The document discusses various threats facing the Florida Barrier Reef system from nonpoint source pollution. It analyzes different policy options to address the issues, including maintaining the status quo of chemical regulations and the Clean Water Act, regulating freshwater runoff from Lake Okeechobee, and combating climate change. Based on criteria of efficiency, impact, and economic effect, maintaining the status quo of current regulations is projected to be the most effective solution, although there is always room for improvement in protecting these fragile ecosystems.
In 2019, WRI released an updated version of the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas with new indicators in the Water Risk Framework as well as an updated hydrological model underpinning these indicators. While Aqueduct 2.1 relied on sub-basins as defined by the Global Drainage Basin Database, Aqueduct 3.0 uses HydroBASINS level 6 sub-basins. The updated Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas calculates water supply and demand together, while the underlying model has a higher spatial resolution and a more recent and higher temporal resolution.
Water risk assessments using the old version of the tool may need to be reassessed or reanalyzed to ensure results are current. One of the key improvements is the inclusion of groundwater resources when estimating available water supplies — critical for agricultural production, ecosystems, drinking water and industry.
In 2019, WRI released an updated version of the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas with new indicators in the Water Risk Framework as well as an updated hydrological model underpinning these indicators. While Aqueduct 2.1 relied on sub-basins as defined by the Global Drainage Basin Database, Aqueduct 3.0 uses HydroBASINS level 6 sub-basins. The updated Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas calculates water supply and demand together, while the underlying model has a higher spatial resolution and a more recent and higher temporal resolution.
Water risk assessments using the old version of the tool may need to be reassessed or reanalyzed to ensure results are current. One of the key improvements is the inclusion of groundwater resources when estimating available water supplies — critical for agricultural production, ecosystems, drinking water and industry.
SBSTA-IPCC special event: Unpacking the new scientific knowledge and key findings in the
Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate
Integrated Water Resource Planning - Water, Forests, People and PolicyGeoEngineers, Inc.
This slideshow presents a series of graphics, photographs and statements reflective of integrated water resource management with specific reference to forest management in a changing climate. We are already experiencing the migration of animals and humans with climate shifts. The severity and frequency of wildfires, droughts, floods and ocean acidification are also increasing. Impacts to our economy, infrastructure and atmosphere have lead us to difficult choices regarding land use and future policy development to better manage our natural resources.
Wayne Wright, CFP, PWS
Sr. Principal, Fisheries & Wetland Scientist, Market Intelligence Leader at GeoEngineers
To Review the Impact and Copping Strategies of Climate Change in Developing C...AI Publications
Rapid change in climate is set to alter the delicate balance that exists between man and nature. The literature to this effect points out that the poorest countries and communities are likely to suffer the most because of their geographic locations, low income and low institutional capacity, as well as their greater reliance on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture. Even if climate mitigations plans are implemented properly there will be some degree of warming due to inertia of emissions already released. As such, there is a strong consensus about the need of adaptation to changing climatic conditions. Adaptation to climate change is given increasing international attention as the confidence in climate change projections is getting higher. Developing countries have specific needs for adaptation due to high vulnerabilities, and they will in this way carry a great part of the global costs of climate change although the rising atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations are mainly the responsibility of industrialized countries. Adaptation is believed to enhance the resilience against increasing climate variability. In this backdrop, the objective of the present paper is, therefore, to systematically and critically review the existing literature on the impacts of climate change and choice of adaptations across countries and draw insights for suggesting a comprehensive policy framework particularly for developing countries in this regard. The paper finds that the role of government and civil society is crucial for enabling efficient adaptation methods. Development policies and programs having synergy effect with climate change initiatives help adapt with the changing climate better. However, the availability of clean technology in developing countries will play the decisive role in controlling their growth rate of emission.
