Ashford University Online Week 5 The Journey to Sustainability Paper Extinction, Genetically Modified Crops, Bioaccumulation, Carbon Dioxide are the four t

Ashford University Online Week 5 The Journey to Sustainability Paper Extinction, Genetically Modified Crops, Bioaccumulation, Carbon Dioxide are the four terms. I will attach my previous work for your references. Week 5 – Final Assignment
The Journey to Sustainability[WLO: 4] [CLOs: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]Prior to beginning work on this assignment, review chapters 9 and 10 of the Turk and Bensel’s Contemporary Environmental Issues textbook (2014). During the first four weeks of this course, we explored sustainability issues relating to biodiversity, food production, water resources, and our atmosphere and climate. You researched different terms related to each week’s topic, explaining the term, and offering suggestions for how each of us might contribute to achieving sustainability in relationship to that particular concept, issue, or place.Living in a Sustainable WorldImagine a future in which human beings have achieved environmental sustainability on a global scale. In this second part of your final assignment, you will be describing what a sustainable Earth will look like in the future, providing examples throughout to support your descriptions. You will be including all the terms that you have researched during Week 1 through 4 of this class, underlining each term as you include it. In your paper, use grammar and spell-checking programs to insure clarity. Proofread carefully prior to submitting your work. Finally, you will submit the document to Waypoint.Your paper will consist of seven paragraphs: an introduction, a conclusion, and one paragraph relating to each week’s topic. In your paper, use this format to address the following elements with the assumption that environmental sustainability has been achieved:
Introduction:

Describe how our relationship to nature will be different from what it is at present.
Examine how we will cope differently with the ways that natural phenomena affect our lives.

Week 1:

Describe what Earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems will look like.

Week 2:

Examine how agricultural production will be different in the future.

Week 3:

Differentiate between how we will manage our water resources in the future compared to how we do so right now.

Week 4:

Examine how we will meet our energy needs in the future in a way that will enable us to maintain a habitable atmosphere and climate.

Week 5:

Describe how waste management will be different in the future.

Conclusion:

Summarize some of the major social, economic, political, and ecological choices and tradeoffs that will need to be overcome for this sustainable future to arrive.

The Journey to Sustainability paper
Must be 7 paragraphs in length (not including title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center’s APA Style resource (Links to an external site.).
Must incorporate all four of your previously selected terms.
Must utilize academic voice. See the Academic Voice (Links to an external site.) resource for additional guidance.
Can include, as an option, credible and/or scholarly sources in addition to the course text for each term covered.

The Scholarly, Peer Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources (Links to an external site.) table offers additional guidance on appropriate source types. If you have questions about whether a specific source is appropriate for this assignment, please contact your instructor. Your instructor has the final say about the appropriateness of a specific source for a particular assignment.

Must document any information used from sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center’s Citing Within Your Paper guide (Links to an external site.).

