DOCSLIB.ORG

Ecological Sustainability in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ecological Sustainability in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine Guidelines and Recommendations Special Articles 329 M. Schuster1 · H. Richter1 · S. Pecher2 · S. Koch3 · M. Coburn4 Ecological Sustainability § Compiled by the DGAI/BDA Commission on Sustainability in Anaesthesiology in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine A DGAI and BDA Position Paper with Specific Recom- mendations* Citation: Schuster M, Richter H, Pecher S, Koch S, Coburn M: Ecological Sustainability in Anaesthesio­ logy and Intensive Care Medicine. A DGAI and BDA Position Paper with Specific Recommendations*. Anästh Intensivmed 2020;61:329–338. DOI: 10.19224/ai2020.329 1 Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensiv­ Summary be avoided in both the operating theatre medizin, Notfallmedizin und Schmerz­ and intensive care unit without upsetting therapie, Kliniken Landkreis Karlsruhe, This position paper with specific recom­ existing processes. Fürst­Stirum­Klinik Bruchsal, Rechberg­ mendations was commissioned by the klinik Bretten, Akademische Lehrkran­ kenhäuser der Universität Heidelberg DGAI and BDA executive committees in In addition to these measures directly 2 Klinik für Anästhesie und Intensiv­ March 2020 and was compiled by the related to the field of anaesthesiology, medizin, Diakonie Klinikum Stuttgart joint “Commission on Sustainability in this position paper addresses further 3 CharitéCentrum für Anästhesiologie und Anaesthesiology”. areas of concern indirectly associated Intensivmedizin CC 7, Campus Charité with the everyday professional role Mitte & Campus Virchow – Klinikum, With the impending climate disaster in of the anaesthesiologist. As such, the Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin mind, the aim of this position paper is to paper alludes to the significance of 4 Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Uniklinik delineate with which specific measures RWTH Aachen sustainable mobility with regard to every­- anaesthesiologists can contribute to a day commutes, patient transfers, and consistent and sustained reduction in § Members of the Commission on conferences. Improved energy manage­ Sustainability in Anaesthesiology CO2 emissions and minimise the nega­ (in alphabetical order): ment may commence in the operating tive ecological implications associated Prof. Dr. Thomas Bein, Prof. Dr. Mark theatre and intensive care unit but must 1 with the fields of anaesthesiology and Coburn , Prof. Dr. Herwig Gerlach, ultimately encompass the whole hospital Priv.­Doz. Dr. Susanne Koch2, Dr. Ana intensive care medicine. The paper is as a significant source of CO2 emissions. Kowark, Dr. Ferdinand Lehmann, divided into six sections and, on the Dr. Sabine Pecher, Dr. Hannah Richter, Numerous measures can already be im­ Prof. Dr. Rolf Rossaint, Dr. Charlotte basis of published literature, presents plemented today, and appropriate steps Samwer, Priv.­Doz. Dr. Christian Schulz, the currently available evidence on should be taken at a local level. Last but Prof. Dr. Martin Schuster3 how anaesthesiologists can incorporate not least, the importance of research and (1: Chair DGAI, 2: Instigator, 3: Chair sustainability aspects in their professional BDA) teaching is emphasized as a key factor in sphere of influence. Special attention successfully facing the challenge of eco­ is directed towards the environmental logical sustainability in anaesthesiology effects of drugs used in anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine. and intensive care and their impact on climate change. In that regard, the direct and potent greenhouse gas effects of Preface * Resolution of the Execuitve Commitee of volatile anaesthetics are emphasized. In In March 2020 the Professional Asso­ the DGAI, dated 16.03.2020/of the BDA, consequence, specific recommendations ciation of German Anaesthesiologists dated 24.04.2020. are made on reducing the damaging (BDA) and the German Society of Anaes­ Interest to disclose effects of volatile anaesthetics on the cli­ thesiology and Intensive Care Medicine The authors have no financial or other com­ peting interest to disclose. This recommen­ mate. With regard to consumables, the (DGAI) executive committees assigned dation was unfunded. increasing use of disposable single­use the joint “Commission on Sustaina- items is the subject of critical analysis, bility in Anaesthesiology” the task of Keywords and the need to incorporate