Cars Of Tomorrow: 3 Technological Advances That Will Change Driving

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

The cost of gasoline has steadily risen since the economic crash of 2008, and car manufacturers have responded by making more fuel efficient vehicles. Toyota and BMW formally agreed to collaborate on perfecting hydrogen fuel technology in 2013, while Ford, Nissan, and Daimler said they would team up to completely revolutionize fuel cells in their vehicles by 2017, according to the Economist. 

New car technology is usually dictated by economic conditions or public demand. The 1973 oil embargo by several OPEC member nations caused long lines at the pump, while a barrel of oil quadrupled in price within a 12 month period. The following year GM, Ford and Chrysler all made cruise control a mainstream option for their vehicles to help drivers save gas, while lawmakers pushed conservation and domestic energy efforts, including the enactment of the national 55 mph speed limit in 1973. 

The technology of tomorrow will continue to make cars more efficient and safe, and will bring more comfort and convenience to the driver. These three features are the next big advances that will soon be just as common as rear-view mirrors in most U.S.-made vehicles:

Forward Collision Avoidance Systems

Most DMV practice tests online will advise drivers to keep a safe following distance of about 3 seconds between your car and the one ahead of you. But new technology will soon remove human judgment from the driving equation altogether.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates forward-collision avoidance systems reduce crashes by up to 7 percent, and up to 14 percent if they include auto-braking features. An alarm will sound when the system senses the speed and trajectory of a vehicle is likely to lead to some type of collision. The IIHS rates all manufacturer system, from basic to superior, based on its capabilities.

A basic rating, for instance, is given to vehicles that meet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's criteria on at least 5 of 7 test runs. There are 74 vehicles with forward-collision avoidance systems, including the 2014 models of the Cadillac ATS, Mercedes C-Class Sedan and Subaru Legacy, that have earned the organization's advanced rating. The 2014 Acura MDX SUV and 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Cherokee are among the models with superior ratings.

David Zuby, the chief research officer for IIHS, said auto-braking features will help inattentive and older drivers avoid fender benders, and ultimately lower insurance costs.

Camless Engines

A typical four-stroke piston engine utilizes camshafts to run the followers and open the valves that regulate gasoline flow. But if Christian von Koenigsegg of Sweden's Koenigsegg Automotive has his way, camshafts will be a thing of the past by 2020. He told Jalopnik at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show that his company has been working on a camless engine for several years and believes it will be the rule rather than the exception for automobiles in the near future.

All the valves in a camless engine will function independently, translating to better fuel efficiency and horse power. Several manufacturers, including BMW, GM, and Ford have been tinkering with the idea, but it appears the technology may still be a few years away from being available to the masses.

Cargines and LaunchPoint Technologies are currently the leaders in camless engines. Brian Paden, the lead designer for the LaunchPoint, told Car-Engineer.com that this type of valve timing technology will increase fuel efficiency by 20 percent, reduce emissions by 10 percent, and improve torque by up to 13 percent.

Hands-Free Driving

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers predicts 60 percent of cars will be connected to the Internet by 2025. This first step is essential to the organization's other major prediction: that 75 percent of vehicles will be self-driving by 2040.

Autonomous cars not only have to be able to communicate with one another, but also with the satellites that safely route them. These vehicles will enable blind individuals, along with the handicapped and elderly, to drive to the grocery store and even take cross-country road trips. Google announced in April that its driverless technology completed over 700,000 miles of driving without an accident.

The National Highway and Safety Administration estimates car accidents cost the country nearly $900 billion a year. The International Organsation for Road Accident Prevention estimates more than 90 percent of accidents are caused by human error. Driverless technology can eliminate most accidents, the need for traffic lights, and lower insurance premiums for all drivers.

Driverless vehicles are currently only being tested in the states of California, Nevada, Michigan, and Florida.

SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Cars of 2014 Under $60K

Be sure to leave your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback on this kind of research!

*by andreascy*

10 Reasons Why The World Should Go Solar

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Guys, what's up? 7K+ people in this amazing group of News lovers and climbing! So proud to be connected with all of you. We have a better way! 

