Impacts On The Natural Environment

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Genetically modified food is food which has been altered to have better growing conditions so it is ripe and able to eat in certain climates.

For example tomatoes can’t grow in a cold environment so scientists would have had to find a tool to help it grow in cold biomes. So scientists would have chosen genetic modification. The scientists would have then picked a donator to help the tomato species, the donator would have the anti freeze gene taken out of it and put into the tomato. The tomato then would be modifically stable for its living environment.

Genetic modification isn’t just for food though; genetic modification is also used for humans too. Genetically modified food is also assessed and treated differently to organic food due to it being modified,Potential risks could be toxicity,Allergic reactions, stability of the donated gene.

(Source: http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/ )

Lots of people are worried about GM foods due to it being scientifically modified, Reasons why people might be scared:

-No long term tests

-New diseases could be created due to mutation

-Mutations can occur in the test subject.

Mutations can help or hinder genetic subjects. the final result could be beneficial to the final subject or harming to the subject.

There is also an ethical side of GM, Many people may not want GM food to happen as they see it against nature. Religion is a major factor in this due to some religions forbidding modification because many people believe that it is against gods will to change life.

Environmental impact

GM Foods may also have a negative environmental impact. For example pollenating species such as bees and butterflies could have a negative impact if they feed on crops with an insecticide. Impacts such as this are trying to repaired by scientists so people can trust and see a better future in GM foods.

History of GM foods

-The first genetically modified crop of food was a tomato in California (USA) in the 1990’s, these tomatos where then used for tomato puree in Europe which made controversy erupt.

-In 1998 research was suggesting that GM potatoes were modified with a insecticide gene taken from the snowdrop which is toxic to rats.

-Farm scale crops started in 1999

-Farm scale crop trials were also criticised by the public

-In May 2000 Honey was found contaminated with GM crop pollen

(Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-419985/History-genetically-modified-food.html )

Negative impacts of GM

Positive impacts of GM

The possible chance of mutations in the food which can leave side effects

Reduce hunger in third world countries across the world.

Insecticides on the plants can Hastle pollinating species of insects such as butterflies and bees.

Acquiring data too help in further studies by scientists.

The ethical side of this theory will leave people with questions and views about GM foods.

Help grow foods in unstable areas.

Fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are Coal,Oil and Natural gas. These fuels are created by living mass which would have lived millions of years ago and have been compressed into the ground.Earth is slowly going to run out of fossil fuels soon so we need to find a alternative power source for our sustainability. Over the last 200 years more technology has been made to use these power sources. The industrial revolution would have made coal the most used source of power while natural gas and Oil were found some time later.

Coal

Coal is the remains of vegetation which grew around 400 million years ago which have died and had been compressed while in the ground. It is reffered sometimes as "buried sunshine" because the plants which had made coal captured energy from the sun through photosynthesis. Coal would have been formed around 300 million years ago when the earth would’ve been covered with swamps. When plants and vegetation died they would sink to the bottom of the swamps and would’ve been layered into something called "peat". After this the earth would have had its surface changed, seas and rivers would’ve caused deposits of sand,clay and other material matter . This would’ve buried the peat and compressed it so it would lose moisture and heat would become warmer which would’ve made the black substance Coal.

(source: http://www.ket.org/trips/coal/agsmm/agsmmhow.html)

How is coal mined?

Surface mining

(http://www.worldcoal.org/coal/coal-mining/)

Surface mining is used when the coal seam is located at ground level. 90% of the coal mined here would be in use. Surface mining accounts for 80% of australias production but 67% of the USA’S, Equipment such as;

Draglines

Power Shovels

Large trucks

Bucket wheel excavators

Conveyors

Underground

(http://www.planete-energies.com/en/energy-sources-/coal/extracting-coal-60.html)

Underground mining is where the coal seam is not too deep and therefore easy to reach, 2 methods are used to get the coal. The room and pillar method which involves leaving giant pillars up in the mine too hold up the ceiling and the longwall method which involves a cutting machine which involves a cutter machine which recovers coal aswell as collapsing the ceiling behind it.

