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The Responsibility of the United States, 2007.
An analysis of James Gustave Speth's "Red Sky at Morning: America and the Crisis of the Global Environment."
779 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 18.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how, as the largest consumer group in the world, Americans have directly caused many of the environmental problems that exist today and the ones that will sprout up in the future, if current consumption trends continue. The paper portrays how economic growth in the Unites States is pursued rashly and at the expense of social and environmental consequences. The paper describes Speth's suggestions, including environmentally honest pricing. The paper explains that altering the underlying pricing systems would alter the entire supply and demand structure in favor of more restrained and educated consumer choices. The paper contends that the United States should spearhead the new policy initiative and they can model their proposal after those already in place in Northern Europe.
From the Paper
"Emissions regulations and standards; taxing non-sustainable raw materials or finished products; outlawing certain chemicals; funding research and development of sustainable products and technologies; and offering incentives to promote sustainable products are some potential focal points for policy-makers. On page 161 of Red Sky at Morning, Speth also refers to the importance of mandating "environmentally honest prices." Each of these suggestions might make a difference in the overall impact of economic growth on the environment."
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Global Warming, 2006.
A discussion regarding global warming and the development of possible alternative sources of energy.
1,057 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the role of industrial emissions in bringing about global warming. The paper argues that as Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius recognized, such emissions are among the chief causes of the greenhouse effect. In the conclusion, this paper argues that alternative energy sources should be developed and adopted, in order to avoid any more environmental damage.
From the Paper
"In addition to the ozone layer, fluorinated compounds are an extremely efficient greenhouse gas. One molecule of these synthetic compounds traps one thousand times more heat than a carbon dioxide molecule.
Many scientists have raised concerns regarding the global warming caused by the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Author William F. Ruddiman argues, for example, argues that greenhouse gases trap heat and indirectly cause extreme climate changes such as floods and droughts (Ruddiman 165). Corollary to this, the National Assessment Synthesis Team (NAST) of the United States Global Change Research Program warns of more rapid and extreme climate changes if the world does not take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These include spikes in the heat index, increased frequencies of heat waves and the possible melting of glaciers in Alaska (Ruddiman 84). They trace greenhouse gases to human activities associated with industrialization. "
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Ecosystems, 2007.
An overview of the formation and protection of ecological systems.
1,272 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, £ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the world's ecological systems. It begins by defining ecosystems and describing what makes them up. It then describes the formation of different ecosystems. The paper then looks at what is being done to protect and promote the ecological systems in the world and if these measures are effective.
From the Paper
"The Endangered Species Act of 1973, often referred to as 'nature's safety net,' was passed to protect and recover imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend (Endangered). In other words, when management practices and other conservation laws fail to maintain healthy animal and plant populations, the ESA acts as a last barrier to a species' extinction (Endangered). When a species becomes listed on the ESA list, it stands a good chance of survival, yet then the more difficult, time consuming, and expensive task of reversing the decline, restoring the species to a secure status, and removing it from the list begins (Endangered)."
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Price Gouging, 2007.
This paper discusses the issue of price gouging by oil companies.
2,151 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 46.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer presents a detailed examination of the topic of suspected price gouging by oil companies. Using concrete recent examples of well known companies, including Exxon Mobile, the writer explores allegations of price gouging and argues that it is unfair for oil companies to take advantage of consumers when consumers have supported them for years. According to the writer, social responsibility should supercede corporate responsibility. The writer concludes that the time has come for the oil companies to recognize their social responsibilities and protect the consumers who have kept them in business since their inception. Further, the writer claims that the oil companies need to lower their prices so that the consumer can again trust the prices are fair to everyone involved. The writer includes in this paper approximately 30 pages of source copies.
Outline:
Introduction
The Problem
Current Gas Prices and Price History
Conclusion
References
Source Copies
From the Paper
"According to studies conducted with regards to gasoline refiners are getting more of a profit out of each gallon now than they were at this time a year ago. Crude producers are getting an additional 47 cents a gallon. After Katrina and the price of oil company products began to increase rapidly, Congress held a special session in which many experts and oil company representatives testified regarding the accusation of price gouging. The companies maintained their belief that it was not their work that was price gouging but it was the retailers who sold the gasoline that were participating in price gouging. Retail representatives responded that it was nonsense, pointing out that their customers would not remain loyal if they suddenly began upping the price of gasoline compared to the retailer across the street."
