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 Originally enacted in 1948, the act was totally amended in 1972 that gave it the current shape.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."
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 In this paper the author examines the US Federal Budget during the Clinton administration and how he reduced the deficit to a surplus amount in 1998. He moves on to discuss the changing American economy and provides examples of why he considers that there are times in a nation's life when deficits are necessary and even beneficial. The author suggests that use of debt spending during wars and times of recession help to boost the economy but can be detrimental to the Stock Market. He further examines levels of taxation and compares the effect that different administrations have had on the federal deficit.
From the paper:
?Determining the correct, or economically benign, level of deficit and debt is a subject for endless debate. Economies do not operate by a simple law of cause and effect, of plus and minus, of deficit and surplus. They are complex interweaving of many economic and psychological factors, both domestic and international. Although a huge deficit is never to be praised, there are times in a nation's life when deficits are necessary and even beneficial.?
Tags: Clinton, Regan, Bush, Terrorism, War, Federal, Budget, Deficit, Tax, Stock, Market, America
Abstract This paper examines the complex issue of whaling. In this paper the author explores the history of whaling while also incorporating the public opinion and issues being faced today. The focus of the paper is on whaling in Japan.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
World Whaling History
Japan's Whaling History
Whaling ? The Issue
International Whaling Commission (IWC)
History
1982
Result of Moratorium
Public
Preservationist
Conservationist
Japan
Culture
Perspective
Result of Moratorium
Conclusion
From paper:
?Reminiscing about the ocean always creates the sense of vast expanse, strength and beauty; hence, it is no wonder that the whale, the greatest living creature on earth, living in the ocean, is perceived as an important animal. Due to the majestic beauty of whales, they have become icons through folklore and stories in many cultures. As whales are not subjected to national borders, they migrate freely across and through the waters of national jurisdiction; hence, different people have different views about the whales.?
Abstract This paper provides a brief overview of global warming and its causes, focusing on the consequences of global warming on the world's ocean systems. It basically describes the process of global warming, the forecasted effects by scientists and environmentalists and finally gives examples of what one can do to assist in reversing this phenomena.
From the Paper "In one of his televised debates with Vice President Al Gore, George W. Bush said that scientists do not yet know the cause of global warming. This must have been a surprise indeed to all of those scientists in the world who have understood both the fact that our earth is getting hotter and the mechanism underlying this global climate shift for a number of years. This paper provides a brief overview of global warming and its causes, focusing on the consequences of global warming on the world's ocean systems."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the topic of global warming. It explains the frightening process which is occurring to Earth and gives examples of government bodies which have been set up to deal with this problem. It also discusses the effects on the environment - plants and animals alike and finally how this could ultimately end up in mass destruction.
From the Paper "The prospect of "Global Warming," a state of planetary change wherein the average ground temperatures of the entire earth are elevated to unnaturally high levels, has been around for a number of years. However, during most of the last two decades, the truths about global warming were frequently questioned and debated. It was decried by conservatives, big business, and even many well-intentioned and intelligent scientists. Global warming theory was called an error in computation, at best, or at worst it was an outright deception foisted on the public by radical anti-technology, anti-human environmentalist-wackos. However, it is now an established fact that the Earth's surface is growing warmer. Unless steps are taken to stop this progression of events, and even in spite of such steps, the vast majority of the evidence shows that the Earth will continue to grow warmer, with widespread and even catastrophic results."
Abstract This paper argues that the relationship between an environment and its diseases that occur within it are not static over time. The paper discusses infectious diseases, non-vectored diseases, and deficiency diseases. AIDS is given as an example of how a disease that was once a major problem in North America is now a major problem in Africa.
From the Paper "Diseases occur in all parts of the world. However, different groups of people will be vulnerable to different diseases at different times, depending on where they are in the world ? or rather, what environments they are in. The term used to investigate the relationship between diseases and the environments in which they occur is known as Disease Ecology. Disease Ecology can be a reference to diseases within the natural environment, but also to diseases that occur within manmade environments, mainly cities. There are many different types of diseases that could be investigated here. This essay will look at diseases in both the natural and man-made environments. These will include Deficiency diseases, Infectious diseases, Chronic diseases and Social diseases."
Abstract This paper looks at the inception of the EPA, born out of frustration with the harm caused to the environment. The author discusses the federal agency's broad reaching effect on American society, its own structural problems, reforms, and the EPA's regulatory powers. The paper also examines several major acts passed by the EPA over the years.
From the Paper "After an incomplete creation, the E.P.A. has had a rough road through the past three decades. Many of the initial internal and structural programs were not addressed at the beginning and have grown into bigger problems. The E.P.A. has made attempts to reform itself and bring itself into the global fold with economic and energy issues to create the triumvirate of the idea of E-Cubed. However, these efforts have not gone far enough and should start looking to other reform ideas. The E.P.A. is a vital part of our social and economic structure, but needs to better define its role and position within the governmental framework."
Abstract This paper creates a problem solution scenario which suggests that the pollution which is harming and endangering the environment could be solved through electric automobile engines. It examines the efficiency of such a suggestion and whether in practice it is possible.
