Category: Climate

Executive Summary

The subject of the study is the LARC organization (Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability). The purpose of this community is to reduce the consequence of climate change and protect the environment from pollution. The structure of the organization includes the governing body, the managing director, and other members. The University of California sponsors the activities of the collaborative.

The work of LARC consists of periodic meetings with the population, as well as the development of special programs and plans. The organization has managed to achieve certain results: the government began to pay more attention to the level of environmental pollution and monitor the number of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As additional sources of information, scientific and peer-reviewed articles were used, as well as images and information from the official website of LARC.

Introduction

An attempt to reduce the negative impact of technogenic and other factors on the state of the environment is quite an urgent issue for many developed countries and regions today. The proliferation of industrial enterprises on a large scale has caused many organizations and companies to join forces to deal with the effects of pollution. Such associations are rather significant as joint efforts made by the participants in these projects contribute to a faster and more efficient solution to the problem in a particular area.

Therefore, it is not surprising that the Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability (LARC) was established on the west coast of the United States. LARC aims to eliminate the consequences of human-made pollution and stabilize the climate situation. Attempts to adapt the environment to modern conditions are the key activities of this group, which operates in one of the most developed regions of the USA. The following image reflects all the sectors represented by seats on LARC’s governing board.

Collaborative History and Purpose

LARC has been active for ten years and is still successfully working today. The primary goals of the collaborative are attempts to strengthen partnerships, share relevant information, and develop a set of measures to promote nature protection and eliminate the effects of hazardous contaminants (Hughes & Pincetl, 2014). The problem that LARC addressed for the first time can be called quite actual today. Global climate changes caused not only by natural factors but also by people’s activities are a serious issue relating to each human.

What concerns the political motivations of the organization, LARC sought to rally local authorities and other officials and stakeholders to participate in the issue (Bennett & Grannis, 2017). The participants of the collaborative convened those wishing to take part in their activities. They developed specific programs that described possible measures to solve the problem of environmental pollution, as well as the primary points that deserved attention.

For example, they tried to inform the population about the issues associated with the climate through advertising campaigns. In particular, it was the question of carbon pollution and ways to reduce it, as well as the need for preparatory measures aimed at adapting to changing climatic conditions. Several leaders of the organization were engaged in the development and dissemination of the ideas of the collaborative. These people called on all interested parties to share information and “develop system-wide strategies” (Bennett & Grannis, 2017, p. 3). The following image reflects the timeline for the formation of LARC.

Collaborative Structure and Process

The geographical scope of the organization covers the west coast of the United States. This region is well-developed for infrastructure and large industrial complexes. The members of the collaborative meet every other month. As Ansell and Gash (2008) note, agencies and stakeholders must communicate regularly for the working process to be successful. Both interested parties and the Governing Board attend these public and private meetings. All news and time of scheduled meetings are displayed on the organization’s website. At least four members of the governing board must be present to have a quorum.

Organizational Structure of LARC

The organization is managed by a distinct body created for this purpose. The governing board consists of respected representatives of LARC, who have to participate in all meetings and discussions. This part of the organization includes no more than seven members. In addition to all the considerations and performing work (the adoption of programs, work with personnel, etc.), the governing board adopts resolutions, establishes the mode and order of meetings, identifies key topics for discussion, monitors the funds of the association, and regulates the participation of the members of the collaborative in particular projects. The image reflects the LARC governance structure.

Any member of the organization can become a potential representative of the governing board. Every year, this body organizes the admission of new members and encourages interested persons to apply for participation in the collaborative. Sometimes, there may be a turnover of men and women in LARC since the tasks of the Governing Board include an annual check on the performance of all employees who can either stay inside the program or be excluded.

There are no important members who cannot take part in the activities of the collaborative. The organization gives everyone an opportunity to join the LARC team if a person proves his or her effectiveness and willingness to work for the benefit of this structure. As a rule, all participants are tightly involved in the work of the community; otherwise, it hardly makes sense to admit new people.

Another significant representative of LARC is the managing director. As Bennett and Grannis (2017) remark, for the first time, this position was presented in 2010. The central task of this person is reporting to the governing board, as well as responsibility for decisions made in the team and ways to achieve them. The Managing Director is the official representative of the collaborative at all hearings and meetings. Nevertheless, the major decisions are made collectively, and everyone can express his or her position and make a constructive proposal to the work of the body. The LARC charter recognizes the need for the organization to cooperate with government agencies. Based on this document, joint work is seen as a key way of sharing knowledge and information in the face of a constantly changing climate.

Funds of the Collaborative

According to Bennett and Grannis (2017), the primary sponsor of the organization is the University of California. It is this educational institution that is the platform for the development of all LARC’s ideas. Its scholars collaborate with the representatives of the organization throughout all stages, beginning with the proposal of a particular idea and ending with its implementation. Thus, any of the grants that the collaborative receives has a separate budget. All the studies conducted in the territory of the University of California are financed from federal funds. However, in case the participants of the organization develop a project outside the educational establishment, a determined tax will be deducted.

Outputs and Outcomes

According to Pincetl, Graham, Murphy, and Sivaraman (2016), the involvement of government agencies in environmental protection programs is essential since decisions taken at this level are of considerable strength. The collaborative, during its active work, has put forward some proposals and recommendations. They were previously approved by the governing board and discussed by LARC members. Besides, the basic ideas have always been associated with the protection of the environment. Therefore, the collaborative did not face any contradictions. The target audience, as it is evident, has always approved such recommendations and contributed to their development and implementation.

The idea to reflect the key directions of LARC’s work relates to the introduction of a particular framework. It regulates the relationship between the target sectors and the climate protection policy. This proposal was implemented not only at a local but also at a federal level. The scheme included various industries like transport and energy spheres, as well as key areas that require close attention. It is about water and forest resources and the ways of processing and recycling wastes. This project would not have been developed without the participation of the collaborative, and it is one of the organization’s numerous achievements.

As Hughes and Pincetl (2014) claim, teamwork has always been considered one of the successful ways to implement projects that are unlikely to be realized without the participation of several members. LARC has always sought to ensure that the ideas and proposals of the organization receive the maximum distribution and could be used to improve the environmental situation (Hughes and Pincetl, 2014). As a rule, all members of this body are competent employees who usually do not allow for any gaps in their knowledge. That is why all decisions are taken unanimously, and each participant of a project understands his or her importance and the ability to influence the opinion of the group.