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Price Mechanisms and North Sea Oil, 2006.
An in-depth discussion regarding the factors influencing the price of North Sea oil.
9,443 words (approx. 37.8 pages), 15 sources, MLA, £ 134.95
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Abstract
This paper takes an in-depth look at the history and factors that influence and impact the price of North Sea oil. The paper examines how taxation, new technology and extraction costs effect prices of North Sea crude. It also explores the global situation and the impact of dwindling North Sea supplies on global oil prices.
Outline:
General
Global Historical Price Trends
How Oil is Sold
Taxes and North Sea Oil
Tax Situation and New legislation in the UK
Technology Innovations and Tax Incentives
Extraction Costs
Global Competition and North Sea Oil
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The European market will not be able to achieve stability as long as there are no mechanisms in place to control supply and price. Many experts feel that the current situation means the end to low prices for consumers (Appert, 2005). The Brent price started at $40 a barrel in the beginning of 2005, but had risen to $70 a barrel after Hurricane Katrina took out many refineries along the Gulf Coast (Appert, 2005). Oil production has changed since the 1970s. During the 1970s companies worked on building a surplus. However, demand rose quicker than their ability to produce. Now companies work on a just-in-time basis (Appert, 2005). There is no reserve to level supply when it is needed. Changes due to shocks are seen rapidly on the consumer end. Consumers got used to stability in pricing during the 1970s. If supply was low companies had enough in reserve to meet the demand. "
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Testing Drinking Water for Nitrates, 2007.
This paper examines research about the effects of nitrates present in drinking water.
4,116 words (approx. 16.5 pages), 14 sources, MLA, £ 76.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that many parts of the world have experienced elevated levels of nitrates in their drinking water by virtue of past industrial and agricultural practices. The paper provides a review of the relevant literature to determine the effects of nitrates in drinking water sources and examines what types of testing are typically done to assess the presence of nitrates, in particular in New Jersey. The paper discusses current and future trends in this area. The paper concludes that elevated levels of nitrates in drinking water supplies can result in profound adverse health consequences. People around the world are using their groundwater resources faster than they are being naturally replenished and this has caused further concentrations of any pollutants that might be present.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In a day and age characterized by debates over oil and potential future energy sources, an important fact is being overlooked. By all accounts, fresh water is far more important than oil and people had better pay closer attention to what is happening to their drinking water sources today. According to Roberts (2001), "Water use in the United States averages about 100 gallons of drinking water per person per day, more than just about any other country. A very small proportion of this water per person, approximately two gallons, is actually used for drinking and cooking. We use the majority of the water that comes into our homes for bathing, flushing toilets, doing laundry, watering lawns, filling swimming pools, and washing cars" (p. 64). Throughout the world, people obtain their drinking water from a wide range of sources, and these same techniques are used in the United States."
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General Motors (GM), 2006.
This paper discusses the effect of higher gas prices on General Motors.
890 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 7 sources, APA, £ 21.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the economic performance of General Motors (GM) has been declining steadily for the past six years to the point of being on the verge of bankruptcy because it lacked the vision to anticipate rising oil and gas prices worldwide, based on increased international demand for these resources. The paper points out that, unlike more forward-looking foreign car companies including Toyota and Honda, GM has not focused at all on producing a hybrid automobile, still producing far too many over-sized and gas-guzzling cars. The paper states that higher gas prices seem to be here to stay; hopefully, GM management will learn from its past mistakes.
From the Paper
"A direct negative correlation clearly exists, then, between high gas prices and the declining profits of GM, and has existed for some time. Further, as of April 2006: "GM said its April sales fell 11 percent, primarily due to a 21 percent decrease in car sales. Truck and SUV sales were down 2 percent." Oil shortage in general (i.e., decreasing growth in production, caused by some oil refineries being off-line, as a result of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina); and unstable governments and economies in oil-producing countries (e.g., Iraq) have also resulted in decreases in oil exports, thereby shrinking the oil supply and thereby raising the demand for (and the price of) oil even further."
