Original Article: Lush Walls Rise to Fight a Blanket of Pollution
By: Damien Cave
Summary:
In an effort to reduce the pollution rampant in Mexico City, a nonprofit organization called VerdMX has placed 3 eco-structures have been placed around the city. The purpose of these sculptures is to both scrub the air, using plants, of course, and be works of art. The effectiveness of these works is still being strained, with the one near the heaviest intersection having most of its plants die, and the public is still unsure of what to think of them.
Opinion:
It may not work, but at least Mexico City is attempting to make strides. Given that Mexico City is one of the most heavily polluted cities on Earth, it's good that they're getting their act together. Better than the United States' effort to clean up our most polluted City, Los Angeles, in fact. I really can't see a downside to this attempt. At worst it isn't aesthetically pleasing, and that is something people really need to learn how to deal with.
Thoughtful questions:
1. Do you ever see his method working? Why or why not?
2. FLASHBACK! Remember GMOs? Do you think we could genetically modify some of the plants on the heavily trafficked intersection to make them more suitable? Why or why not?
3. How soon do you think we can reclaim the Earth using methods like these? Can We? Should we?
4. Do you think the aesthetics are important? Why or why not?
Opinion:
ReplyDeleteThis method isn't to great of a method. I agree it is a great thing that they are finally doing something about the terrible pollution they have, but this isn't the best way to go about it. There are so holes in that "air scrubbing" plan. An example is when these plants die they will have to replace them. Also this won't get that much pollution out of the air.
Answer to a question:
2. I'm not sure if we can genetically modify plants for this. The reason is because i don't think that we could find a gene for the task of taking in pollution. i have the feeling that any plant with the gene of taking in more pollution would have died already.
Opinion:
ReplyDeleteI think this is great try, but I don't really see it doing all that much. This idea should have the same basis as earth day where your encourage to plant a tree. It will not make a difference to the environment whether we individually plant one tree but together we can make a big impact. This is not what this method is doing, it is geared more toward the planting of one tree hoping for the results of many. As for a piece of art, I think it is beautiful.
Answer to a Question:
1. No, i think the original idea was good with good intensions, but there won't be the desired outcomes. I love it as an art piece and I think it will have a good example for the community. It reminds people to help the environment when they can, and it might inspire them to do something like plant a tree.
Opinion:
ReplyDeleteI think that in concept this is a great idea.
-CO2 is a greenhouse gas and pollutant.
-Plants take in CO2.
-???
-Profit.
In actuality though, this idea doesn't really work. This is because the other pollutants where the plants are would cause them to die. This is said in the article also that plants were withering. I am impressed that Mexico City would take the effort to try out a way to reduce pollution. The article also mentions a few other things that Mexico City has done, and I think that is great. If every country tried harder, then the Earth would be much better. I sounded like a hippie just now...
Answer to Thoughtful Question:
2) I believe that modifying the plants would make them much more effective in the task of taking in pollutants. It would also make it harder from them to die. Unfortunately, this would go against the Green Movement since people want natural and eco-friendly. Until we start to make plants more efficient with dealing with pollutants (and possibly consume them in their diet?) then this method won't really work.
Answer to Random Answer:
You could, but it's not neccesary. I think it's kind of sad that this blog is going without any type of great ending. Might upload a video of me dancing or something. That would be a bang right?
Opinion:
ReplyDeleteI think this is the best looking pollution-reducer I have ever seen, but it is not at all practical. It great and all that Mexico City is taking a step towards healthier air (kudos to them), but planting a bunch of these won't drastically change the air quality. Instead they should try to reduce the amount of fuels they burn, or maybe come up with ways to make walking more pleasing to the public? At this one zoo I went to they had these sort of "mist sprayers" around the walkways, so that even in the heat you could stay cool and refreshed. These plants are great works of art and should be put up anyway, but they won't exactly solve the air crisis.
Answer to Question:
4. I believe they are important in their own way. In agreement with Kevin, people like beautiful or eye-catching things, and maybe seeing these plants, or any environmentally friendly thing, in such an appealing way will inspire them to be more environmentally friendly.