Category: Environmental science

There are a range of predictive toxicology tools with immediate application to environmental monitoring challenges. The science is mature but still evolving. This is a brief introduction to the concepts (toxicological materials) and tools.
Make an analysis based on the following information
– EPA’s chemistry dashboard/ ToxCast
– AOP-Wiki/ AOP-knowledgebase
-ToxEval

Term
Paper
·     
A 5 page, double space term paper is
due before the last day of class.  Choose
an Occupational, Safety, Environmental or Health topic you are interested
in.  Use the list of hot topics to choose
any health condition you, a relative or friend may have experienced, from which
you would like to learn more about causation and prevention.  

Research Paper
Step 1: Pick one issue from the following topics: (1) World Hunger and Food Insecurity, (2) Microplastics in drinking water, (3) Heavy metal pollution in the atmosphere, (4) Fast Fashion and pollution, and (5) E-waste and pollution.
Step 2: Once you have chosen a general issue from the list above, make it more specific by tying it to a geographic location. For example, “Food Insecurity in West Bramble due to Drought”
Step 3: Write a 5–7-page paper (Includes: Title Page, Abstract, Body, and Bibliography)
·        APA format 
·        12-point Times New Roman font

Imogen Christen
Professor Kanarek
POPHLTH 471
2 May 2024
Assignment:
20% of your grade will be based on a 2000-4000 word paper due at midnight May 2. The paper should be based on an environmental event that occurred in 2023 or 2024 that is related to public health. You should make an effort to relate this current event to material that is covered in class. The topic could be something that interests you that you heard about in class and you want to explore further. There are thousands of potential topics. You should cite a minimum of 7 references including material from class, scientific or policy articles, and newspaper articles. You may write your assignment in a traditional research/analysis paper style or in another fashion, such as a play/script, original research analysis etc. – just so long as it meets the basic requirements outlined below. Plagiarism and the use of AI/chatGPT will not be tolerated. Please see the rubric for grading information. 
Details:
• 2000-4000 words (excluding citations)
• Title
• At least 7 sources
• In text citations are utilized as well as a full citations page at end of paper (using any
citation style)
• Absolutely no plagiarism in any format
Climate Change: Droughts in Africa 
I. Introduction
A. Background on droughts in Africa 
Droughts have been occurring in Africa within the last few years and have been persisting more heavily in the last year or so. These droughts have heavily impacted the people, animals, and environment of Africa. These droughts have caused food scarcity, livestock losses, famine, lack of clean water, and much more. Droughts are not a new phenomenon in Africa however the recent droughts have intensified and it is all due to climate change. Climate change has made the droughts in Africa much stronger and more likely to occur. 
B. Overview of climate change and its impact on weather patterns 
Climate change, alternatively referred to as global warming, results from the convergence of numerous factors contributing to the observable shifts in recent years. Even though the terms global warming and climate change are used synonymously, they do not mean the same thing. “Climate change describes long-term shifts in the Earth’s weather patterns, which affect such factors as temperature, humidity, wind, cloud cover, and precipitation levels” (Gale, 2021). On the other hand, “global warming specifically refers to an increase in the Earth’s average surface temperatures caused by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels” (Gale, 2021). Climate change occurs naturally due to Earth’s transformations, whilst global warming is attributed to human activities. The distinction between these two terms is important because one is natural while the other is causational. The actions of humans have accelerated climate change effects significantly. We are not only seeing this around the world but also in Africa with the droughts. Specifically, Gale declares, “in 2021 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) revealing how human activity has induced rapid climate change” (Gale, 2021). The report utilizes decades of research to substantiate that human-related activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, are driving and exacerbating global warming and climate change. The report also notes that there has been an increase in weather-related disasters much like the droughts that are occurring in Africa. Earth’s atmosphere requires greenhouse gases to regulate the Earth’s temperature, but the magnitude of greenhouse gases that have been released has caused significant changes in temperature and weather patterns across the globe. According to Gale, “the 20 percent increase in the average global concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that occurred between 1980 and 2020 accounted for over half of the total increase since the Industrial Revolution began around 1750” (Gale, 2021). This increase is a major factor in temperature changes and weather-related disasters. With that being said, 
C. Thesis statement: Climate change has exacerbated drought conditions in Africa, leading to severe socio-economic and environmental consequences.
II. Understanding Droughts
A. Definition and types of droughts – Droughts are prolonged periods of dryness caused by the weather cycle. They have considerable impacts on the affected areas’ environment, agriculture, health, and economy. There are four different types of droughts. They are meteorological, hydrological, agricultural, and socioeconomic. Africa experiences all four even at the same time. The natural occurrence of droughts in Africa is due to weather patterns such as La Nina and El Nino or regular climate variability. The human-induced factor is due to greenhouse gas emissions increasing the global temperature, altering precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. With the combination of natural weather patterns and increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, these droughts have become much more severe and common. 
B. Causes of droughts in Africa (natural and human-induced factors) – 
C. Historical perspective on drought occurrences in Africa
III. Climate Change and its Impact on African Droughts
A. Evidence linking climate change to changing weather patterns in Africa 
https://unfccc.int/news/climate-change-is-an-increasing-threat-to-africa#:~:text=Much%20of%20Africa%20has%20already,on%20Climate%20Change%20(IPCC%20). 
B. Role of greenhouse gas emissions in global warming and climate change
C. Specific impacts of climate change on precipitation patterns, temperature, and humidity in Africa
D. Case studies highlighting regions in Africa affected by severe drought due to climate change
IV. Socio-Economic Consequences of Droughts in Africa
A. Food insecurity and famine
B. Impact on agriculture and rural livelihoods
C. Water scarcity and access to clean water
D. Health implications: malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and displacement
E. Economic losses and impact on national economies
V. Environmental Consequences of Droughts in Africa
A. Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation
B. Desertification and land degradation
C. Impact on wildlife and natural habitats
D. Long-term implications for sustainable development
VI. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
A. International efforts to mitigate climate change (e.g., Paris Agreement)
B. Adaptation strategies at local, national, and regional levels
C. Importance of community resilience and capacity-building
D. Sustainable water management practices and agricultural innovations
VII. Conclusion
A. Recap of key findings
B. Implications for policy-making and future research
C. Call to action for addressing climate change and reducing vulnerability to droughts in Africa.

