Watershed Case Study Essay
CASE STUDY
TEAM B
SCI/362
2 February 2015
JULIET KNOWLES
Case Study
Feasible alternative fuel development is essential to sustainable resource management and the alternatives to fossil fuels as presented in Watershed offers promise and hope critical to the survival of our ecosystem. Brief History
Before the Industrial Revolution, the human species relied on the sun for heat along with biomass (typically firewood) straw and dried animal dung. Horses provided muscle power to do things outside of human strength, like pull plows to till the land. …show more content…
Steam engines are traced back to ancient Alexandria time (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.). Improvement continued throughout the years. In the mid-1700s, Thomas Newcomen and James Watts created what is now the modern coal- powered steam engine. A single steam engine worked as efficient as twelve horses. Shortly after locomotives and factories began using steam engines. Coal was also used to smelt metals and heat buildings. In 1881, the world’s first hydroelectric plant became operative to assist in grinding corn (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.).
Toward the turn of the century, the pesky well water contaminant, petroleum, was converted into oil, which was processed again into gasoline. Soon followed the internal combustion engine and oil powered ships. Gasoline also powered the automobile. As gas consumption grew without any regard to where the U. S. got its oil from, turmoil was growing in the Arab nation. Because of this fighting gas prices increased almost 150 % over a few week period. During World War II and the creation of the atomic bomb, nuclear fission became a viable source of energy. However, there were some problems with a few of the facilities, lowering the demand for this type of energy (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.).
Long-term Effects of Non-renewable Resources
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that the surface temperature will increase by 2-4 degrees Fahrenheit over the next fifty years to one hundred years (Kaster, 1998).
It is predicted that the concentration of CO2 will triple to what the pre-industrial average of 280 ppm. Currently, according to the CO2 detector on Mauna Loa Observatory is registering 398.78 ppm. Kaster (1998) states that,” Of the 7.1 gigatons of carbon released each year about 3.3 Gt C accumulates in the atmosphere.” An increase of air pollutants is a result of continued use of fossil fuels. Air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and hydrocarbons are produced as fossil fuels are used (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.). Carbon monoxide causes headaches and aggravates people with heart disease. Nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxides create smog, a yellowish-brown “cloud” layer that settles on the ground. And these substances irritate lungs causing issues like bronchitis and pneumonia. Sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides are the primary components of acid rain and snow that affect plants and buildings. Hydrocarbons are another pollutant made from burning fossil fuels. Smog is also tropospheric ozone, which affects lungs, and crop yields. In addition, fossil fuels produce small particles that irritate the lungs. Pollution also impacts water and land. Oil spills leave shorelines uninhabitable for animals. Coal mining adds water pollutants by adding sulfur …show more content…
compounds to the water (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.).
Global Impact
Global warming is the result of Earth’s average temperature increasing because of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and methane. It takes many years for greenhouse gases to neutralize. According to an IPCC report in 2007, sea levels will rise 7-23 inches by the end of the 21st Century (Global Warming Facts, 2015). The Artic is the hardest hit area by global warming. Burning of fossil fuels is responsible for deaths due to asthma and other respiratory diseases. Heat-trapping gases are increasing in the atmosphere that will result in a greater greenhouse effect. Ultimately, global warming may lead to food and water shortages, which has already started impacting wildlife (Global Warming Facts, 2015).
Historical Overview
Before the Industrial Revolution, the human species relied on the sun for heat along with biomass (typically firewood) straw and dried animal dung. Horses provided muscle power to do things outside of human strength, like pull plows to till the land. Steam engines are traced back to ancient Alexandria time (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.). Improvement continued throughout the years. In the mid-1700s Thomas Newcomen and James Watts created what is now the modern steam engine. Coal from Appalachia and England powered the steam engines. A single steam engine worked as efficient as twelve horses. Shortly after locomotives and factories began using steam engines. Coal was also used to smelt metals and heat buildings. In 1881, the world’s first hydroelectric plant became operative to assist in grinding corn (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.). Toward the turn of the century, the pesky well water contaminant, petroleum, was converted into oil, which was processed again into gasoline. Soon followed the internal combustion engine and oil powered ships. Gasoline also powered the automobile. As gas consumption grew without any regard to where the U. S. was getting its oil from, turmoil was growing in the Arab nation. Because of this fighting gas prices increased almost 150 % over a few week period. During World War II and the creation of the atomic bomb, nuclear fission became a viable source for energy. However, there were some problems with a few of the facilities, lowering the demand for this type of energy.
