| Papers [81-96] of 2402 :: [Page 6 of 151] | | Go to page : <— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 —> | |
|
|
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, AU$ 80.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
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."
| |
|
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, AU$ 102.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
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)."
| |
|
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, AU$ 44.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
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."
| |
|
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, AU$ 44.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
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."
| |
|
"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, AU$ 44.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
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)."
| |
|
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, AU$ 106.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
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."
| |
|
Globalization in Comparison, 2008.
Reviews three articles on globalization: Simone Borghese and Alessandro Vercelli's "Sustainable Globalization", Nicholas A. Ashford's "Globalization and the Environment" and David Suzuki's "Economics and Politics.
1,324 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 72.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this paper the writer compares and contrasts three articles - "Sustainable Globalization" by Simone Borghese and Alessandro Vercelli, "Globalization and the Environment" by Nicholas A. Ashford and David Suzuki's "Economics and Politics". The writer argues that each article raises intelligent points but that each one is also given to emotional or infelicitous language as well as to conclusions that are not infallible. The writer maintains that the main idea, fundamentally, of all of the articles is that globalization has exacerbated global inequalities and that international and domestic efforts must be undertaken to rectify the situation.
From the Paper
"By comparison, the second article, "Globalization and the Environment," an article penned by Nicholas A. Ashford, does not devote its opening pages to outlining the structure of the argument being set forward. Rather, Ashford begins right away by criticizing how the laws governing public health policy in the United States have been dominated and shaped by rational choice theory and by other free market economic fetishes. Ashford's first page is committed wholly to outlining the characteristics of the "American Disease" in health policy - a "disease" he attributes, in part, to government non-interventionism (the government, in other words, sees itself as a mediator and not as a trustee for public health and for the environment) and to the curious conviction that the industries which are creating problems in various aspects of public living are nonetheless the industries which will find a way to resolve the problem."
| |
|
Environmental Factors and Human Activity, 2008.
This paper compares Ronald Wright's "A Short History of Progress" and Jared Diamond "Guns, Germs and Steel".
984 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 56.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper compares how Ronald Wright in "A Short History of Progress" and Jared Diamond in "Guns, Germs and Steel" approach the issue of human civilization and its interaction with the environment. The paper argues that while both authors place a heavy emphasis upon environmental factors in determining the history of human civilization, Diamond's consideration of cultural factors in addition to purely environmental factors renders his analysis the more valid of the two.
From the Paper
"Both Wright and Diamond, in their respective texts, attempt to address the question of why the history of human civilization has unfolded in the manner that it has, and what has been the role of the environment in this process. Wright's perspective on this question is to challenge the emphasis many scholars place on technology in explaining why some human societies succeeded in dominating others. He argues that we "should be wary of technological determinism" (Wright 47) and that human civilization "differing in detail but alike in essentials, had evolved independently on both sides of the earth" (Wright 51). There is an old saying that the "devil is in the details" and this certainly applies to Wright's argument here for it was precisely these differences in "details" that explain why European states were able to conquer their non-European counterparts in a remarkably short span of time."
| |
|
Canadian Forest Management, 2008.
This paper discusses the need for sustainable forest management policies in Canada.
908 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 52.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper discusses how Canadian forests have been significantly depleted due to poor management practices centered solely on production and monetary gain. The paper shows how forests need to be managed in a sustainable fashion, allowing the industrial exploitation without endangering the many other vital roles this natural resource plays.
From the Paper
"Almost one half of Canadian landscape is covered in forests that extend from the one coast to the other (Dufour, 267). According to the 2001 inventory, the Canadian landmass covered in forests was 402.1 million hectares (National Resources Canada, 2001). However, the distribution of forested areas varies between the provinces with British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario having the most forested area. In this light, it is not surprising that forestry plays an important role in the Canadian economy. In fact one fifth of the world's forest products are exported from Canada (Dufour, 268). The forest industry provided over 750 000 direct and indirect jobs in 1991 with this number steadily increasing during the next decade. In the same time period the income for forestry doubled: from $17 billion in 1991 to $34 billion in 2001. (Dufour, 271)."
| |
|
Waste Management in Canada, 2008.
This paper examines the social factors that make waste disposal issues difficult in Canada.
