UNDERSTANDING THE EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE

[Source: Telescopes for Beginners for OurAmazingPlanet.com]

ENERGY-CLIMATE WORLD CHALLENGE PROJECT NEEDS PARTNERS, SPONSORS, AND DONORS! We Need 10 Million US Dollars to Build a Modern Energy-Climate Research and Training Center

The COLUMNA MESSIANIC RESEARCH is now in a bold move to build and establish a modern and advanced ENERGY-CLIMATE Research and Training Center to face the Global ENERGY-CLIMATE Challenge. This project is an initiative of the COLUMNA MESSIANIC Research, Inc., a Filipino non-profit research and educational institution.

CLIMATE CHANGE is really a BIG CHALLENGE to every person and nation on earth. And to face this BIG CHALLENGE with success, we need to have a corresponding BIG THINKING. The very survival of mankind is at stake here. We have no choice but to face this Global challenge. So, the COLUMNA MESSIANIC Research accepted and initiated this aggressive ENERGY-CLIMATE WORLD CHALLENGE project. 

We have the firsthand knowledge and experience of the root-causes of the Energy and Climate crises; and we will provide the solutions and corrective/proactive measures. We also envision to make this project a legacy to the youth and the next generations to come.

NEEDED: A MODERN ENERGY-CLIMATE RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTER

To really have an immediate and long-lasting solutions to the monstrous and  ever-increasing triple threat of Energy, Economics, and Climate Change, there must be a continuing Energy-Climate Research and massive training of industrial workforce.  Research-based training and education will be given to the industrial workforce. A toned-down version of this research-based education will be used for the Public Awareness and Education Program about Energy and the Environment (Climate). These objectives require an advanced Energy-Climate Research and Training Center. 

In view of this grand mission, we need to raise 10 Million US dollars for a start; a small amount compared to the Billions of dollars worth of destroyed properties, and the many lives lost due to the destructive effects of the ENERGY crises and CLIMATE CHANGE.

As we search and identify the root-causes, corrective and proactive measures will be developed and implemented to eliminate those root-causes. We will develop and implement efficient strategies on Operations Management and Proactive Maintenance. Research and development of new efficient design of energy systems and procedural methods will be conducted to prevent the return of the root-causes.

We will use inspired creativity and innovation to adopt new technologies and innovative management and procedural methods in the efficient use of fossil-fueled engines and electric-powered machinery and appliances.

The resulting transformation of people and technologies should elevate their thinking and standard of living, eliminating or alleviating Climate Change crisis, Energy crisis, Economic crisis, etc.

NEEDED: YOUR PARTICIPATION, SUPPORTS, AND DONATIONS

This ENERGY-CLIMATE WORLD CHALLENGE (ECWC) campaign is of a very great import to every person on earth of this generation, and of the many other generations to come!

ECWC's mission is to search and eliminate the Root-Causes of the twin crises of ENERGY and CLIMATE CHANGE. Implementing this ECWC campaign will also give an immediate bonus of improved economic situation. ECWC's initial main work is the education and training of the workforce in businesses, industries, the government, and the academe. In addition, we will develop new efficient design, efficient management and procedural methods that will ensure the prevention of the root-causes from coming back. The mission then can expand to local communities involving as many people as possible, especially the youth.

Although this ENERGY-CLIMATE WORLD CHALLENGE project is a Filipino initiative, it is a Global mission that involves every nation and person on earth. This is a movement about change, as individuals, as corporations, as a country, and as a global community. We are all contributors to Global Warming and we all need to be part of the solution. We therefore desire to involve every nation and person on Earth in this vital Project.  Supports and donations from generous countries, organizations, and individuals are all solicited for this project. JOIN US, and be a part of this super-important Global Work!

CLIMATE CHANGE IS NOW IN SITUATION CRITICAL!

We are in Situation Critical, and TIME is a very precious factor. It is NOW time for the direct and immediate actions; innovative and creative actions that target the Root-Causes, not just the Effects, of Climate Change, particularly Global Warming.

This is how the "ENERGY-CLIMATE Challenge" project will face the Energy and Climate crises; targeting the ROOT-CAUSES of these twin crises, not just the effects. We believe that it is ONLY by focusing on the root-causes that these crises can be successfully dealt with.

IF WE DON'T START NOW, THE DELAY ADDS ABOUT $500 BILLION PER YEAR. THIS IS THE COST OF INACTION. -- IEA

EVERY DELAY IS AN ENEMY!

Moving slowly will only add to the eventual cost. "If we don't start now, the delay adds about $500 billion per year. This is the cost of inaction," according to Mr. Nobuo Tanaka, IEA Exec. Director. Mr. Tanaka adds, "There are many co-benefits: cost savings, energy security, lower pollution. A technology revolution is necessary."

The IPCC notes that there are cost-effective solutions, for energy efficiency, but says they must be implemented in short order to stem further damage. "We are 25 years too late. If the object is to avoid dangerous change, we've already had it. The object now is to avoid really dangerous change."

