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."
Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive description of the cause and effect of the tsunami that hit Papua. New Guinea in 1998. The paper outlines and explains the issues involved in platetectonics and the physicality of tsunamis. Pictures are brought to illustrate the different aspects of the geography of the area and the geological occurances before, during and after the tsunami.
From the Paper "An earthquake with a magnitude of approximately 7.1 on the Richter scale occurred at 8:49 UTC, (Coordinated Universal Time) in the Bismarck Sea, on July 17th 1998 in the South Pacific Region, off the Northern coast of New Guinea, causing a geological phenomenon known as a tsunami. The earthquake was followed by a series of three waves affecting a 40-km length of coastline from the mouth of the Bliri River east of the Sierra Villages, to the town of Aitape; a tsunami wave of catastrophic proportions hit the shores of Papua New Guinea causing massive loss of life and millions of dollars of damage. The South Pacific is indigenous to tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions within the Pacific plate and the Australian plate. 2182 people died as a result of the Tsunami and the run up of water that was associated with the tsunami. (ITST 1998)"
Theories of modernization & its destructive impact on the natural environment. Technology, economics, sustainable development, pollution, resource allocation.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 10 sources, 1996, $ 55.95
From the Paper "Scrutiny of the ideology underlying modernization helps to account for the nearly intolerable high level of environmental degradation, which accompanied it. In order to understand the current environmental crisis and attempt to offer pertinent recommendations for its improvement, there will be a need to critique how this degradation reached these absurdly high levels. This essay will focus on different perspectives on the relationship between modernization and environmental degradation inclusive of epistemological critiques. Attention will be given to the analysis of how different ideological camps define key terms such as sustainable development. Consideration will also be given to ideological divisions among different groups regarding their own individualized distinctions between resource use and..."
From the Paper "Ocean Pollution and Its Impact on Coral Reefs
Introduction
Humans now dominate most of the earth's ecosystems, both land and water. Between one-third and one-half of the land surface has been modified by human activity and the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has increased by nearly 30 percent since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution (Vitousek et al., 1997). Species have been driven to extinction, particularly birds. At the present, scientists are even beginning to believe that human action might extinguish some marine species that spend their whole lives in the ocean (Malakoff, 1997). Multiple assaults on the ocean affect everything from fish to coral reefs. The intention in this analysis is to explore how ocean pollution affects coral reefs..."
From the Paper "Marc Reisner's book Cadillac Desert tells the story of the American West in terms of the search for water, a search that became even more intense as communities developed with a real need for water for drinking, agriculture, and other purposes. This is a battle that continues to this day, and many political animosities have developed between different parts of the West over the issue of water, where it comes from, and who gets to use it. The author notes that much of the western region is either desert or semi-desert, with vast areas containing no towns and no human inhabitants at all as well as no forests, lakes, or rivers. Certain portions of the West, on the other hand, are highly built up, notably the Southern California region, much of which seems like one large city extending down the coast. Reisner traces the history of human settlement in the West and the human..."
Abstract "At its most basic, Mardi Gras (a corruption of the French words for "Fat Tuesday"), is a pre-Lenten festival celebrated in Roman Catholic countries and communities. Traditionally, Mardi Grove, or Shrove Tuesday, has been celebrated by the French as the last of the three days of Shrovetide and is a time of preparation immediately before Ash Wednesday and the start of the fast of Lent.
From the Paper "At its most basic, Mardi Gras (a corruption of the French words for "Fat Tuesday"), is a pre-Lenten festival celebrated in Roman Catholic countries and communities. Traditionally, Mardi Grove, or Shrove Tuesday, has been celebrated by the French as the last of the three days of Shrovetide and is a time of preparation immediately before Ash Wednesday and the start of the fast of Lent. As the last few days before Lent, the celebration afforded the last opportunity for merrymaking and indulgence in food and drink.
However, while the holiday is supposed to be confined to those three days only, in practice (and especially in the New World) Mardi Gras is generally celebrated for a full week before Lent and marked by spectacular parades featuring floats, pageants, elaborate costumes, masked balls, and dancing in the ..."
