...Margaret A. Brown AIU Online Global warming, also known as the green house effect is a topic that has received much attention in recent years. There are many who believe the global warming is real and will cause the destruction of earth as we know it. There are also many who believe that although global warming is happening, it will not lead to the destruction of the earth, but may in fact help it. For centuries, the earth gases were in balance. Humans and animals produce these gases by burning food in our bodies with the oxygen we breathe. Trees and other plants reverse the process with photosynthesis, turning carbon dioxide back into oxygen and vegetation which is food for us and the animals (Global Warming: background, 2009 ). With the growth of the human population and activities, there is no way that plants and oceans can absorb the billions of tons of greenhouse gases produced by the earth each year.. Yes the earth is already showing many signs of worldwide climate change. The average temperatures have climbed 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 degree Celsius) since 1880, with much of this in recent decades. The rate of warming is increasing. These last two decades of the 20th century is reported as the hottest in 400 years. The average temperatures in Alaska, western Canada, and eastern Russia have risen at twice the global average. Arctic ice is rapidly disappearing, and the region may have its first...
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...The Energy Reform Background: 2006. PEMEX becomes the largest company in Mexico and one of the world's largest oil companies, both in terms of assets and income. Gasoline launches Premium Ultra Low Sulfur. 2007. On July 10 a terrorist attack occurs in Queretaro and Guanajuato pipelines attributed to the Popular Revolutionary Army. On September 10 another attack occurs in Veracruz. No one claimed responsibility. In October, there was an accident on the Kab-121 platform in which killed 18 offshore oil workers due to the failure of the life safety systems, on entering a cold front with winds of 130 kilometers per hour. The accident spilled 422 barrels of light oil and natural gas. Working on the reconfiguration of the Lazaro Cardenas refinery, the oldest national system. It promotes the recovery of the domestic petrochemical industry and aims to increase gas production to meet domestic market demand and thus reduce imports. 2008. The Congress discussed the issue of energy reform, not so far been submitted officially some initiative. -Privatization Debate: The debate on reforming energy (electricity and oil) was restarted because the PRI, in its national convention resumed on energy issues. What is important for large companies is to be able to enter the business of finding oil, exploration and replace reserves produced. Looking for this business because service contracts do not allow them to manage these reserves in their portfolios. But this will never happen...
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...the 1748. ("History of US Coal Use.") The first commercial oil well in the United States was drilled in 1859. (Yergin, 7) These two fossil fuels were the power behind the American Industrial Revolution, and wealth behind Edward Berwind and John Rockefeller(Brinkley, 435), respectively, that continue to provide power and fuel in present day society. Natural gas is another fossil fuel that helps to provide for the needs of today. Oil, coal, and gas companies tout new technologies that make their products cleaner and safer for the environment. Opponents of fossil fuels say there is no way to burn them cleanly. Proponents for fossil fuels believe there are plenty of reserves to keep America running on fossil fuels for years to come. Advocates for newer technologies, “green” technologies, such as solar power, geothermal energy, and biofuels claim that the time to move on from these fossil fuels has arrived. The new energy sources claim to be renewable so as to never run out. (E.g., the sun would have to supernova for solar power to run out.) They believe the point of “Peak Oil”- the point at which worldwide oil production begins to decline, has already passed and the country will need their new technologies to keep pace during the changing of the energy guard. There are many lenses through which to look at the use of all these energy sources. The end of the debate as to which ones are best has no end in sight. A main focus of the fossil fuel debate is how safe they are for...
