Category: Environment

Introduction

For over the last three decades, the city of Toronto has experienced various environmental predicaments and injustices. Environmental justice is a fundamental right accorded to all people under the environmental legislation, which seeks to redress the inequitable distribution of environmental burden and benefits (Mennis & Jordan, 2005). This report takes the case of the Toronto Greenbelt to explore the topic by highlighting the effects of the project on the general environment.

Due to the rising environmental injustices and the urban sprawl, the provincial government of Ontario enacted legislation to enforce temporary stop on urban development on productive agricultural land within a greenbelt demarcation. This process involved agricultural zoning mainly to ensure that all land set for agricultural production was not used for housing or industrial construction.

The Toronto Greenbelt program was started to safeguard essential and easily altered environmental land from the increasing developments in the highly populated sections of Toronto. The areas protected include the woodlands, wetlands, agricultural lands, and recreational zones for the welfare of the people and the various species of animals living within the greenbelt.

This report adopts the case of environmental justice to explore the studies relating to the topic whilst targeting the Toronto situation. This report will argue that the greenbelt project has not yet solved the problem of environmental injustices faced in Toronto. The report will conclude by issuing a guideline or future steps for maintaining and improving environmental justice and equality in Toronto.

Linking the Toronto Greenbelt project with environmental justice

The pursuit of rural and urban equity in Toronto is advancing the objectives of environmental justice in several ways. Environmental justice seeks to look up to not only what societies differ on, but also what they cherish and celebrate together (Curtis, 2014). For instance, a community free from pollution, easy access to markets, affordable and modern housing, equal opportunities to develop as well as equal distribution of environmental burdens and benefits is the dream of everyone.

Linking the two cases will seek to respond to several challenges that rural farmers and urban developers face when trying to improve their lifestyles. The first challenge is the stringent legislation protecting the Toronto Greenbelt from nonagricultural development. The second is to establish amicable means to ensure that both rural farmers and urban people of Toronto share equitably the benefits and burdens of environment linked to the greenbelt project.

The Purpose of the greenbelt

The greenbelt in Toronto was established in 2005 as a protective measure to save agricultural land from the increasing development stretching from the urban centers to the countryside. Apart from safeguarding farmlands, the greenbelt act sought to ensure substantial balance in the ecosystem, which could benefit both the rural and urban dwellers, thus bringing about environmental justice across Toronto (Fung & Conway, 2007).

The greenbelt act could achieve this goal by enforcing strict regulations, which prevented any kind of industrial development within the region. This approach could help to conserve, reclaim, and better ecological and hydrological balance coupled with buffering rural-urban economic sustenance through agriculture and tourism as well as providing job opportunities and food supplies.

Review

This report explores how change is happening and whether the preventive programs are attaining their objectives since the launching of the greenbelt in 2005. The available information shows that the strict protection laws are highly acknowledged particularly for the wetlands and the agricultural productive zones across the Greenbelt since the wetlands were declining before 2002 due to the European settlement. Currently in Toronto, the wetlands cover about 12% of the greenbelt land (Curtis, 2014).

Conservation and reclamation of wetlands across the greenbelt are central aspects in enhancing atmospheric balance and curbing stringent climate changes. The Toronto Greenbelt is restraining farmers since they cannot expand, and thus the distribution of farm produce is constrained. Murray (2011) gives the account of Robert Beynons dairy farm, which was enclosed within the borders of the Greenbelt program.

Robert feels constrained and deprived since he cannot improve or expand his farm or make a business plan since it is not certain when he will be forced to move out. Other farmers reiterate that they have tolerated high costs, traffic, and policies that do not take into account their concerns.

Murray (2011) argues that the high costs of land will invite wealthy merchants who will come in, do agriculture as a hobby, and risk the decline of farm food supplies. The wetlands have economic benefits since they assist in flood management, water filtration, and soil conservation, hence reducing investments meant to check the adverse environmental conditions maintained by the wetlands.

Is Torontos Greenbelt justice or injustice?

The Toronto Greenbelt has arguably led to divisive debates about its policies and planning. Most people reiterate that the greenbelt plan supports sustainable growth for the benefit of the current and future generations, but these sentiments must not be used to show how successful the project has been or might be. Rinquist (2005) argues that studies have identified some critical damages caused by the greenbelt.

Such damages include the high costs of housing, the economic efficiency of both the rural and urban, and the measures to conserve the environment, which are not as effective as presumed. The greenbelt legislation has created social imbalances with most social amenities like housing becoming very congested and unaffordable (Deaton & Vyn, 2010). However, the benefits are going to the pockets of the affluent owners of urban apartments, thus leaving the poor to squeeze and suffer in the densely populated zones.

On the other hand, farmers in the greenbelt, which are the beneficiaries according to the government, are actually moving out of the belt since they cannot develop or sell their land. The Toronto Greenbelt program has laid several benefits by conserving natural heritage, filtration of clean water and fresh air, and facilitated agriculture, but this claim highly disputable amongst farmers.

However, social justice is crucial to the communities and a good balance of all social amenities is needed for the wellbeing of the people of Toronto (Agyeman, 2005). The lacking component is poor planning and policies, and thus the government should not play politics. On the contrary, it should involve all stakeholders to make inclusive policies during the 2015 official review.

Common ground

The case of Toronto greenbelt caused heightened contentions amongst farmers and policymakers, with the former feeling that the environmental burden is leaning on their side as opposed to the rest of the society outside the greenbelt.

The design used to demarcate the greenbelt came out as simply a mere drawing on the soil separating the north from the south since the owners were not adequately consulted. Nonetheless, farmers within the greenbelt acknowledge that there was a need to counter the increasing housing and industrial land use by the growing population in Toronto (Fung & Conway, 2007). The urban developers shared similar sentiments.

Opponents

Those who refute the greenbelt project as advancing environmental justice agree that the move was established for the social wellbeing of the Toronto denizens. However, policymakers are allegedly more environmentalist than agriculturalist. The policymakers concentrate on maintaining a green countryside at the expense of the farmers by showing lack of comprehensiveness and inclusion of basic concerns by the sodbusters. For instance, Murray (2011) looks at a case outside the greenbelt premises where he met a dairy farmer Ken McNabb.

