Benefits Of Hydraulic Fracturing Outweigh Risks - 2041 Words

Benefits of Hydraulic Fracturing Outweigh Risks Hydraulic fracturing, or more commonly known as ‘fracking’ is a technique designed by engineers to open fissures deep within shale to extract oil and natural gas. The practice involves using large amounts of high-pressured water along with proppants, usually sand, and a small amount of a chemical solution. The diagram below pictures the process of hydraulic fracturing. In the last few years, hydraulic fracturing has become a popular topic of debate centering on whether the increase in amount of fossil fuels is worth the cost of possible environmental damage. Fracking is not simply a way of providing more fossil fuels, but should also be seen as a viable solution to the nation’s foreign oil†¦show more content†¦Although there has been a rise in the unemployment rate, many Americans still struggle with finding a job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Data, the unemployment rate in 2013 was still at 7 .3 percent. That translates to 3.2 million unemployed workers. â€Å"How Fracking Has Helped the U.S. Economy† clarifies the potential for employment with the rise of the fracking industry. â€Å"A statement from the White House Council of Economic Advisors last year summed it up nicely: ‘Every barrel of oil or cubic foot of gas that we produce at home instead of importing abroad means more jobs, faster growth, and a lower trade deficit.’† Rather than exporting business outside the nation’s borders, hydraulic fracturing in the United States has supplied an ample opportunity for the American public. In â€Å"Fracking, the Environment, and Health†, an article found in the American Journal of Nursing, authors Dr. McDermott-Levy, Dr. Sattler, and Ms. Kaktins reported â€Å"Fracking operations have grown exponentially since the mid-1900s, when technologic advances and increases in price of natural gas made this technique economically viable. Fracking is currently taking place inShow MoreRelatedTypes Of Wells Can Be Used For Drill Holes Deep Into The Earth1566 Words   |  7 Pagesposition. In the United States, there are three types of oil and gas wells; horizontal, directional, and vertical. All three types of wells can be fracked. Horizontal drilling is normally used to drill holes deep into the earth, for the hydraulic fracturing process. Fracturing or â€Å"fracking† uses a high pressure water mixture that is injected deep into the ground through pipes to create fractures that release the oil and natural gas from the shale deposits. The gases are directed into wells that have beenRead MoreHydraulic Fracturing And Its Effects1500 Words   |  6 Pageswould only happen in a country that was not very developed. However, situations like this one are plausible in America, partially due to hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing is a process which began in the late 1940’s as an experiment and has since expanded into a global method to efficiently extract natural gases. It has led to various economic benefits, including job creation and has lessened the economic dependence of the United States on foreign countries for oil consumption. Despite thisRead MoreAlternative Energy Sources1852 Words   |  7 Pageswhether the pros outweigh the cons. This energy source is natural gas. The main reason for the heavy debate of natural gas is not because of the energy source, but rather the mining process of the energy source through the process of hydraulic fracturing. In this report the following topics will be discussed to get a better understanding of natural gas and the hydraulic fracturing process. An overview of natural gas will be discussed. A detail description of the hydraulic fracturing process will beRead MoreFracking : Fracking And Fracking1524 Words   |  7 Pages Hydraulic Fracturing Research Paper Hydraulic Fracturing (also commonly known as fracking) is a process used to extract natural gasses deep within the earth. This is done by drilling vertically into the ground until the desired depth; then drilling horizontally; and pumping millions of gallons of water, sand, and other chemicals into the drill at a high pressure to create fissures through which the gas can escape. Currently, hydraulic fracturing is extensively used in the United States in orderRead MoreFracking And The Environment : Fracking983 Words   |  4 PagesTayler Hedgecock Dr. Allen Composition 2 MWF 11 AM Fracking and the Environment Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is not an environmentally sound method of acquiring cleaner, cheaper energy. Fracking is a practice that is being used in order to collect natural gas from deep within the earth’s layers of shale rock. Fracking is the process in which water, sand, and chemicals are forced with immense pressure, approximately ten to fifteen thousand pounds per square inch, into the shale rockRead MoreThe Effects Of Hydraulic Fracturing On The United States1518 Words   |  7 Pagesissues on the political standpoint of the situation. This is where hydraulic fracturing comes in to play. Hydraulic Fracturing is a horizontal drilling process by the energy industry that has presented the means to solve both problems. This technology has provided the U.S. access to 100 years’ worth of energy. Natural gas has been located within the country’s borders and thousands of feet below the surface. Hydraulic Fracturing, also known as â€Å"fracking†, is used to access or enlarge productivityRead MoreIs Hydraulic Fracturing Environmentally Safe?1414 Words   |  6 PagesIs Hydraulic Fracturing Environmentally Safe? The United States has become one of the largest producers of natural gas and most of the production is from shale plays. Solar, wind, biomass waste and geothermal and hydroelectric energy have long been recognized as renewable and sustainable energy resources; however, they only comprise 9% of our energy consumption; this is in comparison to the growing production of natural gas which accounts for 40% of industrial and 74% of residential energy consumptionRead MoreFracking : Too Many Fracking Problems1631 Words   |  7 Pagesout of fossil fuels. But it may end because burning these wonderful fuels puts the planet farther down a path we don t want to head down†. Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a petroleum mining method to reach remote gas under water that is located in the crust of the earth. Fracking uses a blend of water, sand, and chemicals. Hydraulic Fracturing, â€Å"has contributed to a resurgence of oil production in the USA and a dramatic increase in natural g as production† (Hassett). It is speculated to growRead MoreHydraulic Fracturing: The Future of America’s Energy Essay1285 Words   |  6 PagesHydraulic Fracturing, also known as fracking, is not a novel concept. The hope of being able to access fossil fuels trapped inside layers of shale deep beneath the Earth’s surface was achieved by the process of fracking, developed in 1903 (energyindepth.com). Over the last century, hydraulic fracturing has become an efficient and environmentally friendly way to access the natural gas needed to meet the United States’ high demands. With the condition of the environment rapidly deteriorating, theRead MoreA Brief Note On Environmental Injustice And Fracking1341 Words   |  6 Pagesdetermine whether or not hydraulic fracturing should be pursued in the state’s shale beds, a topic that causes much polarized debate. Hydraulic fracturing, otherwise known as â€Å"fracking,† uses water, sand, and chemical s to release natural gas from as far as 10,000 feet below the Earth’s surface. Supporters of fracking claim that natural gas is an ideal â€Å"bridge fuel† as the energy industry moves from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and argue that the practice benefits the environment and the

