The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill 2010 is described as the worst oil disaster to have ever happened in the history of the oil industry. Also known as the Macondo Blowout, the spill continued for approximately three months unabated. The root cause of the spill was a result of an explosion of the Deepwater Horizon that drilled the BP-Macondo prospect (Eagan, 2012). The explosion was caused by the mounting build-up of natural gas that had been forcing its way up the drill pipes for several weeks before the explosion. The BP oil company received enough threat predictions but disregarded every warning for a possible disaster. In this paper, the events surrounding the spillage in the gulf and its impacts on the environment will be discussed.
It is important first of all to note that oil spillage has varying impacts on the environment depending on a number of factors. These factors include the oil composition, its quantity, the dispersal technique, as well as its contact with the organism (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2010). More than half of the coastal wetlands in the lower 48 states of America are within the Gulf of Mexico coastal region. The spillage in the gulf posed a significant loss with regard to environmental effects. It caused immense destruction to aquatic world life habitats and significantly affected the luxurious tourism industry. The oil industry was fairly blamed for the spillage for lack of safety plans to avert an occurrence of such magnitude.
The spillage was caused by an explosion of high-pressure methane gas that expanded into the drilling riser from the well (Eagan, 2012). The gas was then released on the drilling rig where it burned into flames causing a big explosion. The casualty number was however relatively low as only 11 workers were unaccounted for. The conjecture is that they burnt in the flame. Luckily, the rescue teams were prompt in saving the workers using lifeboats while others were airlifted by helicopters for medical help (Eagan, 2012).
The disaster could not have spread so fast were it not for the southerly winds that greatly increased its speed. The oil spill covered approximately 580 square miles and the most vulnerable ecological sensitive area was only 50 km away. Chandeleur islands were closely threatened by the spill and a massive destruction of the ecosystem could have occurred. Five days later, the entire spillage approximation was at 3,850 square miles (Eagan, 2012). The extent of spillage as estimated by European Space Agency reached the loop current which flows clockwise around the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida joining the Gulf Stream along the east coast of the United States of America (U.S. Department of the Interior, 2010).
According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, (2010), the leakage was the largest to have ever happened amounting to a record 4.9 million barrels of oil. The final spillage estimate was about 53,000 barrels per day although the BP had provided a lower estimate to avoid a higher fine (Thompson, 2012). Many scientist involved in the investigations on the Mexican gulf spill still maintain that a lot of undetected oil was still under the water (U.S. Department of the Interior, 2010). There are a number of regions that were greatly affected by the spillage. The Louisiana coast was one of them as well as the Mississippi and Alabama islands. At the Pensacola beach, the oil spill was visible by 9th June (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2010).
In an effort to restore the Gulf of Mexico, BP used several clean-up methods with some failing. Spreading chemical dispersants was one of the few options available. This method nonetheless has significant side effects as a research found out through examining the health of cleanup workers (Eagan, 2012). The chemical substances found in dispersants increase the chances of the workers to get exposed to carcinogens.
Removing the oil from the water was another method used to clean up the gulf by the BP Company. This involved three approaches which included filtering offshore, burning the oil, and colleting for later processing (Thompson, 2012). Burning the oil method could not proceed owing to bad conditions that could have led to greater loss. The large-scale skimmers were disadvantaged by the Environmental Protection Agency decision not to use skimming for cleaning up the spillage.
The impacts of the spillage to humans were significant especially during the cleanup process where dispersants were used. Affecting the ecological system, survival balance was greatly compromised. The oil covered and caused the death of more than 8,332 species (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2010). Oceanic life support was greatly compromised by the spillage affecting commercial activities on the coastal regions. These impacts are long-term and will influence and have an impact on many generations to come. Nonetheless, the impacts of the spillage are more of ecological than of health concerns.
The oil spillage was a massive loss to the BP and the oil industry as a whole and the impacts on the entire economy will be felt across all other industries. Due to the loss incurred, it is expected that the prices of oil will escalate and hence influence the markets both local and internal players. These are, however, the short-term impacts. The long-term impacts will include climatic change due to the modified and damaged ecosystem.
References
Eagan, T. (2012). Odors Associated with Deepwater Horizon Gulf Oil Spill. Web.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Shorelines and Coastal Habitats in the Gulf of Mexico. (2010). Web.
Thompson, R. (2012). Sen. David Vitter takes aim at BP, Coast Guard over Gulf oil spill cleanup. Web.
U.S. Department of the Interior: BP Deepwater Horizon- After the Spill. (2010). Web.
Many benefits have been achieved after conservation and maintaining of the resources that attract tourists. Several strategies need to be incorporated in order to mitigate loss of natural resources. There should be collaboration between the various players like the natural resources department and the tourism sector who should also involve the community in their conservation efforts (Boyce and Pastor 3). When this is achieved many benefits to the community and the government at large are achieved.
Protection of river corridors
All participants involved should work in dialogue to establish the most economically profitable use of the river corridors. The strategy should encompass long term sustainability of the natural resources. According to Wenger and Fowler (2000 p. 5), preservation of naturally occurring vegetated corridors along the streams can act as a buffer to the streams by protecting them from degradation from nonpoint pollution while at the same time offering the reduction of impacts due to floods, providing benefits of recreation to the people and also giving the wildlife their habitat (Boyce, 270). The strategies established should aim at the following; strategies to ensure removal or trappings of sediments in the Medina river runoffs, there should be reduction of bank erosion along the Medina River. Measures against eutrophication of Medina River ecosystem should be enhanced through trapping and removal of phosphorus, any nitrogen or other nutrients which may cause this (Williams 160). The authorities involved should ensure all contaminants of the river are removed and their sources controlled. Finally, the community should work towards improving the aesthetic appearance of River Medina by controlling any activity that may lead to pollution.
