One week from now, the project has its symposium were all of the groups have their own presentation about whatever topic they investigated. It shall be interesting, and also a nice little round-off  for this school term.

This group work has been learning, both in aquatic life science and in politics, but I think we have all grown in terms of group assignments and cooperation, and for that, I’m greatful. I hope this project will carry on for the future years, but it is not up for to decide. This is the first time we in Russian Pipeline Group have been in contacted with exchange students in such an academic and ambitious environment, which has been  an experience in itself.

The Russian Pipeline Group
/R

The Russian Pipeline Group,
/R

We have had our interview with Professor Nils Kautsky of Stockholm University regarding the long term and immediate effects of the biotic environment in the Baltic and how it will be affected as the habitat that is. It was to our surprise how Stockholm University actually looked like; the buildings (amongst them a Chemistry Laboratory) were not of ordinary architecture and had some unique features such as the Laboratory with what I can only describe as weird concrete figures sticking out of the wall. Also, on the other side of a beautiful field (perfect for a picnic) was a massive brick building and I can only assume that is the main teaching grounds, but I don’t really know. It also had a small blue tower on the top of it (gotta say that it would be really nice to see the view from up there).

After a bit of confusion trying to find our professor (and by some help by the janitors) we found Nils Kautsky and we had a very interesting interview (we were awesome interviewers ) we actually found out that the pipeline is a good thing for the biotic life in the Baltic Sea, as it will increase biodiversity by attracting other life which would have their nische around the pipeline. He also told us about how this project has been ongoing for astonishing two decades, since 1990 that is. Remarkable. Surprisingly enough the only concern he had was how the life in the Baltic Sea would be damaged when dropping the actual pipeline into the sea would take place. Not even a leak would be specifically damaging, as it just gas, which simply would start to rise to the surface in the form of bubbles (large streams) and then evaporate into the environment. It wouldn’t lead to something like the situation at the oil platform in USA, where the oil is damaging the sea horrifically.

After the interview, he offered us to have a look at material from an investigation of NordStream (the name of the pipeline) and regarding the planning of it. It was about four folders that he showed us, containing a massive amount of information about it which we certainly didn’t understand half of it.

To round off I simply want to say that this was a really academic experience, and a great experience (again, academically). This interview has been retold in one of our articles, which I intend to post as soon as it is handed, if not Ms. Dinnétz will do it for us.

The Russian Pipeline Group/R

Our group investigating the potential effects of the Natural Gas Pipeline being built in the Baltic Sea has been in contact with a professor at the University of Stockholm, Prof. Nils Kautsky, but unfortunately he is going on vacation and therefore our plans of having an interview has been slightly complicated at the moment, but we are preliminary planning of having our interview at a later time. Our articles are in their first stage, meaning in the research stage and we have planned who is going to write about what.

That is currently all I have to report as of today.

/The Russian Pipeline-group.

Although sad that our visitors have left, it has now calmed down a bit. Nice to see that the bloggs are up and running. There is a lot of interesting info being published. Good reading!!!!

I would like to extend my gratitude to Mrs. Rajala (First School Secretary), Mrs. Elofsson (School Assistant, International Section), Mrs. Larsson (School Assistant, Main Office) and Mrs. Gustavsson (Manager of the School Cafeteria) for making this 1st meeting of the Geoport project such a success. Thanks are also in order to our Deputy Head of the International Section Mr. Powers whose speech and appearance at the Mingling / Buffet was greatly appreciated. Also – THANK YOU – to our excellent custodians Mr. Edberg, Mr. Fredriksson and Mr. Pearson for assisting us in the projects.

Soon the minutes from the conference / sessions held on the 4th of May will be posted.

AGAIN – THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING SUCH GOOD HOSTS & BRILLIANT PARTICIPANTS OF THE GEOPORT!

KEEP ON BLOGGING…… see ya´Ms. Dinnétz.

It is a fact that the especially fragile ecosystem in our beloved sea is threatened by oil pollution, every single day. The Baltic Sea is a highway for oil transport and the consequences of a big oil spill would be disastrous. Since the Baltic Sea is deemed a PSSA (a particularly sensitive sea area) it would be especially detrimental, “which means that it’s possible to have more restrictions on things like boat traffic in the Baltic and the requirements for double hulls on boats/tankers and requirements for a higher level of education for the crew etc.” says Miljöpartiets Charles Berkow.

Now you are probably thinking that a big oil spill is unlikely ever to happen. Why should it? The harsh truth is that small amounts of oil are released into the sea every time oil ships use it to wash their tanks. It is illegal, but many ships still do it and will continue to do so, unless serious measures are taken. About 500 illegal cleanings are recorded every year, together releasing a significant amount of oil. It should be taken into account that this figure is the amount of people that were caught. This leaves much room for error; the real number is probably much higher.

However, not only big oil tanks release oil, smaller incidents and daily negligence adds up to a substantial part of the pollution.

As an individual, there is not much to do to prevent these occurrences from happening, but according to Miljöpartiets Charles Berkow, there are some simple actions to minimize the effect we have on the sea. One of Miljöpartiets suggestions is to implement something that is called a scrapping fee.