(Links to an external site.)Can include, as an option, a separate references list that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. See the Formatting Your References List (Links to an external site.) resource in the Ashford Writing Center for specifications. SCI 207: Our Dependence upon the Environment
Instructor Michelle Kozlowski
Week 1 Assignment 2
07/28/2019
Sustainable Living Guide Contributions, Part One of Four:
Sustaining Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Your Term: Extinction
In reference to environmental science, extinction is the dying out of a species. The process of
extinction takes place when a particular species of plants or animals diminish due to many different
reasons including evolutionary changes, environmental forces, or human exploitation. In simpler words,
extinction is the complete disappearance of a species (plant or animal wise) from Earth. Scientists have
suggested that there have been at least five mass extinctions throughout history. The most well-known
extinction is that of the dinosaurs that happen sixty-five million years ago.
There is no one reason as to why extinction occurs but the main cause is human impact, rather
than natural phenomenon. The extinction rate today is at a higher rate. This increased rate doesn’t
allow enough time for ecosystems to recover or for other species to occupy vacant niches, (Science
Learning Hub, n.d.). Some extinctions occur gradually or suddenly. Examples in which extinctions might
occur suddenly would be like a meteor hitting Earth (like the dinosaurs) or a large fire.
If the environmental footprint continues to grow at this increasing rate, we will deplete all of the
natural resources provided to us by our planet. We will also deplete our food sources. The human race
will directly be to blame for the extinction of all species if we don’t start making efforts to decrease our
ecological footprint. An extinction of any species can have detrimental effects; extinction of species can
disturb the animal kingdom’s food chain.
So what happens when something, like a species, in the food chain goes extinct? Disruptions
and extinctions can cause a domino effect. For example, polar bears rely on seals for food. Seals depend
on Arctic cod for food. If sources of Arctic cod start to dwindle away, the seal population will start to
dwindle as well. If the seal population starts to decline, then so will the polar bears. Cod eat zooplankton
and zooplankton eat ice algae. If the climate changes and the ice melts, the ice algae population starts to
drop, causing the cascade effect that ultimately results in diminishing population numbers of polar
bears, (Lee, 2017). Extinction can negatively affect the achievement of environmental sustainability
because extinction in itself differentiates everything from what it should, or needs to, be.
Sustainable living is the practice of reducing your own usage of natural resources. We can live
sustainably by making even the littlest of changes to our every day routines. Such changes might be
deciding not to eat meat as often or changing the traditional lightbulbs in your house to energy efficient
bulbs. The first action we can take in attempt to live more sustainably is by walking, biking, or
carpooling. This will help by reducing pollutions and lessen the consumption of natural resources. By
walking or riding a bicycle, you are promoting sustainable living as well as a healthier lifestyle for
yourself. Carpooling can provide a person more social interactions, which can promote quality of life.
According to science, there is a direct correlation between your quality of life and the sustainability of
life that you choose to lead, (2017, Sustainable Living).
Another action we could take in pursuit of living more sustainably would be to reuse and
recycle. When it comes to sustainable living, it is important to remember the “Three R’s”: Reduce,
Reuse, and Recycle.
“Reduce the amount of waste you produce.
Reuse items as much as you can before replacing them.
Recycle items whenever possible.”
Reusing products instead of buying new helps curb global warming emissions, save energy, and preserve
Earth’s resources. Reusable products help diminishes wastes while reducing burdens on landfills.
Recycling unwanted items can help preserve resources. An example of reusing items would be like
refilling water bottles yourself after drinking what was in the bottle to begin with. When it comes to
recycling, you can recycle just about anything. Most people usually recycle glass, cardboard, plastic
items, aluminum cans. Reducing, reusing, and recycling is not only good for the environment but can
also help you save money.
References:
S. (n.d.). Extinction. Retrieved from https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1188-extinction
Lee, K. (2017, November 21). What Happens When Something in a Food Chain Goes Extinct? Retrieved
from https://education.seattlepi.com/happens-something-food-chain-goes-extinct-4656.html
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.solarschools.net/knowledgebank/sustainability/reduce-reuse-recycle
What is Sustainable Living and 15 Easy Ways for Sustainable Living? (2017, December 24). Retrieved
from https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/15-ideas-for-sustainable-living.php
SCI 207: Our Dependence upon the Environment
Instructor Michelle Kozlowski
Week 2 Assignment 3
08/03/2019
Sustainable Living Guide Contributions, Part 2 of 4:
Sustaining our Agricultural Resources
Term: Genetically Modified Crops
Genetically modified crops are plants that have been altered to become desirable to farmers in
a more efficient way. These plants are also referred to as GMC’s, GMO’s, biotech crops, or GM crops.
The DNA of the crops are genetically modified to add a new trait into said plant that don’t occur
naturally. Genetically modified crops are made to last longer, grow faster and bigger, and can have a
more nutritional value, (Federation of American Scientists, 2011). Imagine you are in the grocery store
and tomatoes are the next item on the list. So you’re standing in front of the aisle and looking at the
options; do you grab for a squishy, smaller tomato that might even be a little discolored? Or do you
reach for one that is firm, bright red, and juicy looking? If you choose the latter, you’re choosing a
genetically modified crop. This week, we focused on agricultural resources and their sustainability.