You’ve probably heard of it; Solar Power. The way to go green by using the sun for electricity and much, much more. 

If you take a serious look into all the possibilities that solar power has to offer, you are going to wonder why the whole world is not running on it yet. Here are the 10 reasons why the world should go solar:

1. It saves you money

One of the things that make Solar Power stand out is how on the long haul you are going to save money. Sure, getting them might be a bit expensive, but after a few years your wallet is going to thank you. Money saved can go up to $2400 a year (for homeowners) and up to $6000 a year (for business owners). You could take the family to Disney for that money. 

2. Solar energy is a way to escape the hold countries have on other countries

A lot of natural resources like oil, coal and gas are imported into our country from other countries. This means that when something happens in those countries, like lets say a war, we could potentially be cut off from supplies. Solar Power does not face that problem as it is possible in any country anywhere. 

3. It’s better for the climate 

Critics have pointed out that by making solar panels certain chemicals are released into out atmosphere that form a bigger danger than carbon dioxide. What they fail to mention is that more carbon dioxide is released into the air per day from all over the world than the chemicals used to make solar panels. For solar panels this is a one time thing, once it’s made it’s made and no chemicals are released anymore and that’s better for the climate than your car ever will be. 

4. Jobs 

If there is more solar power used there will also be more jobs for people out there. Especially in this economy those are needed, as unemployment rates are still on the rise in almost all of the countries across the globe. By creating a bigger market for solar power you will also be creating more jobs for more people. 

5. The sun isn’t going to run out of light 

Another of the pros of solar power is the fact that the sun won’t be running out of light anytime soon. However we will be through natural resources like oil and gas eventually. 

6. It has many purposes 

Solar power can be used in an infinite number of ways. The only thing that’s limiting us is our creativity. Currently there are satellites in our inner and outer atmosphere completely powered by solar power. Cars that break speed records are powered by solar power. In Africa water is being distilled by solar power.. Well, isn't that awesome?!

7. It’s easily integratable into your home or community 

Your house probably already has a roof where you can place solar panels, but even for those of us who live in apartment buildings there are great options available. By placing a field with solar panels inside a community, or outside a town when you need more space, you can easily generate enough energy for a whole neighbourhood. Which brings me onto my next point..

8. It’s usable everywhere 

Any country and any person in the world could live off of solar power. It could easily change the world and save a lot of people who are currently dying because of the lack of electricity, heating or drinkable water. 

9. Solar powered roads 

Not that long ago a huge online fundraiser for solar roadways was held. They got way more than their original goal of $1 million and no wonder. Solar Roadways are freaking awesome and here’s why; They will make driving safer for people and for animals, because they light up when anything walks over them, heat up in cold areas so the roads are not snowy and more. Plus they are very durable and take way less maintenance than those asphalt roads. Want to know more about this amazing project? 

Check them out here.

10. Low maintenance

Solar Power is low maintenance. Did you know that solar panels only have to be cleaned a few times a year? With everything you get out of them that’s just a small price to pay. Once your installation is up, there is almost nothing to do to maintain the installation.

The Bottom Line is: Solar Power has the power to change the world and it’s all up to us whether or not we take all the opportunities it has to offer to make this world a better one. 

SEE ALSO: CNETTV : Robots Pivot Solar Panels to face the Sun by QBotix

Have a nice week! If you liked this post please leave your good comments in the box below.

*by andreascy*

Litigation Manager & Financial Services Team Leader Vacancies‏ in Cyprus

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Welcome back for another post! 😍 

If you're interested in pursuing a litigation or a financial career, please don't miss this opportunity to get direct insights and advice from specialists in the field.

NBS Recruitment Consultants is a newly established recruitment firm that provides a quality recruitment alternative to the traditional recruitment providers. They focus on delivering the outcomes that clients expect in the industry sectors where they have experience and expertise (locally and internationally). Locally, they cover all industries from mid to senior level and internationally they cover senior positions for the Construction, Oil and Gas and Shipping Industries.

