Should the Trans pipeline expansion proceed?

When analyzing the controversial issue of whether or not to allow the Trans pipeline expansion to proceed, many aspects must be taken into consideration when making this crucial and urgent decision. By evaluating the situation it’s necessary to discuss points on both opposing and supporting sides, and some of those valid points such as; the … Read more

Critical Review of UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 – Climate Action

Introduction On the expiration of the Millennium Development Goals, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were introduced by the United Nations (UN) in 2015 attempt to combat numerous different economic, environmental and social issues, so there can be a sustainable future for everyone. The goals vary from Zero Hunger to Life Below Water; however, this paper … Read more

Coastal erosion in the United States

Coastal erosion in the United States is responsible for approximately $500 million in property loss, land loss and property damage. To help alleviate coastal erosion, the federal government spends an average of “$150 million every year on beach nourishment and other shoreline erosion control measures” (NOAA). In addition to beach erosion, more than 80,000 acres … Read more

Quality of drinking water available in cities (letter to Minister of Water Resources, China)

The Honorable Jingping E Minister of Water Resources 2 Baiguang Road Xicheng, Beijing Dear Mr. E, I am writing on behalf of myself and the citizens living in several different provinces of China. We are extremely concerned with the quality of drinking water available at our cities. We understand that the national government has already … Read more

Plastic waste management and disposal

The disposal of everyday use plastic products is one of the most highly debated topics in today’s age since there is not adequate solution because of the polymers high durability. With the Earth’s population increasing comes increased amounts of waste. In Europe, some studies suggest that a single person is currently producing half a ton … Read more

Protecting The Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are magnificent bodies of water that surround the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. They consist of Lake Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. These can be remembered by the acronym HOMES. Being from Michigan the lakes hold a special place in my heart. It is … Read more

Environmental Implications from Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Puget Sound, Washington State

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and additional agencies have been tracking toxic chemicals in the Pacific Northwest.  Even with indications that the environmental quality is improving, ecosystems are still in danger are others.  One contaminant such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) indicates the ingestion of PCB’s throughout various food webs is a new … Read more

The IPAT Equation (critical essay)

What makes the largest influence to civilization’s impact on the environment? How can we better understand the relationships between our population, resources, and environmental influences? These could have been some questions Paul R. Ehrlich (an American entomologist) and John P. Holdren (a physicist) could have had before they came up with the IPAT model in … Read more

Effect of the massive urbanization trend on microbial presence

Due to the extensive urbanization trend in the United States, much of the environment will be and has been impacted. To analyze differences in urban and rural environments, we tested the presence of microbes on Maple tree surface roots in an urban environment, the University of Tennessee- Knoxville, and in a rural environment, Dean’s Woods. … Read more

Policy instruments to manage environmental risks

Besides the inherent environmental problems underdeveloped societies face due to poverty; as countries become more industrialized, shifts in production techniques and levels of output often cause degradation of  the surrounding environment. Environmental pollution has existed for centuries but only started to be significant following the industrial revolution in the 19th century. As global GDP has … Read more

Greenhouse gas emissions and nuclear energy (Grade 10 Physics)

Emissions of greenhouse gases that result from human activity have increased by 35 percent from 1990 to 2010. Carbon dioxide (CO2) which is caused by burning fossil fuels for energy, is currently the biggest contributor which accounts for about three-fourths of total emissions, has increased by 42 percent over that period of time. (epa.gov) CO2 … Read more

Chilean Glacier Melting

The article I read is a study of the glacier melt in the central region of Chile. Titled Assessing Glacier Melt Contribution to Streamflow at Universidad Glacier, central Andes of Chile, written by Claudia Bravo, Thomas Loriaux, Andres Rivera, and Ben W. Brock. This specific region of Chile relies heavily on the Andes’s water supply. … Read more