The ENERGY and CLIMATE CHANGE crises are so alarming that we need to awaken ourselves and take corrective measures as early as possible. The ENERGY-CLIMATE Challenge cannot wait, and any delay is an enemy!

To fast-track the solutions to the ENERGY-CLIMATE crises that affect every one of us,  we encourage you to help, share, donate, serve, volunteer, or do anything contributory to the success of this great ENERGY-CLIMATE Challenge, while there is still time!

Your participation, supports and donations will allow this needed project to explore and expand the great challenge that will ultimately rebound as benefits for all of us, and to our children's children. Everybody is requested to donate, be an sponsor, or just give from the heart. Donate today, and be listed as one of the individuals, or one of the corporations/organizations, or one of the nations that changed and saved the world! Let us work together in this fundraising, and help solve mankind's greatest challenge.

Contact: Engineer Lope Columna for more details. 
Mobile Phone: (+63) 0926-876-9236.
E-Mail: lope.columna@yahoo.com
The ENERGY-CLIMATE WORLD CHALLENGE Project

The ENERGY-CLIMATE CHALLENGE: HOW SHOULD WE FACE THE CHALLENGE?

The main defect of man's usual approach to all his problems is that he usually focuses his attention to the EFFECTS and SYMPTOMS of the problem. But this "EFFECT" approach cannot solve or mitigate the ENERGY and the CLIMATE CHANGE crises; this will even worsens the crises. The proper and most effective approach is the "CAUSE" approach.

By: LOPE COLUMNA

Executive Director and Implementor 

ENERGY-CLIMATE WORLD CHALLENGE INITIATIVE 

LET'S FOCUS ON THE ROOT-CAUSES OF THE PROBLEMS, NOT JUST THE EFFECTS AND SYMPTOMS!

We all live in a world and universe that is strictly governed by the LAW OF CAUSE AND EFFECT. Nothing happens by itself alone; there is always that factor or event that triggers it. And that triggering factor or event may have been triggered by another factor or event down the line, and so on.

To prevent a problematic event from happening, we must stop or prevent all factors/events that may trigger that problematic event. Trying to solve a problematic event by focusing on that problematic event alone, is a very poor approach and just a waste of time, materials, and other resources. As long as we don't eliminate the root-cause or causes of that problematic event, we can never solve or remove the problem. Therefore, the best approach is to focus our solutions directly on the root-causes of the problem.

CLIMATE CHANGE IS IN SITUATION CRITICAL!

We are in Situation Critical, and TIME is a very precious factor. It is NOW time for the direct and immediate actions; innovative and creative actions that target the Root-Causes, not just the Effects, of Climate Change, particularly Global Warming.

This is how the "ENERGY-CLIMATE Challenge" project will face the Energy and Climate crises; targeting the ROOT-CAUSES of these twin crises, not just the effects. We believe that it is ONLY by focusing on the root-causes that these crises can be successfully dealt with.

NEEDED: A Modern Energy-Climate Research and Training Center 

To support this approach we plan to build an advanced Energy-Climate Research and Training Center. As we search and identify the root-causes, corrective and proactive measures will be developed and implemented to eliminate those root-causes. We will develop and implement efficient strategies on Operations Management and Proactive Maintenance. Research and development of new efficient design of energy systems and procedural methods will be conducted to prevent the return of the root-causes.

We will use inspired creativity and innovation to adopt new technologies and innovative management and procedural methods in the efficient use of fossil-fueled machinery and technologies. Research-based training and education will be given to the industrial workforce. A toned-down version of this research-based education will be made available to the general public and the academe. The resulting transformation of people and technologies should elevate their thinking and standard of living, eliminating or alleviating Climate Change crisis, Energy crisis, Economic crisis, etc.

This ENERGY-CLIMATE CHALLENGE is a Global Challenge, and it affects every country and person on earth. We therefore desire to involve every nation and person on Earth in this vital Project. Supports and donations from generous countries, organizations, and individuals are all solicited for this project. JOIN US, and be a part of this super-important Global Work! GET INVOLVED NOW!

WE HAVE THE CONFERENCES, AGREEMENTS, AND GENERAL AGENDAS, BUT THE DEVIL LURKS IN THE DETAILS OF CLIMATE CHANGE!

Many people are aware of the truth that the Devil is in the details. Broad agreements and general agendas, no matter how bright and well-intentioned, oftentimes fail because of the lack of the detailed solutions, particularly in the implementation stage.

At the U.N Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen last December 2009, nations discussed, debated, and stated the General knowledge and solutions to the feared Energy-Climate Change. But the ROOT-CAUSES of the ENERGY-CLIMATE CHANGE problems, which are in the details, were not discussed and not given attention. Without getting to the details, which contain the root-causes, the evils of Energy-Climate change remain, and are even bound to increase in ferocity and intensity.

This is where the COLUMNA MESSIANIC RESEARCH, Inc. will delve into — to the details and root-causes of Energy-Climate change. We must delve into the details and specifics of Energy and Climate Solutions, even the small details that eventually make up the great issues of ENERGY-CLIMATE Challenge.

NEEDED: EFFECTIVE AND LOW-COST SOLUTIONS.
REQUIRED: ACTIONS, NOT WORDS AND PROMISES!

