Satellite confirms decline in pollution from coal power plants

Bowerbird · Dec 10, 2011

The scientists, led by an Environment Canada researcher, have shown that sulfur dioxide levels in the vicinity of major coal power plants have fallen by nearly half since 2005. The new findings, the first satellite observations of this type, confirm ground-based measurements of declining sulfur dioxide levels and demonstrate that scientists can potentially measure levels of harmful emissions throughout the world, even in places where ground monitoring is not extensive or does not exist. About two-thirds of sulfur dioxide pollution in American air comes from coal power plants
Click to expand...

Cool! It is just this next bit that I might have to stick my fingers in my ears to block out the screams from the right

The scientists attribute the decline in sulfur dioxide to the Clean Air Interstate Rule, a rule passed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2005 that called for deep cuts in sulfur dioxide emissions. In response to that rule, many power plants in the United States have installed desulfurization devices and taken other steps that limit the release of sulfur dioxide. The rule put a cap on emissions, but left it up to power companies to determine how to reduce emissions and allowed companies to trade pollution credits
Click to expand...

.

http://climate.nasa.gov/news/index.cfm?FuseAction=ShowNews&NewsID=64

waltky · May 30, 2012

Granny says the air's so smoggy ya can't see the forest fer the trees...

Californias smog threatens giant Sequoia redwoods
Wed, May 30, 2012 - The California forest that is home to the biggest and oldest living things on Earth, the giant Sequoia redwoods, also suffers a dubious distinction. It has the worst air pollution of any national park in the US.

Ozone levels here are comparable to urban settings such as [Los Angeles], said Emily Schrepf of the non-profit advocacy group the National Park Conservation Association. Its just not right. Signs in visitor centers warn guests when it is not safe to hike. The government employment Web site warns job applicants that the workplace is unhealthy. Park workers are briefed every year on the lung and heart damage the pollution can cause. Although weakened trees are more susceptible to drought and pests, the long-term impact on the pines and on the giant redwoods that have been around for 3,000 years and more is unclear. If this is happening in a national park that isnt even close to an urban area, what do you think is happening in your backyard? said Annie Esperanza, a park scientist who has studied air quality there for 30 years.

It is a problem in a handful of the nations 52 parks that are monitored constantly for ozone, including Joshua Tree National Park in Californias Mojave Desert and North Carolinas Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, none is as severe as Sequoia and its neighbor, Kings Canyon. While forest fires create some pollution, most comes from the San Joaquin Valley, the expanse of farmland that is home to Californias two busiest north-south trucking highways, diesel freight train corridors, food processing plants and tens of thousands of diesel tractors.

Smog is created when the suns rays hit pollutants such as oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds that are in motor vehicle exhaust, solvents, pesticides, gasoline vapors and decaying dairy manure. There is no simple answer to ozone pollution, said Thomas Cahill, a researcher at the University of California, Davis, who studies air problem in Sequoia and across California. Breathing ozone at high levels for even a short time can blister the lungs like UV rays blister skin, scientists agree.

The only way to improve air in the park is to improve the San Joaquin air basin, something that so far has proved elusive given the myriad sources of pollution. Even with hundreds of millions of US dollars spent to retrofit diesel engines and replace gasoline lawnmowers with electric ones, residents pay a federal fine for the regions failure to meet even minimal EPA ozone limits. We dont create a disproportionate amount of pollution; its just that we have these natural challenges, so that the pollution we do create can take literally weeks or months to clean out. It just builds up over time, said Jaime Holt, spokeswoman for the valley air district. Already this year, the level of ozone in Sequoia park has exceeded federal health standards, even though it is early in the summer ozone season. During the June-to-September summer season last year, the park violated the National Ambient Air Quality standard at least 87 times, compared with 56 times at Joshua Tree and 12 times at Great Smoky Mountains.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2012/05/30/2003534109
Click to expand...

waltky · Jun 15, 2012

Just so long as dey don't spot Uncle Ferd's still...

