Enviro Girls!

Thinking into the Future

2009-11-24T22:08:00.000-08:00

The article “Canadian rivers in trouble, study warns” (De Souza, 2009) discusses the state of 10 Canadian rivers. The study says that if something isn’t done soon, rivers in Canada will be perilously close to disappearing. The main idea in this news article is that economic and infrastructure developments are the biggest factors in the disappearance of rivers. This blog will explore why the issue of losing rivers should be addressed now, and why it shouldn’t be left for our children to sort out.
An idea brought out in the book Environmental Principles and Policies: an interdisciplinary introduction, is that of ‘The Equity Principle’ (Beder, 2006). A division of that is Intergenerational Equity. This is
“the need for a just distribution of rewards and burdens between generations,
and fair and impartial treatment of future generations” (Beder, 2006).
In other words, we are responsible for leaving a healthy and habitable environment for the generations to come. Since the people of the future can’t stand up for themselves right now, a few guidelines have been put down.
The first of these guidelines is Justice. In this case, it is only fair that we give the future what we were given. While growing up and living in Canada, we were allowed to use these rivers. Even if the uses weren’t always the most economically or environmentally friends, they were there. As a result it would go against most humans’ morals to deny these amazing resources to the coming generations.
The second guideline is Responsibility. As organisms who have a concept of the relationship between actions and consequences, we must take responsibility for our actions. This is where the Precautionary Principle steps in. If we don’t know what the result of something is going to be, (especially if there’s a chance that it might be a negative effect,) then we shouldn’t do it. We’ve already passed the early stages of that type of consideration. But we can now say that continued action in the same direction will definitely have a negative effect on the surrounding ecosystems (and as a result negatively effect life on Earth). Although these negative effects probably won’t be seen fully in our lifetime, they should be appreciated in our lifetime. We should take responsibility for our actions, because we have “the capacity to bring about these consequences” and “have the choice to do otherwise” (Beder, 2006).
The third guideline (and final one being addressed in this blog) is Avoiding Harm. We may not have the duty to make the life of future generations better than the lives we currently lead, but we must at least see that destroying their chances at survival is wrong. In all likelihood, they will need the same things to survive that we need now: nutritional food, clean water, habitable environment, shelter, etc… If we were to allow these rivers to run dry during our lifetime, then the bodies of water that the feed (and are fed by) would be greatly and almost certainly irreversibly altered. Without drinking water, future generations won’t be able to survive. Thus, protecting today’s rivers and other water supplies is a small act that can play a major role in ensuring future life on Earth.
In conclusion, today’s generation has a duty to maintain the current water levels in Canadian rivers, and other water sources around the globe. Avoiding harm to future generations is the just and responsible thing to do.

References

Beder, Sharon. Environmental Principles and Policies An Interdisciplinary Introduction. Minneapolis: Earthscan Publications Ltd., 2006. Print.

De Souza, Mike. "Canadian rivers in trouble, study warns." Vancouver Sun - Canadian breaking news, sports, business, entertainment, B.C. 15 Oct. 2009. Web. 24 Nov. 2009. .

An Incentive for Fisheries: Used for Resource Protection or for Economical Purposes?

2009-11-24T21:40:00.000-08:00

The decline in fish species has been an unaddressed problem until recently. Even today, it is a major problem and although it is claimed that it has been confronted, the decline seems to be becoming more and more problematic. One incentive that has been suggested in certain cases (e.g. the orange roughy fishery case (Beder, 2009)) to stop this loss is the use of tradable fishing quotas, also called individual trading quotas (ITQ). At first glance, ITQs seem logical and effective. The total allowable catch (TAC) for a fishery is separated, individual quotas are given out, and people can trade these quotas if they desire to fish more. This should allow for the right amount to be fished, which would cause enough fish to remain for reproduction. However, due to problems caused by big quota holders and by a lack of rule enforcement, these quotas do not seem to be stopping people from overfishing.

In a blog post written by Benjamin Leard, the use of ITQs is seen as a good alternative to fishing regulations. Leard mentions the fact that with ITQs, there would be no more “pressure to harvest” (Leard, 2009), as there would be enough fish for all who own an ITQ. He also explains that a “strict monitoring system” (Leard, 2009) would be essential, and that satellites are helpful for this, using the European Union’s use of them as an example. Finally, he states that the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) has already taken steps towards the use of ITQs. If ITQs were to work as planned, these points would be true and the solution to collapsed fisheries would be solved. Nevertheless, the goal of ITQs is "to make the fleet more economically efficient” (Beder, 2009). The focus is therefore not on reducing the amount of species fished, but rather on making the fishing more successful economically. The trading of ITQs is encouraged so that fewer boats are used for fishing, reducing the amount of personal boats and increasing the amount of large powerful boats.

Large nets are used, able to “‘catch anything from a shrimp to a whale’ as well as ‘swordfish, sharks, birds and marine mammals’” (Hagler 1995:77, as cited by Beder, 2006). The nets often catch large quantities of immature fish, which are thrown back into the water and usually die from this. Nets used by large companies are usually dragged along the bottom of the fishery, destroying aquatic environments and therefore killing more of the fish and other valuable animals.

The problem with ITQs is that they do not account for all the fish that are thrown back into the water, and these are usually more numerous than the fish collected (Beder, 2006). The “pressure to harvest”, as mentioned by Leard, would then still exist and could even be higher than in the past, as there would be such a large amount of fish not considered when calculating the TAC. To prevent this, Leard suggested the use of satellites, but this is not possible for all countries. According to Beder, it is even expensive to have people monitoring onboard, making satellites absolutely out of the question. Other problems include people being dishonest about the amount fish in order to receive a higher quota, as well as people recording valuable species as similar, not as valuable species.

Individual trading quotas originally seem like an advantageous way of ensuring that only a certain amount of fish are taken out of their ecosystems. However, after considering the consequences linked to big fishing companies with their reckless fleets as well as the lack of proper monitoring, ITQs may actually be the cause of higher declines in fish species. A considerable amount of investment must be made to help regulate the amount of unusable fish being taken out and to improve monitoring systems in order to benefit from ITQs and to successfully preserve the ecosystems.

Resources

(As cited by the author): Sharon Beder, ‘The Corporate Agenda for Environmental Property Rights’, Property Rights and Sustainability, NZ Centre for Environmental Law Conference 2008, Auckland, April 2009. http://www.uow.edu.au/~/sharonb/property.html

Beder, Sharon. Environmental Principles and Policies. Sydney: UNSW Press, and London: Earthscan, 2006. Print.

Benjamin Leard. “Are Property Rights Key to Saving U.S. Fisheries?” http://www.aier.org/research/briefs/1793-are-property-rights-key-to-saving-us-fisheries. AIER, July 2009. Web. 24 Nov. 2009.

Possible lake explosion endangers millions

2009-11-24T20:09:00.000-08:00

http://trak.in/news/rwandan-lake-runs-risk-of-turning-into-freshwater-time-bomb/24570/

The article “Rwandan lake runs risk of turning into freshwater time bomb”(November 17, 2009) by ANI talks about Lake Kivu, a freshwater lake found between the countries Congo and Rwanda. This large body of fresh water contains dangerous amounts of carbon dioxide and methane gas, and because of this Lake Kivu is at risk of explosion. The circumstances of this lake bring about issues which involve the human rights principle and the precautionary principle. Both principals will be explained further in this blog.

Within the article it states “approximately 2 million people, many of them refugees, live along the north end of the lake.”(ANI, 2009) All of these people are at risk because of the unpredictable state of lake Kivu. There are a number of different catalysts found within the lake, which keep the carbon dioxide at the bottom of the lake stabilized. However, if these catalysts were to destabilize the lake would explode, and could result in a earthquake or even a volcanic explosion. This event would leave the 2 million people living in a vulnerable state. The human rights principle states that every human deserves the right to life; however Lake Kivu is putting local communities in danger. Therefore it would be plausible to assume that further research needs to be conducted to determine the hazardous affects that the fatal gas would have on the communities around the lake. Knowing these affects, fundamental human rights could be put in to action to allow everyone to have the right to life, human health and well-being (Beder, 2006).

The precautionary principle uses the reasoning that action should be taken to avoid very serious or permanent damage despite of lack of scientific certainty. In the case of Lake Kivu there is a lack of scientific certainty due to the lack of conclusive evidence. Therefore it is right to employ the precautionary principle, because it is better to take action in this instance as soon as possible. This is because the safety of the people around Lake Kivu is most important. If action is postponed because of research it could be disastrous to the community.

This research may be a lengthy process which would put the large amount of people in this area in serious danger. Therefore the precautionary principle should be employed to aid the well being of the community of people in this region. In order to initiate such action, the community that lives around this lake must be forced to evacuate the surrounding area. In this situation people living here must be evacuated sooner rather than later for their own safety. It may be a difficult process to move 2 million people whom live around the lake, but it benefits their right to life because they are better off to not be in close proximity to a Lake that has the capacity to explode.

Lake Kivu is a highly unstable lake, which increases the risk of those communities that live around it. Because of this, the principles of human rights are violated and the precautionary principle needs to be put into place. To avoid any harm to the communities, they should be relocated to a safer place. Until any reasonable scientific certainty can be obtained showing that lake Kivu is a safe place to live, the precautionary principle should be applied. When these environmental principles are applied, it is clear that the people need to evacuated from the lake Kivu region.

Kendra Bester

Sources:

ANI. "Rwandan lake runs risk of turning into freshwater time bomb Source: Rwandan lake runs risk of turning into freshwater time bomb carbon dioxide and methane, lake kivu, methane gas, saline springs, volcanic explosion." Web log post. Trak In News. 17 Nov. 2009. Web. 24 Nov. 2009. <http://trak.in/news/rwandan-lake-runs-risk-of-turning-into-freshwater-time-bomb/24570/>.

Beder, Sharon. Environmental Principles and Policies An Interdisciplinary Introduction. Minneapolis: Earthscan Publications Ltd., 2006. Print.

Fresh water: is the world’s most important resource in need of the precautionary principle?

2009-11-24T19:54:00.000-08:00

The need for clean, fresh water has become a growing concern over the decades, and according to a new study fresh water is going to become even higher in demand in the upcoming years. This study was carried out in four specific areas in the world where a combined 42% of the projected water demand will be located. The study, conducted in China, India, South Africa and Sao Paulo state in Brazil, determined that by the year 2030, global fresh water usage will be “40 per cent higher than current supplies and agriculture is predicted to suck up 65 per cent of all [fresh water] resources” (The Straits Tines, 2009). Specifically in India, the study found that in 2030, fresh water supplies will need to be double what they are today in order to satisfy the needs of this ever growing nation’s population.

In the study, it is stated that “'…the situation is getting worse. There is little indication that left to its own devices, the water sector will come to a sustainable, cost-effective solution to meet the growing water requirements” (The Straits Times, 2009). Water basins in India are currently the main source of fresh water for millions in the nation, and are at a great risk if no action is taken to protect this important resource. If no immediate action is taken, these basins are at risk of depleting greatly in size, and even vanishing completely, leaving these millions who depend on them without any fresh water source.

Due to the fact that India’s population is constantly on the rise, the need for food is also going to continue to increase. Demand for these foods, such as rice, wheat and sugar will mean that India’s agricultural division will utilize approximately 1.5 trillion cubic metres of water by 2030. It may be hard to control the use of water in India due to these rising numbers in population and the demand for food; however it is a necessary precaution that must be taken in order to ensure that future generations in India have any water at all. Therefore it can be determined that in order to avoid these massive increases in fresh water demands the precautionary principle must be implemented.

The Precautionary Principle is defined as being a solution used when an action or activity raises threat or harm to human health or the environment. In a case where the precautionary principle is necessary, there may be some cause and effect relationships not fully established scientifically. The basis of the principle is to do as little harm currently as possible in order to benefit as many people as possible in the future. By implementing the precautionary principle, such taxing companies and agricultural facilities that regularly use fresh water in processes, the amount of fresh water needed in the future may be reduced.

The Aarhus Convention, adopted in 1998, recognizes that “every person has the right to live in an environment adequate to his or her health and well-being…to protect and improve the environment for the benefit of present and future generations…”(Environmental Principles and Policies, 2006). By examining this statement, a conclusion can be drawn in the issue of depleting fresh water resources all around the world. In order for future generations to develop and strive, it is necessary that we take drastic action today by means of implementing the precautionary principle.

Resources

Beder, Sharon. Environmental Principles and Policies; An Interdisciplinary Introduction. Earthscan: London, 2006

The Straits Times. “India water needs set to double”. The Straits Times. 24 November 2009. http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_458438.html

Envrionmental Earth Perspectives. “The Precautionary Principle in Environmental Science” September 2001. http://www.ehponline.org/members/2001/109p871-876kriebel/kriebel-full.html#def

Emily Hartwig

Wetlands: Our Most Valuable Water Resource

2009-11-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

One of the most underappreciated and vital water resources are the marshes, swamps, bogs and fens of North America. These ecosystems not only provide water filtration and storage for human populations, they also are home to a huge number of plant and animal species. Other functions of wetlands include pollution control, ground water recharge, drought mitigation, shoreline protection and recreational opportunities. (Beder 2009) Yet despite these benefits, wetlands have been and are still being destroyed at an alarming rate. The blog post Wetland Restoration: The Best Alternative to Carbon Capture and Sequestration Technologies by Jeremy Jacquot highlights another reason that wetlands should be protected: they are a valuable form of carbon storage. Perhaps this benefit will finally be the key to wetland survival.

Carbon is stored primarily in the peat soils formed in undisturbed wetlands. Plants photosynthesize throughout their lifetime, absorbing carbon dioxide. When they die, the carbon containing plant matter settles to the bottom of the marsh to form a peat soil. Oxygen does not reach this submerged soil so decomposition occurs very slowly, resulting in little release of that stored carbon dioxide. Now that it is known what a valuable combatant to global warming wetlands can be, there needs to be a way to protect them from further degradation.

Many conservation methods have been attempted throughout the world. One technique is to give people the right to a resource, because if they own it, or are entitled to it, they are more likely to protect it for the future. Communally owned wetlands are degraded because it benefits the individual to use them up before someone else does. This entitlement puts a market on conservation because people would be able to buy and sell these resource rights. Although it may seem that this would give the environment some standing in an economic world, tradable rights to a resource actually degrade the environment further. This will be outlined in the following example of attempted wetland conservation.

The most common method of wetland conservation, as outlined in Sharon Beder’s Environmental Principles and Policies, is the use of Wetland Mitigation Banking. This form of economic environmental protection attempts to preserve the net amount of wetland remaining. Compensation for building can be achieved through the restoration of another wetland. This is challenging for large companies to do, because they lack the expertise. Instead, another company can improve and remediate a wetland independently and then sell the credits earned to the large company. In theory this is intended to create large tracks of protected wetland and stop the net loss of this valuable resource.

This is not a perfect solution. If you totally destroy 5 hectares of marsh and then remediate 5 hectares somewhere else, there is still a net lost of 5 hectares of wetland. Also, the benefit of the wetland is locally important. Usually companies pay for the improvement of a wetland that is far from the area that has been destroyed, maybe even in another watershed. This leaves no purification, flood protection or biodiversity for the area with the brand new shopping mall. Location also is important when considering what species can live in it, and even what kind of wetland it is. If all of the restored and protected wetlands are located in one spot, the diversity of many smaller marshes, bogs, fens and swamps is lost. Finally, there are some wetlands that are much cheaper to create and/or restore. Larger ponds with a rim of wetland are far easier to create but are worth the same amount of credit as deep peat swamps. The more ecologically diverse and beneficial types, such as bogs and swamps, are far more expensive. They are also the best at carbon dioxide absorption.

I think that if resources such as wetlands are going to be bought and sold on a market, there needs to be a much better system of evaluating their dollar value. There must be some division between the types of wetlands, and the services they provide can not be undestimated. It seems that in most cases the environment is devalued when put on the market. To improve ecomonic conservation, valuation methods need to be changed. Mitigation banking has some merit and could probably be reformed into a much better method of environmental conservation. Restored wetlands would have to be located in the same region as the wetland that was destroyed and the replacement for a wetland would have to be more than just that area restored somewhere else. Maybe twice as much restoration in exchange for the complete annihilation of a wetland would suffice.

Although I hate to think that wetlands might one day all be individually owned and not for the enjoyment of the public, it does make sense that they would be better looked after that way. Although many would litter on a public beach, they probably won’t dump garbage on their own dock. It would work the same way for wetlands.

Overall, the mitigation banking system has many faults, but if it was implemented for the purpose of protecting wetlands then it is a step in the right direction. We depend on these riparian ecosystems more than most realize, making it worth the effort to protect what is left. Hopefully the need to offset global warming will give wetland conservation priority in the years to come.

- Amy Adair

References

Beder, S. (2006). Environmental Principles and Policies. Sterling: Earthscan.

Jacquot, J. E. (2009, October 22). Wetland Restoration: The Best Alternative to Carbon Capture and Sequestration Technologies. Retrieved November 21, 2009, from treehugger: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/10/wetland-restoration-ccs.php

Endocrine Disruptors Harmful to People and Ecosystems

2009-11-24T09:11:00.000-08:00

A recent study in Alberta discovered that many pesticides are common and widespread in the province’s surface water. 44 different types of pesticides were found in 65% of the samples located mostly in agricultural areas of the province (Water Matters, 2009). The large amount of pesticides found are believed to be responsible for sex changes in fish as many of these pollutants act as endocrine disruptors interfering with hormones. Since these endocrine disruptors are known to be harmful to fish, people have begun to wonder how they will be affected by these potential toxins.

The Participation Principle states that, “Environmental Issues are best handled with participation of all concerned citizens, at the relevant level. At the national level, each individual shall have appropriate access to information concerning the environment that is held by public authorities, including information on hazardous materials and activities in their communities, and the opportunity to participate in decision making processes.” (Rio Declaration 1992, as cited by Beder, 2006). Essentially, people have the right to know about potential dangers in their community and should be involved in processes to eliminate these threats. This information must be made accessible to them at all times, and if it is not the government should be held accountable.

There are many risks associated with Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) as the University of Calgary discovered. While the impacts that EDC’s have on humans are not well known, they are believed to be quite harmful. They include an increased risk of cancer, neurological impairment, developmental effects, reproductive effects, organ damage and hormone interference (Water Matters 2009). At this point in time, a maximum allowable concentration (MAC) is not known, so precautions must be taken. It is important for governments to act in a proactive manner providing maximum disclosure to their citizens through publications, promotion of open government, making sure that disclosure does not take precedence over other laws (Beder, 2006).

Most EDC’s are released through municipal wastewater in the form of laundry detergent or even prescription drug residue. If the wastewater is not properly treated, it emerges in many freshwater ecosystems harming the organisms who inhabit it. Since this is not from a single point, it makes it very difficult to pinpoint who the actual polluters are. The wastewater treatment plant obviously requires new infrastructure to reduce pollution, and this could be obtained by implementing an overall pollution tax. This idea would support the Polluter Pays Principle which believes that the person or company responsible for the pollution be the one to pay to rectify the damage. Unfortunately it would be difficult to support this principle in this situation as the pollution is not caused by a single point source but by entire cities.

