My Portfolio by Luis Torres-Castillo https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0 en-us 2023-01-23 16:12:01 UTC 2025-12-25 06:36:16 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f4c0.png My Personal Biography ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2456391633 My name is Luis Torres-Castillo and I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and I have never left either the state or the country before. Some facts about me are, My favorite food is alfredo pasta, my favorite place to visit is the beach especially at night when it is tranquil, and my favorite hobby to pass the time is playing video games with my friends or watching a good action movie. I attend the Miami Dade College West Campus, where I am studying business administration and getting my associates degree, I also hope to get bachelors degree in business as well. I pride myself on how persistent I am in achieving my goals, my first goal is to graduate from college with my degree and my second goal is to find a career that I will excel in and provide me with a comfortable life for me and my family. I consider myself to be simple and have realistic ambitions, I hope that I have a great semester and learn in this class. 



]]> 2023-01-25 16:11:39 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2456391633 Climate Gentrification ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2456396402 The video I just watched really enlightened me on what was going on in the poorer neighborhoods of Miami. I knew that climate change was an issue that affected Miami especially since most of Miami is at sea level, and I knew about the gentrification of poorer neighborhoods where new developments would price out the people already living there in favor of more wealthy residents. The video showed me that now there is climate gentrification in which, companies are purposefully pressuring low-income households to sell and move to a different area that is more suceptible to climate change in order to turn a profit. It made me glad when the city of Miami passed a law into researching the causes of climate gentrification and what the impact of it would mean to the city and the more finacially challenged families of Little Haiti, Allapatah, Overtown, etc. Although it's going to take time to solve this problem I believe that the city is heading in the right direction and hopefully there will be a solution agreeable to everyone.]]> 2023-01-25 16:14:25 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2456396402 The Story of Stuff ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2456398663 The story I have selected is "This Land is Our Land" What caught my attention from the beginning was that Nestle was still drawing water from the national forests even after their permit had expired back in 1988, what was more astonishing was that the U.S. National Forest Service only receives $524 in recompense annually for the use of the water from public lands. It's really heartbreaking to see that nothing is being done about this issue, the community and concerned citizens and other nature and wildlife experts are begging the U.S. Forest Service to talk with Nestle and negotiate so that Nestle can act in a more sustainable way, but as shown in the video all they are met with is silence. If this doesn't get the attention it deserves then who knows what other water bottling companies will do, will they harvest the water from other national forests and ruin the ecosystem there. Unless the government take an active role in stopping this then the creek from the video will end dried up and hundreds if not thousands of wild creatures will be impacted negatively.]]> 2023-01-25 16:15:49 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2456398663 Food Security and Nutrition and Sustainable Agriculture ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2461669440 As the population of the world continues to grow, our capacity for making food is staying the same, even now there are millions of people who don't have access to the adequate amount of food in order to be nourished. The United Nation's zero hunger challenge aims to eliminate world hunger and malnutrition by ensuring 100% access to adequate food all year round, food production is sustainable, there is zero food waste, and increase productivity in small farms.

Source:Food security and nutrition and sustainable agriculture | Department of Economic and Social Affairs (un.org) 

]]> 2023-01-30 16:14:15 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2461669440 Sunscreens ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2464848209 2023-02-01 16:24:14 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2464848209 Guide to Energy ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2464849583 2023-02-01 16:25:05 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2464849583 Renewable Energy Discussion ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2470385347 This video caught my eye because it highlights a problem, I didn't know we had for achieving green energy. We can build solar panel farms and wind turbines all day, but we won't be able to use the clean energy if we don't upgrade our electrical infrastructure. The United States is severely lacking behind other countries and if we don't act fast, we could have a problem in our hands when our non-renewable resources run out.]]> 2023-02-06 16:36:27 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2470385347 Renewable Energy Quiz ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2470387628 2023-02-06 16:37:48 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2470387628 What can we do in order to produce food more sustainably for people experiencing food insecurity? ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2473738951 Food insecurity is described as not being able to afford food and in the United States alone, more than 34 million people, 9 million of which are children experience food insecurity. I am going to explore what countries, organizations, and individuals are doing to combat food insecurity. On the individual level you can volunteer at your local soup kitchen or donate to a food bank. Organizations help by sending volunteers to areas with high food insecurity and help them feed themselves with zero food wasted. Countries help by sending aid in the form of food or volunteers to help cultivate food to impoverished areas.

