Abstract This paper discusses the National Energy Security Act of 2001, designed to protect the energy security of the United States and reduce America's dependency on foreign oil. It provides a complete analysis of the bill itself, as well as a report on the opposition to, and support for the bill. This leads to a broader discussion of partisan politics and the political system in the United States.
Tags: american, congress, environment, law, policy, politics, public, states, united
Abstract This paper analyzes the problem of overpopulation of the human race. The paper focuses on problems of environmental destruction and human consumption and waste production, as well as ways to reduce the human birth rate.
From the Paper "While we humans are growing aware of the need to protect the earth, we are in denial about the main cause of environmental crises: there are too many of us. The problem is that we are exceeding the carrying capacity of our environment. We all must initiate achievable solutions to overpopulation immediately to eliminate the consequences that are occurring at this very moment. An examination of human population growth shows how it has unfavorably affected the environment and offers practical answers to this very complex problem."
Abstract This paper discusses the problems we face with our current methods of creating energy and list other possible ways to generate energy as well as the pros and cons for each instance. The paper also discusses hydroelectric, biomass, wind power, solar power, nuclear power, and fossil fuel energy.
From the Paper "Fission, a nuclear process, is already in use throughout the planet. In order to produce electricity, the energy released by fission is generally used to heat water which in turn produces steam to power a turbine (Energy Matters). Relatively little fuel is needed for fission and it's generally an inexpensive method. Another benefit: fission is not believed to cause pollution or contribute to global warming in any way. However, not every country can use this method, depending on the amount of uranium present in that area. Also, fission can be a dangerous procedure. A nuclear meltdown can prove harmful to humans and the environment around a nuclear plant, and the waste left over from the fission process can be used to make nuclear weapons?a highly destructive tool. (Energy Matters)."
From the Paper "The Midwest is expected to see prices of gasoline reach up to three dollars a gallon this summer. The cause is that more than three quarters of the energy that powers our automobiles, homes and factories; is from fossil fuels (coal, oil, etc.). These resources which some told us would last forever, is suddenly in short, limited supply. Our oil is running out and there is little time left to ponder what we will do about it. Energy is all around us; we just have not found safe and easy ways of capitalizing on it. Finding the nation a reliable and plentiful energy source must be the top priority for the American government."
Abstract This paper is on the Wetlands and the effects civilization is having on them. The author contends that there exists a need for action, through the use of education, and federal/ locally sponsored programs. He fears that without major steps, and an increase in federal protection, we may reach a point at which we are too late, and serious damage to the Wetlands will be done.
From the Paper "Wetlands" is the collective term for marshes, swamps, bogs, and similar areas found in generally flat vegetated areas, in depressions in the landscape, and between dry land and water along the edges of streams, rivers, lakes, and coastlines. Because they are so varied, wetlands can be difficult to recognize. Many have been altered by human activities such as farming, ranching, and the building of roads, dams, and towns. Yet their importance is critical is the proper functioning and balance of our many ecosystems."
Abstract This paper discusses the environment and its relationship with technological progress. The author uses figures, numbers and statistics to demonstrate the environmental paradox, the faulty thought that things are worse than they were before, when in fact they are getting better. The author also looks briefly at future advances in technology such as cloning and genetic engineering and argues for the far-reaching advantages it will provide the human race and environmental science.
From the Paper "In this paper I set out to prove the environmental paradox. The world is getting better and better every day, we live in the greatest time the human race has ever had ? and people say it's going to the dogs. I would like to end this paper with a quote from P.J. O?Rourke: ?Things are better now than things have been since men began keeping track of things. Things are better than they were only a few years ago. Things are better, in fact, than they were at 9:30 this morning, thanks to Tylenol and two Bloody Marys.? (O?Rourke, p. 2) "
Abstract This paper explains in-depth, the terminology and structure of anvironmental accounting. The author address issues that show how environmental cost and performance deserve management attention.
From the Paper " Environmental accounting is a broad based term that refers to the incorporation of environmental cost and information in to a variety accounting practices. Companies are increasingly aware of the environmental aspects of their businesses. More and more managers want to consider the beneficial and adverse environmental implications of their business activities, products, and services. These implications include impacts on environmental conditions, associated financial effects, corporate image consequences, and significance for business strategy."
