Nuclear power is on the rise, all over the world after decades of dormancy, driven by the need for a cleaner environment and steady, secure sources of power in the Internet age.
Plans are on the drawing board to build as many as new power plants - the first since 1973--while hundreds more are under consideration in China, India, Russia and other countries.
Nuclear power is experiencing a budding renaissance.
High fossil-fuel prices, low interest rates, and concerns about the environment and energy security have all combined to increase momentum in the construction of new nuclear plants around the globe.
With worries about terrorism now paramount in the minds of the public and political leaders, concerns about safety that haunted nuclear utilities for decades appear to have receded, replaced by increasing confidence that after a half-century of operating without causing a major public health hazard .
A new generation of power plants on the drawing board, some with automatic methods of shutting down in emergencies, promises to be safer than before.
But analysts say that in light of lingering worries caused by the Three Mile Island crisis in the US and the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine, the industry will have to continue giving top priority to ensuring public safety if it is to succeed .
The growing power needs of rapidly developing countries such as China, India and Russia also have acted as a catalyst for change. China’s electricity demands have doubled during the past decade, and although it has become the second-largest power producer after the US, China suffers chronic power shortages.
Few other power sources can deliver the large loads of electricity the country’s 1.3 billion potential customers need without causing widespread ecological damage.
China’s Three Gorges Dam, for example, will produce more power than any other hydroelectric plant in the world when it goes on line in 2007, but at the cost of displacing more than a million people, inundating a scenic national treasure and endangering rare species of fish.
China, like the United States, has plenty of coal. But its coal-fired power plants have blanketed the countryside with haze and choking emissions that contribute to an estimated 400,000 premature deaths each year.
Thus, the emerging Asian giant is laying plans to build as many as 100 nuclear power plants in the next 20 years, and has started construction on two of them, in what is by far the most ambitious nuclear program in the world .
India, too, has come to see nuclear power as essential to satisfy growing power needs. It is building eight nuclear plants. India secured an agreement to get technical assistance from the United States in what officials say could be a breakthrough on the diplomatic front.
The revival can be seen most clearly in Asia . Asian nations have been the most aggressive in their pursuit of nuclear power over the past decade and have become the center of growth for the global nuclear insustry .Nuclear power is gaining an image as a clean energy source. Nuclear plants emit none of the pollutants or greenhouse gases that are byproducts of the most common sources of power: coal, oil and natural gas.
Friday, August 28, 2009
IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
The world needs dedicated action and resilience to climate change. The objective of the dialogue process is to gather and share answers and best practise cases in order to create new responses to climate change.
A new federal report on the effect of climate change condenses the latest science from a variety of disciplines. Among the findings:
Heavy downpours are now twice as frequent in the Midwest as they were a century ago. Summer and winter precipitation have increased.
Large heat waves have become more frequent in the Midwest over the past 30 years than at any time since the Dust Bowl years of the 1930s.
Average temperatures have increased noticeably, despite year-to-year variation. The growing season has increased by more than a week.
The cause of climate change is "due primarily to human-induced emissions of heat-trapping gases."
It's said that if you put a frog in a pot and then turn up the heat, the frog won't notice until the water boils. Global warming has the same effect on many people. Its impacts have occurred slowly over time. Coupled with normal seasonal variations, they've seemed almost undetectable.
But they're very real. They can be and have been detected and measured. That's given us the ability to make changes before the worst effects become unavoidable. But so far, people have been unwilling to act on that information.
Doing nothing could be even more expensive. The greatest risk of all is summarized in four words: "Thresholds will be crossed."
Climate systems and ecosystems contain what you might consider points of no return. Cross them and things will never be the same. Pack ice disappears, permafrost melts and animals that are superbly adapted for those environments disappear forever.
That can trigger so-called feedback loops -- other changes that exacerbate the impact of climate change. Large quantities of carbon dioxide, for example, could be released by the melting permafrost.
The time to address global climate change is now. Congress should enact legislation that caps and reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases. And the government should redouble efforts to negotiate an effective international treaty that cuts emissions around the globe.
A new federal report on the effect of climate change condenses the latest science from a variety of disciplines. Among the findings:
Heavy downpours are now twice as frequent in the Midwest as they were a century ago. Summer and winter precipitation have increased.
