Category: Environment

In his essay Driving Global Warming, Bill McKibben wants to illustrate the effect of non-fuel efficient cars on the environment. McKibben chooses the most popular class of cars in the US, the sports utility vehicle (SUV) and provides an argument to illustrate his point (McKibben 1).

In the introduction, Bill briefly explains how people of a certain class have over the years considered it normal to form membership clubs that essentially lock out people who do not belong to the social class (McKibben 1). He then goes ahead to introduce the sports utility vehicle and details how most people in America consider it normal to drive a SUV even though the cars were not designed for home-to-office-and-back operations (McKibben 1).

In the third paragraph, McKibben provides the findings of the international panel on climate change detailing that if burning of fossil fuels is not cut down, the end of the century might see temperatures rise by up to 11 degrees. He then proceeds to explain how the SUV links into the negative effects of global warming. He supposes that if one were to shift from a SUV to a normal car for a period of one year, the energy saved would be enough to keep a bathroom light on for three decades. (McKibben 1). Other evidence that supports McKibbens argument includes the fact that Americans now produce 12 percent more carbon dioxide than the time when Bill Clinton took office.

McKibben also illustrates how the excuse most people use that SUVs are safer is just that, an excuse (McKibben 1). He claims that in a head on collision, a SUV is more likely to cause more injury to the driver of the other car and at the same time cause more grievous harm to the passengers on board. He deduces that most people buy the huge SUVs because other people are driving them hence the class issue.

McKibbens argument is generally from a moral and religious standpoint because he goes on to reference quotes from the Bible. He actually admits that his call on Americans to give up their SUVs is on moral grounds as it is not right for the rest of the world to suffer on account of Americas indulgences (McKibben 1). He that there are other aspects of American society that contribute to environmental destruction but the most notable is the use of oversize cars.

From McKibbens argument the emotional appeal appears to dominate over the rational appeal. This is particularly presented by the fact that he tries to involve personal religious beliefs and includes these as the basis of his call on people to give up their SUVs for smaller cars (McKibben 1).

At some point readers are able to see the rationale in his argument especially when he cites conclusions arrived at by the International panel on climate change. His illustration that the amount of energy individuals would save in one year when they shift to smaller cars could power a bathroom light for three decades is based on professional findings and this makes his opinion rational up to this point.

By citing the flood situation in Bangladesh in 1998, McKibben tries to win the sympathy of the reader. In the same argument he quotes a verse from the Bible and tries to customize it to suite the topic, I was naked and you did not clothe me. I was hungry and you drowned me with your Ford Explorer. In this way, McKibben ends up turning a rational argument into an emotional one.

The fact that McKibben quotes the New York times in the suggestion that SUVs cause are likely to cause more injury to the other driver than smaller cars, gives his argument some rational credibility. However in the succeeding paragraphs Mckibben goes back to invoking religious sentiments giving his article a generally emotional perspective.

John Braggs The American Dream opposes McKibbens argument that SUVs contribute more to environmental destruction than other cars. He breaks down the history that saw the rise of the SUV. He sees the popularity of SUVs as Americans rebellion against the government forcing citizens into small cars (Bragg 1).

Bragg explains that bigger cars offer the passengers more safety than smaller cars. He uses the analogy that fathers want their children to drive big cars when they are of age as opposed to small sports cars on the premise of safety (Bragg 1).

He also describes the SUV as America using the best available technology to better her peoples lives. In supporting this argument, Bragg argues that it is mans ability to adapt to the environment and bring about changes to make his life comfortable that sets him apart from other animals.

Finally, Bragg argues that the SUVs should be retained on account of the fact that cars are Americas symbol of independence and freedom (Bragg 1). He describes the car as a meaningful property because it has a price, it has economic utility, it has a limited lifespan, there are operating costs, and it must be used with respect for others or there will be consequences. He sees cars as the symbol that makes America the envy of other countries in the world.

Braggs argument is almost entirely emotional. He admits that the SUVs use way more fuel than smaller cars but sees the space and comfort that these cars provide to be of more relevance than the environment (Bragg 1). He does not quote information from any credible research findings and uses observational conclusions to explain his viewpoint.

The proposal that the car is Americas symbol of independence and the description of a car as meaningful property is indeed a factful observation. It is the most rational statement from the entire essay because it does not just insinuate Braggs personal opinion but instead states a fact that is generally known to all people.

The description of the SUV as the symbol of Americanism (Bragg 1), is Braggs own outlook majorly because he does not give evidence to support this assertion. The argument that other countries are jealous of America because of the fact that even poor Americans can afford pickup trucks for their convenience is not agreeable, at least from the rational point of view. This is an opinion that is not supported by any credible data and actually gives the impression of arrogance.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that the referencing of plausible data in any piece of writing gives the article more mileage in terms of rational credibility. Usage of personal religious stand-points in an essay that is targeted at the wider public causes it to lose readership in terms of people who do not do not share the same faith. It also ends up giving the writing an emotional perspective hence losing its intended gravity.

Works Cited

John, Bragg. The American dream: Why environmentalists attack the SUV. Shasta College online. N.p. n.d. Leo Fong. Web.

McKibben, Bill. Driving global warming. Shasta College online. N.p. n.d. Leo Fong. Web.

Abstract

The paper is for the opinion that the disposal of medical wastes on the environment has negative effects to the general public. Therefore the manner in which this waste is disposed on the environment should stop unless analysis is conducted to prove otherwise. Until then, the concerned parties should do more analyses so as to determine more effects which are accompanied by this move of disposing medical waste on the environment.

The disposal of waste on the environment has contributed to numerous effects to both human and animals. In humans major diseases are caused whereas the animals contribute to the spread of undesirable effects in the food chain cycle. Worse still, the soil that is used for plant growth is also affected by this waste and this could lead to low harvest due to poor soil structure.

In essence, proper measures should be adopted as the only solution to this problem. The measures should hence be initiated by the hospitals officials who are at the forefront.

Introduction

Medical wastes occupy a larger percentage whenever pollution on the environment is mentioned. This is a common occurrence since the number of hospitals in most countries continues to rise as the number of population increases. Therefore these hospitals play a vital role as far as human health is concerned since they are dedicated to safeguard that.

Even with such motives, some if not all of the hospitals continue to pose a greater risk to the humans whom they claim to care for if they go around disposing their waste in uncontrolled manner. African countries for example Tanzania, has been on the limelight for lack of proper mechanism of disposing this waste.

For the developed countries, this is a minor issue since measures are always in place for handling this problem. However the comfort is not enjoyed in the developing countries because they lack the strict measures deployment. If strict measures on the disposal of this waste are deployed, developing countries will no doubt have a brighter future as far as medical wastes on the environment are concerned.

According to Mato (2), direct exposure of medical waste brings about reproductive system damage, carcinogenic effects, respiratory damage and other effects which could go unnoticed to the affected persons. Damages of this nature can be quite expensive when treatment is undertaken.

