RD7 Julieta Altamirano by Julieta Altamirano https://padlet.com/jjulietaaltamirano/1dyrf9v7krltomnm en-us 2023-01-16 16:50:07 UTC 2023-02-13 14:10:33 UTC hello@padlet.com January 16, 2023 jjulietaaltamirano https://padlet.com/jjulietaaltamirano/1dyrf9v7krltomnm/wish/2445876935 Summary
I read “The ozone layer is on track to recover in the coming decades, the United Nations says” by Jaclyn Diaz, in the NPR (National Public Radio) magazine.

The main purpose of the author is to inform the ongoing recovery of the Earth’s ozone layer, according to a new report provided by scientists working on the Montreal Protocol.
The ozone layer has been damaged throughout the years due to the release of industrial chemicals in to the atmosphere. Since the discovery of a hole in the ozone layer in 1985 the Montreal Protocol prohibits the use of ozone-damaging chemicals. This global agreement prevents the emission of some important greenhouse gases, that’s why it also contributes reducing global warming and climate change. Due to the Montreal Protocol scientists estimate that the ozone layer will be fully recovered by 2066 in Antarctica and 2044 in the Artic.

Reflection
After I read the article I said to myself, wow, this is great news for the planet. However, it’s important to highlight what the author said: “the depletion of the ozone layer is not a major cause of climate change”, it means that the rate of greenhouse gas emissions is still rising. Thanks to that agreement we got rid of many chemicals, but it’s not over, scientists are very worried that the earth situation is going to be critical soon, before the estimated recovery of the ozone layer. So, I think that the author lacked emphasis in that, readers must know that are lots of things and actions left to do.

Vocabulary
phaseout 
banned
overstressed
assessment
undertake
amendment

]]> 2023-01-16 16:58:59 UTC https://padlet.com/jjulietaaltamirano/1dyrf9v7krltomnm/wish/2445876935 January 24, 2023 jjulietaaltamirano https://padlet.com/jjulietaaltamirano/1dyrf9v7krltomnm/wish/2452106841 Summary
I read the article "Dead Penguins Keep Washing Up on New
Zealand’s Beaches. Here’s Why" by Gavin Butler. Source: Vice World News.

Last year hundreds of Kororā penguins, chicks and adults, were found dead in the shores of New Zealand. The penguins were in extreme underweight, without any fat or muscles, which indicates that they died due to starvation.
2021 was reported the warmest year on record with surrounding oceans 3°C warmer. Scientist believe that fish, as a result of warmer waters, had to migrate to deeper colder waters and as a consequence the penguins couldn't reach the food. Moreover, they may be dying of hypothermia as they loose the fat layer (blubber) needed to keep themselves warm. As more adults die to replace the population entire colonies are disappearing.

Reflection
The increase of ocean temperatures is causing lots of problems to marine organisms, this is just one example in New Zealand. In general, when it comes to climate change people are unaware of the worldwide effects of warmer oceans, beyond ice pole melting and rising sea levels. I believe that it's a very important topic as the effects are currently taking place and it's a situation so difficult to reverse.

Vocabulary
flock
to waddle up
rot (decay)
blubber
wager]]> 2023-01-22 00:31:00 UTC https://padlet.com/jjulietaaltamirano/1dyrf9v7krltomnm/wish/2452106841 February 06, 2023 jjulietaaltamirano https://padlet.com/jjulietaaltamirano/1dyrf9v7krltomnm/wish/2465188471 Summary
I selected an article published in Atlas Obscura in January 2022 titled “How Volcanologists Tracked a Violent, Months-Long Eruption”.

It's about the important volcanic eruption that took place in La Palma, one of the Canary Islands in Spain. It occurred in 2021 and lasted three months, from September to the end of December. The author informs the main causes and consequences of the event, giving a great summary after volcanism on the island ceased.

The island was originated by a mantle plume, and the main volcano Cumbre Vieja had been inactive for the last 50 years. However, volcanologists began to worry when some symptoms appeared, such as frequent shallow earthquakes and surface inflation. To detect movement and surface changes, they employed seismometers and GPS stations. Also, it was important the study of the eruptive history of the volcano to predict its eruptive style and duration.

During the eruption, lava flow covered large areas and destroyed many houses and farmland. Other significant effects included ash, lava bomb explosions, release of dangerous gases into the atmosphere and acid rain; but thanks to volcano monitoring and early evacuation no one passed away.

Reflection
What is remarkable for me is the multidisciplinary effort of scientists this event brought to track the volcano's activity in order to protect people and save lives. We often think that scientists aren't involved in social issues at all, but here it's an example of how significant is to have experts in this field.

Vocabulary
nascent field 
mantle plume
quiescent (inactive)
slumber (sleep)
amid (in the middle)]]> 2023-02-01 20:14:40 UTC https://padlet.com/jjulietaaltamirano/1dyrf9v7krltomnm/wish/2465188471 February 13, 2023 jjulietaaltamirano https://padlet.com/jjulietaaltamirano/1dyrf9v7krltomnm/wish/2478085849 Summary
I read 'Zombie' Viruses, Up to 50,000 Years Old, Are Awakening, published in Discover Magazine last year December 22nd. The author, by citing the original article from BioRxiv magazine, informs the reader about a recent discovery in Siberia.

As a result of increasing Arctic temperatures, permafrost thawing is causing the release of ancient pathogens. Lately, scientists collected samples in soils and from wolves and mammoths recently found in Siberia and registered 13 new 'zombie' viruses 30,000 - 50,000 years old. By now, viruses only attacked amoebas, but those now trapped may be released in the next years, and other beings apart from single-cell organisms could be affected. However, there're divided opinions on if those could pass over to people, as some may not survive the cold temperatures or it's unknown how infectious they're after exposure. Also, if necessary, it's being considered using amoebas to protect people against new pathogens. 

Reflection
The possibility that these zombie viruses could infect people is a new and still-evolving subject. I think that as the rate of ice melting keeps rising this could be an important threat for humans in the future. It could lead to very challenging problems if new diseases related to climate change begin to suddenly flourish.

Vocabulary
idle (lazy, inactive)
thaw (defrost)
scrutinized (analyze)
spillover (overabundance)]]> 2023-02-12 21:14:57 UTC https://padlet.com/jjulietaaltamirano/1dyrf9v7krltomnm/wish/2478085849