biological impoverishment

Nowhere on earth is the threat of biological impoverishment because of deforestation greater than in the Amazon Basin of South America. The Amazon supports approximately 300 million hectares of tropical forest, the largest single area of tropical forest communities in the world (Fig. 2). Estimates of global biodiversity point to the tropics as the source of 50 to 90% of all species on Earth (Wilson 1992); the richest forests often support over 300 tree species per hectare, approximately the same number of tree species in all of North America. Recent estimates of deforestation suggest that between 1 to 3 million hectares are being cleared annually in the Amazon Basin (Lawrence 1997; Fig. 3). Based on estimates of 1% annual tropical forest loss, the Amazon may be losing as many as 11 to 16 species per day (Wilson 1989), and the resulting ecosystems are often highly degraded (Buschbacher 1986). The deforestation of Amazonia presents a challenging study of the interactions among people, their values, and the environment. Is deforestation in the Amazon any different than what occurred in industrialized Europe and North America centuries past? Should Amazonians develop their lands as they see fit? Do peasant farmers actively clearing forests value their environment any differently than world conservation organizations, you, or I? What does the world stand to lose by watching the destruction of tropical forests? These are some of the most hotly debated environmental questions today, leading to several international conventions like the recent United Nations Convention on Biodiversity at the Rio de Janeiro "Earth Summit" in 1992. Factors leading to rapid tropical deforestation Why are tropical forests being cleared in the Amazon Basin at such an alarming rate? Historically, deforestation has been caused by the interaction of many factors, seven of which are presented here for simplici...

How to Keep a Lake Healthy and Clean

How to Keep a Lake Healthy and Clean Living with a lake view can be a wonderful way to feel close to nature, to enjoy aquatic activities, and to experience the seasons as they go by. However, owning lakeshore property comes with responsibilities towards the ecological health of the lake. To be able to continue enjoying the natural beauty and recreational activities a lake has to offer, and to  keep your propertys value up, here are a few steps to consider: Minimize Runoff Pollution is perhaps the most direct threat to a lake ecosystem. In the absence of industrial waste discharge, much of the pollutants come from rainfall runoff. Perhaps the single most important step to prevent water pollution is to control the amount of pollutant that gets into the lake washed in by rainfall. This can be accomplished through several approaches: Minimize your lawn area. Maintaining a grass lawn is often thought to mean the application of fertilizers and herbicides and it is very difficult to dose them precisely. Rain will transport excess fertilizer into the lake, which will stimulate smelly, unsightly, and potentially toxic algal blooms. Consider skipping the fertilizer, and learn to live with an imperfect lawn. Better yet, cut down on the amount of lawn you need to maintain. Herbicides can be toxic to aquatic life – if you need to use them, spot treat the problem areas as needed.Capture runoff from impervious surfaces. Rooftops and driveways are examples of impervious surfaces, which do not allow water to percolate into the soil. Instead, rainwater collects pollutants and speeds off, contributing to soil erosion. These soil particles end up in lakes, creating sedimentation problems. Roof runoff can be captured with rain barrels, and later used to water flower beds. Road runoff can be routed into a rain garden made o f water-loving plants. The energy of the moving water will be absorbed, slowing down erosion, and the suspended particles will get deposited in the garden, instead of in the lake. If you’re planning a new or replacement driveway, consider permeable ones made of pavers which lets run water through and reach the soil. Protect