Ilab 1

1. a) How does a class being conducted online instead of on campus increase or decrease the classes' contribution to the carbon cycle during the term? Consider the differences between the two in terms of methods of travel, and use of facilities, energy, and other resources. Remember to focus on the impact to the carbon cycle.

A class being conducted online instead of on campus prevents students to pollute earth. On campus Universities or colleges require transportation unless you live in a walking distance, which is rare. Carpooling and transit (buses, and trains) are better option rather than taking a personal car to the campus but they still pollute the earth. Unfortunately most of the students prefer to travel in their own car. Having online classes are not only time efficient but they also save universities tons of money, in terms of limited amount of water (bathrooms, drinking etc.) and electricity (lights, vending machines, other utensils and tools) will be used. Also books for online classes are provided through eBook rather than a printed copy; this reduces the use of trees for paper and other school supplies.

b) Complete the ecological footprint quiz at the following link: http://myfootprint.org/en/visitor_information and report your results. What did you learn about you and your family's impact on the environment?

My ecological footprint quiz result was 3.50 earths would be needed if people were to live my lifestyle. My footprint in global hectares by consumption category was 54.94. I never really looked into my lifestyle this way, but wow now I feel I need to take some steps and become greener by using energy saving products and recycling. Now that the city of Calgary has provided each house with a recycle (blue) and garbage (black) bin, everyone is getting in the habit of recycling more often as compared to before.

2. Using ONE ecosystem from the list below, explain the role of the carbon, hydrologic, phosphorus, and nitrogen cycles in this...