Powering Toronto with Trash: A Municipal Perspective on Biomass Energy Conversion
Likithan Vijeyarajah
501030549
CCHY583 - Alternative Energies
Dr. Muhammad Yousaf
June 4, 2023
With its iconic skyline, thriving technology industry and diverse population, Toronto is one of the largest cities in the world with a population of more than 3 million people (City of Toronto, 2023). Similar to other metropolitan cities with a sizable population, Toronto is facing a significant waste management challenge that requires immediate action to ensure the longevity of its environment and residents. Despite the efforts made by the City of Toronto to reduce its environmental impact, Toronto continues to produce almost 900,000
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With the creation of new jobs and increased economic growth, Toronto’s economy flourishes in prosperity, fueling sustainable business growth. In an article published in the Applied Economics of Energy and Environment in Sustainability about the challenges of improving environmental sustainability without impairing employment, Go et al. mentions that biomass energy allows for a large number of jobs to be created both in the construction phase and in the long-term operation and maintenance of biomass plants (Ng et al., 2023). The waste conversion systems address unemployment challenges by providing both immediate and sustained employment opportunities. This not only contributes to economic growth but also promotes the development of a sustainable and thriving green economy. As biomass energy continues to gain momentum globally, its talent and growth aspects are transforming cities into promising clean energy hubs that promote sustainable living. In a study about South Korea’s efforts to transition to a hydrogen economy, Stangarone discusses how countries leading in renewable energy “position themselves as attractive destinations for talent and investment” by “fostering innovation and attracting skilled professionals who are passionate about sustainability and environmental stewardship”(Stangarone, 2021). Countries like South Korea are creating an environment that is receptive to the growth and development of the biomass energy sector by nurturing talent and generating investment opportunities to advance its progress towards clean energy. By capitalizing on the capabilities of biomass energy, Toronto will be able to attract top talent and secure investments within the biomass industry, establishing itself as a hub for clean energy innovation. In exploring the potential of biomass energy, the ongoing research and development shows promising prospects for sustainable
On the same hand, it was discovered that “most of the nation’s energy efficient provinces are located along the coast of southeast China, while most of its energy inefficient provinces are located in the hinterland that is rich in coal resources and depends heavily on coal consumption” (Pan, Zhang, and Zhang, 2012), proving that fossil fuels are a direct detriment to energy
(Climate Change Action Plan) to ensure the directives government take are transparent and in line with COP 21 GHG emissions (see appendix) (see Figure 3)standards and provincial targets. (Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, 2016) Present Scenario Despite ON’s low-carbon electricity supply, 80% (see Figure 1)of total energy source is still fossil fuel based and that accounts for 70% of total GHG emissions (see Figure 2)in the province (see appendix). The retraction of coal fired refineries backed by presence of nuclear energy helped bring down the GHG emissions of electricity sector to 7%(of total 171 Mt, 2013) yet transportation, industry and building sectors
The Manifesto calls for Canada to source its electricity from 100% renewable energy in the next two decades and transform to a 100% clean economy by 2050. Other demands include expanding public transit and creating a high-speed rail powered by renewables, curtailing trade deals, expanding the low-carbon sector of the economy, and fostering a localized agriculture system (“The Leap Manifesto”). The Manifesto also suggests the money needed to finance this economic shift is available if governments are willing to shift their policy directives. Based on the “polluter pays” principle, Leap argues a carbon tax, increased resources royalties, and an end to fossil fuel subsidies, among others, can generate enough revenue for Canada to begin a new phase in its economic development
London, Ontario is a hidden gem found in the southwestern region of Canada. London is a city that can offer something to everyone. Whether you are a young professional seeking career opportunities or a family that is looking for a safe and comfortable place to raise your children, London, Ontario has it all. With a thriving economy and a wide range of employment opportunities, London provides plenty of potential to everyone to be able to grow professionally. It is also well known for its high quality of life, making it a perfect place to start and raise a family happily and safely.
This high production of biomass energy and reusing waste has more potential than just West Texas. Texas contains several farms, waste-water plants, and agricultural land to utilize for biomass energy
Detroit Experience Paper Being immersed into the inner city is something not only urban ministry majors should experience, but all Christ followers. The many things we experienced during the weekend taught me a lot and helped further prepare me for my own ministry in an urban setting. Experiences such as the charter school, Beast of the Beats, CDC, talking to a homosexual pastor, and Tabernacle Revival Church made me feel a wide mix of emotions. Many times during the trip I felt so confirmed that this is I am suppose to focus my work for the Lord. On the contrary, there were times I wondered what I am getting myself into.