Protection of hills
Mixed use planning strategy should be applied where the hills are used for different purposes. Vegetations are able to grow along the hills due to the cool climate. They also offer good climate by being a source of relief rainfall. The vegetation that surrounds hills offer habitat to wild animals and thus helps in their conservation. The mixed use planning strategies applied in protecting hills involve maintaining the vegetation cover on the hills (World Bank 20), which in turn ensures the soil remains compact therefore reduction of soil erosion which would otherwise cause gullies destroying the aesthetic quality of the hills. By so doing the hills grow vegetation which in turn offers home to world animals therefore remaining a tourist asset.
Protection of wooded areas
In conserving the wooded areas greenways strategy is employed which guides protection of natural systems. Forested areas regulate the local climate by acting as sinks for carbon dioxide which is a green house gas (Nolon et al. p.60). The greenways strategy ensures protection of wooded areas through prohibition of felling down of trees, control of human encroachment to forested areas which may lead to cutting of trees and vegetation, and establishing plans for regular planting of trees (Hoff p.10).
Protecting wildlife habitats
The wooded areas along the hills of Castroville offer the habitat for different species of wild animals that are found in this city. Medina River also provides an aquatic ecosystem where different species of aquatic animals find a home. The forests and vegetation should be conserved through afforestation strategies and reduction deforestation activities (Kojo 4). The aquatic ecosystem should be protected through strategies established to protect Medina River.
Incorporating a 100yr floodplain and aquifer recharge zone
The council of San Antonio has formulated an Act that offers provisions for the protection of watershed and aquifer recharge zone (SAWS para. 2-6). It aims at regulating some activities which may cause pollution to the aquifer since it is the source of water for San Antonio. It also allows for some reasonable levels of development to take place in the regulated area and empowers the San Antonio water system to enforce and administer the provisions of this Act. The protection of natural resources of Sao Antonio for tourist attraction should be based on the provisions of this Act. It should be used to provide guidelines on the management and protection of these important natural resources. The provisions of this plan are also used for prosecution against those who contravenes it. The management authorities should incorporate it in carrying out their duties.
Regional Park
The Regional Park is a habitat to many animals, species of birds and aquatic animals which together make the ecosystem. It provides a place for relaxation purposes and many people visit it to unwind. It also has recreational facilities like swimming and tennis playing. These activities have encouraged tourists to visit the city of San Antonio to enjoy what it offers. Greenways strategy should be employed which helps in conservation of such areas. The park should be enlarged to cover a bigger area. The land use around the park should be converted to belong to the park. Its enlargement will come with many benefits like enabling conservation and protection of the forested areas, Medina River and the wildlife found here. The existing land is limited in space and coverage hence does not encompass a larger part of Medina River or the woodland. Its expansion will ensure maximum benefits are reaped by the whole community.
Works Cited
Boyce, James and Pastor, Manuel. New Strategies for Poverty Reduction and Environmental Protection. 2010. Web.
Boyce, James. From Natural Resources to Natural Assets. A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy Volume 11. Issue 3 (2001): pp. 276-288.
Castroville Chamber of Commerce. Castroville Regional Park. 2010.
Hoff, Mary. Conserving Wooded areas in Developing Countries. Best Management Practices in Minnesota. 2010. Web.
Kojo, Amanor. Natural and Cultural Assets and Participatory Forest Management in West Africa. 2010. Web.
Menkes, Jerzy. International Status of the Natural EnvironmentA Challenge for Environment Protection in Poland. Polish Institute of Natural Affairs, 1991.
Nolon, John, Brooks, Hooper and Environmental Law Institute. Open Ground: Effective Local Strategies for Protecting Natural Resources. Environmental Law Institute, 2003.
The Yarnell Hill fire was one of the most horrific incidents in US firefighting history. This event took the lives of 19 hotshots members of a special group dedicated to combating wildfires. The fire was caused by the lightning strike and started Southwest of Prescott, Arizona, and seemed to gain speed quite rapidly (WildlandFireLLC). On the morning of the next day, the squad of hotshots was dispatched nearby to start clearing the area to divert and contain the spread of the flames (Weather Films). One of them was on the lookout away from the rest, tasked with monitoring the movements of the fire as a safety measure. Their team was not in the way of the fire at first, providing them with relative safety.
Things soon took a turn for the worst, as the wind shifted and the flames started rapidly making their way to the squads location. The decision to retreat was made, and the firefighters settled in the previously burned-out area that was considered a safe zone (Weather Films). The hotshots, presumably, decided to leave the safe zone in hopes of helping stop the flames from reaching inhabited territory, moving into a zone where they were unable to see how close they were to the fire (John Dougherty). Sadly, the situation worsened and their squad was surrounded, cutting off their escape path and giving them no opportunity to move forward (WildlandFireLLC). The fire department was unable to establish communication and discern their location, making the rescue efforts fruitless (Weather Films). All 19 hotshots have passed away.
This tragedy has had a devastating impact on both the families of the victims and the nation alike. As such, one can not overlook the major causes of this incident, as understanding them may help to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. Firstly, the rapidly rising temperature in Arizona made the land and its vegetation highly flammable, causing the fire in the first place (Weather Films). Another important factor was that the radio communication between the hotshots and the department was not functioning properly, making both aerial support and tracking of their whereabouts impossible (John Dougherty). Lastly, the biggest cause of this tragedy was a tactical oversight by the hotshots themselves. Leaving the safe zone and inserting themselves into dangerous territory with no ability to observe the spread of the fire was their fatal mistake.
The Virginia Coast Reserve (VCR) long-term ecological research (LTER) site was established in 1987, and is financed by the National Science Foundation. It is among the 26 LTER sites that were established in the United States to form the LTER sites network.
The type of ecosystem
The coastal ecosystem consists of mainland and barrier-island located in the Shore of Virginia, the eastern part. Features in the ecosystem are water, marine animals, and microbes, water bays, marshes and coastal plants. In this type of ecosystem living things inhabiting the islands, the lagoons and the mainland interact with the non-living things via the linkages of nutrients and energy. The non-living things include air, soil, water and sunlight. The landscapes at the site have been described as being very dynamic due to constant storms and waves.
