Abstract This paper discusses how the earthworm is considered the environment's natural recycler since it turns dead animals and plants into useful fertilizer within the soil. It examines how many people and companies throughout the world now use worms as a natural way to make composite out of leaves and other organic materials and how scientists are studying these creatures in an effort to replenish nutrients in soil that has been ruined with chemical agents.
Outline
Introduction
History of the Earthworm
Intelligence
The Digestive System
Make-up of the Soil
In the Soil
Survival of Earthworms
Species of Earthworms
An Important Job
Revitalizing Life
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are over 3,600 species of earthworms worldwide and many scientists believe twice that number may exist (McCarthy, 2002). One variety that lives near the Equator can grow to be 8 feet long and weigh over a pound. Nightcrawlers are different from most earthworms since they live deep in the soil and dig vertical tunnels over six feet deep. They also can grow to be a foot long and live over 5 years. Most earthworms live near the top of the soil, dig horizontal tunnels, and are short. Nightcrawlers do not need to completely leave their holes to feed. They keep their tails in their tunnels and bob back and forth looking for food and if grabbed by a predator, will hold on to the walls of their tunnels with amazing strength. At night, these worms can be heard as they rustle leaves while searching for food."
Abstract There are approximately 500 active volcanoes world wide and a couple dozen of those erupt every year. Humans have learned to live around volcanoes, for the most part. They have been avoided, feared and even worshipped for millennia. However, that by no means guarantees that humans and the environments that humans depend on, will not come into harm's way. The paper shows that as the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 proves, even with advanced warning and strict security measures, nature can take its toll. The paper describes the aftermath of the explosion, where about 60 people and countless plants and animals died and it would be almost two decades before the surrounding area returned to a stable and comparative ecosystem. The paper shows that if two decades sounds like a long time, one need only keep in mind that scientists were actually pleasantly surprised with the rate of recovery.
From the Paper "It would be a while before the people could breathe freely after this natural disaster. It would be even longer before the world healed itself. Contrary to what one might expect, conservation efforts to help nature along were often doomed to failure. No duplicated ecosystem could replace a lost one. However, scientists eventually learned that the ecosystem was self-correcting. Some things had survived the lava, like small fungi too small to be thoroughly trapped and destroyed. Small animals often survived as well. Over time, when left to its own devices, it seemed that nature worked to preserve itself intact. For example, insects that conservations might think would be harmful killed many surviving trees, but the fallen trees provided prime shelter and a budding environment for other survivors."
Abstract This paper explores the problem of urban run-off - when pesticides, bacteria, trash, oil and other pollutants pour off our streets and into storm drains when it rains. This in turn reaches the sea, untreated, and wreaks havoc for aquatic life and causes a myriad of human illnesses. The paper discusses how this problem is being approached by officials in Torrance, California, including a series of progressive and innovative programs to combat urban runoff. It also looks at the legal issues surrounding the problem and suggests alternative solutions.
From the Paper "However, cities around the county have been rebelling against the regulations, especially inland cities that are not directly affected by coastal pollution. Torrance is also not on the coast, but it is quite nearby and is adjacent to the only two members of the 46 cities in the Coalition for Practical Regulation which commissioned the USC study, namely Rancho Palos Verdes and Palos Verdes Estates. Lawndale is next over from Torrance and also belongs to the coalition, and the coalition is threatening to sue the regional water quality control board to soften the regulations. Critics of the USC report claim that the study did not look at the economic benefits to coastal cities of having cleaner ocean water and fewer beach closures, and the man who conducted the survey admits this (Smith)."
Abstract The object of this essay is to persuade the reader that global warming and climate change warrant immediate action. The paper explores the ways in which global warming is related to energy use and environmental problems in urban areas. It discusses the growing health risks associated with urbanization as increased carbon dioxide levels contribute to the greenhouse effect. It also explores ways in which global warming effects the overall environmental state of the world we live in.
From the Paper "Global warming currently merits immediate human action. A few preventative acts at present could offset inevitable disaster in the near future. But, we must not hesitate to act now. The rapid depletion of trees is currently being linked to the rising metropolitan and urban area temperatures. And, the rising temperatures result in an increased risk of smog which can be extremely detrimental to one's health. The greenhouse effect paralleled with massive human exploitation of fossil fuels has resulted in increased amounts of carbon dioxide being introduced into the atmosphere and environment. Higher amounts of carbon dioxide in the air can also lead to rising temperatures. And, there is reason to believe that rising temperatures could possibly increase the distribution of infectious diseases in humans. To close our eyes in the wake of this overwhelming evidence that seems to support theories of global warming, would be congruent to pulling the proverbial wool over our eyes and walking silently like lambs to the slaughter."
Abstract A concise expository paper on wind-powered sources of electricity, and their use as a renewable resource. Includes history and a detailed section on current wind turbine technology.
Abstract This five-page undergraduate paper reviews the positive and negative aspects of using crude oil in running cars in the United States. The main emphasis of this paper is to persuade the President of the United States for the imperative need of replacing crude oil with alternative energy sources.
Abstract Aldo Leopold has had a great influence on the philosophy of environmental ethics. This paper examines the life of Aldo Leopold and his work "The Land Ethic" in which he explicitly claims that the roots of the ecological crisis were philosophical.
Abstract Imagine a world without automobiles, trains, airplanes, water transportation such as ships, or pipelines. Without these five different modes of transportation life would be different. These modes of transportation make life enjoyable as they make it possible to have the quality of life that most people enjoy. The economy of many countries can be tracked with the methods of transportations determining how wealthy a country may be. "The fact that transportation represents 3.3 percent of our national income understates the importance of that sector to our economy and our well-being" (Moore 2001). The role of transportation over the years and the costs of transportation play a vital role in the lives of people today.
Abstract In the last twenty years, the debate over global warming, deforestation and other conservation issues have become part of the national conscious. People are becoming more and more aware of the many destructive impacts of man on the global environment. Rising to meet this problem is a movement called Deep Ecology. Deep Ecology proposes a number of values aimed at influencing people to realize their connection to their environment and to do everything possible to live in global harmony.
Abstract The central claim of "deep ecology" is that we need to correct an anthropocentric bias in our attitudes to the nonhuman world, and in particular to extend moral concern across time and across species. This paper will examine the benefits and the shortcomings of anthropocentrism within the framework of 'deep ecology'. As well, this paper will attempt to demonstrate both the value and some of the limitations of this framework with respect to the problem of anthropocentrism.
Abstract This paper discusses the formation of tornadoes. This destructive natural phenomenon takes place very often in the Central region of the United States. The warm moist air collides with drier air to form super cells, which are massive storm accompanied by violent powerful winds.
Abstract This paper discusses the meaning of ecotourism, along with the difference between real or authentic ecotourism versus a new false type of ecotourism. Real ecotourism is concerned with the planet's well-being.
Abstract This essay will critically examine the inner city and the suburb in modern North America, and explore the complex mythologies that obscure the reality of life in our urban settings today. It will be argued that while suburbs were originally defined by the need to escape the inner city, increasingly the inner cities of North America are today being defined by an escape from the suburbs with suburban values of security and private space redefining the public spaces of our inner cities. As will be seen, this process is a product of the complex demographic transformation of urban and suburban populations in terms of age, ethnicity, class, gender and race, occurring in the midst of a fundamental economic revolution in North America from an industrial to a post-industrial society.
Abstract This paper examines and analyzes the controversial topic of global warming. Both sides of the debate are presented, as are some of the difficulties encountered by scientists in accurately assessing the true level of climate change in recent years.
