Abstract This paper explains that the entertainment industry is undergoing critical changes worldwide caused by consolidation, file sharing and piracy. The author points out that it is expected that the market would continue to expand significantly with the use of new computer-based technologies, cable markets and direct digital-delivery of motion pictures through the satellite and the Internet. The paper relates that, following the success of the music industry in allowing computer owners to download songs from the Internet, a number of companies have already begun working to format movies into download formats. The author underscores that the downloading of movie files will present security problems such as hacking and unauthorized credit card use.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Movie Industry
Industry Trend
Key Factors
Copyright
Security
Market/ Audience Preference
Technology
Advertising/ Visibility
From the Paper "The Movie Industry is one of most dynamic businesses in the world. In 2001, gross revenues produced by movies worldwide amounted to US$ 40 billion. In the US, over 70% of the population rents or goes to movie houses regularly. Each year a total of 1.5 billion attendees is accounted each year. The motion picture before has only one major source of revenue but with the advent of home videos, cable, pay-per-view and the Internet, a new market has emerged. Over the past 10 years, there was an overall increase of at least 30% in ancillary markets and over 200% for home videos."
Abstract In this paper, the writer examines the environmental impact of population, consumption, and current international population policies, while outlining a plan to decrease population and mitigate human environmental impact. The planned outlined includes a worldwide two-child policy, in addition to increased education, family planning access, and gender equality. The writer maintains that human self-restraint is the key to a thriving, inhabitable Earth and that, through self-restraint, we can live harmoniously on the Earth for centuries to come.
Table of Contents:
Environmental Impact of Population Consumerism
Current Failing Population Policies
SustainablePopulation Policies
Conclusion
From the Paper "Developed and developing countries have a host of uniquely different population dilemmas. Economically developed industrious countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Northern and Western Europe are increasingly exploiting the natural resources in developing countries in order to satisfy ever-increasing conspicuous consumer societies. While heightened demand for "throw away" material goods increases, developing countries are forced to deplete their natural resources for economic survival in the global marketplace."
Tags: self-restraint, family planning, health capitalist, global gag rule
Abstract This paper discusses how population growth presents one of the largest challenges to the environment of any of the potential problems human beings pose towards nature. It looks at how the problem of over-population presents itself in a variety of different forms such as air pollution, chemical dumping and the greenhouse effect. It argues that we must work together as a global community and as nations individually to promote positive methods of producing responsible population stabilization, and in some cases negative population growth.
Outline:
Introduction
The Problems of Population Growth
Global Solutions for Population Growth
Conclusion
From the Paper "Population growth must be considered as an exponential increase rather than a linear increase. A liner increase is when a number is added to the previous number to create a larger number. Exponential increase multiplies instead of adding the new number to the previous number. Population growth moves in this pattern because of the natural reproduction of families. In traditional nuclear families with two and a half kids the growth should be about the same. However, if a couple has eight children, which is not totally unreasonable, the population of that family is now four times as large. In this way, population increases geometrically or exponentially. "
Tags: Growth, Pollution, Consumption, China, Sustainable, Development, Birth, Control
Abstract This paper discusses the high level of consumption in the United States. It argues that over-consumption has now risen to a level where it is having a negative impact in many ways and the paper discusses these effects. The paper focuses on the article by Juliet Schor, "The New Politics of Consumption. Why Americans Want So Much More Than They Need."
From the Paper "To remedy this unfortunate situation, Schor suggests that we engage with a new politics of consumption. This new politics should embrace seven new principles. These are a right to a decent standard of living; quality of life rather than quantity of stuff; ecologically sustainable consumption; democratize consumption practices; a politics of retailing and the "cultural environment;" expose commodity "fetishism;" and a consumer movement and governmental policy. The last-mentioned would include a strong consumer movement that would influence governments to implement the preceding six principles."
Abstract This paper looks at the history of the environmental movement, the strained circumstances many poor nations find themselves in as they try to affect positive change, and the role played by powerful developing nations in keeping sustainable development alive. The paper suggests that Philip Woodhouse, in "Environmental Degradation and Sustainability" is correct in his general belief that sustainable development in many parts of the world is not possible unless dramatic attitudinal and political change is undertaken.
From the Paper "Although Woodhouse really only hints at it, any increased production of primary commodities necessarily means that scarce public resources will be further devoted to the extractive sector - and that means that developing lands will be even less able to re-furbish their economies in the future when the consumption of finite natural resources reaches an even-more critical stage. As an addendum, Woodhouse offers a stark look at the environmental ravages long inflicted upon Niger because of the traditional mania for groundnut cultivation - and at how this extractive resource has been supplanted not by a fledgling services sector of any kind but by the wanton extraction of uranium ore (Woodhouse, 155). All in all, the governments of these countries - partly out of necessity, perhaps partly out of ignorance - are placing their "bets" upon economic sectors that make sustainable development next-to-impossible."