Large heat waves have become more frequent in the Midwest over the past 30 years than at any time since the Dust Bowl years of the 1930s.
Average temperatures have increased noticeably, despite year-to-year variation. The growing season has increased by more than a week.
The cause of climate change is "due primarily to human-induced emissions of heat-trapping gases."
It's said that if you put a frog in a pot and then turn up the heat, the frog won't notice until the water boils. Global warming has the same effect on many people. Its impacts have occurred slowly over time. Coupled with normal seasonal variations, they've seemed almost undetectable.
But they're very real. They can be and have been detected and measured. That's given us the ability to make changes before the worst effects become unavoidable. But so far, people have been unwilling to act on that information.
Doing nothing could be even more expensive. The greatest risk of all is summarized in four words: "Thresholds will be crossed."
Climate systems and ecosystems contain what you might consider points of no return. Cross them and things will never be the same. Pack ice disappears, permafrost melts and animals that are superbly adapted for those environments disappear forever.
That can trigger so-called feedback loops -- other changes that exacerbate the impact of climate change. Large quantities of carbon dioxide, for example, could be released by the melting permafrost.
The time to address global climate change is now. Congress should enact legislation that caps and reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases. And the government should redouble efforts to negotiate an effective international treaty that cuts emissions around the globe.
HUMAN CLONING IS ETHICAL
Since the dawn of time, there were those who opposed mankind’s ventures into then-uncharted scientific frontiers—anesthesia, atomic power, and computer technology—out of fear of the changes in everyday life they would invoke. Today, such is the case with our ability to clone humans, which is completely safe and ethical, yet outlawed simply because of our society’s unfounded fears.
While so much fervor over the immorality of cloning has been brewing, many of the people advocating the ban do not have a clear, accurate idea of what it truly is. It is commonly believed that a clone of an adult will be an exact duplicate, down to the very age and personality of the clonee (person being cloned). In reality, however, all clones must start off as babies and physically mature at the same rate as everyone else. Thus, if one clones a thirty-year-old man, the clone will always appear thirty years younger than the original.
Another erroneous belief is that the clone will behave exactly like the clonee, thereby robbing the original of his or her uniqueness. Self-proclaimed "bioethicists" often create a fictitious scenario in which someone clones Hitler and takes over the world. What these arguments ignore is that individual personality is largely shaped by environment, conditioning, and free will, and not just by biology .
If life experiences and background truly mold a person’s character, then these circumstances must be taken into account for the personalities of clones.
Being born in a different time period, the clone will already face many life experiences unlike that of the parent—he’ll have different friends, be influenced by different teachers, and adapt to the modern culture of his own age group.
Though they are nature’s own clones, a few twins even turn out to be behavioral opposites. A clone of Hitler may end up a freedom-espousing, Civil Rights advocate. While cloning may be possible in the near future, exact duplication remains a simple pipedream. Any "egotist" or would-be dictator who expects his clone to be a copy of himself will be sorely disappointed.
One of the more valid issues raised by bioethicists is that the pioneering clones will grow up in households different from the socially-accepted norm, and that they may be treated as outcasts. However, today children are growing up in many different households considered less than ideal, such as single-parent homes or families with in vitro fertilized children. Though these households were once regarded as abnormal, most of the children in them mature into well-adjusted adults who function satisfactorily in the community.
There are indeed many more serious issues involving clones not raised by the bioethicists, but all of these can be answered by applying the principles of individual property rights.
Also, because one owns his own physiological structure, he should have the right to peacefully do whatever he wants with it—such as cloning himself—provided that he does not harm the life, liberty, or property of others.
Still,one question this raises is, "If cloning is legal, what should stop ‘mad scientists’ from cloning others against their will?" The answer is that, since an individual owns his or her DNA, no one can use his or her genetic material for any purpose other than what he or she permits . Individual rights also protect clones from abuse. Full-bodied, human clones would have rights, because, unlike animals and separately-cloned body parts, they have the ability to think, which means that they possess the abstract concept of rights, and therefore can respect the rights of others. Because of this, it would be illegal to grow an entire body for transplanting body parts, since this violates the clone’s rights to life and liberty .
