Abstract This paper attempts to prove that contrary to what most people think, air pollution is not a complex problem that requires complex solutions, air pollution can actually be resolved through preventive measures and individual actions of the people in the society. It outlines what air pollution is and the several causes of why air pollution has developed and has increasingly worsened over the years. It evaluates the need for coordination of individual action due to the large amount of pollutants in the air which come from people who consume and make use of products that contain chemicals and substances. It concludes with preventative steps that every individual can carry out such as preventing the emission of gas pollutants and replacing standard light bulbs with energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs.
From the Paper "The effects of air pollution ranges from changes in the geophysical composition and environmental balance of the planet to great danger in human health. Because of air pollution, water resources may decrease in amount, and when these happens, organisms and living things that thrive on these bodies of water will die or abandon the area, causing a disruption in the balance of nature, because other organisms may be dependent on the organisms that have left the area, and when this happens, a chain reaction will happen, and all other organisms will be left to die or suffer from the effects of air pollution."
This paper examines transportation policies in Washington, D.C. and London, then suggests possible improvements based on principles of urban development.
Abstract This paper discusses current policies and challenges that two major cities -- Washington D.C. and London -- face in developing improved transportation systems. After comparing and contrasting each city, principles of urban development are applied to suggest new and better policies for dealing with the creation of larger and more effective systems.
From the Paper Urban development is a vast topic that affects all individuals in an industrialized area. One of the most important topics of urban development is transportation. Some cities have successful policies to help aid public transportation while other lack resources and cultural beliefs about making certain policies for these systems. Two cities that have very unique ways of handling transportation issues Washington, D.C. in the United States, and London in the United Kingdom.
Tags: government, industry, policy, political, science, resources, city, infastructure
Abstract This paper begins by providing a brief geological history of the mountain, seperating it into nine different periods. It then examines various lava types found in the area. The paper moves to modern day when the first actual threat was realized for eruption. It discusses the process of eruption and the different types of blast - lateral blast (direct blast zone, channelized blast zone, seared zone); vertical blast and pyroclastic flows. It concludes with an analysis of the aftermath and its effect on wildlife in the area.
From the Paper "On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helen's in southwestern Washington erupted with a massive explosion. Leading up to this day was increasingly intense earthquake activity. There were also lots of relatively weak eruptions and many locations of minuet gas discharge. The devastating impact of the suddenly unleashed volcanic energy caused the worst volcanic and geological disaster in the recorded history of the United States."
Abstract Discusses Hindy religious tradition in regard to ecological values of the past and applications to today's ecological problems. Hindu texts and rituals that glorify the earth, atmosphere and sky. Vedic concept of the five great elements. The philosophy in the "Bhagavad Gita." Supersensory states and knowledge. Protection of the world.
From the Paper "The Ecological Doctrines of Hinduism
Introduction
Many of the great civilizations and cultures of the past believed in the sacredness of our planet, naming their gods after the sun, the earth, the moon and stars, as well as the four basic elements: earth, air, water and fire. While we are inclined to think of the ancient beliefs and stories of these peoples as primitive (e.g., the Hopi Indians, the Maya, the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, the Hindu Manu Simtri, the Chinese Sing-Li-Ta-Tsiuen-Chou), serious study is being given to re-examining these references today as ecological resources that we may have sadly overlooked.
This paper will specifically study the Hindu tradition, probably the..."
Abstract Discusses problems incurring from acquatic species brought to the U.S. from Europe in ballast water of ships. Describes each species. Disruption of these nonindigenous species on the normal food chain, causing reduction in number of indigenous game fish. Negative economic impact on U.S. Fisning Industry. Possible measures that can be taken to prevent further invasion by nonindigenous acquatic species.
From the Paper "Abstract
The zebra mussel, Eurasian watermilfoil and round and tubenose goby are all nonindigenous species thought to have been brought to the United States from Europe in the ballast water of ocean-going vessels. These vessels pick up ballast water in their homeport when they are carrying a light load and discharge it here in U.S. waters when picking up heavier loads. This water often contains small fish, shellfish and plants native to the port where the ballast water was picked up, e.g. the Caspian Sea. Since these nonindigenous species have no natural predators here, they flourish and often outstrip native plants and waterlife by competing for food and space. This can severely disrupt the normal food chain, and cause the disappearance, or severe reduction in numbers of game fish..."
Abstract Technical discussion of electrochromic windows. Their solar-optical properties and commercial and residential applications in the U.S. Energy and glare control. Advantages of energy conservation, cost and performance over ordinary windows. Architectural and technical concerns. Manufacture. Suppliers and markets. Installation and maintenance. Technical details; how electrochromic windows work. Diagrams.
