The Sun


The creation of the heavens and the earth is far greater than the creation of mankind. But most of mankind do not know it. Qu'ran 40:57

The sun is the primary reason that life exist on earth. It provides heat, light and energy which are essential elements for survival of human, animals and plants.

Food energy - The sun energy fuels the growth of plants that form the base of the food chain. Food energy is produced by a process called photosynthesis which involves using sun light, carbon dioxide, water and soil. Light energy from the sun rays are absorbed by the green chemical in the leaves, the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is absorbed by the pores in the leaves and the water is absorbed by the roots, which then travels up the stem to the leaves. During the process, oxygen is released from the leaves into the atmosphere and some glucose is formed to provide energy for growth and development of plants, and the rest of the glucose is stored in the leaves, roots and fruits for consumption.

Heat energy - The sun warms the surface of the earth which allows humans and animals to thrive. The sun drives the climate changes too.

Solar energy - The light rays from the sun are converted to solar energy which is converted to heat energy to provide hot water and heating in the home. The solar powers clothes washer, dryers, ovens and provides lighting in the home and garden.

Light - The sun provides light for man to see. Without the sun there would be no daytime and no light.

Rain - The sun facilitates the fall of rain. The heat evaporates water from the surface of seas and rivers which rise into the atmosphere and turns to rain when temperatures drop. Without the sun there would be droughts and arid land.

Clearly the sun is the source of most of the energy that drives life on earth, so capturing that energy from the sun and utilising it in the most efficient way is vital if man is to reduce manufacturing of energy from fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal) which is expensive and have a detrimental impact on lives and the environment. Furthermore the scarcity in fossil fuels means that alternative energy needs to be sourced and the mission to saving energy is greater than ever.

GLOBAL ISSUES

- shortage of energy
- Energy expensive
- Frequent power cut in some countries
- Flooding and droughts due to climate change

SOLUTIONS

Save energy in the home:

- Insulating the home well to maintain heat
- Double glaze windows to maintain heat
- Install solar panel on roof to help heat water and house
- Switch of lights when not in use
- Switch every light in your house to an energy-saving bulb
- Replace incandescent light bulb with compact fluorescent bulbs which produce less heat and and four times more light per unit energy.
- Turn off computers and chargers; unplug them when they are not in use
- Organise the home to maximise use of natural light

- In hot climate countries, save on air conditioner by shading windows with bright and reflective drapes.
- Aim for 25 degrees centigrade when using air conditioners
- In hot climate countries coat the roofs with light colours reflective coating
- In warm dry climate consider using swamp coolers that take the edge off summer heat. Swamp coolers humidify the air and use less energy than air conditioners.

- Do full loads of laundry only and avoid half loads
- Take shorter showers; shower instead of bathing
- Reduce heating and hot-water temperatures by a small amount; try 16-18 degrees centigrade.
- Wear a sweater instead of turning up the heat in your house
- Wear lighter clothing when it is hot instead of turning on a fan
- Aim for hot water temperatures at 50 degrees centrigrade


- Replace pre 1990 refrigerators with energy efficient models of refrigerators
- Keep washing machine temperature wash as low as possible
- Dry clothes on a line or rack

- Use solar technology in third world countries
- Solar panels to produce heat and light
- Increase manufacture of LED


Support Green organisation:

- Green Peace, Friends of the Earth and others to bring about change through government intentions.
- Voice your views, share your knowledge and ideas, campaign and lobby to facilitate change.

Education:

- Provide training and education at schools,colleges and community centres
- Raise awareness via social media.


Support charities:

Click below to see some charities and organisation that passionately work to takle global warming.

http://www.greenpeace.org.uk

https://www.foe.co.uk

http://www.greenmuslims.org
http://www.muslimclimateaction.org.uk
http://www.ecomena.org
http://www.ecomena.org/blog-index/

References

Air pollution (1998) Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions UK
Air pollution and acid rain (1998) Cresswell, Twigg and Buchalahl
Annual Review London, FOE (1999) Friends of the Earth
Climate change (1998) C Donnella
Climate change begins at home (2005) D Reay
Greenhouse effect (1989) P Neal
Green Peace Guide (1999) Green Peace
How we can save the planet (2004) M Hillman
How to live a low carbon life: The individual's guide to stopping climate change (2007) C Goodall
National society for cleaner air and environment protection (1995) Motor Vehicle Pollution
Pollution causes, effects and control (1990) RM Harrison
The rough guide to ethical living (2006) D Clark
The rough guide to climate change: symptoms, science and solutions (2008) R Henson
The discovery of global warming (2004) S Weart
Water and life (1990) P Parker
What a load of rubbish (1990) S Skidmore
Working together for cleaner air (2000) Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions UK