Zambia's rejection OF GENETICALLY engineered food: the Advantages and disadvantages

Warren Cronje. 4130238 ZAMBIA'S REJECTION OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD: THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES CONTENT PAGE Introduction; 3 Advantages; 4 Disadvantages; 7 Conclusion; 0 Bibliography; 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction: There is famine spread across Zambia; 3-million people, almost a third of the population, need Food aid. Zambia rejected genetically modified maize from the United States [the biggest donor to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP)], calling it 'poison', even though the estimated maize deficit in Zambia is 575000 metric tons, out of an annual consumption of about 10 million tons. After continued pressure from the media, public and others. Levy Mwanawasa, and his government, sent a group of Zambian scientists to Europe, The United States and South Africa to research genetically modified food (GMF). Based on the scientist's findings, the cabinet decided to ban all GMF. The Zambian Agricultural Minister Mundia Skatana declared "in view of current scientific uncertainty surrounding the issue the country should refrain from actions that might adversely affect human and animal health as well as harm the environment." Many Zambians are not concerned about the 'unsafe' maize and have looted the genetically modified maize warehouse on numerous occasions. In this essay, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages concerning genetically

  • Word count: 1794
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Physical Sciences
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This essay will evaluate the environmental problems at the region of the Caspian Sea

This essay will evaluate the environmental problems at the region of the Caspian Sea. The Caspian Sea is the largest inland body of water on earth and it is fed by numerous rivers. But it is the Russian Volga River which supplies about 82% of the annual volume. It is surrounded by Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan. The costal wetlands of the Caspian basin include shallow and saline pools which attract a variety of birds. There are about 400 different species. Furthermore the sea is famous in the whole world for the roe it produces which accounts approximately 90% of the world's caviar industry. The Caspian region has also big oil reserves which is a main business in Baku, Azerbaijan. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 it attracted many foreign investments especially by western energy companies which were shut out of the area. Such big reserves of oil and gas highlight the poor environmental position in and around the Caspian Sea. Years of neglect have left the sea and the surrounding regions which have even worsened the appalling state environmentally. Petrochemical and refining complexes are the major sources of land-based pollution on the Absheron peninsula in Azerbaijan. Discharges and spills from oil have serious impacts on the environment and untreated waste from the Volga River into which half the pollution of Russia caused by

  • Word count: 1410
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Physical Sciences
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Debate whether contemporary patterns of globalisation and inequality are linked to insufficient market freedom or unbridled capitalism

Debate whether contemporary patterns of globalisation and inequality are linked to insufficient market freedom or unbridled capitalism. Globalisation plays an important role in today's world. It is considered a blessing to some people as it has helped to stop poverty in some cases around the world along with improving the rights of women but many people do not see the benefits to an optimum level. Inequality is active all over the world and is also evident in developed countries. This essay will concentrate on whether globalisation and inequality are linked to insufficent market freedom in the world market and also lead to uncontrolled, free capitalism. During the 1800's, there was evidence of globalisation taking place because the British wanted to attempt to widen their borders therefore colonialism occurred in places like in India, Ireland , and Australia. Net outflow of capital from these colonialised countries returned to the u.k. In this respect, globalisation is not a new phenomena but it is a long drawn out process that has originated from the beginning of capitalism (Friedman, j. 1992.) Globalisation today is seen as a positive thing for many people however it is also seen as 'a threat to the local diversity and local autonomy.' (Amin, A, Thrift, N, 1994.). Although globalisation has helped many people, the number of people living in poverty has increased

  • Word count: 1902
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Physical Sciences
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Explore, with examples, the relationship between tree resources (including forests) and rural livelihoods.