Thus, the cloning of human beings in the future will improve life in a number of ways. The mere cloning of human embryos, which will not even develop into fetuses, can be used in the production of new medicines. (This use is not a violation of life, since the embryo has not become a true human being ) .
Also, the cloning of existing adults will give psychologists a better understanding of which factors develop our character the most.
Human cloning would probably most improve life for infertile couples who would still like to have biological children. Many of these couples would prefer to have babies by more natural, socially-accepted means, but this is simply not an option for them. They still desire to pass on their own genes to another generation, however, and cloning makes this possible.
It is natural for humans to fear the new and unusual, but when we let this fear control us, we may refuse ourselves great pleasures and prosperity. Not only does real human cloning contradict the misconceptions we have formed, but abuses in this area would be most adequately controlled by are already-established free market system, and the advancements made in our civilization would be fantastic. A ban would undermine all of this. Rather than cling to the status quo and equilibrium of everyday life, we would do well to put our prejudices aside, and welcome the grand wonders and joys human cloning will bestow upon the world.
While so much fervor over the immorality of cloning has been brewing, many of the people advocating the ban do not have a clear, accurate idea of what it truly is. It is commonly believed that a clone of an adult will be an exact duplicate, down to the very age and personality of the clonee (person being cloned). In reality, however, all clones must start off as babies and physically mature at the same rate as everyone else. Thus, if one clones a thirty-year-old man, the clone will always appear thirty years younger than the original.
Another erroneous belief is that the clone will behave exactly like the clonee, thereby robbing the original of his or her uniqueness. Self-proclaimed "bioethicists" often create a fictitious scenario in which someone clones Hitler and takes over the world. What these arguments ignore is that individual personality is largely shaped by environment, conditioning, and free will, and not just by biology .
If life experiences and background truly mold a person’s character, then these circumstances must be taken into account for the personalities of clones.
Being born in a different time period, the clone will already face many life experiences unlike that of the parent—he’ll have different friends, be influenced by different teachers, and adapt to the modern culture of his own age group.
Though they are nature’s own clones, a few twins even turn out to be behavioral opposites. A clone of Hitler may end up a freedom-espousing, Civil Rights advocate. While cloning may be possible in the near future, exact duplication remains a simple pipedream. Any "egotist" or would-be dictator who expects his clone to be a copy of himself will be sorely disappointed.
One of the more valid issues raised by bioethicists is that the pioneering clones will grow up in households different from the socially-accepted norm, and that they may be treated as outcasts. However, today children are growing up in many different households considered less than ideal, such as single-parent homes or families with in vitro fertilized children. Though these households were once regarded as abnormal, most of the children in them mature into well-adjusted adults who function satisfactorily in the community.
There are indeed many more serious issues involving clones not raised by the bioethicists, but all of these can be answered by applying the principles of individual property rights.
Also, because one owns his own physiological structure, he should have the right to peacefully do whatever he wants with it—such as cloning himself—provided that he does not harm the life, liberty, or property of others.
Still,one question this raises is, "If cloning is legal, what should stop ‘mad scientists’ from cloning others against their will?" The answer is that, since an individual owns his or her DNA, no one can use his or her genetic material for any purpose other than what he or she permits . Individual rights also protect clones from abuse. Full-bodied, human clones would have rights, because, unlike animals and separately-cloned body parts, they have the ability to think, which means that they possess the abstract concept of rights, and therefore can respect the rights of others. Because of this, it would be illegal to grow an entire body for transplanting body parts, since this violates the clone’s rights to life and liberty .
Thus, the cloning of human beings in the future will improve life in a number of ways. The mere cloning of human embryos, which will not even develop into fetuses, can be used in the production of new medicines. (This use is not a violation of life, since the embryo has not become a true human being ) .
Also, the cloning of existing adults will give psychologists a better understanding of which factors develop our character the most.
Human cloning would probably most improve life for infertile couples who would still like to have biological children. Many of these couples would prefer to have babies by more natural, socially-accepted means, but this is simply not an option for them. They still desire to pass on their own genes to another generation, however, and cloning makes this possible.
