Rainforest Depletion Essays - Habitats, Ecosystems, Biodiversity

Rainforest Depletion Essays - Habitats, Ecosystems, Biodiversity Rainforest Depletion Long ago, the Earth had a green belt of rain forests around its middle that covered almost twelve percent of the earth's land surface.(Miller we can no longer use the excuse of ignorance.(Hammond 2) People need to try harder to stop rain forest depletion. There are two major areas on earth where rain forests are located. One of these areas is called The Old World Tropics, which includes Africa and Asia. In Africa, the rain forests are primarily located around the Zaire river. The other area in which rain forests are located is called The New World Tropics, which contains Central and South America. The New World tropics are in lower altitudes as opposed to the Old World tropics, which are at higher altitudes. Rain forests are located around the equator. This location of the rain forests makes them warm and humid all year round. There are never cold winters in the rain forests. During winter in the rain forests, people comfortably are able to wear T-shirts and shorts. The rain forest has a rainy season which usually lasts most of the year. The rain forests of the world are home to more than half of the animal species that live on earth.(CSIRO 1) Many of these creatures are some of the most beautiful and odd creatures in the world, Such as the large rodent Capybara, the Anteater, and many different colorful exotic birds. There are many beautiful creatures living in our Earth's rain forests. Many people are ignorant to the effects of rain forest depletion on our environment, and this ignorance is a major cause in the beginning of the destruction of the rain forests. European settlers exploited the rain forests for timber and cleared them for agricultural purposes.(Parish 4) The name scrub, which was originally applied to the rain forest by European settlers, became a term for land seen as useless until subject to ax, fire, and plough.(Parish 4) People did not think of the affects on the environment because the little knowledge that was known about the affects was not very widespread. Another cause in the destruction of the rain forest is people's values. Many people value species according to their worth to human beings.(Miller & Berry 3) People often ignore the problems with the environment simply because they do not want to deal with it. Natural checks against over exploitation have been ignored because those who are now consuming the products of the rain forest are not those who experience the immediate effects of its degredation.(Hammond 2) Many people believe that they will not live long enough to face the consequences of the destruction but they do not realize how fast the rain forests are depleting. Recently in Borneo's Sarawak rain forest, 24 cavers and scientists are braving the rain forests elements and creatures to save the regions natural riches. The cavers and scientists are trying to find plant and animal life diverse enough to protect it from mining and to declare it a national park. Whether the government sets aside the area this year, in five years or never depends on what's discovered out there.(Webster 5) This is a case that often occurs in rain forests. Many governments see no reason to protect the rainforest unless there is an important plant or creature that lives in it. With chain saws, bulldozers, and other powerful equipment, we can bring the giant trees of the rain forest, the very symbol of strength and majesty, crashing to the ground from their lofty heights in just a few hours.(Miller & Berry 3) All of this destruction and havoc is leading our world straight into events that will threaten life on earth itself. Some of the possible results in the future if the depletion does not stop immediately are global warming and increasing ultra violet radiation as the ozone layer of the

