¶ … rift between environmentalism and libertarianism is clear when major issues facing public policy makers are considered. The global energy crisis, which is now taking center stage due to current world events, is one arena in which legislation stalls due to irreconcilable differences. On the one hand, auto manufacturers, dealerships, and consumers of light trucks demand that the government not interfere with the proliferation of vehicles. Reducing emissions standards would be akin to cutting jobs and severely restricting personal freedoms, say the opponents of environmental legislation. Global warming is another issue that garners more dissent than agreement; politicians and scientists can't even agree on the existence of global warming to begin with. It is impossible to establish new laws when there is no agreement on this fundamental issue. In general, enacting legislation that would help improve the environment...
Most of the time, these freedoms and rights are purely economical and self-serving. However, the issue is not cut and dry. Both sides have genuine concerns, gripes, and causes.
Hardin's "Tragedy of the Commons" provides an ideal framework from which to view current and future problems concerning environmental legislation. His theory of the "tragedy of the commons" includes the reality of finite resources. The global energy crisis is further proof of the finite supply of oil; therefore the commons is a convenient metaphor for the global oil supply. Huber argues that environmental regulations are too restrictive and will result in a weakening of the economy. He, and other opponents of legislation, agree that establishing environmental legislation increases beurocracy and contributes to "big government" interfering with personal rights and freedoms. Just as Hardin argues that the "freedom to breed is intolerable," he…
Meteorology The hazards that small plane pilot's face from the vagaries of weather is legendary. Some crashes like the aircraft crash of John F. Kennedy Jr. At the coast of Massachusetts in Jul 16, 1999 relates to 'conspiracy' theories, fear of sabotage and even to terrorist action. But there always will be the simple explanation of what went wrong, especially in a case where the aircraft is very vulnerable to the
Climate/Meteorology Nitrogen and oxygen are the most abundant gases in the Earth's atmosphere, accounting for a full 99% of its content. After these two gases, water vapor is second highest in concentration, followed by carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Ozone gas is also present in the atmosphere, along with a few other less common gases like Argon. The four "spheres" of the atmosphere include the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere, and
Weather is one of those magical subjects that almost everyone feels comfortable talking about no matter where they and no matter to whom they are speaking. It affects one's mood in both a negative and positive fashion and its effects have been felt throughout history. It is a world unifying factor that is completely beyond the control of anyone. As compelling as weather has been throughout history little has been
Even with the fact that Ancient Greeks obviously had a limited understanding of winds, it is nonetheless intriguing to look at how they perceived conditions in which winds are more likely to occur. Wind speed is faster above the ground because it encounters less friction and winds move very fast when there is nothing to slow them down. This is why wind turbines are mounted on top of towers. Anemometers
Weather "From the beginning, slowness defined it. Tedious, plodding, grinding, unrelenting slowness…And when the storm system took an unexpected turn as it spread into the central Plains, the table was set for violent weather," (Hoedel & Gutierrez, 2012). Hoedel & Gutierrez (2012) are describing the mysterious origins of the 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado, one of the deadliest in American history. After its tumultuous journey "down the Pacific Coast, across the California
The Gold Coast area has a reputation as a flood prone area, even without considering the effects of global climate change. The Gold Coast area comprises seven major catchment areas including the Tallebudgera, Currumbin, Nerang River, Coomera River, Pimpama River, South Moreton Bay, Sandy Creek and Broadwater area (Mirfenderesk, 2009). The Nerang River catchment is adjacent to the Tallebudgers catchment to the South. It is bordered by the Broadwater and