Abstract
This paper explains that wars have always harmed the environment and killed or wounded non-combatants; however, modern technology has greatly increased the scope of violence by targeting industrial facilities such as oil fields, refineries and nuclear reactors thus creating unprecedented environmental and health impacts. The author points out that the threat to the environment has increased throughout history from the battle of Delium, 424 B.C., when the Athenians destroyed local vineyards and agricultural fields for a short-term military advantage, to the use of Agent Orange, a chemical with long-term danger, in the Vietnam War. The paper concludes that, because of long-lived contaminates such as dioxins and unexploded ordnance, society has reached a point in its war fighting capability where it must consider the consequences of developing and using these sophisticated weapons.

From the Paper
"During WW II, the Soviets used scorched earth tactics on their own territory to deny Germany the resources it needed to continue its offensive. Rebuilding the industrial base would take longer and cleaning up contamination in those areas of Russia is, in many cases, just the beginning. In the Vietnam War, modern herbicides were used to destroy vegetation to deny the enemy concealment. The long-term effects of these herbicides are still unclear. Further, mass bombings of vegetated areas with napalm, forest fires, and bomb craters also threatened the habitat over large areas of the country. In the 1980s, Soviets destroyed crops and fields in Afghanistan to deny food to the Mujahadeen rebels."

Tags:refineries, impact, russia, herbicides, ordnance

Abstract
This paper examines several areas of concern for agricultural economists when they look towards the future. Some of these areas of interest are nutrition and health, the possibility of using food products for uses other than consumption, and genetic adaptation of crops. However, the paper highlights three major interests of agricultural economists, the supply of food available, farm productivity and profits, and agriculture production that will be friendly to the environment.

From the Paper
"The availability of food supplies in the world is a primary interest and concern for agricultural economists. In an article by Lester Brown, he compares our use of the natural resources to the use of an endowment, which we have now started to utilize in addition to the interest and this leads to bankruptcy. He states, "By satisfying our excessive demands through overconsumption of the Earth's natural assets, we are in effect creating a global bubble economy" (Brown 1). Several issues impact the concern of the world's food supply."

Tags:environment, consumption, health

Abstract
There are several areas of concern for agricultural economists, when they look towards the future. Some of these areas of interest are nutrition & health, the possibility of using food products for other uses than consumption and genetic adaptation of crops. However, three major interests of agricultural economists are the supply of food available, farm productivity and profits and agriculture production that will be friendly to the environment. This paper discusses these issues.

From the Paper
"The first consideration in food security is the rising temperatures of the world. According to Lester Brown, the "16 warmest years since record-keeping began in 1880 have occurred since 1980. With the three warmest years on record-1998, 2001 and 2003-coming in the last five years, crops are facing unprecedented heat stress" (Brown 1). The heat stress on plants globally impacts evaporation and impedes fertilization, leading to production of fewer crops. Fewer crops will lead to increased prices in food, particularly for countries that import much of their food, principally grain."

Tags:environment, food, climate

Abstract
This paper discusses California medflies and explains how these pest have not only posed a problem for Californian growers since the 1960s, but also pose a threat to international trade through exported produce. The author describes the possible threats to the environment and human health if spraying as a way of eradication of the medflies is undertaken. In return, the paper suggests several methods in which the stake holders can consider in the control of medflies.

Outline:
The Medfly Problem: General Overview
Facts about the Case
The Decision Makers
Goals and Main Concerns of the Decision Makers
Possible Alternatives and Likely Responses
Cold-storing the Produce to Kill the Medfly
Spraying with Malathion via the Air
Spraying with Methyl bromide and Ethylene dibromide
Comprehensive Plan: Fumigation and Cold Storage Prior to Shipping to out-of-state
Doing Nothing and Hoping the Problem Corrects Itself Over Time
Viable Solutions from the above Evaluations
Possible Future Monitoring
Work Cited

From the Paper
"How to combat the problem posed by the medfly to agriculture and international trade? While the California agricultural industry looks eagerly towards the expanding Asian market as a potential and continuing source of revenue, it must also combat the spread of the medfly, a pest that has dogged the industry since the 1960s and feared by the Japanese government. Japan fears that the medfly could enter its borders through imported California produce. To contain the medfly California growers first imposed quarantines on medfly-infested areas, and when the medfly threat reasserted itself in the 1990s, the agricultural industry then resorted spraying affected areas with pesticides."

Tags:pests agriculture, international trade, produce

Abstract
This paper explains that, in their haste to introduce market reforms and efficiencies into their antiquated agricultural systems, many emerging nations have sacrificed their environment and citizens' health in exchange for some well-intentioned but misguided short-term gains in productivity. The author points out that past agricultural practices were based on tradition and spiritual concepts; however, many emerging nations have succeeded in overcoming these constraints through innovative policies and initiatives. The paper stresses that modern western agricultural practices rely heavily on heavy and expensive equipment as well as industrial pesticides and fertilizers to wrench continued high yields from the soil are not readily transferable to many emerging nations.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Existing Agricultural Practices in China Today
Innovative and Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Current and Future Trends
What Can Be Done?
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Within rural sociology, sustainable agriculture is frequently considered to be a mutually exclusive "competing paradigm" that challenges conventional agriculture on environmental, economic and ideological grounds. As a result, much of the research on identifying sustainable agricultural practices has been focused on understanding the characteristics which differentiate conventional and alternative farmers, as well as the conditions that serve to constrain or facilitate the development of alternative practices and ways of thinking among farmers and agriculture more generally. For example, researchers have examined a variety of farmer and farm attributes such as age, education, orientation to risk, perception of environmental problems, farm size, and profitability; the impact of agricultural markets and prices and state policies, programs and services have also been examined extensively."

