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Destruction of Rainforests, 2008.
This paper discusses the environmental problem of the destruction of the rainforests.
1,046 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that the destruction of the tropical rainforests is one of the biggest global environmental problems that one faces today. Although the rainforests are 'local' and confined to certain areas of the world, their destruction is, nevertheless, a global problem, and this is so for several reasons. The writer explains that first, the rainforests are the lungs of the planet. They absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Rainforests are also sinks, storage reservoirs of natural substances, in particular of carbon. Finally, the writer notes that rainforests are the only habitats of literally thousands and thousands of plant and animal species. The writer discusses that mist developing countries are attempting to improve and develop their economies and deal with population growth and the rainforests represent valuable natural resources and opportunities for export and foreign revenues. The writer concludes that deforestation can be fought by taking into consideration a broad range of issues and applying a broad range of policies and the sustainable management of forestry as well as agriculture. Further more conservation targets must be set, not just for the rainforests but also for the protection of the species diversity they contain.
From the Paper
"Industrial development is also the reason for deforestation in the Amazon, as the region contains mineral deposits of gold, diamonds and other minerals as well a huge supply of fresh water that could potentially supply much hydroelectric energy. Mining is an environmentally devastating economy in itself and requires additional clearing for road or rail development in order to transport the mined minerals. A cattle ranching is also a source of deforestation exclusive to Latin America, although according to Myers it has been on the decrease. One of the ways to deal with deforestation in the Amazon is to focus on more sustainable means of agriculture and less destructive logging methods as well as reforestation. Extractive reserve is an example given by Chasmer and Perry-Globa, (1998) for a way for more sustainable economic development of the Amazon. Rubber tappers collect small amounts of latex from rubber trees each day, which they sell. The trees are not destroyed. These activities can be extended to other forest products in the Amazon: nuts, fruits and vegetables. However, the biggest problem with preserving the rainforest I countries such as Brazil is the fact that these countries must balance conservation with the need for economic development and foreign capital."
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Placebo Environmental Policies, 2007.
This paper describes the use of placebo policies in the management of Canadian environmental issues.
760 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that placebo policies in environmental management are used by some government entities to mislead the government on its anti-environment agenda. The author cites specifically the Harris government in Ontario, which imposes policies that seem to be for the environment but are not, and the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, which has a more effective history depending on implementation. The paper relates that placebo policy has the effect of manipulating public opinion on the issue, reducing public input and participation in the process of making policy, and rolling back earlier environmental initiatives.
From the Paper
"A number of placebo policies can be found in Ontario, such as the government's attempt at manipulating public opinion on the issue of urban smog. When a highly publicized smog patrol program was introduced, along with summer gasoline volatility limits to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by 2 per cent, analysts found that overall VOC emissions were expected to rise by 10 per cent per decade as a result of other government policies that promote urban sprawl."
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A Tree Planting Strategy, 2008.
This paper presents a tree planting program for a suburban neighborhood.
1,441 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The paper focuses on developing a tree planting strategy in order to retrofit a suburban neighborhood so that it has less detrimental environmental impact and greater resource efficiency. The paper details the many benefits of a tree planting program and looks at the technical challenges involved. The paper discusses the types of trees that could be planted as well as various layout options.
Outline:
Background
Technical Challenges
Performance Criteria
From the Paper
"The task is to retrofit a suburban neighborhood so that it has less detrimental environmental impact, greater resource efficiency, more opportunities for healthy living, and a sense of aesthetic splendor and improved lifestyle. The neighborhood consists of approximately 200 acres with wide streets, houses set back from the street and fronted by large garages, very low residential density, significant paving of the landscape, and no other land uses within a ten minute walk. Such a neighborhood would be considered relatively isolated but might also have a detrimental effect on the local environment because of the paving that removes natural land and that reflects heat from the sun, as might the houses themselves. The low residential density is a benefit. One way of improving the region is to develop a tree planting strategy for the area so as to make the neighborhood itself more given to renewal of the atmosphere."
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The Evolution of Ancient Cities, 2008.
This paper studies the history and evolution of the ancient cities of the Mediterranean.