Researchers involved
There are many researchers and graduate students who carry out long-term research at the Virginia Coast Reserve LTER site. The dynamic landscapes at the site require sophisticated research designs by experienced researchers. The researchers are well trained specialists in the areas of botany, zoology, geophysics, hydrology, marine science and natural resources. Research activities at the site are multidisciplinary. Thus, a research study will involve researchers from different fields who contribute towards its success. The lead researchers define the problem to study, and design research studies which are carried out with the assistance of graduate students. The current researchers at the site are Karen McGlathery (principal investigator), John Porter, Bruce Hayden, Arthur Schwarzschild, Jill Greiner (graduate student) and David Smith.
The types of research being done
Research activities at the site are conducted in phases. However, two or more research activities can be carried out simultaneously. The site focused on geophysical events on ecosystems near the coast from 1992 to 1997. Interactions between surfaces that are far from each other were studied from 1992 to 2000. Hypsometric research was conducted from 2000 to 2006. The influence of organisms and materials on the ecosystem balance was studied from the 2006 to 2012. The researchers carry out research on transformation and steady-condition features that make up the natural environment of the coastal site (Fenster and Bruce 979). Organisms studied include birds and marine invertebrates. The research activities revolve around understanding how changes in the natural phenomena would affect the ecosystem. For instance, how rise in sea-level would affect the niches of marine invertebrates. Through these research studies, the researchers are able to design strategies to maintain the ecosystem.
Area of interest
Among all the 26 LTER sites, I chose to study Virginia Coast Reserve LTER site. I wanted to understand the interaction between coastal living things and non-living things in their natural environment. In addition, I wanted to know how loss due to dynamic events at the coastal landscapes is compensated by nature. Furthermore, I wanted to know the types of livings things in a coastal ecosystem, and the researchers who would carry out long-term research in such ecological systems.
Description of ecological sampling techniques used
It is vital to design a research study with elaborate ecological sampling techniques. Results from such a study are objective and are relied upon. Researchers at the Virginia Coast Reserve LTER site use various methods of sampling, depending on the study design and the study goals. All sampling techniques rely on the use of a sample from a population. The use of a sample from a population saves on time, human resources, financial resources and equipment. A sample is a representative of the population. Thus, the results from a sample can be used to make general inferences on the population (Tschirhart 15).
Random, systematic and stratified sampling techniques are used to collect data by the researchers at Virginia Coast Reserve LTER site. Random sampling involves selecting subjects to be incorporated in research by chances. Random sampling is divided into random line sampling, random area sampling and random point sampling. In systematic sampling, samples are selected in a regular way. This technique is quite subjective and it is easy to manipulate the study samples.
The sampling technique is divided into systematic point sampling, systematic line sampling and systematic area sampling. Stratified sampling is used when the study population is composed of components of known size. This technique is flexible and is accommodated in many geographical locations. It is less subjective than the systematic sampling technique. It is divided into stratified random sampling and stratified systematic sampling techniques. Thus, it can either be used in random sampling or systematic sampling in ecological research studies.
Results and conclusions presented by the researchers
Virginia Coast Reserve LTER site researchers have attempted to understand various phenomena in the coastal ecosystem. As a result, they have published several papers in referred journals. In one of their studies, the researchers attempted to understand the importance of bottom dwellers in the lands near the coastal region. They concluded that when the rate of nutrient loading on the coastal lands is high, then the rate of erosion from the adjacent lands is also high. The nutrient loading was attributed to movements which moved matter downwards to the lowland coastal landscapes. The researchers also concluded that high rate of nutrient loading would be used to forecast, and possibly prevent, infertility in the lands near the coastal regions.
The Virginia Coastal Reserve LTER site scientists also studied the coastal landscapes to predict climate on the coastal regions. They studied plants in two dimensions. That is, how far they were from the shoreline and how high they were from the water surface. They analyzed the barrier components of the plants over time. They concluded that interactions among lagoons, plants and shorelines affect the weather and the climate, after many years. The researchers have also found out that the coastal landscapes are very dynamic. Through their rigorous study methods, they have concluded that the dynamism is due to the constant storms and winds experienced on the coastal landscapes (Fenster and Bruce 978). They also concluded that the dynamism makes the coastal ecosystems unstable because there are frequent disturbances.
In another study, the researchers at the Virginia Coastal Reserve LTER site conducted research on the significance of marshes on the habitats of organisms in the events of rising sea levels. Marshes are important in sieving nutrients into the sea and lake waters. They also provide habitat to thousands of organisms living in the coastal ecosystem. The researchers analyzed data from marshes, when the sea level was subjected to rise, and the number of living organisms observed. They concluded that if marshes are not able to elevate as the sea level rises, then so many organisms lose habitants and die.
Works Cited
Fenster, Michael S., and Bruce P. Hayden. Ecotone Displacement Trends on a Highly Dynamic Barrier Island: Hog Island, Virginia. Estuaries and Coasts 30.6 (2007): 978-988. Print.
Tschirhart, John. General Equilibrium of an Ecosystem. Journal of Theoretical Biology 203.1 (2000): 13-32. Print.
This CCP outlines the combined efforts of the several Maryland States, refuge neighbors, local partners, private landowners, Friends of Eastern Neck, and the local community to protect the habitat of endangered species present in the 2,286 acres Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. It intends to achieve so by attaining several measurable goals, which include: ensuring the protection and enhancing service trust resources, and endangered species together with their habitats in the Chesapeake Bay region. In addition, the CCP aims to facilitate the maintenance of a healthy and varied complex of native flora, and fauna to pass on to the future American generations. The final goal is to perform effective outreach activities to improve public knowledge on the refuge and refuge system, and implementing effective wildlife-dependent public use programs in the Chesapeake Bay region.