Natural Shoreline Vegetation Bare lawn all the way to the shoreline might be an aesthetic that appeals to some, but it is hurtful to a lake. It is important to protect existing vegetation along the shoreline: the shrubs and trees there keep the shallow waters cooler, preventing unsightly algal blooms and protecting fish habitat. The plants’ roots hold on to the shoreline soil, preventing erosion. A thick vegetation strip along the shore also acts as a buffer, absorbing pollutants and sediment flowing towards the lake.Replace lost or damaged shoreline vegetation by planting native species. Your local nursery should be able to suggest fast-growing, hardy plants adapted to wet shoreline conditions. Discourage Invasive Species When landscaping your property, stick to native plant species, especially along the shoreline. Exotic plants can become invasive and rapidly spread along the shore, displacing native ones and disrupting the aquatic ecosystem. Damaging invasive  plants include phragmites, purple loosestrife, and reed canary grass.A common way for invasive aquatics plants to enter a lake is by hitching a ride on a boat (an invasive species vector). Bits of algae or plant can be stuck on a boat propeller, or on the trailer, and be accidentally transferred from one lake to another. To avoid this,  take precautions before putting a boat in and better yet consider the possibility of implementing a boat inspection station at the public boat ramp. Many states have grants to assist landowner associations in funding these inspections. Particularly worrisome are Eurasian water-milfoil and​ the spiny water flea, as they can radically transform a lake’s ecology and significantly alter recreation al activities. Friendlier Fishing Countless lakes now have invasive fish species that were introduced by anglers. Don’t be a bucket biologist – only use native fish, crayfish, and leeches as bait. Many lakes have aquatic ecosystems that have now been transformed by the introduction of yellow perch, golden shiners, or rock bass.A particularly insidious form of lake pollution is lead to lost tackle. Practice lead-free fishing, and avoid making the wildlife sick. Loons, grebes, ducks, and bald eagles are particularly vulnerable. Practice Green Boating Motorboat activities can be disruptive to a lake’s health in many ways. Avoid these issues by choosing human-powered options: canoe, kayak, sailboat, or stand-up paddleboard.If you are using a motorboat, favor four-stroke engines over two-stroke ones. They have better fuel economy, fewer emissions, and are quieter. They also do not release unburned fuel into the water, which two-strokes do.Mind your wake. Slow down when you are near shore, as the wave action created by boats can increase shore erosion, releasing sediment, and damage shoreline vegetation. Controlling Waste Water Follow existing local ordinances for your septic systems. Regulations specify a minimum distance between the lake shore and your septic system. In addition, regular inspections and maintenance will ensure it functions properly. Leaky septic systems are a major source of nutrient pollution.Mind the products that end up in your septic tank – one of the main issues is the algae-feeding phosphate in soaps. Laundry detergent is now largely phosphate-free in the United States, but many dish-washing soap brands still contain it.However tempting it is, avoid washing in the lake. Shampoos and soaps contain chemicals that are not friendly to aquatic ecosystems, despite the â€Å"biodegradable† or â€Å"all natural† labels on the bottle. Going the Extra Mile Join your lake association and be a voice for conservation. When issues arise, research them and promote environmentally sound solutions. In the United States, state departments of natural resources usually have limnologists (lake scientists) who can answer your questions. In addition, many state universities have cooperative extension services which may be able to help you.Be involved with your regional land trust. They may be able to help you protect pieces of shoreline property that are key to the health of a lake.

Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 15

Leadership - Essay Example apart from the traditional challenges of motivating and developing the workforce, supporting growth and development within the organization and guiding the organization in the right direction even in situations of crisis and contingency. This project aims at discussing an important challenges faced by the 21st century leadership. The report includes an identification of a significant challenge for leadership. The specific challenge selected for the paper is the management of a mobile and diverse workforce. The report includes an overview of leadership followed by a discussion of diversity as a main global challenge in leadership and the need for diversity management in all kinds of locally and internationally functioning organizations. A section encompassing the discussion of the diversity management outlook in the next five years is also included. A case of diversity management through leadership in IBM is used as a real life example to demonstrate the leadership functions related to diversity management within an organization. The report is suitably concluded by summarising the main findings from the overall discussion of the different perspectives of diversity management as a challenge to leadership in organizati ons. The functions of a modern day leader are multifaceted and more complex than those defined as per the norms of traditional leadership. The aspect of leadership within a modern organization includes a consideration of both the complexities and issues within and outside the organization. Inside an organization, leadership involves the management of the workforce, in which they have to create, motivate and lead a heterogeneous and mobile group of people, achieve organizational growth, improve individual and organizational efficiency levels as well as work across the boundaries of the organization (Gentry and Leslie, 2012). Also, from the

International relation theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

International relation theory - Essay Example While neo-realist theory contends the effect of state principles and capabilities for the international system, neo-liberalist theory emphasizes on a wider view of the international politics, focusing on the plurality of state actions including the economic and cultural aspects. Taking these two schools of thought for discussion, we bring out an analysis of which theoretical perspective provides the most plausible account of international politics, with particular reference to the films, Independence Day, and Lord of the Flies. The article examines how the international theories appear to be true on the movie and analyze whether the theory is portrayed in the film as normal or deviant from the world in it. According to Neo-realism, the international political structure is defined by the principle of anarchy, mentioning that there is no central authority of governance for the international system. Kenneth Waltz, regarded as the founder of Neo-realism, argues that, unlike the tradition al realism, the conduct of the states is determined by this structure of the international system. The states are inclined to be formally equal in the system and they act without subordinating to each other. The needs and abilities of a state determine their capabilities and power on the international system. ... Anarchy and self-preservation alone are not sufficient to explain the war of all against all† (Pechlivanis 2012). The international relation is shaped by the balance of power among the states, which is attained by the states’ abilities to constrain to the relative powers for relative gains, through internal and external balancing. The great powers within the international system could be classified as the unipolar, bipolar and multipolar systems, owing to the number of powers contained in the system. According to neorealist, bipolar system would be a stable one as it is balanced through internal balancing alone, eliminating the need for external balancing. This is because there is no greater power to be formed from alliances and therefore lesser chance for great wars. On the other hand, Neoliberalism tends to view the international system from a wider perspective, demanding for a stronger state that promotes its interests. Unlike the neo-realism that views the state as a single entity, neo-liberalism includes plurality of its affairs. It focuses on security, integration of states and conflicting nature of the international politics in respect to the political economy and cooperation between the states. Neo-liberalism insists that states should have the goal of absolute gains rather than concerning about the relative gains for establishing power. The collaboration among the competitive states can be achieved in an anarchic international system with a rational decision and preferences of the states. Neo-liberalism contends that international institutions can successfully pave a way for the states to cooperate in the international system. â€Å"Institutions exert a causal force on international relations, shaping state preferences and locking

The Homestead Act Essay Example for Free

The Homestead Act Essay To my understanding, and from what I have read in the book and throughout the course links, I believe that the intent of the Homestead Act was to defeat land monopoly. Many farmers, however, lacked the economic means to move west and manage a farm. . By this, fewer still understood the new type of agriculture, in which technology was used to farm the land that the Great Plains required. Instead, speculators and corporate interests were able to reap in profits, and fraud and corruption, and often marked the process farmland for transportation (the railroads). The Homestead Acts biggest weakness however, was not taking into account conditions on the frontier. I also think that the eastern framers did not consider that some of their land was too large for irrigated farming and too small for dry farming. The role of the private capital in the American West was towards the rich. The poor individuals did not have any control of most of the land even if they were the first occupants. The rich people were also in control of the railroad system, in which the well to do folks had the only say so. Farmers finally received a break, with the railroads. Under the Pacific Railroad Act, land grants made possible the speedy construction of the Union Pacific, Central Pacific, Northern Pacific, Santa Fe, and Southern Pacific railroads. They were Lead by railroad promoters to believe in a bountiful West harvest, in which mass amounts of European immigrants were caught up in the movement West. I think that the railroads provided exactly what the Homestead Acts did not: credit terms, good quality advertisement, larger land tracts, special passenger rates, and farming support for future Western settlers. There were a lot of motivated businessmen of the Great Northern Railway, who planned and directed the settlement of thousands of settlers along different lines. One thing that I believed that helped the settlers was the fact that lands sold by the railroads also hastened settlement because they provided the cheapest and most convenient way of getting farmers produce to the markets. By this, I believe that the United States government played a major role in developing the railroad system and then came in to assist the public when the private companies were mistreating the general public for a profit. According to the Links in unit 10, and according to what I have read in the  book, it seems as if the railroad system was a project that was difficult to accomplish. From the beginning, and as seen within the union pacific site, the workers that worked on the railroads were not well treated at all. Many of them were treated like animals with no self-worthiness. These workers were hardly paid money and the small amount of money they received was not enough for them to take care of their families. From time to time, some workers organized rallies and strikes to make sure that their voices were heard. The transformative power of the railroads in the American West, in my view, can relate to the tern talismanic wands. At that time, the settlers did not have any mode of transportation other than their animals, and the railroad system seemed to be the magical instrument. I think the railroad did work miracles for the people at that time because it gave them a chance to travel and market their goods elsewhere.

