Quarter 3 Article 8

2) China says dams not to blame for low Mekong levels

3) Reuters: Apr 5th

5) Miller Chapter 12

6) Region: China

7) The Mekong River in China has shown extremely large water level drops recently. Their government is denying that it is the many dams present on the river and blaming it on abnormally dry weather. Neighboring countries of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos have also been affected by the water level drops. The major players in this controversy are requesting more data from China's hydroelectric stations to get a better idea of what may be causing the decreased water flow. As the meetings go on, China has shut down one of their hydroelectric dams to prevent impacts on fish migration.

8) I think that it is probably a combination of both the numerous dams and the dry weather that is causing such a decreased water flow. This article is a perfect example of how a renewable resource like hydroelectric power could have negative effects on the environment. Everything that alters the natural environment has a consequence.

9) Mekong River: one of the worlds largest rivers that services about 6 countries in south east asia.

Quarter 3 Article 7

2) How Wind Farms Affect the Global Climate

3) enn.com: Apr. 5, 2010

5) Miller Chapter 17

6) Global: all wind farms

7) It is now thought that wind farms may change the global climate according to a study done at MIT. On land, wind turbines create friction in the air raising the immediate temperature by 1 degree celsius. They also slow down the vertical turbulent motion which could potentially increase temperature. Over water, the scientists speculate that the turbines would actually lower the temperature due to surface friction and wave patterns. Finally, the turbines may also affect precipitation alter the local temp.

8) I think that even though the temperatures may be increased or decreased slightly by wind farms, they are still a good idea. The amount of greenhouse gasses and pollution that are prevented from entering the atmosphere far outweigh the slight temperature changes from wind turbines.

9)vertical turbulent motion: in this situation it is heat being transferred from the land surface into the lower atmosphere

Quarter 3 Article 6

2) Panel advises against Cape Cod wind project

3) Reuters: Apr. 10, 2010

5) Miller Chapter 17

6) Regional: Cape Cod

7) What would have been the construction of the country's first major off-shore wind farm was put on hold recently due to opposition from local business and politicians in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The farm would have powered 400,000 homes but would have also been in the view of many popular tourist areas and vacationing spots. They said the project would have affected 34 historic properties, including 16 historic districts, 12 historic properties and six properties of religious and cultural significance to local Indian tribes.

8) I think a major off-shore wind farm project is a great thing to undertake but i think that the location was a poor choice. Cape Cod is a very popular area that people visit for a good time and wonderful views; these wind turbines would be a major eye sore for such a beautiful place. If the project planners chose another place, their task probably would have been much more successful.

9) turbine: the wind turbines are giant wind mills that are rotated by the wind to produce energy.