Although McNabb did not live inside the greenbelt, dwelling close to the belt posed similar problems to him as those faced by those living in the greenbelt such as accessing the markets and mechanical repairs for the machinery. McNabb says that his new location was no better in farming as compared to being within the greenbelt, since he could not expand at will or access the market very easily. This assertion means that the greenbelt project was causing extra environmental burden to the farmers within and outside the belt.

The opponents argue that the greenbelt project failed to address priorities of the farmers on rural land use and food production at the same time maintaining the objective to maintain a sustainable ecosystem. Farmers are confiscated in their own land by policies, which are inadequate, thus denying them the opportunity to make decisions on their own land use.

Since they are green belted, the farmers cannot sell or even develop their own land, which they worked hard to own, and may be anticipated to sell it in the future during their retirement age. This aspect is not fair for the farmers who work hard to safeguard the environment, but they do not get the benefits.

It is agreeable that the greenbelt offers rationalized benefits for all residents of Toronto and beyond. However, the lacking aspect is an amicable solution to compensate farmers adequately and equitably coupled with achieving environmental justice for the rural and urban communities (Mennis & Jordan, 2005).

Opponents feel that farmers have simple and genuine concerns, which include more access to local markets, government support, and inclusive agricultural policies to promote their growth and wellbeing. Policymakers allegedly caused an imbalance in environmental justice by deliberately failing to address the concerns of the farmers. Adopting an environment-based approach hindered farmers from expanding or improving their farm structures.

The government did well to preserve large farming zones within the greenbelt, but it failed to provide markets for these products. For instance, the government did nothing to preserve the last cannery in Canada, which was one of the best places where farmers could sell their produce to sustain their production and livelihood (Curtis, 2014).

The idea of preserving land for farming by government and fail to provide markets for the produce made little sense for farmers who felt used to enhance ecosystem at their own cost. Farmers are doing their part to ensure environmental conservation, but they do not see direct benefits from their farms.

Proponents of environmental justice

The greenbelt in Toronto was the most viable step towards preventing urban developers from developing on agricultural land within the zone. The greenbelt highlights physical alignment of Toronto by displaying what makes the city unique with the beautiful wetlands, watersheds, and green farms.

This aspect manifests the desire by the government and people of Toronto to preserve the environmental heritage. This aspect does not only support recreational or tourist destinations, but it also provides home to birds and wildlife. This scenario helps in achieving atmospheric balance, which is necessary to counter the effects of global warming. In addition, it manages pollution coupled with providing better livelihoods for the people of Toronto and beyond (Agyeman, 2005).

The greenbelt gives the best opportunity to counter the effects of climate change. It provides a balanced atmospheric exchange by creating substantial capacity for the absorption of carbon dioxide, which is produced by the urban industrial activities. This move promotes the purification of air in the region as well as improving food production, hence ensuring that the rural and urban people live under suitable conditions.

Even though proponents of developers have expressed concerns about the stringent laws prohibiting non-agricultural development in and around the greenbelt, their concerns are somewhat selfish or motivated by non-inclusive goals (Deaton & Vyn, 2010). Conserving the environment should be a priority since it benefits everybody directly or indirectly.

Allowing developers to construct on agricultural land cannot lower the costs of housing, since they are owned by few capitalistic property owners who care only about themselves and amassing more money. Furthermore, the population will continue to rise and if arable land will be inadequate, then Toronto will lack the production capacity to feed its people (Gurin, 2007).

Limitations of the policy system

In a bid to attain environmental justice, planners and policymakers should enhance policies to create balance even before the official review in 2015. The issue of urban sprawl is not contained by the creation of the greenbelts since developers continue to develop land bordering the zoned area, thus making it hard to expand the program.

In addition, the definition of wetland varies amongst major policymakers such as the Conservation Authority and the Ministry of Natural Resources, thus showing inconsistency and creating a loophole for developers to construct their own definition (Fung & Conway, 2007). Planners and policymakers face the challenge to establish a balanced economic and environmental sustenance to enable environmental justice.

Implications of the greenbelt on environmental justice

The core objective of the greenbelt involved the facilitation of the cooperation between cities and suburbs, thus connecting the city dwellers with the rural farmers while encouraging conservation and proper use of natural resources. Apparently, the Toronto Greenbelt has achieved several goals such as the provision of clean water and conservation of natural heritage, but major disparities bedevil the program.

Negative implications have been identified to overwhelm the positives, which raises more questions on the management of the greenbelt. For instance, farmers have been restrained within their own land, thus forcing some to move out in a bid to expand. The project has created a social gap between the farmers and the community and the government (Rinquist, 2005). The prospects of achieving environmental justice lie on the policymakers and the inclusion of citizens in the decision-making process.

Recommendations

In order to better and maintain environmental justice in Toronto, the city should accept that such disparities are real and they persist in Toronto. The assumption that the greenbelt has preserved the city, and thus it will achieve environmental equality is wrong. The greenbelt is faced with numerous challenges concerning its planning and policymaking. The lingering question is whether the greenbelt is trying to achieve its obligation at the peril of environmental justice.

The environmental justice proponents agree that equal opportunities, social welfare, and human dignity can only be achieved if the affected people are involved in the decision-making process governing issues such as the greenbelt project (Agyeman, 2005). Since citizens are the key beneficiaries of stable economic progress, environmental justice, and social balance, then it is fundamental to consult and involve them in the decision-making process.

Therefore, for the city of Toronto to enhance environmental justice, the government should ensure that the citizens are obligated and have the power to contribute in strategizing official changes and policing. By doing this, the Toronto authorities will be empowering the individual farmers and developers to produce reasonably, thus safeguarding the environment for the well-being of everyone.

Conclusion

While planners and policymakers are reluctance in accepting that environmental inequalities persist in Toronto, research reveals that some disparities exist mainly due to exclusion of citizens in the decision-making process. No matter how the government and conservative movements think of themselves as environmentalists, environmental difficulties will be a commonplace unless the decision-making process incorporates all stakeholders.