986 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 57.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper looks at how the not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) syndrome affects how sites for waste disposal facilities are located. The paper then examines particular problems facing landfills and incinerators. The paper shows how current waste disposal strategies in Canada are ineffective due to undesirable by-products and strong resistance to these facilities. The paper concludes that the most obvious solution to these problems would appear to be to adopt waste diversion programs like the ones being developed in Toronto.
From the Paper
"To begin this discussion it is necessary to look at the social phenomena known as NIMBY syndrome. NIMBY stands for Not In My Back Yard(Meredith 480). When discussing NIMBY syndrome in "Assessing Environmental Impacts in Canada" Thomas Meredith states,
"...A society collectively accepts the need for a project, say a landfill site, an airport, or a nuclear power plant, but no one wants it near them" (Meredith 480)."
"In this sense NIMBY syndrome can be seen as a way in which land can be made socially unavailable for facilities like incinerators or landfills. This can be seen as a major contradiction because two totally different social and environmental factors are being expressed at the same time. Everyone knows that these facilities are necessary for society to function and are largely unwilling to live without them. However, they are also unwilling to live near the facilities that they desire. Since these two desires can't both be fulfilled it is necessary to look for other options."
| |
|
Aquaculture and Marine Coral, 2008.
An overview of the cultivation and sustentation of coral for aquarium hobbyists.
1,146 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 64.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses how although it is not known to what extent the use of aquaculture will assist in the preservation of coral reefs, it is certain that aquaculture will help promote the health and longevity of corals when kept in a personal fish tank. It looks at how the aquaculture process facilitates appropriate animal husbandry methods that are already widely used in facilitating and improving the health of other domesticated plants and animals.
Outline
Introduction
Coral Reefs and the Marine Aquarium Hobbyist
Applications of Aquaculture
Conclusion
From the Paper
"To be sold as a piece of authentic aquacultured coral, the organism must have propagated a minimum of two times in captivity, suggesting that the size of the organism has reached a size sustainable for harvest two or more times since the original parent colony was harvested from the ocean (Pillay & Kutty, 2005). This process has been likened to that of houseplants, where a houseplant has grown large enough to divide a minimum of two times before the successive harvested generations are considered to be domesticated. "
| |
|
The Norwegian Forest, 2007.
This paper discuses Norway's vast natural resources contained in its forestry industry.
1,785 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 9 sources, APA, AU$ 93.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that Norway boasts some of the most ecologically diverse forest areas in the world and that the diversity of the topography creates prime locations for some of the most sensitive ecosystems. The author reviews Norway's five forest areas, which have been identified as being in need of management and conservation protection: Western Pine forests, Coastal rain forests, the Canyon and Humid Spruce forests, Northern Pine forests, and the Hemi-deciduous forests. The paper relates that, even though Norway has one of poorest records for ecological conservation of all the major forestry producing countries, it is not without protective legislation, for these resources such as The Forestry and Forest Protection Act, The Nature Conservation Act, and the Building and Planning Act.
Table of Contents
Review of Norway's Forests
Percentage of Land Coverage
Economic Impact of Norway's Forestry Industry
Economic Value
Exports
Primary Forestry
Secondary Forestry
Bio-Energy
Transportation
Norwegian Forestry Policies and Protection
The Forestry and Forest Protection Act
The Building and Planning Act
Norwegian Forest Restoration and Sustainability Plans
From the Paper
"The forestry industry in Norway is second only to the Norwegian fishing industry. Excluding petroleum exports, forestry products comprise 11 percent of the total exported value. In 1995, 6,180 people were employed by the lumber industry, 5,000 in forestry and another 9,000 in pulp and paper industries. These numbers would increase even more if transportation and other ancillary functions related to the timber industry were included in the employment statistics. The high degree, to which Norway relies on forestry and forestry related industries, opens the country up to vast amounts of international competition."
| |
|
Community Ecology, 2008.
This paper explores the effects of logging and fires on temperate deciduous forests.
2,114 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 14 sources, MLA, AU$ 107.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper relates that a large part of temperate deciduous forests have been removed by logging, land clearing and fire suppression. The paper examines various theories that look at the effects of logging versus fire in the disturbances of temperate forests. The paper details the effects of fire and logging on tree, understory and wildlife diversity.