Water pollution has become a very serious issue affecting large amounts of the world’s already scarce freshwater supplies. In todays large industrialized cities, people are able to literally dump large amounts of pollutants down their drains and are given safety in numbers as it would be quite impossible to track down who discarded what and where. Controlling how and where harmful substances are disposed is necessary in order to preserve water.

-Elisabeth Shapiro

Sources:

Beder, Sharon. Environmental Principles and Policies; An Interdisciplinary Introduction. Earthscan: London, 2006

Water Matters. What's in your water? Understanding Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals. www.water-matters.org, 2009.

The Ethics and Principles of Water Conservation

2009-11-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

A recent article, by Malvika Tegta, found online at DNAIndia.com, describes a report made by the 2030 Water Resources Group about the future of India’s water resources. The report, titled ‘Charting our Water Future’ was released in Washington DC and has some dire warnings for current Indian water users. It forecasts that India will only be able to meet 50% of its water demands by 2030 if continued water-use is sustained. This would entail every third person living on less than 50% of his or her daily water needs. Agriculture, which uses 71% of global water resources (Tegta, 2009) was targeted as the main culprit for this gap. The report also describes several actions that India can undertake in order to prevent this grim future and create more efficient agricultural practices, including using irrigated and rain-fed crop production, as well as completing canals and other irrigation projects. This issue of water use relates to several principles described in the book “Environmental Principles and Policies” by Sharon Beder. In this blog I will discuss this article’s relationship to the Sustainability principle, the Equity Principle and the Human Rights Principle.
In terms of this article, the Sustainability, Equity and Human Rights Principles are all related. The Sustainability principle calls for development growth that won’t impinge on future generations for equal growth. This can also be applied to water use—that water used by people now will be done so in a way to ensure that there is water available for future generations to use equally.
This is similar to the principle of Intergenerational Equity. This principle calls for the “just distribution of rewards and burdens between generations” (Beder, 80). Though this doesn’t mean that everyone in each generation should have equal access to resources, it means the reasons that there are differences in that access should be “fair, just and impartial” (Beder, 80). Therefore, because certain people were born in a certain year is not a valid reason for these people to have less access to water to similar people who happened to be born earlier. Future generations are very likely to exist and will have most definitely have the same needs for resources such as food and water. Therefore people of the future should have an access to water equal to that of the current generation living in India. According to this principle, the needs of future generations should be taken into account when making current policy decisions regarding water use and conservation. This becomes a matter of ethical duty when the Human rights principle is invoked.
While there was no direct mention of a right to clean water in the International Charter on Human Rights, I believe it can be implied from a right to life, health and well-being, given water’s essential nature to a human life. This right in particular is very important, and there is classified as ‘derogable’, meaning it can never be limited in any way for any reason (Beder, 91). As defined, rights are moral obligations that arise from responsibilities to moral and significant agents. Future generations, in addition to current ones, should be granted the right to ‘life, health and well-being’ and this requires the conservation of water to ensure that there is enough to go around in the future.
The principles described above ensure that decisions made in terms of the environment are equitable, sustainable and fair. According to them, the government of India ought to follow the advice of the 2030 Water Resources Group and act quickly to ensure that agricultural practices in India become much more water efficient. This will ensure that future generations, as well as current ones will have equal access to water and will equally have their right to life maintained.

Sources
Tegta, Malvika. “India Will Meet Only Half its Water Requirements in 20 Years” DNAIndia.com November 24, 2009. Retrieved November 23rd, 2009. http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_india-will-meet-only-half-its-water-requirements-in-20-years_1315659
Beder, Sharon. Environmental Principles and Policies; An Interdisciplinary Introduction. Earthscan: London, 2006

To Control or to Charge?

2009-11-19T03:12:00.000-08:00

The article “Wells Voters decide on Water Extraction Regulation” discusses a regulation that is being voted on in the town of Wells. This regulation was originally proposed in 2008, after talks between Poland Spring and the Wells Water District. Poland Spring is a part of the Nestle corporation, and it’s purpose is selling bottled water. Presently, the town has placed a ban on large ground water extraction (i.e. from aquifers). This ban is only meant to be temporary. The upcoming vote is meant to find a permanent solution for the debate over bottling Wells’ freshwater resources.
The proposed regulations are meant to monitor the amount of water being removed from the area, as well as ensuring the least amount of environmental changes. In order to be considered for water extraction, companies must outline every single part of what they expect to do. They have to provide a reason for the water extraction, as well as analyses of recharge rates, and resulting (added) vehicular traffic. For the environmental side, they need to list potential effects of the operation (good or bad). They also show a map of any plots of land being used, and what they are going to be used for. All of this information is given to a “Planning Board” which has the ability to grant or deny the applicant permission to water extraction. Each approval only stands for three years. After the three years are up, the applicant goes through the entire process again. The final major aspect of this proposed regulation is that the Board may rescind their approval if something goes wrong (the extraction limits are exceeded).
Another approach to this problem could be economic incentives. Monetary restrictions and offers are very useful tools when dealing with anyone, from big corporations to smaller individuals. One possibility could be charging per gallon. The town has chosen large scale extraction to be “extraction of water from ground water sources, aquifers, springs, wells, and similar sources in a total amount on any given day of 20,000 gallons or more (Kanak, 2009).” After this 20,000 gallon mark is reached, the price per gallon can be raised significantly to reduce the chances of exceeding this level. A second possibility could be to sell permits for the use of Wells water. The town can sell a certain number of permits for water extraction and distribute them amongst the approved applicants. This would ensure that their ideal extraction amount is never exceeded. If the company that has the permit doesn’t extract all of the water allowed under the permit there are three options. The town could (a) let the company sell the remaining amount to another company, (b) let the company sell the remaining amount back to the town, or (c) allow the remaining amount to carry over to the next day.
I think that the permit idea would work the best out of the options listed above. Selling permits would make sure that no matter how many people or companies want to extract water, the ‘acceptable’ amount would not be passed. It would still be necessary to get proposals from the parties interested in extraction. This would be to prevent any possible environmental change or damage. If permits are in place, it is then up to the ‘extractors’ to allot amounts among themselves, as opposed to a proposal board deciding who can extract how much after each application.

References:
Kanak, Jim. "Wells Voters to decideon Water Extraction Regulation." The Weekly Sentinel. 30 Oct. 2009. Web. 14 Nov. 2009. .

Freshwater Fish: An Invaluable Resource

2009-11-18T02:53:00.001-08:00

The choice of regulatory control as opposed to economic incentives is a very debated topic. Many rationalists tend to agree that in order to measure a population’s effects on the environment, it is logical to create a monetary value for everything and to use these monetary values to compare the benefits and costs of doing certain actions. The opposing thought would be that certain things in life, for example clean air, simply cannot be measured monetarily, and that it would be immoral to do so.

In a policy statement created for the regulation of fish species in Victoria, Australia, the concept of regulatory control is favoured. The purpose of this policy statement was to illuminate the fact that many native species of fish are disappearing from Victorian freshwater waterways, mostly due to today’s human’s actions. In order to maintain a good amount of self-reliant native fish, Native Fish Australia (NFA) decided the waterways should be separated into three distinct categories, that is to say, Native Fish Waters, Trout Waters, and Mixed Fishery Waters. The separation would ensure that trout and exotic fish would not interfere with the native fish, and that the Trout Waters and Mixed Fishery Waters would provide good amounts of fish for recreational use. The Native Fish Waters would also be separated into sub-categories, with the intention of keeping or breeding certain species, depending on the amount remaining in the waterways.

The regulatory control is applied in the cases of the different categories and subcategories, permitting or restricting certain actions. Such restrictions include limiting the size or the amount of bags of resources fished per species; having ‘closed’ seasons to prevent over exploitation; having total closures for certain parts of the waterways; regulating the methods of fishing (i.e. maximum number of rods per person); and banning the use of live bait to prevent diseases.

On the other hand, if economic incentives were to be used rather than regulatory control, excise taxes might have been a good way of managing the amount of fish remaining in the waterways. The idea is that a certain percentage be paid by the consumer, depending on the amounts and species fished, as well as the location (higher taxes for the areas with endangered species). Excise taxes could help protect certain species from being over-fished, and the money raised through these taxes could go toward research into conservation and harvesting of new fish.

I believe the policy of economic incentives is beneficial if used wisely. That being said, I disagree with certain economic ways of calculation such as cost-benefit analysis, since certain aspects of the environment do not get their full value in consideration. I also disagree with the idea of “willingness to pay” since a person who has less money will usually be willing to pay less, and so his or her lifestyle will be less respected than that of a richer person since they “cost less” to the government. However, when used properly such as with taxes on the resources used or with marketable permits, the results can be rewarding.

Both regulatory control and economic incentives can aid in keeping resources at a desired level. What is important to keep in mind is that everything has a value and that certain natural resources cannot be revived once they are over-exploited. Our natural resources are a gift and their upkeep requires important thought and discussion.

Resources:

Native Fish Australia. NFA (Victoria) Freshwater Fisheries Management Policy, 1993. http://www.nativefish.asn.au/fwpolicy.html#objective. 17 Nov. 2009.

Waterloo Regional Water Usage

2009-11-17T20:22:00.000-08:00

The Waterloo regional policy of household water usage is a policy that holds much controversy. In this article written by Peter Shawn Taylor he analysis’s some of the downfalls to Waterloo’s water regulations. In addition he discusses improvements that would make the water regulation more effective and equal for all households within Waterloo region. This topic of Waterloo’s water usage will be analyzed further by using economic incentives within this blog post.

Living in Waterloo, Ontario comes with strict water regulations in the summer. These regulations make much confusion, because of all the detailed rules that include “only watering your lawn by sprinkler once a week, only hand spraying your garden every other day. But only during certain hours.” (Taylor, 2009) When these regulations are not followed the region of Waterloo’s policy dictates a fine to a household of 150 dollars, which will be set upon these offenders. This kind of regulation is not the most reasonable and rational approach to handle the amount of water consumption used in the summer. Different more simplistic approaches could be taken to improve the amount of fresh water used rather then paying a fee for not following unnecessary strict rules that are implicated within Waterloo water regulations.

In the article, written by Peter Shawn Taylor his view of Waterloo’s regional regulations towards water usage is seen as an irresponsible way to handle such a precious natural resource. Taylor states in his article “If we really want people to think carefully before using it, we should charge more for it.” (Taylor, 2009) This explains if the region really wants to control Waterloo’s water usage a fluctuating price could be place on water during peek seasons. A good example that is mentioned in this article is about how “We pay for more strawberries in winter. Why shouldn’t we pay more for water in the summer?.” (Renzetti, 2009) This example gives a good idea to a new way of conserving water, when people have to put out money it is most likely there willing to think before they use it.

On top of Taylor’s idea of putting a price on the amount of water during different seasons, there are many different approaches to make households conserve fresh water. The regulations that the Waterloo region placed on water, which are shown in this blog and also in the article proves that the regulation is not the best way to conserve the amount of water that Waterloo is using. The Waterloo region may benefit by handling the conservation problem in terms of using an economic incentives. This would mean using a type of tax exemption or a kind of government refund to control water usage. This sort of method would be better in comparison to enforcing a regulation on the citizens of Waterloo. When there is some type of benefit involved for the people, they are more likely to following rules and guidelines. Therefore in the case of conserving water, it can be more beneficial for the future of the people within the region to have an economic incentive instead of regulation placed upon them.

The water policy of Waterloo is full of confusing regulations that leaves the residents of Waterloo in confusion. If Waterloo residents are perplexed with these regulations it will most likely to leave them with a fine of 150 dollars. This may not be the best way for Waterloo to regulate and conserve fresh water. A plausible alternative to this problem could be easily solved by an economic incentive, or an idea along the lines of Peter Shawn Taylor’s as described above. The regional of Waterloo needs to revise its regulations to reserve a natural resource that will be essential in years to come.

Kendra Bester

Resources

Taylor, Peter S. "Putting the water back in Waterloo Region." (2009). The Record. 07 Aug. 2009. Web. 17 Nov. 2009. .

Regulatory Control vs. Economic Incentives: Which is better for the fresh water shortage in Florida?

2009-11-17T20:04:00.000-08:00

Currently in the state of Florida, inhabitants consume on approximately 7 billion gallons of fresh water per day. It has been estimated that by 2025, and increase of up to 2 billion gallons more will be consumed per day. This fact is staggering considering that Florida is already facing freshwater shortages and with irrigation regulations already in affect. In some parts of the state mining has already begun in order to access groundwater from the Lower Hawthorn aquifer from depths up to 1000 feet below the surface of the earth. In order for this water to be deemed suitable for human consumption, it must be first treated by reverse osmosis, which is an expensive process which only increases as the cost of energy increases as well. As a result to the problem, a solution that has been proposed includes enforcing regulatory control by implementing a “state water czar”.

This idea of implementing a “water czar” was introduced in 2003 by the Tampa-based Council of 100, an influential business lobby group in the state, to solve the problem of depleting water sources. The main goal of the proposal was to allow for fresh water from the northern regions of the state, where water is more abundant, to be shared equally with those in the southern regions of the state where fresh water is scarce.

Presently in Florida laws are being enforced which regulate water resources based on regional locations in order to manage the agricultural, environmental and domestic needs, and conservation and recycling of the resource is being encouraged. There are five existing water management regions, which have the responsibility to employ programs, collect and evaluate data, construct and maintain flood control facilities, and plan for future water related projects with local municipalities. However no law is in place to ensure that more water is not consumed by one region than another. Due to the fact that each of these five regions can regulate and distribute water as they please within their own region, no common regulation is in place. From this it can be determined that a water czar, who by definition is “any person exercising great authority or power in a particular field” (Dictionary.com, 2009) could be greatly useful in order to determine equality and fairness in water distribution and use between all regions in the state.

Problems that may arise with the use of this regulatory control include the use of a “safeguard” to ensure that areas with vast amounts of water and low populations are able to retain water for use in the future, and that not all water is distributed from these areas to regions with little fresh water resources. Also, the appointed “water czar” may be subject to political implications, such as bribery for the allowance of more water.

Another solution to the fresh water scarcity of Florida may be to impose economic incentives. Such incentives could include a law where a state controlled amount of water per day is set out, and a refund could be made available to those who use under this set out amount of water. Another incentive could involve deductions on monthly energy bills according to the amount of water saved by households. By marketing this solution of saving water and making money individuals would have the notion that they are helping the environment by reducing water use and also helping themselves by making a profit by doing something positive for the environment. These incentives would promote water reduction by individuals in order to obtain monetary gain, which in these times of economic need would be very beneficial for these individuals.

From examining the two options that could be used, regulatory control and economic incentives, I believe that in order to make a serious effort of reducing water use and conversing existing fresh water, both methods should be used. By implementing a “water czar” a universal method, by way of one person overseeing all water use, would allow for the equality in fresh water distribution and use between all regions in the state. By using economic incentives the individuals are more inclined to want to reduce water use due to monetary gain, and the notion that they are helping the environment.

Resources:
Gaddy, Peter. 11 November 2009. “Water wars may be the wave of the future”. Collier Citizen (2009)
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/nov/11/peter-gaddy-water-wars-may-be-wave-future/
Accessed: November 17th 2009
Dictinary.com. “Czar”. (2009)
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/czar
Accessed: November 17th 2009

Emily Hartwig

Command and Control, or Persuasion?

2009-11-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

The Native Reserves of Ontario have in the past been mainly subject to their own rules and regulations concerning environmental protection. A recent audit by the Auditor General Shelia Fraser calls for a change in that policy. She has believes that the government of Canada is neglecting their environmental duties on First Nations Reserves. Although laws do exist to control environmental degradation, they are neither severe enough nor well enough enforced to be effective. The minimal laws present do not include rules for sewage treatment, solid waste disposal, drinking water quality or landfill locations on reserves, despite these laws being the present throughout the rest of Ontario. This lack of regulation is decreasing water quality significantly on reserves. To change this, Fraser believes the Canadian government should use regulatory control.

Regulatory control is the use of a law or policy to change an environmental problem. In this case, the auditor general believes that introducing stricter pollution regulations and enforcing these regulations will prevent further damage. This could be a lengthy and costly method of environmental protection. The laws will first have to be drafted, reviewed and passed, taking months to years. Then many people will have to be paid to enforce these laws. Another course of action would be to use economic incentives.

Economic incentives are methods of environmental protection that use a dollar value to prevent environmental degradation. The costs of polluting are made to be more then the cost of reducing. Examples include taxes, subsidies, deposits, bonds, liability insurance and pollution permits. Instead of the Canadian government implementing regulatory control on Native reserves, they could use economic regulation. The government would not have to be as forceful and in many ways the community can benefit.

One major source of pollution highlighted as needing regulatory control is industrial waste water. Taxes or subsides would work well to reduce this type of pollution. A tax on the amount of toxic water produced would make the companies reduce to the point where the cost of abating is the same and the cost of paying the tax. Similarly, if a subsidy was paid for every unit of pollution reduced, companies would abate until they would no longer profit from the subsidy. By choosing the correct dollar value per unit of pollution, the government can decide the level of pollution produced. These levels should be compatible with what lakes and streams can accept.

Although taxes and subsides both achieve the same end, subsidies would be much better received by the residents of the reserve. The land on Native Reserves was set aside to belong to the residents of that reserve. Therefore in many ways they have the right to pollute their water as they wish. To tax the polluter goes against the ownership right. Subsidies however acknowledge that right by paying the owner to do something that an outside party wants. It is the owner’s land, so for the government to have that land protected, it must pay for it.

Another problem was the disposal of residential garbage. No regulations are present to control where landfill sites are located in relation to bodies of water. Pollution permits would be a good economic incentive to use to prevent harmful disposal of this waste. To reduce the amount of waste, permits could be issued to each household for the amount of solid garbage produced. These could be traded or sold depending on each home’s garbage production, but over all there would then be a cap on the total garbage produced. Deposits could also be used to encourage recycling.

For the actual disposal of this waste, another type of permit system would be required to prevent landfills from being close enough to contaminate water. If companies had to buy permits to start a landfill, the permits close to a lake could be made more expensive. Sites further from the lake would then be used because it would not cost as much to buy the permit.

Finally, water treatment plants were lacking in both regulation of waste water and drinking water quality. Fraser felt that regulatory control was the solution. However, instead of forcing a form of water treatment on the plants, the government could implement a tax on pollution above a set amount. The company could then reduce their water pollution in the cheapest and perhaps most innovative way.

I believe that in this situation a combination of regulatory control and economic incentives would work the best for both the government and the residents of the reserve. Some more specific regulations with substantial penalties need to be created and some enforcement will of course be needed to establish them. Drinking water quality should not be left up to economic incentives because there is a standard of health involved. However, beyond the basics, economic incentives will work much better. Subsidies would be well received because there is the potential to make money. Deposits would have no negative effect on the polluter because their money is refunded. And taxes, although not initially desirable, can be reinvested in the community. Economic incentives allow for environmental protection at the lowest cost. They also promote innovation to try and reduce emissions in new and cheaper ways.

In most cases I think a combination of regulatory control and economic incentives are needed for good environmental protection. Ground rules are set and enforced and then additional goals are obtained through incentives.

