Abstract This report will provide a detailed examination of a significant indicator related to the global environment, namely carbonemissions from fossil fuel burning. A minimum of a ten-year data series will be presented for this indicator and an explanation will be offered for the processes that are affecting this particular indicator. Also, a description will be offered of the geographical variability or pattern of the indicator and an analysis will be conducted concerning any changes in the indicator. Finally, this report will describe whether, international action has, or will be expected to, cause change in carbonemissions. 9 pgs. 23 f/c. 12b.
Abstract This paper explores the concepts of carbon and ecological neutrality, the ecological footprint and the carbon footprint. The paper first explains how these concepts are measured. The paper then discusses solutions to reduce the levels of carbonemissions while decreasing mankind's overall ecological footprint.
Outline:
Carbon Neutral and the Footprint of Humanity
The Carbon and Ecological Footprint
Solutions to Reduce the Damage to the Environment
From the Paper "The concept of being carbon neutral means to not damage the environment through Co2 emissions, which may be accomplished in two ways. One is to do absolutely no polluting; however in modern society this is not particularly possible, with the other being to match destruction with reduction, thus balancing things out. This concept however is founded upon the concepts of the footprints made by humanity. The human race is a population of consumers in every sense. All opportunities to utilize something towards progress or profit are capitalized upon. The earth as well as the population is harvested for its value, taking it and placing it upon the open market in the endless pursuit of capital generation. In tandem with this mass consumption is also heavy waste, as not all resources are infinite, and particular ways of life are not geared towards conservation."
Abstract This paper attempts to show how, by analyzing greenhouse gas uptake via measuring the trunks of different ages of tree stands, an estimate of carbon content can be derived. It looks at how the amount of carbon dioxide present helps to determine the success of the regeneration of deforested areas and the effects of mitigating global warming. It tests the difference in carbon accumulation in different age stands of trees to see which is most helpful in carbon accumulation and aiding in the fight against global warming.
Outline
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
From the Paper "The data we collected is vital to the reduction of greenhouse gases and necessary decrease of global warming in this day and age. Awareness is key to this situation due to the fact that roughly 25% of annual greenhouse gas emissions from human activities come from the United States (Rubin et al, 1992). By knowing the proper means of reduction of carbon emissions, one can contribute to the conservation of the planet, and live a healthier lifestyle. Maintaining healthy young forests is crucial to reducing the effects of emissions. Carbon uptake is strongest in trees before 50 years of age. Therefore, deforestation and reforestation techniques are important in the window of time after this stage. By clearing out forests and planting new trees, carbon mitigation will increase again over the next period of 50 years."
Abstract In this paper, the writer examines the idea of global warming and discusses the accuracy of predictions regarding its overall effects and the root causes of the problem. The writer also discusses the research that predictions of global warming are based upon and examines the conflicting studies presented by governmental and international bodies. In addition, the writer argues that UN mechanisms put in place to decrease carbonemissions and reduce the planets temperature rise, will, in fact, have the opposite effect. The writer postulates that for Canada, the cost of adherence to the Kyoto protocols will be excessive and quotes a number of researchers in evidence. The paper is accompanied by a number of tables and graphs.
Outline:
Introduction
Global Warming: Science and Scepticism
The Kyoto Protocol: Loopholes and Exceptions
Canada's and Kyoto: Economic Impacts of Meeting the Reduction Goals
Conclusion
From the Paper "In 1998 the first and most comprehensive study of compliance costs to Canada was done by the National Climate Change Process (NCCP), a group formed by various Canadian government officials. The results were not what the government had hoped for. The study predicts long term negative effects on the Canadian economy of between 0.5 to 3% per year, and up to 20 years recovery time. Real wages would drop between 1 and 4%, and there would be significant risk of damaging levels of inflation. According to the analysis, it is not Alberta, but Saskatchewan and Ontario that are the hardest hit provinces"
Tags: global warming, Kyoto, United Nations, carbonemissions, Canada offsets
This paper describes the efforts of Toyota, a major industrial company, to reduce its environmental footprint and become more environmentally friendly.
Abstract This paper examines the response of a major manufacturing concern, Toyota, to the problems of global warming and the environment. The writer states that global warming has been established as a critical issue that has been engendered by years of pollution and abuse of the environment. This places particular emphasis and responsibility on modern industry to curb rates of carbonemissions affecting aspects such as global warming. The author examines Toyota's efforts to implement strategies and undertake projects to improve environmental issues and to reduce the impact of the industry on world pollution and climate change. The paper is extensively footnoted.
