...are considered to be the largest of the aquatic ecosystems on Earth. They have a high salinity and include bodies of water such as the ocean, lagoon, the deep sea, and sea floors. Once of the marine ecosystems that has been a central focus, especially recently, is the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico is located off of the Atlantic Ocean, and it is considered to have a tropical climate. According to epa.gov, The Gulf of Mexico is the ninth largest body of water in the world. Some of the species or habitants that dwell in the gulf are different types of whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and sea-birds. Along the sea floor there are coral reef situated. There are also large birds The Gulf of Mexico produces a variety of resources that we use. One of the main resources is the fisheries provided in the gulf. Fisheries in the gulf are considered one of the most productive in the world. In 2010, the estimated shellfish and commercial fish harvest from the gulf fisheries was estimated to be about 1.3 billion pounds (epa.gov). Agriculture is definitely affected by the Gulf of Mexico. There is currently an area that is called the dead zone. Within this area of the gulf, there is an excessive supply of nitrogen in this area due to fossil fuel combustion, crop cultivation, and synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. With the increase of nitrogen, there is a process that is called hypoxia that will occur. Many people believe that the species in the fisheries will be affected which will definitely...
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...Natural Resources and Energy Paper A forest is a natural resource needed by the earth, humans, and species. There are three types of forests. The three types include “tropical, temperate, boreal forests” (The forest biome p. 1, 2006). Recently forests occupy about “one-third of Earth’s land area, and account for over two-thirds of the leaf area of land plants, and contain about 70% of carbon present in living things” (The forest biome p. 1, 2006). Forests produce vital oxygen and provide homes for people and wildlife. Forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change. A forest have several management practices for sustainability and conservation. There are several risks and benefits of extracting and using one type of nonrenewable and one type of renewable energy. The growth of human population has affected forest resources in several ways. The affected forests have caused harm to the population of wild species and have majorly impacted agriculture. Impacts associated with agriculture Between 2000 and 2010 about 13 million hectares of forests were lost per year to agriculture and other uses (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2013). Agroecosystems are very different from the ecosystems seen in nature. Unlike natural ecosystems, agroecosystems are large areas that have been planted with a single species or single strain or subspecies. This often makes them more susceptible to disease. Also, the agroecosystems are often planted in simple geometric...
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...Natural Resources and Energy Paper Christine Phipps, Kelly Doscher, Whitney Koba, Yharatzed Caceres, and Stuart Wilson SCI 256 May 9, 2010 Stephanie Gordon Natural Resources and Energy Paper In most tropical countries, only one tree is being replanted for every 10 cut down (Iowa Public Television, 1995-2010). Tropical rainforests “cover about 2% of earth’s surface, but house over half of world’s plant and animal species…” (Iowa Public Television, 1995-2010). Rainforests are vanishing quickly off the earth; over half have been destroyed in the last 10 years. While undefined, there are effects on the tropical rainforest based upon growing human population. There are proper management practices for conservation of natural resources but it is still necessary to determine the risks and benefits of extracting energy. Throughout this essay these points will all be discussed. Effects of Human Population Human population growth directly impacts the natural environment, natural resources, and ecosystems. The majority of tropical rainforests are located in moderately developed and developing nations that are experiencing exponential population growth. Wright maintains that 95% of the world’s population growth is occurring in developing nations at a rate of 1.5% annually, adding 75 million in a year (2008). Population growth adds pressures to natural resources as the need for living space, agricultural land and, food supplies increases. The biggest and most devastating...
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...Nuclear energy has been a controversial topic for its ability to produce more energy than any other resources available or the fear of an accident that might occur in the facility. The world’s first nuclear power plant was built in the city of Obinsk, Russia. “1954: The world's first nuclear power plant becomes operational in Obninsk, outside of Moscow” (Long). According to Tony Long, the nuclear power plant was designed to generate electricity for the city of Moscow. Over the years, the demand for electricity is increasing due to the advancement of technology. The advancements of technology have made most countries resort to a more efficient energy source that can match their countries needs for electrical consumption. Society now strives for a cleaner energy source as global warming issues are arising because of the harmful emissions that industries and automobiles release into the atmosphere which causes the depletion of the ozone layer. Air pollution affects everyone negatively due to the increase of natural resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Nuclear energy should be used as an energy source because it is an abundant source for energy, it is a cleaner source of energy, and it is economical beneficial. Nuclear energy comes from the source, uranium which is abundant compared to other natural resources that is found on Earth. “The underground resource at a depth of up to one kilometre equated to about 680-billion tons, which could provide the world with nuclear...
