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Deforestation in Canada and the World, 2008.
This paper explores deforestation on a Canadian and global level.
1,526 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the issue of deforestation and what can be done to stop it before it becomes an even more serious problem. The paper focuses upon Canada, but points out that the issue is a global one that requires international collaboration. The paper discusses how deforestation can be overcome, but only if strong governmental action is taken against irresponsible practices by the logging and lumber sectors and if firm penalties are put in place to discourage degradation of fragile ecosystems.
From the Paper
"The evidence clearly indicates that deforestation in the Amazonian rainforest - and it is Amazonian deforestation rates which are used to determine human effects on the global carbon cycle - has been sped along by widespread logging and surface fires; indeed, logging crews "severely damage" between 10,000 to 15,000 square kilometers of forestland each year in this critical part of the world. Going further, the available information indicates that nearly 20,000 square kilometers of Amazonian rainforest was "deforested" in the period 1993-1995 by logging alone. To make the matter worse, as the 1990s progressed, the rate of deforestation increased; for example, in 1996 the forest area deforested in the aforementioned Brazilian Amazon climbed to more than 18,000 square kilometers (Nepstad et al., 505-506). Simply put, large-scale logging did enormous harm to the rainforest in the 1990s despite the existence of a vigorous environmental movement and this development will invariably mean higher CO2 concentrations (and not just in Central America), the demise of fragile ecosystems dependent upon forestland, the destruction of a way of life for indigenous tribes, and the potential widespread loss of at-risk animal groups."
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Hurricane Katrina, 2008.
An examination of the way the American government tried to manage hurricane Katrina.
2,462 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the steps taken by the government of New Orleans and President Bush to try and manage hurricane Katerina. It explains how people evacuated the city and how some were unable to leave. The writer criticizes President Bush for not acting sooner and points out that by many accounts, many average Americans understood more of the disaster in New Orleans that the President did. The writer discusses how in the electoral debates of 2000, Mr. Bush had said natural disasters are a "time to test your mettle", but Bush failed with Katrina as he seemed overwhelmed with the problem and confused and defensive about what to do. The writer points out that confronted with the crisis in New Orleans, Mr. Bush was unable to summon either clear thinking or firm governance. The writer concludes by asking how a system that is meant to protect its people failed so badly.
From the Paper
"On Sunday, August 28, New Orleans Ray Nagin asked residents to evacuate the city. (Newsweek 2005a p. 46b) Nagin had actually delayed the evacuation notice, giving up on valuable time to mobilize resources, because any evacuation would disrupt a tourism based economy. If Nagin evacuated unnecessarily, he would cost the city millions of dollars per day in lost revenue. (Time, 2005a; Newsweek, 2005a) Even as he called for evacuation, Nagin acted tentatively, apparently unsure at the outset that he could make the evacuation mandatory. Later he was advised that he did have authority to order a mandatory evacuation."
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A Lesson Plan Utilizing the Scientific Inquiry Model, 2007.
A lesson plan, predicated upon the scientific inquiry model, that asks students to consider how human beings impact the mating and feeding habits of wildlife whose ecosystems suddenly are disrupted by human waste.
890 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that the lesson plan presented seeks to employ the scientific inquiry model to foster rational, rigorous and inductive thought and to facilitate the ability of students to communicate about technical/environmental matters in a second language. The author points out that the class will enter the room to find a poster depicting seagulls or other marine wildlife mired in an oil spill, which emphasizes the dangers of human pollution. The paper includes a step-by-step procedure for the lesson. The author states that the student observations will be assessed for grammatical fluency, for descriptiveness, for answering all of the questions posed by the instructor and the amount of detail devoted to answering each question.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Expectations/Opportunities
Pre-assessment/Student Accommodations
Resources
Lead-in
Step-by-Step Procedure
Assessment/Evaluation
From the Paper
"As part of their observations, students will be asked to answer the following questions: "what happens when one particular area is cleaned up and another area is not?" (The class has brought garbage bags to clean up some areas which are especially hard-hit by pollution while leaving others alone for longer-term observation). "What happens to the soil and vegetation of areas that have been polluted and littered with garbage?" "
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Environmental Terrorism, 2007.
