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Essay / How human population, fracking, ozone standards and pollution impact our environment
During environmental science, many topics have been highlighted on the current situation of our environment and of our world. The media were also able to clearly develop the subject. Four selected news articles include the effects of human population on animals, issues with fracking, Environmental Protection Agency ozone and pollution standards, and issues linked to certain clean energy sources, such as geothermal energy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay “Humans have caused 322 animal extinctions over the past 500 years” provides a stark primer on the effects of human population; Over the past 500 years, humans have managed to cause the extinction of more than 300 animal species. Most of the extinctions took place in the last two centuries, around the same time as the start of the industrial revolution. The article goes on to state that by 2100, the human population on earth would have reached a staggering 27 billion, more than three times the current population. Many scientists have expressed concern about these findings, going on to argue that "animals matter to humans, but [on the scale] they matter less than food, jobs, energy, money and development” (Galetti 1). The environment also plays a major role in the economy, with some developing countries, such as Namibia, accounting for up to 14 percent of economic development. However, the article leaves a note of hope, as humans can still put animals at risk, mentioned the return of the bald eagle to the skies. Another issue, described in "America's Fracking Dilemma: Not in My Backyard," looks at problems related to the extraction of oil and natural gas, fracking, in the environment. Hydraulic fracturing supplies a large amount of crude oil, approximately 8.5 million barrels, as noted in the article, and has led to a decline in imports. Unfortunately, local communities around fracking areas have had their water supplies contaminated, causing pumps in the area to shut down. Various members of Congress and environmentalists have fought over the issue. Governor Hickenlooper of Colorado said, “We have an obligation to develop energy in a way that is safe for our residents…and that protects our health and our environment. » Many residents have expressed concerns about fracking in their communities and hopefully fracking companies can negotiate and settle in order to protect their environment. Conversely, reducing pollution in the United States could have costly effects on the economy. In the article "EPA's New Ozone Standards and the Case for Optimal Pollution," the EPA's proposal to reduce parts per billion of ozone pollution in the Atmosphere could cost Americans a hefty sum of about $270 billion a year, with the potential for millions of people out of work and higher energy prices. The article goes on to discuss other controversial issues, implying that environmentalists need pollution to practice their environmentalist profession. The article continues to argue that the economic benefits businesses gain from reducing..