- Amy Adair

References

Rennie, S. (2009, November 9). Environmental rules more lax on reserves, Fraser finds. Retrieved November 14, 2009, from thestar.com: http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/auditorgeneral/article/720498--environmental-rules-more-lax-on-reserves-fraser-finds

Regulatory Control Vs. Economic Incentive

2009-11-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

As of late, bottled water has been a topic of great discussion. While it has been recognized that bottled water can be very useful when water resources are tainted, or in case of emergency, it should not be used when there is clean drinking water available. Many associations have been arguing for stricter regulations on bottled water, hoping to put an end to it being used as a substitute for safe, publicly available tap water. Recycling rates for bottled water are also quite low, Ontario’s plastic recycling rate was a mere 35% despite the fact that there are approximately 70 other uses for recycled bottles (McLaren 2008). People also dislike the idea that water- a resource that is available to the public, is being turned into profitable product. Regulatory control is necessary to reduce bottled water consumption, but economic incentives for consumers must also be implemented for this to be a success.

McLaren suggests a few different types of regulatory control with regards to bottled water. She points out that Health Canada is currently considering changes to bottled water regulations and labeling. She argues that consumers should know about ozone content, which is added to water during the treatment process to remove odours, but can actually create carcinogens in water. To fix this, companies would have to properly label how the water is treated and make it well known to the consumer. People are obviously less likely to buy things if there’s a slight chance it might have a negative impact on their health. Another example of this is the bisphenol-a scare last spring, after which many people immediately switched to metal or even glass bottles. This scare affected more than just the bottled water industry as people immediately became skeptical of nearly all plastic products.

An economic incentive would be a water levy, where consumers are charged a fixed amount for each bottle they purchase. This small change in cost is often enough to make people think twice about their purchases. Chicago was the first U.S city to implement a water tax in 2008. The tax amounts to five cents per bottle, and thMce money is put towards maintaining the city’s water infrastructure. This works quite well as people are less likely to buy bottled water and the city benefits by having a surplus of money to keep water infrastructure well maintained. This tax also reduces the amount of plastic bottles that end up in landfills each year since their overall use goes down. (Phillip, 2008).

While regulation is often quite effective as it strictly details what can and cannot be done, economic incentive might be a more valuable tool in this situation. Bottled water consumption is driven by consumers, and regulations will not control their spending habits. It will only control the manufacturing of bottled water. Increasing what consumers must pay will have a great impact on their spending habits overall which will result in an overall reduction in bottled water sales. Technically this is a type of governmental regulation that involves economic incentive but no matter what it is called, the importance is the effect is has on consumer trends and recycling during this time of water scarcity and overuse.

Sources:

McLaren, Diana. "Time to Turn Back to the Tap?". theglobeandmail.com (2008).

Phillip, Jason. "Groundbreaking Bottled Water Tax Raises Dustup in Chicago." www.sustainablog.com (2008).

-Elisabeth Shapiro

Economic Incentives-- A Better Alternative?

2009-11-17T08:34:00.001-08:00

In the article “Regulation reducing pollution—EPA” found on the website ‘irishtimes.com’, author Steven Carroll describes a report made by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency. The report, which is based on data from last year, has found a great reduction in water pollution in Ireland. This is pollution that is linked to industry, agriculture and effluent from waste water treatment plants. In fact, the number of polluted rivers was found to be reduced by a quarter and the industrial emissions had been cut in half in some places. The EPA claimed that this was due to a greater enforcement of environmental regulations—there had been an increase from 54,000 environmental inspections in 2007 to 75,000 inspections in 2008. In this blog entry, I am going to evaluate the benefits of economic incentives versus environmental regulations in the reduction of water pollution.
As described above, environmental regulations take the form of either required reductions in pollution for each company, or the implementation of a set pollution reducing technology. This can have some effect, as was found in Ireland; however there are other ways of reducing water pollution. These take the form of economic incentives. An incentive is not a command laid down by the government, like a regulation, but instead is policy that encourages companies to change their habits. This can take three forms—a tax, a subsidy or a cap and trade system. With a tax, the companies must pay a certain amount for every unit of pollution they release into the river. This can be used when the rivers are considered a public resource, belonging to the nation. Taxes encourage companies to reduce their pollution output to the point where the abatement costs are equal to the tax. Therefore, if the tax is set high enough it can be used to encourage companies to reduce to an ‘optimal pollution’ level, which must be determined before-hand. A subsidy works in a similar fashion but is used in the case where the company owns the rights to the river, and therefore must be paid a subsidy for every unit of pollution they abate. This is less appealing choice because it costs the government (and tax-payers) money. People are usually more in a favor of a “polluter pays” principle and this would most likely be the case in Ireland, where the nation owns the rights to the local rivers.
The last form of economic incentive that can be used would a cap and trade system. In the case of river pollution, a maximum allowed level of pollution would be set, and then tickets allowing each company to pollute a set amount would be handed out. The companies could then sell these tickets in a market so that they are allocated to those who most want them, who have the highest willingness to pay. There would have to be very strict penalties for companies who exceed their allowed pollution levels.
In my opinion, I believe that a tax or cap and trade system would be more efficient than environmental regulations at reducing water pollution levels in Ireland. With regulations, companies are forced to reduce their levels of pollution in a certain way, which may not be the most economically or scientifically efficient for that company. If there is a prescribed way of reducing, scientific developments in other systems are not encouraged. On the other hand, using an economic incentive like a tax or cap and trade system allows the cheapest and most efficient reduction of pollution levels. It allows companies to reduce in a way that makes sense to them, and encourages companies with the cheapest abatement costs to make these changes. This is good for both the company and the consumer, because companies will be passing on the costs of taxes and abatements on to the consumer through raised prices.
Therefore economic incentives provide the same reductions as regulations but also meet these targets in a way that is efficient and most beneficial to society. Perhaps Ireland should think of switching over to a cap and trade or environmental tax system in order to reduce the pollution of rivers.

Sources
Carroll, Steven. “Regulation Reducing Pollution—EPA” Irishtimes.com November 17, 2009. Retrieved on November 17, 2009. <http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1117/1224258982319.html>

The Landfill or the Salmon

2009-11-03T21:30:00.000-08:00

Who or what counts morally is one of the most discussed but never agreed upon topics that I have come across in environmental science so far. This discussion is all part of what is called the ‘Demarcation Problem.’ The Demarcation Problem asks us to list everything that applies morally to an action or idea. There are many different view points that need to be taken into consideration. The ones we will consider fall under consequentialist and non-consequentialist. To answer the Demarcation Problem, we must have an idea of what we consider to count morally. The article this is being applied to is “Landfill a threat to salmon: conservation group (CBC.CA)” from the CBC. The article talks about The Atlantic Salmon Federation being opposed to a new landfill in northern Newfoundland.

From a consequentialist point of view (more specifically a utilitarian view,) we consider how many people benefit from both the landfill and the salmon. There are the people who use the landfill by putting garbage out on the curb every week, as well as those whose job it is to take the garbage from the curb to the landfill. If the landfill weren’t to be put in place the garbage would have to go somewhere, so more people and animals would be displaced. On the other side there are the fishermen whose livelihood depends on these salmon. Many people and animals use salmon for food. This point of view literally considers the consequences of taking (or not taking) an action.

From a non-consequentialist point of view (specifically a deontological view,) we look at the rights of all things affected by this action. From a rights view we argue that the salmon have a right to live, and a right to a healthy habitat. The fishermen also have a right to make a living. But if there are no salmon left, then this isn’t possible. Then there is the idea that rights generate duties. So we have a duty to keep the salmon’s environment as unpolluted as possible. As well there is the duty to not take away a major source of income for the fishermen. But we (the garbage-producers) have rights as well. We don’t really think about it much in our daily lives, but all the waste that we produce has to go somewhere. It is commonly accepted (in many parts of so-called ‘developed nations’) that it isn’t necessary to live our lives surrounded by garbage. We seem to have a right to live a sanitary and unpolluted life, just as much as the salmon do. There is also the right for the garbage collectors to be able to make a living.

In this example of the landfill and the salmon, there are a couple of things that we seem to consider as ‘counting morally.’ There are the salmon, the fishermen, the environment being changed by the landfill, the consumers and the garbage collectors. Now the question is which ones among these few count the most. Since there are already other landfills in place, the probable (moral) outcome would be to protect the fish.

References:

"CBC News - Nfld. & Labrador - Landfill a threat to salmon: conservation group." CBC.ca - Canadian News. Web. 03 Nov. 2009. .

Dam building by the Chinese government; one dam, three negatively affected countries

2009-11-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

An article was recently published in China, entitled simply “China building dam on Brahmputra River” the problem outlined in the article however is far from simple. In this particular case, the issue has many ethical implications that need to be considered. This case involves the damning of a water system in Tibet by the Chinese government. This particular water system (known as the Brahmputra River – or as the Tsangpo River by the people of Tibet) is extremely important to India and Bangladesh due to the fact the river flows into these countries “[the] Brahmaputra River basin is in India…accounts for nearly 30% of the total water resources and about 40% of the total hydropower potential of the country” (The Morung Express, 2009). While the dam is a great resolution to using non renewable sources of energy production for China, the restriction of the water would greatly affect the amount of water India and Bangladesh receive, as well as overrun the area of Tibet where the proposed dam will be built. The Chinese government claims that “could provide cheap electricity for India, Nepal and Bangladesh, and that the dam could facilitate flood control in the Brahmaputra-Ganges basin” and also help to “refill the dying Yellow River, which now runs dry for much of the year” (The Morung Express, 2009). However what China fails to take into consideration is that during the dry season, India and Bangladesh may receive very little to no water run off from the damn controlled waterway. The building of the dam could also cause many problems, such as flooding for the villages and the people who live along the river banks.

In this situation, there are two methods to examine the ethical problem at hand; the consequentialist view and the non- consequentialist view. The consequentialist view entails that the outcomes of an action will determine if set action is morally correct, and an example of this would be utilitarianism which states that “the moral worth of an action is determined solely by its contribution to overall utility: that is, its contribution to happiness”(Business Dictionary, 2009). In this particular example, it can be assessed that the action of building the dam would not be morally correct due to the fact that the results from damning water would not make the vast majority of those it affects ‘happy’. The dam could hinder India and Bangladesh’s water supply during the dry months which is a major issue seeing as the river provides approximately 30% of India’s water resources. This issue could also bring up further tension between the countries concerning water resources.

The other method to examine the issue in this case is the non-consequential view, which involves taking into consideration the method which was used to reach the end result of a problem. An example of this method would be deontology which is an “approach to ethics that determines goodness or rightness from examining acts, rather than the consequences of the act” (Your Dictionary, 2005). In the article, it is mentioned that China has secretly gone about building this dam in neighbouring Tibet “…there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the Zangmu hydroelectric project was inaugurated on March 16 this year and the first concrete was poured on April 2” (The Morung Express, 2009). Therefore the method used is immoral due to the fact that India and Bangladesh were unaware of this dam being proposed and built, and the possible problems it would create for all those living in the immediate areas of the river and those who rely on water from the Brahmputra River.

From examining these two views (consequentialism and non- consequentialism) it can be determined that in this case that this possible solution to creating clean energy is riddled with ethical problems involving several different parties; the people of India, Bangladesh & Tibet. There are two many ethical implications involved in the building of a dam on the Brahmputra River to make up for the positive outcomes that the dam would provide.

Resources
The Morung Express, 2009, “China building dam on Brahmputra River”
October 15th 2009, accessed November 3rd 2009
http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/35424.html

Buissness Dictionary
Accessed November 3rd 2009
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/utilitarianism.html

Your Dictionary
Accessed November 3rd 2009
http://www.yourdictionary.com/deontology

Emily Hartwig

No More Water Permit Process for Washington

2009-11-03T17:16:00.000-08:00

In the State of Washington, a policy statement was issued by the department of ecology that states the “Washington resident can collect and store rooftop or guzzler collected rainwater for on-site use without having to go through the permit (water right) process of RCW 90.03.” (Department of Ecology, State of Washington, 2009) For many years in Washington it was required by law to have a water rights permit to use any type of water that was found on, below or above the surface within the state. The guzzlers are a type of equipment that can catch store and provide drinking water for wildlife, when water sources are insufficient. Within this blog article, different types of views and issues about Washington's policy will be discuss and evaluated. These include demarcation problems, utilitarian's view, and deontologist view.

The government of Washington is overcoming the demarcation problem of collecting rainwater because of the science of ecology that is providing facts that in times of insufficient sources of water. Guzzlers can provide much water to organisms in need, such as livestock and wildlife. The department of Ecology in Washington has taken action in fixing water rights policy to make it easier for the residents of Washington to obtain water in a stainable way to better the life of everyone in much easier and accessible manor.

The process of collecting rainwater without having to obtain a permit, has a very strong utilitarian view. This is because without having to go through the struggle of obtaining a permit, all the residents of Washington can very easily use the rain water for many uses instead of wasting water that has been treated. The collecting of rain water is good for the conversation of fresh water resources, the people of washington, and also the many living organisms can benefit from the water guzzlers in times of insufficient water.

The deontologist view of the problem can be obtain from the department of ecology of Washington because they would be more likely to analysis the action the guzzlers have on the relation between the organisms and environment. Such that when people are able to collect rain water without a permit, it will then encourage more people to have a guzzler. This change will have a positive affect on the organisms in harsh environment conditions where there is a lack of water. This would be known as the deontologist view of collecting rain water because the department of ecology will only look at the action of collecting water and not the causes that it may create.

The policy statement issued by the department of ecology in Washington provides a solution to the demarcation problem by providing facts that guzzlers will provide water to livestock and wildlife in time of limited water. The policy of collecting rain water without having to receive a permit provides a utilitarian view because it benefits all forms of life in Washington. Also not having to receive a permit provides a deontologist view because the department of ecology just views this policy as a good action between the organisms and the environment.

Resources:

"Focus on Rainwater Interpretive Policy." Ecy.wa.gov. Oct. 2009. Web. 3 Nov. 2009. <http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0911026.pdf>.

Dunagan, C. "Rainwater harvesting at home given a ‘thumbs up’." Web log post. Kitsap Sun. 15 Oct. 2009. Web. 3 Nov. 2009. <http://pugetsoundblogs.com/waterways/2009/10/15/rainwater-harvesting-at-home-given-a-thumbs-up/>.

Ethical Views Butt Heads In Creation of Northern Dams

2009-11-03T12:45:00.000-08:00

An article in the online magazine “Hydroworld” outlines the report written by the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) that puts forward an idea to solve power and water problems in Southern Ontario and Quebec. The MEI proposes damming three large rivers in Northern Quebec and diverting that water into the Ottawa River where the surplus flow would be used to generate electricity and provide drinking water. This plan hopes to help regulate water levels in the Great Lakes and the St Lawrence, which are expected to drop even more than they already have with future climatic changes. However, this is a very large scale endeavour that will have lasting effects on Northern species and ecosystems. The MEI’s report pays a minor lip service to these issues by stating that “the dammed rivers would not dry up and only a small land surface would be submerged”. Nevertheless, while the rivers might not dry up, their flows will be considerably reduced which will affect both the aquatic and terrestrial species that live there, species that are already threatened by climate change. It is apparent who the MEI believes counts morally and whose well-being should be prioritized.
In calling for this construction of these dams, MEI makes it clear that they believe that humans are the only species that count morally and that our needs come before the needs of other animals or ecosystems. The MEI has adopted an anthropocentric view, as opposed to a biocentric (who believe in the inherent worth of all individual organisms) or ecoholist (who believe in the moral worth of species and ecosystems). Their anthropocentrism seems slightly weakened by their assurance that the dam won’t cause too much ecological damage, but this seems to be more to assuage the fears of biocentrists and ecoholists than actually due to genuine concern. After all, there is no mention in their report about precautions taken to ensure the ecological health of the area or whether the environmental impact was intensely scrutinized.
There are two ways of looking at this ethical problem. The first is a consequentialist view. This is the idea that it is the consequences or outcomes of an action that determine whether or not t is morally right. A well-known type of consequentialism is utilitarianism, which states that actions which produce the greatest amount of happiness are those that should be undertaken. A utilitarian view requires the comparison of the outcome of building the dam in terms of the happiness it creates for some humans, and unhappiness it would create for other species as well as for other humans whose homes might be flooded. In this example, it is likely that damming these rivers will create a lot of “unhappiness” for the species that depend on them and will also damage the river ecosystem as whole. Given an ecoholist view this would be bad. The damming could also lead to flooding for humans who live on the banks of the Ottawa River. However, the dams would also create happiness for people who would benefit from a source of ‘clean’ electricity and fresh drinking water. The MEI has made it clear that they have an anthropocentric view and would therefore only examine the relative happiness and unhappiness of the humans involved. For them, it would appear obvious that the happiness created by drinking water and electricity would outweigh the minor chance of flooding.

The other way of examining this ethical problem is from a non-consequentialist view. This involves examining the method which was used to reach the result. A common non-consequentialist view is the rights view, which examines whose rights have been violated or upheld in the making of the decision. From an anthropocentric view, only the rights of the humans involved should count. In damming the rivers, we are upholding humans’ rights to fresh water, and to pursuing happiness with electricity use. In building the dam, there is no violation of any other human’s rights so building it would be considered morally ok to an anthropocentrist. If a biocentrist or ecoholist view was adopted, examination of the rights of the other organisms and species involved would also have to be undertaken. Diverting the flow of these rivers and jeopardizing their habitats would be violating their right to life and would deem the construction of these to be morally wrong.

The MEI has adopted an anthropocentric view of the world and this has allowed them to justify all actions on the basis of simply benefiting humans. For them, from both a consequentialist and non-consequentialist view, building the dams is morally justified. However, in the opinion of someone who believes that species or entities other than humans count morally, both a utilitarian and rights analysis of the situation would lead to a very different conclusion. Assessing MEI’s ethical views allows one to become more aware of how they are constructing their argument and whether or not one agrees with it based on one’s own ethical beliefs. This allows for better formed arguments and in depth analysis of environmental issues.
.
Source:
“Report Outlines Benefit of Diverting 3 Quebec Rivers” Oct 29, 2009 http://www.hydroworld.com/index/display/article-display/6296518374/articles/hydro-review/volume-28/issue-7/-departments/canadian-news.html Accessed Nov 2, 2009

Cleansing the Air at the Expense of Waterways

2009-11-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

Coal power plants provide electricity to millions of people around the world. Electricity heats our homes, cooks our food and runs every kind of device imaginable. It also pollutes. Air pollution pouring from the huge smokestacks of power plants is a well known occurrence. What is less familiar is the water pollution created through air pollution control. The article Cleansing the Air at the Expense of Waterways by Charles Duhigg focuses on the relationship between these pollutants produced by a power plant on the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. When the owner of this plant, Allegheny Energy, installed scrubbers to remove harmful toxins from the air, it seemed as though environmental headway was being made. However, that pollution had to go somewhere, making the Monongahela a dump site for waste water. Now residents of the area and government workers from The Environmental Protection Agency are trying to develop new regulations that prevent not only air pollution but water pollution as well. Instead of altering the form of waste they want to make it mandatory for the plants to install more complete waste treatment facilities.

