Abstract The paper discusses how, as the Earth's average temperature rises, crop production decreases. The paper notes the significance of a decrease in crop production and provides a literature review. The paper shows how, in general, global warming has a negative effect on crop production and the unpredictability of climatic change can also have a negative effect on crop production when farmers are ill-prepared. The paper points out, however, that although many crops will suffer, certain crops such as winter wheat seem to thrive in the global warming models.
From the Paper "Peng et al. (2004) explore the affect of higher night temperatures, from global warming, on rice production. They evaluated these effects by a direct study on the effects of global warming on crop production, by analyzing weather data at the International Rice Research Institute Farm, from the years 1979 to 2003. They examined temperature trends and how they related to rice yield, by using the data obtained from irrigated field experiments, that were conducted at the International Rice Research Institute Farm. The researchers found that rice production fell 10 percent for each 1o C increase in minimum temperature. However, maximum temperature had an insignificant effect on crop yield. Therefore the researchers concluded that there was direct evidence that rice yields decreased with increased nighttime temperature associated with global warming."
Tags: climate, change, rice, wheat, maize, temperature
Abstract The paper provides an overview of the green revolution and its selective breeding that produced crops that were better suited to changing climate conditions and production levels. The paper discusses how these crops could help curb starvation but looks at the limitations of current practices. The paper then discusses genetically modified crops and their benefits but explains why this development must proceed with even more caution than the green revolution.
Outline:
Early Methods
Helping to Curb Starvation
Limitations of Current Practices
Green Revolution Crops and GMOs
From the Paper "As the world population grows, humans face new challenges regarding how to feed the population. This problem is not new and industrialized nations led the race to develop crops that were more productive, disease resistant and that have more uses. During the 1960s and 1970s producers began an intensive program to develop crops that met the changing requirements of society. This is referred to as the "green revolution." This revolution was responsible for increases in food production in industrialized nations, but there are limitations as to what can be accomplished through these programs."
Tags: selective, breeding, genetic, engineering, traits, food, production
Abstract This paper discusses the crop of chamomile. It focuses on harvesting, preparing the soil, planting, insecticides, fertilizing, marketing, distributing and other preparations for the crop of chamomile. It is a study developed through a series of questions for the paper, with emphasis on exploring how the farmer plans, produces and markets an herbal crop in the United States.
From the Paper "Chamomile is a botanical herb, also known as anthemis nobilis (common manzanilla, or maythen chamomile), anthemis cotula (mayweed, maruta cotula, dog chamomile, maruta foetida, or dog-fennel), and matricaria chamomilla (German or wild chamomile) (Grieve). The plant has been documented as having been used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Spaniards for medicinal purposes (Grieve). Chamomile is an herb that can be reproduced annually, or re-grown from new plants each year. The leaves of the plant are light green in color, with a feather-like appearance. Its flower, which blooms on the stem from May through October, has a "daisy" appearance. Chamomile is produced as an herb for foods, for medicines, and as ground cover for protecting other crops (Grieve)."
Abstract This is a detailed descriptive, persuasive paper about the effects of genetically modified crops. The author discusses genetic engineering and clearly defines many difficult biological terms, and how the Food and Drug Administration plays a major role in the legalization of genetically modified crops.
From the Paper "Genetically engineered crops have killed dozens of people throughout the United States of America and Europe , and have harmed thousands of others. Governments of the world should outlaw genetically modified agricultural products to ensure that no other lives will be susceptible to the same type of danger. Scientists first designed genetically altered crops to resist herbicides. Genetically modified crops were also not intended for human consumption. In fact, they were intended for better yields, resistance to herbicides, and cheaper feed for livestock, such as cattle, sheep, poultry, etc. The FDA is now investigating genetically modified crops to see if they should ban them in the United States of America ."
Tags: corn, engineered, genetic, modified, plants, fda, dna, bio
Abstract The paper presents the thesis that as global warming causes the earth's average temperatures to rise, crop production will experience a decrease. The paper discusses how temperature extremes have been shown to dramatically reduce the agricultural productivity potential. The paper relates that technology will play an important part in the production of crops and wealthier countries will be better prepared for technological supports. The paper points out that while there are conflicting reports concerning the specific effects of global warming and climate change, it is clear that farmers must be willing to enter a process that includes ongoing assessment and adaptation to the changes that are occurring.