the carbon compiling a position paper with specific Guidelines – Anesthesio­ footprint in the selection of products is recommendations. Both executive com­ logy – Sustainability – Climate stressed. As waste has significant direct mittees approved the publication of this change – CO2 emission and indirect ecological effects, the 5R position paper in its current form during concept is used to show how waste can their sessions on the 16th March 2020 330 Special Articles Guidelines and Recommendations (DGAI) and 24th April 2020 (BDA). With plemented immediately at a local level the grave”, including the following po­ the publication of this position paper, by anaesthesiologists. However, a good sitions: 1) extraction of raw materials, 2) both BDA and DGAI expressly commit number of measures, including many processing and manufacturing, 3) trans­ themselves to the goal of carbon neutral, with significant leverage, are arduous to port and packaging, 4) use, reutilisation sustainable health care and will there­ implement at a local level alone. As and maintenance, 5) recycling and 6) fore, together with other actors in the such, achieving carbon neutrality in disposal. Water use and release of toxins health care sector, use their influence on anaesthesiology and intensive care are additional important factors besides politics and on the industry to actively medicine over the next three decades CO2 release [15]. further the necessary transformational will require wide­ranging technological process. innovation and significant investment in energy efficient refurbishment and in the A. Drugs Introduction infrastructure of individual hospitals. Major issues such as assuring generation R1: General anaesthesia using volatile The 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on of energy from renewable sources or re­ anaesthetics and/or nitrous Climate Change report was climate alising sustainable transport are tasks for oxide should be maintained in scientist’s warning not to exceed the society as a whole and require political such a fashion that the smallest 1.5 °C limit of global warming. Only a implementation. As a professional and a quantity of anaesthetic possible is rapid and substantial worldwide reduc­ scientific body, we will use our influence discharged into the environment. tion in CO2 emissions over the next few to demand these changes. This requires consistent use of years can avert runaway effects such In the past, close coordination between minimal­flow anaesthesia. as the melting of Antarctic ice masses practising physicians and the industry – R2: Use of desflurane should be or thawing of permafrost soils, which especially in the fields of anaesthesio­ reserved for cases in which it threaten to make the effects of climate logy and intensive care medicine – have appears mandated on medical change uncontrollable [1]. led to a variety of technical innovations grounds. Of those volatile As physicians we are under a special ob­ which have made patient care safer and anaesthetics commonly used, ligation. Over the next decades, climate opened new horizons of clinical possibi­ sevoflurane is the least potent change will lead to a change for the lity for the good of patients. Seen in the greenhouse gas. worse in health care for a great number light of the climate crisis, this close coor­ R3: Use of nitrous oxide should be of people across the planet and pose dination should be further strengthened, avoided unless its use appears grave challenges to health care systems aiming to promote the transformation to mandated on medical grounds. in almost every country [2]. At the same ecologically sustainable patient care. R4: The development, trialling and time, the health care system is itself use of scavenging and recycling responsible for significant emissions of Glossary systems for volatile anaesthetics greenhouse gases, owning 4.4% of glo­ should be expedited. bal greenhouse gas emissions in 2014 CO2e: CO2 equivalents [3]. In response, numerous professional Emissions of greenhouse gases other R5: In contrast to inhalational anaesthesia techniques, total medical bodies have issued their own than CO2 can be converted to CO2 statements alluding to the urgent need to equivalents. This entails calculating the intravenous and regional anaes­ thesia do not intrinsically cause reduce CO2 emissions across the health quantity of CO2 which would exhibit care sector [4–8]. Physicians are called the same effect in the atmosphere as the direct greenhouse gas emissions. upon to adjust their