Abstract This is a paper that refutes the statement that the ban on CFC's may mean that billions of people won't be able to have refrigerators and millions may die of food poisoning.
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 The following paper examines the research provided on atmospheric depletion and its relationship to the survival of humanity. Issues like the greenhouse effect and ozone crisis are discussed. The writer feels strongly towards the serious danger from the pollution that is regularly released into the air and discusses, briefly, ways in which to halt the destructive process.
From the Paper "One way we are destroying our atmosphere is by releasing carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide makes up part of a natural cycle of carbon involving the atmosphere, land, sea, and plant life (Neal 10). So what is the problem if CO2 is there naturally already? Carbon dioxide makes up a very tiny part of our atmosphere, representing approximately 0.035 percent (Neal 10). 0.035 percent seems insignificant, but consider that a rise of about 0.06 percent changes our atmosphere dramatically (Neal 10). Carbon dioxide is released into the air every time a fossil fuel is burned (Neal 11). Approximately two hundred years ago, the industrial revolution sparked an increase in the burning of the fuels (Neal 11). In fact, my grandparents reside in a small town in South Western Pennsylvania called Allison. This is one of a cluster of small towns in that region. I think that it is safe to say that about eighty percent of the homes in Allison rely on coal as the primary source of heat. Thank goodness for trees and other plants that takes in carbon dioxide and replaces it with oxygen. There lies another problem, though. See, there are not enough trees left on Earth to off set even a small increase in carbon dioxide because rain forests are rapidly disappearing."
Looks at the causes of this problem (chlorofluorocarbons) and the environmental & human effects. Includes discovery, theory and research in the field and examines international issues; focuses on corporate & economic effects of 1996 ban on CFCs.
5,400 words (approx. 21.6 pages), 11 sources, 1997, $ 135.95
From the Paper "Introduction
Local, regional, national and international political decisions can have long-term effects on the ways in which companies conduct business. When public policies, such as those affecting the environment, take a significant departure from their historic orientation, the effect can be devastating to companies and organizations operating under the older guidelines. Yet there are times when public welfare or other compelling interests necessitate significant changes in policy to which business must adapt. This is the case with the 1996 ban on chlorofluorocarbons and the progressive ban on other ozone depleting substances. The scientific community has determined that these substances (commonly used at one time in aerosol propellants and in refrigeration systems) are contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer.."
Abstract The paper discusses ozone depletion and its causes, including products which introduce chlorofluorocarbons (cfc's) into the atmosphere. The paper also looks at the Montreal Protocol, a recent world resolution regarding the problem of ozone depletion.
From the Paper "An Antarctic ozone hole forms from September to November each year, caused by man made pollutants that destroy ozone in the atmosphere. The hole has been getting progressively larger. The culprits are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), once used as coolants. The ozone hole above Antarctica starts forming in September, when springtime sunlight returns to the polar skies. The light energizes chlorine and bromine containing chemicals that break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere and destroy it. "Sunlight splits off chlorine from CFCs, and the chlorine ozone reaction takes place most readily on the surface of ice crystals" (Onion). Polar Regions reflects the greatest changes in ozone concentrations, especially the South Pole."
Abstract This paper examines the causes and effects of the depletion of the ozone layer which allows excess ultraviolet light from the sun to leak through and reach the earth's surface. The impact of excess UV light can be increasingly dangerous, harming crops, wildlife and farm animals and increasing the incidence of skin cancer in humans. The paper looks at the life cycle of an ozone molecule, ozone holes and the TOMS (total ozone mapping spectrometer) Earth Probe which can measure the dimensions of an ozone hole. It evaluates the connection between ozone and cancer and provides a timeline for the history of the ozone hole.
From the Paper "Without the sterner controls on CFC production, ozone-damaging chlorine and bromine levels would have continued to rise steeply until 2100 and beyond. That was the conclusion of the World Meteorological Organization' s 1994 Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion, the most comprehensive and authoritative statement to date on the ozone question, prepared with input from NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the United Nations Environment Program. It is the product of 295 scientists from both developed and developing countries. Therefore, it represents an overwhelming consensus of the world's scientists about the severity of the threat to the ozone layer."
