Topics in cultural studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Topics in cultural studies - Essay Example The seven hills on which this civilization grew were divided into the Eastern and Western halves. The Eastern half comprising Quirinal, Viminal, Caelian, and Esquiline were part of a volcanic ridge. The Western group included the Aventine, Palatine and Capitoline hills. All these seven hills were separated by marshy lands.† (Maps of World, 2008) Government The government had three main stages: Regal that is governed by a monarchy; Republican that was run by two consuls and other elected officials; and Imperial that divided the citizens in three basic classes: the senatorial, equestrian, and lower classes (Spielvogel, 2011). Greece consisted of several city-states that each had its own government: monarchies that were ruled by kings; oligarchies that were run by aristocrats; tyrannies that were lead by one of the aristocrats who obtained power over the others by getting the support of the poor people; and democracies that gave the poor people more power (Carr D. K., 2011). Relig ion / Philosophy â€Å"Very similar cults appear under the names of different gods: fire festivals belong to Artemis, Demeter, Heracles, and even Isis; ox sacrifices in which the ox-slayer flees from the scene of his deed are celebrated in honor of both Zeus and Dionysos; maidens are consecrated to serve in the temples of Artemis, Athena, and Aphrodite; a peplos may be woven for Athena as well as Hera† (Burkert & Raffan, 1985). There were plenty of gods to honor in pagan Rome They knew about religious procedures, or rather, the processes and formulas required in any given circumstance to ensure effectiveness of divine assistance. For Romans, religion is not a belief, a feeling, or a mystique; it was purely utilitarian practice (Turcan, 2000). Economics and Trade Greeks ideally lived on small self-sufficient wheat-producing farms, but bad agricultural practices made many households incapable of feeding themselves. Big estates took over, producing wine and olive oil, which were also the chief exports of the Romans (Gill, 2011). The Romans, who imported their wheat and annexed provinces that could provide them with this all-important staple, also farmed, but they also engaged in trade. , the economy of Rome was dependent on slave labor from the expansion until the late Empire (Gill, 2011). Art / Architecture The goal of the classical Greek sculptors was to produce an ideal artistic form. Art is divided into Mycenaean, geometric, archaic, and Hellenistic periods (Gill, 2011). The Greeks developed three architectural systems, called orders, each with their own distinctive proportions and detailing. The types of columns use in their temples and other buildings are typical of each architectural system or order. The orders are Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Composite, and Tuscan (Carr D. K., 2011). The goal of Roman artists was to produce realistic portraits for decoration (Gill, 2011). The goal of Roman artists was to produce realistic portraits for decoration. The Romans brought a lot of new ideas to architecture, of which the three most important are the arch, the baked brick, and the use of cement and concrete (Carr D. K., 2011). References Burkert, W. & Raffan, J. (1985). Greek religion: Archaic and classical. Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, Ltd. Carr, D. K. (2011, March 2). Ancient Greek government; Roman Architecture. Retrieved May 2011, 7, from KidePede: http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/government/ Carr, T.

ICRC and onternational law Essay Example for Free

ICRC and onternational law Essay The ICRC started when Swiss businessman Henri Dunant traveled to Italy to meet with Emperor Napoleon III of France . Before he reached Napoleon he first passed through the town of Solferino where a battle was fought. On that day over 40,000 soliders on both sides fell; many were left to die on the battlefield without adequate care. Henry Dunant was shocked by the terrible aftermath of the battle. Instead of proceeding with his planned trip he spent the next few days tending to the wounded. Through his example, the local population began to administer aid without discrimination. When he returned home, he wrote a book called A Memory of Solferino. He sent copies of the book to political and military leaders throughout Europe . He advocated the formation of a national voluntary relief organization to help nurse the wounded and for the development of international treaties to safeguard the neutrality and protect those wounded on the battlefield. By February 9, 1863, Henry Dunant founded the Committee of the Five as an investigatory commission of the Geneva Society for Public Welfare. Their aim was to examine the feasibility of Dunant’s ideas and to organize an international conference about their possible implementation. In October 26, 1863, the international conference organized by the Committee was held in Geneva to develop possible measures to improve medical services on the battlefield. A