consumer behaviour emission in question by using the mass Use of these techniques to avoid and – in the spirit of divestment cam­ of that emission and its Global Warming greenhouse gas emissions is judi­ paigns – their investment decisions to Potential [13]. cious when they are appropriate prioritise climate protection [9]. from a medical standpoint. GWP: Global Warming Potential R6: Pharmaceutical waste should be As high­tech, resource hungry fields, The Global Warming Potential describes avoided on both economic and anaesthesiology and intensive care me­ the substance­specific greenhouse effect ecological grounds. dicine are involved in a significant por­ compared to CO2 over a specified length tion of CO2 emissions across the health R7: Pharmaceutical
Load more

Recommended publications
  • What Is a Carbon Footprint? an Overview of Definitions and Methodologies
    Vegetable Industry Carbon Footprint Scoping Study Discussion Paper 1 What is a Carbon Footprint? An overview of definitions and methodologies by Andrew John East Growcom This report is published by Horticulture Australia Limited to pass on information concerning horticultural research and development undertaken for the vegetable industry. The research contained in this report was funded by Horticulture Australia Limited with the financial support of the vegetable industry. All expressions of opinion are not to be regarded as expressing the opinion of Horticulture Australia Limited or any authority of the Australian Government. The Company and the Australian Government accept no responsibility for any of the opinions or the accuracy of the information contained in this report and readers should rely upon their own enquiries in making decisions concerning their own interests. Published and distributed by: Horticulture Australia Ltd Level 7 179 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone: (02) 8295 2300 Fax: (02) 8295 2399 © Copyright 2008 DISCUSSION PAPER 1 VG08107: Vegetable Industry Carbon Footprint Scoping Study - Discussion Papers and Workshop 26 SEPTEMBER 2008 What is a Carbon Footprint? An overview of definitions and methodologies Andrew John East Growcom Purpose of the paper: The purpose of this paper is to define a “carbon footprint” and provide an insight into the terminologies and approaches included within this concept. A number of key issues are addressed in this discussion. Firstly, the origins of the “footprinting concept” are addressed to establish the conceptual history (and baggage) associated with this term. Secondly, existing literature is critiqued to scope the various definitions, highlight distinctions and articulate a preferred definition of a carbon footprint.
    [Show full text]
  • Food Service Climate Change Reduction Strategies
    The Food and Climate Connection in Health Care Food Service This document provides an overview on the impact of climate change on snowpack will threaten the water supply for irrigated agriculture and it health and agriculture and how health care food service can work to is estimated that by 2100 Californian reduce its climate footprint. Almost all of these strategies have a variety farmers could lose 25 percent of their water supply. of co-benefits and include improved nutritional health, support of local food economies and reductions in exposure to toxic pesticides. A climate The Food change framework to health care food service provides an entry for a comprehensive preventive health agenda. and Climate Connection Impacts Impacts While most people recognize the con- nection between direct energy use and on Health on Agriculture climate change, many are surprised to According to the Intergovernmental Agriculture has particularly strong learn about the significant contribution Panel on Climate Change (2007), ties to climate. Not only does how we of food and food production to climate “warming of the climate system is farm and what food we produce influ- change. Our current industrialized ag- unequivocal, as is now evident from ence climate change globally, climate riculture and food system is very energy observations of increases in global change is projected to threaten agricul- intensive. It relies on massive inputs of average air and ocean temperatures, ture and our ability to produce enough petroleum-based resources in the form widespread melting of snow and ice, food. As a result of climate change, of fertilizers and pesticides, and fuel for and rising global average sea level.”1 food yields are anticipated to change farm operations and processing.