Outline:
Introduction and overview
Assessment
Communication and advertising
Design and Energy Efficiency
Summation and Conclusion
Summation and Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the aspects of Toyota's efforts that have been assessed in a positive light is the fact that the company has a comprehensive environmental management system. The company has developed an Environmental Committee chaired by the president of the company that oversees environmental issues. Training also forms an important component of the overall environment strategy and management process in the company. This training is intended to enable staff to implement the environmental management system and to ensure the dissemination of lessons and best practices on environmental evaluations. This training is also related to the 'Global Vision 2010'. This refers to an objective that will enable the company to become a world leader of global regeneration with the use of environmental technologies; which includes the reduction of the company's carbon footprint."
Tags:carbonemissions, Toyota industry environment, global warming, responsibility pollution
Abstract This is the write-up for a laboratory looking at the emission spectra of various light sources: incandescent lights, fluorescent lights, neon lights and sunlight, using diffraction glasses as a simple spectroscope. The emission spectra of the different lighting sources are noted in the paper as color spectra seen, Angstrom unit range for the color spectra seen, and intensity of the spectra seen.
Abstract This paper discusses that concerns have been raised about a rising concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The paper explains that the issue has been examined using climate models, such as the one called EDGCM based on a 120 year long model run, starting in 1985 with an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The paper relates that a global climate model such as this allows for a study of climates in the past present and future.
From the Paper "Such computer-driven models are one of the primary tools now used in climate research. The EDGCM model also serves as a learning tool for students and provides data to the public in a more easily-accessed manner than is true of some other models ("EDGCM: The Project" paras. 1-3)."
Abstract This paper explains that numerous factors account for variations of global patterns of carbon accumulation. The author points out that some of these factors are climate, precipitation, cultivation, degree of irrigation,and altitude. The paper relates that also very significant, especially for tropical and temperate forests, are the measurement standards applied.
From the Paper "Numerous factors account for variations of global patterns of carbon accumulation. Among those factors are climate, soil texture, soil cultivation, amount of nitrogen in soils, and the interaction of altitude and precipitation. Also very significant especially for tropical and temperate forests are the standards applied; not only do these studies use differing measurements depending on the ecosystem, but variations in measurements must often be used within a single ecosystem because of forest floor diversity (Schlesinger, 1977). One factor is geomorphological and/or hydrological instability in swamp and marsh, especially when edged by tree growth."
A paper which discusses the issue of global warming and explores the reasons behind the argument that carbon dioxide emissions are most likely the cause of the global warming.
Abstract A paper which examines the arguments that refute that it is not accurate to mainly attribute the problem of global warming to the increasing carbon dioxide emission caused by human activities. The paper discusses the issue of global warming and explores the reasons behind the argument that carbon dioxide emissions are most likely the cause of the global warming. This paper provides the necessary information needed to support the argument presented, as well as discusses and analyzes the opposing arguments that are given in light of this controversial environmental issue. In the last part of the paper the author contends that despite opposing claims refuting the main argument, increased carbon dioxide emissions are still the primary reason why global warming has been prevalent over the years.
From the Paper "There are significant effects in the health of human beings and the environment due to global warming. Human health is threatened because too much heat in the atmosphere causes certain deadly diseases to propagate. Malaria is an example of this disease, which propagate under local climates (hot and humid climates). Excessive heat also result to respiratory ailments and death. Heat strokes attack many people especially when they encounter heat more than their body temperature can take or adapt to. Environmental elements such as water resources dry up due to excessive evaporation. Climate changes occur when excessive precipitation happens because of uncontrollable conditions in the atmosphere. Different landforms become barren and dry, making it impossible for plants to thrive. When this happens, animals that live in their habitats will leave, and may not survive. All of these effects in the environment contribute to the imbalance in ecological diversity."
Tags: Greenhouse, effect, US, Environmental, Protection, Agency, United, Nations
Abstract The paper describes how global warming has been accelerating at an unprecedented rate and its effects can be seen in the recent weather changes and natural catastrophes. The paper explains the causes of global warming and presents the various solutions. The paper points out the irony that although the U.S. and Australia are already paying the price for excessive carbon dioxide emissions, these two nations are still resistant to even the relatively moderate long-term reductions proposed by the Kyoto Protocol.
From the Paper "The causes of this accelerated global warming of the earth's atmosphere are both simple and complex. The simple reason is that our overuse of fossil fuels in industrial, affluent, and increasingly populated nations and the release of excess effluvia of CO2 into earth's atmosphere is affecting the thermostatic temperature balance of the globe. That is the simple cause. The complex, interrelated causes have to do with our dependence on these fossil fuels and the local, regional and national economic interests of a free-market economy that causes tensions between developed nations (and between developed and underdeveloped nations) and the special interest groups whose relatively short term economic goals are taking precedent over immediate and pressing global concerns."