conference attended by many European states resolved the following: The foundation of national relief societies for wounded soldiers. Neutrality and protection for those wounded. Utilizing volunteer forces for relief assistance on the battlefield. The organization of additional conferences to enact these concepts in legally binding international treaties. The introduction of a common distinctive protective symbol for medical personnel in the field, specifically a white armlet bearing the red cross. Within a year, specific grounds were developed for the recognition of a national relief society by the International Committee; namely: The national society must be recognized by its own national government as a relief society according to the convention, and the national government of the respective country must be a state party to the Geneva Convention. The Commission’s first great achievement occurred on 22 August 1864 when the conference adopted the first Geneva Convention â€Å"for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in the Armies in the field. † A total of four Geneva Conventions have been passed since then. With successive conventions aimed an improving or updating previous conventions to ensure that they are up to date with current technology and norms. Today there are 185 national Red Cross societies and over 1,330 employees directly under the ICRC assigned to field operations. All thanks to the initiative of one man. III. ICRC as a Driving Force in IHL The ICRC draws its authority to act principally from the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols. The Geneva Conventions from the First to the Fourth are the primary international treaties that limit the cruelty of war. They are meant to protect people who do not take part in the fighting, such as civilians, medics and aid workers. They also protect hors de combat or those who no longer have the means to continue fighting such as the wounded, sick, shipwrecked or those who have surrendered. The Geneva Conventions have been acceded to by 194 States and enjoy universal acceptance as a form of custom. The Geneva Conventions then are the primary documents governing International Humanitarian Law and the main overseer of International Humanitarian Law is the ICRC. However, the provisions of the present Convention constitute no obstacle to the humanitarian activities which the International Committee of the Red Cross or any other impartial humanitarian organization may, subject to the consent of the Parties to the conflict concerned, undertake for the protection of civilian persons and for their relief[2]. Article 10 is of considerable value in the field of international law because faced with the barbaric reality of war, the law continues to be realistic and humane. It keeps in mind the object of the Convention, namely the protection of human life and peace between man and man, conscious that it is only a means. (a ridiculously weak means compared to the forces of war) of attaining this goal. When everything has been settled by legal means –ordinary and extraordinary—by assigning rights and duties, by obligations laid upon the belligerents and by the mission of the protecting powers, a corner was still found for something which no legal text can prescribe. However this niche was the most effective means of combating war. That niche is charity or the spirit of peace. This is where Article 10’s symbolic value can be seen. Through it, Henry Dunant’s action on the field of battle in Solferino. Article 10 is more than a tribute to Henry Dunant. It is an invitation to all men of good will to continue his work[3]. In order for the ICRC and subordinate National Commissions to effectively perform their role, members are granted considerable rights and privileges. For example, all Red Cross members have the right to wear the Red Cross, (or crescent in Muslim States). Wearing this mark affords immunity, for all practical purposes from violence by the combatants because, as outlined in Additional Protocol No. 1 of the Geneva Conventions[4] the Red Cross is the mark associating a vehicle, person or building with the ICRC and is sacrosanct and protected[5]. However, any use not expressly authorized by International Humanitarian Law constitutes misuse of the emblem and releases combatants from the obligation to respect the symbol. The types of misuse are Imitation, Usurpation and Perfidy. In fact, Improper use of distinctive emblems in a war crime committed when, in an international armed conflict, an intent to use them for combatant purposes prohibited under international law[6]. Owing to the ICRC’s unique position as the actual commission that proposes and puts forth the Geneva Conventions and other major IHL documents, it can be said that ICRC is the Organization that created IHL. The latter will of course continue to develop as time goes by. Other documents of international law respecting human rights and with respect to international crimes have evolved since then. But International Humanitarian Law began with Henry Dunant and his desire to help the wounded in Solferino.

