Newsletter No. 379

No. 379, 4.6.2011 3 對核能的再思 On Nuclear 福島核危機發生後,環繞核電的爭議更大了。奕珊和倩雯都覺得未來 世界不能依賴核能。倩雯認為應停建新核電廠,並確保現有電廠安全。 「我們對於化石燃料的依賴尚很難改變,但應該開始減少碳排放,研 究更多替代化石燃料的新能源。」 奕珊則說:「我在考察旅程中問過蜆殼公司代表對核能的看法。他們都 覺得核能潔淨、安全,足以取代化石燃料。但經過這次日本的危機,他 們的看法可能有所不同了。」 In the wake of the nuclear crisis in Fukushima, nuclear energy becomes more controversial than ever before. Both Carol and Cindy believe that the world’s future does not lie in nuclear. Cindy’s stance on nuclear is to stop building new facilities and to ensure existing ones are safe. ‘It’s hard to change our dependence on fossil fuel. We should start by reducing our carbon emission and conducting more research on alternatives to fossil fuel.’ Carol said, ‘I asked the Shell representatives at the expedition how they felt about nuclear energy. They said it’s safe and clean, and is a good replacement for fossil fuel. But after the crisis in Japan, they might change their minds.’ 現代生活的諷刺 Some Ironies of Modern Life 倩雯:「參加這趟考察之旅,每人平均製造了十噸二氧化碳排放量;而 已發展國家的每年人均二氧化碳排放量才是十三噸。你說是不是有點 諷刺?」 奕珊:「有些人提出,船上有一些不必要的燈一直亮着,更換毛巾和床 單的次數太頻密。主辦方從善如流。我覺得這是好事。我們無需酒店 式享受,那與我們到那裏的目的背道而馳。」 Cindy: ‘It’s interesting the carbon footprint of the expedition was 10 tons of CO 2 per person. In the developed world, CO 2 emission is 13 tons per person per year.’ Carol: ‘Some people brought up the issue of how lights were left on on the ship even when they weren’t needed, and how towels and beddings were changed more often than necessary. Changes were made to accommodate those requests. I think it’s a good thing. There was no need to live like we were in a hotel. That would defeat the whole purpose of us being there.’ 南極洲是地球上最古老、最乾燥、風最大和平均海拔最高的大陸。這片氣候嚴酷、路遙阻隔的土 地,擁有世界百分之九十的冰和百分之七十的水。曾踏足南極的人不足三十五萬。這裏沒有政府, 不屬於任何國家,現在由有四十六個國家簽署的《南極公約》保護。該公約禁止在當地進行軍事 活動、鑽油、採礦,而支持科研和保護臭氧層。由於氣候變遷,南極百分之八十的冰川正在融化 縮退,冰川流速在過去十年加快了百分之十二,氣溫在過去五十年上升了攝氏三度。 Antarctica is the oldest, windiest and driest continent on earth and it has the highest average altitude. Harsh and inaccessible, it contains 90% of the world’s ice and 70% of the world’s water. Fewer than 350,000 people have set foot on it. With no government and belonging to no country, it’s currently protected by the Antarctic Treaty, which is signed by 46 countries, prohibiting military activities, drilling and mining on the continent, supporting scientific research, and protecting the continent’s ecozone. Due to climate change, over 80% of the continent’s glaciers are receding, the flow rate of glaciers has increased by 12% over the last 10 years, and air temperature of the continent has gone up by 3°C in the past 50 years. On board the ship, the programme usually lasted until 10 pm. After that we would chat to people in the fire lounge, until midnight.’ Climate Change Carol and Cindy noticed that the effects of climate change were evident in Antarctica. Cindy said, ‘Larsen B, an ice-shelf the size of France, collapsed in 2002. Ice shelf collapse contributes to global sea level rise, because the glaciers that feed them speed up and get thinner, thereby supplying more ice to the oceans. On the other hand, they lay bare stones and rocks on the mountains, which absorb heat, further hastening climate change.’ Antarctica is home to seals, humpback whales and penguins. Carol and Cindy observed that penguins seemed to be curious about them because they were the only splotches of colour in the blue and white landscape. They also learnt something about penguins. ‘Their habits and numbers have been affected by climate change. Adélie and chinstrap penguins, two of the three species found in Antarctica, have declined in numbers due to warmer temperatures,’ Carol remarked. Eye-openers The entire trip was eye-opening for the girls, but there were moments that struck a deeper chord. ‘On the night we camped outdoors, it was very quiet. There was no sound except for the occasional thunderous roar of an avalanche. Before we left in the morning, I saw one very young penguin. It was all alone, and there were predators—seals—in the distance. It was in danger, yet it seemed at ease, going up higher and looking around. It was living in the moment. I thought we could learn something from this penguin, learn how to live everyday to the fullest,’ remarked Cindy. For Carol, it was something else that triggered more profound reflections. ‘On Deception Island, we saw old whale oil processing drums from the whaling industry and the built structures of a British naval base, all fallen into disuse. Penguins and seals were going in and out of the houses. Now a part of the heritage of Antarctica, they look quite stunning, but if you think about it, they embody the havoc that human beings can wreak on the wilderness,’ she said. Lesson Learnt Carol foresees that environmental protection will play a role in her future career. ‘Engineering is about the optimization of resources. As I proceed with my major area of study, I’ll try to link up engineering and environmental protection, and hopefully, engage in work that introduces the latter to my industry,’ she predicts. Cindy said, ‘My short-term aim is to share my experience with the public through talks and radio programmes. Eventually I want to find a job that’s related to environmental protection, and if I were to pursue further studies, it would be in urban planning or NGO administration.’ 南極小知識 Antarctica Primer

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