Global Warming

In the early seventies global warming was seen as science fiction but we now know it is FACT.
Global warming is the increase of the earths temperature. It may seem harmless to have a few extra degrees but this will leed to disasters across the globe. Scientists say that  since 1850-2009 the earths temperature has risen from 13.6°C to 14.5°C. This may seem minimal for 150 years but this is rapidly changing. In 2007 Scientists proclaimed that by 2050 the worlds temperature will have increased by 1°C every year.

But did you know that we can change this? Yes we can!
The smallest of changes can make the biggest differences. By turning off electronics and lights at night you can save up to 40% of electricity. If this was done it would reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions by 650g per item. Did you know that  Even when it is not connected to the phone, it is still draining electricity.
There are estimates that 95% of the energy is wasted when you leave the charger plugged in all the time.

Helpful Energy Tips

• Turn off your tap- Don't waste water 
• Plug out the charger- save electricity and money
• Boil less water- Boil only what you need
• Use energy saving light bulbs-one can reduce your lighting costs by up to €60 and avoid 400kg of CO₂ emissions
• Do not leave appliances on standby-turn off the TV at night
• Walk more- its better for you and the environment

We only have one planet Earth so keep it clean and go green!

Wake Up To Reality Video

Hungary's Toxic Sludge

On October 4th, news spread of a leak of 'Toxic Sludge' at the Ajkai Timföldgyár alumina plant in Hungary. A crack in a corner of a wall of the plant broke and began releasing Aluminium oxide(Al2O3). This Toxic Sludge which is highly hazardous with a pH of 9.3 began flowing into dams and rivers. The sludge made its way to the river Danube, Europes second longest river. There is a fear that the sludge will spread across Hungary into other countries which lie on the Danube such as Germany and Austria.

What is Alumina?

Alumina or Alumimium oxide occurs naturally in the environment in a hydrated form in bauxite(aluminium ore), and with impurities such as ruby and sapphire which are used in aluminum production and in abrasives, ceramics, and electrical insulation. ther are many uses of alumina, thease are as a filler of plastic, purifying gas and is also an ingrediant in sunscreen!

The 'Toxic Sludge' as viewd by space - Taken by NASA

What are the Environmental Issues of Alumina?

As you have read the main issue is the toxic sludge in Hungary. Hungarys environment minister said that "it will take up to a year to clean up the mess but the long term results such as the fish life being killed off in rivers and the damage to agricultural land could take decades to repair". Towns such as Kolontar and Devecser where the toxic sludge reached 6.5 feet deep has seen many of its residents fleeing their homes. The sludge has taken the lives of nine people and some are feered missing. The clean up has begun by the locals and Hungarian authorities.

For more information on Alumina click this link http://www.aluminiumleader.com/en/

Green Sligo

Environmental Protection students at IT Sligo,

Henry Koehler, James Purcell, Pádraig McCann and Laura Murtagh