In school, I take a class called AP Research. The goal of this class is to identify a gap in already existing research and see if you can plug that gap. As I have an interest in environmental policy, I focused on the reporting of scope 3 emissions and how the law can improve the process. Companies report emissions within 3 scopes: 1, 2, and 3. Scope 1 emissions are emissions that are emitted from objects directly owned by a company, so the emissions of a delivery truck would count as scope 1 emissions for that delivery company. Scope 2 emissions are the emissions produced from the day to day routine of a company. For example, heating, cooling and electricity emissions. Finally, scope 3 emissions are the emissions from an object that the company does not directly own or control, but they still use. Scope 3 emissions take up a majority of the emissions structure of a company, yet they are the most difficult to quantify. Because of this, many companies do not expend the resources necessary to compile the most accurate data, and end up under reporting their emissions. This is a problem because these emissions go into the atmosphere and contribute to the growing danger of climate change. In order to lessen the emissions that companies generate, there needs to be a greater understanding of just how much these companies are producing. I am researching solutions to this problem from a legal perspective. An idea that I have come across is integrated reporting. Integrated reporting is the combined reporting of both financial and social impact. Since scope 3 emissions fall under social reporting, if companies are forced to focus as much on their social reporting as they are on their financial reporting, the data that they release will be more accurate. 

As climate change brings more intense rainfall events, the importance of natural solutions to manage stormwater becomes more evident. One such solution lies in the power of trees – these majestic and often underappreciated assets can play a significant role in reducing stormwater and mitigating flooding in our town.

Intense storms can overwhelm stormwater infrastructure, leading to flooding, property damage, and increased erosion. Traditional engineering solutions like storm drains and retention basins have been essential. Still, they are often costly and may have limitations, especially in the face of more frequent and severe storms. This is where trees come into play.

Trees are nature’s own stormwater managers. Their canopies intercept rainfall, reducing the impact of raindrops on the ground and preventing soil erosion. The leaves and branches also slow down the flow of rainwater, allowing it to infiltrate the soil gradually. This natural filtration process helps to recharge groundwater and reduce the volume of water that enters storm drains.

Tree roots are like nature’s sponges, absorbing excess water from the soil. This not only prevents runoff but also reduces the strain on stormwater systems. Moreover, trees have the ability to uptake water through their roots and release it through a process called transpiration, which effectively cools the environment and lessens the load on stormwater systems during hot and rainy periods.

While trees can provide numerous benefits in stormwater management, the impact of building and urban development on trees cannot be ignored. The removal of trees to make way for buildings and infrastructure disrupts the natural stormwater management ecosystem that trees provide. When trees are removed, the soil loses its structural integrity, making it more prone to erosion. The absence of tree canopies also allows rainwater to hit the ground directly, increasing runoff and reducing the opportunity for infiltration. 

So as a homeowner, what can you do to mitigate the effects of building and development? The first is, do not clear-cut trees. Clear-cutting is the action of removing all of the trees from a specific area. By clear-cutting, that area of the community will become more susceptible to flooding and stormwater. In the same vein, do not remove healthy trees. Unless the tree is dead or posing a health hazard, the tree should remain upright. Another way to mitigate the effects of urban development is to utilize green infrastructure. Green infrastructure is an approach to water management that protects, restores or mimics the natural water cycle. Some examples include rain gardens, permeable pavements, green roofs, infiltration planters, trees, and tree boxes, and rainwater harvesting systems. 

My family comes from Assam, a state located in Northeast India. It is a land of enchanting landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. Nestled amidst the stunning vistas are the eco camps of Assam, offering an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. These eco-friendly retreats provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the region’s rich biodiversity, while also contributing to the preservation of the environment.

The eco camps of Assam are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings, allowing visitors to connect intimately with Mother Nature. Imagine waking up to the melodious chirping of birds, surrounded by lush greenery, and inhaling the refreshing scent of the wilderness. These camps are often located in remote areas, far from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering a serene environment for introspection and relaxation.

One of the core principles of eco camps in Assam is promoting responsible tourism. The operators take great care to minimize their ecological footprint, ensuring that the camps are sustainable and leave a positive impact on the environment and local communities. By choosing to stay at these eco-friendly retreats, visitors actively contribute to the conservation of Assam’s natural treasures.