Oil

Crude Oil is the remains of animals which lived in the Jurassic era. Animals are then compressed into the ground and over millions of years, they are compressed and heated up till they become Crude oil. Crude Oil is not a sustainable resource and will run out soon.Oil is mined in refinerys which can be found on land or the sea. Oil Rigs are Dispersed all over the world. Crude oil contains "hydrocarbons" which contain high amounts of energy. Crude oil can have different colours from, tar-black to a clear fluid, their viscosity changes as well.

How is oil mined?

(http://www.articlesofadvice.com/articles/15/1/How-Is-Oil-Extracted-From-The-Ground-Triple-Diamond-Energy/Page1.html)

When oil is discovered it is marked down by the company. After being marked the company will clear the land for machinery and the main oil extractor, then the oil company will find a water source for a special area where it is mixed with drilled earth. When the drill site is ready the company will bring the rig in. to ensure that there is space for work crews the company would build a large hole called a "cellar" which is dug around the drill. After further more prepping for the drill the rig is fitted in and the drill starts to descend. Due to the large spinning blades and the water it will create a quantity of mud. A long casing pipe is also fitted into the mining hole to prevent collapse. After drilling the oil testing begins, samples and drill stem testing are measured to confirm that the holes depth is able to be reached down so the oil can be extracted. Once confirmation takes place, an oil pump is run down and extraction begins. Oil flows up the pump and into barrels to be sent to the refinery.

Gas

Natural Gas is formed by decayed plant and animal matter which has been submitted too extreme amounts of pressure under the earths crust millions of years ago. The lower down in the earth you go, the more natural gas you are likely too find because of the pressure. Natural gas is mostly made of methane gas with lesser amounts of ethane,propane and butane.

How is natural gas mined?

(http://www.naturalgas.org/naturalgas/extraction.asp)

A team of drillers Start drilling where it is thought natural gas is, Determining to were the well should be placed is effected by many factors as well as using advice by geologists. After further preparations the drilling can take place. Once drilled, if the new well comes in contact with a natural gas deposit it is developed to allowed for the extraction of the gas and is named a "Development" or "productive" well. However if the team were incorrect with the estimation of the location of the gas it is named a "Dry well" and production does not proceed

History of fossil fuels

(http://www.fossilfuel.co.za/History_of_fossil_fuel.aspx)

Fossil fuel history started 3 centuries ago, at this time people used manual labour instead of machinery. Fossil fuel use rised in the late 18th century (1700’s). The steam engine gave rise to faster shipping and our manual labour was being replaced by coal driven machinery. In addition to shipping The coal steam engine began to kick-start industries once driven by manual labour. The textile industry was majorly boosted due to the steam engine and Coal fuelled machines. Due to the machines the job was more safe and efficient. Steam technology was advancing at a fast rate, the estimates place the the steam engine of 1900 being more powerful then the ones made in 1800. Soon after Oil and natural gas was found and could be transported easily. This trend would continue for many decades, our reliance on animals and manual labour was being placed by engines and then electricity. Our dependence upon fossil fuels became a way of life. Not only were they used as fuels but petroleum products have benefited over productions. Only in recent years have the environmental issue been an issue of debate and one worthy cause of concern for our planet which needed certain action, our use for fossil fuels is still increasing and so is the environmental effect.

Environmental effect of fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels give of greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change. The main greenhouse gases emitted by fossil fuels are,

Carbon dioxide

Methane

Nitrous-Oxide

Greenhouse gases are a problem because the atmosphere absorbs natural gases made by the earth already but is trapping an extra 25% of the sun’s rays hitting the earth. Due to these trapped gases the earth heats up and causes climate change, if the climate changes due to warming of the earth, the Artic Ice will melt which will lead to flooding of countries. Pollution caused by fossil fuels can also cause "Acid Rain" which leads too environmental damage in countries. It is made by greenhouse gas clouds evaporating and then becoming condensation over hilly areas.