From the Paper "The society we live in today has been continuously abused through our exploitation of nature for human progress. This state of affairs has created a scenario where the scientists are predicating dire straits for the future. Yet, humans have reached such a position that going back to the past is virtually impossible. The problem of vital importance that we face today is pollution. A step further is the prediction that within a few decades we will not have any fossil fuels left to consume. The problem thus, occurs that in order to retain a future and save the environment from any further abuse, we need a form of alternative fuel. Considering that transport is the focal point of our existence we could then suggest that an alternative mode of fuel is needed so that our automobiles do not consume fossil fuels which adversely effect our environment. And at the most feasible the fuel seems to be coming through electricity. [1]"
The purpose of this paper is to introduce and discuss the importance of Lake Erie to the industrial and commercial markets of Northern Ohio, the state of Ohio and the entire United States.
Abstract The importance of the lake for the State of Ohio's industrial sector is paramount according to the writer. The paper explores this importance for the shipping sector and the impact on the steel industry in Ohio. It also shows that the lake is a tourist attraction which generates spending as well as being used as a recreational area for the local population.
From the Paper "Lake Erie supports all types of business and industry via her shipping routes, and her natural resources. The lake contains large amounts of sand and gravel, which construction companies use for a variety of products. The building industry uses them for cement, paving, laying stone and brick, and in many other areas. Much of this sand and gravel comes from yearly dredging which is necessary to keep the ports in Ohio open."
Tags: lake, ship, shipping, travel, industry, steel, cargo, port, ohio, state, north
This is a through book review of "Our Stolen Future, Are We Threatening Our Fertility, Intelligence and Survival? A Scientific Detective Story" by Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski and John Peterson Myers.
Abstract The author of this book begins with an explanation on how this book begins with a short, seemingly unexplained phenomena among animals, which catches the reader's attention very well. He then discusses how the book progresses into talking about the plight of seagulls and other creatures that live in the Great Lakes area who developed a rare vaginal cancer. The book moves into showing how hormone-disrupting chemicals work. It also shows that some plants have hormone-disrupting chemicals as a defense. After explaining drugs that people knew that they were in taking, the book moves on to some chemicals that are much sneakier. This book also studies small animal populations that have been adversely affected in the past 30 years by chemicals. It links concepts such as hyperactivity and lower brain function to people. Chemicals were mainly thought of as cancer causing agents and nothing else. This book has shown that many chemicals are endocrine disruptors, as well as carcinogens.
From the Paper "In the past 2 decades male sperm count has dropped 45 percent. This is one of the many horrible facts that this book puts forth. We threaten our unborn children and fertility from doing small things like eating a fish caught in a local river. 8000 flipper babies born was a wakeup call to people. The Thalidomide tragedy was one of the first cases of distrust in medicine. DES a drug given to prevent miscarriages, which didn?t prevent miscarriages, caused cancer, infertility and many other serious problems for children. These are a few of the many topics addressed in "Our Stolen Future, Are We Threatening Our Fertility, Intelligence and Survival" A Scientific Detective Story? By Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski, John Peterson Myers."
Abstract This paper examines and compares the basic elements, theories, and methods of cultural ecology and human behavioral ecology and discusses how the articles fit in their respective paradigms and within cultural ecology at large.
From the Paper "In any field of study, researchers operate under paradigms: often unnoticed scientific world-views that shape which data the researcher collects, how he/she collects it, and what conclusions he/she draws from that data. Two paradigms in the field of cultural ecology include classificatory cultural ecology, exemplified by Tappers and trappers: parallel process in acculturation (Murphy & Steward) and human behavioral ecology, as in Optimal diet breadth theory as a model to explain variability in Amazonian hunting (Hames and Vickers). Both of these articles study indigenous Amazonian populations, but each from a different paradigm and thus with different methods and results. Through a comparison of these two articles, this paper will explore the differences and similarities of these two paradigms and how the paradigms the researchers worked under shaped their studies."
Abstract The following paper discusses the differences and similarities in the views of nature preservationists Aldo Leopold and Henry David Thoreau as presented in their works 'A Sand County Almanac' and 'Walden'. The writer focuses on five key areas-- human spirituality in nature, technology and progress, descriptions of nature, the market economy and humans' interaction with and place within nature.
From the Paper "Writing as far as 103 years apart, Henry David Thoreau and Aldo Leopold have differing views on some issues while both essentially remaining preservationists. The century that separated Thoreau and Leopold saw the closing of the western frontier in 1890 as well as rapid modernization. These changes affected the ways in which the two nature writers viewed the world around them as well as the relations between humankind and nature. The five main areas which Thoreau and Leopold explore throughout Walden and A Sand County Almanac are, human spirituality in nature, technology and progress, descriptions of nature, the market economy and humans' interaction with and place within nature. Both authors discuss each of these areas throughout their books and the differences and similarities in their opinions on each of these subjects reveals much about each nature writer's historical context, time period and his personal beliefs."
Abstract By using examples and sources from the Bible, the author of this paper shows God's intentions for his followers on issues relating to the environment. The paper shows that Christian Environmentalists believe that the earth was given to Man as a gift with certain conditions and that Man is not fulfilling these conditions by destroying the earth and annihilating species.
From the Paper "There are many examples in the Bible of Christianity's environmental concerns. There is a broad belief in taking care of all of God's creations, and we, as humans are to be the caretakers. God put the responsibility of caring for the earth with man. Man is required to take care of the resources God put on earth. The Bible warns us that those who destroy the earth will be destroyed themselves. God has put man to watch over his creation and it is our commitment to do so that portrays the ideas about nature in Christian beliefs."
