Topics List for CURRENT EVENTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

1. The affect that human have on the Antarctic food web?

2. Fertilizer used in agriculture and their effect on the environment?

3. Large oil companies and their involvement with land masses in the Arctic?

4. The environmental results of hurricane Katrina?

5. Earthquakes and their environmental effects?

6. Book report -Origin of the Species by Charles Darwin. What does it mean in terms of the environment?

7. What are the dynamics of pest species in the environment?

8. Human population: growth, density, location on the earth and environment pressures.

9. What are the various roles of parasites in the environment?

10. Compare plant and animal defense mechanisms exhibited as a means of survival.

11. Choose a developing country and report on their unique and specific environment problems.

12. Explain how chemicals can cause health hazards in an ecosystem. (Include the concepts additivity, synergy and antagonism).

13. Weather tracking systems and how they influence environment decision makers.

14. The Colorado River basin. How has the ecosystem changed? What laws have been created and why? Are they effective? What problems exist today?

15. Xeriscaping. Explain the various techniques, effectiveness, usage by private and commercial enterprises.

16. 2001 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment report by the UN.

17. The global trend of less genetic diversity in domesticated plants and a...s. Include how the ecosystem system could be affected. What about GM technology?

18. Aquaculture and fish farming. What are the pro and cons?

19. How has air pollution in Los Angeles changed? What events have taken place? How has this specific ecosystem been effected?

20. Select an Island country and explain the effects of climate change on the ecosystems, human population, the culture of the people, and the economic impacts of the society.

Questions to consider in your report/slides:

1. What could be &mete lessen the environmental impact?

2. Discuss the pros and cons of any suggested idea

3. What groups) of people are most affected?

4. How is this issue related to sustainability?

5. What impact will there be on:

a. Business
b. Human health
c. public policy
d. Finances or economics
e. Ethical considerations

6. What parts of the scientific method are exhibited?

7. How does this information relate to your life?