This paper discuses environmental terrorism and analyzes the Gulf War oil spill of 1991 as an example.
3,035 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that environmental terrorism is one of the most significant terrorist tactics that not only impacts multiple nations but also serves to destroy the livelihood of the natural environment. The author relates that the Gulf War oil spill annihilated an entire shoreline and was responsible for billions of dollars in reconstruction and economic fallout. The paper emphasizes that Saddam Hussein's intent was not only a military strategy as a reactive and symbolic agent to the U.S. intervention, but was also an ideological principle rather than malice towards the environment. The author points out that, nonetheless, the Persian Gulf oil spill demonstrates strong similarities to the model of environmental terrorism developed by Daniel Schwartz and contains a number of characteristics that classify it as an act of environmental terror.
Table of Contents:
Terrorism on the Rise
Environmental Destruction as a Symbol
The Persian Gulf War
The Oil Spill: Historical Review
Terrorism Defined
Terrorism during War
Modeling Environmental Terrorism
The Justification for Environmental Terrorism
The Persian Gulf Oil Spill: Terrorism and Justification
From the Paper
"Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 would be the introduction of the United States involvement in Middle East affairs. Hussein's stranglehold upon the citizens of Iraq was known across the world; with his intolerance to those who dissented by government or religion feeling the wrath of his punishment. Notable acts of genocide against Kurds and Shiite Muslims in the 1980's brought his notoriety to the international scene. However, the Iraqi oil reserves were not to be rivaled by many countries, and Hussein's invasion of Iraq only served to increase the country's wealth."
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The California Gold Rush and the Environment, 2008.
This paper explores the environmental impact of the California Gold Rush.
1,190 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
The paper reveals that the Gold Rush was a dark moment in the environmental history of the American West. The paper describes how the Gold Rush resulted in significant ecosystem destruction through deforestation, sedimentation, hydraulic mining and mercury pollution. The paper looks closely at the historical facts of the Gold Rush that indicate how the environment was severely damaged by the mining operations.
From the Paper
"The history of the California Gold Rush is well-documented. What is less clear is the historical study of the lasting environmental impacts that the Gold Rush had on the California region. To be sure, the environmental impact of the Gold Rush would have been severe, if only taken in the context of the incredible demographic changes that took place in the early to mid nineteenth century. With that many people uprooting from eastern locales and making the trek west to make their fortune at the edge of the American frontier, the environment would have been hard-pressed to absorb the shock of that much more stress on the local ecosystems. However, even a cursory examination of contemporary historical work on the subject reveals that the environmental destruction was even more significant than that. The California Gold Rush, it would seem, resulted in a powerfully terrible environmental legacy for the state."
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Hydrogen Fuel Cells, 2008.
This paper discusses the integration of hydrogen fuel cells in transportation.
1,483 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
The paper talks about the Kyoto Protocol that provided an international directive in environmental emissions, demanding that countries shoulder the responsibility for emissions regulations and standards. The paper then discusses hydrogen fuel cell research and the effectiveness of integrating these technologies in domestic and public modes of transportation. The paper argues that hydrogen fuel cell development should become the primary focus for any company that wants to adhere to environmental standards and reduce long-term costs of using fossil fuels.