We have the REPORTS, the STATISTICS, the CONFERENCES, the DEBATES, the AGREEMENTS, the FINANCIAL Promises, and also the SUFFERINGS and DESTRUCTION of CLIMATE CHANGE. We lack one more thing, the most important thing — the SOLUTION!

Solutions to the ENERGY-CLIMATE crises require radical reexamination and change of traditional management, operation, maintenance, and design of all energy systems. These include both the Power Generation (Supply) side, and the Power consumption (Demand) side of the energy equation.

Drastic reduction of the burning of fossil fuels is required to reduce the release of carbon greenhouse gas, and the particulates (air pollution). Carbon greenhouse gas causes Global Warming and Air Pollution causes Global Dimming. In addition, Nitrous oxide from fertilizers and combustion, methane gas from wastes, and Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)/refrigerants also cause Global Warming. CFCs also cause the Ozone Layer Depletion.

To really solve the above gigantic problems, there must be a corresponding gigantic change in our human outlook and the way we do things.

NEEDED: CHANGE IN OUTLOOK AND WAY OF DOING THINGS

Contained in the "Summary for Policymakers," the IPCC delivered to policymakers and ordinary people alike a univocal message: scientists are more confident than ever that humans have interfered with the climate and that further human-induced climate change is on the way.

Although the report finds that some of these further changes are now inevitable, its analysis also confirms that the future, particularly in the longer term, remains largely in our hands—the magnitude of expected change depends on what humans choose to do about greenhouse gas emissions.

Thus, the IPCC has declared man-made climate change "unequivocal." Trying to stop it is the hard part.

COLUMNA MESSIANIC ENTERS THE "HARD PART" OF STOPPING THE HUMAN-INDUCED CLIMATE CHANGE!

So all people are becoming very concern, and they are thinking and discussing ideas and solutions to these global problems. But ideas and solutions NOT focused on the root-cause of the problem are destined to failure, and will instead contribute to the worsening of the problems.This is because

"The same kind of thinking that caused these crises in the first place, can never succeed in solving or eliminating the problems!"

So, the COLUMNA MESSIANIC Research, via the ENERGY-CLIMATE Challenge movement was compelled to enter the "HARD PART" of stopping, or at least, to mitigate the man-made Climate Change.

The call for carbon reduction, carbon storage, and carbon capture is easier said than done. The hard part is that all these approaches disturb the very fabric of comfortable existence of each and every nation and person on earth. And with the selfish Human nature, most human efforts are bound to fail. We have to change first our mindsets, attitudes, and business management styles.

There must be a transformation of the human mind. And this transformation is only achievable through a powerful education program.

Continued on Part 3: ENERGY EDUCATION: The VERY IMPORTANT FIRST STEP 

The ROLE OF WATER CYCLE IN CLIMATE CHANGE: How the Earth's Water Cycle is Influenced by Climate Change

The Water Cycle: color graphic showing the movement of water through the water cycle, from evaporation and transpiration to condensation, to water storage in the atmophere, to precipitation, to water storage in ice and snow, surface runoff, snowmelt runoff to streams, streamflow, and freshwater storage. A cut away shows the ground water portion of the water cycle, from infiltration to ground water storage and ground water discharge into springs and freshwater storage. Surface runoff, freshwater storage, ground water storage, and ground water discharge are all shown contributing to water storage in oceans, where the evaporation portion of the water cycle starts again.

SUMMARY OF THE WATER CYCLE

What is the water cycle? 

The water cycle describes the existence and movement of water on, in, and above the Earth. Earth's water is always in movement and is always changing states, from liquid to vapor to ice and back again. The water cycle has been working for billions of years and all life on Earth depends on it continuing to work; the Earth would be a pretty stale place to live without it.

Where does all the Earth's water come from? Primordial Earth was an incandescent globe made of magma, but all magmas contain water. Water set free by magma began to cool down the Earth's atmosphere, until it could stay on the surface as a liquid. Volcanic activity kept and still keeps introducing water in the atmosphere, thus increasing the surface- and ground-water volume of the Earth.

A quick summary of the water cycle

The water cycle has no starting point. But, we'll begin in the oceans, since that is where most of Earth's water exists. 

The SUN, which drives the water cycle, heats water in the oceans. Some of it evaporates as vapor into the air. 

Ice and snow can sublimate directly into water vapor. 

Rising air currents take the vapor up into the atmosphere, along with water from evapotranspiration, which is water transpired from plants and evaporated from the soil. 

The vapor rises into the air where cooler temperatures cause it to condense into clouds. 

Air currents move clouds around the globe, cloud particles collide, grow, and fall out of the sky as precipitation. 

Some precipitation falls as snow and can accumulate as ice caps and glaciers, which can store frozen water for thousands of years. 

Snowpacks in warmer climates often thaw and melt when spring arrives, and the melted water flows overland as snowmelt. 

Most precipitation falls back into the oceans or onto land, where, due to gravity, the precipitation flows over the ground as surface runoff. A portion of runoff enters rivers in valleys in the landscape, with streamflow moving water towards the oceans. 