1,076 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the emergence of the ancient cities, where they emerged, and how they evolved in different regions. The paper shows how urban centers have evolved over time in large measure due to man's efforts to exploit the natural world to his advantage. The paper discusses how ancient cities laid the foundation for the modern urban community of today.
From the Paper
"The history of the ancient cities of the Mediterranean - indeed, the history of cities everywhere - is an interesting one. To begin with, cities as we understand the term today began to emerge right around the time of the Neolithic revolution as agricultural surplus became sufficient to support heavily-concentrated populations (Brakman et al., 15). In the Mesopotamian world, it appears as though the first genuine city - Eridu - took root around 4900 B.C. This city, like all the others that the Mesopotamians would construct for themselves, had its own patron god and there is evidence that these urban centers had their own education systems (apparently centrally-planned) in addition to being locations that served as religious loci for the people of pre-Christian Mesopotamia."
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T. R.Berger's "Northern Frontier, Northern Homeland", 2007.
This paper applies the critical-emancipatory paradigm and the constructivist-interpretive paradigm to T. R.Berger's 1988 book "Northern Frontier, Northern Homeland: The Report of the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry".
1,615 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the critical paradigm recognizes that reality is the product of history and analyzes it accordingly through social, political, cultural, economic, ethnic and gender values developed over time. The author states that, when applying the critical-emancipatory approach to T. R. Berger's "Northern Frontier, Northern Homeland", the observer understands that the whole issue surrounding the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry involves a strong reaction to historical reality issues especially the importance of the First Nation people and the environmental supporters in deciding against the pipeline project. The paper relates that the constructivist-interpretive paradigm assumes that to understand the world and its meaning, one must interpret it. The author underscores that the constructivist-interpretive paradigm can be applied to Berger's work in that his assessment of the Mackenzie Valley pipeline is heavily subjective and based upon interpretation of multiple realities.
Table of Contents
The Strengths and Weakness of the Critical Paradigm
Application of the Critical-Emancipatory Approach to "Northern Frontier, Northern Homeland"
The Strength and Weakness of the Constructivist-Interpretive Paradigm
Application of the Critical Constructivist- Interpretive Paradigm to "Northern Frontier, Northern Homeland"
From the Paper
"It is easy to analyze the Northern Frontier, Northern Homeland document in terms of the critical-emancipatory approach. Indeed, the whole issue surrounding the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry involves a strong reaction of social, political, cultural, economic and ethnic issues derived from processes over history. The writer, Berger, has assessed the contentious issue of the pipeline development firstly in terms of economic issues: that is, that it will be good for the Canadian economy, particularly the northern Canadians who will be brought now into the "mainstream of the Canadian economy" (Berger, 1988, p. 3). Ultimately, however, Berger has acknowledged the role of ethnicity in appraising the pipeline project and assessing its worth. His final position assumes the First Nation Canadians are correct; environmentally-speaking, the project should not go on). The role of acknowledging the importance of the First Nation people and the environment in deciding against the pipeline project display evidence of cultural, social, political and ethnic values in evaluating the situation.
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The Good Ozone and the Bad Ozone, 2008.
An analysis of the problem of tropospheric ozone and the depletion of the good ozone and the reasons for these problems.
1,644 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the ozone and the problems associated with it. It looks at the problem of tropospheric ozone and what causes this problem. It then looks at the problem of ozone depletion and why that is occurring. The paper particularly discusses greenhouse emissions and global warming. Finally, the paper analyzes the issue of the ozone hole and shows how worldwide mobilization of governments and the consequent resolve to deal with and face the issue have made a big difference in finding a solution to the problem at hand.
Table of Contents:
The Good Ozone
The Bad Ozone
From the Paper
"The problem of ozone depletion is an example of an environmental problem that has required a global consensus and a global solution. Nevertheless, the effects of the CFCs will not be so easily overturned, despite the long-term solution. It can serve as a good example of how to effectively deal with environmental problems, and in particular the issue of global warming. The problem of ground the ozone in the troposphere is more an urban problem, which however can be dealt with only through long-term solutions and changes in lifestyle."
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The Environmental Movement's Lies and Distortion, 2008.
This paper looks at "The Green Peril to the Third World" and and "Environmentalists Surf Tsunami Tragedy" by Steven Milloy and "Eco-terrorists Recruit 2nd Graders" by Mark Morano.