For some countries the process is not even affordable meaning that they will have to depend on well wishers and this could take time risking the lives of the affected even more. Such consequences can be handled by a few while for some it could be the never ending nightmare.

Human resources can be at a greater risk if the ground water gets contaminated. Contamination normally begins at a slow pace and within no time, the existing or adjacent aquifers also get affected.

The aquifer source will continue to serve the residence of that area without knowing the risks at hand. This can even go on for years without the contamination being detected not unless a monitoring system is employed and the reality is detected. The exposure can therefore cause permanent damage to the concerned parties (Mato 5).

The Views paper (63) denotes that some hospitals have a tendency of disposing their wastes in open dustbins which are meant for ordinary wastes such as papers. This is a very risky move since it exposes its hazardous effects to the general public. Children are at a greater risk of such disposal since they may start playing around with such items unaware of the risks. Worse still, the accumulation of this waste may go for days before being collected by the relevant authorities.

This in the long run may form breeding grounds for harmful bacteria among other things. The view paper adds that the medical waste is normally composed of heavy metals which are known to emit harmful elements when exposed to the environment without proper rules. The fumes produced could cause damage to a persons respiratory organ (74).

According to Thornton et al, Waste products also affect the soil since it may harm the necessary elements normally present in the soil. In essence, the toxic waste can degrade the usefulness of this soil making it unworthy for plant growth. When such waste is exposed to the soil then this in turn makes the soil weak meaning that it cannot support any plant or if it does, the plant does not reach its maturity level. Worse still the toxic waste can destroy the present organisms which reside in the soils and which makes the soil fertile (45).

To add to this, Wildlife and animals are also affected by such waste product. (The Views paper 8). The dumping sites of this waste can also pose a greater danger when domestic animals are allowed to roam near them; this move ideally introduces pathogenic organisms into the food chain and the cycle may continue for years to come.

The Views paper also adds that the waste on the environment causes a number of nuisance such as bad odors, blockage to the walk paths among other things. The plastics waste bags are normally contaminated in the soil and also affect the numerous events on the soil such as percolation. A dangerous move is when the burning of these bags is undertaken since they release toxic fumes into the environment hence this may cause blockage to the breathing organs (85).

Also noted by Thornton et al. (20) is that Pit latrines areas are also used as the dumping sites for this waste and as a result the waste products starts getting into contact with human being as it begins to decompose. This can be witnessed from the bad smell that may begin to stink from such a site. (Mato 15).

Chlorinated dioxins and other compounds are among the most harmful substances on the environment and the accumulation of these substances is harmful to both man and animals alike. If this dumping of solid medical waste persists in the environment, it ends up accumulating thus causing some effects on different food chains.

Reports indicate that a sizeable number of this contamination has reached a large scale level. In addition, the view papers continue to say that polyvinyl chloride plastics are the primary cause of harmful dioxin category, which happens to be quite dangerous (14). According to Mato (15), the cycle of toxic products could reach the mothers milk meaning that the baby may also be affected and this can be a serious case since the babys system is generally weak and with such an exposure it will be for it to survive.

Accordingly, it has been argued that the exposure of medical waste usually takes effect in small does. This means that an exposure on the environment which happened, say one year ago may start showing its signs at later date. After this time, a persons body may be damaged on the inside without prior knowledge and the doctors may not be able to treat such as a condition.

Worse still, it could prove expensive if a number of tests are required as its usually the case. For some patients who have had exposure to the medical waste, they may be requested to undertake numerous visitations to the clinics so as to get the right medication while for others they may be required to use medications on regular basis.

Conclusion

As discussed here in, careless disposal of medical waste can be very harmful to both the environment and animals. To avoid such, stringent measures must be taken while handling and disposing such waste; this can be done by enacting rules and policies which must be followed without fail.

If this approach is undertaken, developing countries that are facing this waste problem will be guaranteed of a safe and a well conducive environment at all times. Offenders should be punished accordingly as the only solution since it has proved viable in the developed countries.

In essence, there is still hope regarding the medical waste being disposed on the environment since the governments in the respective countries have embarked on the ideal policies and measures designed to work wonders. Other than that, public awareness should also be encouraged in both the rural and urban areas without limitation.

Works Cited

Mato, Kaseva. Critical review of industrial and medical waste practices in Dar es Salaam city. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 25 (1999) 271-287.

Thornton et al. Hospitals and plastics Dioxin prevention and medical waste incinerators. Public Health Rep. 1996; 111(4): 298313.

The viewspaper. Medical Wastes and Its Disposal. 2008. Web.

Overview Of Wildland Fire Fighting and Management

Wildland fires are extremely complex and potentially dangerous to the ecosystem hence the need to understand the fighting mechanisms as well as management efforts to contain such an occurrence (Nix par 1). When approaching the issue of wildfires, our basic foundation remains on the premise that wildland fires are neither innately destructive to the forest nor are they in the best interest of the forest (Nix par 2).

However, wild land fire operations are contained in a high risk environment where firefighter and non fire fighters can incur severe injuries in a matter of seconds especially due to burn overs (Nix par 2). Therefore, it is crucial for the relevant authorities to device mechanism and strategies aimed at improving their response to wildland fires and promote effective management to ensure that they protect life and resources from the negative implications associate with occurrence of wildland fires.

Wildland fires result may result from human activities or from natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions and lightening (Goldammer Ahern & Justice 20).

Historically, frequent and low intensity wildland fires occurred in short fire return interval ecosystems and their elimination in various regions have resulted in build up of uncharacteristically high fuel loads consequently posing a greater risk of severely intense wildland fire occurrences (Goldammer Ahern & Justice 20).

Increased intensity of wildland fires has prompted various authorities to establish mechanisms aimed at transforming the response approach towards an approach that focuses on minimizing intensity and adverse negative effects. United States wildland fire programs have worsened over the past decades evidenced by the increases in annual acreage burned (Dalton 1). This has prompted the agencies responsible to take necessary measures to improve the fire management programs in the country.

Steps towards implementation of new approach towards managing wildland fires effectively in America

Although it has widely been recognized that wildland fire could be beneficial in certain ecosystems, the increased number of damaging fires in the 90s led to the establishment of federal wildland fire management policy (Dalton 5). This policy recognized that wildland fires as not only being beneficial to some regions, but also an inevitable part of the landscape (Dalton 5). Further, earlier attempts to put out all wildland fires had been in part responsible for increasing the severity of recent fires (Dalton 5).

Consequently, this policy dictated agencies to abandon their attempts to put out every wildland fire and sought to reduce the vulnerability of communities and resources to the negative effects of wildland fires (Dalton 5). Further, the policy enhanced agencies response such that their main focus was to protect communities and people at risk while taking into consideration the cost and long term effects of such a response (Dalton 5).

Adoption of this policy ensured that agencies focused on land management rather than suppressing all fires as well as utilization of less aggressive fire fighting strategies which minimize overall cost and provide safer mechanisms for fire fighters by reducing exposure to unnecessary risk (Dalton 5).