How to Become a Meteorologist at Any Age

How to Become a Meteorologist at Any Age If you or someone you know watches the Weather Channel for hours at a time, gets excited when weather watches and warnings are issued, or always knows what this and next weeks weather will be, it may be a sign that a meteorologist in-the-making is in your midst. Heres my advice (from a meteorologist herself) on how to become a meteorologist- regardless of your education level. Elementary, Middle, and High Schoolers   Find Ways to Focus on Weather in the ClassroomMeteorology isnt a part of a core curriculum, however, most science classes do include lesson plans on weather and the atmosphere. Although there may not be many chances to include weather in daily learning, one way to express your individual interest is to make use of any choose your own show-and-tell, science project, or research assignments by focusing on a weather-related topic. Be Math-MindedBecause meteorology is whats called a physical science, a solid understanding of mathematics and physics is important in order for you to grasp the advanced concepts youll learn later in your weather studies. Be sure to take courses like Calculus in high school- youll thank yourself later! (Dont be discouraged if these subjects arent your favorites...not all meteorologists were members of the math club.) Undergraduate Students   A Bachelors degree (B.S.) is typically the minimum requirement needed to obtain an entry-level meteorologist position. Unsure if youll need more training? One simple way to find out is to search the job boards of companies youd like to work for or do a Google search for job openings for a position you think youd like to do, then tailor your skills to those listed in the position description. Choosing a universityLess than 50 years ago, the number of North American schools offering degree programs in meteorology was under 50. Today, that number has nearly tripled. Those accepted as top schools for meteorology include: Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA),Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL),and the University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK). Are Internships a Must Do? In a word, yes. Internships and co-op opportunities provide hands-on experience, give entry-level resumes a boost, and allow you to explore different disciplines within meteorology which will ultimately aid you in discovering which area (broadcasting, forecasting, climatology, government, private industry, etc.) best suits your personality and interests. By connecting you with a professional organization, a diversity of scientists, and perhaps even a mentor, an internship also helps build your professional network and network of references. Whats more, if you do a stellar job as an intern youll likely increase your chances of getting employed at that company after graduation. Keep in mind that you wont be eligible for most internships until your Junior year. Even so, dont make the mistake of waiting until the summer of your Senior year to get involved- the number of programs accepting recent graduates is far and few between. What sorts of opportunities should you, an underclassman, consider in the meantime? Possibly a summer job. Most weather internships are unpaid, so working in the summers prior can help ease that financial burden. Graduate-Level Students   If your heart is set on a career in atmospheric research (including storm chasing), teaching in a university setting, or consulting work, you should be prepared to continue your education at the masters (M.S.) and/or doctorate (Ph.D.) levels. Choosing a graduate degree programWhile returning to your alma mater is one option, youll also want to shop around for schools whose facilities and faculty support research that matches your interests. Professionals   The above advice is helpful to individuals planning their academic career, but what options exist for individuals already in the workforce? Certificate programsCertificates of Meteorology are a great way to gain training in weather without the full commitment of entering into a degree program. Not to mention these are earned by completing a fraction of the coursework required for degree programs (10-20 semester hours vs. 120 or more). Some classes can even be completed online in a distance learning manner. Well-known certificate programs offered in the U.S. include Penn States Undergraduate Certificate in Weather Forecasting  and the Broadcast and Operational Meteorology certificate programs offered by Mississippi State.  Ã‚   Leisurely Meteorologists Not interested in going back to school or participating in a certificate program, but still want to feed your inner weather geek? You could always become a citizen scientist. Whatever your age, its never too early or too late to grow your love and knowledge of weather!

Racial Discrimination in the U.S. Judicial System Research Paper

Racial Discrimination in the U.S. Judicial System - Research Paper Example Generally, racism may be considered as the social practice that apportions merits or attributes values to people who belong to groups that have been racially categorized exclusively based on the race they belong to (Mann and Zatz 3). There are about three different aspects associated with racism including personal prejudice: institutional racism that involves policies that operate to create differences between various races and ideological racism where biology and culture are the justification for the superior position of a dominant culture. One of the characteristics associated with institutionalized racism is petit apartheid which is a concept that entails hidden or informal interactions between police and minorities in a daily basis including various policing activities that could or could not lead to apprehension and subsequent entrance into the justice system. Petit apartheid has continued to be addressed recently hypothetically and also based on practices which could be include d in its range of definition with the emphasis of petit apartheid appearing to be attitudinal aspects that have an effect on policing and other choices in the system including beliefs and actions that are culturally biased such as rough treatment, insults and quality of judicial instructions along with other discretionary actions that may exist within the system.

Communication in Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Communication in Business - Essay Example BMW conducts its business as a genuine professional and care for its customer with respect by assuming it as their responsibility. The professional behaviour of BMW reflects from their principles which are shown at their websites. BMW strictly respects the law of the country where it operates and maintains honesty and integrity towards the employees and stakeholders. BMW Group acknowledges the requirement for understanding the needs of different people of different culture while engaging with the local network. To effectively take up environmental responsibility and provide recommendations to local network, BMW Group executes efficient business practices to deal with the environment protection, decreases energy consumption, adopts energy saving measures and regenerates energy from waste. BMW Group implements resource conservation and environmental protection. The group evaluates all procedures and creates strategy and measures to reduce the utilisation of natural resources and environmental impact. BMW is well aware of the responsibility towards environment and thus their products of vehicle are designed in such a way that it causes less impact on the environment. BMW Group follows the philosophy of clean production and applies it in their international production units. BMW’s business actions are based on the principles of resource conservation and environmental protection. BMW had established environmental management system in their production units as well as planning sectors (BMW Group 2011). BMW Group continuously examines, evaluates and monitors the risk factors and also considers the global climate change. It had successfully established systems for reducing the emissions of CO2 and waste. BMW’s resource management develops solution to decrease the energy consumption and CO2 emission. In the year 2008, BMW had developed energy data management system which helped to record the consumption of energy in details (BMW Group 2011). BMW always strives to