Essay Homers Hospitality - 1386 Words

Mycenaean civilization was a golden age of splendour that arose during1600 BC. It was during this time that Ancient Greece began to take form, in both cultural and religious aspects. Historians often refer to this period as Mycenaean, but due to the culture and values embodied in Homer’s poem, The Odyssey, it is also known as the Homeric Age. In Homer’s world, society consisted of city-states controlled by well-respected Kings. The Homeric Age also focused on the importance of religion where all regions participated in sacrificial tributes to the Gods. Unlike today’s modern society, methods of travel were very limited in the 1600s. Mycenaeans’ relied on sea travel as their main way of transportation. Due to this, journeys were much†¦show more content†¦For inquires made of the stranger’s history is not spoken of until after the feast. As stated previously, hospitality was often as result of trying to attain a good reputation. With a goo d reputation, society viewed one higher on the social hierarchy. It is during the guest’s departure from the host’s home where the creation of good reputation is put into action. During the farewells, the act of gift-giving of the finest and most valuable items is presented to the guests by the host. Through the act of gift-giving, one’s reputation was seen as wealthy, kind, generous, and more importantly, honourable. The basis of social standing was primarily based on the ability give gifts. This is apparent when Telemachos departs from Menelaus’s home and is presented with an abundance of gifts. While giving Telemachos a mixing bowl Menelaus states that the bowl â€Å"is of silver, all but the edges, and these are finished in gold. This is the work of Hephaestus. Courageous Phà ¦dimus, the king of Sidon, gave me this bowl when, on my homeward, I was his welcome guest† (Od. 15. 115-120). The significance of the quotation is that one sees how Mene laus is spreading the reputation of Phaedimus, who was a good host to him, as well as exhibiting his own generosity for offering such a valuable item. So if anyone was to inquire about the origin of the mixingShow MoreRelatedThe Importance of Hospitality Illustrated in Homers Odyssey Essay1708 Words   |  7 PagesHomer, where hospitality and good will are the way of things. As decreed by Zeus himself, those who wish the favor of the Gods must welcome foreign and domestic with hospitality. A man was supposed to offer the best of his food, his home, and his knowledge before ever asking for his guest’s name or why he was there. There is a sense that those of high status are the main givers of hospitality, but they are not the only ones commanded to offer hospitality. Homer emphasizes hospitality from everyoneRead MoreAnalysis Of Homer s Odyssey, The Epic Of The Classical Era Essay1585 Words   |  7 PagesPaper Assignment 1 Prompt 1 Homer’s Odyssey is one of the many epic of the classical era to give an detailed overlook on the relationship between humans and gods. Odyssey is not just an adventure story about a king struggling to get back home after having gone to war; nor is it one about a son searching for his father after rumors say that he has been dead for many years. The events that take place in Homer’s Odyssey are heavily influenced by the Greek Gods. One can see how the gods interactionRead MoreHomer s Epic Poems, The Iliad And The Odyssey1254 Words   |  6 Pagespresenting multiple struggles that our characters must go through. Homer’s epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, are thousands of years old. Yet, whoever reads these pieces of literature today can somehow relate to its characters and events. This is because of the author’s ability to form a connection between the reader and what it is they are analyzing/reading. This paper will identify the values, conflicts, and parallels within Homer’s text. Religion was a strong value for the early Greek societyRead MoreAnalysis Of Homer s Epic Of The Iliad And Odyssey903 Words   |  4 Pagespersonal narrative, I will analyze two themes from Homer’s epic’s pertaining to the Iliad and the Odyssey. I have chosen hospitality (Xenia) and shame (Aidos) as the subject of interest, and will focus on these as a main source of the topic. Xenia is the ancient Greek word for â€Å"hospitality†, which is the consideration and kindness shown to those who are far from home and/or associates of the person bestowing xenia upon them. The rituals of hospitality created and conveyed a reciprocal relationship betweenRead MoreReligion As A Strong Value For The Early Greek Society Essay1035 Words   |  5 Pagesmortal committed hubris against them then they would be struck down. Often, Greeks would ask for favors from their Gods. This means that the relationship between the Greeks and their Deities would be one of give and take. We see this relationship in Homer’s works, particularly The Iliad. For example, a priest of Apollo, Chryse, claims that if Apollo has ever been pleased by Chryse’s acts of worship then the God should strike down the Danaans in return (Iliad.1.36-42). This shows the reader that if aRead MoreAnalysis Of Xenia And The Odyssey 889 Words   |  4 PagesNumber †¨Date The Significance of Xenia in the Works of Homer: Hospitality in the Illiad and the Odyssey The concept of Xenia was extremely significant in ancient Greek culture. As such, it played a prominent role in the works of authors, most specifically Homer. In fact, some of the most significant information we have about the concept of Xenia, as it relates to cultural norms come from the work of Homer, and the examples of hospitality demonstrated in the protagonist’s journeys in the Iliad andRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Odyssey 1124 Words   |  5 Pagesto around 700 BC; placing the story about ten years after the Trojan War. The story is about Odysseus, King of Ithica, and his journey to get back to the land of Ithica. Throughout the story there are several themes including: power of the gods, hospitality, and the maturation of Telemachus from boy to man. Homer opens up the Odyssey by asking the muses for their guidance in telling his story. Odysseus has been gone for twenty years at the beginning of the story. He spent the first ten fighting inRead MoreOdysseus Archetype Analysis785 Words   |  4 Pagescourageous whirlpool Charybdis. They all attempted to kill the heroic Odysseus but failed to. The author of the epic poem, The Odyssey, is credited to Homer. Homer wrote his epic somewhere in eighth century BC. Some archetypes used in Homer’s epic heroic, monsters, and hospitality. The first archetype we will discuss is the heroic archetype. Homer first uses the hero archetype in his epic, when he brutally stabbed the eye of the great Polyphemus. Homer gives you a very well insight that Odysseus uses a largeRead MoreThe Odyssey By Homer s Odyssey Essay1314 Words   |  6 Pagesthis epic mainly focus around the Greek hero Odysseus however in my essay I will attempt to analyze hospitality. Hospitality shaped an important part of social interactions in The Odyssey. Although Greek society emphasizes good hospitality and obeying the rules, some characters in The Odyssey have no respect for this hospitality and are therefore classified as uncivilized, which shows that hospitality organizes Greek Society. In different phases of the poetry, the use of symbolism and dimensions ofRead MoreThe Odyssey1243 Words   |  5 PagesThe Odyssey In Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, each culture treats strangers and guests with distinct differences from every other culture. One of the most hospitable cultures was that of the ancient Greeks, exemplified in Homer s The Odyssey by both gracious hosts and guests. In Greece and The Odyssey, not only was good hospitality etiquette expected, but the added pressure that if they didn’t treat their guests with respect the gods would punish them further compelled excellent manners. The Odyssey

Spirituality Story Free Essays

While growing up in an environment that was more conducive to pain and suffering than to enjoying life it was easier to challenge believers to show me God then to actually see Him around me. I’d say, â€Å"close your Bible and prove to me God exists. † I always received one of three responses. We will write a custom essay sample on Spirituality Story or any similar topic only for you Order Now Usually, I would get a bewildered stare. The second response was for me to just look around because God was all about me. Finally, the believer might tell me that God moves in mysterious ways. I truly hated this final response. If I had been born two-thousand years ago, I would have persecuted and thrown stones at Christians. As suggested I would look around, and I could not have faith or believe in a God that allowed so much pain and suffering to exist in the world. I would hear people say after surviving some great tragedy, or natural disaster, or loss of life that God was watching after them. My question was, â€Å"where was God when the hurricane was blowing your house away? † It didn’t make sense that God would be with one person but not their neighbor who drowned in the storm. Epicuras’ question concerning God and evil seemed legitimate: â€Å"Is he willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is impotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then is he malevolent? He is both able and willing? Whence then is evil. † (163) Of course this delves into the freewill/theodicy argument. Within the Christian tradition people are free to make their own choices. And there are negative or positive consequences associated with freewill. Just as there are negative and positive consequences associated with rejecting or accepting Christ. During a particularly despondent time in my life, a friend offered me a Bible, some rather persuasive advice, and a pastor’s phone number. She said Christ would help me, but I needed to ask him into my life and for him to help me. So I began reading the Bible, and I called the pastor. If I asked a question, he answered it knowledgably. And I began praying. Gradually my mood and outlook on life did change. God is everywhere, but he first has to live in the heart. Works Cited Pojman, Louis. â€Å"THE PROBLEM OF EVIL. † Philosophy of Religion: An Anthology. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1994. 163. How to cite Spirituality Story, Papers