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...depleting the world’s natural resources, which is disastrous for humans and nature. Who wins in the war between man and nature? The answer is no one. However, man cannot survive without using natural resources; therefore, co-existence with nature requires balance. It is man’s primary responsibility to utilize natural resources safely and efficiently. Renewable natural resources such as trees, water, sun and wind ought to be the primary sources of energy. Secondary sources of energy should be non-renewable resources such as oil and natural gas. The government should be required to make use of renewable resources, implement conservation plans and minimize the environmental impact that results from extracting, processing and using natural resources. The first step in co-existing with nature is making use of renewable resources. The federal government should require the state to implement strategies to use renewable energy such as, wind power. Wind power has been used for centuries through the use of windmills, which can pump water, ground grain, and provide electricity for home-use, etc. As stated on Energy.gov, “…small wind electric systems are one of the most cost-effective home-based renewable energy systems – with zero emissions and pollution” (“Small Wind Electric Systems”). Today, wind turbines are used to capture wind, convert it into energy, and then create electricity. Wind energy, is a clean energy source that uses no water (another natural resource), and has the potential...
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...10B The Problem of Resource Depletion: Causes and Solutions People and other living beings depend on natural resources for food, shelter, and protection, as well as for generating energy and all the products we manufacture. With current consumption patterns, people are using these resources at an unsustainable rate. Many resources are at risk of becoming depleted, which can be understood in a term of resource depletion. ‘Therefore, resource depletion refers to the condition when all natural resources such as fossil fuels, groundwater, forests, minerals, cropland soils, marine fisheries, and other natural resources available, have been exhausted within a region.’(Magdoff, 2013) The issue is followed up by the problems of imbalance in nature, shortage of materials, struggle for existence, and slackening of economic growth as well. So, resource depletion can severely damage ecosystems, the environment, the atmosphere, and many other important aspects of the Earth. As said in ‘2011 United Nations Environment Programme Report, humanity will demand 140 billion tons of minerals, ores, fossil fuels and biomass every year by 2050, which is far beyond what the Earth can supply’(Theworldcounts.com, n.d.). Therefore, there is a high risk that after years from now, humanity will not be able to find the resources needed for its existence, if the following problem will not be solved right now. The main causes of resource depletion include unequal distribution of resources, technological and...
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...October 20, 2013 The Renewable Energy: It’s Worth the Cost Currently, there is a huge debate surrounding the future of renewable energy. Oil production is at the center of the debate as we are seeing a large increase in oil prices due to our need of foreign oil. There are some supporters of looking in our American natural landscape for resources such as oil to reduce our dependence on foreign supply and boost the American economy. Those opposed to this solution point question why destroy the American wildlife for a natural resource that will take too long to produce, cost the American people a large amount of money, and will not give any final solution to the need because those resources will also eventually also be depleted. They would like to see the American government continue to look into renewable energy source which could substantially reduce our need of natural resources saving the American landscape and wildlife. The supporters of us tapping into the natural landscape to search for natural resources on American land feel that this will not only reduce our dependence on foreign resources, but also boost our economy by creating jobs and reduce our national debt. They feel that solely seeking renewable energy will stall our economy. They argue that looking into the American natural resources will interrupt such a small part of the American landscape and the wildlife will be preserved so why would we not continue to see out these resources. It is claimed that the oil found...
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...Strategies and Solutions: Conserving Energy and Human Population Mitigation Strategies and Solutions: Conserving Energy and Human Population Developing countries with rapid population growth face the urgent need to improve their living standards without destroying the environment. Natural resources are facing a coupling of increased pressure, threatening the health of the public and our development. The global challenge begins with the water shortages, loss of forests, and air and water pollution. Are we blindly destroying our natural resources needed for our future, as we humans exploit nature to meet our present needs? The world’s current supply of energy is provided by natural resources. Natural resources are defined as various nonrenewable and renewable energy sources. A renewable resource consists of naturally occurring resources in nature, like wind (windpower), water (hydropower), or sun (solar). Renewable energy is safer for the environment when compared to nonrenewable resources. Only about 9 percent of electricity in the U.S. is generated from these renewable sources (EPA, 1997). Renewable resources are replaced in nature as they are used, which makes this type of energy highly desirable. Nonrenewable resources are found in fixed amounts, these are natural resources that cannot be replaced. Although nonrenewable resources are also found in nature, they are...