The Feldip Hills :: essays research papers

The Feldip hills...a vast and unforgiving wilderness riddled with treacherous swamps, vicious wolves and the occasional brutish ogre. But the feldip hills are also home to more mundane creatures. Deep in a valley far south of the high walls of yanille and gu-tanoth there was a nomadic settlement. All tents made from ragged and stained fabrics. These tents were in a circle with a larger tent at the centre and the embers of a fire smoked in front of its doorway as a dim sun rose and an oily orange filled the valley, light filtered through thick black clouds. A great scream broke the silence in the camp from a tent close to the fire. A great and bloated ogre woman lay heaving on a bed of wolf skins a bearded man besides her trying to utter words of comfort and reassurance. The shrill cries woke the rest of the tribe and many people filled the musty tent. For hours and hours she lay in labor and the man beside he began to despair. Many more hours past and at midday began to cough blood onto the dusty floor beside her before finally letting go of life. The baby was born healthy and strong but motherless in a sad twist of fate. His father sat by the campfire one night cradling him in an oxen hide blanket beside the chief. "You see Yarnok; this is what happens when ogres and humans mix it only leads to sadness and lost lives." "Ogres and humans simply don't mix you must understand this." "Nay Giron she was not like the others she had compassion and honor." In the next valley a group of ogres were gathered around a crudely constructed camp fire, one addressed the others. "Im ungry Grot I wants some meats" "Shut up ur fat mouth you, we can all av umies wen we find wer dey av been iding." "Bu I is starvin an I cant wait tha lung, he grunted" "I sed one more peep outa u and its wulf fuud" The Ogres eyes darted and he took a swing at Grot with his oversized fist, knocking Grot down into the fire. The ca mp filled with the rank smell of burning ogre flesh and fat. They came in the night across the hill lead by Skrop. "U ther" he grunted U get the stabers and u get the suutas, we huntin humies tonight nut chompys.

