Atmospheric Chemistry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Atmospheric Chemistry - Essay Example The bottom line of the mission is to study Arctic zone depletion aside from understanding atmospheric phenomena, the effects of biomass burning to the atmosphere, and measuring the size and density of aerosols and Polar stratospheric Clouds (PSC). The planet where we thrive in is unique among the planets in our solar system. We can say that its composition is fairly simple especially if we will just confine our sight on the blanket of gases enveloping our lithosphere. Yet, beyond this simplicity are the more complex and dynamic chemical processes which support the ultimate existence of life. However, as ages pass by, as man become more inclined to motivations and innovations, it is clear that this green planet is in grave danger. The effects of climate change and global warming is of great concern among countries nowadays. In an article by Naomi Oreskes entitled BEYOND THE IVORY TOWER: The Scientific Consensus on Climate Change, it is pointed out that climate change issues still baffle scientists and that continuous researches are needed for this to be well understood. However, the connection of climate change with human activities cannot be denied. And it is man's utmost responsibility to give back to the Earth that nurtures him. Thus, there are steps needed to be taken, missions to be launched, and the voyage goes on. August 12, 2003, on board the Canadian satellite SCISAT-1 is a satel... Indeed, this shows that issues concerning the Earth are of everyone's great concern and interest. The ACE was launched at an inclination of 74, 650 km from the Earth's surface. This position allows the satellite to gather data from the tropical, mid-latitude and Polar Regions. The ACE mission includes the exploration of the relationship between atmospheric chemistry and climate change, the understanding of stratospheric phenomena that affects the distribution and the decline of ozone, studying the effects of biomass burning, measuring the size and density of aerosols and polar stratospheric clouds (PSC). The bottom line of the mission, however, is focused on the atmospheric ozone problem which is being currently experienced not just in the Antarctic but also in the Arctic region of the globe. For these to be possible, the mission carried with it two sophisticated instruments that are capable of obtaining the needed measurements and data. ACE-FTS (Fourier Transform Spectrometer) is a kind of Fourier Transform instrument that measures the vertical distribution of trace gases and temperature. Skoog et al., describes that Fourier Transform instruments are characterized but their great speed, high resolution, high sensitivity, and excellent wavelength precision and accuracy. A Fourier Transform spectrometer is capable of detecting all the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation simultaneously and all the time. A device called a Michelson interferometer makes it possible for Fourier Transform instruments to precisely measure the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. On the other hand, another instrument called the MAESTRO (measurement of Aerosol Extinction in the

Greenhouse Effect and Environmental Law Coursework

Greenhouse Effect and Environmental Law - Coursework Example By studying a range of subjects regarding the emission and its factors of Greenhouse which are relevant to all environmental policy issues: like the objectivity of scientific information, asymmetry of costs and benefits over space (regional impacts) and time; risk, uncertainty and ignorance; institutional power over information and policy I found myself deeply indulge in research and posing serious challenges to the current conceptualisation of pollution as a technical problem which requires an engineered solution. When I collected various data regarding the destruction caused by the Greenhouse Effect, I was not aware of the Kyoto Protocol current conditions, particularly the way it is implemented on the Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change reflects its drafters' understanding that changes in the global economy, globalization of markets, emerging global governance in the areas of trade and services, privatization and internationalization of the energy sector, and the ascending role of the private sector are changing the context rapidly in which environmental problems must be addressed. As a result, the formation of Kyoto Protocol took place. The main purpose of the Kyoto Protocol is to provide a shield against the environmental hazards and catastrophes to the new generation of environmental treaties; those treaties which are negotiated in an age of globalization and are aimed at influencing important economic activities such as energy production and fore ign investment in order to minimize their impacts on the environment. The potential economic effects of the Protocol are so far-reaching that it is sometimes referred to as an economic instrument disguised as an environmental agreement. The Kyoto Protocol contains three mechanisms allowing for international implementation, which are aimed at achieving the environmental goals of the treaty by affecting market-based activities. These mechanisms are related to (1) greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions trading, (2) joint implementation (JI), and (3) the clean development mechanism (CDM). Each of these mechanisms specifically includes provisions relating to the participation of non-state actors in its implementation. (Chambers, 2001) The first part of the report lays the foundation for tackling various factors that lead to Environmental change like pollution, burning of fossil fuels etc. After analyzation it is evident that the Kyoto Protocol is still in an unfinished state and the actual details will not be known until analyzing the final outcome of the lawful negotiations of the Protocol, I feel it is important to establish certain criteria for the substantive discussion contained in later parts of the report. In the beginning, Wilkinson has set out the unresolved issues from Protocol and what can be expected in future negotiations. Later the report has gone into greater detail on the outstanding issues of various changes and changes in variations by describing the potential role of non-state actors or, as the Protocol describes, legal entities. It is thought that any future Protocol negotiation anticipates a greater role for these actors. Selma Stern has also focused on different problems that contribute