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 The paper gives some of the root causes of climate change. The writer discusses the effects of global warming in terms of the following categories-- changes in sea levels, ice cover, forest cover and regional climates. The writer includes some secondary impacts of each of these events with each topic. Finally, the paper outlines some of the more well known examples of international efforts to get together and address this issue.
From the Paper "Global temperatures are determined by the atmospheric greenhouse effect. Briefly, the cycle works as follows. Heat emitted from the sun enters the earth's atmosphere through the ozone layer. This ozone layer filters out some of the harmful radiation from the sun's ultraviolet rays while still letting in some of its life giving heat and energy. Then the ozone layer continues to participate in the system by keeping some of that heat trapped close to the earth's surface, allowing biodiversity and agriculture to thrive. The sun continually provides rays of heat and energy, and the ozone molecules comprising the stratospheric ozone layer are in a constant state of breaking down and rebuilding. These events have been working together to regulate our climate since the origin of the planet. It is a major part of what makes earth so unique."
This paper explores and examines the uses of energy resources. It provides scientific calculations and compares nuclear energy as an alternative source of energy. This paper also has a few excerpts on new technologies and Fission/Fusion technology.
Abstract The paper addresses the question of whether the world's energy resources are becoming scarce with the impending increase of the human population. This paper analyzes the current energy resource uses, provides calculations of energy output and compares them with each other. A background of the various energy resources is given as well as an introduction to Nuclear Energy. Fission/Fusion technology is also brought up throughout the paper. An explanation of the Fission/Fusion theory is provided on how this renewable resource works.
From the Paper "With man's leap into technological advances, one would think that the boundaries are endless. The human race has allowed to progress for over hundreds of thousands of years. Especially in the late centuries of history, mankind has excelled immensely in achieving technological success. From the discovery of electricity, to the creation of the internal combustion engine, modern society has come to a time where ceaseless change exists in everyone's lifetime. Everyday man takes another step into the ladder of intellectual evolution. These advances still cannot guarantee happiness among society. For all of these things are dependent on one thing, energy. Energy is needed to maintain life in all things, from the plants of the Amazon forest, to the fuel burning inside of a Toyota Camry. Without it, all living things would cease to exist, including the humans who created this ever growing technology. One might speculate that with the extreme rate at which the population is increasing, all the resources on earth would become scarce. But an energy crisis is hardly anything for a person to worry about, for humanity has taken a step into the discovery of nuclear power."
Abstract This paper explores the possibilities for vehicles in the future based on the fact that current car models are damaging to the environment. The paper begins with a background on current car models. The paper points out that there is a need for drastic changes to curb the levels of pollution and damage. The paper then suggests some alternative systems and analyzes their advantages and disadvantages. These alternatives include fuel cells, electric cars and hybrid systems.
From the Paper "Efforts to diminish the environmental damage of automobiles for the past fifty years have focused on adding control devices to the internal combustion engine and producing cleaner fuel. However, these gains are being offset by the increasing number of vehicles on the road. Many researchers have concluded that the 100-year reign of the petrol-fueled, internal combustion engine must begin to give way to a cleaner and more advanced technology. The future of automobiles rests in the hands of many competing efforts, fuel cells (hydrogen and methanol), electric cars, and hybrid systems to name a few."
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 The writer explores the affect that Alaskan oil drilling has on the environment, the fossil fuel issue and the effect drilling has on the Eskimo's lifestyle. The paper includes a diagram of the animals affected by the oil spilling and discusses points of view for and against the issue.
From the Paper "As the world continues to improve medical research people are living longer than ever before. While people are living longer babies are still being born and this translates to a need for more natural resources than ever before. While the world is using the current resources in record numbers scientists and environmentalists are scrambling to locate new resources and solutions that will support the increasing world population while at the same time protect the environment. Sometimes the scientists and environmentalists agree and other times they are at odds as to the best way to go. For the past few years there has been an ongoing debate about oil drilling in Alaska. Alaska is often referred to as America's last frontier. It is wild and untamed and it has untapped resources that are currently being eyed for the future. Drilling for oil in Alaska has become a controversial issue for several reasons. Environmentalists and scientists remain at odds over the affect the drilling will have on the future of the area. Some of the concerns involve the Eskimos, the fossil fuel question, the environmental impact and the disruption drilling has on the sea. These topics are being addressed while the drilling marches forward which puts the topic in a time crunch in environmental eyes. The affects the drilling has on the environment and those who live in the area must be considered and addressed if the drilling is going to be productive to the world."
Abstract This paper takes the position that the United States government should impose mandatory recycling laws. A two-pronged legislative law which would make recycling mandatory on a national level is proposed. First, it is suggested that companies and manufacturers should be required to use as much recyclable materials for their products as possible. Second, the paper suggests that consumers should be required to separate recyclable material from their regular garbage and then cities should be responsible for creating local recycling programs to take charge of this recyclable material.
