Abstract
This paper discusses the illogical nature of the Unites States? ban on hemp. The author presents many examples of the practical uses of hemp in society and also presents reasons why hemp is wrongfully considered a dangerous plant.

From the paper:

"How many times have Americans wished there was one simple solution to so many of the major problems of today, such as deforestation and sub-standard building supplies? Industrial hemp is a possible solution to many of these problems and more, however, a problem with using hemp for these purposes is that it is currently illegal to grow hemp in the United States. If we as a country were to abolish this law, we could easily put an end to so many of today?s dilemmas. Growing of industrial hemp should be legalized in the United States."

Tags:agriculture, ban, cannabis, deforestation, lumber, marijuana, pot, sativa, weed

Abstract
This paper describes the effects that the brown tree snake had on the wildlife of Guam. The brown tree snake, accidentally imported to Guam shortly after World War II, appeared all over the island and ended up killing several species of the native forest birds that lived in Guam. This paper is a historical description of the development of the brown tree snake as a plague. It details the origin of the Brown Tree Snake and the terrible effects it had on the island of Guam. Moreover, this paper shows the environmental effects on the development of the Island.

From the Paper
"Determining the number of animal species existing on the island of Guam prior to the arrival of humans has presented a distinct difficulty. From archeological excavations on the nearby island of Rota, scientists have determined that the original human colonists domesticated animals extirpated many species thousands of years ago (Chiszar et al1997). World War II subjected Guam to naval bombardment so severe that some artillery fire leveled some forests (Chiszar et al 1997). After the war, extensive seeding of the island took place with an exotic legume (Leucaena leucocephala.) It permanently replaced native trees over vast areas (Chiszar et al 1997). The fauna of Guam seemed stable until the 1960 s. At this time Wildlife authorities noticed the entire absence of birds from the southern one-third of the island. The boundary of the absence of birds seemed to be moving steadily northward. Birds were missing from the southern two-thirds of the island by the end of the 1970 s (Enbring & Ramsey 1983). Thirteen years later, in 1983, all 10 forest species occurred concurrently only in 160 ha of mature forest beneath the cliff line at the northern tip of Guam, with a few species still occupying parts of the northern plateau (Savidge 1987). The early 1980 s reveals many factors blamed for the decline in Guam s forest birds. Disease, pesticides, habitat loss, hunting, and introduced species evolve as the major suspect reasons. Elimination of the forest s mosquitoes that possibly harbor avian malaria or avian pox brought an influx of pesticide usage. During World War II to the-mid 1970 s, the military used pesticides such as DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbons to kill the mosquitoes (Enbring & Ramsy 1983). Pesticides might have caused declines in the past; therefore, it cannot be ruled out as a cause for the earlier reed-warbler extinction (Reichel et al 1992). Tests conducted in 1981 indicate low pesticide levels on Guam. Pesticides probably were not responsible for the current declines of forest birds (Reichel et al 1992). The years since 1945 have witnessed an increase in weedy species, though substantial native habitat remains in southern and northern Guam. Birds have disappeared from forests that previously supported healthy bird populations (Savidge 1987)."

Tags:biogeography, birds, brown, introduced, island, snake, Guam, species, treeWorld, War, II, forest

Abstract
This paper addresses the economic issues related to the timber industry. Opposing ideologies of economists and ecologists are presented. Areas discussed include a deforestation in industrialized and developing countries, analysis and management of timber production, and policy making. The writer concludes that economists and ecologists must work together to solve the problem.

From the Paper
"Timber is the major product currently harvested from forests. Timber is used in a variety of products ranging from houses to paper and paperboard products. Long ago it seemed as if the supply of wood from forests was abundant and as if there would always be enough to provide everything that we could possibly need. However, recently we have realized that this is not the case. Timber is a major source of income and has become necessary to sustain out life-style as we know it. There has been a clash of ideology between ecologists and economists. Ecologists point out that forests have many other benefits besides just providing timber and are quick to point out that we need them to reduce the level of green house gases and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Economists are equally as quick to point out that we need timber to sustain our economy and cannot just simply quit cutting the trees. Herein lies the dilemma, how do we continue to use forests to sustain a viable income and still ensure that this can continue into the future? The two sides of this issue have often met on violent terms."

Tags:ecology, deforestation, industrialization, wood, ecosystem, wildlife, population, consumption

Abstract
This paper analyzes the issue of logging in national forests. It outlines the topics raised by the conservationists that logging should be banned, and by the loggers that logging is essential to the forests and to the economy.

From the Paper
"One of the most debated issues of recent years is the right of logging companies to harvest timber for profit in the national forests. Conservationists have years of data to support their position pertaining to the harmful effects of deforestation in these parks, many of which contain some of the oldest forest in existence today. Aside from environmental issues, there are other issues as well. If they are public forests, conservationists maintain that the priority should remain on the preservation of them for the enjoyment of all. Logging companies use this same argument that if they are public, then the resources should be available to everyone, including to themselves, for profit. Another issue in this debate is the use of public tax money by privately owned big business for their own profit. Conservationists easily win the support for the general public with their emphasis on the loss of natural habitat and scenic beauty, but recently it seems that the large amount of lobbying dollars presented to the President have won the battle, at least for now. This issue has two opposing sides, but many underlying issues. This paper will examine the main arguments presented by both sides."