Outline:
The Kyoto Protocol
The Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Green Companies: Ford and Mercedes
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Limitations
From the Paper
"The 21st century global marketplace has been witness to the advent of numerous technological advances in an effort to create efficiency and reduce the cost of utilizing expensive energy resources. Environmental policy has also played an important role in the legitimacy of large corporations primarily due to the alarming increase in global warming. As the world becomes closer to its neighbors through free-market trade, the relevance of environmental accountability becomes even more paramount. With oil prices rapidly increasing and technological advances in the synthesis of energy resources, the transportation industry is becoming more responsible for the environmental impact due to business operations. Countries and companies worldwide are becoming more active in regulating fuel economy. The rise of hydrogen fuel cell integration in domestic vehicles, locomotives and public transportation services has increased due to environmental regulations and finding cost efficient resources for power."
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The Negatives of Gentrification, 2008.
This paper argues that the negative consequences of gentrification should be considered before any changes to a site or a building.
1,994 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
The paper looks closely at "Fort Thunder", a community in Rhode Island that ceased to be a thriving artistic area when city-planners and architects decided that it needed to be brought more in line with modern aesthetic sensibilities. The paper maintains that those who are looking at "refurbishing" an urban site should take into account the history of the site and whether the changes will take away more from the local community than any structural improvements might give back to it.
From the Paper
"To begin with, it must be understood that the Fort Thunder community was not simply a meeting-place for local bohemian, artistic types; it was also an enormous milling operation at one time. To elaborate a little further, 1842 saw a gentleman named John Giles found Valley Worsted Mills on the location; the operation was one of the earliest worsted mills in all the United States. 1866 saw the impressive operation stricken by a catastrophic fire that destroyed the main mill. Despite this set-back, Giles immediately set upon building a new structure and the revamped mill site - now including further additions - soon became enormously profitable; indeed, by the 1890s it was producing 100,000 pounds of worsted yarn per month. Sadly for the employees of the mill, all good things must invariably come to an end and the twentieth century saw a gradual decline in the demand for the mill's products. In 1928, the American Woolen Company (which had taken over the mill in 1899) relinquished the property and the plot was (after three years had elapsed) sold to a local realtor who in turn leased the space to a variety of other businesses - including textile companies ("Eagle Square, formerly Valley Worsted Mills: History," para.1-3)."
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The Prestige Oil Spill, 2008.
This paper looks at the lessons learned from the Exxon Valdez oil spill in order to evaluate the Prestige oil spill and its effects.
781 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the Exxon Valdez oil spill and compares it to the Prestige spill. The paper analyzes the costs and environmental impact each spill had and offers suggestions to prevent more spills such as these from happening. These include the need to have stronger regulations on oil tankers, proper enforcement of maintenance on tankers and a willingness of governments to work together for a common good.
From the Paper
"On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez ran aground on a reef in Prince William Sound, "rupturing its hull and spilling nearly 11 million gallons of crude oil" (NOS). In an attempt to circumvent an iceberg, the Valdez captain moved outside of the normal shipping lanes, thus running the large tanker aground. The oil spill that occurred resulted in a large clean-up operation--the largest yet in the world (NOS). Despite the huge impact of the spill, the ecosystem has proven quite resilient. Much of the affected areas look the same as they did before the spill. However, there are still long-term impacts of the spill, according to the NOAA."
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Impact of Globalization, 2008.
This paper discusses the impact of globalization and looks at why the benefits outweigh the risks.
761 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the extraordinary impact of globalization upon the modern world. The writer argues that, while certainly not perfect, the permeable borders globalization makes possible is a key ingredient in making the global south and the entire developing world more prosperous than ever before. The writer maintains that more than that, the technologies associated with globalization - and their dispersal - will surely go a very long way towards reducing environmental degradation in developing lands. The writer concludes that while far from perfect, globalization does bind nations together in a manner that lessens the risk of warfare and strife and the growth of foreign direct investment and comparatively well-paying jobs in facilities built by wealthy foreign multinationals offers families in developing lands economic opportunities they would not have otherwise.