847 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
The paper examines "The Green Peril to the Third World" and and "Environmentalists Surf Tsunami Tragedy" by Steven Milloy as well as "Eco-terrorists Recruit 2nd Graders" by Mark Morano. The paper shows how environmental groups are often narrow-minded, offer distorted views of significant issues and ignore evidence which opposes their main theses. The paper suggests that mainstream media groups should emphasize both sides of the debate, point out the fallacies in the arguments brought forward by environmentalists and stop ignoring the controversial activities of groups like Rainforest Action Network (RAN).
From the Paper
"The article, "The Green Peril to the Third World," shows how the proposed Kyoto Protocol endangers the economic well-being of developing nations insofar as dramatic reductions in greenhouse emissions will devastate their fledgling economies. The article also points out that there is no definitive proof that climate change is created by humans and a few passages are set aside outlining how environmental groups have established a de facto "veto" power over loans to developing nations which curry their disfavor - the example of Citigroup and its loan program being a good example (Milloy, para.1-13). As author Steven Milloy argues, ""....poor countries need economic development and environmental activists are blocking their way" (para.14)."
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Economic Globalization, 2008.
An analysis of the effects of economic globalization on the environment and on future generations of humans.
2,179 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes to what extent consideration of future generations of humans or the current well-being of other species should be a factor in governing our behaviors towards the environment. It looks at the effect of economic globalization on the environment. It then argues that those in the Global North should not be pursuing luxury and excess at the expense of other species on the planet and at the expense of future generations of humans.
From the Paper
"In truth, it is becoming daily more difficult to ignore the realities - such as the key fact that the TNCs are engaged in what one expert calls a "terminal grand buffet" - that is, that they are literally eating up the finite resources of our planet (Broswimmer 91). As Broswimmer warns, TNCs in particular, and globalized capitalism in general, have "brought our planet to the brink of social and ecological collapse" (Broswimmer 86). This grim reality makes it incumbent upon us to allow consideration of future generations of humans, and the current well-being of other species, to be a major factor in governing our behaviours towards the environment. While we can make a moral and philosophical argument for this (and have attempted to do so above), the most compelling reason is simply that we have no choice. Our current way of life is unsustainable, and we are now in a position where the fine balance of the Earth could collapse at any minute."
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Deforestation in Canada and the World, 2008.
This paper explores deforestation on a Canadian and global level.
1,526 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the issue of deforestation and what can be done to stop it before it becomes an even more serious problem. The paper focuses upon Canada, but points out that the issue is a global one that requires international collaboration. The paper discusses how deforestation can be overcome, but only if strong governmental action is taken against irresponsible practices by the logging and lumber sectors and if firm penalties are put in place to discourage degradation of fragile ecosystems.
From the Paper
"The evidence clearly indicates that deforestation in the Amazonian rainforest - and it is Amazonian deforestation rates which are used to determine human effects on the global carbon cycle - has been sped along by widespread logging and surface fires; indeed, logging crews "severely damage" between 10,000 to 15,000 square kilometers of forestland each year in this critical part of the world. Going further, the available information indicates that nearly 20,000 square kilometers of Amazonian rainforest was "deforested" in the period 1993-1995 by logging alone. To make the matter worse, as the 1990s progressed, the rate of deforestation increased; for example, in 1996 the forest area deforested in the aforementioned Brazilian Amazon climbed to more than 18,000 square kilometers (Nepstad et al., 505-506). Simply put, large-scale logging did enormous harm to the rainforest in the 1990s despite the existence of a vigorous environmental movement and this development will invariably mean higher CO2 concentrations (and not just in Central America), the demise of fragile ecosystems dependent upon forestland, the destruction of a way of life for indigenous tribes, and the potential widespread loss of at-risk animal groups."
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Hurricane Katrina, 2008.
An examination of the way the American government tried to manage hurricane Katrina.
