Here is a cool chart about how much radiation you're exposed to on a daily basis vs. medical procedures and exposure to nuclear disasters, etc. Everything is explained on the chart. A larger image can be found here: http://www.xkcd.com/radiation/
It is provided by Randall Monroe, writer of the webcomic XKCD which you'll like if you like nerd humor.
This ad provides an environmental warning by providing a satirical look at the mindset of people who do not care about the environment. By emphasizing that people are doing their part in this pollution this ad truly provides a warning to the rest of the population that they must in fact do the opposite the ad suggests in order to protect the fragile environment.
This picture taken from the cover of a 1979 book entitled “The World of the Future: Future Cities.” On its cover it shows a potential view of the future all possible through the exploitation of technology. With new advances this shows a very optimistic view of how technology will enhance the lives of everybody.
For your paper and presentation, please choose one of the following options:
1. Compare an example of technological optimism and one example of an environmental warning from the same historical period. (Preferably these documents should be from the same decade or at least within the same 50 years period)
2. Compare two examples of environmental warnings from two different periods (at least 50 years apart).
3. Compare two examples of technological optimism from two different periods (at least 50 years apart).
An example of technological warning is the following link to the video, "Too Hot Not Too Handle", which warns against the overuse of fossil fuels. It encourages nations like the United States to be cautionary when dealing with the impacts of climate change, and to take the necessary measures to reverse this dangerous trend. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5368452289665474330#
The following article published on Sify.com is an article of technological optimism. "Breakthrough in nanocomposite for high-capacity hydrogen storage" announces a promising new alternative to fossil fuels made from hydrogen that can be safely stored and easily accessed while maintaining its clean combustion that makes it so appealing.
Optimism: 350.org a project trying to spread the word about 350ppm and getting back to a healthy atmosphere through grassroots global social change (350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide—measured in "Parts Per Million" in our atmosphere. 350 PPM—it's the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change.)
check out understanding 350 @ http://www.350.org/en/understanding-350
or watch a video of art depicting "350" from all over the world @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-HnrMrQ6Tw
(sorry couldn't figure out how to embed links)
Warning or pessimism: Eaarth by Bill McKibben in his latest book author and environmental activist Bill McKibben breaks down exactly how humans have fundamentally altered the planet creating a new place not called planet Earth but planet Eaarth. While he is optimistic that humans can take action to slow the processes of global warming he is pessimistic in that he believes that there is no stopping or going back, humans will need to evolve in order to continue living on Earth at all and will definitely need to make drastic changes.
Synthetic Genomics Inc. is an example of technological optimism. Here, scientists are researching and testing a brand new algae biofuels program in a greenhouse facility at the SGI headquarters in La Jolla, California.Click on the highlighted link to learn more.
Environmental Warning Example: Here are 2 amazing videos of children who spoke at the UN to warn our leaders about the future of the environment and they are calling for action. The first is of Severn Suzuki, also known as "The Girl who Silenced the World in 5 minutes", who spoke at a UN meeting on behalf of her organization, environmental childrens organization (ECO) which is a group of 12-13 year olds dedicated to the protection of the environment. This video had resonated with many and has had over 4 million views.This kid is amazing and her speech sends a huge warning for the future that we create.
Above is another video of an inspirational kid, Felix Finkbeiner, who is a 13 year old tree ambassador. His organization is "Plant for the Planet" which is dedicated to planting millions of trees around the world. He spoke at a UN meeting and told our leaders and decision makers to "Stop Talking and Start Planting". Plant for Power is dedicated to empowering children to take control of their future by planting trees. There are 100,000 children participating in 91 countries with 3.5 million trees planted. Here is a link to the "Stop Talking and Start Planting" posters, which picture children covering the mouths of political leaders, celebrities (Gisele Bunchen, Harrison Ford) and many other influential powers. Learn more at http://www.plant-for-the-planet.org/
The movie 2001: A Space Odyssey was an example of technological optimism. Movie showed that computers were able to have conversations with humans, and even outsmart them, possessing its own intelligence. The movie also explains how supposedly, humans took monumental steps in evolution.
The book " Z for Zachariah, is written in the style of a post nuclear apocalypse, first person novel. It tells the story of a 16 year old, living in a valley, shielded from the radiation. This shows an example of Environmental warning.
Here is a cool chart about how much radiation you're exposed to on a daily basis vs. medical procedures and exposure to nuclear disasters, etc. Everything is explained on the chart. A larger image can be found here:
