Abstract This paper is a literature review on research into the effects of drought stress on potatoes. The paper shows how drought stress can cause trauma to the plant organism and cause changes in the way the plant develops. It examines whether that plant can reproduce effectively and pass on certain desired traits to the next generation. This raises concerns about how crops fare from one season to the next.
From the Paper "The effect of drought stress on the vegetative and reproductive traits of the potato has been studied to find ways to improve the crop and to prevent damage. Drought stress is clearly brought on by periods of drought, causing trauma to the plant organism and causing changes in the way the plant develops and in whether that plant can reproduce effectively and pass on certain desired traits to the next generation. This raises concerns about how crops fare from one season to the next, as is noted by one analyst from Montana State University: High-quality potato yields can be achieved only by maintaining a uniformly high level of available water throughout the crop season."
Abstract This paper examines the climate threat of global warming on three different levels. First, on a local level, it examines the climate in Brisbane, Australia, a city that has experienced considerate climactic upheaval in recent years. Second, it examines the climate of Australia as a whole, a hot continent once renowned for its position below the largest hole in the ozone layer. Third, it examines the global climate. The paper maintains that, at local, national and international levels, climate threats are a very important, current concern. The paper concludes that, though climate threat has represented itself in Australia and Brisbane primarily under the guise of drought, heat, and decreased rain levels, on a global level this threat is represented by a wider variety of problems.
Outline:
Introduction
The Local Community: Brisbane
Throughout the Nation: Australia
Across the Globe
Maps (Appendix 1-3)
From the Paper "The map of Brisbane (Appendix 1) demonstrates the water shortage problem in Brisbane. Climactically, this is one of Brisbane's biggest threats, as the city turns to the possibility of recycling sewage for drinking water. Light scattered rainfall is observable on the map south of Brisbane, towards the Gold Coast, in the Beenleigh, Logan and Coomera regions - though this rain stops short of Southport. Queensland mainland to the north of the map is experiencing no rain - a problem which has plagued farmers in the region for some time. Brisbane and the Greater Brisbane Area (Archerfield and Boondall) are also experiencing no rain. Scattered showers are continually hitting the same areas around Brisbane - the Gold Coast and some of the islands off the coast. The same local areas (Brisbane, and inland and north Queensland) are continually suffering, on the other hand, from high temperatures and no water."
Abstract Traditional explanations of the Dust Bowl emphasize the lack of rain as the fundamental cause of the severe dust storms that struck the southern plains. This paper discusses additional reasons for the Dust Bowl such as poor agricultural practices and years of sustained drought. The paper describes the effect the Dust Bowl had on the inhabitants.
From the Paper "Americans tend to confuse the "Dust Bowl," a region plagued by dust storms in the 1930s, with the mass migration of "Okies and Arkies" to California that occurred in the same decades. Many people were forced to leave the Dust Bowl for California. But the majority of 1930s migrants, even migrants from Oklahoma, came from regions of the country largely unaffected by the dust storms.
The whole concept of a Dust Bowl migration is a wonderful misnomer. Most of the people had nothing to do with the Dust Bowl region. Most really weren't victims of the drought either. A lot of them weren't even farmers."
Abstract This paper discusses the many effects of global warming, such as agriculture, flooding, health and refugees, which will be the most severe on Third World countries. This paper explains that global warming has a negative effect on the world's hydrological cycle, which could seriously threaten global water supplies thus severely affecting the massive areas of Asia and Africa that already have drought. The author believes that the very technologies, which the Third World needs to develop to survive and to be like the First World, are the ones that will do them the most harm.
From the Paper "Bangladesh has the highest population density on Earth, with 114 million people in 1993. By contrast, the Netherlands, the most crowded nation in the First World, has a population density only half that of Bangladesh. Approximately 85 percent of Bangladeshis live in rural areas, and more than half of Bangladesh lies less than 5 m above sea level, making it susceptible to extreme events such as cyclones, storm surges, and coastal flooding. Global warming is expected to intensify the cyclone system in this region with catastrophic results. Inland flooding also occurs in Bangladesh because the country lies on the flood plains at the congruence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. Half the gross domestic product of Bangladesh is attributable to agriculture, making the nation economy prone to flood damage."