This means that if you have an old boat-motor, you can hand it in and get a discount when you buy a new and more environmentally friendly one. This would be effective, since old motors have a tendency to release more oil into the water. Miljöpartiet also wants to improve the traffic in the Baltic Sea, since accidents are a big cause for oil pollution.

The question is, if there are rules and restrictions, why are they not followed? From the government’s point of view, they can do much more. Oil pollution is, after all, not only bad for the ecosystem in the Baltic but also for our economy. Each time the water is polluted, money is wasted on both lost resources and on restoration. Employed cleaners are required, as well as equipment and time – all costly to our country and ourselves. 

Our situation is, however, not hopeless. There is still time to save our Baltic sea if we care to invest our valuable time and money. The survival of our environment depends on our commitment and resolution. It is going to take a lot of work, but stopping the oil pollution of our seas is a step in the right direction.

By: Rebecka Rosenberg and Victoria West (Kungsholmens Gymnasium)

Did you know…
… that at least 100.000 seabirds die every year only in the Baltic Sea because of oil pollution?
… that in 2003 only 1 of the 207 recorded operational tank-cleanings led to a conviction?
… that one of the biggest oil spills ever released 41.9 million liters of oil? This happened when the oil tanker Exxon Valdez hit a reef outside Alaska in 1989. The spill killed 250.000 seabirds.
… that the Baltic Sea is noted as unusually vulnerable to oil? This is because of the lack of different species and the low temperature of the water. It slows down the decomposition of the oil.
… that remediation of the beach costs 10 to 100 times more than remediation of the sea?

Premier meeting of the Comenius project – GEOPORT

May 4th 2010

What a day! I just have to thank all students of ES1a, Es1B, En1a & En1b, our guest students from St-Jo, Emile Gryzon and Rosina Salvo and teachers alike for making this day such a success. The presentations were interesting, informative and enlightening. You all i.e. THE STUDENTS, displayed such great initiative, creativity and innovation in regards of the products already produced and the ideas there are at hand – WELL DONE!!!! Me and Mr. Bäckström had a blast and are looking forward to what the future beholds for this project. As Mr. Powers, the principal of the International section of Kungsholmens gymnasium, phrased so well in his speech at the Mingling party – this project is for the students, about the students and made by the students. AS YOUR TEACHERS WE COULD NOT BE MORE PROUD!

A special gratitude is extended to Mrs. Adlercreutz our Art teacher, whose presentation and interaction with her students regarding the Murder mystery book covers was greatly appreciated.

I would like to give special thanks to Caleb (ES1a) who assisted in the logistic of the morning session. As well a “yea-to-you” August , Robert, Fredrik, Samiul and Klara P (EN1b) that remained and helped us to fix 5417 to its original set-up.

Many believe that when changing the way Slussen is now, will make for a place that won’t be a human envirornment and will stop being a nice destination for people from Stockholm and other places to sit and look out over the city. However, since Slussen was finalized in 1935 it is in need of renovation. In 2003 5 ton of concrete was taken away as to not hurt people and vehicles. In September 2005 parts of Slussen was closed off for heavy traffic because of a risk of landslides. There are constant renovations needed and only these costs 3-5 million kr. a year. Which is why “Nya Slussen” is being questions repeatedly. Many people believe that it wil ruin a lot of the beauty that is slussen. However, you need to factor in the fact that the New Slussen is necessary for safety reasons. As previously stated many roads and birdges have been closed down for safety precautions. The new model will make this a safer place, with a natural place for pedestrians and vehicles. It will also make for a more a better water traffic solution.
The building plan for “Nya Slussen” will begin year 2012 and will stand finished earliest 2018. The estimated cost is about 6,3 billion kronor.

Slussen in current state http://www.svd.se/multimedia/dynamic/00419/sluss_419413q.jpg

Reconstruction is not a question; it’s a demand
The reconstruction of slussen has had controversial reactions to it. The planning of the reconstruction of slussen started already in 2008 when 5 construction firms Atelier Jean Nouvel and Habiter Autrement, BIG, Foster + Partners and Berg Arkitektkontor, Nyréns and Wingårdh were chosen to draw up different proposals to how slussen was going to be re built. The company that was chosen was Foster + Partners and Berg Arkitektkontor and they have been working on developing that proposal until now in 2010 when they revealed what they were going to do. The plan is to have these now features:

-   New pedestrian quaysides culminating in a central “water plaza” around the Slussen lock

-   Dynamic new public spaces and water terraces extending out from the City Museum.

-  A spacious transport interchange with new bus terminal and new entrance to the Metro station.

-  A new pedestrian footbridge over Slussen on the historic route into the old city.

-  A roadway system that causes minimum disruption to street life within the new city quarter.

-  A new waterfront frontage to Södermalm with a scale to fit with the existing built fabric.

-  A diverse range of buildings suitable for retail, commercial, residential and cultural uses.

