...A collapsing Natural Environment? By Su Xiaokang and Perry Link Introduction China’s question for development is amiable yet their actions are counterproductive to their primal goal of social progression. The nation of China is founded on a systematic government that seeks to implement development measures to achieve wealth and prosperity even at the cost of the lives of its citizens. The policies implemented by the government and business entrepreneurs often neglect the basic rights of citizens as factories and transport systems are built in respective of the inhabitants of the land and the repercussion that would arise form such dire human neglect. The article “A collapsing natural environment?” by Su Xiaokang and Perry Link provides comprehensive analysis of the scope of natural degradation that both the ecosystem and people of china are subjected to by insensitive governmental policies. Factors that contribute to a collapsed natural environment in China The desire to become a prosperous and powerful nation could be considered the catalyst behind China’s government’s brute ambition. How else could one perceive the construction of South Shanghai Station toward the Rainbow Bridge were citizens live exposing them to possible radiation. Despite the health protest from citizens of that area the government pursued its goal to construct the railway station despite risking the ecosystem of Dianpu river section. In 1990 Zhuanghe a coastal city with an estimated...
Words: 709 - Pages: 3
...UWI system or to any other educational institution. 6. In the case of group work: a. I certify that the individual work of each member of the group has been clearly indicated; b. that where no such indication has been given, I take the responsibility for the work as if it were the section of the paper for which I am solely responsible; and c. that I have not collaborated with any members of the group to breach the University’s regulations. Signature: Stacey N. Jagoo Date: 15th April, 2011 Explain what is meant by “The Natural Environment” Topic: the Natural Environment Main Points: Components, Challenges Topic | Sentence | Components | The natural environment comprises of all living and non-living things occurring naturally on the earth. | Challenges | There are many challenges that affect the natural environment due to harmful human activities and natural disasters. | The natural environment comprises of all living and non-living things occurring naturally on the...
Words: 510 - Pages: 3
...Remodeling Society and the Natural Environment Jonathan Awoloi GRW: Energy, Society & Environment Professor Case Due October 6, 2014 Word count: 1194 Awoloi 1 Energy transitions are the major shifts in the forms of energy humans use as well as the methods used to gather energy caused by new understanding of energy and changing uses. Humans had begun as hunter-gatherers and the discovery of fire was merely the preface to an immense, extensive, and ongoing journey to gather energy in all its forms as efficiently as possible, then use to power all kinds of prime movers that have been created and adapted to improve the amount of work that can be done. These energy transitions in the past altered the structure in which humans lived, from smaller units and villages towards larger and larger societies, but also allowed humans to branch out from the cycle of hunting and gathering, that other animals are restricted to, into an increasingly intellectual lifestyle. Although the methods of energy gathering and use greatly advanced, especially over the last century, the natural environment has been greatly damaged due to the need to clear landscapes to amass more energy. The discovery and domestication of fire was a great advancement for hominids, a spark which initiated the fire that was mankind's domination of this planet. Fire had led to cooking, the greatest advantage gained by domesticating fire according to Alfred W. Crosby1. Aside from the great nutritional and food storage...
Words: 1205 - Pages: 5
...Hedgerows are a semi- natural habitat that have been a major part of the British countryside from as early as the time of the Romans over 2000 years ago where they were used as field and property boundaries. But in recent years the advances in agriculture and lack of knowledge of the conservational value of hedgerows has meant hedgerows have been replaced by easy to manage fences or left unmanaged, resulting in hedgerows turning into relict hedgerows (overgrown and unable to support the unique biodiversity) or into lines of trees (Staley et al., 2015), this has led to an annual loss of hedgerows at about 7000m (Read, 1999). The structural condition of a hedgerow greatly affects the value of the hedgerow as a habitat for wildlife. There’s a...