Economic Aspects of Global Warming and Climate Change

Economic Aspects of Global Warming and Climate Change Abstract The issue of global warming and climate change has proven to be one of the most controversial and difficult problems facing all the nations of the world.   Assessing the impact of climate change is extremely complex as it is very difficult to project the future and assess the hypothetical impact it will have on the world.   Additionally, it is unknown how technological progress will respond and potentially alter the effects of global warming.   This paper will focus on some impacts of global warming and climate changes on the global economy and review possible methods of mitigating the adverse effects. Introduction Climate change is one of the most challenging problems facing the world community.   According to NASA, global warming is a natural process.   A layer of greenhouse gases which include water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide acts as a thermal blanket for the Earth, absorbing heat and warming its surface to an average temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit which help sustain life (National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 2017).   Without this natural cover, the Earth’s surface would be colder than it is today, making the planet freezing and mostly likely uninhabitable. However, scientists are concerned that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are causing an unprecedented rise in global temperatures, with potentially harmful consequences for the environment, human health and the economy.   We are adding to the natural greenhouse effect with emissions from industry and agriculture, trapping more energy and increasing the temperature. The possible causes of global warming are numerous.   But according to Environmental Protection Agency, the most concerning and alarming are manmade emissions of CO2 caused by burning fossil fuels and cutting down carbon-absorbing trees. Other greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide are also released through human activities, but their presence is relatively small when compared to carbon dioxide.   According to a 2016 BBC article, the level and concentration of CO2 in our atmosphere is significantly higher than it was at the beginning of the industrial revolution which began in 1750 (What Is Climate Change?†, 2016). Climate change has a broader meaning as it not only refers to the increased temperature trends described by global warming, but also changes such as sea level rise; ice mass loss in Greenland, Antarctica, the Arctic and mountain glaciers worldwide; shifts in flower and plant blooming; and extreme weather events. Kenneth Green (2002) argues that human prosperity in many parts of the world, especially developing countries, heavily depends on climate. Agriculture, tourism, transportation, energy use, and many other activities that define our economies are largely influenced by climate.   Therefore, it is crucial to understand the effects of global warming in short and long run and perform the cost and benefit analysis to determine what policies and measures should be taken to mitigate and prevent the climate change and its various impacts. Climate change is a global issue, but the impacts are likely to differ in different continents, countries, and regions. Some nations will likely experience more adverse effects than others. Other nations may benefit from climate changes. The ability to adapt to climate change can influence how climate change affects individuals, communities, countries, and the global population. This paper will discuss the effects of global warming on the energy industry, agriculture and food supply, production output and inflation.   Next, it will focus on the cost benefit analysis of implementing the policies and procedures to mitigate and/or prevent global warming and climate change. Lastly, the paper will review the possible methods of reducing the effects of global warming and climate change and the mitigation policies to be implemented. Global Warming and Climate Change Economic Impact Climate Change Effect on Energy In my opinion, energy is the key industry that will be highly affected by global warming and climate change. The world’s production and use of energy is the primary cause of global warming.   Climate will affect energy consumption by changing consumers’ wants and needs in both the intensive (short) and extensive (long) terms. There are several ways in which climate may affect energy consumption. In the residential, commercial and industrial sectors in a warmer world higher cooling demand is expected, which would lead to increased electricity consumption. On the other hand, fewer cold winter days would result in decreased heating demand, which would decrease natural gas, oil and electricity demand. These are demand side effects.   On the supply side, one would expect increased use of natural gas on hot days, as some power plants become less efficient as well as higher natural gas consumption for generation due to higher electricity demand. During the winter, there might be a decrease in natural gas demand for generation due to lower electricity demand. According to a 2009 report on global climate change, the majority (87%) of the United States’ greenhouse gas emissions are from the production and use of energy production.   The research was primarily on the energy usage in buildings concerning the various heating and cooling demands. The findings stated that, â€Å"the demand for cooling energy increases from 5 to 20 percent per 1.8 °F of warming, and the demand for heating energy drops by 3 to 15 percent per 1.8 °F of warming† (Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States Report, 2009).   Additionally, the 2009 report projects that global warming’s increasing temperatures will increase the peak demand for electricity as it is the main source used for the cooling of buildings.   This would result in a disproportionate increase in energy infrastructure investment and possible pollution as most of the nation’s electricity is currently produced from coal.   