When CFCs were being used, the ozone was slowly being depleted until large amounts of UV radiation were reaching Earth’s surface. Even when CFCs were banned and steps were taken to reduce them, they remained in the atmosphere and can stay there for many decades. Because of this, there has been no progress in the recovery of the ozone layer for many years. However, studies have been showing that since around 2000, the ozone has been slowly recovering and UV intensity has decreased slightly. Scientists believe that there was a time lag before any effects were shown. Scientists are also saying that even though the ozone is recovering, sun block is still needed because there is still a large amount of UV reaching Earth’s surface. This shows how the steps we are taking to fix our environment are working and should continue to help if more people are willing to do them.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
As extreme weather events increase, so does acceptance of climate science
Over the past few years, there has been an unusual amount of extreme weather all over the world. From record breaking temperatures to Hurricane Irene, the US has also been affected by this strange weather. A recent survey of Americans showed that the majority of them say that the weather is getting worse and most of those people blame it on global warming. A decade ago, most Americans either didn’t believe in global warming or thought it was a problem that wouldn’t affect them in their lifetime. Now people are starting to realize that it is currently happening and we have to do something about it. The results of the survey showed that 72% of the people said that global warming made the last winter unusually warm. 69% said it also caused the record snowfall in 2010 and 2011. This shows that people are finally realizing that this has the potential to become a real problem and they might start trying to fix it before it brings serious consequences.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Panel Recommends Adding Mesothelioma To Conditions Covered by 9/11 Health Program
A panel of medical advisors has asked that mesothelioma patients from 9/11 be eligible for compensation from their treatments. Mesothelioma is cancer of the lung lining and is usually caused by asbestos which was in the debris from the World Trade Centers. The Zadroga Act will provide those who helped in this tragedy and now suffer from an ailment because of it. It provides 4.3 million dollars to treat and monitor suffering from these health problems. Originally, this act was not going to cover any kind of cancer. However, once many of the volunteers began being diagnosed with cancer, they realized it had caused many other severe health problems. Thyroid cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, and leukemia are among other cancers trying to be included in this new act.
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