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Genetically Modified Food, 2005.
Examines the debate surrounding the issue of genetically modified food.
1,284 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 29.95
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Abstract
Genetic modification is the direct manipulation of the genetic makeup of organisms and is especially common within the agricultural industry. This paper shows that during recent years, the appearance of genetically modified foods in the marketplace has spawned much heated debate in the public arena regarding the ecological and human health factors. The paper explores some of these issues and examines the views of those who are pro-GM and their critics.
From the Paper
"The ISP report claims that not only have GM crops failed to increase yields or reduce herbicide and pesticide use, they have cost the United States an estimated $12 billion in farm subsidies, lost sales and product recalls due to transgenic contamination (Independent pp). Moreover, in India, massive failures in "Bt cotton" are up 100 percent (Independent pp). Moreover, triple herbicide-tolerate volunteers that have combined transgenic and non-transgenic traits are now widespread in Canada, and multiple herbicide-tolerant volunteers and weeds have emerged in the United State (Independent pp)."
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"Mid-Course Correction", 2005.
An analysis of this book about the Sustainable Enterprise Movement, written by Ray C. Anderson.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 18.95
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Abstract
This essay presents an analysis of the book namely "Mid-Course Correction: Toward a Sustainable Enterprise: The Interface Model" by Ray C. Anderson. The paper explains the Sustainable Enterprise Movement and how the price of the market place creates negative effects and costs for the environment. It also explains different types of technologies that should be developed for a more successful future according to Anderson and based on the idea of natural capitalism.
Outline
I. Introduction
II. Sustainable Enterprise Movement
III. Natural Capitalism
IV. Conclusion
From the Paper
"Ecologically neutral means taking nothing from and adding nothing to the environment. This concept has become a popular one in Europe beginning in Sweden, in the form of The Natural Step, but has been much more slowly adopted in the United States. Individuals interested in understanding the processes by which a company can pursue improved environmental performance will find many helpful examples in Mid-Course Correction. First, it is much cheaper to produce goods and services if you use fewer materials and waste less. This means higher profits. Every successful business tends to care about rising profits. Second, the pursuit of sustainability attracts many new customers and better supplier relationships."
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The Importance of Rice, 2006.
A look at why rice is so important in today's world.
1,605 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and summarizes several books on the importance of rice in today's world. The paper looks at the role rice plays in nutrition, the variety of climates and geological regions in which it can be grown, how rice impacts the ecosystem and its cultural relevance to many societies.
From the Paper
"Rice is adaptable to numerous climates, terrains, and cultures. In fact, rice is cultivated on every continent except Antarctica. Consequently, there are thousands of strains of rice today. In addition, it can be raised with other crops and food sources, encouraging biodiversity. Since wetland rice fields are habitats for a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic organisms, the potential to diversify food sources within these rice-based ecosystem is optimal. Fish, frogs, snails, insects, and other aquatic organisms that thrive in conjunction with rice are a source of animal protein and essential fatty acids. In addition, various kinds of livestock are supported by rice-based systems. Ducks feed on small fish, other aquatic organisms, and weeds within the paddy fields, while buffaloes, cattle, sheep and goats graze on rice straw as their main food source in rice-producing areas. Rice bran (a by-product of rice milling) and low-quality and surplus rice grains also provide feed supplements for livestock, and livestock waste can be used as organic fertilizer. Rice fields also host many natural enemies or predators, which provide a mechanism to control harmful insects and pests, thus reducing the need for pesticides. Similarly, fish feed on weeds and assist in weed control."
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Global Education: Each Person Makes a Difference, 2006.
An exploration of the need to educate about the environment in order to make a difference.
1,810 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 40.95
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Abstract
In this paper the author looks at the growing need to educate about the environment in order to make a difference. He highlights that the purpose of establishing a global education is to prepare students by expanding their educational opportunities. He suggests this can be done by helping students to learn about the world beyond their own personal borders in order to save the planet from destruction. The author mentions the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which has a division in Washington D.C. called the Environmental Education Division who is willing to give grants to further environmental education. He also mentions the roles that communities can take in furthering education about the environment and concludes that everyone must make an effort - from teacher to parent - to ensure society protects and is aware of the environment.
