Instead, global warming was forced to the front of the president's international and domestic agenda by the heavy criticism generated by the administration's actions."(Wirth 2002) According to the Kyoto's official environmental website, Global warning is the process by which global air temperatures rise at a rate that is higher than normal
Failing Pollution Standards In early 2003, in a ruling "that could set the stage for tougher pollution-control requirements along the Delaware River, state officials listed a 25-square-mile stretch of the waterway as chronically toxic. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control included the designation - which means pollution is killing or causing lingering harm to aquatic life - in a newly updated report on waters where pollution is serious enough to require federally mandated restrictions and cleanup plans (Montgomery)
On November 26, 2004, a stretch of the river was closed due to a 20-mile oil slick from a leaking tanker. The tanker "spilled 30,000 gallons of heavy crude oil into the Delaware River between southern New Jersey and Philadelphia, leaving the slick that threatened fish and birds (Rubinkam)
The earth is increasing in temperature as a result of the increased amounts of greenhouse gasses which don't show many signs of decline. In fact, "World carbon dioxide levels are estimated to grow 75 to 150% in the next century" (Choi 34)
"Sea otters off the California coast have been found to have toxoplasma infections." (Eliot 2) Many experts indicate that the feline parasite may be responsible for the unnecessary deaths of hundreds of sea otters but there is still much that is unknown about the pathology of the toxoplasma on sea otters
These high mercury levels have prompted health officials to warn that "it is unsafe to eat freshwater fish in most of New York, and all of Connecticut [and] 38 other states from Wisconsin to Florida." (Griscom 34) But mercury contamination is not a problem easily solved
8 million tons of cow manure. (Ivins 21) This manure contaminates surrounding water supplies and significantly contributes to the damage done to the aquatic ecosystems
One house has collapsed, and 18 others had to be moved to higher ground, along with the town's bulk-fuel tanks. (Roosevelt 68) As the fate of Eskimos is starkly depicted, it foretells of a steadily impending future for the rest of the planet's population that without intervention, may be inescapable
Hence, the very characteristic that makes aquifers ideal reservoirs of freshwater -- their ability to accumulate and retain liquid for longer periods of time -- enables them to become long-term sinks for contaminants. (Sampat 28) Clearly, water supplies above ground are not just being contaminated, but even the resources that are in relatively protected areas under the ground are in danger from contamination from pollution as well
Scientists at the American Academy of Pediatrics have noted associations between air pollution and respiratory symptoms, asthma exacerbations, and asthma hospitalizations, recent studies have found links between air pollution and preterm birth, infant mortality, deficits in lung growth, and possibly, development of asthma. (Spire 1699) But those are simply the effects on the most vulnerable segments of society
Therefore, measuring nonpoint source pollution entails analyses of multiple types of data, including water quality conditions, land use, climate, and soil type. (Stephenson) On the other hand, point source pollution is easily identifiable as a pipe from a factory or a tanker spilling oil
Thus, water pollution is not as big an issue as people make it, and the country can deal with it simply and effectively by simply ignoring the problem, and looking for bigger fish to fry. Other reports show that pollution has increased: "The number of national pollutant registers worldwide has grown rapidly in recent years, fueled by public demands for the right to know about the hazardous substances produced by local industries" (Bast 11)
How can that be? One hysterical writer warns, "Residential streets and driveways are inundated with oils and metals from cars and trucks, while lawns and gardens release fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides and pets deposit waste along curbsides. According to the EPA, stormwater runoff from urban areas is the leading pollutant of rivers and lakes" (Billow)
These laws tried to limit "point discharge" of pollution into rivers, lakes, and streams, but they, like most laws, were flawed. These researchers note, "Originally, it was expected that by gradually eliminating point source pollution discharges, the 1985 goal of no pollution discharge would be achieved which, in turn, would lead to clean water" (Freedman and Jaggi 21)
An expert in water pollution writes, "Added to the pressures from expanding populations in the countryside, undeveloped rural regions can also attract industrial development. Some industries contribute their own source of contamination to streams and groundwater systems" (Goldstein 120)
Another writer notes, "Only a tiny fraction of the Earth's fresh water reservoirs is easily accessible for human use. Lakes, wetlands and rivers, however, do not comprise the remaining major fresh water compartments" (Krautz 144)
There are two basic types of controls when it comes to air pollution. These are output control and input control (Evans, 2012)
It is a contrast to many of the other ways a governmental entity would attempt to get companies and even individuals to reduce their levels of pollution. Essentially, the biggest concern in this particular type of governance is to direct a gradual process that looks at transforming the political, social, and technical landscapes of society with respect to its overall character (Harris, 2004)
There are a number of stakeholders in this particular endeavor, and utilizing what they have to offer can help the transition be as smooth as possible. Additionally, the shared goals and visions can be excellent choices for cities and other urban areas where a high level of pollution is being seen and where there are many things that can be done in order to make sure less pollution is created in the future (Hughes, 2007)
Networks Networks are one of the best modes of governance for pollution control (Evans, 2012). These are designed on a number of scales, and the organizations and individuals that belong to these networks follow guidelines and help to hold one another accountable (Keller, 2010)