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... 1. Define and provide an example for the following types of resources: Nonrenewable- A nonrenewable resource is a resource of economic value that cannot be readily replaced by natural means on a level equal to its consumption. For example, most fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas and coal are considered nonrenewable resources in that their use is not sustainable because their formation takes billions of years. Renewable- A renewable resource is a resource which is replaced naturally and can be used again. Examples are as follow: oxygen, fresh water, solar energy, timber, and biomass. Renewable resources may also include goods commodities such as wood, paper and leather. Inexhaustible- These are natural resources which cannot be replenished, re-grown or regenerated. Once used up, they are gone forever. Examples are: coal, natural gas, petroleum. 2. Energy resources other than non-renewable energy sources are generally referred to as alternate energy sources. Why is it important to develop alternate energy sources? Energy that is not popularly used and is usually environmentally sound, such as solar or wind energy as opposed to fossil fuels. Fuel sources that are other than those derived from fossil fuels. Typically used interchangeably for renewable energy. Examples include: wind, solar, biomass, wave and tidal energy. Therefore, it is very important to develop an alternative energy sources. 3. Based on the results of the experiment, identify...
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...conversations regarding the planets energy resources and their appropriate place in today’s society reveal extensive ignorance on the subject and deliberate misinformation by both sides of the argument;, the energy producers and the environmentalists. Any honest appraisal of the future of global energy must begin with a full and balanced understanding of resources and their uses. The earth provides us with two basic natural energy resources, fossil fuels and renewable flows of energies stemming from the heat of the sun, as solar energy and the winds which circle the planet, as well as the movement of water and the internal energies of the planet (geo-thermals). Fossil fuels are the products of the conversion of biomass, which, through fossilization, yields coal, oil and natural gas. Coal became the world’s most important solid fuel during the 1890s, when their energy content surpassed that of the traditional fuels of the day (wood and crop residues). Today, coal provides less than 25 percent of the world’s total primary energy supply. A ton of coal has an energy equivalent to about ½ ton of crude oil. The energy content of all crude oils and liquids produced by their refining is very similar: about twice as large as that of coal and almost three times as large as that of cord wood. Crude oil became the world’s most important primary fuel during the 1970s and now it provides about 40 percent of the world’s total primary energy supply. Natural gases are usually mixtures of methane...
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...BIO 3108 – NATURAL RESOURCES AND POPULATION GROWTH CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT What are natural resources? A natural resource is defined as a form of energy and/or matter which is essential for the functioning of organisms, populations and ecosystems. In the case of humans, a natural resource refers to any form of energy or matter essential for the fulfillment of physiological, socio-economic and cultural needs, both at the individual level and that of the community. Life on our planet earth depends upon a large number of things and services provided by the nature, which are known as natural resources. Water, air, soil, minerals, coal, forests, crops and wild life are all the examples of natural resources. The basic ecological variables- energy, space, time and diversity are sometimes combined called natural resources. These natural are maintaining ecological balance among themselves. Man is the only organisms who have disrupted this duplicate balance. A natural resource is a form of energy and/or matter, which is essential for the functioning of organisms, populations and ecosystems. In the case of humans, a natural resource refers to any form of energy or matter essential for the fulfillment of physiological, socio-economic and cultural needs, both at the individual level and that of the community. The basic ecological variables- energy, space, time and diversity are sometimes combined called natural resources. These natural resources are maintaining ecological...
