GEOG/ENVS 600 Final Exam Part 2 – Short Essays Instructions ✓ Solved

GEOG/ENVS 600 FINAL EXAM PART 2 – SHORT ESSAYS INSTRUCTIONS

Choose TWO prompts from the following list and respond to BOTH for the essay portion of your final exam. Aim for about 1 page/500 words for each response.

ESSAY OPTIONS (CHOOSE 2):

  1. Are recent trends in America’s uses of forms of energy trending towards using more renewables or more non-renewables? Is this trend good or bad, and why? What makes a form of energy renewable, and what makes a form of energy non-renewable? Provide examples of three renewable forms of energy and three kinds of non-renewable forms of energy in your response. (500 words)

  2. What is the difference between climate change adaptation and climate change mitigation? Provide an example of each. Then, state briefly how adaptation to climate change relates to human well-being, OR how it relates to environmental well-being (your choice). Finally, provide an example from lecture, reading, or assignment topics of climate adaptation – adapting to what environmental issue? (500 words)

  3. We covered a variety of environmental problems and potential solutions over the course of the semester. Choose ONE topic/problem that has been of particular interest to you and explain its importance. Then, discuss solution(s) to this problem, evaluating how realistic/useful stated solution(s) could be. Use examples from readings, lectures, and other course content to support your points. (500 words)

Paper For Above Instructions

Prompt 1: Trends in Energy Use in America

In recent years, America has witnessed a significant transition in its energy use, particularly in the balance between renewable and non-renewable energy sources. This essay explores the current energy consumption trends in the United States, assessing whether these trends lean towards increased use of renewable energy sources or a greater reliance on non-renewable sources. The discussion will also define what constitutes renewable and non-renewable energy, followed by examples of each energy type.

The data reflects a growing trend towards renewable energy adoption in the United States, driven by technological advancements and a societal push for sustainable development. Renewables, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, have increasingly become competitive with fossil fuels, leading to a gradual decline in coal usage and a leveling off of natural gas consumption (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2023). For instance, the solar energy sector has expanded rapidly, driven by falling installation costs and supportive public policies aimed at achieving a carbon-neutral future.

Renewable energy is defined as a type of energy that is generated from natural processes that are continuously replenished, such as sunlight, wind, and water. On the other hand, non-renewable energy sources are finite and will eventually deplete, including fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. These sources are associated with significant carbon emissions and environmental degradation due to extraction and combustion processes (IPCC, 2021).

Three examples of renewable forms of energy include:

  1. Solar Energy: Harnessed from sunlight, solar panels convert solar radiation into electricity, providing a sustainable energy source.
  2. Wind Energy: Generated through wind turbines that convert wind kinetic energy into mechanical energy, subsequently transformed into electricity.
  3. Hydroelectric Power: Produced by harnessing the energy of flowing water, usually in dams, to generate electricity.

Conversely, the three common types of non-renewable energy are:

  1. Coal: A fossil fuel that is burnt to generate electricity, released significant amounts of CO2 and pollutants into the atmosphere.
  2. Oil: Primarily used for transportation and heating, its combustion releases greenhouse gases.
  3. Natural Gas: A cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal and oil, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

The upward trajectory of renewable energy utilization suggests a positive trend towards sustainability; however, challenges remain. The intermittency of renewable sources requires enhanced energy storage solutions and grid infrastructure to ensure reliability (IEA, 2022). Moreover, fossil fuel dependence persists, primarily due to existing infrastructures and economic factors. Thus, while the momentum is toward renewables, the transition is complex and multifaceted.

Prompt 2: Climate Change Adaptation vs. Mitigation

Climate change poses significant challenges to humanity and the natural world, necessitating comprehensive strategies to address its impacts. The two primary approaches to dealing with climate change are adaptation and mitigation. This essay delineates the differences between these strategies and provides pertinent examples.

Climate change adaptation refers to the methods and strategies implemented to manage and reduce vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change. It involves making adjustments in ecological, social, or economic practices in response to current or anticipated climate impacts (IPCC, 2022). For instance, constructing flood defenses in coastal cities represents an adaptation strategy aimed at mitigating risks related to rising sea levels.