The farmers and the urban poor will suffer greatly from the environmental burdens since they have limited means to protect themselves. The greenbelt was presumably a springboard towards socio-economic and environmental sustenance upon its establishment in 2005, but the policies were flawed and they did not live to the expectations of all stakeholders. Consequently, significant amendments should be made to improve how Toronto addresses the issue of environmental injustices during the 2015 official review.

References

Agyeman, J. (2005). Sustainable communities and the challenge of environmental justice. New York, NY: New York University Press.

Deaton, J., & Vyn, R. (2010). The Effect of Strict Agricultural Zoning on Agricultural Land Values: The Case of Ontarios Greenbelt. American Journal of Agricultural Economics,92(4), 941-955.

Curtis, T. (2014). Has Torontos Greenbelt done more harm than good? The Globe and Mail, p. 48.

Fung, F., & Conway, T. (2007). Greenbelts as an Environmental Planning Tool: A Case Study of Southern Ontario, Canada. Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning, 9 (2), 101-117.

Gurin, D. (2007). Farmers markets: Opportunities for preserving greenbelt agriculture. Toronto, ON: Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation.

Mennis, L., & Jordan, L. (2005). The Distribution of Environmental Equity: Exploring Spatial Nonstationarity in Multivariate Models of Air Toxic Releases. Annals of The Association of American Geographers, 95(2), 249-268.

Murray, C. (2011). Protecting Greenbelt Wetlands: How Effective is Policy? Web.

Rinquist. (2005). Assessing Evidence of Environmental Inequities: A Meta-Analysis. Analysis. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 24(2), 223-247.

Today, in the age of highly developed technologies, science, and international relationships, the heritage of the ancient Incan civilization plays an important role in society. The ruins are mainly located in the Upper Urubamba River. One of its famous cities, Machu Picchu, is built into the landscape, not as a separate part of the mountains but as the inherent or exquisite architectural story (Kavoori 652). Many scholars, archeologists, and tourists consider its man-made and natural landmarks as the key theme for discussion in their projects. Cardona defines Machu Picchu as one of the biggest enigmas of Incan culture due to its geographical advantages (47). In this paper, attention will be paid to the geographical and environmental achievements of Machu Picchu in relation to its political systems, religion, economy, and society that determine the shape of early River Valley civilizations.

The citadel of Machu Picchu stands strong today and becomes a symbol of unbelievable technical skills developed by the Inca population. It is hidden in the rocky countryside over a five-mile distance with more than 3,000 stone steps at different levels (History.Com Editors). Modern tourists are eager to take their long and challenging ways to this place in order to enjoy the sunset and the view.

The religious and political background is frequently used to prove the popularity of Machu Picchu. For example, it is believed that this place was a royal estate for the first emperors and noble people to perform their feasts and lead the empire with no unnecessary interruption and influence (Hall 2; History.Com Editors). The location was predetermined by the Andean landscape, the possibility to see the peaks of other mountains, and owning snow that feeds the rivers around (qtd. in Cardona 52; Kavoori 652). The Incan king Pachacuty was the first inhabitant of the land, and white granite rocks were used as the representation of his power and authority (qtd. Cardona 49). Regarding the possibility to control the access to natural resources and create strong images for the population, Machu Picchus economic and political systems are related to its current environmental superiority.

Another strong position about the creation of Machu Picchu is based on spiritual and social purposes. The population used finely finished carved stone blocks and niches and chose the placement of sacred stones near the fountains may serve as evidence of this place being used as ceremonial sites to elaborate civic and religious rituals (Kavoori 656). As regards its rugged location, not all people got a chance to enter the land, perform their ceremonies, and ask their gods for help. The walls consisted of separate blocks that fit closely with one another and held together not to allow external threats to reach the inhabitants. Religion was closely attached to the functioning of the Incan society and all stages of life and the afterlife (Cardona 51). The chosen constructions helped prevent natural disasters like earthquakes and droughts. The Incas believed that it was their spiritual achievement and the intention to please their gods and follow the established social orders.

In conclusion, the geographical peculiarities of Machu Picchu made it a remarkable site for modern tourists and researchers. The chosen location, resources, and building material allowed saving the place and demonstrating the beauty of the environment. However, one should understand that attention and respect for religion, politics, economy, and social norms played a crucial role in promoting the status of Machu Picchu as one of the mysterious places in the world. Today, it is possible to use the best technologies and create magnificent buildings, but their worth will never be the same as Machu Picchu has due to its attachment to history and human faith.

Works Cited

Cardona, Barbara. Uncovering the Mystery of Machu Picchu. Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research, vol. 3, no. 1, 2017, pp. 47-55.

Hall, Amy Cox. Framing a Lost City: Science, Photography, and the Making of Machu Picchu. University of Texas Press, 2017.

Kavoori, Anandam. The Inkas Married the Earth: Excavating Machu Picchu. Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment, vol. 27, no. 3, 2020, pp. 648-660.

History.Com Editors. Machu Pucchu. History.com, 2018, Web.

Egypt is one of few countries that managed to maintain the ancient geographical boundaries throughout its history. Meanwhile, geography is mainly responsible for the cultural heritage and history of the region. Situated between the Asian and European continent, Ancient Egypt was a transition point through which ideas, concepts, customs were traveling along with goods. Hence, the location significantly contributed to the cultural diversity and socio-economic development of the country.

The environment and climate indeed determined the vector along which ancient Egypt developed. Interestingly, the country was formed on the site of a dried-up ocean, which existed there for millions of years and, having disappeared, left a lot of fossils in the soil. Researchers think that the findings of the remains of ancient sea creatures strongly influenced the mythological thinking of the Egyptians, stirring up their imaginations (Ikram 2). Besides, the country was surrounded by several oases that were used for agricultural purposes. Thus, despite the proximity to the desert, natural resources have created favorable conditions for Egypt.

