Sustainable Development

Details: You have been asked to prepare a speech for the annual convention of Citizens for a Greener Planet, a national environmental group, on the idea of sustainable development. Since many of your listeners are not scientists, you want to use examples that lay people can understand. You have decided to illustrate the concept by discussing the social factors that brought about the collapse of the Easter Island civilization. You then intend to compare these events to the on-going deforestation of the Amazon rain forest. Conclude the speech by explaining what should be done to make sustainable development a reality. Objective: Examine the sustainability of an ecosystem. Once aga... click for more

What are the socio-cultural impacts of tourism are on the environment.

I am currently studying the socio-cultural impacts of tourism on the environment. I understand the impacts that are placed on a community- both positive and negative however I am having trouble separating some of these conflict into what the positive and negative socio-cultural impacts are on our environment. The issue I need help with in about the environment, Resources are a conflict water, energy uses -stress to local environment can also result from environmental degradation and increased infrastructure costs for local community example: high taxes to pay for improvement to water supply or sanitation facilities Conflicts for traditional land use... click for more

Environmental Science in Today’s World

You decided to post the following provocative statement on your website this week for discussion, "In a market economy, food flows in the direction on economic demand. Need is not taken into consideration. To illustrate, in the event that there are hungry cats and hungry children, the food will go to the cats if the owners of the cats have money and the children's parents don't." Objective: Discuss the themes of Environmental Science in Today’s World. We are now shifting our focus on to product availability. This means we have to start thinking about economics. Now, think about distribution of goods. Is distribution of goods equal throughout the world? If not, how would unequa... click for more

Air Pollution and alternative fuel vehicles choices

You have been assigned to a scientific commission whose mandate is to research ways of reducing air pollution from motor vehicles. Your specific assignment is to research the types of alternative-fuel vehicles that are currently under development, examine the advantages and disadvantages of each, and decide which would have the least environmental impact. Electric Natural gas Hydrogen Fuel Cell Use the Library and Internet to research each type of vehicle. Discuss the environmental and economic advantages and disadvantages of each type and select the one that, in your opinion, provides the best environmental impact at a reasonable cost. Provide evidence to support your selection. ... click for more

Is urban sprawl is the root of environmental problems?

Your comments to the editor of your favorite magazine intrigued her enough to call you and request that you write an editorial, for which, you note with a little surprise, you will be well-paid. She provides you with two topics which she feels would be of great interest to readers. Select one of the following issues and write an article explaining your position and rationale in a convincing style. It has been argued that many environmental laws and regulations are too costly and can not be justified by their benefits. Do you agree or disagree? Explain using specific examples where possible. It has been argued that urban sprawl is the root of many environmental problems. Do you agree ... click for more