Although genetically modified crops can have both good and bad effects, they do help sustain resources.
These crops enable farmers to grow and farm produce year-round.
Genetically modified crops affect all living things because as a whole, living things consume
these crops. Our world population is currently growing at a yearly estimated rate of 1.07% and the
current average population is 82 million people, (Worldometers, 2019). Our constant, ever-growing
population begs the question, “Does our food resources support the world’s demands?”. Genetically
modified crops contribute to our environment and the human race by producing crops at a faster rate.
Genetically modified crops no longer require farmers to use as much land as what was previously
necessary. Farmers are able to produce the same number of crops on lesser amounts of land, which in
turn assists in accomplishing environmental sustainability; less resources are required yet produce
more. We have the additional perks of being able to add more nutrients and other health benefits as we
genetically modify crops. Other ways GMO’s help with agricultural sustainability include improving soil
health, conserving water, helping mitigate nutrient pollution, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions,
(Hall, 2017). As technology advances, we are able to do more and learn more about genetically modified
crops with the use of biotechnology tools. With the advancement of technology, things can and will
further improve.
The first thing I can do to help promote sustainability and GMO’s is to continue purchasing
labeled genetically modified foods. I will try to stay up to date and current on all research behind our
genetically modified crops, as well as stay up to date with any and all technological advances used in the
process. The second thing I can do to help promote genetically modified crops is to donate to pro-GMO
organizations. Individuals, states, or groups can do so by researching pro-GMO organizations. Websites
like Monsanto (https://monsanto.com/innovations/biotech-gmos/) list brands that support GMO’s.
Monsanto lists the beneficial outcomes from genetically modified foods, as well as negative outcomes.
Growing up in a small-town community like mine, we can assist with educating each other when it
comes to GMO’s (and even organic crops, should someone choose that route). We can post lists of
places that support and sell genetically modified crops. Some example places that might sell GMO’s
would be grocery stores, gas stations, and so on.
References:
Bensel, T., & Turk, J. (2014). Contemporary environmental issues (2nd ed.). Retrieved from
https://content.ashford.edu
Federation of American Scientists. (2011). Case Studies in Agriculture. Genetically Modified Crops.
Retrieved from https://fas.org/biosecurity/education/dualuse-agriculture/2.-agriculturalbiotechnology/genetically-engineered-crops.html
Hall, K. (2017, April 19). 6 Ways GMOs Make Agriculture More Environmentally Friendly. Retrieved from
https://medium.com/@gmoanswers/6-ways-gmos-agriculture-environmentally-friendly-15a9262d4f8d
Benefits of GMOs and Biotechnology. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://monsanto.com/innovations/biotech-gmos/
Sustainable Living Guide Contributions, Part Four of Four:
Sustaining Our Atmosphere and Climate
Your Term: Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide (also known as CO2) is a noncombustible, colorless, odorless gas that
occurs naturally in Earth’s atmosphere. When carbon dioxide solidifies, it takes on the form
known as dry ice. While there are natural ways that aid in the creation of carbon dioxide, manmade sources are developing at a dangerous rate. This creation of excessive carbon dioxide is
negatively impacting our environment. Man-made CO2 has increased by a third since the preindustrial era, producing an artificial increase of global temperatures. People use or create CO2
by burning fossil fuels for transportation or energy use. Carbon dioxide relates to this week’s
theme as it is a greenhouse gas; greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and negatively
affect the sea levels. An example of this would be the laboratory activity we completed with the
ice, food coloring, and the measurements of the “sea levels” once the ice fully melted.
Although fossil-fuel derived carbon dioxide is a very small part of the global carbon
cycle, it becomes cumulative due to the natural carbon exchange being unable to absorb the extra
CO2, (Wayne, 2009). “Carbon dioxide contributes to air pollution in its role in the greenhouse
effect. Carbon dioxide traps radiation at ground level, creating ground-level ozone. This
atmospheric layer prevents the earth from cooling at night,” (Rogers, 2018). Deforestation has
significantly influenced how much carbon dioxide is in the air since plants take in CO2 and then
release oxygen. In addition to plants, oceans also take in carbon dioxide. With the increasing
water temperatures caused from CO2 and global warming, it is difficult for the oceans to
process, resulting in a loss of wetlands and a loss of shoreline as icebergs melt.
Carbon dioxide is a key contributing factor in acid rain; the emissions from fossil fuels
burning is released into the air and combines with the moisture in the air. This combination leads
to precipitation having high acid content that can be hazardous to animals, water, plants, and soil.
Acid rain can then negatively impact drinking water and vegetation for consumption. Acid rain
can also create more air pollutants. These contributing factors can produce unfathomable
conditions, making it hard for people to breathe, let alone survive.
Suffice it to say, carbon dioxide emissions have been detrimental to our environment,
causing a vast amount of problems that need to be reduced, if not eliminated as a whole. There
are many things we can do to reduce our own personal carbon footprints. Some of these solutions
are so simple that you would never have guessed it could help. There’s a multitude of ways to
reduce carbon emissions when it comes to driving. Whenever possible, choose to walk or ride a
bike rather than drive your vehicle. This will prevent any CO2 emissions completely. Carpooling
and public transportation can help in reducing carbon emissions as they spread them out over
many drivers. Low carbon vehicles (like electric cars) don’t emit any CO2. Other solutions might
