Abstract This paper examines the conflicting opinions surrounding the Potato Famine that destroyed Ireland's crop in the 1840's. Some issues that are discussed are: who is to blame for the catastrophe, what could have done to prevent it and just how many people were killed in the famine.
From the Paper "In the 1840's, a fungus, Phytophthora infestans but commonly known as the blight, attacked and destroyed most of Ireland's potato crop. That is about the only fact that scholars and citizens alike agree upon. Ever since these events, debates have raged over nearly every aspect of the tragedy. One issue, albeit a small one, is what to call the events of the 40's. The hottest battle, as is so often the case, is over who is to blame. Most theories revolve around the British, and range from claims of incompetence to outright accusations of genocide. More modern views focus on the inefficient system of landownership and rampant overpopulation of Ireland. Beyond culpability, is the question of what could have been done to either avert the tragedy or to lessen the suffering of those involved. Even the actual number of people who died as a result of either starvation or related diseases remains a mystery to this day. Certainly, none of these questions have easy answers; however, it is important to examine conflicting points of view in order to develop a full picture of the "Great Hunger" and the people it has touched."
Abstract This paper addresses where the world's water sources are located, what classes of contaminants are found in drinking water, how it is processed to become safe for human consumption, and lastly, special attention is given to the problem of lead in drinking water.
From the Paper "The type of water we generally use in human activities is freshwater. Only 3% of the world's water supply is freshwater and two-thirds of that is frozen, forming the polar ice caps, glaciers, and icebergs. The remaining 1% of the total world water supply is freshwater available as either surface water or ground water; ground water accounts for two-thirds of this amount. Surface water is water that is visible above the ground surface, such as creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes. Ground water is water that either fills the spaces between soil particles or penetrates the cracks and spaces within rocks. Most people get their water from ground water sources. Roughly 9 out of every 10 public water systems. Public water systems operate wells to tap ground water and just over half of the total population served by Public water system drinks water from a ground water source. Millions more get their water from private wells which also tap ground water sources. Ground water systems tend to serve smaller numbers of people, while surface water systems generally serve large populations. The quantity and quality of the world's water supply depends on how we choose to use water. Our use can be consumptive, which means that the water is not returned to nature (such as drinking water), or noncomsumptive. Nonconsumptive use returns water, polluted or not, to the system. Creating hydroelectric power is an example of nonconsumptive use. "
Abstract This paper presents arguments for and against genetically altered plants. Those for the idea list benefits such as plants being stronger and less prone to insects, while those against say that the plants would taste worse and might be more prone to giving off allergens. It also looks at current trends in this practice and legislation governing it.
From the Paper "The issue of whether we should allow genetically altered plants to be cultivated in the United States has been in the news lately. As with most controversial ideas, there are two sides.
"Proponents of the idea see several good reasons for proceeding with such projects. According to Hopkin (2001), one goal would be to breed plants more resistant to insects. This would reduce the need to use toxic chemicals to control those pests. Researchers would insert only a few select genes. They point out that with cross-pollination, the old-fashioned way of creating new strains, thousands of new genes are introduced to a plant at once. They believe the level of control would both aid research and promote safety."
Abstract The paper shows how Chile's climate and geography are perfect for growing grapes for wine. It studies laws governing wine marketing and the different types of wine produced. Benefits to Chile's economy are also covered.
From the Paper "The Chilean climate is very beneficial to winemaking. The Phylloxera root louse, which will devastate a harvest, is not a problem in Chile. Experts believe Chile is a sanitary island bordered by the desert, which is the driest on the earth, the mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and Antarctica to the south. The dry fall and spring weather in Chile's main wine growing region also prevents mildew, which can be a problem in other well-known wine regions, such as California."
From the Paper " This paper discusses agricultural subsidies in the United States and the European Community, and their effects on trade between the two trading areas. In this respect, the paper provides a brief overview of the European and U.S. agricultural policies and discusses subsidies in both trading areas and their effects on mutual trade.
Countries engage in international trade because it is a mutually beneficial process. At the macro level, national welfare increases. At the micro level, individual exporters earn profits, provide an additional source of employment, and supply convertible foreign exchange which is used to pay for imported goods and services.
In terms of national welfare and economic common sense, imports are the ultimate rationale for trade. By definition, a.."