From the Paper
"I am a proponent of crossing the curriculum and incorporating as much of the world into each unit as possible. As teachers we are being challenged to prepare students for responsible global citizenship and therefore instructional strategies need to be used by teachers that reflect the increasing diversity of today's global society (Becker, 1990). I feel that incorporating global education into the classroom allows the student to see that aspects of Language Arts reaches farther than just the pages of a book. I want students to know that the information within stories are part of a much larger picture in the world. However, in order to establish global education in the classroom each teacher must understand that the education must be appropriate and applicable to the person doing the learning. Too often the subject of environmental education focuses on a topic that is far removed from the reality of the student."
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Co-Evolutionary Interactions, 2.
Provides evidence for co-evolution of mammalian herbivores and plant secondary compounds in boreal forests.
2,907 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 34 sources, MLA, £ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper considers the potential for co-evolutionary interactions between plant secondary compounds and browsing mammals in a relatively simple system. It first briefly presents several theoretical ideas on plant-animal co-evolution and then present the evidence on interactions between mammalian browsers and woody plants in boreal regions that may bear on the co-evolutionary questions.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Theoretical Co-evolution
Browsers and Food Plants in the Boreal Forest
Variation in Secondary Compounds and Browsing Resistance
Estimating Plant Fitness
The Herbivores: Hares, Moose, and Voles
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The evidence for the effects of secondary compounds on fitness has not been measured directly for boreal mammals. However, the evidence presented above suggests that they may be important. Both the fine-scale selectivity of browsers among similar plants and plant parts that vary in their levels of secondary compounds (Bryant et al. 1991a,b, Bryant et al. 1992) and the potentially severe effects of these chemicals on the herbivores' nutritional status (Iason and Palo 1991) suggest that the ability to avoid or detoxify secondary compounds is a result of selection."
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Kentucky and the Environment, 2005.
Examines environmental issues in the state of Kentucky.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 21.95
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Abstract
History reveals that Kentucky had fertile land, water, forests and mineral wealth. No less significant was the access to a great abundance of fresh, unpolluted water, an element indispensable in the location and enjoyment of a homestead. This paper examines the use and abuse of Kentucky's environment.
Paper Outline:
Kentucky's Natural Environment
Sources of Water
Water Contamination
Sources of Surface-Water Pollution
Surface Water Quality
What are the Potential Sources of Ground-Water Contamination?
Impact on Ground-Water Quality
Pollution Control Program
From the Paper
"Pioneers who filtered through Cumberland Gap strayed west down the Ohio River came with the starry-eyed dream of settling in a new Eden (Berry, 1991). They entered a land effervescing with fresh unpolluted water, planting a fresh agrarian economy on virgin soil, and in a forest of a seemingly unlimited timber supply. The nomenclature of Kentucky is highly meditative of these facts (Berry, 1991)."
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Brownfields Redevelopment, 2005.
Examines the advantages of redeveloping brownfields sites and the obstacles facing this kind of venture.
967 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 2 sources, APA, £ 23.95
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Abstract
The value of revitalizing contaminated sites, or brownfields, has gained widespread acceptance. The efforts at remediation and eventual redevelopment of these sites involve several stakeholders, since the exercise directly impacts a number of different interests. The paper shows that the key issues to be resolved for the successful rejuvenation of brownfields sites are technical, legal, financial, future land use and community issues. Satisfactory resolution of these issues results in a happy confluence of interests working together to ensure the full exploitation of these under-utilized assets. This paper fully discusses the issues and the attendant obstacles to redevelopment of brownfields sites, and examines some of the more successful approaches which have been employed.
Paper Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Major Issues in Brownfields Redevelopment
References
From the Paper
"Liability protection ranks high on the list of concerns for potential investors, and the VCPs have responded to this obstacle. Many states offer some measure of liability protection. However, the liability assurances offered by VCPs must be in keeping with current state laws, and can only be for such activities as recognized by that state. Thus, there is always the possibility, however remote, of these guarantees being supplanted by federal law."
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Pollution Roulette: Methyl Tertiary Butyl-Ether, 2006.
Examines the dangers of Methyl Tertiary Butyl-Ether (MTBE) in our drinking water.
