Author: edwghazar

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Rail is the next big thing for Asia’s Online Travel Platforms

Yahoo News!(2019, February 11). Rail is the next big thing for Asia’s Online Travel Platforms. Retrieved February 16,2019, from https://news.yahoo.com/rail-next-big-thing-asia-060031506.html

Asia’s online travel agencies will soon be offering more and more rail to their customers traveling the world soon. With consumers in China, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore now used to mapping out their journey’s due to sophisticated rail networks in their own countries. The process of selling rail tickets as a foreign travel agency has been quite difficult, but is becoming more easy as more effort into software and ease of use is put in. Though rail makes up a small part of travel agency sales, it is growing quite rapidly. With southeast Asian countries having an increasingly large consumer base for tourism, it is logical that the choices of their travel agencies could have a large impact.

This article relates to environmental as it about transport, which greatly effects impacts yearly carbon emissions. I think this is good that these travel agencies are selling rail. Increased wealth and travel has long been cited as reason why a countries emissions increase as it becomes more developed, spreading those emissions even beyond that country’s own borders. Because of this, it is good that travel agencies recommend rail as it is a far more efficient form of transportation compared to other forms. Hopefully someday it can become the dominant form of transport for international tourists.

 

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China is building a 5g smart highway for autonomous cars and ai traffic monitoring

H.Jeremy(2019, February 16). China is building a 5g smart highway for autonomous cars and ai traffic monitoring. Retrieved February 16,2019, from https://venturebeat.com/2019/02/13/china-is-building-a-5g-smart-highway-for-autonomous-cars-and-ai-traffic-monitoring/amp/

One of China’s service provider’s, China Mobile, is building a new network of 5g cell towers that would be able to support a cell driven transport system. The system will find use currently in toll stations, allowing them to automate them. But could be used for self driving cars in the future. Allowing cars to gather real time info and traffic data using the high speed data towers, thanks to 5g’s incredible speeds and very low latency. 5g would also allow cars to communicate with each other quickly and make decisions as a group. China Mobile has also filed for self driving car permits, presumably for testing with their network.

This article relates to environmental science as it discusses cars, which in general release carbon emissions that drastically affect the environment. I think this is great news, self driving cars could help to greatly reduce emissions. As they can drive in a more eco-friendly manner, as well as reduce traffic, a major source of automotive emissions. The use of a 5g network for this purpose is a good one and hopefully testing will begin soon so the use of a multi car network can be evaluated.

 

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Brexit: No-deal plan for Channel Tunnel operations

BBC News.(2019, February 12). Brexit: No-deal plan for Channel Tunnel operations. Retrieved February 16,2019, from https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/world-europe-472k15904

Amongst many other things, the Brexit negotiations are discussing how the Channel Tunnel, that runs between France and England, will be operated once England leaves the EU. The EU has proposed a commission that would allow the commission to continue to run for up to 3 months while France and Britain negotiate how to operate the train. With the EU asserting that Britain would have to mirror their safety standards. The tunnel is a great marvel of engineering and often used as a piece to show international cooperation.

This article relates to environmental science because it’s about transport, and often releases carbon emissions which can  greatly affect the environment. It would be a great shame if the train is forced to stop running, after all it’s the longest running train the world at 35 miles in total length. The train undoubtedly saves a lot of carbon emissions from people using other methods such as flying to cross the English channel. England should work out its differences and make sure that they and the EU can continue to operate their train.

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High-speed tunnel project divides Italy’s ruling populists

Associated Press.(2019, February 15).High-speed tunnel project divides Italy’s ruling populists. Retrieved February 16,2019, from https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/wireStory/high-speed-tunnel-project-divides-italys-ruling-populists-61096500

The European Union has been constructing a high-speed rail tunnel through the Alps, speeding the journey between France and Italy. Part of a larger project that will connect go from south Spain to eastern Europe. While France seems to be progressing well with the tunnel, Italy has stopped construction for over a year. The nation simply denies that it exists altogether, dangerous for such a large and expensive project. Italy’s populist ruling party is fiercely against the train. Saying that it the costs outway the benefits, though the party’s analysis has been criticized by many. The EU says that funding will be relocated if construction doesn’t resume soon, and Italy may face heavy fines.