Jayantha Obeysekera
This session will discuss the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact agreed to by Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties in SE Florida, and their partnering with the
South Florida Water Management District. The 5.6 million residents of the four counties exceed the population of 30 states and represent 30 percent of Florida’s population, and are situated in
one of the nation’s areas most vulnerable to climate change. The session will detail the Regional Climate Change Compact’s objectives,
its accomplishments to date and the ongoing development of a regional climate action plan.
Find here the top headlines from the IPCC's Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate: as summarised by CDKN for African audiences - please use together with our report of the same name on www.cdkn.org/oceanreport and find all narratives and photo credits in our associated report.
Pathways for Coastal Adaptation in Metro Vancouver, Alexandra Heather RUTLEDGEGlobal Risk Forum GRFDavos
6th International Disaster and Risk Conference IDRC 2016 Integrative Risk Management - Towards Resilient Cities. 28 August - 01 September 2016 in Davos, Switzerland
Land use-cover-trends-climate-variability-nexus-in-the-njoro-river-catchmentoircjournals
Anthropogenic activities have consequences on the land use/cover trends in the watershed and subsequently on the hydrological characteristics of rivers through intertwine of climate variability. The interplay between land use changes and climate variability are seen as contributory causes of catchment degradation in Kenya. The land use/cover changes increase impervious ground surfaces, decrease infiltration rate and increase runoff rate thereby affecting the hydrological characteristics of rivers. This study considers the interactions between climate variability and land use/cover changes in the river Njoro catchment in Kenya. The River Njoro drains into the lake Nakuru basin one of the Great Rift Valley Lakes in Kenya. The objectives of the study were: To evaluate the land-use and land cover patterns and changes in Njoro River catchment between 1996 and 2016, analyze the temperature and rainfall variations between 1996 and 2016 and compare the land use/cover changes with the variation in the rainfall and temperature. Landsat images and secondary data on water quality parameters were used in this study. The study showed that there was significant variation in rainfall and temperature trends in the Njoro river catchment and therefore the dynamics of land use/land cover in the river Njoro would be more attributed to anthropogenic activities than climate variability.
Gearing a National Statistical System Towards the Measurement of the Impact o...No to mining in Palawan
This is a revised version of the paper prepared for presentation to the Conference on Climate Change and Official Statistics organized by the United Nations Statistics Division in collaboration with Eurostat, the World Bank and Statistics Norway held at the Oslo Military Society, Oslo Norway on April 14 – 16 2008.
Moreover, the authors would like to acknowledge Ms. Zenaida B. Munoz, chief of the Research and Statistics Division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, respectively, for providing valuable comments to the paper.
SBSTA-IPCC special event: Unpacking the new scientific knowledge and key findings in the
Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate
Integrated Water Resource Planning - Water, Forests, People and PolicyGeoEngineers, Inc.
This slideshow presents a series of graphics, photographs and statements reflective of integrated water resource management with specific reference to forest management in a changing climate. We are already experiencing the migration of animals and humans with climate shifts. The severity and frequency of wildfires, droughts, floods and ocean acidification are also increasing. Impacts to our economy, infrastructure and atmosphere have lead us to difficult choices regarding land use and future policy development to better manage our natural resources.
Wayne Wright, CFP, PWS
Sr. Principal, Fisheries & Wetland Scientist, Market Intelligence Leader at GeoEngineers
To Review the Impact and Copping Strategies of Climate Change in Developing C...AI Publications
Rapid change in climate is set to alter the delicate balance that exists between man and nature. The literature to this effect points out that the poorest countries and communities are likely to suffer the most because of their geographic locations, low income and low institutional capacity, as well as their greater reliance on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture. Even if climate mitigations plans are implemented properly there will be some degree of warming due to inertia of emissions already released. As such, there is a strong consensus about the need of adaptation to changing climatic conditions. Adaptation to climate change is given increasing international attention as the confidence in climate change projections is getting higher. Developing countries have specific needs for adaptation due to high vulnerabilities, and they will in this way carry a great part of the global costs of climate change although the rising atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations are mainly the responsibility of industrialized countries. Adaptation is believed to enhance the resilience against increasing climate variability. In this backdrop, the objective of the present paper is, therefore, to systematically and critically review the existing literature on the impacts of climate change and choice of adaptations across countries and draw insights for suggesting a comprehensive policy framework particularly for developing countries in this regard. The paper finds that the role of government and civil society is crucial for enabling efficient adaptation methods. Development policies and programs having synergy effect with climate change initiatives help adapt with the changing climate better. However, the availability of clean technology in developing countries will play the decisive role in controlling their growth rate of emission.
