process; therefore, the power
generated is clean and does not harm the environment.”
2. Solar Energy
“This is the energy that the Earth receives from the Sun. This is one of the most promising alternative
energy sources, which will be available to humanity for centuries to come. The only challenge remains to
tap solar energy in the most efficient way. Solar power generation is done using a series of photovoltaic
cells where the solar rays are converted into electricity. Apart from electricity production, solar energy is
also being used for heating water, cooking food etc.”
Advantages of Solar Energy
a. The source of energy is absolutely ‘free’.
b. Solar power generated in the daytime can be stored to be made available in the nighttime as well.
c. Solar power generators can generate power in rural and remote areas where there is no reach of
the conventional form of energy.
d. The generation of solar power is quiet and clean.
e. Solar energy is a renewable form of energy that will not deplete until thousands of years.
3. Wind Energy
The wind power is harnessed to propel the blades of a wind turbine attached to an electric generator to
generate wind energy. Wind energy is an effective alternative energy source in areas where the velocity
of wind flow is high.
Advantages of Wind Energy
a. Wind energy is a clean form of energy.
b. The source of power generation, i.e., the wind, is free of cost.
c. Wind energy is a renewable source of energy.
4. Biomass Energy
Direct quote:
“This is the energy developed from the wastes of various human and animal activities like the by-products
and wastes from the timber industry, agricultural yields, municipal solid waste etc. Out of the many
alternative sources of energy, this is the one that considers the utilization of waste material to develop
energy, thereby disposing of them profitably and effectively.
Advantages of Biomass Energy
a. It is an environmentally friendly way of energy production in which biological mass is recycled and
re-used.
b. The biomass will keep generating and decomposing as part of the natural biological cycle.
Therefore, biomass energy is considered a renewable source of energy.”
New alternative energy sources
Direct quote:
“To answer the question of which Alternative Energy Source has been brought to picture newly, you
should understand that developments are being carried on to find more and more alternative energy
sources as you are reading this. Apart from the commonly known alternative energy sources, there have
been recent advancements in discovering new alternative energy sources to add to the list of alternative
energy sources.”
1. Geothermal Energy
“This is the energy tapped from the heat inside the Earth. Hot rocks are residing in the core of the earth
heat water, emitting the Earth's surface with pressure and steam. This pressurized steam can be used to
run steam turbines to generate electricity.
Advantages of Geothermal Energy
a. Similar to other alternative energy sources, the geothermal energy source is free of cost.
b. With a proper power generation system in place, no harmful by-products are produced.”
2. Tidal Power

The surface of Earth is 71.11% covered by water bodies, especially oceans. The tides in water rise and
fall due to the gravity of Sun and moon. Since we know how the position of the moon changes, we can
predict the rise and fall of tides, this rise and fall of waves can be utilized by setting up small dams and
passing water through the turbines to generate power.
The 22,500 MW Three Gorges Dam in the People’s Republic of China, the largest hydroelectric power
station in the world.
Advantages of Tidal Energy
a. The source of power generation is free and renewable.
b. The power generated is clean and does not cause any pollution.
Challenges with Using Alternative Energy Sources
Direct quote
“As promising as the use of alternative energy sources may sound, it is still under research as to how to
tap energy from these resources most efficiently and effectively. Although small power generation
systems can be put in place, power production from these resources on a large scale is still a challenge,
with hydroelectric power generation being an exception.
Many countries are not yet ready to move from using conventional energy sources to alternative energy
sources. It involves a considerable amount to decommission the old power generation infrastructure and
establish a new infrastructure. Therefore, the shift is ideal to be made in phases.”
Why Use Alternative Energy Sources?
Direct quote:
“Alternative energy sources are available free of cost and do not tax the environment for their usage.
Power generation through alternative sources of energy is clean and ‘green’. Suppose we shift to use
power generated from these sources. In that case, carbon dioxide emission from conventional energy
sources will be significantly reduced, and global warming will be solved in a few years. Also, the fast
depleting traditional energy sources can be preserved. Along with air pollution, conventional energy
resources also cause soil pollution and water pollution by releasing toxins to the land and water. This can
also be controlled reasonably.
The damage that we have caused to Earth after the industrial revolution is enormous. We will have to
take action immediately if we want to keep the planet sustainable for our future generations. The biggest
leap that mankind can take to prevent further damage is to start using alternative energy sources.”

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