Collaborative Cooperation as the Way to Improve Working Relationships

As it is known, the merits of the collaborative include not only the achievement of goals but also the team building, as well as the manifestation of the atmosphere of support. Trust and teamwork are essential attributes of success (Hughes & Pincetl, 2014). Working relationships in LARC have always been built in such a way that each member of the team was aware of the importance of his or her participation and could contribute to the development of the common idea.

Also, this approach to work is a rather good way of accumulating and distributing capital. If a project is developed in the union of several people, it has more chances to get recognition from the government and become a basis for achieving a positive result. Moreover, a respectful attitude in the team positively influences the cultural level of employees. It allows proving the seriousness of the intentions of the organization’s participants and at the same time contributes to more productive work.

From a political point of view, collaborative work also has a sufficient number of advantages. First, the decisions made by the team and approved by the official governing body are greater than those of one person. Secondly, the criteria for selecting participants in the LARC are created in such a way that only professionals work in the organization. Consequently, qualified specialists are well versed in various aspects of society, including politics, which gives more chances to get approval from the authorities. Therefore, the work of the collaborative has a positive impact on policy issues.

Analysis of the LARC’s Work

LARC is a rather vivid example of the organization, which combines all the features necessary for fruitful and productive work. In some ways, the activity of the collaborative is similar to the examples described in the scientific literature. For instance, Ansell and Gash (2008) discuss the specifics of cooperation in the same region, focusing on water resources and their conservation. They describe similar examples of the development and implementation of useful ideas, and also emphasize the benefits of teamwork in solving significant social and natural problems.

However, some unique features distinguish LARC from most other organizations. In particular, it is a policy of cooperation with the University of California, as well as the work under the patronage of government agencies. The following infographic reflects LARC’s main sectors of work.

Figure 4. Infographic of the relationship between the target sectors and the climate protection policy.

LARC’s Achievements

Among the goals of the employees of the organization, it is worth noting the reduction of the level of pollution and greenhouse gases, as well as the creation of conditions that allow adapting to climate change. The most evident progress that the LARC staff has been able to achieve includes measures taken by the government about environmental protection. Informing the population about the possible consequences of pollution of nature and using the framework developed by the organization help to tell as many people as possible about the importance of this problem and the need for urgent intervention.

Perhaps, the success of the activities of the collaborative programs is due to the professionalism of its members, as well as the competently chosen course of work. If it were not for an efficient system of management and personnel selection, many achievements probably would not have happened.

In the course of work, certainly, there were some difficulties. For example, according to Bennett and Grannis (2017), local authorities are not always competent in matters relating to the environment. Perhaps, it somewhat hampered the work of the organization and prevented specialists from explaining the importance of their activities. However, it did not become a reason for abandoning the set goals. The implemented programs had no significant shortcomings and were distinguished by the clarity of the assigned tasks.

Conclusion

Thus, the work of LARC to prevent the dangerous consequences of climate change is not only advantageous but also necessary. The development of all industry sectors inevitably leads to technogenic cataclysms caused by people’s activities and negatively affects the ecological situation of a particular region. The work of the organization and its specialists aims at improving the state of the environment and developing new programs that may help improve the environmental situation. The collaborative’s activities play a significant role in protecting the environment. People learn more about existing issues, and it will possibly help correct the current situation with the pollution of nature.

References

Ansell, C., & Gash, A. (2008). Collaborative governance in theory and practice. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 18(4), 543-571.

Bennett, A., & Grannis, J. (2017). Lessons in regional resilience: Case studies on regional climate collaboratives. Web.

Hughes, S., & Pincetl, S. (2014). Evaluating collaborative institutions in context: The case of regional water management in Southern California. Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space, 32(1), 20-38.

Infographic of the relationship between the target sectors and the climate protection policy. (2017). Web.

LARC governance structure. (2017). Web.

Pincetl, S., Graham, R., Murphy, S., & Sivaraman, D. (2016). Analysis of high-resolution utility data for understanding energy use in urban systems: The case of Los Angeles, California. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 20(1), 166-178.

Sectors represented by seats on LARC’s governing board, with the six specific member organizations identified based on the makeup of the Board as of August 2016. (2017). Web.

Timeline for formation of LARC and several key initiatives of the collaborative. (2017). Web.

Anthropogenic sources

Traffic

Heavy traffic in urban areas is among the most significant sources of anthropogenic particle sources. Primary carbon particles are emitted by vehicles as a result of combustion (Jiang et al. 2015). Additionally, road and tie wear produce significant non-exhaust emissions (Thorpe & Harrison 2008). The latter may include strontium, copper, manganese, iron, cadmium, and barium (European Commission 2004). The identified chemical composition was confirmed in a series of experiments performed by independent research teams and on vehicles from different countries (Garg et al. 2000; Iijima et al. 2007; Sanders et al. 2003). Another notable source of PM10 is the wear of pavements and non-paved surfaces (Kupiainen et al. 2005). The effect is especially prominent in Europe, where salt and sand are used to prevent road freezing. A study by Querol et al. (1998) suggests an equal proportion of exhaust and non-exhaust particles contributed by traffic.

Industrial activities

Industrial activities produce a diverse range of particles in high volumes. The most significant contributors are mines, quarries, cement and brick manufacturers, and ceramic industries, which generate primary particles throughout the supply chain (Sánchez de la Campa et al. 2010). The particles in question often contain toxic substances such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium (Csavina et al 2011). Steel plants are also responsible for emissions of manganese, zinc, copper, and iron (Choël et al. 2010). In addition, fuel used for powering industrial production cycle generates a significant amount of secondary particles (Shindell & Faluvegi 2010). A study by Tohka and Karvosenoja (2006) revealed that nitric acid, fiber, lime, and non-ferrous metals production processes emit significant amounts of fine particles into the atmosphere. Finally, recycling plants are responsible for emissions of fungal spores and bacteria.

Coal Burning

Residential coal combustion in developing countries is another significant source of PM 2.5. In China, coal burning produces up to 10% of total particle emission (Shen et al. 2010). It is also important to note that fossil fuels contain a number of toxic trace elements, such as zinc, lead, arsenic, mercury, and selenium (Xu et al. 2011).

