ENVR 1301 –Kirstin Hockley

  Intro Microplastics are a growing environmental concern, affecting ecosystems and potentially human health. The articles highlight their widespread presence and sources, as well as alarming findings of microplastics in human brain tissue, emphasizing the need for more research and strategies to address this issue.   Recent article  Purpose: The purpose of the article is to raise awareness about the presence of microplastics in human brain tissue and to explore the potential implications for human health, particularly in relation to neurological function. Question: The central question the article seeks to answer is whether microplastics can affect human brain health. Alternative ways to think about this question include investigating the mechanisms by which microplastics might influence neurological processes or examining their effects on other organs. This question can be divided into sub-questions, such as: What are the sources of microplastics in the human body? Wha...

  Air pollution is a significant environmental issue that affects the health of humans, animals, and plants. It occurs when harmful substances, including gases, particles, and biological molecules, are introduced into the Earth's atmosphere. These pollutants can come from various sources, such as industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and natural events like wildfires and volcanic eruptions. The presence of these pollutants in the air can lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues, as well as environmental damage like acid rain and global warming. Sulfur pollutants are a major category of air pollutants that primarily come from the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. The most common sulfur pollutant is sulfur dioxide (SO2), which can react with other substances in the atmosphere to form fine particles and sulfuric acid. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory problems, while sulfuric acid can lead t...

   Exploratory: The article by Hsu and Kelly (2019) highlights how Georgia has become a notable player in the U.S. solar industry despite the absence of mandates for renewable energy. A key fact is that Georgia’s solar capacity grew due to voluntary initiatives by utilities like Georgia Power, driven by economic benefits and customer demand. The video on solar farm installation shows the practical aspect of setting up solar panels, emphasizing efficiency and scalability. Both sources underscore the importance of community and economic incentives in driving renewable energy projects. Diagnostic: The growth of solar energy in Georgia can be attributed to several factors. The article points out that economic incentives, such as cost savings and job creation, motivated utilities to invest in solar energy. Additionally, customer demand for cleaner energy played a significant role. The video demonstrates the efficiency and relatively low cost of installing solar farms, which further...