Abstract This paper presents an extensive review of literature and concludes that there is a lack of conclusive scientific studies about the nutritional status of genetically modified foods. The author states that the industry is still in its infancy with lot of media attention and claims with no clinical validation. The author concludes that the need for further research in this area is seemingly endless, but the first step is to identify the markers needed to measure the dependent and independent variables.
From the Paper "One popular recent study claims that it has produced oil seed crops, which contain elevated levels of omega fatty acids, the same nutrients that make fish oil beneficial to the heart; at least this is how the mass media reported it. The real study, however, did not wish to infer that eating or cooking with their seeds would reduce the amount to fatty acids in humans. The product was being developed for the pharmaceutical industry. In this study genes that cause high concentrations of Omega-6 fatty acids in tobacco were transferred to borage seeds in an attempt to boost omega-6 levels in borage seeds."
Abstract This research explores the twin problems of deforestation and agricultural growth in the Brazilian rain forest. The research sets forth the ecological context in which these issues have arisen, as well as ways in which the problems have affected the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere of the region. It then discusses the range of past and projected responses to the problem with a view toward forecasting possible lines of development and resolution.
From the Paper "Such issues have been at work in Brazil for decades. As early as the 1950s and 1960s, partly in cooperation with UNESCO, Brazil's government undertook economic-development projects in Brazil, in Amazonia (Amazon, 1967) and in another major rain forest system called the Atlantic Forest. Such aggressive industrial development occurred in the latter region over the years that the great mass of the Atlantic Forest has all but disappeared. Only remainder patches of unspoiled lush vegetation survive in the current period, from the million-kilometer area of former times (Dean, 1997)."
Tags: Amazonia, UN, environment, Roraima, tapper, World, Bank
Abstract This paper examines and compares the advantages and disadvantages of bottled and tap water, both for the economy and for the consumer. The paper also examines the effects of both types on the environment, looks at the alternatives to bottled water and discusses the opinions of several experts on the subject.
From the Paper "There are several alternatives to drinking bottled water. The main alternative is just adding a water filter to your main sink. The water filter will eliminate most of the chlorine and other chemical aftertaste that is prevalent in tap water currently. A water filter will cost approximately $100, but in the long term will save plenty of money, considering that the average family pays $90 a month for home delivery of water. Water does not nearly compare to the minerals found in fruit juices, which sell for approximately the same price. Another alternative is another drink that does not contain calories like unsweetened tea, which is also more nutritious than water. There are several other options that are more nutritious, and as affordable as bottled water."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed discussion about the use of hormones in our agricultural food and the adverse effects it has on animals and the human consumers. The writer provides an outline of the effect the hormones have both physically and politically on the consumer and the nations that support the use of hormones. The writer also presents evidence of the health problems hormones are thought to cause.
From the Paper "As the world continues to grow, the need for food and dairy products increases as well. Using hormones to increase production of product initially seemed to be a good solution but as studies were conducted it became evident that there were possible problems and risks. The nations of Europe as well as Canada became concerned about the health risks involved with the US use of hormones in bovine. Because of the contradictions in opinions and study results it would behoove the nation to hold off on the use of hormone in cattle until the questions can be answered satisfactorily."
Abstract This paper looks at the debate over producing and eating GM foods. In particular, the paper reviews the decision by the U.S. government to send GM grain, via the WFP of the UN, as part of their food aid to Africa. The paper concludes that the U.S. was not correct in their decision to send GM grain to Africa, as well as being incorrect in forcing African nations to accept the GM grain and, indeed, acted unethically through its decision to act as it did.
From the Paper "People against GM foods argue that the use of GM crops, manufactured (and more importantly, patented) by a small number of (US-owned) firms, will lead to small farmers becoming beholden to these large firms, which will mean the death of small business, in the developing world (which we are already seeing, on a huge scale), but also in the developed world, including the US. This would be globalization wrought on an epidemic scale, and would have devastating consequences for the world economy, as the large, monopolistic, firms could charge any amount they wanted for their seed, leaving competition a thing of the past."