One of their clients is a Law Firm based in Nicosia, Cyprus which has an ever growing reputation as a commercial legal practice that can handle a broad range of litigation and non-contentious matters. The Firm has a broad local and international client base and service individual and corporate clients, involved in complex commercial transactions in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the rest of the world and advises individuals and corporations throughout three broad areas, corporate-commercial, wealth management and litigation-arbitration.

Work is undertaken with a strong focus on achieving the goals set by the client, resolving problems and creating long term mutually beneficial relationships with their clients.

The remuneration package will depend on the qualifications of the candidate. Please note that the client is open to negotiation, if the CV is of interest, they will arrange an interview and discuss remuneration at the interview. If you are still interested in the position and find the position matching your skills and requirements, please send your résumé for review or refer someone else to them, so as to proceed with matters. 

They are currently looking to hire highly motivated and career driven individuals for the positions of Litigation Manager and Financial Services Team Leader.

Brief requirements for the positions:

1. Litigation Manager 

- LLB degree

- Minimum of 5 years post qualification experience within a law firm

- Member of the Cyprus Bar Association

- Fluent in Greek and English language

- Strong technical background

- Team-oriented

- Client-service oriented

- Hard working

2. Financial Services Team Leader 

- Minimum 3 years post qualification experience

- Preferably English trained

- Fluent in Greek and English language

- Computer literate

- Specialist in Financial Services, Compliance, AML, KYC, MiFiD and Cysec related work

NBS R.C mix their unrivalled expertise, specific industry knowledge and extensive network with the largest candidate database that gives their clients access to the best human capital and talent. Contact them. Their team is always available at any time to answer any questions you may have:

Email:

info@nbs-recruitment.com

Tel: 

(+357) 25590136

(+357) 25590259

(+357) 25590264

Fax: 

(+357) 25590183

Update As Of 1st of August, 2014

The operating activities of the company have ceased.

SEE ALSO: What to Look for When Hiring a Consultant for Your Company

Thanks for taking the time to read through my blog post, I hope you have gained some valuable information. Please, kindly share your opinions and additional details through the comment section.

Don't forget to sign up NOW for our cool updates!

*by andreascy*

Do the Benefits of Oil Rig Jobs Outweigh the Risks?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Do the benefits of working on an oil rig outweigh the risks? That depends on the person. Those who enjoy a physically challenging job, travel, adventure, team work and a large paycheck would likely enjoy working on an oil rig. 

However, those who do not wish to be away from home for long periods of time, don't want to endure extreme working conditions or live in the middle of the ocean would be miserable.

Benefits

The benefits of working in the oil industry are appealing. Jobs are plentiful since the demand for energy is increasing. One does not need a degree to begin, and there is plenty of room for advancement. Oil companies prefer to promote from within to save money on training costs. The pay for an entry level worker can be over $1,000 a week, with skilled and professional workers making two or three times as much. Food, board and travel expenses are paid for by the company. Many companies offer excellent benefits, including medical, dental and life insurance, 401(k) programs and profit sharing. Living conditions are reputed to be excellent, even comparing to 4- and 5-star hotels. Opportunities for rest and leisure are provided, and may include satellite TV and phones, updated selections of DVDs, video games, an Internet connection, gyms, saunas and more.

Oil rig employees work long, often 12-hour days but in rotating shifts. For example, in two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off increments or fourteen days on and twenty one days off, meaning employees work only half the year or less. Workers are needed in countries all over the world, including Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Russia, Norway, Venezuela, China and Scotland. Employees eat, sleep and work with a diversity of people.

A variety of skilled laborers are needed, including welders, scaffolders, medics, radio operators, painters, electricians, maintenance supervisors, crane operators, caterers and mechanics. There are even different kinds of rigs to work on, such as semi-submersible, platform, jack up, drill ships, flotels, and floating production and storage units. 

Oil companies do their best to insure safety and provide safety boots, glasses, hard hats and coveralls. A medical staff is on board at all times. Bonuses and higher pay may be available for working in the harshest conditions.