3,772 words (approx. 15.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 71.95
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Abstract
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), methyl tertiary butyl-ether (MTBE) has been used as a component in gasoline blending since the 1970s. Water contamination problems have developed in areas where the chemical is used. Common sources of water contamination by MTBE include leaking underground gasoline storage tanks, components of gasoline distribution systems, leaks and spills from above ground fuel storage tanks and watercraft. This paper discusses the potential health hazards presented by the presence of MTBE in drinking water, the programs in effect, as well as the research being conducted by government, industry and private organizations to help manage the use of MTBE in the United States.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Controlling Legislation
Recent Legislation
Health Effects of MTBE in Drinking Water
EPA MTBE Program at Charnock
Reformulated Gasoline
"60 Minutes" and Other MTBE Press
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In October 1996, following the shutdown of the City's Charnock Wellfield, the Southern California Water Company ("SCWC") (another company which supplied water from the Charnock Sub-Basin), closed its wellfield in the sub-basin in order to avoid drawing the contamination toward the SCWC Wellfield. Prior to this shutdown, the Southern California Water Company's two operating municipal supply groundwater wells provided a significant percentage of the drinking water for approximately 10,000 residences and businesses in Culver City and since 1996, the City of Santa Monica and Southern California Water Company have purchased replacement water from the Metropolitan Water District."
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Behavioral Patterns in Belding's Squirrels, 2006.
This paper explores the intriguing behavioral phenomenon in Belding's squirrels when subjected to experimental manipulation involving the provision of food.
971 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper details the various results between male and female Belding squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi) when free-living populations were subjected to experimental manipulation by the provision of food. In free-living and un-manipulated populations, 100% of Belding squirrel males disperse by the time they become active breeders. In contrast, their female counterparts breed very close to their birth sites with only 8% exhibiting natal dispersion. This paper details the varying results of the squirrel's behavior when their environment had been provided with food, which resulted in the female dispersal rate to significantly increase from 8% to 40%.
From the Paper
"Despite the apparent sagacity of the above hypothesis, it fails to explain in cost-benefit analysis fashion why female S. beldingi pass up the increased and more accessible survival resources in exchange for other marginally tangible ones. Another datum that might yield additional insight is the fact that dispersing females were significantly fatter than non-provisioned conspecifics of the same age. This indicates that perhaps the dispersing females had reached a caloric saturation point at which marginal increases in calories were far outweighed by the exponential increase in breeding resources available if the animal dispersed. Further evidence that animals make a dispersal/non-dispersal decision is given by a study on the common lizard. This study indicates that lizards disperse or not depending on the survival probability of their parents, viz. the owners of the natal territory."
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Energy and Human Population, 2006.
This paper examines the resulting effects due to the recent population explosion which include: Hunger, depletion of fossil fuels, pollution and global warming, as well as the various strategies available to halt these same effects.
2,366 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 50.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper explores the negative effects and consequences due to the recent population explosion which include: Overcrowding, hunger, pollution, deforestation, global warming, crime and the loss of nature's bio diversity. One of the biggest obstacles, due to the increase in the population, is the depletion of the world's fossil fuel resources. The writer stresses the need for stricter environmental guidelines as well as birth rate control regulations. This paper defines the earth's depleting fossil fuel as a broad term for three sources of energy: Petroleum, natural gas and coal. All three were formed millions of years ago during the age of dinosaurs, hence the name fossil fuels. The energy comes from decomposed plant and animal matter. Once these fuels are depleted they cannot be renewed. This paper examines the benefits to the environment in utilizing renewable energy as an alternative to the earth's dwindling fossil fuel reserves. The paper also details various environmentally sound strategies that would aid in preserving the earth's remaining resources.
From the Paper
"Fossil fuel is a broad term for three sources of energy: petroleum, natural gas, and coal. All three were formed millions of years ago during the age of dinosaurs-hence the name fossil fuels. The energy comes from decomposed plant and animal matter. Energy Quest, a major educational service on the World Wide Web describes the origin of fossil fuels: When plants and dinosaurs and other ancient creatures died, they decomposed and became buried, layer upon layer under the ground. It took millions of years to form these layers into a hard, black colored rock-like substance called coal; a thick liquid called oil or petroleum, and natural gas. Petroleum and natural gas are extracted from deep deposits below the Earth's surface."
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Alabama's Forests, 2006.
A look at implications for the future of forest management on NIPF (Non-Industrial Private Forest) lands.
