Global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from burning of fossil fuel reached a record high of 31.6 billion metric tonnes in 2011, according to preliminary estimates by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Coal-fired power plant.

PHOTO BY VXLA VIA FLICKR UNDER CREATIVE COMMONS.

Emissions were around one billion tonnes higher than in 2010, the agency says. Coal accounted for 45% of emissions in 2011, followed by oil (35%) and natural gas (20%).

Experts reckon that global CO₂ emissions would need to peak at 32.6 gigatonnes by no later than 2017 to give the world a 50% chance of limiting the rise in global average temperature to 2 °C. This no longer seems very likely.

“The new data provide further evidence that the door to a 2 °C trajectory is about to close,” IEA chief economist Fatih Birol said on announcing the figures.

China’s emissions rose by 720 million tonnes, or 9.3%, owing mainly to higher coal consumption. In 2010, China surpassed the United States as the world’s largest emitter of CO₂.

However, China’s carbon intensity — the amount of CO₂ emitted per unit of gross domestic product — has decreased by 15% since 2005. And the Chinese government plans to keep up massive investment in energy efficiency and renewable energies.

Yesterday the Chinese ministry of finance announced it would spend CN¥170 billion (US$27 billion) this year on energy conservation and emission reductions.

“What China has done over such a short period of time to improve energy efficiency and deploy clean energy is already paying major dividends to the global environment,” Birol said.

Emissions decreased last year in the United States (1.7%) and in the European Union (1.9%).

Since 2006, the United States has cut its emissions by a total 430 million tonnes (7.7%) — the largest reduction in all countries and regions — thanks mainly to the switch from coal to natural gas in power generation, according to IEA analysts.

In Japan, emissions increased in 2011 by 28 million tonnes (2.4%) as a result mainly of increased fossil-fuels use after the Fukushima nuclear accident. India’s emissions rose by 140 million tonnes (8.7%), moving it ahead of Russia to become the world’s fourth-largest emitter.

For a complete trap and shoulder workout, you must hit all of these parts. The traps consist of the muscle fibers of the upper traps that run from the back of the skull to the top of the shoulder, the middle traps that are on top of the shoulder blades, and the lower traps are near the middle back. The deltoids also have a front, side and back shoulder muscle.


Cable One Arm Shrug
The cable one arm shrug targets the upper traps and also works the middle traps. Shrugs are the only exercise that isolate just the traps. You need a cable machine to perform this exercise. To begin, grip the handle attached to the low pulley with your right hand and stand sideways, positioning your right side nearest to the machine. Then, shrug your right shoulder toward your ear and keep your arm straight. Perform 10 to 12 repetitions and then repeat on the left side. Complete three sets. The cable one arm shrug also works the levator scapulae, which is a muscle on the back of the neck and top of the shoulder.


Barbell Front Raise
The barbell front raise targets the front of the shoulder, called the anterior deltoids. It also works the upper and middle trapezius muscles. To perform a barbell front raise, hold a barbell against your thighs with your palms facing you and your hands shoulder-width apart. Then, raise the barbell up to head height. Keep your arms straight. You should not swing the weight upward or you rob your muscles of the responsibility to control the movement. Perform three sets of 10 to 12 reps.


Cable Upright Row
The cable upright row targets the traps, front shoulders and the side shoulders, called the lateral deltoids. Using a cable machine to do this exercise gives you constant resistance. To perform the cable upright row, grip the bar attached to the low pulley with your arms straight and face the machine. Then, raise the bar to your chin as you bend your elbows and flair them out to the sides. Your hands are shoulder-width or narrower apart, depending on what is comfortable. Do three sets of 10 to 12 reps.


Cable Seated Reverse Fly
The cable seated reverse fly targets the rear, or posterior, deltoids. It also hits the middle and lower traps. The posterior deltoids assist with many back exercises, so if you are doing full body workouts or incorporating other back exercises into your shoulder workout you do not need to do a lot of work on your posterior deltoids. However, if you are only working your traps and shoulders and therefore not doing back exercises you need to target the posterior delts. To perform a cable seated reverse fly, sit at a cable reverse fly machine with your feet on the floor and your knees bent. Grip the handles with your hands together and palms facing inwards and your arms slightly rounded in front of you. Then, pull your arms open to the sides and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Do three sets of 12 to 15 reps.

Difference Between Sore Throat and Strep Throat

A strep infection can be mild or severe, with fever occurring on the second day after infection and a red throat, sometimes with white patches, and swollen lymph nodes. A sore throat can also be mild or severe, and there can be fever, but that is less likely. In general, a person with strep throat will feel more weak and lethargic than a person with a sore throat. A throat swab at a medical office can quickly diagnose a strep throat, and this is important because antibiotics are frequently prescribed for a strep bacterial infection but not for a sore throat, which is much more common.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an herb used to flavor food and an ingredient of curry, but it is also an anti-inflammatory agent. Gargling with turmeric can help reduce the inflammation of a sore throat. Put 1 tsp of turmeric in a 6-oz glass of warm water and gargle. This can be repeated every few hours. Eating foods containing turmeric is also beneficial.

Liquids

Drink plenty of liquid to treat a sore throat. Warm broths and water are advised by the University of Maryland Medical Center. You should avoid alcoholic beverages and soda.

Honey

Honey is a natural antiseptic, acting to kill germs in the throat. The University of Maryland advises the use of honey to treat a sore throat but not for children younger than age 1 year. A spoon of honey can be used as a natural cough syrup or mixed with a dash of lemon, which cuts through mucus in the throat as well.

Garlic

Garlic, also known by its Latin name Allium sativa, can prevent colds and speed the healing of sore throats. Garlic has been shown to speed healing by at last one day, and it can reduce the pain of a sore throat as well. Rutgers University recommends adding garlic to warm salt water for a gargle, using a teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of water. Pregnant women, those breastfeeding and those taking blood thinners are advised to consult with a medical professional before taking garlic.

Peppermint

Peppermint is good for sore throats because it can cut the mucus and speed healing. It is soothing to the throat. Honey can be added to mint tea for added healing benefits.

Warnings

If symptoms persist for three days, consult a medical specialist. Also seek help if white patches appear in the throat or if the tonsils become enlarged, recommends the Rutgers University .