Task 1: Newspaper Article

https://theconversation.com/australias-gold-industry-stamped-out-mercury-pollution-now-its-coals-turn-151202

Australia's Gold Industry Stamped out Mercury Pollution - Now it's Coal's Turn

Taking Notes

• Mercury - toxin harms living
• According to research - Gold Production - brought mercury to zero
• Aus approves UN's convention, aim to reduce mercury
• After solving coal burning
• where mercury come from.
• Occurs naturally
• Human-caused - burning fossil-feuls, mining etc
• Toxic
• Estimate - 8 to 30 tonnes/year
• 2006 - Kalgoorlie mines cause half of mercury
• Extract of gold emmits mercury
• 2015 - technology upgrade reduces mercury from 8 tonnes - 250 kg
• other sources - bushfires, overseas etc
• Solution
• Technology lowers emissions 
• Federal gov banned mercury-containing pesticides
• logical step - reduce of mercury from power plants
• once ratify UN convention, control of mercury if allowed

Summary

The article touches upon the environmental issue in Australia regarding mercury emissions. Mercury, a toxin harmful to all living organisms, has yet to be an issue to be controlled once coal burning has been solved. However, due to technological advances emission of mercury has decreased. Furthermore, the federal government had enforced the banning of mercury-containing pesticides so now the next logical step is to reduce the emission of mercury from power plants. According to statistics, these actions will likely reduce the problem once Australia approves the Manamata Convention allowing the control of mercury to take place. 

Reflection

I believe taking care envirnmens is our top priority, so i entirely agree with the control of mercury emission.Because they are harmful to every single living thing, it should be dealt with as soon as possible.