Runoff, and ground-water seepage, accumulate and are stored as freshwater in lakes. Not all runoff flows into rivers, though. Much of it soaks into the ground as infiltration. 

Some water infiltrates deep into the ground and replenishes aquifers (saturated subsurface rock), which store huge amounts of freshwater for long periods of time. 

Some infiltration stays close to the land surface and can seep back into surface-water bodies (and the ocean) as groundwater discharge, and some ground water finds openings in the land surface and emerges as freshwater springs. 

Over time, though, all of this water keeps moving, some to reenter the ocean, where the water cycle repeats.

COMPONENTS OF THE WATER CYCLE

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has identified 16 components of the water cycle:

1. Water storage in oceans
2. Evaporation 
3. Sublimation 
4. Evapotranspiration 
5. Water in the atmosphere 
6. Condensation 
7. Precipitation 
8. Water storage in ice and snow 
9. Snowmelt runoff to streams 
10. Surface runoff 
11. Streamflow 
12. Freshwater storage 
13. Infiltration 
14. Groundwater storage 
15. Groundwater discharge 
16. Springs

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

A Warmer World Might Not Be A Wetter One

ScienceDaily (2005-10-20) -- A NASA study is offering new insight into how the Earth's water cycle might be influenced by global change. In recent years, scientists have warned that the water cycle may be affected by temperature changes, as warmer temperatures can increase the moisture-holding capacity of air.

This map of sea surface temperatures was produced using MODIS data on the Terra satellite. The red pixels show warmer surface temperatures, while yellow and green are middle values, and blue represents cold water. CREDIT: NASA GSFC

Why is CO2 Significant? What is the Current Trend? What Level is Safe?

CO2 Now - CO2 Home

CO2 Data Set: Original data file created by NOAA on Monday June 7, 2010 (15:37:33)

Measuring Location: Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii

Data Source: Earth Systems Research Laboratory (ESRL) / National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

       
Why is CO2 Significant?
   
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the chief greenhouse gas that results from human activities and causes global warming and climate change. To see whether enough is being done at the moment to solve these global problems, there is no single indicator as complete and current as the monthly updates for atmospheric CO2 from the Mauna Loa Observatory.
     
What is the Current Trend?
   
The concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere are increasing at an accelerating rate from decade to decade. Accelerating from decade to decade. The latest atmospheric CO2 data is consistent with a continuation of this long-standing trend.
 
What Level is Safe?
   
The upper safety limit for atmospheric CO2 is 350 parts per million (ppm). Atmospheric CO2 levels have stayed higher than 350 ppm since early 1988.

The ENERGY-CLIMATE WORLD CHALLENGE MISSION AND VISION

With greenhouse gas emissions continuing to rise, strong revolutionary efforts are required to stop and reverse global warming.

If controlling global warming is a priority, then industries -- from banking to cement manufacturing -- will have to become efficient energy users, which will require a transformation of their basic management and operations.

By: LOPE COLUMNA

Executive Director and Implementor
ENERGY-CLIMATE WORLD CHALLENGE INITIATIVE 

The ENERGY-CLIMATE WORLD CHALLENGE

MISSION, VISION, and ACTION

The ENERGY-CLIMATE WORLD CHALLENGE (ECWC) deals with the main concern of the world today: ENERGY and its direct effect on CLIMATE. ECWC targets the Root-Causes of the twin crises of ENERGY and CLIMATE CHANGE. As we search and identify the root-causes, corrective and proactive measures will be developed and implemented to eliminate those root-causes.

Although the ENERGY-CLIMATE Challenge is a Filipino initiative, we have a Global mission to involve every nation and person on earth. This is a movement about change, as individuals, as corporations, as a country, and as a global community. We are all contributors to global warming and we all need to be part of the solution. This project is an initiative of the COLUMNA MESSIANIC Research, Inc., a Filipino non-profit research and educational organization.

SEARCH AND ELIMINATE

The ENERGY-CLIMATE WORLD CHALLENGE main mission is to search and eliminate the Root-Causes of the twin crises of ENERGY and CLIMATE CHANGE. These efforts include primarily the education and training of the workforce in businesses, industries, the government, and the academe. In addition, we will develop and implement efficient strategies on Operations Management and Proactive Maintenance. Research and development of new efficient design of energy systems and procedural methods will be conducted to prevent the return of the root-causes.

GLOBAL WARMING and the disastrous OIL SPILLS happens because the use of Petroleum Oil and other Fossil Fuels pervades the culture of human society. As SUPPLY exists because of DEMAND, so must any driver/user of an oil-driven vehicle and electricity must take some responsibility for the sickening OIL SPILLS and GLOBAL WARMING. The solution is to radically reduce our consumption of oil. This is the MAJOR MISSION of the ENERGY-CLIMATE WORLD CHALLENGE.

SHARE AND EDUCATE

The Science and Technologies that will be developed from this ENERGY-CLIMATE Project will be shared as reference of the Lawmakers, CEO's, and Government officials to help in their decision-making. In general, these knowledge will be used to EDUCATE the people of the World about the proper use of the resources of Planet Earth.

