Category: Environmental Issues

Introduction:

Rivers have played a vital role in the development of civilizations throughout history. Huang He (Yellow River) in China and the Nile River in Egypt are two prominent examples of rivers that have profoundly influenced the growth and prosperity of their respective civilizations. This comparative essay will explore the similarities and differences between Huang He and the Nile, focusing on their geographic features, impact on agriculture and trade, and their significance to the civilizations that thrived along their banks.

Geographic Features:

Huang He and the Nile River exhibit distinct geographic features that shaped their characteristics and influenced the civilizations that emerged around them. Huang He, known as the “River of Sorrow,” is prone to flooding due to its high sediment load and the flat topography of the surrounding plains. In contrast, the Nile River flows through a narrow and fertile valley, with predictable and regular flooding patterns. The geographical differences between the two rivers affected the way civilizations interacted with them, adapting their agricultural practices and settlement patterns accordingly.

Agriculture:

Both Huang He and the Nile River were instrumental in supporting agricultural activities and contributing to the growth of agricultural civilizations. The regular flooding of the Nile brought rich sediments that replenished the soil, creating a fertile environment for agriculture. Egyptian farmers developed sophisticated irrigation systems to harness the river’s water, allowing for year-round cultivation. Similarly, the flooding of Huang He deposited nutrient-rich silt on the surrounding plains, enabling the growth of crops such as wheat and millet. However, the unpredictable nature of Huang He’s floods posed challenges for agricultural communities, often leading to devastating consequences.

Trade and Transportation:

The Nile River and Huang He served as vital channels for trade and transportation, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas. The Nile, with its predictable flow and navigable waters, allowed for the development of a flourishing trade network. Ancient Egyptians utilized the river for transporting goods, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange. In contrast, the Huang He’s volatile nature and shifting course made it less suitable for navigation and hindered extensive trade along its banks. However, the river still served as a transportation route for regional trade, connecting communities within China.

Civilization and Cultural Significance:

Both Huang He and the Nile River played a central role in the rise of ancient civilizations and influenced their cultural and religious beliefs. The Nile River was revered by the ancient Egyptians, who considered it sacred and attributed its flooding to the god Hapy. The Nile’s importance extended beyond agriculture, as it provided a sense of stability, fertility, and renewal that shaped Egyptian religious and social practices. Similarly, Huang He held deep cultural significance for the Chinese people, symbolizing both the life-giving power of water and the potential for destruction. The river’s influence on Chinese civilization can be seen in the rich mythology and folklore surrounding its turbulent nature.

Conclusion:

Huang He and the Nile River, though geographically distinct, share similarities in their impact on the civilizations that flourished along their banks. Both rivers played pivotal roles in agriculture, trade, and the cultural development of their respective civilizations. However, their differences in flooding patterns, navigability, and religious significance highlight the diverse ways in which rivers can shape the growth and characteristics of civilizations. The comparative analysis of Huang He and the Nile River underscores the significance of rivers as lifelines for ancient societies and emphasizes the profound impact of geographical factors on human history.

Introduction:

Plastic has become an integral part of our daily lives. It is versatile, convenient, and has countless applications. However, the environmental impact of plastic consumption cannot be ignored. Plastic pollution is a global crisis, with devastating consequences for our planet and future generations. In this persuasive essay, I will present compelling arguments and evidence to encourage individuals to make informed choices when it comes to their plastic usage. By picking the right plastic and adopting sustainable practices, we can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.

Body:

The Problem of Plastic Pollution:

Plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, with significant impacts on our oceans, wildlife, and ecosystems. Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags and straws, are particularly problematic due to their short lifespan and improper disposal. They often end up in landfills or find their way into rivers and oceans, causing harm to marine life and contaminating our water sources.

The Need for Conscious Consumerism:

As consumers, we have the power to drive change. By making conscious choices and selecting environmentally-friendly alternatives, we can reduce the demand for single-use plastics. This includes opting for reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and food containers made from sustainable materials. By supporting businesses that prioritize eco-friendly packaging and reducing our reliance on single-use plastics, we can send a powerful message to industries and encourage them to adopt more sustainable practices.

The Importance of Recycling:

Recycling plays a crucial role in reducing plastic waste. It is essential to separate and recycle plastic materials properly. By participating in recycling programs and supporting initiatives that promote the recycling of plastics, we can contribute to a circular economy where materials are reused and repurposed instead of ending up in landfills or polluting the environment.

