Final Examination Paper

SCI/256

Timothy Woodland

22 November 2015

The climate of Georgia is typical of a humid subtropical climate with most of the state

having mild winters and hot summers. The Atlantic Ocean on the east coast of Georgia and the

hill country in the north impact the state's climate. Also, the Chattahoochee River divides

Georgia into separate climatic regions with the mountain region to the northwest being colder

than the rest of the state, the average temperatures for that region in January and July being 39 °F

and 78 °F respectively. Winter in Georgia is characterized by mild temperatures and little

snowfall around the state, with colder, snowier, and icier weather more likely across northern

and central Georgia. Summer daytime temperatures in Georgia often exceed 90 °. The state

experiences widespread precipitation. Tornadoes and tropical cyclones are common.

Since moving to Georgia in 2007, there were a few issues that concerned me. The

swamps that were in our training areas were full of life and yet we continued to build on them

moving the wild life out. Then there was the issue that every year during Spring Break,

thousands of college students would make their way to Tybee Island so that they may party for

two weeks on the beach. Each year for those two weeks, the beaches were littered with trash and

crews would have to clean up after them. Trash would be taken out into the ocean by the waves

and marine life would suffer because kids wanted to party.

Over the past few years, the military has decided that building on the swamp lands would

be brought to a halt and any building that was needed would be done in areas that were more

suitable. This a lone have allowed for the ecosystems within the swamps to thrive and grow.

Then the Mayor of Tybee Island finally got tired of the mess that was left behind by the college

students that partied for two weeks that he has discontinued the Spring Break party fest at the

beach. Now the marine life is in less danger from our trash and poison that we contributed every year during that time.

The biosphere is the part of the earth’s crust, waters and atmosphere that supports life. It

comprises of the entire earth and all the living organisms that inhabit it. From the Greek bios,

"life," and sphaira, "sphere," biosphere came into English use in the 19th century. It means the

life that occurs within a certain sphere or region around a planet. All living things on Earth need

oxygen and other substances to survive, and the biosphere fulfills those needs.

The term “sustainable communities” has various definitions, but in essence refers to

communities planned, built, or modified to promote sustainable living. Sustainable communities

tend to focus on environmental and economic sustainability, urban infrastructure, social equity,

and municipal government. The term is sometimes used synonymously with “green cities,” “eco-

communities,” “livable cities” and “sustainable cities.” The Partnership for Sustainable

Communities is an interagency partnership between the Department of Transportation,

Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

These departments work together with a mission to “improve access to affordable housing,

increase transportation options, and lower transportation costs while protecting the

environment”. All three bureaus offer funding opportunities to support communities in areas of

clean air and water, community planning, economic development, energy efficiency, equity and

environmental justice, as well as housing and transportation choices. The partnership

incorporates six principles of livability into its grant-making and program development.

The largest swamp in North America, the Okefenokee Swamp covers roughly 700 square

miles and is located in the southeastern corner of Georgia, Cypress swamps, winding waterways,

and floating peat mats are a major part of the Okefenokee's habitat mosaic. Okefenokee Swamp encompassing most of Charlton and Ware counties and parts of Brantley and Clinch counties.

The swamp has a distinctive and fascinating natural history. Cypress swamps, winding

waterways, and floating peat mats are a major part of the Okefenokee's habitat mosaic. Wet and

dry prairies, swamps dominated by shrubs, and forests of black gum and bay trees intersperse the

array of other habitats. A high ridge of sand known as Trail Ridge forms the eastern edge of the

swamp. Wildlife abound; more than 400 species of vertebrates, including more than 200 varieties

of birds and more than 60 kinds of reptiles, are known to inhabit the swamp.

Swamp milkweed is an herb and the root is used to make medicine. The medicine is used

to help those with digestive disorders. There isn't enough information available to know how

swamp milkweed works and using it is unsafe unless a doctor prescribes it. It contains chemicals

similar to the prescription drug digoxin (Lanoxin) that can cause a dangerously irregular

heartbeat. Handling the plant can cause swelling (inflammation) of the skin. Swamp milkweed

can affect the heart. Some antibiotics might increase how much swamp milkweed the body

absorbs. Increasing how much swamp milkweed the body absorbs might increase the effects and

side effects of swamp milkweed.

Now comes the part were one looks at issues that face the world and they decide what

side are they on. To be honest, I do not have one. I spend most of my time working and trying to

do my college work and the little bit of free time I have is spend with the family. I do know that I

am not one that would deplete our resources, I feel that finding other means of energy is in the

best interest for not just us but our future generations. We should focus more on solar energy and

electric car that way we have a better chance of ensuring a future for our generations to come.

Reference Page

city-data.com, Accessed December 10, 2007

2015 Dictionary.com, LLC. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/biosphere

Definitions and Principles of Sustainable Communities" Sustainable Communities Task Force

Report. Fall 1997. http://clinton2.nara.gov/PCSD/Publications/suscomm/suscoa.html

Gibbons, Whit. "Natural History of the Okefenokee Swamp." New Georgia Encyclopedia. 24

September 2014. Web. 20 November 2015.