The lifetime of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide

We explore the effects of a changing terrestrial biosphere on the atmospheric residence time of CO2 using three simple ocean carbon cycle models and a model of global terrestrial carbon cycling. We find differences in model behavior associated with the assumption of an active terrestrial biosphere (forest regrowth) and significant differences if we assume a donor-dependent flux from the atmosphere to the terrestrial component (e.g., a hypothetical terrestrial fertilization flux). To avoid numerical difficulties associated with treating the atmospheric CO2 decay (relaxation) curve as being well approximated by a weighted sum of exponential functions, we define the single half-life as the time it takes for a model atmosphere to relax from its present-day value half way to its equilibrium pCO2 value. This scenario-based approach also avoids the use of unit pulse (Dirac Delta) functions which can prove troublesome or unrealistic in the context of a terrestrial fertilization assumption. We also discuss some of the numerical problems associated with a conventional lifetime calculation which is based on an exponential model. We connect our analysis of the residence time of CO2 and the concept of single half-life to the residence time calculations which are based on using weighted sums of exponentials. We note that the single half-life concept focuses upon the early decline of CO2under a cutoff/decay scenario. If one assumes a terrestrial biosphere with a fertilization flux, then our best estimate is that the single half-life for excess CO2 lies within the range of 19 to 49 years, with a reasonable average being 31 years. If we assume only regrowth, then the average value for the single half-life for excess CO2 increases to 72 years, and if we remove the terrestrial component completely, then it increases further to 92 years

Vibrant Culture: Inspiring Minds, Hearts and Spirits

What can you do to capture the positive energy in your Catholic school? How can you foster a vibrant culture? A strong culture is one of the most important determinants of how effective a school or any organization will be. What is the key to awakening that spirit and realizing its power in your school? In this session, you will explore the basic elements of culture and the power of culture. Ways of creating an inspiring and animating culture for your school will be discussed

Appropriating Competence: The competency movement, the New Right and the “culture change” project

This paper raises some critical issues concerning 'competency' as represented, today, by the National Council for Vocational Qualifications and, earlier, by the Manpower Services Commission. It is argued that the narrowly behaviouristic model supported by the 'competency movement' is only one of the many ways in which competence has been approached within the social sciences. The issue of why those agencies should have promoted this particular model of competence is explored, using Bernstein's concept of 'pedagogic discourse'. It is argued that competency should be located within the political context of the policies with which it is associated. The promotion of competency can be understood in terms of political aspirations of the New Right to change the culture of British institutions and economic life in the direction of a neo-liberal market ideology. The problems of competency are explored with reference to its methodology and the manner in which-it represents 'the world of work' and competence within it

Energy Storage Roadmap for Northern Appalachia 2022

The Northern Appalachian counties (Western PA, Eastern OH and West Virginia) have legacy energy industry engineering, workforce and research advantages that have made the region a prime location for the development of energy storage manufacturing and deployment. Already over 200 private companies are engaged in the energy storage business regionally. Further assets include the many research universities and laboratories in the region, together with a low cost of living compared to other energy storage clusters. The study identifies the energy storage industry assets and explores strategies for cluster development in Northern Appalachia