In addition, agencies started developing fire management plans for various areas which further facilitated their improvement in response to wildland fire (Dalton 7). In 2006, about 95% of the agencies had completed the required plans and maintained the standards required by the federal wildland management policy.

In recent years, the forest service and interior agencies embarked on reduction of hazardous fuels in susceptible ecosystems in an attempt to reduce the intensity of wildland fires in order to manage the extent of wildland fires and protect life and resources (Dalton 5). This served to contain wildland fires as well as minimizing its negative effects. To achieve the end, the agencies reduced fuels on more than 29 million acres from 2001 through to 2008 (Dalton 2006).

In addition, the agencies developed LANDFIRE, the geospatial modeling data and modeling system which had been recommended in 2003 (Dalton 2006). The system served to produce consistent and comprehensive maps and data describing the ecosystems relevant in wildland fires across the United States and serves to identify the extent, predict the severity and location of wildfire (Dalton 6). This was an important step towards ensuring effective management of wildland fires.

Agencies and forest services are developing processes for allocating fuel reduction funds to different areas of the country and for selecting fuel reduction areas through the most efficient methods available (Dalton 6).

The agencies currently prefer consistent and systematic process of fund allocation and they are abandoning the traditional allocation means (Dalton 6). Rather than relying on historical funding patterns and professional judgment, the agencies are developing processes that considers risks effectiveness of fuel reduction treatments (Dalton 6).

In 2009, agencies began to use new analytical tools known as wildland fire decision support systems which helps line officers and fire managers to analyze various factors in order to determine tactics and strategies to adopt (Dalton 7). This has significantly improved fire management decision making since the tool provides information that will help fire managers and line officers to determine the resources at risk as well as the resources that may be threatened further promoting effective management of wildland fires (Dalton 7).

In addition, agencies developed strategies aiming at acquiring and using fire fighting assets effectively (Dalton 7). In 2009, the agencies adopted the fire program analysis which integrated their budget planning system (Dalton 9). The agencies continue to improve the FPA to enhance its ability to analyze various funding strategies and improve its data quality (Dalton 9). This has enabled them to cost effectively protect communities and resources from the adverse effects of wildland fires (Dalton 5).

Outcome of the new approach

The measures applied by agencies and forest services have significantly reduced intensity of wildland fires and improved fire management in the region. However, it is essential to ensure that agencies efforts to reduce negative implications are directed to the most susceptible regions (Dalton 6).

The agencies lack a standard measure of effectiveness of fuel reduction treatment and adequate information to ensure that fuel reduction funds are managed efficiently to minimize risk to communities and resources (Dalton 6)

However, the agencies and forest services have acknowledged this shortcoming and the efforts to counter it are underway (Dalton 6). Extensive research is necessary to facilitate these long term efforts which should have the potential to improve the agencys ability to assess and compare the cost effectiveness of potential treatments in deciding how to optimally allocate scarce resources (Dalton 6).

Further, the agencies need to develop cohesive strategies outlining various approaches for reducing fuels and responding to wildland fires and all the decisions involved should be informed and cost effective (Dalton 10). It is clearly evident that even though the agencies have taken necessary steps in ensuring containment of wildland fires, a lot still needs to be done to ensure effective management of resources and protection life.

Works Cited

Dalton, Patricia. Wildland fire management; federal agencies have taken important steps forward but additional action is needed to address remaining challenges, NY: Diane publishing, 2010. Print.

Goldammer, Johann; Ahern, Frank & Justice, Christopher. Global and regional vegetation fire monitoring from space; plans a coordinated international effort, Kugler publication, 2001. Print.

Nix, Steve. Wildland firefighting in forests; introduction to firefighting in forests, About.com, 2010. Online publication.

Depletion of ozone layer is the slow eradication of the ozone layer caused by the gases that are emitted into the atmosphere. The purpose of the ozone layer is to cushion the earth from the dangerous ultra violet rays of the sun thus it reflects back these rays. Were it not for this layer the earth could not be able to support any life (Hussen 128).

The ozone layer has its own mechanism of constructing and reconstruction which aides the process of sealing any openings on its surface. However there are some toxic substances that are capable of destroying the ozone layer permanently.

Dobson argues that these toxins contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Bromofluorocarbons (BFCs) which attach themselves to the ozone layer. They then split the molecules of the ozone layer and because they are permanently attached to the ozone layer they hinder the process of merging the split molecules thus the damage is cannot be repaired (1296).

Thats why products that contain CFCs have been banned in most countries. The ozone layer lies within the stratosphere which is a thin layer on the exterior of earth surface. Hussein asserts that since ozone layer acts as a barrier between the surface of the earth and the ultra violet radiations from the sun, any erosion of this layer will allow the ultra violet radiations to affect living creatures directly hence there would be no life on earth (128).

The stratosphere is the most prone area to depletion. The intensity of depletion is influenced by temperatures hence areas that have very low temperatures experience the highest intensity of depletion compared to areas that have high temperatures. CFCs were meant to be employed as a cooling agent in refrigeration.

This explains why developed countries are recycling old refrigerators because if they are not disposed properly they could emit these chemicals (Callan & Thomas 239). When chlorofluorocarbons arrive at the atmosphere they are dismantled to extract chlorine atoms which are then used to speed up the process of disintegrating the large bulks of ozone into small units. Research has found that CFCs can remain in the atmosphere for a whole century (National Geographic 1).

Ozone at the Antarctic has reduced in the recent past because the cold climates in that region facilitate depletion. This depletion is further promoted by the presence of Polar Stratospheric clouds when there is winter. The PSCs creates a platform where the depletion of ozone takes place (Callan & Thomas 240).

During summer the sun plays a very important role in avoiding the depletion of the ozone layer. The sun rays heat the PSCs to convert them into liquid form. This process disintegrates the atoms of chlorine that were confined in these clouds thereby hindering the depletion of ozone (National Geographic 1).

The reduction in the density of ozone layer means that man and other creations will be exposed to the ultra violet radiations from the sun. These radiations increase the chances of contracting skin cancer. Scientists have also found that exposure ultra violet radiations may cause cortical cataracts which if not treated can lead to loss of eye sight (Callan & Thomas 10).

According to Fears et al., when ozone is on the ground level its considered to be a health hazard to people because it is very toxic. This ozone is enhanced by burning of gases (63). Some countries united in the recent past to enact a policy that would declare the use of CFCs in aerosol spray cans illegal. This policy was objected by Europe. Initially developed countries were reluctant to implement this policy. The major stumbling block was politics.

As time moved by more nations joined the campaign against the use of CFCs. In 1983 forty three nations came together in support of the Montreal protocol which was meant to further limit the use of CFCs (Hussen 132). This positive response was enhanced by studies on the Antarctic which indicated that depletion of ozone was brought by long term use of CFCs.

In the year 1992 the members who had enacted the Montreal protocol pushed for more reforms that saw the use of CFCs and halogens completely eliminated out with the exemption of small amounts that were to be used in the treatment of asthma. The elimination was supposed to be temporary but when members assembled again in 1992 they postponed the elimination date (Hussen 133).