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...1. Introduction 2. Pakistan’s Energy Sector 2.1 Energy Supply 2.2 Energy Consumption 3. Sources of Energy in Pakistan 3.1 Non-renewable resources (Fossil fuels) a). Petroleum products b). Natural Gas c). Coal 3.2 Renewable Resources a). Hydro power v Current Hydropower stations v Potential Hydropower stations 3.3 Alternative Energy Sources a). Wind b). Solar c). Agricultural biomass /biodiesel d). Tidal 3.4 Nuclear 4. Causes of Energy Crisis 4.1 Growing Energy Demand 4.2 Lack of proactive and integrated planning for production of energy 4.3 Imbalanced energy mix 4.4 Non-utilization of enormous indigenous energy resources a). Thar Coal b). Hydal power generation 5. Consequences of Energy Crisis 5.1 Economic Factors 5.2 Agriculture Sector 5.3 Industrial Sector 5.4 Unemployment 5.5 Social Issues 5.6 Poverty 6. Conclusion 7. Recommendation/Solutions of Energy Crisis 7.1 Judicious energy use/saving unnecessary energy usage v electricity saving devices v Awareness campaign for energy saving v Reduction in unnecessary transportations v Installation of effective equipment/energy efficient in industries v Decreasing line/transmission losses 7.2 Developing new energy resources v Tapping indigenous resources v Using renewable resources (water) by constructing new dams and hydro power plants v Import of natural gas v Utilizing alternative energy resources § Wind power § Biodiesel /Biomass § Solar...
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...Natural vs. Traditional Energy Jasmine Upshaw HUM/114 April 8, 2014 AJ Merrill Natural vs. Traditional Energy When one thinks of the United States, they wonder how people are able to protect it and save money to prolong the finances of its citizens. One of the ways both of these goals can be accomplished is to practice using natural power as a major resource. Using traditional energy is hurting the environment, as well as costing manufacturers more money to produce the needed energy to function on a day-to-day basis (Just Energy, 2013). When traditional energy is produced, the use of carbon dioxide increases the warmth of the planet which increases the chances of abnormal and harmful conditions. In the past couple of years, there has been an extreme change in weather patterns. This caused noticeable effects such as an increase of droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, and intense rainstorms (Natural Resource Defense Council, 2013). The only way to change these conditions is to practice using natural energy and limit the use of carbon dioxide. Natural energy consists of energy being produced by solar, wind, and other renewable sources. There are no resources being used that hurt the ozone layer. These ways generate energy that does not harm the environment. Production is also cost efficient, which is beneficial to keeping everything running. Some habits that hinder my thinking may be my lack of compassion for the view of the opposing side. I also have a habit of only seeing...
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...The Importance of Renewable Energy Tammy Nilsen HUM/111 12/01/2013 Renae Hellman Renewable energies are clean energies that do not pollute the air and does not contribute to the alarming increase of the greenhouse effects. The huge disadvantage to all these energies is that the producing of large amounts of electricity represents a difficulty comparing to the easiness of the energy producing by the fossil fuels. The biggest disadvantage to all renewable energy sources is that conventional utilities are not fully capable of incorporating the new technologies to make energy. There is no better alternative at the present time to renewable energies. Renewable energy is very essential because it is natural and it is considered infinite. It also creates thousands of job opportunities as it requires manpower and workmanship. Its production cost is also considered to be very low. One day all the non-renewable energy will run out and the renewable energy will be all we have left. Renewable energy is clean and leaves no pollution in the air. Using our natural resources like sunlight and wind helps to reduce the use of conventional energy which in return saves us money. Solar power is dependent on availability of sunlight. It is cheaper to generate energy naturally than it is conventionally. If we use renewable energies like wind and sunlight in place of non renewable energies like oil, we can use our natural resources without the worry of running...
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...Conservation of Natural Resources Introduction The energy consumption of western cities' households stands at about one-third. Energy is a very good example of a natural resource. In as much as it is surprising, efforts have been made since the 21st century to try and conserve these natural resources (Montana Conservation Council, 1956, p. 12). The essay seeks to discuss how some of the activities carried out have been used to promote resource efficiency and sustainable management of natural resources. The essay seeks to detail information on some of the case studies depicting the impacts of these activities. Promotion of Energy Efficient Bulbs The energy efficient bulbs are energy economical due to its insignificant consumption of electricity. According to the results obtained by conducting a series of tests, the bulb converts about 80 percent of the electrical power to light energy. The other 20 percent is therefore converted to other forms of energy such as heat. When compared to traditional bulbs, the results were opposite to having 80 percent of the energy wasted by being converted to other forms while 20 percent being converted to light energy. Adoption of Renewable Energy One of the ways adoption of renewable energy has contributed towards the conservation of natural resources is through enhancing energy security. When one looks at some of the renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind and geothermal, all these sources provide viable energy sources that do...
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