The Benefits of Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics:

While reducing overall plastic consumption is ideal, there are instances where plastic usage is necessary. In such cases, it is crucial to choose biodegradable and compostable alternatives. These plastics are designed to break down naturally over time, reducing their environmental impact. By opting for biodegradable and compostable plastics, we can minimize the long-term harm caused by traditional plastics.

Education and Awareness:

Education and awareness play a vital role in changing behaviors and attitudes towards plastic consumption. By spreading knowledge about the environmental consequences of plastic pollution and promoting sustainable alternatives, we can empower individuals to make informed choices. Schools, community organizations, and government initiatives can play a pivotal role in educating the public about the importance of reducing plastic waste.

Collaboration and Policy Changes:

Addressing the plastic pollution crisis requires collaboration among individuals, businesses, and governments. Governments can implement policies that promote sustainable packaging, encourage recycling, and discourage the use of single-use plastics. Businesses can embrace innovative solutions, invest in sustainable packaging, and provide incentives for customers to choose eco-friendly options. As individuals, we can support and advocate for policy changes that prioritize the reduction of plastic waste.

Conclusion:

Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue that demands immediate action. By picking our plastics wisely and adopting sustainable practices, we can make a significant impact on the environment and create a better future for generations to come. Through conscious consumerism, recycling, supporting biodegradable alternatives, promoting education and awareness, and advocating for policy changes, we can collectively tackle the plastic pollution crisis. The power to make a difference lies in our hands. Let us pick our plastic thoughtfully and embrace a sustainable lifestyle that preserves our planet for future generations.

Introduction:

Whaling is a contentious issue that has garnered significant attention and debate worldwide. While some argue that whaling is necessary for cultural, economic, and scientific reasons, others condemn it as cruel and unsustainable. This critical essay aims to explore the pros and cons of whaling, providing a balanced analysis of its benefits and drawbacks on ecological, economic, and ethical grounds.

Body:

Cultural Significance:

Whaling holds cultural importance for certain communities that have relied on it for centuries. It has been an integral part of their traditions, rituals, and identity. Proponents argue that preserving cultural practices is essential for cultural diversity and the rights of indigenous communities.

Economic Considerations:

Whaling can have economic benefits for certain countries and communities. It can create jobs, stimulate local economies, and contribute to tourism and related industries. In some cases, whaling activities have been regarded as a valuable source of income and economic sustenance.

Scientific Research:

Proponents of whaling argue that it can provide valuable scientific insights, particularly in the field of marine biology. Scientific research conducted on harvested whales can enhance our understanding of marine ecosystems, migratory patterns, and population dynamics. They claim that regulated whaling can contribute to scientific knowledge and conservation efforts.

Conservation and Management:

Supporters of whaling assert that sustainable whaling practices, regulated by international agreements and organizations, can contribute to conservation efforts. They argue that responsible whaling can help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems by controlling the population of certain species and preventing overpopulation.

Environmental Impact:

Opponents of whaling emphasize the negative environmental consequences associated with this practice. Whales play a vital role in marine ecosystems, and their removal can disrupt the delicate balance of the food chain. It can also impact other species that rely on whales for food or have symbiotic relationships with them.

Animal Welfare and Ethics:

One of the main concerns raised by opponents of whaling is the ethical treatment of whales. They argue that killing these intelligent and sentient creatures is inherently cruel and inhumane. Many advocate for the protection and preservation of whale species based on principles of animal welfare and compassion.

Conservation Alternatives:

Critics of whaling argue that conservation and research efforts should focus on non-lethal alternatives, such as whale watching, non-invasive research methods, and the development of sustainable practices that do not involve killing whales. They assert that these alternatives can provide economic opportunities while ensuring the protection and well-being of whales.

Conclusion:

The debate surrounding whaling is multifaceted, involving ecological, economic, and ethical considerations. While cultural significance, economic benefits, and scientific research are cited as potential justifications for whaling, concerns about environmental impact, animal welfare, and conservation alternatives are equally valid. It is crucial to carefully assess and balance these factors when forming opinions and making decisions about whaling practices. Striking a sustainable and ethical approach that respects both the cultural traditions and the welfare of whales is essential for finding a harmonious solution to this complex issue.

Introduction:

Pine trees, with their distinctive evergreen needles and towering presence, are a common sight in many forests and landscapes around the world. These trees belong to the genus Pinus and have evolved a remarkable set of adaptations that allow them to thrive in a variety of challenging environments. In this informative essay, we will explore the fascinating adaptations of pine trees that enable them to withstand harsh conditions, survive in nutrient-poor soils, and compete with other plant species.