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...analyst at Tesla Motors is to evaluate the changing relationship between our environment and the energy we use ever since the company was established. Since the largest automobile company in the world was founded on the principle of decreasing the environmental impact of the automobile, I find that such an assignment must be taken seriously and with careful consideration. While searching for some ideas, I stumbled upon in my bookshelf a book entitled Taking Sides, written by Thomas Easton. This book, which was the 2009 edition, was right around the time Tesla began its prominent ascent. It touches on three key points which I feel to be most prudent even to this day – global warming, new electricity sources such as wind, and automobile standards. It is amazing that just 20 years ago there was still a virulent debate on the existence of global warming. Even after all the scientists agreed on the detrimental effects of fossil fuel consumption, some politicians and many others in the United States were still arguing otherwise. In Issue 8, Seth Schulman argued that this was due to the oil industry’s brilliant “disinformation campaign.” Modeled after the tobacco industry’s strategy to fool the public on the harmful effects of smoking, ExxonMobil employed tactics such as creating uncertainty, laundering information, hiring fake scientists to back their efforts, shifting the focus of the debate, and lobbying government officials to stir up doubts on global warming. With regards to...
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...The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has identified alarming levels of growth in urbanization and consumption in a new report, and describes the crucial role of business in the transition to sustainability. According to the report, "Business and Development: Challenges and Opportunities in a Rapidly Changing World," published this month by WBCSD, "the world is experiencing a historic shift of economic and political power from the traditional base of industrialized countries to the emerging economies." As the report points out, by 2050, three of the four largest economies -- China, India, and Brazil -- will be those of countries now described as developing. As development in those and other countries intensifies, their populations will become increasingly urban. By 2050, when the world's population is expected to be about 9 billion, 70 percent of the world's population will live in urban environments, with the great majority living in cities in developing countries. "Urbanization is happening fast," the report observes, "And most of it is being poorly managed, putting hundreds of millions of the urban poor in harm's way." As the economic emergence of developing countries continues, global consumption patterns will become increasingly critical. "Global consumption patterns and trends are putting unsustainable and increasing stress on the Earth's ecosystems, the supply of material resources needed for industrial growth, and human social systems...
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...Energy Debate in the United States Since the 1950’s The United States have consumed energy mainly driven by oil. The demand has almost tripled since then and because of that, the United States have depended on energy supplies from countries that are not reliable and are unstable. The risks and cost of oil rising is a concern for most people to think we should turn to a different energy resource that is cheaper and more reliable than oil. The United States would be better off if we could lead the way in creating the technologies of the future in alternative fuels and energy. I believe that the United States would be in a better situation if they didn’t have to rely on other countries to supply us with energy supplies. We are spending way too money on oil which is also affected the gas prices here in the U.S. If we were able to create technologies in alternative fuels and energy we could be the ones supplying other countries and making a prophet. This also could solve other issues we have here in the U.S. For instance, solving the unemployment issue by creating jobs to meet the demand, by making a prophet, this could help in reducing our debt in this country, and not having to rely on other countries any more to supply our demand of energy supplies. This belief of mine sounds so simple but I am sure it’s not as easy as it sounds. I would like to see our country be able to solve this issue and be able to be a leader in the future when it comes to alternative fuels...
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...Evolution vs. Creation: The Great Debate The Evolution vs. Creation debate is often referred to as the "Great Debate." It's the emotion-packed question of "Origins" -- why, how, and where did everything come from? 20th century science has made the compelling discovery that, at some point, the universe began. Both sides of the Great Debate now agree that the universe has not existed eternally. However, this is where the agreement ends. As far as the "why" and "how" of the "origin event," this is where the division and contention begin. There are two basic theories in this Great Debate. The first is the historical default - the Creation Model of Origins. This theory maintains that the intricate design permeating all things implies a Designer. The second theory is the more recent, atheistic explanation - the Evolution Model of Origins. This theory postulates that the intricate design permeating all things is a product of random chance and excessive time. Evolution vs. Creation: The Contentions Evolution vs. Creation is indeed the Great Debate of our scientific times. In any scientific debate, the theories must be tested according to the evidence. We propose that the burden of evidence should be upon the Evolutionists, since Creation has been the historic and inherent default throughout virtually all cultures and religions until roughly the last 200 years. Of course, Evolutionists, who view themselves as the only "scientists" in the debate, insist that the burden of evidence be upon...
