Abstract
The following paper examines both sides of the global warming issue. The writer discusses the first issue, by making reference to ecological perspectives that claim that certain human activity such as population growth, deforestation, and fossil fuel burning, have lead to increasing solar radiation or heat in the earth's atmosphere, thus increasing the natural temperature of the earth. The paper also deals with the reverse argument which questions whether humans are really increasing the earth's temperature at a alarming rate, or whether humanity is just a ripple in the earth's pool of history, and warmth is simply nature taking its course.

From the Paper
"Global warming is a very important environmental issue concerning the world today and the future of humanity. The issue with global warming is certain human activity such as population growth, deforestation, and fossil fuel burning, have lead some scientists to hypothesize that humans are increasing solar radiation or heat in the earth s atmosphere, thus increasing the natural temperature of the earth. Some greenhouse gases are naturally produced in the Earth s atmosphere from water vapor, and carbon dioxide. The earth s history also shows how the overall temperature of the earth s surface has fluctuated throughout its existence. A problem that arises with the global warming debate is weather patterns have only been traced back to about one hundred and fifty years; therefore it is hard to predict the outcome of the future with such a short past. Another argument surrounding global warming is, are humans really increasing the earth s temperature at a alarming rate, or is humanity just a ripple in the earth s pool of history, and this warmth is nature taking its course? The answers to these questions depend on who you ask, or your view of nature s role on earth."

Abstract
This paper looks at the many potential and proven benefits resulting from the usage of genetically modified organisms such as longer lasting and better tasting fruits and vegetables, crops that require less use of pesticides, and improved nutrient content in certain foods. The author also examines specific problems with using such organisms.

From the Paper
"The scientific and social communities are currently engaged in a heated debate about the benefits versus the risks of Genetically Modified foods. The benefits are predicted to aid the agriculture community and humans while the risks are expected to also affect the ecosystem and humans negatively. Two specific examples of GM's soybeans and corn---are currently in the forefront in this controversial and unresolved issue."

Tags:agriculture, consequences, corn, ecosystem, farming, genetic, gmo, soybeans

Abstract
The main points in this paper are to identify the sources of water pollution and reveal the effect on surrounding environments. The author looks at industrial impacts on water pollution and examines what the future might look like if these are not tackled.

From the Paper
"The end is just around the corner for many fish species due to water pollution. Water pollution is a dilemma that needs to be taken care of soon. Polluting of streams, ponds and lakes is leading to definite problems with fish populations. Most people don't even realize the things they do everyday that contributes to water pollution. A plethora of daily activities, like driving, walking the dog and washing clothes, are the reasons that most of our freshwater resources are contaminated."

Tags:gasoline, oil, spill

Abstract
A paper which examines the arguments that refute that it is not accurate to mainly attribute the problem of global warming to the increasing carbon dioxide emission caused by human activities. The paper discusses the issue of global warming and explores the reasons behind the argument that carbon dioxide emissions are most likely the cause of the global warming. This paper provides the necessary information needed to support the argument presented, as well as discusses and analyzes the opposing arguments that are given in light of this controversial environmental issue. In the last part of the paper the author contends that despite opposing claims refuting the main argument, increased carbon dioxide emissions are still the primary reason why global warming has been prevalent over the years.

From the Paper
"There are significant effects in the health of human beings and the environment due to global warming. Human health is threatened because too much heat in the atmosphere causes certain deadly diseases to propagate. Malaria is an example of this disease, which propagate under local climates (hot and humid climates). Excessive heat also result to respiratory ailments and death. Heat strokes attack many people especially when they encounter heat more than their body temperature can take or adapt to. Environmental elements such as water resources dry up due to excessive evaporation. Climate changes occur when excessive precipitation happens because of uncontrollable conditions in the atmosphere. Different landforms become barren and dry, making it impossible for plants to thrive. When this happens, animals that live in their habitats will leave, and may not survive. All of these effects in the environment contribute to the imbalance in ecological diversity."

Tags:Greenhouse, effect, US, Environmental, Protection, Agency, United, Nations

Abstract
This research paper argues that global warming is a very real threat to the earth. The paper gives scientific evidence, shows examples of global warming?s effects today, and looks at ways that disaster can be prevented.

From the Paper
"One of the hottest topics in the United States is the issue of global warming. This issue, once discounted and ridiculed as the wild imaginings of over enthusiastic environmentalists and "tree lovers," is now being taken seriously by scientists, politicians, business leaders, and the American environmentalist community. Environmental scientists have been trying to warn these groups that our continued use of coal and petroleum products, as well as established business practices such as dumping industrial wastes into the air and waterways, would be the cause of a natural phenomena called the greenhouse effect, or global warming. Now, when the earth's biosphere is obviously suffering adverse ecological effects from a century of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane emissions, it is apparent to even the most skeptical anti-environmentalists that global warming is real."