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Snow Leopards, 2007.
An analysis of snow leopards and the danger they face of extinction.
1,683 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper offers a vivid description of snow leopards, a medium-sized member of the wild cat family. The paper details the three main factors that make it difficult for snow leopards to survive today; human hunters want their beautiful coats, the animals' bones and body parts are popular requirements for traditional Chinese medicine and their natural prey and habitat have been depleted through hunting and poisoning. The paper discusses their habitat and relates the ecological disaster that would happen if snow leopards were to become extinct. The paper concludes that the snow leopard shows how working together, rather than willfully slaughtering for one's own gain, can ultimately benefit not only the environment, but also the human beings and animals living in it.
From the Paper
"Snow leopards are considered a medium-sized member of the wild cat family. Their height to the shoulder comes to about 24 inches and their weight ranges between 60 and 120 lbs. the animal is 47-59 inches long and its tail 31 to 39 inches. What makes the animals unique is not only their lovely coat, but also the fact that, unlike other wild cats, they neither purr nor roar. Instead, it makes a sound that could be described as "happy", which is similar to the chuffing sound made by tigers. They are excellently adapted for steep, high, rocky areas with chests that are well developed, short forelimbs, long hind limbs, large paws and a long, thick tail."
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Toxic Pollutants, 2006.
A discussion regarding the level of toxic pollution with which we are living.
2,372 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 12 sources, MLA, £ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the dire issue of toxic pollutants and government intervention. According to this paper, world governments are not doing enough to combat this serious problem.
From the Paper
"A series of proposals had been made at the time, based on the moral demand that encompassed Agenda 21. Offering greater financial support for developing countries, building home institutions for greater national protection capacity and an appropriate legislation, increasing the role of the indigenous people, of women, and the young generation in order to ensure a wider range of action, these were just some of the guidelines for subsequent follow ups. The Commission for Sustainable Development was therefore created to ensure a better coordination of measures at global, regional and national level. The 2002 Summit generated the further statements of principles, along with reaffirmed efforts to "promote the integration of the three components of sustainable development -- economic development, social development and environmental protection -- as interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars" (Johannesburg Plan of Implementation). Thus, actions should be followed in order to ensure poverty eradication, changing patters of consumption and production, protection of natural resources. The institutional framework is also outlined, including additional emphasis on the future role of "relevant United Nations agencies, programs and funds, the Global Environment Facility and international financial and trade institutions" (Johannesburg Plan of Implementation). "
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The Environment as a Global Public Good, 2007.
This paper examines the destruction of our planet by our consumerist generation.
3,418 words (approx. 13.7 pages), 12 sources, MLA, £ 66.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how modern technology has brought the states and peoples of the world closer together than at any other time in human history. Globalization is creating conditions of unparalleled prosperity, but it is also setting in motion the destruction of the planet. The paper contends that human beings must begin to consider their effects on the natural world. The paper identifies consumerism - the desire for more goods - as the driving force that lies behind much of the threat to the Earth's natural environment. The paper maintains that if the multinational corporations - the economic movers and shakers of the consumerist world - can learn the lessons of the more traditionalist peoples of the developing world, the Earth's natural environment might yet be preserved.
From the Paper
"The physical bounty that humanity once thought inexhaustible is rapidly being cut up, drunk up, ate up, and dug up. Ancient forests are disappearing. Once-clear lakes and rivers are being contaminated. The soil and the air are being polluted with the waste products of a modern industrial society. Globalization is creating conditions of unparalleled prosperity, but it is also setting in motion the destruction of the Planet. Human beings must begin to consider their effects on the natural world. Humankind must begin to consider the ethical implications of consumer society. Men, women, and children everywhere must begin to think of the environment as a Global Public Good. A Global Public Good belongs to everyone. Together, we must begin to recognize the problem, and work to solve it."
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Public Goods and Common Resources, 2007.
This paper explains the differences between public goods and common resources and discusses the free-rider problem.