Perhaps the main reason that caused members to be reluctant in implementing the Montreal protocol was the fact that the sudden elimination of CFCs would ground their respective countrys industries that relied on these elements in their commercial productions. They wanted to buy more time for their countries to prepare organizations that were heavily dependent on CFCs.

According to DeCanio and Norman, Methyl Bromide was also included among the substances that facilitate ozone depletion. The Montreal protocol extended the period that elimination was supposed to commence which led to more time being allowed to third world countries (378). This exemption was granted because third world countries could not afford the expertise and technology as well as money that was necessary for the implementation of this policy.

Manufacturers had to look for alternative substances that could be used instead of CFCs. In some countries CFCs were substituted with another variety of CFCs that was perceived to be less hazardous.

The Montreal protocol has shown significant decline in the depletion of ozone layer due to the controlled use of CFCs which in turn has shown the possibility of sealing the hole that was experienced in the Antarctic (Hussen 133). Thus, it is important for every nation to ensure that strategies such as prevention of air pollution are put in place to reduce the depletion of the ozone layer

Works Cited

Callan, Scott and Janet Thomas. Environmental Economics & Management: theory, policy, and applications. 4th ed. Canada: Thomson South-Western, 2007. Print.

DeCanio, Stephene and Catherine Norman.Economics of the Critical Use of Methyl Bromide under the Montreal Protocol. Contemporary Economic Policy 23 (3):376-393. July 2005.

Dobson, Roger.Ozone depletion will bring rise in the number of cataracts. BMJ 331(7528):1292. 2005.

Fears, Thomas et al.Average midrange Ultraviolet radiation flux and time outdoors predict melanoma risk. Cancer Research.62 (14):3992-6. 2002.

Hussen, Ahmed. Principles of Environmental Economics. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge, 2004. Print.

National Geographic. Ozone Depletion  Losing Earths Protective Layer. 2010. Web.

Introduction

Historic preservation refers to the application of looking after and maintaining sites, constructions, items, scene(s) or other relics that are of remarkable implication. These preservations more often than not are implications of local or nationwide cultural, societal, fiscal, governmental, archaeological or architectural narration. The key point here is that preservation takes place for a built environment (Hazen).

There are a host of other terms that are used to refer to this practice and they include heritage conservation, landscape preservation, object conservation, immovable object conservation, among others. Historic preservation is the term widely used to refer to these activities in America and Canada.

On the other hand, environmental conservation is a moral principle that relates resource exploitation, allotment, and safeguard. The most important emphasis of environmental conservation is upon keeping up the wellbeing of the natural world. The elements in focus include fisheries, habitations and natural multiplicity.

Resultant emphasis is on matter preservation and energy preservation, elements which are vital to the safeguard of the natural earth. The people who go after the conservation moral principle and work to achieve conservation aims are referred to as conservationists.

Historic preservation holds a lot of varied benefits for humanity. These include the reinforcing of local financial systems, evening out of assets worth, promoting of local attractiveness and society pride, and the positive reception of local and state-run history. The practice also serves as a community function that moves forward the learning and wellbeing of nationals at the same time as endow them with monetary and visual gains as well (Hazen).

Environmental conservation holds an even greater importance for the existence of life on earth. An ever-growing world population, fast alteration of vital habitation to other exploits, and the widening of insidious kind to foreign-born habitations create a severe danger to the planets innate resources and to the rest of forms of life that rely on them for foodstuff, energy, protection and medication.

Guiding principles that disfigure marketplaces and offer inducements for unsustainable progress always end stepping up the predicament. With each passing year, there is a net loss of twenty two million acres of forested land globally. At the same time, deadly compounds, with some of them have the capability to move thousands of land, water and air miles from their starting place and lasting for long in the environment.

History of historic preservation

One of the earliest remarkable preservation labors in the United States was the Washingtons Headquarters State Historic Site. It was the foremost asset chosen as a historic site by an American state and was situated in New York. Another ancient preservation was that by George Washington in 1858. It was Mount Vemon. The original state-run significant preservation congress was in 1889. It was referred to as the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities.

As the name implies, this group was based in Virginia. One of the most significant laws touching on preservation came up in 1906. It was referred to as the Antiquities Act and has ended up having an in-depth effect on the protection of the American civilizing and innate tradition. Recreational areas which are varied like Grand Canyon and Olympic National Park owe their existence to this piece of legislation (Harmon, 4). These and a host of other archaeological sites have been safeguarded for all future generations.

Later on in 1930, the first historic preservation edict came to being in Charleston, South Carolina and the architectural company of Simons and Lapham was instrumental in the creation. The second such edict took place in New Orleans.

In 1949, the United States National Trust for Historic Preservation began. This was a non-profit association financed in private and held a few honored assets (Hazen). Later in 1951, this entity took over the running of its first museum asset. This was Woodlawn Plantation in the north of Virginia.

The obliteration of Pennsylvania Station in 1964 was astounding to many US citizens and it ended up encouraging scores of them into propping up preservation. On the intercontinental platform, the World Monuments Fund was established in 1965 in New York and its primary purpose was the preservation of historic sites worldwide. The education sector was not left behind as the initial curriculum for an advanced-degree in historic preservation took place in 1964.

This was at Columbia University and it turned out to be the replica on which a majority of other graduate historic preservation curriculums were established. In 1975 there followed a Masters Degree in Preservation Planning and Historic Preservation from Comell and the University of Vermont respectively. Other institutions followed suit and at present there are community colleges that provide opportunities for Associates Degrees in Historic Preservation.

In the UK, the antiquarian concerns were a well-known gentlemans recreation from as early as mid 17th century, and it advanced together with the growth of technical inquisitiveness. In the year 1882, the original Ancient Monuments Protection Act was agreed to.

The United Kingdoms Ancient Monuments Act of 1913 formally safeguarded some out of date constructions of inherent historical and associative importance, the same way modernism was extending right power to devastation of the built legacy in the name of development.

The National Trust of UK commenced with the safeguarding of notable buildings and has progressively advanced its span (Hazen). In 1944 there arose the Town and Country Planning Act. This particular decree was revised to ensure improved effectiveness more recently in 1990 and held on to the same name.

History of environmental conservation

The unease for environmental conservation has persisted in varied manners, in various parts of the world through history. For instance, in the Middle East, the initial known inscriptions touching on environmental contamination were created in the period of the Arab Agricultural Revolution. They laid emphasis on atmosphere, water, and earth contamination. They also touched on solid dissipate mismanagement and environmental appraisals of various districts.

King Edward I of England went ahead in a significant step to outlaw the burn up of sea coal. This was in 1272 and it was as a result of the fuels smoke turning out to be a nuisance. Nevertheless, air contamination went on being a problem in England in the period of the Industrial Revolution and expanding into the not a long while ago Great Smog of 1952.