Environmental Ethics in Business

Question: Describe about the Environmental Ethics in Business. Answer: Introduction Environmental pollution is one key concern that needs tangible answers. With the current age of industrialization, a lot of pollution takes place and the natural resources are depleted. Corrective measures ought to be done in order to stop this. Human activities are encroaching the peace of the wild rendering them homeless, depleted and extinct. For example, human tree cutting activities are dragging our forest thinner and thinner daily. The forest measure at the present, compared to the century before has been cut by a considerable percentage. One of the main causes of this is the huge growth of human population. The space for habitation has become so depleted that the need for space for habitation have become too much. Humans therefore clear the forests to make space for their habitation. In the process, it drives wild life population further and further down the memory lane. Owing to this therefore, the need for environmental ethics has risen. It is quite tricky to deal with the q uestion of sustenance of both the human and wildlife and natural resources because issues of concern arise, thus; The factor of how is the best way to conserve the environment, as we utilize and use the natural resources is of great concern. How can humans use the resources in a balanced way such that the environment will still remain clean and sustainable, at the same time having the human needs satisfied? This issue is tricky because, you realize that the human population keeps on increasing daily while the natural resources remain constant. The constancy of natural resources means that it is almost impossible to keep the natural resource at a constant level. Also it is impossible to replace natural resources. For example, if we say that we do not carry out mining to some level, the issue of poverty will kick in. Another issue of concern is whether to save humanity or the wild. This question is well demonstrated in instances where wild animals attack and encroach human settlements. Will it be ethical to drive away or kill these animals? A good example is a case that happened in Nairobi National park in Kenya, where lions started to escape from the park. Some were found along the roads while others close to town. One of the lions attacked a human and the tranquilizers had finished. A warden had to shoot the animal with the live bullet in order to save the man. In this case, it goes without saying that there are battles between human survival in the environment and the survival of wild animals. Concerning air pollution, the biggest question is whether to continue manufacturing gasoline and vehicles that use gasoline. Global warming has really affected the global climate. Rivers have dried up and many parts have become dry. You will notice that not only are the human being affected by this state but also the wild animals and the natural things are degraded. A perfect example is the Mara River, where the iconic wild beast migration is well captured. This river has become almost seasonal yet in the past it was so vast and thick. Many wild animals around that area have been affected and this has caused many to die. Concerning the issue of extinction of the wild animals, it is noteworthy that poaching has become one of the most heinous crimes. The number of white rhinos present currently globally is one aging rhino in Kenya, being guarded twenty four hours. You might ask why it that only one is remaining is. It is all because of poaching. Elephants also are part of the big five whose tears continue flowing because of the multiple and perpetual injustices man have done to them. In observing the ethical issues as per the depletion of natural resources, the incident in Brazil where a dam burst washing away people and property in an example of hazardous aspects of human activities. Such an incident opens a debate of how safe are we, owing to the human activities that have become uncontrollable. The issue of control is of major concern. In my opinion, the code and rules for the practice of mining in Brazil and also the BHP should be held accountable. In essence, it is the body that sets the rules and regulations governing mining in Brazil that should be held accountable. This is because; the mining Company operates according to the present regulations (Hester and Harrison,1994). With the case of Brazil, it was the case of negligence that there was such an accident. If the authorities had been keen enough, there would be little likelihood of the incident occurring. The authorities should have acted earlier because Samarco sensors had given warnings months before the accident happened. It would have been easier to prevent the accident given the fact that there was a warning of a prevailing danger. Neither the government nor the authorities played a role in preventing the accident. The reason the Brazilian authorities have to be dragged into this blame is that it didnt create strict enough regulations, in preventing the deaths from occurring. If the government had been warned of the impending danger, why then did it take time to address the issue. If the government had taken seriously the warning given, and acted upon them, then there wouldnt have been cases of such an accident from happening. It is of importance to note that in as much as the blame has been so much focused on BHP, the authorities had a role to play. This is because, the authorities make and enforce laws to which will form the foundation of the companys actions. If the Brazilian codes for mining were effective and efficient enough, such negligence couldnt have found a place. It would therefore be quite hard to experience such disasters as the Brazilians have experienced. Also, the mining companies have a key role to play. Since it is responsible to the activities that caused the tragic accident , then they should explain how that happened. I do not agree that its the fact that society views the world as a free and unlimited good that has caused the environmental problems we currently experience, but the capitalism and profit making that has caused it. The reason for this is that before the rise in industrialization, the environment was better and cleaner and yet people freely used the natural resources. However, when industrialization kicked in and took root, the problems of environmental pollution and natural disasters started. Capitalism is the main problem because natural resources are meant to be used and utilized by humans for the propagation of life otherwise they would have no meaning for existence. Responsibility in utilization is therefore the key. So, the issue as to whether the utilization that comes with an understanding that the resources are free for use that causes environment-related problem is explained. The answer to the previous statement is no. It is indeed true that natural resources are free and should be utilized, but it isnt this understanding that brings about issues of pollution and depletion of natural resources. The real issue is greed. There are many schools of thought that have risen, in order to explain environmental ethics and some include; applied theology, conservation ethics and ecologic extension. It is the conservation ethics that explains why humans have contributed to the environmental woes. This school of thought suggest that conservation is a means to an end and humans conserve the environment, only if that will add value to them. In essence, it argues that conservation is a means to an end. In linking this to the aspect of capitalism, humans will mine in a certain area, conserving the environment, for the sake of continuing to do the mining. For example if the written laws demand some level of environmental conservation. When this happens the level of conserv ation and recovery measures will be very minimum. Hence creating a situation whereby the environment becomes depleted to some extent. After all the resources have been depleted and there is no reason for mining, there will no longer be any reason to carry out conservation measures. Conservation ethics runs the day in the current practice of environmental conservation (Bharucha, 2005). Human being only conserves the environment as long as it is relevant for their continued utilization. This practice is the reason why the state of the environment remains in a sorry state. Therefore, the best way to deal with the issue of pollution and irresponsible use of the environment is to change the mentality of humans about conservation. The environment should be conserved for the purposes of sustaining natural resources and living things. The environment does not only belong to humans but also to other living things. In borrowing from applied theology school of thought, it is noteworthy that everything is a creation of God and He placed the responsibility to care the environment to man. Man has not obeyed this and he reaping the fruits of that disobedience. If man took care the environment for the sake of caring for it, then the earth would be a better place. The unfortunate thing is that man cares for the environment to the extent of utilizing it. In order to ensure adequate resource allocation and eradication of poverty, the capitalism mentality should be changed. The height of this mentality is when the rhino horns became a value to humans. Instead of caring for the beautiful animals, humans went ahead, and started killing them for the sake of getting money from the horns. It is paining to see a herd of lions murdered in cold blood and their tusks missing. Not a day or two but many days. The Kenyan government recently burned tons of rhino hones and tusks, with the president himself lighting the fire. All those resources being burnt represent dozens of elephants and rhinos murdered and their horns and tusks removed. This has become a practice to every regime of government in Kenya. The horns have been burnt by all the sitting presidents ever since the country became a republic. It is now having one white rhino remaining in the face of this earth. This is so saddening, and capitalism and profits pushing the levels of greed to greater heights. This is why the conservation ethics have really failed. In this case, other animals of little value are being conserved and taken good care of. Others of great value are being killed and used because of profit. It is so wrong because the value of natural resources and the environment cannot be equivalent to money. If money was full in this world without water to drink, how will life be propagated? It will be impossible to survive and living things would die all because of profit making. The direction taken by the earth is very dangerous because, in the past, natural resources such as water and plants were so free and nobody had to buy them. With the present age, humans are now buying water for sustenance. The gravity of the situation is that rain water is under threat. This is because of salty water, caused by repeated and widespread pollution of the environment. The environment have been so much polluted that even natural resources are giving back the waste emitted to them. For the future of the planet and the continued propagation of life, the attitude about the reasons for conservation of the environment should be well reshaped. Apart from having effective and adequate policies and regulations concerning the conservation of the environment, it would be of great importance to instill some value to the society. This will be very effective if the children are empowered at an early age. Measures such as including the environmental conservation ethics in schools curri cula will play a huge role in ensuring that the environment is protected and conserved at will. If the society is empowered to protect the environment at will, then the results would be a cleaner, healthier and better environment. Few countries have been successful in realizing a cleaner environment. Developing countries should borrow a leaf from the developed and cleaner countries. The secret is that when the environment is clean, then it goes without saying that economically, the country prospers. This is because; less resource would be spent trying to solve the negative effects of environmental pollution. For instance, the huge amount of oil spillage would mean that the government perpetually has to clean up the spillage, compensate those who have been affected, and suffer the losses amounting from the lost resources. One area of concern is the poor disposal of resources. One of the greatest causes of environmental degradation is the irresponsibility of many industries that dispose of waste products in natural resources such as water catchment areas. The reason why there have been mysterious deaths of sea life is because of the chemical that are disposed to the waters. If then such malpractices are dealt with, then it means that the management of resources would be much easier and the planet would be a more conducive environment. The case study above changes the perspective of whether more options should be added to the developing economies and countries in order to ensure that they deal with pollution effectively. Instead, it brings the need to answer the question of how these countries would utilize effectively the available measures and options that are already in place. One of the great challenges these countries face is that it lack adequate skills and resources for dealing with pollution as environmental hazards. This is because they just experience the industrialization movement and therefore the experience of handling industrialization is quite minimal. For instance, Nigeria have not been in the oil business as long as the Arabic states. Therefore, her level of experience is quite limited. However, this would be a lame excuse for the continuous degradation of the environment. If the purpose for conserving the environment would have been well understood, then these African countries would not drag thei r feet in a bid to conserve the environment. The reason is that the long term effect of environmental degradation as a result of pollution is irreversible. These effects would latter turn to haunt the economy of a given country and the general livelihoods as a whole. Some of the conservation measures include setting up of policies and regulation governing the conservation of the environment. For example, in the country of Kenya, there was a rule of cut one plant two tree. It later became illegal to cut trees irresponsibly, unless one had the permit from the government authorities concerning the same. These policies have help to slow down the depletion of the environment but some have been defied. For example, poaching have been the greatest problem to the protection of wild animals yet there are strict laws against it. Another measure is the planting of trees. Tree planting have been very successful and many countries have strived to reach a cover of ten percent tree cover. Some are close to reaching the target while many are still struggling to reach the target. Carbon di oxide causing global warming is one of the greatest reasons for pollution. A vast tree cover covers the oxygen deficit. This is because; trees consume a lot of carbon di oxide during the day. With that, it goes without saying that trees act to reduce the amount of carbon di oxide in the environment. Also, proper disposal of waste is a measure that have been placed and mostly despised (Woolfolk, 2001). If that wasnt correct, we wouldnt be experiencing mountains of dirt and dumpsites. Also, we would not experience a massive death of sea life. All these effects of pollution have been caused by poor disposal of waste. However, a lot of technologies for disposal of waste have been successful in mitigating this ill. For example, circulation of plastic materials has been an added advantage because the amount of plastic that goes to the environment has been reduced considerably. The propagation of green energy is an awesome directive that has born fruits in environmental conservation. Electronics and automobile companies are working on the future of gasoline free automobiles and green energy powered electronics and vehicles. Already, there are many vehicles using solar energy as a source of energy. Therefore, these vehicles hardly emit the carbon di oxide to the environment. With this kind of culture, the environment would be free from pollution once and for all. Its only that it demands a lot of resources and time to invest on green energy because change is normally a hard thing. Also, there still other issues and concerns to be considered, such as the market for crude oil. Crude oil is very important in the sense that it is responsible for one of the largest economies of the world. The issue that arises would therefore be how will the economies relying on oil be sustained if the market for oil is diminished? This is an area that opens up a debate between e conomy and environmental conservation. The measures above are sufficient only if they are successfully implemented. For example, Rwanda is a small country which doesnt have much wealth but its one of the cleanest in Eastern Africa and Africa as a whole (Keim, 2014). This means that the cheap and simple environmental protection measures it puts in place are implemented to the later. Countries globally should borrow a leaf from this. It not the number of measures and policies put in place that determines the success of environmental conservation but the effectiveness of implementation that matters. In this case, its very important to consider having a stronger mechanism for implementing the measures mentioned above and the quest for a cleaner, healthier and better environment would come into fruition. Therefore, governments, authorities and relevant environmental bodies should consider investing more resources and time for the purposes of implementing feasible measures to the environmental conservation. This will offset the goals for eradication of global warming and other ills related to environmental pollution. References Bharucha, E. (2005). Textbook of environmental studies: For undergraduate courses. Hyderabad: Universities Press. Harris, P. G. (2007). Europe and global climate change: Politics, foreign policy and regional cooperation. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar. Hester, R. E., Harrison, R. M., Royal Society of Chemistry (Great Britain). (1994). Mining and its environmental impact. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry. Keim, C. A. (2014). Mistaking Africa: Curiosities and inventions of the American mind. Boulder, CO: Westview Press. Woolfolk, J. M. (2001). The only astrology book you'll ever need. Lanham, MD: Rowman Littlefield.