2,462 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the steps taken by the government of New Orleans and President Bush to try and manage hurricane Katerina. It explains how people evacuated the city and how some were unable to leave. The writer criticizes President Bush for not acting sooner and points out that by many accounts, many average Americans understood more of the disaster in New Orleans that the President did. The writer discusses how in the electoral debates of 2000, Mr. Bush had said natural disasters are a "time to test your mettle", but Bush failed with Katrina as he seemed overwhelmed with the problem and confused and defensive about what to do. The writer points out that confronted with the crisis in New Orleans, Mr. Bush was unable to summon either clear thinking or firm governance. The writer concludes by asking how a system that is meant to protect its people failed so badly.
From the Paper
"On Sunday, August 28, New Orleans Ray Nagin asked residents to evacuate the city. (Newsweek 2005a p. 46b) Nagin had actually delayed the evacuation notice, giving up on valuable time to mobilize resources, because any evacuation would disrupt a tourism based economy. If Nagin evacuated unnecessarily, he would cost the city millions of dollars per day in lost revenue. (Time, 2005a; Newsweek, 2005a) Even as he called for evacuation, Nagin acted tentatively, apparently unsure at the outset that he could make the evacuation mandatory. Later he was advised that he did have authority to order a mandatory evacuation."
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A Lesson Plan Utilizing the Scientific Inquiry Model, 2007.
A lesson plan, predicated upon the scientific inquiry model, that asks students to consider how human beings impact the mating and feeding habits of wildlife whose ecosystems suddenly are disrupted by human waste.
890 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that the lesson plan presented seeks to employ the scientific inquiry model to foster rational, rigorous and inductive thought and to facilitate the ability of students to communicate about technical/environmental matters in a second language. The author points out that the class will enter the room to find a poster depicting seagulls or other marine wildlife mired in an oil spill, which emphasizes the dangers of human pollution. The paper includes a step-by-step procedure for the lesson. The author states that the student observations will be assessed for grammatical fluency, for descriptiveness, for answering all of the questions posed by the instructor and the amount of detail devoted to answering each question.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Expectations/Opportunities
Pre-assessment/Student Accommodations
Resources
Lead-in
Step-by-Step Procedure
Assessment/Evaluation
From the Paper
"As part of their observations, students will be asked to answer the following questions: "what happens when one particular area is cleaned up and another area is not?" (The class has brought garbage bags to clean up some areas which are especially hard-hit by pollution while leaving others alone for longer-term observation). "What happens to the soil and vegetation of areas that have been polluted and littered with garbage?" "
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Environmental Terrorism, 2007.
This paper discuses environmental terrorism and analyzes the Gulf War oil spill of 1991 as an example.
3,035 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that environmental terrorism is one of the most significant terrorist tactics that not only impacts multiple nations but also serves to destroy the livelihood of the natural environment. The author relates that the Gulf War oil spill annihilated an entire shoreline and was responsible for billions of dollars in reconstruction and economic fallout. The paper emphasizes that Saddam Hussein's intent was not only a military strategy as a reactive and symbolic agent to the U.S. intervention, but was also an ideological principle rather than malice towards the environment. The author points out that, nonetheless, the Persian Gulf oil spill demonstrates strong similarities to the model of environmental terrorism developed by Daniel Schwartz and contains a number of characteristics that classify it as an act of environmental terror.
Table of Contents:
Terrorism on the Rise
Environmental Destruction as a Symbol
The Persian Gulf War
The Oil Spill: Historical Review
Terrorism Defined
Terrorism during War
Modeling Environmental Terrorism
The Justification for Environmental Terrorism
The Persian Gulf Oil Spill: Terrorism and Justification
From the Paper
"Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 would be the introduction of the United States involvement in Middle East affairs. Hussein's stranglehold upon the citizens of Iraq was known across the world; with his intolerance to those who dissented by government or religion feeling the wrath of his punishment. Notable acts of genocide against Kurds and Shiite Muslims in the 1980's brought his notoriety to the international scene. However, the Iraqi oil reserves were not to be rivaled by many countries, and Hussein's invasion of Iraq only served to increase the country's wealth."
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The California Gold Rush and the Environment, 2008.
This paper explores the environmental impact of the California Gold Rush.
1,190 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
The paper reveals that the Gold Rush was a dark moment in the environmental history of the American West. The paper describes how the Gold Rush resulted in significant ecosystem destruction through deforestation, sedimentation, hydraulic mining and mercury pollution. The paper looks closely at the historical facts of the Gold Rush that indicate how the environment was severely damaged by the mining operations.