This would potentially increase the nation’s CO2 emissions and slow the development of alternative â€Å"green† energy sources (Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States Report, 2009). Climate Change Effect on Agriculture and Food Supply Since temperature and precipitation are direct inputs in agricultural production, this sector will experience significant effects as well.   Recent droughts worldwide have highlighted that the advances in modern farming techniques and technologies cannot insulate the world’s food production and supply.   In fact, rising CO2 concentrations could increase production of some crops, such as rice, soybean and wheat (Clark, 2012).   However, Clark (2012) also stated, â€Å"the changing climate would affect the length and quality of the growing season and farmers could experience increasing damage to their crops, caused by a rising intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts, flooding or fires†.   Furthermore, in many developing regions, agriculture is of major importance for national economies, as it represents the large share in gross domestic product (GDP).   Therefore, with prospects of continued global warming, the damages for poor regions could be substantial (Clark, 2012).   Climate change’s probable impact on agricultural production patterns and prices in these regions lower the profitability of agriculture industry and increase the share of consumers’ income spent on food.   This may lead to food shortages or insufficient access to food in some countries or regions. In addition to agriculture, the worlds fisheries which provide an important source of food for at least half the worlds population are very susceptible to climate change.   Fisheries are plagued by two problems, overexploitation and pollution.   Additionally, the various marine fish species are encountering their own problems due to climate change such warming surface waters, and rising sea levels due to melting ice.   Clark (2012) states, â€Å"some marine fish species are already adapting by migrating to the high latitudes, but others, such as Arctic and freshwater species, have nowhere to go†.   If we are unable to find sustainable solutions to help the fisheries and fish, we may end up with shortages of edible fish which will cause prices to soar. According to Schierhorn (2016), over the last century, the global population has quadrupled. In 1915, there were 1.8 billion people in the world. Today, according to the most recent estimate by the UN, there are 7.3 billion people and we may reach 8.5 billion by 2030 (UN projects world population to reach 8.5 billion by 2030, driven by growth in developing countries, 2015).   This population growth, along with rising incomes in developing countries, is increasing global food demand.   Schierhorn’s (2016) research shows that food demand is expected to increase anywhere between 59 to 98 percent by 2050.   Therefore, the world’s crop production will need to increase.   That means there needs to be an expanse of farmable land to grow crops, and current productivity needs expanded through the use of modern farming methods (Schierhorn, 2016). A recent EPA (2016) study concludes that â€Å"climate change is very likely to affect food security at the global, regional, and local level† and that â€Å"climate change can disrupt food availability, reduce access to food, and affect food quality†.   The study projects that changes in temperatures and precipitation patterns, along with extreme weather events may reduce agricultural productivity (Climate Impacts on Agriculture and Food Supply, 2016). The same study further suggests that â€Å"increases in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events can also interrupt food delivery, and resulting spikes in food prices after extreme events are expected to be more frequent in the future†.   Increasing temperatures can contribute to food spoilage and contamination (Climate Impacts on Agriculture and Food Supply, 2016). Furthermore, Clark (2012) argues that food production itself is a significant emitter of greenhouse gases, as well as a cause of environmental degradation in many parts of the world. Clark states agriculture contributes about 15% of all emissions, on a par with transport. He concludes that to limit the long-run impacts of climate change, food production must become not only more resilient to climate but also more sustainable and low-carbon itself (Clark, 2012). Climate Change Effect on Economy Growth According to a recent study by Wade (2017), climate change will most likely reduce the capital stock and productivity in the world economy. Global warming is expected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events causing property and infrastructure loss. While the initial economic response to recover the damages may be positive for GDP while it is possible, in the long run the world economy will face an extreme challenge. The harm to economic output may become irreversible.   Wade (2017) argues that it will not be worth for businesses to replace their capital stock unless future damages could be prevented or the business could be relocated to the safer area.   This could cause a short period of disruption as businesses relocate, or in the worst case scenario, a permanent loss of capital stock and output.   As the temperatures continue to rise, the damages will increase and become permanent (Wade, 2017). Wade (2017) represents the likely effect of climate change on output in production function in Figure 1 (See Appendices).   If there is less capital stock available due to the damage resulted from climate change, the productive capacity of the world economy will fall.   It is represented by the downward shift in the world production function as each unit of labor produces less output (Wade, 2017). However, lower labor productivity may occur not only due to a lower level of capital stock.   Global warming may affect food safety, promote the spread of infections, cause social unrest and thus reduce availability of labor. Wade (2017) shows this effect as a supply shock in a supply and demand graph (Figure 2, Appendices).   