Action Against Hunger. (2023). World Hunger Facts & Statistics. Action Against Hunger. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://www.actionagainsthunger.org/the-hunger-crisis/world-hunger-facts/
Smith, J. (2020, September 10). How to Fight Food Insecurity - Hunger in America. Prevention.com. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/g33958926/food-insecurity-in-us/
United States Department of Agriculture. (2022, October 17). Key Statistics & Graphics. USDA ERS. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/key-statistics-graphics/
]]> 2023-02-08 16:38:14 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2473738951 Food Bank Donations ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2473739986 2023-02-08 16:38:50 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2473739986 Volunteering at a Kitchen ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2473742018 2023-02-08 16:40:05 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2473742018 Why are fossil fuels used? ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2476642013 Fossil fuels are largely used in comparison to renewable energy because fossil fuels are more efficient at producing energy renewable energy sources. They also generate the same amount of electricity in less space than renewable energy and are less expensive than nuclear energy. Other factors such as the current electrical infrastructure prevent us from being completely dependent on renewable energy because the grid cannot handle the increase in power running through the power lines.]]> 2023-02-10 16:19:25 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2476642013 How much land does it take to power the world? ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2476648848 2023-02-10 16:24:36 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2476648848 Wind Energy In Florida ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2483762314 Wind energy is not yet a major source of electricity in Florida due to several factors. The state's geography, which is relatively flat, means that there are few areas with the elevation changes necessary to generate significant wind speeds. In addition, the state is prone to extreme weather events such as hurricanes, which can make wind turbines vulnerable to damage. As a result, wind energy only accounted for 1% of Florida's electricity generation in 2020, with natural gas and coal being the primary sources of energy.

U.S. Energy Information Administration. (n.d.). Florida Energy Estimates. Independent Statistics and Analysis. Retrieved February 15, 2023, from https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=FL
]]> 2023-02-15 16:45:30 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2483762314 Microbes That Eat Trash ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2486540750 I have always heard that plastics were non-degradable or at least took millions of years to dissipate, so I was very surprised when I found out that Japanese researchers have found not one but two undiscovered bacteria's that can eat and dispose of plastic. Unfortunately, they can't dispose of it fast enough but if the researchers are somehow able to replicate the genes in the bacteria for eating plastic, then we can use that to help clean up the massive plastic pollution that we have on Earth.

Source:The smallest solution to one of our biggest problems - Tierney Thys & Christian Sardet - YouTube 

