Define stewardship and define sustainability. Then, select either the Amazon Rainforest (deforestation is the issue) or Bridger Teton National Forest located in Western Wyoming (possible oil drilling).

/in /by

In this assignment, you will investigate the biotic and abiotic structure and function of an ecosystem.

Choose one of the following ecosystems:

  • Tropical rainforest
  • Grassland
  • Coral Reef
  • Estuary
  • Desert

You will write a two to three page APA-style research paper about your choice of ecosystem including:

  • Where might this type of ecosystem be located? Give one specific example.
  • Describe the structure of the ecosystem: List both the abiotic components and biotic components
  • Describe the function of the ecosystem: How do the abiotic and biotic components interact in biogeochemical cycles? Describe both the carbon and nitrogen cycles
  • Describe disturbance and recovery: Describe one natural and one human caused disturbance to the ecosystem. Explain the damage to the ecosystem, including how the abiotic and biotic characteristics of the ecosystem changed.
  • Explain how ecosystems recover naturally based on resilience mechanisms and the theory of secondary succession.

 

2. In order to complete this discussion board assignment, review the occurrences at Easter Island and use this situation as a case study of poor stewardship that resulted in lack of sustainability. A discussion of Easter Island may be found in Unit 5 section of the Interactive Learning Materials area of the classroom.

Define stewardship and define sustainability. Then, select either the Amazon Rainforest (deforestation is the issue) or Bridger Teton National Forest located in Western Wyoming (possible oil drilling).

Discuss stewardship and sustainable resource use. In your discussion, describe the issues or potential problems. What are the environmental implications of deforestation if you choose the Amazon for your discussion? What are the ramifications of drilling for oil in Bridger Teton National Forest if this is your topic selection?

Can either area be conserved through wise use or should segments be preserved without any use?

 

2-3 pages

Compare your new answers from the ones you obtained back in Week 1.  How did the footprints change, if at all

/in /by

Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read Chapter 9 of the Contemporary Envrionmental Issues text.  Also, view these two short videos on reducing waste:  Disposability Consciousness and Two Adult, Two Kids, Zero Waste/ Bea Johnson/ TEDxFoggyBottom.

In this week’s discussion, you will recalculate your ecological footprints from Week 1 and determine whether or not your actions taken over the past five weeks have made a difference in the size of your footprints.  You will also have the opportunity to discuss additional actions one might take to live more sustainably.  In particular, you encouraged to focus on techniques for reducing the amount of waste that we generate in our everyday lives.

Complete the follwong:

First, redo your three footprint calculations from Week 1:  your ecolgical (What is your Ecological Footprint) your household carbon emissions footprint (Carbon Footprint Calculator), and your daily water footprint (Water Footprint Calculator).

Compare your new answers from the ones you obtained back in Week 1.  How did the footprints change, if at all?  Do you suspect that nay changes are the result of actions you took?  Why or why not?

In a well-crafted discussion post of at least 200 words, report on the results of all five weeks of the Ecological Footprint Reduction Project.  Did you meet with success?  If so, what activity or activities do you think made the biggest difference?  What additional actions would you consider taking to reduce your footprints in the future, particularly in terms of lessening the amount of materials you consume and wastes you produce?  What did you learn from this experience?  Do you think that individual efforts to live more sustainably matter?  Why or why not?

Write a 10-page (not including the weather log) paper that analyzes the accuracy of your selected source’s weather forecasts over a 30-day period. The paper should consider the following questions:

/in /by

30-Day Forecast Accuracy Weather Analysis

This assignment asks you to conduct an accuracy analysis of daily weather forecasts over a 30-day period. You are required to submit two deliverables: a 30-day weather log and your analysis paper.

Weather Log

Download the “Weather Log,” which you may use to track the weather over a 30-day period. Alternately, you may create your own weather log.

Select a single weather forecast source, for example, a TV station, radio station, website, or newspaper. Be sure to stick with the source you have selected for the duration of this project. You may but are not required to use one of the following recommended sources:

  • NOAA: http://www.nws.noaa.gov
  • Weather Channel: http://www.weather.com
  • Weather Underground: http://wunderground.com
  • NOAA’s Aviation Weather Center, Aviation Digital Data Service (ADDS): http://adds.aviationweather.gov

Track the forecasted and actual weather each day for 30 days in your weather log. If possible, track each of the following weather elements:

  • Daily high temperature—Record the maximum for the day.
  • Air pressure—Use decreasing/increasing if you do not have a barometric setting.
  • Humidity—Predict rain, snow, and so forth including intensity, and include percentage if known.
  • Cloud cover—Record whether overcast (8/8 cloud cover); broken (5/8-7/8 cloud cover); scattered (3/8-4/8 cloud cover); few (0 to 2/8 cloud cover); or clear (no clouds).
  • Precipitation—Record the type and intensity.
  • Visibility—Record the measurement if known, or describe.
  • Wind—Record the direction blowing from and speed if forecasted.

Use the comments section to note items of interest and observations that will help you write the analysis.

Weather Analysis Paper

Refer to the “How to Write the 30-Day Weather Analysis Paper” guide for information on writing and formatting this paper.

Write a 10-page (not including the weather log) paper that analyzes the accuracy of your selected source’s weather forecasts over a 30-day period. The paper should consider the following questions:

  • Overall, how accurate was your source in forecasting weather over the 30-day analysis period? What contributed to the accuracy (or inaccuracy of the forecast)?
  • Which elements were most accurately forecast? Which elements were least accurately forecast? Why?
  • Do you see any trends or correlations between weather elements?
  • Did a front move through the forecasted area? What changes were observed? What were the characteristics of the front?
  • Did the weather during your 30-day period deviate from the historical weather in that period? Were there any anomalies? What might be the cause?

Cite any sources and provide links, if possible.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Briefly introduce your chosen chapter and the proposed geothermal leases evaluated in this chapter.

/in /by

Read your chosen chapter and review the Executive Summary of the Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Geothermal Leasing in the Western United States.

Research the economic and environmental impacts of geothermal energy.

Summarize the environmental and economic impacts of the leases evaluated in your chosen chapter with a 1,050- to 1,400-word report. This report must communicate the environmental and economic impacts of the proposed geothermal leases to local stakeholders and to members of the American public. Identify the community members who will be most affected by each environmental or economic impact. Include the following information in your report:

  • Briefly introduce your chosen chapter and the proposed geothermal leases evaluated in this chapter.
  • Categorize the environmental impacts of the proposed actions:
    • What environmental impacts are significant? What environmental impacts are insignificant?
    • What environmental impacts are short-term? What environmental impacts are long-term?
    • Is each environmental impact a positive impact or a negative impact? Explain.
  • Categorize the economic impacts of the proposed actions:
    • What economic impacts are significant? What economic impacts are insignificant?
    • What economic impacts are short-term? What economic impacts are long-term?
    • Identify whether each economic impact is a positive impact or an adverse impact, and explain.

Write a conclusion that summarizes the economic and environmental impacts of the proposed actions.

Cite at least three peer-reviewed references.

Format your report consistent with APA guidelines.