Assignment
for Noise Pollution Control and Management (Apr 2024)
1 Please discuss the following about the Noise Control Ordinance in
Hong Kong:-
a.         
What are the normal allowable
hours for percussive piling works at high density population area in weekday?
How do the Noise Control Authority determine allowable hours for percussive
piling in a day in accordance with Noise Control Ordinance? (1 mark)
b.         
A contractor would like to
carry out construction work in restricted hours. What should he apply to the
Noise Control Authority under Noise Control Ordinance? What factors should the
Noise Control Authority consider to give permission of the proposed
construction work in restricted hours in two scenarios (a) the estimated noise
level complying with acceptable noise level; and (b) the estimated noise level
not complying with acceptable noise level ? (1 mark)
c.          
What
is designated area defined in Technical Memorandum on Noise from Construction
Work in Designated Areas? Which power mechanical equipment and construction
activities are controlled under designated areas defined in Technical
Memorandum on Noise from Construction Work in Designated Areas? (1 mark)
d.         
A village house in rural area
is of 75m from an industrial zone according to Outline Zoning Plan. Please
advise the nighttime acceptable noise limits in accordance with Technical
Memorandum for the Assessment of Noise from Places Other Than Domestic
Premises, Public Places or Construction Sites and justify your answer. (1 mark)
e.         
A person will do busking at
public place. Please advise the person which provision in Noise Control
Ordinance is applicable to the musical event and noise requirement for the
busking. (1 marks)
2 A construction site, outside designated areas, for a commercial development
is going to carry out site formation. The following power mechanical equipment
for the site formation work at 10am Sunday will be adopted:-
a.         
Three excavated mount breaker
b.         
One dump trucks
c.          
Two excavators
d.         
Three Compressors
A residential dwelling is at 200m away from
the centroid of the construction site. The residential dwelling is located in urban area
and nearby a heavily trafficked road.
a.     
What is the relevant
construction noise standard with reference to Noise Control Ordinance? (1 mark)
b.     
What is the estimated
construction noise levels at 1m from external façade of the residential
dwelling? (3 marks)
c.      
Would the estimated
construction noise levels exceed the relevant noise standard.  (1 mark)
3. According to traffic data from Transport
Department, please determine the traffic noise level at Point A (9m above
ground level and 1m from the external façade of the dwelling) of a residential
dwelling from Po Fung Road and Po Hong Road at ground level. Please list out
a. basic noise levels of Po Fung Road and Po Hong Road (1marks),
b. distance corrections (1 mark),
c. angle of view corrections (1 mark),
d. total noise level (1 mark), and
e. road traffic noise level determined by Quick Road Traffic Noise
Assessment Application (https://eiaced-noise.epd.gov.hk/noiseapplication/)
in Central Environmental Database (CED) of Environmental Protection Department,
HKSAR.
Point A

Research brief: investigate the research being conducted and summarize the research. 
Topic: Genetic engineering to SUPPORT organic practices. 
What are the current areas of research? What if Genetic Engineering were permitted by NOP (National Organic Program) guidelines? Where is future research headed? What is missing to improve Genetic Engineering for organics?
Further Instructions attached below. 
Sample is provided 