The refuge provides habitat to over 250 species of birds and many other mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Some of the highlighted species regarded as the refuges management priority comprise the North American fowl, U.S. shorebird, and tundra swans. According to Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan (2010), these three bird species form part of bird species given precedence in conservation concerns. The degree of priority is based on the evaluation scores from three primary bird conservation plans (the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan; the Partners in Flight North American Landbird Conservation Plan; and the North American Waterbird Conservation Plans and Initiatives Guiding the Project Birds of Conservation Concern 2008 Report (USFWS 2008) Conservation Plans and Initiatives Guiding the Project 1-18 Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan). For instance, the North American Waterfowl was initially addressed in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan of 1986 that was later modified in 2004. The plan describes a 15-year strategy for restoring and sustaining this bird species population through the preservation and restoration of their habitat. On the other hand, the conservation concerns regarding the U.S. shorebird population are addressed in the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan of 2000. The report outlines critical habitat and conservation needs and recommends public outreach programs that can increase awareness of these birds, including their threats. Lastly, a conservation plan for the Eastern population of Tundra Swans was formulated in 2007. Its main objective was to increase and sustain the status of Tundra Swan at 80,000 in the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways. This is achieved by providing essential staging and wintering habitat.
Based on the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan (2010), the overall three bird species status can be improved by protecting, restoring, and enhancing their natural habitats. However, in specific, the waterfowl population can be improved by preserving the tidal marsh and SAV beds by encouraging the public to employ cooperative farming in managing cropland. Moreover, people can engage in sustainable, best-management farming practices with an emphasis on organic farming to prevent chemical, sediment, and nutrient run-off into the lower Chester River basin. In contrast, the reduction in the population of tundra swans in the Chesapeake Bay region is attributed to the decline of SAV beds that led to a decrease in their preferred foods. Therefore, strategies to increase their population include those aiming to control the mute swans population and maintain the riparian lands surrounding SAV and clam beds. Furthermore, strategies to enhance the status of the shorebirds primarily revolve around moist soil management practices. These will promote invertebrate production, which are protein-rich food resources for the shorebirds.
Generally, the plan is feasible and reasonable; however, it is subject to a few development issues that might arise. For instance, the attainment of the CCP objectives might be slowed down by the fact that the refuge is not well known in the Kent County Area. Therefore, this might interfere with the performance of public outreach programs and increasing awareness of the service, refuge, and refuge system. Second, there are several cultural and historical resources found at the Eastern Neck Refuge. All of which are protected by the cultural and prehistoric Act. Therefore, the Service trust is required to balance between preserving the Federal trust resources, and wildlife trust responsibilities. Moreover, the major issue affecting the physical integrity of the island, and flora and fauna is shoreline erosion. The recovery and stabilization of the shoreline is centered on practicing effective land management practices, such as organic farming and crop rotation. It might prove to be challenging to raise awareness and convince inhabitants to change their farm management practices. Furthermore, shoreline erosion, coupled with the uncertainty of future climate change effects, makes it more difficult to ensure the creation of self-sustaining populations.
This CCP has three main goals, and they include ensuring the protection and enhancing service trust resources, and endangered species together with their habitats in the Chesapeake Bay region; maintaining a healthy and diverse complex of natural community types, constituting native flora and fauna to pass on to the future American generations; and conducting effective outreach activities to raise awareness of the refuge and refuge system, and implementing quality wildlife-dependent public use programs. Disregarding the potential issues, the CCP is likely to achieve its goals, and this is primarily because it encompasses the participation of multiple stakeholders with different backgrounds having shared interests.
Reference
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan. (2010). Web.
In recent years, the environment and nature are undergoing major changes, suffering from peoples indifference and abusiveness toward the Earth. In fact, flora and fauna are in great danger in many regions. Some animal species are threatened by extinction, the fish population is reducing every day, and even water level changes in rivers and other reservoirs, flooding crop fields and peoples houses. As the purpose of this paper is to understand the economic and ecological impact of habitat loss on Micronesias island, one should note what happened to the islanders lives and the land itself in the following paragraphs.
Main body
The video structure permits tracking the apparent aftermaths one by one. First, one speaker provides information about fishing and how it used to be fifteen years ago. His statement represents the pity concerning the fish population decrease in the sea. He mentions that you got 2-3 hundred pounds of fish because it is supposed to be in a tropical marine climate (Musburger, 2011). Second, the next person clarifies that previously the water was transparent and clean, whereas now it is red or brown, and there is a lot of mud washing out (Musburger, 2011). It means that the soil is eroded, it is not fecund anymore; consequently, the islanders will have to relocate to the mountains soon. Moreover, the whole island near Micronesia has drowned, so the area is tightening, and it is not profitable in any way.
As it was stated in the video, Red Book species, such as rare birds, corals, and plants are dying and may never be found anywhere else. It is a perfect example of a biodiversity hotspot since, in particular, it is the place where two criteria meet. The first necessary condition is containing over 1,500 endemic species of vascular plants, as they exist only there, and the second condition is having 30% of the remaining native vegetation.
In general, the main cause of losses is global warming, which consists of many factors. For instance, greenhouse gases concentration in the atmosphere is above the standard nowadays.
Moreover, industrial cities have factories and numerous cars, which are burning fossil fuels. Besides, deforestation and farming may lead to a lack of air, and humanity will have nothing to breathe and nothing to eat. As a result, it becomes clear that Micronesia is definitely one of the biodiversity hotspots that need to be preserved.
Next, it is essential to describe at least one of the native species under threat due to habitat loss. The Chuuk flying fox is a critically endangered mammal, and its atoll is located only 3-5 meters above sea level. Although Micronesians reportedly scorn The Chuuk flying fox as food because locals view them as common rats, a meat trade in this species is not popular. However, cats, rats, and mangrove monitors are dangerous for them, so, if they disappear, the life balance will be ruined.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to underline that the information from the video was thoroughly analyzed. Thus, when fish stocks are declining, beautiful corals lose their colors, and strange weather patterns persist in Micronesia more frequently than in the past, it means that one should bring attention to this issue. In order to prevent disastrous consequences, it is necessary to be aware of the changes main reasons that were stated above.
Reference
Musburger C. (2011). Micronesias changing climate [Film]. HD Under H20.
