WriCraft

CLIMATE CHANGE AND OCEANS Water has a very high specific heat capacity. This means that a lot of energy is needed to increase its temperature. As the Earth is 71% water, energy from the sun causes only small changes in the planet's temperature. This stops the Earth getting too hot or too cold and makes conditions possible for life. Heat is stored by the ocean in summer and released back to the atmosphere in winter. Oceans, therefore, moderate climate by reducing the temperature differences between seasons. Rising temperature The largest carbon store on Earth is in sediments, both on land and in the oceans, and it is held mainly as calcium carbonate. The second biggest store is the deep ocean where carbon occurs mostly as dissolved carbonate and hydrogen carbonate ions. About a third of the carbon dioxide from fossil fuel burning is stored in the oceans and it enters by both physical and biological processes: 1. Physical Process: Carbon dioxide dissolves more easily i

BIOROCK:---- is the name given to the substance formed by electro accumulation of minerals dissolved in seawater on steel structures that are lowered onto the sea bed and are connected to a power source, in this case solar panels that float on the surface. • Fragments of broken corals are also tied to the biorock structure, where they are able to grow at least four to six times faster than their actual growth. • The technology works by passing a small amount of electrical current through electrodes in the water. When a positively charged anode and negatively charged cathode are placed on the sea floor, with an electric current flowing between them, calcium ions combine with carbonate ions and adhere to the structure (cathode). This results in calcium carbonate formation. Coral larvae adhere to the CaCO3 and grow quickly. Fragments of broken corals are also tied to the biorock structure, where they are able to grow at least four to six times faster than their

Avian botulism is a paralytic and frequently fatal disease caused by the ingestion of toxins. ●The clinical signs exhibited by affected birds included dullness, depression, anorexia, flaccid paralysis in legs and wings, and neck touching the ground. ● The birds were unable to walk, swim, or take flight. ● There was no rise of body temperature, no nasal discharge, no respiratory distress or any other sign. ● The bacteria is commonly found in the soil, rivers, and seawater. It affects both humans and animals.  The avian botulism is a neuromuscular illness caused by Botulinum (natural toxin) that is produced by a bacteria — Clostridium botulinum

■ Ecoclub:----- The annual meet of the National Green Corps  ‘Ecoclub’ programme of the MoEF&CC was recently organized--Sensitization measures for environment protection. • Environment Education Awareness and Training (EEAT) is an established central sector scheme of the Environment ministry continuing since 1983-84. • Under the scheme, National Green Corps (NGC) ‘Ecoclub’ programme was initiated in 2001-2002 with the objective to impart knowledge to school children. • To build young cadres of students and trigger their sensitivity towards environment protection and conservation. • Hands-on experience, about their immediate environment. • Observation, experimentation, survey, recording, analysis and reasoning for conserving the environment. • To promote logical and independent thinking. • To motivate and stimulate young minds. • The scheme is being operated through Eco-clubs of 5060 students having an interest in environment related issues, formed in member schools.

■ Aerosols:--- are tiny particles in the air that can be produced when we burn different types of fossil fuels — coal, petroleum, wood and biofuels — in different ways. • They are suspended in the air.  • They reduce visibility. ▪ Sea salt, dust, and volcanic ash are are three common types of Aerosol.  • Natural Sources--- 90% Desert dust, volatile organic compounds from vegetation, smoke from forest fires, and volcanic ash are natural sources of aerosols. ■ Anthropogenic Sources---(10%)  Fossil fuel combustion produces large amounts of sulfur dioxide, which reacts with water vapor and other gases in the atmosphere to create sulfate aerosols. • Biomass burning, a common method of clearing land and consuming farm waste, yields smoke that’s comprised mainly of organic carbon and black carbon. ■ Is there a link between aerosols and climate change ?  • Yes. Aerosols have a profound impact on the climate because, just like greenhouse gases. • Most aeroso

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental organisation. Founded in 1948, today IUCN the largest professional global conservation network. IUCN has more than 1,200 member organizations including 200+ government and 900+ non-government organizations. The Union’s headquarters are located in Gland, near Geneva, in Switzerland. More about IUCN What does IUCN do? How does IUCN work? IUCN Red Data Book : Threatened Species classification Critically Endangered Species Endangered (EN) species Vulnerable (VU) species Other divisions: Extinct, Functionally Extinct and Extinct in the wild Reasons for species extinction Status of Plants and Animals : 2012 list List of Extinct Plants in India Critically Endangered Animal Species of India More about IUCN Governance by a Council elected by member organizations every four years at the IUCN World Conservation Congress. Funded by governments, bilateral and multilateral agencies, found