Jimmy Cardigan

Is energy too cheap? Is conservation a dirty word? What would you say to “Jimmy Cardigan” (Google this!)? With regards to alternative energy sources (renewables) are you a "free-marketeer" or proponent of government intervention to steer us away from fossil fuels? In your opinion, what type of renewable energy has the most upside potential? What steps can you take 1) tomorrow and 2) within the next five years to reduce your energy footprint?

I honestly don't think energy is too cheap, but it does depend on where you live.  I for one have never had to pay an electric bill so I have no real grasp on this subject.  I would have to say I agree with "Jimmy Cardigan", we can help alleviate some of our energy usage with proper attire and some common sense.  When it is cold, I put my children in long sleeve/heavier clothing to help them stay warm at night.  We only turn the heater on if it gets below a certain temperature.  We use room heaters more than the whole house heaters.  During the summer we use lighter blankets at night and thinner clothing/less clothing.  When it is hot try to use the stove less during the hottest times, same for the clothes dryer.  During colder times use the stove as a heat source, try to keep everyone in that area so you don't have to use other heaters.  

In regards to alternative energy sources, I believe that it should be a free enterprise with government incentives.  I do think that solar energy and wind energy have the most potential for long term usage.  Many companies and homeowners are already turning to solar power to help with energy costs.  

Climate change

In your view, is climate change anthropogenic (manmade), "natural", or some combination of the two? What (or who) would you consider reputable sources for climate change information? How is climate change portrayed in the media? Does this portrayal make you more or less likely to alter your lifestyle? What do you think the effects of climate change will be on your children and grandchildren?

I think that climate change in a combination of the 2.  I do think that the Earth has cycles it goes through over time and it just has to run its course.  I also do think that we do speed some things up with our increases emissions and general pollution.  There really are no true reputable sources.  It seems like most research agencies are funding by some other company or a government agency which is influencing what they are looking for.  I would have to say that no news agencies in the United States are unbiased so I highly recommend accessing news from outside the United States to get a clearer picture.  I really have not altered my lifestyle very much.  I do look for more fuel efficient vehicles, but it is more for my benefit than the environments.  I eat locally grown produce, only because it is free.  I still drive forever to get places, but I do limit my trips, yet again for my benefit.  I think the climate change is going to keep happening due to the natural course of things.  I can honestly say I have no idea how long it will be before another "ice age" but I do hope it is long after I am gone and my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

 

Eucalptus

Hypothetical scenario – ArborGen (a biotech company) has expressed a desire to plant test plots of genetically modified eucalyptus here at FGCU! This GM eucalyptus has been engineered with enhanced cold tolerance. This allows it to grow not only in Southwest Florida, but potentially as far north as South Carolina. As an eco-aware citizen, the USDA has subpoenaed you to testify on the merits and pitfalls of this plan. Do some research on the web and prepare a brief statement to the USDA addressing the following questions:

•         What is known about the ecology of the eucalyptus tree in general? What are the benefits of this technology? What are some of the potential intrinsic concerns? What are some of the potential extrinsic concerns? Can reasonable and cost-effective steps be taken to mitigate these risks? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

*Note: you’ll have to do some background research to complete this blog! The definitions of intrinsic and extrinsic are as follows: Intrinsic refers to social/cultural/institutional (i.e. faith-based)/bioethical concerns, whereas extrinsic refers to measurable human health and environmental impacts (think impacts on biodiversity, human allergenicity and toxicity, etc.).

General Ecology:

       Fast growing

       Produce oil

       Fast growing source of wood

       Natural insecticide

       Water drainer

       Wind breaker

Intrinsic:

      "Playing god"

       Could be protesters on campus, therefore disrupting classes

     

Extrinsic:

       Could drain the swamp land on campus

       Could produce allergies to people on campus

       Due to warm climate VOC's could be present more often

      

I would have to say my first question would be, why are we testing a cold tolerable plant in a sub tropical climate?  So from this point alone I would have to say that all testing would basically be a waste of time and money.  We rarely get freezes down here and there are already a few types of eucalyptus that can tolerate temperatures much colder than we experience in South Florida.