Risks

Disasters are infrequent on oil rigs, but when they do occur they can be devastating. In the event of a disaster, the Coast Guard will respond but may take time to reach the rig. Survivors must wait in life boats or rafts for rescue. There's no denying the risk of death and serious injury while working on an oil rig. Employees are constantly working around heavy machinery and combustible materials, and gas leaks are common. Conditions can be harsh, ranging from sweltering heat to below freezing. The work is stressful and physically demanding. The sea is unpredictable, and workers may even have to weather hurricanes on the rig. Fatigue can be a problem, and the machinery is complex, it's easy to make a fatal mistake. Workers must be alert and work as a team at all times. Rules are strict; employees must follow orders to ensure safety. The oil rig is isolated, and workers may feel lonely and worry about the emotional stress put on their families. It is an environment not unlike the military.

Working on an oil rig can be an exciting and financially rewarding experience. However, it's a high-risk setting that requires strength and fortitude. If you have some years of experience working on oil refineries, we'd be glad to use your knowledge and educate people about your industry.

*by andreascy*

Transportation Options While Vacationing

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Taking a vacation with family or friends can be great fun, but all of the different transportation options can cause confusion over the way to get around. 

Whether you hop on a minibus or you rent a car, each option has benefits and drawbacks, depending on the situation. Here are some suggestions for transportation options away from home that will leave you moving smoothly wherever you go.

Renting a Car

This is one of the most common forms of transportation used while traveling. But is it right for your trip?

If you plan to be traveling long distances each day on your trip, renting a car can be the greatest way to move around. Most rental car services offer low daily rates, or will even consider offering a flat rate for the entire period you travel. Of course, the gas costs will be covered by you, but many rental services provide renters with choices between cars - opt for a hybrid, or any other car that gets good mileage. Some services even offer cheaper rates on weekdays than on weekends, so plan your trip well in advance to get the best deal.

When it comes to insurance, be very wary. Rental insurance prices are often extremely inflated, and often times a driver's personal automobile insurance already covers all of the same things as the rental insurance. Before purchasing rental insurance through a service, check with your current insurance provider to see if it's the right choice - it may save you a lot of money.

Taking the Bus/Taking a Taxi

If you're traveling to a location where public transportation is cheap and efficient, and if you don't need to travel long distances, consider taking the bus or riding on a metro. Often times you can purchase passes for a week or even a month, significantly cutting down the costs of transportation. In many cities and towns parking can also be a problem, thus making a rental car more difficult to use - in this case, opt for riding the bus around town so as to not worry about a car. 

If you're trying to get somewhere at night, forgo the bus for an official taxi. While taxis might be slightly more expensive, they offer safer transportation than a public bus or metro, and will take you exactly where you need to be.

Use Your Feet

An often overlooked form of transportation while on vacation, walking can offer benefits that far surpass any other way. Walking allows you to exercise while away from home, it saves a lot of money on transportation costs, and it allows you to see your destination of choice from a different perspective.

And you must consider the location to which you're traveling. If you're trying to get from Paris to Hamburg, or even San Francisco to Los Angeles in a few days, walking might not be your best option. But if you have a whole week to explore downtown Budapest, or if your entire trip is in Salt Lake City, put on a pair of walking shoes and see all of the sites you can.

Time to Get Away

Going on a vacation can be great fun for you and your friends or family, but make sure you plan accordingly before leaving. Whether you ride the bus, rent a car, or simply walk around town, find out the best transportation option for you to have the trip of a lifetime.

As travel enthusiasts, here at THE OFFICIAL ANDREASCY we always encourage our readers to explore new areas when traveling. Let us know how can we help you with your next trip. 😉

*by andreascy*

What You Should Know About Oil and Gas This Summer

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Oil and gas prices are known to rise significantly in the summer, and this summer appears to be no exception. Have you ever wondered why oil and gas prices continue to rise, despite increased levels of production and a booming oil industry?

This article argues that governmental policies have restricted the development of US-based oil production, keeping prices high for the average American. The good news is that prices are expected to drop in the near future due to lowered demand and increased supply. 

