Conservation of biological Diversity Essay Example for Free

Conservation of biological Diversity Essay Conservation of biological diversity is the most important aspect on the globe since all demands of human existence are entirely dependent on it. Domestic, industrial, and leisure considerations of human existence are derived from nature. Recently, the focus on biodiversity conservation has increased owing to the greater levels of understanding on the local and international significance of conservation. Since the first United Nations Convention on Human Environment held in Stockholm 1972, the disparities between conservation and development have come to the lime light with great emphasis (Clifford Clifford, 61-62). However, conservation analysts have continued to differ over the overall effects of the international conservation rules in enhancing harmony that inculcates human being as a subcomponent of the ecosystem in which they exist. Whereas misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the term conservation has recurred for a long time, UNEP points out that it is the overall use of biological resources while enhancing their resilience to enhance inter and intra generational equity. The term conservation has been used interchangeably with preservation a notion which is totally wrong. The later denotes taking care of the biological diversity without exploiting them or their proceeds. Biological diversity (biodiversity) is a term used to indicate variations of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome or the whole earth. It also encompasses the variability of living organisms from all sources, that include inter alia, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic and ecological complexes that they are part. This includes diversity within species, between them, and ecosystems (James Kim et al, 193-195). 2. Overview of the paper This paper explores conservation of biological diversity with an aim of establishing the existing conservation strategies present on a global scale and assessing their effectiveness. Tracing the origin of the concerns for conservation, the paper uses statistics to indicate the current situation of biodiversity conservation and threats globally. To add to that, it explores the policy and legislative framework to address the threats on a global scale and their domestication by various states. Using examples, the paper seeks to establish the future of conservation and the factors that will determine effective conservation of the biological diversity. 3. Background and statistics Conservation of biological diversity has existed since historic times where most of the communities lived and co-existed with the natural flora and fauna without posing any threat to it. Notably, after the settling of the Red Indians in Northwest Coast and Southwestern regions of North America, they totally relied on the wild without causing any threat to them. However, the modern conservation ideals are mostly linked to the first United Nations Convention on Human Environment which was held in Stockholm Sweden in 1972 (Clifford Clifford, 102-105). It was this meeting that resolved to form the United Nations Environment Program to act as the main body responsible for environment and conservation globally. Conservation biologists have indicated that the world is threatened with extinction than any other period in history. Global extinction is estimated to be 10, 000 higher than the natural background extinction rate. 32% of all the global surviving amphibians are threatened with extinction. Over the last 50 years, it is estimated that two-thirds of all the mammal genera weighing about 44 Kg (97lb) have become extinct. To add to that, 12% of all birds in the globe and 23% of all mammals are listed in the IUCN Red Data Book. By the year 2000, about 27% of the entire world coral reefs had collapsed and by 2050 extinction rates will range from 15% to 37% for all the planet species (IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management, 60-65). Of greater concern is that about 70% of all the studied plants have been designated as threatened or endangered. 4. Threats to conservation of biological diversity a) Industrial and Agricultural activities Since industrial revolution, advancement in technology has heightened the rate of natural resources exploitation from the natural system. This increase in exploitation has directly or indirectly affected the flora, fauna, or their habitat with a great extent. Currently, massive whaling industries in the pacific have resulted to the great decline of the species. After the discovery of â€Å"new lands† (currently North America), the British industrialists embarked on large scale harvesting of the forest products that threatened vast species of flora and fauna in the region. Of greater concern, is the wildlife products sale and use that have endangered biodiversity like the Tragelaphus speke, Myotis leibii, Lamptetra bifrenatus, Ambystoma opacum, Crotalus horridus, and Sterna dougalii among others. In addition species like Gavia, immer, Martes americana, Notropis bifrenatus, and Clemmys guttata have become threatened with time (Mark, 