Body:

Needle Adaptations:

One of the most notable features of pine trees is their long, slender needles. These needles serve multiple purposes and provide important adaptations for survival. Firstly, their shape reduces the surface area exposed to the environment, minimizing water loss through transpiration. This adaptation allows pine trees to conserve water and withstand drought conditions. Additionally, the waxy coating on the needles helps to reduce water loss further and protects against freezing temperatures.

Coniferous Shape:

Pine trees have a conical or pyramidal shape, which aids in their adaptation to various environmental challenges. This shape allows them to shed snow more easily, preventing damage to the branches and trunk. The conical shape also maximizes the exposure of needles to sunlight, facilitating efficient photosynthesis and energy production even in dense forest canopies.

Thick Bark:

Pine trees possess thick, rough bark that serves as a protective layer. This adaptation helps them withstand forest fires, insect infestations, and harsh weather conditions. The thick bark acts as an insulator, preventing damage to the inner layers of the tree and enabling it to recover from external disturbances more effectively.

Reproductive Adaptations:

Pine trees have developed unique reproductive adaptations that ensure their continued survival and distribution. They produce cones, which contain both male and female reproductive structures. These cones protect the seeds and aid in their dispersal. Some pine species have evolved adaptations to rely on fire for cone opening and seed release, as the heat triggers the cones to open and release seeds onto nutrient-rich, fire-cleared soil.

Mycorrhizal Associations:

Pine trees form symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, which play a vital role in their nutrient acquisition. The fungi attach to the roots of pine trees and extend their hyphae into the surrounding soil, effectively increasing the tree’s ability to absorb nutrients, especially phosphorus. This mutualistic relationship benefits both the tree and the fungi, enhancing the tree’s ability to thrive in nutrient-poor soils.

Allelopathy:

Pine trees have developed allelopathic adaptations, where they release chemicals into the soil that inhibit the growth of competing plant species. These chemicals, known as allelochemicals, suppress the germination and growth of nearby plants, reducing competition for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients. This adaptation gives pine trees a competitive advantage in environments where resources are limited.

Conclusion:

Pine trees have evolved a remarkable set of adaptations that allow them to thrive in diverse and challenging environments. From their needle adaptations for water conservation and cold resistance to their coniferous shape and thick bark for protection, pine trees have developed strategies to withstand harsh conditions. Additionally, their reproductive adaptations, mycorrhizal associations, and allelopathic abilities contribute to their successful survival and reproduction. Understanding these adaptations not only enhances our appreciation for the resilience of pine trees but also provides valuable insights into how plants adapt and thrive in challenging environments. As guardians of our forests and important contributors to the ecosystem, pine trees remind us of the incredible adaptability and resilience of nature.

Feeding The Hungry Food is one of the most essential parts of life and without it, there is no life. It may seem like an afterthought in the United States and some of the bigger countries to have something to eat but it is not like that for the rest of the world. People who live in poor countries that are on the verge of collapse and are battling wars or have other ecological problems do not have the luxury of going to the supermarket to find out what they want to eat for dinner.

Millions of people spend all of their hard work and time into what they eat just so that they can provide for their families. As a country that has these luxuries and lives a life knowing there will always be food at the end of the day, it is up to us to make sure that we can help out people in need so that they don’t go hungry.People that live in poor countries did not choose to live a life of poverty and hunger and decide that they wanted to always be in need. They may not have had a chance to leave their country to try and find a better life somewhere else because of corrupt governments or the dangers of war. They do not deserve to be in poverty and have to raise their family in a life of poverty. It is up to us to provide the resources that poor countries lack so that people may have a chance to live a life without hunger.

In America, 12.9% of the population has no access to food which is a big percentage for a country. In the world, one of the main reasons there is hunger is poverty, this happens in every single part of the world with no exception. The majority of the people who live in poverty are always in hunger. It may sound obvious but some poor people are not able to feed themselves because of the resources that are in their environment. Also, in some developing countries, there is not much land to grow to supply the country with resources. Another reason why people are starving is because of the lack of jobs or job instability; it happens a lot when the economy is really bad and the country can barely find a job or if they find it does not pay much. Even if the economy goes up, people that went to jail can find it hard to find a job or getting any money at all. Single parents with no childcare options also struggle to find a job and take care of their children at the same time which leads to not having food.

Smallholder Farmers from small countries or even from the united states that have a family that depends on their farm can also find it hard in some seasons to eat, in their “hungry season” which is after the harvest season they run out of food and start to cut meals or even stop eating at all. Sometimes it may be hard or impossible to transport food and supplies from a place to another because of poor infrastructure, even when in the same country a state or region could have a lot of resources but, because of some roads being so poor and dangerous it could be impossible to deliver food to the people living in their same country.Climate change is a big factor in why people are in hunger, the reason it is a big factor is that it is damaging the food and water in many ways. This has affected many countries where they depend on the crops they grow. When the average temperatures change or extreme weather happens, many crops can be damage and money and food decrease. This means some zones will stay without food and will not be able to buy or even get any type of food. When there is war, an effect of that is extreme hunger from small communities.

