Abstract The paper discusses the increased incidence of coral bleaching and its significance for marine biologists and environmentalists. The paper describes the effects and consequences of coral bleaching and concludes that coral reefs are essential for our survival, since the health of coral systems impacts the health of marine life, which in turn impacts the earth's overall ecosystem. The paper includes color illustrations.
Outline:
Introduction
Effects
Impacts and Consequences
Conclusion
From the Paper "Coral are dynamic organisms, maintaining numerous symbiotic partnerships with organisms essential to life and health of marine ecosystems. Corals are very sensitive to changes to the environment. This is one of the reasons why marine biologists use them as indicators for the health of the ecosystem (Castro & Huber, 2000). Microorganisms and small marine animals depend on coral reefs for habitat, sustenance and protection. Nybakken (1997) believes that the health of coral reefs can be used as indicators in evaluating the overall health of the marine ecosystem. This is why the increased incidence of coral bleaching is a concern for marine biologists and environmentalists. ("Coral Reef", 2006)"
Abstract The paper discusses how the use of chlorine in the pulp and paper industry harms the environment. The paper first discusses other technologies that can rid the pulp and paper industry of its dependence on chlorine bleaching. The paper then provides many statistics that show that a lot more work has to be done to migrate from the detrimental system that uses chlorine. According to the paper, the elimination of chlorine-based bleaching is not only a good practice, but a common sense way to survive as humans.
From the Paper "Global warming is a real threat to the environment and the world today. We have seen the Arctic ice caps melt thereby seeing a rise in sea levels. The world is experiencing freak climate changes as a result of the global warming phenomena and this is all because of how humans abused the bounties of the earth. The ozone layer is already depleted due to the rise in greenhouse gases brought about by fossil fuel emissions. We could have done better but we did not, and we continually "rape and pillage" Mother Earth all in the name of profit and a convenient lifestyle. Fossil fuel emissions are not the only way we harm the environment. Even in the pulp and paper industry, the use of chlorine in bleaching these products and discarding the by-products also harm the environment."
This paper discusses Lake Baikal, located in Siberia near the Mongolian border, which offers an excellent example of one of the largest and oldest fresh water ecosystems that sustains a wide variety of flora and fauna, including innumerable endemic specie
Abstract This paper explains that, for millennia, Lake Baikal's ecosystem has flourished in total isolation, untouched by the human population. Unfortunately, today, this precious Siberian ecozone is feeling the negative effects of human abuse. The author points out that the Baikalsk Pulp and Paper Mill (BPPM), one of the region's oldest functioning industries (around 40 years), is the major polluting source because it exploits an old and highly dangerous method of bleaching pulp by using chlorine. The paper relates that, over the last decade, world environmentalists have helped improve the situation and limited the damage to the delicate ecosystem, but a coordinated effort from the Russian and Mongolian governments is indispensable for tackling this environmental crisis.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Lake Baikal
Importance of Lake Baikal
Environmental Effects (Air and Water Pollution)
The BPPM
Mineral Mining Plants
Conservation Projects
Baikal Watch and Baikal Environmental Wave
Conclusion
From the Paper "The biological importance of Lake Baikal is evident from the UNESCO declaration of Lake Baikal as a world heritage site and "the most outstanding example of a freshwater ecosystem". The range of climatic conditions within the surrounding areas of the lake has contributed to a rich variety of plant life in the region. While the Coniferous forests occupy the western regions, pine forests are common in the eastern areas and deciduous forests predominate the northern region. The fauna found in the lake is amongst the most diverse in the world with more than 255 amphipod species and 80 types of flatworms. The epishura, a tiny crustacean is the natural cleaning mechanism for the lake as it consumes all the decaying matter in the water. The most important and the only mammal species in the lake is the endemic Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica)."
Abstract This paper gives an in-depth analysis of the problem of global warming and its effect on coral reefs. The paper cites statistics that describe the history of global warming. The author further explains the composition of corals and their sensitivities to environmental disturbances such as temperature change. The current crisis in coral reefs is described and international conservation programs are presented. The author concludes by encouraging public awareness of this issue.
From the Paper "The earth is warming up, slowly, but undoubtedly. The seemingly trivial increase of 1.1 , or a little more than half Celsius since 1861, has altered the climate tremendously. There are more extreme weather events, which result in flood and drought especially in the poor countries. The atmospheric and oceanographic disturbance El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) during the 1982-1983 and 1997-1998 had caused the increase in seawater temperature two to three degrees Celsius above normal (Brown). Coral reefs, already devastated by human activities such as over-fishing, development in coastal areas, and pollution, are further ravaged by the unusual warming. Extensive bleaching is widespread, which turn the colorful coral into dazzling white masses. This damage, then, will affect a wide range of organisms, whose survivals are dependent on the reefs' health condition."