Abstract This paper discusses animal rights causes. The author examines issues of animal equality and speciesism, and refutes arguments made by anti-animal rights groups.
From the Paper "Getting animals to have basic rights is still a long ways away, but every little bit counts. As the animal rights movement becomes even more mainstream in the next 10 to 20 years, the idea that animals have some sort of rights will be commonplace (future speak 56). Americans have seen this social trend in many different ways. Common ideas today, like recycling and organic foods used to be uncommon, but today there are health food stores around every corner and recycling bins in every cafeteria. Once consumers take hold of the animal rights movement it will move along at a much quicker pace. Companies that believe animal rights activism will increase their sales, will be forced to conform. The most important question to remember about animals though, as Jeremy Bentham pointed out, is not "can they reason" or can they talk? but, can they suffer?(Ryder 39)"
Abstract This paper presents the causes and effects of air pollution. Other stratospheric research is concerned with the downward trends in global ozone that have recently been measured over populated regions in the mid altitudes. The author focuses on the various factors associated with global warming.
From the Paper "Air pollution is any visible or invisible substance found in the air that is not part of the normal composition of air. Some air pollution is natural and has always been a part of the earth's history. However, over the past one hundred years or so, pollution created by humans has become a major environmental problem. Natural air pollution has been around for millions of year. Dust and a variety of gases from forest fires, volcanoes, and decaying material in rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water continually enter the atmosphere. Sometimes this natural pollution can have dramatic effects. Air pollution is a major factor in causing humans to get ill. Tuberculosis, bronchitis, heart and chest diseases, stomach disorders, asthma and cancers can all be traced to chemicals in the air. Pesticides and fertilizers release gases and particles into the air which poison people and kill animals."
Tags: ozone, stratosphere, carbon, environmental, dioxide, sulphur, cfc, deforestation, lead
Abstract An examination of the possible effects of moving from conventional energy sources to alternative or renewable energy sources. The author argues that this transformation could lead to economic destruction. A look at how this may effect society.
From the Paper "During the second week of the George W. Bush Presidency the new administration turned their focus to the emerging concern for a new national energy policy. In the Administration's proposal three principles for a sound national energy policy were discussed: First, to create a long-term and comprehensive strategy; second, to promote environmentally friendly and energy supply increasing technology; and third, to raise the standard of living and national security for all Americans. These principles are a summation of the culmination of the fluctuating national energy polices of the past fifty years. The Bush National Energy Policy Proposal developed a new energy policy based on conventional energy policies with an understanding of the need for a movement towards new alternative policies. At the same time, the proposal takes into consideration the need for a balance between different types of energy fuels and the potentially negative social, economic, and political impact of a hasty move towards a complete reliance on alternative energy sources."
Abstract This paper looks at both sides of the nuclear power debate. It focuses on global warming, political violence and the likelihood of change. The author looks at Chernobyl, and Three Mile lsland and how activists on both sides used it to further their message. It also looks at different facilities, their monitoring processes and ways to decrease the chances of accidents occurring in these plants. It also looks at recent incidents at nuclear facilities in the United States, Japan and Germany that have led to the re-evaluation of those government's nuclear policies. As a final note, the author presents many examples of demonstrations against the use of nuclear power, worldwide, to show how this has become a global issue.
From the Paper "Yet, dissenting voices call attention to the dangers of nuclear power: specifically, the devastating effects of the explosion at Chernobyl of the former Soviet Union in 1986, and the contamination of the plant Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania which happened earlier, in 1979. The Chernobyl explosion sent nuclear fallout for miles immediately surrounding the plant, making much of the land uninhabitable. In addition, radiation that caused severe environmental damage to the surrounding areas has been attributed to rising cancer rates throughout Europe. Though the plant at Three Mile Island did not suffer such a catastrophe due to a containment facility, which prevented radioactive materials from being released into the atmosphere, and therefore avoided severe environmental damage, the plant is now thoroughly contaminated, and it cannot be destroyed. Environmentalists argue that increased safety precautions are not enough; accidents like the aforementioned can, and will, happen again. The sound the call not for more nuclear power plants, but the halt of production of new nuclear power plants, and in some cases, argue that nuclear energy in its entirety should be phased out of the energy equation (Janger et. al., 219)."