Abstract This paper explains that the lack of water, which is referred to continuously throughout T. S. Eliot's "The Waste Land", is a sign of spiritual drought and symbolically indicative of infertility and philosophical and existential stasis. The author points out that water is the primary symbol of the release and awakening from the nightmare of "The Waste Land", and its interpretation offers an alternative to the loss of meaning, which in Eliot's view, characterizes the modern world. The paper relates that water links to the ancient myth of the vegetation god and to the Christian myths because water can be seen to regenerate through suffering and death.
From the Paper "The sense of ennui and existential angst is related to Eliot's personal situation as well, and to the situation of his entire generation after the "Great War". Any understanding of the poem necessitates a perception that the symbol of water as an image of salvation from the "modern predicament" and its various constraints, was not a random image selected for its obvious connotations, but refers to an entire tradition of mythical and philosophical thought. Drawing from these ancient roots, the modern usage of the symbol of water is reflected in the intense search for relevance and meaning that was central to the work and the art of the modernist period."
A discussion on the effects of the great famines in India on disease and mortality rates and the contributions and responsibilities of Britain as a parent country.
Abstract The paper starts with a summary of conditions in pre-colonial India and continues through to the birth of the public health sector in 19th century England. It then discusses the effects of drought on India and the results of the great famines on both agriculture and industry, looking at the responsibility of Britain in terms of preventing disaster via prevention and aid strategies and their ultimate failure in both areas. The spread of disease, in particular cholera is explored and again, Britain's contribution in this area is discussed.
From the Paper "The colonisation of India was, for the British, the proverbial jewel in the crown, a new land of vast resources, unsystematic government and an animal-like people who, at best, were a cheap source of labour. But as the drought of 1876 decimated the population in a famine as cruel as any the Europeans had experienced, it became apparent that the British government would need to take steps to prevent a repeat of the devastating mortality rates produced by such a phenomenon. A certain responsibility to their precious colony would have to be shown."
Abstract The paper discusses the monsoon, one of the most intense climate phenomena in the world. Global weather patterns rely on monsoon rains and weather conditions, and individuals within the monsoon climate areas rely heavily on the monsoon rains for agricultural production and water supplies. Variations in these monsoon climates can produce deadly results, including drought, flood, and a lack of food supplies. By understanding the basics behind the monsoon climate, and its weather patterns, it is possible to comprehend the global effects of this climate pattern. The paper provides information on a variety of different media sources regarding the monsoon climate, its causes, effects on other regional weather patterns, and effects on global production through an
annotated bibliography. Additionally, the resources provide information regarding the prediction of those monsoon variations in an effort to assist residents in predicting proper growth seasons.
From the Paper "This chapter focuses on the major influences over the weather and climate of tropic regions, including the conditions that create the monsoon season in summer, as well as monsoon depressions, north-east monsoon flows, south-west monsoon flows, and the seasonal conditions which cause the monsoon climate. This is of particular interest, in that the authors carefully and meticulously examine each season in Asia in relation to its effect on the creation of a monsoon climate. This chapter's focus is on the monsoon climate in detail, so its usefulness in examining this weather pattern cannot be exagerated. Further, the information is recent, providing the latest information available about the monsoon weather climate."
Abstract The paper explains that the only authority in Somalia are local warlords with no internationally recognized government. The paper describes the terrible conditions in Somalia of longstanding drought and high infant mortality rate that have only been exacerbated by the ongoing political turmoil. The paper relates that starving Somalis can try to leave and become refugees in a foreign land. Yet, the warlords and clan leaders want their starving citizens to stay and it is difficult to get past the roaming militias. The paper concludes that for the time being, Somalia appears to be destined to remain on its current, tumultuous path.