Long-term effects of Unregulated Fossil Fuel Emissions
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that the surface temperature will increase by 2-4 degrees Fahrenheit over the next fifty years to one hundred years.
Also, that the effects of what we have burned so far are not clearly obvious in global temperature records (Kaster, 1998). It is predicted that the concentration of CO2 will triple to what the pre-industrial average of 280 ppm. Currently, according to the CO2 detector on Mauna Loa Observatory is registering 398.78 ppm. Kaster (1998) states that,” Of the 7.1 gigatons of carbon released each year about 3.3 Gt C accumulates in the atmosphere.” If the world uses all of its reserves of coal, oil and natural gas then it is reasonable to think that the CO2 concentrates will be about 1100 to 1200 ppm roughly 400 to 800 years from now (Kaster, 1998). An increase of air pollutants is a result of continued use of fossil fuels. Air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and hydrocarbons are produced as fossil fuels are used (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.). Carbon monoxide causes headaches and aggravates people with heart disease. Nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxides creates smog, a yellowish-brown “cloud” layer that settles on the ground. And these substances irritate lungs causing issues like bronchitis and pneumonia. Sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides are the primary components in acid rain and snow that affect plants and buildings. Hydrocarbons are another pollutant made from
burning fossil fuels. Smog is also tropospheric ozone which effects lungs and crop yields. In addition, fossil fuels produce small particles that irritate the lungs. Pollution also impacts water and land. Oil spills leave shorelines uninhabitable for animals. Coal mining also adds to water pollutants by adding sulfur compounds to the water. There is also thermal pollution, which if unregulated cost a home or building owner more to heat because of heat loss (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.).
Global Warming
Global warming is the result of Earth’s average temperature increasing because of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. It takes many years for greenhouse gases to neutralize. According to an IPCC report in 2007 sea levels will rise 7-23 inches by the end of the 21st Century (Global Warming Facts, 2015). The Artic is the hardest hit area by global warming. Global warming will alter the oceans tectonic plate activity that is speculated to cause a mini Ice Age in Europe. Burning of fossil fuels is responsible for deaths due to asthma and other respiratory diseases. Heat trapping gases are increasing in the atmosphere that will result in a greater greenhouse effect. Ultimately, global warming may lead to food and water shortages and has already started impacting wildlife (Global Warming Facts, 2015).
Stakeholders
Stakeholders in alternative energy solutions share many responsibilities. Some of their responsibilities differ, depending on the exact impact their work will be causing, or the type of work they will be completing. They need to identify the issues, come up with solutions for those issues that will not compromise the mission yet not compromise the quality of our air, water and land. They must find that balance, and must maintain vigilance – constantly testing and monitoring to ensure they are complying with regulations, permitting, etc. It is very important to also communicate to the public regularly. There is often a high level of concern and fear, especially with the unknown and this will help build a bridge between the stakeholders and those potentially affected by the work. Once the issues are identified and strategies put into place, detailed reports would be prepared detailing the scope of work, regulations and restrictions, etc. (Kaufman, Hand, & Halverson, 2011). The biggest task at hand is for the stakeholders to resolve the issues they identified. One daunting side to resolving some of the issues the stakeholders face is government intervention in the form of regulations the stakeholders must comply with or face fines. Permits are often also required before beginning the work to evaluate the impacts, and the stakeholders must operate within the boundaries of the permits or again be subject to fines. These measures are put into place for the protection of the environment and local communities. Going the extra mile to take care of the issues at hand can generate good publicity and support from the general public, which can make the job much easier in many ways. There are also companies who have a genuine desire to do right and not only follow the letter of the law, but make strides to find innovative ways of even further reducing the impact. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes on their website (Engaging Stakeholders, n.d.) reasons and ways to engage a variety of stakeholders when making decisions involving a project with potentially high environmental impacts. These committees should include representatives from a wide variety of disciplines to offer a broad spectrum of perspectives and ideas. They should be used to help identify resources, tools and programs that may already be in existence to cover similar issues. Key players on these committees often include the State Governor and staff, state legislators, state agencies and universities. They should also include subject matter experts to offer guidance specific to the issue at hand.