Assam is renowned for its diverse wildlife, and many eco camps are strategically located near the state’s famed wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, and Nameri National Park are some of the prominent names that attract wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe. Staying in an eco camp in close proximity to these protected areas allows visitors to embark on thrilling jungle safaris, spotting rare and endangered species in their natural habitats.

Assam’s rich cultural heritage is equally enticing as its natural beauty. Eco camps often organize cultural programs, where visitors can experience the local music, dance, and cuisine, gaining insight into the lives of the indigenous communities. Such interactions foster a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultural tapestry of the state.

Assam’s eco camps are an exceptional gateway to nature’s paradise, offering an immersive experience in the lap of untouched wilderness. As we become increasingly aware of our responsibility to protect the environment, choosing eco-friendly alternatives for our travel becomes imperative. By staying at these eco camps, travelers not only create unforgettable memories but also actively participate in safeguarding the natural beauty and wildlife of Assam for generations to come. So, if you’re seeking a meaningful and sustainable travel experience, look no further than Assam’s eco camps for an unforgettable adventure amidst nature’s bounty.

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Angus Chen, a member of the Environmental Commission (EC) in my town.  He has a great interest in sustainability, especially finding ways to limit synthetic materials as well as finding ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. His personal passion is trying to find ways to divert more resources away from the landfill. 

He explained that one of the primary responsibilities of the EC is to review development plans. A lot of the projects that come to the EC are major developments or residential projects where there is some level of violation in terms of the plan.  For example, a project may have exceeded lot coverage and an assessment needs to be made on whether the project should be approved. And if the Zoning Board of Adjustment or the Planning Board decide to approve it, what measures should they take to allow approval. The project may have to make adjustments to the plan, add some green infrastructure to make sure that they are not releasing a high amount of stormwater into the stormwater system. A lot of the rules are geared toward when there is too much impervious coverage on a lot. That means there’s nothing to absorb the water when there’s nothing absorbed, the water has to go somewhere. And oftentimes it goes into the public system and if enough homes have high impervious coverage without green infrastructure, water that can potentially overload the system. And that is why there are set rules on how much coverage there is, and putting in solutions to mitigate those issues.  The EC also promotes environmental awareness and environmental responsibility. They find ways to protect our environment as best as we can. 

Mr. Chen had some suggestions to increase awareness of the three Rs – reduce reuse, recycle – and some tips to better execute them.  He explained that the three Rs are in a certain order for a reason. Recycle is last. Oftentimes people think about the third R first because that’s the most easily apparent one that they can do. Recycling is very challenging as a lot of materials are very difficult to recycle. Thus the third R is last, because only a small amount of what is potentially recycled is, actually recycled.  Also, using recycled material is a challenge as often it will cost more to use recycled material than it is to use new, what they call virgin material.

Hence the first thing we can always do is think about what we buy, think about what we use, and try to limit waste. For example, instead of buying bottled water, one could buy a better filtration system and use reusable bottles.  Also washing plates, dishware, and silverware instead of buying plastic plates, forks, and knives.  Try to reduce what you can, think about what effect an item that you buy will have on the environment. Regarding electronics, does it make sense to recycle a phone every two years? Try to extend the life of things. Always think about your own environment and the impact of what you do, like every drive that you take, everything that you consume, don’t overbuy things. That is why reducing consumption is a big thing because we know recycling doesn’t always work all the time. Another option is the middle r, reuse. If you don’t need something anymore, find someone else who can use it.

When asked about climate change and how the average citizen can make a difference, Mr. Chen said the air we breathe is important, and we should try to be conscious. For instance, people often sit in parking lots before they get on the train station and the car is idling. If we can limit idling, then we would not add exhaust – which is not good for the environment – into the air. For homeowners, finding ways to absorb more water in the system because though development is good we have to about whether it is really necessary to always build when its effect is to cut down trees. We have to think about the environmental effects much more when we build, take an extra step and not just do the bare minimum. Being exactly in compliance with rules doesn’t always move the needle with regard to climate change.

For the younger generation like me who care about the environment, Mr. Chen advised that we should try to engage with the environment. For example, we can garden, understand how things grow, find ways to really appreciate the environment for what it is, and the more understanding we have of our environment, the more conscious we would be to treat it as our own. Just like people take care of family, friends and their pet animals.

