Protecting the Environment and Preparing
for a Catastrophe
A Research Paper Presented to The English
Resource Center
School
of Multimedia Arts
Asia
Pacific College
Magallanes,
Makati
In
Partial Fulfillment
of
the Requirements for the Course
ERESWRT-Research
Writing
Cherith
Joy Yucoco
April
2014
Chapter 1:
Introduction
A. Background of the Study
Storms are now more frequent than ever. In
a study conducted by the Office of the US Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA),
they noticed a rise in the so-called hydro-meteorological disasters that
includes typhoons, hurricanes and floods over the past 25 years.
Ker Than wrote an article
called,"Scientists: Natural Disasters Becoming More Common." In this
article, it was discussed how both man-made and natural factors are influencing
negative changes in the environment.
Then says, "Scientists believe that the
increase in hydro-meteorological disasters is because of natural and man-made
factors. In 1980, about 100 storms are reported each year, but that number
ballooned to over 300 a year since 2000" (http://www.livescience.com/414-scientists-natural-disasters-common.html).
The next years will not get any better due to
climate change. Climate change is said to be inevitable. Nations are starting
to deal with storms and severe heat that are beyond their capacity to handle.
Countries that are prone to typhoons and other natural calamities will most
likely feel the effects of climate change earlier than others.
Nathalie
Fiset wrote an article entitled: "Climate Change Due to Global
Warming." The article was about the different effects and scenarios that
one may feel as a result of climate change. The author also included how warm
areas will experience warmer weather due to global warming.
Fiset wrote, "Storms will also occur with
more frequency and intensity. Ironically, water in the soil will evaporate
faster, causing dryness between rains. Regions that are already considered dry
will experience more dryness.
(http://www.bestglobalwarmingarticles.com/Article/climate-change----Climate-Changes-Due-to-Global-Warming-/4122)
Climate
change is actually not only confined to storms. It can also be applicable to
the recent high temperature of heat that we feel when summer arrives. Lately,
weather forecasters have been telling us that temperatures may reach up to 40
degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
An
author named Jonathon Hardcastle wrote an article entitled: "Climate
Change-The Coming Crisis." According to this article, the Earth's
temperature has increased by 1 degree Fahrenheit over the last century and that
it is because of global warming that our planet is heating up.
Hardcastle
writes, "Many scientists point to the emission of greenhouse gases as one
of the leading reasons that we are undergoing this global change. Carbon
dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are some of the main compounds that we are
releasing more and more, causing something known as the ‘Greenhouse Effect'.
This occurs due to the fact that these gases tend to trap heat, and when they
are released into our upper atmosphere, they trap some of the heat energy that
would normally be reflected by our earth's natural processes."
(http://www.bestglobalwarmingarticles.com/Article/climate-change----Climate-Change---The-Coming-Crisis-/4050)
As
stated earlier, climate change or global warming is inevitable. People in this
generation cannot hide or run away from it. It is something that everyone has
to go through while on this earth.
However, the researcher believes that people
can do something to ease it's effect on us. People cannot prevent another
catastrophe from happening, but they can prepare ahead of time and not be
caught off guard.
Having
enough information on global warming or climate change, the reader can now be
more aware of their surroundings and can share their knowledge about it to
other people that has yet to be aware of this phenomenon.
The
purpose of this paper is to explain what people can do to protect the
environment and prevent disasters.
B.
Statement of the Problem
This
study aims to answer:
1.
What can people do to protect the environment and prevent disasters?
2.
What can people do to prepare for a catastrophe?
C.
Significance of the Study
College
Students Studying Meteorology. This research paper would be of help to students
taking up Meteorology as a course because this will give them an idea on how
drastic the weather condition in the different parts of the world has been.
Meteorologist.
As the experts when it comes to weather conditions and about the earth's
atmosphere, this study would help them understand more about global warming and
its effects to people and animals.
Environmentalist.
This study will be of benefit to individuals who are all out in preserving the environment. Here, they will find helpful
tips on how, in their own little way, can help reduce the effects of global
warming and by making our surrounding a better place to live in.
D.
Scope and Delimitation.
This study will focus on the cause and
effect of climate change. How each and everyone of us play a vital role in
protecting and preserving the only place where we can live.
Due to the limited time, the researcher
will no longer discuss about weather manipulation and how man tries to use it
as a tactic or revenge to other nations. It is insignificant and will only
confuse the reader on the real topic that is being discussed.