Explore, with examples, the relationship between tree resources (including forests) and rural livelihoods "Trees, woodlands and forests are multi-purpose resources that provide varied functions in society and differing roles in rural livelihoods across the developing world" (Potter et al, 1989:268). The above quote establishes that there is a relationship between tree resources and rural livelihoods and that this relationship is varied. The term 'tree resources' encompasses an array of resources. It is not just the tree that is utilised but its individual components e.g. bark, sap, leaves, roots etc. Also it is not just the tree that is resourceful but also the environment it provides and the ecosystem it is part of, as well as the ecosystems' roles and functions e.g. for soil stability. 'Rural livelihoods' refers to the activities of rural dwellers in order to live. "A livelihood comprises the capabilities, assets (including both material and social resources) and activities required for a means of living" (Carney, 1998:4). The relationship between tree resources (including forests) and rural means of a living is complicated and diverse. In this essay I aim to explore the different relationships between tree resources and rural livelihoods. Detailing the different direct (e.g. for food and building materials) and indirect (e.g. for tourism) relationships,

  • Word count: 2745
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Physical Sciences
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The state of the union, given by President George W. Bush on Tuesday January 28, 2003, was overall an effective and clear message to the American population.

The state of the union, given by President George W. Bush on Tuesday January 28, 2003, was overall an effective and clear message to the American population. President Bush brings up many ideal solutions to our economic problems, while focusing on the needs of citizens. President Bush addresses three main goals for economic growth in the upcoming years. The Presidents first goal is the economy. "We must have an economy that grows fast enough to employ every man and woman who seeks a job," he said. President Bush proposed that all income tax reductions set for 2004 and 2006 be made permanent and effective this year. Many critics say his tax cuts and new spending are driving deficits to record levels. I personally do not believe in debt, but that we should concentrate on the sensible budget to reduce our national debt. Bush argues with these critics saying that his economic growth policies will bring in more tax revenue, while demanding "spending discipline" from lawmakers. This overall appears to be an effective plan for economic growth. The Presidents second goal is high quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Many citizens have been in need of an opportunity as this one to insure their children, as well as themselves. He also pledged to spend an additional $400 billion in his 2003 budget, that will be spread over the next ten years to strengthen and reform

  • Word count: 476
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Physical Sciences
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Ocean dumping.

Ocean dumping, which can be identified as "the deliberate disposal of certain toxic, harmful, noxious or persistent substances and materials into the sea, constituting one of the major sources of pollution of the marine environment" has been a problem that was only recently given consideration with the spurt of environmental awarness during the 1970s (Kite-Powell, 1998, p. 377). Given the complexity of the interrelationship between the economic, political and environmental interests involved, it appears to be particularly difficult to find a consensus on the means to deal with this problem. Typically, issues relating to marine pollution by intentional dumping fall into one of two categories: the establishment of rules or standards and the enforcement of rules or standards. Pluralistic values have contributed to the rise in conflict between industrial and environmental groups, causing legislation to be passed, but watered down and weakly enforced. Sewage constitutes the largest volume of pollution discharged into the ocean. Since there are densely populated cities on the American coast, about 35 percent of all treated municipal sewage is discharged into the ocean. Many of these cities are also located on some of the nation's best-known bays and harbors, which are, as a result, badly polluted. Boston Harbor received considerable political attention in 1988 as one of the

  • Word count: 3066
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Physical Sciences
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Uncanny Valley

. Masahiro Mori created a theory which states that the more a robot or other human looking imitations act like a human or look like a human, the more captivating it would be to human beings. The "valley" refers to the dip in which the data is represented on a graph charting human responses to robots. Mori found that if something that is clearly not human being and given human qualities we find those qualities endearing, however if we give it too many human qualities it starts looking like an imperfect integration, but if the character is indistinguishable from a human beings and will be appealing to humans. Furthermore this means that if an object is not human like but has human like qualities, then the object will be appealing, however if the object is human-looking and has human qualities, the object will not be appealing because it's non-human characteristics is all the audience will pay attention to. There are several theories that explain the fundamental spectacles of the uncanny valley and here are a few: the fact that if a model is human-like but not quite, the main focus will be how it is not human-like with error beings pointed out. Also, if a model is human-like it causes religious conflicts within religions, as to being a menace to human beings; such religions may include Islam, Christianity and Judaism (MacDorman, 2006). The Uncanny Valley has been criticized and