Conclusion
The information is extremely relevant: Watershed 4 is recognized as a current and valued reference of sustainable resource management. The evidence and information of Watershed 4 is both reliable and credible. In conclusion the reference represents an outstanding and current learning tool for environmental studies and sustainable resource management. The authors are Energy Analyst and Energy Modelers that are scientists concerned about the health of our planet. This article is written to the general public with basic knowledge of energy sources. It starts with how humans first started trying to harness energy by creating fire to heat, cook and provide light through oil crises. There are specific stories about prominent historical people that advanced the ways to use energy paraphrased from cited sources listed at the end of the article.
References
Conserve Energy Future. (2015). Global Warming Facts. Retrieved from http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/various-global-warming-facts.php
Kaster, James. (1998) The Carbon Cycle, Climate, And The Long-Term Effects of Fossil Fuel Burning. Consequences: The Nature and Implications of Environmental Change. Retrieved from http://www.gcrio.org/CONSEQUENCES/vol4no1/carbcycle.html
Rodrique, Jean-Paul, Dr. (2015). The Geography of Transport Systems. Department of Global Studies & Geography. Retrieved from http://people.hofstra.edu/geotrans/eng/ch8en/conc8en/evolenergy.html
Union of Concerned Scientist. (n. d.) The Hidden Cost of Fossil Fuel. Retrieved from http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/coal-and-other-fossil-fuels/the-hidden-cost-of-fossil.html#.VMaITGTF-PU
Union of Concerned Scientist. (n. d.) A Short History of Energy. Retrieved from http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/a-short-history-of-energy.html#.VL13EWTF-PX • Engaging stakeholders. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://epa.gov/statelocalclimate/state/activities/engaging-stakeholders.html
• Retrieved from http://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/PNNL-20442.pdf
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/a-short-history-of-energy.html#.VL13EWTF-PX
TEAM B
SCI/362
2 February 2015
JULIET KNOWLES
Case Study
Feasible alternative fuel development is essential to sustainable resource management and the alternatives to fossil fuels as presented in Watershed offers promise and hope critical to the survival of our ecosystem. Brief History
Before the Industrial Revolution, the human species relied on the sun for heat along with biomass (typically firewood) straw and dried animal dung. Horses provided muscle power to do things outside of human strength, like pull plows to till the land. …show more content…
Steam engines are traced back to ancient Alexandria time (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.). Improvement continued throughout the years. In the mid-1700s, Thomas Newcomen and James Watts created what is now the modern coal- powered steam engine. A single steam engine worked as efficient as twelve horses. Shortly after locomotives and factories began using steam engines. Coal was also used to smelt metals and heat buildings. In 1881, the world’s first hydroelectric plant became operative to assist in grinding corn (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.).
Toward the turn of the century, the pesky well water contaminant, petroleum, was converted into oil, which was processed again into gasoline. Soon followed the internal combustion engine and oil powered ships. Gasoline also powered the automobile. As gas consumption grew without any regard to where the U. S. got its oil from, turmoil was growing in the Arab nation. Because of this fighting gas prices increased almost 150 % over a few week period. During World War II and the creation of the atomic bomb, nuclear fission became a viable source of energy. However, there were some problems with a few of the facilities, lowering the demand for this type of energy (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.).
Long-term Effects of Non-renewable Resources
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that the surface temperature will increase by 2-4 degrees Fahrenheit over the next fifty years to one hundred years (Kaster, 1998).