E.
Materials and Methods.
In this research, the materials used by
the researcher to gather information are mostly from articles online and
through news articles.
The data gathered will be presented by
emphasizing on the need to start acting now to prevent another catastrophe due
to carelessness to the environment.
F.
Definition of Terms
1.
Climate Change. Refers to changes in a regions overall weather patterns,
including precipitation, temperatures, cloud cover, and so on.
(http://www.ecolife.com/define/climate-change.html)
2.
Global Warming. The recent increase in the world's temperature that is believed
to be caused by the increase of certain gases such as carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/global%20warming)
3.
Hydro-Meteorological. The branch of meteorology that deals with the occurrence,
motion, and changes of state of atmospheric water. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hydrometeorological)
Chapter
2:
Discussion
What
can we do to raise awareness about protecting the environment and prepare for a
catastrophe?
Definition
and Ways To Protect the Environment and Prepare for a Catastrophe
Protection
is the act of protecting or the state of being protected; preservation from
injury or harm. People has the nature to protect something that is important to
them. And having only this earth as the most suitable to live in, it is our
responsibility to protect and take care of our environment.
In
article entitled: "Why Should We Protect Our Environment?" by
Niharika Bhati, the author gave different reasons on why we should protect the
environment and wrote that our very existence depends on its conservation. It
is the entity wherein we all subsist, and where the entire agricultural and
industrial development depends. People cannot have a long-term development if
they do not have the concern for the environment.
Bhati
wrote, "The unprecedented economic progress of 19th and 20th centuries has
pushed the environmental and ecological awareness into the background."
(http://www.preservearticles.com/201102104008/why-should-we-protect-our-environment.html)
I.
Common Environmental Problems
A.
Global Warming
There
is actually not much that can be done to prevent this phenomenon from
happening. Everyday we experience the effects of global warming because of the
drastic change of weather, but it is a good thing that people are being
educated about it and in return, some are stepping up to address the issue and
sharing to others their knowledge about it.
In
an article by Larry West entitled, "What is the Greenhouse Effect?",
the author explains and introduces another factor in global warming.
West
wrote, "Ultimately, more greenhouse gases means more infrared radiation
trapped and held, which gradually increases the temperature of the Earth's
surface and the air in the lower atmosphere."(http://environment.about.com/od/globalwarming/a/greenhouse.html)
Some
countries now have laws regarding global warming. Countries, especially
affected by it are now becoming sensitive to this matter and are taking legal
actions to help fight and at least try to reduce its impact on them.
B.
Air pollution
Industrialization
is, perhaps, the main culprit for the growing air pollution in many countries.
It is good that the more advanced countries are also now focusing on looking on
more environment friendly methods of production in order to minimize the
effects of industrialization to the environment. Industrial smoke from
factories and the smoke from vehicles are now being reduced through the use of
other sources of fuel and energy other than fossil fuels.
In
an article entitled, "Causes of Air Pollution" by Jerry Coffey, the
author gave several main causes of air pollution in our world today and how
people continue to not care for their surroundings.
Coffey
wrote, "As humans continue to industrialize with a dependence on fossil
fuels, we continue to put our planet’s future in jeopardy and shorten the
longevity of our species."
(http://www.universetoday.com/81977/causes-of-air-pollution/)
Industries should make a conscious effort to
reduce the air pollution they release. Find other alternatives that are more
earth and environmentally friendly.
C.
Water pollution
One
of the major factors in global warming is water pollution. Rivers and lakes are
slowly turning into a pile of trash which kills the ecosystem there. Cities all
over the world are struggling to keep their water free from any contamination.
In
an article entitled, "Water Pollution" by Michael Hogan, the author
discussed water pollution is and its effect on the ecosystem.
Hogan
wrote, "Widespread consequences of water pollution upon ecosystems include
species mortality, biodiversity reduction and loss of ecosystem services."
(http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/156920/)
People
who live near the shores and other bodies of water should learn how to properly
dispose their solid and water wastes so that the natural ecosystem will not be
contaminated. Environment-friendly detergents, soaps and other solutions should
also be used in order to prevent marine life poisoning.
II.
Measures that Promote Environmental Protection
These problems may get out of hand unless
people make a conscious effort to protect the environment. There are ways that
one can help protect the environment without having to file environmental
lawsuits. There are simple ways to protect the environment.
A.
