...Abstract The diversification of human induced disturbances upon natural ecosystems has contributed to wildlife habitat fragmentation which has been a serious threat to the survival of natural populations. Possible factors contributing to this decline include changes in food, loss of genetic variation, cover availability, evolution of predation, microclimatic effect, and lack of recolonization following extinctions. Habitat loss and fragmentation are processes that separate small populations, which have higher extinction rates that may lead to a reduction in biological diversity. Recent dramatic declines in forest management have brought some undesirable consequences for forest health and wildlife (Jack Ward, T. (n.d). Standing back and letting nature take its course has become increasingly prevalent. Unfortunately, while appealing as this sounds, this is not tenable in the long-term as it will not protect forests, retain biodiversity, and provide some wood products over time. We are increasingly depending on places beyond our borders to provide our wood places with far less resources and knowledge about how to manage forests responsibly. By importing wood products, we export not only environmental consequences but jobs and dollars ( Jack Ward, T. (n.d). Conservation biology needs to reach out to a much broader community of academics and practitioners in fields as diverse as anthropology, history, political geography, and environmental psychology (Bernstein...
Words: 3462 - Pages: 14
...their opinions to the monarchy that ruled the colonist from across the sea. Patrick Henry and Thomas Paine wrote about independence from British, and diplomats such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson helped the Continental Congress start to challenge the oppressive British rule. The great leader of the Continental Army George Washington was the man who was responsible for leading the army to victory. The political challenges in the revolutionary war political, British government raised revenue to help cover the cost of the French and Indian war by taxing the colonies with the Stamp Act of 1765. The British thought it was fair to issue the tax on the people it spent all the money to protect. However, the speech in March of 1775 by Patrick Henry who said, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" encouraged the colonist to stand up for their rights. The British later repealed the acts, to try and appease the unrest in the colony. However, the British still needed money to pay their war debt, so the Townshend Tariffs of 1767 placed a tax on glass, lead, paints, paper and tea imported into the colonies. Again, the colonist were unhappy, so in...
Words: 1176 - Pages: 5
...MINING AND WATER POLLUTION Water is essential to life on our planet. A prerequisite of sustainable development must be to ensure uncontaminated streams, rivers, lakes and oceans. There is growing public concern about the condition of fresh water in Canada. Mining affects fresh water through heavy use of water in processing ore, and through water pollution from discharged mine effluent and seepage from tailings and waste rock impoundments. Increasingly, human activities such as mining threaten the water sources on which we all depend. Water has been called “mining’s most common casualty” (James Lyon, interview, Mineral Policy Center, Washington DC). There is growing awareness of the environmental legacy of mining activities that have been undertaken with little concern for the environment. The price we have paid for our everyday use of minerals has sometimes been very high. Mining by its nature consumes, diverts and can seriously pollute water resources. Negative Impacts While there have been improvements to mining practices in recent years, significant environmental risks remain. Negative impacts can vary from the sedimentation caused by poorly built roads during exploration through to the sediment, and disturbance of water during mine construction. Water pollution from mine waste rock and tailings may need to be managed for decades, if not centuries, after closure. These impacts depend on a variety of factors, such as the sensitivity of local terrain, the composition of...
Words: 2333 - Pages: 10
...the intentions of restoring or maintaining these natural reserves. We will discuss the major structural and functional dynamics for the Chamna Natural Preserve. Along with how humans may have affected the cycling of matter in the ecosystem, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or carbon. How knowledge can or has helped to develop plans for restoration or management. Then finally about the implications of species interactions in this specific ecosystem. Structures and Functions of the Chamna Natural Preserve The Functional dynamics of this shrub-steppe ecosystem are undergoing change, and people are involved. According to Smith (2001), “Climate change will alter the nitrogen cycling in the fragile soil of semi-arid desert regions.” Since nitrogen loss is more prevalent in warmer, drier areas then cooler, wetter areas. The microbial processes related to the cycling of nitrogen are more related to the changes is climate, then by plant competition for nitrogen. Meaning that the stability of this shrub-steppe ecosystem is highly dependent on the ecosystems ability to adjust to changing environmental conditions. Changes such as temperature and moisture also affect the storage and cycling of carbon in semi-arid areas (Smith, Carbon Storage in a Shrub-Steppe Ecosystem , 2000). Which would suggest that if global temperatures were to increase ecosystems such as the Chamna Natural Preserve would be thrown into a dire situation. One that would test each ecosystems ability to adapt...