    [Show full text]
  • Survey Results Memorandum Final.Pdf
    To: Denise Wilson, Director, Environmental Review Program – Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) From: Barr Engineering Co. Project Team Subject: Public Engagement Survey Results Date: May 3, 2021 Page: 1 Technical Memorandum To: Denise Wilson, Director, Environmental Review Program – Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) From: Barr Engineering Co. Project Team Subject: Public Engagement Survey Results Date: May 3, 2021 Project: Environmental Review Implementation Subcommittee (ERIS) Engagement (Project) 1.0 Introduction As directed by EQB’s 2020-2021 Workplan, and in response to Executive Order 19-37 on climate change, ERIS (a subcommittee of the Environmental Quality Board [EQB]) convened an Interagency Environmental Review Climate Technical Team to advise them on changes to the State Environmental Review Program requirements. Accordingly, the Environmental Review Climate Technical Team developed the DRAFT Recommendations: Integrating Climate Information into MEPA Program Requirements, dated December 2020, (DRAFT Recommendations). The DRAFT Recommendations specified an engagement framework to solicit input from various stakeholders, including the public. EQB contracted with Barr Engineering Co. (Barr) to assist with implementing the engagement process. The engagement consisted of: • Public comment period • Listening sessions • Public survey • Interviews This memorandum summarizes the feedback received through the public survey. A total of 496 survey responses were submitted. Section 2.0 of this memorandum describes the method used to create the survey and targeted outreach. Section 3.0 of this memorandum provides summaries of responses received to each question. 2.0 Survey Implementation Process and Targeted Engagement Barr used the SurveyMonkey platform for conducting the public engagement survey regarding the DRAFT recommendations. Barr and EQB’s technical team collaborated to develop the questions provided in the survey.
    [Show full text]
  • The Tourist Climate Footprint
    The Tourist Climate Footprint WWF Report on environmental impacts of holiday trips WWF Deutschland 1 Contents Introduction Footprints in the sand – they make As the WWF model calculation il- Holiday trips and the environment, holiday trends 4 us dream of the sound of the sea, of WWF Demands lustrates, German travel behaviour German travel behaviour 5 relaxation, of days or even weeks at should not serve as an example for The climate footprint of typical holiday trips 6 ease. Our wanderlust knows no ■ Climate protection must be- other countries. Quite the contrary, bounds, every year millions of Ger- come a core aspect of plan- it is high time the Tourist Climate Majorca: Summer, sunshine, beaches and more 7 mans gravitate towards the world’s ning and organizing new tour- Footprint of German tourists and Culture and wine in Trentino 8 beaches. In 2007, Germans set aside ism products tour operators be significantly re- nearly five percent of total annual ■ For every trip a fee depending duced. The time has come for the Viva México! 9 consumption for “the most beautiful on distance must be charged tourism industry to show responsi- Baltic Sea family summer 10 time of the year”, establishing a by the airlines and forwarded bility beyond the payment of com- Autumn vacation in Oberstdorf 11 new record with 61 billion Euros to climate protection projects pensations, and not to just paint a spent on travelling abroad (Source: ■ Tour operators must show few of their products green by fi- Skiing fun in Vorarlberg 12 Dresdner Bank). For years we have more transparency concern- nancing a handful of nature conser- Cruising the Mediterranean Sea 13 been holding our position as world ing climate impacts of their vation projects.
    [Show full text]
  • The Carbon Footprint of Shale Gas Development and the Remedial Measures Necessary to Address It. Anthony R. Ingraffea, Phd, PE
    EB 2012-0451/2012-0433/2013-0074 Exhibit L.EGD.COC.1 The Carbon Footprint of Shale Gas Development and the Remedial Measures Necessary to Address it. Anthony R. Ingraffea, PhD, PE June 26, 2013 Prepared for Ontario Energy Board Proceedings: EB-2012-0451: Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.; and EB-2012-0433 and EB-2013-0074: Union Gas Limited I have prepared this report at the request of the Council of Canadians for the purpose of introducing certain articles I have co-authored, and follow-up related articles by others, which evaluate the greenhouse gas footprint of natural gas derived from high-volume fracturing from shale formations. In my opinion this work bears upon projections about the cost and availability of natural gas from this source, as well as the priority that should be given to investments in renewable energy and conservation measures. I currently hold the Dwight C. Baum Professorship in Engineering and serve on the faculty of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University. My research concentrates on computer simulation and physical testing of complex fracturing processes including hydraulic fracturing. A copy of my Curriculum Vitae is attached as Schedule “A” to this report. I have not reviewed the record of these proceedings, but have been advised by Counsel of the following matters: The applications1 before the Ontario Energy Board (the “Board”) seek approvals, inter alia, for the expansion and restructuring of the natural gas pipeline infrastructure in the Greater Toronto area (the “GTA”). The proponents have identified various benefits they predict to follow from proceeding with their projects, including improving supply chain diversity, reducing upstream supply risks and reducing gas supply costs over the period 2015 to 2025.