Understanding adolescence Essays - Psychology, Psychiatry

Understanding adolescence: Current developments in adolescent psychology Essay Mostly, the problems that affect family at a large in the children result from negative feelings about themselves. Some of the behaviours that young people develop through these development stages are such as disobedience, drug abuse, delayed duties, poor academic performances, and low self-esteem amongst other emotional problems (Freeman, 1985, p. 321). From the case study, Ben is encountered undergoing psychological problem that have caused an alarm to the whole family. These problems are far from external causes, they are problems that he has built for himself through thought. He is pessimistic about the future and this has brought to him much stress, he sees no need to work hard in class work, he is engaged in drug and substance abuse and disobedient. Bad peer influence has contributed a lot in the behavioural changes of ben. The only remedy to ben's problems is counsel him I an effort to input positive thought in his mind. Systematic approach of tackling families and their children problems involve family based approach such as parent training. Parents could be trained on how to approach their children to realize their emotional problems they may be undergoing and try to reach them as per their capacity. The problem of drug abuse could be dealt with by parents' commitment to free their children from drug abuse (Adams, 1968, p. 67). Parents create drug-free environment if they act as role models by not engaging in drug abuse. It will be very hard to convince a young person to refrain from drugs if you abuse drugs. In the case of Ben, his parents need to embrace a systematic psychology therapy to make him avoid being involved in drug abuse by acting as role models to him. Central to the cognitive view of people is the idea that they are actively trying to make sense of their environment by imposing order and meaning in the things they encounter. Cognitive explanations of the behaviour are found within the ways in which Ben organise and process information that is relevant to the particular methods of acting. In the case study, we could only recognise the fate of Ben by engaging in efforts to study the causes of what make him behave in a differently way. The idea that Ben is born by old couple contributes and in addition, very busy parents, contributes to a lack of parental love. Ben's situation could also be analysed through creative approach. Creative approach in working with young people to build coherent intervention entails an analytical examination of the problems and gathering of various ideas about solving it. The ideas on how to solve the emotional problems could come from experience of the parent. The outcome of a particular psychological problem that Ben has ever been exposed to could guide his parents in solving a related matter at hand (Myers, 2004, p.266). Integrating creative, cognitive behaviour and systematic approach comprises of merging all these three techniques of solving emotional problems, to a strong design of solving psychological problems. This model may take several routes in efforts to make it realistic. The very first plan in integration of different psychological approaches is common factors. The common factors plan of integration tries to judge the core elements that different approaches have in common. The merit of common factors approach is that, it emphasis on therapeutic actions that have been demonstrated to be the most effective. This helps to analyse Ben's emotional problem based on common elements found in all the three methods, therefore, more efficient model in working with Ben to build a coherent intervention (Neenam Palmer, 2012, p. 56). Young people are taught in a way to conduct. By showing Ben on what is right and wrong, you build on his character. A good character is a great contribution to the society. Young people create the potential future generation and influencing a young person positively adds value in the generation to come. The other method to psychological approach integration is through technical eclecticism. Through technical eclecticism, Ben's parents are guided to picking what has worked best for others previously. In solving a mental problem, Ben's parents would try to look

_Oedipus_Rex_Irony_Paper- Essays - Culture, Human Behavior

_Oedipus_Rex_Irony_Paper- Essays - Culture, Human Behavior Oedipus Paper The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle developed a theory in regards to literature in a text known as his Poetics , which distinguished 6 categories of components that create a literary work and a tragedy. An ancient Greek tragedian by the name of Sophocles wrote a series of works and his literary work on the story of Oedipus Rex from the Theban Plays supports concepts outlined within Aristotle's Poetics. Aristotle established that the most important portion of a literary work was the plot and the structure of a story. He also proclaimed that a tragedy would be something which imitates an impactful action. This action is to have a specific magnitude that is conveyed through the use of artistic language and situations at various points during the developing plot. The most significant aspect of a literary work that identifies it to be a tragedy would be that once it begins to come to a conclusion one should feel pity and/or fear for the one who suffered through the trails of the story. The magnitude of the irony in Oedipus Rex is extremely significant to the development of the plot. At each stage Sophocles manages to exhibit each portion of story structure that was outlined in Aristotle's Poetics . In ancient Greece the philosopher Aristotle defined what he believed to be literature. In his definition he proclaimed the significance of simple and complex plots, hero, and catharsis to the production of literature. He established that of all these components the plot and structure of a story are the most significant aspect of defining a literary work determining that "Plots are either simple or complex...I call Simple, when the change of fortune takes place without Reversal of the situation and without Recognition", whereas Aristotle states that, "A complex action is one in which the change is accomplished by such Reversal, or by Recognition, or by both" Aristotle determined that every piece of work must follow a specific construction(Poetics X). A complex plot would be a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end with a Reversal in between the beginning and middle, and a Recognition in between the middle and end. In examining the Poetics section XI one may assert that a reversal is when a situation "veers round to its opposite", as it pertains to Oedipus Rex a reversal presents itself through ironic occurrences whether or not they are revealed at said point in the plot. Meanwhile, a Recognition is by Aristotle's standards "a change from ignorance to knowledge" which invokes extreme emotion. One is able to find this true in Oedipus Rex, and additionally is able to see that once one undergoes a recognition the recognition is of something that which is of the most ironic nature. Not only does the work of Oedipus Rex support Aristotle's theory of literature by displaying the characteristics that he defined as having a complex plot, but it does so through linguistic and situational irony at each stage of the development of the pla y. The structure and impact of Sophocles's literary work, Oedipus Rex, is significantly impacted by the irony within it. Aristotle said that a real; complex literary work has two major points within its plot. The reversal and the recognition. Both within Oedipus Rex are controlled by irony, on page 35 the situation within Thebes veers to its opposite when Oedipus himself is accused of being he who he sought "hear this: upon your head is the ban your lips have uttered-from this day forth Never to speak to me or any here. You are the cursed polluter of this land" the plots takes an ironic twist when evidence presents itself that would support that Oedipus killed Laius. This situational irony is significant to the development of the story because now Oedipus is presented with a conflict. He now must investigate to see if these rumors are true, and tensions rise now given that Oedipus must now subconsciously be considering what his consequence may be if he was in fact the doer of the deed. This ironic reversal supports Aristotle's theory because it creates the main conflict of the play. The story of Oedipus Rex continues to support Aristotle's theory

