Can we save the Earth by algae oil?

BMW by TheAlieness GiselaGiardino

In this “green” section, we usually publish texts focused on how to live more environmentally friendly. However, this time it will be about some intriguing research, which can help us to get rid of the feelings of guilt associated with driving our gas guzzling cars. One of the important parts of our daily routine is oil. Almost everyone in the developed countries has a car, which is a necessary part of everyday life, and so do I, as most of the realtors who have to drive around their neighbourhoods on a daily basis. Without our dear cars, the life would be so much more difficult. Unfortunately, we all know the two crucial problems connected to driving: unsound oil supplies driving prices up and down and the environmental harm caused by fuel burning and the related carbon dioxide emissions.

The Institute for Genomic Research was founded by Craig Venter, an American biologist and a successful businessman. He mainly deals with genetic engineering and his latest project has caused a great deal of heated debate.

A number of experiments have already been working with biofuels, some of them also with natural oil produced by algae. But Venter has more ambitions than that. His goal is to change the genomic make-up of algae so that they would produce oil nearly identical as traditional crude oil. If that works out, we would be able to use the available refineries and other oil industry infrastructure already available. Also plastics could be produced the same way as from crude oil refining, using the same production plants. As Exxon Mobile, being one of the most successful oil producers in the world, heard of all this, they gave Venter a $600 million grant to go on with his research.

Now your question might be, where is the environmental benefit? Well, right here. Oil production based on algae may quite likely be the solution to one of the most serious threats facing the world today. During the photosynthesis process, plants utilize the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it to create the oil, which is later burned and turned into oxalates. It will of course take more time to work all this out, this promising solution won’t be available this or next year. But for sure it is a hopeful way to try, and Craig Venter with his team have made the first steps towards a success on a field where others have already tried and failed. There are many people out there that want to protect the environment, but due to their occupation, it is very difficult for them to stop using cars, just like so many of my Toronto real estate colleagues can’t.

Overhaul of Public Transportation System in Toronto: Eventually!

by ithinkx

Since 2007, the critical public transport restructuring in the Ontario region has been hugely expected by the public. Increasing subways, trains, bus lines and selected highways are just a few of the 52 transit projects in the 12 year ‘MoveOntario 2020′ plan. The biggest beneficiary is expected to be GTA. Definate effects will be seen in real estate with demand rising in affected areas. The environment will also see definate effect for those living in the area.

Real Estate: Growing Values

Working out how real estate prices are predicted is complicated but the most important variables when calculating property prices is suitability. Property values near railway stations will rise according to various studies. A comparison was made in Portland between houses within a 500m area of a light railway station and those found further away. The houses nearer the station sold for 10% more. Within a recorded half-milerange of new stations there will be a positive growth in property prices.

Air quality: a genuine environmental impact

Damaging elements of exhaust gases poison our bodies. Long term these gases cause serious disease and possibly premature death. The respiratory (lungs) and cardiovascular (heart & veins) systems are among the most affected.

Contaminants and fine specks enter our body as we breath. As air is not pure these specks stay in our lungs causing hypersensitivity and in some cases irreversible damage. Respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis and chronic respiratory disease can be caused by toxins in the air. It can lead to blood clots, heart attacks and a briefer lifespan. Research is continuing but at the moment, in Toronto, about 1.700 premature deaths are grouped with air pollution each year.

What about the drivers?

It is believed that this restructuring plan will curtail approximately 300 million car trips, which in turn will reduce the greenhouse emissions. Can it work? Is this the best answer to have cleaner air? The plan is clearly fixing on the public transport restructuring, showing consideration to the railways, bikers and pedestrians before the drivers; of course expanding capacity of those means of transport is the way to go, but the needs of every-day drivers must not be buried. At the moment, motorists in Toronto spend about 67 hours in traffic jams every year. And according to a congestion study, in 20 years cars will still account for about 70 per-cent of all excursions made in Toronto despite the increased capacity of other means of transport. For instance, I know for sure that the majority of my colleagues working in Toronto real estate will never give up their cars no matter the cost or availability of public transportation.

Since the stop-and-go traffic creates far more exhaust gas than idling, any project claiming its aim is to better the air condition has to include goals cut out congestion and improving traffic flow in general. Or maybe the way to go is to find inspiration in the recent plans of Israel or Denmark. Denmark and Israel have given exemptions and built charging stations so advocating the electromobile vehicle. GTA should not rely solely on upgrading the capacity of the public transport system. It has to answer the requirements of those who chose cars as their foremost means for transportation.