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  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Physical Sciences
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GIS exercise. This exercise surrounds Black Ven, the largest coastal landslide in the UK and the whole of Europe. It is situated between Charmouth and Lyme Regis, and is of great importance as both of the towns rely heavily on their landscape and tourism

Introduction This exercise surrounds Black Ven, the largest coastal landslide in the UK and the whole of Europe. It is situated between Charmouth and Lyme Regis, and is of great importance as both of the towns rely heavily on their landscape and tourism for income. The big threat to the economic stability of the two towns is that the buildings and infrastructure may suffer if the land slides again; this would affect tourist travel and holiday dwellings as well as the living establishments of locals, and their everyday lives. This portfolio assesses this threat on Lyme Regis and Charmouth, and illustrates the extent to which Black Ven could affect the area if it becomes active again with the use of GIS analysis, LiDAR and an OS map of West Dorset. Map 1 - Map of Local Topography (c) Crown Copyright/database right 2009. An Ordinance Survey/EDINA supplied service Map 1 shows the topography of Black Ven and its surrounding area. The area in grey off shore shows the sea bed, this has been used as a constant throughout the analysis as the landslide does not affect this area. The legend then goes through pink to orange as relief increases. The areas of highest relief are just north of Black Ven at Timber Hill. Buildings and infrastructure are mainly found where relief is low: less than 80m above sea-level (T Hengl, 2003.) Areas at risk from landslides are found where there is a

  • Word count: 1002
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Physical Sciences
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What are the main factors that should be considered when performing a programme of ecological restoration?

What are the main factors that should be considered when performing a programme of ecological restoration? Contents Abstract Introduction The plan: Do's and Dont's How can the goals set out in the plan be achieved? Reasons for degradation Soil as a major factor in a programme of restoration The problem of exotic species The advantages of using grazers The advantages and disadvantages of using a keystone species Restoration of traditional farming methods Monitoring and communication Conclusion Literature cited Abstract Introduction The art of ecological restoration is in its infancy, with only aquatic restoration with well defined guidelines (Weiher 2007). Restoration, especially terrestrial restoration, needs more cohesion of efforts. Programmes of restoration need to follow tried and tested methods that have been well researched, well documented, and well monitored if they want to succeed. There have been countless attempts of restoration projects that have been undertaken with no post monitoring, so not only might they not be successful but others can not learn from the mistakes and improve upon them thus wasting resources (Wilkins et al 2003) The main factors of ecological restoration are well documented with the experts agreeing on the most important and least important to varying degrees. When endeavouring upon a programme of restoration most of the

  • Word count: 2242
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Physical Sciences
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Research On Environmental Degradation

Research on Environmental Degradation Student Name: Liu Zhang Class Number: Level 1 A Date: August 15, 2003 Tutor Name: David Common Number of Words: 2,629 Course Planning to Enter: Postgraduate Studies in IBA Research On Environmental Degradation Table of Contents Introduction 3 I. Costs of Environmental Degradation . Air Pollution 4 2. Water Pollution 5 3. Land Pollution 6 II. Harms and Solutions of Environmental Degradation . Impact on Human Beings 7 2. Solutions of Environmental Degradation 8 III. Environment and Developing Country . Utilization of Pesticides 10 2. Rapid Increase of Population 11 3. Less Widespread of Public Environmental Awareness 12 IV. Conclusion 13 V. Reference 13 Introduction: Environmental degradation has become a major global issue nowadays. Environmental problems such as air pollution, water pollution and land pollution become more and more serious around the world. Many people suffer directly from these problems on

  • Word count: 2634
  • Level: University Degree
  • Subject: Physical Sciences
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