The World's Most Ethical Companies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

The World's Most Ethical Companies - Essay Example Blue Shield was started in 1939 by the Medical Association of California. It is based at San Francisco, California. It is one of the oldest health insurance companies and has over 3.5 million members and approximately 65,000 physicians (Richards, 2010). The company has developed several health plans. The main ones are individual health plans and family health plans as some of its products, as it offers to the community. The main purpose of the company is to ensure quality provision of health care services and effective costs favorable to the community. These outstanding motives make the company excel in meeting the needs of the consumers, its approach to the environment, and general employee treatment. 2. Determine at least two (2) ways in which the chosen company behaves in a morally responsible way toward each of the following: a. Consumers  b. The environment c. Employees 2.0 Ethical Behaviors practiced by the company towards the Environment The company wants to develop to be a responsible health care institution. This has been defined by its support of the community development and commitment in taking care of its consumers, who are mainly registered members. The effort made in this case is working hard to be socially responsible. This includes reducing the environmental pollution, recycling of material wastes and provision of composite services as explained below. 2.0.1 Reducing environmental pollution This is one of the vital steps taken by the company. It aims at maintaining good health in the surrounding community, as well as the whole environment. Blue Shield believes in a healthy environment as a critical contribution to the well being of the people of California. Pollution has been reduced by curbing air pollutants that come from the Bay Area including treatment of chemical wastes and dumping products in a safe and environment friendly manner (Reece, 2004). These pollutants are presumed to carry substances that make asthma condition of the affected patients worse. It is in the company’s mission not to only see profitable activities but also to strengthen and protect both the community and environment. 2.1.1 Providing Recycling and Compost Services This has been one of the company goals in its intention to maintain a healthy environment. The company recycles several materials that are environmentally unfriendly but reusable. Items such as plastics, bottles, and used cans and paper are recycled. These materials are not just from the company’s outputs, but also those by the community delivered to the company through a third party. In addition, to ensure a clean environment, there is an effort to use recyclable wares by Blue Shield. The materials can decompose, hence contributing as important nutrients to the soil. The company has also employed the services of a vendor, who takes IT materials for recycling (Reece, 2004) 2.1 Ethical Behaviors of the Company towards Customers The company service to customers is explai ned in their goals, which state clear adherence to complete and satisfactory service to its consumers while ensuring quality and affordable health care. High customer retention rate and ability to have repeat clients are the measures through which the company uses to gauge the effectiveness of ethical behavior and Blue Shield has realized the customers are satisfied. Secondly, the employees mandated with the responsibility to serve and take care of customers and attend to

Ethics statement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ethics statement - Essay Example If values of both religions are compared, it can be deduced that human life is sacred in both religions. The best way to care oneself is to follow the divine personal rules. For example, for me, adopting the natural life style would be the best way to serve oneself. In which, waking up in the early morning would be the best service to oneself. In this way, the personal life would be healthy and it would put positive effect on one’s health which is fundamental to successful personal life. This success will also enable the person to perform other duties. Care and respect are two fundamental values that must be demonstrated from the character and behaviour of the person. Through these behaviours, tranquillity and mutual respect will spread among people which will increase the social cohesion in the society. For example, showing respects for elderly is the most important virtue in which a system of social cohesion is promoted. Additionally, if one witnesses an accident in which a person is critically injured, it is his moral responsibility to call the relevant authority and look after the injured until the police or any other rescue team is not arrived. â€Å"Family values are important for us† (Parma, 2009. p. 29).Family norms should always be followed. For example, showing respect to mother and father and caring them in their old age are some of those family duties and responsibilities that must not be compromised under any condition.

The Nature of HIV and the Implications of its Evolutionary Origin on Research Paper

The Nature of HIV and the Implications of its Evolutionary Origin on Treatment - Research Paper Example The Vaccine Hypothesis The Nature of HIV and the Implications of Its Evolutionary Origin HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is the cause of one of the most lethal diseases known to infect humankind – AIDS. According to information from the National Institutes of Health, AIDS accounted for 1.8 million deaths worldwide in 2009 alone with 33.3 million already suffering from the disease and 2.6 million who were newly infected (â€Å"Quick Facts,† 2011). In the United States alone, 1 million people are currently living with AIDS and 21% of those infected remain unaware of their condition (â€Å"Quick Facts,† 2011). Furthermore, an alarming fact based on information from One.org states that around 4,900 people die from AIDS everyday and that 7,100 are infected at the same rate (â€Å"HIV/AIDS,† 2012). It is also very sad that those affected by HIV are mostly the youth aged 15 to 24 years old (â€Å"AIDS, Sex and Teens,† 2010). Based on the previously s tated statistics and information, there is every reason to worry about AIDS epidemic. Most of the responsibility of controlling the spread of the virus rests upon the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the governments of the world. Nevertheless, efforts to develop a cure for AIDS have proved to be fruitless. What is the main reason behind this and what is the missing link, that somehow makes medical experts and scientists keep losing the battle against AIDS and prevents them from developing a good treatment for it? An insight into the evolutionary origin of HIV provides answers to the questions about AIDS that have baffled everyone since the 1970s when the disease first broke out. Structure HIV usually infects the human host cell as an aggregate of virions or â€Å"roughly spherical particles† (Noble, n.d.). These particles, whose surfaces are studded with multiple spikes, are coated with a fatty material called the viral envelo pe, and it is this specific structure that facilitates entry of the virion into the cell (Noble, n.d.). HIV differs from other viruses in that its genes are made up of RNA, or ribonucleic acid, whereas other viruses have DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, in their genetic structure (Noble, 2010). The fact that it is RNA, and not DNA, that constitutes the main genetic material of HIV implies a relatively more complex process of replication compared to other viruses, as well as a natural tendency of HIV to engage in a rather continuous replication inside the host cell because of the â€Å"long terminal repeat† in RNA (Noble, n.d.). Another characteristic feature of HIV is its simplicity of structure, which accounts for it â€Å"rapid rate of evolutionary change† (Rambaut et al., 2004). The fact that HIV is structurally simple and that it evolves rapidly means that it can readily develop resistance against any treatment and that it immediately develops a new lineage of resist ant virions (Rambaut et al., 2004; â€Å"HIV: The Ultimate Evolver,† 2001). However, in order to fully understand how rapidly HIV evolves in the host cell, one needs to know how exactly the virus enters the cell. Process of Entry into The Cell According to CDC, HIV is transmitted through contact of mucous membrane, damaged tissue or blood with infected fluids, which can be any of the following: blood, semen, breast milk, vaginal secretions, body fluids that contain blood, as well as fluids that surround the brain, the spinal cord, bone joints and the unborn baby (â€Å"