Biomass Burning

Biomass burning is a major contributor of atmospheric particles, both as an anthropogenic and as a natural source. In some cases, the impact of burning exceeds the local scale and is observed in locations located at significant distances (Alves et al. 2011). The main source of natural biomass is forested areas and other locations with natural growth. Importantly, wood burning produces particulate matter that contains a number of water-soluble components. After getting into the atmosphere, these particles change chemical composition and acidity of precipitation (Janhäll et al. 2010). The effect of the most familiar form of biomass burning, wildfires, is still unclear due to the involvement of numerous parameters such as humidity, winds, and fuel composition.

Food cooking, Garbage Burning, and Tobacco

It is also important to acknowledge the impact of food cooing on PM emission. In some urban areas, certain types of cooking are estimated to generate up to 20% of the total organic aerosol particles (McDonald et al. 2003). The composition and physical properties of these particles vary depending on cooking methods and conditions. However, on average they contain more than 100 organic compounds, some of which are carcinogenic. Another activity responsible for urban-generated particles is garbage burning. Its effects are difficult to determine due to the illegality of the practice. However, the heterogeneity of garbage as fuel raises concerns regarding high toxicity of the fumes (Lemieux et al. 2000). In many households, the burning is done in the immediate presence of people, leading to massive exposure to hazardous PM. Finally, tobacco smoking is a major source of indoor aerosol particles and carcinogenic compounds. Hildemann et al. (1991) suggest that its impact is negligible compared to outdoor sources. Nevertheless, it should be acknowledged as a health risk.

Natural sources

Marine aerosols

The most important sources of natural aerosols are natural bodies of water. Primary aerosols are composed mainly of sodium and chloride, with additional organic compounds produced by phytoplankton (Yang et al. 2011). Primary aerosols are formed as a result of bubble eruption on the water surface. Particles produced in this way are mostly coarse with occasional fine fractions that can be found at relatively high altitudes (Yang et al. 2011). It has been estimated that the total contribution of sea spray aerosols is comparable to that of fossil fuel burning.

Mineral Dust

Winds on the Earth’s surface generate mineral fraction that serves as a major source of natural aerosols. These particles originate mainly from dry surfaces, with global dust belt being the most significant contributor. Chemical composition of particles varies depending on soil composition and other environmental factors. Available data suggests a significant increase in amount of mineral dust generated globally (Mulitza et al. 2010).

Biogenic Emissions

Gases emitted by microorganisms and vegetation contain particles known as biogenic aerosols. Unlike mineral-based particles, biogenic ones have complex chemical composition (Winiwarter et al. 2009). This factor contributes to the formation of secondary organic aerosol. According to the latest estimates, the resulting effect is up to ten times greater than its respective anthropogenic counterpart (Atkinson & Arey 2003). However, the results are inconclusive due to the involvement of numerous variables.

Volcanic Eruptions

Volcanic activity is among the most recognizable natural sources of PM emissions. They have a massive effect on acidity of precipitation and constitute a major risk to air traffic. However, the impact is usually limited to specific events. Eruptions produce both primary and secondary aerosols. Importantly, eruptions have the capacity to deliver PM to the stratosphere, which creates major environmental effects (Gao et al. 2007). These effects may last for several years, which is significant compared to a one-week lifespan of more common tropospheric aerosols.

Reference List

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Atkinson, R & Arey, J 2003, ‘Gas-phase tropospheric chemistry of biogenic volatile organic compounds: a review’, Atmospheric Environment, vol. 37, pp. 197-219.

Choël, M, Deboudt, K & Flament, P 2010, ‘Development of time-resolved description of aerosol properties at the particle scale during an episode of industrial pollution plume’, Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, vol. 209, no. 1-4, pp. 93-107.

Csavina, J, Landázuri, A, Wonaschütz, A, Rine, K, Rheinheimer, P, Barbaris, B, Conant,W, Sáez, A & Betterton, E 2011, ‘Metal and metalloid contaminants in atmospheric aerosols from mining operations’, Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, vol. 221, no. 1-4, pp. 145-157.

European Commission 2004,Second position paper on particulate matter. Web.

Gao, C, Oman, L, Robock, A & Stenchikov, GL 2007, ‘Atmospheric volcanic loading derived from bipolar ice cores: accounting for the spatial distribution of volcanic deposition’, Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, vol. 112, pp. 1-18.

Garg, BD, Cadle, SH, Mulawa, PA, Groblicki, PJ, Laroo, C & Parr, GA, 2000, ‘Brake wear particulate matter emissions’, Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 34, no. 21, pp. 4463-4469.

Hildemann, LM, Markowski, GR & Cass, GR 1991, ‘Chemical composition of emissions from urban sources of fine organic aerosol’, Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 744-759.

Iijima, A, Sato, K, Yano, K, Tago, H, Kato, M, Kimura, H & Furuta, N 2007, ‘Particle size and composition distribution analysis of automotive brake abrasion dusts for the evaluation of antimony sources of airborne particulate matter’, Atmospheric Environment, vol. 41, no. 23, pp. 4908-4919.

Janhäll, S, Andreae, MO & Pöschl, U 2010, ‘Biomass burning aerosol emissions from vegetation fires: particle number and mass emission factors and size distributions’, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 1427-1439.

Jiang, M, Marr, LC, Dunlea, EJ, Herndon, SC, Jayne, JT, Kolb, CE, Knighton, WB, Rogers, TM, Zavala, M, Molina, LT & Molina, MJ 2005, ‘Vehicle fleet emissions of black carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and other pollutants measured by a mobile laboratory in Mexico City’, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, vol. 5, no. 12, pp. 3377-3387.

Kupiainen, KJ, Tervahattu, H, Räisänen, M, Mäkelä, T, Aurela, M & Hillamo, R 2005, ‘Size and composition of airborne particles from pavement wear, tires, and traction sanding’, Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 699-706.

Lemieux, PM, Gullett, BK, Lutes, CC, Winterrowd, CK & Winters, DL 2003, ‘Variables affecting emissions of PCDD/Fs from uncontrolled combustion of household waste in barrels’, Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, vol. 53, no. 5, pp. 523-531.

McDonald, JD, Zielinska, B, Fujita, EM, Sagebiel, JC, Chow, JC & Watson, JG 2003, ‘Emissions from charbroiling and grilling of chicken and beef’, Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, vol. 53, no. 2, pp. 185-194.

Mulitza, S, Heslop, D, Pittauerova, D, Fischer, HW, Meyer, I, Stuut, JB, Zabel, M, Mollenhauer, G, Collins, JA & Kuhnert, H 2010, ‘Increase in African dust flux at the onset of commercial agriculture in the Sahel region’, Nature, vol. 466, no. 7303, pp. 226-228.

