Monday, February 17, 2020

The role of Science and Non renewable energy PowerPoint Presentation

The role of Science and Non renewable energy - PowerPoint Presentation Example The Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) has been among the world’s great wildlife areas. The area was considered as one of the worlds’ remaining wildlife and wilderness frontiers because of its variety in vegetation and topography. The area has proved to be significant ecological dependability as it provides critical habitats for many world species including but limited to porcupine, caribou and polar bears. Despite this, the area is found in the Alaskan land where oil and gas is available for exploration and other development activities. This area has been the bone of contention since it also functions as the habitat for some of the world threatened wildlife species (Staudinger, 2002). As for the case of oil exploration in this area, scientist have stood their ground in opposing the commissioning of the oil and gas exploration project despite the forces from various divides such as political, economical and even social. In order to back their opposition for the oil and gas exploration, scientists argued that, cumulative biological penalties that comprises, blocking, deflecting or troubling wildlife, loss of subsistence hunting grounds, contamination of water and soil from oil spillage, alteration of the drainage system which results into changes in the vegetation cover, increased predation by fox, ravens and gulls on nesting bird because of the food availability from garbage introduced would be the results (Yankelovich, 2011). Despite the fact that exploration takes place during the winter season when most of the common wildlife such as caribou and birds are absent, other species such as muskoxen and polar bears that remain in the area are likely to be affected. The active tundra plant life will also be impacted negatively. During exploration, large rivers are used for gravel removal and transportation corridors. This will lead into disturbances and displacements, exposure to predators and reduced calf production by the females and general su rvival of these animals. A part from winter exploration, year round affects seasonal migrant bird species and wild animals that comes to nest and calve in this region respectively (Yankelovich, 2011). For a long time, controversy as regards the development of this area has been directed on the possible impacts on the biological resources. It is worth noting that in case development is commissioned, impacts on the physical environment and resources e.g. water, air and land would be realized. So far, the areas’ physical environment has been described as conducive since most of it is not occupied or affected by human activities. This would mean that any development and oil or gas exploration activity in this area will result into emission of pollutants into the air. Industrial and domestic wastes resulting from exploration and development sites will need proper disposal. In case of improper disposal of these wastes, clarity on the individual or cumulative environmental effects o f this alteration will be missing (Staudinger, 2002). On an ecological perspective, Yankelovich (2011), the area is said to be sensitive to the harsh climate on the Alaskan plains. It is quite clear that the plain will be disrupted by any slight attempt to explore oil and gas in the region. The disruption

Monday, February 3, 2020

Is Ham correct that connection between science and naturalism is Thesis

Is Ham correct that connection between science and naturalism is arbitrary - Thesis Example Nye supports science by citing evolution theory to prove that creationism or naturalism is not connected to science. Scientists based their evidence on evolution theory that explains the origin of flora and fauna. Nye also confirms the arbitrary connection between science and naturalism when he says in the debate that creationism should not be offered in school alongside the scientific theory coursework. While Nye argues that the scientific theory is false, Ham arguments are based on religious beliefs that have been captured in the book of Genesis. Additionally, Ham’s interpretation about the creationism in Genesis shows that the earth was created 6,000 years ago through supernatural powers. On the other hand, Nye describes the earth that was formed 4.5 billion years ago by using proof such as homologies, fossil, and distribution of time and space. The disparities in Earth’s age brought forward by Ham and Nye confirms further that the link between naturalism and science is a random occurrence (Etchells). Scientific theories are essential because they are used to explain the historical origin of the phenomena under study. The criteria debunk myths when they provide consistent results to the public. Scientific theory is used in creating awareness through education about the essence of science as a whole. Students use the theories as point of reference when they are given scientific-based prompts. Additionally, scientific theories promote lessons of intelligence and research. Observations that are made are based on theories brought forward by ancient scientists. There would be limited knowledge about natural phenomena if there were no existing theories such as evolution. Ham makes his remarks by quoting importance of science and creationism in school. He reveals that researchers such as Stuart Burgess have embraced both science and creationism as separate entities. However, the professor uses scientific