Tags:trees, felling, wood, environment

Abstract
This paper describes various types of ecosystems. The paper defines an ecosystem as all of the organisms and their physical environment that exist within a certain, specific area, including all plants, animals, water, dirt, rocks, and the surrounding air. The paper includes a discussion of a complex mature forest ecosystem.

From the Paper
"The word "ecosystem" is used frequently in the popular media, and yet most people do not have a clear, working definition of an ecosystem. An ecosystem simply refers to all of the organisms and their physical environment that exist within a certain, specific area. This includes all plants, animals, and their environment, which can include water, dirt, rocks, and the air that surrounds them. For example, all of the organisms that live in a New England tide pool, plus their physical environment would make up an ecosystem. In addition, a deciduous forest and a salt pond marsh are also ecosystems."

Tags:ecology, biology, plants, animals, biosphere, organisms, consumers, producers

Abstract
This paper examines the importance of rain forests for the ecosystem and elucidates current concerns about its destruction by explaining some of the consequences of destruction. In looking at the causes of the problem, the paper explores the perception that the problems were local and not global, the problem of basic greed and selfishness and political problems. The paper concludes with a discussion of the impact of this destruction on the future of the ecosystem.

From the Paper
"Within the last few decades mankind has come to the understanding that the world's resources are not unlimited. The rain forest has been a focus of concern for environmental groups around the world. Years ago society used whatever resources it wanted with little thought to the impact that would have on the future. Today society realizes that the things it does to the environment will have a domino affect across ecology. Things that mankind perpetuates on the rain forest are causing its very destruction and this destruction threatens the future of the ecosystem mankind is so familiar with."

Tags:importance, current, concerns, consequences, causes, impact, ecosystem, preservation, conservation

Abstract
This paper presents the causes and effects of air pollution. Other stratospheric research is concerned with the downward trends in global ozone that have recently been measured over populated regions in the mid altitudes. The author focuses on the various factors associated with global warming.

From the Paper
"Air pollution is any visible or invisible substance found in the air that is not part of the normal composition of air. Some air pollution is natural and has always been a part of the earth's history. However, over the past one hundred years or so, pollution created by humans has become a major environmental problem. Natural air pollution has been around for millions of year. Dust and a variety of gases from forest fires, volcanoes, and decaying material in rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water continually enter the atmosphere. Sometimes this natural pollution can have dramatic effects. Air pollution is a major factor in causing humans to get ill. Tuberculosis, bronchitis, heart and chest diseases, stomach disorders, asthma and cancers can all be traced to chemicals in the air. Pesticides and fertilizers release gases and particles into the air which poison people and kill animals."

Tags:ozone, stratosphere, carbon, environmental, dioxide, sulphur, cfc, deforestation, lead

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the global problem of deforestation from the Amazon to Asia. The paper looks at which nations profit and how humanity loses.

From the Paper
"...Behind the environmental dangers to the planet are the economic forces that continue the practice of deforestation for corporate profit on one hand, and subsistence survival of third world farmers on the other. An examination of the problem of deforestation shows how the world's forests are being impacted by economics."

Tags:rainforest, economy, environment, brazil, amazon, Malaysia, Japan

Abstract
This research explores the twin problems of deforestation and agricultural growth in the Brazilian rain forest. The research sets forth the ecological context in which these issues have arisen, as well as ways in which the problems have affected the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere of the region. It then discusses the range of past and projected responses to the problem with a view toward forecasting possible lines of development and resolution.

From the Paper
"Such issues have been at work in Brazil for decades. As early as the 1950s and 1960s, partly in cooperation with UNESCO, Brazil's government undertook economic-development projects in Brazil, in Amazonia (Amazon, 1967) and in another major rain forest system called the Atlantic Forest. Such aggressive industrial development occurred in the latter region over the years that the great mass of the Atlantic Forest has all but disappeared. Only remainder patches of unspoiled lush vegetation survive in the current period, from the million-kilometer area of former times (Dean, 1997)."

Tags:Amazonia, UN, environment, Roraima, tapper, World, Bank

Abstract
This paper discusses the different types of deforestation and their causes, and suggests various areas in which possible solutions may be found. Both tropical deforestation and dry forest clearing are addressed. Increased population growth, agribusiness, cattle ranching, and small-scale farming and wood collecting are among the reasons given for destruction of forests. Proposed solutions include a discussion of preservation policies, greater economic use of forests currently destroyed, and 'tolerant forest management'.

From the Paper
"The deforestation of vegetation has been carried out for millennia, in all parts of the world inhabited by man. But in recent decades, with the growth of "green" issues in general, great concern has been raised about deforestation and it's causes, especially in developing countries, which do not safeguard their forests in the way the west usually does. The term deforestation is vague, which makes it difficult to define, record and make comparisons. But deforestation can generally be divided into two broad categories. These are tropical deforestation (the clearing of dense rainforests, usually for agricultural purposes) and dry forest clearing (where trees are generally cut for firewood (Todaro: 1997). We shall look here at the causes of deforestation in developing countries in all it's forms, and then hopefully outline possible solutions to the apparent destruction caused to the bio-diversity of plants and animals, and environmental stability. "

Tags:country, environment, forestry, Budongo, Amazonia, logging