Abstract
This paper discusses that concerns have been raised about a rising concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The paper explains that the issue has been examined using climate models, such as the one called EDGCM based on a 120 year long model run, starting in 1985 with an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The paper relates that a global climate model such as this allows for a study of climates in the past present and future.

From the Paper
"Such computer-driven models are one of the primary tools now used in climate research. The EDGCM model also serves as a learning tool for students and provides data to the public in a more easily-accessed manner than is true of some other models ("EDGCM: The Project" paras. 1-3)."

Tags:carbon, dioxide, concentrations

Abstract
The following assignment is for a fourth year environmental studies course. The topic of the assignment was carbon dioxide emission control mechanisms. The assignment looks at a proposal by the National Round Table on the environment and the economy. It basically suggested that the a combination of carbon taxes and emission trading will be succesful.

From the Paper
Carbon Dioxide Emission Control Policies Humanity faces a wide range of problems in the modern era including diminishing resources and environmental degradation. Global climate change is potentially the largest problem facing humanity. For example, in Summary for Policymakers of the Synthesis Report of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report it is stated, Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising

Tags:carbon, dioxide, emissions

Abstract
The paper identifies the chemical and physical properties of nitrogen dioxide and its sources in the environment. The paper discusses its interaction in the environment, its effects on the human body and its toxicity. The paper also looks at emission standards for nitrogen dioxide gases and provides suggestions for reducing reactive nitrogen dioxide exposure.

Outline:
Chemical and Physical Data
Occurrence/Sources in the Environment
Interaction in the Environment
Effects on the Human Body
Toxicity
Regulations
Suggestions for Action

From the Paper
"Nitrogen Dioxide or NO2 is a red-brown or yellow liquid, which becomes a colorless solid at a specific temperature (EPA 2007). It is a non-combustible component of automotive exhaust fumes. It can be derived during the intermediate stage in the oxidation of ammonia to nitric acid. It is highly poisonous and even fatal when inhaled. Tolerance in the air is at 5 ppm. Nitrogen dioxide can react strongly with reducing materials. It occurs as environmental tobacco smoke and artificially as kerosene heaters, un-vented gas stoves and heaters. Among its effects on health are irritations on the eyes, nose and throat; pulmonary edema and diffused lung injury; chronic bronchitis; decreased lung function; and increased risk of respiratory infections, especially in young children (US Environmental Protection Agency)."

Tags:emissions, fuel, toxicity, combustion, asthma

From the Paper
" Scientists all over the world are growing increasingly concerned about the steady build.up of trace gases in the atmosphere. Presently, the most abundant trace gas in the atmosphere is carbon dioxide (CO2). This has been due primarily to the use of fossil fuels. Several studies have concluded that CO2 emissions may alter the radioactive balance of the earth, increasing the global temperature and dramatically changing global climate (Jager, "Floating" 6).
The "greenhouse theory," which states that increases in CO2 will warm the earth, was first developed by scientists before the turn of the century. This theory holds that CO2 and other "greenhouse" gases in the atmosphere allow the sun's ultra.violet and visible radiation to penetrate and warm the earth, with the (...)"

Abstract
This paper begins by citing some statistics on carbon dioxide emission rates in the United States to demonstrate the need for changes in U.S. commuting policies and technologies. The paper then discusses two overall approaches that could be taken in order to cut the emissions of motor vehicles and suggests that these approaches are mutually supportive. The paper goes on to discuss the many environmental effects of carbon dioxide emissions and concludes with a warning of what will happen if the problem is not addressed.

From the Paper
"National Research Council brought out a report in 1997 recommending that important changes in the U.S. commuting policies, technologies, and activities may turn essential to minimize emissions of the motor vehicles and the following hazard of global warming at the time of the consequent century. And due to the fact that commuting has its part in the society of the nation and economy, there needs to be a balance created in mobility and need for access of people as against the resources of the environment and natural resource requirements. The report has said that there are two overall advances which have to be taken into account in cutting of the emission of motor vehicles of the generally termed greenhouse gases in course of time."