It is predicted that the concentration of CO2 will triple to what the pre-industrial average of 280 ppm. Currently, according to the CO2 detector on Mauna Loa Observatory is registering 398.78 ppm. Kaster (1998) states that,” Of the 7.1 gigatons of carbon released each year about 3.3 Gt C accumulates in the atmosphere.” An increase of air pollutants is a result of continued use of fossil fuels. Air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and hydrocarbons are produced as fossil fuels are used (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.). Carbon monoxide causes headaches and aggravates people with heart disease. Nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxides create smog, a yellowish-brown “cloud” layer that settles on the ground. And these substances irritate lungs causing issues like bronchitis and pneumonia. Sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides are the primary components of acid rain and snow that affect plants and buildings. Hydrocarbons are another pollutant made from burning fossil fuels. Smog is also tropospheric ozone, which affects lungs, and crop yields. In addition, fossil fuels produce small particles that irritate the lungs. Pollution also impacts water and land. Oil spills leave shorelines uninhabitable for animals. Coal mining adds water pollutants by adding sulfur …show more content…
compounds to the water (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.).
Global Impact
Global warming is the result of Earth’s average temperature increasing because of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and methane. It takes many years for greenhouse gases to neutralize. According to an IPCC report in 2007, sea levels will rise 7-23 inches by the end of the 21st Century (Global Warming Facts, 2015). The Artic is the hardest hit area by global warming. Burning of fossil fuels is responsible for deaths due to asthma and other respiratory diseases. Heat-trapping gases are increasing in the atmosphere that will result in a greater greenhouse effect. Ultimately, global warming may lead to food and water shortages, which has already started impacting wildlife (Global Warming Facts, 2015).
Historical Overview
Before the Industrial Revolution, the human species relied on the sun for heat along with biomass (typically firewood) straw and dried animal dung. Horses provided muscle power to do things outside of human strength, like pull plows to till the land. Steam engines are traced back to ancient Alexandria time (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.). Improvement continued throughout the years. In the mid-1700s Thomas Newcomen and James Watts created what is now the modern steam engine. Coal from Appalachia and England powered the steam engines. A single steam engine worked as efficient as twelve horses. Shortly after locomotives and factories began using steam engines. Coal was also used to smelt metals and heat buildings. In 1881, the world’s first hydroelectric plant became operative to assist in grinding corn (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.). Toward the turn of the century, the pesky well water contaminant, petroleum, was converted into oil, which was processed again into gasoline. Soon followed the internal combustion engine and oil powered ships. Gasoline also powered the automobile. As gas consumption grew without any regard to where the U. S. was getting its oil from, turmoil was growing in the Arab nation. Because of this fighting gas prices increased almost 150 % over a few week period. During World War II and the creation of the atomic bomb, nuclear fission became a viable source for energy. However, there were some problems with a few of the facilities, lowering the demand for this type of energy.
Long-term effects of Unregulated Fossil Fuel Emissions
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that the surface temperature will increase by 2-4 degrees Fahrenheit over the next fifty years to one hundred years.
Also, that the effects of what we have burned so far are not clearly obvious in global temperature records (Kaster, 1998). It is predicted that the concentration of CO2 will triple to what the pre-industrial average of 280 ppm. Currently, according to the CO2 detector on Mauna Loa Observatory is registering 398.78 ppm. Kaster (1998) states that,” Of the 7.1 gigatons of carbon released each year about 3.3 Gt C accumulates in the atmosphere.” If the world uses all of its reserves of coal, oil and natural gas then it is reasonable to think that the CO2 concentrates will be about 1100 to 1200 ppm roughly 400 to 800 years from now (Kaster, 1998). An increase of air pollutants is a result of continued use of fossil fuels. Air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and hydrocarbons are produced as fossil fuels are used (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.). Carbon monoxide causes headaches and aggravates people with heart disease. Nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxides creates smog, a yellowish-brown “cloud” layer that settles on the ground. And these substances irritate lungs causing issues like bronchitis and pneumonia. Sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides are the primary components in acid rain and snow that affect plants and buildings. Hydrocarbons are another pollutant made from
burning fossil fuels. Smog is also tropospheric ozone which effects lungs and crop yields. In addition, fossil fuels produce small particles that irritate the lungs. Pollution also impacts water and land. Oil spills leave shorelines uninhabitable for animals. Coal mining also adds to water pollutants by adding sulfur compounds to the water. There is also thermal pollution, which if unregulated cost a home or building owner more to heat because of heat loss (Union of Concerned Scientist, n. d.).