From the Paper "Somalia is a coastal nation in eastern Africa. Somalia has been much in the news in the past decade, mainly for its ongoing famines and civil wars. In the mid-1990s, U.S. President William Jefferson Clinton sent peacekeeping troops to Somalia to try to stabilize the situation there and to get much needed food to starving people (since most food aid previously sent had been intercepted by warlords). This peacekeeping mission did not go well, due to the lawlessness in Somalia, and U.S. troops were forced to withdraw. Somalia continues to be a nation in a state of chaos and struggle, with no immediate relief in sight. The current prospects for Somalia's future are uncertain."
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at the history of Darfur and the difficult situation faced by the people in Darfur. The writer relates that the country where Darfur is situated is in Sudan and this was ruled by the United Kingdom till 1956. The writer notes that the country has not been free from natural and man made plagues like a bankrupt economy, war-ravaged lands, violent Islamic militancy and existing conflicts due to differences in religion, and culture and natural calamities like droughts and famines. The writer concludes that peace comes to human groups only when there is a certain amount of satisfaction of their expectations and the expectations vary from area to area and groups to groups. This is a part of what one may call culture.
Outline:
Introduction
Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "The cheapest method of getting these items from those countries was to occupy them and "rule" them. The objective of the "rule" was not to look after the well-being of the people ruled, but to ensure the smooth availability of the goods in demand by the West. However, it became essential after the Second World War for United Kingdom to grant freedom to these countries, not because they felt generous, but due to their inability to control those countries. The battle over the Suez Canal in neighboring Egypt bears testimony to this contention. The new rulers of Sudan were not the most enlightened as those people had been systematically butchered by the previous rulers in their interest to rule, but were the people who were most loyal to the previous rulers as this was felt to be a safe option for them to retire.
Ultimately, some of the companies of the ruling country still had "assets" in the ruled country, though they generally consisted of old and outdated plant and machinery, or pieces of land in the country ruled, or stocks of money of the ruled land. They would not permit the ruling elite to withdraw till their pound of flesh was ensured. While all this was going on, the unity of the countries that were left could not be ensured. In some cases, the departing rulers themselves broke up the country like India into India, Pakistan and later, Bangladesh."
Abstract The paper relates that in Arizona, the rapid population growth and economic expansion has increased concerns about future water supplies in an already drought-plagued area. The paper describes how the city of Las Vegas has measures that restrict outdoor watering of plants and cars, filling hot tubs and swimming pools and that restrict professional car-washing businesses to four days a week. The paper highlights the real economic damage to construction companies, tourist destinations and other businesses that are economically vital to the area. The paper offers ideas to encourage conservation measures, especially in agriculture.
From the Paper "A review of these restrictions demonstrates how droughts are not merely an irritant to persons wishing to have beautiful gardens and pools, but can cause real economic damage to construction companies, tourist destinations, and other businesses that are economically vital to the area. Also, droughts have caused resentment between cities, such as Las Vegas and Tuscan, which have active water conservation programs, and rural communities that do not place similar burdens on residents and farmers. Councilman Louie Trujillo of Las Vegas said it was unfair that city residents had to conserve their water rural areas place no such restrictions during droughts. 'We would like more cooperation from our neighbors.'"
Abstract The paper describes the popular image of Los Angeles and Southern California as a warm weather paradise where people are more casual, laid-back and largely willing to get along. The paper reveals that the reality is somewhat different, for the region has areas of poverty, annual forest fires and periodic earthquakes as well as times of drought and seasons of flood. The paper looks at seven literary passages and one song that challenge the image of paradise, where the writers of these works seeing a population steeped in boredom, fearful of earthquakes and living with high rates of crime.
From the Paper "After referring to California as the land of sunshine and oranges, Nathanael West writes, "Once there, they discover that sunshine isn't enough. They get tired of organs, even of avocado pears and passion fruit. Nothing happens. They don't know what to do with their time. (West 192)" This passage also conveys the idea that the population of Southern California consists largely of immigrants from other parts of the country people who aspired to be in California and then are bored by what they find. The growth in the region has always fed this image, though naive-born Californians are everywhere just the same. The passage also suggests that people are often dissatisfied when they get what they think they want."