    [Show full text]
  • ITU and Climate Neutrality
    ITU and Climate Neutrality Arthur Levin, Head, Standardization Policy Division (ITU-T) ITU-T Focus Group on Climate Change 1 September 2008 International Telecommunication Union GLOBAL FRAMEWORK 1992 Framework Convention on Climate Change 1997 Kyoto Protocol was adopted at COP-3 ¾ while Convention encouraged developed countries to stabilize GHG emissions, the Protocol commits them to do so 2001 Detailed implementation rules adopted at COP-7 in Marrakesh ¾ Annex I (developed countries) to reduce GHG emissions in period 2008-12; a reduction of 5% against 1990 baseline • aviation and shipping were excluded ¾ Annex II (developing countries) only to monitor and report GHG emissions Protocol established Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) ¾ allows parties to earn and trade emission credits through projects either in developed or developing countries 1 September 2008 2 GLOBAL FRAMEWORK 2005 Kyoto Protocol came into effect for 177 countries 2007 Fourth Assessment Report of IPCC ¾ clear link between GHG emission and climate change ¾ GHG emissions continue to grow as world continues to industrialize 2012 First commitment period under Kyoto Protocol will expire ¾ new framework is needed to deliver the stringent emission reduction the IPCC says are needed 1 September 2008 3 TOWARD A NEW FRAMEWORK 2007 COP-13 in Bali launched process for negotiation of new Agreement ¾ established AWGLCA (Ad Hoc Working Group on Long Term Cooperative Action) to develop work program 2008 AWGLCA meetings ¾ Bangkok (31 March–4 April) ¾ Bonn (2-13 June) ¾ Accra (21-27
    [Show full text]
  • Land Use, Livestock, Quantity Governance, and Economic Instruments—Sustainability Beyond Big Livestock Herds and Fossil Fuels
    sustainability Article Land Use, Livestock, Quantity Governance, and Economic Instruments—Sustainability Beyond Big Livestock Herds and Fossil Fuels Antonia Weishaupt 1, Felix Ekardt 1,2,3, Beatrice Garske 1,3 , Jessica Stubenrauch 1,3,* and Jutta Wieding 1 1 Research Unit Sustainability and Climate Policy, 04229 Leipzig, Germany; [email protected] (A.W.); [email protected] (F.E.); [email protected] (B.G.); [email protected] (J.W.) 2 Faculty of Law, Rostock University, 18051 Rostock, Germany 3 Interdisciplinary Faculty and Science Campus Phosphorus Research, Rostock University, 18051 Rostock, Germany * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +49-341-492-77866 Received: 2 January 2020; Accepted: 28 February 2020; Published: 6 March 2020 Abstract: The production of animal food products is (besides fossil fuels) one of the most important noxae with regard to many of the environmental problems, such as climate change, biodiversity loss or globally disrupted nutrient cycles. This paper provides a qualitative governance analysis of which regulatory options there are to align livestock farming with the legally binding environmental objectives, in particular the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Two innovative governance approaches are developed and compared: a cap-and-trade scheme for animal products and a livestock-to-land ratio. Both instruments are measured against the above-mentioned environmental objectives, taking into account findings from behavioural sciences and typical governance problems. Both approaches are generally suitable as quantity governance in animal husbandry if they are properly designed. In the end, a combination of both approaches proved to be particularly effective ecologically.
