teachers.sd43.bc.cateachers.sd43.bc.ca/ECupit/Lists/Homework 2/Attachme… · Web viewFor their part, SSA representatives ... thick air that is poisoning some of the world’s biggest

Heads Up On Concussions

Rowan Stringer was the 17-year-old captain of her high school rugby team. The Ottawa teen took a major hit to the head after a tackle during a game in 2013 and never regained consciousness. It was later discovered that she’d suffered three concussions in the week before her death.

In December, the Ontario government introduced ‘Rowan’s Law.’ If passed, this first-in-Canada legislation for all youth sports teams in the province is designed to make sure that players, coaches and parents receive information about head injuries. It outlines protocols for when to sit athletes, and ensures that they don’t return to play until they are medically cleared to do so.

“We’re confident that if Rowan had [this] knowledge she wouldn’t have died,” said her mother, Kathleen Stringer.

Brain Injury

A concussion is an injury to the brain. It is caused by a blow to the head, a fall or any movement that shakes the brain inside the skull.

The brain is a soft organ surrounded by spinal fluid and protected by a hard skull. Normally the fluid acts like a cushion for the brain, but if the blow is hard enough, the brain can crash into the skull and be damaged.

Children and youth have developing

brains that are particularly susceptible to concussions. They also take longer to recover. But with rest, some 80 to 90 percent of concussions resolve themselves within seven to 10 days.

The worst thing someone with a concussion can do? ‘Tough it out,’ keep playing, and risk a further concussion. A brain that is still recovering from an earlier trauma is more sensitive to damage. Repeated concussions increase the risk of serious, long-term injury.

In Rowan’s case, although she told friends she felt “dizzy and spaced out,” she didn’t say anything to her parents or her coach.

Heading The Ball

As we become more aware of the dangers of concussion in youth sports, one area receiving particular scrutiny is the practice of heading in soccer.

“You’ve got a ball flying through space with momentum and you are using your head to stop that momentum,” says sports medicine physician Dr. David Robinson.

His concern is that these repeated ‘sub-concussion’ impacts may cause long-term effects on the brain.

“What I worry about is not the obvious concussion but the little multiple bumps along the way that might cause chronic neurologic problems. The truth is, we don’t know.”

Until we do, prevention is key,

especially for children who have not developed the neck muscle strength to execute a safe header. The Canadian Paediatric Society has warned against the practice at youth games and, in the United States, players under 10 were recently banned from heading the ball.

Following Protocol

When concussions are properly managed, there is usually no cause for long-term concern. That’s why many Canadian experts are calling for a standard concussion protocol that would apply to every youth sports organization in the country, kicking in any time there is a suspected brain injury. At present, sports organizations across the country are governed by a patchwork of policies or, in some cases, none at all.

“We’re missing a huge amount of minor concussions that most of the time will, by luck, resolve without consequences. But a few of those kids will get a second hit that will constitute a very bad episode of concussion that could have been prevented by early detection. That’s what needs to change,” says Dr. Pierre Freemont, chair of the Canadian Concussion Collaborative (CCC). The Collaborative includes the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Go Team, Go!

Nobody is saying that kids shouldn’t 2015/2016 • Issue 5 What in the World? • Level 2 - 1 -

play team sports.

“There are lots of positives to be taken from team sport,” says Toronto neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Tator. “I’m

not in favour of parents withdrawing.”

However, he does advise parents to walk away from any league without a concussion protocol in place.

“The brain is too important to allow that. We can fix so many sport injuries but the brain is not one we are very good at fixing.”

Concussions In Pro SportsIn the newly-released movie “Concussion,” actor Will Smith portrays Bennet Omalu, a doctor whose autopsies of former NFL football players led to the discovery of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

Even before this movie was released, concussions among professional athletes were making headlines. For example, NHL star Sidney Crosby sat out for months after suffering a concussion in 2014. Meanwhile, the National Football League, accused of hiding the risks of repeated head injuries for years, has agreed to a $1-billion concussion settlement with thousands of former players.

Both leagues have adopted new concussion protocols over the last few years. In 2011 the NHL began requiring players to report to a doctor for assessment after taking a hit to the head. And in 2013, the NFL brought in rules forcing players with a suspected concussion to receive clearance from doctors before returning to play.

Did You Know?All 50 U.S. states already have laws stating how youth concussions should be managed.

About ConcussionsPhysical concussion symptoms include headache, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light and noise. Injured players may experience nausea and vomiting, dizziness or balance problems. They can feel tired and have no energy.

Emotional or mood symptoms include being easily irritated or upset, sad, nervous or anxious.