Jayantha Obeysekera
This session will discuss the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact agreed to by Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties in SE Florida, and their partnering with the
South Florida Water Management District. The 5.6 million residents of the four counties exceed the population of 30 states and represent 30 percent of Florida’s population, and are situated in
one of the nation’s areas most vulnerable to climate change. The session will detail the Regional Climate Change Compact’s objectives,
its accomplishments to date and the ongoing development of a regional climate action plan.
Find here the top headlines from the IPCC's Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate: as summarised by CDKN for African audiences - please use together with our report of the same name on www.cdkn.org/oceanreport and find all narratives and photo credits in our associated report.
Pathways for Coastal Adaptation in Metro Vancouver, Alexandra Heather RUTLEDGEGlobal Risk Forum GRFDavos
6th International Disaster and Risk Conference IDRC 2016 Integrative Risk Management - Towards Resilient Cities. 28 August - 01 September 2016 in Davos, Switzerland
Land use-cover-trends-climate-variability-nexus-in-the-njoro-river-catchmentoircjournals
Anthropogenic activities have consequences on the land use/cover trends in the watershed and subsequently on the hydrological characteristics of rivers through intertwine of climate variability. The interplay between land use changes and climate variability are seen as contributory causes of catchment degradation in Kenya. The land use/cover changes increase impervious ground surfaces, decrease infiltration rate and increase runoff rate thereby affecting the hydrological characteristics of rivers. This study considers the interactions between climate variability and land use/cover changes in the river Njoro catchment in Kenya. The River Njoro drains into the lake Nakuru basin one of the Great Rift Valley Lakes in Kenya. The objectives of the study were: To evaluate the land-use and land cover patterns and changes in Njoro River catchment between 1996 and 2016, analyze the temperature and rainfall variations between 1996 and 2016 and compare the land use/cover changes with the variation in the rainfall and temperature. Landsat images and secondary data on water quality parameters were used in this study. The study showed that there was significant variation in rainfall and temperature trends in the Njoro river catchment and therefore the dynamics of land use/land cover in the river Njoro would be more attributed to anthropogenic activities than climate variability.
Gearing a National Statistical System Towards the Measurement of the Impact o...No to mining in Palawan
This is a revised version of the paper prepared for presentation to the Conference on Climate Change and Official Statistics organized by the United Nations Statistics Division in collaboration with Eurostat, the World Bank and Statistics Norway held at the Oslo Military Society, Oslo Norway on April 14 – 16 2008.
Moreover, the authors would like to acknowledge Ms. Zenaida B. Munoz, chief of the Research and Statistics Division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, respectively, for providing valuable comments to the paper.
Running head ENVIRONMENT1ENVIRONMENT 10Environmen.docxsusanschei
Running head: ENVIRONMENT 1
ENVIRONMENT 10
Environment
Danielle Schummer
G328/EVR3410 Human Uses of the Environment
The US ought to commit itself to the agreement of Paris. Through this, the country will be able to contribute conservation of the environment to the maximum. The country ought to try and commit itself to the agreement of Paris since it brought countries from all over the world into one cause. Therefore, undertaking the ambitions required for dealing with the climate change and adapting the probable impacts and challenges accordingly, experienced by every state and coming up with resolutions to aid the third world countries to withstand difficulties they encounter.
