Starry Night Lights warmly applauds the efforts of those working to building a sense of environmental consciousness in the Arab Middle East. Often time, in areas of the world suffering with political strife the environment often is least of citizens concerns, however recent environmental activity in Lebanon makes this fact only partially true. The “Climate Action Media” workshop which took place on the 5th and 6th of August in Ramlieh, stands as a beacon of hope for further Arab involvement in the current environmental situation.

The League of Independent Activists (IndyACT) held the workshop designed to bring Arab media on board the current ‘green’ scene. The purpose of the workshop was to push Arab media into accepting a larger role in international climate change negotiations. During the two day conference the most recent environmental concerns and advancements were brought to light to Arab journalists, bloggers and the like.

Found at news.nationalgeographic.com

The workshop is a section of this year’s “Global Campaign for Climate Action” (GCCA), a global effort to battle climate change which consists of the largest international non-governmental groups. It was attended by the largest media corporations in the Arab world.

The workshop centered on the minor role which Arab nations have played in climate change discussions as well as the possible boost media could provide in pushing the Arab world forward in the current climate discussions.

Unfortunately Arab media gives very little, if any attention, to the climate change issue as well as other ‘green’ issues. It is hoped that through efforts such as this workshop that the Arab world will become more educated about current environmental issues. By bringing Arab media into the international climate change scene, more attention can be drawn to the significance of such events, with the hope that in the future the Arab world will walk hand in hand with the rest of the environmentally conscious world.

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“The EPA has approved a Clean Air Act waiver that California, as well as 13 other states and the District of Columbia, needs to implement its program to reduce global warming pollution from passenger vehicles. The program will reduce California’s global warming pollution by 158 million metric tons by 2020, the equivalent of eliminating the pollution from 30 million cars for a year, and save consumers $36 billion at the pump by 2020, according to an Environment California analysis.

Passenger vehicles are the second largest source of global warming emissions nationwide. In 2005, California adopted standards requiring cars and light duty trucks to limit emissions that contribute to global warming. The Clean Air Act allows California to set auto emission standards stronger than federal standards (which do not exist at this point), but to implement the standards, the EPA must issue a waiver of federal preemption.

The Bush EPA rejected the waiver in December 2007, effectively blocking California’s program. As one of his first acts in office, President Obama directed the EPA to reconsider the decision.”

Auto vehicles, whether consumer or industrial, no doubt emit CO2. As technology progresses towards cleaner, higher efficiency methods of achieving the same goal, from a practical standpoint it, makes sense to strive for  the aforementioned ‘progress.’ CO2 emissions from vehicles would not exhibit the extent of the problem it is now if not for the problem of population. As more and more humans occupy our planet, each desire for some sort of transportation compounds itself further, leading to an increased amount of CO2 emissions. Rather than having the world adapt to us, we should adapt to the world. The former asserts a form of solipsism, whereas the latter asserts a more positive and furthermore, a more realistic or rather active perspective of the world. There all lots of people on this planet; the world has a finite amount of resources. As population rises, efficiency in all things, particularly CO2 emissions, become crucial. Whilst the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ mentality may apply on some level regarding the auto industry, for instance an aesthetic quality a particular model may exhibit, in reality, not adapting to the world spells ruin for your company.  Take a look at GM for instance. California, being one of the more populated states, recognizes its weight or rather impact on the environment and chose to do something about it.

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“Mr. Baggett’s actions show the need to eliminate from our vocabulary the phrase, ‘it’s just environmental crime’; Mr. Baggett’s actions endangered the public by dumping hazardous waste into the environment and endangered law enforcement by putting them in the cross hairs of harm’s way.” – Brett Tolman, U.S. attorney for Utah.