EPA sets tighter standards for soot pollution
14 June`12 WASHINGTON (AP) Responding to a lawsuit from 11 states, the Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new air quality standards to lower the amount of soot that can be released into the air.

The Obama administration, facing strong resistance from congressional Republicans and industry officials, had sought to delay the politically fraught rule until after the election, but was forced to act by a court order. Critics, including officials representing the oil and gas industry, refineries and manufacturers, complained that overly strict rules could hurt economic growth and lead to job losses. An Obama administration official said the new rule was based on a rigorous scientific review. Virtually all counties in the United States would meet the proposed standard with no additional actions needed beyond compliance with current and impending rules set by the EPA, the official said. Soot, made up of microscopic particles released from smokestacks, diesel trucks, wood-burning stoves and other sources, contributes to haze and can burrow into lungs. Breathing in soot can cause lung and heart problems.

Dr. Albert Rizzo, chairman of the board of the American Lung Association, said soot, also known as fine particle pollution, is a known killer. "The science is clear, and overwhelming evidence shows that particle pollution at levels currently labeled as officially 'safe' causes heart attacks, strokes and asthma attacks," he said. The long-delayed rule, to be made public on Friday, responds to a federal court order requiring the Obama administration to update air quality standards under the Clean Air Act. Administration officials described the rule to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it has yet to be announced. Eleven states, including New York and California, filed suit earlier this year to force a decision. The states and the American Lung Association say current standards jeopardize public health. Soot has been linked to thousands of premature deaths each year, as well as aggravation of respiratory illnesses, heart attacks and strokes.

More than a dozen states, along with environmental groups, sued the EPA several years ago, contending that the Bush administration had ignored science and its own experts when it decided in 2006 not to lower the nearly decade-old annual standard for soot. The agency's own analysis found a lower standard recommended by scientific advisers would have prevented almost 2,000 premature deaths each year. The EPA initially promised it would review recent science and issue a decision in 2011. After months of inaction, states led by New York filed suit to force a decision. The lung association and the National Parks Conservation Association filed a similar suit. A federal court eventually ordered the EPA to propose a new rule by Thursday. A final rule is due in December after a public comment period.

The new rule would set the maximum allowable standard for soot at range of 12 to 13 micrograms per cubic meter of air. The current annual standard is 15 micrograms per cubic meter. Administration officials said the proposed changes are consistent with advice from independent scientists and are based on extensive research showing negative health impacts from soot at lower levels than previously understood. The agency will solicit comments from the public, as well as industry, public health groups and other interested groups to help determine the final standard. Besides California and New York, states joining in the lawsuit forcing an EPA decision were Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

Source
Click to expand...

Bowerbird · Jun 21, 2012

waltky said: ↑

Just so long as dey don't spot Uncle Ferd's still...

EPA sets tighter standards for soot pollution
14 June`12 WASHINGTON (AP) — Responding to a lawsuit from 11 states, the Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new air quality standards to lower the amount of soot that can be released into the air.
Click to expand...

I can hear it now

"OBAMS IS GOING TO MAKE MY ELECTRICITY PRICE GO UP!!!""

Not Amused · Jun 29, 2012

Bowerbird said: ↑

I can hear it now

"OBAMS IS GOING TO MAKE MY ELECTRICITY PRICE GO UP!!!""
Click to expand...

We don't have to - Obama said it himself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f-Jf_LGi-c

Bowerbird · Jun 29, 2012

Not Amused said: ↑

We don't have to - Obama said it himself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f-Jf_LGi-c
Click to expand...

Which would you rather - increase in electricity price from legislation preventing pollution or increase in electricity price from people suing the companies from causing pollutions as well as paying more for health because there are so many people with chronic health problems from pollution?

Anders Hoveland · Jun 30, 2012

Bowerbird said: ↑

Satellite confirms decline in pollution from coal power plants
Click to expand...

The main reason for this is probably because of the economy. Americans are buying fewer manufactured goods from China. China has by far the highest number of (dirty) coal power plants in the world, to power its export factories. Want to know how we could really cut pollution from coal power plants? Put high tariffs on imports from China.

