Environment Issues Block E Meg Regan Vicki Friesen Allison Mintzer Elsie Slowe

Background -Forests are rapidly disappearing and being replaced with factories that emit harmful gases into the air - Water is becoming too toxic to drink and people have to wear masks when they go out, due to the pollution in the air. Is this how you want to live? The Earth is encountering many environmental problems. Many of the products we use as Americans run off of gases that are harmful to the air; ex. cars running off of gasoline. This is killing many species. As the ozone temperatures increase due to the burning of fossil fuels, the animal population goes down. These fast climate changes impact ecosystems and the ability for animals to adapt to their surroundings. With the U.S contributing to much of the gases emitted, the amount increases every year. The demand for fossil fuels such as gasoline and coal are expected to increase greatly over the years. We have to limit our intake of the fuels or who knows what our future will look like?

The Issue The reasoning behind the concern for the well-being of our environment is simple: It is our only home. Our entire life support system is based on the security of our accompanied species and how they interact with the environment. All of the environmental problems that exist have extensive implications for the health of our planet and its inhabitants. As the usage of resources increases, the atmospheric temperature rises. Global warming is effecting many species, leaving them with no homes.

Global Warming Melting of Ice Caps Animals lose their homes Salt level will decrease Rise in sea level Land Erosion Loss of inhabitable land Impact on the future If this issue is not resolved, scientists believe there will be a staggering amount of extinct species, extreme weather conditions (drought, floods, wildfires, more tropical storms ect.), disease, and many more. The sea level will rise, and glaciers will shrink. The greenhouse gases will cause the temperatures to increase for years to come. In short, the outcomes of environmental issues does not look good.

Cost The Clean Air Act (CAA) is one of the laws the government has created to regulate pollution. The CAA, which sets the standard amount of tailpipe emissions of vehicles, promotes alternative energy and much more, is estimated to cost 65 billion dollars between 1990 and However, the government is supposed to gain two trillion dollars from this law and save 230,000 lives from dying of heart disease and other illnesses caused by pollution.

Cost Continued It cost the government and estimated million dollars to clean up the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf in BP is currently paying the government back for most of the money it spent to clean up the Gulf of Mexico. But, when there is another oil spill, the government will have to spend even more money to clean it up. Also, the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force has been working since October 2011 to repair the Gulf, costing additional money.

Political Viewpoints DEMOCRATIC VIEWPOINTS HONOR HUNTING AND FISHING - protect land used by hunters and fishers, open new acres of land to public, and conserve and restore wildlife habitats. HEALTHY ECONOMY VS. HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT - make our air cleaner, ensure that children can play safely in neighborhoods, ensure that families can enjoy national parks, foster a healthy economy and environment. ENCOURAGE OPEN SPACE AND RAIL TRAVEL - support tax credits to build livable communities, use land for forest, recreational sites, and wildlife preserves, build high speed rail systems: improves air quality, stimulates economy, makes travel easier. DO NOT CHOOSE BETWEEN ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT - restore everglades (Al Gore); protecting costs from oil and gas, preserve forests, believes that communities, gov., and environmentalists should work together. REPUBLICAN VIEWPOINTS PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERSHIP- people who own private property take care and protect it. We will defend private property CAP AND TRADE MARKET BASED AIR POLLUTION - support bush’s Clear Skies proposal, reduce power plant emissions (reduce sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury by 70%), protect public health ENCOURAGE SOLUTIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS - economic posterity and environmental protection must go together, environmental regulations should be based on science,

POLLS 76% of Democrats believe that global warming is already happening as of % of Republicans believe that global warming is already happening as of 2008 in 1997, 48% of Republicans believed it was happening, and 52% of Democrats believed it was happening. Republicans have become less likely to believe in global warming, but Democrats have become more likely. The decline of Republicans who believe in global warming is due to the spokespersons of Republicans. The elected officials believe a certain way, and carry the whole party with them.

Sources October%202008/dunlap-full.html Google images