To determine the most ethically correct course of action we must first determine what entities are affected and what ones are going to be considered morally. Water and air pollution has very widespread effects. For example, air pollution ruins the air quality of the closely surrounding areas, but it also is spread by wind currents to other countries as acid rain. Water pollution of the Monongahela River will introduce harmful toxins to local ecosystems predominately but also to the lakes and other rivers that it feeds. Also, farms that rely on the Monongahela for irrigation will spread toxins in the food to countless areas. These widespread effects make it challenging to decide what components to ethically consider.

We will generally create four distinct groups for consideration of what counts morally; humans, sentient organisms, non-sentient living organisms, and the abiotic components of an ecosystem. For this purpose we will consider all beings classified as animals to be sentient and any protista, archaea, bacteria and plants to be non-sentient. Although it would be ideal to consider the needs of all of the components, that is a next to impossible task. Hopefully by considering the needs of what we deem to be morally significant we will also look after the ecosystem as a whole.

The main dividing point in these two groups seems to be between sentient and non-sentient beings. This is a reasonable division because, as discussed in class, non-sentient beings do not make plans for the future. A rock or a tree will continue to exist without acknowledging changes in pollution levels. Sentient beings on the other hand will notice the changes around them as well as how these changes affect their lives. Using sentient beings as entities of moral significance coincides with the article’s view of the demarcation problem. Charles Duhigg only considers the impact of air and or water pollution on human populations, which most would agree, are the most morally relevant and sentient individuals. His statistics highlight the effects of air pollution on human respiratory disease and the effects of water pollution on drinking water quality. Duhigg does not consider the needs and wants of the ecosystem.

When considering water verses air pollution in relation to humans and animals, consequentialists would probably consider the current pollutant control methods adequate. Consequentialists consider moral action to be right or wrong based on the outcome of the action. Maximizing total happiness is often sufficient reason to proceed with a morally wrong action. The outcomes are considered good or bad depending on how they affect those of moral significance. The outcome of water pollution is not yet known. Even which chemicals are in the pollution is under debate. Air pollution however is known to cause respiratory disease (Duhigg, 2009). Duhigg also explains how current pollution control methods are increasing the happiness of humans: “when Allegheny Energy decided to install scrubbers to clean the plant’s air emissions, environmentalists were overjoyed” (Duhigg, 2009). From the consequentialist point of view it seems as though we are currently in a very happy state which the installation of more expensive pollution control methods is not guaranteed to improve.

The non-consequentialists have an opposite method of judging moral action. From this viewpoint actions are right or wrong in and of themselves. Consequences do not determine whether the cause was right or wrong. Based on this definition, continuing to pollute water is morally wrong. Animals and people as morally valuable beings have a right to a clean environment. By polluting our water or air we compromise this right. Therefore money should be spent to install additional methods of pollution control. The deontologists would argue that it is morally wrong to pollute our environment when we have methods at our disposal to reduce that pollution.

The Environmental Protection Agency is adopting a non-consequentiatist view of coal pollution. They are attempting to initiate regulations that will tell “power plants that they need to genuinely clean up pollution, rather than just shift it from the air to the water.” (Duhigg, 2009) Despite power companies insisting that they have installed the most up to date air and water treatment methods, the EPA has realized that it is ethically wrong to pollute the air and water that morally relevant beings depend on.

- Amy Adair

References

Duhigg, Charles. "Cleaning the Air and the Expense of Waterways." The New York Times 13 October 2009: A1.

Shrinking of Lake Chad an Ethical Issue

2009-11-03T08:44:00.000-08:00

The Chad River borders Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria and Chad in Africa and these nations depend upon it for drinking water and agriculture. In the last 40 years Lake Chad has shrunk 90 percent and it is estimated that unless action is taken, it could disappear in the next twenty years. The people inhabiting this region are already impoverished and the loss of their water source will only make their situation worse. The United Nations has finally recognized that “..a humanitarian disaster looms due to the shrinking of the lake and this must be urgently addressed (Castelfranco 2009).” Since experts have recognized the magnitude of this problem, they are currently trying to determine the best way to mitigate some of this damage. In order to get a full grasp of the degree of this problem, it is very important to look at it from all ethical points of view.

The continuous shrinking of Lake Chad poses both a humanitarian and ecological disaster. There are currently millions of people living in the lake basin and 30 to 40 million of these people have already been affected by the loss of this freshwater source. In light of the demarcation problem, we must decide what factors are and aren’t important. The millions of people who are affected by the shrinking of Lake Chad, definitely rank high in terms of importance, as does the entire ecosystem as a whole. The lake is undoubtably home to a number of species, and there are most likely terrestrial animals other than humans who rely on the Lake as their primary water source. It would be ethically wrong to allow these millions of people to suffer through this and do nothing to try to mitigate the damage. The article does offer a solution to part of this problem, as suggested by Parviz Koohafkan, the director of Land and Water division at the FAO:

"Helping the local communities to better use resources, through participatory approach, through development, through capacity building, through helping them in coping with water scarcity, with land degradation, development projects but particularly in investment," (Castelfranco 2009).

Everyone would benefit from this type of education and regulation, including the citizens who rely on Lake Chad, and the ecosystem. It would even help the economy, because so many people rely on Lake Chad for agricultural purposes. These people already live in such impoverished conditions, that this might not have an enormous impact on their standard of living economically, but in terms of basic human rights they require this water and it should be made available to them.

Deontologically, the outcome of preserving Lake Chad is of no importance. From this viewpoint it is important to take action because we are duty bound to help our fellow human beings. These people are very vulnerable and cannot do very much on their own to improve their situation. From this ethical viewpoint, we recognize that these people require our assistance in order to survive this ecological disaster and we grant it to them. It would be wrong not to help our fellow human beings despite whether or not the outcome of preserving a lake is something that is ethically agreed with.

Consequentially, the same action should be taken- that of working to help preserve Lake Chad. It is ethically right to preserve the lake, and by preserving the lake we assist both the organisms who inhabit it and the people who rely on it for their livelihood. The action is right and the consequence is a positive one, therefore consequentialists would work to help preserve Lake Chad

Another possible solution to this problem that has been suggested is to transfer water from the Lake Congo basin to the Lake Chad basin. Deontologically, this route may not be supported as the act of taking water from one basin is not right. It could be compared to stealing water from one to give it to another which is not ethically supported by this viewpoint. Consequentialists may be split over such a suggestion. Doing this could help save Lake Chad, a consequence they would fully support, but it might also degrade the Lake Congo basin which is something that would not be supported by them. Of course this would not be done without extensive research into its feasibility, if it was believed to be feasible, then consequentialists would most likely support this decision.

In Castelfranco’s article, she presents a serious problem- the depletion of Lake Chad water levels and offers possible solutions to it. Though this is effective, she does not explain the situation from different ethical viewpoints. Saving Lake Chad may seem like the straightforward solution to many people, but to others it may be a difficult choice to make given the many different ethical viewpoints that exist today.

Sources:

Castelfranco, Sabina. Experts Look for Ways to Save Lake Chad, (2009). Voice of America, http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-10-16-voa22.cfm

-Elisabeth Shapiro

Do We Need To Be Worried?

2009-10-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

The article “Water Crisis Looms Unless We Understand Freshwater Cycles” discusses a study that shows the importance of not only knowing the amount of freshwater on the planet, but also finding out how it is ‘renewed.’ Taikan Oki and Shinjiro Kanae are the authors of the study. They believe that in order to preserve freshwater resources, we must follow water through the entire water cycle.

Toward the end of the article, there are a couple of quotes that seem to contradict each other at first glance. Further explanation of the first quote is needed in order for the article to make sense. The first quote was:

“The anticipated global warming will accelerate the water cycle. Precipitation will increase and therefore runoff and river discharge will be increased, thus available freshwater resources will be increased on a macro scale (COSMOS).”

This is true, seeing as water that was previously ice will melt and contribute to higher water levels. There have been other studies done which conclude that precipitation patterns will be more erratic in the future. Areas will most likely receive an extreme version of the precipitation that they have now. Whether this results in flooding or drought depends entirely on the area. This leads to the second quote:

“However, the more intense and intermittent precipitation characteristics anticipated in the future under global warming may not allow us to be optimistic… (COSMOS)”

While the first quote can lead the reader to believe that we are not on the verge of exhausting our freshwater resources, the second quote clearly eliminates that idea.

The first quote is the problem, because there are no explicit details as to how this will affect our freshwater resources in the long run. They use a generalization that hurts their cause more than it helps it. More intense precipitation could lead the reader to believe that there will be more water available for consumption. But as water levels rise in the ocean due to melting ice, the salt water will flow into the freshwater aquifers. This will result in water that is not fit to drink because of the increased saline level. Desalination of contaminated ground water would be just as costly and harmful to the environment as the desalination of ocean water.

This misunderstanding would be quite easy to make. The author of the article could include a bit more background to avoid any confusion for the reader.

Sources:

"Water crisis looms unless we understand freshwater cycles | COSMOS magazine." COSMOS magazine | The science of everything. Web. 26 Oct. 2009. .

Privatization of Water Resources

2009-10-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

Within the broad topic of fresh water resources there is a reliance on these fresh water systems to provide the necessities of life to all living organisms. In the blog article Is the privatization of water the right thing to do? , the author states “If water distribution was privatized, prices for individual consumers would likely increase with use, which would have the positive side effect of encouraging conservation”. This statement is ambiguous in nature because it makes the reader conceptually analyze to understand what the author is trying to convey in this blog about how water privatization will bring about instant conservation if water were privatized. In this blog post I will try to examine what is meant by the authors use of this phrase and how the authors statement can be misunderstood.

The use of this phrase is trying say how if water was to be a resource at the fingertips of privately state controlled places and companies that its prices would no doubt rise. With this rise in the price of water the amount used by people, companies, states or nations would undoubtably become more conservative. Water would be conserved because people would be more scared to use it due to its economic toll it would take. This sort of scare tactic would lead people to use less water but when it comes to fresh water conservation scaring people away from using it isn’t the best way to go about conservation.

The author’s theorized system of private water management is ambiguous because it involves a system that is tremendously different in comparison to the modern world. Water has never been a resource that has never strictly belonged to a person or place because of its universal importance to living organisms. This would be such a dramatic change from the way water is currently unowned that this purposed change to the ownership of water is not achievable. The inexact nature of the authors proposition of privately owned water makes it hard to conceive and ultimately impossible to put into practice. Without the sharing of resource of water like we currently partake in all over the world water ownership would become very hostile and militarily run. This argument is misunderstood on the basis that its application is almost impossible long with its effects that include cutting off impoverished nations along with starting disputes about the distribution of water.

In the article upon which this blog is based the statement that claims that if water were to be privately owned that it would lead to conservation. This statement is very easy to misunderstand because of the complete ill-defined terms of conservation and private ownership that it is based on. Without complete understanding of those two terms this concept is hard to understand. This is because our system of water distribution is much different today than it is in theory within the article. Although the idea in the article may be valid it does not include the critical ideas of how it would be practiced and some of the possible consequences it would bring.

Reference:

"Is the privatization of water the right thing to do?" Web log post. Water In The Works. Water and Wastewater in the Canadian context, 26 Oct. 2009. Web. 27 Oct. 2009. <http://waterintheworks.wordpress.com/2009/10/26/is-the-privatization-of-water-the-right-thing-to-do/

Written by:

Kendra Bester

Freshwater fish are depleting in numbers; but who or what is the main cause of this depletion?

2009-10-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

According to a recent study, as many as four in ten species of fish inhabiting lakes and rivers in North America are in danger of becoming endangered. Through this study, it was also concluded that he number of subspecies of fish in danger in theses water bodies have doubled since 1989.
In the article “Freshwater fish in N. America in peril, study says” the author of the news article summarizes the methods and results in the study, which claims that “people are the chief cause of the problem” (CBC, 2008) for the decline in fish species in North America. Not included in the report however is how these species of fish are being affected so greatly by these “people”. In one sentence stated in the report “people are the chief cause of the problem by polluting and damming freshwater habitats” (CBC, 2008), however nowhere else in the article is this re-touched. This statement requires conceptual analysis due to the fact that the article lacks to describe or go into any detail at all how the human population is damming these freshwater habitats, or how damming these habitats is related to the decline in fish species numbers. After the statement, denoting people as the main problem in this issue, the author then begins to discuss the study to the reader, stating “In the first massive study of freshwater fish on the continent in 19 years, an international team of dozens of scientists looked not just at species, but also at subspecies…” (CBC, 2008) and the previous statement of the main cause is ignored.
In my opinion, I believe the author was trying to explain that by humans damming bodies of water they are negatively affecting the habitats of these fish species, which in turn affects their breeding and feeding grounds, which then forces the certain species to decline in numbers. In order to reiterate this point, the author could have allowed more room for discussion of why people were deemed the main cause of the problem, instead of stating random facts from the study. The statement “people are the chief cause of the problem” (CBC, 2008) could be misinterpreted by the reader due to the fact that the statement appears to be stating that the only reason that so many species of fish are becoming endangered or extinct is do the fact that people are damming freshwater habitats. However this is incorrect due to the fact that other components are affecting the decline of fish population such as environmental (change of temperature in climate) and ecological factors (predators of fish species becoming great in numbers).
Therefore, in order to be more concise with the wording of this particular statement, the author could have added more clarity by further discussing the accusation of people being the sole factor causing the decline in fish populations in North America.

Resources:
CBC, 2009, Freshwater fish in N. America in peril, study says
September 11th 2008, Accessed October 27th 2009
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2008/09/11/fish-endangered.html

Emily Hartwig

National Parks Losing their Flow

2009-10-27T17:50:00.001-07:00

According to Peter H. Gleick, national parks in the United States are suffering and will continue to suffer the effects of climate change and of the improper use of their natural resources. With the combination of melting glaciers through climate change and of intense commercial use of freshwater resources, the odds are that they will become dry and lifeless.

In Gleick’s blog, “Managing the Waters”, water is considered an important part of ecosystems, and “healthy ecosystems require healthy waters” (Gleick, 2009). The blog mainly focuses on the importance of taking care of freshwater resources in the national parks versus depriving the parks of them. Ecosystems such as rivers are seen as just as important as, if not more than, the wildlife living in them.

There was a bit of confusion in one particular sentence in the blog:

“If we let our parks become fenced, static, ecologically impoverished oases in a sea of unsustainable development, they will cease being the living wonders envisioned by their founders.” (Gleick, 2009)

After having read the whole blog, it is clear that the word “static” in this sentence relates to a lack of water flow; however, with it being one of the first things mentioned, the use of this term is questionable and may seem exaggerated. The word “static” meaning motionless and unchanging, the original thought is that national parks cannot be static, as they are constantly changing environments and can survive without humans interfering.

Mainly because of the extent of their commercial use in national parks, freshwater resources are becoming scarce and their availability for the wildlife that shares their environment is nearing insufficiency. One can therefore see why the term “static” could have been used; disappearing water can lead to immobile ecosystems (lack of moving water as well as the death of wildlife that depends on it). That being said, it would have been helpful to include the author’s meaning of the word “static”, as, even though water is included in the title, the relation between water and the word “static” is not very clear. Gleick’s interpretation of human impact on national parks is still very well written, and his blog is useful in the recognition of the possible consequences of a badly looked-after national park.

Reference:

Gleick, Peter H. “Managing the Waters”. The New York Times. Sept. 27, 2009.

Water: A Non-renewable Resource?

2009-10-27T12:10:00.000-07:00

In an article called “The Looming Threat of Peak Water” found online at The Gold Speculator, author Quinn Advisors continually refers to the coming of ‘peak water’ to describe our world’s future fresh water shortages due to climate change and pollution. This is an ambiguous term that requires a fair bit of conceptual analysis in order to avoid misunderstanding what it is that Advisors is talking about. In this blog post I will attempt to describe what I believe are the necessary and sufficient conditions that would have to be met in order to use this phrase as well as describe what I believe the author actually means when using this phrase.
The term ‘peak water’ mimics the term ‘peak oil’. This phrase refers to the point when humans have used up more than half of the oil resources on the planet. Therefore, what would be sufficient for the use of this term would be that water is a finite a resource, and once it used it cannot be used again. Water would have to be like oil, which is a non-renewable resource. What would be necessary for the use of this term is that humans are using up water at a rapid pace and we are actually at a point where we have used up more than half of the water that is on this Earth. Fortunately for us, this is not the case. The amount of water on the planet is a finite amount but when used, it can still be used again. When people refer to future freshwater shortages, they are referring to the increased evaporation and shift in rainfall patterns caused by climate change that may cause droughts in the future. The amount of water on the Earth isn’t decreasing, it is just being moved around. Therefore, Advisors is mistaken in his use of the term ‘peak oil’ since the reality does not fit the true definition of the word. Unless of course he was referring to water pollution and the fact that freshwater is slowly becoming too polluted to use, but the content of the rest of this article makes it clear that he isn’t.
Advisors use of this term will certainly lead to misunderstandings on the part of the reader, who are familiar with the term peak oil and apply that definition to the term ‘peak water’. Had Advisors conceptually analysed the term and realized that it refers to the state of permanently using up the Earth’s water, he might have re-considered its use and gone with a term that was less ambiguous.

Source:
Advisors, Quinn. “The Looming Threat of Peak Water”. Gold Speculator. Aug. 28, 2009. Accessed Oct. 26, 2009. http://www.gold-speculator.com/quinn-advisors/9536-looming-threat-peak-water.html

Sustainaby Managed Water

2009-10-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Freshwater is becoming the most precious commodity on the planet. In the article Have we reached peak water?, Paul Hanely highlights how as the human population increases the earth is becomes less able to support our water needs. Rivers are running dry in the United States, forcing people to rely on finite underground sources of water. China is experiencing a massive drought that is putting already polluted conditions into an emergency state. Finally, all over the world our trend towards the use of bottled water is augmenting the problem by using more energy and producing more greenhouse through packaging and shipping.

The way to combat the trend towards a global water crisis, says Hanely, is to improve upon sustainably managed water. In the article, this concept is related, “to the way we use, manage, and abuse the fresh water that is regularly replenished by precipitation” (Hanely, 2009). This includes lakes and rivers, not underground aquifers that will take years to replenish themselves. These sustainable or renewable sources must be protected and used wisely. Hanely explains that the proper management of these sources includes the reduction of water use, and the improvement of water treatment to clean what we have. Also, how we obtain and use water should be considered because the use of fossil fuels increases global warming and the water crisis.

The author’s description of sustainably managed water is fairly precise. However, though the use of the word sustainable he implies many additional meanings that do not come across in the rest of the article. The Sustainability Principle is the idea that there is a limit to economic growth. (Beder, 2006) To sustainably manage our water could mean that we decrease economic growth to fit within the limits of what water we have already appropriated. Sustainable management implies that we should put regulations on our water consumption so that it does not exceed what the earth can provide. To implement regulations more research, funding and willingness is required. Sustainably managed water can not arise overnight.

