Abstract An examination of the climatic global changes taking place. The author discusses the types of climatic changes occurring and their effects on certain geographical areas and on the environment. Also, a look at their long term impacts on society as a whole.
From the Paper "Since the mid-1970's, scientists reported, the average global surface temperature has increased at a rate of about 3.5 degrees per century -- about the same rate estimated for the 21st century if emissions of waste industrial gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are not reduced. By comparison, the world has warmed by 5 to 9 degrees since the depths of the last ice age, 18,000 to 20,000 years ago."
Abstract This is a case study about the damage oils spill can cause to society. The author discusses the economic, ethical and legal implication of oil spills. Furthermore, he introduces Kant's and Rawls? philosophical theories on ethics and provides an example of Ashland official behavior during oil spills to support his argument.
From the Paper "Balancing profit and ethical behavior is one of the hardest things that a company has to try to do. In the case of Ashland, company officials failed to act with sufficient care, thoughtfulness and foresight to prevent environmental tragedy. It was this kind of deregulation that of course marked the entire Reagan era in American politics and the environmental consequences of which we are still paying for. "
Abstract This paper is an in-depth look at the Galveston hurricane, the path it followed, the conditions and characteristics of the storm. The author discusses the loss of life and damage caused by the hurricane, as well as the cleanup efforts by the city and future precautions taken after the devastation in Texas.
From the Paper "On August 27th, 1900, meteorologists began to notice a small storm developing in the equatorial mid-Atlantic. Still getting organized, it drifted westward through the Greater Antilles with moderate winds and torrential rains. In Jamaica, miles of roadway, railroad tracks, and sidewalk were washed into the ocean. Cuba was submerged in over two feet of rainwater, and much of southern Florida faced the wrath of the hurricane, as well. As it crossed over the tepid waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the storm gained strength, eventually making its way to the shores of Galveston, Texas."
Abstract A look at the controversy surrounding the drilling of oil in Alaska. The writer presents political opposition as well as environmental concerns. On the other side, economic factors are taken into account.
From the Paper "For some years, Congress as well as those interested in both the energy industry and the preservation of wild areas in the United States have argued whether drilling sites in Alaska should be expanded. One area of debate has been the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska."
Tags: arctic, preservation, environment, barrel, wildlife, energy
Abstract This paper attempts to examine the phenomena of urban sprawl by identifying states that have been able to implement comprehensive growth management programs and by reviewing several historical cases.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Importance
Literature Review
Research Design and Methods
Results
Conclusions
Works Cited
Appendices
From the Paper "Urban spread has become a major concern for various reasons. According to some urban sprawl should be controlled through extensive planning campaigns. Proponents of this group argue that the open spaces for farmland, once considered an off limits arena for the urban commuters, today with the help of developers has slowly encroached on farm designated land. Opponents to sprawl are quick to point out that the zoning rules, higher taxes and fewer consumer choices all contribute to sprawl. It is the duty of the government to devise effective plans to control sprawl. The federal government is responsible for limiting the gradual undertaking of this new breed of consumers [Gordon and Richardson, 1997]."
From the Paper " In A Sand County Almanac, Aldo Leopold presents a series of portraits of nature and the natural landscape, coupled with related musings on life, the environment, and man's place in this world. The approach taken is not dissimilar to a tradition in American literature extending back through such writers as Emerson and Thoreau. both of whom also used observations of nature to glean philosophical and practical knowledge of themselves and their world. In the Preface to the Enlarged Edition, the author's children note that the book was originally published in 1949 after Leopold's death and that much of what he discusses in this book, offering his insight into the American landscape and to our need to preserve and enjoy it, has passed into common currency, though much distorted. In 1966 when this edition was published, roadside beautification had replaced "the.."
Abstract This paper looks at how global warming is an issue that is often discussed as if it is a certainty, with considerable concern created about what will happen to the planet if continued global warming is not prevented. It considers whether global warming is a real problem by describing the nature of it including the role the greenhouse effect plays. It is followed by a consideration of some of the arguments made against global warming. By describing the nature of global warming, the role of the greenhouse effect and the arguments against it,the author makes an informed decision about whether or not global warming is an issue of concern.
From the Paper "It is noted that human activity is not the only way to create greenhouse gases. Methane is naturally produced by cows and other animals and carbon dioxide is naturally produced by plants. However, human activity is thought to be the reason that greenhouse gases have increased significantly enough to effect global temperatures. The environmental protection agency (EPA) notes that ?since the beginning of the industrial revolution, atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide have increased nearly 30%, methane concentrations have more than doubled, and nitrous oxide concentrations have risen by about 15%? (EPA). Pollution, deforestation and increased agriculture are also thought to be part of the problem (EPA). This means that while natural processes do change the concentration of greenhouse gases, human activity in the last century is thought to have changed greenhouse gases so significantly that global warming results."
Tags: greenhouse, effect, methane, gases, temperature
Abstract This paper provides an overview of what energy means to humanity. The paper explores the problems associated with non-renewable energy sources. This is followed by an examination of some of the more promising alternative energy sources being investigated and used today. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
Contents:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Problems Associated with Non-renewable Energy Sources
Alternative Renewable Energy Sources
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "People have always been looking for alternative forms of energy to improve their chances for survival and simply to make their lives easier. From the first hitching of an ox to a plow, a horse to a wheeled cart, or a primitive water wheel for milling grain, people have always tried to minimize their labor and maximize their efforts. Up until about 1800, though, the primary source of fuel was wood and people still relied heavily on animals for transportation and power. However, since the Industrial Revolution, there has been in increasing reliance on nonrenewable fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum as a main source of energy. The costs associated with the use of such fossil fuels has been enormous, both in terms of environmental impact and the high economic costs involved with how these fuels must be obtained, refined and delivered to consumers. All of these steps require energy in and of themselves, and many observers are questioning the logic of continuing to pursue antiquated technologies in view of the alternative energy sources that have emerged over the last few decades."