Climate change is an adverse long-term environmental change that impacts all the living organisms on our planet. According to CBS News (2019), a U.N. report presents how the effects of climate change increase and become even more inevitable. Extreme weather conditions and impacts on the Earths oceans and icy regions are some of the main consequences of global warming (MacKinnon & Fiala, 2018). The problem is widely discussed; however, some individuals still do not quite admit it.
Upon watching the U.N. report, I realized that I am concerned with the worlds future, and I am willing to contribute to the changes needed to avert the dreadful outcomes. I tend to buy products made out of recyclable materials or at least containing as little plastic as possible. Besides, I try to reduce water waste, save electricity, and plan my meals to avoid overstuffing my fridge. I feel scared when I think about the consequences for the world that peoples unawareness can cause. Denial and indifference are the main reasons for peoples ignorance and lack of attention to the issue. Moreover, selfishness and the value of ones own comfort are most likely to prevent the needed changes in our way of living. In contrast, the principles of sustainable development applied by businesses and governments can help avert the climate crisiss effects.
Another contemporary issue to discuss is the moral concern for animals. According to Gruen (2017), speciesism is a term coined by Richard Ryder and indicating that only humans are morally considered. Richard Ryder views such a phenomenon as a type of racism and objects harming other species by the human race. However, specialists hold different views on the issue of animals rights for ethical consideration. For instance, Carl Cohen argues that only species that are autonomous in their capacity to comprehend the moral status should maintain rights (Ebert, 2016). As for me, I agree with Ryders idea of human bias. At the same time, Cohens view of the moral consideration of animals does not resonate with me since I believe in humans responsibility for their actions as their advanced cognitive abilities enable them to make the right moral decisions.
A fire that occurred on the night of February 20, 2003, has been deemed the worst fire tragedy of the 2000s. The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, hosted a band, which used unapproved pyrotechnics during the performance. As a result, the pyrotechnics ignited the sound-proofing polyurethane lining the walls and ceiling of the club. Egress from the nightclub was slowed by crowds trying to escape through the main entrance. One hundred people died in the fire, and over fifty people were seriously injured and required hospitalization. The report evaluates the technical causes of the fire and its effects on live performances. The paper also provides recommendations regarding the structural requirements of nightclubs. Additionally, it examines the development of the regulatory framework and legal codes as a result of The Station nightclub fire.
Introduction
The Station nightclub fire remains one of the deadliest incidents of the 2000s. On February 20, 2003, the Great White band was in attendance and preparing to start their performance, which usually included pyrotechnic devices (Madrzykowski et al., 2006). A few seconds before the show was set to begin, the pyrotechnics ignited polyurethane that lined the clubs walls and ceiling (Grosshandler et al., 2005). The fire spread quickly, with smoke being visible from the exit doors and flames breaking through the roof in mere minutes (Madrzykowski et al., 2006). As a result, one hundred people lost their lives, and many more were injured (Grosshandler et al., 2005). On February 27, 2003, an investigatory team of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) engineers was deployed identify the technical causes of the fire, collect the necessary data from the local government, and evaluate the legal framework regarding the structural building of nightclubs (Grosshandler et al., 2005). The report on the incident, produced by NIST, will serve as the primary source for the paper. Additionally, the paper is going to analyze the changes that had occurred in the legal codes relative to the fire incidents in clubs.
Background Information: Description of the Building
In order to establish the causes of the fire and move further with the analysis of possible recommendations and subsequent legal changes, background information on the operations of The Station club has to be assessed. Since the club changed its ownership multiple times, it had undergone multiple remodels and renovations (Grosshandler et al., 2005). The main part of the nightclub was originally built in 1946 as a single-story wooden structure, which accelerated the rate of the fire spread (Grosshandler et al., 2005). The main entrance of the club was located on the northern side of the building, with many of the other emergency exits masked as the secret entry for VIP guests and performers (Harrington et al., 2005). The third door was located on the eastern side of the building, and the fourth one was fitted in the kitchen area (Harrington et al., 2005). There was no fire-resistant barrier between the layer polyurethane and the clubs interior (Grosshandler et al., 2005). As a result, the fire quickly caught the wooden frames and consumed the nightclubs ceiling and dance floor. According to Grosshandler et al. from the NIST, the wood paneling in the nightclub was estimated to contain over 95 percent of the fuel load (2005, p. 18). Therefore, the absence of a fire-resistant barrier led to the fire, while the wooden structure of the building aggravated the consumption.
Fire Protection Systems
It would be logical to assume that a public venue that could hold up to four hundred people had fire sprinklers installed. However, the 2003 editions of the fire codes did not require a structure such as The Station nightclub to install sprinklers (Grosshandler et al., 2005). Various experiments conducted by the NIST team demonstrated the effectiveness of automatic fire sprinklers (Grosshandler et al., 2005). Computer simulations also showed that sprinklers would be able to control the fire initiated by the ignition of polyurethane in the club (Madrzykowski et al., 2006). A heat detection system at The Station nightclub was ineffective since the alarm went off forty-one seconds after the ignition, by which time people had already started moving towards the exits (Grosshandler et al., 2005). It is important to acknowledge that after the incident, fire codes underwent significant changes in order to minimize the risk of something similar to The Station nightclub fire happening elsewhere.
Timeline of the Incident
It was crucial for the NIST to establish the timeline of the incidents in order to move forward with the investigation and propose recommendations. At 11:08 pm, first flames appeared on the upper wall, left of the stage (Grosshandler et al., 2005). According to Grosshandler et al., thirty seconds after the ignition, the band stopped playing, and people started to evacuate (2005). At 11:09 pm, three emergency calls to the 911 were reported (Grosshandler et al., 2005). Fire department rushed to the scene at 11:13 pm, and the media received its first response from the Fire Department chief at 11:22 pm (Grosshandler et al., 2005). The report concludes that the rescue mission ended at 1:06 am after all the casualties were transferred to local hospitals (Grosshandler et al., 2005). Even though the club patrons noticed the ignition seconds after it happened, the absence of emergency exit windows and automatic sprinklers disrupted the process of swift evacuation.