The Nile undoubtedly deserves separate consideration as the main factor that influenced the formation of the ancient Egyptian civilization. The climate affected the configuration Nile that gave much more moisture and noble soil back in the times than now. Rich in minerals, fertile soil yielded a decent harvest every year, stimulating trade and economic prosperity in Egypt. Moreover, the silt saturating the Nile was widely used in pottery, ceramics, and construction (Ikram 7). Moreover, papyrus is, among other things, a unique resource with which ancient Egypt is associated with many. Its intensive growth is also due mainly to the characteristics of the river, soil, and climate. As a result, the presence of so much papyrus served to create the prosperity of writing in ancient Egypt (Ikram 9). Thus, the Nile set the pace for art, architecture, and creative activity, pumping the craft skills of the Egyptians and creating a unique image of their civilization.

Therefore, it is not surprising that the Nile also played an essential role in the formation of the theological and iconographic perspective of ancient Egypt. The river, without exaggeration, gave the Egyptians life and a means of subsistence, helped to enrich their country economically and culturally. The ancient Egyptians, of course, saw in this the divine essence of the Nile and provided it with a sacred meaning. Indeed, flooding every year, the Nile renewed the soil making it more fertile, thus symbolizing rebirth. As a result, the calendar and the report of the seasons were compiled according to the rivers flood; the river also gave a sense of direction to the inhabitants. Hence, unlike that of most other peoples, the Egyptians worldview was oriented not to the north, but the south, towards the sources of the river (Ikram 8). Thus, the countrys main river occupies a central place in the peculiarities of the culture and development of Egypt.

Ancient Egypt, being one and the cradle of civilization, owes much to its favorable environment and landscape features. These factors ensured the economic, social, and cultural development of the country. The Nile River was undoubtedly the source of many resources that shaped the distinctive features of the ancient Egyptian civilization, stimulating art, architecture, writing, and even the theological concept of the people. Being a transit region, Egypt also managed to absorb the influence of other areas and enrich itself.

Work Cited

Ikram, Salima. The Black and the Red: Geography and Environment. Ancient Egypt: An Introduction, 1st ed., Cambridge University Press, 2009, pp. 121.

What is the Formula for Life and Good Health?

The formula for life and good health depends on a persons environment. Such factors as clean water, fresh air, nutritious and natural food, appropriate climate, and some other things that people consume daily make them healthy, active, and energetic. Also, it is essential to do some sports and to have a good night rests to make the body fit and strong.

What Does the Environment Have to Do with the Equation?

Usually, people travel to work, stay home, go on vacations, and so on. Therefore, a persons environment changes all the time. The equation is the amount of time spent at a particular place compared to another location that a certain individual has to deal with daily. The equation is intended to identify all regions that a person inhabits and regularly attends to evaluate these areas ecological factors.

Where Do You Spend the Majority of Your Time? What Have You Been Breathing in?

I spend most of my time in front of the computer at my house because I have to do all the assigned homework and work online. My house is situated on the outskirts of the city, which means that the air is fresh in this location. Also, I have been breathing some sea air. Unfortunately, I inhale exhaust gases that vent out of other peoples cars while driving.

Why Is It Important to Know Your Neighbors from a Health Standpoint?

Every person has to be aware of his or her neighbors lifestyles. Some people who live in neighborhoods might be using toxic chemicals in their gardens and leave their yards unclean. Although these factors do not seem to be very important, they make an adverse impact on other peoples environment. Unfortunately, some individuals pollute areas they inhabit and cause harm to their neighbors.

What Question Do Doctors Fail to Ask?

Usually, doctors do not ask their patients about their dwelling situations. Indeed, this is a tremendous issue that has to be considered by physicians to make accurate diagnoses. However, medical workers are not interested in their patients environments that play a significant role in human health.

What Can We Add to Our Medical Record to Help Assist Our Health?

We can add such points to our medical records as the quality of the water we consume, the freshness of the air we breathe, our diet information, and some other important things that influence our lifestyles. Every point mentioned above should be helpful for the doctors in our health assistance. Sometimes, it is essential to reduce particular environmental disadvantages to have a healthy body.

Why Does Geography Impact Our Health?

Geography influences our health because our environment makes us consume various products or utilities that are prevalent in particular areas. If some location is polluted, the local population might be obliged to drink dirty water, eat genetically modified foods, inhale toxic air, and so on. Therefore, the geography of our habitats has a major impact on our health.

What is Worrisome about the TRI in Your Area?

The TRI (Toxic Release Inventory Program) identifies the level of pollution in the territories of different states. Oregons total disposal or other releases amount to fifteen million and seven hundred thousand pounds of toxic gases. Comparing to other states, Oregon remains one of the cleanest regions in the entire country. The ocean winds take a significant part of toxic substances away from the land. All maritime states are less polluted than other territories in the middle of the USA.

Introduction

This paper presents a summary of land ethic as an approach to conserve the environment. According to Leopold, land ethic serves to change peoples perception of their relationship with biotic community from being conquerors to being plain member and citizens of it.

Leopold contends that land ethic hasnt been developed or achieved by the American environmentalists. If it is developed and embraced faster, success in conservation of the environment will be realized. He suggests that proper education based on the right content, that seek to create obligation on the part of the human community and the devaluation of the primacy given to economic determinism are the ultimate gate-passes to the realization of the land ethic.

The proposal can be used to develop land ethic that supports economic relations with the biosphere. In this case, a cognitive picture of land as a biotic mechanism is developed. There is also a need to adopt biotic pyramid image instead of the balance of nature view which according to him did not capture accurately the little we understand about the soil, waters, fauna and flora.

Leopolds view of humans and of biotic communities

According to Leopold, man is part of an interdependent community whose actions have ramifying effects on biotic community. He is contended with the fact that man is self-centered/selfish and is only motivated by economic gains. He adopts a pessimistic view of human being and regards them as being deficient of the requisite social conscience necessary for the formation of land ethic, and therefore man appropriates land on the basis of benefits to be accrued regardless of biotic community.

The result is a conflict of interest where human being strives to maximize economic gains while the biotic community fights to perpetuate their species albeit being on the losing end. The biotic community, Leopold asserts, is dependent upon interdependence with humans.

Leopold held that the biotic community is not passive in the perpetuation of the community life though he reckons that such biotic mechanisms were so intricate that their workings were never fully discernible. He believes that the biotic community was dependent upon the integrity of their human counterparts for continuance. None is more important than the other.

