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Hurricane Katrina and Disaster Planning, 2008.
A case study analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the implementation of the National Response Plan (NRP) for Hurricane Katrina.
2,114 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This case study analysis discusses the implementation of the National Response Plan (NRP) under the National Incident Management System (NIMS) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the United States government in response to the disaster of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The paper examines both the weaknesses and the strengths of the implementation of the NRP in New Orleans and Louisiana in August and September 2005. The paper concludes with recommendations for the future.
Table of Contents:
Project Summary
Size of the Project
Implementation Process
Environmental Setting
Leadership
Implementers
Beneficiaries
Communication
Evaluation of the Success of Implementation
Lessons Learned
Recommendations
General Conclusions
From the Paper
"Given the political cost to President Bush in the wake of Katrina, the federal government seems to have decided that partnerships with local and state agencies are no longer effective. Instead of waiting for requests for assistance from state and local officials, the federal government has instituted policies that require proactive intervention by the federal government in the anticipation of any disaster. The implementation of disaster planning - pending further review of the role of FEMA - will be heavily militarized, with primary responsibility lying with Northcom; the U.S. Northern Command that was set up in the wake of 9-11 to deal with military crises on American soil. Thus, weeks after Hurricane Katrina, when Hurricane Wilma threatened Florida, President Bush overrode the wishes of his brother, the Governor of Florida, and made a three-star general the primary leader for implementation of the NRP in that case (Sylves 37). Thus, pending a radical revision of FEMA, the primary lesson learned from Katrina has been the necessity for proactive leadership over partnership, as exemplified by military command-and-control structures."
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Ecocentrism and the Deep Ecology Platform, 2008.
This paper argues the concept of ecocentrism, as expressed in the philosophy of the deep ecology platform, the basic tenets of which are explained in this paper.
1,325 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, for all of recorded history, Western cultures have operated on an implicit foundation of anthropocentrism, which assumes that human beings are the most important beings in the world. The author points out that ecocentrism, also known as biocentrism, is the exact opposite of anthropocentrism in that it sees the ecosystem itself as central. The paper relates that the first principle of the deep ecology movement, as formulated by Arne Naess and George Sessions in 1984, gives expression to the essence of ecocentrism. The author further states that the deep ecology platform is a foundation that might make it possible to save the planet, humans and most of the other still surviving species; however, none of the above will come easily to most people, accustomed to considering humans as the center of the universe and the pinnacle of all creation.
From the Paper
"However, sacrifices will have to be made. One cannot drive a luxury SUV through a Garden-of-Eve like paradise - one of them has to go. The trick will be for enough people to realize it is the SUV that needs to go. Of course, the SUV is meant as a metaphor for the many excessive luxuries that so many people insist on, generating a consumerism that has sustained the multinational corporations that are devouring the resources of our planet. Thus, what needs to happen is a total shift in what we value."
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Food Service Waste, 2008.
A literature review focusing on the major problems of food wastage in food services.
1,345 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper is a literature review on the topic of waste disposal in the food service. The aim of the paper is to examine the issues that pertain to this topic, mainly: how much waste food services generate, where and how does this wastage occur, what the disposal methods and techniques are available and which one are being utilized, and finally, if there is research in the field of waste reduction in the food services.
From the Paper
"The issue of food wastage in the food service is complex and extensive studies have been done where the causes and amounts of food waste were examined. This topic is of great importance not only because of the amounts of waste generated but also because of the economic costs of such unnecessary waste. The article by Edwards and Nash (1999) is one of many that examine and quantify food wastage, and this paper in particular examines the food wastage in the hospital food service management. They examined nine wards in total: there surgical, three medical and three elderly wards. The goal of their study was not to identify the reasons for the food wastage but rather to assess and quantify it. "
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Social Exclusion, 2008.
This paper discusses the problem of social exclusion as part of urban sociology.
1,090 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that social exclusion is one of the ways in which social inequalities are expressed within urban areas. The author points out that residents are grouped together according to a number of factors including socio-economic status, race, gender and even age. The paper relates that those individuals with few economic resources, limited social capital or belonging to the wrong gender or race end up being excluded from the social process that ultimately shapes urban areas. The author underscores that urban sociology fits into this field of study because these activities determine the shape of the city, which in turn affects the behavior of individuals. The paper states that the simplest form of social exclusion is that there is no space for the groups that are being excluded, such as the homeless.