Changes in Structural Requirements after the Fire
The magnitude of The Station nightclub fire required government official and non-governmental agencies to produce a swift response. As a result, various legal institutions generated temporary and permanent guidelines regarding the fire emergency measures required for entertainment venues (Harrington et al., 2005). The National Fire Protection Association created a set of regulatory amendments to address the safety concerns raised by the public (Harrington et al., 2005). The amendments included sections dealing with the installation of sprinklers, occupancy levels, and emergency means of egress. Based on various recommendations provided by the NIST engineers, certain fire code changes had been implemented.
Recommendations Proposed by the NIST Taskforce
The NIST team of engineers held an investigation, which resulted in a set of recommendations regarding the clubs model building and the improvement of fire codes. According to the report, authorities had to strengthen the requirements for the installation of fire sprinklers and increase the factor of safety on the time for occupants to egress (Grosshandler et al., 2005, p. 3). The NIST advised the local authorities to implement new model codes that would require all the nightclubs to install automatic sprinkler systems, regardless of the venues size or visitor capacity (Grosshandler et al., 2005). The report further limited the use of pyrotechnics in the places of public assembly and proposed to tighten the restriction on the use of flexible polyurethane foam (Grosshandler et al., 2005, p. 3). It also provided guidance to fire safety inspectors by recommending them to keep records of building permits and means of egress (Grosshandler et al., 2005). Furthermore, the NIST taskforce acknowledged that there was a strong need for additional research that would help to underpin the changes recommended by the investigatory team.
Comprehensive Fire Safety Act of 2003
Following the recommendations provided in the NIST report, a new set of legal regulations needed to be addressed. The Comprehensive Fire Safety Act of 2003 established the primary fire emergency precautions (Harrington et al., 2005). It eliminated the umbrella clause by requiring all entertainment venues to use up-to-date fire codes. The Act regulated the use of pyrotechnics in nightclubs and mandated the use of appropriate heat detectors and sprinklers (Harrington et al., 2005). Additionally, the Comprehensive Act gave fire marshals legal powers to make inspections during the nightclubs operating hours (Harrington et al., 2005). It also established a concise planning framework that would identify the authorities weaknesses in their approach to fire safety regulation.
Conclusion
The Station nightclub fire resulted in many deaths and led to numerous policy changes regarding fire safety in crowded entertainment venues. The technical causes of the pyrotechnic ignition, including the lack of fire-resistant barrier on the walls and ceiling, as well as the absence of automatic sprinklers, could have been averted. The investigation conducted by the NIST taskforce resulted in a set of practical recommendations to nightclub owners, legal authorities, and fire departments. The Station nightclub fire served as a tragic example of the owners negligence and the authorities inability to predict the possibility of such an incident happening.
References
Grosshandler, W.L., Bryner, N., and Madrzykowski, D. (2005). Report of the technical investigation of The Station nightclub fire. National Institute of Standards and Technology. Web.
Harrington, D. T., Biffl, W. L., & Cioffi, W. G. (2005). The Station nightclub fire. Journal of Burn Care & Research, 26(2), 141-143,
Madrzykowski, D., Bryner, N., & Kerber, S. I. (2006). The NIST Station nightclub fire investigation: Physical simulation of the fire. Fire Protection Engineering. Web.
The given report is devoted to the analysis of the mobile phone market in the UK using the case of Eco-Fone. The increased importance of this technology and its availability to clients result in the growing sales and increase in the number of users every year (Good Morning Britain, 2015). For this reason, the report evaluates peculiarities of Eco-Fone such as customers satisfaction, demand, and their satisfaction levels. At the same time, this investigation is supported by the overview of the whole segment to outline perspectives for future evolution and growth, which is vital for the selected company.
Analysis of Issues for Eco-Fone Smartphones
An Overview of the Mobile phone market in the UK
The mobile phone market in the UK experiences a significant growth at the moment due to the increased availability and affordability of the technology. There are about 32 million people who are in work and who can be considered the target audience for companies operating in the given sector (Deloitte, 2017). Mobile phones are employed by this cohort as a useful tool that can help to accomplish some tasks or simplify some work-related activities. For this reason, there are multiple opportunities for the generation of stable revenue.
The chart below demonstrates that four main activities that are usually associated with the use of smartphone in the workplace.
Figure 1. Smartphone use (Deloitte, 2017).
In the majority of cases, clients use their phones for reading their emails (41% and 37% in 2016 and 2017 correspondingly) (Deloitte, 2017). The next popular activity presupposes making standard calls associated with the work or clients duties (33% and 32%). In 2016, a significant number of individuals used their smartphones for viewing documents; however, in 2017 this tendency decreased as 0% of respondents reported about this way of using their phones (Deloitte, 2017). Finally, these devices remained an effective time management tool as 8% in 2016 and 6% in 2017 of individuals used them with this purpose (Deloitte, 2017).
Companies should also keep in mind the fact that 44% in 2016 and 50% in 2017 customers use smartphones for other work-related activities, which means that there are opportunities for expansion and covering these areas by introducing new models or services to the target audience (Deloitte, 2017).
Forecasting the UK Adult Smartphone use
The smartphone market in the UK is characterised by the stable growth that is preconditioned by multiple opportunities associated with the utilisation of the given technology. Figure 2 demonstrates a significant increase in the number of adult people who use phones in their daily life.
The given chart proves that more and more individuals accept this technology and start to use to perform various activities. To forecast the future use of smartphones in the UK market, it is recommended to use the exponential model as the linear model will not suffice. It is explained by the absence of the succession and irregular alterations in data related to the topic. In such a way, using the exponential model (see Appendix Figure 6), the following forecasting about 2018 and 2019 can be acquired:
Figure 3. Smartphone penetration 2012-2019.
In such a way, it is expected that in 2018 and 2019, 89% and 93% of individuals will have smartphones, and this fact introduces multiple opportunities for companies.