Statistical Analysis: Causes and Death and Illness

Statistical Analysis: Causes and Death and Illness Meagan Atcheson The statistics around causes of death are imperative as well as vital in determining and monitoring the health status of populations as well as for identifying critical priorities for various health systems. Most industrialized countries have effective systems in place to determine the main causes of death. In contrast to this, developing countries are not as advanced in placing such systems which proves detrimental in trying to improve the overall health of the nation. Indeed, there are vast differences in the top causes of death within developed countries versus the developing countries. This essay will compare and contrast the top five causes of death in the United States of America and in South Africa as well as provide evidence and explanations for these differences. Moreover, it will critically discuss the risk factors, health policy, disease progression and treatment advances or lack thereof with regard to particular causes in each context. Finally, it will address certain app roaches needed to improve the health of populations. The most fundamental aspect of any health policy looks at methods to maintain as well as improve the health status of a population. Defining the health of a nation as well as how health is measured is critical to any health care system (Kronenfeld, 2002). The World Health Organization defines health not only in terms of the negative definition where health is seen as the absence of disease but also incorporates physical, mental and social well being (World Health Organization, 1948). Mortality rates are the basic form of measurement needed to asses health status. By counting the number of deaths in a year and comparing it to preceding years, the health status of various populations can be determined (Ogden, 2007). Health statistics have shown that diseases, their occurrence as well as mortality rates differ from one country to the next; more specifically developed countries as opposed to developing countries (Tool Tool, 2004). Developed or industrialised countries such as the USA are typically more economically advanced with a high level of economic growth and standard of living as well as advanced technological infrastructure. In contrast to this, developing countries like South Africa have a lower standard of living, are under industrialised and have poorer economic growth (Szirmai, 2005). Ranking causes of death is an extremely useful method for representing mortality statistics (Ogden, 2007).The U.S department of health and human services released a report at the end of 2009 on the leading causes of death in the United States by age, sex and race. The top five causes death in rank order were found to be; diseases of the heart; malignant neoplasms; chronic lower respiratory diseases; cerebrovascular disease and accidents (unintentional injury). It is imperative to note the differences in ranks for age. For example the leading causes of death for infants were accidents; congenital malformations; deformations; chromosomal abnormalities and malignant neoplasms. This differed to the age group of between 2-44 years where the leading causes were unintentional injuries, homicide as well as suicide. For individuals over 45, the primary causes of mortality respectively were heart disease and cancer. Certain variations and similarities exist between the different genders. For b oth genders, heart disease and cancer were the first and second leading causes of death. The third cause for men was unintentional injury versus stroke for women. The fourth leading cause for both sexes was chronic lower respiratory disease followed by stroke for men and Alzheimer’s for women. Little deviation was found among the different races (Heron, 2012). These results remained the same for data collected in 2011 (Hoyert Xu, 2012). The South African statistical release for 2010 showed Tuberculosis (TB) to be the leading natural cause of death. The second leading cause of death was influenza and pneumonia. The third primary cause was intestinal infectious diseases followed by other forms of heart disease (not Ischaemic) and then cerebrovascular diseases. The first two causes; tuberculosis and influenza and pneumonia were the top two causes for both male and female. The third leading cause for women was cerebrovascular disease followed by intestinal infectious disease and then other forms of heart disease. This differed to that of the male group whose third leading cause of death was intestinal infectious disease followed by other forms of heart disease and then cerebrovascular disease. The age group as well as the various provinces in South Africa were included in this statistical report to illustrate slight differences in the top causes of death. In the Free State as well as in Limpopo, the leading cause of dea th was influenza and pneumonia unlike all other states where tuberculosis remained the main cause of death. The major death cause for children below the age of fifteen years was intestinal infectious disease compared to the age group 15-64 whose main reason for death was due to TB. For those aged over 65, cerebrovascular disease caused the most deaths (Statistics South Africa, 2010). Being a developing country, South African individuals face a high risk of contracting and dying from Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a disease where bacteria enters and invades various body tissues such as the lungs, brain and kidney. It is spread from individuals who contain the untreated, active form of the Tuberculosis bacteria through droplets releases into the air via coughing, sneezing or speaking (Wouk, 2010). Although there are numerous risk factors for TB, it mostly affects poorer individuals who are living in rural areas with a lack of affordability for transport as well as treatment, people with weak immune systems, those who lack access to Directly Observed Treatment, Short course (DOTS) as well as those who are uninsured. Furthermore, the strongest risk factor for the development of TB is HIV. These two diseases continue to have a deadly association as each drives the development of the other. Drug resistant strains of the TB bacteria is a huge risk factor leading to the e normous amounts of deaths in South Africa (Davies, 2005). Moreover, the poor health care system as well as the limited number of properly trained health workers in South Africa threatens the majority of people who contract Tuberculosis (Downing, Gwyther, Mwangi-Powell, 2012). The National Department of Health in South Africa implemented the National Tuberculosis control programme which aimed to reduce mortality due to TB as well as prevention of drug resistance development by 2005. However, the health policy surrounding TB in South Africa needs to be strengthened considerably in various areas. Firstly, public health services need to improve DOTS implementation as well as more emphasis needs to be placed on access and utilisation of health services (World Health Organization, 2009). Moreover, different approaches need to be taken in regard to the HIV on TB relationship. Furthermore, higher quality strategies are needed for better TB diagnosis and treatment (South African Department of health, 2004) Although TB is curable, it is the progression from latent TB infection to multidrug- resistant TB that results in the high mortality figures in South Africa. Individuals with latent TB infection show no signs and symptoms of the disease as it is still in the harmless stage. However, if these individuals do not receive proper treatment, reflecting majority of the cases present in South Africa, it develops into TB disease. It usually starts out with damage to lung tissue but often lands up affecting many body tissues and organs. Moreover, TB is extremely resilient and adaptable. Often in developing countries, the right combination of drugs are not taken for the right amount of time due to a large number of reasons such as poverty and this then leads to multidrug-resistant TB. If left untreated multi-drug resistant TB can be fatal (Dyer, 2010). There have been major efforts to improve TB control and treatment in South Africa. Fixed dose combination tablets (FDC’S) were introduced in 2000 in the hope of prevention of resistance and easier administration. Together with the combination tablets, directly observed treatment is enforced to ensure treatment adherence and to help prevent emergence of drug resistance (South African Department of health, 2004). Despite these efforts, the TB incidence and fatality rates still continue to increase. It is therefore not a lack of treatment that hinders South Africa from reaching their target for TB control, but rather a lack of appropriate infection control measures in public health settings together with the high prevalence of HIV that results in increased numbers of drug resistant TB cases (Weyer, 2007). Heart disease in developed countries like the United States is mostly attributed to individual behaviour and lifestyle unlike TB in South Africa. This disease can be linked to risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, alcohol abuse, diabetes, lack of physical activity as well as high blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Age, heredity and gender also play a role in the development of heart disease (Brannon Feist, 2010). In contrast to developing countries, Americans face very different risk factors which can often be attributed to their fast paced and busy lifestyles. America implemented a public health action plan to prevent heart disease and stroke which addresses an urgent need for the action of prevention. This is in contrast to South Africa’s health policy that still needs to be strengthened. Public health agencies together with the general public of America are needed to help promote the national goals of preventing heart disease as support for these health programmes continue to remain low. The American health action plan aims to improve cardiovascular health through prevention, early detection as well as treatment of various risk factors. This plan also includes developing new health policies that includes innovative intervention programmes for especially high risk groups that will result in measurable impacts (U.S. department of health and human services, n.d.) Heart disease is a chronic condition that tends to get worse over time. Unlike TB, heart disease is not infectious and cannot be spread from one person to the next which is often the case in small areas such as the townships in developing countries. Heart disease is mostly a direct result of lifestyle choices. Furthermore, the progression of heart disease can become extremely unpredictable as it is different for each person. In some instances, the symptoms of the disease can remain stable over months or even years before becoming worse, while in others these symptoms may rapidly development. In America, early stages of heart disease are seen as early as age 15. Hypertension as well as other cardiovascular risk factors has all been linked to the progression of heart failure (Abraham, 2001). New treatments for heart disease have dramatically improved the life expectancy of these individuals in America. Drugs such as statins, antihypertensive agents, thrombolytic agents, anti-platelet as well as anti-coagulation therapies have all proved to be effective treatments. Moreover, novel device based therapies is an advancement in treatment that has contributed to a decline in cardiac mortality in the United States. Through being a developed country, they have access to modern genetics and genomics that will allow for more targeted use of drugs to emerge in the future which will greatly improve the effectiveness of therapy. This is in contrast to South Africa’s limited resources and modern medical advances that still allow drug resistant TB to be a major cause of death (Weisfeldt Zieman, 2007). Apart from cerebrovascular disease and some forms of heart disease, the leading causes of mortality differed significantly between the United States and South Africa. These variations can be explained by the different risk factors, health policies, disease progressions as well as treatment advances or a lack thereof between the two countries. In contrast to developed countries, developing countries have vastly different health priorities due to a diverse set of risks. The many factors such under industrialization, high unemployment rates, underdeveloped health care system as well as the low standards of living is the answer to why causes of death are so unalike. Moreover, the problems in the quality of health care need to be addressed in order to see the health of South Africans improve. In America, additional intervention programmes need to be introduced to help better the health status of the nation. Furthermore, through the comparisons of the approaches South Africa takes in regar d to Tuberculosis versus the approach to heart disease taken in America, proper explanations of the mortality cause differences can be seen. References: Abraham, W. T. (2001). Anti- adrenergic therapy in hypertensive patients with concomitant  disease. In L. Ryden (Eds.). Disease progression throughout the cardiovascular continuum. (pp. 25-26 ). Germany: Springer- Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. Brannon, L., Feist, J. (2010). Health psychology: an introduction to behaviour and health  (7th Ed.). USA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Davies, P.O. (2005). Risk factors for Tuberculosis. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis, 63(1), 37-46. Downing, J., Gwyther, L., Mwangi- Powell, F. (2012). Public health and palliative care: a  perspective from Africa. In L. Sallnow, S. Kumar, A.Kellehear (Eds.). International perspectives on public health and palliative care. (pp. 69- 84). Oxon: Routledge. Dyer, C.A. (2010). Biographies of disease: Tuberculosis. California: Greenwood Press. Heron, M. (2012). Deaths: Leading causes for 2009. National vital statistics reports, 61(7).  Hyattsville, MD: National Centre for Health Statistics. Hoyert, D.L., Xu, J.Q. (2012). Deaths: Preliminary data for 2011. National vital statistics  reports; vol 61 no 6. Hyattsville, MD: National Centre for Health Statistics. Kronenfeld, J.J. (2002). Health care policy: issues and trend.USA: Praeger Publishers. Ogden, J. (2007). Health Psychology (4th Ed.). England: Open University Press. South African Department of Health. (2004). The South African National Tuberculosis  Control Programme: Practical guidelines. Retrieved from http://www.kznhealth.gov.za/ Statistics South Africa. (2010). Mortality and causes of death in South Africa: findings from  death notification (P0309.3). Pretoria: Statistics South Africa. Retrieved from www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P03093/P030932010.pdf Szirmai, A. (2005). The dynamics of socio-economic development. UK: Cambridge  University Press. Toole, G., Toole, S. (2004). Essential AS Biology for OCR. UK: Nelson Thornes Ltd. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for disease control and  Prevention.(n.d.). A public health action plan to prevent heart disease and stroke. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/action_plan/pdfs/action_plan_full.pdf Weisfeldt, M. L., Zieman, S.J. (2007). Advances in the prevention and treatment of  cardiovascular disease. Health Affairs, 26(1), 25-37. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.26.1.25 Weyer, K. (2007). Case study: South Africa. Bulletin of the World Health Organization,  85(5), 325-420. World Health Organization. (1948) Preamble of the Constitution of the World Health Organisation as adopted by the International Health Conference. Geneva: Switzerland.   