How to resolve the conflict

Education for conservation is recommended to solve conflict in the eco-system. Conservationists and government agencies concerned with conservation issues should design sound education that has content on conservation. The training will seek to create obligation on the part of the humans to love, respect, and admire the land.

Include conservation issues into the mainstream development e.g. in road construction. Environmental impact assessment needs to be done and findings respected and followed to the latter. Develop a system of conservation devoid of economic self interest in order to preserve those species that have no economic value.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Leopolds view

Strengths

Interdependence of parts seeks to create an awareness of how human community in the absence of biotic community is incomplete and therefore the need to coexist. Secondly, education should precede rules, while content should seek first to create obligation towards biotic community by capturing the need to revise the approach to education for conservation.

The idea that the government, private and corporate entities ought to partake in conservation measures is a strong point held by Leopold. Furthermore, Leopold does believe that obligations are meaningless in the absence of conscience.

He calls for the strengthening of conscience-building approaches based on intellect and emotions. A position that human history is pegged on environment (biotic) highlights the fact that the future is much a product of what we do now with our land.

Weaknesses

While painting a gloom picture of the present and the past, he succeeds in painting a deem future. This is a pessimistic view and is a strong de-motivating factor. The government should be in forefront in conservation issues but Leopold talks of it as having been overburdened.

Two fundamental claims of the American conservation movement

No land ethic yet He says that it has failed to create ideal sense of obligation on the part of the humans, since even though we proclaim our love for and obligation to the land, its surely not the soil, waters, plants nor animals that we cherish as we continue to plough down- slope leading to soil erosion and water pollution not to mention the wanton extermination of fauna and flora a due to our self-centered economic orientations.

It presupposes that land ethic shapes human orientation from conqueror to being member and part of the biotic community. Lack of this ethic has made it hard to move away from economic determinism.

Wrong approach and Lack of uniformity among the conservationists  the education content did not succeed in establishing that sense of obligation and respect for the biotic community. Also the various groups have divergent views as to what really constitutes the biotic community and therefore scattered policies. In trying to make the conservation subject simple, it has trivialized it.

Has American environmentalism moved in the direction Leopold advocated?

No. Leopold faults the conservationists for not being serious on rules they formulate. For example, the 1933 case where the offer was widely accepted but the practices were widely forgotten.

This shows the negligence and lack of seriousness on the part of conservationists as no follow-up was ever made to ensure full implementation. Also, he contends that much burden has been given to the government as private farmers fail to perform. And government contributes to extermination of some species in stead of protecting them.

Limited amounts of ultra violet radiation are essential to human beings. UV radiation assists in the making of vitamin D in the body, and in the treatment of various diseases like rickets and jaundice. However, prolonged exposures of ultra violet radiation are a threat to human health. The mostly affected areas of human body by the UV radiation are the skin, eyes and weakening of the immune system. The effects of excessive UV radiation may be acute or chronic (Attwood, 2000).

For instance, sunburns are categorized among the acute impacts, while skin cancer and cataracts are among the chronic effects. Other effects of UV radiation include premature aging of the skin due to adverse changes of skin cells and blood vessels. More than 70000 cases of skin cancer were reported in 2000, according to the research on skin cancer from UK. This research proofs that over 2500 people die from skin cancer annually.

The exposure to UV radiation may be either from natural or the artificial source. The natural source of ultra violet radiation is sun only, and is the common source. The artificial sources that may affect a person at work or at home include, radiation from medical therapy, tanning booth, and welding areas among others (Attwood, 2000). The sun emits different types of electromagnetic radiation among them, ultra violet A radiation, ultra violet B radiation, and ultra violet C radiation.

They vary in strength UVC having the weakest wavelength, thus its only UVA and UVB that reach the earth surface. Before these radiations reach the earth surface, the harmful ones are absorbed by the ozone layer. However, the radiations with high frequencies pass the ozone layer and impose their effects to the human skins. Ozone layer is considered to be essential to the human health.

Despite the fact that strong ultra violet radiation are emitted by both natural and artificial sources, people should not expose themselves carelessly. Some measures should be taken to reduce the degree of exposure to prevent risky consequences. To begin with, the public should limit their time in the midday sun (Attwood, 2000).

The strongest UV radiation from the sun is between 10 am and 4pm, and any person should avoid these rays. Secondly, the public should make use of UV index that is provided by the National Weather Service. The UV index would help one to understand sun safety practices.

Thirdly, while using shade to prevent UV rays, one should choose wisely, as not all of them offer complete protection. For instance, trees and umbrellas should not be used as a protection from UV rays.

Other protection measures include, making use of broad-spectrum sunscreens that can absorb more than 85% of both UVA and UVB rays from the sun (Attwood, 2000). This should be applied regularly approximately after every two hours.

All the exposed body parts like the back of the neck should be applied sunscreen liberally few minutes before exposure. After exposure, those areas should be applied after every two hours while doing other day activities. Lastly, the public should avoid sunlamps and sunbeds as they damage both the skin and the eyes by making the skin age.

As a health educator, I would ensure this educative information reach the public, so that they can take the corrective measures. Educating people in health centers when they come for medical services would be appropriate (Attwood, 2000). Visiting different social gatherings to pass this information would also be an option.

I would also visit several schools and give a speech on this topic to make students aware. Moreover, I would also make some hard copies containing this information and distribute them to the public to get this important message concerning their health.

Reference

Attwood, T.D. (2000). Soft X-Rays and Extreme Ultraviolet Radiation: Principles and

Applications. Manhattan: Cambridge University Press.

Noise refers to elevated sound levels that end up being unbearable and uncomfortable to all those in the vicinity of such noise sources. Examples of noise sources include nightclubs, airports, highways, industries, among others (Health, 2002). Noise pollution has various adverse health effects to humans and even animals with almost all of these effects being aggravated gradually.

Radon is a gas that is simply ignored most of the times and is imperceptible, odorless and tasteless. Cases have been reported of people living in a radon-infested residence for a lifetime minus noticing it. The gas is as a result of decomposition of uranium in the soil.

