Computer Science Assignment - Personal Journal

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Reading 2:

Human Population Growth and its Effects

Earth, as a planet needs a considerable amount of concern and a number of initiatives to prevent it from the doom it is destined to face because of unprecedented increase of human population owing to increased life expectancy and low mortality rates all across the countries. This phenomenon has raised some serious concerns regarding a rage of problems arising from the heavy claims on the natural resources of the planet. Throughout the history of human race, it has been controlled owing to catastrophic disasters like epidemics, floods, draughts or war. But for the last hundred years humans have overcome these impediments to their survival which has resulted into unbalanced upsurge in the number of humans exploiting every aspect of natural flora and fauna to their interests and destroying the delicate balance of nature in the process. Not only this, Human race is destined to become its own doom. This is because of the very fact that humans who survive need to require food, shelter, amenities, land and water in disproportionate amount and extents. This will not be possible unless some inorganic means is devised to produce these resources artificially increasing the carbon footprints and altering the inherent climate of the Earth. Even with the scientific interventions, it is not sure if the Earth will be able to sustain such a large number of human beings. Many countries like India and China have started to experience the drawbacks of population explosion and have taken initiative to further curb the growth rate but it is too late it seeming like a drop for an ocean of problem. These nations have unfathomable poverty, hunger and sub-human living conditions leading to pressure of governments to provide subsidies and state expenditures. Time has come to seriously mull about the rapid actions that can fix the problem of resource crunch arising from the human bomb that might explode the planet anytime now.

Lab 1:

1) Is your footprint higher or lower than you expected and how does it compare to our country's average?

In my observation my footprint is higher than my prior expectation. My country’s average footprint in all 4 categories, like home energy use & transportation, food, housing and goods &services is higher (246.41) than my own footprint (173.81).

2) What factors do you believe are the largest contributors to your ecological footprint?

As an individual following are the factors which are the largest contributors to my ecological footprints:-

a.) Carbon footprint:- This is one of the highest contributors among all the 4 categories because carbon emission is higher in transportation and home energy use. It also occurs because of the vehicle type, type of energy used in home and high consumption of electricity in routine life. All such factors make it the largest contributors in ecological footprint.

b.) Lesser use of recycled products is also the reason of high ecological footprint.

c.) My energy saving habits: - The habit of turning off my electronic equipment’s after use saves energy and reduces my Ecological Footprint.

3) What changes/adjustments in your lifestyle would it take to decrease the size of your footprint???

Following are the changes in my lifestyle which can decrease the size of my footprint:-

a.) Proper utilization of natural resources is a major part which can decrease the size of my footprint. For Example- if I have to go nearby my house, I should use bicycle and try to avoid the use of motor car, bike or any vehicle in which any type of natural energy resources has been used. By this way I can decrease the significant part of my ecological footprint.

b.) Optimal use of electricity in my home as well as in office/college can help in decreasing my ecological footprint. Habits to turn off the electric lights, computers, electronic appliances, fans, etc, when not in use can save electricity and reduce the ecological footprint.

4) Do you feel this is a fair measure of your personal impact on the planet's resources? Why? Why Not?

Yes, it appears to be fair measure to assess the personal impact on planet’s resources because by this way not only me but everyone can measure his or her footprint in all the important parameters, like carbon footprint (home, transportation and energy use), food, housing and goods and services. Awareness of more and more people about their respective ecological footprint can cause change in their respective habits and make them more cautious towards rising ecological footprints. Difference between own ecological footprint and standard footprint value can motivate people to minimise it through change in specific bad habits and reduction in excessive use of natural resources. Through this ecological footprint can be managed to optimum level.

5) How does technology play a role in your consumption habits and those of society at large???

Technology plays a very crucial role in my consumption habits. Uses of various electronic appliances, personal vehicles, computers, etc have become part of routine life. Most of people around world utilize different technologies in their life and due to certain bad habits or careless attitude their ecological footprint gets enhanced. Letting electric appliances running without use, use of car and bike in short distances are some of the habits which increase the consumption of natural resources. It is very important for me and society as well that how to utilise technology to reduce ecological footprint. Proper use will definitely make a positive impact and this applies for the society as well.

6) What did taking this quiz teach you and/or mean to you?

This quiz has made me aware about the influence of my personal activities over the environment. In our day to day life we generally ignore that influence because of the lack of time and awareness. Because of this I could know my own footprint after online quiz. I can see not only my own footprint but also my own country’s and global ecological footprint. As an individual, through proper analysis by charts and graphs I got to know what the areas of improvement are and where I can reduce my footprint. This quiz has made me responsible towards environment protection and those small things which can change the picture of our environment in positive way. For example :- Some time I forget to turn off my wash room tap after use (wastage of water) or forget to turn off my laptop after use which causes wastage of resources. Also the habit of using personal vehicle beside of public transport causes increase in ecological footprint. This is not only my case; most of use usually forgot to remember those important things. So these are some small things which if taken care of in a proper way (through appropriate utilisation of resources), we all can reduce our ecological footprint and I can save our planet.