Abstract This paper discusses the environmental problems associated with the main final byproduct of nuclear waste, which is known as depleted uranium (DU). The paper first describes the history of the use of depleted uranium. It then discusses the associated ethical concerns, as well as environmental observations after wartime use of depleted uranium munitions. The paper contains graphs and figures.
Table of Contents:
Introduction and Outline of the Main Issues
Depleted Uranium Ordinance
Ethical Concerns
Environmental Observations After Wartime Use of Depleted Uranium Munitions
Conclusion
From the Paper "The most disturbing implications of all concern the discrepancy with which nuclear waste is handled and regulated to ensure its relative safety in the U.S. compared to the complete disregard that is apparent on the part of U.S. authorities in charge of occupied Iraqi territory. As the leader of global philanthropy and human rights throughout the world, the U.S. has a moral obligation to minimize the unintended environmental and human impact of its weapons of war on noncombatants. It may very well be the case that the use of DU ammunition is a necessary evil of 21st Century conflicts. Nevertheless, the moral imperative that is part and parcel of its justified use in wartime is to minimize, rather than ignore its lasting effects after cessation of hostilities."
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."
Abstract This paper discusses America's ever-increasing consumption of oil and the depletion of fossil fuels, oil, coal and natural gas. The paper presents a resource sustainability plan to aid in the problem of depleting fossil fuels. The paper also discusses the necessity for a plan to reduce the problem of depleting fossil fuels and how such a plan can be implemented. A table of action steps to implement the plan is included in the paper.
From the Paper "The exhaustion of our environment's coal, oil and natural gas resources is a horrifying but inevitable event if we do not change our current way of life. Wind power, hydropower, solar power and biomass fermentation are only some of the alternative fuel sources available to us and the government's researchers are finding other sources every day. After the initial cost of converting to the use of alternative fuel sources the cost is virtually non-existent. Wind, flowing water, the sun's rays are all freely offered from our environment. We simply need to take the initial step towards a change and the benefits will be endless."
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 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 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.
Abstract Soil is an incredibly important resource and maintaining the fertility of our soils is a pressing issue at the forefront of environmental science as we try to feed an expanding global population. Queensland, Australia is one area of the world where soil is being depleted and degraded at an alarming rate. Through an examination of this specific resource management problem, this essay analyzes the concept of impact assessment to develop fair, efficient and effective solutions to this environmental problem.
From the Paper ?The preservation and conservation of the worlds soil is a serious resource management problem. The sustainable use of our soil will be a major challenge for the human species for many years to come. When assessing the impact of any resource management problem and developing feasible solutions to that problem certain factors must be taken into consideration. Examining the fairness, efficiency and effectiveness of a proposed solution is paramount to its potential success. A solution for soil loss that is completely unfair to farmers or ranchers will be rigorously opposed and impossible to implement.?
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."
Abstract This paper discusses Gulf War Syndrome (GWS), a representation of several medical and psychological complaints, which affect several men and women who had participated in the Gulf War which took place in 1991. It examines how these ailments include muscular pain, skin rash, sleep disturbances, peripheral numbness, memory loss, fatigue, respiratory illness, headaches, fever, spasms, low blood pressure and dizziness. It also analyzes how depleted uranium could be considered partly as a factor responsible for the Gulf War Syndrome since depleted uranium has produced long-term health problems in people who had contact with its usage. It was in the Gulf War that the depleted uranium weapons were used for the first time.
From the Paper "According to the study conducted in this area it has been found that individuals could inhale the small particles of burning Depleted Uranium and this is quite dangerous and poisonous. There could be a breakdown in the immune system as a result of having long-term contacts with the depleted uranium. There could also be other hazards to health in the form of infectious diseases. They could have serious effects and such cases have been steadily increasing. The infections are in the nature of Zoster infections and Herpes infections. There could also be found the symptoms of AIDS as a result of the breakdown in the immune system. There have been difficulties in the functioning of kidney and liver in many as a result of being affected by depleted uranium weapons."
This paper examines the resulting effects due to the recent population explosion which include: Hunger, depletion of fossil fuels, pollution and global warming, as well as the various strategies available to halt these same effects.
Abstract The writer of this paper explores the negative effects and consequences due to the recent population explosion which include: Overcrowding, hunger, pollution, deforestation, global warming, crime and the loss of nature's bio diversity. One of the biggest obstacles, due to the increase in the population, is the depletion of the world's fossil fuel resources. The writer stresses the need for stricter environmental guidelines as well as birth rate control regulations. This paper defines the earth's depleting fossil fuel as a broad term for three sources of energy: Petroleum, natural gas and coal. All three were formed millions of years ago during the age of dinosaurs, hence the name fossil fuels. The energy comes from decomposed plant and animal matter. Once these fuels are depleted they cannot be renewed. This paper examines the benefits to the environment in utilizing renewable energy as an alternative to the earth's dwindling fossil fuel reserves. The paper also details various environmentally sound strategies that would aid in preserving the earth's remaining resources.
From the Paper "Fossil fuel is a broad term for three sources of energy: petroleum, natural gas, and coal. All three were formed millions of years ago during the age of dinosaurs-hence the name fossil fuels. The energy comes from decomposed plant and animal matter. Energy Quest, a major educational service on the World Wide Web describes the origin of fossil fuels: When plants and dinosaurs and other ancient creatures died, they decomposed and became buried, layer upon layer under the ground. It took millions of years to form these layers into a hard, black colored rock-like substance called coal; a thick liquid called oil or petroleum, and natural gas. Petroleum and natural gas are extracted from deep deposits below the Earth's surface."
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 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 This paper discusses Garret Hardin's essay, "The Tragedy of the Commons," in which he discusses how people can use resources for their individual ends and often without restriction, resulting in the depletion and eventual elimination of these very resources. It discusses the effects of the depletion of resources on the natural environment.
From the Paper "Climate change, being a problem of global scope demands a fundamental re-ordering of normal human priorities. The simple syllogism of individual freedom versus physical well-being must be put aside in favor of far larger and far more profound realizations. The continued existence of material and physical prosperity depends on the continued usability of resources. These resources will become partially or wholly unavailable for continued human use if they are destroyed by climate change. Individual nations must begin to see the big picture, to react to a far-ranging problem as if it is something that affects multiple aspects of human existence and multiple generations of women and men. An alternative way of looking at the problem of global warming would be for the causes themselves of climate change to be seen as common property. Emissions, for example, could be controlled through an emissions credit trading programming under which nations that pollute less than others could give their credits to countries that pollute more heavily (Stewart, and Wiener 2004). An allowable average of emissions could be set against which credits would be issued. Eventually as societies work toward tighter emissions controls these standards could be amended, thus furthering the goal of largely eliminating climate changing pollution."
An in depth look at the potential of future conflict over the scarcity of natural resources. A look at conflict over the scarcity of natural resources. The author investigates the conflict over: the degradation of fossil fuels, forests and agricultural la
1,805 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 7 sources, 2001, $ 58.95
Abstract A look at conflict over the scarcity of natural resources. The author investigates the conflict over: the degradation of fossil fuels, forests and agricultural land as well as pollution of fresh water and depletion of fisheries. The author argues that scarcity of these will lead to environmental stress and increased economic deprivation leading to social turmoil and conflict, both inter and intra-state.
From the Paper "The debate over whether environmental scarcity is a crucial factor in conflict and therefore worth paying close attention to in what is perceived as a world of diminishing resources is contentious. In many respects it seems logical to conclude that since so many wars in history have had economic causes then something like the scarcity of natural resources would in all likelihood be a source of conflict in the 21st Century."