Querol, X, Alastuey, A, Puicercus, JA, Mantilla, E, Miro, JV, Lopez-Soler, A, Plana, F & Artiñano, B 1998, ‘Seasonal evolution of suspended particles around a large coal-fired power station: particulate levels and sources’, Atmospheric Environment, vol. 32, no. 11, pp. 1963-1978.

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As organizations and researchers strive to determine the impacts of their activities on energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and the environment, Koonin asserts that the world is extremely far from the knowledge required to make good climate policy. Therefore, the popular notion that ‘Climate science is settled’ is a misguided claim. Koonin observes that such a claim has poorly altered both public and policy discourses on matters related to “energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and the environment” (Koonin). Besides, it has also affected any meaningful scientific and policy discourse about the future of climate change.

The major scientific issue that Koonin raises is the potential change in climate “over the next century under both natural and human influences” (Koonin). Any possible responses to this question and other complex interrelations between ecosystems and human activities should guide future decisions about energy and infrastructure. However, these have been the hardest questions to solve climate change. These questions, in a critical manner, challenge what the current scientific knowledge can inform us about climate.

First, Koonin observes that while human influences may cause severe impacts on the climate, such effects are generally minor relative to the entire climate structure (Koonin). The climate system is highly inconsistent and therefore, such minor impacts could create an extremely high bar that may affect any significant attempts to project human consequences on climates.

Second, it is difficult to comprehend the future climate because of challenges in discerning the oceans. The oceans bear the most warmth and have a significant effect on the environment. Regrettably, accurate, inclusive data on oceans are only available for the past few years. Hence, the limited data cannot allow for an effective understanding of future changes in the oceans and potential impacts on the climate.

Third, there are inherent challenges with the feedback that is received. Feedback can alter the course of human and natural influences on climate. Feedback, however, tend to be uncertain. This implies that it must be evaluated for precision, details, and any other missing values.

Koonin asserts that beyond the three drawbacks above, there are critical challenges posed by the intricate computer algorithms used in the predictive analyses for potential climate patterns. Different computer programs have aimed at describing the dynamics and interactions of different elements of the Earth system, which include “the atmosphere, the oceans, the land, the ice and the biosphere of living things” (Koonin). While some of the algorithms are based on well-evaluated fundamental concepts, other models have been based on technically developed extrapolation. That is, there are inherent weaknesses with the complex computer models that analyzed the climate.

Koonin dismisses the idea of ‘scientific consensus’ regarding climate change because computer algorithms cannot support it. In most cases, there are insufficient details to ascertain the actual human influences on the climate.

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC, has often shown the marked differences and failures among all the models deployed to understand the climate. Koonin observes that such inherent failures in the models are critical and cannot be simply ‘cleaned up’ by further research (Koonin). The observed discrepancies in the models erode confidence levels, particularly in projections. Koonin, therefore, suggests that climate experts should work to overcome challenges noted in climate models. Also, any meaningful approaches to the climate debate must acknowledge both scientific certainties and uncertainties, particularly in predictive approaches.

Works Cited

Koonin, Steven E. “Climate Science Is Not Settled.” The Wall Street Journal. 2014. Web.

Global warming poses a major threat to humanity, and no one is immune to its effects. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) posits that global warming occurs worldwide; consequently, it requires the broadest possible cooperation from all nations (Piazza, 2021). Climate change affects lives in various ways, with extraordinarily high and low temperatures, unprecedented rainfall, and rising sea levels impacting homes, communities, and government resources. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the earth has been successively warmer in the last three decades. Furthermore, the World Meteorological Organization report indicates that the earth’s temperatures rose to the highest degrees between 2015 to 2019 (Piazza, 2021). The increase in global temperatures is primarily a result of anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases derived from an increase in industrial activities, high population growth, and unsustainable land-use patterns. Consequently, the IPCC report recommends an international collaborative approach to effectively minimize the devastating effects of climate change.

Climate change results from aggregate pollution from many untraceable sources. Consequently, the mitigation of its effects requires a concerted effort to protect the natural ecosystem through institutional regulations, infrastructure, technological innovations, and user practices. Institutional policies play a fundamental role in mitigating the impact of climate change. For instance, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) has a climate adaptation plan to protect buildings and other critical infrastructure from storms. I participate in the initiative at my workplace by advising and approving developments that adhere to the contingency plans. The adaptation plan sets seven goals; First, NYCHA aims to build resilience into its capital work. The city housing authority strives to stabilize the housing quality by integrating the most current innovations and technologies about future climate conditions.

Consequently, the structures that come up in the city need to withstand the predicted adverse climatic conditions. Secondly, NYCHA has taken the collective responsibility to ensure that it fosters its urban forest’s health. The city has 1000 acres of tree canopy that provide numerous benefits, and the trees provide the desired relief as they are the city’s lungs (New York City Housing Authority, 2021). Consequently, NYCHA strives to protect the forest as it helps cool the urban heat island effect generated by the concrete jungle.

Thirdly, the organization’s climate adaptation plan seeks to expand access to reliable and efficient methods of cooling apartments. As a result of the apparent rise in temperatures, many apartments have air conditioners that only contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. However, the plan stipulates that upcoming building structures need improved insulation. The tree canopy from the urban forest has a cooling effect; therefore, NYCHA targets to mitigate resident fatalities from heat (New York City Housing Authority, 2021). Fourthly, the adaptation plan seeks to prepare structures to survive heavier and more frequent storms by encouraging developers to decrease impervious surfaces and integrate stormwater management and groundwater retention.

Being part of the team that contributed to the formulation of the climate adaptability plan, the policy also outlines the strategies for the protection of critical infrastructure. The NYHCA also has a report on the lessons learned from the effects of Hurricane Sandy, which documents the challenges and benefits of the interventions to protect the city’s buildings from coastal flooding. The report provides comprehensive detail of the design and installation of resilient critical infrastructure. Furthermore, the development authority prepares for additional impacts by closely monitoring the rising groundwater, cold snaps, and extreme winds. The NYCHA also invests in social resilience through stakeholder engagement processes, and the staff collaborates with the residents and other key stakeholders. Public participation in the preparation of the plans ensures accountability, transparency, trust, and inclusivity.

