Research And Write An APA Paper About Environmental

Research and Write An APA Research Paper About Environmental Policies

Research and Write An APA Research Paper About Environmental Policies

For this assignment, you will research and write an APA research paper about environmental policies, including the following: choose 1 U.S. environmental law, state the name of the law and the date it was passed; summarize the major provisions of the law; describe the economic impact of the law with specific economic data from credible references; analyze whether the law has improved the environment or related situation with data from credible references; discuss whether sound science supports that global warming is a credible threat; evaluate if the United States should adopt additional policies or laws to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; specify what these policies or laws should regulate or encourage, using facts to support your stance.

Paper For Above instruction

Environmental policies in the United States have been fundamental in addressing pressing ecological concerns, particularly those related to pollution, resource conservation, and climate change. Among these policies, the Clean Air Act (CAA) stands as a cornerstone legislation that exemplifies the country’s commitment to environmental protection while also illustrating the complex balance between ecological health and economic impacts. This paper examines the CAA, its provisions, economic implications, effectiveness, and broader scientific and policy debates surrounding global warming and climate change policy in the U.S.

Overview of the Clean Air Act

The Clean Air Act was originally enacted in 1970, with subsequent amendments in 1977 and 1990, marking it as one of the most significant environmental laws in U.S. history (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2020). The primary goal of the CAA is to control air pollution and protect public health and the environment. Major provisions include setting National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, lead, and ozone (EPA, 2020). The Act mandates states to develop implementation plans and enforce regulations to achieve and maintain these standards, establishing a comprehensive federal-state partnership.

Economic Impact of the Clean Air Act

The economic repercussions of the CAA have been substantial, influencing industries such as manufacturing, energy production, and transportation. According to a report by the EPA (2017), investments in pollution control technology and compliance initiatives have generated significant economic activity, including the creation of over two million jobs and approximating $2 trillion in economic benefits from improved public health, increased worker productivity, and environmental restoration. Though the costs of compliance initially posed challenges for industries, innovative technological developments, such as scrubbers and catalytic converters, have mitigated economic burdens over time (Scott et al., 2019).

Has the Law Improved the Environment?

Empirical evidence suggests the Clean Air Act has markedly improved air quality in the United States. Data from the EPA indicate that since its inception, emissions of key pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter have decreased by over 70% (EPA, 2020). These reductions have directly contributed to declines in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases related to air pollution (Künzli et al., 2018). Furthermore, areas previously plagued by dangerous smog levels, such as Los Angeles, have experienced substantial air quality improvements, underscoring the law's effectiveness (Marshall et al., 2020). These environmental gains demonstrate the policy’s success in safeguarding public health and ecological integrity.

Scientific Evidence of Global Warming as a Credible Threat

Scientific consensus overwhelmingly supports that global warming presents a credible and urgent threat. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2021) reports that human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion, have driven significant increases in greenhouse gases, resulting in global temperature rise, melting ice sheets, and more frequent extreme weather events. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA, 2022) affirms that global temperature increases correlate closely with human emissions, making climate change a scientifically validated risk requiring immediate policy attention.

Should the U.S. Adopt Additional Policies to Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

Given the scientific evidence, it is imperative for the United States to adopt additional policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The current policies, while effective in certain domains, are insufficient to meet the targets necessary to limit global temperature rise to below 1.5°C, as recommended by the Paris Agreement (UNFCCC, 2015). Policies should aim to control emissions from power generation, transportation, and industrial sectors, leveraging incentives for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and technological innovation (Richards et al., 2020).

What Should These Policies Regulate or Encourage?

New policies should prioritize regulation of carbon and methane emissions, support for clean energy development, and incentives for sustainable practices. This encompasses establishing a carbon pricing mechanism, expanding renewable energy subsidies, and setting stricter emission standards for vehicles and power plants (Carnevale & Melhuish, 2020). Moreover, policies should encourage research and development of carbon capture and storage technologies and promote adaptation strategies for vulnerable communities (Sweeney et al., 2019). Incorporating scientific findings into these policies ensures they are targeted, effective, and capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.

Conclusion

The Clean Air Act has played a pivotal role in reducing pollutants and enhancing environmental quality, demonstrating the positive impact of environmental legislation backed by science. However, as scientific evidence underscores the escalating threat of global warming, it is crucial for the U.S. to strengthen and expand its policies. Emphasizing regulation and encouragement of clean energy and emissions reduction aligns with both scientific consensus and economic imperatives. Only through comprehensive, science-based policies can the nation effectively mitigate climate change while safeguarding public health and fostering sustainable economic growth.

References

  • Carnevale, J. P., & Melhuish, C. (2020). Designing Effective Climate Policy: Lessons from the European Experience. Environmental Policy and Governance, 30(4), 245-259.
  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate Change 2021: Summary for Policymakers. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/
  • Künzli, N., et al. (2018). Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of the Evidence. European Heart Journal, 39(39), 3444-3451.
  • Marshall, J. D., et al. (2020). Air Quality Improvements in the U.S.: The Impact of the Clean Air Act. Environmental Science & Technology, 54(5), 2883-2891.
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). (2022). Climate Change and Global Warming. https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2017). The Economic Benefits of the Clean Air Act — 1970 to 2010. https://www.epa.gov/air-research/economic-benefits-clean-air-act
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Summary of the Clean Air Act and Its Amendments. https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview
  • Richards, J. M., et al. (2020). Strategies for U.S. Decarbonization: Policies and Innovation. Energy Policy, 147, 111883.
  • Sweeney, J. M., et al. (2019). Climate Adaptation Strategies for American Cities: A Policy Perspective. Urban Climate, 29, 100677.
  • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (2015). The Paris Agreement. https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement

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