World Health Organization. (2009). WHO policy on TB infection control in health care  facilities. Geneva: WHO Wouk, H. (2010). Tuberculosis.NY: Marshall Cavendish Corporation. Is Globalisation Undermining State Sovereignty? Is Globalisation Undermining State Sovereignty? Is globalization undermining state sovereignty? Throughout the years it has been argued that globalization has a significant effect on state sovereignty. That ongoing debate between scholars and social scientists is trying to determine whether or not state can still maintain its own sovereignty. Weiss (1998) suggests that there are certain factors such as investments in international economy, multinational corporations and non-governmental organizations which undermine the state sovereignty. On the other hand, Krasner (2001) argues that in the past similar things such as free trade existed and state sovereignty was able to dominate. The essay will focus on defining globalization and sovereignty. Then it will observe how multinational corporations, inter-governmental organizations, open market economy and international crime can reduce state’s power and therefore undermine sovereignty. Sovereignty is a very broad term which Barkin and Cronin (1994, p.107-30) simply defines as the power of state to make and amend any law within its own state boundaries. Moreover, sovereignty is defined as the â€Å"absolute supremacy over internal affairs within its territory, absolute right to govern its people, and freedom from any external interference in the above matters† (Martinez, 1996; Wang, 2004, p.473). The state is the supreme political authority within its territory and therefore it does not recognize any higher political authority outside it. With this definition it would be easier to determine whether or not globalization affects certain aspects of it. Beekens (2003, p.130) illustrates globalization as the â€Å"world-wide interconnectedness between nation states supplemented by globalization as a process in which basic social arrangements (such as power, culture, markets, politics, rights, values, norms, ideology, identity, citizenship, and solidarity) become disembedded from their spatial context (mainly, the nation-state) because of the acceleration, massification, flexibilisation, diffusion, and expansion of transnational flows of people, products, finance, images, and information.† Therefore, first we are going to observe how economic factors of globalization – free market, increasing power of multinational corporations affect the state sovereignty. The end of the World War Two and the Cold War led to a more open world economy market to countries and individuals as a result of globalization. Therefore, international trade between countries increased significantly where foreign direct investments and multinational corporations participated too. Since there was an open free market some countries reached GDP as never seen before. For example, a drastic changes can be seen in countries such as France where the GDP export ration rose almost four times and in the United States where it doubled (Michie, 2011, p.30-40). Michie (2011, p.40-43) also mentions that these examples show us that international trade has grown with time leading to economic dependency between countries which undermine state sovereignty. This dependency gives the power of other countries to manipulate and control the economy of another country. For example, in order to attract more consumers for its goods and services, China buys US bonds to maintain the US dollar currency high. This undermines states sovereignty, because it undermines the â€Å"absolute power of a state over internal and foreign affairs within its own boundaries† (Wang, 2004, p.474-76). In this way US is dependent on China to buy their bonds. Multinational corporations and their foreign direct investments are another part of globalization which undermines state sovereignty. The investments only in the developed countries have risen from 17 to 25 percent between 1990 and 2000 which simply shows that the multinational corporations are a big part of the production and manufacturing of goods and services in few countries (Michie, 2011, p.45-50). Furthermore, between 1960s and 1970s there was an increase in foreign direct investments by EU and US multinational corporations which attracted other countries to get involved too. Strange (1996, p160-80) argues that globalization has increased the powers of multinational corporations making the state sovereignty weaker. Furthermore, Strange notes that the advancements in technology, wider communications, international trade and transportation are parts of the globalization process which is also seen as an impact on state sovereignty. For instance, states do not have full authority o ver individual businesses which operate in the free market economy. As a result of globalization there is an increased competition between international businesses and therefore, state sovereignty is undermined because it questions the power of the state over its internal affairs (Strange, 1996, p181-99). The biggest challenge which state sovereignty is facing even now is international crime. This is when the state cannot protect its citizens from external or internal affairs as for example terrorism. To prevent that governments form inter-governmental organizations. These organizations are not profit organizations and their target is to resolve concerns and problems that affect the world. Such organisation is the United Nations. A good present example of an international group which pose a threat to state sovereignty is Al Qaeda. As Aydinli (2006, p.35-45) says, the attacks on US and Spain in 2000 undermined their state sovereignty because they were not able to protect their citizens. On the other hand, in the same year the United States also intervened Iraq and Afghanistan ignoring the United Nations. This could also be seen as international crime because they ignored state sovereignty and just went into these Middle East countries blaming them for supporting terrorism. Despite the fact that the inter-governmental organizations are supposed to promote peace, sometimes they violate state sovereignty too. For example, in 1999 NATO intervened Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in order to prevent more â€Å"humanitarian suffering and more repression and violence against the civilian population† (Solana, 1999). This can be seen as an example of countries, members of NATO, trying to stop this humanitarian catastrophe. Although NATO’s actions were legal and justified, the government of Yugoslavia undermined sovereignty by putting its own citizens in danger. This contradicts to one of the aspects of state sovereignty in which the state should protect its own population. Another example is Mali. France, which is a key ally in NATO and UN, started a military campaign in Mali again the jihadists which led to an â€Å"intensive airstrikes† in order to block them (Hammond, 2013). In this case NATO affects the state sovereignty because they intervene to protect the people, whereas the state has to govern and protect its own citizens. This intervention might lead to further violations of human rights or even ethnic conflicts, even though the purpose of this intervention was to stabilize the country. Therefore, as Albala (2005) says, the actions of these inter-governmental organizations undermine the aspects of state sovereignty as they move into other state`s territory and also participate in the internal and external affairs of the state. Also the international community is currently condemning Russia for undermining the sovereignty of Ukraine. It is unclear if internal sovereignty will be possible. Furthermore, Russia will support protests against the new government even if they have to use military power. Russia has also withdrawn their loans from Ukraine making them dependent on Western financial support. At the same time, the territorial integrity of the country is partly at stake as long as pro-Russian parts of Ukraine might feel threatened by the clear pro-Western course of the new intermediate government.This can also be seen as another example of undermining state sovereignty. Globalization is not just a threat to state sovereignty, it is more like a threat to culture and national identity. For example, at no point in the history of the EU or ECC as it was called erasing borders and merging states have been seriously considered. Despite the fact that the European Union is an inter-governmental organization seeking for peace and development, it opens the borders between the member countries. Free market economy, free trade and immigration have shaped the EU more as one state than an organization. That occurs because the open boundaries lead to merging the cultures and national identity is fading away. All this can raise questions to Member states whether or not their national identities and state sovereignty are undermined. Moreover, it does undermine the state sovereignty but in a different way – throughout international law. International law has been affected by globalization in terms that it makes the international law into a global public law (Garcia, 2005, p.1-2). What it means is that globalization is actually trying to expand the â€Å"domain of justice† (Garcia, 2005) from domestic to global. An example is the European Union. When a country in the EU wants to make a law, firstly they have to follow the agreements on European Law and regulations. Garcia (2005, p3) says that â€Å"International harms to individuals are understood within a framework of harm to a state’s rights†. Simply, the state cannot claim laws as it wishes and it also has no sovereign power on internal and external affairs Furthermore, other form of international organizations are the international non-governmental organizations. They start as small community groups where some of them work also with the government, aiming to help where the government is struggling (Baylis, Smith Owens; 2011). However, these organizations have spread their work on a global scale and their influence has risen. Inter-governmental and international non-governmental organizations have one target which is global governance – where transnational actors aim to solve problems that affect more than one state. Such organizations are the Red Cross, Care International, Oxfarm International. When one of these international NGO goes into a country with a stated purpose as for example to give medical help or fight against violence as Amnesty International does in Somalia, they agree not to get politically involved in anyway. If their work is, for example, then stopped by the government who accuses them of showing a bias in whi ch they treat and expel them from the country then the NGO can complain to the UN and ask for support to continue their work. Recently, Amnesty International has requested the UN Security Council to â€Å"tighten arms control embargo on Somalia† (Amnesty International publication; 2014). Last year the UN Security Council allowed Somalia to import small arms and light weapons (Amnesty International publication; 2014)). The intergovernmental organization weakens the state sovereignty in that case because despite the fact that they have stabilized the country on first place, their actions have made the government weaker to defend its sovereignty. To summarize, we first looked at what state sovereignty and globalization mean followed by criticism about the influence of globalization over states. We saw how foreign investments by the multinational corporations and the increasing dependency between economics markets as such as the case with United States and China. State sovereignty was undermined because governments became more unstable and lost control over international businesses becoming dependent on them for proving jobs and taxes. This also undermines one of the main principles of state sovereignty which was the absolute power of the state over its internal affairs, citizens and freedom (Martinez, 1996; Wang, 2004, p.473). Globalization has also brought international crime and international organizations which undermine state sovereignty in different aspects. Terrorism as we mentioned weakens the state making it unable to protect its own citizens. Globalization has been also seen to undermine national identity and state v alues as with European Union where the European Supreme Court acts as highest law within the European Union. Since some governments cannot guarantee protection there are inter-governmental and international non-governmental organization such as NATO, Amnesty International, United Nations which intervene to help those countries such as Yugoslavia, Mali and more recently Ukraine and Somalia. Although they have been also seen to undermine state sovereignty because sometimes as with Somalia, the international organizations have even worsen the situation. With all these factors of globalization – free market economy, multinational corporations, foreign direct investments, international crime and international law it can be concluded that state’s sovereignty and control over its territory has declined throughout the years due globalization. Bibliography: Amnesty International, (2014) â€Å"UN Security Council urged to tighten arms embargo on Somalia† Press release: 04/03/2014; Available on: http://amnesty.org/en/news/un-security-council-urged-tighten-arms-embargo-somalia-2014-03-04 Last accessed: 05/03/2014 Albala, N. (2005) â€Å"‘We the peoples’, not the states†, Available on http://mondediplo.com/2005/09/06people Last Access on 04/03/2014 Aydinli, E (2013): Assessing violent nonstate actorness in global politics: a framework for analysis, Cambridge Review of International Affairs, DOI:10.1080/09557571.2013.819316 Available on: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09557571.2013.819316#.Uxez-Pl_uSo Last Accessed on 04/03/2014 Barkin, J. and Cronin, B. (1994). The state and the nation: changing norms and the rules of sovereignty in international relations. International Organization, 48, pp 107-130. doi:10.1017/S0020818300000837. Available on: http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=onlineaid=1583540fulltextType=RAfileId=S0020818300000837 Last accessed: 04/03/2014 Baylis J., Smith S. and Owens P. (2011) â€Å"The globalization of world poltics†; Oxford University press Dr. Javier Solana, (1999); Press Statement on Yugoslavia case Available on: http://www.nato.int/docu/pr/1999/p99-040e.htm Last accessed: 05/03/2014 Garcia, F. (2005) â€Å"Globalization and the Theory of International Law† International Legal Theory 11, (2005): 9-26. Available online on: http://lawdigitalcommons.bc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1093context=lsfp Last accessed: 05/03/2014 Hammond, J. (2013) â€Å"Mali: Disregarded Lessons in ‘Humanitarian’ Intervention† Available on: http://www.jeremyrhammond.com/2013/01/23/mali-disregarded-lessons-in-humanitarian-intervention/ Last Accessed: 05/03/2014 Krasner S. SOVEREIGNTY.Foreign Policy[serial online]. January 2001;(122):20. Available from: Business Source Complete, Ipswich, MA http://web.a.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=2[emailprotected]hid=4214bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ==#db=bthAN=3934097. Accessed March 5, 2014. Michie, J. (2011), The Handbook of Globalisation, e-book, accessed 05 March 2014, http://rhul.eblib.com/patron/FullRecord.aspx?p=685074>. Strange, S. (1996). The Retreat of the State. 1st ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Who is really in charge of the world economy? Not only governments, argues Susan Strange in The Retreat of the State. Big businesses, drug barons, insurers, accountants and international bureaucrats all encroach on the so-called sovereignty of the state. Professor Strange examines the implications of this rivalry and points to some new directions for research in international relations, international business and economics. Cambridge Books Online. Web. 05 March 2014.http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511559143 Wang, G. (2004)† The Impact of Globalization on State Sovereignty†; JF Chinese Journal of International Law; Available on: http://chinesejil.oxfordjournals.org/content/3/2/473.short Last Accessed: 04/03/2014 Weiss, L. (1998) â€Å"Themythofthepowerlessstate: governingtheeconomy in a global era†; Oxford Polity Press