Abstract For as long as humans have inhabited the earth, they have questioned their relationship with it and, now more frequently, their responsibility for it. This paper looks at the views of philosophers on man's social responsibility to earth, beginning with the ideas of Rene Descartes and then moving on to John Locke, Adam Smith and ending with ecology experts such as Rashmi Mayur. The paper looks at the threat of economic globalization on the earth's social structure and examines ways to correct the damage already done.
From the Paper "Finally, Mayur argues that today we must reconsider our ideas of the kinds of cities, towns, and villages in which we want to live. We must ask ourselves how we can create human settlements that function as self-sustaining eco-habitats (Mayur, 1996). For many millennia human beings lived in harmony with nature in well-integrated cultures and, even today, the millions of people living in the 600,000 villages of India, several hundred thousand villages of China and tribal communities of Africa and South America live modest, yet fulfilling and sustainable lives (Mayur, screen 4). However, the pressures of "globalization" are driving millions out of such communities and into the wretched cities and megacities (Mayur, screen 4)."
Abstract The object of this essay is to persuade the reader that global warming and climate change warrant immediate action. The paper explores the ways in which global warming is related to energy use and environmental problems in urban areas. It discusses the growing health risks associated with urbanization as increased carbon dioxide levels contribute to the greenhouse effect. It also explores ways in which global warming effects the overall environmental state of the world we live in.
From the Paper "Global warming currently merits immediate human action. A few preventative acts at present could offset inevitable disaster in the near future. But, we must not hesitate to act now. The rapid depletion of trees is currently being linked to the rising metropolitan and urban area temperatures. And, the rising temperatures result in an increased risk of smog which can be extremely detrimental to one's health. The greenhouse effect paralleled with massive human exploitation of fossil fuels has resulted in increased amounts of carbon dioxide being introduced into the atmosphere and environment. Higher amounts of carbon dioxide in the air can also lead to rising temperatures. And, there is reason to believe that rising temperatures could possibly increase the distribution of infectious diseases in humans. To close our eyes in the wake of this overwhelming evidence that seems to support theories of global warming, would be congruent to pulling the proverbial wool over our eyes and walking silently like lambs to the slaughter."
Abstract Current studies show that products containing the brand name Teflon? and other Teflon-like surfaces are emitting an array of toxic chemicals into our atmosphere. The paper shows that. although most of use these everyday products in the shape of pots, pans. and hairdryers, we don?t realize the severity of the long-term effects on the environment. The paper also looks at what the average consumer can do to help repair some of the damage these dangerous pollutants have caused.
From the Paper "Studies have also shown that these contaminants can have harmful effects on caged birds including symptoms such as ?"lack of coordination, wheezing, weakness, respiratory distress, and convulsions. Usually death occurs too rapidly for treatment" (Thaxton). When heated to temperatures well above those used in normal cooking, Teflon? not only emits these TFAs but also the same CFCs that were banned by the EPA because of their negative impact on the ozone layer."
Abstract This paper discusses the problems of electronic and electrical waste and outlines methods of improving recycling programs. The author explains how recycling programs can help the environment. This paper discusses current European Union resolutions for waste reduction, especially of waste products that cannot be processed in the same manner as standard household garbage. The paper contends that with over 4 kilograms of electronic waste per person annually, the UK needs to push for recycling programs immediately, and describes the programs which currently exist.
From the Paper "In the process of discussing the waste from electronic and electric industries in Europe, we will first have to look at the basic structures as have been provided. The first of these is for the governments to fix take back requirements for the industries as also the take back specifications for them. Then they have to provide incentives for design of these items in a more efficient way for the environmental purposes. So far as the consumers are concerned they should be able to return their equipment free of charge for further disposal by the manufacturer. The first directive in this regard was issued dated 27 January 2003 and was to be implemented on 13 February 2003. The regulations for the acts by different governments were to be made during 2005. (EU Directive on Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE))"
Abstract This paper explains the overall structure of the ozone layer and how chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs destroy the ozone molecules. The paper discusses how ozone depletion has spread from the Antarctic to various areas around the globe. The paper explores what the world is doing to combat this problem of ozone depletion.