Arrested in the Florida Keys, Larkin Baggett, 55, of Cottonwood Heights admitted to pointing an assault rifle at police officers upon arrest. Mr. Baggett admitted to dumping hazardous materials into Salt Lake City’s sewer system, hence his disappearance from Utah. Mr. Baggett awaits trial and sentencing on October 14th with Federal Judge K. Michael Moore in the Key West Court. Mr. Baggett will face 98 years in prison along with an undermined amount of fines for his crime. Mr. Baggett’s first run in with the law in Salt Lake City occurred during the 2004-2005 winter season, where he violated the Utah Clean Water Act by dumping hazardous truck cleaning chemicals twenty-two times into a sewer near his business. Upon his arrest in the Florida keys, Mr. Baggett refused cooperation and threatened “to go down in a blaze of glory” and to “[...]take out everyone at EPA.” EPA agents shot Mr. Baggett in the face and buttocks, where he spent two months recovering.

The environment is like philosophy in the way of how it’s a part of our daily lives everyday. If the philosophy of ‘it’s just environmental crime’ pervades, then how does that affect our everyday lives? Quite profoundly. Hazardous waste affects us all.

The Middle East is certainly not a region known for its environmental consciousness or prowess. Beirut, a city which was once referred to as the Paris of the Middle East, does no justice for creating a sense of environment awareness in the region. However in certain instances, some of which are accidental, the people of the Middle East shine when compared to their fellow global citizens.

Found at: http://www.shweir.com

The electrical situation of Lebanon is nothing to laugh about. Anyone who has been to the country is intimately aware of the ‘electrical cuts’ which are characteristic of individuals’ daily lives. The country runs on government provided electricity, as well as motors and generators. Yet, the residents of the nation frequently have hours without power.

In villages which sprawl the nation the electrical difficulties can be more severe than the cities. Electricity frequently stops at midnight in many village areas.

In spite of the difficulties these hours of no electricity bring to Lebanese citizens; these hours are a much needed relief for the night sky. The night skies of the villages after midnight are a sight to see. Dark, expansive skies free of lights and packed with stars.
In between the complaints of locals, remarks of delight about the night sky can be frequently heard:

“Laykeh shu hilwen il najoom”- look how beautiful the stars are!

The government failures go further than an inability to provide citizens with electricity; they also include limited drinking water. Thus, the residents of Lebanon, whether inherently or out of necessity are far more careful then their Western neighbors when it comes to water usage.

The electrical situation of Lebanon and the government’s inadequacies is by no means being praised. However the struggles of the Lebanese people and the positive things which have come as a result of these difficulties should be mentioned. Perhaps in the future the desire to have a light-free sky will be intentional as opposed to a daily ‘inconvenience’.

In the meantime the small advancements and positive things which can be found in the Middle East towards the environment should be praised. In future times once a sense ‘protecting the environment’ has graced the region, these small advancements will become the foundation for greater and better steps!

It’s no surprise that Washington’s current environmental course is a far cry from the previous one under President Bush. Friday marked a historic day for the United States as the House of Representative passed legislation which would take strong steps to reduce global warming.

The legislation would require the 2005 global warming levels to be reduced by 17% by 2020 and 83% by 2050. It would put the greatest pressure on manufactures, utilities and the like.

The legislation must also be passed by the Senate. Individuals are hopeful that the legislation will be passed in the fall.

Image found at: http://www.marines.mil/units/hqmc/cmclegalasst/PublishingImages/Stock%20Images/House%20II.jpg

The bill represents a new page for the United States which has in the past, shied away from making strong environmental commitments. However many members of the House remain divided regarding the bill, particularly the republicans. Many believe that the bill will be ineffective in improving the environment or the current economic crisis.

Obama described the legislation as a “bold and necessary step” which “holds the promise of creating new industries and millions of new jobs, decreasing our dangerous dependence on foreign oil”. Clearly there is a sharp distinction between the two parties’ feelings on the bill.

The bill is aimed to lessen dependency on forms of energy which increase pollution and bring about a positive atmosphere for clean energy. It also includes a ‘cap and trade’ element which would allow industries to sell pollution permits among each other. The intention of which would be to reduce pollution through the permits.