The community is the most vulnerable to the effects of global warming. Consequently, it plays a critical role in mitigation and adaptability. I can participate in the community mainly through outreach, mass education, and awareness programs the knowledge acquired. High atmospheric temperatures occur due to poor air quality, aggravating lung diseases such as asthma; neighborhoods need clean air. One of the interventions for clean air adaptation is the reduction of greenhouse gases. Working at NYCHA, I would advise developers to reduce vehicle emissions by promoting livable spaces where the residents can live, work, and play. Also, I would encourage people to use environmentally friendly transport means such as bicycles by recommending that the transport planners and engineers incorporate safe corridors for non-motorized transport.

I can also create awareness of the effects of global warming by attending and participating in public lectures, social media posts, plays, and movies that educate residents on the potential effects of anthropogenic activities, consequently prompting the public to initiate behavioral change. Mitigating greenhouse gases in a community setup involves shifting from carbon-intensive fuels to sustainable solar energy and wind power options. Furthermore, it is critical to educate the public on conserving fragile ecosystems such as wetlands and forests and the benefits of sustainable agricultural practices. With the knowledge of the effects of climate change, communities or residential associations can develop masterplans that encourage green infrastructure and establish buffers along streams and rivers, thereby directing development away from ecologically fragile areas. For instance, the flooding in the Iowa riverfront in 2008 resulted in the development of a master plan that reshaped the riverfront (The United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2021). Consequently, the master plan reduced the risk of future floods in the city.

I can also participate in collective environmental justice by encouraging the community to use sustainable waste disposal methods. For instance, a residential neighborhood can resort to contracting environmentally cautious garbage collectors. Sustainable waste disposal method includes recycling and separation of decomposable from non-decomposable waste. In addition, communities could further the environmental justice agenda by using solar water heating panels instead of electricity during summer to avoid water wastage.

The solution to mitigating the effects of global warming is primarily cooperation and sharing knowledge. The awareness of climate change assists individuals, communities, and businesses in making informed choices, and through unity and cooperation, individuals and communities can lessen the risks for future generations. Climate change mitigation is the most preferred approach, as adaptation efforts are complex, costly, and not feasible in other instances. Consequently, human activities must be sustainable to avoid loss of life and resources. Preparing adequately for global warming involves the local governments planning the city in anticipation of adverse climatic events. When designing a city’s master plan, planners and engineers need to assess the risk of rising temperatures and develop emergency plans informed by the ever-dynamic climate variations. Regional and federal governments must also form close coordination relationships to plan and protect cross-jurisdictional infrastructure. Therefore, climate change is a collective problem and deserves joint responsibility and accountability.

References

New York City Housing Authority. (2021). Climate change at NYCHA; A plan to adapt. Web.

New York City Housing Authority. (2021). Memorializing lessons learned through the hurricane Sandy disaster recovery program. New York City Housing Authority.

Piazza, A. (2021). Collective responsibility in the cooperative governance of climate change.Sustainability, 13, 1-18.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Smart growth along the riverfront helps manage stormwater in Iowa city.

Climate change is one of the central issues in the global world. The fast rise of industries caused critical harm to the environment and deteriorated individuals’ health. For this reason, there is a critical need to address the problem and ensure the situation is controlled and improved. The Paris Climate Agreement is one of the tools used to control the collective progress regarding climate action plans or nationally determined contributions (NDCs) aimed at resolving the climate change problem. The given global stocktake focuses on reporting achievements and discussing the situation (United Nations Climate Change, 2022). It leads to enhancing collaborative efforts and creating new solutions.

The UAE also recognizes the significance of the climate change problem and the necessity to address it. Being one of the greatest importers of hydrocarbons, it attempts to diversify the economy and reduce its carbon footprint (UAE Government, n.d.). Under these conditions, the UAE acts as an innovator in the given sphere, supporting the development of green technologies and projects focused on minimizing the negative impact of human activity on nature (UAE Government, n.d.). The state views it as the primary component of a sustainable future, meaning that the incentive can be discussed at different levels.

The UAE’s engagement in the Paris Climate Agreement and its contribution to addressing climate change is significant. It was the first country from the Middle Eastern region to become a member of the agreement (UAE Government, n.d.). Moreover, it has numerous projects in the cleantech innovation sphere and renewable energy field aimed at supporting its environmental efforts (UAE Government, n.d.). In such a way, it becomes essential to discuss the UAE’s actions and contribution to realize the nation’s impact on promoting positive change and making the market of renewables more attractive for various actors across the globe.

The UAE has its own National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050, which can be discussed as its NDCs. It implies effective greenhouse gas management, minimizing risks and building a climate-resilient economy, and promoting economic diversification via innovations (UAE Government, n.d.). The state launches numerous projects, such as solar plants, desalination stations, or unique farming incentives, as the part of this plan. It results in the UAE’s becoming one of the leaders in the given sector. Under these conditions, it is vital to discuss and analyze the country’s experience and actions linked to the topic to acquire its enhanced vision.

References

UAE Government. (n.d.). National climate change plan of the UAE 2017-2050. U.AE. Web.

United Nations Climate Change. (2022). Global stocktake. Web.

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Introduction

I studied the paper notes concerning the greenhouse effect research and discovered numerous interesting facts. However, in lecture 015.4 Earth’s Atmosphere and Interior, the information predominantly referred to the mechanism of the greenhouse gases generation, the future scenario, and global average temperatures dated back to 2010 and earlier years (Professor’s Last Name 2). While it is necessary to take into account the long-term climate trends, one should also be aware of the recent changes. I took an interest in the latest tendencies and decided to explore what the current situation is.

Search Log

To begin with, I used the Google search engine and typed “Greenhouse effect 2016.” The top results contained students’ guides and online newspaper articles, but I needed information from the scientific point of view. I chose the link to the website Live Science and examined the source before reading the article. My first impression was that the website was credible, and I tried to find the evidence. I looked through the section “About Us” and learned that Live Science’s mission was to provide knowledge about the natural and technological world. The website received numerous awards, for example, Webby Awards in the Science category, and collaborated with professional science reporters. It is regularly updated, and contact information for the leading contributors is given.

One of them, Andrea Thompson, is the author of the article. I found accurate information about her education and career: she graduated from Georgia Tech with a Master’s in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences in 2006 and started writing about scientific discoveries in 2007 focusing on extreme climatic conditions and climate change. At the same time, she is the Senior Science Writer at Climate Central, the independent organization of scientists and journalists who concentrate on climate change studies. Thus, her experience and expertise are proven. As for the article, there are several references including NASA, the official source, and Climate Central. Overall, I suppose this source is reliable.