Words: 719 - Pages: 3
...“Why Byzantine economy remained one of the most powerful in Europe through Early Middle Ages?” The Byzantine cconomy was one of the largest systems throughout Europe and the Mediterannean for many centuries. Both local and international trade were of huge importance for the Byzantine Empire. Lower class, including traders, depended on the upper class. Their need of the foreign goods in order to stay in Local trade was much less popular. Throughout the fourth and sixth centuries, long-distance trade was operating successfully, until the plague appeared, which killed around one-third of the citizens in the Byzantine Empire, and ruined the trade networks. The Byzantine economy had recovered in the tenth century, and Italian merchants contributed to its steady growth in the Mediteranian through the tenth and eleventh centuries (Katz 27-39). To begin, the decades of instability as well as foreign invasions mostly by Germanic tribes, led to an establishment of a new military, political, and administrative framework under Diocletian (284-305), and Constantine I, which also led to a new economic power in Byzantine and Constantinopole. From 395 to 476, the Empire was in a big crisis until the Germans left the territory. Emperor Justinian I provided the growth of the economy, but also the growth period ended with the “Justinian Plague” that broke out in Egypt in 542, and reduced the population in all provinces of the empire. The “Justinian Plague” continued until the 8th century. At...
Words: 2055 - Pages: 9
...“Why Byzantine economy remained one of the most powerful in Europe through Early Middle Ages?” The Byzantine cconomy was one of the largest systems throughout Europe and the Mediterannean for many centuries. Both local and international trade were of huge importance for the Byzantine Empire. Lower class, including traders, depended on the upper class. Their need of the foreign goods in order to stay in Local trade was much less popular. Throughout the fourth and sixth centuries, long-distance trade was operating successfully, until the plague appeared, which killed around one-third of the citizens in the Byzantine Empire, and ruined the trade networks. The Byzantine economy had recovered in the tenth century, and Italian merchants contributed to its steady growth in the Mediteranian through the tenth and eleventh centuries (Katz 27-39). To begin, the decades of instability as well as foreign invasions mostly by Germanic tribes, led to an establishment of a new military, political, and administrative framework under Diocletian (284-305), and Constantine I, which also led to a new economic power in Byzantine and Constantinopole. From 395 to 476, the Empire was in a big crisis until the Germans left the territory. Emperor Justinian I provided the growth of the economy, but also the growth period ended with the “Justinian Plague” that broke out in Egypt in 542, and reduced the population in all provinces of the empire. The “Justinian Plague” continued until the 8th century. At...
Words: 2055 - Pages: 9
...United States Government Accountability Office Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives For Release on Delivery Expected at 10:00 a.m. EDT Tuesday, March 25, 2014 INFORMATION SECURITY VA Needs to Address Long-Standing Challenges Statement of Gregory C. Wilshusen, Director, Information Security Issues GAO-14-469T March 25, 2014 INFORMATION SECURITY VA Needs to Address Long-Standing Challenges Highlights of GAO-14-469T, a testimony before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives Why GAO Did This Study The use of information technology is crucial to VA’s ability to carry out its mission of ensuring that veterans receive medical care, benefits, social support, and memorials. However, without adequate security protections, VA’s systems and information are vulnerable to exploitation by an array of cyber-based threats, potentially resulting in, among other things, the compromise of veterans’ personal information. GAO has identified information security as a governmentwide high-risk area since 1997. The number of information security incidents reported by VA has more than doubled over the last several years, further highlighting the importance of securing the department’s systems and the information that resides on them. GAO was asked to provide a statement discussing the challenges VA has experienced in effectively...
