Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that tropical rainforests are arguably the most precious natural resource on the earth and constitute the world's most diverse biological eco-system. The writer points out that unfortunately, rainforests are being destroyed at an alarming and unsustainable rate and may even disappear completely within a few decades if the present rate of their depletion continues. In this paper the writer discusses the causes of rainforest depletion and the potential catastrophic effects of their rapid destruction.

Outline:
Causes of Rainforest Depletion
Direct Causes
Underlying/ Indirect Causes
Potential Effects of Rainforest Depletion
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Commercial Agriculture is different from slash-and-burn farming and refers to large-scale farming of cash crops such as sugar, palm oil, natural rubber, coffee, cacao, and tropical fruits by business corporations. Such large-scale farming contributes to deforestation in a number of ways. The very meaning of 'cash crops' means that the commercial agriculture in only interested in maximizing his profits by using modern machinery, fertilizers and pesticides and is not bothered about the environment. A specific example of commercial agriculture is the palm-oil plantations in the South East Asian countries that have replaced vast tracts of tropical rainforests, especially Indonesia in the recent past. Widespread use of agrochemicals by commercial agriculture companies results in contamination of crops, soils, and ground water and the occupation of choicest land by influential corporations force the subsistence farmers further out into the forests leading to indirect deforestation."

Tags:tropical, eco-system, logging, trees

Abstract
This paper examines the issue of ozone layer depletion. The author notes that scientists have detected serious increases in ultraviolet radiation near the earth's surface in recent years, due to the depletion of the protective ozone layer; and discusses why physicians, environmentalists, and governments are expressing concern. The paper concludes that UV radiation causes skin cancers and eye ailments, weakens immune systems, and slows plant growth on both land and sea, and warns that even though steps are finally being taken to protect the ozone layer, it will take many years to repair the damage.

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."

Tags:earth, layer, vehicle, Polar, Regions

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.

Tags:pollution, bleaching, blast fishing

Abstract
The paper describes the problem of rainforest depletion, discusses how humans, flora, and fauna are impacted by it, offers reasons for deforestation, and provides a plan to reach sustainability in the region that includes benefits and challenges in adopting the plan.

From the Paper
"The Amazon rainforest is the world's most diverse biome that covers more than a billion acres across Brazil, Venezuela, Columbia and the Eastern Andean region. One of the world's richest natural resources, the rainforest plays an important role in the health of ecological chains of the Earth's biosphere. Covering less than ... percent of the planet's surface area, more than ... percent of all the Earth's animals, insect species and flora reside in the rainforest. Depletion of the rainforest is occurring at such a..."

Tags:Brazil, economy, logging, agriculture, carbon dioxide, habitat, wildlife, extinction, burning, global warming

Abstract
This paper examines that the Amazon rainforest is an embattled resource being depleted at an alarming rate on a daily basis, which has a global effect. The author points out that the deforestation of the Amazonian rainforest effects the atmosphere by increasing carbon dioxide, which leads to global warming. The paper discusses several perspectives in relation to global warming and the reasons behind the cause behind global warming.

From the Paper
"The Amazon rainforest is an embattled resource being depleted at an alarming rate on a daily basis. The effect of such a loss is not merely local or regional, nor is it limited to Brazil or even the South American continent. The effect is global. Every day, species of animals, insects, and plants disappear from the ecosystem, some of which have yet to be discovered, let alone studied. Even more alarming is the amount of carbon dioxide that is no longer processed from the atmosphere due to the depletion of this resource. If the destruction of the rainforest continues at the present rate, it completely will disappear, a loss that will be devastating for the global environment. The environment is inextricably linked to the world's population."

Tags:deforestation, global, warming

Abstract
A study of the theoretical approaches to environmental ethics which relates how the normative approach contrasts with them and how.

Tags:rainforest, depletion

From the Paper
"Throughout recorded history, humans have exploited marine resources. One of the earliest known maritime societies occurred along the Baltic Sea approximately 10,000 years ago. These Mesolithic era fishermen did not regulate their fisheries. Because their populations were small, early fishermen did not alter their marine resources. Hence there was never a need for them to constrain their practices. In more recent times, however, the fishing industry has grown to massive proportions. Following the second world war, it took mechanized fleets only 20 years to treble the world's annual fish production. In 1989, the total sea catch amounted to over 86 million metric tons. This increase in fishing, however, has had a devastating effect on the ... "

Abstract
Examines the function of ozone layer, man-made depletion, and steps to prevent further depletion and restore the ozone layer through elimination of products that cause it. Discusses dangers to human beings, other animal life, and the general ecology.

From the Paper
"The ozone layer, or ozonosphere, is located in the stratosphere surrounding the earth, and is responsible for protecting the life on the planet - human, plant and animal, including the life in the sea - from the dangers ..."

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."

Tags:air, atmosphere, carbon, cfc, co2, dioxide, greenhouse, methane, oxygen, ozone