Rising Prices and Policies

Former President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama have created policies that force major car manufacturers to design more efficient cars that provide a higher miles-per-gallon, which may help lower demand and gas prices in the long term. However, the government has also blocked American energy companies from obtaining the land access they need to produce oil and gas on US soil. This causes America to be subject to prices set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), even though the US has enough oil shale to last two centuries or more.

Oil and Gas This Summer

The demand for oil and gas is likely to soon fall. This is because the temperature this summer is expected to be cooler, and fewer utilities are being switched from coal to gas. In spite of this fall in demand, natural gas prices will rise this summer compared to 2012. 

Gas production will also be far higher this summer, according to Natural Gas Supply Association. New processing plants and pipelines are being constructed to carry natural gas from previously inaccessible regions, like the Marcellus Shale. Governor Rick Perry in Texas and the State of North Dakota are leading the effort to expand pipelines in the US. 

A Plunge in Oil and Gas Prices in the Future?

According to the International Energy Agency, we are about to witness a period of exceptionally low gas prices. The period will last for five years, and estimates for the plunge vary. The relief will be the result of a higher spare capacity and an increased number of oil fields. The current spare capacity is 3,000,000 barrels a day across the planet, and it is expected to increase to about 7,000,000 barrels a day by next year. It will continue to grow in the future. The current demand for fuel is equally balanced by supply, but in the next few years, supply will likely outpace demand.

According to Citigroup, we may witness oil prices of $80 a barrel through 2017, when the price could drop to less than $50. 

Certainly, governmental policies bolstering US-based gas production infrastructure would likely have prevented the oil crisis we have suffered since the early 21st century. With an increase in production, however, coupled by a projected fall in demand, this crisis may soon be righted, relieving the pressure on many American families who rely on oil and gas every day.

SEE ALSO: Do the Benefits of Oil Rig Jobs Outweigh the Risks?

We recommend doing more research and keeping yourself up to date on issues with oil and gas. Subscribe on our RSS feed and follow us on Twitter and Facebook and we'll manage to serve you well!

Thanks for visiting! 😍

*by andreascy*

Benefits of the Different Types of Alternative Transportation

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

There are a lot of reasons to want to leave your car behind and find alternative modes of transportation if you're in the city. Cars can be a gigantic hassle--traffic and parking nearly always present problems, and you are constantly running the risk of fender benders and other accidents. 

Cars also guzzle gas (especially during the aforementioned traffic in larger cities), and are thus much more costly than most alternate forms of transportation. And finally, cars are very inefficient, and thus environmentally unfriendly. So if you're thinking of leaving the car behind, and hopping on some alternative transportation, here are some options to consider.

Bus 

A bus is often the best friend of a city dweller. Buses run frequently to all the busiest parts of town, and for very reasonable rates. If you're a frequent public transportation user, a bus pass is a very worthwhile investment. Chances are, if you live in the city, there's a bus stop within a few blocks of your residence. It's a good bet that walking to the bus stop takes less time than trying to find a parking spot. 

Buses equipped with hybrid engines or solar panels on their roofs are becoming more and more popular, meaning this mode of transportation is getting greener and greener. So buses are also a way to feel better about your carbon footprint when you're moving from Point A to Point B. 

Subway 

If you live in a city with a good subway system, then look no further. Subways can be the ultimate form of transportation, as they are speedy, usually run with good frequency, bypass traffic completely, and are a fantastic, environmentally friendly choice.

If you're lucky enough to live near a subway station, your trip or commute is bound to be much less of a hassle than it would have been by car. And if you don't live in walking distance of a station, just hop a bus to one! Subways are also important because they represent the future of public transportation: they can hold lots of people, they travel at good speeds, and the potential to lower their environmental impact is almost limitless. 

Taxis 

Taxis are pretty prevalent in almost all of the major metropolitan areas. They're a great way to get where you need to go with little hassle or wait. You can call and reserve a taxi, or simply flag one on the street, and it will take you exactly where you're going: no parking, no stopping for other guests, just a beeline to your destination. There used to be two downsides to taxis: money, and environmental impact. They still cost a lot more money than, say, a bus, but you certainly make up for it with the low-hassle and quick delivery. As for the environmental impact, more and more taxi companies are shifting to hybrid vehicles, meaning you needn't feel so bad about wasting gas to get to work or that new restaurant you've been wanting to try.

