Fire and Water: A Damaging Duo

Superstorm Sandy ravaged up the east coast a year ago, destroying everything in its path with its wicked winds and torrential rain. One of the places it hit the hardest was New Jersey, which is famous for its boardwalks, fairs, and other tourist attractions. One such boardwalk is the Seaside Park Boardwalk, which was torn apart by the storm. It had been completely rebuilt as of five months ago, the repairs costing more than $8,000,000 dollars. However, just this week, it all came down once again!  But this time, due to fire, not water. Wiring underneath a custard cart/candy shop had been negatively impacted by Sandy’s wind and salty water, and the wires eventually became so damaged an electrical fire was started. Wind carried the fire down the boardwalk, and would’ve burned all of it, including all of the shops along it, but luckily local work crews came and created a barrier to stop the fire, and then snuffed it out with giant sand dunes. Governor Chris Christie later announced the planned $15,000,000 renovation of the boardwalk using money from donations for Sandy recovery, to repair all of the businesses and attractions along the boardwalk.

Personally, I am very glad that the town of Seaside Heights and the state of New Jersey is already talking about rebuilding this boardwalk and its businesses, because this town needs them. Think of how many people work at the stores, restaurants, and other attractions on that boardwalk. Think of how many people there lost their jobs first because of Superstorm Sandy, and then got them back, only to have them burned to the ground five months later. Think of the relief they’re experiencing, knowing they’ll be back on track again. Also, I’m actually sort of glad that this happened, because this has brought to attention the possibility of these electrical fires from damaged wires. It will have people who might have been affected by Sandy make sure everything is ok as well, because we certainly don’t want this happening again. I’ve never to New Jersey for an extended period of time myself, but I have been to a boardwalk, and they are lots of fun, so I’m happy for the people of Seaside Heights that they are getting theirs back up and running for the second, and hopefully last, time.

 ~Mark Dellostritto

Hurricane Sandys’ Effects on New Jersey

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On October 26th 2012 New Jersey was hit by a devastating hurricane.  Jersey lost thousands of jobs and state revenue growth slowed to a crawl in November. Jerseys labor market and its $31.7 billion state budget, both of which were under stress even before the storm hit. Jersey’s unemployment rate clocked in at 9.6 percent in November, continuing to slope down from an August peak of 9.9 percent. In October job losses were revised down from 11,700 to only 1,000. Sandy affected New Jersey economically and it damaged Jersey physically.

Hurricane Sandy had a devastating outcome on a lot of people, but especially ones in New Jersey. I believe that the National government should give the state of New Jersey more financial aid. I think this because people are still struggling to get back on their feet.  People need to support their families while still not at work.  How are they supposed to do that if they lost all their money, job and house to Sandy? I also believe that the government should be more generous with simple state jobs. People are in need of jobs to make money to keep themselves and their families alive. This government is so selfish when it comes to a devastating time. It is an outrage really, if you think about it. I mean how would you feel if someone took away your house, money, and job?  Not so good would ya.  The government should open up their eyes and look at the reality.  

~Alyssa Stevens

 

Global Warming

Lately global warming has become more serious as scientists point out the rising dangers from the climate change caused by the buildup of human-related greenhouse gases. Scientists reported that global emissions of carbon dioxide are at an all time high  in 2011 and 2012 as we continue to burn more and more fossil fuels and forests. Emissions have continued to increase so rapidly that the international goal of limiting the overall warming of the planet by 3.6 degrees, established three years ago by the Global carbon project, is on the verge of becoming unattainable.  Scientists realized long ago that our planet’s climate greatly influenced the human race; biologically, culturally, and geographically. But only recently they have realized that we can be a powerful influence on Earth’s climate, as well.
Our earth is making it clear that record heat, drought, storms, and fires are caused from what scientists are calling global warming. Carbon pollution is the main reason for our planet heating up, and when the climate changes as quickly as it is, it increases the chances of weather disasters. Many natural disasters, such as Hurricane Sandy, wouldn’t have been so devastating if it wasn’t for global warming. First of all, the heat is melting the ice in the north and south poles which is making the seas rise increasing the chance of a hurricane in the first place. Then, with more water the storm was able to last longer and reach further inland than if the average sea level wasn’t so high to begin with. Also, there aren’t as many cold winds coming from the North and South Poles, which is greatly influencing natural disasters. If we don’t do something quickly things will continue to get worse, but I think if we do something drastic enough then we will be able to save our planet.

~Pascal Preud’homme