Outline:
Statement of Topic
Statement of Thesis
Conceptualization
Literature Review
Summary & Conclusion
From the Paper "One important factor to crop production, and specifically fruit crop production is that failures are likely to occur due to the early growth of these crops in warmer weather resulting in the loss of crops due to cold snaps. This has been noted in the research in the foregoing literature. As well, there are agriculture crops that will initially be more productive however, the literature in the foregoing review has illustrated the likelihood that in the longer run, crops certain crops will be less productive due to higher temperatures."
Abstract The following paper examines how the "Cream of the Crop" gives one a sense of the value of an elite education, however, it is of the writer's opinion that a comparison of their subjects to graduates of less prestigious schools might have given a broader picture of the importance of an elite education.
From the Paper ?In Cream of the Crop: The Impact of Elite Education on the Decade After College, Katchadourian and Boli examine not only how the college you attend, but the choices you make while in college shape and mold the rest of your life. In this book, a group of Stanford University alumni are followed for ten years after graduation (Katchadourian, 1994). It shows how decisions they made in college affected their family and career choices. It focuses on their professional careers, experiences in the workplace, their personal lives and their life's reflections a decade after graduation. This book is the first to examine these issues systematically (Katchadourian, 1994).?
Abstract This paper examines the technology behind genetically modified crops, the potential risks of GMCs, the benefits of GMCs, the criticisms of the arguments used to oppose GMCs, and the general worldwide opinion regarding the use of GMCs.
From the Paper "But are these crops really so dangerous? The issue of genetic modification of crops is perhaps so vexing and problematic because the United States and the European Community pursue completely different policies regarding the issue. Unlike so many issues of health, both countries have completely different views as to the safety of genetic modification, the US allowing the process, the EU condemning it."
Tags: natural, engineered, healthful, genetic, structure, frankenstein, food, fda
Abstract This paper discusses genetic modification (GM) farming and analyzes the problems associated with the use of genetically modified food crops by a study of some recent scientific articles, which espouse this viewpoint. The paper contends that the rapid advancements in genomic science have created new possibilities in the fields of agriculture and in the treatment and management of diseases. The biotech revolution characterized by genetically engineered food products is regarded as a boon to the human society, a life-saving solution to manage the food crisis of our globe.
From the Paper "Altering specific sequences of DNA allows plants to develop resistance to pesticides, resulting in increased yield. Using genetic engineering methods such as electroporation, gene gun, gene silencing and vector mediated transfer, scientists are now able to insert a new gene or control the expression of an already present gene in a plant. [UCS] In a special report from the 'New scientist' the author discusses some of the possibilities of applying genomic science into farming practices. Using these biotech processes scientists have created disease and herbicide resistant crops promising huge increase in productivity. The result of this biotech revolution was amazing. Vitamin boosted rice, Onions without tears, potatoes enriched with proteins, Soya built resistant to pesticides, and even caffeine free coffee became a reality and bio-engineered products offered endless possibilities."
Abstract This research paper briefly describes the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (GWSS) of California. The paper provides a detailed description of the bug and its native habitat. The paper also describes the ways in which the bug is a danger to various crops, particularly focusing on its unique colours.
From the Paper "Research Paper: The Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Bug This research paper will briefly describe the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (GWSS) of California. By providing a detailed description of the bug and its native habitat, one can realize the danger of this bug to various crops. In essence, the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter represents a thriving and charismatic insect, yet a danger to the crops that grow in its native Californian and Arizonian habitat. The unique colors and form of the Winged-Glassy Sharpshooter give hints as to why its name has been widely used. Although its formal name is Latin scientific name is Homalodisca coagulata, the glass-winged aspect of the bug's name relates more to the physical look of it shiny wings. The University of California describes the insect in detail: A large insect almost 1/2 inch (12 mm) long the glassy-winged sharpshooter is dark brown to black with a lighter underside. "
This paper looks at the pressing environmental issues of genetically modified crop cultivation and deforestation in Latin America, as well as possible solutions.
Abstract This paper discusses how Latin America has been struggling with some serious environmental concerns over the last two decades. Air and water pollution, pesticide abuse, soil degradation and deforestation are some of the pressing issues in this part of the world. Furthermore, this paper looks at the case of Argentina to see how the country, which has been struggling through an economic crisis, has seen the bitter end of an environmental catastrophe, and its efforts at redeeming the situation. The drastic effects of genetically modified crop cultivation (in particular GM Soya) and deforestation, the two most important environmental issues, are assessed in this essay.
Outline:
Introduction
GM Soya (A boon or Bane?)