Words: 943 - Pages: 4
...Humans in technology environment are not very free from natural selection. According to Charles Darwin, natural selection acts only for the good of each organism, so since our very first human ancestors had no natural defenses, they would die from what is considered today an insignificant disease. It was throughout millions of years, that the human body started to build an immunization to certain diseases and only the stronger humans were the ones to survive and carry on that trait. Likewise, having no fur on their bodies to survive in the cold weather, they learned how to use other animals’ skins and how to build some weapons, in order to chase wild animals. Nowadays, humans have made incredible discoveries; we have created a wonderful world of technology, which leads us to make some enormous progress in the field of medicine; especially in how to treat diseases which were, at some time, considered incurable. My point is, that since we have made such progress in technology, I am scared that we are keeping too many people alive, including some that might not fit the environment in which they live. In addition, we are allowing some infertile people to reproduce through in-vitro fertilization, when apparently they were not capable naturally. We are also letting babies survive by saving their lives at their birth even though they might not be perfectly healthy or other traits which could bedetrimental for the human species. But through science and the new technology, we have...
Words: 1580 - Pages: 7
...impact on the environment was. And now that the semester is over I know exactly what I as a consumer am doing to the environment. Everyone plays a big role in impacting the environment and everyone can play a bigger role in helping conserve the environment they live in. When it comes to air pollution, global climate change, changes in natural habitat, and water pollution I as a consumer negatively impact those four problems. With air pollution I affect it negatively by driving a car, running electricity, and other ways like using the stove in the kitchen. I affect climate change by driving a car, by buying things that come from factories that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and by using electricity. When it comes to changes in natural habitat I impact it by living in a house that was built on natural habitat which then forced the environment to change, also by going to the mall and other stores that were built upon natural habitat. I impact water pollution by using harmful pesticides, buying food that comes from farms that irrigate, by wasting water like letting the faucet run, also by using fertilizer. Those are just some of the ways I as a consumer impact Earth’s environment. The five levels on which people can participate in working towards a sustainable future are as follows, individual lifestyle changes, political involvement, membership participation N60s, volunteer, and career choices. I can modify my lifestyle to better impact the environment by these five...
Words: 822 - Pages: 4
...The protection of environment in Western and Eastern Europe Natural environmental concerns have been felt since the late nineteenth century, when it was the attitude of admiration transition from passive to active natural beauty drive to protect them and prevent the abuse of natural resources . The central axis of our environmental policy is to ensure a clean environment for the health of its inhabitants , breaking the vicious circle of poverty and environmental degradation , ensuring innovative regenerative growth for the benefit of present and future generations , harmonization of legislation with the specific environmental European Union to accelerate integration into European structures. Without environmental protection , can not ensure sustainable development. Sustainable development includes environmental protection and sustainable development environmental conditions.Requirements and existing requirements at EU level requires a new approach to global environmental problems , in terms of effects and pressure on the environment and all socio -economic consequences . United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED ) held in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 , showed that they can not think of environment and economic and social development as isolated areas and that the only path to long-term economic progress it is binding environmental protection . The key issue of sustainable development is the reconciliation between two human aspirations : need for...
Words: 910 - Pages: 4
...McKibben highlights the fact that we are destroying the natural environment at an increasing rate, for our own short-term gain. Since the day that man created agriculture, and industrialisation to follow, the imbalance between man and nature has been growing[1/2]. This has been accompanied by a massive population increase, tripling in the twentieth century alone[3]. Human pressure on nature has never been so great. Such pressure has resulted in 'environmental issues', ranging from global warming and eutrophication, to the depletion of natural resources and an increase in the number of landfill sites. A distinction must be drawn between 'anthropogenically created’ environmental issues, and 'natural' ones. The extinction of most of the dinosaurs more than 65 million years ago was not caused by man, but rather an entirely natural disaster, perhaps a meteor or extreme tectonic activity. It is difficult to apply any man-made ethic to situations that are not man-made, so for the purpose of this essay, 'environmental issues' will be taken to be current issues actively cause by human beings. During the last few decades, many thinkers from different disciplines have been searching for a new ethic to confront environmental issues with - an 'environmental ethic'. Whether religious or secular in nature, this must be able to define the environment and the proper relationship that should exist between human beings and the natural world. The stance that one takes concerning environmental...