The poor people barely get any attention from the government and their homes get destroyed, communities have to wait for their houses to be reconstructed and that could take a long time. A good example is Venezuela, because of their economic war being caused by political corruption and the violation of human rights food, medicine and supplies are super short. This is a really bad problem because people are starving, places are closing and there is barely any food in the country.Progress against hunger and impoverishment rarely happens when the economy is really good, however economic process alone doesn’t make sure that prosperity is loosely shared. Each country, despite its wealth, has discrimination woven into its social material. Disadvantaged groups tend to be left the furthest behind. In most countries, these are racial, ethnic, or non-secular minorities. Among all of those groups, ladies and women are a lot of deprived than their male counterparts. Discrimination is why ladies farmers in developing countries labor with fewer productive resources than their male counterparts, why ladies altogether sectors of the economy earn but men, and why women are a force out of college to figure or to marry.Even though there are a lot of causes of world hunger, there are ways to help these problems.

One of the biggest solutions for world hunger is the food donations that people do. These food donations come from many charity organizations, schools, private donations, food banks and more. This is a very good and easy way to help the people in need, also it is one of the biggest ways that people are getting food from. Experts say that if some cities build indoor/outside farms throughout the cities could be a major help in world hunger. They say it could help up to 10 billion people throughout the world and the crops would just depend on the weather. Another way to help this problem is by poor countries getting help from other countries, I think that if rich countries like the United States or Canada help the countries in need it would be easier for everyone and it could reduce world hunger.  Social change is very onerous and can not manifest itself nightlong. However, several social problems, like war, create a basic downside to halting world hunger. Ideally, this may happen once world powers, like u. s. and plenty of western European nations, like better to specialize in the determination of these problems rather than exasperating them. However, this will solely begin once folks in developed nations begin to worry concerning those problems further and pressure their governments to be productive in ending the conflict.Education is the best weapon against economic conditions and hunger. it’s particularly powerful in underdeveloped countries. Education suggests that higher chance and additional access to financial gain and food. in addition, some countries have food-for-education programs wherever students are given free food for returning to highschool. this could seem to be a basic plan within the U. S., however, it’s life-saving in several underneath developed nations.

Global warming has become a serious problem recently because the temperature of the world increased by 2 degrees since the industrial revolution and the weather is predicted to increase by 2-6 degrees by 2100 (Saul, 2012). Saul (2012) points out, that global warming resources are greenhouse gas emissions that cause the melting of glaciers and sea-level rises over 100 years. Solar energy is a clean energy that generates power with the lowest emissions. If it was applied to different aspects, the greenhouse effect would be controlled. This essay will argue that Australian solar energy usage can solve problems of global warming due to the reduction of traffic emissions, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, and subsiding household emissions.

Traffic emissions can be controlled when solar energy is widely used for transport. In Australia, transport’ emission produces huge pollution to the air, which is part of the main sources of greenhouse gases, taking 13.9% of the total pollution(Saul,2012). the gases such as CO2, NO, and NO2 are all produced by people commuting and cause global warming in Australia. According to research by Saul(2012), one typical car could release 8 kilograms of CO2 into the atmosphere every day. Private cars are common in Australia and the amount of Australian families commuting use cars which are main factor of transport emissions. If each car produces 8 kilograms every day, large amounts of greenhouse effect will be released into the atmosphere. Solar energy could be an effective method for serious Australian traffic pollution because solar power is renewable and cannot run out as long as the sun exists (“Racing on Sunshine”,2015). When the sunray comes into the ground, the solar sectors can absorb the X-ray and transfer it into electricity, so that the production process is clean, without any greenhouse emission. According to the “Racing on Sunshine”,(2015) report, solar cars can set solar panels on the roofs of cars, hence the solar panels transfer sunray into electricity and give power to cars. For example, it was a solar car race that was held in Australia with 40 countries as participants. The Netherlands cars successfully crossed 1900 miles away only using solar power and won the championship (“Racing on Sunshine”,2015). Although solar power isn’t used in general driving, some technologies still need to be improved. Professor Koppen’s “Racing on Sunshine”(2015) said that they have the confidence to make the technologies more mature and forecast that solar power will be used before 2050. Solar energy used in transport could decrease tremendous emissions of greenhouse gases and control global warming in this way.