From the Paper
"On the other hand, John A. Powell and S.P. Udayakumar claim that globalization has benefited the global north extravagantly while doing far less for those in the South. Additionally, the aforementioned writers argue that the United States, as the world's one great super-power, has pushed for a global trade agenda that is inimical to the interests of labour at home and abroad. As they see it, the USA has used its disproportionate power in international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund to push for the liberalization of trade and investment at the expense of environmental and labour-force concerns. As well, those same authors insist that democracy suffers in large measure because powerful global institutions committed to furthering the goals of capital effectively undermine the efficacy of the state while, at the same time, globalization prompts the state to serve the bidding of organized capital."
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"Out of Gas", 2008.
This paper examines "Out of Gas" by David Goldstein that portends the fall of civilization if we remain dependent on fossil fuels.
779 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper examines David Goldstein's book "Out of Gas" where he makes the dire prediction that civilization will cease to exist by the latter half of the twenty-first century, unless society learns to live without fossil fuels. The paper describes how Goldstein covers the history of Earth and the creation of the oil reserves, global warming, the scientific theories that gave rise to the industrial revolution and the energy sources available today. The paper shows how his predictions are dire and solutions not readily apparent.
From the Paper
"The Hubbert curve is a mathematical representation of when the rate at which oil us consumed exceeds the rate that oil reserves are discovered. In 1956 he predicted that this point on the curve would be reached around 1970 (Goldstein 26). It in fact did occur just a few years latter than he predicted, but nonetheless we have been increasing our rate of consumption oil faster than our rate of discovery for just over thirty years. All the world's oil (and fossil fuel) reserves were created millions of years ago when plants absorbed large portions of the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sank to the bottom of the oceans, became compressed in layers of sand, and with heat from the earth's core, became the fossil fuel deposits that we tap today. The reserves of oil are estimated to be two to two point seven trillion barrels, a supply that should last about another 40 years (Goldstein 29)."
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Tidal Power Plants, 2008.
This paper identifies tidal power as an appropriate energy technology for the British Isles and other coastal regions.
2,094 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
The paper explores how the United Kingdom can use tidal energy to produce consistent alternative electricity. The paper looks at the two basic options for converting the kinetic energy of the tides into electrical energy. The paper examines the tidal power generation technology and the capital costs necessary and then considers the environmental impact represented by these tidal generation options.
The paper concludes that tidal power has the potential to provide a significant portion of the United Kingdom's energy needs.
Outline:
Introduction: Coastal UK and Tidal Power
Technical Considerations
Economics of Tidal Power
Environmental Impact of Tidal Power
Conclusions
From the Paper
"Developing alternative energy technologies that are reliable and site-specific can be difficult. Because alternative energy systems typically rely on locally available energy resources, they are not applicable in all situations and all circumstances. It is important to consider the potential energy resources of a given region prior to selecting an energy technology for development. For instance, it would be foolish to suggest the use of solar technology in a predominantly cloudy region, or a hydroelectric facility for an area that only seasonally has running water. The most important first consideration is to consider the site, and then determine what is the most reliable, locally available energy resource."
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Globalization in Comparison, 2008.
Reviews three articles on globalization: Simone Borghese and Alessandro Vercelli's "Sustainable Globalization", Nicholas A. Ashford's "Globalization and the Environment" and David Suzuki's "Economics and Politics.
1,324 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
In this paper the writer compares and contrasts three articles - "Sustainable Globalization" by Simone Borghese and Alessandro Vercelli, "Globalization and the Environment" by Nicholas A. Ashford and David Suzuki's "Economics and Politics". The writer argues that each article raises intelligent points but that each one is also given to emotional or infelicitous language as well as to conclusions that are not infallible. The writer maintains that the main idea, fundamentally, of all of the articles is that globalization has exacerbated global inequalities and that international and domestic efforts must be undertaken to rectify the situation.
