Austin+Neigh

= = =toc About Me=

I am a Junior. I like to play sports and hang out with friends. I have one brother and sister. I am easy to get along with and very laid back. I also like to ride my dirt bike and play xbox. == =Uses of the Allegheny Forest= = = =Total Population= 35.4% Enjoy day hiking 34.2% Visit a wilderness or primitive area 32.3% Visit a farm or agricultural setting
 * 1) Some of the environmental problems include trying to grow young trees on cleared hillsides, and restoring the population of wildlife.
 * 2) Four resources produced there are oil, timber, coal, and water sheds that are needed for fish and drinking water
 * 3) One economic problem would be the clear-cutting and logging of the forest, also the decrease in deer and other wild game populations that are used as food and hunting.
 * 4) These groups include the ANF, the Civilian Conservation Corps, PA Game Commission, and the Forest Service.
 * Nature Based Activities**

66.7% View/Photograph natural scenery 60% Visit nature centers 57.8% Sightseeing
 * Viewing/Learning Activities**

87.2% Walk for pleasure 77.4% Family gathering 65.5% Picnicking
 * Developed-Setting Land Activities**

50% Swimming in an outdoor pool 49.2% Swimming in lakes, streams, etc. 47% Visit a Beach
 * Water-Based Activities**

38% Enjoy any Snow/Ice activities 9.8% Downhill skiing 8.9% Snowmobiling
 * Snow/Ice-Based activities**

=Water Shortages= 1) cutting back on water used for irrigation 2) charging more for water so it will cut back on water use 3) ship "virtual water" 4) adopt low-water sanitation 5) new lower cost desalination plants could expand freshwater supplies = = =Types of Pollution=

Activity A
1) Punxsy, PA- sewage leaks 2) Orlando, FL-

=Global Warming=

1)Why are carbon dioxide levels increasing? They are increasing due to the growth of the world economy and its burning of fossil fuels. The emission growth rate has increased from 1.3% to 3.3% from the 1990's through 2000. Another reason for increase is the long term increase in airborne fraction. Which is the ration of the annual increase in Co2 emissions from anthropogenic sources.

http://www.pnas.org/content/104/47/18866.abstract

Others argue that humans are only responsible for 0.28% of the Green house effect and 5.553% if water vapor isn't counted. Water vapor is believed to make up 95% of the Green house effect. While Co2 levels aren't even close to 1%. And since water vapor is 99.9% of natural origin it shows that Global Warming is happening due to shifts in nature.

http://www.geocraft.com/WVFossils/greenhouse_data.html

1) What causes these pollutants? Volatile Organic Compounds- are caused from household products such as: paint, aerosol sprays, cleansers and disinfectants, repellents, and air fresheners Respirable articles - caused from fireplaces, wood stoves, and kerosene heaters Radon - a cancer causing natural radioactive gas
 * Activity 4:**

=Individual Activity=

- MPG: 50 - Transmission: one speed planetary gear - Horse Power: 134hp - Weight: 3,042 lb - 4 cylinder
 * Toyota Prius**: mid-size car

- front wheel-drive - EPA rated cleanest car in the U.S. - Is a full hybrid electric mid size car - Its small size and aerodynamic body allows greater fuel efficiency - Upon going down hill the gas engine will either lower its idle or turn off, while the electric motor kicks in until the car needs more power - Has an electric powered water pump which cuts the need for serpentine belts, this also improves fuel economy - Hybrid Synergy Drive- replaces a normal geared transmission with an electromechanical system, a computer then controls how the energy from the two engines are used when the driver accelerates or slows down

- MPG: 18 - Horse Power: 248 hp - Weight: 4971 lb - 8 Cylinder
 * Ford F-150**: Pickup

- diesel engine option provides better fuel efficiency - no hybrid version - 4 wheel-drive which lowers fuel economy - the truck receives better mpg with the tailgate up rather than it being down, that many people think - placing a cap or cover on the bed to provide better aerodynamics

=Oil is More Than Energy= 1) The increase in oil dependency has also greatly widened our national debt 2) We have been buying billions of dollars worth of oil from unstable countries throughout the world 3) It becomes harder to supply the economy with oil as our dependency on it continues to rise dangerously 4) The continuing need for oil as the supplies dwindle 5) Climate change over time due to emissions

=Products from Petroleum=



=What do you think?= For year Americans have bought cars based on the price of oil. Looking at the graph you can see that when oil prices are low, people tend to buy cars that are less fuel efficient. But when the prices go up they tend to invest and buy more fuel efficient cars instead. This creates a big problem. It also shows that people are investing in cars based on what is currently going on. They don't plan into the future and invest in more efficient cars before oil prices sky rocket.

=The Truth About Energy= 1) I learned that for the U.S. alone, 80% of our energy supply comes from fossil fuels. America also burns over 390 million gallons of gas each year. With the population projected to grow by 100 million people in the next 30 years, this causes a huge problem when it comes to being able to supply the world with enough oil to make everyone happy.