Abstract This paper discusses how ecological footprints, effective ecological tools used to help maintain our world, impose many questions in sustaining the earth's life. Charts are included with the paper.
Defining Our Ecological Footprint
Dependency on Nature
Carrying Capacity of Cities and Earth
Comparison between Countries
Natural Capita: Effects on the Earth
Impact of the World Economies
Solutions
From the Paper "The world economy has a great impact on the ecological footprints of the world. Every country wants to obtain economic growth to produce more money. But in doing this, they have to deplete their natural capital, which in turn, is not helping in sustaining this world. As William Rees states, "there is simply not enough on the planet to sustain present international development trends using prevailing technologies" (Westra and Werhane ed. 1998, 115). So something drastic has to be done. As the ecological footprints of humans are already too large for the earth to handle, how can we accommodate the rising materials and rising in population, while trying to sustain the earth. Most analysts agree that it can happen in two ways: through a reduction in the standard of living or through the increase in material and energy efficiency (Westra and Werhane ed. 1998, 115). These two issues also apply problems, through cultural, economic, and social values. Especially in the more developed countries. To lower the standard of living would be outright rejected in the more developed countries such as Canada and the U. S. So indeed, most people agree that "global sustainability is achievable only through large increases in the consumption of goods and services in both poorer and richer countries" (Westra and Werhane ed. 1998, 115). But still a problem arises. There will still be inequity in the growth of the more and less developed countries. It seems the richer get richer and the poorer get poorer. A consensus seems to be emerging though. They say that the needed consumption will work if there is a reduction in the material energy costs of goods and services. "
Abstract This paper discusses the need for sustainable development strategies, their implementation and technology's role in this implementation. The paper particularly discusses geo-information science and its role in sustainable development. It examines this in relation to concerns about the world's drinking water.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Drinking Water Concerns
African Food/Water Equation
Geo-information Science and Scholarship
From the Paper "The role that geo-information sciences, and particularly geo-spatial mapping technology, can play in water conservation and usage strategies is virtually unlimited. Already, such organizations as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S. is employing geo-spatial mapping that allows researchers to track the degradation of coastlines, water bodies, and water flows over the country's land mass: "EnviroMapper for water is a web-based Geographic Information System...application that dynamically displays information about bodies of water in the United States" (EnviroMapper). Tools such as the EnviroMapper illustrate the integral modeling capabilities of geo-spatial technology that allow researchers and policy planners to effectively control water use and commercial development in affected areas."
Abstract This paper discusses how some Amish populations have made Lancaster County, Pennsylvania an increasingly popular tourist destination. To determine how the Amish can reap the benefits of this industry without sacrificing their religious integrity, this paper provides a discussion concerning Amish tourism and identifies ways that it can meet the needs of the present residents without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. A summary of the research and salient findings are presented in the conclusion.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Present day Mennonites and Amish can trace their lineage to the Anabaptists of 16th-century Europe (Kraybill, 1998). The main Amish groups living in the United States today are the Old Order Amish (this group does not use churches but worships in member homes and conducts their services in German), and the Conservative Amish (this group conforms to the Dordrecht Confession of Faith that established the precepts of the faith and conduct their services in English as well as German and accept such innovations as the Sunday school) (Mennonites, 2004). In addition, the terms "House Amish" and "Church Amish" have also been used to differentiate the two groups of Amish (Mennonites, 2004). As noted above, Amish in the United States have settled primarily in Pennsylvania and Ohio, particularly in the so-called "Amish Country" located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (Mennonites, 2004). According to Walbert (2002), the Amish who settled in Lancaster County chose their location wisely: "Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the 'Garden Spot of America,' is a place of contradictions. Since 1950 it has grown faster than almost any county in Pennsylvania, yet it retains a reputation as a rural oasis in a sprawling desert of modern cities and suburbs. Its population has doubled in the past forty years, making the Garden Spot a metropolitan area unto itself" (p. 3)."
Abstract The debates on sustainable development are now critical of the original UN definition of sustainable development. Using that broad definition, multinational corporations claim themselves as key agents of sustainability and cover up their part in environmental and social damage. Yet the common point of departure in the debates is the key concepts consistent in the UN definition. This paper compares different approaches to sustainable development.
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of sustainable development as it pertains to the public good. It also discusses the idea of externalities in that sustainable development affects the lives of many people without regard for whether they have actively sought its benefits as well as demands. The paper proposes a brief outline of a sustainable development solution based on a working model found in the literature.
