FSE 100 Fall 2016 Undergraduate Research

Fse 100 Fall 2016 Undergraduate Resear

FSE 100, Fall 2016 ____________________________Undergraduate Research and Safety Undergraduate Research 1. Describe what you believe to be the 3 biggest challenges humanity faces today. Be descriptive when describing these challenges and make sure to indicate why you think they are such large issues. 2. Choose one of the challenges you outlined in Question 1, and describe some specific hurdles that need to be overcome in order to address these challenges. 3. Explain what role research has in overcoming these hurdles. Give specific examples of some of the research being done to overcome the hurdles you described in Question 2. 4. Use the ASU website and the information provided in the “Undergraduate Research Workshop” presentation to identify some faculty members at ASU who are working on the challenges/hurdles you described. Safety 1. What ASU guidance document provides you response instructions during an emergency? 2. What information do Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide? 3. Every chemical container in a lab must be labeled with _____________? 4. Hazardous waste should be poured into what? 5. What are the minimum pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to be worn at all times while working in a laboratory unless differently stated in a lab’s PPE Safety Plan?

Paper For Above instruction

The pressing issues facing humanity today are multifaceted, complex, and intertwined with technological, environmental, social, and ethical dimensions. Among the most significant challenges are climate change, global health crises, and resource depletion. Each of these challenges poses existential threats and requires coordinated global efforts, innovative research, and policy changes to address effectively.

1. Major Challenges Facing Humanity

Firstly, climate change stands as an unparalleled environmental crisis driven predominantly by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities such as fossil fuel consumption, deforestation, and industrial processes. Its impacts include rising sea levels, more frequent and severe natural disasters, loss of biodiversity, and widespread disruptions to agriculture, which threaten food security globally (IPCC, 2021). The urgency stems from the accelerating pace of these changes, which jeopardize ecological stability and human livelihoods.

Secondly, global health crises, exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscore vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, global disease transmission, and the importance of scientific research in developing vaccines, treatments, and public health policies. Infectious diseases can spread rapidly in interconnected societies, leading to significant mortality, economic downturns, and social upheaval (World Health Organization, 2020). Addressing these threats requires continuous investment in biomedical research, health infrastructure, and international cooperation.

The third major challenge is resource depletion, notably water scarcity and the exhaustion of non-renewable energy sources. As population growth and consumption accelerate, natural resources are being exploited faster than they can regenerate, leading to conflicts, migration, and environmental degradation (Brundtland, 1987). Sustainable management and technological innovations in renewable energy, water conservation, and waste reduction are critical to mitigating these issues.

2. Overcoming Hurdles in Addressing Climate Change

Focusing on climate change, significant hurdles include transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and implementing effective policy measures globally. Technical challenges involve developing affordable, efficient renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind power, as well as improving energy storage systems (REN21, 2021). Economic barriers include the high initial costs of renewable infrastructure and resistance from industries dependent on fossil fuels. Policy-related hurdles involve international cooperation, enforcement of emissions regulations, and ensuring equitable transitions for developing nations with limited resources (Stern, 2007).

3. Role of Research in Overcoming These Hurdles

Research plays an essential role in overcoming these challenges by advancing clean energy technologies, improving climate modeling, and developing sustainable practices. For example, innovations in photovoltaic cell efficiency and energy storage solutions are pivotal for increasing renewable energy adoption (NREL, 2022). Climate science research improves predictive models, helping policymakers understand future scenarios and craft effective mitigation strategies (IPCC, 2021). Additionally, socio-economic research explores pathways for equitable policy implementation, ensuring disadvantaged communities are brought into sustainable transitions (Healy & Barry, 2017).

4. Faculty at ASU Working on These Challenges

Utilizing the ASU website and the Undergraduate Research Workshop materials, faculty members such as Dr. Barbara S. Minsker, who specializes in environmental engineering, and Dr. Robert J. Purgert, focused on renewable energy, are engaged in research to combat climate change. Similarly, faculty like Dr. Elizabeth Wentz, working on public health impacts, contribute to addressing global health challenges. These researchers exemplify the university’s commitment to innovative solutions for pressing global issues.

Safety Procedures and Guidelines at ASU

The ASU guidance document that provides emergency response instructions is the “Emergency Procedures and Safety Guide,” which outlines steps for various scenarios such as fire, chemical spills, and medical emergencies. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are vital resources that provide detailed information about chemical properties, hazards, safe handling practices, and emergency measures.

Every chemical container in a laboratory must be labeled with essential information including the chemical name, hazard symbols, and the date of receipt or preparation. Hazardous waste should be disposed of only in designated waste containers that are compatible with the chemicals involved, following university and governmental regulations. The minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) required in laboratory work includes safety goggles, lab coats, and gloves, unless otherwise specified by the lab’s PPE safety plan.

Conclusion

Addressing the significant global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and resource depletion necessitates a combination of technological innovation, research, policy-making, and effective safety practices. Universities like ASU not only contribute through research but also emphasize safety and responsible conduct in laboratory environments. Collaborative efforts across disciplines and institutions will be vital in securing a sustainable and healthy future for humanity.

References

• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC. Cambridge University Press.
• World Health Organization. (2020). World Health Statistics 2020: Monitoring Health for the SDGs. WHO Press.
• Brundtland, G. H. (1987). Our Common Future. Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development. Oxford University Press.
• Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21). (2021). Renewables 2021 Global Status Report. REN21 Secretariat.
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). (2022). Advancements in Photovoltaic Technology. NREL Publications.
• Stern, N. (2007). The Economics of Climate Change: The Stern Review. Cambridge University Press.
• Healy, K., & Barry, J. (2017). Politicizing Energy. Environmental Politics, 26(4), 615–635.
• Arizona State University. (n.d.). Undergraduate Research Opportunities. Retrieved from https://research.asu.edu/
• Arizona State University. (n.d.). Safety Procedures and Emergency Response. Retrieved from https://safety.asu.edu/
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2022). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). NIOSH Fact Sheet.