Health effects of noise

The most pronounced consequence of exposure to elevated noise levels is hearing loss. Such sound magnitudes form a basis for strain to the cochlea arrangement in the inner ear, and this leads to irreparable hearing loss. A highly loud noise in a given regularity range can harm the cochleas hair cells that act in response to that range consequently lowering the ears capability to take notice of such occurrences in times to come. Nevertheless, loud sounds in any given regularity range bears harmful consequences across the whole range of individual hearing.

Exposure to noise leads to cardiovascular complications. Studies show that arteries constrict and thus blood flow is affected negatively within the body. The effect of this is high blood pressure as a result of the heart being overworked. Irritation from the noise results in high adrenaline levels which lead to constriction of blood vessels (Health, 2002). Alongside cardiovascular complications come headaches, exhaustion and stomach sores.

Pregnancy complications are high in populaces exposed to elevated sounds. Most of the babies here are born with low birth-weights which are unhealthy. Fetuses are able to detect such noises and act in response to them by uncomfortable movements that result in premature births.

There are other effects like sleep interruption, immune system alteration, lowered sexual performance, premature ejaculation and trigger of unsociable conduct.

Nightclub noise control

One of the most effective ways of reducing noise from entertainment joints is to put up a second wall exterior that is detached from the original, which offers sound waves room in which to disintegrate instead of moving all the way through the wall.

Interior walls and ceilings of such establishments need to be treated to trap overload echoes. These need to be lined with foam panels.

Radiation and health risks of radon gas

Exposure to radon gas poses severe health complications and the most pronounced is as a result of the radiation resulting from it. Such radiation is of higher levels as compared to hospital x-rays. The radiation induces lung cancer and is the second highest causer of this form of cancer after smoking.

Corrective measures to reduce radon levels in homes

The first step that needs to be carried out is to test for the presence of this gas in a residential area. Once this gas has been detected then various methods can be employed to tone down its levels (Health, 2002).

Mitigation is the term used for this practice and soil suction can be used to draw the gas from underneath the house and expel it all the way through conduits.

House pressurization is another method and it involves employing a fan(s) to form pressure disparities which help bar radon from going into the house.

Cracks and other floor openings need to be sealed to restrict the gas flow into the house. This measure is complimentary to the others.

Conclusion

Prevention is usually the best measure to keeping at bay the health risks associated with noise pollution and exposure to radiation. The setting up of noisy establishments needs to take into consideration those living nearby and put in place appropriate measures to avoid harm (Health, 2002). Harmful radiation emitting materials need to be treated with care all the time with people not being allowed to settle in areas where they are mined or treated.

Reference List

Health. (2002). Web.

Introduction

Deep ecology serves as a philosophical approach to environmentalism, and it typically argues for equal rights for all the elements that make up an ecosystem. Deep ecology contradicts with the traditional approach to environmentalism in the sense that it opposes a human centered approach. It is worth noting that deep ecology has a connection with religious aspects such as Buddhism, the spirituality of the Native Americans and ultimately Christianity.

Religious affiliations argue that there is need to have deep interconnections that integrate all the fundamental beings of the ecological system and the need to enhance the spirituality of individuals (Halifax 60). This implies that environmental advocacy groups of the global age in the 21^st century are deploying ideologies such as the Earth First in attempt to maintain ecological sacredness.

This paper attempts to examine how the above ecological concepts play an important role in shaping new ideas that are relevant in influencing new approaches towards notions of the community, citizenship and spirituality during the 21^st century in facilitating the creation of an ecosystem that can sustain the human life.

Ecological literacy primarily refers to having an in depth knowledge on matters concerning the natural world and the ecosystem that sustain the life on earth. For one to be ecoliterate, one must be able to understand the principles and values that govern the organization of ecosystems, and effectively deploy those values in effort to establish communities that can sustain human life.

Ecoliteracy can be perceived as an important concept that plays a significant role in the establishment of strategies that are aimed at the solution of environmental problems (Halifax 65). Environmentalist argues that the survival of our ecosystem in future will depend significantly on Ecoliteracy.

This means that it is imperative for every individual from all the spheres of life to be ecoliterate so as to enhance their survival in the future, and most importantly, it should be integrated in the education levels at all education levels. In its broadest sense, ecological literacy incorporates the understanding of literacy if place, literacy ecology and the eco-linguistic (Emerson 59).

Presently, levels of industrialization and overpopulation are increasing, posing a threat to the earths survival. According to Jonathan Swift, this led to the concept of drawing a correlation between the ecology and literature; in what is commonly referred to as the green literacy (Macy 5).

The literature of the global age incorporates all the ecological concepts associated with the literacy of the ecology, ecological linguistics and the literacy of place.

These literatures of global age are all about summing up the ecological, political and spiritual issues and attempting to arrive at a solution to the environmental crises. It is a fact that we cannot know where we are without having knowledge of who we are.

This is the literacy of place. This improvement attempts to report the implications associated with the revolutionary thinking that links literary ecology, ecological linguistics and the literacy of place. This implies that an integration of the above represents civilization that is ecologically oriented.

Basing on aspects such as multiculturalism and multilateralism, the implications of adopting a shift associated with the ecology plays an important role towards the shifting of the bioregional factors that define the conditions necessary for both human and ecological existence (Emerson 45).

Romanticism serves to be reminiscent to humanity concerning the place of nature in consciousness and the limits that humanity has can be perceived as a natural subject.

It is therefore essential to view Romanticism as playing an important role in environmentalism and providing a framework for ecological concepts. Concepts such as green criticism draw a correlation to the Romanticism (Leopold 5). The green criticism uses the opportunity to culturally influence communities towards the use of identity in an effort directed at the preservation of ecology.

It is evident that the notion of romantic approach to ecology is subject to resistance and in most cases; it is viewed as ideology that is from an illusionist perspective. It is basing on this approach that limits the humanity from thinking ecology, while at the same time it helps in the reproduction of ecological literacy.

The Romanticism revolutionary approach to ecology derives its ideas from the notions of place and recognizes the modalities associated with the ecological humanism for global age. This represents a useful approach to defining the new literary in terms of community and citizenship, to some extent, it denotes correlation with the spirituality of the 21^st century.