280-300). Agricultural activities on the other hand have encroached into most of the biodiversitys habitats due to the demand from the rising population to be fed. At this point, agriculturalists have shallowly argued that it is more important to feed the people as opposed to conservation. To add to that, modern agricultural activities have resulted to use of inorganic and toxic agro-chemicals that poison the flora and fauna. Pesticides and fertilizer remnants are easily swept to the aquatic ecosystems during the rainy seasons killing or inducing mutations in the biological systems. b) Pollution As indicated earlier, industrial productions most negative effect is probably pollution emitted to the natural systems. Notably, production of goods is operated on a totally capitalistic note where reduction of production costs is strongly emphasized. As a result, pollution control and waste management has taken a back hand in most of these industries and urban establishment. Therefore, they release most of their wastes directly into the ecosystems where massive poisoning of flora and fauna takes place. During the United Nations Convention on Environment and Development in 1992 at Rio-de-Janeiro, agenda 21 indicated the great need to control pollution by the member states. Of greater concerns was the direct emission of heavy metals that undergo bio-magnification and bio-accumulation to the environment. These toxicants have long tern effects and shift upwards to affect all level of food chain in an ecosystem. Glenn et al (540-545), emphasis the earlier connotation of the Silent springs on the trans-boundary nature of pollutants which results to extended impacts on a global scale. Rachael Carson found out that even after chemicals are used, they are transported via environmental dynamics to far places like the Polar Regions where she noted extensive death of penguins. c) Monopolistic application of conservation policies Notably, conservation of biodiversity has become a hard nut to crack due to lack of harmony in the overall design and application of conservation consideration between states. Though diplomacy has recently taken an upper hand in ensuring amicable resolution of conflicts, conservation of biodiversity still lags behind. This has been prompted by the varying priorities by different administrations and countries authorities’ consideration. This has especially been noted with the migratory birds in the world where they shift to various regions during different seasons. According to David (254-257) about 50% of the birds found in the Northern Hemisphere migrate towards the tropics during winter and back in springs. David continues to say that the Bar Tailed Godwit and the Sooty Shearwater have especially been under great threat from massive wetlands destruction. To add to that, Mara and Serengeti ecosystems (seventh wonder of the world) is under threat due to extensive destruction of forests that supply water to the fragile downstream ecosystem. 5. International laws, regulations and policy framework a) UNEP (United Nations Environmental Program) As indicated earlier, the United Nations Conference on Human Environment which resulted to formation of UNEP was the main beginning for conservation concerns. The body was established with the overall mandate of coordinating all environmentally related issues globally. It was especially charged with the responsibility of ensuring that conservation of biodiversity was strictly enhanced. As a result, it organized the Convention on Biological Diversity that was held in Rio-De-Janeiro in the year 1992. The latter is considered to be the most comprehensive meeting in the history of conservation as it formed the main guidelines for conservation of biodiversity in the member states which it broke into three main considerations: (1) Conservation of biological diversity by the member states with short and long term considerations (2) Sustainable use of its components (3) Fair and equitable sharing of the proceed resulting from consideration (2) It formed the main platform for the later conservation initiatives like Cartagena protocol and played a key role in establishment of Kyoto protocol. Holistically, the Convention on Biological Diversity is envisaged on precautionary principle which calls for greater concern and study of all impacts that would result to the biodiversity destruction upon establishment of various projects (European Union, 9-12). b) Ramser Convention (The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance) This convention was established to assist in conservation of wetlands that have international importance. Notably, most of the wetlands have usefulness that goes beyond their territorial jurisdictions either culturally, economically, scientifically, and have extensive recreational values. The convention came to force in 1975 and by the year 2000, about 1, 630, 000 square kilometers in 1, 021 sites had been designated. Canada has the greatest area of designated wetlands of 130, 000 square kilometers. Notably, this convention has particularly assisted the migratory bird species that occasionally uses these wetlands (William James et al, 495-500).