Results

In class, we obtained knowledge about greenhouse gases and their impact. It is commonly known that the gases affect the climate. Although I learned the exact data regarding the past and understood the general course of development, I wanted the actual examples of this year because the climate change topic objectively prescribed constant changes. Until this moment I could only guesstimate how the greenhouse effect reinforced climate change tendencies in 2016 and whether the influence was significant.

According to the article, the greenhouse effect consequences materialize in hotter summer temperatures. In this respect, the last month became the hottest August on record; moreover, the hottest July was registered in the last 136 years in 2016 (Thompson par. 1). However, the most surprising fact was that August broke 11 temperature records and became equal to July, normally marked as the hottest month of the year.

The author referred to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NASA databases and stated that the slight differences in their figures still demonstrated the strong and steady trend – greenhouse gases were the most important reason for this year’s record warmth. This summer influenced the global temperature of the year: in July 2016, it was 1.31˚C above the average from that period (Thompson par. 10). The new data calculated in accordance with the August record temperatures are expected to be released on 20 September. In this context, there is a high possibility that 2016 will become the hottest year.

Works Cited

Professor’s Last Name, First Name. “Earth’s Atmosphere and Interior.” College. City, State. 2016. Document.

Thompson, Andrea. “August Declared Hottest on Record: NASA.” Live Science. 2016. Web.

Short Article Summary

The topic of global warming has become relevant with the adoption of the international Paris Climate Agreement which has the aim to reduce the average rise in global temperature to below 2°C. Steven Rose et al. published an article in the journal Climatic Change which explored the challenges and consequences of fulfilling the established goal (257). Also, it provides feedback on the necessary steps to limit emissions past the 2030 date set by the Paris Agreement. Other websites and journals such as Rogelj et al. from Nature were consulted to support the original article (231). Academic databases such as Google Scholar were used in the research process to find recent and credible publication sources based on the relevant keywords of the selected topic.

Place of Publication

The article will be published on a blog website that will be openly accessible to the public. The intended audience will be non-scholarly but consisting of concerned individuals interested in receiving verified information about global warming. The article takes the information from scholarly journals and presents the most critical details in open public access. However, certain conventions were utilized from journal sources such as the presentation of information in a clear, factual manner with all necessary references. The article was broken down by headings that are logical in structure and allow to clearly address a certain aspect of the topic such as short-term impacts or methods to reduce emissions.

Narrative of Steps

The synthesis of information on a complex topic is an arduous process. It was necessary to comprehend the scientific articles before determining which information would be relevant to create the context for a non-scholarly reader. In addition, the technical language had to be simplified without losing its meaning. The ideas for the essay developed from focusing solely on the Paris Agreement to understanding that the scientific community sees it as a guiding document and encourages regional leadership to continue minimizing emissions.

It was helpful to obtain feedback on how the article was received and understood by someone who has not spent the time doing in-depth research on the topic. I am proud that in my article I could efficiently synthesize such complex information and drive forward the message of reducing global warming through the use of scholarly research.

Works Cited

Rogelj, Joeri et al. “Paris Agreement Climate Proposals Need a Boost to Keep Warming Well Below 2°C” Nature, vol. 534, no. 1, 2016, pp. 631-639.

Rose, Steven et al. “The Paris Agreement and Next Steps in Limiting Global Warming.” Climatic Change, vol. 142, no. 1-2, 2017, pp. 255-270.

In the article written by David Gelles in 2022, the main issue raised is the lack of climate aid from developed countries to developing nations. Nowadays, many countries are struggling with CO2 emissions and global warming, which causes drought. As a result, while the developed nations, such as Europe and North American countries, are able to support their initiatives, the third-world countries are desperate due to the inability to fund their programs (Gelles, 2022). The given issue was raised by European countries who have different views on the given matter. While some countries contribute millions of dollars to emerging markets, others are apprehensive of such an idea since they fear giving loans to countries with unstable economies. Similarly, the president of France, Emanuel Macron, has encouraged rich nations, such as the U.S., to aid those in help (Gelles, 2022). However, the United States offered its personal plan regarding standards for corporations regarding emissions, which was not supported by others due to a lack of transparency and details.

I think one option for increasing international climate financing is simply to expand the list of funders. Currently, the list does not include major economies such as China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. There is a reasonable argument for including them on the basis of historical responsibility: sponsoring countries are now responsible for only 40% of historical carbon dioxide emissions, while China alone accounts for 11%. Another problem is that many of the countries in need of funding carry heavy debt burdens. Low-income countries spend five times more on debt payments than they do on climate change adaptation, while small island developing states spend 18 times more on debt repayment than they receive from climate finance. Calls for debt relief intensified after this year’s floods in Pakistan. The U.N. Development Program has advocated easing Pakistan’s multibillion-dollar external debt so that it can focus resources on combating the climate disaster. Most climate financing comes in the form of loans, exacerbating the debt problem.

Reference

Gelles, D. (2022). After decades of resistance, rich countries offer direct climate aid. The New York Times. Web.

Introduction

Natural disasters present significant threats to the population and the environment. They may cause severe damages to people’s houses and property, as well as result in poor health outcomes and deaths. It is vital to discuss the causes of natural disasters to develop strategies for mitigating their consequences. This research report presents the investigation of the Tathra bushfire. The paper discusses the affected areas, the causes of the hazard, and its impacts. In addition, the report suggests solutions for managing similar disasters in the future.

The 2018 Tathra Bushfire

The natural disaster selected for this report is the Tathra bushfire. The bushfire occurred between 18 and 19 March 2018 and affected the South Coast region of New South Wales in Australia. The report by The Guardian shows that fire destroyed 65 houses and 35 caravans and cabins; almost 50 houses were damaged (Knaus). As a result of the Tathra bushfire, more than 150 individuals had to relocate to temporary accommodations, alongside those who had to find shelter at their families’ and friends’ homes.

Some of the affected people had to spend around 18 months in temporary accommodations (Knaus). No individuals died during the Tathra bushfire, however, hundreds of dairy cattle were killed (Schipp et al.). As a result of the hazard, more than 1,200 hectares were burned out. The bushfire was characterized by high speed and sporadic patterns.

The disaster occurred in the forests near the bank of Bega River and Tathra, a small town in the Far South Coast region of New South Wales. The fire crossed the river and moved towards Thomson drive.