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...Why being eco friendly is essential. One of the most controversial topics and recent debates has been global warming and climate change. Everyone from researchers, scientist, experts, tourist, and the average person has studied the issue and has shared their opinions on this hot debate. Climate change is one of the biggest adversities our world has faced in the past, present, and future. One of the most common trends is that our climate is being affected by our human activity. Our human activity is causing our atmosphere to increase in temperature. Which causes the rising sea levels, the melting of ice and snow, and the overall substantial worldwide climate change. I urge each and one of you to pay close attention and see what you can do to help. Our atmosphere is getting hotter and hotter and it is starting to run a fever. Instead of treating our atmosphere and cooling it down, humankind is throwing blanket after blanket on our atmosphere and only making it warmer. These so called blankets are called green house gases. The common view from scientist and researchers is that greenhouse gases have caused most of the temperature increase in our atmosphere. Where the problem lies is that humankind is producing these greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are gases in our atmosphere that absorbs and releases radiation. The main gases in the earth’s atmosphere are carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases with out a doubt affect the earth’s temperature...
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...death associated with the consumption of energy drinks”, and I have reached the following conclusions: 1. There are potential risks associated with energy drinks in children and adolescents 2. Sale of energy drinks has been debated and or restricted in various places 3. Many ingredients are understated and not regulated Within this memo I will explain my conclusions. I will be presenting my analysis in three parts. The first section addresses potential risks in children and adolescents. The next section about the debates and regulation of energy drink sales. The final section regards the ingredients that are understated or not regulated in some countries and states. Potential Risks to Children and Adolescents For my analysis I began by reviewing “Energy drinks 'potentially dangerous for children' say doctors. Energy drinks could be dangerous for children and teenagers, doctors have warned.” Found on www.telegraph.co.uk. As a responsible company we should be liable to research and warn consumers of the possible risks associated with the consumption of our products. “Energy drinks could be dangerous for children and teenagers,” The Daily Telegraph has reported. The newspaper said that the use of high-caffeine drinks has been linked to “seizures, mania, stroke and sudden death”. The news is based on a study that gathered scientific, medical and government literature from around the world to examine the use of energy drinks by children and...
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...As scientist have discovered new ways to help better themselves and others there is a large debate about fracking. Fracking is the process of forming new gases instead of using fossil fuels. This debate considers on whether fracking is better for the society or if it’s harming humanity. Those who agree that fracking is a good idea have a claim of saying that it is a short to medium term to meeting our demands for a lower cost in energy. However, those who disagree state that it is harmful because of the amount of gas it is producing into the atmosphere. So is fracking resourceful or is it harmful?The pros of fracking are that it produces less harmful gases into the atmosphere than coal.Stated in Source B, “Using natural gas to heat our homes...
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...1. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/may/30/wind-farms-less-controversial-blackouts An unbiased debate on whether wind farms are really worth the cost/controversy 2. http://www.carbon-footprint-defined.com/wind-power-controversy.html An environmental investigation, questioning whether how dangerous they are to animals and their habitats and if the energy can actually be stored sustainably 3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power_in_the_United_Kingdom Facts and figures on wind power in the UK 4. Does wind energy really work? - Clinton County Wind Watch Geographical investigation that claims wind energy doesn't work 5. http://www.bwea.com/energy/how.html A basic diagram showing how wind energy works 6. http://www.telosnet.com/wind/ A detailed history of the development of wind energy up to the present day 7. http://www.awea.org/learnabout/publications/upload/Ten_Steps.pdf 10 steps to developing a wind farm 8. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/apr/23/us-uk-floating-wind-turbines An article informing the public on future collaborations between the us and uk on 'floating' wind turbines 9. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/tribalenergy/guide/pdfs/developingwindpower.pdf The key aspects in developing a wind farm 10. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19208400 News story on how animals are effected by off shore wind farms 11. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/davey-takes-on-osborne-over-wind-farms-8142473.html Current...