Global warming is likely to contract supply at any given price and result in a backward shift of the supply curve (from S1 to S2) (Wade, 2017). As the graph demonstrates, this will result in a lower level of output (Y2) and a higher price (P2). This analysis is based on the assumption that the world will not respond to climate change and no prevention or mitigation measures are taken. Climate Change Effect on Inflation Wade (2017) also proves that as global production output is reduced, an increase in the general price level will occur as a result of global warming. As discussed earlier, higher food prices will affect consumers’ income and overall food price inflation will rise.   Furthermore, reduced land availability may also contribute to rising inflation. Per Wade (2017) the surge in global temperatures may eventually cause some areas of the world to become uninhabitable and cause mass migration. Along with the political and socioeconomic implications of the migration there will be higher demand for decreasing amount of land.   Higher energy costs are also likely to boost inflation. As discussed earlier, as our climate becomes more extreme the demand for energy used for cooling will likely to rise.   As the energy demand will rise, the supply will shrink as the efficiency of existing power stations is compromised due to higher temperatures (Wade, 2017).   Policy actions by governments to transition to green energy may further contribute to inflation in the short-run when taxes are placed on fossil fuel electricity. Since energy is the basis of most of the world’s production, the effects of higher energy prices on inflation will impact the global economy (Wade, K. 2017). Cost-Benefit Analysis According to Mendelsohn (2013), â€Å"the biggest threat climate change poses to economic growth is from immediate, aggressive and inefficient mitigation policies†. Thomas C. Shelling believes that climate change is the global public good, because each country’s emissions of greenhouse gases contribute cumulatively to the increase of the overall concentration, and each country’s abatements entail higher cost than benefit, unless effective concerted collective actions take place (Stiglitz & Shelling, 2012).   Therefore, benefit-cost analysis is a principal tool for deciding if this public good should be altered through mitigation policy. There are many conflicting views regarding the true dimensions of climate change problem and a lot of various policy assessment models. The most famous are DICE model created by William Nordhaus and the Stern Review prepared by Sir Nicholas Stern for the British government in 2006.   The modeling approach by Nordhaus views climate change as a matter of investment efficiency and assumes that climate change policies will compete with other investments such as public health and education.   This model provides estimates of the appropriate price path on carbon emissions, with prices starting relatively low and gradually rising as a result of discounting. (William D. Nordhaus and Joseph Boyer, 2000) The Stern Review, in contrast to Nordhaus’ model, recommended strong and immediate action on climate change.   Stern (2006) found that the costs associated with uncontrolled global warming would be up to a 20 percent drop per year in the world’s GDP by 2050. The Stern Review incorporated new scientific evidence suggesting that the climate system may be more sensitive than previously thought.   Also, it supported the application of much lower discount rates. (Stern, 2006). Therefore, two aspects of the benefit-cost calculation are critical. One is allowance for uncertainty as the possible outcomes of global warming in the absence of mitigation are very unclear.   The other critical aspect is the choice of discount rate as most of the climate-related benefits from current policy efforts would take the form of avoided damages in the long run with many of the costs incurred in the short run. Stiglitz & Shelling (2012) suggest a number of behavioral changes to mitigate the problem of global warming such as shifting to fuels with higher ratio of useful energy to CO2 emissions (from coal to oil, from oil to natural gas); developing technologies that use less energy per unit output; shifting demand to products with lower energy intensity; planting trees and reducing deforestation; pursuing policy of sequestering the CO2 by pumping it directly into underground reservoirs. The process of mitigation will require a temporary economic transition from consumption to investment, provided that the transitional costs are small relative to the cost of inaction (Wade, 2017).   However, as the costs of mitigation rise, budget limitations will become increasingly important. Possible Mitigation Measures Despite the disagreements between nations, in recent years we have witnessed the gradual emergence of a range of international and domestic climate change policies, including emissions trading programs, emissions taxes, performance standards, and technology-promoting programs (Goulder & Pizer, 2006).   At the Paris climate conference (COP21) in December 2015, 195 countries adopted the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate agreement that outlined a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 °C. Therefore, there is now an agreement among climate economists to consider climate change as a global externality that must be compensated for to recover economic optimality. Hence, basic public economics wisdom requires some mitigation eï ¬â‚¬orts (IPCC, 2007). The issue gets controversial however when we try to answer the â€Å"when† and â€Å"how much† questions. One approach that has become widely used is cap and trade. The U.S. Clean Air Act of 1990 established emission levels (caps) and permitted companies with emissions below the cap to sell (trade) their rights to remaining permissible amount to firms that have exceeded the cap. Over time, the government would reduce the cap, thus overall emissions would be gradually reduced. This approach gives companies flexibility. It increases the pool of available capital to make reductions, encourages companies to cut pollution faster and rewards innovation. But the critics pointed out that it allows richer companies to pollute more as they are able to buy those rights.   