What Is A Human Being :: essays research papers

Webster's dictionary defines human as 'human 1. Of or characteristic of man || being a person || of people as limited creatures, human failings || resembling man 2. A person'; Of course there is more to being human than that. A concise yet broad definition of human would be any man, woman, child, etc. on this earth. To be human means that you can read this paper. It means that you don't have to worry you are resting comfortable at the top of the food chain.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are many ways that humans are different from other animals and I have picked what I believe to be the greatest differences of all. A main difference is self-awareness, or the knowledge that we exist by living and dying. Since we know that we will die sooner or later we take care of those who may not be able to take care of themselves to prolong the life if the ones that we love. Another thing that self-awareness dose for us is that it makes us search for meaning in life and get the most out of it before we leave this physical plane.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  That lead's us to religion, one of the other things that separate us from animals. All most all humans have a religion that believes in an after life. Some believe in rebirth where you never die but keep living in different states on the earth. In all most all religions there is a superior being or superior beings, that concept is similar to the way our government works.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are primitive animal concepts that show traces of government, such as the almighty wolf that appoints an alpha pair similar to a king and queen to make the best decisions for the survival of the pack. Humans appoint government to prevent chaos from killing us off. Even though our government is far far far from perfect there is still a sense of security that you have someone semi-responsible leading parts of humanity to a better future.