From the Paper
"Public spaces are enclosed because they have economic value. However, the economic interests of corporations and other members of society are entwined with political and social interests. As certain economic, social and political interests come to dominate public spaces, certain social elements must be excluded. This is a perfect example of how the social processes involved in the city ultimately change the physical nature of the city. These changes in physical structure ultimately result in further social change. This clearly demonstrates the relationship between social exclusion and urban sociology."
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The Definition of Urban, 2008.
An examination of the definitions for "urban" as applicable to the city of Toronto.
1,101 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses possible definitions for the term "urban" as it is used in urban studies. The paper particularly focuses on the term in relation to Toronto. The paper shows how Canada has tried to solve the debate of the definition of "urban," by creating definitions based on population size and population density. It discusses the pros and cons of such a definition and provides examples to illustrate the points made.
From the Paper
"The perfect example of this argument is the Dundas Square
in Toronto. This public space was built in response to economic, political and social relationships that had developed in that area of Toronto. As a result a physical space was constructed that was a symbolic representation of these relationships. After the space was built new social, economic and political relationships were established in and around this space. This included new businesses, a different use of the space itself and a number of other activities that did not occur in this area before Dundas Square was built."
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Ontario and Waste Management, 2008.
An in-depth discussion of Ontario's waste disposal policies.
2,192 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the severity of the waste management problem in Ontario, specifically in Toronto. The paper examines what diseases and/or viruses are now emerging as a result of their waste management policies and explores the waste disposal alternatives available as the issue of waste management becomes more pressing with the passage of time. The paper is of the opinion that the province of Ontario must begin to pressure citizens and private businesses to focus on diversionary plans for waste and they must start providing citizens and businesses with the resources they need to make these diversionary alternatives a success.
From the Paper
"The relevance of this topic to our own course work can scarcely be exaggerated. For one thing, our focus on the environment has brought home the reality that we must find an adequate way of disposing of our waste or we as Ontarians will be confronted with the degradation of the ecosystem upon which we depend for food and nourishment. More than that, if human beings in the GTA and elsewhere in Canada's most populous province do not find a means of improving their approach to waste disposal, then the health risks to ordinary citizens - not all of whom are polluters or particularly slothful - will grow ever worse. Not least of all, our fragile groundwater reservoirs (a vital component of the hydrological cycle as our October 2 notes clearly reveal) will continue to face contamination - and the sufferings of this generation because of such a development will be met and exceeded by the sufferings of future generations who will be confronted with the grim specter of contaminated water, as well."
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Global Warming and Canada, 2008.
An analysis of the environmental and political effects of global warming in Canada.
1,270 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at global warming and its impact, both climactically and politically, upon Canada. In particular, the paper asserts that global warming has impacted Canada's environment in a tangible way and has also transformed Canadian politics - perhaps not for the better. Additionally, the paper examines how global warming is impacting vulnerable wildlife species and aboriginal or native societies in various regions of Canada. Furthermore, the paper looks at global warming's effects upon Canadian politics, with special attention devoted to the charged rhetoric surrounding the issue. The paper concludes that global warming is sharpening the ideological and political divide between those Canadians who believe something drastic needs to be done and those who do not feel so inclined.
From the Paper
"The more temperate Northern Canadian climate also has serious implications for ultraviolet B exposure in Canadian inland waters. Although one recent study suggests that "dissolved organic matter-mediated ultraviolet B exposure" is not a serious problem for those Canadian inland waters that were examined, the same report also found that "optically clear" and at-risk ponds were much more common (perhaps even surprisingly common) in the artic eco-zones - particularly in the Northern artic and in the artic cordillera (Molot et al, 2511-2512). To sum up this entire section, Canada's climate is changing in ways that put many aquatic and terrestrial species in harm's way."
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Urban Pollution in Beijing and Toronto, 2008.
This paper compares the urban pollution problems of Toronto and Beijing by evaluating the consequences of different environmental forms and how each city is addressing this pollution.
1,450 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Beijing is very much a heavy industrial city dominated by fuel and material processing facilities with a high population density although signs of western-style suburbanization are appearing. The author points out that Toronto, which is cleaner and less dependent upon massive industrial works, is well-known for carefully weighing the implications of various urban design proposals upon local communities and has a less dense population; however, this city has the problem of more local vehicles causing far too much greenhouse emission. The paper stresses that China is not doing its part to combat global warming. The paper concludes that Beijing's infrastructure pales alongside Toronto's because its mass as a global "mega-city" makes it difficult for city planners to construct a city capable of comfortably accommodating its population.