The Paris Climate Accords and Trumps Withdrawal

The Paris Climate Accords and Trumps Withdrawal The political climate in the United States around climate change has always been complicated. Since the 80s and 90s when climate change became an issue of cultural significance, with momentum building towards rapid progress under the Obama presidency. Unfortunately, with recent moves by the Trump administration, much of this progress is in jeopardy. Donald Trumps recent move to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accords is a wrong headed and dangerous move, calculated to placate his blue-collar and big-oil backers. While largely symbolic, withdrawal from the Paris Accords will have very real implications for US businesses and the environment. The Paris Accords, a UN treaty organization which allows signatories to set their own goals and benchmarks in reducing emissions, has succeeded for the most part in what it was created to do: get the global community as a whole to the table to discuss climate change. While it offers no specific mechanisms to enforce compliance, and does not create objective standards to measure progress, it has sparked massive awareness about climate change. Because of the Paris Accords, dozens of developing countries have begun their own climate action initiatives. China, for instance, recently announced that it would spend $360 billion by 2020 on renewable energy, with the goal of completely eliminating coal power plants (1). India set similar goals, committing to use less fossil fuels and invest in the efficiency of their power grid, with many other developing countries across Asia and Africa following suite. Here in the United States, the federal government set higher auto-efficiency standards an d demanded less carbon emissions from fossil fuel power plants (2), all sparked by the Paris Accords. Clearly, the Paris Accords have been a valuable tool to gather global support around action on climate change, and a complete US withdrawal from the treaty is a major setback. The environmental implications of US withdrawal are not necessarily clear. President   Trump set a timetable of close to 3 years for withdrawal from the Accords, leaving many unknowns about how rapidly US regulations will be restructured. We do know, however, that US emissions are unlikely to decrease, with most experts projecting that emissions will remain flat over the next decade (3). It is also fair to assume that less federal support will be given to clean energy, which could jeopardize the profitability of many green-tech companies. In addition, the UN Green Climate Fund, which funds green-energy projects in developing countries, will likely receive no financial support from the US government (4). In sum, withdrawing from the Accords means no central coordination against climate change and little to no funding of international research or green infrastructure. The business implications of this are more easily measurable. Green energy is the fastest growing industry in the US, estimated to be worth over $200 billion in revenue a year. Trumps withdrawal from the Accords signals that the federal government will also reduce subsidies for clean-technology, which has helped fuel its rapid growth. Losing growth in this industry would mean thousands of jobs lost, and potential billions lost in stock investments. Most large corporations directly benefit from cutting edge cleantech; cheap and efficient solar panels, power storage, and building efficiency having helped to drastically reduce their operations costs over the past decade. In addition, many businesses fear that societal blowback will negatively impact their businesses. Leaving the Paris Accords was an extremely unpopular move, with over 65% of Americans estimated to be in opposition (5). Businesses realize that the United States needs to be at the bargaining table on climate change, because it is such a huge issue to American voters and consumers. The decision to leave the Paris Accord faced immediate and sharp backlash, with the most vociferous being from the business community. In early May, the CEOs of 30 Fortune-500 US corporations wrote a letter to Trump, urging him to stay in the Paris Agreement. The Corporations included Coca-Cola, 3M, PG&E, and Disney (6). Only a few short days after the announcement, over 360 companies and several hundred local state municipalities signed an open letter pledging to take independent action on climate change regardless of the federal governments policies (7). Business magnate Michael Bloomberg organized the letter, and personally pledged   to give $15 million to the UN Green Energy Fund to help offset funds it would lose because of US withdrawal (8). These businesses, in their own words, seek to set an example and demonstrate that the actors that will provide the leadership necessary to meet our Paris commitment are found in city halls, state capitols, colleges and universities, investors and businesses(9). The way forward, then, is clear. Businesses and individuals must act independently. It is widely understood that climate change cannot be ignored. Without the support of the US federal government, making progress here at home will be difficult. However, as businesses and individuals across the United States are showing, independent action can make an impact. Green-energy companies and products like Tesla must be supported with the vote of our dollars. Climate research must be independently funded; charities that give to climate research need donations. The oil-interests and businesses that bought influence in the White House must be boycotted and petitioned, the politicians who supported this decision must be voted out of office. Above all, as a society, we must raise our voice and riot; rage against the cabal of business interests that do not care about our environment.   Sources (1) https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/05/world/asia/china-renewable-energy-investment.html (2) http://www.pbs.org/newshour/making-sense/column-economics-politics-trumps-paris-withdrawal/ (3) https://qz.com/995109/trump-is-reportedly-pulling-the-us-out-of-the-paris-climate-accord-what-happens-next/ (4) http://www.npr.org/2017/06/01/531056661/5-things-that-could-change-when-the-u-s-leaves-the-paris-climate-deal (5) http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2017/06/daily-chart-1 (6) https://hbr.org/2017/05/u-s-business-leaders-want-to-stay-in-the-paris-climate-accord (7) http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/11/17/502425711/hundreds-of-u-s-businesses-urge-trump-to-uphold-paris-climate-deal (8) http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/former-new-york-city-mayor-michael-bloomberg-has-said-he-will-personally-make-up-the-15m-in-funding-a7769416.html (9) http://wearestillin.com/

