ENVR 1301 –Kirstin Hockley

  1. Alternative energy refers to energy sources that are not derived from fossil fuels. These energy sources are often renewable and have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas. Examples of alternative energy include solar power, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, geothermal energy, and biomass energy. These sources are considered more sustainable as they are either inexhaustible or can be replenished naturally over a short period. 2. The arguments for alternative energy are numerous and compelling. First and foremost, alternative energy sources help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major contributor to climate change. By relying on renewable energy, we can decrease our carbon footprint and mitigate the adverse effects of global warming. Additionally, alternative energy sources are often more sustainable and less harmful to the environment, preserving natural resources for future generations. They also promot...

  The concept of "clean coal" has been a topic of considerable debate in recent years. Proponents argue that advancements in technology have made it possible to burn coal in a way that reduces its environmental impact, while opponents contend that the term is misleading and that coal, by its very nature, cannot be considered clean. There is no such thing as clean coal, as the process of extracting, processing, and burning coal inherently produces significant environmental and health hazards that cannot be fully mitigated by current technologies Firstly, the extraction of coal itself is a highly destructive process. Whether through surface mining or underground mining, the environmental impact is profound. Surface mining, including mountaintop removal, leads to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and the destruction of ecosystems. Underground mining, while less visible, poses significant risks to miners' health and safety and can lead to subsidence, which damages the land...

  Our world is facing significant environmental challenges regarding energy as a natural resource. One of the main issues is the heavy reliance on fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. These resources are finite, and their extraction and use result in substantial greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global warming and climate change. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere, leading to environmental degradation, air quality issues, and health problems. Another challenge is the need to transition to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. While these sources are abundant and produce little to no emissions, the infrastructure for harnessing and distributing renewable energy is still underdeveloped in many parts of the world. Additionally, the initial investment costs for renewable energy technologies can be high, posing economic challenges. To address these issues, there is a need for increa...

  Country  Birth Rate  Death Rate  Population  Life expectancy  Fertility Rate  Gross National Income Tanzania 4.66 5.959 67.44 Million(Rise) F:68.93 M:64.72 4.66 255.1 Billion Nigeria 5.14 12.43 223.8 Million(Rise) M:60 F:64 5.14 1.387 Trillion Tanzania and Nigeria are both African countries with rich histories and diverse cultures, but  they have several differences and similarities. One is the geography and size, nigeria is bigger with the biggest population in Africa holding 200 million people and Tanzania holding 60 million. Another is their economy Nigeria has one of the largest economies in Africa which is primarily driven by oil and gas exports. Tanzania's economy is more diverse with agriculture playing a major role. However, Nigeria still faces challenges like high unemployment rates and economic corruption. Both countries are culturally diverse with numerous amount of ethnic groups like Hausa, Sukuma, Chaga, and Maasai. English is the o...

  The food chain shows how energy flows through an ecosystem by connecting producers to consumers. Energy moves up the chain as each organism eats another, but some energy is lost at each level, which is why the arrows represent what is taking over. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in an ecosystem, including the range of species, genetic differences, and the ecosystem itself. It ensures ecosystem resilience, supports food chains, and provides resources like medicine and clean air. High biodiversity helps ecosystems recover from disturbances and maintain balance, making them more sustainable and productive. Biomes are large regions defined by climate and specific plants and animals, like deserts or forests. Ecozones are bigger areas that include multiple biomes, shaped by geographic barriers. They help us understand how life is distributed and interacts with the environment. Concept maps are visual tools that help us understand how different ideas and topics are rela...

 May,2,000 July, 5,985 June,5,237   2000+5985+5237=13,222/3 months=4,407.33  4,407.33/3 = 1,469.11 gallons/ person/ month    1,469.11/30 = 48.97 per day for one person  In the water usage study, my household's daily water consumption was carefully analyzed using two different water calculators. The first calculator revealed that your household uses approximately 170 gallons of water per day. When this daily usage is extended over time, it amounts to 1,296 gallons per week and 5,182 gallons per month. These figures provide a clear picture of your short-term water usage patterns. The second calculator offered a slightly different perspective. It reported an annual water usage of 62,271 gallons for your household, which translates to an average daily usage of 170.6 gallons. This minor difference in daily usage is negligible and could be attributed to rounding or slight variations in data input. Additionally, the second calculator provided a detailed bre...

  (2025) The Tschierva Glacier, located in the Bernina Range of the Swiss Alps, is a striking example of the broader issue of glacial retreat, which is a direct consequence of global climate change. This phenomenon is characterized by the gradual reduction in the size of glaciers due to melting ice and snow, which is occurring at an accelerated rate due to rising global temperatures. The problem of glacial retreat is multifaceted. Primarily, it is driven by the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which trap heat and cause global temperatures to rise. As the Earth's temperature increases, the delicate balance between snowfall and melting that sustains glaciers is disrupted. For the Tschierva Glacier, this means that the rate of melting exceeds the rate of new snow accumulation, leading to a net loss of glacial mass. This retreat has significant implications for both local and global ecosystems. Locally, the shrinking of the Tschierva Glacier affects the s...