Tags:environment, climate, pollution, ozone, deforestation, carbon, dioxide, Clinton, industry

Abstract
This paper discusses how Queensland's Great Barrier Reef is an invaluable Australian region that is confronted with many threats. It focuses on two specific issues: the crown of thorns starfish (COTS) population levels and the problems associated with shipping - specifically the introduction of foreign marine species. For each issue, the nature and the history of the problem are explained, as are the management methods currently being implemented. New approaches are suggested and analyzed in light of their potential advantages and disadvantages, so that policy makers may come to the best decisions regarding the protection of this exceptional region, now and into the future.

Outline:
The Reef's Value and the Threat it Faces
Crown of Thorns Starfish: Framing the Problem
Solutions Past and Present
Looking Forward
Shipping's Importance
Species Introduction: The Flaws in the Solutions
Inhibiting Pests in the Future
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The crown of thorns starfish is a natural component of the GBR. Since COTS are consumers of coral, however, they pose a direct threat to the wellbeing of the reef. This is because their populations frequently become too large, meaning coral is consumed faster than it can grow (GBRMPA 2004). At present, the question remains as to whether outbreak frequency, intensity and range are in fact increasing (see Fig.1 and Fig. 2), possibly due to human activity (GBRMPA 2004). If so, it is likely that overall abundance and diversity of GBR corals is decreasing, a worrying prospect for the region - especially if reef recovery is also hampered by factors such as coral bleaching and poor water quality. "

Tags:crown, of, thorns, starfish, shipping

Abstract
This essay discusses the history, geography and ecology of the introduction of the European rabbit into Australia. Special focus on eradication techniques and a discussion on whether the complete eradication of rabbits from Australia is feasible.

Contents:
Introduction and subsequent spread
Implications of invasion
Previous attempts for control
The future
Is eradication feasible?

From the Paper
"Although European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were first introduced into Australia with the arrival of the First Fleet, they did not become feral until an English settler by the name of Thomas Austin introduced 24 rabbits on to his homestead near Geelong in 1858 (EPA, 1999). It is difficult to exactly quantify the rate of spread of European rabbits, since liberation occurred independently in Victoria, South Australia and northern New South Wales, however figure 1 shows a plausible suggestion as to the progressive distribution of rabbit populations in Australia over time (AGPL, 1996)."

Tags:calicivirus, cuniculus, eradication, haemmorhagic, introduced, myxomatosis, oryctolagus, rhd, species

Abstract
There are numerous constraining factors that burden the process of forming an effective environmental policy in Australia. This paper discusses how clashing values and ideas prevent the formulation and implementation of coherent environmental policy in Australia. It looks at how Australia's over-reliance on a resource-based economy, federalist framework and failing policy processes often converge to create conjecture in the environmental arena. The conclusion is a brief summary, which reflects that the conflict and ambiguity plaguing environmental policy in Australia is the direct result of a confusion of ideas.

From the Paper
"A quick review of environmental policy in Australia reveals the extent of confusion surrounding the issue, this confusion can be partially attributed to Australia's dependence on and sometimes exploitation of its natural resources to generate revenue (Eckersley, 1996:89). This utilitarian trend began with European settlement and originated from the developmentalist approach to land management (Walker, 1999:24-5). An approach that fails to recognise the value of nature beyond that which is appropriate for development such as mining, logging and other economically productive practices (Aplin, 1998:173). Developmentalism comes at an immense cost to the environment; large portions of Australia's woodlands and forests have already been destroyed in the relentless pursuit of economic growth. "

Tags:bio, cycle, devolution, diversity, economic, federalism, natural, policy, rationalism, resources

Abstract
Environmental policy is a highly contentious issue with unlimited constraining factors to contend with. Environmental issues continue to grapple with economic imperatives for policy superiority. This paper examines how the options available for managing environmental resources tend to volley between increasing regulatory frameworks or adopting a market based approach. The two options are explored along with examples of success or failure.

From the Paper
"Perhaps the most famous instance of using taxes to combat environmental problems is the case of The Tragedy of the Commons. Believing that pollution was the result of over population Garrett Hardin (1968) proposed a market response to rectify the problem whereby The Tragedy of the Commons could only be avoided by enforcing laws or taxes that would hold the commons accountable for their own actions. The primary goal was to make the treatment of pollutants cheaper than the mere disposal of them, at the heart of this was the notion of private property which in theory was supposed to deter people from damaging their own property by over grazing. In practice however Hardin's (1968) theory in his own words tends to 'favour pollution'. "

Tags:commons, conservation, decentralisation, framework, instruments, pays, regulatory, taxes

Abstract
A look at conflict over the scarcity of natural resources. The author investigates the conflict over: the degradation of fossil fuels, forests and agricultural land as well as pollution of fresh water and depletion of fisheries. The author argues that scarcity of these will lead to environmental stress and increased economic deprivation leading to social turmoil and conflict, both inter and intra-state.

From the Paper
"The debate over whether environmental scarcity is a crucial factor in conflict and therefore worth paying close attention to in what is perceived as a world of diminishing resources is contentious. In many respects it seems logical to conclude that since so many wars in history have had economic causes then something like the scarcity of natural resources would in all likelihood be a source of conflict in the 21st Century."

Tags:water, environment, war, states, population, climate, fisheries, degradation, depletion, scarce