Abstract "Most Americans at some level believe in the ideology of the Melting Pot the idea that no matter where a person's family comes from, once he or she arrives in America then s/he becomes an American above all. But most, if not all, Americans also know that there are significant barriers to such an ideal, and perhaps the most significant of all of these is race, which has always served as a dividing line between different groups of Americans.
From the Paper "Most Americans at some level believe in the ideology of the Melting Pot the idea that no matter where a person's family comes from, once he or she arrives in America then s/he becomes an American above all. But most, if not all, Americans also know that there are significant barriers to such an ideal, and perhaps the most significant of all of these is race, which has always served as a dividing line between different groups of Americans. This paper explores one particular border of racial friction in contemporary America the relationships between African-Americans and Korean-Americans in Los Angeles.
That there should be racial animosity between any two groups that are primarily defined by their race should not be surprising (as lamentable as that may be), because the United States has a long history of racial tensions, especially when ..."
Abstract Examines background, methodology and accuracy of remote (satellite) sensing and identifying of land cover for ecological and commercial purposes. Includes table and illustrations.
From the Paper "Methodologies Used in Identifying Land Cover Types
Abstract
This paper reviews background, methodology, and accuracy, regarding remote sensing and identifying land cover types. Rational is discussed regarding the use of remote sensing apparatus, multi spectral imaging, supervised and unsupervised techniques. The origins of GIS are discussed. Key methods, (supervised and unsupervised), are defined. Comparisons between digital and visual classifications are made. Spectral mixture analysis and supervised classification geometric correction are discussed. The superiority of visual classification is stated."
Abstract "The Florida Everglades National Park is the second largest national park in the lower 48 states, and the largest freshwater marshland in the world (10). It is home to more than 600 kinds of animals, and 900 plant species that dwell in a variety of habitats, including mangrove forests, a dry pineland ridge, shallow sloughs that carry fresh water through the park, and several types of tree islands (13:12).
From the Paper "The Florida Everglades National Park is the second largest national park in the lower 48 states, and the largest freshwater marshland in the world (10). It is home to more than 600 kinds of animals, and 900 plant species that dwell in a variety of habitats, including mangrove forests, a dry pineland ridge, shallow sloughs that carry fresh water through the park, and several types of tree islands (13:12). While hunting in the park has all but ceased because of the efforts of the park rangers, the park and its residents are now in danger from the effects of pollution from nearby vegetable farms, sugarcane plantations and real estate development. This paper will look at factors contributing to the pollution of the everglades and what is being done to combat the problem and restore the park to its original state."
Abstract The paper discusses ozone depletion and its causes, including products which introduce chlorofluorocarbons (cfc's) into the atmosphere. The paper also looks at the Montreal Protocol, a recent world resolution regarding the problem of ozone depletion.
From the Paper "An Antarctic ozone hole forms from September to November each year, caused by man made pollutants that destroy ozone in the atmosphere. The hole has been getting progressively larger. The culprits are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), once used as coolants. The ozone hole above Antarctica starts forming in September, when springtime sunlight returns to the polar skies. The light energizes chlorine and bromine containing chemicals that break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere and destroy it. "Sunlight splits off chlorine from CFCs, and the chlorine ozone reaction takes place most readily on the surface of ice crystals" (Onion). Polar Regions reflects the greatest changes in ozone concentrations, especially the South Pole."
Abstract This paper examines the importance of rain forests for the ecosystem and elucidates current concerns about its destruction by explaining some of the consequences of destruction. In looking at the causes of the problem, the paper explores the perception that the problems were local and not global, the problem of basic greed and selfishness and political problems. The paper concludes with a discussion of the impact of this destruction on the future of the ecosystem.
From the Paper "Within the last few decades mankind has come to the understanding that the world's resources are not unlimited. The rain forest has been a focus of concern for environmental groups around the world. Years ago society used whatever resources it wanted with little thought to the impact that would have on the future. Today society realizes that the things it does to the environment will have a domino affect across ecology. Things that mankind perpetuates on the rain forest are causing its very destruction and this destruction threatens the future of the ecosystem mankind is so familiar with."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the problem of ocean pollution, and how it is affecting marine life. It also looks at what is being done to control pollution in the United States and around the world. The paper shows that, as the world become more industrialized, the pollution in the ocean is becoming more of a problem.