In today’s world cities and 2nd tier cities, most often our food and vegetables are transported or imported from areas that is outside the city’s boundary, and sometimes these products may have travel hundred to thousand of miles to reach the neighborhood grocery store. There are many problems arise from this unsustainable food consumption style, a few of them include the CO2 emission from transportation, chemicals use in the growing process, and the huge volume of fresh water going to waste to grow the food—that are 40% as likely to go to waste (Dana Gunders, Wasted: How America Is Losing Up to 40 Percent of Its Food from Farm to Fork to Landfill, 2012). According to Gunders, this act of dumping our uneaten food to the landfill attributes to, “$165 billion in loss annually, and a large portion of US’s methane emission.” This is a lose-lose situation, where not only are people in the US on average are losing money on uneaten food, but their unforeseen action is also driving up the level of one of the contributing gases that is causing global temperature to rise,
The impact of gentrification on the older generation of adults in Oakland, California has been profound and multifaceted. Gentrification refers to the process of urban revitalization, typically accompanied by an influx of wealthier residents and an increase in property values. While it brings certain benefits to neighborhoods, such as improved infrastructure and economic growth, it also presents challenges for older adults, especially those on fixed incomes. One of the most significant ways gentrification affects older adults is through the rising cost of living.
In 2012, there were 135,000 more people working in the fracking industry than in 2007. At the same time, however, there were 140,000 people working in the solar industry alone. Over a million new green jobs were created in 2013 solely, with that number increasing. Wind energy creates many new jobs throughout the manufacturing, transportation, installation, and maintenance processes. According to Living in the Environment, Principles, Connections, and Solutions by G. Tyler Miller Jr., natural gas is seen by analysts as a transition fuel between conventional fossil fuels such as coal and oil and renewable sources, like solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal electricity.
They are two crucial aspects to the topic of energy, but are not included by the UN. A determinant reason that millions of people across the globe have to resort to biomass to cook is that the cost associated with modern energy makes it less accessible (Birol, p.1). This unfortunate situation is due to many reasons. A key reason is that many of the resources required to install energy plants are disproportionally controlled by a few geopolitical actors. This causes large fluctuations on the commodity prices all over the globe, making not only modern energy, but also other basic human development targets, such as shelters and transportations less attainable (Regnier, p.2).
In the middle of metro Detroit stands a small city, only about a mile square and half of that consumed by the Detroit Zoo and Rackham Golf Course. Nicknamed The City of Homes, Huntington Woods is a tight knit neighborhood consisting mostly of families, many who have lived in the city for several generations. The city boasts many annual neighborhood events such as the Fourth of July Parade and Ice Cream Social. Neighbors constantly appear at each others homes asking for advice, support, assistance, or to simply chat a while. Growing up with this strong sense of community is something I have carried with me throughout my life, from being highly involved in high school musicals to building a supportive academic network in my major at Michigan State.
Halifax Explosion Halifax History In the year of 1749 the harbour was founded by the British military, in an effort to gain military strength in North America. “The harbour at Halifax with long-stretching coves and contours provided both safe haven for ships and excellent vantage points for fortifications.” (www.halifaxexplosion.org) At this time, around twenty-five hundred settlers began to establish new lives in the village, later known as the city of Halifax.
Gentrification can be defined as the upward change in land use to middle and upper income residential (Keating, 2003). In the simplest form it can be explained as the upgrading of devalued or deteriorated urban property by the middle class or affluent people. It can also be thought of as “reversed neighborhood” (Freeman, 2008). Gentrification is a common issue in urbanized nations around the world. The presences of gentrification begin to become common in the United States around the mid 1970s.
Introduction People tend to consume a lot, when there is consumption, there is waste – and that waste becomes a big problem that needs taken care of, which costs a lot of time, space and resources. If not managed, in turn, the world that we live in will become a hazardous place for all living things. According to the World Bank, people throughout the world, “spend $2.3 trillion a year on food and beverages alone” (Global Consumption Database, 2018), that is quite a lot. In addition to that, the world count mentions that, “we throw out over 50 tons of household waste every second. A number that will double by 2030”
And there are many examples of successful, large-scale programs that increase growth or productivity and do so in a sustainable manner. China is one of the good examples to understand what green economy would be like in developed countries. Currently china invests more than any other country in renewable energy. Its total installed wind capacity grew 64% in 2010. This growth is driven by a national policy that sees clean energy as a major market in the near future, and one in which China wants to gain a competitive