Global Warming
Global warming is the result of Earth’s average temperature increasing because of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. It takes many years for greenhouse gases to neutralize. According to an IPCC report in 2007 sea levels will rise 7-23 inches by the end of the 21st Century (Global Warming Facts, 2015). The Artic is the hardest hit area by global warming. Global warming will alter the oceans tectonic plate activity that is speculated to cause a mini Ice Age in Europe. Burning of fossil fuels is responsible for deaths due to asthma and other respiratory diseases. Heat trapping gases are increasing in the atmosphere that will result in a greater greenhouse effect. Ultimately, global warming may lead to food and water shortages and has already started impacting wildlife (Global Warming Facts, 2015).
Stakeholders
Stakeholders in alternative energy solutions share many responsibilities. Some of their responsibilities differ, depending on the exact impact their work will be causing, or the type of work they will be completing. They need to identify the issues, come up with solutions for those issues that will not compromise the mission yet not compromise the quality of our air, water and land. They must find that balance, and must maintain vigilance – constantly testing and monitoring to ensure they are complying with regulations, permitting, etc. It is very important to also communicate to the public regularly. There is often a high level of concern and fear, especially with the unknown and this will help build a bridge between the stakeholders and those potentially affected by the work. Once the issues are identified and strategies put into place, detailed reports would be prepared detailing the scope of work, regulations and restrictions, etc. (Kaufman, Hand, & Halverson, 2011). The biggest task at hand is for the stakeholders to resolve the issues they identified. One daunting side to resolving some of the issues the stakeholders face is government intervention in the form of regulations the stakeholders must comply with or face fines. Permits are often also required before beginning the work to evaluate the impacts, and the stakeholders must operate within the boundaries of the permits or again be subject to fines. These measures are put into place for the protection of the environment and local communities. Going the extra mile to take care of the issues at hand can generate good publicity and support from the general public, which can make the job much easier in many ways. There are also companies who have a genuine desire to do right and not only follow the letter of the law, but make strides to find innovative ways of even further reducing the impact. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes on their website (Engaging Stakeholders, n.d.) reasons and ways to engage a variety of stakeholders when making decisions involving a project with potentially high environmental impacts. These committees should include representatives from a wide variety of disciplines to offer a broad spectrum of perspectives and ideas. They should be used to help identify resources, tools and programs that may already be in existence to cover similar issues. Key players on these committees often include the State Governor and staff, state legislators, state agencies and universities. They should also include subject matter experts to offer guidance specific to the issue at hand.
Conclusion
The information is extremely relevant: Watershed 4 is recognized as a current and valued reference of sustainable resource management. The evidence and information of Watershed 4 is both reliable and credible. In conclusion the reference represents an outstanding and current learning tool for environmental studies and sustainable resource management. The authors are Energy Analyst and Energy Modelers that are scientists concerned about the health of our planet. This article is written to the general public with basic knowledge of energy sources. It starts with how humans first started trying to harness energy by creating fire to heat, cook and provide light through oil crises. There are specific stories about prominent historical people that advanced the ways to use energy paraphrased from cited sources listed at the end of the article.
References
Conserve Energy Future. (2015). Global Warming Facts. Retrieved from http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/various-global-warming-facts.php
Kaster, James. (1998) The Carbon Cycle, Climate, And The Long-Term Effects of Fossil Fuel Burning. Consequences: The Nature and Implications of Environmental Change. Retrieved from http://www.gcrio.org/CONSEQUENCES/vol4no1/carbcycle.html
Rodrique, Jean-Paul, Dr. (2015). The Geography of Transport Systems. Department of Global Studies & Geography. Retrieved from http://people.hofstra.edu/geotrans/eng/ch8en/conc8en/evolenergy.html
Union of Concerned Scientist. (n. d.) The Hidden Cost of Fossil Fuel. Retrieved from http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/coal-and-other-fossil-fuels/the-hidden-cost-of-fossil.html#.VMaITGTF-PU
Union of Concerned Scientist. (n. d.) A Short History of Energy. Retrieved from http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/a-short-history-of-energy.html#.VL13EWTF-PX • Engaging stakeholders. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://epa.gov/statelocalclimate/state/activities/engaging-stakeholders.html
• Retrieved from http://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/PNNL-20442.pdf
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/a-short-history-of-energy.html#.VL13EWTF-PX