Words: 2417 - Pages: 10
...Environment Speech Good morning to my respected teachers and my dear friends. The topic of my speech is Environment. Environment is the surrounding in which we live. It is the source of life. Our whole life is dependent to the environment. It directs our life and determines our proper growth and development. Good or bad quality of social life depends on the quality of our natural environment. The need of human beings for food, water, shelter and other things depends on the environment around us. There is a balanced natural cycle exists between environment and lives of human beings, plants and animals. Human society is playing vital role in degenerating the natural environment which in turn negatively affects the lives on this planet. All the human actions in this modern world directly impact the whole ecosystem. All the actions have brought a big change in this planet which resulted in many environmental problems. Increasing demand of technologies and industries in the modern time impacts the nature. The increasing invention of new technologies has changed the interaction of people with environment which permits more population to grow. The modern technologies have immense power which has altered the whole environment in an unimagined way. The indiscriminate use of environment is the root of ecological crisis. Such continuous increase in the technologies and human behaviour are correspondingly very serious. Such amazing technologies have become the reason of economic growth...
Words: 409 - Pages: 2
...Lecture 1. Introduction. Basic definitions of (OHS) occupational health and safety and life activities In full are the key concepts in health and safety in the following legal and regulatory "Law on safety in emergency situations," "Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan,» etc. Here are some of them that are most often manifested in the practice of any person. Knowing these definitions allow a deeper understanding of the problems associated with the existence of man in the course of employment and other activities. Article 1 of the "Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan" is the following definition of occupational safety - safety system health and safety in the workplace, which includes legal, social, economic, organizational, technical, sanitary and epidemiological, medical and preventive treatment, rehabilitation and other activities and facilities. With this definition, the definition overlaps safety - the state of security of workers, to ensure comprehensive measures that exclude the impact of harmful and hazardous factors on workers in the course of employment. Of the two, the definition that is the main work - human activity aimed at creating material, wind and other values required for life and meet the needs of individuals and society. In connection with this definition of labor - the sphere of human activity is diverse: education, sports, culture, construction, etc. It should be noted that, in accordance with the basic axiom of human activities, which states that...
Words: 1517 - Pages: 7
...supervise the construction. So, it would have been difficult to think of any building, be it a home, office, school, church or anything else, without the help of an architect. Thus, the industry of architecture has been in existence since the time man thought of building a private hut (Bennett). And by the 21st century, it has flourished into a full-fledged business. An architect designs and sometimes supervises the construction of buildings. Anything from tunnels that run far beneath the ground, to skyscrapers that tower above it, architects have always had a hand in building these great structures (Front Cover). Architects have designed the greatest buildings in history, from the stoic World Trade Center in New York, to the graceful and natural Falling Waters house in Pennsylvania, building styles differ as much as the architects who build them. The Social Architect's task is to design and bring into being organizations and communities that serve both the marketplace and the soul of the people who live and work within them. Where the architect designs physical space, the social architect designs social space (Hewitt). The role of the Social Architect is to create service-oriented space (in business, organizations, governments, schools and communities) by...
Words: 2012 - Pages: 9
...from large to small (eg Greenpeace, The Body Shop, Travelsmart, Friends of Kings Park).” Introduction: Founded in 1992, Planet Ark has encouraged environment change and sustainability for over twenty years and is specially focused on the impact we have on our planet and the sustainable ways we can use to minimize this impact. Planet Ark aims to ‘protect and enhance the natural environment’ (Planet Ark, 2013) and get individuals and businesses involved together to protect the planet and work towards sustainability. Planet Ark undertakes a special annual activity, National Tree Day, planting tress to provide for a sustainable future, which begun in 1996 and continued each year with growing support. One of the main points of focus for National Tree Day is to educate on and plant native trees and plants, creating a sustainable future for the environment by supporting local bio-diversity, however the question remains is Planet Ark achieving this and National Tree Day actively educating and making for a sustainable future? Through the use of various articles, Planet Ark’s own findings and reports and other critical analysis’s we will explore and discover how effective the ideas and the method in which they are carried out truly are. Considering Planet Ark’s prominent status and their devoted attitude to helping the environment, they are the ideal example to focus on. Through critical analysis the question will be answered, is Planet Ark’s National Tree Day successful at creating...