People with a concussion also may not be able to think clearly. They can be confused, unable to concentrate, unable to remember new information, and feel ‘slowed down.’ They may sleep more or less than usual or have difficulty going to sleep.

Any person who may have had a concussion needs to see a doctor.

Some people feel normal again in a few hours, while others have symptoms that last weeks or months. The best way to recover is to rest – mentally and physically. Get plenty of sleep and don’t immediately return to work or school.

Some other tips? Limit TV watching, computers and video games. Stay away from alcohol and stimulants of all types. Talk to teachers, coaches, family and friends so that they understand.

Once you are symptom-free, you will slowly return to normal activities in a series of gradual steps. Athletes must be symptom-free for 24 hours at one level of activity before moving on to the next. A doctor should make the final call.

chronic: lasting for a long period of time or marked by frequent recurrence, as certain diseasesChronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): a degenerative brain disease that is believed to be linked to concussionsmomentum: the quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity

neurologic: to do with the science of the nerves and the nervous system, especially of the diseases affecting themprotocol: the plan for a course of medical treatment or for a scientific experimentsusceptible: likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing

2015/2016 • Issue 5 What in the World? • Level 2 - 2 -

On The Lines1. Explain what a concussion is.2. What are the usual symptoms of a concussion?3. What is the best way to recover from a concussion?4. Who is especially susceptible to concussions?5. What is the worst thing a person with a concussion can do?6. Why are some medical professionals concerned about soccer?7. Describe how sports organizations across Canada deal with concussions.8. Which province is considering adopting a law to govern concussions in youth sports?9. What is the purpose of this proposed law?

Between The LinesAn inference is a conclusion drawn from evidence. A plausible inference is supported by evidence in the article and is consistent with known facts outside of the article.

What inference(s) can you draw from the fact that at present, sports organizations across Canada are governed by a patchwork of policies on concussion management, or none at all, while in the U.S., all 50 states have laws stating how youth concussions should be managed?

Beyond the LinesRowan Stringer officially died from something called second impact syndrome – a very rare condition in which a second concussion occurs before a first concussion has properly healed, causing rapid and severe brain swelling. Learn more about this syndrome, CTE, or any other disease or condition that can develop as a result of head injuries.

Just Talk About It1. For what reasons are you in favour of a Canada-wide protocol to manage concussions? For what reasons are you opposed? Explain. Overall, are you more in favour of or more opposed to a Canada-wide concussion protocol? Give reasons to support your response.

2. As you see it, does concussion management in pro-sports affect how concussions are viewed or handled by youth sports teams? Why or why not?

On-LineVisit our student website at www.news4youth.com and click on the What in the World? tab to:

1. Read about and link to the first comprehensive paediatric guidelines on youth concussions, as authored by medical researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (or visit http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/concussion-experts-in-ottawa-launch-guidelines-for-treating-kids-1.2686098).

2. See an explanation of the NFL’s concussion crisis called “The NFL’s concussion crisis, explained” on YouTube (or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnAmddi52Y8).

3. Watch a PBS interview with Dr. Bennet Omalu, the man who discovered and named “chronic traumatic encephalopathy” or CTE (or visit http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/sports/league-of-denial/the-frontline-interview-dr-bennet-omalu/#seg1). Then, watch the trailer for a recent movie that was made about him (or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNCvaa-RogQ).

4. Visit the Rowan's Law website and a National Post feature on Rowan’s Law to find out more about Rowan, concussions, and Ontario’s new concussion legislation (or visit http://rowanslaw.ca/ and http://news.nationalpost.com/features/rowans-law). 5. Find out more about concussions by watching "Brain 101: What’s a Concussion?” (or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5hlm3FRFYU).


Quiz

Heads Up On ConcussionsWrite the letter that corresponds to the best answer on the line beside each question:

______ 1. Which of the following is NOT a concussion symptom?a) headache b) blurred visionc) nausea d) fevere) anxiety

______ 2. Which sport league has agreed to pay $1 billion to players who suffered concussions?a) NBA b) NFLc) NHL d) MLBe) CFL

______ 3. Which province may adopt a law governing concussions in youth sports?a) Nova Scotia b) Quebecc) Ontario d) Saskatchewane) Alberta

______ 4. True or False? All U.S. states have laws governing concussion injuries in youth sports.

______ 5. True or False? Young soccer players in the United Kingdom are not allowed to head the ball.

6. What advice would you give to the federal minister of sport regarding concussions in youth sports? Give reasons to support your response.


