Abstract This paper explains the definition of acid rain which is created mainly by man made pollutants invading the air and its disastrous effect on the environment. The writer of this paper details the effects of acid rain on animals, marine life, lakes, streams and forests while stressing the importance of controlling the spread of this environmentally hazardous phenomenon while examining the different methods currently being used to reduce harmful emissions and pollutants. Includes graphs.
From the Paper "The Ph of rain is dropping because we add tremendous amounts of material to the air. Some of this is in the form of particles and is pulled back to the earth by gravity, but water-soluble gases such as sulfur dioxide mix with the moisture in the atmosphere and return to the Earth as rain or snow. This return to Earth is called "deposition." (Gordon, 2002) The dust particles can leech into the soil, changing the nutrients available in our forests. One source for these extra elements in the air and precipitation is fossil fuels, fuels such as oil and coal. These fuels release significant amounts of both sulfur dioxide and nitrogen, which become part of our rain and snow."
Abstract This paper looks at the problems of deforestation and desertification in Africa. It examines the causes of the problem and some of the measures being taken to address the problem. It looks at the problem of deforestation in some other countries, and how they are managing the problem.
From the Paper "Deforestation means the clearing of trees and woodlands and in Africa this is leading to a loss of the rainforests. The main African rainforests are located from Senegal to the eastern part of Somalia with ..."
Abstract This paper looks at the pros and cons of drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). It looks at issues and conflicts of the drilling argument and the need for oil in the U.S. as opposed to the quality of life issue for certain animal species.
From the Paper "One of the most controversial environmental issues being discussed recently is whether or not to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The ANWR was first set aside as ..."
Tags: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, ANWR, Oil, Conservation, Environment
Abstract This paper evaluates the future of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) as an export cartel. The author indicates the significance of OPEC as a price setting export cartel. The paper discusses the importance of OPEC to non-oil producing countries.
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to assess the likelihood that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC will be able to function efficiently as a cartel in the future."
Abstract This paper addresses how environmental liability impacts consumer technology companies such as Hewlett-Packard Company (HP) and what ethical steps a consumer technology company, like HP, should take to manage environmental liability as it relates to the disposal and recycling of consumer technology products, including personal computer, CRT monitors, printers and ink cartridges.
Outline
Background
Problem Statement
Problem Analysis
Literature Review
Possible Solutions
Recommended Solution and Implementation
Solution Justification
Bibliography
From the Paper "The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that 315 million computers would be obsolete by 2004, with a large percentage finding their way to landfills (15). The average personal computer, including the CRT monitor, contains fifteen pounds of glass, fourteen pounds of plastics, over twelve pounds of steel, over eight pounds of aluminum, four pounds of copper, almost four pounds of lead, over two pounds of nickel, tin, and zinc, plus traces of 24 other precious metals, rare earth, specialty minerals, and brominated chemicals (15). Personal computers and CRT monitors also contain arsenic, cadmium, and mercury and the EPA classifies these substances as "having hazardous waste characteristics" (4). "
Abstract This paper uses pie charts and a photo of deforestation in Brazil to demonstrate the impact of tropical deforestation. The author points out that the rain forests help in regulating the world's climate and atmosphere. The paper relates that, with fewer rain forests, less carbon dioxide is being absorbed, which means that more heat from the sun stays locked up in the atmosphere causing the devastating greenhouse effects.
From the Paper "Tropical rain forests contribute to global climate regulation, oxygen and carbon dioxide production, the protection of soil erosion, and are the home to millions of species. Deforestation of tropical rain forests has contributed to global climate changes, in particular global warming and green house effects in the atmosphere. Tropical rain forests are being burned and cleared due to the increasing demand for farmland, industrialization and urbanization, infrastructure improvements (i.e. roads), and wood products (i.e. home building)."
Abstract This eight page paper examines urban sprawl in Las Vegas. The author notes that in writing about urban sprawl in Las Vegas and analyzing its impact on the city future growth it is evident that environmental and city planning issues must be examined, for successful future growth depends upon better solutions to the problems Las Vegas is currently experiencing. The writer further points out that unfortunately the present expansion of the city has been driven by too much of a focus on short term goals, many of which are incompatible with one another.
From the Paper "In writing about urban sprawl in Las Vegas and analyzing its impact on the city's future growth, it is evident that environmental and city planning issues must be examined, for successful future growth depends upon better solutions to the problems Las Vegas is currently experiencing. Unfortunately, the present expansion of the city has been driven by too much of a focus on short-term goals, many of which are incompatible with one another. This has led to urban sprawl, unnecessary traffic congestion, and a host of other problems. Analyzing these issues indicates that the solution to urban sprawl in Las Vegas is to develop the central city first and revitalize the city from within."