Advantages of Fossil Fuels

Disadvantages of fossil fuels.

Factories are more suited too Fossil fuel use.

Emits greenhouse gases which warms up the atmosphere

Oil refineries, Gas refineries and Quarries have high tech equipment and workers are skilled.

Creates acid rain which effects the environment as well as man made structures.

Reliable source of energy.

Fossil fuels are not renewable.

Nuclear power.

Nuclear power is made by reactions that occur due to changes in the structure of the nuclei of atoms.

There are 2 types of nuclear energy,

Man made

Naturally made

Naturally made is produced naturally by the universe, such as stars. Stars make heat and energy by nuclear fission.

Man-made nuclear energy is made by man. Machines called "Nuclear reactors" which are parts of Nuclear power plants which provide electricity for urban areas. Man-made nuclear reactions are also made for nuclear bombs.

Nuclear power offers clean energy with no pollution unlike fossil fuels, but there are other causes for concern due to nuclear energy such as;

The Cost of maintaining the reactor.

Security

Safety

Maintenance.

History of Nuclear power.

In 1934 Nuclear emission is achieved by Enrico Fermi, 22 Years later the queen opens the first couple of 65MW reactors in sellafield (Named Calder hall at the time) and windscale. Britain is the first country to produce atomic energy. 1 Year later the government promises a program which will achieve 5,000-6,000 MW Capacity by 1965. The first nuclear power accident occurs at windscale when a fire in the reactor leaked radioactivity. In 1960 the government white paper scales back nuclear building plans to 3,000 MW knowing that coal mining is cheaper. In 1964 Advanced gas-cooled reactors (AGR) are thought up. In 1966 the first AGR is produced. 13 years later Energy secretary davidhowell announces water reactors (PWR) to be built, in 1983 planning for the first PWR at sizewell in suffork starts. In 1986 the worlds worst nuclear accident occurs at Chernobyl near pripyat In Ukraine. 1987 Plans for Sizewell B approved which leads too construction in 1988. Nuclear levy is introduced to cover the cost of nuclear energy and coal in 1991, also in 1991 the government announces plans for a nuclear waste repository.

In 2002 the bradwell power station is shutdown, May 2005 A leak of highly radioactive nuclear fuel forces the closure of Sellafield's Thorp reprocessing plant. January 2008 The government announces its nuclear plans. It backs a new generation of nuclear power stations.

Enviromental Impact

Nuclear power plants have a chance of effecting the environment. Meltdowns,Radiation leaks and Poor disposal of nuclear waste can cause this.

For example a Nuclear meltdown In Chernobyl in 1986 effected the environment in many different ways. The radiation from the exploded reactor made its way all across Europe and contaminated many areas. This contamination would have altered farming and different kinds of Flora and fauna across Europe. Due to the radiation of food sources for animals such as plants, and fungi many boar, and deer and other animals are contaminated.

Nuclear power plant operation emits no carbon dioxide or any other Greenhouse gas.

Advantages for Nuclear Power

Disadvantages

Nuclear power has no Greenhouse gases.

There is a chance of a nuclear meltdown.

Can power a Giant city.

Very difficult to get rid of nuclear waste.

Non violent use for uranium.

Uranium is hard to mine.

(Source http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jan/10/nuclearpower.energy)

Sustainable Power.

What is sustainable power?

Sustainable power consists of Water,Bio-organic mass,Wood and air.