World’s Richest Shipwreck Found

Avast ye! It sounds like a pirate’s fantasy! A 308-year-old ship called the San Jose, carrying gold coins and jewels worth as much as $17 billion in U.S. currency, has been found at the bottom of the ocean off the coast of the South American nation of Colombia.

A Sunken Treasure Trove

Juan Manuel Santos, the president of Colombia, tweeted excitedly about the find on December 5, declaring the discovery “Great News!” Mr. Santos then posted an underwater video that showed pots, bottles and a cannon. Experts say the artifacts prove the ship was the San Jose.

President Santos said an international team led by Colombia’s Institute of Anthropology and History and the Colombian navy made the discovery on November 27. The vessel was found about 305 metres below the surface of the ocean and about 25 kilometres from the walled Colombian port city of Cartagena.

The 18th-century ship, which belonged to Spain’s King Philip the Fifth, was an old Spanish galleon. Maritime experts say it is the most important Spanish shipwreck ever to be located.

A Battle Ends Badly

The story really starts on the hot and

moonless night of May 28th, 1708, when there was very little wind to power the mighty San Jose. The 600-sailor galleon, armed with 64 guns and escorted by 16 other ships, was on its way to Spanish-allied France. It was weighed down by some 11 million gold coins and jewels, worth more than Spain usually earned in three years. The wealth was meant to help pay for France and Spain’s War of Spanish Succession against the British. The priceless cargo had been plundered from colonies that the Spanish controlled at the time.

The quiet was soon pierced by cannon fire when four British warships confronted the San Jose and her escorts. After a 90-minute battle, the San Jose suddenly exploded, then sank into the Caribbean Sea. Adventurers have been searching for it ever since.

Who Gets The Goodies?

Now that the ship has finally been found, three different groups are arguing over who owns the riches waiting to be recovered from the bottom of the ocean. In fact, the ship has been at the heart of a legal battle that began in 1982. That’s when Sea Search Armada (SSA), a U.S. company, announced that it had found the San Jose’s resting place 213 metres

below the water’s surface.

Jake Harbeston, managing director of SSA, said investors had spent $10 million to find the San Jose. That’s more than $24 million in 2016 U.S. dollars.

In 1984, however, Colombia’s government overturned a law that would have given half to the locators of the shipwreck. That ruling slashed Sea Search Armada’s portion to five percent. SSA launched a lawsuit against Colombia over the issue, but in 2011, U.S. courts dismissed the claim and declared that the galleon belonged to Colombia.

Pinpointing The Site

Since the announcement of the discovery, even SSA’s five-percent share of the riches may be in question. The reason? The Colombian government claims it used new meteorological and underwater mapping techniques to locate the ship – and found it in a different place.

For their part, SSA representatives think the claim of a new location is a scheme. They believe Colombian officials are looking for an excuse not to share the wealth.

“[They] may have been the one to find it but this really just reconfirms what


we told them in 1982,” says Danilo Devis, a lawyer who works for SSA.

Other Claims?

Spain also says it should get a portion of the treasure because it originally owned the ship.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Garcia-Margallo said he believes international law specifies that wrecks like the San Jose belong to the state that built and funded them.

He added that Spain is willing to reach an agreement with Colombia over the ship and its contents. He warned, however, that his country would take its case to the United Nations if the two countries don’t come to terms.

“This can be resolved in a friendly way,” Mr. Garcia-Margallo said. “[Colombia] will understand our demands and that we are defending our interests just as we understand their demands and that they are defending their interests.”

The San Jose also carried the stolen wealth of several present South American nations, including Peru and Bolivia. Will they make a claim?

Recovering The Ship

In the meantime, the ship still remains at the bottom of the sea. Colombia’s Supreme Court says the San Jose must be recovered before the international dispute over the fortune can be settled.

That won’t happen quickly. Colombia’s President Santos says the recovery effort could take years. Still, after so many centuries, just pinning down the site of the ship is a remarkable accomplishment.

“[Locating the San Jose is] one of the biggest findings and identifications of underwater heritage in the history of humanity,” President Santos said.


A Mighty Sailing ShipThe wooden ship that carried the treasure trove found near Colombia was a Spanish galleon. A galleon was a class of vessel, with huge sails and many decks, that could weigh over 1,000 tonnes. The San Jose was about 46 metres long.

Galleons were used between the 15th and 18th centuries for sea battles, or for carrying items to trade with other countries. The San Jose is one of about 1,200 galleons and merchant ships lost near the coral reefs that dot Colombia’s seabeds.

The War Of Spanish SuccessionThe War of Spanish Succession was a major war of the 18th century. It began after Charles II, King of Spain, died in 1700 without an heir.