This project should explore the intersection of competition policy and sustainable development, with a focus on balancing competition issues with sustainable development. This should be done with reference to particular antitrust cases (you may zone in on one, or more than one  – as you see fit) which have been investigated where the analysis and conclusions or remedies in those cases illustrate the interplay between the economics of competition policy and issues pertaining to sustainable development. 
You have autonomy over the area that you wish to address in the project. So your project may focus on a theme (or themes) of your choice  – but it must link into and illustrate a knowledge and understanding of materials covered in lectures as they relate to the economics of competition policy,  and your knowledge and understanding on sustainable development which you have acquired through your studies in the MSc programme. Moreover, it must do this with reference specific anti-trust case (or cases) that demonstrate the tensions or complementarities between competition policy and sustainable development. 
Objectives:
ü  Understand the principles of competition policy and of sustainable development.
ü  Understand the effects of anti-competitive practices and/or mergers, specifically in relation to antitrust case (or cases) linked to issues of sustainable development.
ü  Analyse the interplay between competition policy and sustainable development with reference to economic arguments underpinning the anti-trust case(s) analysis and conclusions.
ü  Recommend policy on the basis of precedence and your knowledge of the economics underpinning antitrust legislation and sustainable development.
Examples of possible themes to explore in the context of this project:
(note: you do not have to choose from this list…..)
ü  The role of competition policy in promoting innovation for sustainable development
ü  frameworks that encourage sustainable practices while preventing anti-competitive behaviour
ü  Effects of mergers or cartels on-price effects….. and non-price effects (e.g. innovation, quality and choice)  and implications for sustainable development
ü  Mergers – the potential issue of ‘Green-Killer’ acquisitions; the potential impact of mergers and acquisitions on sustainable development in certain industries; 
ü  Co-operative agreements   – for promoting sustainability in an environment where there may be incentives to restrict competition on other dimensions; for restricting competition green innovations or product development
ü  Mergers /  anti-competitive practices  – possible impacts of the entity’s supply chain practices (sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution) for sustainable development. 
Useful Background
Ø  Conference on Antitrust, Regulation and the Next World Order on the 31st January 2024.  
Livestream: https://bruxconference2024.clevercast.com/webcast/w-qodbzp/
Panel Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@AntitrustRegulationandtheNextW/featured
Ø  Symposium:    Discussion Paper on Pro-competitive Policies for a Sustainable Economy (oecd.org)     
Ø  Competition and Consumer Protection Policies for Sustainability | UNCTAD
Ø  Sustainability and Competition (oecd.org)
Ø  https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2021-12/Competition%20Policy%20Brief%201-2021_Green%20Deal.pdf
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON PROJECT                                
·        This assignment accounts 45% of the final grade for this module. 
·        Word Max Count _ Max 2500 words  (including in-text citations – but excluding any footnotes/tables/figures/bibliography). Assignments exceeding 10% of this word count will be penalised.
–       Over by between 10% & 20% :  grade awarded to be reduced by one grade point. 
–       Over by between 20% & 30%: grade awarded to be reduced by two grade points
–       Over by between 30% & 40%:: grade awarded to be reduced by three grade points    etc…..
·        GRADING:­ Assignments will be awarded a letter grade. 
–  Assignment should be highly structured, focused, illustrate an extensive and detailed knowledge of the subject matter and an ability to apply this knowledge to the tasks at hand, demonstrate a pertinent economic analysis of issues with clear links to economic theory and frameworks as outlined in lecture materials, written clearly and fluently, well presented, with a clear point of view and analysis.   
–  Assignment should include an enlightened discussion of relevant material that is precise, skilfully ties the material together, apply economic analysis, recognise alternative perspectives, and address the task at hand.   
·        All assignments should be typed in min Size font 12  (and well spaced for ease of reading) 
·        DUE DATE: Submit by 5 pm Friday 10th May via Brightspace (or earlier if you wish!)
LATE SUBMISSION PENALTY
If you cannot meet the submission date, you should contact me.
For late submissions without extenuating circumstances or permissions: 
Submission up to one week after due date: grade awarded reduced by one grade points .
Submission up to two weeks after due date:  grade reduced by two grade points. 
Submission more than two weeks after due date:  CONTACT ME
· On the use of AI. 
AI may be used to help you research for this project. It is important to note though, that ultimately you have to bring all parts of your research together and write an up-to-date project –  drawing on various materials as discussed in ECON42680 lectures and on your knowledge acquired on sustainable development, in the context of relevant antitrust case(s), and supplemented by research/articles/data/statistics from cited credible sources. 
·        All submitted assignments are checked for plagiarism using plagiarism detection software
.      Before beginning your assignment, click on this link here for clarity on what is meant by plagiarism, along with the School of Economics plagiarism policy:  school_plag_pol21.pdf (ucd.ie)
.      For some examples of plagiarism, see  Plagiarism Examples – Academic Integrity – Referencing, Citation & Avoiding Plagiarism – LibGuides at UCD Library
.      Click on the link here to work through a very short tutorial on what plagiarism is and how you can avoid it: http://www.ucd.ie/library/elearning/plagiarism/story.html
.      See the slides on ‘Economics Writing – Citations’ for some useful information on referencing, and the below…..
Some pointers on presentation of citations:
·    Any tables or figures used should all be captioned with source indicated.
·    Any references: intext citation  e.g. (Whelan 2021)  with full references listed alphabetically at the end of the brief (e.g. Whelan, C.,  ‘Manufacturing and Internationally-Traded Services ’, Chapter 12 in O’Hagan, John,  Francis O’Toole  and Ciara Whelan (Eds):  The Economy of Ireland  (14th edition), Bloomsbury, September 2021)
·    All references should be listed alphabetically in a bibliography at the end of the brief.
·    Please use footnotes instead of endnotes, if required for necessary explanations and asides. 
·    Supporting material can be included in a separate technical annex, or by way of reference to a supporting research paper.