Conversely, climate change mitigation focuses on reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases and enhancing the earth’s carbon sinks, with the ultimate goal of minimizing future temperature increases (UNFCCC, 2021). An example of mitigation is the transition to renewable energy sources, as discussed previously, which aims to lessen reliance on fossil fuels and cut down on carbon emissions.

Adaptation to climate change is crucial for human well-being, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate impacts. Successful adaptation improves societal resilience, helping communities to cope with changes such as extreme weather events (World Health Organization, 2023). An example of climate adaptation from our course materials includes urban planning efforts in cities like New York to integrate green infrastructure, which helps manage stormwater and reduce flooding—a critical environmental issue resulting from climate change (EPA, 2023).

In summary, both climate change adaptation and mitigation are essential elements in the broader strategy for addressing the challenges posed by climate change. While adaptation builds resilience to the impacts we are already facing, mitigation seeks to limit the extent of those impacts through responsible environmental stewardship.

Prompt 3: Addressing Plastic Pollution

Among the myriad environmental problems discussed throughout the semester, plastic pollution has emerged as a critical issue warranting urgent attention. Plastic pollution represents a significant threat to marine ecosystems, wildlife, and potentially human health. This essay will outline the importance of addressing plastic pollution and explore realistic solutions aimed at mitigating its impact.

The importance of tackling plastic pollution lies in its pervasive effects on the environment. Plastics are found everywhere, from the deepest ocean trenches to Arctic ice. They break down into microplastics, adversely affecting marine life and entering the food chain, raising concerns about human health (Jambeck et al., 2015). The staggering amount of waste generated, coupled with inadequate waste management systems globally, exacerbates the severity of this problem, necessitating immediate action.

To address plastic pollution effectively, multiple solutions are being proposed. Policy measures, such as bans on single-use plastics and improved recycling mandates, have been implemented in various countries. For example, nations like the European Union have enacted regulations to reduce plastic consumption and encourage sustainable alternatives (European Commission, 2021). Investing in waste management infrastructure and public education campaigns encourages proper disposal and recycling behaviors in communities. Innovative approaches, like creating bio-based alternatives to plastics, also show promise in alleviating the burden of plastic pollution (Hopewell et al., 2009).

Evaluating the feasibility of these solutions, evidence suggests that comprehensive governmental policies, combined with community engagement, can significantly reduce plastic waste. Public awareness campaigns have proven effective, as seen in initiatives aimed at reducing plastic straw usage. However, challenges remain in enforcing regulations and ensuring compliance, particularly in developing nations (Rochman et al., 2013).

In conclusion, plastic pollution represents a critical environmental challenge that demands sustained efforts from governments, industries, and individuals. Implementing effective solutions requires coordinated actions at multiple levels to achieve tangible results and foster a healthier, plastic-free environment.

References

  • European Commission. (2021). Single-use plastics: Tackling marine litter. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/plastic_waste.htm
  • EPA. (2023). Green infrastructure: The benefits of urban solutions. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure
  • Hopewell, J., Dvorak, R., & Kosior, E. (2009). Plastics recycling: Challenges and opportunities. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 364(1526), 2115-2126.
  • IEA. (2022). World Energy Outlook 2022. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2022
  • IPCC. (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/
  • IPCC. (2022). Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/
  • Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., Siegler, T. R., Perron, M., & Andrady, A. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768-771.
  • Rochman, C. M., Browne, M. A., Halpern, B. S., Hentschel, B. T., & K. W. (2013). Policy: Mitigating plastic pollution. Science, 339(6124), 139-140.
  • UNFCCC. (2021). What is Climate Change Mitigation? Retrieved from https://unfccc.int/topics/mitigation/the-big-picture/what-is-climate-change-mitigation
  • U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2023). International Energy Outlook. Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/ieo/
  • World Health Organization. (2023). Health and climate change. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health

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