Another type of emissions control is establishment of emissions charges or fees. Each business would be charged accordingly for the amount of emissions produced. It would become very expensive for the companies to pollute and will create incentive for them to clean up. In recent years governments also experimented with various green taxes and eco-taxes that levy a fee on environmentally damaging behavior. Beside the punishment, governments also offer positive incentives for the companies that improve their environmental behavior. For example, the government may decide to purchase only from those firms that meet certain pollution standard or to offer financial aid to those that install pollution control equipment. Tax incentives such as faster depreciation for pollution control equipment may also be used. Overall, the trend has been for governments to use more flexible, market oriented approaches such as tradeable allowances, pollution fees and taxes, and incentives, to achieve the goals of protecting the environment and mitigating climate change. (Lawrence & Weber, 2017) Many challenges remain though. 2 °C stabilization goal set at the Paris Climate Conference     requires decarbonization of the world economy. Carbon pricing would be a necessary tool in reaching that goal. The advantages of carbon pricing would be the following: it would trigger economy-wide decarbonization in a cost efficient manner, generate revenues that can be used for financing the sustainable development goals and become a focal point for international climate policy cooperation focusing on carbon pricing coordination. For many policy issues, there is an important and clear distinction between the short-run and the long-run responses by businesses and individuals. The short run is a period when businesses and individuals are locked in to some past decisions and have fixed costs that they are not able to avoid. But over a period of time, they might respond by making gradual adjustments in their behaviors and choices. They are more responsive in the long run than in the short run because they have more time and opportunities to respond to a change in price. As we know, supply and demand are generally more elastic in the long run. We can use the example of a gas tax that was introduced as a tool to reduce pollution. If we look only at the short-run elasticity of demand, we might come to conclusion that a gas tax will have little effect on driving since demand is inelastic. However, if we had an estimate of the long-run elasticity of demand, we might see that the demand curve is flatter. As recent studies how, the effectiveness of many market-based environmental policies depend on the responsiveness of businesses and individuals to a change in incentives, economists and policymakers should keep in mind the difference between short-run responses and long-run responses (Global Warming Causes, 2017). Summary The overall effect of climate change on economic growth will most likely be negative in the long run. Although there will be winners and losers from climate change at different levels of warming, the impact of climate change will be widespread due to the financial, political and economic integration of the worlds economies. Global warming will primarily influence economic growth through damage to property and infrastructure, lost productivity, mass migration, security threats. The issue of global warming and climate change invokes the highest form of global citizenship. The nations have to be willing to sacrifice hundreds of billions of dollars of present consumption in an effort that will largely benefit people in other countries, considering that the benefit that will not be instant. Moreover, the threat of climate change is uncertain and based on modeling rather than direct observation. In considering climate change policies, the fundamental trade-off that society faces is between consumption today and consumption in the future. By taking measures to slow emissions of greenhouse gases now, the economy reduces the amount of output that can be devoted to consumption and productive investment. This is the opportunity cost of the investment into mitigating global warming. However, the return for this investment is lower damages and higher consumption in the future. The climate investments involve reducing fossil-fuel consumption and moving to low-carbon fuels.   In return, the impacts on energy, agriculture, economic growth and inflation as well as the potential for catastrophic climate change will be reduced. Appendices Figure 1: Global Production Function (Wade, K., 2017) Figure 2: Supply and Demand (Wade, K., 2017) References Carbon Pricing for Climate Change Mitigation and Financing the SDGs. (n.d.). Retrieved April 01, 2017, from https://www.global-economic-symposium.org/about-the-ges/council-of-global-problem-solving/recommendations/carbon-pricing-for-climate-change-mitigation-and-financing-the-sdgs Clark, D. (2012, September 19). How will climate change affect food production? Retrieved April 16, 2017, from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/sep/19/climate-change-affect-food-production Climate Change Indicators in the United States. (2016, December 19). Retrieved April 16, 2017, from https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators Green, K. P. (2002). Global warming: understanding the debate. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow. Mendelsohn (2013).   Climate Change and Economic Growth, Commission on Growth and   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Development, Working paper no.60 Global warming / opposing viewpoints. (2002). San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press. Global Warming Causes. RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2017. Retrieved April 16, 2017, from https://www.briangwilliams.us/environmental-economics/shortrun-versus-longrun-substitutions.html Lawrence H. Goulder and William A. Pizer (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2017, from http://stanford.academia.edu/LawrenceGoulder National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2017, from https://www.nasa.gov/ Schierhorn, M. E. (2016, April 07). Global Demand for Food Is Rising. Can We Meet It? Retrieved April 16, 2017, from https://hbr.org/2016/04/global-demand-for-food-is-rising-can-we-meet-it Stern (2006). Stern Review on The Economics of Climate Change (pre-publication edition).  Executive Summary, HM Treasury, London. Archived from the original on 31 January 2010) Stiglitz, J. E., & Shelling, T. C. (2012). The economists voice: top economists take on todays problems. New York: Columbia Univ. Press. Wade, K. (n.d.). Climate change & the global economy: Growth and inflation. Retrieved April 16, 2017, from http://www.schroders.com/en/us/institutional/insights/economic-views3/climate-changethe-global-economy-growth-and-inflation What is climate change? (2016, November 14). Retrieved April 23, 2017, from http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-24021772 William D. Nordhaus and Joseph Boyer, Warming the World: Economic Models of Global Warming. MIT Press, Cambridge Mass., 2000. ISBN 0 262 14071 3. UN projects world population to reach 8.5 billion by 2030, driven by growth in developing countries. (2015, July 29). Retrieved April 23, 2017, from http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=51526#.WP083IWcHIU