Abstract Introduction/Background Problem Statement and Contributing
Factors
Environmental Impacts and Future Changes
Industrial Pollution and Coastal Development
Industrial Pollution
Future of Industrial Pollution
Coastal Development
Future of Coastal Development
Climate Change and Coral Bleaching Future of Coral Bleaching Over Exploitation and Destructive Fishing
Fishing Over exploitation
Future of Fishing Over Exploitation
Ornamental Trade
Future of Ornamental Trade
Destructive Fishing
Future of Destructive Fishing
Commercial Fishing
Future of Commercial Fishing
Tourism
Diving and Snorkeling
Future of Diving and Snorkeling
Jet Ski Use
Future of Jet Ski Use
Risk Assessment Analysis
Social Ramifications
Economic Ramifications
Solutions/Recommendations
From the Paper "Reefs provide habitat and nursery grounds for 10 to 20 percent of the world's fisheries. Life-saving medicines, anticoagulants, and anticancer agents, such as prostaglandin come from coral reefs. They contain symbiotic algae in their tissues, enabling them to grow into massive organisms and provide habitat and food resources for reef dwellers such as lobsters, sea urchins and giant clams. Natural disturbances, such as hurricanes, usually help maintain balance between organisms by maintaining numbers of stronger species with weaker ones and recovery can occur within 10 to 20 years. It is the human impact that causes the ability of the reefs to recover from natural phenomenon to be virtually impossible [3]. Fifty-eight percent of the world's reefs are at risk due to four primary factors: industrial pollution, climate change, overexploitation and destructive fishing, and tourism."
Abstract The factors responsible for the reef devastation are directly attributed to human actions. This paper looks at the questions surrounding this destruction and offers many examples of why and what is causing the reef's destruction. In the end, the author recommends ways in which the destruction may be halted.
From the Paper "For the last fifty years marine biologists have chronicled the deterioration and destruction of corals on reef systems worldwide. Coral reefs provide sanctuary for over a fourth of the world's marine fish species and consist of as much biodiversity as tropical rainforests. Unfortunately, both are now disappearing at an astounding rate"
Abstract This paper begins by providing a brief definition of coral reefs and their main characteristics. It then discusses the different ecological problems -natural and man-caused which are slowly destroying the reefs. These include eutrophication - when the algae which is in a symbiotic relationship with the coral overgrows the coral using the increased nutrient content of the water and in the process destroys the coral. It also includes over fishing, coral bleaching and tourism. The paper finally examines the various laws and acts which have been passed to try and avert this phenomenon.
From the Paper "Coral reefs are widely known as the "rain forests of the ocean". Providing a habitat to innumerable varieties of marine species the coral reefs are an important part of the marine ecosystem. Occupying an estimated 4,00,000 square miles (0.17%) of the ocean surface the coral reefs sustain more than 25% of all marine life. [Washington College of Law]. However uncontrolled fishing, tourism and other environmentally destabilizing activities of man have seriously endangered the coral reefs. This situation is alarming considering the fact that damage to the coral ecosystem has serious implications for all the countless species that depend on it for their survival. Let us explore the ecological effects of coral reef damage and the environmental laws, which protect them in a little detail."
Abstract This paper explains that International Paper, considering industry-wide overcapacity, would not necessarily lead to improved profitability, and the risks of owning Georgia-Pacific stock include the company's severe exposure to asbestos liabilities and environmental lawsuits and the high leverage on the balance sheet. The author points out that the stock market "bulls" state that IP occupies the industry's number one spot in coated and uncoated paper, bleached board and land ownership; the number two spot in softwood lumber production and the number three spot in container-board, which translates into scale advantages. The paper relates that the "bulls" state that the sale of Georgia-Pacific's low-margin construction-products distribution business will free up more than $1 billion to put toward debt reduction. Many tables and charts.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Strategy
Management
Financial Health
Growth
Valuation
Risk
Conclusions regarding International Paper
Bulls' Opinion
Bears' Opinion
Conclusions regarding Georgia-Pacific
Bulls' Opinion
Bears' Opinion
From the Paper "Over the past three years, International Paper has consolidated its position in the industry. Its strategy was to use acquisitions in order to build momentum and sell any assets that cannot be used in one of the company's three core categories. International Paper bought Champion International for $9.5 billion in 2000 and subsequently sold non-essential assets which were in total value of $3 billion. When it comes to strategy, Georgia-Pacific's intention is to distance itself from commodity wood and paper products, and move into high-value-added businesses, that also present the advantage to be close to the consumer. In 2001, the company spun off its timber operations and sold a portion of its pulp and paper assets. In 2002, the company sold its paper distribution business. Finally, in 2004, GP sold its construction-product distribution business and two pulp mills."