Abstract The paper examines how hazardous waste is an acute problem throughout the world. The writer proposes that there is no single solution to this problem and that it is unlikely that our modern, industrialized society will become waste-free. This paper defines waste and hazardous waste. It looks at how hazardous waste is produced and how it can impact the environment as well as human health. The paper includes strategies for minimizing both the volume and impact of waste. The paper concludes that an approach that combines source reduction, reuse, recycling and burying in sanitary landfills is needed in order to properly manage both hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
Abstract This paper explains that, as a by-product of the industrial revolution, the natural equilibrium of earth is being altered by man-made conditions resulting in global warming or the heating up of the earth's surface. The author points out that the greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon; however, the burning of fossil fuels has contributed to a huge increase in CO2, methane, nitrous oxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which now trap more heat and thereby increase the temperature of earth more than usual. The paper relates that there is still a minority of scientists who are hesitant to accept the fact that global warming is a man-induced condition; nonetheless, their notions are silenced by the observed climatic facts that the eleven hottest years of the previous century occurred between 1983 and 2000 while 1991-95 are the five consecutive hottest years of the century.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Global Warming (A Real Problem)
Undeniable Facts
Conclusion
From the Paper "At this rate of increase, the atmospheric CO2 concentrations are projected to increase the average global temperature by around 3 to 7 degrees F by the end of this century. This increase over a hundred-year period represents a huge shift compared against the entire time scale of the planet. Those who argue that global warming is a natural happening have to explain why nature would shift gears all of a sudden? Also, how could increased CO2 levels also be part of the claimed natural process? These questions and the true facts make it unambiguous that global warming is definitely a man-induced phenomenon. These arguments can be buttressed with the recently documented drastic climatic shifts."
From the Paper "Acid rain is a major problem facing the environment today. It is formed through both natural and Anthropogenic sources. Industrial emissions are Anthropogenic sources, and a volcano eruption is an example of a natural source. One of the most direct effects of acid rain is on aquatic ecosystems. Among the variety of organisms in aquatic systems effected by acid rain are fish. Acid rain has many toxic effects on fish leading to decrease in their presence, diversity, abundance and well being. "Biological observations of damaged fish communities in acid waters show that the number of species is less than expected, that the structure of population is anomalous, and productivity and yield are reduced"(Howells, 1995). Acid rain is not a new problem. It's effects have been observed for centuries. ?As industrialization of Europe developed, other observers in England, Sweden, Austria and Germany confirmed the "poisonous" nature smoke emissions from various activities?(Howells, 1995). It was a major problem in industrialized cities as far back as the 1800s. "
From the Paper "In his 1971 work, The Population Bomb, Dr. Paul Ehrlich delineates the gravity of the overpopulation problem. Dr. Ehrlich asserts that overpopulation is a serious and immediate concern. Dr. Ehrlich calls for immediate and drastic measures to reduce the population growth rate. In his efficacious and enlightening work, Dr. Ehrlich not only describes the nature and the magnitude of the population problem, but he also explains the pragmatic consequences of failing to adopt population control measures, citing several doomsday prophecies. Dr. Ehrlich further explains possible solutions for these pressing concerns, and encourages the citizen to participate, in various capacities, in the race to halt Armageddon. "
Abstract This paper begins by discussing the reasons behind the endangerment of the American alligator. Next, it discusses the life history of the reptilian, focusing primarily on characteristics that make it a keystone species in its environment. It then goes on to explain the factors responsible for the recovery of the alligator, and finally, explains the animal's current status and how to best manage the species using an anthropocentric perspective.
Tags: cites, conservation, endangered, esa, keystone, management, species, threatened
A biological research paper including information on climate, animal populations, construction and deconstruction of the reef, and the location. Provides an accurate picture of the ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef.
2,115 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 6 sources, 2001, $ 66.95
Abstract This paper is a biological research paper on the Great Barrier Reef. The paper explains about the ecosystem, the biological factors, and dangers to the Reef. It includes information on climate, location, animal population, formation and destruction.
From the Paper "Over time many people have been drawn to the unparalleled beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most complex and brilliant habitats on earth. Few people fully comprehend the complexity of its fragile ecosystem. The Great Barrier Reef is located off the northeast coast of Australia, adjacent to the province of Queensland. It forms a 100,000 square mile fringe, which rests on a continental shelf. It runs for 1260 miles from the Murray islands to the Capricor group of coral cays (McGregor 1975, p. 19)."
Abstract This essay contains the history of the pesticide DDT and it's uses within the environment. DTT is a harmful pesticide which has been detrimental to the environment, and has caused a decline in a variety of species. The author focuses specifically on the effects of the pesticide on the environment.
From the Paper " As earth's population grows so does the demand for food, and the use of pesticides has become essential in meeting this demand. The first important synthetic organic pesticide was a chlorinated hydrocarbon, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane or DDT. DDT was discovered in 1939 by Swiss chemist Paul M?eller. In its early days, DDT was a popular pesticide because it was toxic to a wide range of insect pests, yet it appeared to have low toxicity to mammals. DDT was also persistent, which meant the pesticide didn't break down rapidly in the environment and therefore did not need to be reapplied often and since DDT was insoluble it did not wash off by rain or other weather conditions. Although gradually throughout time it was discovered that many insects had developed resistance to DDT, and it was discovered that DDT did in fact pose to be harmful to the ecosystem. This discovery created wide public interest and made people aware that chemicals were polluting the environment. As a result DDT was banned for use in North America and other countries in the early 1970?s. Though pesticides, such as DDT, may decrease the number of insects, throughout history it has been proven that there is a detrimental effect upon the environment, animals and humans as a result."
Abstract This report presents a summary of the policy and describes the essence of the Clean Water Act. The author describes the statute and its enforcements and further highlights some of the major aims and goals of the Act.
From the Paper "The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, or Clean Water Act, is the principal law governing pollution of the country's surface waters. Originally enacted in 1948, the act was totally amended in 1972 that gave it the current shape. The 1972 legislation contained ambitious programs for improvement in water quality. These have since been expanded and are still being implemented by municipalities and industries. Congress made minor amendments in 1977, revised certain portions of the law in 1981, and enacted further amendments in 1987."