2,193 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 15 sources, MLA, £ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the issues surrounding the shortages of timber that have been caused and are continuing to happen from NIPF (Non- Industrial Private Forest) lands. The author looks at studies that indicate the demand for timber will overtake supply sometime before 2020, highlighting the areas of the study in different counties in Alabama. The paper centers on the NIPF land owners mismanagement of forests causing shortages of timber. In conclusion, the author states that NIPF landowners could contribute significantly to help alleviate the predicted timber shortages but based on the studies mentioned in the paper, it is unlikely that they will be motivated to use their land for timber production despite incentive programs that have been successful in establishing a replanting program. In the author's opinion, the NIPF landowners prefer to decide themselves how to use their lands and financial gain is not always the leading factor.
From the Paper
"Royer conducted many studies on the decision process used by owners of NIPF land. He stated that "Conventional wisdom in forestry holds that landowner behavior, if left unfettered or unencouraged, can and will lead to shortages of timber or increases in the relative prices of stumpage," (Royer, 1979a, in Cubbage and Snider, p. 2). The US forestry service projects that from 1991 to 2010, pulp production will increase by 16%. However, the production of stock panels will increase 33%, nearly twice that rate (Cubbage, 1997). In addition, hardwood removals are expected to increase by 59% in the same time period. Estimates using the Southern Regional Timber Supply model (SERTS) predicts increases of timber removals to increase 39% for hardwoods and 24% for softwoods (Cubbage, 1997). Using this same model, without adjusting for inflation, prices for softwoods are projected to experience 200% increases and Hardwood prices are expected top increase 343% between 1990 and 2020."
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The Environmental Justice Movement, 2005.
This paper discusses the environmental justice movement, a relatively new force on the American political scene.
755 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 18.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines environmental justice as the fair treatment for people of all races, cultures and incomes regarding the development of environmental laws, regulations and policies. The author stresses that the citing of hazardous waste sites and polluting industries in minority communities is an insidious form of environmental racism. The paper examines the landmark study "Toxic Waste and Race in the United States", commissioned by United Church of Christ, which revealed that race was the most significant variable associated with the location of hazardous waste sites.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Procedural Inequity
Geographical Inequity
Social Inequity
From the Paper
"The town of Kettleman City is the site of a toxic waste dump built in 1979 by Chem Waste Incorporated. The community is predominately Mexican farm workers. During the public hearing and permitting phase of the project, Chem Waste and county authorities scheduled meetings to be held thirty-five miles away, conducted the proceeding in English only and did not provide translations of the environmental impact survey. The dump, while in operation received 200,000 tons of toxic material annually, resulting in numerous maladies of those unfortunate enough to live nearby."
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Forest Management on NIPF Lands, 2006.
This paper examines the implications for the future of forest management on non-industrial private forest (NIPF) lands as well as the dwindling timber supply on these parcels of land.
1,805 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 15 sources, MLA, £ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the spatial and temporal pattern of Alabama's forested landscape as well as the implications for the future of forest management on NIPF lands. This paper defines forested land as a parcel of land that is producing or capable of producing more than 20 cubic feet/acre/year of industrial wood and is land not withdrawn from timber production. Much of this land is held by private landowners not involved directly in the timber industry. Extensive studies have been conducted in the southern states concerning the motivation behind usage of NIPF land, its impact on the regional economy and environmental factors. The counties chosen for this particular study are those which had the highest reported income from forest products. The six counties chosen were Clarke, Marengo, Pickens, Monroe, Hale and Wilcox. These counties are located in highly forested areas and have a high amount of NIPF land. According to several surveys, the areas of greatest softwood shortage are those located near large paper and pulp mills. This paper discusses the impending shortage in economic timber that the U.S. will be facing by the year 2020. The writer of this paper examines the various strategies available to halt the dwindling timber supply which include changing the manner in which NIPF lands are managed as well as stricter government regulations which would deter the conversion of native grasslands and wetlands into croplands.
From the Paper
"To determine if timber production is likely to be able to meet future needs, the ratio of growth to removal is measured. Timber inventories give an indication of how much timber is currently available. Using this model, it was found that only one state had a positive ratio, North Carolina at 1.15. Alabama's ratio was 0.91. Softwood removal rates consistently exceed growth rates. Hardwood removal ratios faired slightly better at above 1.3. Timber inventories increased from the 1960s through the 1970s, but leveled off in the 1990s. According to SERTS, softwood supplies are expected to decrease 30% by the year 2020. According to an FIA survey, the areas of greatest softwood shortage are located near large paper and pulp mills (Cubbage and Abt, 1998a). According to the SERTS model the southern US will be facing an economic timber shortage by the year 2020."
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