As shown in Figure 1, the Tathra bushfire affected more than 60% of properties in Thomson drive, as well as the Tathra residential area (Mumtaz et al. 14). The image reveals that the majority of destroyed houses were not close to the forest; the fire was caused by ember attacks. It is necessary to mention that in the Tathra region, such hazards occur once every three years (Mumtaz et al. 6). The area is characterized by a higher forest growth rate due to a high annual rainfall compared to other locations, which results in frequent and large fires.

Causes of the Bushfire

Several factors contributed to the spread of the Tathra bushfire. The primary cause of the hazard was the failure in electrical infrastructure (O’Brien et al. 3). This fact reveals a significant problem in the maintenance of power lines. The authorities of New South Wales had been focused on reducing costs at Essential Energy, the company that is responsible for electrical infrastructure in the region. The local government had reduced its workforce by around 40% along with decreasing capital expenditure by more than 35% (O’Brien et al.). These actions resulted in higher risks of hazards for the population and had a potential impact on the reliability of infrastructure. Thus, the failure in power lines and the bushfire can be considered a result of the local government’s negligence.

One of the factors that contributed to the development of the hazard was the weather conditions. There was a strong wind, and the temperatures reached almost 40C that day (“Bushfire in Tathra”). It is vital to consider other peculiarities of the area, which include a low level of humidity and increased dryness (Mumtaz et al. 6). As the Tathra region is located in the south, it is more prone to bushfires, especially in the dry season. Another factor contributing to the hazard was fuel moisture content (FMC), determined by the amount of water per dry mass in forest fuel (Mumtaz et al. 7). In February and March of 2018, FMC was decreased, as a result of which the chances of fire reached approximately 90%. As a result, it was easier for the bushfire to spread quickly.

Social, Economic, and Environmental Impacts of the Tathra Bushfire

The hazard had several social, economic, and environmental impacts that should be outlined. As mentioned above, many individuals were deprived of their homes due to the bushfire. The main social impact of the hazard was that it has affected not only people’s possessions and health but their mental state as well. Many members of the local community reported that the experience of the Tathra bushfire had been horrible and that it has been challenging for them to manage their negative memories (Thomas). One of the initiatives created as a response measure to the hazard is the Tathra Firebirds, the meetings during which individuals have an opportunity to work on personal or community projects. It is possible to say that many people affected by the bushfire are still recovering from this experience.

The main economic impact of the Tathra bushfire is that many houses, caravans, and cabins were destroyed in addition to the damages of roads, the water system, electrical infrastructure of the area. As mentioned above, the full process of recovery may last up to 18 months (Knaus). The reports on the hazard do not indicate the particular amount of financial investments required to maintain the consequences of the bushfire but it is evident that the Australian government and local authorities have spent many funds to mitigate the outcomes of the hazard.

It is possible to say that the greatest environmental impact of the Tathra bushfire is smoke that affected individuals’ health. In addition, as mentioned above, the fire made the water system unavailable for the population of the area, which means that people had had a lack of water supply until the recovery measures were implemented. Moreover, the bushfire burned out many hectares of forests, which means that local authorities may need to plant new trees to support the environment.

Solutions for the Future

It is vital to develop solutions that prevent bushfires from occurring and spreading. The significance of preventing bushfires in the future is determined by the fact that Australia is prone to such types of disasters. Mumtaz et al. report that fires are the most common natural hazards in the country; the problem is especially crucial because there are almost 125 hectares of forests in Australia (4). However, is it is challenging to predict wildfire behavior.

Mumtaz et al. report that forecasting requires information about the peculiarities of the geographical location, as well as the quality and quantity of forest fuel (8). In addition, it is vital to know the density and moisture of forests along with the relative humidity and wind measurements. Nevertheless, several solutions to manage this type of hazard in the future can be suggested.

First, it may be necessary to implement fuel reduction techniques. The purpose of this strategy is to minimize the amount of fuel available in forests and, consequently, decrease the spread of bushfires and the damage caused by them. Such techniques allow for the modification of the forest fuel structure and the distribution of moisture content. As a result of the implementation of this approach, a bushfire will spread slower and it will be easier for the firefighters to control the hazard. Fuel reduction techniques may include prescribed burning and mechanical fuel load reduction (MFLR) (Mumtaz et al. 8).

The first strategy has significant benefits, including biodiversity management, low implementation cost, reduction of the population of insects, and heating of some native plants, which helps them to regenerate. However, it is difficult to implement this approach because there is a high chance of fire escape, along with adverse consequences for human health and wildlife habitat. MFLR, or mechanical thinning, is determined by the removal of plants or their parts with mechanical tools (Mumtaz et al. 8). This strategy can minimize the risk of bushfires and reduce their intensity.

Second, it is crucial to develop strategies aimed to increase public awareness about the potential causes of bushfires. For instance, individuals should know that the use of heaters, stoves, and fueling lanterns while camping may be dangerous and requires cautiousness. In addition, people should not discard smoking materials on park grounds or from moving vehicles as it increases the risks of bushfires too.

The government or local communities may establish training sessions or campaigns aimed to educate the population on the measures they can take to prevent such hazards. Finally, it is vital to enhance the rescue forces’ ability to respond to bushfires rapidly. Authorities should implement well-developed fire action plans and ensure collaboration among firefighters and emergency services. The strategies mentioned above can reduce the risk of such a type of natural disaster significantly and minimize its potential outcomes.

Conclusion

The Tathra bushfire was a hazard that damaged and destroyed almost 150 houses within two days. The disaster affected many individuals, some of which have been recovering from this experience to this day. The bushfire was caused by a failure in electrical infrastructure. Possible solutions to address such hazards in the future include fuel reduction techniques, such as MFLR, as well as enhancing public awareness of the causes of fires along with the rescue forces’ ability to respond to them timely.

Works Cited

“Bushfire in Tathra Wipes Out 69 Homes, Residents Still Unable to Return to NSW South Coast Town.” ABC News, 2018. Web.

Knaus, Christopher. “Tathra Bushfire: NSW Rural Fire Service Says Power Lines Likely Cause.” The Guardian, 2018. Web.

Mumtaz, Muhammad Asim et al. Quick Response Report: Tathra Bushfires Mapping the Area of Tathra Fires to Study How Mechanical Fuel Load Reduction Can Save Houses. 2018. Web.

O’Brien, James et al. “Tathra 2018 Bushfires.” Risk Frontiers Newsletter, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 3-4. Web.

