Essays and Research Papers on Environmental Issues & Ecology

An 11 page overview of the problems which face fisheries on a world wide basis as a result of over fishing. Provides detailed statistics on various fisheries and introduces the concept of "tragedy of the commons" in which the world's excess of fishermen competing for the same fish stocks insures a fisherman must work ...

This 5 page paper looks at the facts surrounding the advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering and genetically modified crops. The issues of pest and virus control are examined and the emphasis is on the positive aspects of this new science. The bibliography cites 5 sources.

A 5 page overview of the advantages and disadvantages of solar heat. Describes the design and function of several different types of systems ranging from the complex to a simplistic home-built unit. Emphasizes that the one real disadvantage of these systems, their costs, is quickly outweighed by operational savings. Bibliography lists 5 ...

10 pages in length. As the earth's natural energy sources are readily becoming depleted with the new millennium, science has been forced to look toward other, more manageable and renewable sources of energy. The writer discusses the trials and implementation of alternative energy sources that utilize air, wind and water. Bibliography lists ...

A 9 page paper discussing this old giant's current focus on the future. Shell oil is a company that is very nearly 200 years old and already has seen industry-changing and industry-creating changes in technology and petroleum use in its long history. At the beginning of the 21st century, it faces yet another change, one ...

A 9 page overview of the use of constructed wetlands in the receipt and treatment of domestic wastewater. Outlines the design considerations which must be considered prior to construction and operational and monitoring considerations which ensure the ongoing success of a project. Includes a sample of specific design and performance information for an ...

A 5 page review and analysis of Aldo Leopold's classic book of American nature writing , which has been compared in stature to Theoreau's "Walden." The writer concentrates on the three part structure of the book, and how this aids the author in accomplishing his purpose. No additional sources cited.

This 6 page report discusses the circumstances surrounding the toxic waste disaster of Love Canal, New York -- probably the country’s a most notorious and infamous hazardous waste site. It was not the first, it was not the worst, but it did grab headlines, draw attention, and stimulated scientists, industrial leaders, politicians, government officials, and grassroots activists. The Love Canal problem ...

A 5 page summation and analysis of Jane Holtz Kay's book 'Asphalt Nation.' In this book, Kay addresses the trend away from the auto-dominated public policy that has shaped the American landscape since the invention of the Model T. She argues that the time has come to move away from auto-centered transportation. No additional sources ...

A 5 page analysis of Jane Kay's book "Asphalt Nation," which is an indictment of America's auto dependency. Quoting another source, the writer asserts that Kay failed to verify some of her facts, but argues that her basic premise is correct, if overstated. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

8 pages. While a first-time environmental offender might be under the guise of misunderstanding or misinterpretation, a repeat offender such as the General Electric Corporation has no excuse whatsoever for the toxic waste the corporation produces. When corporations repeatedly break the rules regarding environmental protection, it says in a very loud voice that ...

A 5 page overview of the phenomenon of acid rain. Describes the phenomenon from a chemical standpoint emphasizing the role of sulfuric acid, chlorofluorocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitric acid. Relates the impacts which acid rain can have on the environment and on man. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 7 page paper provides an overview of the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) first introduced in 1969. Speculation as to why it was passed at that time is included as well as an analysis of public policy theory. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

A 5 page analysis of Alexander Von Humboldt's personal accounts of South America in the early eighteenth century. A gifted naturalist, his accounts are interesting and informative of nineteenth century bias, as well as So. American reality. No additional sources cited.

This 8 page paper examines the natural ecosystems of East Brunswick, NJ. Ecological content areas considered include: water and water quality, land and mineral use, air quality, pollution and monitoring practices in all areas. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

4 pages in length. The writer discusses climate, plant/animal species of and threats to the Pacific Northwest rain forests. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

Valentin Rasputin has given the ignorant reason to pause and consider the many levels of technological progression in his novel, Farewell To Matyora. This 5 page paper explores the story's view on technology as opposed to nature. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

Richard Nelson's journal of a journey, The Island Within, provides a perspective that is at once aligned with the humanist view of nature and the practical aspects of survival. This 5 page paper examines the theme of the book: that humans are able to live in spiritual and physical harmony with nature. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 3 page paper takes a look at tribal cultures and modern society in respect to biodiversity. Dangers of globalization and modernization are highlighted. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 20 page paper explores Al Gore, Jr. and his political life. When Gore was nominated for the vice presidency in 1992, his father unabashedly told The New York Times that "we raised him for it." If this were not an election year, and we were to look at the life of Al ...

This 2 page report discusses “The Monkey Wrench Gang” in terms of the unique voices Abbey presents and their attitudes regarding the environment. Looking at two of the characters, Hayduke and Seldom Seen, and their attitudes presents a broad spectrum of the motivations that drive people to protect their visions of the environment. No secondary sources.

A 6 page overview of the environment of Zimbabwe and its relation to the cultural environment of the country. Correlates cultural features such as poverty with environmental degradation. Concludes that such degradation is not done out of a lack of concern for the future but rather because of immediate survival concerns. Bibliography ...

A 6 page discussion of the importance of Florida's coral reefs and the factors adversely impacting them. Identifies the sugar industry as the primary culprit in this decline and recommends the use of man made wetlands to treat their agricultural effluent. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

This 7 page paper looks at how the optimum level of harvests in the fishing can be calculated considering birth and death rates and other repopulating factors. The paper considers what is actually meant by the optimum harvest rate, and the dangers that a equilibrium harvest policy may entail. The paper includes 1 graph. The ...

A 2 page paper discussing the possibility of producers sharing pollution permits. We already know that many organizations will not operate with the good of the environment as their top priority. It seems clear that government regulation is necessary, and on an ongoing basis. However, regulation could well be achieved through other ...