This article relates to as transportation can greatly impact carbon emissions. With trains producing far fewer emissions than most other mechanical transport. The Italian government should really get it together and start digging that tunnel. Trains are a far more economic, safe, and environmentally friendly method of transport. The currently used tunnel was built in 1841 for crying out loud. Perhaps some minor changes need to be made to adjust for the demands of Italy. Yet I firmly believe that this train and the ideas/principles it stands for should be built.

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Tesla Faces Heavy Lift as Model 3 Enters Europe and China

D,Esha.(2019,February 11).Tesla Faces Heavy Lift as Model 3 Enters Europe and China.Retrieved February 16,2019, from https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/articles/2019-02-11/tesla-faces-heavy-lift-as-model-3-enters-europe-and-china

In the next few months, Tesla plans to bring their new electric car, the Model 3, to Chinese and European markets. Currently the automaker has been trying to manage demand domestically and just barely keeping up. Pushing their Fremont factory to its limits, the company is looking to make as many cars as possible cheaply. The automaker hopes that they will able to make a forward thinking car that someday nearly everyone will be able to afford. Though the company currently is struggling to make a profit, CEO Elon Musk seems to think they will turn things around.

This article relates to environmental science as transportation greatly affects emissions. Electric cars are thought to reduce emissions due to their much greater efficiency vs a traditional ICE car. Additionally, electric cars may have a great effect on the electrical grid due to their power demand. I think this is a good step for Tesla and the future of motoring in general. Electric cars don’t need to rely on nonrenewable, dirty gasoline as traditional ones do. The push to electric cars could help greatly stave off emissions in a time when that is becoming more and more necessary. Musk and Tesla should be applauded for their lofty goals.

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California To Talk With White House, EPA Over Fuel Economy Standards

Tsaousis, A. (2018, November 11). California To Talk With White House, EPA Over Fuel Economy Standards. Retrieved November 11, 2018, from https://www.carscoops.com/2018/11/california-talk-white-house-epa-fuel-economy-standards/

For the past 2 years, the federal government and the state of California have been moving in opposite directions in regards to laws about fuel standards. On Thursday California Air Resources Board (CARB), the EPA, and the Federal Transportation Department shall conduct a meeting to discuss this issue. Back in September, the state of California announced it wouldn’t comply with the federal government’s new, more relaxed fuel standards. Instead pushing ahead with original standards set by the Obama administration back in 2012. The standard set by the Trump Administration would require an average fuel economy of 37 mpg by 2025, much lower than the Obama administration’s goal of 54.5. While automakers haven’t endorsed the new plan, though the Trump administration claims it could save automakers $300 billion over the course of 10 years.

This article relates to environmental science as the fuel efficiency of cars greatly affects how much CO2 they release, which greatly affects the environment. California should stand it’s grounds against the federal government in this case. The newly proposed standards would end up creating a lot more CO2 emissions then the standards previously set. Especially given how steeped in car culture America is, it would be highly worth it to proceed with the higher standards.In regards to the cost to automakers, automakers are some of the wealthiest and highest earning companies in the world. The cost of the fuel standards is well worth it for preserving the quality of the air and the planet.

 

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Calif. High-Speed Rail Agency Tries to Stay on Track

Cho, A. (2018, November 7). Calif. High-Speed Rail Agency Tries to Stay on Track. Retrieved November 11, 2018, from https://www.enr.com/articles/45813-calif-high-speed-rail-agency-tries-to-stay-on-track

Even though the project has been criticized by the incumbent governor and faces widespread criticism through going over time and budget. The California high speed rail projects continues on. With $3 billion already spent on three sections, the project’s budget is expected to increase to a total of $77 billion and completion to be delayed until 2033. The project has been delayed by various factors include delays with the construction company, as well as environmental concerns in Vallejo. Such as needing to relocate 200 endangered salamanders. The project is to have 800 miles of track and excepted to travel at speeds of up to 220 mph.