Abstract This paper examines the effects of environmental pollution on pollinators, specifically the honeybee, and how this organism can be used as an indicator of environmental health. Emphasis is placed on examining the toxicity and effect of various pesticides including DDT, malathion and various fungicides. In addition, the influence on the health of pollinators from atmospheric heavy metal pollution is addressed. The importance of the honeybee to the future of agriculture is the theme throughout this essay.
From the Paper ?Bees are one of the most important elements of agriculture. They are one of the most widespread and efficient pollinators. For this reason, the effects of pollution on bees is an ever growing area of interest for many scientists who fear that bee populations may be at risk from human activity. Air pollution from vehicles and industry can have adverse effects on bee populations. However, one of the greatest areas of concern is the effect of pesticides due to the direct and sometimes high exposure of foraging bees to these toxic chemicals."
Abstract This is a detailed descriptive, persuasive paper about the effects of genetically modified crops. The author discusses genetic engineering and clearly defines many difficult biological terms, and how the Food and Drug Administration plays a major role in the legalization of genetically modified crops.
From the Paper "Genetically engineered crops have killed dozens of people throughout the United States of America and Europe , and have harmed thousands of others. Governments of the world should outlaw genetically modified agricultural products to ensure that no other lives will be susceptible to the same type of danger. Scientists first designed genetically altered crops to resist herbicides. Genetically modified crops were also not intended for human consumption. In fact, they were intended for better yields, resistance to herbicides, and cheaper feed for livestock, such as cattle, sheep, poultry, etc. The FDA is now investigating genetically modified crops to see if they should ban them in the United States of America ."
Tags: corn, engineered, genetic, modified, plants, fda, dna, bio
Abstract This paper contains information on the history of tomatoes, buying practices, ways to grow the tomatoes, statistical information, prices, and charts are also included.
From the Paper "The tomato is native to the Americas. Aztecs and Incas initially cultivated it as early as 700 AD. Europeans first saw the tomato when the Conquistadors reached Mexico and Central America in the 16th century. Tomato seeds were taken back to Europe where they reached the Mediterranean countries of Spain, Portugal and Italy. (1) As the tomato traveled north, it was a mystery to most people. The French called it "The Apple of Love," the Germans "The Apple of Paradise;" but the British, saw the tomato as a food-they at first believed it was poisonous. This same fear was among early settlers in the United States until the early 19th century; but in 1812, the Creoles in New Orleans enhanced gumbos and jambalayas. The people of Maine quickly discovered tomatoes and added it as an ingredient with local seafood. (1)"
Abstract A detailed and effective story of the process of gardening and plants. It describes the process in which nature prepares the earth for the birth of plants.
From the Paper "A glider swings back and forth as a young man and his grandmother reminisce on the porch at the beginning of spring. Her garden drips with apple red and Easter egg pink tulips. They each remember when he was a small boy, and she taught him exactly how to plant a tulip bulb. Now that the grandmother is older, the young man plants the garden on his own. However, they both enjoy its simple and peaceful beauty that symbolizes they beginning of spring and new life. A tulip flower's growth and bloom follows the seasons. In the fall, a gardener plants and tends the bulbs; in winter the ground freezes, and upon spring's arrival, the stalk, leaves, and bud grow."
Abstract The ethical treatment of animals in today's society has come to a crucial standoff between those who oppose any use of animals for testing along with the mistreatment of factory farm animals, and those who believe that the use of animals for such activities are important to protect and feed humans. The paper reflects where the line should be drawn - should animals have the same rights as humans, or are they of a lesser life-form and be used as a resource? This paper discusses the far extremes of this matter, being the absolute disregard for animals having any rights, versus the belief that animals are capable of feeling emotions and pain.
From the Paper "A small rat sits alone in a cage. On an hourly basis a chemical is pumped through the air supply. This is a project that will eventually kill the rat, but it might just save millions of humans. "Every day, consumers in more than 140 countries purchase P&G (Proctor & Gamble) products - from deodorants and shampoos to laundry detergents and household cleaners. They take for granted that these products will be safe when used as instructed. " Five chickens are crammed in a cage so tight they cannot turn around thus, their energy is stored in the body to create more flesh. Their beaks have been removed by heated blade so that they do not peck each other to death. Their feathers have been rubbed off and their skins chaffed. These chickens are deprived of light so that they will eat larger amounts of food. They will provide more poultry meat than any free range chickens. This isn't Old MacDonald's Farm."