Abstract This paper begins by explaining what global warming is and describes what causes this phenomenon. It then discusses ways that global warming affects the environment and examines ways that these damaging trends can be minimized.
From the Paper "Economic development has long been documented to involve possible adverse environmental side effects at the state and the global level. This is exemplified by air pollution from factories, as well as automobiles. In the same way, it has commonly been documented that there might be a role for public policy involvement to correct such exterior negative impacts, which take place because the related damages are not incorporated in the costs and calculations of private firms and societies (Adams, 1999)."
Abstract This paper gives some background on the genetic engineering of food. The author focuses on the dangers that stem from genetically engineered food such as possible medical side effects and repercussions to the environment. The author advocates mandatory labeling of foods with genetically engineered ingredients and looks at regulations in other countries.
From the Paper "By far the most severe environmental repercussion of GE crops is that they are a Pandora's box, once they are planted, there is no way to control or recall them. Pollen from GE plants is spread in exactly the same manner as regular pollen, and, therefore, their genetic material will quickly spread to any surrounding fields. This is one of the main reasons why is truly impossible for people to know what they are eating. An organic tomato grown a mile away from a farm that grows GE tomatoes may or may not be infected. Scientists have no way of determining what kind of effects the release of all this genetic pollution will have on the ecosystem (Davis)."
Abstract This paper analyzes the food supply available in the world and compares it to the rapidly growing world population. The author examines world food distribution and how it effects world hunger arguing that distribution is unequal. Includes arguments by various critics.
From the Paper "The increase in food production over the past 200 years has been greater than the increase in population. So we ask, Why do nearly twelve million children per year die of hunger? That number is more than the number of people who died each year in World War II, and these are children, not soldiers, we are talking about. (Lappe 2). It has been proven that there is enough food in the world for everybody to be sufficiently healthy. The problem is that this food has not been distributed equally among countries. With the world's population expected to grow fifty percent by the year 2050 to 9.37 billion, What are the odds we can feed everybody then when we can"t even do it now" This is a question that has been studied, pondered, and written about extensively for years. Many people have different thoughts and opinions about it. Something definitely will have to be done in the future. The question is what."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of environment in Hindu culture in religion. Hinduism lays immense stress on the protection of the environment, which they feel is an integral a part of man, and casts its influence on human beings. Therefore they preach protection of the ecology that includes everything from trees and groves to wild animals and birds.
From the Paper "The nature and environment have immense importance in the Hindu religion and man is advised not to tamper with the ecological balance as it plays a great role in man's life. No religion of the world stresses as much importance on the preservation of the environment as Hinduism does. The Mahabharata, Ramayana, Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad, Gita, Puranas and Smriti are all holy books of this religion and they contain messages regarding the significance of ecology and environment in the life of man."
Abstract An argumentative paper which discusses how the future of the environment cannot be left in the hands of the corporations, but how individuals need to take a stronger stand. It begins with describing the development of the "green" movement and proceeds in examining its role today. It looks at what the individual can do to advance this ideal.
From the paper:
"Through the years the society has become developed and keeps on developing concerns have arisen against the effect of industry and technology on the environment. With the depletion of the ozone layer due to chemical gases, the pollution of the land, seas, and the air with products that are made of material that is not biodegradable and the growth of the human population that causes urban sprawl, all have contributed to the degrading of the environment. In the midst of this havoc arose the concept of environment conservatism, which spread the notion of a "green" environment that created products that were environment friendly."
Abstract This paper discusses whether or not the greenhouse effect is really responsible for the earth's warming over the last century. It brings up the theory that perhaps this a part of the earth's natural cycle. This paper then discusses the Milankovitch Cycles which details the natural changes that the earth undergoes and the effect of these changes on the environment. The author feels that this theory, as presented in the article, disproves the greenhouse effect theory.
From the Paper "The same happens in reverse in a time of high temperatures.
The ocean circulation systems redistributes heat better and this accounts for the speed of the ice melting in the Antarctic.
Milankovitch Cycles are than able to explain the temperature differences noted in the Antarctic. The ice melting is a direct result of this rise in temperature. The higher temperatures effecting the ocean circulation system also adequately explains why the ice melts at a fast rate."
Abstract The growing population of humans on Earth has led to some undesirable outcomes, namely a population of industrial producers. This paper looks at some of the scientific data that supports the idea that the Earth's temperatures are rising. The paper shows how greenhouse gases produced by humans can be held accountable for at least some of these drastic changes to the environment. Today global warming is one of the most discussed and debated environmental concerns. Global warming concerns every life form on earth, and can cause major ecological disruptions. The paper discusses how the ozone layer forms and breaks up continuously and how there are several pollutants that can cause ozone to breakup more rapidly than it does naturally. It shows how the most drastic changes in the ozone layer are visible over the Antarctic continent, where a hole in the ozone has formed.
From the Paper "Planet Earth is able to support life with the help of trapped radiation from the sun. Known as the greenhouse effect, radiation is absorbed by the Earth's surface warming the oceans and land. Varying season to season, the sun heats the Earth creating sustainable temperatures for life. This sustainability has developed an overabundance of life, and helped human population soar. The growing population of humans on earth has led to some undesirable outcomes, namely a population of industrial producers. There is much scientific data that supports the idea that the Earth's temperatures are rising. Greenhouse gases produced by humans can be held accountable for at least some of these drastic changes to the environment."