Leadership and Management :: Business and Management Studies

In a firm, management and leadership are important and needed. Leadership and management are similar. Actually, leadership and management are totally different. The leadership would influence the firm. The leader would have difference leadership styles to lead the subordinate. The manager has different functions, attributes and skills. Different subordinate needs to have different leadership style. Finally, difference powers would have difference use on leadership influence. MANAGEMENT DEFINED Management can be defined as the process of planning organising, directing, and controlling organisational resources in the pursuit of organisational goals. LEADERSHIP DEFINED Leadership is frequently defined as a social influence relationship between two or more persons who depend on each other to attain certain mutual goals in a group situation. STYLES OF LEADERSHIP An autocratic leadership style is one where the manager sets objectives, allocates tasks, and insists on obedience. Therefore the group becomes dependent on him or her. The result of this style is the members of the group are often dissatisfied with the leader. This results in little cohesion, the need for high levels of supervision, and poor levels of motivation amongst employees. A democratic leadership style encourages participation in decision making. Democratic leadership styles can be persuasive or consultative. Persuasive – this is where a leader has already made a decision, but takes the time to persuade others that it is a good idea. Consultative – this is where a leader consults others about their views before making a decision. The decision will take into account these views. A laissez-faire type of leadership style allows employees to carry out activities freely within broad limits. The result is a relaxed atmosphere, but one where there are dew guidelines and directions. This can sometimes result in poor productivity and lack of motivation as employees have little incentive to work hard. Autocratic leaders centralize power and decision making in themselves. They structure the complete work situation for their employees, who are expected to do what they are told and not think for themselves. The leaders take full authority and assume full responsibility. Autocratic leadership typically is negative, based on threats and punishment, but it can appear to be positive, as demonstrated by the benevolent autocrat who chooses to give some rewards to employees. Consultative leaders approach one or more employees and ask them for inputs prior to making a decision. These leaders may then choose to use or ignore the information and advice received, however. If the inputs are seen as used, employees are likely to feel as though they had a positive impact; if the inputs are consistently rejected, employees are likely to feel that their time has been wasted. Participative leaders clearly decentralize authority. Participative decisions are not unilateral, as with the autocrat, because they use

Culture and Ethnicity Essay

I would respond to the client’s requests by doing as she has asked. This is because her requests do not make her condition worse or delay its improvement. Intake of fluid actually increases clearance of the airway in her respiratory condition. Nursing care provided to her would be adapted to fit in with her culture as long as her requests are within reasonable limits and thy do not endanger her health. (Potter, Perry and Heath, 1995) Her requests are an indication of the health traditions of her heritage. They show what kind of treatment she expects and her beliefs about health care. Culture is a set of beliefs, traditions and believes that are unique to a group of people and usually they are handed down and hardly ever change with time. These beliefs affect every aspect of life from daily living o ceremonies and include health too (Potter et al, 1995). The requests of the Chinese woman represent the beliefs she has concerning treatment of her illness. Her requests are based on the Yin-Yang Chinese concept of balance. Chinese base their food on choices on the condition of an individual, age and also the general characteristics of the individual. Some conditions are designated Yin (cold) conditions and therefore require Yang foods (hot). In this case, her respiratory condition is one of them (a Yin condition) that require a Yang food, (the warm water). (Feng, 2002). In accordance with Chinese culture, cold drinks should be avoided as they add an extra burden to the digestive system; hence her requests for warm water. (www. dhansanjivani. org/) According to the Chinese, one should eat according to the nature of their conditions. The nature of the condition is determined by observation, according to her, (the Chinese woman) the condition she has is a Yin condition and she therefore needs to eat Yang foods. Milk and bread are neutral foods and the salad is a Yin food, the foods served to her are not relevant to her condition. The belief that the digestive system should not be overburdened, may also have led her to refusing the food. Most Chinese prefer foods that are easy to digest when they are ill such as soups and the lady may have considered the turkey a burden to her digestive system. (www. dhyansanjivani. org). REFERENCES Chinese Food Therapy, retrieved from www. dhansanjivani. org/chinese-food. asp Feng C (2002) Merging Chinese Traditional Medicine into the American Health System, Journal of Young Investigators vol. 6, Issues 5. Perry G A, Potter P. A and Health (1995) Potter and Perry’s Fundamentals in Nursing Theory and Practice, Elsevier Health Sciences. ISBN 072342005X