Beyond extra meanings, the concept of sustainability has inherent vagueness. Firstly, it is impossible to totally recycle and reuse a resource. Certainly we can minimize our impact such that the ecosystem will recover, but it will still have been changed through basic wear and tear. Also, questions of how long we responsible for sustainability to last arise. Are we accountable for the rest of our lives, our children’s lives, or the time of humanity on earth? Aquifers although usually considered finite, will replenish themselves over time. It is hard to decide if using these resources is sustainable or not if we know they could run out, but not for a long time if used correctly. Finally, who is responsible for these sustainably managed waters? A global commandment on how to be sustainable can not be made because many unindustrialized countries simply do not have the means to prevent degradation of water.

Sustainability has become one of the key phrases in environmentalism. However to use it correctly requires a very specific definition.

- Amy Adair

Resources

Beder, Sharon. Environmental Principles and Policies. London: Earthscan, 2006.

Hanely, Paul. canada.com. 10 March 2009. 24 October 2009 . .

Clean Water Act Confusion

2009-10-26T16:52:00.000-07:00

The Clean Water Act is a piece of legislation in the United States that aims to protect the quality of surface water by using a variety of tools to reduce the amount of direct point pollution discharge into the nations waters. Landowners must go through a lengthy permit process in order to build on wetlands and other areas (U.S Environmental Protection Agency 2009). Recently, the regulators of this Act turned away two Michigan landowners who wanted to build on wetlands that they already owned. After taking this unfavorable decision to the Supreme Court, it was ruled that the regulators may have misinterpreted the Act.

The way the article phrases this incident makes it seem as if the regulators are incompetent at their job. It later mentions the fact that the Clean Water Act was just one vote away from being terminated as federal legislation. The author seems to be shedding negative light on this Act and the people who enforce it. Another way of viewing this statement, is that the author is merely relaying what has happened. She continually mentions the idea that water conservation can be very subjective, “And that makes it difficult to determine where the water ends and the wetland begins (Totenberg).” This concession makes it seem as if the author does not really think the

regulators are incompetent as each situation where this act is utilized is quite unique.

Overall, this article can be read in two totally different ways and this ambiguity does not give the reader a clear idea of what the author means. Read one way, both the situation and the Clean Water Act are seen as unreliable and antiquated. The other understanding that readers may have of it, is that water legislation is so subjective that it is nearly impossible to define right or wrong in any given situation. Perhaps given this idea, the Clean Water Act is indeed outdated and a new piece of legislation that encompasses all possible scenarios is necessary to prevent the Supreme Court from being involved in such an episode again.

-Elisabeth Shapiro

Sources:

Divided Supreme Court Rules on Wetlands Law, Nina Totenberg (2006). www.npr.org

Summary of the Clean Water Act, U.S Environmental Protection Agency (2009). www.epa.gov

The WWF Uses the Precautionary Principle for the Protection of Water

2009-10-20T21:46:00.001-07:00

In the 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, the precautionary principle was stated to be “where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degredation (Rio).” It is along these lines that the article “Climate Crisis Putting Canada’s Rivers at Risk (Sympatico.ca)” makes its case. This article refers to a report released by the WWF (“Canada’s Rivers are at Risk: Environmental Flows and Canada’s Freshwater Future”). This report talks about altered water flows and their effects on any downstream ecosystems.

In the race to find a cleaner energy source, many have turned to hydropower. These projects are changing the basic structure of the rivers. The flow of (among others) the South Saskatchewan River and the St. Lawrence River have been altered so much in the past that it is placing pressure on the surrounding ecosystems.

The WWF recommends that we look at what is happening to these rivers, and try to prevent it from happening to others. They made two suggestions: first, find a long-term plan to keep the rivers flowing; and second, create agreements to protect the ecosystems downstream of the altered river flow. They say “start planning now to protect river flows to ensure water security for the communities and economies that depend on them.”

In short, the WWF would like the Canadian government to take action before something critical happens that can’t be undone. The use of the precautionary principle is effective, because we have no proof that these rivers will ever be able to fully restore themselves. Simply because the damage doesn’t seem widespread at the moment, that doesn’t mean that it won’t be in the near future.

Sources:

"Climate crisis putting Canada's rivers at risk | Sympatico.ca News." Home | Sympatico.ca News. Canada News. Web. 20 Oct. 2009. .

"- Rio Declaration - Rio Declaration on Environment and Development - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) --." -- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - Home page --. Web. 20 Oct. 2009. .

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Keeping Information from Concerned Citizens

2009-10-20T21:04:00.001-07:00

In “Letter from Dr. Gordon Hartman to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans” (Hartman, G., McAllister, C. 2009), the role that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is playing versus the role it should be playing in terms of fishery issues is well observed and criticized. Being a government-run organization, DFO is supposed to be following the precautionary principle established by our government itself. In the past 25 years, however, DFO has not been abiding to this rule and has certainly not been playing its part in environmental issues.

According to a short video (http://saveourrivers.tv/dfo_aquanor_hires.html) and to much research done by Hartman and McAllister, DFO has been working mainly at being “an aquaculture promotion organization than a responsibly involved fisheries research and management agency” (Hartman, G., McAllister, C. 2009). Its goals oppose each other in the sense that one is to protect wild salmon and the other is to sell it.

During an exhibition in Norway (according to Hartman’s and McAllister’s article and to http://saveourrivers.tv/dfo_aquanor_hires.html), DFO has not made enough research to be able to farm salmon, yet they are requesting the permission to either move their industry to northern Canada or to expand it. Their industry is neglecting the presence of sea lice (they have a negative impact on salmon) and is very expensive to fund. It is also a cause of rotting waste in the water and it consumes a large amount of energy. Nonetheless, DFO’s industry is very secretive, not providing information during interviews, and posting “Keep Out” signs near the farms.

If the precautionary principle was better followed by our government-run organizations, problems such as over-production of wild salmon could be stopped and more knowledge could be gained on it. It only takes a couple authors to raise awareness – it takes acknowledgment to stop the problem.

Resources:

Hartman, G., McAllister, C. “Letter from Dr. Gordon Hartman to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.” Rafe Mair Online. August 2009. < http://rafeonline.com/2009/08/letter-from-dr-gordon-hartman-to-the-minister-of-fisheries-and-oceans/>.

Video, < http://saveourrivers.tv/dfo_aquanor_hires.htmlv>.

Increasing Freshwater Fish Population in Malaysia: Helping the Environment, or Boosting Eco-Tourism?

2009-10-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

In the article “Experts to boost fresh water fish population”, aquaculture experts in Malaysia have determined that in order for the population of fresh water fish in their area to remain high, they must take action. By use of the precautionary principle, the experts plan to “boost the population of local fish which might otherwise, face depletion without proper preservation” (Uggah, 2009). In my opinion, this application of the precautionary principle is not justified. By interfering with the natural fish population reproduction rate, researches risk the chance that this increase will offset the balance of the freshwater ecosystem.
When a species becomes too large by ways that are not natural, a problem can be created for the species prey (too many fish not enough food depletion of the species prey) and their predators (increase in food for predator could cause increase in set said predator). In the article, the author states that the Malaysian Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Datuk Douglas Uggah, declared that this would also promote eco-tourism such as sport fishing in the area. However this again could impose a problem, if eco-tourism increases, more fish are susceptible to capture and ultimately the population will decrease again, which will affect the ecological balance. This is not a proper use of the precautionary principle, which basically is “ a response to uncertainty, in the face of risks to health or the environment... it involves acting to avoid serious or irreversible potential harm, despite lack of scientific certainty as to the likelihood, magnitude, or causation of that harm” (Precautionary Principle, 2003). However it is my opinion that this scenario is not in need of this type of action due to the fact that no “serious or irreversible harm” is present in relation to the population of fresh water fish in Malaysia.

Resources:
Bernama (2009), Experts to Boost Freshwater Fish Population
October 4th 2009
Precautionary Principle Project, (2003), What is the Precautionary Principle?
January 19th 2003

Accessed: October 20th 2009
Emily Hartwig

The United Nations Prepare for the Worst

2009-10-20T16:16:00.002-07:00

The United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) policy entitled Fisheries and Aquaculture in our Changing Climate uses the precautionary principle to recommend beneficial changes to our use of aquatic resources. The precautionary principle states that if there is the possibility of harm to humans or the environment then action must be taken to reduce this harm, especially when the exact nature or severity of the problem is unknown. (Beder, 2006) Although climate change is a popular topic, its effects on any ecosystem are uncertain. Throughout the world, “some countries and fisheries will benefit while others will lose – the only certainty is change and decision makers must be prepared for it.” (UNEP, 2009) It is impossible to know exactly how aquaculture will be affected by climate change. UNEP calls for precautionary measures such as further research into water ecosystems, expansion of our knowledge of climate change, and improved management of fisheries to prevent over fishing and to reduce emissions of greenhouse gas.

I believe this use of the precautionary principle is beneficial. Even if the overall effects of climate change are not as severe as predicted, better fishing practises and a larger knowledge base will assist humanity in its use of aquatic resources. By preparing for the worst, we safeguard the future. Sustainable fishing practises will benefit us regardless because healthy streams, lake and oceans provide food, livelihood and protection to millions of people.

Climate change in itself is very controversial, however most agree it is occurring, just not to what extent. Considering that water is our “buffer to climate change” (UNEP, 2009) we should protect it so that it can protect us from whatever degree of climate change occurs. UNEP’s use of the precautionary principle is not a scare tactic. Negative effects of climate change, such lower water levels and violent weather, are already present. We should conserve and reduce now to mitigate climate change and ensure a plentiful supply of fish in the future.

- Amy Adair

Resources
Beder, Sharon. Environmental Principles and Policies. London: Earthscan, 2006.

UNEP. "environment for development." 2009. United Nations Environment Programme. 18
October 2009 DocumentID=289&ArticleID=3447>.

New Zealand Water Crisis

2009-10-20T16:16:00.001-07:00

The blog “The Politics of Water” by Russel Normans discusses the critical freshwater management of New Zealand. He refers to the precautionary principle, not being used when it should be. In the book “Environmental Principles and Policies” by Sharon Beder it defines the precautionary principle as “morally unacceptable harm that is scientifically plausible but uncertain, actions shall be taken to avoid or diminish that harm.”(Sharon, 2006) This book also provides examples of unacceptable harm, such as “threatening human health, inequitable to present and future generations, and lack of consideration of the human rights of those affected.”(Sharon, 2006). For these reasons I will defend Russel Normans view of precautionary thinking towards this case.

When scientific evidence is not completely actuate, I believe the government should not stand around and wait for sound and valid evidence. This is known as the “wait and see approach”(Sharon, 2008). Instead the government should just have a convincing case, that may or may not be supported by scientific evidence. In a case that will provide health and safety to all. Such as in Norman’s blog, he refers to the the New Zealand “failed governance system” (Norman, 2009) because they fail to see the first level causes of New Zealand water crisis such as, “increased pollution flows intro freshwater bodies from agriculture, horticulture and sewerage.” (Norman, 2009). Scientific evidence is not needed to prove that this water is polluted, which means the government is better off to act on the problem of water crisis because it is better to be safe then sorry. Even if there is no real evidence, they need to realize that fresh water is important aspect of live, and also important aspect to maintain there economy. The New Zealand Government need to realize “the economic future of the country is dependent on successful environmental management.” (Norman, 2009).

Resources:

Beder, Sharon. Environmental Principles and Policies An Interdisciplinary Introduction. Minneapolis: Earthscan Publications Ltd., 2006. Print.

Norman, Russel. "The politics of water." Web log post. Frogblog. Frogblog, 9 June 2009. Web. 20 Oct. 2009. <http://blog.greens.org.nz/2009/06/09/the-politics-of-water/>.

Kendra Bester

Overly Cautious? Or Valid Concerns?

2009-10-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

Many scientists fear that with an increasing warming climate, water resources will become much scarcer in North America. A Montreal business think tank, called the Montreal Economic Institute, hopes to deal with that problem using a massive engineering endeavour in Northern Quebec. They proposed damming three rivers that run into James Bay and pumping that water overland so that it would into the Ottawa River so that it would be more available for consuming and selling. In the editorial piece “Water Follies” found in the Ottawa Citizen, the editor derides this proposal on the basis of the Precautionary Principle, stating that there are way too many possible negative effects from this endeavour and more sustainable alternative solutions to Canada’s future water problem.
The precautionary principle states that we ought not to do something if there the possibility that it may harm the environment in some way in the future. The author of “Water Follies” is justified in using this argument due to the massive scale of this proposal and the many alternative solutions that exist to this problem. He argues that damming the rivers will drain important wetlands, pollute the waters and lead to massive flooding in human settlements downstream. Others might argue against the use of the principle stating that we should plan now for the future scarcities and that the benefits of having available freshwater in the future outweighs any damage done. However, there exist other solutions to this problem which don’t involve such large-scale changes and damage to ecosystems.
We must not let our fear of future climate change justify the construction of massive projects that might be just as devastating to the environment. The precautionary principle can help us to weigh the benefits versus the costs of such plans.

Source
Editorial “Water Follies”. The Ottawa Citizen. 5 Oct. 2009. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Water+follies/2070194/story.html accessed: Oct 20, 2009

Dam Proposal for Mary River

2009-10-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

The Mary River in Queensland Australia is one known for erratic water flow and species that have been forced to adapt to their home. Proposals to put a dam in place on the river are being challenged by Dr. Lyndon DeVantier who believes that the creation of a model to address the possible impacts of this dam has not been properly done. He believes that the already struggling species who inhabit it would be unable to adapt to further environment changes. This claim is quite reasonable, as many of the organisms who inhabit this river are already referred to as endemic. Turtles in this river have weeds growing from their heads and some fish are able to breath air. Some advocates for the dam claim that it will improve the situation and provide the river and its species with a chance of recovery. Dr.DeVantier claims that “70% of all freshwater species extinction can be attributed to habitat modification”. (Ecologist warns of dam threat, 2009). If this claim is true, a dam will only worsen the situation for the river and its species. While no work has been done to prove these claims one way or another, it is important to think of all the possible outcomes that a dam will have on this ecosystem. It would be completely audacious to implement such radical changes to an ecosystem without doing so. The government has already been told that it is quite likely that dangerous weeds would take over the ecosystem and have an adverse affect on these already compromised organisms. Having received results such as this, it is difficult to believe that the government would knowingly go through with these plans. It is quite lucky that Dr. Lyndon has stepped forward to act as a steward for the river.

Sources:

Hoffman Bill, (2009) Ecologist Warns of Dam Threat.

www.sunshinecoastdaily.com

-Elisabeth Shapiro

The Effects of Elevation and Forest Covers on Freshwater Resources

2009-10-13T23:28:00.001-07:00

Researchers seem to be advancing in their understanding of reasons behind changes in snow-energy and mass-balance, based on a study done in British-Columbia’s Okanagan Basin. The main idea of this research is that snow-energy and mass-balance might be influenced by elevation and forest-covers, and to determine to what extent this is true the researchers used four sites in the well elevated Coldstream Basin, found within the larger Okanagan Basin. Among the measured aspects were snow depth and density, temperature and humidity, radiation, wind speed and direction, melt and vapour, as well as precipitation. These aspects were evaluated in the four sites, which were situated strategically based on elevation, with one forested and one open site per elevation level.

According to Jackson and Prowse, there was a “1-4% loss of peak SWE [snow water equivalent] at open sites, and 4-12% at the forested sites”. Sublimation (the transformation of a solid to a vapour without passing through the liquid state) and melt rates were higher in the open sites, and although researchers found that the snow was gone 2-5 days earlier on open sites than on forested sites, the open sites still kept a higher SWE than the forested ones. The snow density in the forested areas was notably smaller than the snow density in the open areas.

As for the influence of elevation on the snow water equivalent (amount of water contained in the snow), what was noticed was that a higher elevation led to a greater wind speed and that temperature varied depending on the elevation, but that humidity barely changed. There was a very noticeable difference in radiation from site to site, and the relations between them were not evident. Cold Mid and Cold Up (two sites on different elevations) were the only two sites with the same radiation. For the most part, Cold Mid (the middle-elevation site) seemed to be the least influenced site of all; it had the smallest loss of snow water equivalent due to sublimation, and the latent heat fluxes were less common on this site. Also observed, was the fact that the melting occurred mostly in lower altitude areas since they became warmer sooner.

Generally, melting occurred mostly in warm and high moisture environments, sublimation was caused by cold and dry air masses, and the recorded wind speeds were faster at the lower and higher sites than at the middle sites. The results found in this study were very similar to those found elsewhere, and they are helping build a strong base for future research on snow-energy and mass-balance. This study is a good start to better understanding the effects of climate change and tree cutting (causing more open spaces) on our freshwater resources.

References

Jackson, Scott I., Prowse, Terry D. “Spatial variation of snowmelt and sublimation in a high-elevation semi-desert basin of western Canada.” InterScience. 23, 2611 – 2627 (2009). DOI: 10.1002/hyp.7320.

Groundwater and it's future

2009-10-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

It’s a concept that we seem to learn at an early age. It boggles the young mind that what we are made of is at least as old as our planet. The air that we breathe is the same air that dinosaurs once inhaled. The amount of water currently on earth is the same amount as when the planet was formed. As much as this is an interesting fact, it is also one of the major reasons that scientists are looking into water resources for the future. There are many factors that are causing changes in how we view the resource that is fresh water. Clean drinking water is essential to leading a healthy life. The same water is also used to water crops. It is quickly becoming common knowledge that the world’s freshwater resources aren’t replenishing themselves as fast as we can use them. In the paper Will groundwater ease freshwater stress under climate change?, Zbigniew W. Kundzewicz and Petra Döll have worked to show that we should be cautious when it comes to groundwater use.

The main reason for decline in groundwater levels is high rates of groundwater abstraction (taking water from a source). Kundzewicz and Döll showed that the increase in groundwater recharge will be less than the increase in total runoff by roughly seven percent. In this way, Northeastern Brazil is claimed to be “the most critical vulnerability globally (Kundzewicz).” Places similar in geography and climate to Brazil will likely experience a drop in groundwater recharge. This will probably coincide with a lack of precipitation.

Then there are the snow-receiving parts of the planet. The higher temperatures from climate change will results in less snow in the winter season. This means that in the spring there will be less snow melting. Right now, melted snow makes up 40-70% of water in the groundwater recharge. But Kundzewicz and Döll warn that humid regions could receive more rain than usual. Excess amounts of water could lead pathogens into the groundwater.

The final problem that was discussed was the rise in sea level. Many see this as a problem because flooding will take up much needed space in an over-populated world. Flooding will be a problem, but not only for that reason. There is the issue of contamination of groundwater on many low-lying islands. If the sea level (salt water) passes above the groundwater level, it endangers much of that area’s freshwater resources. This would mean resorting to desalination methods, which are expensive and use more resources than they produce. At the end of any desalination there is also the question of how to dispose of what’s been taken out of the water.

Kundzewicz and Döll suggest that the “use of groundwater could ease freshwater stress under climate change (Kundzewicz).” They also suggest that there be further research into possible artificial groundwater recharge. Although they warn that this may be difficult and fraught with complications. The two scientists show that all hope might not be lost for keeping track of our water resources. But they do feel the need for collecting more data in order to be certain.