A WIN-WIN SOLUTION 
WITH MANY BENEFITS!

This ENERGY-CLIMATE WORLD CHALLENGE is a WIN-WIN solution to the Energy, Climate, and Economic crises, as it gives many benefits, especially if applied to the national level.

1. REDUCES Greenhouse Gas Emissions
2. Decreases Need to Build New Power Plants
3. Provides National Energy Security
4. Prevent Occurrence of Brownouts and Blackouts
5. Lower Energy Bill for both the Producers and Consumers
6. Increased Business Productivity and Activities
7. Increased Attraction to Foreign and Local Investors
8. Decreased Power Demand, Less Stress on Power Plants
9. Decreased Prices of Power and Petroleum products
10. High Quality Products and Services
11. Increased Competitiveness in the Global Market
12. Decreased Prices of Prime Commodities
13. More Employment and Jobs
14. More Income to Businesses and Governments.

VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AND 
MANAGEMENT ARE NEEDED!

LEADERSHIP in these ENERGY and CLIMATE domains require vision and imagination that surpasses mere engineering ingenuity, and managerial acumen. COLUMNA MESSIANIC envisions to provide this kind of visionary leadership, and will search for the root-causes of ENERGY-CLIMATE Change that lurks behind its details and specifics.

Running a "clean and green" business requires more than administrative efficiency and good public relations. We will use inspired creativity and innovation to adopt new technologies and innovative management and procedural methods that are crucial to face and mitigate the Energy-Climate challenge.

Engineer Columna, the brain and prime mover behind this Energy-Climate challenge, is guided with his motto: "ENGINEERING WITH VISION." Thus, we teach engineering subjects not just for the sake of teaching engineering, nor do we practice engineering just for the sake of engineering practice. In all our undertakings, we always add to engineering that often neglected, but all-important element of VISION -- looking toward the future, to the long-term and lifelong benefits of science and technology to mankind and his environment.

The CHALLENGES TO FACE

The ENERGY-CLIMATE WORLD CHALLENGE is the monumental challenge that must be faced by every person on earth today. This great challenge involves everything, and it affects everything. It affects everyone, and it involves everyone, including the next many generations. The social, economic, and environmental costs involve here are staggering. 

Human activity is a major cause of Climate Change. And the longer we wait to act on climate change, the more it will cost and the worse its effects will be. The very survival of man is at stake here.

IS EARTH PAST THE TIPPING POINT?

Wetlands from Bangladesh to Florida submerged. Drought and devastating heat in important granaries such as the Yangtze floodplain in China or Ukraine. Rains that come too often or too hard in India or the U.S. Northeast. The list of potentially devastating impacts from climate change is a long one. But with greenhouse gas emissions continuing to climb and concentrations in the atmosphere rising by roughly two parts per million (ppm) a year, climate catastrophes are looking more and more imminent. -- Scientific American

CO2 IMPACTS On CLIMATE CHANGE

Carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, a by-product of combustion, is the major contributor to Climate Change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which is a panel of more than 2,500 scientists and other experts, gave assessments, from their Synthesis Report, Summary for Policymakers.

If CO2 levels in the atmosphere reach roughly 550 ppm, scientists estimate temperatures would rise by 3 degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) on average. Such a rise would have a host of impacts, ranging from shrinking glaciers (and imperiled supplies of fresh water) to extreme weather events and natural disasters such as forest fires and pest outbreaks.

Climate change is "unequivocal" and it is 90 percent certain that the "net effect of human activities since 1750 has been one of warming.

In its 2nd assessment, the IPCC stated that human-induced warming is having a discernible influence on the planet, from species migration to thawing permafrost. Despite these findings, emissions of the greenhouse gases driving this process continue to rise due to increased burning of fossil fuels while cost-effective options for decreasing them have not been adopted.

The IPCC's 4th and final assessment of the climate change problem—known as the Synthesis Report—combines all of these reports and adds that "warming could lead to some impacts that are abrupt or irreversible, depending upon the rate and magnitude of the climate change."

MICROSOFT Founder BILL GATES Talks About ENERGY-CLIMATE Crises!

Damned if we don't, damned if we do! This is one "solution" that Mr. Gates is proposing. In effect, Bill Gates is saying, "Prevent the birth of about a billion humans on earth to curb Climate Change, or let billions die of hunger and heat if man fails to curb Climate Change!" But there are more creative and win-win solutions to the Energy and Climate Change crises.  This ENERGY-CLIMATE CHANGE WORLD CHALLENGE initiative is one of them. 

The JEWISH INITIATIVE ON CLIMATE CHANGE

... Continued on Part 2 ...

How Should We Face the CHALLENGE?

CYCLIC EDUCATION: A "CURE" FOR ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND ECONOMIC CRISES!