In Europe, the Industrial Revolution brought about contemporary environmental contamination as it by and large recognized in the present day. The coming up of big plants and use of great volumes of coal and other fossil sources of energy led to unparalleled air contamination and the high quantities of industrial chemical releases added to the expanding pack of unprocessed human waste.

The Leblanc process of producing soda ash ejected hazardous air contamination. This led to the crafting by environmentalists of the British Alkali Acts in 1863 to control more harm. Environmentalism developed out of the amenity interest group, which was a rejoinder to industrialization, the development of urban centers, and aggravating air and water contamination.

In the United States, the origins of an environmental movement can be mapped out to the year 1739. Philadelphia inhabitants, including Benjamin Franklin, referred to civic rights and called upon the Pennsylvania Assembly to put an end to waste deposit and get rid of tanneries from the regions business locality. The environmental movement grew in the 1800s out of concerns for safeguarding the innate resources.

In the 20th century, initiatives relating to the environment kept on advancing in regard and esteem. Energies were beginning to be directed to save some flora and fauna, especially the American Bison. The demise of the last Passenger Pigeon as well as the endangered status of the American Bison led to the focus of the efforts of conservation experts and making their worries popular with the people. The National Park Service was set up by the then president in 1916 (Harmon, 4).

A publication which many quarters have reckoned to be the most potent piece of writing touching on environmental conservation was put out in 1949 (Hazen). It was by Aldo Leopold and was titled A Sand County Almanac and it gave details that humanity needs to hold ethical respect for the environment.

In the course of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and the years after, use of photos was the main means of augmenting civic consciousness of the need for preserving land and getting people to join environmental groups.

American biologist Rachel Carson published a book titled Silent Spring in 1962 and it highlighted the environmental effects of the uncontrolled spraying of DDT in the nation. It also queried the rationale behind the ejection of high volumes of chemicals into the environment minus entirely being aware of their impacts on ecology or humankind wellbeing.

The consequential civic concern is what inspired the establishment of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. This took place in 1970 and later in 1972 this body outlawed any agricultural DDT in America.

During the 1970s, the Chipko movement was established in India. It was inspired by Mohandas Gandhi and its supporters carried out nonviolent opposition to deforestation. They did this by practically hugging tress and it proved to be a very powerful tool.

By the mid-1970s, a lot of experts were of the opinion that the world populace was on the edge of environmental devastation. Initiatives of environmental morals combined with anti-Vietnam War reactions and other political matters. Around the same period, more conventional environmentalism was beginning to manifest might with the enactment of the Endangered Species Act in 1973 and the establishment of CITES in 1975 (Hazen).

A very educative publication by James Lovelock was done in 1979 and remains great up to date. It was titled A new look at life on Earth and it had the Gaia Hypothesis which suggests that life on earth can be taken as a single living being. This turned out to be a vital component of the Deep Green philosophy. In the recent times, environmentalism has had to deal with aspects such as global temperature rise and genetic engineering.

Conclusion

The two movements discussed here are important for the existence and advancement of humanity and other forms of life on earth. It is therefore necessary for conservation and protection of the environment and historic assets/monuments. Environmental skeptics need to be shunned as they disagree with the facts brought up by environmental experts. Anti-environmentalists also have to be ignored when they claim that our planet is resilient enough not to be harmed by humanitys exploits.

Works Cited

Harmon, David. The Antiquities Act: A Century of American Archaeology, Historic Preservation, and Nature Conservation. 2006. The University of Arizona Press. Hazen T. R. Environmental and historic preservation. 2000. Web.

Introduction

This report describes our project, which is a business that is environment friendly. The focus on eco-business stems from the understanding that the transformation of our environment brings with it intricate relationships bearing both enterprise and livelihood opportunities.^[1]

Consequently, the project we came up with, as Spedding advices, is financially viability, environmentally sustainability, and socio-culturally acceptable.^[2] Much of what is presented in this paper stems from my role in developing the project. My main contribution to the project consisted in researching on different aspects of the business and doing a market analysis.

Business Idea Generation Process

The idea for our Eco-business dawned on us after scanning the New York City (NYC) neighborhoods. NYC being an urban area, many of the inhabitants are preoccupied throughout the day in their various jobs. Therefore, it is very difficult for them to engage in gardening or any other activity of the same nature.

While carrying out our survey, we realized that in NYC there are a number of individuals engaged in community gardening. However, upon further investigations, our respondents intimated to us that despite the numerous faming activities that take place in the area, people find it difficult to partake in those farming activities due to time constraints.

Secondly, in order for them to engage in farming, they have to travel a long distance to community gardens. Moreover, growing vegetables at home tends to be impossible due to lack of implements that would facilitate the same. Finally, many residents that we spoke to do not know where they could buy implements for home gardens.

Business Branding

Having identified the aforementioned concerns, we recognized a prime business opportunity. Our business idea revolves around assisting or helping NYC people to start growing vegetables in the comfort of their homes. We are keen on helping people start growing vegetables for their own consumption but also because of the related environmental benefits.

In so doing, we came up with a brilliant idea that we now call INTO-MEET-SEE. We chose the brand name because we hope to encourage people to take plants into their homes. Our brand name suggests to individuals that, bring a plant INTO your home then you could MEET green around you.

In addition, this phrase has in itself profound insight than the ones overtly seen. In fact, in our opinion, the brand name implies let us make intimate connection with nature and the environment. In other words, the business idea involves helping people to be friendly with the natural environment thus being ready to preserve it. Consequently, our idea will to promote a development platform that enables people to meet their needs without compromising the livelihood of future generations.^[3]

Main Project Activities

Our project recognizes that despite many people sustainable development is very critical.^[4] Since development tends to be perceived to entail the degradation of the environment. Our business entails various activities including online business, renting planter, selling planter-kit, selling holiday kit, as well as events and promotions.

Our promotional activities involve the establishment of an open market, each season, so that people can come and exchange whatever they have grown. Secondly, we provide website services through which members can post pictures of their plants, and share gardening tips. Third, we provide a weekly-customized planter to customers as a way of enhancing the growing trend of Eco-green movement.

Profit Story

As a business entity, we will generate profit from the sale of complete plant kit. Furthermore, we have other products such as events-holiday kit, customized planter, and fertilizer. We predict that the selling of fertilizer will be our major profit source once the market is saturated with our planter kits. The fertilizer will be generated from organic material, which can be obtained free of charge from garbage collection centers.

We plan to obtain leftovers from Wal-Mart, Costco, restaurants, spent-grain Microbrewery, and Coffee grain. Furthermore, in order to enhance profitability, we will use a hybrid truck in transporting the fertilizer. Moreover, we will carry out our transportation within a 100 miles radius, hence making our business more sustainable. In addition to the radii of transportation and the use of hybrid transportation, we also use recycled paper for broaches and catalog. This will help ensure that there is no wastage of materials.