1,155 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper defines public goods as things which can be used by the masses without diminishing in value, such as street signs, traffic lights, or clean air. The paper explains that with common resources, there is not enough to serve everyone equally. They face problems of congestion or overuse. Common resources include forests, fishing grounds and pastures. The paper discusses why they are frequently overused, why private firms are reluctant or unable to supply them and why they are often unavailable in sufficient quantities in free markets. Finally, the paper examines the failures associated with public goods and common resources. The paper discusses how law enforcement is a common resource that can be overused and the paper presents a solution to remedy this.
From the Paper
"Because both public goods and common resources are non-excludible, they are frequently overused. Since it is difficult to restrict use, the user normally does not have to pay for the use of the good or resource and therefore will have no motivation to limit his or her consumption; if a private firm were to try to charge for use of a public good or common resource, because they are non-excludible no one would be willing to pay for them but instead would want someone else to pay while they get to use the resource for free. This is known as the free-rider problem."
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The Danger of Pollution, 2007.
This paper discusses the harm air pollution causes and presents strategies to limit it.
1,601 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 36.95
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Abstract
The paper maintains that we must find the ultimate solution to air pollution as it affects millions of citizens every day. The paper explains that air pollution can cause diseases such as emphysema, asthma and other respiratory ailments. The paper presents solutions that can include actions on an individual or company level, for example, purchasing alternative fuel vehicles. The writer's recommendation is that government, companies and individuals all should work together to bring about cleaner air. The writer notes that the solutions mentioned have been proven effective and should continue to be enforced in order to enhance the air we breathe and our lives in general.
From the Paper
"A recent experiment was conducted on air pollution and its effects on children in regards to contracting diabetes, with some startling results. The study had as its hypothesis that; "over the past decade, there has been a worldwide largely unexplained increase in the incidence of type 1 diabetes in young children" (Hathout 81). The study explored the quantitative role of exposure to air pollutants and how those specific air pollutants affected the development of type 1 diabetes in children. The results of the study showed that "odds ratio (OR) was significantly high for cumulative exposure to ambient ozone (O3) and sulfate (SO 4) in cases compared to controls" (Hathout 81)."
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Global Warming, 2007.
This paper explains that the majority of scientists agree that global warming is the result of human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels.
1,740 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 6 sources, APA, £ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses that coal, oil and gas, which powered the Industrial Revolution and most of the technological advances over the last two centuries, have released enough heat-trapping "greenhouse gases" to change the global climate. The author points out that, even though carbon dioxide is a natural part of the Earth's atmosphere, which captures some of the energy of the sun's rays warming the planet, too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere creates too much warming. The paper suggests ways of better controlling carbon emissions such as not idling a car and driving one of the newer hybrids cars.
From the Paper
"However, not everyone is convinced that the danger of global warming is real. For example, MIT meteorologist Richard Lindzen concedes that the planet is warming, and that at least part of the phenomenon is likely caused by burning carbon fuels, yet insists that the resulting climate changes will not deviate very much from natural fluctuations, and states firmly, "We'll adapt." Lindzen discounts the projections based on computer-generated climate models that warn of pervasive and unpleasant consequences if the planet continues to warm, noting that the models predict the current carbon dioxide levels will lead to a three-to-four degree centigrade rise in temperature, but so far "we've seen only a half-degree warming.""
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Environmental Stresses, 2007.
An overview of environmental stresses in mangrove swamps and coral reefs.
1,016 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 24.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts some of the environmental stresses faced by two marine ecosystems: the coral reefs and the mangrove swamps. It attempts to show that despite differences in types of ecosystem stressors, both share common anthropogenic stresses. The paper begins by describing the coral reefs and mangrove swamps and then describes the threats to them, environmentally.
From the Paper
"Despite the vast amount of coral, that can seem mind-boggling at times, the specific environmental conditions required by coral means that it can be very susceptible to environmental changes. For examples, relatively minor surface water temperature increases can kill, or bleach, coral reefs. In Hawaii Jokiel and Brown (2004) found that sea surface temperature increases of just more than 1 degree C caused significant coral bleaching in both 1996 and 2002. They observed that the overall trend of oceanic warming is causative for increases in the frequency and severity of coral bleaching worldwide. While global warming has been pointed to as the reason for this increase, there are more direct ways that man is placing new environmental stresses on coral reefs. "
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