Bowerbird · Jul 3, 2012

Anders Hoveland said: ↑

The main reason for this is probably because of the economy. Americans are buying fewer manufactured goods from China. China has by far the highest number of (dirty) coal power plants in the world, to power its export factories. Want to know how we could really cut pollution from coal power plants? Put high tariffs on imports from China.
Click to expand...

That would have to be the biggest load of rubbish that ever floated across the internet

waltky · Jan 12, 2013

Take a gas mask along with ya, if yer goin' to Beijing...

Pollution making Beijings air hazardous to breathe
Sun, Jan 13, 2013 - Air pollution levels in Chinas notoriously dirty capital have hit dangerous levels, with cloudy skies blocking out visibility and warnings issued for people to remain indoors. Local authorities have warned the severe pollution is likely to continue until tomorrow.

The Beijing Municipal Environmental Monitoring Center has reported air quality readings between 176 and 442 from its monitors throughout the greater Beijing area since Friday. The monitors measure the level of airborne PM2.5 particulates, which are tiny particles considered the most harmful to health. The air is considered good when the reading is at 50 or below but hazardous with a reading between 301 and 500, when people are warned to avoid outdoor physical activities.

Monitors in urban Beijing all reported readings above 300 on Friday, and the centers real-time readings showed Beijing remained heavily polluted yesterday with readings as high as 478 at 3pm. Monitors at the US Embassy in Beijing recorded an off-the-chart air quality reading of 699 as of 3pm yesterday. Readings can vary in different parts of the city and may also differ because the instruments used to measure the pollution levels are not always the same.

According to rules issued by the city government last month, all outdoor sports activities are to stop and factories have to reduce their production capacity if Beijings official air quality reading goes over 500. Air pollution is a major problem in China with its rapid pace of industrialization, reliance on coal power, explosive growth in car ownership and disregard for environmental laws. In Beijing, authorities have blamed a lack of wind and foggy conditions for the high concentration of air pollutants. Several other cities, including Tianjin and southern Chinas Wuhan, also reported severe pollution over the past several days.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2013/01/13/2003552433
Click to expand...

waltky · Jan 14, 2013

If yer going to Beijing, China be sure to wear a gas mask on yer face, if yer going to Beijing, China (sung to the tune of If You're Going to San Francisco)...

Beijing warns residents after off-the-charts smog
13 Jan.`12 Beijing schools kept children indoors and hospitals saw a spike in respiratory cases Monday following a weekend of off-the charts pollution in China's smoggy capital, the worst since the government began being more open about air-quality data.

City authorities, who began releasing figures about some of the worst kinds of pollutants early last year, ordered many factories to scale back emissions and were spraying water at building sites to try to tamp down dust and dirt worsening the noxious haze hanging over the city. Demand spiked for face masks and air purifiers, and hospitals saw surges of up to 30 percent in residents seeking help for breathing problems, state-run media outlets reported. Schools in several districts were ordered to cancel outdoor activities such as flag-raisings and sports classes, and in an unusual public announcement, Beijing authorities advised all residents to "take measures to protect their health." "It's really terrible. I'm extremely upset, but there's really nothing much I can do," said a Beijing resident out for a morning stroll. Like many Chinese, the man would give only his surname, Kang.

Another man, a 60-year-old retiree surnamed Chen, said his elderly relatives had moved to stay with family members outside the city to avoid the pollution. "I'm in pretty good shape, but the older folks have a lot of problems with their hearts, breathing, and high blood pressure," Chen said. Levels of PM2.5 particle pollution over the weekend reached the highest levels since the Beijing government began publicly releasing figures following a public outcry. In separate monitoring by the U.S. Embassy, level were at 886 micrograms per cubic meter in a reading that was labeled "beyond index."

By Monday, levels had declined to about 350 micrograms on the Beijing government scale down from a high above 700 but still way above the level of 25 considered safe by the World Health Organization. PM2.5 are tiny particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in size, or about 1/30th the average width of a human hair. They can penetrate deep into the lungs, and measuring them is considered a more accurate reflection of air quality than other methods.

