Cholera in Zimbabwe

The African country Zimbabwe has had an outbreak of cholera, a water born disease. Read the articles below and answer the questions in your blog.

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/11/28/cholera-zimbabwe.html?ref=rss#socialcomments

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7764200.stm

1. Discuss cholera and this outbreak. Here are some guiding questions:
What is cholera? How is it spread? Can it be fatal?
Why did an outbreak happen in Zimbabwe?
What are the root causes of this outbreak?
How can it be stopped?

2. Research other cholera outbreaks and post at least one link to a news article on the outbreak.
What are the common factors in these outbreaks?

Sharkwater

1. How are sharks the "wolves of the Sea" ? Consider how we treated wolves the last 100 years and compare it to how we think of sharks.

2. Discuss the "finning" industry. Look at the economic, social and environmental factors for countries like Costa Rica.

3. Find an article or blog that discusses finning or shark fin soup. Post the link in your blog post, summarize and discuss the article.

4. Comment and/or respond to the blogs of at least three of your classmates.

Arsenic found in 4 New Brunswickers

Read the article here http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2008/11/27/nb-arsenic-blackville.html?ref=rss.

What is arsenic and how is it harmful? What are health officials doing about it? What is the advice from health officials? Comment on the old belief that well water is better than town water.

Inconvenient Truth

After viewing the Inconvenient Truth, what is the main idea? Do you agree or disagree with this "truth"? What impact did watching have on you? Are you more aware of the problem of global climate change? Why?

Sushi Anyone?

The Bluefin Tuna is in serious trouble, read about it here http://www.canadaka.net/link.php?id=37877.

Why are tuna threatened? Who is causing the problem and how can it be fixed? What are some interesting characteristics of Bluefin Tuna?

Amazon Rainforest Getting Slashed

The rainforest in Brazil is getting cut again. Read the recent news here http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/sep/01/forests.brazil. Why is this happening? What can be done to stop it? How does this affect the world?

Welcome

This blog is to promote discussion between students and educators on environmental concerns. It will serve as an electronic journal where we will explore many problems and suggest possible solutions.