From the Paper "Switchable Windows: The Product
Introduction: Fenestration
Department of Energy (DOE) energy performance simulations revealed that prototype electrochromic windows with solar.optical properties that are achievable today meet cost.effectiveness criteria marginally for commercial and residential applications throughout the U.S [1].
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, needless expenditure on energy costs amounts to more than $20 billion a year. Unfortunately, most people are unaware that they have alternatives, in the form of more energy.efficient windows and other fenestration products. Electrochromic windows can control the amount of daylight and solar heat gain through the windows of buildings and vehicles. The ability to control these parameters using an ..."
Abstract The paper first assesses the potential risk to the environment of these chemicals that are industrial dischargers. The writer describes the governmental regulations that have attempted to halt the production and discharge of these chemicals into the water supply. The paper then explains the ways in which the ingestion of these chemicals can harm individuals who unfortunately encounter polluted water supplies.
From the Paper "Centrifugation or filtration is necessary to remove particulate or suspended matter prior to analysis. This method has the advantage of separating and analyzing two or more substances in the event of a mixed spill. Again this method should be combined with mass spectrometry to positively identify the sample. Another method involves the use of infrared spectroscopy for concentrations of 4 to 40 ppm toluene in water. The sample is acidified, extracted, and then scanned in the spectrophotometer. There is minimal sample loss due to volatilization, however, one must know the identity of the compound being analyzed (Norris and Dowd, 1994, 458-462)."
Abstract Biologist E. Mayr put forth a theory that interplay between human genes and their environment contributes to human evolution. He believes this sets narrow limits on allowable evolutionary changes within a species. The paper shows that developmental biologists believe that the genes active early in development are the oldest acquired genes, while those active in the later stages of development are more recently acquired genes. In this respect, changes in the older genes would have more serious deleterious effects in the individual than changes in the newer genes. This paper produces support for this theory on human evolution by providing examples of human and other mammal development.
From the Paper "Engels (2) uses the example of human hands to explain the idea of human evolution. He believes that hands are the "perfected product of hundreds of thousands of years of labor. The endless adaption of new manual operations allowed human hands to become indispensable tools." Engels postulates that as apes evolved into man, they adopted an upright posture and began using their hands for purposes other than walking. Even though monkeys used their hands for holding food, clubs to attack their enemies, etc., none has the capacity for using their hands that man does. Since even primitive man was able to fashion tools and spear heads, and even simple jewelry, the muscles, ligaments, and bones must have evolved over time to allow their use in more complicated tasks."
Tags: recapitulation, Genetic, mutations, Geneticist, DNA
Abstract This paper begins by explaining the origins of the ecofeminist movement and attempts to define their main goals and beliefs. It shows that the movement's philosophy links oppression of race, sex, nature, and the poor by affirming that all are results of militarization, colonialization, and industrialization, which are male-generated and male-perpetuated phenomena. It examines the problems facing the movement and what changes need to be made in order to create a unified belief.
From the Paper "Although largely unknown in mainstream culture, ecofeminism deserves a place on the world stage. Tracing its origins back to the mid-seventies, ecofeminism has been an umbrella term for radical female environmentalists who feel they can best take care of the environment and that they have been raped and pillaged along with Mother Nature. The lack of the argument's impact is due in part to its non-existent mainstream appeal and part to the absence of any true unifying ecofeminist theory or platform. Ecofeminists must unite and form a single voice if their arguments are ever to be respected and ecofeminist theory needs to be taught in public schools to keep the philosophy from fading into obscurity."
Abstract Oil has been an important part of the Nigerian economy since vast reserves of petroleum were discovered in the 1950s. In 1997, Nigeria earned over 95 percent of its foreign exchange from the sale of oil on the global market. Foreign oil companies dominated oil
exploration, drilling and shipping in Nigeria, with Shell Oil controlling approximately 60 percent of the country's domestic oil market. This paper examines the huge environmental damage in Nigeria caused by oil spills, gas-flaring and oil waste dumping. The paper looks at the destruction to the biodiversity of the affected regions, loss of wildlife and soil fertility and health problems. It looks, in particular, at the problems which affect the Ogoni people of the Delta region and the compensation Shell was forced to pay. Finally, the paper discusses the future of Nigeria's oil industry and Shell's promise to improve environmental concerns in the region.