    [Show full text]
  • The Educational Facilities Professional's Practical Guide to Reducing the Campus Carbon Footprint
    The Educational Facilities Professional’sProfessionals Practical Guide to Reducing the Campus Carbon Footprint Published by: APPA is the association of choice serving educational facilities professionals. APPA’s mission is to support educational excellence with quality leadership and professional management through education, research, and recognition. APPA’s Center for Facilities Research was established to engage in a deliberate search for knowledge critical to policymaking in education. CFaR encourages the study of the learning environment, appropriate management strategies, and their impact on education. APPA 1643 Prince Street Alexandria, VA 22314-2818 www.appa.org With generous sponsorship from AEI/Affiliated Engineers, Inc. is a mechanical, electrical, and piping consulting firm working nationally and interna- tionally on complex and large-scale projects. For higher education, the firm specializes in high-performance sustain- able building design and in energy systems master planning, design, and implementation. Energy-related specializa- tions include: alternative and renewable fuel analysis and implementation; performance modeling; climate action plan development and emissions control planning; chilled water, steam, high- and medium-temperature hot water, and dis- tribution systems; thermal storage; and combined heat and power. www.aeieng.com Primary author Karla Hignite is a freelance writer based in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Copyright © 2008, 2009, by APPA. All rights reserved. International Standard Book Number: 1-890956-48-1 Produced in the United States of America Contents Foreword: What We Don’t Know Shouldn’t Stop Us .....................................1 A roadmap for reducing emissions . .1 How to use this guide . .2 1. Form a Stakeholder Group .............................................................3 Guiding Principle: Organize for Success . .3 New roles for the facilities manager .
    [Show full text]
  • A Climate Change Policy for St Helena
    A Climate Change Policy for St Helena Our Island. Our Environment. Our Responsibility. Environmental Management Division St Helena Government June 2019 1 Environmental Management Division, Saint Helena Government, Environmental Management Division, Environment and Natural Resources Directorate, Scotland, Island of Saint Helena, South Atlantic Ocean, STHL 1ZZ Tel: (+290) 24724 www.sainthelena.gov.sh © Saint Helena Government 2019 This document may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of Saint Helena Government. This document has been issued and amended as follows; Rev Date Description Prepared Checked Approved by by by 00 24-04-14 First Draft (A) for review IMC BS BS 00 17-09-14 Second Draft (B) for review CDS - BS 00 05-04-16 Draft D DP - DH 00 14-04-16 Draft E DP - DH 00 08-06-16 Draft F DP DH ENRC 00 13-12-16 Draft G MD DH - 00 30-01-19 Draft H MD DH CPA 00 19-06-19 Draft I MD DD ExCo By the following; Initials Name Position BS Ben Sansom Former Head of Environmental Management Division CDS Ceri Sansom Former Climate Change and Pollution Officer CPA Chair Persons Assembly DD Darren Duncan Acting Director of Environment, Natural Resources & Planning DH Derek Henry Director of Environment and Natural Resources DP Debby Parkinson Former Climate Change and Pollution Officer ENRC Environment and Natural Resource Committee ExCo Executive Council IMC IMC Worldwide MD Mike Durnford Environmental Risk Manager 2 Contents Foreword Introduction Climate Change Reports for St Helena National Goals The St Helena Approach Aims and Objectives of the Climate Change Policy Climate Change Action Plans Implementing the Policy and Policy distribution Policy Definitions Foreword One of the biggest uncertainties the world faces is Climate Change.