In his will he gave the crown to the French prince Philip of Anjou. Philip’s grandfather, Louis XIV of France, then proclaimed him King of Spain, and declared that France and Spain would be united.

French power was already feared in Europe, so Britain, Holland, Prussia, and Austria declared war on France, hoping to prevent the alliance and gain control of the extensive Spanish colonial empire and its many riches.

By 1708, the French had been defeated in several battles and Louis XIV’s coffers were all but empty from the prolonged fight. The situation wasn’t looking good for France – but then a change of government in Britain and the death of Emperor Joseph I in Austria led to the end the fighting.

Under the Treaty of Utrecht, signed in 1713, Philip became King of Spain on the condition that Spain and France would never be united. As well, parts of the Spanish Empire were divided among the countries that had participated in the war. Spain gave up Gibraltar and the monopoly of the slave trade with Latin America. France gave up Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and the Hudson Bay territories to Britain.

artifact: a simple object, such as a tool or weapon, that was made by people in the pastcargo: something that is carried from one place to another by boat, airplane, etc.colony: a place where a group of people come to settle which is under the control of their home countrycurrency: the money that a country uses

heritage: the traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc., that are part of the history of a group or nationlawsuit: a process by which a court of law makes a decision to end a disagreement between people or organizationsmeteorology: a science that deals with the atmosphere and weatherplunder: to steal things from a place by force


On The LinesAnswer the following in complete sentences:

1. Explain what a galleon is.

2. Name the shipwreck that was recently located and explain where it was found.

3. What cargo was this ship carrying when it sank?

4. List at least four other important facts about this vessel.

5. Where did the treasure on board the San Jose come from?

6. Explain where this cargo was headed and why.

7. Describe what happened to this ship in 1708.

8. Identify the three claims that have been made for the treasure.

9. What other claims might also be made for the valuable treasure?

Between the LinesAn inference is a conclusion drawn from evidence. A plausible inference is supported by evidence in the article and is consistent with known facts outside of the article.

What inference(s) can you draw from the fact that the San Jose is just one of about 1,200 galleons and merchant ships lost near the coral reefs that dot Colombia’s seabeds?

Beyond the LinesBeing a treasure hunter sounds exciting, but is it? How are treasures actually found? Learn about the modern techniques and technologies that are used for such work. Is this a job that you would enjoy?

Just Talk About It1. Fictional treasure-hunter and archeologist Indiana Jones was always in it for his museum. He believed that lost and ancient relics should be available for all to see. The villains, meanwhile, always wanted to sell the items to the highest bidder. What do you think is more important: preserving the past or making money? Give reasons to support your response.

2. Finders keepers? Historical claims vs. laws of the sea? Let’s imagine that the value of the treasure is indeed $17 billion. How would you divide up the wealth? Explain your decisions. (And, no, you and your class can’t have any.) How do you predict the wealth will actually be divided?

3. What if… the San Jose had made it to France with its treasure? Explain.


1. Watch an ABC news story on YouTube called “Colombia Claims to Find Multi-Billion Dollar Shipwreck” about the discovery of the San Jose (or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4G0UnbEocs).

2. Journey into deep waters with the Discovery Channel documentary “Treasure Hunters - Episode 7: The Gold Fishers (History Documentary)” that shows how ocean treasure-hunting is done in the 21st century (or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7-xeDWarVQ).

3. Read more about the San Jose ’s journey (or visit http://www.treasureexpeditions.com/shipwreck_san_jose_treasure_1.htm).4. Follow the Sea Search Armada on Facebook (or visit https://www.facebook.com/Sea-Search-Armada-417887938248660/?ref=ts&fref=ts).


Quiz

World’s Richest Shipwreck FoundWrite the letter that corresponds to the best answer on the line beside each question:

______ 1. Which country was Spain’s ally during the War of Spanish Succession?a) France b) Britainc) Italy d) Chinae) Russia

______ 2. Near which country did the San Jose sink?a) Mexico b) Panamac) Brazil d) Colombiae) Cuba

______ 3. Who first claimed that it had discovered the San Jose?a) the government of Colombia b) Sea Search Armadac) the government of Spain d) the government of Perue) AquaBounty Technologies

______ 4. True or False? The San Jose sank after it was chased by British warships and ran aground.

______ 5. True or False? The San Jose carried very valuable diamonds and religious artifacts.

6. How do you think the San Jose’s treasure should be divided? Which group or country has the strongest claim? Which group or country has the weakest claim? Give reasons to support your response.