Solar power also can decrease the reliance on fossil fuels to produce electricity. According to Halava, Surovtseva, and Baig(2015), Australia is a large electricity production country that produces 253.851Gwh every year and the amount will increase by 0.5 percent every year. With highly developed electric industry producing, the colossal pollution will reach 5591.9 mt CO2, which is released into the atmosphere without disposal (Halava, Surovtseva&Baig,2015). The main structure of electricity production is 69% used by coal and 19.3% by gas and renewable energy is only 7 7percents(Halava, Surovtseva&Baig,2015). Fossil fuels are the main ingredients in Australian electricity production, and harmful gas emission in this process takes 60% of whole Australian greenhouse emissions. Solar power is the key to decreasing reliance on fossil fuels in producing electricity. Australia has abundant solar energy every year, especially in the Northern Territory, The sunray is extremely enough and most places can set up solar energy to apply in producing electricity(Halava, Surovtseva&Baig,2015). For instance, the CSP plan (concentrating solar power) for NT is a feasible plan for the Australian industry. These sustainable plants could gather solar and turn it into industrial electricity due to the abundant solar energy in NT, the NT’s stable landscape, and CSP’s long lifespan, which could provide electricity stably for a long time(Halava, Surovtseva&Baig,2015). Halava, Surovtseva, and Baig (2015) argue that the CSP plan has already been implemented in Kanbe and has an excellent reflection on the story, despite some pollution also exists in the producing CSP, whereas the benefits of CSP outweigh the pollution by using fossil fuels. If fossil fuels in producing electricity can be replaced by solar power, the amount of greenhouse emissions will decrease significantly and global warming will also decrease. It’s clear that solar power decreases the reliance on fossil fuels in producing electricity could be important to global warming.

Solar power also subsides households’ emissions in Australia so that could be an answer to global warming. Australian households could provide a huge emission in daily life, which takes nearly 7% of Australian greenhouse emissions(Saul et al.,2012). In OCED(Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development), Australia took measures against global warming as other member countries, setting up solar energy sectors and publishing policies to use them. According to Mozayeni, Pillai, and Wang (2019) opinions, the Australian government intentions to apply smart electricity to each home before 2020 so that clean energy will be used in each house. Another problem is the cost of setting up solar power devices which are huge burden on solar energy manufacturers, hence government gives tax advantages and price compensation to the producers(Mozayeni, Pillci&Wang,2019). Solar power with government support comes to market and becomes the main energy resource in daily consumption. Mozayeni, Pillai, and Wang(2019) claim that solar power consumption is divided by residents’ income, the lower the price of solar power is, the more people choose solar power. For example, most widely furniture is used to produce harmful gas into the atmosphere. Fridges and air-conditioners are used, and solar-assisted systems installed on them can save 40-50% of energy( Mekhilef, Saidur&Safari,2010). Solar panels are commonly used in Australian residents’ houses which increased by 40 percent from 2008 to 2014(Mozayeni, Pillci&Wang,2019). Residents’ daily emissions also cause tremendous air pollution because household emissions are produced every day only if the people live in houses. The government supports solar power firms to produce clean energy and apply it to daily use, resulting in the subsiding of household emissions. Indisputably, the well-controlled household emissions will be a positive effect of global warming through solar power.

In conclusion, solar power usage could make traffic cleaner with the least CO2 emissions; the plants used in industrial production can reduce air pollution the least; Changes in household furniture also reduce living emission reductions, which are effective measures against global warming. Therefore, utilizing solar power in Australia can make some changes to global warming with its wide application list

1. Saul, B. (2012). Climate change and Australia (pp. 16 17 18 19). Annandale, N.S.W.: Federation Press.
2. Mozayeni,S., Pillai,Unni.,& Wang,R.(2019) Consumers Behind Solar Energy: A Case Study of Households’ Demand for Four OECD Countries. Journal Of Strategic Innovation And Sustainability, 14(1), 91-94 96. doi: 10.33423/jsis.v14i1.989
3. Baig, M., Surovtseva, D., & Halawa, E. (2015). The Potential of Concentrated Solar Power for Remote Mine Sites in the Northern Territory, Australia. Journal Of Solar Energy, 2015, 1, 2, 5,6,7,8. doi: 10.1155/2015/617356
4. Racing on Sunshine: Dozens of cars zoom across Australia without using a drop of fuel. (2015, December 7). The Scholastic News P4
5. Mekhilef, S., Saidur, R., & Safari, A. (2010). A review on solar energy use in industries. Renewable And Sustainable Energy Reviews, 15(4), 1781 1784. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2010.12.018

There are two well-known renewable sources; wind energy and solar energy. Solar energy and wind energy are two different sources of one form and they both have some similarities and variations.