Computers, Hackers, And Phreaks :: essays research papers

The Internet is a wondrous place. Practically anything you could ever want is available on the Net. It's like a big city, it has the highly prestigious areas, and the sex-ridden slums (Mitchell). It has the upstanding citizens, and it has the criminals. On the Net, crime is more abundant than in a large city, though, mainly because of the difficulties in tracking and prosecuting offenders. Even from its beginnings, the Internet has always been a battlefield between phreaks and administrators.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Internet hasn't always been a public forum. In fact, the Internet has been around for years. The Internet is just a new fad (Larson). The Internet originally began as DARPANET, a government-created network, which was designed for defense communications. The Net structure is such that it could survive a nuclear war (Mitchell). The creation of the Net can not be blamed for the existence of hackers though, hackers are older than the Net itself, but the Net is the largest 'hacker haven' today (Spencer). The growth of the Net since its creation has been nothing less than astounding. In the 25-plus years since its creation, the Net now has over thirty million users using four million sites world wide. Estimates rate the growth of the Net anywhere from ten to fifteen percent per month (Spencer). The Internet was first released to major universities in the United States of America. Since then, the universities have offered connections to small business, service providers, and even to the individual user. Sometimes these connections cost a fortune, and sometimes they can be obtained for free (Larson). Although some of the original universities have dropped off the Net for various reasons, every major university in the United States, and now, most others in the world, have a connection to the Internet (Quittner).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although it isn't easy for an individual to get a direct connection to the Net, many private institutions are getting direct access. This is mainly due to the fact that in order to support the very high speed of the Net, a fast computer is needed and a fast connection. A fast computer can cost in the thousands of dollars, at least, and a quick connection can cost hundreds dollars or more. Individuals can still get on the Net through these private institutions. The private institution spoon-feeds the Net to the slower computers over their delayed connection lines (Jones). The Internet began very high-class, due to the fact that only super intelligent college students and professors could access it. The discussions tended to stay intellectual, with very little, if any, disturbance (Larson).

Teaching Philosophy Statement Essay example -- Teacher Education Educa

Teaching Philosophy Statement Most teachers once they begin teaching rarely think about what philosophy they follow, or how they teach. It’s like second nature. A comparison can be drawn from the act of reading. One does not think about how they read, they just read. Teaching is the same. The teacher draws up lesson plans and such, being what they teach, but how to teach the lesson is usually not in the forefront of their thought, especially for experienced teachers. This just comes naturally. The underlying philosophy of how to teach is always present in the teacher’s method however transparent it may become to the teacher over years of instructing. How this process works is like spreading butter on a slice of bread. Philosophy is like the butter knife you use, it can be varied. A spoon, spatula, or even a finger could be used to spread the butter and they all get the job done, just in a different manner. However, the butter and the bread remain constant; they are the teaching materia l and students respectively. The vast majority of teachers do not choose to use one utensil exclusively, they instead use a knife sometimes, a spoon others, or even a finger at need. Most teachers follow a conglomerate of bits and pieces of all the philosophies. This is a very effective approach because all students can learn, regardless of their learning style. The teacher that combines all these methods into a single productive teaching style practices eclecticism. This is my philosophy of the classroom. I believe that all of the philosophies have distinct merits when applied correctly. Also I believe that certain students respond better to certain philosophies of teaching. Jim may disdain all material that he d... ...ehaviorism falls out of importance as the student grows. One major achievement that came from this philosophy is programmed learning. I own a CD-rom study guide for a class that follows the programmed learning study method and it has helped me tremendously on my learning. As a teacher, one must identify their own philosophy and learn how to best utilize it in the classroom. All philosophies are aimed at the best interest of the student. It is the task of the teacher to decide the method by which they wish to accomplish the education of their students. All teachers have to spread the butter on the bread; it is the choice to use the knife, spoon, spatula, or finger that determines our teaching potency. I will choose to use the tools that will spread the butter most evenly and efficiently, for the benefit of the bread, not just by mere favor of a utensil.