Many republicans have attacked the bill, accusing it of possibly worsening the economic situation by forcing companies to outsource in order to avoid environmental restrictions. On the other hand, environmentalists have assailed the legislation as not being harsh enough. In any case, all advancements will be paused until the bill reaches the Senate.

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Yesterday, Republicans and Democrats within the house of representatives passed a newly drafted bipartisan Climate Bill (a.k.a The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009) 219-212 tackling pollution, global warming and climate change. Surprisingly enough Democratic Representative Jim Matheson of Utah voted “No,” amongst the three other Republican Representatives Rob Bishop and Jason Chaffetz. Representative Matheson represents one of the only three Democrats who voted “No.” Representative Matheson purports that the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 requires restructuring and would negatively impact Utah.

“We’ve got to address climate change, and we’ve got to address energy independence; I hope we continue to work on those two issues. [Although] there’s a real regional income transfer that’s not fair to some regions of the country and in this case, it’s not fair to Utah.” – Representative Jim Matheson.

As most Utah residents know, Utah still utilizes several coal powered plants. Yes, the coal industry would hurt in Utah but what about the opportunity to create cleaner and more sustainable energy? As a resident in Salt Lake City, I can’t tell you how awful the inversions in the surrounding Utah valleys can truly be year round – it’s quite horrible. Granted, its certainly not just coal plants, for cars contribute to the problem; if more funds were directed toward cleaner energy, overall air and quality of life would improve. Even though the the climate bill passed in the House of Representatives, it still needs to pass through Congress. Perhaps an oversight on Matheson’s part, but bills can be restructured through the different mediums of our governmental system. Nonetheless, the bill was passed without the help of Matheson, Bishop and Chaffetz and hopefully the Senate will deliberate, put aside ideological partisan apprehension and jointly agree upon the importance of our environment.

As a website dedicated to eradicating light pollution once and for all, Starry Night Lights supports The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 bill. Light pollution affects all of us. As further evidence unveils itself regarding the impact of light pollution on creatures (including humans), inform your congressmen of the importance of light pollution. Light pollution is 100% irreversible.

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The lack of sunspots for the past two years have baffled scientists. Some scientists have gone on to say that the sun’s current solar minimum may lead to a long period without sunspots (not since the 17th century). Today, two scientists may have an explanation regarding the present state of the sun. Rachel Howe and Frank Hill of the National Solar Observatory (NSO) in Tucson, Arizona, utilized an astronomy technique called helioseismology or rather the study of wave oscillations in the Sun to demonstrate otherwise. They both presented research at the American Astronomy society suggesting that a jet stream deep within the sun seems has slowed down through the star’s interior, thus the lack of sunspots. Helioseismology can sense 7,000km below the surface of the sun, allowing both Howe and Hill to follow the sun’s jet stream. Both Howe and Hill proposed that the Sun creates new jet streams every eleven years around the poles which progressively move toward the equator. As the new jet stream makes its way towards the equator, 22 degrees latitude seems to mark the creation of new sunspots. Dubbed the ‘critical latitude,’ Hill suggests “that just as this sluggish stream reaches the usual active latitude of 22 degrees, a year late, we finally begin to see new groups of sunspots emerging.”

Later in the year, NASA plans on launching the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SED)to further study and perhaps further support both Howe and Hill’s proposal. Dean Pesnell of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center believes the observatory will perhaps answer questions on “how jet streams trigger sunspot production” or “how the jet streams themselves are generated.” Perhaps in the future, we could predict the sun’s solar cycles.

AP Photo/Museum of Science, Don Salvatore
This photo released by the Museum of Science shows a firefly or lightning bug. Fireflies are neither bugs nor flies; they are actually beetles, which have two pairs of wings.