In the recent times, especially during the 21^st century, awareness is only guaranteed in cases of spiritual groundings and the various communicating avenues. In order to save the natural world that is gradually crumbling, writers and environmental philosophers should employ the use of language and philosophical beliefs that can be understood easily in attempt towards the rethinking of what proper citizenship and spirituality of the 21^st century encompass (Slaughter 493).

During the process of establishing a discourse through which our notions of citizenship, spirituality and enhancing ecological awareness, it is essential to link the present ecology visions associated with environmentalism and practical democracy with the concepts that define what being sacred entails (Leopold 9).

This is imperative in defining the literacy of place through the use of terms such as bioregionalism and deep ecology, which in turn helps in the depiction of a pattern of interpretation and the consciousness that represents the relationship between an individual and an ecological place where the individual inhabits (Owen 26). The ecological place can be either local or universal, depending on the scope of the identity that it relates to.

It is also worth noting that it provides a relationship between the physical ecological space and what is deemed as being sacred. What is ultimately important is the cultivation of such like literacy of place that plays a significant role in forming a knowledge base through which the relationship between ecological literacy and identity can be established (Halifax 80).

With the knowledge base established, it is important to carry out an analysis of how the deeper structure of ecological linguistics play a role in shaping the new approaches towards the cultural and identity ecumenism associated with the global age of the 21^st century.

The best approach to look at this concept is through the evaluation of the effectiveness of the approaches in shaping the discourse in ecology identity. An international relations futurist, R.A Slaughter quotes, it has become clear that our ability to understand the world the world out there significantly depends on an underlying world of reference that is in here (Slaughter 493).

This is further supported by the fact that there is an increasing interest associated with the role that cultural aesthetics play and spirituality plays in influencing international relations (Leopold 5).

An analysis of the relationship between faith and religion in the current world that global minded depicts its relationship with citizenship as outlined in the above assertion. The most significant aspect of deep ecology is that human beings form part of the earth; this implies that they cannot be separated from it on the basis of relativity.

In order to facilitate the process of realization of the human being, an approach commonly referred to as re-earthing is deployed. This serves as a discourse for identity in the sense that its main objective is to promote an ecocentric approach to ecological preservation (Lopez 8).

The notion relies on the fact that we, as human beings have the responsibility to expand the self in order to help us identify with others such as fellow human beings, animals and other elements that make up the ecosystem. The underlying principle is that, the more we tend to develop the self, the more we get to identify ourselves. Warwick Fox supported the concept through what he referred to as the transpersonal psychology (Lopez 8).

In attempting to associate to the early Judeo-Christian spirituality, Norwegian environmental Philosopher, Arne Naess argues that the concept of arrogance that is fuelled mankind superiority is based on the idea that mankind exists to watch over other elements of the natural world. Human beings need to serve as the middlemen between the creation and the creator (Lopez 8).

Deep ecologists of the 21^st century echoed the sentiments that it is imperative for mankind to identify his place in the ecosystem, just like other elements of the ecological community because it plays a significant role in attempting to identify ourselves.

Deep ecology, just like the various spiritual platforms, advocate for equality of all the elements found in the ecological community, including mankind as opposed to the traditional environmentalism that focuses on human being superiority thereby hindering the process of self identification (Emerson 65).

Ecological literacy has a relationship wit the experiential theories of the Buddhist traditions. Joana Macy, who is currently an anti-nuclear activist in the United States, reported in his work that the significant impediments that most deep ecology activist face is related to emotions of despair and rage that have been left unresolved (Macy 5). This denial of such emotions significantly influenced the occurrence of apathy in the 21^st century.

Mankind may possess the highest intellectual levels on the ecological community, however, our culture and the criticisms to deep ecology makes mankind to be subservient to the emotions of despair and rage noted above (Macy 4). This in turn increases the anthropometric culture, thereby hindering the three basic elements of Ecoliteracy: literacy of place, literacy ecology and eco-linguistic concepts such as bioregionalism and multiculturalism (Snyder 13).

Deep ecology emphasizes on the development of the self. The realization and identification of the self with all the other elements of the ecological community plays an important role on the importance of the whole ecological unit, at the same time rejecting the supremacy of an independent being. The underlying principles behind deep ecology, especially Ecoliteracy bases on already existing theories that are governed by spirituality.

Diverse religious traditions are of the view that cultivating spirituality entails mankind immersion with the other elements of nature and removing the element of mankind superiority. Deep ecology bases its perspectives on the teachings of Gandhi and ideologies based on Buddhism. Spirituality frameworks such as Taoism and Hinduism tend to concur with the notions of the deep ecology, especially in areas the entails the elimination of mankind superiority in an ecological community (Snyder 15).

Deep ecology focuses on the exclusion of mankind in the interaction of the ecological community, this implies that the concept that it applies towards Ecoliteracy can be viewed as one that embraces the way mankind has to relate with the ecological community in order to cultivate mankind spirituality. Ethics proposed by modernist philosophers argue that rational individualism is essential for a moral discourse.

Deep ecology however focuses on the isolation of human beings from the interactions within the ecosystem so as to foster the process of self identity and realization of the place of mankind in the ecological set up (Snyder 10). Modern theorists argue that the essence of mankind lies in the non-rational elements such as feelings, values that are emotion based and virtues such as equality that are reason based (Emerson 70).

Works Cited

Emerson, Waldo Ralph. Nature and Language. The Literature Network, 5 March 2000 Web.18 February 2011

Leopold, Aldo. Thinking Like a Mountain . Web.

Lopez, Barry. Landscape And Narrative . (1984): 8. Print.

Macy, Joana. The Greening Of The Self. Nature (1990): 3-5. Print.

Owen, Louis. The American Indian Wilderness. Web.

Joan, Halifax. The Third Body: Buddhism, Shamanism, And Deep Ecology. In Simons, James. Ethics, Zen Buddhism and environmental. New York: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2004. 56-89. Print.

Slaughter, R. A. Beyond the Mundane: reconciling breadth and depth in futures inquiry. Futures 34.6 (2002): 493. Print.

Snyder, Gary. Cultured Or Crabbed. Nature (1990): 10-15. Print.

