Assignment #5 and Final Paper Topic

1. The text states the rain forests of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia are treasure chests of incomparable biological diversity and provide approximately 80% of the world’s species of plants and animals. These rain forests are counted on for several things such as stabilizing soils, reducing the impact and incidence of floods, regulating local climates, watersheds, and river systems. These areas are also counted on for the conversion of oxygen by removing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, trees, and other plants. In addition, more than one-quarter of the prescription drugs used in the United States originate for tropical plants.

Developing countries are receiving push back from developed countries who state additional consumption of resources such as tropical deforestation will increase the burden on these areas that are already strapped and over utilized. However, the developing countries want that same consideration for development and held to the same standard Europe had as they destroyed its forests during the industrial revolution and the United States did during the nineteenth century. In my opinion developing countries should be allowed to exploit forests to increase their economic well being but within reason. Although times are different today, I believe it would be a double standard not to allow development countries the same opportunity as other countries. Obviously, tropical deforestation requires some form of government regulation to ensure these areas are not overly exploited leaving future generations without these much needed resources.

2. Industrialized nations should expect developing nations to pay close attention to the climate change debate since the effects of climate change would affect the developing first. The text states harmful effects of a warming climate will impact “low-lying” and other small island countries and that climate changes will present a threat to millions of poor, small scale farmers in Africa and other tropical countries.

A. Yes, there should be an effort to strive for equity between industrialized and developing countries in the climate change debate. It is well know that developing countries have fewer resources than industrialized countries which makes it difficult to adapt to changing climates. Due to the wealth some countries stand a better chance at managing climate change than others. The international community recognizes the importance of equity and is attempting to assist by putting measures in place to help assist the less wealthy smaller developing countries. The Annex II of the UNFCCC currently lists twenty-three countries that are committed to providing resources to developing countries to help address issues related to climate changes.

B. If a developing country values economic development more than slowing down the global warming I believe they should be required to participate in reducing emissions. It is understandable why developing countries would have a higher concentration on economic development to be prosperous but in order for the international community to be successful all countries need to do their part. In my opinion these developing countries can still concentrate on economic development and reduce emissions by using less carbon intensive energy sources including wind, solar, and hydro power as well as concentrate on additional energy efficient initiatives such as vehicles, buildings, and appliances. Although these initiatives may be costly to implement, a reduction in emissions will be beneficial in the future for all parties.

C. Developing nations should have high expectations from industrialized countries to provide financial support to help achieve goals and address climate change issues. I believe it is the moral responsibility of the industrialized countries to be proactive in providing support not only on a financial level but in any means possible to help the developing countries be prosperous and successful. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect the environment and since the industrialized countries are in a position to support, they need to find a way to assist these countries as they develop especially since the concept of producing less for the good of all would tend to hamper development efforts for these smaller, poorer countries.

Final Paper Topic

H.R.2868 : To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enhance security and protect against acts of terrorism against chemical facilities, to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to enhance the security of public water systems, and to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to enhance the security of wastewater treatment works, and for other purposes.

This bill includes several provisions to increase federal control over the security of chemical facilities, water supplies, and wastewater treatment processes. In addition, the bill authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate certain chemical substances as “substances of concern” based on potential effects resulting from a terrorist incident. It also directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to identify the terrorism risk of specified chemical facilities and water systems, to establish vulnerability assessment standards, and to require facilities to submit assessments and site security plans. The bill designates these vulnerability assessments, site security plans, and related documentation as protected information.

The legislation requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency EPA) to develop regulations and permits the Administrator to issue orders to prohibit the unauthorized disclosure of protected information. The bill also establishes criminal penalties of up to one year imprisonment and/or criminal fines for the unlawful disclosure of protected information.