Posts Tagged ‘resources’
Linkage between Natural resources Degradation in Somalia and Environmental Education
INTRODUCTION
Environmental education emerged in the 1960s as the term for the educational dimensions of the environment movement which, at that time, was concerned about air and water quality (pollution), the growth in world population, continuing depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation. Early definitions were framed as being aimed at producing citizens that are knowledgeable about the biophysical environment and its associated problems, aware of how to solve these problems and motivated to work towards their solution. Environmental education has focused on ecology, environmental issue investigation, and the citizen action skills needed to understand and influence issue outcomes. Emerging awareness of human health and social problems in racial minority and low-income communities resulting from natural resources degradation is expanding the role of environmental education. In order for environmental education to effectively address all populations, it must have simple guidelines that people can follow.
Environmental Education is the learning process that increases people’s knowledge and awareness about the environment and associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and expertise to address the challenges, and foster attitude, motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible action. A basic aim of environmental education is to succeed in making individuals and communities understand the complex nature of the natural and built environments resulting from the interaction of their biological, physical, social, economic, and cultural aspects, and acquire the knowledge, values, attitudes, and practical skills to participate in responsible and effective way in anticipating and solving environmental problems, and in the management of the quality of the environment.
Looking To The Past Of Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is often viewed as a relatively new form of alternative energy. In truth, the use of geothermal energy stretches far back into the past.
Looking To The Past Of Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is literally, “earth heat”. This type of energy’s name comes from two Greek words: “geo” meaning earth, and “therme”, which means heat. While it may seem that the use of geothermal energy is a relatively new idea, it is actually an ancient practice. Many different cultures have used geothermal power to their advantage, dating back to some of the Earth’s earliest civilizations.
In order to use geothermal energy, the energy source itself must be tapped into. Geothermal energy comes from reserves of water located in the Earth’s layer of magma. Magma, otherwise known as molten rock, is a super hot substance that springs directly from the Earth’s core, which is a scalding 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Magma heats the reserves of water located in its midst to very high temperatures, around 700 degrees Fahrenheit. These geothermal reservoirs, as they are known, can be drilled into or can escape naturally through cracks in the Earth’s crust. These natural formations create such places on Earth as hot springs and geysers.
Geothermal energy can be traced back to 10,000 years ago when Native Americans used geothermal water found in hot springs to cook and for use as medicine. The geothermal energy found in hot springs was also used by the Romans. The ancient city of Pompeii used geothermal energy to heat homes. Romans also were known to use geothermal water for its medicinal properties; such as in the treatment of skin and eye diseases. Romans and other ancient civilizations also used the soothing geothermal waters found in hot springs for relaxation and natural bathing places. In more recent times, France started using this type of energy in the 1960′s to heat their homes. More than 200,000 homes in France are now heated by geothermal water.