One of the designs of Slussen’s future outcome http://www.knutpunktslussen.se/filer/file/Nya%20Slussen.JPG

Some people think that this is a terrible mistake. They don’t like the idea of the rebuilding because they think that it is taking away from the nature just to add more shopping and work buildings. Also people are worried about the effects this will that on the lake mälaren. The construction agency has said to there defense that the lake will be fine and un harmed. Although still environmentalists worry and lead protests about this. On the other had the re building is necessary because the slussen areas foundations and the frame work of a lot of buildings is weak and faltering. That is why we have to act fast to fix it. The rebuilding is due to start 2012 and finish in 2018.

Report Written by:

Ofelia Kurpatow, Johanna Filipson, Lucia Johansson

Marijuana is the buds and dried leaves from the Cannabis plant and can be smoked, directly unlike cocaine and heroin. Its main origins are countries located near the Tropical Regions, such as India, Mexico, Thailand and Afghanistan. This drug is considered a milder drug compared to heroin and cocaine, but is very common. Heroin’s effects on the human brain and lungs are the following -Brain – THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, reacts on cannabis receptors on nerve cells and influences the activity of those cells. The inhalation of marijuana takes a huge effect on pupils memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time. Although it isn’t an addictive drug, it is possible that most people get addicted to the calming pleasure of it use.    Lungs – The effects that marijuana has on the lungs can be the most harmful for those who smoke it. It can cause burning and pain of the mouth and throat, and cause a lot of coughing. Regular marijuana smokers have been compared to tobacco smokers as they experience the same respiratory problems. In the society today about 60% of the teenagers have tried marijuana in 20 or more occasions any day or month of the year. Out of the 60%, 20% of the teenagers become physical addicts towards the drug

Seung Jung (Sean) Choi, Victor Pierce,

Axel Berggren, Julian Owens,

Jonathan Bradshaw

In October 1935 the construction of the present Slussen was completed. Engineer Gösta Lundborg and architect Tage William-Olsson was behind the idea of a traffic unit in three plans as a design of a cloverleaf shape which was the first one built in Sweden.

The Future of Slussen has been a hot topic for several years. In the 1980s it was discovered that the poles that Slussen are built on is sinking. In 1991 one of many architectural competitions was launched.

In 2004 another architect competition for Slussen was held. The winning draft in this competition did not rise any enthusiastic cheering. In fact, many people criticized whether it was right to replace the cloverleaf solution with the suggested bridge between Södermalm and Gamla Stan.

In 2008 the Swedish politicians decided that Slussen is going to be replaced by something completely new. But the new Slussen will not look like the winning draft from 2004. This subject of rebuilding Slussen has interested many of Stockholm’s habitants.

- Slussen is an incomparable place. Do not waste the golden opportunity, says Kjell Carlsson.

What he means is that we should use the openness and the unique view of the horizon with its sunsets and sunrises. The new buildings would ruin this. Kjell Carlsson is an architect working at Visby arkitektgrupp’s office in Gamla Stan. He lives on Södermalm and bicycle for work, passing Slussen daily.

Today, most politicians are not happy with the plans for Slussen. But they all agree that one building or some buildings must be struck off to save the view and the open space of Slussen.  They do not wish the view to disappear and are prepared to put more of the city’s money to reduce the amount of buildings on Slussen.  Stockholm is unique in that way that you can see the nature with water and mountains. Slussen is a great example of this and it would be a shame to ruin it, some people say. Others are positive to the changes of Slussen like the Swedish political party Center.  They do not think the view is the most important in this case. It is more important that Slussen will become a place full of life and new opportunities. Slussen has become a dangerous place for travelers that are passing here. Slussen are literally falling apart even after the repair last year that cost 12 million kronor. In April this year an iron beam fell down on a salesman of bread, Pär Hallin. The man got driven to the hospital, Södersjukhuset.

- The doctor told me I must have an guardian angel and that I probably would not of survived if the iron beam had fell on me with the pointed side downwards, says Pär Hallin.

He made it with five stitches, a concussion and pain in the head, back of the head and his arm.

- There are thousands of people traveling there every day. They have to fix this, says Pär Hallin.

Politicians and the people in charge of the reconstruction of Slussen are still debating how Slussen should look like. They are all certain of one thing; Slussen must be rebuilt. But how?

Sources:

Kjell Carlsson, arkitekt VISBYARK
http://www.dn.se/sthlm/socialdemokraterna-vill-bygga-nytt-landmarke-vid-slussen-1.1034394
http://www.dn.se/sthlm/del-av-slussen-foll-pa-forsaljare-1.1076532
http://www.direktpress.se/sodermalmsnytt/Asikt/Debatt/Ar-det-sa-har-vi-vill-ha-Slussen/

pictures:
(old picture) http://www.stockholmskallan.se/index.php?sokning=2&action=visaPost&foto=true&fritext=slussens+invigning&start=0&mediaId=4398&post=0
(fly picture) http://www.stockholmskallan.se/index.php?sokning=1&action=visaPost&fritext=slussen+flygbild&start=0&mediaId=4449&post=6

Report written by:

Julia Bahri and Emilie Lefèvre