The CONTINUING UPDATE AND REFRESHER EDUCATION (CURE)

For A More Educated and Fine-Tuned Workforce To Face the ENERGY-CLIMATE Crises

The EDUCATION CRISIS: A ROOT-CAUSE OF THE ENERGY-CLIMATE CRISES

We are in Situation Critical, and TIME is a very precious factor.It is NOW time for the direct and immediate actions; innovative and creative actions that target the Root-Cause/s, not just the Effects, of Climate Change, particularly Global Warming. Get involved NOW! 

1. We invite foreign investors. We build power plants, factories, Economic Zones, and Industrial Parks. Everything is set up. The ship is about to go. But wait a minute. We forgot something! We don't have a qualified crew;  a well-educated personnel to efficiently man the ship.
2. You have a multi-million dollar factory, producing multi-million dollar worth of products. Then suddenly your entire production process stops. An electric motor burned out, stopping a critical process pump. Every day of downtime costs millions to your company. Technicians install a new motor with new bearings, and the production starts again. After a few weeks, the plant shutdown again with the same reason. And the cycle repeats itself.
3. A very confident and industrious electrician in a large power plant tried to troubleshoot a "simple" malfunction. In the Control Room, an annunciator light was busted. Without knowing that the busted alarm light is a neon bulb, he replaced it with an ordinary incandescent light bulb. It works, but it also triggered a tripping relay shutting down a 300 MW power plant. A classic example of simple ignorance resulting to a 3-hour power blackout causing a chain reaction of economic disasters. And of course, this also triggered more release of carbon greenhouse gas, as Gensets from many establishments started to operate, adding to the problem of Global Warming!

EDUCATION, an easily forgotten or downgraded component of industrialization in the country, and in the world. We put so much budget in our infrastructures, machinery and technologies, but we fail to invest more on the continuous education and training of people who will operate and maintain those machinery. A losing kind of thinking. And a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. This is typical of the majority of industries, and we have done this for decades. Now, we are reaping the deadly fruits of our negligence and unwise business management that resulted to the abuse of the Earth's resources. 

The Education crisis generates the Energy crisis; and the Energy Crisis generates the Climate Change crisis. So, now, CLIMATE CHANGE is here, generating all kinds of disasters for all of us.

TECHNICAL TRAINING IS A MUST TO FACE CLIMATE CHANGE! 

All companies, big and small, need a continuing technical training for their personnel. High technology hardware should be matched with high technology training of personnel to have the best return on investment (ROI). 

Technology is advancing so fast that our previous knowledge and skills can suddenly become obsolete. And because of the feared CLIMATE CHANGE effects, the present technology and management trend is ENERGY EFFICIENCY. Even present technologies and equipment (including its associated skills) can also become obsolete as they are found destructive to environment (air-conditioning CFC refrigerants, for example).  

New efficient technologies and equipment are now available to replace our old, energy-guzzler and pollutant machinery. These are the HARDWARE part. 

But installing these energy-efficient technologies and machinery is not enough. This must be accompanied by the same level and quality of training that will produce energy-efficient employees and manpower. This is the SOFTWARE part. 

Similar to the computer technology, you cannot use a computer without a software, or you cannot maximize the use of your computer without the corresponding latest software.

WE MUST NOT SOLVE CLIMATE CHANGE EVILS. WE MUST ELIMINATE THEM!

The right way to deal with a problem is not to solve it, but rather to eliminate it. Solving a problem is only a part of the process of problem elimination. 'Solving a problem' only let you deal with the effects or symptoms of the problem, NOT the cause/s. But people's minds are formatted to "solving problems"; that's why we never run out of problems, and they are getting worse. There must be a paradigm shift in our thinking, for us to really eliminate, not solve, the Climate Change problems. This paradigm shift will let us see and deal with the ROOT-CAUSE/S of the problem. Then we eliminate the problem. 

The BETTERMENT OR WORSENING OF CLIMATE CHANGE Largely Depends on the Hands of BLUE-COLLAR Workers!

World leaders and scientists are certain that the major cause of Climate Change, particularly Global Warming, is the increasing and continuous release of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Where do these gases come from? They mostly came from combustion engines (internal and external engines). These include car/truck engines, power plants, ocean liners, airplane's jet engines, steam-boilers, furnaces, and the like. These are the prime movers and power generators of the present civilization. On the other side of the circuit, is the power utilization or demand (factories, buildings, condominiums, hotels, shopping malls, residentials, etc.).  

Now, we must realize that the productivity, longevity, and efficiency of these multi-million or multi-billion dollar establishments, are directly and ultimately decided by the operators, mechanics, and technicians handling them. The CEO's and top executives are the decision-makers at the top (the head-brain), but the blue-collar workers are the direct decision-makers (the hands and feet) of the corporate body. 

The attitude, knowledge and skills of the blue-collar workers will directly determine the direction where your business goes to; either toward profit or toward bankruptcy of your company, and to the betterment or worsening of Climate Change.

WE MUST PREVENT THE SMALL MISTAKES AND ERRORS THAT BREED CATASTROPHIC DISASTERS

A wrong button pressed, or an error in the opening and closing of a valve, or just a misinterpretation of a control parameter, is sufficient to bring your business in shambles, or to have a tragic accident or environmental disaster. We should never forget the lessons learned from the Three Mile Island accident in the USA, the Bhopal disaster in India, and the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska, to name a few. An error of a blue-collar worker is truly very costly and deadly, which justifies training, even a costly one.