Car Share

Car sharing is a revolutionary idea that allows you to have a car only when you need it. With a membership to one of the many car sharing services, you have access to a whole fleet of vehicles that are conveniently parked in street spots reserved just for them, or cruising around town waiting to pick you up. These vehicles are usually environmentally friendly (and you don't pay for gas or insurance, just a membership), so they're a fantastic alternative to owning a car.

That was it for today, we hope you enjoyed our article. Feel free to like, comment and share it with your friends and other social circles. Hopefully we will inspire and attract more people on our Blog. Thank you everyone for your continuous support! 

*by andreascy*

Best Green Energy Resources

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

If you are anything like me and you like staying up to date with the current flow of energy news then I am here to help! I have always had an invested interest in energy and especially the renewables vertical.

So I thought I would add a list of my favourite places to grab this news or even have it delivered straight to my inbox should I need it!

1. If This Then That

Something I came across not such a long time ago was If This Then That. This service is brilliant; what it does it creates “recipes” for you online and lets you create connections between several services such as Facebook, Twitter and blog sources in a simple statement format (hence If This Then That). 

So for example, I can grab my favourite blogs RSS feed and have all the latest posts sent straight to my inbox for me to read when I want. There are lots of different cross channel “recipes” you can use but my favourite (bearing in mind I love everything green) is the Belkin energy saving one. 

You can keep an eye on your energy usage as the Belkin socket outlet will send an email to your inbox each time the timer switch comes on! You have to check this out!

2. The Guardian

Under the Environment section in The Guardian you will find everything you need to keep you up to date with all the facets of green living. In here you will find blogs where you can voice opinion and share your thoughts; there is also Newsletters, Apps and even a Food section. 

The reason I like this site is because it covers everything that I would want to read about and it does do in depth - perfect for anyone who cares about these topics.

3. The Green Living Forum

This is a blog run by some friends of mine and I like it because it takes information that is readily available to you and me but they make manipulate it and make it more digestible. This blog heavily focuses around Green energy and more specifically renewables such as wind, sea and solar power that take some of the burden of fossil fuels like coal and gas.

This is one that I use through the tool I mentioned before If This Then That where I pull its RSS feed straight into my Gmail account.

RECOMMENDED: Tips On Making Your Office Greener

These are just a few of the places I like to visit and use to keep up to date with everything that is going in this space. What are some of the places you like going to keep up to date? Leave a comment and please connect with us on Twitter! 

*by andreascy*

How Climate Change Is Destroying The Earth

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Climate Change Is Real 

Thanks to new studies and noticeable changes in weather and storm prevalence, it’s getting harder to turn a blind eye to the reality of climate change. Since the Industrial Age spurred the increasing usage of fossil fuels for energy production, the weather has been warming slowly. In fact, since 1880, the temperature of the earth has increased by 1 degree Celsius.

Although 72% of media outlets report on global warming with a skeptical air, the overwhelming majority of scientists believe that the extreme weather of the last decade is at least partially caused by global warming.

Some examples of climate calamities caused partly by global warming include:

•  Hurricane Katrina 

•  Drought in desert countries 

•  Hurricane Sandy 

•  Tornadoes in the Midwest 

These storms, droughts, and floods are causing death and economic issues for people all over the world - many of whom cannot afford to rebuild their lives from the ground up after being wiped out by a tsunami or other disaster. 

Evidence also indicates that the face of the Earth is changing because of warming trends. The ice caps of the Arctic are noticeably shrinking, the ice cap of Mt. Kilimanjaro alone has shrunk by 85% in the last hundred years, and the sea levels are rising at the rate of about 3 millimeters per year because of all the melting ice. Climate change is also affecting wildlife - for instance, Arctic polar bears are at risk of losing their environment; the Golden Toad has gone extinct; and the most adaptable species are evolving into new versions capable of withstanding warmer water. 