From the Paper
"At this juncture, it is appropriate to look more closely at Toronto in terms of its urban build form and in terms of commonplace life-style activities in the city that have some environmental impact. Unsurprisingly, the habitation density in the outer part of the city is much lesser than it is within the interior. The buildings are more widely-spaced and more diminutive in height; there are also many plazas and these plazas tend to have small retail stores within their embrace that accommodate almost all of the needs of a local inhabitant. Finally, there is plenty of "green space" in this area."
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Mega-cities and Air Pollution, 2008.
This paper compares Toronto and Seoul's solutions to their problems of air pollution.
1,258 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
The paper examines Toronto and Seoul, South Korea and their air pollution problems as a result of growth and development in their respective countries. The paper explains that the main source of air pollution is cars and trucks. The paper also discusses how Toronto has emphasized public transit as a solution, while the government of Seoul has emphasized new technologies and the development of new methods of public transportation.
Outline:
Introduction
Toronto
Seoul
From the Paper
"The city of Toronto, with a population of 2.4 million people, lies at the heart of the Greater Toronto Area; an urban region with a total population of 4.6 million people. When environmental scientists and geographers discuss environmental questions for Toronto it is often necessary to take into consideration the megacity as a whole for issues of pollution and environmental impact are felt region-wide in such a sprawling urban environment. Indeed, as was noted in the urban cross-section that was conducted which compared and contrasted two urban forms in Toronto, the phenomenon of urban sprawl is a primary characteristic of the urban forms in Toronto. Moreover, transportation infrastructures were identified as key determinants of the urban forms in both the northern Toronto and downtown core areas, with the primary difference being the increased role of public transit in the downtown core."
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Water Safety in Mega Cities, 2008.
This paper looks at the issue of unsafe water supplies in the mega cities of the developing world.
984 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer notes that in the early 21st century, the mega cities of the developing world are facing an unprecedented series of environmental pressures. These are all ultimately due to the rapidly accelerating growth and development of such urban areas, whose immense populations and industries are negatively impacting local and regional environments on a significant scale. The writer argues that, while the poor of these cities face many challenges as a result of development - from poor nutrition to poor sanitation, air pollution and housing crises, the unsafe water supplies of these cities is the most urgent problem that they face.
From the Paper
"Scholars studying the issue of safe water supplies in the mega cities of the developing world agree that the nature of this development problem is shaped by its context. In this regard, there are two primary factors that we must consider. First, the development of the mega cities of the developing world is radically different than the development of mega cities in the developed world as in the latter case development was gradual, while in the former it is accelerated. Thus, while cities such as New York had a century to develop water systems to cope with growth, the cities of the developing world have had only a generation. Consider, for example, the fact that the population of Mexico City in 1950 was 3.1 million, and a generation later, in 1980, was 13.4 million. The second primary factor is that while in the developed world mega cities their economies grew in close parallel to the growth of the cities' populations, in the developing world this connection is far more uncertain."
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ESI and Climate Change, 2008.
This paper discusses the World Economic Forum's environmental sustainability index (ESI) model as a response to climate change.
2,105 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer explains that the environmental sustainability index or ESI is a valuable tool that allows markets and countries to determine where they need to commit additional resources in order to affect positive change and where they are being successful at reducing climate changing activities. The writer notes that Canada has enacted extensive environmental legislation before and, because of its inclusion in the ESI rankings as a regular high-scoring participant, holds this legislation up as a model for other countries to follow. The writer concludes that perhaps one of the greatest uses of the ESI is as a measure or predictor for democratic effectiveness or reform in developing countries because where one sits on the ESI and the given ranking can be used to make certain assumptions about economic status, economic growth, and political reform or need thereof as they relate to direct and indirect impacts on climate change.
Outline:
The World Economic Forum
The ESI
Factors Within the ESI
A Working Model
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Strict adherence to this readily verifiable and repeatable methodology ensures that the figures can be taken at face value without the burden of compiling an independent data set. The rationale for inclusion in the ESI study as discussed above is based on three selected criteria: country size, variable coverage, and indicator coverage. Additionally, when greater cross-referencing is needed to substantiate data or outcomes, predetermined denominators are utilized to facilitate comparisons."
