Global shift away from Cars Would Save Trillions, Eliminate 1,700 Megatons of Carbon Dioxide Pollution

車離れで二酸化炭素削減、生命救う

According to Science Daily, "More than $100 trillion in cumulative public and private spending, and 1,700 megatons of annual carbon dioxide -- a 40 percent reduction of urban passenger transport emissions -- could be eliminated by 2050 if the world expands public transportation, walking and cycling in cities, according to a new report."

In place of fossil-burning cars, a combination of an increase in public transportation, walking, and cycling in cities would reduce emissions, result in 1.4 million fewer early deaths, and save money.

Read more.


© CycleKyoto.com

CycleKyoto Home Page

Tags Japan Touring Kyoto Cycle Japanese

PM 2.5 in Kyoto

ＰＭ２・５、京滋で上昇　全国各地に注意喚起も

Tiny particles known as PM 2.5 are heavy in the skies of Japan now.

According to the New York State Department of Health, particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) "refers to tiny particles or droplets in the air that are two and one half microns or less in width. Like inches, meters and miles, a micron is a unit of measurement for distance. There are about 25,000 microns in an inch. The widths of the larger particles in the PM2.5 size range would be about thirty times smaller than that of a human hair. The smaller particles are so small that several thousand of them could fit on the period at the end of this sentence."

These particles are able to enter deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs. "Exposure to fine particles can cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. Exposure to fine particles can also affect lung function and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Scientific studies have linked increases in daily PM2.5 exposure with increased respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions, emergency department visits and deaths. Studies also suggest that long term exposure to fine particulate matter may be associated with increased rates of chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function and increased mortality from lung cancer and heart disease. People with breathing and heart problems, children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM2.5."

Yikes.

In Kyoto, yesterday, the city's measure of the particles stood at 63 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m3), which is above the limit the city considers safe for health. Out in rural Kyoto, the city of Fukuchiyama hit 103 at 11 am.

Much of the pollution is thought to be emanating from factories and automobiles in China.

Uncomfortable? Yes. Weird looking? Probably. However, we are wearing the mask when we cycle now.

Otenki Navigator (Weather Navigator) gives updates on the level of PM 2.5. Click on 健康／生活 and then on the PM link.

Source: Kyoto Shinbun


© CycleKyoto.com

CycleKyoto Home Page

Tags Japan Touring Kyoto Cycle Japanese

New Kyoto Mega Solar Facility to Open in Yamashina

山科浄水場所の大規模太陽光発電備が稼働

At a water treatment plant in the Yamashina section of the city, which is on the way to Shiga Prefecture and Lake Biwa, a new solar plant will begin operation on November 2.

The "mega solar" will produce 82,500 kilowatt hours of electricity, which is roughly a year's supply for 180 households.

The electricity will be sold to the region's power company, Kansai Electric, and is predicted to generate 33 million yen (USD $330,000).

Those funds will be used by the water company to maintain and update its pipes, treatment plants, etc.

This plant joins a larger facility that opened in August in south Kyoto. That facility, not far from the Katsura River, is also at the site of a water treatment plant. It consists of 4,144 solar panels that are expected to generate 90,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, or 36 million yen ($360,000).

In addition,the city has plans to open other mega solar facilities at the Matsugasaki and Ishida water plants.


© CycleKyoto.com

CycleKyoto Home Page

Tags Japan Touring Kyoto Cycle Japanese

List of Extinct and Endangered Species in Kyoto Updated

「絶滅」リスト１１年ぶり改訂

The list of species that have become extinct or threatened in Kyoto Prefecture was recently released in the Red Data Book.

It was updated for the first time in 11 years.

Plant and animal species are categorized as being:

Extinct in the Prefecture
On the Verge of Extinction
Increased Threat of Extinction
Possible Threat of Extinction
Vulnerable Species

In the recent survey, a total of 1,872 species were listed.

In 2002, one hundred species were listed as extinct. This time around there were ninety-three.

Species that are now thought to be extinct include the Bekko Tombo, an amber colored dragonfly.

Because of ravenous deer, the Eizan Sumire - a variety of violet - is on the verge of extinction.


© CycleKyoto.com

CycleKyoto Home Page

Tags Japan Touring Kyoto Cycle Japanese