From the Paper "Critics note that such low-tech security operations can surely be significantly improved, especially when hundreds of millions of dollars are spent in developing technologies to discover oil under the ground. There are many oil pipeline surveillance technologies currently on the market, including a host of fiber optic sensors that detect stress in the pipelines and drilling equipment through subtle shifts in the optic wavelength. Researches at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio have developed harmonic sensors that can be placed inside of pipes via the flow of oil and then attach themselves to the interior to measure outside force. And over the last two years, ChevronTexaco has invested tens of millions of dollars in startup companies that design pipeline sensor networks (ibid)."
Abstract This paper studies the causes and effects of pollution in the world's oceans. The paper lists the causes of this pollution, including oil spills, tanker discharges, untreated municipal wastes and agrochemical residues. In addition to these major causes, the paper also includes a look at the smaller ,yet more common causes, such as medical wastes, beach visitors? garbage and waterfront businesses.
From the Paper "An ocean organism's internal environment is highly influenced by many external factors. Many marine invertebrates are conformers and have the ability to thrive around the world. They have no need to control their internal environment since the external environment is fairly constant in terms of temperature, oxygen tension, and nutrients. However, with the threat of pollution, the marine invertebrates ability to live within the dirtied and toxic waters are compromised, therefore, resulting in fewer numbers for reproduction, production and harvest."
Abstract This paper attempts to study several aspects of the case within the context of environmental pollution and law, or more specifically toxic tort litigation. It also studies the impact of group or community pressure. The paper concludes by discussing the impact of this case upon the environment, environmental health and the legal system within the context of environmental litigation.
From the Paper "The idea that the environmental pollution, caused by W .R. Grace and Beatrice Foods was the probable cause of leukemia in children in Woburn, first came to the mind of the Anderson family, who had moved to Woburn, a working class Boston suburb, in 1965. Only after few years of the move of the family, their 3-year- old son, Jimmy, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia as diagnosed by Dr. John Truman, an eminent pediatric oncologist at the Boston Children's Hospital."
Abstract Worldwide population growth continues to increase at a significant rate. The United Nations and the U.S. Census Bureau have projected that almost nine and a half billion people will populate the earth by the year 2050. The paper shows that despite struggling to support their current population, many of the world's poorest countries continue to experience the most rapid growth. The paper examines demographic implications such as fertility and mortality and their impact on global environment and natural resources. The paper also includes tables.
From the Paper "According to the United Nations Population Division, China with the largest of the world's populations has a U. S. dollar annual per capita gross domestic product of 798 ; compare this to India at 453; and the United States at 32,778. An examination of the U. S. Census Bureau's age-sex pyramid for China in 2000 shows a wide base with decreased numbers after age thirty-four. For 2025, although the number of births has decreased, so have infant deaths. When combined with an increased life expectancy this bulges the population numbers that do not start to decrease significantly until after age sixty-four. Therefore, despite the drop in birth rate and the decrease in annual rate of growth to 0.6, the population will increase from the 2000 level of 1,262,474,000 up to a 2025 level of 1,448,447,000."
Tags: age-sex, pyramids, United, Nations, Population, Division, GDP
Abstract Due to the fact that the world's tropical rainforests are located in areas far from the United States, many people ignore the fact that their future may depend on the future of these forests. Rainforests are being destroyed at an increasingly fast pace, much faster than any other ecological zone on earth. This paper examines the effect of acid rain on rainforests, mainly as a large contributor to deforestation, particularly in localized industrial areas in Africa, China, southeast Asia and northern South America.
From the Paper "Researcher also believe that we should be concerned about the impact of acid rain on forest soils, as there is evidence that acid rain has already caused significant changes in the chemistry of some sensitive soils. As acid rain seeps through the soils, it can erode vital plant nutrients through chemical reactions, presenting a threat to future forest productivity."
Abstract This paper explains that Big Dig, a state-of-the-art eight-to-ten-lane expressway, for the most part underground or underwater, will run through downtown Boston and the Ted Williams Tunnel to Logan Airport. The paper reviews three areas of environmental concern: The digging and dumping of the dirt, mitigation and air quality. The author points out that the mitigation aspect of the project protects the city from devastating noise disruption, dust, traffic gridlock and economic damage.
From the Paper "There are other benefits as well. According to Daniel Wood of Public Roads Magazine, the Big Dig will be "good news for the local shellfish population because of the construction of an artificial reef in Boston Harbor" (Public Roads). The reef, created in collaboration with the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is designed to compensate for filling in over one acre of blue mussel habitat in the harbor during the closing and capping of the former municipal landfill on Spectacle Island. Wood also says that, "As the northernmost artificial reef system in the United States, the complex is expected to become home to lobsters, crabs, and finfish, as well as the displaced blue mussels" "