Smartphones A potential market for older customers
Another significant factor that should be considered by Eco-Fone is the tendency towards the increase in the number of older customers who start using smartphones. The recent investigation of the market shows that 71% of individuals aged 55 and older own a headset (Kelion, 2017). Additionally, this very group demonstrates a high speed of the technologys adoption which transforms it into an attractive cohort that might help companies operating in the market of mobile phones to increase their revenue (Anderson and Perrin, 2017). In such a way, representatives of the older generation accept the current trends related to digitalisation and buy smartphones that might increase their comfort levels.
Investigations also admit the fact that people from 55 to 75 usually have high wealth levels, which makes them attractive for producers as they might afford premium headsets or other services offered by companies (Kelion, 2017). However, there is also another way of being involved in using phones presupposing that children give their old models to older parents (Mellor, 2020). Both these ways are effective in popularising these devices and facilitating the further rise of the given industry.
Finally, in some cases, older customers are forced to buy smartphones as they are an integral part of the modern world and some activities can be performed only using this technology (Yu et al., 2018). Nevertheless, market research shows that older customers become active users and contribute to the evolution of the given sphere (Kelion, 2017). From another hand, they attract the attention of companies that might consider them their target audience (ODea, 2020).
Feasibility of Expanding business to Kingston using Pros and Cons table
Should we expand our business to Kingston?
Pros
Score/10
Cons
Score/10
New clients
10
Costs of expansion
10
Opportunities for growth
8
Unknown environment
5
New departments
6
Rivalry
5
Improved brand image
8
Clients resistance
7
Additional income
10
Need for promotion
7
Growth of the business
8
Risks of failure
10
Buyers with high income
10
Reputational loss
5
Total Pros
60
Total Cons
49
Average Pros
8.57
Average Cons
7
Figure 4. Pros and cons.
The decision to expand and enter new markets is an important strategical step that can help the company to evolve and improve its position. At the same time, it also has multiple risks that should be considered when moving forward and trying to operate in new environments. For Eco-Fone the application of the pros and cons method helps to conclude about the possible business expansion to Kingston. The list of advantages includes such important aspects as the acquisition of new clients, better opportunities for growth, new departments, enhancement of the brand image, stable and high income acquired because of the demographics of the area, and overall improvement of the companys work. The total pros count 60, with an average of 8.57.
At the same time, there are multiple risks such as rivalry, unfamiliar environment, the resistance of clients and high cost of additional promotion and expansion, along with the risk of failure. Altogether, the total cons count 49, with an average of 7. It means that the comparison method shows that Eco-Fone should accept the strategic decision to expand to Kingston as it might introduce multiple opportunities for the future growth and empowerment of the company in the given market segment.
Costs of a New Building
Cost of a new building might be a significant factor limiting Eco-Fone opportunities for further growth. Considering that the price for the building constitutes £350,000, and the terms of 15-year repayment mortgage presuppose 7% rate, the company will have to pay £3 145,90 every month to return the full sum by the end of the period (see Figure 7 in Appendix). The given cost can be considered appropriate and affordable as far as the firm operates in the highly attractive market and counts for the broadening of its target audience and generation of additional revenue by entering new markets.
At the moment, there are some commercial mortgage loan lenders in the UK, such as THINK Business Loans Commercial Mortgages. The following graph of repayments is offered:
Figure 5. Repayments.
The conditions offered by this lender will presuppose the amount of payment mentioned above, with the total loan amount and total interest payable £566261.81 and £216261.81 correspondingly.
Testing the Possible Difference in Net Takings in the Two Shops
The company that is concerned with the determination of its net taking should also take into account the fact that the standard deviation should be lower because it will contribute to the emergence of profitable and beneficial situations.
Thus, standard deviation represents the current and relevant difference between mean and desired outcome (Bruce and Bruce, 2017). It also means that the increased variance between these two types of deviations might influence the validity of strategies accepted by the frim and their reliability. For this reason, it is critical to implement measures that will help to minimise gaps between actual and standard outcomes (Bruce and Bruce, 2017). Otherwise, the standard deviation outcome will continue to grow, which is not acceptable regarding the profitability and market value of a brand.
Eco-Fone proposes phones and other goods on discounted rates in two compared retail shows with the profitability mean 100 and 90 appropriately. However, the sample size, 40 on net daily takings, remains the same with the standard deviation determined as 20 and 40. For this reason, a comparison of these two units shows that one shop managed to acquire higher profitability levels as against another one. With the increase in the sample size and mean, validity will decrease, but in the first case, with sample size 40 and mean 100, the variation will be better because of the low validity. Two compared shops do not have similar net takings or net profitability. It means that there is a significant difference in net takings of the compared units that come from the presented data.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is a critical factor impacting the functioning of companies as it preconditions the high demand on their products and the image of the brand (Kotler and Keller, 2015). For Eco-Fone, data from the survey (see Figure 7 in Appendix) indicates the current trends in clients attitudes to products.
For question 1, the average meaning is 2.9, or 3. It means that the majority of respondents purchased the product or service between 3 or 6 months. It shows that they are mainly satisfied with items and are ready to buy it.
For question 2, the average meaning is also close to 3. It shows that the average term of the phones use is from 1 to 3 years, which indicates comparatively high devotion level and overall satisfaction with services and functions that are provided with the device.
For question 3a, the most common answer is 2. It states for the fair quality of customer service.
For 3b, the average value is 2.5, which also demonstrates the fair quality of products
For 3c, the meaning is 3, or the majority of clients describe sales staff as good.
For 3d, the value is 2.5, which means that the combination price/value is considered by clients as fair.
In general, this domain needs improvement as such characteristics as fair is not sufficient enough to guarantee the further evolution of the brand.
Question 4 scores 2.5, which means that the majority of customers are dissatisfied with the company, which is a threatening sign for Eco-Fone.
For question 5, the average meaning is 2.5, meaning that clients will unlikely to continue using the firms products.