Toxic Air

Most Canadian students look forward to school closures on snow days. But when outdoor conditions forced shutdowns in Beijing, China’s capital, on December 8, it was no cause for celebration. Instead, the government issued a first-ever red alert – its highest pollution warning – because the quality of the city’s air was putting everyone’s health in danger.

Those who dared to venture outside risked inhaling poisonous particles capable of causing long-term lung and heart problems that could shorten their lives. The city’s 21 million residents were advised to stay at home until the alert was lifted on December 10. Then, a second red alert was declared on December 18 and lifted on December 22.

China’s Deadly Smog

Dangerously dirty air is a daily reality in much of China. In fact, air pollution contributes to as many as 1.6 million premature deaths throughout the country every year, one recent study found. Another study concluded that breathing in Beijing for one day is like smoking an entire package of cigarettes. The reason? Some 60 percent of industries and homes in the city are still powered or heated by coal, a dirty fossil fuel that pollutes the atmosphere. Vehicle emissions and dust

from construction sites contribute to the mess as well.

Recent Beijing air quality was particularly bad because windless, humid weather helped keep the dark, soupy gunk in place. As well, mountains to the north and west trapped the smog created by polluting industries in the city’s south and east. At its worst, the particle content in the air was over ten times higher than what the World Health Organization (WHO) considers to be the maximum safe level.

Gasping For Breath

During the alerts, factories and schools were shuttered, half of all cars had to remain parked and construction was halted. Still, citizens had difficulty breathing. Many wore masks to try to keep the toxins and carcinogens out of their systems.

“Even when wearing the mask, I feel uncomfortable and don’t have any energy,” one Beijing resident reported.

“It is a sharp warning to us that we may have too much development at the price of the environment and it is time for us to seriously deal with air pollution,” said another.

Worse In India?

In recent years China has been taking steps toward cleaning up its act. It is

investing in renewable energy and is cutting back on coal consumption, particularly in cities. Around 58 percent of the increase in the country’s primary energy consumption in 2013-14 came from non-fossil fuel sources.

Yet China isn’t the only country struggling with air pollution. In 2014, a WHO survey found that 13 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world were in India. Beijing didn’t even crack the top twenty. Meanwhile Delhi, the capital of India, was found to be the most polluted city in the world.

In this metropolis of over 18 million, pollution is especially bad in winter when low temperatures force the city’s poor to burn garbage at night to stay warm. Farm waste is also set on fire across thousands of hectares around Delhi to clear cropland. These pollutants often burn for days on end.

According to WHO, about 620,000 people die in India every year from pollution-related diseases. Levels of sulphur dioxide, which can trigger asthma, bronchitis and other lung conditions, were also found to be very high in many areas.

Developed Nations Too

Air pollution takes a toll on developed nations, too. For example, in 2012, 84,000 Italians suffered pollution-


related deaths – the most in Europe.

In late December, two of the country’s largest cities – Rome and Milan – were forced to act against smog build-up. They restricted or banned vehicles from the roads for several hours over a period of days. Even some wood-burning pizza parlors had to close. Experts said unusually calm and dry weather was to blame because these conditions kept the pollution in place.

What About Canada?

As for our own country, where far less coal is used for heat or power, conditions are better but still worrisome. The Canadian Medical Association estimates that air pollution is responsible for 21,000 premature deaths, 92,000 emergency-room visits and 620,000 visits to a doctor’s office a year. What’s more, the economic cost of air pollution-related illness and death

in Canada tops $8 billion a year.

The worst air is in Red Deer, Alberta, followed by Montreal, Calgary and Toronto.

“We may never experience the kind of deadly pollution China is struggling with, but we can do a lot to make sure our air...is as clean as possible,” says environmentalist David Suzuki.

Did You Know?The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that poisonous air contributes to a staggering seven million premature deaths globally every year.

What Is Fouling The World’s Air?The eye-watering, thick air that is poisoning some of the world’s biggest cities often appears as a dense, clinging smog, visible to the naked eye. It is composed of a toxic soup of smoke, chemicals and other dangerous substances.

The main ingredient of smog is particulate matter, categorized as either PM2.5 or PM10. PM2.5 is made up of fine particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter. By comparison, a human hair is between 50 and 70 microns in diameter.

Some PM2.5 forms naturally in the atmosphere, as a result of dust storms or forest fires. The rest is created by emissions from any source of combustion, including cars, industry and wood burning. The second type of particulate matter, PM10, is made up of coarser particles with a diameter of up to 10 microns. It consists of such substances as dust, pollen and mould.