Despite some naysayers with alternative theories about why global temperatures are rising - including the idea that the earth goes through natural temperature cycles every few millennia - the dramatic changes in the earth’s atmospheric makeup suggests humans are to blame. In fact, 97% of scientists agree humans are responsible for climate change. Since the Industrial Revolution, carbon dioxide levels increased 38% because of humans, methane levels have increased 148%, nitrous oxide is up 15% - and the list goes on and on, all because of human-instigated production, manufacturing, and organizations and individuals work hard to promote an Earth-friendly existence, resistance to change is rampant and actions are slow. 

For instance, while the US Environmental Protection Agency is still working on collecting data to support development of greenhouse gas reduction expectations for businesses, most of their efforts feel more like pre-research than actual change. Other countries have made efforts - such as signing to Kyoto Protocol to reduce their 1990 emission levels by 18% by 2020 - but the only solution will require the whole world band together. 

Steps Anyone Can Take To Reduce Global Warming

1. Driving a car with good gas mileage, or investing in a hybrid or electric car 

2. Switching from incandescent light bulbs to CFL or LED 

3. Insulating your home and stocking it with energy efficient appliances 

4. Recycling 

5. Using green power available in your area

Check out the infographic below to see what else the gender wage gap affects.

There is a ton of information available on our website. If you liked this infographic, follow the recommended link below and enjoy.

WHAT TO READ NEXT: Urban Farming is a Green Way to Improving Cities 

Feel free to share this topic with your friends and spread our voice. If you want to see your infographics featured on our site, then the easiest way to do it is to contact us. 

*by andreascy*

Urban Farming Is A Green Way to Improving Cities

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

 

Urban Farming is a process of growing foods within vastly populated towns and cities. These regions use up a lot of our foods and needed resources. A meal could journey greater than 4,000 miles to get from the farm to the markets and restaurants. Growing food nearer to the areas of greater demand decreases the amount of gasoline required to transport it from start location to its final destination. 

Minimizing the number of trips saves money and time. Additionally, this strategy can decrease maintenance cost of transporting vehicles. As a result, there is less need to purchase new vehicles. Toxic gases spewed into the atmosphere is greatly reduced. Urban agriculture is not restricted to fruits and vegetables.

It calls for raising livestock in the midst of the metropolis. Our "carbon "food-print" is the amount of greenhouse gases produced as meals go through the food system. Humans contribute to nitrous oxide emission when we consume food sprayed with chemical fertilizers.

Stop being afraid to learn. Here's how!

*by andreascy*

UGGA : Ultra Portable Greenhouse Gas Analyser Fits In Small Case

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Portable gas analysers are nothing new, but Los Gatos Research reckons its latest instrument is the world’s first Greenhouse Gas Analyser to qualify for the label "ultra portable". 

Able to detect the three major greenhouse gases - CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), CH4 (Methane), and H2O (Water Vapour) to a claimed accuracy of parts per billion, the appropriately-named Ultra-portable Greenhouse Gas Analyser, or UGGA, is built into a rugged case small enough to be taken as aircraft carry-on luggage.

Los Gatos says that UGGA can simultaneously measure concentrations of CO2, CH4, and H2O, without suffering cross-sensitivity with other gases. The device consumes less than 70 watts, which the company says is less than a standard light bulb (but, as tungsten bulbs over 60W have already be come unavailable Europe, this isn’t necessarily a universal truth). 

The instrument works on the company’s proprietary Off-axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy (OA-Icos) technology, a cavity-enhanced laser absorption technique which it says is more precise and more rugged than competing technologies. Being a laser-based technique, the instrument automatically corrects CO2 and CH4 for water vapour dilution and spectroscopic effects. Both are reported as dry mole fractions, enabling accurate measurements without the need for sample drying. 

The choice of technology and the ruggedised case makes UGGA suitable for portable operation, and the package fits within US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines. Applications include compliance monitoring of industrial emissions and landfills, leak detection, air quality studies, soil flux studies, and other field operations where greenhouse gas emissions are to be monitored. 

*by andreascy*

Washington: 2 Utilities Win Approval For Nuclear Power Plants

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

 

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission unanimously approved a radical new reactor design on Thursday, clearing away a major obstacle for two utilities to begin construction on projects in South Carolina and Georgia.