    [Show full text]
  • Climate Action Plan
    2016 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE “Climate change is a collective issue, whereby the responsibility to generate solutions is not isolated to policy makers and scientists. At Moraine Valley, sustainability is a serious issue for every department and discipline, as well as the student, and we want to make an equal impact on our community and the world at large.” By Dr. Sylvia Jenkins CONTENTS 1 Executive Summary 4 2 Moraine Valley’s Climate Commitment: A Message from the President 6 3 Introduction 8 3.1 History 3.2 Moraine Valley Climate Action Plan 3.3 Why This Matters 3.4 Second Nature Climate Action Plan Reporting Requirements 4 Moraine Valley’s GHG 18 4.1 Glossary of Terms 4.2 Data Analysis 5 Strategies 25 M.0 Strategy 01: Mitigation R.0 Strategy 02: Renewable Energy AR.0 Strategy 03: Adaptation and Resilience E.0 Strategy 04: Engagement 6 Implementation 40 7 Conclusion 44 8 Bibliography 44 9 Acknowledgments 45 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Formerly known as the American Colleges and Universities Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), the Carbon Commitment is focused on reducing emissions of harmful greenhouse gases to zero, thus alleviating higher education institutions’ contributions to climate change. This effort is supported by Second Nature, who has maintained the ACUPCC in some capacity since 2006, retaining sole responsibility in 2011. Moraine Valley Community College signed the ACUPCC in 2013. And in 2015, the ACUPCC further evolved into three commitments: Carbon Commitment (again, formerly ACUPCC); the Resilience Commitment: a newly developed commitment to address the critical need for resiliency planning; and, Climate Commitment, which combines the two.
    [Show full text]
  • Air Pollution Issues Associated with Natural
    em • feature Air Pollution Issues Associated by Ramón A. Alvarez Exploration and production of natural gas and oil are rapidly expanding across the country due and Elizabeth Paranhos to technological developments that have made extraction of previously untapped unconventional Ramón A. Alvarez, Ph.D., resources, such as shale gas, economically feasible. In part due to expansion of operations to is with the Environmental locations where the industry has never been active, emissions of air pollutants, along with other Defense Fund in Austin, TX. Elizabeth Paranhos is with potential environmental and public health impacts, have come under increasing scrutiny. Delonelaw Inc. in Boulder, CO. E-mail: [email protected]. An overview of environmental and public health Sources of Air Emissions risks and the need for improved regulation and Leaks and routine venting during the extraction, industry practices is presented in a recent report of processing, and transportation of NG result in the National Petroleum Council.1 Although some emissions of GHGs and, depending on the local efforts are underway to improve our knowledge composition of unprocessed gas, other pollutants about air emissions from the oil and gas industry, that contribute to locally- and regionally-elevated there remains much uncertainty about the actual air pollution that may threaten public health. There amount released. Notwithstanding this uncertainty, are numerous individual components used through- studies suggest that emissions from the oil and gas out NG and oil production systems that are prone industry could be comparable to other major to leaks, including compressors, valves, pumps, source categories in some concentrated areas. flanges, gauges, and pipe connectors.
    [Show full text]
  • The Awareness of Turkish High School Students About Carbon Footprint and the Effects of the High School Biology Curriculum on This Awareness
    International Electronic Journal of Environmental Education Vol.6, Issue 2, 2016, 29-53 RESEARCH ARTICLE The Awareness of Turkish High School Students About Carbon Footprint and The Effects of The High School Biology Curriculum on This Awareness Serap ÖZ-AYDIN1 Balikesir University, Balıkesir, TURKEY To cite this article: Öz-Aydın, S. (2016). The awareness of Turkish high school students about carbon footprint and the effects of the high school biology curriculum on this awareness. International Electronic Journal of Environmental Education, 6(2), 29-53. Abstract Carbon emissions which are one of the most important human sourced causes of global clim ate change continue to rise rapidly despite all efforts to minimize these emissions. Carbon footprint (CF) education is significant in terms of changing the present situation. The aim of this study is to determine the awareness of high school students about the CF issue which takes place in the 9 th grade level teaching program and to determine the effects of students' awareness on teaching. Hence, a research-based exploratory m ixed study design was conducted with 140 9th and 10th high school students. A special data collection instrument was developed for CF. Qualitative data that was collected was firstly subjected to the document analysis method. Then, an SPSS program was utilized in order to ascertain the percentage of students in different grade levels who were aware of the problem and to determine quantitatively the differences between them. As a result, it was found that the awareness of the students about the problems involving household and transportation components of CF were higher when compared to their awareness about lifestyles.
    [Show full text]