Abstract The paper addresses the importance and value of coral ecosystems and details human-induced threats that are currently affecting corals such as overfishing, direct disturbance, coral bleaching, eutrophication and global climate change. The paper also briefly outlines recommended strategies for managing coral ecosystems in the future. Includes pictures.
From the Paper "In the world's oceans, coral reef ecosystems contribute to a large portion of the biodiversity of marine life. Besides the living corals themselves, many plants and animals such as fish, algae, bacteria and invertebrates depend on the coral as habitat. Yet in recent years, coral reef ecosystems have declined and changed at alarming rates, leaving scientists trying to decipher the exact workings of these ecosystems and the causes of decline. Some recent suggestions on the factors contributing to reef change are overfishing, disease, large-scale disturbance events, global climate change (namely ozone depletion and global warming), pollution, overharvesting and overpopulation. Global warming in particular has been singled out as the greatest current threat to corals and is considered to play a key role in coral bleaching, an effect which can ultimately lead to mortality of corals. With the marine environment continually changing, coral reefs throughout the world, as well as the diverse array of life they support, are seriously threatened."
Abstract This paper researches the depletion of coral reefs worldwide. The paper first examines how coral reefs are formed. Then the paper discusses the numerous factors that are depleting the reefs, which are: pollution, overfishing, blast fishing, cyanide fishing, temperature changes, sediment runoff, nutrient runoff, shrimp farming, trade in coral and aquarium fish, and clearing of mangrove forests.
Abstract This paper describes different types of coral reefs from the Australia's Great Barrier Reef to the small, isolated coral heads sprouting out of sandy or grassy sea bottoms called patch reefs. The paper relates that the loss of coral reefs represents a serious threat to essential bio-diversity. The paper also discusses the many threats to the coral, which are killing them, and the national and international initiatives to save these reefs. I
Table of Contents:
Introduction
What Is Coral
Biological Importance
Economic Benefits of the Coral Reefs
Threats to the Coral Reefs
National Initiatives
International Initiatives
From the Paper "The term coral is used to refer both to the animal itself and to the cement-like substance it manufactures in its body to build a reef. The animal was long thought to be a plant. In 1726, a French naturalist named Jean Andre Peysonne found that these 'plants' were actually animals belonging to the phylum of coelenterates. Coral is a very simple organism. It has a tiny, transparent, gelatinous body enclosed in a tube with an opening at one end, and around this opening--which functions both as a mouth and as a passage to excrete wastes--is a ring of tiny tentacles ,which gather in the animal's food."
Abstract This paper discusses how businesses have increased their rate of targeting green consumers, those who are concerned about the environment and allow it to affect their purchasing decisions. The paper identifies the three particular segments of green consumers and explores the opportunities businesses have with green marketing. The paper also examines the message of green marketing and describes the deceit of 'greenwashing'. The paper considers three green campaigns of the New Leaf Paper company, the Courier Corporation and Clorox bleach and concludes that green marketing is something that will continuously grow in both practice and demand.
Outline:
A Green Introduction
The Green Consumers
The Opportunities Available To Green Marketing
Green Marketing's Message
The Deceit of Greenwashing
Three Campaigns
Conclusion
From the Paper "Green marketing is a phenomenon which has developed particular import in the modern market. This concept has enabled for the re-marketing and packaging of existing products which already adhere to such guidelines. Additionally, the development of green marketing has opened the door of opportunity for companies to co-brand their products into separate line, lauding the green-friendliness of some while ignoring that of others. Such marketing techniques as will be explained are as a direct result of movement in the minds of the consumer market. As a result of this businesses have increased their rate of targeting consumers who are concerned about the environment. These same consumers through their concern are interested in integrating environmental issues into their purchasing decisions through their incorporation into the process and content of the marketing strategy for whatever product may be required. (Menon and Menon 1997)"