Hence, the agreement will chart a new course in the world climate efforts which will assist to safeguard the wellbeing of the health of people. Again, the US should consider committing itself to the agreement since it is made to strengthen the responses of the world to the threats that come as a result of adverse changes of climate through development of favorable or world temperature rise in the century, for the universe to experience a 2 degree Celsius reduction in the areas that are industrialized. The states as a whole ought to develop distinct efforts to assure that countries experience a 2 degree Celsius temperature decrease according to the Paris agreement. The deal is essential in the sense that it will strengthen the ability of nations to combat the results caused by changes in climate as it noticed that it is changing each year.
The US committing itself will allow it to oversee developments in the nation as a particular financial flow ought to be witnessed, new technologies developed and capacity of building framework that is enhanced is brought into use which will support the country's actions through promoting them invulnerable and reliable nations, hence meeting their set goals. The Paris deal has given enough transparency to each nation's effort and developed a clear framework for the states to fight the climate change consequences within a set period.
We experience global warming resulting from constant pollution of air and elevated industrialization by numerous nations around the globe. As days pass, more industries are built, and no mechanism is established to prevent the polluted air from going into the atmosphere. Resources of water have been affected as a result of global warming, leading to irrigation supplies decline. This occurs because of mountain snowpack loss hence the drop in water amounts for irrigation. Nevertheless, underground water is contaminated by global warming resulting in the death of different species living in the water. Furthermore, at a given period, there will be a low production of power due to disruption of sources of power supply. This will be as a result of shrinking glaciers in the mountain. Recreational points will also be affected as a result of snowpack reduction resulted from constant atmosp ...
Eco1.Do you think it is appropriate that the consumer bears part.docxjack60216
Eco
1.Do you think it is appropriate that the consumer bears part of the burden of pollution fees in the form of higher prices? Why or why not?
2.In the U.S., landowners have the mineral rights to all minerals that might be found under their property (e.g, oil and natural gas). In most European countries, the government, not the property owner, has the rights to any minerals found in the ground. Fracking occurs in several U.S. states, but remains unpopular in Europe. If national governments in other nations agreed to share the profits from fracking with the landowners on whose property the drilling takes place, how might that change attitudes toward the fracking process?
3.Do you think we are a throwaway society? Are your attitudes towards consumption of goods the same as your parents? Your grandparents? (Think of how goods have changed over the years.)
4.A few years ago we became aware that disposable diapers were a major item being put into U.S. landfills. Some communities discussed banning disposable diapers from their landfills. There were protests from parents groups whose members found disposable much more convenient than cloth diapers. Rationally evaluate this policy from both the community environmentalists and the parents groups’ viewpoints.
5.Should income in the U.S. be distributed equally? If not, should there be at least a greater degree of equality than we presently have? What are the advantages and disadvantages of greater equality?
6.Which do you feel is more effective in reducing poverty: government poverty programs or economic growth of a nation? How do private charities fit in? Are you an economic conservative or economic liberal when it comes to addressing poverty?
O R I G I N A L P A P E R
Wetlands and global climate change: the role of wetland
restoration in a changing world
Kevin L. Erwin
Received: 15 April 2008 / Accepted: 24 September 2008 / Published online: 7 November 2008
� Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008
Abstract Global climate change is recognized as a
threat to species survival and the health of natural
systems. Scientists worldwide are looking at the
ecological and hydrological impacts resulting from
climate change. Climate change will make future
efforts to restore and manage wetlands more com-
plex. Wetland systems are vulnerable to changes in
quantity and quality of their water supply, and it is
expected that climate change will have a pronounced
effect on wetlands through alterations in hydrological
regimes with great global variability. Wetland habitat
responses to climate change and the implications for
restoration will be realized differently on a regional
and mega-watershed level, making it important to
recognize that specific restoration and management
plans will require examination by habitat. Flood-
plains, mangroves, seagrasses, saltmarshes, arctic
wetlands, peatlands, freshwater marshes and forests
are very diverse habitats, with different str ...