From the Paper "To begin with, the ozone layer is a band of, well, "ozone" located in the upper atmosphere. More specifically, ozone itself is made up of three atoms of oxygen instead of the much more common two. This band of atypical oxygen molecules is found about 10-50 kilometers above the earth's surface - the numbers apparently vary depending upon the source consulted (Gleason para.2) - and shields the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation ("Ozone Layer" sec.1-4). The creation, the production, of this band of ozone is complex for those not well-acquainted with chemistry. Be that as it may, it can be said that ozone is mostly produced by ultraviolet light hitting oxygen molecules containing two oxygen atoms."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that as a very successful company, Starbucks has the opportunity and funds, not to mention the responsibility, to strive towards more ecologically efficient goals in its production and running. The writer discusses that as Starbucks has a mission to develop innovative and flexible solutions to bring about environmental change, the company should be open to the implementation of the following environmental initiatives: moves towards increased recycling of paper cups, sleeves and other products; consideration of more potentially "environmentally friendly" cups such as non-CFC polystyrene; reducing solid waste in the face of reducing landfill capacity via packaging; implementation of split recycling bins in stores and behind counters; bio-plastics for cup lids; and wind energy as a source of power.
From the Paper "Moves towards increasing ecological and environmental awareness at Starbucks should capitalize primarily on behaving in a more "green" manner in terms of solid waste and also in terms of using a green energy source. Success will occur when already in-place environmental measures are increased or capitalized on, and when new environmental measures are brought in to replace non-green existing structures. The paper cups, the largest amount of solid waste manufactured by Starbucks, consist of a large degree of solid waste, and thus green efforts should be directed towards this. Paper cups should contain a higher percentage of recycled material (as compared to its current 10% composition) or should be changed altogether to be more environmentally friendly - for example, recent evidence suggests that non-CFC polystyrene is superior to paperboard from an environmental standpoint. Recycling of used cups will reduce potential landfill waste, which is a problem across North America. The cup packaging also includes the lid, which could be made more environmentally sound by switching from plastic to bioplastic."
Abstract This paper discusses the ozone and the problems associated with it. It looks at the problem of tropospheric ozone and what causes this problem. It then looks at the problem of ozone depletion and why that is occurring. The paper particularly discusses greenhouse emissions and global warming. Finally, the paper analyzes the issue of the ozone hole and shows how worldwide mobilization of governments and the consequent resolve to deal with and face the issue have made a big difference in finding a solution to the problem at hand.
Table of Contents:
The Good Ozone
The Bad Ozone
From the Paper "The problem of ozone depletion is an example of an environmental problem that has required a global consensus and a global solution. Nevertheless, the effects of the CFCs will not be so easily overturned, despite the long-term solution. It can serve as a good example of how to effectively deal with environmental problems, and in particular the issue of global warming. The problem of ground the ozone in the troposphere is more an urban problem, which however can be dealt with only through long-term solutions and changes in lifestyle."
Abstract This paper discusses how it would be difficult to imagine a world without plastics and how, among the most versatile materials ever developed, plastics can be made to resemble and even replace such diverse materials as metal, wood, glass, china and stone. It also examines the progress of global warming and the potential devastating effects. It particular, looks at how the gases released during the manufacture of plastics such as CFCs are dangerous to the environment and how scientists are now working on disposable plastics that are able to break down chemically and dissolve after a period of exposure to sunlight and moisture.
From the Paper "However, if the concentrations of these gases become higher, more heat would be trapped within the atmosphere causing worldwide temperatures to rise dramatically. Research has proven that within the last century, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased dramatically, largely because of the practice of burning fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum and its derivatives. Global temperature has also increased 1o C (about 1.8o F) within the past century. As a result, atmospheric scientists have now concluded that at least half of that increase can be attributed to human activity, and they have predicted that unless dramatic action is taken, temperature will continue to rise by between 1o and 3.5o C (between 1.8o and 6.3o F) over the next century."