PM2.5 particles are considered especially harmful because their small size means they can penetrate into the deepest parts of the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. A build-up of PM2.5 in the lungs has been linked to respiratory illnesses, lung damage and even cancer. The World Health Organization recommends that people should be exposed to no more than 25 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5 – and to no more than 50 of PM10.

Ozone is another culprit. In the upper atmosphere, ozone shields us by filtering the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. However, on the ground it is a pollutant formed by chemical reactions. In hot weather, emissions from cars, industry and other human sources can produce high ozone levels due to chemical reactions emitted by vegetation. This ground-level ozone, along with particulate matter and other human-caused or natural pollutants such as black carbon, sulfur and methane, are the main causes of air pollution.

carcinogen: a substance that can cause cancercombustion: the act of burningfossil fuel: fuel (such as coal, oil, or natural gas) that is formed in the earth from dead plants or animalsmicrogram: one millionth of a grammicron: one millionth of a metre

particle: a very small piece of somethingpremature: happening too soon or earlier than usualsmog: a cloud of dirty air from cars, factories, etc.toxin: a poisonous substanceWorld Health Organization (WHO): an agency of the United Nations concerned with international public health


On The Lines

Answer the following in complete sentences:

1. Explain what smog is.

2. What is PM2.5 is and how is it formed? Explain why it is so harmful.

3. How much damage to human health is caused by air pollution in China?

4. How many people live in Beijing?

5. Explain why the air is so poor in this city.

6. What warning did officials issue in Beijing on December 8? Why?

7. What did Beijing officials do to try to decrease the amount of air pollution in the city?

8. Which city has the worst air pollution in the world?

9. Explain why the pollution is so bad in this city.

Between The LinesAn inference is a conclusion drawn from evidence. A plausible inference is supported by evidence in the article and is consistent with known facts outside of the article.

What inference(s) can you draw from the fact that poisonous air contributes to seven million premature deaths globally every year?

Beyond The Lines1. Coal is the dirtiest of all energy sources and the biggest contributor to global warming. It is responsible for at least 83 percent of global CO2 pollution since 1990. About 60 percent of its use happens in India and China, where half of the world’s energy consumption will come from by the year 2035. Coal use is expected to grow in order to ‘keep the lights on’ for citizens, but efforts – most notably the Paris Agreement – are underway to prevent that from happening. Pick one country, other than China or India, and learn about its past and future coal use. Is the situation getting better or worse? Why?

2. How does Beijing determine which cars get to drive and which must stay parked during a red alert? By license plate numbers. One day cars with odd numbers can be on the road, the next day, even numbers. In Rome, Italy, where cars are also restricted when pollution levels are high, traditional cars must stay parked but energy efficient cars can stay on the roads.

Imagine that you are in charge of finding ways to get drivers off the roads. What rewards, penalties and innovations can you suggest for governments to try?

Just Talk About It1. What is the significance of this story? Explain.

2. As you see it, what are some benefits of China’s red alerts to the people? To the government? What are some drawbacks of the alerts for each of these groups? Explain.


1. Hear some air quality opinions from Chinese citizens on the YouTube video “China smog: ‘Sky dark from air pollution’ - BBC News” (or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S27ycsxUtRM).

2. Read a BBC article about December’s red alert and see how many Beijing days have been “unhealthy” or worse since 2008 (or visit http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-35026363). 3 . Watch “Air pollution in China: Air quality is so bad, Canada sells China cans of fresh air - TomoNews” to see how some Canadian entrepreneurs are literally providing a breath of fresh air for Chinese citizens (or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xhppHAI7C8).


Quiz

Toxic AirWrite the letter that corresponds to the best answer on the line beside each question:

______ 1. PM2.5 particles are considered especially harmful because they can penetrate into:a) lungs b) soft body tissuec) the brain d) the hearte) the liver

______ 2. Which of the following does NOT contribute to poor air quality in Beijing?a) burning coal for heat or power b) vehicle emissionsc) fires set to clear land for crops d) dust from construction sitese) surrounding mountains that trap the smog

______ 3. Which city has the worst air quality on the planet?a) Delhi b) Moscowc) Rome d) Beijinge) Tokyo

______ 4. True or False? According to the WHO, some 7 million people die each year due to air pollution.

______ 5. True or False? The most pollution-related deaths in Europe occur in Italy.

6. All countries should be very concerned about air pollution. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons to support your response.


Superfood or Frankenfish?– The Debate Over Genetically Modified Salmon

Salmon on the menu? Delicious! But would you be as eager to dig in if you knew that the fish – which looks and tastes like a regular salmon – had partly been created in a lab?

Presenting Supersalmon!