From the Paper "Sustainable Development and the Public Good Overview Kollock describes a public good as something from which all persons can and do benefit irrespective of whether they have contributed to the public good or not (1998, par.17). If one examines the environmental and economic concept of sustainable development (SD) it becomes clear that SD is, by definition, a public good. SD benefits all and certainly a minority of any population will actively participate in its development or its denouement. Yet, SD is also rife with externalities in that, because of its pervasiveness, it will undoubtedly affect the lives of people whether they have agreed to it or are participative or not. The Difficulty of Sustainable Development At first blush the combination of these two terms: sustainability and developmental, might seem an oxymoron or a contradiction at best."
Abstract This paper looks closely at the emergence of sustainable architecture and its function in the 21st century. The paper is broken down into three parts: the philosophy, the materials utilized and the importance of the design of sustainable architecture. To aid in this analysis, three central sustainable architects are also included in this research.
From the Paper "Sustainable architecture has become a movement within architecture in this last century. In accordance with recent environmental movements, sustainable architecture attempts to save and share resources, to save and spare economically. King writes that the "shift to a sustainable, ecologically restorative way of life in city and countryside, guaranteeing fair shares of resources and opportunities across space and time, will involve the bitterest struggles over material interests" (9). This mentality is fundamental to the conservation and continuation of our species. It incorporates a new element of creativity into the work of an architect, which can be a rejuvenating element, as the art of architecture is as old as they come. The use of such designs into the 21st century shows a respect for our children and an equal respect for our earth, and, as our materials begin to ..."
Abstract This paper discusses sustainability and resource management in terms of the triple bottom line, an approach which accounts for economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social justice. It looks at how although these are not elements normally thought of as part of the business mandate, they must be if business is to achieve the sustainability required in a world that shows diminishing resources and the need to control for and eliminate environmental damage.
From the Paper "The triple bottom line approach to resource management emerges from the effort to maintain a sustainability agenda, which in turn involves the effort to harmonize "the traditional financial bottom line with emerging thinking about the environmental bottom line" (Elkington 2). The triple bottom line accounts for economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social justice. These are not elements normally thought of as part of the business mandate, but they must be if business is to achieve the sustainability required in a world that shows diminishing resources and the need to control for and eliminate environmental damage. The triple bottom line is described as a challenge and one that cannot be refused unless the global economy wants to be destroyed. In addition, meeting this challenge for the multinational or transitional company involves bringing pressure on vendors, suppliers, and partners to do the same thing. "
Abstract This paper is a field study that presents the resource management for Lake Wivenhoe, a set of procedures established to maintain Lake Wivenhoe's quality at an acceptably high level, its certainty being guaranteed and its lifespan indefinite, if all appropriate decisions are made. This report investigates the theme of sustainable resource management and the implications that could occur if certain actions are not taken. The author states that the data came from local sources and field observation. Includes an attractive presentation and graphs.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Data Collection
Data Presentation and Analysis
Rural Management
Grazing
Trees
Runoff
Agriculture
Education of Framers
Monitoring
Wildlife
Fencing
Recreational Management
Fishing
Boating
Camping
Picnicking
Education
Publications
Commercial and Industrial Management
SEQ Water Board control
Hydroelectric Power
Scientific Management
Seismology
Water Quality
Rainfall and Runoff Monitoring
Flood Mitigation
Findings
Rural Management
Recreational Management
Commercial and Industrial Management
Scientific Management
Conclusion
From the Paper "The SEQ water Board is the corporation that is in control of managing Lake Wivenhoe and its surrounding lakes. The Water Board has had over 15 years? experience running the lake at the highest standard possible. It is a stable corporation that that can control its own finances without any political interference. Also, it has always followed the guidelines set up by the government on water quality. The SEQ Water Board receives no government funding and is therefore responsible for its own financial state."
Abstract This paper assesses the costs and benefits to the environment of using nuclear energy. The paper explains that while theoretically nuclear energy is a clean, effective, efficient and almost inexhaustible form of power, public opinion is widely opposed to its usage. However, the author of this paper maintains that that opposition is based on misinformation. The paper explains the process of creating and harnessing nuclear energy, showing how it is nearly identical -- save the source of the heat -- to that used by geothermal energy plants and many coal-burning plants. The paper further demonstrates that nuclear energy is actually the safest, most environmentally-sound energy option and concludes that more should be done to support its adoption as America's primary sustainable energy source.
From the Paper "The public's apprehensive assessment of nuclear power remains its most serious obstacle. Although disasters and fatalities have been fairly limited, the potential for catastrophe is not overlooked by anyone. The Three Mile Island disaster seems to be burned into public perception regarding any discussion of nuclear energy (Beder, 224-5). Additionally, radioactive nuclear waste cannot be dumped back into the environment: it remains dangerous for thousands of years. As a consequence, collecting, relocating, and storing this waste presents environmental risks that most other energy resources are not associated with. Naturally, if proper precautions are taken and no mishaps occur; nuclear power is perhaps the most cost effective, cleanest, safest, and sustainable form of energy society has to offer. However, all rests upon its appropriate handling and the public's trust in its distributors."