Biodiesel

This domestically formed fuel produces uncontaminated burning effect and thus a renewable alternative for the petroleum products. It mainly comes from vegetable oils and fats from animals (Dale, p 14). The effectiveness is measurable by the energy security, health or environmental protection, safety and performance of the engine.

Benefits of biodiesel

U.S. imports a surplus of 60% petroleum energy majority of which is gasoline and diesel for vehicles. The political volatility of the petroleum producers means that the source is insecure thus the high venerability to disruption of supplies (Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC), p 4). With domestically produced biodiesel as a substitute, the insecurity of supply becomes less.

During combustion, biodiesel does not emit hydrocarbons and other harmful products like carbon monoxide, greenhouse gases, sulphites and particulate like the mined petroleum products. Scientifically it reduces carbon dioxide emission by over 75%. The bio fuels improve engine performance by providing the lubricating effects, thus preventing the engine parts from wearing out (Dale, p 15).

Diesel fuels have reduced sulphur thus the low lubricating ability. Lastly, the non-toxic nature of biodiesel enhances user and environmental protection in cases of spills. It is also less combustible and therefore enhances more safety during handling, transportation and storage.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen is scientifically the most abundant and simple element of the earth. It emanates from the biomass, fossil fuels and ionized water. These are renewable sources, thus the probability of having non-pollutants and alternative for the imported petroleum products (Hordeski, p.2).

Benefits of Hydrogen

Its greenhouse and exhaust gas emission is almost zero and is a domestic product from natural sources such as wind, biomass, coal, solar, natural gas or nuclear energy. The fuel is thus safe for the environment and users due to none emission property especially when production is from low or none-toxicant sources such as nuclear energy, fossil fuels, solar or wind. The hydrogen fuel provides ways of utilizing the renewable energy sources.

Electricity

With the high number of electric or hybrid vehicles, there are high probabilities of use particularly for the short distance drives (Simon, p 74). Other alternatives are the fuel cells for converting hydrogen chemicals and storing electric energy production from the vehicles board.

Benefits of Electricity

The electric vehicles have no exhaust carbon emissions. The cost of electricity varies depending on the location, source and time of usage thus more reasonable than the petroleum products. There is also easy access due to generalized outlets from various locations including home.

Natural Gas

This is the naturally available burning fuel commonly compressed for household use (Hordeski, p.2). Its usage for vehicles would secure the fuel energy due to local production and improve environment and public health due to lack of substance emissions except water. It reduces dependency on foreign imports thus increasing security. Production of natural gas causes zero emissions as well.

Propane

Propane is liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for high levelled energy requirements such as in flights. The use of this source would increase fuel security and promote zero emissions due to clean burning or provision of high performance benefits.

Best alternative for the future

Hydrogen fuel is the most preferable future fuel because of its availability, high power efficiency especially for the fuel cell vehicles, as well as low intoxication to people and the environment. Beside vehicles, hydrogen fuels are also sources for stationary applications such as generators for electric production, thus a fuel for the entire economy. Hydrogen technologies will give U.S. benefits that are more economical.

According to Hordeski (p.2), hydrogen is better than electric fuel because production of electricity causes carbon emissions. As an alternative, propane production is more expensive and requires engine conversions to accommodate propane combustion.

Works Cited

Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC). Energy Efficiency &

Renewable Energy. U.S. Department of Energy, 5 April 2101. Web.

Dale, Bruce. Thinking clearly about bio fuels: ending the irrelevant net energy debate and developing better performance metrics for alternative fuels. 1(1), 14-17. September 2007. Print.

Hordeski, Michael. Alternative fuels: the future of hydrogen. Georgia, GA: Fairmont Press Inc. 2009. Print.

Simon, Christopher. Alternative energy: political, economic, and social feasibility.

Plymouth, U.K: ROWMAN & LITTLEFIELD Publishers, Inc. 2007. Print.

The DVD documentary, World in the Balance: The People Paradox, is a fifty-six-minute analysis of three regions of the world where different social and economic forces have played a pivotal role in generating severely different population profiles.

In India, the DVD reveals that women still give birth to an average of three to four children and they do not have control over their reproductive lives because it is a patriarchal society in which all the decisions concerning sexual reproductive health left for the men. The southern part of India has a birth rate of two children, which is different from the rest of the countrys higher birth rate.

The practice of arranged marriages, dowries, and burnings of women who do not give birth to sons has resulted in the subcontinents population explosion; as a result, it is likely to surpass China as the country with the most number of people in the world.

In Japan, the DVD reveals that there is a growing concern of the lower reproduction rates in the country, which is at 1.3 children per family. More females have become members of the Japanese corporate culture that has increased their role in society; consequently, they are unable to get the time to have children and care for them.

Besides, Japan is also faced with the problem of parasite singles. It is said that these individuals do not want to become Christmas cakes at the age of twenty-five.

In Japan, individuals, particularly the females, are required to look after their aging parents; as such, there is not enough time for the women to look after their children. The Japanese government is trying to solve this problem by giving women incentives to persuade them to give birth and avert possible future issues such as pension and productivity predicaments.

Lastly, in sub-Saharan Africa, the DVD exposes that that similar to India, the region still has a high birth rate. However, the AIDs pandemic has resulted in a knob style population pyramid, particularly in Kenya in which the disease has taken a heavy toll on adults between the age of twenty and sixty.

This has left the very old and the young to find their means of sustaining themselves. Further, in Kenya, where the birth rate is at four children per woman, there is an unmet need for family planning, and cases of adolescents getting pregnant and aborting their babies are increasing.

In my opinion, something has to be done to address the imbalance of the worlds population problems. About the DVD, individuals in more impoverished societies conduct themselves according to the familial requirements of their cultures while the individuals in the more affluent nations have other alternatives for achieving self-satisfaction, and this trend leaves those who are unable to have children to be considered as potential moral parasites.

I think that the future population of the richer countries in the world is threatened towards a dead end since the majority of their population is aged and the low reproduction rate in the states is well below the replacement rate.

Thus, more initiatives should be taken to address this looming problem. And, for the developing countries, such as India and Kenya, more initiatives should be adopted to lower their high birth rate such that the resources they have can be channeled effectively for meeting the demands of a reasonable population level.