Words: 4716 - Pages: 19
...GLOBAL PROSPECTS AND THEIR LIKELY IMPACT ON SOUTH AFRICA INDEX: Table of Contents Global prospects and their likely impact on South Africa 1 INDEX: 1 Strength of the Recovery 2 Developed Countries: 2 Emerging Markets: 2 Risks to the Global Economy 3 Exit Strategy from Policy Stimulus 4 Repair and reform of the financial sector 4 Fiscal Crises and underinvestment in Infrastructure 4 Socio and Political Implications of Unemployment and Private Demand 5 Asset Price Collapse and the risk appetite of investors 5 Return to Previous Growth Path or Not 5 Will the current crises be “DÉJÀ VU ‘” for the world wide economy? 6 Fundamental Changes in Origins & Nature of Economic Activity 6 Global warming / Climate Change: 7 Population Growth: 7 Power shift to the east: 7 Innovation: 7 Economic Activity: 7 Impact of Global Crisis on South Africa’s Growth Outlook 8 Conclusion 8 BIBLIOGRAPHY: 10 STRENGTH OF THE RECOVERY All of the world’s high-income countries returned to positive real GDP growth during the fourth quarter of 2009 and the Economist Intelligence Unit’s forecasts for 2010 indicate a return to marginally below the growth trajectory that was achieved prior to the recession. Developed Countries: UNITED STATES Economic recovery in the US has been remarkably strong, with fourth quarter real GDP growth of almost 6% suggesting the presence of a “V”-shaped trend. Further, news emanating from recently published official data includes a recovery of private...
Words: 3282 - Pages: 14
...In a recent article from the Washington Post, the author discussed the risk of a real estate bubble in China. Given the financial crisis in the United States last year, there is a lot of fear that China is headed for a similar crisis. If the bubble burst, China’s economic growth is likely to slow or decline. Since the world is looking to China to lead economic growth, such down turn will have greater implication for the world economic recovery. The persistent real estate demand in China combined with the stimulus plans that were rolled out during the financial crisis have been boosting China’s economy, fueling the price growth in the Chinese housing market: this is one of the key reasons why China did not suffer significant loss during the financial crisis in 2009. Having learnt from the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997, the Chinese government has already begun to take actions to deal with the overheated housing market. At the end of last year, the Chinese government, central and local, imposed additional sales tax on homes sold within five years of purchase and raised the down payment requirements for families buying a second house or more with bank loans. The Chinese Central Bank had also raised the deposit reserve requirement ratio for banks for the second time in last month. Going forward, if the housing price growth persists, the Central Bank will need to take more drastic measures to control this growth, and reduce speculations. The article points out that the biggest real...
Words: 582 - Pages: 3
...The third and final reason I agree with the source’s opinion on nationalism, is because governments often manipulate its nation’s people into false patriotic beliefs, such as fighting in wars through eulogization of those who have given their lives for their nation. For example, there is the war between the northern Democratic Republic -a communist state- and the Republic of South Vietnam, known most commonly as the Vietnam war. The American government presented communism as an atrocity in need of eradication, and thus when the war first arose in 1954, the US supported the Republic of South Vietnam. US president, Dwight D. Eisenhower used posters, charismatic speeches, and shiny memorials and ceremonies to allure American citizens into fighting the war. Such mesmerizing propaganda...
Words: 638 - Pages: 3
...of Phoenix peers have part in today’s politics. This essay will address the United State’s financial reputation on an international level, a domestic automotive manufacturing, and an Italian clothing company, and the importance behind the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Fiscal Policy Economics is a daily issue that concerns personal and business financial activity. The United States is known as one of the strongest financial countries. It is complicated to understand how the United States deficit, surplus, and debt can affect the population economy. The economy can affect different areas and individuals, such as taxpayers, unemployment individuals, GDP, importer and exporter companies, college students, social security and Medicare users. The economic is not affecting only the present but will influence in the future financial activity. Unemployed individuals A deficit is a loss under payments and surplus is the excess over payments. Debt is equal to deficit minus surpluses. If the government has a surplus on the budge, it means there is money saved that can be used to generate employment. When a deficit is negative, it means that the economic has a very low opportunity to growth. The U.S.’s deficit affects unemployed individuals when a government expense exceeds their available income. In theory, when people spend...
Words: 1263 - Pages: 6
...He loved what America was beginning to stand for and what it would become. John Hancock has always been in the shadows when we think of American heroes of the Revolution. He lacked the Washington’s character, and Adam’s intellect. He affected the country and the revolution in many ways not always on purpose, but he also had some great ideas and plans that were critical to successfully secede. He was not commemorated until almost a decade after Washington for his efforts (CRE,322). This can be such an encouragement to others and show that you don’t always have to look for recognition to do something. For Hancock he not only was commemorated but gained a huge amount of money as well. This prize did not come easy though. John Hancock was just so focus on the wellbeing of his people that others did not see the change in him until his final years. He was taught so much whether it was dining with men of importance in England or charging the British redcoats in Massachusetts or building a document of treason. God truly was with him. Just another example of God’s control over our complex...
