Saving the environment
Marjorie Henry, Contributor

The previous lesson ended with a discussion of section (c) (ii) of question 9, the penultimate question on the June 2007 CSEC examination paper. Let me restate the question:

Explain how TWO measures implemented in a developed country have reduced the emission of greenhouse gases.

Developed countries that have implemented measures to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases are Canada, the European countries and the United States of America. Please note that you are not required to name a developed country but the measures you refer to must be those taken in this group of countries.

The measures taken include the following:

• Reducing of the use of CFCs in aerosol, air conditioning and refrigeration. When less CFCs are emitted into the atmosphere, the depletion of the ozone layer is slowed.
• The recycling of materials such as plastic. This cuts down on the use of fossil fuels.
• Banning the use of leaded gasolene in favour of unleaded.
• Encouraging the use of gasohol (that is, gasolene plus ethanol), which reduces the amount of fossil fuels utilised. In turn, this leads to a reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide that goes back into the atmosphere.
• Reducing the use of paper, which lessens the removal of trees. Trees are an integral part of the carbon cycle as they remove the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Recycling of paper is encouraged.
• The use of nuclear energy.
• The use of alternative energy sources, for example, wind, solar and hydroelectric.
  The last sub-section of section (c) addresses the matter of the disposal of solid waste. Let me remind you of the question:
  Explain how TWO measures implemented in a named Caribbean territory can reduce the indiscri-minate disposal of solid waste.
  Some of the measures taken in Jamaica to reduce the indiscriminate disposal of solid waste include:
• The implementation of statutory laws with regards to the disposal of garbage. Selected sites have been developed for the disposal of hazardous waste.
• Having litter wardens to monitor the disposal of garbage and also the implementation of fines for littering.
• The collection and sale of old scrap metals. These are shipped abroad to be reused. This is a legal operation.
• Recycling of plastic bottles. These are used to make resin which in turn is used in the manufacturing of bottles.
• Having public awareness programmes.

The list of measures mentioned for all of section (c) is certainly not exhausted. Try and find out for yourselves other measures taken to deal with each environmental matter mentioned in the question. You may wish to find out what is happening in other Caribbean territories.

These Wolmer's girls worship during the school's ISCF concert in the auditorium on Friday, April 4. - Anthony Minott/ Freelance Photographer

Marjorie Henry is an independent contributor.