Role of Family in Adolescent Development Essay examples -- Sociology,

Adolescence is a significant developmental period for teenagers because of the adaptations they are forced to comply with including physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes. Adolescents are given various developmental tasks that are often difficult to perform while they are facing stressors such as these changes. One task involves finding one’s self or identity. The adolescent’s identity is a construction of drives, abilities, beliefs, and individual history (Marcia, 1980). In addition to searching for personal identity, it is important for the adolescent to establish autonomy within his/her social context. As their peer interactions change, their family relationships do as well. However, the family context is very important in regard to adolescent development. The relationship quality between adolescents and their families greatly influence their self-esteem, ability to adjust, and relationships with others. Conversely, the relationship quality between adoles cents and their families is often influenced by the number, birth order, and age spacing of siblings within the family. It is crucial that families grasp an understanding of this developmental period to help adolescents adjust through these various changes. This poses the question: What role does family play in adolescent development? It is important to consider the environment in which an adolescent is raised. Parenting styles assist in explaining adolescent behavior. If an adolescent is raised in a safe and secure environment with parents that exhibit authoritative characteristics fostering an open and warm atmosphere, the adolescents are more psychosocially mature and competent (Yeh, 2003). These types of parents balance two very important tasks; they help to p... ... interviewees, there is potential for bias which could significantly skew the data that I collected. Lastly, it would have been more beneficial to interview a sibling of the adolescent. I could have then explored the perspectives from all three roles within the family—the parent, sibling, and adolescent. From my conducted research and interviews, I have concluded that parents act as the most influential force during adolescent development. More research is needed in the field of how siblings play a role in adolescent development. Adolescents exhibit behaviors based on the influences that emerge from the context of the home. This environment incorporates many different factors including the number, age spacing, and birth order of siblings within the family. These factors, along with parenting patterns, serve as a bidirectional relationship in adolescent development.

Stem Cell Research Under Fire Essay -- essays papers

Stem Cell Research Under Fire Stem cell research should be continued so that it will one day lead to cures for the world's worst diseases, such as Alzhiemers, heart disease, Parkinsons, and diabetes. The stem cells are taken from a human embryo and placed in a petri dish, where scientists can manipulate them to produce whatever cells are needed (Blumenstyk, 2004). Stem cells can be used to regenerate bones, organs, tissues, and can even aid in treating such diseases as listed above. Many universities, such as Vanderbilt and Case Western, are participating in the research for two main reasons. One, to help contribute to the research to manufacture drugs to help the sickly, and two, to share in the profits of the quickly growing industry. Eventually, scientists will have figured out how to use stem cells from another donor, and not just of the diseased or injured person, to regenerate cells and/or muscle tissues. As an embryo is in its development stage inside of the womb, there are different chemicals that ar e exposed to the stem cells, which in turn â€Å"tell† the stem cells what type of neuron to be. Stem cells are the body’s master cells. They can renew themselves indefinitely and can even turn into any number of different types of cells needed in the body such as muscles, nerves, bones or even blood. Stem cells can be â€Å"molded† into what type of cell our bodies need. This makes them essential to repairing and renewing bodily tissues throughout our lives. Our body retains stem cells that are formed at conception, and store them in various parts of the body so as to have a reserve that can be accessed at any point in time later on in life (World Almanac & Book of Facts, Science News of 2003, p670 ... ...opic† until something else remotely controversial comes alone for people to be up and arms about. No matter what, you cannot please everyone all the time, and with as many billions of people in this world, someone is bound to do something that someone else does not like. Stem cell research is and will be for a long time a big breakthrough in the field of bio-Medicine. Whether funding come from the state itself, the federal government, or even the private sector, these promising ideas should not be stopped. For chance of sounding ignorant, you cannot make an omelette withou breaking a few eggs. Many lives could be saved if this research found a way to cure and treat some diseases. If this research is stopped at its relatively early age now, then we may never know what might be. If we do not at least try, then we are not bettering our race for future generations.

Saint Bridit and African American Women Saints :: travel, saints, African Americans,

One of my class mates traveles to Ireland every year. My class mate stated each time she visits Ireland that she gets a greater understanding of women in the early days. We both come from a baptist, penecostal and apstolic background, I would like to compare the roles of Saint Bridit and women in the church, the only black women preachers preached about in the baptist church was harriet tuckman. The other women talked about in church was Mary the mother of Jesus Christ. However Mary the mother of Jesus did increase my faith, however I know it was much knowledge to be gained concerning women. My Classmate who traveled to Ireland last year was able to share with me about Saint Bridit, I was anxious to know about the great saints in Ireland. I was eagered to know about Saint Bridit because when I was born my mother named me Cassandra and back in Celtic tradition my name meant Prophetess and Godesss and Bridit was considered to be a Godess as well. While attending Ohio Dominican my instructor gave an lecture on Saint Bridit and women in the ancient Celtic Tradition, which drove me to write about Bridgit. I wanted to know who this women was who brought a powerful presence to Ireland, her name was so recognized that she was honored by man and women in highplaces. I was overwhelmed when I read an article on Saint Bridit, I felt so apart of this women. Back in my mothers day and in some churches today women are not honored let alone recognized for any five fold ministry gifts in the church. My class mate recently told me she did visit a well in Ireland that was named after saint Brigit. This was overwhelming to me because when we was growing up I did know of any wells named after any African American Women Saints. When we attended the Baptist Church coming up as children, women in the Baptist church ironed the Choir robes, raised money for Pastors Aide, Coordinate Mission trips, raised money for outreach, taught Sunday School and over the Nursey. Women was not recognized as Pastors, Bishops and Founders, We knew men was in charge in the church, I noticed only time women was recognized in the churrch is when they was raising money for church and Pastor.

