Science Answer Note #28

Question 1 This week, you have reflected on liberties and freedom. Describe one environmental risk to public health. What role should the government play within this context? Based on the Bill of Rights, how can citizens regulate environmental health risks? Answer One of the major environmental risks to public health is air pollution. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for 7 million premature deaths worldwide every year, with the majority of these deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries (WHO, 2020). In the United States, air pollution contributes to various health issues such as respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer (Environmental Protection Agency, 2020). The government has a critical role to play in addressing air pollution and protecting public health. As air pollution is often caused by industrial activities and transportation, the government has the authority to regulate and control the emissions of pollutants from these sources. This can be done through the implementation of laws and regulations, such as the Clean Air Act, which sets national standards for air quality and regulates emissions from industries and vehicles (Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.). Furthermore, the government can also take measures to monitor air quality and inform the public about potential health risks. This can be achieved through the development of air quality monitoring systems and providing regular updates to the public. The government can also collaborate with other organizations, such as the WHO, to conduct research on the health effects of air pollution and develop strategies to mitigate its impact. Looking at the Bill of Rights, citizens have the right to a safe and healthy environment, as stated in the 9th Amendment (Cornell Law School, n.d.). Therefore, citizens can play a role in regulating environmental health risks by exercising their right to be informed and holding the government accountable for their actions in addressing air pollution. Citizens can also participate in public hearings and provide feedback on proposed regulations to ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making process. In conclusion, air pollution is a significant environmental risk to public health, and the government has a crucial role in regulating and mitigating its impact. By implementing laws and regulations, monitoring air quality, and collaborating with other organizations, the government can effectively protect the public from the harmful effects of air pollution. Additionally, citizens can play a vital role in regulating environmental health risks by exercising their rights and participating in the decision-making process. Question 2 identify 2 interested and affected parties involved in the efforts to clean the cape fear river Answer As a college student with high marks, I have thoroughly researched the parties involved in the efforts to clean the Cape Fear River. The stakeholders involved in this process include the government and environmental groups. The government has a significant role in the efforts to clean the Cape Fear River. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) is responsible for regulating and enforcing environmental policies to ensure the protection of the river. They are actively involved in monitoring the pollution levels and implementing initiatives to address the contamination of the river. For example, the NCDEQ has imposed stricter regulations on industries to limit their discharge into the river, which has helped in reducing pollution levels (NCDEQ, n.d.). Environmental groups also play a crucial role in the efforts to clean the Cape Fear River. These organizations work towards raising awareness about the importance of protecting the river and advocate for its preservation. One such group is the Cape Fear River Watch, which conducts regular water quality testing and organizes clean-up events to remove trash and debris from the river (Cape Fear River Watch, n.d.). They also collaborate with the NCDEQ to advocate for stricter regulations and hold industries accountable for their actions. In conclusion, the government and environmental groups are two interested and affected parties involved in the efforts to clean the Cape Fear River. Their collaboration and efforts have led to significant improvements in the quality of the river and have ensured its preservation for future generations. Question 3 identify at least two IAPs involved in the efforts to clean the cape fear river Answer There are many initiatives and efforts currently underway to clean and protect the Cape Fear River, a vital waterway in North Carolina. Two important measures that are being taken include the implementation of the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program and the use of riparian buffers. The TMDL program is a water quality management strategy that involves establishing a limit on the amount of a specific pollutant that can be discharged into a body of water. This limit is based on what the waterway can handle while still maintaining its designated uses, such as recreation or drinking water. The goal of this program is to reduce pollution and improve the overall health of the Cape Fear River. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified several pollutants that are a concern for the Cape Fear River, including mercury, bacteria, and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. To address these pollutants, the TMDL program sets specific targets and requirements for reducing their levels in the river. This includes implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) for reducing nutrient runoff from agricultural and urban sources, as well as monitoring and reporting on progress. Riparian buffers are another important tool in the efforts to clean the Cape Fear River. These are vegetated areas along the riverbank that help to filter pollutants and protect the water quality. Riparian buffers also provide habitat for wildlife, reduce erosion, and can help mitigate the effects of flooding. The North Carolina Division of Water Resources has established a minimum buffer width of 50 feet on each side of the river, but wider buffers are encouraged to provide maximum benefits. Additionally, the North Carolina Coastal Federation has initiated a program called "Working Together for Clean Water: The Clean Water Campaign for the Lower Cape Fear Region." This collaborative effort involves educating and engaging local communities, businesses, and government agencies to reduce pollution and protect the health of the Cape Fear River. In conclusion, the implementation of the TMDL program and the use of riparian buffers are two key measures currently being taken to clean the Cape Fear River. As college students, it is important for us to be knowledgeable about these efforts and to continue supporting and advocating for clean water in our communities. Question 4 Write a paragraph that summarizes the solution that the Morro Bay group implemented. Evaluate how the solution either met, or failed to meet, the desires/expectations of each IAP. Answer The Morro Bay group implemented a solution that focused on reducing the harmful impacts of overfishing on the local marine ecosystem. This solution included implementing stricter regulations on commercial fishing, creating a designated marine protected area, and promoting sustainable fishing practices. Overall, the solution met the desires and expectations of most IAPs by effectively addressing the issue of overfishing and protecting the environment. However, some IAPs were not fully satisfied with the outcome as they believed the regulations were too strict and hindered their fishing businesses. In addition, some IAPs felt that the designated marine protected area was too small and should have covered a larger area. Nevertheless, the majority of IAPs were pleased with the solution as it successfully achieved its goal of promoting sustainable fishing and preserving the marine ecosystem. Question 5 Use systems thinking to describe the problem that the Morro Bay Fisheries Conservation Agreement address Answer The Morro Bay Fisheries Conservation Agreement is a management plan that aims to address the declining fish populations in the Morro Bay area, specifically for the black cod and groundfish species. This problem is complex and requires a systems thinking approach to fully understand its root causes and develop effective solutions. Systems thinking is a way of understanding how different elements within a larger system interact and influence each other. In this case, the fish populations are part of a larger marine ecosystem that is affected by various factors such as environmental changes, human activities, and fishing practices. By looking at the problem through a systems thinking lens, we can identify the underlying causes and potential unintended consequences that traditional approaches may overlook. One of the main drivers of the declining fish populations in Morro Bay is overfishing. This can be attributed to the lack of effective management strategies in place, which has led to unsustainable fishing practices. These practices not only deplete the fish populations but also disrupt the balance of the entire ecosystem as certain species become overfished while others are left to grow unchecked. Another important aspect to consider is the interconnectedness of the marine ecosystem. The decline of black cod and groundfish can have ripple effects on other species that depend on them for food, causing a chain reaction throughout the system. This can also have implications for commercial and recreational fishing industries, as well as the local economy that relies on these resources. Furthermore, the Morro Bay Fisheries Conservation Agreement also addresses the issue of climate change and its impacts on the marine ecosystem. As temperatures and ocean acidity levels rise, it can have detrimental effects on the fish populations and their habitats. To fully understand the complexity of this problem, it is necessary to consider multiple perspectives and feedback loops. The overfishing of certain species can lead to a shift in the ecosystem, creating new challenges for management. In turn, stricter regulations on fishing can have economic impacts on the communities that rely on it. In order to address these complexities, the Morro Bay Fisheries Conservation Agreement takes a holistic approach. It involves various stakeholders such as fishermen, industry leaders, scientists, and government agencies to collaboratively develop and implement a management plan. The agreement also includes measures to monitor and adapt to changing conditions in the ecosystem.