Project Sustainability

The materials we use are biodegradable hence harmless to the environment. Additionally we make planter from recyclable materials. Most importantly, the kind of fertilizer that we use is completely organic. Consequently, our project is sustainable because it uses less costly materials effectively and with no harmful effect on ecosystem.

To determine the viability of our project, we did a SWOT analysis and came up with various factors, which we have to address. Regarding strengths, our business is 100% environment friendly hence a positive brand image. The project is also profitable due to the minimal costs incurred in obtaining materials as mentioned earlier in this essay. The greatest opportunity for our project emanates from the current eco-green trend that many people have taken to with gusto.

We believe that many people will find our product timely and very beneficial. However, the weakness of our project is that it tends to be hard to increase awareness especially because we are limited to the 100 miles radius. Through the internet we can advertise our products widely, but the logistics of delivering the products may prove challenging. The most critical threats that our project faces include high competition since the project is easy to imitate.

Conclusion

The trend of coming up with eco-friendly business ventures started long ago. However, what eco-friendly means has changed over time. For instance, in 1962, Rachel Carson helped change understanding for environmental degradation from merely deforestation, mining destruction, factory pollution, and other visible changes.^[5]

She illustrated that insidious degradation is evidenced in absence of birds to sing and move across the mountains, because of peoples behavior to devastate the natural environment.^[6] This assertion was quite simple but very profound in the sense that it created the awareness that industrial chemicals were bound to destroy the peace and tranquility in the natural world.

One critical element we endeavored to include in our project is recycling. Recycling is understood to be aspirin, alleviating a rather large collective hangover&overconsumption.^[7] To us, the use of recycled materials was a measure of lowering the environmental effect of garbage materials.

The recycling culture entails producing and then disposing less.^[8] We strongly believe that our project is an instrument through which one can create awareness about eco-friendly approach to business. Through a project like ours, we believe biodiversity loss is reduced. Biodiversity is very critical because an ecosystem is only stable when biodiversity is enhanced^[9].

Bibliography

Livio, DeSimone D. & Frank Popoff. Eco-Efficiency: The Business Link to Sustainable Development. Massachusetts: MIT Press, 2000.

McDonough, William and Michael Braungart. Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. New York: North Point Press, 2002.

Michael, Redclift R. Sustainable Development (1997-2005)  An Oxymoron Comes of Age. Sustainable Development 13 (2005): pp.212-227. Web.

Raimund, Bleischwitz & Peter Hennicke. Eco-Efficiency, Regulation and Sustainable Business: Towards A Governance Structure for Sustainable Development. Northampton: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2004.

Spedding, Linda S. Environmental Management for Business. 2^nd Ed. New York: J. Wiley, 1996.

Footnotes

1. Linda S. Spedding, Environmental Management for Business. 2nd Ed., (New York: J. Wiley, 1996), 33.
2. Ibid, 41.
3. Bleischwitz Raimund & Peter Hennicke, Eco-Efficiency, Regulation, and Sustainable Business: Towards A Governance Structure for Sustainable Development (Northampton: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2004), 113.
4. Michael Redclift, Sustainable Development (1997-2005)  An Oxymoron Comes of Age, Sustainable Development 13 (2005),212.
5. William McDonough and Michael Braungart, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, (New York: North Point Press, 2002), 47.
6. Idem.
7. William and Braungart, 47.
8. Idem.
9. DeSimone, Livio D. & Frank Popoff, Eco-Efficiency: The Business Link to Sustainable Development (Massachusetts: MIT Press, 2000), 35.

The term superfund site was first defined by the compensation and liabilities act of 1980 as a toxic waste site which requires cleanup (Smith, 2010, p. 2). Basically, such sites are listed under the National priorities list as requiring government sponsored clean-up exercises because of the danger they pose to the general environment. Superfund sites are therefore abandoned waste sites that require clean up; a task which is normally undertaken by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Smith, 2010, p. 2).

Superfund Site in Eastern United States

A major Superfund site in Eastern United States is the 914th Airlift Wing  AFRC, located just beneath the Love Canal, Niagra falls in New York (EPA, 2010). This site originally grew out of the outright neglect of the environment by the locals and other inhabitants surrounding the area. This site is located in region 2, under the EPA categorization of Superfund sites in the US (EPA, 2010, p. 1).

Its possible existence is nothing different from the factors leading to the emergence of more than 250 superfund sites in Eastern US because it started from the disposal of toxic waste materials by businessmen operating in the region (EPA, 2010, p. 1). The sites emergence was caused by accident spills and leaks that prompted the contamination of the ecosystem with toxic waste materials to destabilize the once sound human, animal and plant coexistence in the region.

Where is the Problem?

The biggest problem noted with the 914th Airlift Wing  AFRC supersite is the obvious abandonment of the environment by the locals and relevant authorities. It is a well-known fact that the supersite emerged out of decades of neglect by the relevant authorities and locals (EPA, 2010, p. 1).

Constant toxicity had been noted in the region but little was done to stop the contamination. However, this problem was observed back in the 80s; today, even though a superfund program has been established, there is little evidence that there are concerted and coordinated efforts between the tribal and state governments which have the power to clean up the site (EPA, 2010, p. 1). This is the major problem plaguing the area right now.

Contamination

Considering 914th Airlift Wing  AFRC superfund site is located next to Niagra falls in New York; the major type of contamination has been water contamination. This has led to the death of aquatic life in the area and an equal loss of business because tourist activities have decreased with an increase in the contamination of water in the surrounding ecological zones. However, water contamination is not the only type of contamination in the area because soil and air contamination have also been evidenced (EPA, 2010, p. 1).

This comes about because industrial activities in the area have greatly contributed to an increase in pollution but the most unfortunate thing is that; not much has been done to avert the situation in the past decade or so. Out of this neglect, surface water and ground water have been contaminated as well, and this poses a danger to the water supply of the area (considering surface and ground water are the major sources of water in the area).

Who Created the Problem?

The problem plaguing 914th Airlift Wing  AFRC site was majorly created by industrial activities in the area, coupled by pollution activities started by rogue businessmen operating in the region. These businessmen created the problem because from their industrial activities, they have constantly discharged toxic emissions into the air and existing water channels.

This has in turn caused soil pollution. The reason why the problem escalated was neglect by the local authorities of the environmental degradation going on and so the businessmen took advantage of the situation to make more money and go unaccountable for their environmental pollution. Basically, they avoided using money to reduce their environmental impact and this worsened the situation further (EPA, 2010, p. 1).

Clean up

Various zones of the 914th Airlift Wing  AFRC superfund site have in the past been cleaned out through various initiatives started by the local government. EPA has been at the forefront in doing so and through their website, they affirm that By 2020, EPA and its state partners will strive to construct final remedies at 95% of the 3,746 facilities believed to need Corrective Action (EPA, 2010, p. 1).

These activities have been further supported by efforts to educate relevant stakeholders on the environmental impact of the industrial activities going on in the area but other efforts have been directed at providing guidance to businessmen and offering training and regulatory resources to reduce the rate of environmental degradation in the area (EPA, 2010, p. 1).