Abstract A review of the movie "Grapes of Wrath". The author analyzes the characters and their experiences throughout the novel and provides a personal account of the book.
From the Paper "The Grapes of Wrath is one of the most classic movies in movie history. It was directed in 1940 by John Ford, and was based on the book written by John Steinbeck. During the Great Depression, many farmers worked on the Southern Great Plains of the United States planting wheat. Parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and the Dakotas, had a severe drought, which killed their wheat plants. Vicious dust storms turned the sky black, which came to be called the Sandstorms. These conditions, caused farmers unable to make their mortgage payments and the banks took their land."
Abstract This paper addresses where the world's water sources are located, what classes of contaminants are found in drinking water, how it is processed to become safe for human consumption, and lastly, special attention is given to the problem of lead in drinking water.
From the Paper "The type of water we generally use in human activities is freshwater. Only 3% of the world's water supply is freshwater and two-thirds of that is frozen, forming the polar ice caps, glaciers, and icebergs. The remaining 1% of the total world water supply is freshwater available as either surface water or ground water; ground water accounts for two-thirds of this amount. Surface water is water that is visible above the ground surface, such as creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes. Ground water is water that either fills the spaces between soil particles or penetrates the cracks and spaces within rocks. Most people get their water from ground water sources. Roughly 9 out of every 10 public water systems. Public water systems operate wells to tap ground water and just over half of the total population served by Public water system drinks water from a ground water source. Millions more get their water from private wells which also tap ground water sources. Ground water systems tend to serve smaller numbers of people, while surface water systems generally serve large populations. The quantity and quality of the world's water supply depends on how we choose to use water. Our use can be consumptive, which means that the water is not returned to nature (such as drinking water), or noncomsumptive. Nonconsumptive use returns water, polluted or not, to the system. Creating hydroelectric power is an example of nonconsumptive use. "
A paper which shows how John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" and the article "Steinbeck, Guthrie and Popular Culture" by Elaine S. Apthorp, depict California's Dust Bowl era.
Abstract The paper shows how the era of the Dust Bowl was an era of mass migration as thousands moved from the region where drought and other factors had ruined the farmland to California, believed to be the land of milk and honey and opportunity. The paper explores how the Dust Bowl and the mass migration it fostered are well illustrated in the novel "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck, and both the novel and the era it depicts are further illuminated by the article "Steinbeck, Guthrie and Popular Culture" by Elaine S. Apthorp. The paper further shows how the novel and the article complement one another and contribute to our understanding of the era and of the way Steinbeck shaped that era into an artistic statement in his novel.
From the Paper "The didactic chapters referred to by Apthorp are the interchapters where Steinbeck performs the analytical task of reporting on the state of America during the Depression, the plight of the people, and other information included with a journalistic eye for what is most telling. In these interchapters, Steinbeck seems to step back from the story to examine the larger picture, but in truth, the author never forgets the reality faced by his characters. For instance, the different members of the family have characteristics which add to their problems and which also reflect larger forces at the same time. Grandpa Joad, for instance, is senile, and this symbolizes the vulnerability of the entire family."
Tags: migrant, workers, Great, Depression, Joad, family
Abstract This paper examines social and economic factors which have assisted in spreading world hunger. The writer provides many shocking statistics about the plight of famine driven nations and how famine always seems to hit third world countries. The paper also looks at efforts made by the UN and other organizations to assist these nations. The phenomenon of hunger in America is analyzed as being one of non-caring, more than environment or political problems.
From the Paper "World hunger has invaded our universe with the tyranny of a thousand Napoleon armies. This agent of destruction exists all around the world and affects millions of people. It is my determination that world hunger is eradicated in every corner of the world. The removal of this dreadful quandary is of the utmost importance if we are to ensure a hunger free environment for generations to come."