Recycling
Simple
acts like recycling and segregating trashes are little steps that has a huge
contribution to society. Recycling helps mitigate global warming and reduce
pollution. Another benefit of learning to recycle is being able to save energy
and money.. (http://www.benefits-of-recycling.com/whyisrecyclingimportant/)
According
to an article by Erica E. Balk entitled: "Why Is Recycling Important?" the author listed some of the benefits when we practice
recycling.
Balk
wrote, "Recycling reduces air and water pollution and reduces greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions which contribute to global warming."
(http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Is-Recycling-Important?&id=6796562)
People
think that recycling, saving energy or simply walking rather than using
automobiles to reduce pollution are irrelevant, but those simple gestures are
vital in preserving our environment. Each and everyone of us has an important
role to play in this world. Let us not limit ourselves, because the power to
change things lies in us.
III.
Disaster Preparation
They say that preparation is the key to
success. And when it comes to preparing for a catastrophe, it is best that we
prepare early. We should not waste time thinking that it will not happen
anytime soon. You never know when catastrophe may occur.
A.
It Should Start Within Yourself
It
is not always that someone will be there to help you once disaster strikes.
Even when you are alone, you should know how to be able to survive and help
yourself.
In
an article by Gary F. Arnet entitled, "Disaster Preparation," the
author gave ideas on how we can prepare more efficiently and what possible
disasters may occur wherein we can be able to prepare.
Arnet
wrote, "Some of us need to be prepared for being at "ground
zero." Certain areas are the most likely direct targets of natural
disasters. All of us need to be prepared to be indirect targets, those affected
by the temporary collapse of our nation's infrastructure."
Earthquakes,
floods, hurricanes, etc., you name it, all catastrophes will not give signals
on when they will happen. People can be caught off guard. This is why preparing
for one will be a big help.
B.
It Also Starts Within the Community
Preparation
can begin at home or within the neighborhood. Whatever we have on hand can be
use as a tool help each and everyone in our area to start preparing for the
worst case scenario.
Carla
R. McMillan wrote in article entitled: "Natural Disasters: Prepare, Mitigate,
Manage." Disaster preparedness facilitates the use of all available
resources, relief and rehabilitation in the best possible way.
According
to McMillan, "Disaster preparedness starts at the local community level;
if local resources were insufficient, it would branch out to the national
level, and if needed, the international level."
(http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/archives/ndht.php)
Having
information on how to protect the environment and prepare for a catastrophe,
the reader can now have an idea on how they can help fight this problem and
contribute to the continuing efforts of different agencies in addressing this
global issue.
Chapter 3:
Summary, Conclusions, and
Recommendations
SUMMARY
This
paper attempted to determine how to raise awareness about protecting the
environment, prevent disasters and prepare for a catastrophe.
1.
Weather conditions have drastically change over the past years. Storms are now
frequent than ever and temperatures are starting to rise beyond what we can
bear.
2.The
coming years will not get any better due to climate change and global warming.
3.
Sudden rise in temperature is also the result of climate change.
4.
Everyday we experience the consequence of our actions as regards to how we
irresponsibly treat our environment.
CONCLUSIONS
Based
on the findings of this study, the following conclusions are drawn:
1.
That global warming and climate change are inevitable. We cannot stop it from
happening, but we can prevent and reduce its effect on us.
2.
That each individual can contribute to address this phenomenon and no act is
too small.
RECOMMENDATIONS
After
drawing the conclusions of the study, the researcher hereby make the following
suggestions/recommendations:
1.
People who are in support of preserving our planet should continue to look for
ways on how they can spread this global campaign
2.
People should research and conduct more study regarding climate change and
global warming.
REFERENCES
Than,
Ker Scientists: Natural Disasters Becoming More Common. Retrieved March 16,
2014 from
http://www.livescience.com/414-scientists-natural-disasters-common.htm
Fiset,
Nathalie Climate Change Due to Global Warming. Retrieved March 16, 2014 from
http://www.bestglobalwarmingarticles.com/Article/climate-change----Climate-Changes-Due-to-Global-Warming-/4122
Hardcastle,
Jonathon Climate Change-The Coming Crisis. Retrieved March 16, 2014 from
http://www.bestglobalwarmingarticles.com/Article/climate-change----Climate-Change---The-Coming-Crisis-/4050
Bhati,
Niharika Why Should We Protect Our Environment? Retrieved April 10, 2014 from
http://www.preservearticles.com/201102104008/why-should-we-protect-our-environment.html
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