Albedo refers to the percentage of solar radiation that is reflected from a surface. The energy not reflected is absorbed. Explain how paving a grass (high albedo) parking area with asphalt (low albedo) can contribute to climate change.

Coal Companies and the External Costs of Coal

Coal companies must necessarily mine coal where they find it. This often results in people living near surface mines suffering a loss in their quality of life, and sometimes outright damage to property and health. Among these losses are sleep loss, higher cancer rates, contamination of drinking water, pervasive coal dust, structural damage to buildings, and even threats from coal miners. These damages or costs are not reflected in the price of coal and are called external costs by economists. These costs to people and society are not paid by the coal companies or their customers, but are paid by the victims. Respond to the question, " Should coal companies be required to compensate people who live near surface mines and suffer suffer property and health damage as a result?" Please post your one paragraph response with your name and class period.

The Role of Oxygen in the Atmosphere

Explain how oxygen became part of our atmosphere and the various ways it makes life possible on Earth. You need to answer fully in 2 to 3 complete sentences.

Climate Change - What is the Cause?

Climate change is a fact of life that all citizens of the world must face. The evidence is overwhelming that temperatures are increasing world-wide, despite denials from vested interests. The real question is how much human activities are influencing the situations. After reading the article about climate change facts, what is your opinion? Support it with facts from the article.

Rick's First Entry

<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/2579445?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/2579445%22%3ECanoe - Sampling Eastern Lake</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/wholeo%22%3ECaroling Wholeo</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com%22%3evimeo%3c/a%3E.%3C/p>