Both solar and wind power turbines make use of a battery device in which they store accrued energy. A solar panel generator requires far less support and upkeep costs, as they are very productive and tough. Solar panel systems are oriented board frameworks that are additionally effectively expandable, as a proprietor can just extra to his current framework with for all intents and purposes no additional arrangement costs. Solar panel-oriented boards are additionally viewed as considerably less meddling in a situation because of their relative size in contrast with a breeze turbine. Wind control is commonly viewed as more proficient than galaxies, as the wind can be a significantly more consistent wellspring of vitality that proceeds with paying little heed to the hour of the day. Wind vitality frameworks can be actualized in fluctuating sizes, running from smaller-scale turbines to modern breeze ranch turbines, taking into account the adaptability of framework usage. Solar panels are a general innovation but are still very costly in contrast with wind control. These turbines will in general be an incredible peril for winged animal species that at present possess a potential breeze turbine area. While wind turbines are frequently viewed as more productive than galaxies, the areas for which these frameworks can accomplish the ideal effectiveness can seriously restrict the spots wherein wind turbine frameworks can be effectively actualized.

The primary distinction between wind control and sun-powered power is the point at which they are accessible. Albeit both are discontinuous, wind control is accessible for the day while sunlight-based power is only accessible during the day for clear reasons. This has genuine ramifications in disseminating power as power utilization goes on even as the night progresses. Sun-based power plants require an enormous tract of land to get however much daylight as could be expected. With wind control, land isn’t as significant as the quality of the breeze. Add to that the reality the breezes are more grounded and increasingly steady over water. That is the reason the development of seaward wind ranches is a regular practice. Solar Panels are only accessible during the day while wind control is accessible even around night time and wind control doesn’t take up as a lot of land as sunlight-based power.

References

1. Joan, B. (2014). Difference Between Wind Power and Solar Power. Retrieved from Difference between.net: http://www.differencebetween.net/science/physics-science/difference-between-wind-power-and-solar-power/
2. Anderson, M. (n.d.). Similarities & Differences of Solar & Wind Energy. Retrieved from hunker: https://www.hunker.com/13425296/similarities-differences-of-solar-wind-energy

Benefits of Solar Energy to the Environment

Renewable energy is fast taking the spotlight when it comes to energy generation globally with solar energy taking the lead. Solar energy generates electricity from the sun through the use of panels. Energy generated can be used to power the home or the workplace.

Solar energy comes with several benefits from financial, social, to environmental. However, of the many benefits of solar energy, the modifications it has made to the environment seem to be the most important. Being green and energy-independent has been the desire of many people particularly environmentalists across the globe.

Solar energy brings about many changes to the energy sector one of which is that people do not have to depend on the grid any longer. Some of the benefits of solar energy to the environment include:

1. Solar Energy Reduces Air Pollution

Fossil fuels produced from many non-renewable energy sources cause air pollution. Air pollution has resulted in dirty air across major states of the globe particularly those with mountains and valleys. For many years, pollution of the air has not only made the environment unsafe, but it has also affected the overall living conditions of people in it.

With the increasing usage of solar energy, there has been a massive reduction in the rate of air pollution across the globe. Solar panels produce very clean energy that has improved the quality of air in the environment and enhanced the living conditions of many people.

2. Solar Energy Brings About Reduction in Water Usage

Many energy sources either make use of fossil fuels or water to power itself. With this, the usage of water to produce electricity has been on the increase for many years. Dams are being built all over to ensure water flow is managed and electricity produced. This not only affects the local ecosystem but also requires a lot of money to ensure that these dams are properly managed.

Solar panels make use of sunlight which is not only inexhaustible but also sustainable. The increased usage of solar panels and other renewable energy sources has drastically reduced the usage of water. This has impacted the local ecosystem making it better for its inhabitants.

3. Solar Energy Reduces the Use of Non-Renewable Energy

Non-renewable energy sources not only pollute the air or bring about increased water usage, but they also ensure you are energy-dependent. Solar energy, on the other hand, makes the environment green and the people in it energy-independent. Solar energy reduces the use of non-renewable energy sources powered by fossil fuels. This way, air quality is improved, and the environment becomes safe.

Also, non-renewable energy by its name connotes that after a while of use, the energy is bound to run out. Renewable energy because the source of supply cannot be exhausted. The sun can power as many solar panels as is available, as many times as possible.