]]> 2023-02-17 16:36:06 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2486540750 Humanity Discussion ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2494106253 What led me to reflect on this video was that the world almost ended in 1995, the Russian had mistaken a weather rocket for an actual nuclear missile, and they were so close to firing back, but luckily cooler heads prevailed. A computer glitch could have ended everything, and the decision would have been made by one person, so it really puts into perspective how fragile life on Earth is especially with nuclear weapons that can wipe out humanity.]]> 2023-02-24 16:32:17 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2494106253 Wavelengths ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2512040290 The wavelength of light is the distance between two successive crests or troughs of the light wave. The wavelength of light determines its color. The human eye can see the light spectrum ranging from 400 nanometers to about 700 nanometers.]]> 2023-03-10 16:03:46 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2512040290 Electromagnetic Spectrum ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2526277098 2023-03-22 00:50:23 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2526277098 Reflections ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2526280430 Reflections are the abrupt change in the direction of propagation of a wave that strikes the boundary between different mediums.]]> 2023-03-22 00:53:00 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2526280430 Heat ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2526285097 Heat transfer is the movement of energy and entropy from hot to cold regions, It can happen in three ways: conduction, convection, and radiation, depending on the medium and the distance, Heat transfer is important for many applications, such as engineering, cooking, climate, and life.]]> 2023-03-22 00:56:51 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2526285097 Continents and Oceans ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2526291936 Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains how major landforms are created as a result of Earth’s subterranean movements. The theory, transformed the earth sciences by explaining many phenomena, including mountain building events, volcanoes, and earthquakes.]]> 2023-03-22 01:01:52 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2526291936 Pangea ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2533275981 2023-03-27 15:12:03 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2533275981 Goal 2 ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2536904869 I selected the zero hunger goal because I believe that hunger can be eliminated within our lifetime, but only if it's through a collective effort and through sustainable practices. Climate change affects the whole planet, especially agriculture. the challenges that climate change poses to the zero hunger goals are decreased crop yields, reduced livestock production, and unsuitable weather. All of these issues combined make it harder for the UN to realize their goal of ending world hunger.]]> 2023-03-29 15:18:23 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2536904869 Desalinization ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2545141923 Desalination is the process of removing salt and minerals from seawater, can be a viable solution to provide fresh water to dry areas of the world. As many regions are facing water scarcity due to climate change, population growth, and other factors, desalination can provide a sustainable and reliable source of water. Desalination can be achieved through two main methods: reverse osmosis and thermal distillation. Reverse osmosis involves pushing seawater through a membrane that filters out salt and other impurities, while thermal distillation involves heating seawater until it evaporates and then condensing the resulting vapor to produce freshwater. Desalination plants can be built near coastal areas with access to seawater and can provide a consistent supply of freshwater to communities, industries, and agriculture. However, desalination requires significant energy and financial investments, making it a more expensive option compared to traditional freshwater sources. Additionally, desalination plants can have negative environmental impacts, such as the discharge of concentrated brine and the intake of marine organisms. Overall, while desalination can provide a solution to water scarcity in dry areas of the world, it should be considered alongside other sustainable water management practices to ensure its viability and minimize its environmental impact.]]> 2023-04-05 15:22:36 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2545141923 ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2545142666 2023-04-05 15:23:21 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2545142666 ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2545143150 2023-04-05 15:23:46 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2545143150 Single-Family Homes ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2554707413 It was not surprising to learn that single-family homes have a significant impact on the environment, primarily through their energy consumption and carbon emissions. These types of homes account for a substantial portion of greenhouse gas emissions, which are a leading cause of climate change. Energy consumption in single-family homes is also high, with the use of heating and cooling systems being the largest contributor. Additionally, single-family homes often require a lot of natural resources during their construction, such as wood, steel, and concrete. These materials can be energy-intensive to produce and transport, resulting in significant carbon emissions. Furthermore, the large lot sizes and expansive lawns common in single-family homes can lead to water wastage and contribute to urban sprawl. As such, there is a growing interest in making single-family homes more sustainable, with energy-efficient appliances and building materials, renewable energy sources, and water-saving technologies being popular solutions. By implementing these changes, we can reduce the environmental impact of single-family homes and help to mitigate climate change.]]> 2023-04-14 15:35:01 UTC https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2554707413 Reflection on Science ltorrescastillo001 https://padlet.com/ltorrescastillo001/m8qwljn86sycmuh0/wish/2557200185 Before this course, the word science was just another synonym for boring class. I knew that it had to do with things like the environment, medicine, technology, and etc. I expected to be about as engaged in this class as any other college student and I expected this class to be tough and that this was going to be my class with the lowest grade, but I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself intrigued by the lectures and their real-world impacts and how easy the material was to learn, also this is my highest graded class.

During the course, I began to develop a greater appreciation for science and found myself eagerly anticipating each class. Unlike my previous experiences with science classes, where my professors simply to us to read from the book and gave out boring handouts, the assignments in this class were always enjoyable and engaging. It felt like science was meant to be this way, full of discovery and curiosity. With the teaching of relevant topics, I learned to keep up with the latest trends in the field and the real world. Moreover, Professor Revuelta was incredibly patient with us and knowledgeable as a teacher, which made the learning experience even better.

I can say with confidence that taking this course has been a transformative experience for me, as it has expanded my knowledge and understanding of natural science. Before this class, my awareness of environmental issues and climate change was limited, but now I am more informed and engaged on these topics. The course material was eye-opening, revealing the devastating effects of human activity on the planet and the urgent need to take better care of our environment. Learning about the various ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity has made me more aware of the delicate balance of life on Earth and our responsibility to protect it. Overall, I really am glad I took this class, and I am grateful for my professor for teaching it.

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