Conclusion

To avert the impact of pollution on the environment at 914th Airlift Wing  AFRC superfund site, there is a strong need to enforce environmental laws to deter people from causing further pollution. Firstly, it is important to enforce these laws because environmental concerns are not only a national issue but a global one (Goldstein, 2006, p. 1).

There is therefore a strong need to protect global interests and not only local ones. This means that the locality need not only be governed by local laws but also by international environmental laws. Furthermore, through the implementation of laws, businessmen can be prevented from causing further pollution because heavy fines will be imposed on them when they do so. This will ultimately deter everybody from polluting the environment.

References

EPA. (2010). New York Sites. Web.

Goldstein, R. (2006). What is Environmental Law and How Can You Study It? Web.

Smith, S. (2010). What is a Superfund Site? Web.

Meaning of keystone species in Traditional Ecology

In the field of ecology, key stone species refer to special species within an ecological system. This species are responsible for ecological balance within their ecology in such a way that their removal produces a disproportionate effect on the ecology not commensurate to their relative availability (Bond, 1994, p. 237). This concept led to the understanding of the relative importance of each species in an ecosystem. Conservationists now determine the impact of the loss of a single species from an ecosystem based on this concept.

The term has found wide usage in many fields, which exhibit ecological characteristics. This includes law, computer science, and library science. This means that disciplines with units that interact in such a way that they influence one another can use the term ecology. It is also possible to identify a keystone species within such an ecological environment. In IT, the term refers to the interconnected nature of information sources describable as information ecology.

Generic keystone species Equivalent in All Information Ecologies

All natural ecologies have keystone species. The very comparison of the information management process to natural ecological systems presupposes the presence of keystone species in information ecologies. Natural ecological balance does not rely on the influence of single species.

It is the result of a comprehensive balance of influence from all species present. This applies to information ecologies. The species in the information ecology live with significant tension in relation to each other (Hasenyager, 1996). As the system develops, there is no external influence to ensure balanced influence from each component of the ecology. Rather, there is a natural tension, where each species vies for and commands a certain degree of influence. This process of establishing a natural order ends up producing keystone species.

Application of the Concept in Relation to Particular Information Ecologies

Nardi and ODay (1999) identify five aspects of information ecology. They are the system, diversity, co-evolution, keystone species, and locality. This is a useful criterion for identifying information ecologies. To demonstrate this phenomenon, we will use the example of a supermarket. A supermarket as an information ecology provides a place where different actors meet to transact business.

Suppliers bring their products to the supermarket while consumers come to purchase them. The supermarket offers a dynamic environment for the exchange to take place.

They key identifier of a system are, strong interrelationships and dependencies among different its parts (Nardi & ODay, 1999). The relationship between the suppliers and the supermarket is contractual, monetary and involves trust. On the other hand, that of the supermarket and its customers relies on loyalty and great customer service. Within the supermarket, there are different types of employees who constitute the workforce of the super market.

They range from tellers, floor supervisors, store workers, and management. They execute different functions including procurement, stock management, and point of sale services, among others. Clearly, a supermarket qualifies to be an example of information ecology on the first count.

The diversity in the supermarket shows up in the difference in roles of the species in the ecology. Each category plays a vital role to keep the system running. Customers keep buying, while suppliers keep supplying. The supermarket keeps providing the interface between them. If any of these three categories of species stopped their functions, the entire system would collapse.

The three major species also co-evolve in this information ecology. Customer tastes and preferences change so the suppliers continually adapt their products to meet the emerging needs. Supermarkets also constantly adapt their systems to ensure that the customers get the best possible services. In the past, all supermarkets relied on tills and all customers bought using cash. Now, they have credit and loyalty cards that make purchasing goods easier. Some even accept bank credit and debit cards.

The fourth condition Nardi and ODay (1999) specified is the presence of keystone species. In a supermarket, the customers and to some extent the suppliers are the keystone species. No matter how efficient and well organized a supermarket is, it will only survive for a couple of months if no one bought goods from it.

If you remove the customers from the equation, the ecology becomes extinct. On the other hand, if suppliers refused to bring their goods to a particular supermarket, the same result follows. The removal of the supermarket from the ecology complicates the arrangement between the suppliers and the customer. However, they have the option of making alternative arrangements to continue with their relationship. The ecology can survive after the removal of the supermarket but not any other member of its system.

The final condition is locality. The supermarket is a fixed place and clients come to meet there. The technological systems that allow for the continuation of the complex relationships exist there.

What the Attempt to Apply this Concept Tell us About the General Idea of Information Ecologies

There are two major lessons we learn from the application of this concept. The first lesson is the similarity of human interaction with other natural interactions between species. It is amazing just how similar man made systems mimic natural systems complete with the consequences.

Technology remains the greatest expression of the advancement of human society. Therefore, finding this kind of similarity between nature and human endeavor provides impetus for us humans to pay more attention to nature because it still holds solutions to our problems.

The second lesson is that it tells us that systems rely on certain key players, the keystone species, without whom the whole system crumbles. The practice of information management will benefit from identifying the keystone species in all information ecologies to ensure that the role they play remains protected. It is clear that anything short of this may result in an ecological disaster.

Costs and Benefits of This Approach

The cost associated with this approach is that it may lead to the impression that some of the information ecology components are not critical. This assumption may lead to neglect of vital functions while seeking to protect the keystone species. The key thing in the relationships is to remember that all components matter.

Their influence varies, but removal of any one of them affects the ecology somewhat. The second cost is the difficulty of identifying the keystone species. They are not necessarily the largest or the most obvious. Finding them requires careful observation.

Keystone species are usually noticed when they are removed or they disappear from an ecosystem, resulting in dramatic changes to the rest of the community (Illman, 1996). By then it may be late to save the ecosystem. In addition, they are complex, ambiguous, and non-linear (Baker & Bowker).

The key benefit of this approach is that it promotes systems thinking, which is very useful for analyzing modern day problems. It requires careful analysis of each component of the information ecosystem to determine its value and the possible consequences of its removal or destruction.

It is a very useful way of conducting risk analysis to decide on risk management measures. Its broad view encompassing not just human beings but equipment also provides a better way of determining the most efficient way to run processes, without causing harm to the information ecosystem.

Congruence in Terminology

The preferred position would be universal usage of terms by all persons concerned. This means that top management and IT managers should use similar terms when referring to the same things.

However, we must acknowledge that every trade has its lingo. As a specialist area, IT uses various terms that refer to certain elements of their work that have very different meanings for top managers who may be specialized in other fields. The redeeming quality of the term information ecology and its taxonomy is that it comes from a non-IT and non-management background.

This makes it a midpoint between the two extremes because either party must learn the meanings from the parent discipline. This probably gives a model that when applied will help to reduce the constant misunderstanding between IT managers and top managers. The concept provides a powerful model for understanding the forces that organize ecological communities, and it has influenced the thinking of managers and policy makers as they set priorities (Illman, 1996).