The decision, a milestone in the much-delayed revival of plant construction sought by the nuclear industry, involves the Westinghouse AP1000, a 1,154 Megawatt reactor with a so-called advanced passive design. It relies more heavily on forces like gravity and natural heat convection and less on pumps, valves and operator actions than other models do, in theory diminishing the probability of an accident.

Two reactors are planned for the Southern Company’s plant near Augusta, Ga., and another two at the Summer plant of South Carolina Electric and Gas in Fairfield County, S.C. In an unusual step, the commission waived the usual 30-day waiting period before its approval becomes official, so its decision will be effective in about a week. That moves the utilities closer to the point where they can start pouring concrete for safety-related parts of the plant. The decision also moves the industry toward the first test of a streamlined procedure in which the commission will issue a combined construction and operating license. Up to now reactors had to obtain a construction license and then undergo a long wait for an operating license, resulting in expensive delays in starting up reactors that had essentially been completed.

Many of today’s operating reactors were one of a kind. Under the new system, the utility will use a standard design preapproved by the commission, like the one endorsed on Thursday. The only remaining issue will be whether the utility was faithful to the authorized design. Southern and South Carolina Electric and Gas could get combined licenses soon. The new licensing procedure is intended to cut costs, which ran so high in the last round of construction, in the 1970s and 1980s, that many projects were abandoned half-built.

In the emerging round of construction, Southern and South Carolina Electric and their partners have already spent hundreds of millions of dollars digging foundations for the projects. They have also brought in cooling water and taken other early steps that do not require approval of the reactor design.

In a statement welcoming the commission’s decision, Westinghouse said that about 3,000 high-paying construction jobs would be created at each plant site and that workers manufacturing components at factories around the country would benefit as well. Of the 104 operating power reactors in the United States, the youngest entered service in 1996.

The four reactors to be built are the only survivors in what had been envisioned as a bigger field of new plants that narrowed over the last three years as investors ran into financial and other obstacles. In fact, it is not clear whether ground will be broken on any additional reactors soon; industry experts say the biggest obstacle is that the price of natural gas remains quite low, making it difficult to produce electricity from a reactor at a price competitive with electricity from a gas-burning plant. Congress has approved $18.5 billion in loan guarantees for new reactors and there is considerable support for even more, but it is not clear that borrowers will emerge.

Among other design improvements, the Westinghouse AP1000 is supposed to shut down safely in the event of a loss of all electrical power, which is what befell the Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan after the earthquake and tsunami in March. Westinghouse says that a combination of automatic systems and design features would keep the reactor safe for three days without human intervention and that its core could be kept from melting indefinitely with only minimal operator effort.

The regulatory commission approved an earlier version of the AP1000 in 2006, but the design was later ruled out for American utilities when the agency adopted a rule in 2008 requiring newly constructed reactors to be able to withstand the impact of a crashing aircraft. China is in advanced stages of constructing four units of an earlier version of the AP1000. The first unit is scheduled to go online in 2013, about three years before the first one would begin operating in the United States. Westinghouse predicts that certification of the design by the regulatory commission will make it easier for the company to market the model around the world.

Opponents of the reactor, among them the North Carolina group NC Warn, have argued that no new designs should be certified until the lessons of the Fukushima accident have been fully absorbed. And Representative Edward J. Markey, Democrat of Massachusetts, and others have drawn attention to concerns raised by an engineer at the commission that a building surrounding the reactor containment might fail under some circumstances. But the chairman of the commission, Gregory B. Jaczko, said that all of the panel’s safety concerns had been fully addressed.

“The design provides enhanced safety margins through use of simplified, inherent, passive or other innovative safety and security functions, and also has been assessed to ensure it could withstand damage from an aircraft impact without significant release of radioactive materials,” he said in a statement.

The decision is a rare instance of agreement among the commissioners, who have split this year over policy and management issues. Last week four of them testified before Congress that Dr. Jaczko had limited the flow of information to them and tried to cut them out of important decisions.

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