The Importance of Geography in The Killer Angels Essay -- Killer Angel

The Importance of Geography in The Killer Angels      Ã‚   War is a complicated event.   Many different factors are considered in the strategic planning during a war.   The number of troops, ammunition supplies, and the lay of the land are just three of the considerations that must be given when fighting a battle.   Such considerations were made during the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg.   In The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara, Shaara uses geography throughout his recounting of the event.   His use of geography is seen in his descriptions of the people involved, his description of the climate, and his superb outlining of the natural landscape.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the novel, Shaara begins by describing the Armies.   On the side of the South is the Army of Northern Virginia, led by Robert E. Lee.   This army is composed of 70 thousand men who are volunteers and rebels.   They are within a certain culture.   The men of this army share   not only a common language and religion, but they also share the same customs.   Most of the men are Anglo-Saxon and Protestant.   Their language is English.   Most of all, this army is fighting for a mutual cause which is disunion.   Victorious is the feeling among these men.   Wholeheartedly, the men of the Army of Northern Virginia believe that they can defeat the Army of the Potomac.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Army of the Potomac differs greatly in composition than the South's army.   Although they have a common goal, to defeat the Southerners, the men who make up this army have little else in common.   They are led by Major General George Meade.   Most of these 80,000 men are volunteers.   Language barriers exist within this group.   Also, a shared religion does not exist.   Unlike the Army of Northe... ... Northern Virginia, they have to move into open spaces and climb hilly and rocky terrain.   Obviously, Shaara's use of geography is apparent in his outlining of the events at the Battle of Gettysburg.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion, Michael Shaara vividly recounts the Battle of Gettysburg.   Throughout his novel, The Killer Angels, Shaara's use of geography allows the reader to understand the people, feel the climate of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and relive the action as it unfolds.   Strategic plans are made by the Army of Northern Virginia, but in this battle the natural landscape is too cumbersome.   Victorious is the Army of the Potomac.   Thanks to its near perfect view. Works Cited Shaara, Michael.   The Killer Angels. New York: Ballantine, 1975.    Maps Maps of Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 www.militaryhistoryonline.com/gettysburg   

The Irony in Ghana’s Agricultural Productivity

The US’s prospect of establishing a military base in Ghana proves its firm control of this thriving African country. This firm control of US is also strongly apparent in Ghana’s economic policy.   Endowed with an abundant supply of natural resources, Ghana has long been under US economic and social influence through international organizations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization.It is important to note here that IMF-WB and WTO work, in the final analysis, for the benefit of those who control them which are no other than the US and other First World countries. The policies advanced by IMF-WB and WTO that Ghana faithfully adopts put the country in an inequitable relationship with the US and other powerful nations.One clear policy is the Structural Adjustments Programs (SAPs) which contain various conditionalities like the privatization of local industries, the reductions in tariffs and trade barriers, the curtailing of   a grarian reform, and the liberalization of local economies.A manifestation that the SAPs are at work in Ghana can be seen through the country’s export-oriented and import-dependent economy. What does this mean? Ghana’s economy is export-oriented because its natural resources, particularly its rich agricultural resources, are taken outside the country and   appropriated by the more powerful nations who control it.That is why even though Ghana is rich in agricultural resources, majority of its people experience hunger because: 1) they are not the ones who benefit from what their land offers 2) the country is not yet industrialized to support a viable agricultural production process.The US, being a highly industrialized country, makes use of the natural resources it has taken from Ghana and processes these resources. The US requires less labor force in processing the natural resources it has taken from third world countries precisely because it has high-tech machines to do the work faster and more efficient.After the processing of the natural resources, Third World countries dependent on US (thanks to IMF-WB and WTO) import them. The tragic irony here is that Third World countries buy and import   goods that are essentially theirs.Notes:1. â€Å"Structural adjustment† 25   July 2007. Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 12 August 2007.