A MASSIVE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING For the Industrial Workforce is Needed NOW!

Mr. COLUMNA have been through these environments with actual experience in the operation and maintenance of various power plants and industrial facilities, as an operator, mechanic, technician, and engineer. Combined with his decades of conducting technical training to Philippine businesses and industries, Engr. COLUMNA came to know firsthand the internal status and problems of most industries, both the technical and human factors. He arrived at the conclusion that there must be a massive education and training crusade for the industrial and commercial workforce, particularly in the field of Facilities Efficient Operation and Maintenance, and also in the Transportation and Power Generation sectors. And this goal must be started  immediately if we want to curb the perils of Climate Change. 

Most of the training needs and necessary know-how of the workforce are not provided by the existing universities and vocational schools. Take for example, the subject of Steam and Boiler Technologies. Steam is a major medium for heating and power generation. Boiler is the heat or steam generator needed by almost all major manufacturing plants. And the boiler is a major consumer of fossil fuels and therefore a major emitter of greenhouse gases and air pollution responsible for the dreaded Climate Change. 

Yet there is no engineering or vocational schools producing graduates that can properly operate and maintain steam boilers. This means that the thousands of boilers in the country are run by unschooled personnel, which means the dangerous and inefficient operation of Boilers, which means tremendous release of carbon dioxide and air pollution to the atmosphere. Now, we are reaping the wrath and revenge of Climate Change to punish us all!

MISTAKES AND HUMAN ERRORS MUST BE RELEASED 

IN THE TRAINING ROOM, NOT IN THE WORKPLACE!

It is a sad fact that the subjects of machine operation, maintenance and troubleshooting are not taught in-depth in our schools. Graduates usually learn the practicalities of machinery operation and maintenance when they are already in the job. This is a major deficiency of technical education, as neophyte graduates make mistakes as they learn their jobs. As a result, our industry suffers from gross inefficiencies, low quality products, accidents (causing death, destruction, and release of toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases), high operations costs, and poor maintenance. Mistakes are normal for a novice, and they must release their mistakes in the classroom, laboratory, or simulator, not in the multi-million dollar machinery in the actual facility or production line!

As a factory owner or manager, you cannot afford to allow your personnel to make serious technical and human errors that could result to a downtime costing millions, or lead to loss of life and properties. You can only have peace of mind if you invest more on their effective technical training.

But very few companies have their own training department, particularly, technical training aspects. There are several reasons for this:

1.  Companies just depend on graduates of engineering and technical vocational schools. But it is a well known fact that the academe is teaching outdated curriculum, producing graduates unsuitable to industry needs.
2.  The quality of technical training depends on the expertise  and research based education of instructors. But most companies are not able to maintain full-time instructors. Most, if not all, of their qualified engineers are too busy with their main plant responsibilities, not on teaching or research.
3.  Companies with small number of employees don't justify an in-house training department. Human Resource Departments are not able to provide the real and in-depth technical training for their personnel.
4.  Maintaining a full-time training department is quite expensive and requires additional administrative responsibilities, manpower, facilities, etc.

But training is a necessity, but it is not just easy. A really effective training that is attunes to the times takes much thought and preparations, continuous research, and of course, budget. It is hard work, but it is a must. Industries see their need of relevant technical and human factor training and education. But to where will they come to?

ENTER THE REVOLUTIONARY "CYCLIC EDUCATION"

Engineer COLUMNA conceptualized this innovative approach for Philippine education and training systems. He called it "Cyclic Education." This is part of the COLUMNA MESSIANIC Research, Inc. ongoing Continuing Update and Refresher Education (CURE) for industry to combat Climate Change.

The COLUMNA MESSIANIC Research, Inc. envision to establish the most advanced and modern ENERGY-CLIMATE Research and Training Institute in the country in line with the Philippine's economic objectives, tied in with the World's search for solutions to combat Climate Change.

Cyclic Education is a research-based practical training technique designed to help Philippine business and industries become more efficient and competitive in the global market, as well as, comply with the call to reduce carbon greenhouse gas emissions.

 The MECHANICS OF CYCLIC EDUCATION

Cyclic Education works like this: Employees from member/subscriber companies will be given classroom lectures, exams, and practical hands-on exercises. Course emphasis will be on energy conservation and efficiency, including efficient design, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. 

From the classroom, the participants will return to their respective workplaces to apply what they learned. After some time the same participants will go back to classroom for further study and training fine-tuning. Time will be allotted for follow-up questions and clarifications from the previous session. 

Then, the next higher level course will be conducted. As the cycle continuous from classroom to workplace and back, the participants will be given the opportunity to:

1. Refresh/fine-tune theories and engineering principles. 
2. Confirm their observations, knowledge and ideas. 
3. Clarify further questions and be cleared of doubts and "hazy" concepts. 
4. Learn lessons that might have been missed. 
5. Master or upgrade certain skill(s) and technology. 
6. Update information on the latest technology trends and research. 
7. Find the right solutions to their plant problems.