Tags:cars, buses, trucks, global, warming, greenhouse, gases

Abstract
This paper discusses the various sources of justifications to act against greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide, as two leading causes of an irrefutable trend toward global warming. The paper discusses the views of the critics and skeptics against taking these steps and then looks at the views of those in favor of the proposed actions against global warming.

From the Paper
"When the great majority of scientists independently come to similar or supporting conclusions, however, it is usually a good bet that they are correct. It would appear that the over-whelming evidence supports the idea that we are experiencing global warming, that human activity is contributing to this warming and that we can't afford not to act. I would agree with Stevens that there is a wide range of opinions on how much impact global warming is having and on how much humans are contributing. From the articles I have read it seems that there is very little scientific evidence AGAINST the global warming scenario. Skeptics seem to be focusing on discrediting the global warming supporters, rather than proving that there is no warming or that no human impact exists."

Tags:contrarian kyoto atmosphere, El Nino

Abstract
The paper examines the general environmental dilemma posed by our dependence on fossil fuels. The paper explains that this dependence results in increasingly large releases of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, fueling global warming. Many technological solutions have been presented to this problem, mostly centering on the development of alternative energy sources. Research into alternative energy sources is an important long term focus; however, in the short term there are more important considerations to make. The paper contends that the most important technological solution is to improve the operating efficiency of existing technologies.

From the Paper
"Global warming is one of the most significant environmental problems currently facing the world and human societies. Fueled by anthropogenic releases of greenhouse gases, global warming has the potential to wreak terrible environmental damage. Surface temperatures will likely increase worldwide, along with rising sea levels. Droughts and famine will become more common in many parts of the world. Disease will spread. Forests will die off and glaciers will vanish. Global warming promises to re-make the global environment. Though still disputed by some, there is a growing consensus within the scientific community that increases in global warming have been caused by human activities on the planet."

Tags:environment, technology, efficiency

From the Paper
"The term "greenhouse effect" refers to the global rise in the earth's temperature within the biosphere as a result of excess man-made gases. The gas which is causing the most damage is carbon dioxide. Under normal circumstances, carbon dioxide is important for sustaining life on the planet. In the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. This cycle is essential for the maintenance of human and animal life as well as plant life. However, in order for this process to be effective, there must be a balance between the amounts of carbon dioxide and oxygen that exist in the air. The problem with the greenhouse effect today is that there is too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This excess gas is the result of pollutants which have been caused by the ..."

From the Paper
"There are various ways in which drinking water supplies can become contaminated. The two major sources for drinking water are surface water and ground water. About half of the nation's water supplies are provided by ground water (3:39). In rural areas, this figure is as high as 97 percent, because most of the water in those areas is obtained directly from the ground through wells (6:61). Both of these sources are subject to contamination. For example, surface water is contaminated by the chemicals, pesticides and other pollutants which are dumped into the nation's rivers and lakes. Ground water is contaminated by waste from landfills and also by leakage from hazardous-waste sites (6:61). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is aware of the "serious health risk" which is posed by this situation and has issued strict standards for the reduction of contaminants in ..."

From the Paper
"In late 1989 and early 1990, dramatic world events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall shared newspaper headline space with a debate over a problem in theoretical and applied climatology: the "greenhouse effect" of increasing global temperatures due to the increased level of certain gases, notably carbon dioxide, in Earth's atmosphere. The greenhouse question briefly became a matter of heated international and domestic political debate, as when the Bush Administration, influenced by Chief of Staff John Sununu, took a "hard line" against proposed measures to reduce the increase in greenhouse.gas levels .

Since that time, the public debate over the greenhouse effect has faded somewhat, not because scientific views of the problem have changed, but simply because the media and public, whose attention is short.lived, have gone on to other issues."