"The leading indicators that are measured in the ESI are separated into five components which together contain twenty-one measured indicators that each relate in some fashion to Parker and Blodgett's lens paradigm."
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Responses to Global Warming, 2008.
This paper discusses the role of science, knowledge and risk in environmental problems such as global warming.
2,677 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 80.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the planet is currently facing the challenge and danger of global warming. The writer maintains that science and technology have brought us to this crisis, in that industrialization has led to global warming. It seems highly likely that we will have to rely on these very same things, i.e. science and technology, to rescue us from the peril we are in due to global warming. Within the ambit of scientific responses to global warming, two basic kinds of response exist: mitigation of global warming, or adaptation to the effects of global warming. This paper examines the research to determine which approach seems more appropriate and useful for saving ourselves from global warming. It recommends that we look to adaptation using science and technology, as mitigation has clearly failed.
Outline:
Abstract
Essay
From the Paper
"Examples include sequestering carbon in trees. This would involve planting a vast number of trees, because trees take in carbon dioxide. They incorporate in into their leaves, roots and stems via photosynthesis. Due to the long life of trees, this would mean that the carbon had been sequestered away from the environment for about 100 years. Another approach is carbon management, in which carbon dioxide emitted during the burning of carbon fuels is caught and then sequestered away from the atmosphere. The question of course is where to store it. One suggestion is to sequester it in the ocean. The problem with this solution is that we do not know what the long-term effects on the ocean would be. In addition, the technologies to capture carbon dioxide emissions are still in the very early stages. Fertilizing the ocean with iron is an innovative idea propounded by an oceanographer in 1987."
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Computers, E-waste and Obsolescence, 2008.
This paper discusses the quick obsolescence of expensive computers and problems related to their disposal.
1,963 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the obsolescence of expensive computers and how rampant electronic waste causes harm to developing nations environmentally, socially and economically. The paper suggests that more money and creativity should be applied to the problem of how to make computer-generated e-waste a less pressing concern. The paper includes an annotated bibliography.
From the Paper
"It has been argued, with increasing stridency in recent years, that the United States and other western countries are exporting their waste around the world ("Old PCs dumped in developing nations," 14). Of especial note, Frederick Buell writes that the United States has embraced the "growth fetish" and has sought to use globalization to achieve this; at the same time, it appears as though (at least this was the case during the Clinton Administration) U.S. leaders have made a conscious choice to simply pursue an upgrade of the old "brown" economy (57-58). Buell also writes that the developing world exports industries that are prone to pollution, exports industries that contain obvious health risks to workers, and exports practices (such as recycling batteries as part of an ongoing effort to reclaim their lead contents) that can easily lead (and do lead) to high levels of toxicity in the local ecology."
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How do Ethnic Economies Shape the Urban Landscape?, 2008.
This paper argues that ethnic economies shape the urban landscape in many tangible and economic ways.
2,994 words (approx. 12.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
The paper argues that ethnic economies, (using "economy" as a term that can entail a wide range of human interactions and inter-relationships), allow for the re-organization of the social space of a community, with different parts of the same town assuming the trappings of the particular group that resides there. The paper discusses how ethnic economies compel a re-thinking of old assumptions, offer new potentialities for social justice and invigorate the consumer cultures of urban centers. The paper concludes that ethnic economies are vital to the vibrancy of any city.
From the Paper
"As mentioned at the outset, ethnic economies shape (and re-shape) the urban landscape in a host of ways. To begin with, ethnic economies are characterized by their transnational diasporas, as peoples from one nation "set up shop" in another land and carve out a territorial, economic, and socio-cultural (to say nothing of socio-linguistic) niche for themselves in an alien environment. To the extent that any economy (be it moral, industrial, philosophical or some other entity) must be orderly and have a well-organized, functional arrangement of its constituent elements, it may be said that the proper functioning of the ethnic diasporas that transformed Canada in the latter-half of the twentieth century (and certainly today) cannot function without well-ordered internal communities bound together by strong social and familial bonds and by close connections with a much-larger global ethnic network that allows "hyphenated" Canadians to maintain all of their various affiliations without losing sight of the pre-eminent fact that they are members of a specific ethnic and/or racial group."
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Global Warming in Australia and Worldwide, 2008.
An analysis of global warming and climate threats examined on a local (Brisbane), national (Australia), and global level.
1,390 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 46.95
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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."
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