AquaAdvantage salmon are Atlantic salmon that have had their genes altered so they grow faster and larger than normal. These fish are like their wild counterparts in every way, except that they reach maturity in about 18 months instead of three years.

AquaBounty Technologies, an American company, has been trying for 20 years to get approval from the United States government to sell its supersalmon to U.S. consumers. In November, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finally gave the company the green light.

“The FDA has thoroughly analyzed and evaluated the data and information submitted by AquaBounty Technologies regarding AquaAdvantage Salmon and determined that they have met the regulatory requirements for approval, including that food from the fish is safe to eat,” said an FDA official.

A controversial topic

Genetically-modified (GM) foods – sometimes dubbed ‘Frankenfoods’ – are nothing new. Farmers have been growing GM plant crops since the 1990s. Today, most processed foods

contain GM ingredients. But this decision by the FDA marks the first time that a genetically modified animal has been approved for human consumption. It could open the door for other GM animal foods in the supermarket.

The prospect has critics worried. The U.S. environmental group Friends of the Earth called the FDA’s decision “flawed and irresponsible.”

According to Lisa Archer, the organization’s food and technology director, 1.8 million people sent letters to the FDA opposing the approval. More than 60 grocery chains have committed to keep it off their shelves.

“It’s clear that there is no place in the U.S. market for genetically engineered salmon. People don’t want to eat it and grocery stores are refusing to sell it,” she said.

Mixing Species

AquaAdvantage salmon eggs are produced in land-based, fresh water tanks at AquaBounty’s hatchery on Prince Edward Island. The eggs are exported to Panama where the fish are grown in onshore tanks. The tanks must be designed with physical barriers that prevent any escape of eggs or fish.

The FDA approval is only for GM salmon raised at these two contained facilities. However, in the future, AquaBounty could apply to produce the fish at other facilities.

Critics are concerned about this possibility. Although all of the fish are made to be female and sterile, scientists from Canada have found that some of the salmon can breed with a closely related species – the brown trout. What if some of the GM fish did escape and passed their genes on to wild fish populations?

“If this fish goes into commercial production, at some point it’s going to happen,” says Mark Butler of the Halifax-based Ecology Action Centre. “Once that fish breeds with another wild salmon, you can never put that genie back in the box.”

Canada’s Position

GM salmon have not yet been approved for human consumption in Canada. Health Canada is still reviewing AquaBounty’s application. However, the federal government did approve the production of genetically-modified salmon eggs at the P.E.I. facility. The Ecology Action Centre is one of two organizations taking Environment Canada to court over that move.

In a statement explaining its decision, Environment Canada wrote, “This risk assessment concluded that there were no concerns identified to the environment or to the indirect health of Canadians due to the production of these GM fish eggs.”

Aqua Advantages

Meanwhile, supporters of GM salmon


say that any risks from the fish would be offset by huge benefits. Salmon is one of the healthiest proteins for people to eat. And in a world where food shortages are becoming a big problem, being able to produce larger quantities of quality foods at a lower price is a huge advantage.

“This is a potentially important way to get salmon to maturity quicker, increase the supply, decrease prices and make this high-quality source of protein at lower prices,” said Ronald Stotish, AquaBounty’s CEO.

According to William Muir, an American professor of genetics, there is “no credible evidence” that these fish are a risk to human health or the environment. Rather than posing a threat to wild fish populations, Dr. Muir says, GM fish could actually ease pressure on these dwindling wild stocks.

“The current practice of using wild-caught salmon as a food source is not sustainable. Our oceans are overfished,” he says.


How To Make A Supersalmon AquaBounty’s salmon were first conceived of by researchers at Memorial University in Newfoundland.

The fish grow so big, so fast because genetic engineers added genetic material from two other fish: a growth hormone from Chinook salmon and another gene from an eel-like fish called an ocean pout. It acts like an ‘on’ switch that keeps the growth hormone active so that the fish never stop growing.

About Genetically Modified Organisms There’s nothing new about scientists trying to develop different and better versions of the plants and animals we grow for food. For years, they’ve been selectively breeding to transfer desirable traits from one variety to another – developing potatoes that are more resistant to pests, for example. However, selective breeding takes time. Several generations of the plant or animal have to grow to maturity and reproduce in order to select for beneficial genes.

Genetic engineering, on the other hand, is more precise. It also works a lot faster. In simple terms, the process involves scientists cutting the genes of one organism and pasting them into another organism.

GM crops are grown in more than 20 countries around the world. The U.S. is the leading producer of GM foods, but relatively large amounts of gene-altered crops are grown in Brazil, Argentina, India and Canada.