4. Solar Energy Reduces Health Risk

Air pollution that comes from the use of fossil fuels not only damages the air but can also have a dangerous impact on the health of individuals. With the use of solar panels, air pollution is reduced, a cleaner atmosphere is achieved, and the health of individuals is secured.

Evolution occurs when populations of a species split across geographical regions and become inaccessible to one another. The Galapagos islands are a prime example.

Invasive species occur in the UK in four main categories: non-native (such as mollusks), wild, indigenous (it is an animal), and introduced (the products you see in jars and bags). These are not always found in the same regions but can occur at a local level. According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) website, the most recent recorded invasive species is the New Zealand mud snail. How do they affect the environment? In the UK, invasive species can affect the ecology of their new environment. They can destroy native species, cause pollution, and put stress on natural ecosystems.

A relative lack of biological control means that species can spread extremely rapidly when introduced into new environments. Larvae from imported species can also adapt to the new environment more easily than native species, potentially rapidly becoming established in numbers that overwhelm the native population. Invasive species can also have a much more serious impact on the ecosystem, which can impact humans, such as blocking waterways reducing the growth of native plants, and disrupting native biodiversity. Invasive species can be transported in goods that are imported from overseas, such as plants, pets, or fish. This is known as the ‘Six Ds’: Disease, Disadvantage, Dispersal, Diversion, Dumping and Depletion.

Plants and animals that are not native to a particular country, usually take over the country’s native wildlife, native habitats, and destroy the country’s natural infrastructure. Common examples of invasive species include harlequin; ladybirds; Japanese knotweed; Canada geese; Hispanic goat (problematic in regions of Spain); Chinese mitten crab; Muntjac deer; terrapins; grey squirrels; pheasants; giant hogweed; rhododendron; Asian hornet; and other examples from the Windermere case study include signal crayfish (which kill native crayfish) and zebra mussels (which clog up pipes).

Affected countries are desperate to protect their local environment from these unwanted intruders, but they do not have the time, manpower, or resources to deal with them. An example of this is Australia, which has built a fence along its coastline to stop the introduction of the cane toad, a native species that poses a threat to native species.

The government cannot adequately control the arrival of species from outside the UK. The world is an exceptionally large place, and space is extremely limited, the planet is teeming with life. Several things can be done, such as maintaining and practicing good biosecurity one of the most important things that can be done to help prevent the introduction of unwanted species. Biosecurity refers to the practice of prevention to eliminate or minimize the risk of a disease or an invasive organism coming to your area. No one wants to think about being unable to consume their favorite fruit, snack, or treat because they may have been infected by an invasive species, but it could be a very real possibility. So, it is only prudent to ensure regular checks of fruits and vegetables before consuming.

There are at least 60 different species of invasive species currently affecting people and places around the world and scientists estimate the total at around 200-300. While the economic impact of invasive species is not always obvious, estimates are that they cost the world $1.4 trillion a year. These costs are varied but include the disruption and loss of wildlife habitat, disease transmission, pollution, road building and destruction, and loss of food production. The loss of indigenous species leads to the loss of ecological biodiversity and the disturbance of habitats. Most species native to the UK can be classified as invasive and if the European species or those occurring within national borders are excluded there are between 300 and 600 native species in the UK that are invasive.

The first and largest scale risk of invasive species is domestic animals like sheep, cows, and pigs. Before the environmental shift that gave rise to the ‘petrochemical revolution’, it was not common practice to cover grassland with straw or to eat animals that roamed free. Much of our farming is now based on this natural model, and diseases like sheep scab, bovine TB, and foot and mouth spread more readily to animals with loose enclosures. Mollusks are not as common as other invasive species, but the UK produces and consumes millions of brown shrimp, known as prawns, each year. The shrimp are not native to Britain and it is becoming increasingly likely that soon we will see them entering the native population, threatening the future of the edible species.

Prevention, control, and eradication:

The first method is called prevention – UK organizations involved in controlling invasive species focus on prevention rather than control. They aim to reduce the spread of invasive species before they cause problems, by working with the species where they are found to reduce the effects of spread. This is done through, for example, changing fishing practices and encouraging farmers to use good agricultural practices, such as using field margins to prevent spread and maintaining hedgerows, which are a natural barrier against new movement of plant and animal species. Early action can be the difference between a situation that can be controlled with existing tools, or one where all the options are limited.

The second method is called control – Before any control action is undertaken, there are three basic questions asked, 1. Is this being done at the highest levels of government? 2. Is this issue discussed at a national level with representatives from all the relevant parts of government, local authorities, businesses, farming communities, environmental NGOs, and so on? 3. Is this intervention being framed in terms of its full impact on the UK in a holistic way, or is it simply being framed in terms of its impact on the rest of Europe?