Reference List

Baker, K. S. & Bowker, G. C. (n.d.). Information Ecology: Open System Environment for Data, Memories, and Knowing. Web.

Bond, W. J. (1994). Keystone Species. In E.-D. Schulze & H. A. Mooney, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function: (pp. 237-254). New York: Springer.

Hasenyager, B. W. (1996). Managing the Information Ecology: A Colaborative Approach to Information Technology Management. Westport CT: Greenwood Publishing.

Illman, D. L. (1996). Keystone Species Hypothesis. Retrieved from Pathbreakers: A Century of Excellence in Science and Technology at the University of Washington.

Nardi, B. A. & ODay, V. L. (1999). Information Ecologies. First Monday: Peer Reviwed Journal on the Internet, IV (5).

Introduction

Sustainability can be defined as the ability to carry on with something or simply to endure .When this term is applied in ecological studies, it describes how biological systems remain diverse and productive overtime (Cunningham 13).

A lot of evidence currently indicates that the worlds population is increasing at a very fast rate especially in the developing countries. This also means that the current population is almost going beyond the earths capacity to accommodate human beings. This high population growth rate is likely to strain further the already scarce resources.

According to the 2008 report that was made by Footprint, there is already a 30% deficit on the resources needed to sustain human beings. Even though the world resources are getting depleted, we can still sustain the ecosystem of the world through the following measures. Human beings should strive to reduce environmental degradation. The scarce resources should also be utilized properly. Human beings can also diversify their resources. For example they can use other renewable sources of energy instead of relying much in fossil fuels.

Renewable and non Renewable Resources

A renewable resource can be defined as a resource which can be replaced through a natural process. Solar and wind energy are two common examples of resources that can be renewed. The industrial revolution has led to over exploitation of the renewable resources.

A non renewable resource refers to those natural resources that cannot be replaced ones they have been exploited. The rate of consumption of their consumption is also seen to be relatively high as compared to the consumption of renewable resources. Examples of non renewable resources include the following: petroleum, coal and uranium.

Ways of Reducing Population Growth

Population growth refers to the pace at which the size of a particular place increases. There is also a close connection between population growth and fertility. The rate of population growth should be put under control because of the few resources at present. High population growth rates can lead to serious environmental degradation and food scarcity.

Reduction of the rate of population growth refers to the artificial methods of controlling population growth. Various countries have experienced serious problems associated with high levels of population growth and their governments came up with mechanisms to manage their high rates of population growth.

In china there is a policy of having only one child in a family. Giving birth to more than one child is totally discouraged. People who give birth out of marriage or illegally are always penalized. For example they can be fined. This policy was introduced in china around 1978. It was aimed at solving Chinas social-economic problems which were triggered by the high population. This policy has however faced much criticism in and outside China. This is because it has been recklessly implemented and mismanaged.

In India the same policy has also been practiced. In this case they encourage the citizens to have two children in a family. Only those people with two children and below are legible to vie for public offices in India. Apart from this measure, they have also been using contraceptives.

Iran has been successful in reducing its population growth rate. In Iran, it is compulsory for people to attend family panning courses before they can be given marriage certificates. The government of Iran has greatly stressed on the importance of having small families. It also encourages the citizens to use contraceptives. In USA the government made reproductive health care and education accessible to its citizens. This helped in solving cases of unwanted births.

The Manufacture and Use of Paper

Paper is a product which is manufactured by combining fibers derived from timber. The manufacturing process is quite elaborate. The fibers from wood contain cellulose. Hydrogen bonding is what holds the fibers together. Wood is cut into various sizes and the process called plumping begins.

At this stage, the wood fibers are divided. After that the product is placed inside boilers. The wood chips are then compressed using a special machine. Chemicals are then added to the materials. The product is then dried and finally the paper is cut into different shapes for use. Papers are always used for different activities ranging from writing to printing depending on the paper quality and grade. Waste papers can always be recycled and used for making other papers of low quality like tissue papers.

Conclusion

Due to the high level environmental degradation that stems from poor environmental management, the world ecosystem is really changing. Scientists have envisaged serious environmental challenges if the current global environment is not properly managed.

For example global warming is on the increase and this will adversely affect the human race if not properly checked. For example ice that is melting from the Polar region is already causing floods in some places. I strongly believe that if human beings across the world can be taught how to manage the scarce resources, then they can be able to protect the environment from further degradation.

Works Cited

Cunningham, William. Principles of environmental scince. New York: Mc Graw-Hill, 2010.

THE LAKE ISLE OF INNISFREE

William Butler Yeats in the poem THE LAKE ISLE OF INNISFREE observes the peaceful collaboration and living of nature; nature has different components that co-exist with each other if uninterrupted. He portrays how different element of nature work for the benefit of each other.

They have overflowing peace and live for the good of the other. Nature has its own way of providing a life to the other however, when man exploits nature he does so with a selfish mind, he want to use the elements of nature for his own benefit without considering the dangers caused to the same environment exploited.

Human attitude towards environmental damage is that the environment exists for human benefit; environment should be exploited for the good of man and at no any one point should exploiting the environment be seen to be destructive.

Man from the poem is considered to be taking advantage of existence of nature for his own benefit; he is seen to be ignorant of any benefit that he can bring to nature but his interests are on how he is going to benefit.

The Fish

Elizabeth Bishop in the poem The Fish portrays the picture and the emotional attachment that a fisherman gets after catching a fish. She portrays how cruel human beings are when destroying nature in the efforts of satisfying their need.

The environment is portrayed as a source of live hood; the poem brings out three beneficiaries in the exercise, the fisherman, the boat owner and the final consumer. Little was done by either party to restore the environment. The beauty of nature and environment is brought about by the description given for the aquatic life caught.

The poem portrays people to have a dont care attitude to the dangers they do on the environment. It shows how selfish human beings are however; it recognizes the need to exploit the environment for food and live hood.

Energy Boom in West Threatens Indian Artifacts

According to KIRK JOHNSON, article in New York Times; Energy Boom in West Threatens Indian Artifacts, exploitation of energy for various industrial use is threatening archeological and historical facts. According to the article, human being are more interested in satisfying their current economic need but are not concerned on saving preserving the environment.

When they exploit resources for current need, they are seen to be doing this with little regard of future generation. Environmental problems of current generation was brought about by exploitation of resources by past generation and if the modern generation fails to take appropriate measures to conserve the environment then future generations are likely to suffer.

People develop concepts like environmental sustainability and sustainable development but they do not follow them. They have an ignoring attitude to the effects of environmental damage especially for those products that are exhaustible like oil. In exploitation, people are guided by greed and self interests thus are willing to destroy the environment for their own use without any regard of future generations.

Conclusion

All the three articles have a similarity in that they have portrayed peoples negative attitude towards environmental conservation thus encouraging environmental damage. The writers are of the opinion that environmental damage occurs as man exploit natural resources for his benefit. They acknowledge that exploitation is necessary for live-hood but conservation and restoration measures should be taken.