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...the power given to them by God, to make a difference in the preservation, and the restoration of the environment. The book of Genesis provides us with environmental insight of the creation of the Earth in which God calls it “good.” (Genesis 1:10) Adam and Eve were instructed by God to maintain the garden of Eden as the care takers. From the beginning we see that God intended for Christians to be good stewards over what He graciously has given them. One way to demonstrate obedience to God, is to value the things He values. In demonstrating appreciation for the world we live in we are called to be accountable for it as imitators of Christ. The Bible says, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” Some ways to consider making changes for the better of the environment would be recycling, properly disposing personal waste, and using natural resources such as using solar or wind energy. Christians honor God in the way they live, and in doing so it is necessary to consider the world they live in. Whether you are a new believer, or have been living for Christ for years the environmental interest should be a concern for all Christians. The challenge is to change the way of thinking just as it must be done to effectively live like the example Jesus Christ. Instead of engaging in the debate over the environmental crisis one must take the individual accountability with the conviction of the ever present Holy Spirit, and live a Christ-like...
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...fissures in the shale through which the oil is then retrieved. This practice has made America the largest producer of energy in the world, yet the industry has its share of critics (np). In the article off, THE WASHINGTON FREE BEACON “ Fact-Checking “. They talk about the movie Gasland Part II and the things they discovered while filming the documentary. The areas impacted by this are Texas, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and many more. Majority of the complaints are chemicals getting into the water of residents home and lands (np). Fracking is a growing industry that poses a number of troubling issues at the same time that it has increased American’s energy production considerably. 1. Topic Sentence: The Industry Defense talks about companies involved and what the future hold in the Industry. a. America's Natural Gas Alliance, Ardent is a privately held, independent oil and gas company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Marcellus Shale). b. America's Natural Gas Alliance exists to promote the economic, environmental and national security benefits of greater use of clean, abundant, domestic natural gas. c. The benefits of oil and gas development extend throughout the state in increased business opportunities, jobs and, most notably, in a substantial decrease in energy costs. According to a recent study by Mercator Energy, the low price for natural gas brought about from shale drilling resulted in American families saving $32.5 billion in...
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...Global Warming Mary Werner Lower Division Capstone IP#1 July 13, 2012 Global Warming Abstract: Global Warming has been around since the Ice Age, or so some think. Some people believe that Global Warming is a serious problem where others may argue it is nothing to concern ourselves about. In this report, we will read some thoughts of some FOX News fans and see their opposing thoughts and comments. We will also read the debate between 2 Doctors who have very different views about Global Warming. Global Warming Global Warming is the rise in the world’s stratosphere and oceans since the latter part of the nineteenth century. [1] From before the 1900’s, the worlds mean surfaced stratosphere has increased by about 0.8 °C (1.4 °F), increasing by 2/3 since 1980.[2] Global temperatures increase causing sea levels to rise drastically bringing changes to the amount and the pattern of our precipitation which then expands subtropical deserts.[3] In the Arctic, it is believed that Glaciers, permafrost and sea ice is believed to be caused by the warming. Some different types of heat waves could be droughts, heavy rain and changes in crop yields. From all around the world we continually see the degree in which warming varies.[4] If the word “global” means temperatures increasing to 4 °C (7.2 °F)”, then limitations for adapting to our physical bodies is most likely exceeding in most areas...
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...any of the impending national legislative decisions that are under debate. These mandates are often justified as a means of providing the long term lowest cost of electricity for consumers. Supporters have stated repeatedly, that renewable energies will be less expensive in the long run when compared to the costs of new coal-fired generation facilities in particular. Thus, advocates would have us believe that pouring taxpayer money into renewable energy like solar and wind would create an estimated 5 million new jobs, end our reliance on imported oil and give us clean air. As welcome as those results would be, they're founded on the illusion that renewable fuels are an energy panacea and that the market is ignoring an easy answer to our problems, which of course, our wise politicians can see. When you look at the facts it does not support this. These energies constitute a part of our energy mix in the future, but they represent only a tiny fraction of our energy needs and won't lead us out of the economic and environmental backwoods. In conclusion, renewable energy solutions are not only needed but often the public wants them to be implemented. But it must be at a rate as to not cause energy rates to rise substantially, and when rates do rise, those at or near the poverty line need to be protected from those rates. In the future, we need to make sure that we all can benefit from conservation and clean energy if...
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