The Beijing Shijitan Hospital received 20 percent more patients than usual at its respiratory health department, Dr. Huang Aiben said. Most patients were coughing and sought treatment for chronic bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory illnesses, Huang said. "Because these dust particles are relatively fine, they can be directly absorbed by the lung's tiny air sacs. The airway's ability to block the fine dust is relatively weak and so bacteria and viruses carried by the dust can directly enter the airway," Huang said.

MORE
Click to expand...

waltky · Jan 15, 2013

The burning of wood is a major source of black carbon the world over...

Climate change: Soot's role 'underestimated' says study
15 January 2013 - New research says that black carbon, or soot, is making a much larger contribution to global warming than previously recognised.

Scientists say that particles from diesel engines and wood burning could be having twice as much warming effect as assessed in past estimates. They say it ranks second only to carbon dioxide as the most important climate warming agent. The research has been published in the Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres. Black carbon aerosols have been known to warm the atmosphere for many years by absorbing sunlight. They also speed the melting of ice and snow.

Half a degree

This new study concludes the dark particles are having a warming effect approximately two thirds that of carbon dioxide, and greater than methane. "The large conclusion is that forcing due to black carbon in the atmosphere is larger," lead author Sarah Doherty told BBC News. "The value the IPCC gave in their 4th assessment report in 2007 is half of what we are presenting in this report - it's a little bit shocking,"

The researchers say black carbon emissions in Europe and North America have been declining due to restrictions on emissions from diesel engines. But they have been growing steadily in the developing world. However as these type of particles don't last very long in the atmosphere, cutting their number would have an immediate impact on temperatures. "Reducing emissions from diesel engines and domestic wood and coal fires is a no-brainer as there are tandem health and climate benefits," said Professor Piers Forster from the University of Leeds. "If we did everything we could to reduce these emissions we could buy ourselves up to half a degree less warming, or a couple of decades of respite," he added.

The report warns that the role of black carbon is complex and can have cooling and warming effects. "Mitigation is a complex issue because soot is typically emitted with other particles and gases that probably cool the climate," said Prof Forster, "For instance, organic matter in the atmosphere produced by open vegetation burning likely has a cooling effect. Therefore the net effect of eliminating that source might not give us the desired cooling," he added.

Black carbon is said to be a significant source of rapid warming in the northern United States, Canada, northern Europe and northern Asia. The particles are also said to have an impact on rainfall patterns in the Asian monsoon. Last year a six nation coalition of countries began a combined effort to curb the impact of short lived climate agents such as black carbon. The authors say that while cutting back on soot is important, cutting carbon dioxide emissions is the best way to address climate change in the long term.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21033078
Click to expand...

dujac · Jan 16, 2013

here's what it looks like when a growing country doesn't have an environmental protection agency

[video=youtube;8BPF-yQ2CSU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BPF-yQ2CSU[/video]

Anders Hoveland · Jan 16, 2013

Bowerbird said: ↑

That would have to be the biggest load of rubbish that ever floated across the internet
Click to expand...

Please explain why. Factories and industrial plants consume far more power than peoples homes. Why are our countries regulating pollution from our coal power plants? It just adds one more reason for production to shift to China.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/...r-plant-chinese-villages-clash_n_2001079.html
http://www.nationalreview.com/exchequer/295290/obama-subsidizes-dirty-chinese-coal-power#
http://olsonfarlow.com/editorial-im...al-power-plant-online-every-four-to-five-days

It is just complete idiocracy, but I guess that's what you get the government tries to get involved in complicated economic matters it does not really understand. When a more efficient coal power plant in America gets shut down, a dirty inefficient more polluting power plant pops up in China. Stupid laws that try to reduce pollution actually end up just increasing it. I have posted countless other examples of this in this forum.

Just because the pollution is not being released from within our borders does not mean we are not still creating it. Chinese factories provide most of the consumer goods in Western Europe and America. Why do you think Greenpeace has waged so much protest against international trade agreements?

pimptight · Jan 16, 2013

Want to reduce coal emmissions?