Words: 2017 - Pages: 9
...Architecture and the Environment Architecture is an art and above others, combines expression, technology, and the satisfaction of human needs into the structures that are designed and built (Moore, 1979). Physical structures tend to have a significant effect on human behavior based on its design. As people began to spend more time inside, it is valuable to design structures that integrate features from the natural environment and structural landscape features in the man-made environment (Joye, 2007). It is important to understand the full aspect of how architecture affects humans, controls behavior, and supports sustainable development. Researchers often suggest that the design of residential and commercial space has pervasive effects on its inhabitants and is an important consideration in architectural design. Physical Structure and the Effects on Human Behavior Architecture as an art is a symbolic and intentional design that seems to reflect the psychology of its designers regardless of time, culture, and perhaps even gender. The space, form, and light are main elements generally incorporated purposely or unconsciously for aesthetic and practical reasons that give the creations meaning, purpose, and stability among an ever changing physical universe (Papow, 2000). Some people perceive architecture as functional and all designs are not esthetically pleasing, similar to the effect of any other art form. Architecture also can be an expression of cultural pride, societal...
Words: 1452 - Pages: 6
...degrees slightly from May to October. San Francisco has plenty of beaches from the Pacific Ocean. During the summer is warm but breezy from the winds off the Pacific and during the winter it does not snow. It does rain frequently from November through March, which sustains life to the environment and to creatures around in the area. San Francisco provides a great environment ideal for green economic building. It gives the perfect palate for the canvas of green building. This environment climate is ideal for benefits towards the community and residence of the complex. Climate will play a role in how the building is constructed and steps taken for energy conservation. The use of natural resources will assist in many ways such the winds off the Pacific to help cool residences off in the evening and reducing the heat palate. There will be a windmill design on the property to use natural winds from the Pacific to power the complex reducing the energy usages especially during the summer. The fact San Francisco does not have extremely harsh winters leaves open possibilities for residences to plant and grow their own food on the property using natural resources, which in return will help the environment along with feeding residences and wildlife. Purpose The green apartment complex will house sixty to seventy-five residents with approximately thirty-five units ranging from two to three bedroom condos. This building will represent giving back in every way including the...
Words: 1212 - Pages: 5
...Ecosystem Structure, Function, and Change paper Zachery Thursday, February 12, 2015 SCI 256 Ecosystem Structure, Function, and Change paper Prior to restoration the area now known as the Chamna Natural Preserve was used to facilitate illegal dumping and racing. It was not until 1997 that cleanup of this shrub-steppe ecosystem began. Area such as this have begun to be maintained by associations with the intentions of restoring or maintaining these natural reserves. We will discuss the major structural and functional dynamics for the Chamna Natural Preserve. Along with how humans may have affected the cycling of matter in the ecosystem, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or carbon. How knowledge can or has helped to develop plans for restoration or management. Then finally about the implications of species interactions in this specific ecosystem. Structures and Functions of the Chamna Natural Preserve The Functional dynamics of this shrub-steppe ecosystem are undergoing change, and people are involved. According to Smith (2001), “Climate change will alter the nitrogen cycling in the fragile soil of semi-arid desert regions.” Since nitrogen loss is more prevalent in warmer, drier areas then cooler, wetter areas. The microbial processes related to the cycling of nitrogen are more related to the changes is climate, then by plant competition for nitrogen. Meaning that the stability of this shrub-steppe ecosystem is highly dependent on the ecosystems ability to adjust to changing...
Words: 719 - Pages: 3