From the Paper "Mandatory recycling programs will also help decrease pollution levels all over the country. The case of Japan illustrates the beneficial effects of strict national recycling laws. In 1995, the Japanese government instituted the Containers and Packaging Recycling law, which first defined recyclable products. The law then mandated that businesses should either recycle their packaging materials, either through their own plants or by paying a "recycling fee" to the Japan Containers and Packaging Recycling Association, a government-designated organization (JCPRA)."
Abstract In the book "Wilderness and the American Mind" by Roderick Nash, the author writes that the attitudes of Americans towards the dichotomy between wilderness and civilization have shifted over time. The book shows how Nash analyzes the reasons for the shift, the nature of the shift and the possible direction for the future. The paper discusses how different attitudes toward the wilderness can be seen as different themes in American history and they are not entirely distinct in time, meaning that they may exist at one and the same time, though one or another will dominate and so be the mark of the age. The wilderness has been seen as something "evil," something to be conquered and tamed. The wilderness can be seen as something involving a form of communion, indicating a belief in the spiritual nature of the wilderness. More recently, the wilderness is depicted as endangered and as something to be preserved and protected.
From the Paper "This idea would continue to infuse the environmental movement as it shifted to the protectionist mode, for there is often a quasi-religious aura to some of the more radical environmental groups that see protecting the wilderness as a religious act. The idea of protecting the wilderness and preserving it for the future also began in the nineteenth century with the work of men like Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed New York City's Central Park. By the end of the nineteenth century, the work of men like John Muir contributed to the movement to preserve lands as part of a national park system. When these lands were first designated a national forests, it was clear that they had been set aside for consumptive uses, but new priorities and new forces later brought into question many of the traditional guidelines for the use of this land."
Tags: William, Byrd, frontier, Alexis, de, Tocqueville
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 The Monkey Wrenches are a group of people who travel through the United States, protesting against the violation of natural desert by man-made construction sites, their motto being "Keep it Like It Was". This paper discusses the book "The Monkey Wrench Gang," by Edward Abbey. Specifically, it discusses where 'Monkey Wrenching' fits into protest politics as a bridge to mass movement politics. It also questions whether Monkey Wrenching is part of the fabric of participatory democracy. Finally, the paper questions whether Monkey Wrenching has a place in our participatory representative democracy, despite it being extraordinary politics.
From the Paper "Anyone who engages in political protest as the Monkey Wrench Gang does is engaging in extraordinary politics, outside the "normal" boundaries of political behavior. America is known for these political struggles of revolt and protest, from the war protesters during the 60s, who finally helped bring an end to the Vietnam War, to the Monkey Wrench Gang, who band together to fight a common enemy, the destruction of their beloved desert Southwest. Political protest does not always work, but it usually gains attention for the cause, and brings others to join the bandwagon. That is part of the purpose of political revolt, to bring the problem out in the open and get others involved. In the case of the Monkey Wrench Gang, they created an environmental movement called "Earth First!" that still exists today. Civil disobedience and political revolt are the ultimate form of democratic struggle, for it is almost always only found in a democratic system, where people are free to speak their minds, even if they do not speak the most popular notions."
Abstract This paper discusses how eco-tourism in Brazil has been underdeveloped and how it could serve as an even greater source of income on both a local level and national level for the Brazilian economy. It explores and identifies many factors such as various economic, political and social factors that influence the ability of Brazil to expand their ecotourism market.
Outline
Findings
Primary Research
Secondary Research
Conclusion
Works Cited
Appendix I
Appendix II
From the Paper "One of the major concerns in promoting ecotourism is the effect that the influx of human beings will have on the region (Riverdeep, 2000). Phillip Fearnside (1986) stresses the fact that we have many example to draw from in the past and that we must consider our choices carefully. In 2001, a conference was held to address ecotourism issues in Brazil. This conference addressed planning and product development, monitoring and regulation in regards to sustainability, marketing and promotion, and the costs and benefits of ecotourism (SDMEA, 2001). In May of 2002 many countries joined to discuss these same issues on a global basis (World Ecotourism Summit, 2002)."
Abstract Health promotion is an expansive concept, which refers to the entire process of advocating and enhancing health for individuals, groups, or communities. Health promotion includes educational, environmental and legislative strategies, along with social change.
Abstract This essay deals with how air pollution will significantly affect the next generation. Air pollution is connected to all kinds of problems, including global warming, which poses a serious threat to the environment.
Abstract This paper examines proposals to initiate Oil Drilling and Development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It opposes these initiatives. It outlines the potentially disastrous environmental impacts. It proposes alternative sources. Most importantly, it argues that American national energy policy, particularly with the present situation in the Middle East, must move away from a reliance on fossil fuels to alternative sources.
Abstract This paper will cover the reason why global warming is such an issue in today's world. Causes, effects and solutions will be covered in the analysis. By researching these prospects, an overall perspective will be sought in the broad based view of global warming.