Source:

Kundzewicz, Zbigniew W., and Petra Döll. "Will groundwater ease freshwater stress under climate change?" Hydrological Sciences Journal 54.4 (2009): 665-67. Web. 13 Oct. 2009. .

Energy Production, Depends on Water

2009-10-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

The paper presented by the Carrillo and Frei, talks about the decrease of water and energy, as the world population and demand starts to increase. Within Carrillo and Frei’s research they stress issues about the rare amount of useable freshwater and the large amounts of energy it takes to produce and distribute the water and how the need of water must to be taken into consideration when researching future alternative energy sources. Their paper gives insight to a major world issue about the depletion of water and how it affects every life form on this planet. This leads one to conclude that this is becoming a important problem in the 21st Century because without the presence of water any kind of life can not be sustained.

As population growth continues to increase on this planet the amount of usable fresh water is decreasing. This is because the main use of water is to generate power that leads to our fresh water being contaminated and becoming non renewable. This happens when “water is used at various stages of the power generation cycle, including fuel extraction (mining and refining, oil, gas, uranium, and coal processing, coal and gas liquefaction and gasification, carbon sequestration)” (Carrillo, Frei, 2009). When these productions happen the water is taken out of its natural water cycle and made into a contaminated substance which is often toxic to living organisms. Therefore the amount of usable fresh water will become very sparse in the near future.

Carrillo and Frei also talk about the large amount of water which is needed in the production of energy, they also talk about how the energy is then needed to clean and filter the water so we can use it in our everyday lives. Meaning the energy and water are interconnected and dependent on each other. Since they’re interconnected and the “water resources are declining, the promotion of a diverse supply of reliable, affordable and sustainable energy is also at stake.”(Carrillo, Frei, 2009) Carrillo and Frei and trying to make the point that if we ruin one of natural resources (such as water), it will affect other major aspects of life such as the economy, the environment and our well being.

Within this research study it is predicted that “in the future there will be a greater demand for water and energy”. Carrillo and Frei want to educate the energy producers of the future to consider the consumption of water when producing energy. In their research they create a model which “estimates the total water needs associated with energy production in different sector for different purposes.” (Carrillo, Frei, 2009) This model was conducted for the country of Spain, from there model they realized “energy resources is projected to be more than 25% more water consumptive in 2030 than the 2005.” (Carrillo, Frei, 2009) However just in the “transportation sector, if biofuels increased from 1% to 25% of the fuels used for transportation, they would consume almost 6 times the total water consumed by the electricity sector.” (Carrillo, Frei, 2009). Also through there research they determined if Spain were to base “37% wind power, water withdrawal would be reduced by almost 8% compared to the 2030” (Carrillo, Frei, 2009). Therefore they have proven that in the future if we produce our energy from renewable sources that didn't depend on water, that countries water consumption could decrease.

The research of Carrillo and Frei concluded that water and energy are interdependent on each other, if one becomes affected the other will eventually become affected. When water is used to make energy it can often become contaminated and nonrenewable for example when used in a such process like producing oil. Also Carrillo and Frei research concluded through their model that if we start producing our energy in a way that is cautious with our water, we can restore our water tables slowly. This could be done by a mix of different energies “ based on wind and solar energy which is less water intensive than any other scenario” (Carrillo, Frei, 2009). In their research they have identify a on going problem about energy production and its dependence on water. With a research model that presents a way which will help with water and energy conservation in the future.

Resources

Carrillo, Anna Merce` Rio, and Christoph Frei. "Water: A key resource in energy production." Energy Policy (2009): 1-10. Print.

Kendra Bester

Calculating the Spread of Zebra Mussels: What is the Future for These Invasive Pests?

2009-10-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

Zebra mussels are a non-native invasive species that have affected countless fresh water systems in North America. Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), originally native to lakes in southeast Russia, have had massive economical and ecological effects in North America due to the fact that they successfully compete for habitat, so “…colonies of zebra mussels may accumulate and clog water-intake pipes and screens of drinking water facilities, industrial facilities, power generating plants…”(Gulf of Maine Aquarium, 2005).

In a 2004 study entitled "The Potential Distribution of Zebra Mussels in the United States", John M. Drake (postdoctoral fellow at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis) and Jonathan M. Bossenbroek (associate in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame) attempt to determine “the potential distribution of zebra mussels in the United States by applying a machine-learning algorithm for nonparametric prediction of species distributions”(Boosenbroek, Drake, 2004). In simpler words, the study’s focus was to create a mathematical model in order to predict the probable location of zebra mussel accumulations in the United States. Locations predicted by the model where zebra mussels would flourish could then prepare for suitable treatments, while areas not likely to be affected could avoid spending the time and resources for unnecessary contingency plans.

In order to construct the mathematical sequence, several variables needed to be estimated over the various regions of the United States. The environmental factors included; average annual temperature, frost frequency, annual precipitation, solar radiation, minimum temperature, and maximum temperature. The geological factors included; bedrock geology, elevation, flow accumulation, slope, and surface geology. The factors were collected from all over the United States in order to determine possible direct and indirect effects on zebra mussel habitat.

The conclusions of the study predicted that some large areas would likely not become infested with zebra mussels. “…our results suggest that much of the American West will be uninhabitable for zebra mussels” (Boosenbroek, Drake, 2004).

Areas predicted to be impacted by zebra mussels according to this model were summarized as follows: “using this method…high [risk] throughout the Midwest…[the] three western river systems…the Southeast…and along the eastern seaboard” (Boosenbroek, Drake, 2004). Considering the degree of industrial development in these areas, the amount of planning and the search for methods to control the zebra mussels while not causing considerable damage to the rest of the ecosystem will be extensive.

References:

Drake, John .M, Boosenbroek, Jonathon .M, (2004) The Potential Distribution of Zebra Mussels in the United States:
BioScience 54(10):931-941. 2004 doi: 10.1641/0006-3568(2004)054[0931:TPDOZM]2.0.CO;2
Accessed: October 13th 2009

“Zebra Mussels”, Gulf of Maine Aquarium (2005)
http://www.gma.org/surfing/human/zebra.html
Accessed: October 13th 2009

Emily Hartwig

Freshwater Preservation Strategy in India

2009-10-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

Researchers in India have recently implemented Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to predict groundwater levels in five aquifers in Prakash India. This system mimics human and animal neural response systems to analyze nonlinear and complex data that humans cannot with high accuracy. It uses a series of algorithms to analyze data about a certain topographical area and its watershed to forecast the outcome of different possible water usage situations.

The study was carried out in Andhra Pradesh in India, a region characterized by poor soil conditions, sporadic rainfall and little vegetation. Its main source of drainage is the massive granite hills to the north that disperse into many smaller tributaries. By inputting all this data as well as other factors such as differences in the slope and rainfall in particular areas they were able to create five year forecasts for different possible water usage outcomes. There are many different stages to ANN analysis. Firstly, all the data must be inputted into the system, wrong values and vastly different measurements are removed for accuracy. After this is completed, a series of algorithms are used to properly analyze up to 23 months worth of data. Many different solutions are created and the best possible route is chosen to optimize water use. The validity of the forecast is then validated and is carried out for different wells

This mode of research is an excellent way to learn about water stewardship. It is completely non invasive and allows people to understand just how much water there is available for use. The study estimated that if overpumping in one area can affect four different wells and that levels could hit zero even while the aquifers are in a state of recharge. They also predict that decreasing pumping rate could increase groundwater levels by eight to ten meters suring months of recharge.

So far in Andhra Pradesh, forecasting has been carried out for five geologically different wells for up to five years in advance. The changes from year to year are predicted by hypothetically creating different water usage strategies and this mode of forecasting has so far shown unprecedented accuracy.

Freshwater resource abuse is a serious issue that is occurring in many countries. Using this system emphasizes the idea that you cannot have just one way of treating aquifers as each are unique and has a variety of differing factors that must be taken into conisderation. These forecasts have already helped raise awareness among citizens of the Andhra Pradesh region of India. This will hopefully prompt government officials to devise or improve current water stewardship practices in India and incite similar studies in other countries.

-Elisabeth Shapiro

Sources:

Banerjee Pallavi, Prasad R.K, and Singh V.S (2008). Forecasting of groundwater level in hard rock region using artificial neural network. Environ Geol.

Anglers Disrupt Local Aquatic Ecosystems

2009-10-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

Fishing, the well-loved hobby of many outdoor enthusiasts, may actually be damaging the very shoreline ecosystems that they enjoy. The study by Amanda C. O’Toole, Kyle C. Hanson and Steven J. Cooke, recently published in the journal Environmental Management shows how the beaches of Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec are being swamped by anglers enjoying an escape to the great outdoors. Factors such as soil and water quality, fish and plant populations and abundance of litter were measured in various popular fishing regions. Three out of these five factors showed that environmental degradation does occur in high traffic areas.

From July 16 to 27 in 2007 the researchers from Carleton University found fourteen good fishing sites with the help of local fishermen. Then comparative sites twenty-five meters away along the same shoreline were chosen as a model of what the area would be like without human interference. The contrasts were disturbing. In the well-known fishing areas plant diversity and abundance, and soil quality were poor along the shorelines. The passage of many feet has worn fertile shores into compacted, barren landscapes susceptible to erosion and other degrading factors. (O’Toole, Hanson, Cooke, 2009) The surrounding aquatic habitat did not show such a startling difference, however it can be expected that with the degradation of the shorelines, the water will soon follow. Aquatic plants and shoreline plants contribute to water clarity and dissolved oxygen, (O’Toole, Hanson, Cooke, 2009) so as the plants disappear so will fish stocks.

Most saddening was the abundance of garbage found in angling destinations. While nothing was found in the control sites, nine-hundred times the amount of fishing line was found in fishing areas, as well as other forms of angling and non-angling related litter. (O’Toole, Hanson, Cooke, 2009) Styrofoam worm containers were even found despite the deposit that has recently been placed on them by a local fish supply store.

So what can we do to protect our shorelines? O’Toole, Hanson and Cooke call for increased awareness of this sensitive riparian ecosystem. Hopefully knowledge of the damage being done will spur nature lovers into protecting their weekend getaway spots. (O’Toole, Hanson, Cooke, 2009) Decreased packaging on fishing gear, easy access to garbage cans and even man-made docks would also assist in the protection of this aquatic resource.

Studies on the ecological effects of freshwater fishing are relatively new. Usually researchers are more concerned with the direct effect of the angler on the fish or fish community, not the damage done to the surrounding environment. (O’Toole, Hanson, Cooke, 2009) Yet it is that environment that maintains plentiful fish populations. This new form of study shows that “there is a need for information on the potential environmental consequences of recreational fishing to ensure that the ecologic integrity of riparian systems is maintained.” (O’Toole, Hanson, Cooke, 2009) By protecting the surrounding area, the public of Canada’s capital can enjoy angling for many years to come.

- Amy Adair
0660106

References
O'Toole, A. C., Hanson, K. C., & Cooke*, S. J. (2009). The effect of shoreline recreational angling
activities on aquatic and riparian habitat within an urban environment: Implications for
conservation and management. Environmental Management, 44(2), 324-334.
doi:10.1007/s00267-009-9299-3

Small but Mighty Phytoplankton

2009-10-08T10:47:00.001-07:00

In the Journal “Ecotoxicology”, Amy L. Downing, Kristen M. DeVanna, C. Nichole Rubeck-Schurtz, Laura Tuhela and Heather Grunkemeyer have published an important article about the effects of a common pesticide on invertebrate communities and their ability to bounce back after disturbance.
This topic is a highly important one because, as mentioned in the article, “the rate of extinction of freshwater fauna is five times higher than the rate for terrestrial fauna”. One of the greatest reasons for this is the impacts of agriculture, which include habitat loss, eutrophication and the run-off of herbicides and pesticides. How does the run-off of these chemicals affect communities? Many previous studies have examined the consequences for single species or small groups of species, but Downing et. al. attempted to examine the results for entire communities or ecosystems.
Using a natural community of zooplankton, phytoplankton and microbes collected from a nearby pond, they set up a system of experimental mesocosms. To these artificial ponds, they added pulses of the commonly used pesticide “Sevin” with the active ingredient carbaryl at different concentrations. They then recorded the changes in 7 different response variables that served to reflect the health of the ecosystem.
What they found was that after 30 days the differences in carbaryl concentrations were completely unnoticeable as it was broken down into the system. At the highest concentration, only 2 of the 7 response variables (zooplankton diversity and oxygen concentration) showed a complete return to original levels. Zooplankton richness, diversity and abundance had all declined, while abundance of phytoplankton and microbes had actually increased. This is supposed to be due to the decrease in predatory pressure from the zooplankton.
Downing et al. found these results to be encouraging, as partial or complete recovery was made very quickly in the communities that had been treated with lower concentrations, and even in those treated with the higher concentration. But reminded the reader to take these results with a grain of salt as there several limitations to their experiment existed. Firstly, the communities were made up of only invertebrates, not macrophytes, macroinvertebrates and vertebrates who might have different reactions to the carbaryl. As well, these invertebrates had much shorter generation times than other, more complex, organisms, and this allowed for such a rapid recovery time. Finally, in reality, ecosystems would most likely be pulsed with pesticide run-off more than once a year, as was done in the experiment. There might be more serious effects for an ecosystem from long term exposure.
Downing et al.’s work helps open our eyes to how ecosystems cope with stress and reveals the adaptability and recovery a community of invertebrates is capable of.
Source
Downing, Amy L., Kristen M. DeVanna, C. Nichole Rubeck-Schurtz, Laura Tuhela and Heather Grunkemeyer. “Community and ecosystem responses to a pulsed pesticide disturbance in freshwater ecosystems”. Ecotoxicology. 17 (2008):539–548

The Answers Lie Within their Bones

2009-10-07T00:07:00.000-07:00

Using the article “Stable isotope dietary analysis of the Tianyuan 1 early modern human” as a primary source, Neil Schoenherr does well at summarizing recent results from studies on the possibility of freshwater fish being part of the human diet for at least 40,000 years. These studies were performed by comparing the sulfur isotope values in a Tianyuan 1 human fossil, dating from 40,000 years ago, to animals that do have such a diet. The scientists were also able to use the presence of carbon and nitrogen in the Tianyuan 1 bone as indicators of animal protein, with nitrogen also being a possible indicator of freshwater fish.

According to the primary article, for this research, bone samples, belonging to a human, 2 sikka deer, 9 unidentified herbivores and a wild cat, all found in Tianyuan Cave, were used. Also used were fish samples from a later time period than that of Tianyuan Cave. This was feasible because of the consistency in the sulfur isotope signals due to geological relevance.

Although I find Schoenherr’ article, “First direct evidence of substantial fish consumption by early modern humans in China” (Schoenherr, 2009) quite well written, my only concern would be the certainty he uses to make his claim. It is true that the sulfur, carbon and nitrogen isotopes almost prove the presence of freshwater fish in early humans diets; however Schoenherr fails to mention certain contradictory points such as that in which no fish bones were found in Tianyuan Cave, or that of the lack of contemporary fish from Tianyuan Cave. The last point mentioned could have had an effect on the accuracy of the research, and both points were explained in the primary source.

This sentence written by Schoenherr did take his article to a more interesting level:

Chemical analysis of the protein collagen, using ratios of the isotopes of nitrogen and sulfur in particular, can show whether such fish consumption was an occasional treat or a regular food item. (Schoenherr, 2009)

However, I believe it would have made his text richer had he also included an explanation of how the isotopes are related to freshwater fish and how they used those isotopes to compare the Tianyuan 1 fossil to different animals. That little bit of information could have made the text easier to understand, without necessarily being too detailed and taking away from the purpose of the article.

Schoenherr’ article was short and stated his point well. The title he used was not over-exaggerated yet it was interesting enough to want to read what he wrote; he used numbers to make the information more clear (40,000 years old); his statements were not too vague; and he kept to the information provided in the primary article. A better version of his article might have included more base information on the materials and methods, as more people could have then been able to understand what was being presented. Also, a brief mention of certain problems the scientists had to face during the analyzing process would have been helpful and led to a more insightful grasp of the limitations behind the results. Otherwise, Schoenherr’ article was well written.

References

Schoenherr, Neil. (2009) First direct evidence of substantial fish consumption by early modern humans in China. Washington University in St. Louis News & Information; issue 14346; 9 July 2009. http://news-info.wustl.edu/tips/page/normal/14346.html. Accessed 6 October 2009.

Hu, Y., Shang, H., Tong, H., Nehlich, O., Liu, W., Zhao, C., et al. Stable isotope dietary analysis of the Tianyuan 1 early modern human. PNAS, issue 10971, 7 July 2009. http://www.pnas.org/content/106/27/10971.full. Accessed 6 October 2009.

From High in the Colorado River to Low Water Levels

2009-10-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

The journal entry “Sustainable water deliveries from the Colorado River in a changing climate” by Tim P. Barnett and David W. Pierce discusses the future of the Colorado River. At the current rate of decline, the Colorado River and the bodies of water it supports are in for a tough century. The study shows that the hydrological cycle over the past few decades (in this region) has included a higher runoff rate than any other time period (Barnett). This has resulted in higher water levels in the Colorado River and Lake Mead than any other century. The conclusion of the study was that the number of water deliveries from the river must be reduced in the near future.

Jeremy Hance is the author of the article “Colorado River unlikely to meet current water demands in warmer, drier world.” This online article highlights main ideas from the recent study on the Colorado River. Hance focused on the more easily discussed features of the study. As if to avoid any errors in reporting, the majority of the facts come from direct quotations of the scientists.

Being a report and not a critique, the article by Hance is very similar in structure to the actual journal entry. They both begin with statistics from the Colorado River, and end with the mention of water delivery cuts. Other than that, Hance does a poor job of covering the important issues. Unlike many articles on the web which over exaggerate the rate of freshwater loss, this article seems to understate the urgency with which we must act. The way he reports the facts, this is a far off problem. It is spoken of as if it was expected all along. In the study, there is the mention of water delivery cutbacks being made by the government (Barnett). Again this is altered slightly by Hance. He seems to give the impression that the government can handle this by implementing a plan that they’ve already drawn up. It states clearly in the report that no such plan has been brought up by the government.

The major topic of discussion touched on by the article is that there have been increased water levels in the past few decades. There is no explanation given for this in the article by Hance. For anyone who doesn’t believe that global warming exists, this is the perfect opportunity for them to speak. Any ‘non-believer’ could claim that this is part of the natural ebb and flow of nature. The water levels are falling (that is undeniable). But there is an argument to be made that they will rise again in the future. This is disproved in the study done by Barnett and Pierce. They show that climate change due to human development caused increased runoff (from melting ice), which in turn increased the water levels in the Colorado River. This can’t last forever (or return once it stops) because there is only so much water trapped in a solid state above sea level. Decreased run off levels and an increase in population will cause the water levels to drop dramatically in this century (Barnett).

Hance appears to be a fan of stating facts and values but not expanding on any of the ideas behind them. The values mean nothing unless they are put into perspective. For any future articles he should try to summarize the study and then add collected values. This would prevent any parts of the article from being skipped or left unsupported.

-Jesse Murray

Barnett, Tim P.; Pierce, David W. (2009). “Sustainable water deliveries from the Colorado River

in a changing climate.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 20 April 2009.