History of Renewable energy

In 3,200 BCE the Egyptians first used the sail which is first recorded use of wind energy. In 400 BCE, Socrates advocated a passive solar designs. In 1 BCE Water wheels are turned by hydropower to grind wheat into flour. In the 700’s Wind was used in the smelting process in sri lanka. During 1000 AD windmills are used frequently. During the 1500’S famous Renaissance designer Leonardo da vinci proposes applications of techniques to concentrate sunlight also known as solar energy. In the 1600’s Windmills are used by the dutch too drain water from the lowlands into ditches and use the land flooded for cultivation increasing the food that they could annually produce. In 1767 Horace de Saussure, a swiss scientist invents a solar collector. In the 1890’s the first roof-mounted solar water heaters are commercially available in southern California. Hydro electric power provides 25 percent of US electic generation in the 1920s. in 1941 during the Second world war Palmer Putnam builds a wind turbine that generates 1.25MW for new-england and had 53-meter blades but when the war comes to America the project is suspended. In the 1960’s The first solar powered 2 way radio was created. In the 1980’s Wind farms are constructed for large scale production in America And Europe. 2005 Was the launch of the Global wind energy council in Brussels.

(source: http://www.climatepedia.org/Renewable-Energy)

Wind power

Wind is created in the atmosphere when it is heated unevenly by the sun, the equator gets more heat than Britain, and we get more heat than the polar regions. These uneven temperatures cause convection currents where warm air rises and cooler air moves in to replace it, this movement is named "wind"

Wind energy works when the force of the wind spins a large rotor inside a wind turbine, The rotor is connected to a generator which produces electricity. To produce power from this, you need a wind speed of atleast 4 M per second (around 16KPH). To reach maximum power you need speeds of around 15M (53KPH) Wind speed increases with the turbines altitude. Wind speed also increases if no obstructions are in the way.

Since the 1980’s the technology has been available to allow wind power to generate large amounts of electricity which makes it Commercially viable.

There are over 1000 Wind turbines at 89 sites in Britain, off shore and In-shore.

Advantages of Wind power

Disadvantages of wind power.

Once the turbine is constructed, costs are low

If no wind is available, there is no power.

No waste

Wind farms can make noise pollution

Wind farms can be tourist attractions

Interfere with television reception.

Enviromental impact of sustainable power

Wind energy can effect the land due to the noise it makes, It can annoy wildlife, cattle and the public. It also can Kill birds who are attracted too the spinning blades. Due to the size of windmills, A large space of area must be taken up too build them and to maintain them which can effect habitats.

Solar energy generates no pollution at all but it can destroy habitats due to the size of the plots used for the solar energy plates especially giant solar power plants. Materials used in some solar systems can create health and safety hazards for workers.

Hydroelectricity has been increasingly problematic in the united states, the construction of large dams have virtually ceased because most undeveloped sites are under federal environmental protection. Hydro electricity can also impact in fish who are migrating at the time but by installing ladders or other devices can help fish migrate.

Advantages of Sustainable energy

Disadvantages of sustainable energy

Renewable energy can forever be used.

Have to pay to make sure everything works

Almost anything can be bio source can be used for Sustainable energy

Have to pay for the technology to make things work

Not as much CO2 Emmisions.

Man power is needed for the work.

Most important energy sources in the next 10 years.

1, Nuclear

Nuclear power would be a good source of energy but the safety risk is a cost, with the right technology we could make it safer to the environment.

2,Hydro power

Hydro –electricity is fairly safe but doesn’t give as much power as nuclear energy.

3, Oil and gas

Oil and gas may not be sustainable and cleanest but we have the technology and the knowledge to use it to the best degree.

4, Coal.

We have the knowledge for coal but it is a very unclean and sustainable way of power.

5, Solar power

With the Right size, and power able to use solar power can be a definite reliable source of power.

6, Wind power

Wind power is a very good source of power but it lacks in a strength and would work well in farms.

7, Biomass power

Biomass power isn’t made widely yet so we don’t know how to use it to the full extent.

8, Geothermal power

Geothermal power isn’t widely known also so we don’t know how to harvest it properly as well as how much power we can gather.

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