From the Paper
"Reviews on the fire effects on tree, understory and wildlife diversity are as follows. Thonicke and Cramer (2006) suggest that a fire model be used as a simulator to determine the patterns of how the fires would dominate long-term vegetation composition. Accordingly, the immediate effects are historical in terms of the range of impact on canopy conductance and litter moisture in Brandenburg (Germany) forests. Yet, burnt areas would not excel and "fire changes had no implication for vegetation composition in Brandenburg but reduced vegetation carbon would be gained" (Thonicke and Cramer, 283). With the fire model (LPJ Dynamic Fire Model), the spread is more likely to change climate conditions along with carbon for long-term best effect in natural vegetation from precipitation patterns."
| |
|
Sustainability, Waste Management and Incineration, 2008.
This paper discusses the issue of waste management and waste incineration as a way to manage waste.
2,573 words (approx. 10.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 125.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer points out that waste is a non-avoidable result of high-technology industrialized economies, as more things are produced and more waste is generated. Environmental, economic and social factors involved are examined and waste incineration is compared and contrasted with land filling and the 3Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. The writer discusses that the growing concern for the environment, a constant increase in the amounts of waste produced, economic, land and social costs involved in developing new landfill sites and public opinion have brought about the need to approach waste management in a new way. The writer maintains that the use of waste incinerators does provide certain advantages to landfill, particularly in terms of waste reductions as well as through waste-to-energy schemes. The writer concludes that the 3Rs method of waste management has the greatest potential for growth and improvement and is a sustainable way of approaching waste management.
From the Paper
"A waste incinerator involves burning waste at high temperatures inside a specially engineered and purpose-built incinerator facility. Some of the positive impacts include the reduction of the volume of waste, less fossil fuel use and less land required for disposal of leftover solid residue as well as the potential of energy-from-waste incinerators. For example, by incinerating waste, its weight and volume are greatly reduced, often by as much as 90% . Pitchtel also stated that a third, albeit unintended benefit of incineration is detoxification - the destruction of microbial and other pathogenic organisms - of the waste . Waste-to-energy incinerators boil water to make steam for heating spaces or for production of electricity."
| |
|
Canadian Forestry Resources, 2008.
This paper explores strategies to combat the forest resource depletion in Canada.
1,346 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 73.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper discusses how Canadian forest ecosystems and resources are threatened because of intensive forestry operations, especially clear-cutting. The paper also looks at how forests have been poorly managed across Canada with some badly designed solutions to the problem of disappearing forest resources. The paper shows how the proposal to export in quantity is a very damaging one under present conditions. The paper is of the opinion that Canada's forest industry needs a new perspective based on balance and diversity, specifically, an ecosystems approach.
From the Paper
"Forestry resources in Canada a few decades ago were available in great abundance. These resources are poorly managed and definitely should not be exported in quantity. Forest covers nearly fifty percent of the total surface area are in Canada. These forests supply about one-fifth of the total world's demand for timber. Forest resources are seen as a renewable resource and they have been exploited. At the same way, forests have been seen as inexhaustible and therefore they have been exploited intensively. For decades, there has been no concern about how these resources might be renewed. Forest resources cannot be renewed and made available without any limits, at least not with present methods."
| |
|
Coal in Electricity Production, 2008.
An analysis of the benefits and concerns regarding the use of fossil fuel for massive energy generation.
2,444 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 120.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the use of fossil fuel for massive energy generation. It describes the debate over the use of fossil fuels - citing the arguments both for and against their use. It focuses on the reasons why fossil fuel production is important and necessary and describes the benefits of its use. The paper then looks at the environmental concerns regarding the use of coal for electricity production.
From the Paper
"Obviously, using any fossil fuel for massive energy generation will be a mixed bag. Developers will always be fighting a battle against environmental destruction, as fossil fuel technologies tend to be highly polluting and contribute to global warming through the production of carbon dioxide. Nonetheless, fossil fuels will be a significant component of the world's energy supply for at least the next few decades as no alternative energy source is currently mature enough to supplant fossil fuel technology. In the end, coal power--if properly utilized in technically advanced gasification plants--has the potential to provide cheap, plentiful power to the world with fewer environmental issues than would have been the case even a few decades ago. New technology makes sustainable coal power a possibility, if not a certainty."
|
|
|