Childhood Is The Best Part Of One’s Life Narrate Your Experience

Many a time, I have longed for my childhood days. This is especially true at times when I would like to escape from the torture of examinations and homework. Furthermore, my childhood was filled with countless memorable moments that I would love to relive. Many, who have happy childhood memories, would also, I am sure, feel the same.Childhood is a period which is associated with fun and play. The child hardly cares or knows what the adult thinks of him. He frolics with his childhood playmates in the sand, mud or water. Through his mother may chide him for his pranks, she may, secretly in her heart, wish that she too could be as carefree and happy as her child.Children normally do not have any major responsibilities to shoulder. Political, economic, social and family problems do not disturb them. They may be confused because they can not comprehend the problem, but most of them will not go through heartbreaking moments over them.However, the above beautifully painted childhood phase i s not true in the case of all children. There are children who are abused and exploited and who suffer from dire poverty. In Ethiopia and other poor countries, children are afflicted with many diseases and continually suffer the pangs of hunger. They have to shoulder the responsibilities of adults, looking for food and taking care of their younger siblings.These cases, however, may be considered as exceptions. Many still feel that the average child’s life is much merrier. Adult life is filled with responsibilities. Yet, responsibilities need not be viewed negatively. There are many joys that come with responsibilities. For example, I always experience great joy and satisfaction when I do well in my exam after studying hard for it.Therefore, in my view, childhood can be looked back upon as one of the best periods in one’s life. With a positive attitude, a person can experience happiness in any period of his life.

Data Commentary Practice

GRP 5 KONG Chao, MAO Mao, grub Tingting manikin 1 indicates the correspond dowrys of students shed light on answers to comprehension tasks at different thermic environs. According to it, we can tell that students the true in answering questions changes when their milieu gets hotter. As can be seen, they answered with higher true statement at 23. 5? C, and kept the percentages of cook up answers around 80%.A peak of approximate 85% was reached when the academic terms went for 2 hours (120 minutes). Although during the first 1. 5 hours (90 minutes) students responded even to a greater extent castigately at 20? C, the verity percentage wherefore decreased to about 65% in the following time. As for situations at 27? C, it seemed that students showed a relatively lower floor of true statement in the whole sessions, and the sink answers accounted for around 65% and never went beyond 70%.After this, another(prenominal) experiment was conducted with alone factors staying th e same, except a change in the tasks dealt from English comprehension to mathematics. Results are displayed in Figure 2. Its easily to abide by that at 23. 5? C students answered as well around 80% questions square uply during the 3-hour math session, and performed better 2 hours (120 minutes) later at accuracy of 85%. However the highest accuracy in the first 1. 5 hours (90 minutes) was corresponding to the environment temperature setting at 20?C, and 85% it represented. With time passing, there were more and more wrong answers and the accordingly down-sloping trim of accuracy stopped at the balance of the session, at approximate 75%, which were unsounded 10% higher than the best correct answer percentage at 27? C students could get. The corresponding ratio of unspoilt answers began at 60%, then followed an affix and mounted at 65% 2 hours (120 minutes)later. Then it tended to drop slightly, and finally expend to 63%.From what have been observed in both Figure 1 and Figur e 2, it is quite clearly that thermal environment do have an effect on students performance. Moreover, what particularly noteworthy is that 23. 5? C proves to be better linked with a better performance on accuracy at the most time. This temperature ensures 80% of responses correct during a 3 hours (120 minutes) session, and even a higher percentage when matched with an appropriate session time setting less than 3 hours (180 minutes). For those sessions lasting for less than 2 hours (120 minutes), environment temperature of 20?C can to a fault guarantee the same high percentage of accuracy, with shorter the lasting time, higher the percentage. Also another thing worthwhile noting is that 20? C clearly beats 23. 5? C when sessions are less than 1. 5 hours (90 minutes). In conclusion, higher performance may be achieved when classroom temperature ranging between 20 to 23. 5? C. Also limitations of the whole experiments exist, such as the weakness of experiment samples in representing th e ecumenic students, considering they were all NUS students.