Climate Change & Water Crisis Around The WorldRidhimaThakkur
Climate change is affecting every aspect of life on the planet. The world urgently needs to make the shift to a low-carbon future to avoid irreversible damage to our planet like water scarcity, severe air pollution, etc.
POWER OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND POTENTIAL CONFLICTS IN GLOBALIZED WORLDPrashant Mehta
This note gives a outline on possible imact of global climae change and failure of globalized world to come to consensus at recent climate change summit at Copenhagen in 2009
"Climate Crunch" : Scenarios for the global economic environmentFERMA
"Climate Crunch" : Scenarios for the global economic environment.
The recently published Global Risks 2014 report of the World Economic Forum identifies environmental risks as highest in terms of impact and likelihood. Those risks include both natural disasters, such as earthquakes and geomagnetic storms, and man-made risks such as
collapsing ecosystems, freshwater shortages, nuclear accidents and failure to mitigate or adapt to climate change. Failure of climate change mitigation and
adaptation is the fifth top risk concern according to
multi-stakeholders communities (see figure beside).
Climate change is evidence proven and this paper doesn’t intend to explore the causes. However, one can state that climate change is a systemic problem – it is one that touches all the others. As such by its systemic nature, it can cause breakdowns of entire systems and not only a component part. (
Dangers Facing the Florida Barrier Reef (Gramlin, 2015)
1. To: Executive Office of the President of the United States
From: Cody Gramlin, NOAA Research Council Liaison
Date: November 25, 2015
Subject: Dangers Facing the Florida Barrier Reef
Summary_____________________________________________________________________
Nonpoint source pollution does not come from a specific location, making it difficult to
identify. It is generally produced by things like pesticides, fertilizers, other various toxins, and
soils. Through the Hydrologic Cycle these travel through groundwater and other sources,
eventually making their way to the ocean. From there, oceanic currents disperse this pollution
worldwide.
Corals, marine fish, and many other species are very sensitive and can come to lethal
amounts of stress with even miniscule changes in water chemistry and temperature. “Natural
factors causing reef coral discolorations, damage, or death include waves generated by
hurricanes or cyclones, and salinity alteration from heavy rainfalls that often accompany
tropical storms (the runoff frequently carries silt and debris from the adjacent land masses),”
(Jaap, 1979). From this, one could make the argument that the effects of climate change making
even the slightest environmental change could result in catastrophic levels of coral reef loss
along the closest parts of the coast.
Background___________________________________________________________________
The coral reef systems around the world are essential to all life. Oxygen is primarily
generated by phytoplankton and other various forms of life sustained through the reef systems
around the world (McClure, Daniel, Conners, Reshanov, 2015). The loss of these ecosystems
could possibly mean the end of hundreds, if not thousands of species, a huge blow to the world
economy, and a loss to anywhere between 50 and 85 percent of the world’s oxygen. Millions of
people globally rely on reefs for tourism and their supply of fish as a source of income and food.
2. It’s estimated that reefs are being depleted at an unacceptable rate parallel, if not, beyond
that of tropical forests (0.5% / yr.) (Waycott et al., 2009). With no regard to environmental
health, companies and individuals poison our oceans and our atmosphere through the dumping
and use of chemicals and fertilizers and destructive fishing methods. These factors take their toll
on the climate and in turn, ecosystems such as the Florida Barrier Reef. If not kept in check,
humanity’s nasty habits could very well be the end of civilization as we know it.
Policy Solution Options_________________________________________________________
By modifying regulations through the EPA on quantity and class of chemicals used—
perhaps substituting with more environmentally friendly alternatives—toxic runoff can hopefully
be reduced by substantial margins. As well, bioremediation of soils where chemicals have
already taken their toll could benefit many areas around Florida and the nation as a whole.
“…Even more important from the perspective of many critics is that nonpoint source
water pollution presents a significant and growing problem and continues to be minimally
regulated under the Clean Water Act,” (Layzer, 2012). Having since been revised and modified,
the Clean Water Act has produced substantial progress where other policies fall short. Sensibly,
stricter enforcement of the current standards held in the Clean Water Act (recently modified in
June 29, 2015 and put into effect August 28 of the same year (EPA, 2015)) are an order.