From the Paper
"The history of the California Gold Rush is well-documented. What is less clear is the historical study of the lasting environmental impacts that the Gold Rush had on the California region. To be sure, the environmental impact of the Gold Rush would have been severe, if only taken in the context of the incredible demographic changes that took place in the early to mid nineteenth century. With that many people uprooting from eastern locales and making the trek west to make their fortune at the edge of the American frontier, the environment would have been hard-pressed to absorb the shock of that much more stress on the local ecosystems. However, even a cursory examination of contemporary historical work on the subject reveals that the environmental destruction was even more significant than that. The California Gold Rush, it would seem, resulted in a powerfully terrible environmental legacy for the state."
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Hydrogen Fuel Cells, 2008.
This paper discusses the integration of hydrogen fuel cells in transportation.
1,483 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
The paper talks about the Kyoto Protocol that provided an international directive in environmental emissions, demanding that countries shoulder the responsibility for emissions regulations and standards. The paper then discusses hydrogen fuel cell research and the effectiveness of integrating these technologies in domestic and public modes of transportation. The paper argues that hydrogen fuel cell development should become the primary focus for any company that wants to adhere to environmental standards and reduce long-term costs of using fossil fuels.
Outline:
The Kyoto Protocol
The Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Green Companies: Ford and Mercedes
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Limitations
From the Paper
"The 21st century global marketplace has been witness to the advent of numerous technological advances in an effort to create efficiency and reduce the cost of utilizing expensive energy resources. Environmental policy has also played an important role in the legitimacy of large corporations primarily due to the alarming increase in global warming. As the world becomes closer to its neighbors through free-market trade, the relevance of environmental accountability becomes even more paramount. With oil prices rapidly increasing and technological advances in the synthesis of energy resources, the transportation industry is becoming more responsible for the environmental impact due to business operations. Countries and companies worldwide are becoming more active in regulating fuel economy. The rise of hydrogen fuel cell integration in domestic vehicles, locomotives and public transportation services has increased due to environmental regulations and finding cost efficient resources for power."
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The Negatives of Gentrification, 2008.
This paper argues that the negative consequences of gentrification should be considered before any changes to a site or a building.
1,994 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
The paper looks closely at "Fort Thunder", a community in Rhode Island that ceased to be a thriving artistic area when city-planners and architects decided that it needed to be brought more in line with modern aesthetic sensibilities. The paper maintains that those who are looking at "refurbishing" an urban site should take into account the history of the site and whether the changes will take away more from the local community than any structural improvements might give back to it.
From the Paper
"To begin with, it must be understood that the Fort Thunder community was not simply a meeting-place for local bohemian, artistic types; it was also an enormous milling operation at one time. To elaborate a little further, 1842 saw a gentleman named John Giles found Valley Worsted Mills on the location; the operation was one of the earliest worsted mills in all the United States. 1866 saw the impressive operation stricken by a catastrophic fire that destroyed the main mill. Despite this set-back, Giles immediately set upon building a new structure and the revamped mill site - now including further additions - soon became enormously profitable; indeed, by the 1890s it was producing 100,000 pounds of worsted yarn per month. Sadly for the employees of the mill, all good things must invariably come to an end and the twentieth century saw a gradual decline in the demand for the mill's products. In 1928, the American Woolen Company (which had taken over the mill in 1899) relinquished the property and the plot was (after three years had elapsed) sold to a local realtor who in turn leased the space to a variety of other businesses - including textile companies ("Eagle Square, formerly Valley Worsted Mills: History," para.1-3)."
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The Prestige Oil Spill, 2008.
This paper looks at the lessons learned from the Exxon Valdez oil spill in order to evaluate the Prestige oil spill and its effects.
781 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the Exxon Valdez oil spill and compares it to the Prestige spill. The paper analyzes the costs and environmental impact each spill had and offers suggestions to prevent more spills such as these from happening. These include the need to have stronger regulations on oil tankers, proper enforcement of maintenance on tankers and a willingness of governments to work together for a common good.
