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Showing posts from June, 2023

Antarctic Ice Loss Compared

The ice of Antarctica contains a vast amount of water. In fact, Antarctica is home to the largest ice sheet on Earth, known as the Antarctic Ice Sheet. The Antarctic Ice Sheet is a massive layer of ice that covers the land surface of Antarctica and contains approximately 90% of the world's fresh water. The total volume of water contained within the Antarctic Ice Sheet is estimated to be around 26.5 million cubic kilometers (6.36 million cubic miles). This immense volume of ice represents about 70% of the world's fresh water and, if melted, would raise global sea levels by approximately 58 meters (190 feet). It's important to note that the majority of this ice is located on land, as opposed to floating in the ocean as sea ice. The Antarctic Ice Sheet has an average thickness of about 2,100 meters (6,900 feet) and covers an area of approximately 14 million square kilometers (5.4 million square miles), which is roughly equivalent to the size of the United States and Mexico co...

Shipping Pollution Mapped

NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) pollution caused by ships is a significant environmental concern. Ships are responsible for more than 18% of nitrogen oxides pollution. Cruise ships pollute 4 times more than airplanes, per passenger. Not cars. Compared to cars, ships are an absolute abomination . Ships emit NO2 and other pollutants as a result of burning fossil fuels, such as heavy fuel oil or marine diesel, in their engines.  This includes both auxiliary engines used for electricity generation and propulsion engines that power the ship. NO2 is a major contributor to air pollution , and high levels of exposure can lead to respiratory problems, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. It also contributes to the formation of smog and acid rain, which can have detrimental effects on ecosystems, vegetation, and water bodies. The animated map below shows NO2 pollution in the Mediterranean, clearly depicting the shipping routes that criss-cross the sea. To add...