From the Paper
"By comparison, the second article, "Globalization and the Environment," an article penned by Nicholas A. Ashford, does not devote its opening pages to outlining the structure of the argument being set forward. Rather, Ashford begins right away by criticizing how the laws governing public health policy in the United States have been dominated and shaped by rational choice theory and by other free market economic fetishes. Ashford's first page is committed wholly to outlining the characteristics of the "American Disease" in health policy - a "disease" he attributes, in part, to government non-interventionism (the government, in other words, sees itself as a mediator and not as a trustee for public health and for the environment) and to the curious conviction that the industries which are creating problems in various aspects of public living are nonetheless the industries which will find a way to resolve the problem."
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Environmental Factors and Human Activity, 2008.
This paper compares Ronald Wright's "A Short History of Progress" and Jared Diamond "Guns, Germs and Steel".
984 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper compares how Ronald Wright in "A Short History of Progress" and Jared Diamond in "Guns, Germs and Steel" approach the issue of human civilization and its interaction with the environment. The paper argues that while both authors place a heavy emphasis upon environmental factors in determining the history of human civilization, Diamond's consideration of cultural factors in addition to purely environmental factors renders his analysis the more valid of the two.
From the Paper
"Both Wright and Diamond, in their respective texts, attempt to address the question of why the history of human civilization has unfolded in the manner that it has, and what has been the role of the environment in this process. Wright's perspective on this question is to challenge the emphasis many scholars place on technology in explaining why some human societies succeeded in dominating others. He argues that we "should be wary of technological determinism" (Wright 47) and that human civilization "differing in detail but alike in essentials, had evolved independently on both sides of the earth" (Wright 51). There is an old saying that the "devil is in the details" and this certainly applies to Wright's argument here for it was precisely these differences in "details" that explain why European states were able to conquer their non-European counterparts in a remarkably short span of time."
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Canadian Forest Management, 2008.
This paper discusses the need for sustainable forest management policies in Canada.
908 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how Canadian forests have been significantly depleted due to poor management practices centered solely on production and monetary gain. The paper shows how forests need to be managed in a sustainable fashion, allowing the industrial exploitation without endangering the many other vital roles this natural resource plays.
From the Paper
"Almost one half of Canadian landscape is covered in forests that extend from the one coast to the other (Dufour, 267). According to the 2001 inventory, the Canadian landmass covered in forests was 402.1 million hectares (National Resources Canada, 2001). However, the distribution of forested areas varies between the provinces with British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario having the most forested area. In this light, it is not surprising that forestry plays an important role in the Canadian economy. In fact one fifth of the world's forest products are exported from Canada (Dufour, 268). The forest industry provided over 750 000 direct and indirect jobs in 1991 with this number steadily increasing during the next decade. In the same time period the income for forestry doubled: from $17 billion in 1991 to $34 billion in 2001. (Dufour, 271)."
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Waste Management in Canada, 2008.
This paper examines the social factors that make waste disposal issues difficult in Canada.
986 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at how the not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) syndrome affects how sites for waste disposal facilities are located. The paper then examines particular problems facing landfills and incinerators. The paper shows how current waste disposal strategies in Canada are ineffective due to undesirable by-products and strong resistance to these facilities. The paper concludes that the most obvious solution to these problems would appear to be to adopt waste diversion programs like the ones being developed in Toronto.
From the Paper
"To begin this discussion it is necessary to look at the social phenomena known as NIMBY syndrome. NIMBY stands for Not In My Back Yard(Meredith 480). When discussing NIMBY syndrome in "Assessing Environmental Impacts in Canada" Thomas Meredith states,
"...A society collectively accepts the need for a project, say a landfill site, an airport, or a nuclear power plant, but no one wants it near them" (Meredith 480)."
"In this sense NIMBY syndrome can be seen as a way in which land can be made socially unavailable for facilities like incinerators or landfills. This can be seen as a major contradiction because two totally different social and environmental factors are being expressed at the same time. Everyone knows that these facilities are necessary for society to function and are largely unwilling to live without them. However, they are also unwilling to live near the facilities that they desire. Since these two desires can't both be fulfilled it is necessary to look for other options."
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