Abstract This paper discusses the different types of deforestation and their causes, and suggests various areas in which possible solutions may be found. Both tropical deforestation and dry forest clearing are addressed. Increased population growth, agribusiness, cattle ranching, and small-scale farming and wood collecting are among the reasons given for destruction of forests. Proposed solutions include a discussion of preservation policies, greater economic use of forests currently destroyed, and 'tolerant forest management'.
From the Paper "The deforestation of vegetation has been carried out for millennia, in all parts of the world inhabited by man. But in recent decades, with the growth of "green" issues in general, great concern has been raised about deforestation and it's causes, especially in developing countries, which do not safeguard their forests in the way the west usually does. The term deforestation is vague, which makes it difficult to define, record and make comparisons. But deforestation can generally be divided into two broad categories. These are tropical deforestation (the clearing of dense rainforests, usually for agricultural purposes) and dry forest clearing (where trees are generally cut for firewood (Todaro: 1997). We shall look here at the causes of deforestation in developing countries in all it's forms, and then hopefully outline possible solutions to the apparent destruction caused to the bio-diversity of plants and animals, and environmental stability. "
Abstract This paper examines the affects of global warming by utilizing extensive data to support the argument that global warming is a serious issue. This paper argues that he current global warming trend can be halted, but it will take the collaborative efforts of everyone to gradually phase out fossil fuels and replace them with alternative energy sources.
From the Paper "Imagine that you own a piece of beachfront property on the beautiful coast of North Carolina. The house has been in your family for years and you plan on passing it down to your children. In fifty years the ocean will have slowly crept more than halfway up the beach. Every high tide, waves pummel the pilings that support the entire weight of the house. Hurricanes have also become much more frequent and far more powerful. You begin to worry that if this continues, eventually the house will succumb to the forces of nature and crash into the sea. The following year, a devastating class Five hurricane wipes out every home on the beach. All that remains of your once beautiful vacation home is a concrete ..."
Abstract This essay explores the results of globalization on the food industry in regards to an increasing global population. It reviews issues such as GM foods, biotechnology, and over/under consumption in analyzing how a growing global community might sustain itself in the future. Also, it discusses the cutting out of small time farmers in light of biotechnology.
The essay concludes that a reassessment of globalization needs to be done in order to sustain civilization.
From the Paper "In a rapidly developing community such as ours, where economic growth and higher standards of living are replacing the worries of daily existence with goals of material success, our continuation in the direction of bigger and better things has never been doubted. Technology has been a major player in this trend, touching on our lives in nearly every way possible. When one reflects upon technology, one immediately thinks of cellular phones, the internet, automobiles, and various other non-essential aspects of life. While our technological evolution has been a topic of great debate, over whether such advances have led to a push towards laziness and social isolation, one must remember that technology reaches far beyond the spheres of social culture and into the realm of our basic needs as human beings. The infringement of technology on today's food production has, of late, been a rather moot subject, but is nonetheless one that must be addressed as an issue of major concern. Although globalization has often been seen as an advance for the bettering of the quality of life, this is one instance that might prove to be quite the opposite."
Abstract This paper is a discussion and analysis of the environmental issues that are discussed in Mark Hersgaard's book, "Earth Odyssey." Some of the topics examined are nuclear technology, humanity's addiction to the automobile, the health of the planet and the affects of unbounded capitalism. The author also discusses poverty, and some of the reasons for the disparities between the richer and poorer countries and their populations. The author also poses several solutions to some of these problems.
From the Paper "But Hertsgaard also brings up other ways we are destroying our environment, that beyond our own selves. According to Hertsgaard, "the automobile may well be the ultimate symbol of the modern environmental crisis" (p.90) The world's fleet of cars contributes ? between 20 and 25 percent of current greenhouse gas emissions; only electric power plants, with 25 percent, and deforestation, with 25 percent, are as damaging.? (p.94) And then there's health effects: "A study released by Harvard University researchers in 1995 found that 30,000 Americans die every year from respiratory illnesses related to car exhaust, while another 12,000 people die prematurely because of such exhaust" (p.95) Clearly, this is a point in his argument he feels especially strong about. And more importantly, it's one we as a population can control."