Words: 2410 - Pages: 10
...Pamphlet Series No. 49 1995International Monetary Fund Washington, D.C.PDF file (176K) also availableUse the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view pdf files.ISSN 0538-8759 ISBN 1-55775-535-3 | | | | Guidelines for Fiscal Adjustment Fiscal Affairs Department International Monetary FundContentsPrefaceIntroductionWhy May Fiscal Adjustment Be Needed? The Impact of Fiscal Policy on Macroeconomic Policy Objectives Inflation External Current Account Growth Fiscal Adjustment to Ensure Sustainability Links to Other Policy InstrumentsHow Should the Fiscal Stance Be Assessed? Fiscal Impact of Alternative Methods of Deficit Financing Other Measures Used to Assess the Fiscal Stance The Sensitivity of a Fiscal Assessment to the Time Frame of Analysis Definition of Government Accounts for Macroeconomic Analysis Coverage of Government Operations Timing of the Impact of Fiscal Transactions Defining the "Overall Fiscal Balance"How Much Fiscal Adjustment Is Required? A Framework for Fiscal Adjustment Determining the Amount of Fiscal Adjustment Reducing the Fiscal Deficit Quality of AdjustmentHow Should Fiscal Adjustment Be Effected? Measures to Improve the Tax System and Increase Revenue Characteristics of a Desirable Tax System Design of Major Taxes Rationalization of Expenditure Policies Expenditure Reduction in the Short...
Words: 15497 - Pages: 62
...Legalization of Marijuana Tina Washington Everest University March 3, 2015 Abstract The prohibition of marijuana has brought forth multiple passionate debates for many years in reference to its effects on the human body, its medicinal properties, and its effect on society. Even though there are many people who are opposed to the legalization of marijuana, this paper will dispute that the legalization of marijuana is justified. This paper will provide proof by measuring marijuana’s effects on the human body when ingested by inhalation against the effects on the body when consuming alcoholic beverages and smoking tobacco, by submitting research facts on its medicinal qualities, and providing you with information on how the use of marijuana can benefit a lot of people as well as our nation as a whole. Legalization of Marijuana Legalization of marijuana is wide spread. There are so many benefits to it such as helping those with medicinal issues like anxiety, AIDS, Cancer, glaucoma, etc. Being able to assist someone without throwing pills down their throat is certainly a better approach. Most people don’t know this, but there are 18 states that have already gotten on the band wagon of legalizing marijuana. Colorado and Washington are the two most recent states that adopted this law. Not only is it a great way to aid in certain medical issues, but it is also a way for the states and our government to generate revenue and...
Words: 2224 - Pages: 9
...Nyesha Clark Professor Cooper Texas Government December 1, 2014 The Determination of Wendy Davis Some people say education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world, and I agree. Wendy Davis is a well-educated woman who has broken barriers in her carrier and fought for the education systems in Texas because she knows the importance of it. It was not an easy road to success for Davis; she has been through many trails on her journey. Born the daughter of Jerry and Virginia Russell Wendy was born May 16, 1963 in West Warwick Rhode Island. Her Family moved to Fort Worth, Texas in 1973. At 14 years old Wendy worked two jobs to help her mother support her three siblings. She worked for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and at an Orange Juice stand. By 17 years old she was an independent woman taking care of herself and at 18 she became a mother to her daughter Amber and a wife to her Husband Frank Underwood. But the marriage didn’t last past the honey moon stage because by the age of 21 Davis and he were divorced. But luckily true love was only around the corner because Wendy was soon remarried to her Husband today Jeff Davis. Wendy knew that she had to change her life around. She had to do something better then working two jobs to barely make ends meet, so when she saw her opportunity for education at Tarrant County College she took it. Wendy Davis started out at Tarrant County College where she stayed for two years and then transferred to Texas Christian University...
Words: 1239 - Pages: 5