Schipp, Debbie et al. “Bushfire Crisis: ‘Superblaze’ Fears in Vic; ‘Too Late to Leave’ in NSW.” News.com.au, 2018. Web.

Thomas, Kerrin. “Creativity Helping Tathra Locals Heal After Bushfire.” ABC News. 2018. Web.

Source 1: Animal Rescue

The first source selected is the news article about animal rescue published by the New York Times. The title states that a Virginia facility rescued four thousand beagles, and they needed new homes (Jiménez and Rubin). The type of article is a news report written by two breaking news reporters, Jesus Jiménez and April Rubin. The issue discussed is that the dogs have around two months to find new homes after being discovered at a facility violating numerous federal standards. Over the last two years, repeated inspections of the Envigo breeding and research center in Cumberland, Virginia, have revealed many infractions of federal laws, leaving the beagles malnourished, unwell, wounded, and wounded and, in some cases, dead (Jiménez and Rubin). As a result, a federal court accepted a plan to rescue nearly four thousand beagles from the facility.

The structure of the presentation includes an explanation of the issue and reasons for the beagles’ rescue, followed by the time limit to find new homes for dogs and a chronology of facility inspections. The article creators highlight the issue of animal abuse and convey the urgency as the dogs need to be adopted as soon as possible. To achieve the goal, the creators use quotes, such as photos of the facility where dogs were living in unacceptable conditions. One of the remarks stated that it is vital to rescue the life and show dogs affection they have never felt before. I selected this article because I love animals, and it is truly terrific that some facilities do not follow regulations. I think the subject is crucial to addressing animal protection legislation’s importance. The material is presented clearly, incorporating facts, dates, and quotes. From my perspective, there is nothing to criticize, and the aspect to praise is that the news reporters shed light on the facility’s long history of mistreatment and endangering beagles.

Source 2: Climate Crisis

The second source is the news articles about the climate crisis published by the Guardian. The title acknowledges that the wealthy owner of Patagonia donates his firm to tackle the climate issue (McCormick). The author is Erin McCormick, a California database analyst, and reporter. The subject of the news article is the founder, Yvon Chouinard, who set a new model in corporate environmental leadership to combat the Earth’s climatic catastrophe. The structure of the presentation incorporates the brief background and reasons behind Chouinard’s decision, the clarifications on stock donations, and the company’s history of environmental activism (McCormick). The creator is trying to acknowledge the importance of donations to save the planet.

The tricks to achieve the goal include quotes about natural resources, restoration of the environment, and Chouinard’s statements about the climate crisis. For instance, the company’s mission statement is that Patagonia is in business to save the ecosystem. I selected this source primarily because of the article’s aim to encourage other businesses to contribute to preserving nature via donations. The subject is crucial because Patagonia’s new strategy is intended to create a precedent that discredits the classic shareholder capitalism thesis that business aims other than profit would mislead investors. Companies should embrace environmental ethics and donate more because most billionaires give away only a tiny portion of their net worth each year (McCormick). I praise the straightforward writing style of presenting facts and material preparation as it required the company’s investigation. The only criticism is that the reporter needed to include statistics on the climate crisis to emphasize the issue.

Source 3: Climate Change

The source featured is a BBC news report on climate change and the importance of reducing methane emissions. The title claims that reducing methane emissions will give people enough time to deal with climate change (McGrath). Matt McGrath, an environmental correspondent, prepared the article and presented findings based on the newly released IPCC report. The subject is that methane reduction will prevent long-term warming. Consequently, the structure of the presentation includes a solid thesis statement that experts advise to decrease methane emissions. The claim is followed by the IPCC report statistics, the difference explanation between CO2 and CH4, and completed by possible actions that different industries should consider (McGrath). The writer attempts to explain how small changes in several industries may quickly reduce methane generation.

The tricks to achieve the article’s objective are using credible statistics and demonstrating images to catch readers’ attention. I chose the article because I am interested in learning more about how to tackle climate change. For instance, around forty percent of methane originates from natural sources such as wetlands; nevertheless, the majority presently comes from various human activities (McGrath). The subject is informative as readers learn about various crisis-prevention activities, such as implementing technical modifications relating to waste and animal feed in agriculture.

From my perspective, the article is well-written, and there is nothing to criticize. The aspect to praise is using the IPCC report to acknowledge the issue’s importance, the experts’ quotes incorporation, and the wise image selection. The author also adds that the oil and gas sector confronts a significant problem in reducing methane emissions because current restrictions have failed to limit leaks (McGrath). Thus, treating methane differently through technology may give people more time to adjust to climate change.

Source 4: Wildlife in Danger

The final source is a news report published by Environment America, assuring that wildlife is in danger. The title acknowledges that a third of the country’s plants and animals are on the verge of extinction (Blackledge). The article’s author is a senior director at Environment America who oversees the organization’s work to conserve public lands, waters, and wildlife. The issue is that States have recognized over 12,000 species that require protection, such as the Florida panther and the monarch butterfly (Blackledge). Habitat degradation, pollutants, illness, and other factors threaten their survival. As a result, the United States Senate is debating the most significant piece of nature conservation policy since the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Blackledge). The article’s structure is divided into three crucial parts: introduction, wildlife in danger, and investing in the conservation of endangered species. The writer tries to demonstrate that endangered species must be saved and that people should vote to ensure that the Wildlife Act will pass.

The tricks employed by the writer are bold headings, the brief facts illustration, and the final question addressed to readers. The author asks the audience to take action by asking if they would assist conserve endangered species. I selected the source because I consider the issue of animal and plant extinction critical. From my perspective, the aspect to praise is that Blackledge achieved the goal because after reading the article, I realized that we need legislation to save wildlife. The bill’s funding would benefit initiatives such as habitat restoration and the reintroduction of native species. The only criticism is that the author could add more facts and data about threatened species.

Works Cited

Blackledge, Steve. “A Third of the Nation’s Plants and Animals are at Risk of Extinction.” Environment America, Web.

Jiménez, Jesus and April Rubin. “4,000 Beagles Are Being Rescued From a Virginia Facility. Now They Need New Homes.” The New York Times, Web.

McCormick, Erin. “Patagonia’s Billionaire Owner Gives Away Company to Fight Climate Crisis.” The Guardian, Web.

McGrath, Matt. “Climate Change: Curbing Methane Emissions will ‘Buy Us Time’.” BBC, Web.