include not speeding or using unnecessary acceleration, avoiding traffic, or simply make fewer
trips by combining errand running. Did you know that speeding and unnecessary acceleration
reduces mileage by about thirty-three percent? This also wastes gas and money while increasing
your carbon footprint. Avoiding traffic allows less time for you to stall, waste gas, or create
further CO2 emissions.
Other ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions could stem from home energy, air travel,
food, water usage, recycle and reuse, and simply supporting clean energy sources. You can
reduce your home energy by insulating and sealing your home, turn off or unplug any appliances
that are not being used, turn the lights off when you no longer need it on, replace incandescent
bulbs with compact fluorescent or LED bulbs, or add solar panels to the roof of your house.
Examples of reducing your footprint from food would be eat locally-produced or organic foods
and incorporate either a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. If vegetarianism or veganism don’t appeal
to you, you can simply cut the amount of dairy or beef from your diet. Thirteen percent of
greenhouse gas emissions comes from transport and production of food, (COTAP, n.d.).
It is important to know that every single person has a carbon footprint. If someone is
unsure how much unnecessary CO2 emissions they are producing, they could calculate their
carbon footprint and from there find ways to help reduce their contributions. “Reduce what you
can, offset what you can’t,” (CarbonFund, n.d.). It is our responsibility to the environment to
eliminate, or shrink, our carbon footprints. By offsetting what you cannot avoid, you are
empowered to take full responsibility for your own pollution, which ultimately results in
personal contribution to bettering our environment and leaving it that way for future centuries to
come.
Recommended resources might include:
https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2018/12/27/35-ways-reduce-carbon-footprint/
https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx
https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/
References:
Bensel, T., & Turk, J. (2014). Contemporary environmental issues (2nd ed.). Retrieved
from https://content.ashford.edu
C. (n.d.). Carbon Offsets To Alleviate Poverty. Retrieved from https://cotap.org/reducecarbon-footprint/
Reduce. (n.d.).
Retrieved from https://carbonfund.org/reduce/
Rogers, C. (2018, January 9) The Effects of Carbon Dioxide on Air Pollution, Sciencing
Retrieved From: https://sciencing.com/list-5921485-effects-carbon-dioxide-air-pollution.html
Wayne, G. (2009). Climate Science Glossary. Retrieved from
https://skepticalscience.com/human-co2-smaller-than-natural-emissions.htm
Week 3 Assignment Template
Sustainable Living Guide Contributions, Part Three of Four:
Sustaining Our Water Resources
Bioaccumulation is often described as a moderate accumulation of substances like
chemicals or pesticides in organisms. The process of bioaccumulation tends to occur when the
rate of absorption in organisms is faster than the rate of excretion and catabolism (Connell,
2018). The increased rates of toxic substances in the organisms then increase the rates of
poisoning despite the environmental level of the toxin not being high. Bioaccumulation can also
be referred to as the accumulation of contaminants in aquatic environments. This term greatly
relates to this week’s theme of sustaining our water resources because bioaccumulation impacts
water resources by building up toxic chemicals in the water and causing harm. A significant
example is when bioaccumulation occurs in a water body that provides drinking water for
humans and also sustains aquatic animals. It could lead to water pollution hence causing
poisoning to humans and an increased death rate of aquatic animals.
Bioaccumulation tends to have massive effects on the entire ecosystem because toxic
chemicals tend to penetrate the environment either through the soil, air or water. When
bioaccumulation occurs in water, aquatic animals tend to die or some such as frogs develop
malformations. Humans may also experience poisoning due to consuming such water or may
experience various complications. Plants also absorb the chemicals and cause major harm to
animals and while in the air, breathing in the toxic chemicals may greatly affect humans, plants
and animals. Environmental sustainability refers to the ability to sustain various environmental
factors without depletion (Thangavel, 2016). Bioaccumulation, therefore, acts as a challenge and
obstacle to achieving the goal of environmental sustainability because it causes an extinction of
living organisms through its accumulation of toxic chemicals. A significant example is the
environmental sustainability goal of reducing pollution rates and how bioaccumulation increases
pollution rates.
To prevent bioaccumulation and promote environmental sustainability, the following
actions can be taken. The first action is to introduce an organization such as the European
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) that ensures
companies that generate, use or import chemicals analyze the various risks generated from their
chemicals and undertake the required measures to manage the risks (Martin, 2017). The second
action that can be taken is to implement laws that ensure companies dealing with toxic chemicals
dispose their chemicals as required without polluting the environment, failure to which they shall
be punished by the law. Effective actions can also be taken by various groups to promote
environmental sustainability. Individuals can take action by disposing their wastes in the
required places to prevent pollution of the environment. The community can take action fighting
against pollution and maintaining their environment including land, water, and air. The nation
can take action to support environmental suitability through supporting organizations that ensure
companies dealing with toxic chemicals manage the risks and the ballot also plays an important
role by allowing citizens to elect a representative that supports and promotes environmental
sustainability.
References:
Connell, D. W. (2018). Bioaccumulation of Toxic Compounds. Milton: CRC Press.
Martin, J. H. (2017). Bioaccumulation. .
Thangavel, P. (2016). Environmental sustainability. Place of publication not identified: Springer,
India, Private.

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