Accessed 7 Oct 2009.

Hance, Jeremy. “Colorado River unlikely to meet current water demands in warmer, drier world.” 20 April 2009.

Accessed 7 Oct 2009.

Fresh Water Affects on Dragonflies

2009-10-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

Kendra Bester

In this paper I will be comparing and analyzing the differences between the target article “Dragonflies go thirsty in the Mediterranean” in comparison and contrast to the primary research literature published by IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. In the article “Dragonflies go thirsty in the Mediterranean” it talked about how dragonflies are threatened by extinction because of a decrease in fresh water in the Mediterranean region.

After thorough investigation, of both the primary research literature and the target article, there was some contrast between the two sources. The primary research evidently had a lot more background information regarding the matter. Where as the target article was more likely to talk about the positive absolute results of the research, while leaving out contributing factors and errors that might of made the experiment and research not as accurate. Such as in the primary research it talks about “Six species (4% of the total assessed) could not be assessed due to a lack of information regarding their past or current distribution, and are therefore categorized as Data Deficient.” (Riservato, Boudot, Ferreira, et al, 2009) The six species that were not assessed due to the lack of information, made the research of dragonflies extinction less accurate. Which is why the target article did not mention this information because the author wants the article to give off an aura of precision and legitimacy. The target article also leaves out important facts about how “ conservation status of plants and animals is one of the most widely used indictors for assessing the condition and biodiversity of an ecosystem.” (Riservato, Boudot, Ferreira, et al, 2009) This fact would of been good to explain to the audience about why the research was conducted and about how the extinction of dragonflies is providing awareness to the world about the depletion of fresh water supply. Furthermore the primary research uses a more concrete scientific approach to displaying the research, by using scientific language along with graphs and charts. Where the target article uses basic language to describe the research found to the general public, that may or may not have a scientific background. This basic language gives the general public the capacity to comprehend the subject matter of the article.

Although both the primary research literature and the target article had much differentiation in the amount of information and how the information was displayed. The information that was presented in both was all the same. Meaning that the target article did not exaggerate the information given in the primary literature. The target article just took the key points of the exact information given and organized to make a summary of the research done by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. This summary may have been more general and somewhat less scientific but both target article and primary source still presented the information in the same context.

After comparing and analyzing the differences between the target article “Dragonflies go thirsty in the Mediterranean” in comparison and contrast to the primary research literature published by IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. It is evident that the primary research literature and the target article, both generate and present that same type of research. However the target leaves out much information, that is important to the research study, but not as important to the general public.

References

"Dragonflies go thirsty in the Mediterranean." IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2009): 1-1. Surfbirds News. Web. 6 Oct. 2009. <http://www.surfbirds.com/sbirdsnews/archives/2009/10/dragonflies_go.html>.

Riservato, Elisa, Jean-Pierre Boudot, Sonia Ferreira, Miloš Jović, Vincent J. Kalkman, Wolfgang Schneider, Boudjéma Samraoui, and Annabelle Cuttelod. THE STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF DRAGONFLIES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN BASIN. Publication. Gland: IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), 2009. Print.

Known fish killing toxin believed to also kill cancer cells?

2009-10-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

From a recent study concerning a differential purpose of ‘fish-killing toxins’ two scientists, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) microbiologist Paul V. Zimba, and chemist Peter Moeller of the U.S National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), have ‘claimed’ to come to a remarkable conclusion. Or so says Green Environment News. The article written on the news website states that these two scientists have determined that a “fish-killing toxin could kill cancer cells” (Green Environment News, 2009). The article somewhat describes the possible positive “cancer killing” effects of certain toxins that are known to be harmful to select fresh water fish. To summarize, the article details why the toxin, euglenophycin, was originally tested, the results from the test, and also discusses briefly the lab test that was done to conclude that these toxins may help to decrease cancer cell growth. The article differed from the journal due to over-sensationalizing and also the article did not support the bold findings of the study well enough for the reader to believe the findings.
To begin, the reviewer from Green Environment News appears to have overstated the potential impact of the toxin on cancer cells. The title of the article “fish-killing toxin could kill cancer cells” is quite intense. The title suggests that this study, and the scientists who conducted the study, have more or less discovered a way to cure cancer. When reading in depth into the study however, it can be determined that tests conducted had shown that certain concentrations of the toxin, euglenophycin, decrease the growth of cancer cells. The article however presents the information differently in order to draw the readers in by stating that “lab tests have shown that even low concentrations of euglenophycin led to a significant decrease in cancer cell growth, and can kill cancer cells” (Green Environment News, 2009). By using added phrases such as “even low concentrations” and “significant decrease” and “can even kill cancer cells” the author has over sensationalized the study.
Secondly, the author did not produce enough actual evidence in the article to make the piece seem credible. There are some stats listed pertaining to the fish mortalities and initial testing to determine which toxin was killing the fish. However no stats are given to explain or show the findings that this toxin can decrease the growth of cancer cells. All the reader is provided with is the statement that “lab tests have shown”.
Even though the primary study has concluded that euglenophycin can decrease the growth of cancer cells, I believe that the reviewer of the study has selectively chosen not to expand upon the possible side-effects or other risks inherent with the beneficial use of this toxin that are detailed in the study. Therefore, it is in my opinion that the author of the article has been almost to optimistic with results from this study, jumping to the conclusion in the article that these toxins, which are known to be deadly to fish, will solve one of the foremost problems in the world today; cancer.

Sources
Moeller, Peter & Zimba, Paul V. (2009)
Journal of Fish Disease
Green Environment News (2009), “Fish-killing toxin could kill cancer cells”
September 8th 2009
Accessed October 5th 2009

-Emily Hartwig

Male Freshwater Fish With Female Features

2009-10-06T17:41:00.000-07:00

The reduction of a multiple page journal article such as Jo Ellen Hinck’s, Widespread occurrence of intersex black basses (Micropterus spp.) from U.S. Rivers, 1995-2004, into a few hundred word newspaper article will naturally require some simplification. However, many aspects of the article Male Bass Found With Female Features in the US are very misleading.
To begin with, the newspaper article is lacking in a specific definition of what classifies a fish as intersex. This definition is required so that the true severity of the condition can be realized. The normal fisherman will not be able to catch a fish and find dual reproductive organs, because the fish in this study were analyzed at a microscopic level. To be classified as intersex, the germ cells must be mixed, but this is only detectable under a microscope. (Hinck, 2009)
The first way that data was reported inaccurately was through the misuse of percentages. The journal article specifically states that, “overall, only 97 of 3110 fish (3%) were intersex” (Hinck, 2009) of the total number of fish tested were intersex. This seems like a fairly small amount, but it becomes inflated to 6% in the newspaper by only considering the male fish tested. Only one female fish was found to be intersex, so by using the male statistic, the article makes the problem out to be worse than it is. Nothing is mentioned about the frequency of female intersex, so the reader assumes it to be comparable with the male which is not the case.
The second instance of poor data representation is the newspaper’s estimate of 77% affected small mouth bass. This is one of the highest results obtained. Only the areas that show a high frequency of affected fish are mentioned in the newspaper, giving an overall impression of a worse problem than it actually is. Other river basins yielded far more unaffected fish or even none at all. Again, the reader reads these chosen statistics and receives a general impression inconsistent with what was actually found in the study.
Another dissimilarity comes with the discussion of why male fish are becoming feminine. The newspaper states that this is a “problem linked to women's birth control pills and other hormone treatments that seep into rivers.” (Associated Press, 2009) Although it is true that hormone leaching may attribute to deformities in male fish it is not the only cause. The newspaper focuses on this one factor, leading the reader to believe that it is the only factor. In fact, “The mechanism or mechanisms responsible for intersex is not known, but many factors including exogenous steroids, temperature, pH, behavioural cues, and pollutants can influence sex differentiation in fish” (Hinck, 2009). There are varieties of ways these fish may have been altered, so it is misrepresentative to center out human use of hormones as the main cause. Our freshwater fish populations are currently being exposed to many unnatural variations, making a simple one cause, one effect relationship impossible. This study did not even attempt to determine the reason why freshwater fish are becoming intersex, so it is unreasonable to propose a cause based on Hinck’s research.
Finally, the limitations of this study are not mentioned at all in the newspaper. All numbers are given with perfect confidence, and presented as though they represent fish populations of America completely. In the journal article, it states, “Our sampling methodology did not allow us to determine the true prevalence or severity of intersex in the fish species collected and is therefore not adequate to estimate or quantify a baseline occurrence in these species.” (Hinck, 2009) It is concluded that a general percentage can not be put on the whole of freshwater fish stocks in the United States based solely on this one study. Further reading proves that in fact only a sampling was made of the whole of the fish population. Three thousand, one hundred and ten fish seem like a large sample size, however this was spread across 111 locations in 9 river basins. For the whole of United States , this is small representation. In the end, only a handful of fish were caught in any one location, and the study only truly represents those nine rivers studied.
In general, the claims made by the newspaper were far more confident and widely applied than is accurate. The primary source made a tentative claim that the frequency of intersex in freshwater fish is increasing. Hinck ensured that the readers understood the limitations to the research done and the variables that still need to be tested. The newspaper was written to keep readers interested, but didn’t provide entirely accurate data.
So, are the United State ’s freshwater fish stocks in trouble? Possibly…but more research is required to prove an increase in intersex levels, and entirely new studies are needed to determine the exact cause.

- Amy Adair

References

Associated Press. (2009) Male Bass with Female Features Found in U.S. CBCnews, 15 September 2009. http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/09/15/tech-biology-fish-sex-organs.html. Accessed 3 October 2009.

Hinck, Jo Ellen; Vicki S. Blazer; Christopher J. Schmitt; Diana M. Papoulias, Donald E. Tillitt. (2009)
Widespread occurrence of intersex black basses (Micropterus spp.) from U.S. Rivers, 1995-2004, Aquatic Toxicology, 13 August 2009. doi:10.1016/j.aquatox.2009.08.001 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T4G-4X0F3NH-1&_user=1067211&_coverDate=08%2F13%2F2009&_alid=1034098544&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_cdi=4974&_docanchor=&view=c&_ct=1&_acct=C000051237&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=1067211&md5=001849bd93b277963a97c8b34adf8101 Accessed 4 October 2009.

Study Warned Rivers Are Drying Up-- Or Did It?

2009-10-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

The media has been frequently known to make bold statements in order to sell more papers or draw in readers. Such is the case in the article “Study warns global rivers are drying up” written by James Murray and posted on the website businessgreen.com. The article describes a study done by Aiguo Dai, Taotao Qian, Kevin E. Trenberth and John D. Milliman that was published in the American Meteorological Society’s Journal of Climate. In this study the researchers investigated the flow trends of 925 rivers from 1948 to 2004 to assess the presence of increasing or decreasing flow trends. The researchers found that 1/3 of the 200 largest rivers did have statistically significant trends in their stream flow; of this 1/3, 45 had an increasing trend and 19 had a decreasing trend. The decreasing trends were found in rivers flowing to the Arctic and were attributed to increasing snow melt, while the increasing trends were found elsewhere in the world and credited to increasing precipitation due to climate change.
To begin with, the mere title of the online article makes a huge claim by stating that ‘global rivers are drying up’. At no point in Dai et al.’s article do they imply that these rivers are in danger of disappearing, they merely point out that some rivers have a decreasing stream flow. This seems to be an exaggeration of the evidence on the part of the author to make a very catchy title. Throughout the article, Murray implies that all the rivers sampled, besides those flowing into the Arctic Ocean, are drastically decreasing in levels. He uses emotive language that appeals to the reader’s fears—lines like “dire consequences” or “rivers...could wither” paint a depressing picture of the future. However, this sense of urgency was not found anywhere in the journal article, and recall that decreasing trends were found in less than 1/3 of the 200 largest rivers—a fact that Murray manages to brush over in his article. As well, in the journal article, Dai et al. describe various reasons for the changes, concluding tentatively that the most significant cause is climate change, in particular the changes in precipitation that it has brought about. In Murray’s article on the other hand, there is no mention of these and climate change is the only thing to be blamed. As well, Murray makes no attempt to describe how climate change affects stream flow.
Finally, Dai et al. make a concerted effort to properly describe the sources of error in their study. There were many gaps in the historical gauging records and cases of unmonitored streamflow. These had to be filled in using linear regression. As well, rivers experience very large year-to-year changes in flow and this can make finding a significant trend very difficult. Neither of these sources of error are mentioned in the online article, which seems to paint the results of the study as unquestionable fact.
This is just one example where results of a scientific study have been stretched and exaggerated for the purpose of news story, and stands to remind the reader to always read with a critical eye.

Sources
Dai, Aiguo, Taotao Qian, Kevin E. Trenberth and John D. Milliman (2008). Changes in Continental Freshwater Discharge from 1948 to 2004
Journal of Climate, 22:2773‐2792.

Murray, James. (2009) Study Warns Global Rivers Are Drying Up. Business Green, 22 April 2009.
. Accessed 5 Oct 2009.

Freshwater Depletion Poses Problem for Dragonfly Population

2009-10-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

Recent research done in the Mediterranean region has shown that out of the 165 dragonfly species found there 19% are threatened (in accordance with the International Union for Conservation index). While there are many reasons that these species are at risk, most of them are related to freshwater scarcity. Dragonfly eggs are laid in freshwater and the larvae can spend several weeks and in some cases years developing there. When they are fully developed adults they still require freshwater for reproduction and for nutrition as many of the organisms that they feed on live in water. Recent water pollution, drought and habitat degradation as well as global warming and natural disasters are all contributing to the destruction of their freshwater habitat.

The article Dragonflies Go Thirsty in Mediterranean published by www.newsblaze.com reports the results of recent surveying done in the Mediterranean. The actual study published by the International Union for Conservation (IUCN) takes an in depth look at many of the dragonfly species inhabiting the Mediterranean, or an area they define as river catchments that flow into the Mediterranean and some Atlantic waters (IUCN, 2009). After surveying this broad area, they classified the 165 species into categories according to their current risk such as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered and suggested plans of action for the five most affected areas. News Blaze reported this information, but there was a definite difference in the amount of information they conveyed. The News Blaze account of this research was greatly simplified which is necessary for an audience that may not understand all aspects of a complex study. Though it was greatly simplified it still managed to convey the most important aspects of the study; such as the regions that were studied, the new dragonfly statistics as well as their new IUCN Red List listing and the plan of action that the study put forth and even provided links to the IUCN so that the reader could learn more about this organization.

The New Blaze article focuses more on the causes of dragonfly population reduction especially those related to climate change, and freshwater pollution and scarcity. It also spouts statistics stating the names of different dragonfly species and their new IUCN Red List classification. It is as if the article is attempting to lay blame for the reduction in dragonfly diversity, citing their usefulness in indicating water quality. On the other hand, the journal article states the data that has been collected, including a list of all the species in this region, regional dispersal, an atlas of all the countries where data was collected from and a slew of other charts and data. The manner it is presented in is much more neutral than the New Blaze article, as they are merely showing their research and making suggestions for what can be done to mitigate the dragonfly population problem.

There are many differences between a newspaper article and a scientific journal article. One of the main differences is depth- a scientific journal article is much more in depth than a regular newspaper article. Their aim is to share their findings with the rest of the scientific community, and not to make any ambiguous claims. The goal of a newspaper article is to share new research with the general public. This means that the author must sacrifice much of the depth that one would find in a scientific journal article. The audiences that these authors are writing for are completely different. A journalist must take into account the fact that their audience might not have the education to understand all of the exact details of an experiment. They must simplify these findings so as not to alienate any of their readership.

Overall, I think it is necessary for newspapers to report abridged versions of scientific findings. It is not at all feasible for them to report entire articles; they are much too lengthy and complex for their general readership. This is why newspapers and scientific journals both exist, they report current events and findings to different audiences. It is unfortunate that the general public rarely gets the scope of an entire scientific study, as many generalizations can be made and they lose many of the nuances of the research. Fortunately, good articles are able to convey the key and important information that readers require, and if they need more information, it is relatively simple to find full journal articles online.

-Elisabeth Shapiro

Sources:

News Blaze, 2009. Dragonflies Go Thirsty in The Mediterranean, News Blaze September 29, 2009.

http://newsblaze.com/story/20090929092227zzzz.nb/topstory.html

Riservato Elisa, Boudot Jean-Pierre, Ferreira Sonia, Jovic Milos, Kalkman Vincent J, Schneider Wolfgang, Samraioui Boudjema, Cuttelod Annabelle (2009). The Status and Distribution of Dragonflies of the Mediterranean Basin. IUCN 2009.

http://data.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/2009-030.pdf

From Freshwater to Mining Waste

2009-09-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

In the article titled Canada’s lakes slowly being converted to mining waste dumps, Stephanie Dearing explains how mining corporations are attempting to dispose of their chemical waste. She mentions various occasions where these companies have done the same things in the past. Not one of these stories has a happy ending for the environment. We are taken through the process of passing legislation for waste disposal. What she fails to show is hard evidence as to why our lakes are so important, and what these mines do to them. There is also the point that after so much destruction of freshwater resources, why aren’t they being treasured and protected by the government?

Toward the beginning of the article, Dearing mentions pesticides. She states that:

“It was only 30 - 40 years ago when scientists realized that pesticides and other industrial chemicals were accumulating in Canadian fresh water fish, severely impacting animals that live on fish, such as Osprey. The realization that pesticides not only traveled through the environment but also accumulated in some species led to a concerted effort to reduce the amount of chemicals entering the food chain. Today many fresh water fish species are still not safe to eat, being contaminated with furans, mercury and other chemicals.” (Dearing, 2009)

It is necessary to point out that we still use similar chemicals in daily life. Whether it’s to get rid of an infestation or a bothersome flower, they are ever-present. Our society realizes that harm is being done, but it is much easier to keep on doing what we’re doing. Even though this revelation came decades ago, we haven’t eliminated these toxins from our lives. At this rate they will most likely stay for longer than we can guess.

The same principles translate to the mining industry. The article mentions a couple of mining projects at various stages of development. The most prominent proposal is Sandy Pond, Newfoundland. There is a reported 28.9 million tonnes of ore available for mining. This is one of the world’s finest areas for nickel and cobalt (cbc.ca, 2008). Since the mining company must get permission from the government, they must meet the government’s demands. It would make sense for the government to require the most stringent environmental procedures available. Instead, they are prepared to allow a much cheaper alternative. What Dearing doesn’t mention is that there are other waste disposal options currently open to the mining company. Burying sulfur under the Sandy Pond is simply the most economical option for everyone involved. If the mining company were prepared to spend more money (or the government were prepared to demand it) there would be no need to use one of our few surface freshwater resources.

The article also mentions a proposal by Taseko Mines to use Fish Lake (in British Columbia) as a “mine waste impoundment area.”(Dearing, 2009) Taseko Mines has offered to create an artificial lake to make up for what is being destroyed. It should be mentioned that this replacement lake would have to be put somewhere. This would end up being in the middle (or taking up the entirety) of another ecosystem. Even if the lake was recreated perfectly, the ecosystems in and around the new lake would never be the same as the original lake. In total, at least two ecosystems would be destroyed, and an imperfect one would be created.