=Essay Topics= 1) A new HVAC system - biggest energy consumer in the school - uneven distribution of warm and cold air, even in winter - cold air blown in winter - hot air being blown in summer - installation of a completely new HVAC system, which would save money in the future - some rooms are hot with hot air blowing in, and others cold with cold air blowing

2) Lighting in classrooms and after school - energy efficient light bulbs - lights in the gym are on all night - majority of classroom lights are left on all day - teachers leave lights on after leaving a classroom - leave only needed lights on after school hours for sports, teaching, and maintenance

3) 4-day Weeks - 7 or 7.5 hour days - savings on transportation, general operating cost of the building, food services - helps during bad financial times - student and teacher attendance improves - snow days can be made up on Fridays instead of at the end of the year - students are better able to manage part-time employment - referrals decrease - student achievement is not affected

=Energy Essay=

During tough economic times, many schools across the U.S. are having trouble maintaining their budgets. While state funding for schools have declined, more schools are looking for other options to ease their financial situations and save money. If they are unable to find methods to save costs, then they may have to cut extra activities after school like sports, or even cut classes.

One of the biggest parts of a school budget is the energy and maintenance costs. This is even true for PAHS. Here we spend a considerable amount of money on these items. So what I’m suggesting is that we switch to a four-day school week. We would not be the only school to do so. Many other schools, in other states, have switched their schedules due to this tough economic time. Yes, it may give students an extra day every week for relaxing but it comes with tremendous benefits. If we operate on a 4-day week, the school no longer has to pay for a fifth day and will save money on maintenance of all buildings within the school district. Teachers would also not be paid for a full weeks work, and that money can be used to fund other projects or sports.

Not only does this plan save the school district money, it is also beneficial to the students as well. Many students would say that it would provide a well-needed day off at the end of the week. But there is definitely more than that. Over time student dropout rates and referrals should decreased. With shorter school weeks, student and teacher attendance would improve. Also with this extra time given to students, they can better manage a part-time job and extracurricular activities. Much of this is based on research and surveys at schools that have already transitioned into this kind of schedule. www.principalspartnership.com/**fourdayschoolweek**.pdf

For the most part, school districts are trying to find ways to cut cost but at the same time not effect student’s education. This 4-day school week schedule is the most helpful and efficient way for a school district to maintain its proper structure, and provide students with the best possible education.

= = =**Regional Questions**= Commodity- an economical good, or a product of agriculture or mining 1) South East 2) Broilers, Cotton, Peanuts, Eggs 3) Some landforms in Georgia include: the Ridge and Valley, the Blue Ridge, the Piedmont, and the Coastal Plain 4) Climate: Humid Subtropical Population: 9,829,211 Largest Cities: Atlanta, Augusta, and Columbus 5) Top 5 commodities- Broilers, Cotton, Eggs, Greenhouse/Nursery, Peanuts
 * State:** Georgia

Resources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_%28U.S._state%29

=Land Stand Survey= I believe that land use should be more centered around rural areas. By improving more roads and railways in rural areas instead of just cities, it will increase the land values and bring more jobs. Over time the population in over crowded cities will decrease. Bringing back a part of the population to rural areas, which will reduce the amount of economic stress on people in agriculture. Also state and national parks should be left alone for their preservation and the building of more roads and buildings would be a good thing as long as it doesn't impact parks or local environments.

=Hunger in the World=

Somalia 1) 637,661 km 2) 9,133,00 3) Mogadishu-2,500,000 Bosaso- 1,700,000 Hareisa- 800,000 4) 795 5) 20% 6) Large unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, uranium, copper, salt; oil and gas reserves 7) Livestock, fish, bananas, corn, sorghum, sugar 8) poor, dry soil due to irregular rainfall 9) 38% 10) Mostly a desert, From December to February- northeast monsoon has moderate temperatures in north and very hot in south, May to October - southwest monsoon is torrid in the north and hot in the south, irregular rainfall, hot and humid periods between monsoons

1) The lack of development and the devaluation of the Somalian currency has created an economic crisis. As this has continued, Somalia has only increased its dependency on imported commodities. Somalia has also depended on may humanitarian to supply food. But due to growing insecurity and fighting, some missions have suspended the aid. 2) New reforms within the government which would help change the economy and increase basic productions, are the first major step for Somalia to rid its dependence on foreign imports. Also many Humanitarian organizations have lent out aid to Somalia, sending them food. 3) The United Nations World Food Programme, is the world largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger worldwide. WFP provides, on average, 90 million per year with food. This organization helps people who are unable to produce or obtain enough food for themselves and their families.

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=Combating World Hunger=

1) Passing on the Gift is a time when Heifer supporters will join with there project participants as part of a new, global tradition meant to bring positive change to our world. 2) A. The Hunger Project is a global, non-profit, strategic organization committed to the sustainable end of world hunger. They mobilize village clusters at the grassroots level to build self-reliance, empowering women as key change agents, and forging effective partnerships with local government. B. It is a worldwide initiative helping in areas like Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. C. This organization relies on charity and fundraisers to maintain its current projects.