Deforestation
Solutions to Environmental Problems
Conclusion
From the Paper "The FSC, developed after the Rio Digenero summit in 1992, focused on the increased global requirement and the depletion of natural resources. FSC is a non-profit organization that offers environmentally sound solutions for managing forests around the world. Asides playing an active supporting role in developing the national and regional forest management standards, the FSC also works with local certifiers to ensure FSC compliance standards are met. In Argentina, the FSC is playing an active monitoring role, and thus the rapid deforestation activities from the paper and other industries, which were thus far unchecked, would now be carefully monitored and assessed for their environmental impact. The Success of the FSC initiative can be attested by the fact that six plantation companies in the country namely Santa Barbara SRL, Faplac, Fiplasto, Forestal Las Marias, Lipsia, Tabepicua, and the Union Bank of Switzerland have become FSC certified bringing a total forest area of around 131,000 hectares under the FSC certification process."
Tags: genetically modified, crops deforestation solutions argentina effects
Abstract This paper explains that genetically engineered crops are created by inserting genes from one species into another to create a new type of plant. The author stresses that, in many ways, genetically engineered crops are just as harmful to the environment as other varieties of crops. The paper points out that, in addition to its environmental benefits, a growing number of studies show that organic foods are more nutritious than other foods.
From the Paper "Those people who wish to advance the production and consumption of genetically engineered foods also claim that genetically engineered crops do not interfere with their surrounding ecosystem and are noninvasive. These individuals suggest that genetically engineered crops are very similar to standard plant crops that have been modified for centuries through selective breeding by humans. Because of this, they believe that genetically engineered crops can do no more damage to the environment than any other plant has done throughout the ages. However, plants that have been genetically manipulated are different from all other types of plants."
Abstract Over seventy breeds of dogs regularly have their ears and tails cropped without medical benefit. There are many claims made by the people who perform this cruel surgery regarding the reasons why it should be done, however, this paper argues that their logic is flawed and easily debunked. It argues that, in reality, cropping ears and tails is not only unnecessary and not beneficial to the animal, but it is also dangerous and painful. Cropping the ears and tails of dogs is a bad practice which may lead to infection or other health problems and interferes with communication with other dogs and people.
From the Paper "Other dogs experience chronic pain and phantom sensations (like chronic itching) because of the cut nerves. The nerve damage can extend throughout the body and even effect the dog's ability to walk. Infection can lead to illness or death from the amputation. The ears become more prone to infection and infestation after they are cut because they are more exposed, and the immune system of the dog can be permanently damaged from the experience."
Abstract The paper examines how although transgenic crops have appeared in the past to have potential for controlling hunger, they do not seem to fulfill that potential in practice. The paper explains that the cost of transgenic crops due to the need to purchase seed for each growing season as well as the reduced crop yields might be too great for local farmers to bear in developing nations. This cost might be significant enough to increase dependency on foreign aid.
From the Paper "Current trends in managing hunger seem to focus on bringing transgenic, or genetically modified food into developing countries. This approach to managing hunger appears to have several issues that make introducing such food of questionable value. Using both the dependency approach and the modernization approach to evaluate this trend reveals these issues. Transgenic crops are those that have had modifications made to create "superior" crops. However, transgenic crops do not seem to be the answer to the issue of world hunger. According to Altieri and Rosset (1999) there is already enough food on the planet to provide every person currently living with 3500 calories or 4.3 pounds of food each day (pp. 1-2). With such a large quantity of available food, why is it that there is a perceived need to use transgenic crops to reduce hunger?"
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."
Abstract This paper introduces and discusses the effect on business of El Ni"o, the name Peruvian fishermen gave the warm currents that would show up every few years just before Christmas. It shows how each occurance of the phenomena causes enormous damage in personal and business loss and causes flooding, property damage, crop damage and warming in some areas of the country.
Outline
Introduction
Thesis statement and definition of El Ni"o
Positive affects of El Ni"o
Agriculture
Decreased energy costs
Less snow removal, more jobs
Not as bad as previous El Ni"o
Negative affects of El Ni?o
NOAA results
Less heating costs in Northeast
Damage to crops Higher prices
Affects to construction
Drought in Hawaii
Ski resorts lose income
Conclusion
From the Paper "The weather phenomenon known as El Niסo can both adversely and positively affect the business of a particular area. "In the 1982-83 El Niסo, floods did $1.2 billion worth of damage, and the following year's drought cost farmers $10 billion, but consumers in the Northeast saved a tidy $2.5 billion on heating bills" (Armstrong and Veomett 33). Since this is a reoccurring activity, business people should learn from prior events, and protect themselves from damage, destruction, and lost income as best they can. There are insurance policies available for some businesses, and they may be worth the cost in the worst-case scenario."