The third method is called eradication – This involves removing the source of the problem (in this case the invasive species). There are many reasons to do this, the most obvious of which is the obvious in this case is that if we do not kill them then they will not eventually die out on their own and in this case, toxic chemicals are then used to kill invasive species.

Invasive species are one of the biggest environmental challenges we face, both in Europe and worldwide. The public has a role in preventing invasive species from spreading in the first place, in addition to eradicating those already in the UK and trying to prevent further spread. The future is going to be wild, so the UK must be prepared. There are strict laws the restrictions on invasive alien animals, if one is found, owned, or looked after them, and selling or displaying them for business.

The public is advised by the UK government to not keep them in their houses, gardens, or businesses; sell them to other people; exchange them for goods; release them into the environment; let them breed or escape; import them into the UK and not to export them to other countries.

The presence of invasive species in the Everglades is a problem because invasive species have no natural predators, they therefore multiply uncontrollably and devastate populations of native birds and mammals. Our main concerning species are pythons. Pythons are very small, 13-14 inches long, when they are first sold at exotic pet conventions. After 3-4 years pythons can grow to 8 feet, and when they do owners are unable to care for them and release them into the Everglades. Along with pet owners releasing pythons, Hurricane Andrew destroyed a hatchery near Miami that released hundreds of newborn snakes into the Everglades. The problem did not occur overnight, the importation of giant exotic snakes, like the python, had been popular and legal since the 1970’s. In some cases, Pythons have killed the top predator of the Everglades, the Alligator. Along with killing alligators, Pythons can easily take down a full-grown deer. Pythons can multiply rapidly, a female python can carry up to 100 eggs at once, making their spread very rapid. There is little controversy over the issue because it is a known fact that the pythons do not belong in the wetlands of the Everglades and are highly disruptive. A step in the right direction was made in 2012 when the import of Pythons was made illegal. The ban in 2012 was unfortunately years behind the curb, by the time of the ban over 200 thousand pythons were in the Everglades.”

“This research started in the second week of January and will end in the second week of April. The sources utilized have credibility, are relevant, and unbiased, and they support the purpose of the research. The studies chosen show the dramatic effects that an invasive species can have on a habitat that lacks a natural predator similar to the invasive species. The studies were all conducted in the Everglades National Park and they all show the present danger that pythons have on the Everglades fragile ecosystem. The source “Pythons Devourer Mammals in the Everglades” was immensely helpful because it provided the percentages of the decline of medium-sized mammal populations in areas where pythons had been present, which showed a direct correlation that more effort is needed to eradicate pythons in the Everglades.”

Annotated Bibliography

• Falk Bryan G., Snow, Ray W., and Reed Robert N. (2007) Prospects and Limitations of Citizen Science in Invasive Species Management: A Case Study with Burmese Pythons in Everglades National Park.

“The study focuses on the change in the average time it takes to find a python in the Everglades year-round. In 2014 the time it took to find a python ranged from 8hrs to 40hrs. The time range is due to the extreme difficulty of finding pythons by searching visually. The research shows why new methods of catching pythons should be introduced to decrease the time it takes to find a python and increase the number of pythons caught daily.”

• Hart, Kristen M.1, Michael S.1Smith, Brian J.2Mazzotti, Frank J.3Ikuko, Ray W.4Dorcas, Michael E.5, Pythons Devour Everglades Mammals. Florida, USA. (2015)

“The research led by Michael Dorcas and Jhon “J.D” Wilson, links severe declines of mammal populations in the Everglades to the population soar of Pythons. Their research solidifies the claim that predators native or exotic exert a considerable influence on the structure of their animal communities. In the remote southernmost regions of the park, complete disappearance of rabbits, raccoons, and Opossums occurred along with severe declines in other mammal populations.”

• Dorcas, Michael, Willson, John, Reed, Robert, Snow, Ray, Rochford, Michael, Miller, Melissa, Meshaka,^Jr., Walter, Andreadis, Paul, Mazzotti, Frank, Romagosa, Christina, Hart, Kristen. Severe mammal declines coincide with the proliferation of invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park. (September 26, 2011)

“This source focuses on the decline in mammal populations of the Florida Everglades, due to the introduction of Burmese Pythons. The study stated that raccoon sightings fell by 99.3% due to Pythons. Along with that Opossum, sightings fell by 87.5%. The road surveys conducted showed that in areas where pythons had only recently been discovered mammal populations were much higher than those where pythons had been present for extended periods The study shows that a high python population directly correlates with the ow mammal population.”