The BENEFITS OF CYCLIC EDUCATION

The COLUMNA MESSIANIC Research has a wide range of specialty courses, covering such vital subjects as: Energy (Basics and Advance), Climate Science, Environmental Preservation, HVAC, Mathematics, Engineering, Management, Operation and Maintenance, Instrumentation & Control, Computer and Information Technologies, Human Factor Engineering, etc. 

We will design and develop any course or curriculum particular and specific to business and Climate needs. Our continuous research and development in the field of education and engineering will assure you of quality training that your people needs. And all the courses are designed and conducted in the perspective of efficiency to face the ENERGY-CLIMATE Challenge.

COLUMNA MESSIANIC experienced instructors and consultants are carefully selected to provide an effective transfer of technology and expertise to the participants. In addition, participants will learn from each other as they share experiences. Lessons learned from plant experiences of other companies will be discussed and documented, copies of which will be available to subscriber companies. Thus, troubles and malfunctions from one company can be avoided in another company. Companies will learn from each other by sharing ideas and experiences. We will do the research on the how's and why's of industrial plants operation and maintenance.

The COLUMNA MESSIANIC Research will serve as the technical training department of your company.  Thus, you can be relieved and save on manpower, headaches, facilities, space. Instead you can concentrate more on your management time.

COLUMNA MESSIANIC will give examinations and trade tests to the participants to determine their knowledge and skill retention and development. Test results and overall grades of the participants will be submitted to their respective management. These training records can be a basis in management decision to promote or transfer their personnel.

Other benefits of our Cyclic Education are:

1. Personalized and customized training in consideration of Filipino habits, culture, and environment.
2. Continuing education and update of the latest trends in technology as used or to be used by industry. Courses offered are to be accredited by TESDA and other accrediting organizations for the required CPE units. 
3. There's no need for companies to maintain a full-time staff to man their technical training needs. Training needs analysis and curriculum development will be conducted by COLUMNA MESSIANIC in coordination with the plant management. 
4. Member companies will have access to our experts and consultants for further technical assistance and consultancy. 
5. Course contents and lecturers will focus to the current needs of industry. The lecture discussion method, practical exercises and on-the-job exposure will give participants the most effective training. 
6. Because of the continuous training and retraining services, participants will have the opportunity to clarify any question, doubts, that may have developed after a classroom sessions, or while on the job.  This training technique will increase production efficiencies of each subscriber company through their more knowledgeable and motivated personnel. 
7. Courses and syllabi are continually develop and updated to reflect the most relevant topics as needed by modern industries. We will assure you of the latest trends in energy, climate, and industrial technologies. 
8. Our policy of teaching is not how good a teacher teaches but of how the student learns. Thus, training methodologies will be adjusted to the educational level of a class. As much as possible, the medium of instruction will be in Filipino language, or in "Taglish".  This is for maximum and effective transfer of concepts and principles or a clearer understanding of science and technology. Appreciation of these principles will add interest to their jobs to counteract the spirit of boredom that may result in routine jobs. 
9. Older employees should have retraining (at least every two years).  This will avoid "evaporation" of their knowledge and recharge them with knowledge power.  New employees should undergo training for safety and familiarization/orientation of the plant. 
10. Cyclic education will assure training to every personnel, from rank-and-file to top management level. We will develop special training courses as requested by subscriber companies. 
11. Cyclic education sessions will serve as venues for open forum wherein problems and troubles at the plants will be discussed, analyzed, and solutions found. This will be of great use in understanding and finding solutions to pressing problems of industry.  
12. Confidence and motivation of your personnel are a major factor to any successful business.  This training technique will do just that  instilling confidence and motivation to your personnel. 
13. We will continuously monitor and record the results and progress of training even at the workplace. 
14. COLUMNA MESSIANIC Research will stir up and stimulate the minds of the participants with its innovative, interest filled, and challenging approach to teaching.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE 

To avail the benefits of cyclic education, companies must become a member or subscribe to the program. They will contribute or donate an annual membership fee depending upon the number of the employees to be trained and the complexity of their business operations. In addition, subscribers will pay a small amount per day of course duration per employee. These funds are necessary for COLUMNA MESSIANIC Research to maintain a high quality training and research that will ultimately rebound to the benefit of industry, the country, and the world, as a whole.

DONORS, SPONSORS, AND VOLUNTEERS ARE ALSO NEEDED 

This is a national, and a Global endeavor to mitigate Climate Change tragedies. We need as many donors, sponsors, co-workers/partners, and volunteers, as possible. 

We usually give, and support Climate Change victims, and that is a humanitarian thing to do. But why should we wait, or give our resources to suffering victims, when we can give and help them, and ourselves, NOT to become victims, in the first place? 

We encourage you to support, sponsor, donate, join, or share whatever you can to the success of this innovative approach to face the ENERGY-CLIMATE World Challenge via education and training. 

Contact: Engineer Lope Columna for more details. 
Mobile Phone: (+63) 926-876-8236
E-Mail: Lope.columna@yahoo.com