It is natural for humans to fear the new and unusual, but when we let this fear control us, we may refuse ourselves great pleasures and prosperity. Not only does real human cloning contradict the misconceptions we have formed, but abuses in this area would be most adequately controlled by are already-established free market system, and the advancements made in our civilization would be fantastic. A ban would undermine all of this. Rather than cling to the status quo and equilibrium of everyday life, we would do well to put our prejudices aside, and welcome the grand wonders and joys human cloning will bestow upon the world.
HAZARDS OF CELL PHONE
For a nation that loves to talk, cell phones have become a lifeline. Metro Indians talk seven hours and text 56 messages a week on average, while more than 50 per cent tune in to mobile music even at work. But the figures, thrown up by a study last year by market research company IDC India, dont quite capture how much the gadget has become a part of our lives.
India is now the worlds fastest-growing mobile market, selling eight million cell phones a month.
With 250 million Indians owning a handset, youre a problem for others if you dont have one. But the power of words may just turn out to be too much of a good thing.
Mobile phones could pose serious health hazards to people, particularly children below 16 years, pregnant women and those using medical aids, according to a draft guidelines report issued by the Department of Telecommunications.
Mobile phones and radio terminals radiate RF energy that heat up the tissues. During use, mobile phones are usually kept close to the ear, which is very near to the brain.
Thus, the continuous use of mobile phone for longer duration may damage some brain tissues. Using hands-free facility seems to be a better option, if longer use is unavoidable.
The tissues of children are tender, and therefore they are likely to be more affected by use of mobile phones. Children below 16 years should be discouraged from using mobile phones.
Similarly, the use of mobile phones or radio terminals by persons, using medical aids such as pace makers, defibrillators, hearing aids cochlear implants and other implants should be minimised, while the use of mobile phones or radio terminals in vulnerable areas of hospitals such as intensive care units, should be prohibited.
In order to reduce the threats, posed by the use of cell phones ;consumer must be made aware.
To educate a consumer about radiation from a mobile handset, the specific absorption rate value for each hand set should be provided by the manufacturers on the website as well as in the user’s manual..
The practice of installing antennas needs to be regulated in order to protect the general public from undesired effects caused by electromagnetic fields around the antenna.
As a precautionary measure, the mobile phone service providers or manufacturers should avoid promotional advertisements showing vulnerable segments such as children or pregnant women using mobile phones.
Calling for raising the level of understanding about mobile phone technology and reduce mistrust and fears both real and perceived, develops an effective system of health information and communication .
“The Government of India, especially the Ministry of Health, may initiate public awareness programme in line with WHO recommendations,” it adds.
India is now the worlds fastest-growing mobile market, selling eight million cell phones a month.
With 250 million Indians owning a handset, youre a problem for others if you dont have one. But the power of words may just turn out to be too much of a good thing.
Mobile phones could pose serious health hazards to people, particularly children below 16 years, pregnant women and those using medical aids, according to a draft guidelines report issued by the Department of Telecommunications.
Mobile phones and radio terminals radiate RF energy that heat up the tissues. During use, mobile phones are usually kept close to the ear, which is very near to the brain.
Thus, the continuous use of mobile phone for longer duration may damage some brain tissues. Using hands-free facility seems to be a better option, if longer use is unavoidable.
The tissues of children are tender, and therefore they are likely to be more affected by use of mobile phones. Children below 16 years should be discouraged from using mobile phones.
Similarly, the use of mobile phones or radio terminals by persons, using medical aids such as pace makers, defibrillators, hearing aids cochlear implants and other implants should be minimised, while the use of mobile phones or radio terminals in vulnerable areas of hospitals such as intensive care units, should be prohibited.
In order to reduce the threats, posed by the use of cell phones ;consumer must be made aware.
To educate a consumer about radiation from a mobile handset, the specific absorption rate value for each hand set should be provided by the manufacturers on the website as well as in the user’s manual..
The practice of installing antennas needs to be regulated in order to protect the general public from undesired effects caused by electromagnetic fields around the antenna.
As a precautionary measure, the mobile phone service providers or manufacturers should avoid promotional advertisements showing vulnerable segments such as children or pregnant women using mobile phones.
Calling for raising the level of understanding about mobile phone technology and reduce mistrust and fears both real and perceived, develops an effective system of health information and communication .
“The Government of India, especially the Ministry of Health, may initiate public awareness programme in line with WHO recommendations,” it adds.
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