Dearing constructed fairly decent article, but it lacked elaboration. There are many examples that prove to the reader that these issues are current and important. This would have been much more informative and solid if there had been fewer items mentioned. Then there would be room for more detailed explanations of each point.

-Jesse Murray

References:

Dearing, Stephanie. (2009) Canada’s Lakes Slowly Being Converted into Mining Waste Dumps. Digital Journal, 27 Sept 2009. http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/279767#tab=comments&sc=0&contribute=&local=

Accessed 28 Sept 2009.

CBC. (2009) $2B hydromet plant to be built in Long Harbour. 12 Nov 2008.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2008/11/12/inco-hydrome.html

Accessed 28 Sept 2009.

The Truth Behind Climate Change and Freshwater

2009-09-29T18:10:00.001-07:00

Some possible long-term effects of climate change are seen in “Implications of climate change for northern Canada: freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems” (Prowse, Furgal, Wrona, Reist, July 2009). The authors suggest that climate change is a source of wildlife-related problems, particularly with aquatic species, and will negatively influence human economy.

The first thing I would like to elaborate upon is the way the authors seem to be viewing climate change as a bad thing. Climate change is and always has been a natural occurrence, and to modify it would be messing with the earth’s evolutionary process. Of course, the human influence on climate change is a well-discussed theme, and it could very well have the possibility of being slowed down. Yet, the article vaguely states that “As the climate continues to change, there will be consequences” (Prowse, Furgal, Wrona, Reist, July 2009) with no mention of human impact. To make this statement more clear, it would have been helpful to include numbers based on the influence of humans, or to explain why the authors think natural climate change is wrong if that's what their opinion is. Due to this lack of clarification, we are led to believe that climate change by itself is something that should be stopped, without any knowledge of its causes.

Another problem is that the article is filled with ideas that are addressed as occurrences that will happen, however these ideas remain unexplained and therefore sometimes hard to believe. The word “will” is used six times in the article for mere predictions with no information to back them up. When mentioning the transmission of diseases through animals, the only reasoning provided is the allusion to the shifting of environmental conditions. Near the end of the article, the authors add that “Where these stresses affect economically and culturally important species, they will have significant effects on people and regional economies.” (Prowse, Furgal, Wrona, Reist, July 2009) There is no supporting sentence after or before this explaining how people and economies will be affected; the reader is left to guess what the authors mean by the statement.

Climate change has been proven to have a big effect on many different aspects of life. Animals are in fact already very influenced by its relation to hydrology. According to B.C. Bates, Z.W. Kundzewicz, S. Wu and J.P. Palutikof (2008), species in certain countries have already been brought to extinction due to changes in temperature and water; many birds that depend on wetlands during migration can no longer depend on them because the wetlands have dried up; mist is no longer available to some animals that need it to survive in forests; but the main species affected are those that live in freshwater.

Bates, Kundzewicz, Wu and Palutikof also explain that humans are likely to be directly influenced by climate change. An increased amount of precipitation is likely to affect groundwater recharge rates, either by causing the recharge to take more time in humid areas because there is already water in the ground, or less time in dryer areas as the precipitation provides faster filtration before the water evaporates. It is therefore clear that precipitation largely influences agriculture, and significant changes in precipitation can be problematic to economy in that way.

There are many other ways that the impact of climate change on freshwater resources is likely to be troublesome to humans and other living beings. Prowse, Furgal, Wrona, and Reist were not necessarily wrong with their claims; their conclusion actually made a very good point, stating that more research must be made to understand these changes and to protect species and habitats. Nonetheless, the lack of support made it seem like a poor and unknowledgeable article, no matter how much knowledge was actually behind it.

References

Prowse, T; Furgal, C; Wrona, FJ; Reist, JD. (2009) Implications of climate change for northern Canada: freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. PubMed, July 2009. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19714961?ordinalpos=10&itool=EntrezSysem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum. Accessed 28 Sept 2009.

Bates, B.C., Z.W. Kundzewicz, S. Wu and J.P. Palutikof, Eds., 2008. “Climate Change and Water.” Technical Paper of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC Secretariat, Geneva, 210 pp. http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/technical-papers/climate-change-water-en.pdf. Accessed 28 Sept 2009.

Is the Privatization of water the right step in protecting our fresh water resources?

2009-09-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/09/03/the-market-solution/

In the Macleans article “Is the privatization of water the right thing to do?” (3 September 2009) the author, Nancy Macdonald, attempts to construct a general understanding of the positives and negatives of fresh water privatization in order to allow the reader to construct their own opinion on the matter. However, several of the points Macdonald details lack validity, are not exceedingly ethical and no set opinion or conclusion of points on the matter is stated in the article by the author. This in turn makes the article extremely contradictory, causing the authors points to be proved and disproved throughout the editorial.

Firstly, Macdonald states that “it has long been assumed that privatizing water services is bad for the poor, bad for the environment, and leads to the inequitable distribution of water…However, new evidence has emerged showing that the opposite may be true. Right now, more than 90 per cent of the world’s local water distribution systems are state-controlled, and in many countries, they’re doing a terrible job”. With this statement comes no evidence to support it. Even though this “new evidence” may state that over 90 percent of the world’s drinking water systems are state-controlled, and that in some countries they are doing “terrible job”, the author fails to inform the reader what a “terrible job” is considered to be. Without this clarification it is hard for the reader to agree with this point, and make an informed decision on the topic. This statement does not address its initial point, which many people believe that the privatization of water services is bad for the poor, the environment, etc.

Another conflicting issue with this article is the fact that economical considerations are not taken into account, which are during these times of difficulty, a major deciding factor in solutions to the world’s problems. With privatization, the price of water is determined by private organizations and water is then turned into a commodity. In order for certain industries, such as agriculture, to produce their products they would need to raise the cost of set product in order to pay for the water used. Therefore in a sense, privatization would hinder the economy greatly due to the fact that it would affect both the price of water and potentially the price of food. In the article it is stated that “some worry that charging market prices for water could lead to humanitarian concerns: the poor, who don’t have the money to pay for it, could be cut off…people living in slums and rural areas do without [already]”. This statement implies that if a market was implemented for the sale of water, that many people who do not already have access to water will not suffer since the implemented price would not affect them.

The last issue that arises from this article is the lack of ethical considerations. The question of whether or not access to clean water should be declared a human right (the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled) or a commodity (a product that is in demand, and supplied without qualitative differentiation across a market) is a major part of the privatization issue, and it is not mentioned by the author in the article. In my personal opinion, I believe this lack of information on the subject matter to be the biggest problem in the article. Without discussing the ethical aspects of the fresh water issue, no sensible solution to the problem can be produced.

The author, Nancy Macdonald, has written a piece about the positive and negative aspects to the solution of fresh water scarcity- privatization. However, most of the points the author has discussed have not been supported with justified evidence, and the author has contradicted herself with beliefs that privatization is a good thing as well as being a bad thing. In conclusion, the argument in this article is not clearly stated by the author, and the evidence that is provided is weak. Not enough is explained by the author for the reader to create their own informed opinion. The article should be read critically by any reader in order to insure that facts without support are not blindly followed.

-Emily Hartwig, 0660947

References:
Macdonald, Nancy. (2009) “Is the privatization of water the right thing to do?” Macleans,
3 September 2009
http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/09/03/the-market-solution/
Accessed September 28th 2009

Oh Where, Oh Where Did the Ancient Glaciers Go?

2009-09-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/ancient-glaciers-are-disappearing-faster-than-ever-1792274.html

In this article “Ancient glaciers are disappearing faster than ever”, the author Michael McCarthy claims that glaciers are melting faster then ever before, I am going to prove Micheal McCarthy’s argument to be false on the basis that he supplies a lack of sourcing and evidence towards his unconvincing argument. Through analyzation of the Micheal McCarthy’s article I will exhibit how strong sources can strengthen a argument, unlike the argument in which this article is focused on.

Micheal starts his article by stating that “Melting ice is pouring off Greenland and Antarctica into the sea far faster than was previously realized because of global warming, new scientific research reveals today.” (McCarthy, 2009). This exert has no validity because his factual statement has no specific evidence to convince his audience that his statement is true. When Micheal mentions “new scientific research reveals today” (McCarthy,2009) he doesn’t explain where the new scientific research is coming from, who wrote it and what it is specifically about. Therefore he does not have any credited sources, which leads to a unconvincing argument.

Another instance of Micheal’s improper use of credited sources, is when he talks about “High-resolution satellite laser measurements have shown that along both the Greenland and Antarctic coastlines, the glaciers and ice streams which for thousands of years have slowly carried ice into the sea are now rapidly thinning, meaning they are speeding up in their flow.” (McCarthy,2009). Once again Micheal has no evidence to prove that his facts are correct. He does not justify what high-resolution satellite laser research has given him his facts. Also he himself has no evidence that the ice streams that have been caring ice into the ocean for thousands of year are now rapidly thinning, because he clearly hasn't been around for thousands of years and has no scientific research or mathematical data referenced in his article to back up his evidence to his argument.

In the Book “The Craft Of Research”, It talks about supporting your claim and how to “back up that claim with two kinds of support: reason and evidence.” (Booth, Colomb, Williams, 2008). Micheal only has reason to back up his argument towards the premise of glaciers melting. Even if his reason is good, his claim has no arguement because with no evidence there is no argument to be made. As “The Craft Of Research” states again “we dont’ base evidence on reason; we base reason on evidence” (Booth, Colomb, Williams, 2008). In the case of this article Micheal’s reason must be false because he has no evidence based on his reason.

After the analyzation of Micheal McCarthy’s article about ancient glacial melting, it is evident that Micheal’s article is false based on his complete lack of evidence and sources to back up his reasoning. With proper sources and citation this article could have been relative to the topic of fresh water resources. However without proper sourcing, citation and evidence this articles argument is unconvincing.

Booth, Wayne G., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research, Third Edition (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing). 3rd ed. New York: University Of Chicago, 2008. Print.

McCarthy, Micheal. "Ancient glaciers are disappearing faster than ever." Ancient glaciers are disappearing faster than ever (2009): 1-1. The Independent. 24 Sept. 2009. Web. 27 Sept. 2009. <http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/ancient-glaciers-are-disappearing-faster-than-ever-1792274.html>.

Kendra Bester

0667906

2009-09-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

A Disappearing Lake

In the article “Nevada's Lake Mead, the water history scare factor” on Digital Journal, journalist Jay David Murphy argues that the current wave of worry and fear about water levels in Lake Mead, which provides “Las Vegas and southern Nevada with 90% of its useable water” are unfounded. He cites historical water levels, as far back as 1937, to demonstrate the natural fluctuations that occur. Murphy claims that this recent drop in level s in merely part of a natural cycle. As he says “Lake Mead has kept consistent water level since 1935. It has fluctuated about a 150 feet up and down, but remained remarkably consistent”. Murphy insists that in fact politicians are encouraging new fears of Lake Mead drying up to hide the fact that there would never be enough water in it to satiate demand, as they had promised.
Murphy does provide a link to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation where water levels for Lake Mead can be found and the fluctuations that he describes can be observed. However, the current level doesn’t seem to be as normal as he insists. Right now, Lake Mead is at 1,093 feet-- its lowest since 1965. According to the government of Nevada’s policy, if the water level drops to 1,050 feet, the authorities will cut off one of the water mains that run to Vegas. Murphy doesn’t seem worried by this stating that “other than pre-1937 (when the Hoover dam that created the lake was built) it has never been that low”. However, this is where the flaw in Murphy’s argument for natural cycles becomes obvious. One cannot base the argument that low water levels now are part of a natural fluctuation on the fact that ‘it’s always returned back to normal levels in the past’. Doing this would be equivalent of looking at Lake Mead as an isolated entity, separate from the rest of the world which is not being affected by climate change, or increased water demands.
Lake Mead is fed by the Colorado River, which in turn is fed by snow run-off from the Rocky Mountains. In their article “When Will Lake Mead Go Dry?” (2008), Barnett and Pierce cite several studies from the last 20 years that proposed that this run-off will decrease in the future due to climate change. This is due to a decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperatures and evapotranspiration. They go on to elaborate on their own study which suggests that if current water consumption habits continue “there is a 10% chance that the live storage (the amount of water that can be taken out of the lake by gravity) in the lake will be gone by 2013 and a 50% chance that it will be gone by 2021” (Barnett and Pierce, 2008). The changes in run-off are ones that have never been seen before, and so we cannot use historical data to determine how the lake’s water levels might be changed by them. This is not part of the normal cycle of the lake’s water levels, this is something new and different. Therefore, Murphy is erroneous in claiming that “the numbers prove” that Lake Mead is in no danger of drying up—this is a weak and poorly supported argument.
-Olivia Mussells
References

Barnett, Tim P. & David W. Pierce (2008). When will Lake Mead go dry?
Water Resources Research, 44:1-10.

Murphy, Jay David. (2009) Nevada’s Lake Mead, the water history scare factor. Digital Journal,
23 Sept 2009. http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/279596. Accessed 25 Sept 2009.

Ice Breaker

2009-09-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

In the Globe and Mail article Greenland, Antarctica ice sheets shrink fast, author Seth Borenstein describes new satellite measurements scientists have recently taken of ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica. These measurements are far from reassuring; they show that the rate that ice sheets in this area are melting is much quicker than scientists had anticipated. It seems that scientists did not take into account that the temperature of the water surrounding these ice sheets is high enough to aid melting. While the article explains why this is happening, it does not go into detail explaining the effects that this will have on the world. It is already well known that melting ice sheets will raise overall sea levels around the world but this article neglects to answer many of the questions that readers will inevitably have.

The article claims that the ice sheets are melting at an acceleration greater than previously thought, but does not give the reader an estimation as to how long it will take these enormous sheets to melt or how much ice has already been lost. It says that they are melting at a rate of several meters a year but this estimation isn’t really specific enough to know how long these sheets will exist. It also does not mention how this increased melting rate will change projections of sea-level rise. Though it does state that this question was not answered in the study, it is still a very important aspect to consider. Obviously this will worsen rising sea levels, but there are a number of other factors that should also be considered. For example melting of this magnitude continues in the arctic, arctic summers could be ice free by 2030. This alone would impact the many animal species and humans who inhabit the arctic. Having an ice free summer would also open many water passages that have previously been inaccessible which would make the region easily exploitable by both shipping and transportation as well as natural resource exploitation (Arctic Sea Ice Melt and Shrinking Polar Ice Sheets, 2007). The implications associated with the melting of ice sheets are obviously very severe and must be taken into account.

While the article cites recent scientific research and clearly reports the problem, it neglects to state all of the causes and any possible ways to mitigate this damage. It declares that the scientific community has obviously underestimated the melting rate of these ice sheets as well as their sensitivity. While it is obvious that ice is quite sensitive to temperature change, it does not mention any other possible factors that might contribute to this increased rate such as surrounding ocean temperatures, elevation and solar radiation. According to another article by the American Meteorological Society these factors all play a key part in the melting of ice sheets. (Arctic Sea Ice Melt and Shrinking Polar Ice Sheets, 2007).

To conclude, while this article accurately conveys the results of the study, it does not answer many important questions that the reader will undoubtably have. This problem could be easily solved by some additional research. Readers are not only interested in the fact that these events are occurring, they want to fully understand why and how it can be mitigated.

-Elisabeth Shapiro

Sources:

American Meteorological Society. (2007), Arctic Sea Ice Melt and Shrinking Polar Ice Sheets.

URL: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/10046080/Arctic-Sea-Ice-Melt-and-Shrinking-Polar-Ice-Sheets

Seth Borenstein. (September 23, 2009) Greenland, Antarctica ice sheet shrink fast.

URL: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/science/greenland-antarctica-ice-sheets-shrink-fast/article1298691/

Will There Be Enough Water in the Next Century?

2009-09-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

The blog posted on blogcatalog by Jo Gabriel Tulio asks a startling question: “Will There Be Enough Water in the Next Century?” (Tulio, 2009) According to Tulio, the world is heading into a decline of available fresh water, worse than seen in recent years. This reduction of fresh water could have varied, but undoubtedly devastating effects on the human population. He claims, “The world is facing the prospect of water shortages caused by population growth, uneven supplies of water, pollution, and other factors.” (Tulio, 2009) Also, with the assumption that there will be war, Tulio states, “The wars of the next century will be over water not oil.” (Tulio, 2009) However, there is some hope offered in the last paragraph, a saving grace for humanity, because we “have not yet crossed the line of no return.” (Tulio, 2009) This is a statement to initiate action, to start conserving our fresh water before it is too late. Overall, Tulio makes a very general claim, with very little supporting evidence. He believes that fresh water is becoming scarce, will be the source of contention between countries, but is still salvageable.

For all three points, contradiction exists in Tulio’s evidence. Firstly, we must accept that pollution and climate change are causing a shortage of fresh water. Pollution is mainly described as the leaching of nitrates and fertilizers into the water, causing blooms of algae that ruin water quality. Although this process is described, no reports of it are mentioned or studies made that prove the toxic effects of these algae blooms. Climate change is the other factor said to be affecting water quality, yet contradiction is woven in to the argument with the statement, “Scientists disagree over the extent to which global warming might alter the Earth’s climate…but most experts agree that elevated global temperatures could change the world’s rainfall patterns.” (Tulio, 2009) It is unclear what experts believe, but seemingly if weather patterns do change, the overall quantity of fresh water won’t, only the location.

Both factors leading to a shortage of water come back to development. Unfortunately, Tulio has stumbled into a circular argument. Pollution is produced through farming: animal waste and the use of fertilizers and pesticides is needed to produce more food on less land. Climate change is the result of global warming: the increase of greenhouse gasses from the burning of fossil fuels. Yet if unindustrialized countries are going to improve their standard of living, they have every right that industrialized countries did to pollute and burn fossil fuels in the process. The price of industrialism has always been the environment, including fresh water.

The second part to this claim is that wars between countries will begin due to the limits of fresh water resources. This one statement has a large impact, but it is not supported in anyway throughout the rest of the article. Yes, clean water is limited and impossible to find in many areas, and perhaps it will become worse, but we can not predict how society will respond.

Lastly, the allowance of hope is given. Tulio states that measures must be taken to improve water quality, and that it is not too late. Such comforting statements are always nice to hear, but it leaves the reader thinking, “Great, there is something that can be done.” Not, “Now I know what I can do.” One option for the production of more fresh water is desalination, but the energy expenditure to evaporate all of our water would be huge, increasing fossil fuel use, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change and ultimately fresh water depletion. If this technology is “economical for desalinating brackish well water” (Tulio, 2009) then our problem seems to be solved.

Tulio’s claims concerning fresh water are as circular as the water cycle. They depend on various factors and the cause and effects are intricately, but not always directly related. Water is a finite resource and is certainly worth conserving, but it can be purified. Evidence of a worsening water shortage has not been given

- Amy Adair 0660106

References
Tulio, Jo Gabriel. (2009) Will There Be Enough Water in the Next Century? blogcatalog, 8 July 2009. http://www.blogcatalog.com/search/frame.php?term=freshwater+resources&id=98f14dd058e7cc6a2651a4e93945b4. Accessed 25 September 2009.