Finally, from question 6, (averageg3.7) it comes that clients will likely to recommend products of the company to others.
Quality Procedures
Quality improvement another critical process that predetermines the functioning of the company and its outcomes (Besterfield, 2012). For this reason, for Eco-Fone, it is essential to monitor the quality of its services, including invoices. At the moment, it sends about 10,000 invoices every month with an average of two returned. However, in accordance with quality assurance procedures, it is vital to guarantee that the probability of invoices return should be less than fifteen per cent. Under these conditions, the use of Poisson distribution becomes justified. The given approach is used to predict the number of events over a specific period of time, which can be applied to the case with invoices and their returns.
In such a way, the given function can be applied to the case to calculate potential problems that might emerge in the future and probability of the invoices return. Now, with two returned invoices per month, the company might face significant problems in the future. The ability of the company to achieve the desired goal can be calculated using the Poisson formula, where µ=2, as averagely 2 are returned every month, and x=3, since there is the need to determine the likelihood that only 3 invoices will be returned during the period:
P(x; ¼) = (e-¼) (¼x) / x! (Bruce and Bruce, 2017)
P(3; 2) = (2.71828-2) (23) / 3!
P(3; 2) = (0.13534) (8) / 6
P(3; 2) = 0.180
(e is a constant 2.71828)
The probability that 3 invoices will be returned is 18%, which is too high.
Conclusions & Important Findings
Altogether, the given report presents the current state of the UK mobile phones market and the peculiarities of Eco-Fone company that operates in the given segment. From the paper, one can see the tendency towards the increase in the number of smartphone users. Forecast made in terms of the work shows that more than 90% will own this device in the future, which offers multiple opportunities for manufacturers and distributors. Additionally, older people start to employ smartphones in their daily activities, which makes them a potentially attractive target audience.
As for the Eco-Fone company, it has some strengths and weaknesses. First, it can expand to other regions such as Kingston to broaden its target audience and affect new areas. Additionally, they can benefit from the growth of the potential market due to the involvement of older adults. At the same time, customer satisfaction levels remain high as the majority of clients evaluate services as fair, and will unlikely to continue using the firms products. For this reason, there is a critical need for sufficient quality improvement and change management that will provide new clients with new services and products that will be able to meet their requirements.
Plastic is an extremely popular synthetic material that is used in many spheres of life. It has numerous benefits that compel manufacturers to produce it in large quantities. However, mass production creates waste that not only pollutes the environment but also jeopardizes human health. Ascertaining the reasons for the dangers of plastics is essential in understanding its effect on public health and finding solutions to this environmental issue.
Possible Causes
Due to the high applicability of plastics, their production grew exponentially in the second half of the 20th century. Businesses prefer plastics to other materials since it is cheaper, more durable, and light in weight. However, large-scale production leads to waste that is disposed of in oceans (Van Rensburg et al. 102132). The ensuing implication is damaging to both environment and animals. For instance, in Ethiopia and Nigeria numerous cattle, sheep, and goats have plastic in their stomachs and there are increasing cases of terrestrial birds dying from plastic waste ingestion (Willis et al. 243). As plastic production increases, the detrimental effect on the environment multiplies.
Potential Harmful Effects on Humans
The excess of plastic waste intoxicates air, which manifests itself in damage to lung tissue. Plastics contains various types of toxic components as an additive, such as di-(2-Ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), bisphenol A (BPA), polyhalogenated compounds, and heavy metals which pose a potential health risk to the humans (Ilyas et al. 384). Exposure to plastic air does not immediately impair breathing, but rather accumulates over time, causing long-term health problems.
Plastics can also have an indirect impact on human health to the point that it is not clear that plastics are the cause. The ocean is a common location for plastic waste disposal. Marine species do not discriminate between healthy and harmful substances; therefore, they proceed to ingest plastic. A study has been conducted that explores the transition of toxins from fish to the human gastrointestinal tract (Koelmans et al. 11514). Fish is a common meal worldwide, thus implying that the repercussions of marine product consumption relate to large quantities of people.
Overcoming the Problem
The awareness of the adverse effects of plastics on the environment and public health is on the rise. Many environmental activists believe that in order to reduce plastic waste, it is necessary to change consumer behavior. For instance, campaigns Do the Right Thing and Neat Stress encourage people to rely less on products made of plastic (Willis et al. 243). Similarly, populations living near oceans and seas are incentivized to participate in beach cleaning activities that help people feel responsible for environmental safety.
Another venue to combat the consequences of extensive plastic use is to limit its production legally. Countries with green policies continuously attempt to adopt waste management policies. The United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and Great Britain correct their legislations, effectively placing a ban on the production of plastics in some products intended for consumer use, while Germany prohibited the use of plastic bags (Willis et al. 244). If more countries adopt environment-friendly policies, there will be less plastic waste to deal with in the future.
Conclusion
Plastic has a large presence in everyday life and will most likely be a prevalent issue in the years to come. The implications of its production, use, and disposal complicate environmental safety as well as public health. The solutions to the problem include restrictions in production and influencing consumer behavior. Raising social awareness of the threat that plastic use presents is critical in mitigating this issue.
Works Cited
Koelmans, Albert A., et al. Risks of Plastic Debris: Unravelling Fact, Opinion, Perception, and Belief. Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 51, no. 20, 2017, pp. 11513-11519.
Van Rensburg, Melissa L., et al. The Plastic Waste Era; Social Perceptions Towards Single-Use Plastic Consumption and Impacts on the Marine Environment in Durban, South Africa. Applied Geography, vol. 114, 2020, p. 102132.
Ilyas, Muhammad, et al. Plastic Waste as a Significant Threat to Environmenta Systematic Literature Review. Reviews on Environmental Health, vol. 33, no. 4, 2018, pp. 383-406.
Willis, Kathryn, et al. How Successful are Waste Abatement Campaigns and Government Policies at Reducing Plastic Waste into the Marine Environment?. Marine Policy, vol. 96, 2018, pp. 243-249.