From the Paper "There are numerous pollutants contaminating the world's oceans ? they have been building up for hundreds of years, and they are both man-made and natural, although man-made pollutants are much more common than natural pollutants. Over 900,000 gallons of oil spills into the oceans every year, either from leaking tankers, oil spills, or leaks from oil dredging machinery. "In 1997, the 22 oil spills reported worldwide involved a total of 15 million gallons (57 million liters) of oil" ("Water Pollution")."
Abstract This paper reviews the article "The little plankton that could... maybe" by Marx, which describes a new proposal to use plankton to fight global warming. The paper illustrates how high carbon dioxide levels cause global warming and that plankton trap carbon dioxide on the ocean floor, which could recreated the ecological balance. The paper questions the theory's feasibility and raises many unanswered questions.
From the Paper "The first question relates to how to increase plankton numbers. The options given involve fertilizing plankton the same way plants are fertilized. Chemicals essential for growth, such as nitrogen and iron, are dropped into the ocean. The article suggests this can be done by ship ?to essentially make up for their negative impact on the local environment.? The question that this leads to, is what impact this fertilizer will have on other sea life."
Abstract The paper discusses how the beef industry is the largest sector in American agriculture and has many detrimental effects on the environment. Americans typically eat large quantities of red meat and consequently have a high rate of heart disease and obesity. The paper includes statistics from the American Heart Association, the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. Furthermore, it shows that working conditions in meatpacking plants are among the most dangerous of any industry in the country. This paper also examines the inhumane treatment of cattle. Lastly, it provides alternatives and solutions for the environmental and human health problems associated with beef production, including pasture-based farming and grassfed beef.
From the Paper "T-Bone, Porterhouse, Ribeye, Skirt Steak, Center-cut Sirloin, Chuck Roast, Tenderloin?any one of these items could rightly bear the title of ?All-American Entree.? Or how about a steamy rack of ribs, smothered in hickory-smoked barbeque sauce? Prime rib, with a little horseradish and a baked potato on the side? Meaty five alarm chili topped with Monterey jack? The American taste for beef knows no bounds. Each year, the US produces more beef than any other nation in the world, consuming an average of 116.7 lbs per capita. Compared with an average of only 68.4 lbs of poultry, and 47.8 lbs of pork per capita eaten each year in America, it is fair to say that we have a cultural preference toward eating cows. No other country boasts menu items like the 1 lb hamburger topped with cheddar, swiss, and grilled onions at Fuddrucker's Restaurants, or the 72-ounce top sirloin at the Big Texan Steakhouse in Amarillo, TX. Finish it, and they"ll pick up the tab for you. With this kind of love for beef, it is no wonder the US red meat industry produced 26,492 lbs in 1999, making it the largest sector of our agricultural economy. But beef doesn"t stop at the table?aside from gelatin, beef by-products are used in pharmaceuticals, adhesives and anti-corrosives, just to name a few. A closer look at the mass production and consumption of red meat in America today reveals alarming situations both environmentally and in terms of human health. Technical developments in cattle-raising practices involve the use of hormones and antibiotics and consequently trying to push animals past their normal biological functions. Natural resources are taxed by beef production, and the broad picture illustrates a high degree of inefficiency. Modern meatpacking plants are not keeping pathogens out of the beef, and working conditions are far too dangerous. The entire system, from the ranch, to the feedlot, to the slaughterhouse, to the store, restaurant, and plate, is riddled with problems. It is time we find alternatives to help alleviate this American beef dilemma."
Examines the pros & cons of rent control. Concludes that rent control is a poor idea because of the destructiveness it brings to the overall housing situation.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 5 sources, 1988, $ 71.95
From the Paper " Rent control is raised as an issue in city after city either because the city does not have rent control and some tenants' and liberal groups believe it should be instituted, or because the city does have rent control and critics want it abolished because of the damage they see it has done to housing, repair and construction, and even social relationships. Rent control is an idea with great appeal for the beleaguered tenant who feels that rents are too high and that there has been no government effort to correct the problem. Advocates see it as a way of imposing fairness, but in truth it imposes unfairness and disparity between people who have rented for a long time and new renters. It reduces the incentives landlords have to repair their buildings and to make improvements. It takes the profit out of being a landlord, and it effectively eliminates competition in housing in(...)"
