RRJ# 1

1/Reference: Smyth, C.(2009, Aug 27). Synthetic trees and algae can counter climate change, say engineers. Times Online. Retrieved on Sept. 2, 2009, from http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6811264.ece


2/Summary:
The article discusses the uses of mechanical (synthetic) trees and the algae tubes that might be one of the solutions to avoid the dangerous climate change. Some information also is given about the main idea of its working ways. After that Mr. Fox compares the natural trees and the mechanical trees in terms of the ability of removing CO2 and the performance in both of them. In addition, Mr. Lackner, a professor, has mentioned the cost of each tree and has discussed the suitable locations of them. The article also contains other solutions like the launching of giant mirrors and the painting of walls and side effect for both. The final point in the article discusses the support from the government to continue the research in this field.

3/Reaction:
It seems to me as a mechanical student that it is very interesting to read about some mechanical inventions that cold be solving problems in the environment field. I have already learned about the global warming and the side effects of using some technological devices, but this article makes me happy because now we use the technology ti solve the technology problems. Also, something surprising me in this article is the working of the mechanical trees and how can it work a thousand times more efficiently than the natural tree. I find also the algal photo bio-reactors in the built environment is a good idea and it does not cost a lot of money. In my opinion , this idea will work efficiently in the big cities and will affect on its climates. Another piece of information surprising me regarding to the article is the number of the mechanical trees that might capture all the United Kingdom's harmful gas. On the other hand the article disappointed me in terms of some important details. What i mean by details. It does not discuss the negative effect(side effect) of using them. In general, this article discusses one of the successful inventions in the mechanical world. When I read articles like this, I find myself more optimistic in life.