Abstract This paper explores the topic of carbon trading. The writer examines whether corporate carbon trading can effectively save the rainforest. Within that context, the author explores current environmental law and argues that they will lead to a demand on businesses to reduce or offset their CO2 emissions. The writer discusses the difficulty that many businesses will have complying with the law and restrictions. In addition, the environmental damage will increase which will in turn make for stricter laws. The final argument in this paper is that it will be more cost effective to save the rainforest as a CO2 offset than for the rainforest to be taken down for their wood use.
Table of Contents
Introduction
History
Solutions
Making it a Corporate Issue
From the Paper "As the world continues to globalize, attention turns to the planet's rainforests and their future. Ecological groups have pitted themselves against large corporations for years regarding the forest and its value to the planet. Corporations are busily cutting down trees for commercial purposes while ecological groups are fighting to get it stopped because of the value the forests give the world by way of protection of wildlife. In recent years a new development has made the argument about conservation more valuable than ever. Carbon trading is a growing topic of debate when it comes to rainforest issues worldwide.
Providing the ability to carbon trade between nations and putting the responsibility of carbon trading on businesses world wide will alleviate future ecological issues currently being faced. Carbon trading is a more efficient and long lasting answer when it comes to the future of the rain forest. It has a longer and more deeply rooted value than wood cutting does because carbon trading does not involve the immediate destruction of wildlife and animal life."
Abstract This paper discusses that coal, oil and gas, which powered the Industrial Revolution and most of the technological advances over the last two centuries, have released enough heat-trapping "greenhouse gases" to change the global climate. The author points out that, even though carbon dioxide is a natural part of the Earth's atmosphere, which captures some of the energy of the sun's rays warming the planet, too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere creates too much warming. The paper suggests ways of better controlling carbonemissions such as not idling a car and driving one of the newer hybrids cars.
From the Paper "However, not everyone is convinced that the danger of global warming is real. For example, MIT meteorologist Richard Lindzen concedes that the planet is warming, and that at least part of the phenomenon is likely caused by burning carbon fuels, yet insists that the resulting climate changes will not deviate very much from natural fluctuations, and states firmly, "We'll adapt." Lindzen discounts the projections based on computer-generated climate models that warn of pervasive and unpleasant consequences if the planet continues to warm, noting that the models predict the current carbon dioxide levels will lead to a three-to-four degree centigrade rise in temperature, but so far "we've seen only a half-degree warming.""
Abstract The paper discusses how automobile emissions contribute to global warming because the presence of carbon dioxide, or methane, in the atmosphere raises the earth's temperature. The paper explains that the greenhouse effect is caused by excessive fossil fuel emissions, a result of human overuse and misuse of the environment, that causes the earth to heat up. The paper maintains that everyday citizens must take a stand against global warming. The paper suggests three solutions to this global problem and asserts that there is no international, or international relations issue, more important than global warming.
From the Paper "Automobile emissions contribute to global warming because the presence of carbon dioxide, or methane, in the atmosphere raises the earth's temperature. In recent decades, international automobile manufacturers and governments alike have made some efforts to reduce automobile emissions, through measures like placing smog devices on cars; mandating smog inspections of cars and introducing hybrid automobiles."
Abstract This paper discusses the kind of impact that globalization has on Canadian policies concerning air pollution. The paper specifically focuses on the policies concerning motor vehicle air pollution. The paper argues that Canada's tendency to follow the policy of the United States is likely to result in Canada having the same critical problem of vehicle emissions that the United States has witnessed.
Table of Contents:
Objective
The Argument Presented In This Work
Introduction
I. The United States And Canadian Environmental Policy
II. Problems With Canadian Policy Related To CarbonEmissions III. Environmental Policy Review
Summary And Conclusion
From the Paper "Sustainable transportation in Canada is being overseen by the Metropolitan Transportation Agency, created by the province of Quebec in 1996 which is a provincial agency that coordinates the planning and funding of public transportation in the Montreal region. The agency receives revenue from a dedicated gasoline tax of 1.5 cents per litre collected within the region and a vehicle license surcharge of $30 per vehicle in the region." (Paraphrased) The province of Alberta approved the funding of transportation capital in Calgary and Edmonton in 1999 that provisions of the funding of 5 cents per liter of fuels taxes that are collected in those regions. It is stated that: "Calgary and Edmonton have integrated governance structures that allow them to plan and implement sustainable transportation policies on a comprehensive basis." (Ibid)"
Abstract This paper takes a look at the connection between automobile emissions and the problem of air pollution.
From the Paper "Pollution from automobile emissions has become over the past few decades an issue of great concern. With a growing number of motor vehicles on our roads, great concern has been attributed to the effects of these emissions to our health and to the environment. Several of the gases emitted, which when present in certain concentrations in our atmosphere, can be toxic, therefore these ultimate concentrations must never be achieved. Strict legislation, as well as sophisticated control technology, has been implemented in the automotive industry in order to limit the pollution caused."