Upgrade our power generators.

They are from the f#cking 1950's for Christ's sake!

We would reduce the coal needed to power our country by 30%+.

waltky · Jan 30, 2013

Smog so thick ya can cut it with a knife...

Beijing smog levels go off scale
Wed, Jan 30, 2013 - HEAVY HAZE: The Beijing Municipal Environmental Monitoring Center air quality index at noon yesterday was 414, while the US embassys reading was 475, which is hazardous

Residents across northern China battled through choking pollution yesterday, as air quality levels rose above index limits in Beijing amid warnings that the smog may not clear until tomorrow. Visibility was reduced to about 200m in the center of the capital, where mask-wearing pedestrians made their way through a murky haze, despite warnings from authorities to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. In a Beijing city office visited by reporters, up to 20 workers wore gas-mask style protective headgear at their desks as the cloud of pollution shrouded large swathes of the country for the second consecutive day. State broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) showed vehicles using full headlights in mid-morning to light a way through the smog, mainly in badly affected Henan Province.

A total of 109 flights were canceled at Zhengzhou Airport in Henan, said CCTV, adding that the haze would last until tomorrow. In Shandong Province, almost 2,000 passengers were stranded at Qingdaos main airport after it shut with 20 flights canceled as visibility dropped to 100m, Xinhua news agency reported. It is at least the fourth time a dense cloud of haze has descended on northern China this winter, with even state media repeatedly expressing anger over the issue. The China Daily reiterated its calls for firm action yesterday, directing them at newly installed Beijing Mayor Wang Anshan, who formally took over on Monday. What do Beijing residents expect of their new mayor? the newspaper asked in an editorial. Of all the things that need improving, cleaner air will be at the top of many peoples wish list.

Wang was quoted by Xinhua as saying: The current environmental problems are worrisome. The US embassys air quality index reading for Beijing stood at 475 and hazardous at noon yesterday, after having reached 517, or beyond index, at 6am. The index rates a reading over 150 as unhealthy, above 300 as hazardous, while anything over the upper limit of 500 is regarded as beyond index. Meanwhile, the Beijing Municipal Environmental Monitoring Center gave the figure as 414 at noon, indicating the capitals air was severely polluted.

The toxic air follows an extreme bout of pollution earlier this month, peaking on Jan. 13 when state media said readings for PM2.5, particles small enough to deeply penetrate the lungs, reached 993 micrograms per cubic meter, almost 40 times the WHOs recommended safe limit. At the height of the smog, many Beijing residents rushed to buy face masks and air purifiers, and doctors at two of Beijings major hospitals said the number of patients with respiratory problems had increased sharply during the period. Chinas pollution problems are blamed on the countrys rapid urbanization and dramatic economic development. However, experts have raised questions over Chinas will and ability to tackle car and coal use, which are seen as key causes of the phenomenon.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2013/01/30/2003553810
Click to expand...

Log in or Sign up

Satellite confirms decline in pollution from coal power plants

Bowerbird Well-Known Member

waltky Well-Known Member

waltky Well-Known Member

Bowerbird Well-Known Member

Not Amused New Member

Bowerbird Well-Known Member

Anders Hoveland Banned

Bowerbird Well-Known Member

waltky Well-Known Member

waltky Well-Known Member

waltky Well-Known Member

dujac Well-Known Member

Anders Hoveland Banned

pimptight Banned

waltky Well-Known Member

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Satellite confirms decline in pollution from coal power plants

Bowerbird Well-Known Member

waltky Well-Known Member

waltky Well-Known Member

Bowerbird Well-Known Member

Not Amused New Member

Bowerbird Well-Known Member

Anders Hoveland Banned

Bowerbird Well-Known Member

waltky Well-Known Member

waltky Well-Known Member

waltky Well-Known Member

dujac Well-Known Member

Anders Hoveland Banned

pimptight Banned

waltky Well-Known Member

Share This Page

Useful Searches