From the Paper
"On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez ran aground on a reef in Prince William Sound, "rupturing its hull and spilling nearly 11 million gallons of crude oil" (NOS). In an attempt to circumvent an iceberg, the Valdez captain moved outside of the normal shipping lanes, thus running the large tanker aground. The oil spill that occurred resulted in a large clean-up operation--the largest yet in the world (NOS). Despite the huge impact of the spill, the ecosystem has proven quite resilient. Much of the affected areas look the same as they did before the spill. However, there are still long-term impacts of the spill, according to the NOAA."
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Impact of Globalization, 2008.
This paper discusses the impact of globalization and looks at why the benefits outweigh the risks.
761 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the extraordinary impact of globalization upon the modern world. The writer argues that, while certainly not perfect, the permeable borders globalization makes possible is a key ingredient in making the global south and the entire developing world more prosperous than ever before. The writer maintains that more than that, the technologies associated with globalization - and their dispersal - will surely go a very long way towards reducing environmental degradation in developing lands. The writer concludes that while far from perfect, globalization does bind nations together in a manner that lessens the risk of warfare and strife and the growth of foreign direct investment and comparatively well-paying jobs in facilities built by wealthy foreign multinationals offers families in developing lands economic opportunities they would not have otherwise.
From the Paper
"On the other hand, John A. Powell and S.P. Udayakumar claim that globalization has benefited the global north extravagantly while doing far less for those in the South. Additionally, the aforementioned writers argue that the United States, as the world's one great super-power, has pushed for a global trade agenda that is inimical to the interests of labour at home and abroad. As they see it, the USA has used its disproportionate power in international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund to push for the liberalization of trade and investment at the expense of environmental and labour-force concerns. As well, those same authors insist that democracy suffers in large measure because powerful global institutions committed to furthering the goals of capital effectively undermine the efficacy of the state while, at the same time, globalization prompts the state to serve the bidding of organized capital."
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"Out of Gas", 2008.
This paper examines "Out of Gas" by David Goldstein that portends the fall of civilization if we remain dependent on fossil fuels.
779 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper examines David Goldstein's book "Out of Gas" where he makes the dire prediction that civilization will cease to exist by the latter half of the twenty-first century, unless society learns to live without fossil fuels. The paper describes how Goldstein covers the history of Earth and the creation of the oil reserves, global warming, the scientific theories that gave rise to the industrial revolution and the energy sources available today. The paper shows how his predictions are dire and solutions not readily apparent.
From the Paper
"The Hubbert curve is a mathematical representation of when the rate at which oil us consumed exceeds the rate that oil reserves are discovered. In 1956 he predicted that this point on the curve would be reached around 1970 (Goldstein 26). It in fact did occur just a few years latter than he predicted, but nonetheless we have been increasing our rate of consumption oil faster than our rate of discovery for just over thirty years. All the world's oil (and fossil fuel) reserves were created millions of years ago when plants absorbed large portions of the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sank to the bottom of the oceans, became compressed in layers of sand, and with heat from the earth's core, became the fossil fuel deposits that we tap today. The reserves of oil are estimated to be two to two point seven trillion barrels, a supply that should last about another 40 years (Goldstein 29)."
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Tidal Power Plants, 2008.
This paper identifies tidal power as an appropriate energy technology for the British Isles and other coastal regions.
2,094 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
The paper explores how the United Kingdom can use tidal energy to produce consistent alternative electricity. The paper looks at the two basic options for converting the kinetic energy of the tides into electrical energy. The paper examines the tidal power generation technology and the capital costs necessary and then considers the environmental impact represented by these tidal generation options.
The paper concludes that tidal power has the potential to provide a significant portion of the United Kingdom's energy needs.
Outline:
Introduction: Coastal UK and Tidal Power
Technical Considerations
Economics of Tidal Power
Environmental Impact of Tidal Power
Conclusions
From the Paper
"Developing alternative energy technologies that are reliable and site-specific can be difficult. Because alternative energy systems typically rely on locally available energy resources, they are not applicable in all situations and all circumstances. It is important to consider the potential energy resources of a given region prior to selecting an energy technology for development. For instance, it would be foolish to suggest the use of solar technology in a predominantly cloudy region, or a hydroelectric facility for an area that only seasonally has running water. The most important first consideration is to consider the site, and then determine what is the most reliable, locally available energy resource."
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