Anarchy and Knowledge Essay

Paul Fereraband argues in his (1975) essay on science that myth, selective storytelling, and rationalized scientific technique overlap. This requires one to consider the relation between myth (or narrative) and the scientific method, specifically in indicting the latter of dabbling in the former. This method is embedded in conscience because there is a â€Å"story† behind it, one of progress, of the continuing betterment of mankind using terms that science cannot define. â€Å"Progress† and â€Å"betterment† are not scientific terms, but moral ones that lie outside the scientific mode of discourse. Science has appropriated them nevertheless. Science is based on myth, as are all modes of understanding. But the similarities of science and myth are worth discussing. There are taboo subjects in both. For a scientist to consider creationism as a serious challenge to evolutionism is to end his career. The idea is met with horror no differently than the African â€Å"common sense† style Feyeraband vaguely speaks of in his essay. They both believe they are deriving their truths from the sacred, in science’s case, the immutable laws of nature that are said to proceed from a void without cause. But even more startling, Feyerabend is concerned with the modes by which science has won its vaunted victory over religion. In Europe, science overpowered, rather than convinced, its religious rivals. Technology more than anything else â€Å"proved† science as â€Å"better† than religion. In world politics, western forms of politics and economy were imposed on the southern world, or developing world, snuffing out older methods of collecting knowledge. Is there anything of value that was crushed? Or is the story of western colonialism–that of bringing enlightenment to the natives–completely true? Feyerabend writes â€Å"there is separation between church and state, but no separation between state and science† It is merely thought to be true in itself. There is no choice involved, but this lack of choice does not derive from truth per se, but from the fact that science has the money and state power to impose itself where it will. He continues: State and science, however, work closely to-ether. Immense sums are spent on the improvement of scientific ideas. Bastard subjects such as the philosophy of science which have not a single discovery to their credit profit from the boom of the sciences. Even human relations are dealt with in a scientific manner, as is shown by education programmes, proposals for prison reform, army training, and so on. Almost all scientific subjects are compulsory subjects in our schools. While the parents of a six-year-old child can decide to have him instructed in the rudiments of Protestantism, or in the rudiments of the Jewish faith, or to omit religious instruction altogether, they do not have a similar freedom in the case of the sciences. Physics, astronomy, history must be learned. They cannot be replaced by magic, astrology, or by a study of legends. Science was never accepted by majority vote. It was imposed. It was imposed because there is a difference between science, or the collection of knowledge, and the scientific establishment, or even further, the specific method(s) of science. â€Å"Facts† and schools of thought are accepted because scientific specialists, making up the scientific establishment, agree with them. In a telling passage, our author writes: We see: facts alone are not strong enough for making us accept, or reject, scientific theories, the range they leave to thought is too wide; logic and methodology eliminate too much, they are too narrow. In between these two extremes lies the ever-changing domain of human ideas and wishes But this, while likely the case, is not part of the narrative of scientific discourse as revealed to the public. One is taught that theory derives from facts, and that facts dictate theory, hence, theory is true, it corresponds with the â€Å"facts. † But this is far from the method by which theories are sought, â€Å"proved† and, just as important, imposed on the public who is mostly willing to allow themselves to be informed from above. It is the fact that science says x that makes x true for the vast bulk of the population. Scientific theory is not based on correspondence, but on coherence. In other words, there is an agenda to which science must conform. Modern democratic politics takes everything apart; modern radical ideologies attack ever element of society; critics and writers demand strict accounting for all moral and political ideologies and movements in society, but science alone escapes their glare. It is considered merely â€Å"true,† it is untouchable. In some bizarre method of social alchemy, it partakes of the sacred, it has taken over from religion completely. Furthermore, the story that science tells the world that it and it alone are responsible for the great discoveries of the enlightenment, without in the lest giving credit to the religious and traditional forms of knowledge that have leaked into science, or the nature of alternative forms of discourse in developing theories and discoveries. Science is imperial at its root. What is more, Feyeraband, as well as many others such as Eric Voegelin and Stephen MacKnight, have delved into the connection between modern scientific theories and the Lodges of Freemasonry, secret societies such as the Lunar Society of England, and the facts of progress deriving from the ancient gnostics and neo-Platonists. These have been written out of the mythological scheme of science with the aim of garnering all the credit–and hence prestige and grant money–to themselves. The narrative of science’s victory over other forms of knowledge and method is selective. It retains what it wants, ignores the others. MacKnight has written substantially about the relation between modern science and the alchemists of Renaissance Italy such as Bruno and Ficino. These in turn, derive their ideas from Plotinus and the neo-Platonists after the time of Christ, all of which are immeasurably part of the development and eventual victory of western science over its rivals. But there is no disconnect between science and religion here, there is a rather harmonious cooperation, a cooperation not spoken of in any but the most specialized and obscure journals. The doctrine of the Enlightenment in 18th century England and France is largely responsible for this problem. These writers, Helevitus and Condorcet in France, Bacon in England, envisioned a society run exclusively by reason, the world under the guise of cause and effect, i. e. â€Å"Science. † Hence, they told a story of the gradual Enlightenment of man from the â€Å"stone age† to the Greeks, to the medievals to themselves. Each step of the development saw â€Å"myth† gradually stripped away, leaving the kernel of reason. This idea is central to the positivism of Comte and the historicism of Hegel. The problem lies in history: there is no evidence that ancient societies were â€Å"backward† in relation to the modern. The building of the pyramids, the Roman road, the Gothic, and ancient Irish and Chinese medicine all belie the fact that the â€Å"old days† were backward and myth-ridden. There is much evidence to the contrary. What has happened is that the western idea of science, through military and political indoctrination, has convinced the world that myth is evil and for the ignorant, while science–and the development of the western idea in the Enlightenment–will fulfill the greatest desires of mankind. Feyeraband writes: There was the domestication of animals, the invention of rotating agriculture, new types of plants were bred and kept pure by careful avoidance of cross fertilisation, we have chemical inventions, we have a most amazing art that can compare with the best achievements of the present. True, there were no collective excursions to the moon, but single individuals, disregarding great dangers to their soul and their sanity, rose from sphere to sphere to sphere until they finally faced God himself in all His splendour while others changed into animals and back into humans again. At all times man approached his surroundings w’ h wide open senses and a fertile intelligence, at all times he made incredible discoveries, at all times we can learn from his ideas. The Enlightenment myth can no longer hold water. History cannot be conveniently and ideologically divided into periods of ancient-medieval-modern any longer, for the ancient had as many â€Å"modern† ideas as the present, and the modern is as dogmatic as the medieval. To silence former ages in the development of science is to hurt it, and to hurt us. Works Cited Primary Source Text: http://www. marxists. org/reference/subject/philosophy/works/ge/feyerabe. htm

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