In Canada, GM foods are regulated by Health Canada. This agency has approved more than 120 GM food products for sale since 1994. They range from insect-resistant corn and herbicide-resistant canola to genetically modified yeasts that reduce levels of unwanted compounds in wine.

Supporters of GM foods say that genetic engineering can produce plants that are more resistant to pests and diseases, and require less use of pesticides. It can increase crop yields, and produce longer lasting and better tasting fruits and vegetables. According to numerous regulatory and scientific bodies including Health Canada, the U.S. FDA, the European Food Safety Authority and the National Academy of Sciences, there is no evidence that GM foods pose any health risks to people. Still, critics worry about the long-term health impacts and believe GM foods could give rise to allergies and antibiotic resistance.

credible: able to be believed; convincingdwindling: diminish gradually in size, amount, or strengthgenes: hereditary units consisting of a sequence of DNA that occupies a specific location on a chromosome and determines a particular characteristic in an organism

hormone: a regulatory substance produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids such as blood or sap to stimulate specific cells or tissues into actionorganism: any living creature sterile: incapable of reproducing


On The Lines

Answer the following in complete sentences:

1. Explain what genetically modified food is.

2. Which country produces the most genetically modified food?

3. Why do supporters approve of genetically modified food?

4. Why are opponents worried about genetically modified food?

5. Which company wants to sell ‘supersalmon’ in the United States?

6. Explain why these fish grow so fast.

7. What did the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently decide about ‘supersalmon’?

8. Why do some people object to this decision?

Between The LinesMaking an inference: An inference is a conclusion drawn from evidence. A plausible inference is supported by evidence in the article and is consistent with known facts outside of the article.

What inferences can you draw from the fact that it took 20 years for AquaBounty Technologies to get approval from the FDA for AquaAdvantage salmon?

Beyond The LinesSupersalmon are not the only food product under consideration. Scientists at the University of Guelph have genetically engineered pigs that have been submitted for approval from Health Canada and the U.S. FDA. The pigs excrete up to 70 percent less phosphorus in manure than regular pigs, making them more environmentally friendly. (Phosphorus can pollute streams, rivers and lakes, killing off marine life.) What other GM animals are out there? Research and report on at least one of them.

Just Talk About It1. a) For what reasons are some people in favour of the new GM salmon? For what reasons are some people against this gene-altered species?

b) What advice would you give to Health Canada regarding AquaBounty’s application to sell its GM salmon in Canada? Support your position with reasons.

2. In Europe there is considerable resistance to GM crops. For example, 19 countries have chosen to “opt out” of the European Commission’s decision to approve the cultivation of a genetically-modified maize crop. The European Union, in addition to other countries such as Japan, New Zealand and Australia, insists that food products containing GM ingredients be labeled so that consumers can make their own choices. Such labeling is not a requirement in Canada or the U.S. Should it be? Explain your decision.


1. Get an introduction to Genetically Modified Foods from Scientific American by watching the video “What Is a Genetically Modified Food? - Instant Egghead #45” (or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMPE5wlB3Zk).

2. Watch the news report from CBC’s The National called “Genetically-modified salmon approved by FDA” (or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQSArjT8j9o).

3. Watch a TED Talk by plant geneticist Pamela Ronald (or visit https://www.ted.com/talks/pamela_ronald_the_case_for_engineering_our_food?language=en#t-332212).

4. Listen to Canadian environmentalist David Suzuki state his case against GMOs on the video “Professor David Suzuki speaks out against GMOs” (or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl0-Ds6Cioc).5. Read about the science behind the salmon (or visit http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/issues/309/ge-fish/aquadvantage-salmon).


Quiz

Superfood or Frankenfish?Write the letter that corresponds to the best answer on the line beside each question:

______ 1. U.S. _____ and Drug Administrationa) Food b) Fishc) Farm d) Federale) Feed

______ 2. Which country produces the most genetically modified foods?a) Canada b) Chinac) France d) United Statese) Brazil

______ 3. Scientists modified which salmon species to produce a ‘supersalmon’?a) Atlantic b) Chinookc) Spring d) Cohoe) Sockeye

______ 4. True or False? ‘Supersalmon’ were created at Memorial University in Newfoundland.

______ 5. True or False? In Canada, GM foods are regulated by Statistics Canada.

6. Genetically modified foods are a good idea. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain.


Documents

teachers.sd43.bc.cateachers.sd43.bc.ca/ECupit/Lists/Homework 2/Attachme… · Web viewFor their part, SSA representatives ... thick air that is poisoning some of the world’s biggest