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“You hear people saying, growing up I saw fireflies all the time, now I don’t see them anymore.” – Christopher Cratsley, a professor at Fitchburg State College in Massachusetts

Recent reports from around the globe have been quite capricious regarding firefly populations,  suggesting either numerous influxes or sudden diminishment. Firefly Watch, an organization based at the Museum of Science in Boston, actively seeks to educate the public on fireflies as well as record observations from people across the globe. For starters, fireflies are not flies – they’re beetles. The life of a firefly consists of living underground as grubs or rather larva. When actually seen by the naked human eye, we’re witnessing roughly two weeks of the firefly’s total life. So what purpose do these fireflies exhibit above the surface? Well to mate of course. Male fireflies glow in order to attract the attention of onlooking females.

Wherein lies the problem?

Well, scientists have two possible answers. In general, Fireflies are prone to disturbances in their habitat whether below and above ground. Scientists believe think water pollution may have an affect on the spawn rate of larvae, particularly pertinent in southeast Asia. The southeastern firefly has shown a decline in population size up to 70 percent!  But scientists suspect fireflies potentially lay vulnerable to another form of pollution: light pollution.  Scientists suspect light pollution or excessive artificial light may potentially impact both male and females trying to find a suitable mate. If a correlation between fireflies and light pollution exists, it’ll add more evidence that creatures on the Earth are affected by light pollution to the : Sea turtles.

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The United States’ Energy Secretary Steven Chu proposed at a recent talk of a ‘low-tech’ way of reducing global warming by painting rooftops white. Whilst black absorbs light better than any colour, white reflects better than any colour. Applying this reasoning to roofing would reduce global warming due to its increased albedo i.e. the extent of which an object diffusely reflects light from the sun. According to recent research, white-topped roofs reflect around 75% of light energy whereas black roofs absorb around 80% – white-topped buildings require less energy to cool. Whilst this idea doesn’t solve the ‘trapped green house gas’ problem within the atmosphere, it at least helps reduce the heat the planet absorbs. Mr. Chu further stated that if 63% of homes within 100 large cities within temperate / tropical areas across the globe utilized white-topped roofs, it would be the equivalent of removing all the world’s cars off the road for 10 years!

Starry Night Lights is committed to improving the environment by providing customers with environmental and night friendly lighting fixtures. It is our hope that by educating the public we can encourage more people to become environmentally conscious. We provide individuals with the newest cutting edge lighting technology in green building. Solar energy is one of our newer and most exciting lighting options.

Where does solar energy come from?

Solar energy began in 1839 with the French scientist Edmund Becquerel. Becquerel found that sunlight was able to cause certain materials to give off a spark. This discovery was extremely important for the future of solar energy and marked the first stage of what would become photovoltaics. Photovoltaics is the science of using sunlight and solar cells to create energy.

By 1950 scientists took the discovery a step further and combined the technology with silicon so that about four percentage of sunlight could be used to generate electricity. Afterwards these PV cells were utilized by NASA to power spaceships, satellites and so forth.

How does solar energy work?

A PV cell is made up of two levels of semiconductor material which at a basic level are made up of silicon crystals. Silicon is the most common metalloid and in terms of mass, is the eight most common material found in the universe. Metalloid can be defined as a semi metal, chemical element. Often time they are referred to as semi conductors. In the case of silicon, in its pure form it does not function as an ideal conductor. Yet by adding other substances to it, in a process officially referred to as doping, a more effective form of silicon can be used for electricity generation. Doping typically involves adding boron to the lowest level of the PV cell. This process causes the silicon to carry a positive charge. In turn, the top level has phosphorus added to it which creates a negative charge. The two levels are known as “p-type” and “n-type” and the surface in between the two is known as the P-N junction. An electric field is created when electrons move about between the two layers.

Source: http://www.mrsolar.com

Sunlight hits the PV cell and the electrons are loosened. The electrons of each level are attracted to the electrons of the opposite layer as a result of the pull of the charge. Only an external circuit has the ability to allow the electrons to reach their desired level. When electrons go through the circuit they create electricity.

In a solar panel, the basic level is made up of several square cells which alone create very little energy. Thus they are usually clustered together to form modules, which when grouped together create a panel.
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Starry Night Lights your guide to green lighting!

(Article is based on information from www.ucsusa.org)