This article relates to environmental science, as trains can release emissions, affecting the environment. As well as the fact that the construction of the tracks results in various effects on local ecosystems. While it’s true that the costs and time are very high for the construction of the high speed rail. These new trains could have tremendous benefit for the environment, as many would take the train instead of driving. As with the current system, trips from LA to SF or even within smaller distances, are only easily and quickly done via car. Being able to take a train and go 600 miles in 3 hours could have tremendous economic and environmental benefit for the state. So despite its initial cost, it could be very much worth it’s cost in the long run.

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California Green-Lights $483 Million for Clean Transportation

Lillian, B. (2018, November 05). California Green-Lights $483 Million for Clean Transportation. Retrieved November 11, 2018, from https://ngtnews.com/california-green-lights-483-million-for-clean-transportation

The California Air Resources Board(CARB) recently approved a $483 million dollar plan to fund clean car rebates, as well as zero-emission transport, as well as other clean transport projects for the fiscal year of 2019. The largest chunk of this funding will help to fund incentives for low income consumers to buy zero emission cars. This funding will be important as the state intends to reach an ambitious goal of reducing emissions by 40% below 1990 levels, despite an expanding population. The majority of the funds, 94%, come from the cap-and-trade program employed by the state.

This article relates to environmental science as transportation releases greenhouse gases and those greatly affect the environment. This is a very good plan employed by the state. It’s impressive also that most of it is paid for by the cap-and-trade program, showing off it’s great results physically. Reducing car emissions will be an important piece of the puzzle, as it is known that transportation makes up the largest chunk of California’s emissions. With the increasing population, reducing emissions by such a large amount will be quite the challenge. However, with funding like this to help reduce emissions in the transportation department. Perhaps the state will be successful with their ambitious goal.

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Musk Tweets New Video Of California Transportation Test Tunnel

Musk Tweets New Video Of California Transportation Test Tunnel. (2018, November 05). Retrieved November 11, 2018, from https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2018/11/05/musk-tweets-new-video-of-california-transportation-test-tunnel/

Elon Musk tweeted a video of the new tunnel he’s constructing under the city of LA, showing that has reached over 2 miles long now. He plans to show it off on December 10th to the public. The tunnel will allow both pedestrians and cars to be transported on a skate platform at a very high speed, allowing it to cover a great distance in a short period of time. Musk hopes that this system of tunnels will be able to greatly reduce traffic, as it is a major problem not just in LA but throughout the world. Musk also plans to build several other tunnels in LA, and has been commissioned by the city of Chicago to build tunnels for them as well.

 

This article relates to environmental science, as the traffic caused by ars on the road releases a lot of CO2 into the atmosphere, bad for both humans and various ecosystems.It’s good that someone like Musk is looking for creative solutions to major problems like gridlock. As the constant start stop nature of traffic results in a great deal of CO2 emissions being released. These tunnels should also get people to their destination more directly, further reducing the amount of time spent on the road. Hopefully this system is successful, and is able to reduce traffic congestion around the world, improving both productivity and air quality.

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Northern California transportation projects spared as Prop. 6 goes down

Swan, R. (2018, November 09). Northern California transportation projects spared as Prop. 6 goes down. Retrieved November 11, 2018, from https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/10-Northern-California-road-and-transit-projects-13373554.php

 

California voters chose last Tuesday to keep the gas tax hike passed by the state government back in June. It is estimated that the tax will annually raise $5.2 billion, and this money shall go to the states infrastructure, much of which is in need of repair. With 6500 projects being given funds from this tax. While conservatives had tried to repeal the gas tax. The people of California decided that it was worth it. It is also worth considering that the last time the gas tax was hiked was during the 1990s. So it has been considerable time since the last tax increase.

 

This article relates to environmental science because these infrastructure projects may affect wildlife. As well as the fact that the cars that drive on the roads affected by the funding from the gas tax also affect the environment. It was right of the California voters to keep the gas tax, as infrastructure is very key to the economy. Without this tax, many roads and bridges may have collapsed. Effecting the commutes of many throughout the state. Despite the hit that people’s wallet may take. I think that it is worth it so that California’s infrastructure may be properly maintained. It is hoped that these projects will avoid massive devastation to local ecosystems, though that may not be a priority for the state.