Tags:antiquated, short-term, characteristics, resources, non-transferable

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."

Tags:agriculture, dietary, disease, feedlots, grain, grazing, livestock, pollution, slaughterhouse, vegetarian

Abstract
The paper discusses how the transformation of farming in recent years with the incredible expansion of agribusiness on a transnational scale has been one of the least reported, if most significant, aspects of the neoliberal economic process known as globalization. This paper explores - through a structural perspective - the health implications of this transformation of food production on a planetary scale. The thesis is argued that the increasing growth of agribusiness as a consequence of the almost simultaneous neoliberal deregulation of food production industries in a number of countries has increased the level of "food insecurity" among the human population of the globe. This has had significant negative consequences for the health of human communities around the world as a consequence of a number of determinants (e.g., obesity and malnutrition as the consequence of socio-economic factors; consumption of potentially dangerous agricultural products from a genetically modified farming environment etc.). As is seen, these determinants are closely linked to the concentration of food production within the scope of fewer, and larger, transnational agribusinesses. The paper argues that this concentration of agricultural production under the control of a handful of large, transnational agribusinesses radically increases the risk of harm to large swathes of the human population from both accidental (e.g., unforeseen genetic interactions in the wild) and deliberate (e.g., food terrorism) damage to globalized corporate food production systems.

From the Paper
"The transformation of farming in recent years with the incredible expansion of agribusiness on a transnational scale has been one of the least reported, if most significant, aspects of the neoliberal economic process known as globalization. This paper will explore - through a structural perspective - the health implications of this transformation of food production on a planetary scale. The thesis will be argued that the..."

Tags:food, health, industry

Abstract
Genetically modified foods have emerged as a topic of great controversy in recent years. As agricultural technology grows by leaps and bounds, the presence of enhanced and or modified foods becomes more ubiquitous at grocery stores and on dinner tables. However, this proliferation has been met with concern by many people who fear that the new foodstuffs will have environmental ethical and human consequences that the proponents of such items are as yet dimly aware. This paper explores the environmental implications of genetically modified food.

Tags:genetically, modified, foods

Abstract
The paper explores the long-term prospects of GM crops by looking at the scientific controversies regarding these crops' effects on our health, effects on children, their impact on the environment and the possibility of gene contamination. The paper shows how it is not yet clear if the biotechnological revolution is destined to be the magical cure for the famine-torn third world nations or just a temporary solution that may be ridden with unwanted health and economic consequences. The paper concludes that with the divided opinions as to the safety of GM crops, embracing the 'biotechnology way' as a solution presents a difficult choice.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
GM Food Regulations and Patenting
GM Foods (Health Effects)
Antibiotic Marker Genes (Danger for Children)
The Environmental Factor
Gene Contamination
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Biotechnology has advanced at an amazing pace and what was only a talk in the last decade is now already a reality. GM food has become a topic of heated debate over the last few years. The ethical perceptions and opinions about GM food are quite varied. Robert Shapiro the CEO of Monsanto feels, "There now exists an opportunity to create a genuine science of nutrition, something that has never existed in human history". In the UK prince Charles' opinion, "I happen to believe that this kind of genetic modification takes mankind into the realms that belong to God, and God alone" [Michael Specter] Besides the ethics of GM food, issues pertaining to the health, environmental effects, Patents and safety regulations and other public concerns have to be carefully ascertained. With millions of people in African (Sudan, Zambia, etc) countries facing chronic hunger and severely malnourished the prospect of GM food as a potential solution to the food crisis needs to be rigorously evaluated."

Tags:genetic, engineering, food, regulations, patents, antibiotic, marker, genes, contamination

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the practice of factory farming in the United States. While the paper concedes that these new age farms have found innovative ways to produce meat and food for the increasing demand, the methods involved, crowded conditions, and problems caused to the environment are less than beneficial. The author describes how the factory farms have deteriorated the environment by polluting waterways and producing greenhouse gases as well as the unnatural and overcrowded conditions that livestock now live in. The paper also mentions the additional health problems that humans will encounter as we eat the products from these farms and fill our bodies with unnatural bi-products. In closing, the author urges the public to stop destroying the environment by overconsumption and to support free range farmers.

From the Paper
"The United States livestock industry is certainly not the shining example of how animals should be treated, but it is certainly a vital part of agriculture in this country. There has been a major shift in the way livestock is produced and grown in the last several decades. Small family farms have been replaced by large corporately owned factory farms. These new age farms have caused major problems for our environment, our health, and our animals. Huge factory farms have become the predominant method of raising livestock, and the crowded conditions in these facilities have caused water and air pollution, caused health problems, and caused harm to overall public health. There is no doubt that these farms have found innovative ways to produce meat and food for our increasing demand, but these ways are simply not healthy for humans, animals, and the earth."

Tags:livestock industry, agriculture environment health, corporate farming