Taking on the responsibility to manage the recycling for the household, running the dishwasher at a full load to reduce water usage, turning off lights, and not wasting electricity are some easy ways to take care of the environment. Mr. Chen also encourages gardening for a younger generation, because this can help kids become accustomed to which trees are native and cultivating new growth in their own communities.  Mr. Chen also encouraged us to plant trees. Tree planting is extremely important to the environment, and this goes hand in hand with another post on this blog.

Today I want to talk about my town’s sewer plant. The aging infrastructure of the plant has reached a critical point, posing serious challenges and risks to the community. With the rapid growth and development in the area, the plant’s capacity has been pushed to its limits, unable to adequately handle the increasing demands.

One of the primary concerns is the plant’s outdated technology. The equipment and systems currently in place are obsolete and no longer efficient enough to handle the volume of wastewater generated by the town. This has led to frequent breakdowns, malfunctions, and costly repairs, causing disruptions in the sewage treatment process and compromising the plant’s ability to effectively treat wastewater.

The situation is further exacerbated by the town’s expanding population and increased commercial activities. As more residents move in and businesses flourish, the strain on the sewer system intensifies. The plant struggles to keep up with the rising demand, leading to overflows, backups, and potential health and environmental hazards.

The consequences of this sewer plant problem extend beyond the immediate inconveniences and safety concerns. Inadequate sewage treatment poses a risk to the local ecosystem, including nearby bodies of water and surrounding wildlife. Water pollution and contamination can have far-reaching effects on public health, ecosystems, and the overall quality of life in the area.

Recognizing the urgency and severity of the situation, town authorities have been looking for a solution. Plans for upgrading and modernizing the sewer plant are underway, with the aim of increasing its capacity, enhancing its efficiency, and implementing advanced technologies for more effective wastewater treatment. However, such improvements require substantial financial investments and careful planning to minimize disruptions to residents and businesses during the construction phase.

In the interim, the town has implemented temporary measures to alleviate the strain on the sewer plant. Public awareness campaigns promoting water conservation and responsible wastewater disposal have been launched, urging residents and businesses to be mindful of their water usage and adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Something that I focus a lot on is how I can make a difference in my town, and one of those ways is to help out the environmental commission. This month, helping out meant the tedious task of driving all over town and deciding whether houses should plant a small tree or a large one. This may seem inconsequential, but this very time consuming work is actually very important. Tree planting is very important for the environment. It can help increase air quality, provide much needed canopy cover during heat strokes, assist with flooding and surface runoff, and they hold plants and other vegetation in place with their complex root systems. Many houses in my town have open spaces, spaces that  could easily hold a tree or multiple trees. On top of this, there is a government incentive. The state that I reside in gives out grants to towns in order to plant trees. The goal of this is to try to sow a community of tree planters that can help raise the tree population of our state. My job in all of this was to sort of canvas each of the houses that volunteered to plant a tree and see if their house could fit either a large or small tree, as mentioned before. This is important because property laws prohibit every house from growing a massive tree, so in order for every house to contribute maximally to the cause, I had to canvas each one individually. 

  Today I wanted to talk about the effect that Artificial Intelligence has on the environment. Artificial Intelligence is a very talked about concept in the world today, and many experts still debate whether the pros of it outweigh the cons. Many times when a discussion of AI comes up, the main topic focuses on the human element or whether AI is being used correctly. I want to switch gears and talk about how the introduction of AI may be affecting the environment. Powering AI requires an enormous amount of fuel. According to cfr.org, powering a single AI machine can emit over 250,000 pounds of carbon dioxide. The Artificial intelligence industry emits the same amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as the aviation industry, a known contributor to the overwhelming amount of fuel being burned into the air. The difference is, activists are championing against the use of planes and cars by promoting things like electrical cars and automobiles. Making these methods of transportation means using AI extensively, which in turn burns fuel. So while the public thinks that electric cars may be saving the environment, the production of these cars is still contributing to things like climate change. There is still an argument for the use of AI in environmental issues though. While using AI may burn fuel, what inventors can create with it may not only offset the fuel burned but create a return on investment. This is a dilemma for environmental activists because on the one hand cutting out AI will create an immediate difference, but using AI may create a more prolonged effect on the environment.