Examples of other current efforts include documents like the "Guidance Specifying Management
Measures for Sources of Nonpoint Pollution in Coastal Waters," (EPA, 2012) and the "Coastal
Nonpoint Pollution Control Program: Program Development and Approval Guidance," (NOAA,
EPA 1993).
Many experts suggest that freshwater runoff from Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades
could be affecting the salinity in the Gulf and Florida Barrier Reef. Salinity can be related
3. directly to amounts of dissolved inorganic nitrates (DIN) in the water. This could be partly to
blame for eutrophication between the coast of Florida and many parts of the Caribbean. These
algal blooms can cause many problems within the reef ecosystem by releasing even more toxins
into the water and suffocating other organisms (Sellner, Doucette, Kirkpatrick, 2003). To reduce
runoff into our coasts, the National Parks Service could make various modifications to the
landscape around the Lake Okeechobee/Florida Everglades area. The difficulties which
accompany such a broad solution make this easier said than done, although it may not
necessarily be out of the question.
Progress is slow in reducing carbon emissions and in making the switch to renewable
energy sources. Many of the necessary actions taken to cause change on this great of a scale
would likely be done on an international scale and organizations such as the EPA. Additionally,
the state of Florida could certainly take advantage of the newly mandated Clean Power Plan and
modify energy use, consumption, possibly even taking steps towards a carbon sequestration plan.
Criteria_______________________________________________________________________
- Efficiency – Achieving maximum productivity with little expense
- Backlash – Being accepted with little or no incident by the general public
- Demand – How necessary this policy is to be implemented
- Time Scale – How much time it will take to achieve the goal
- Political Acceptability – Agreeable by all parties
- Improvability – Has potential for future improvement or modification
- Impact – How well the policy is expected to work
- Economic Effect – Potential harm or benefit to local business and economy
4. Analysis______________________________________________________________________
Column1
Status Quo: Chemical
Regulations & Clean Water
Act
Runoff Regulations Combatting Climate
Change
Efficiency 4 3 2
Backlash 4 1 3
Demand 4 3 5
Time Scale 3 3 1
Political Acceptability 4 2 3
Improvability 3 5 5
Impact 4 4 5
Economic Effect 4 3 3
Totals: 30 24 27
Following are projected outcomes of each policy implementation measured from one to
five. All criteria were measured on a “worst to greatest effect” scale of measurement, as to not
confuse any subjects where more would be considered unfavorable. As discussed in a lecture I
attended as a guest at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, Dr. Jeff Dukes expressed
thoughts that, “efficiency is the cheapest new energy unit,” (Dr. J. Dukes, personal
communication, October 16, 2015). With this in mind, the most efficient solution will be the
final proposed solution.
Breaking down the scores on a scale of 40 (40 being the most efficient), the status quo is
perceived an efficient use of resources, though many challenges are predicted. As well, little
backlash from the public is anticipated, perhaps by a few select groups at most. The policy is
relatively necessary, though an accurate time span could vary. Politically, it is predicted to be
easily accepted and passed, although the familiar past of environmental policies suggests that a
small handful of questioning individuals may stand in the path. Regulating chemicals and runoff
is a fairly sound task, however can always be improved upon. The impact and economic effects
are both rated equally, suggesting a respectable chance of the changes going off without a hitch,
5. and with little harm to the local economy. This leaves the status quo with scores of: four, four,
four, three, four, three, and four respectively, for a total of thirty.
In regulating freshwater runoff from Lake Okeechobee, the variations throughout the
criteria are quite static. If passed, it would prove relatively efficient, though backlash would be a
force to reckon with. This could be a potential “nail in the coffin” if other grievances had not
already completed this very task. There is demand for this solution, though other issues most
definitely take precedence. Much like to the status quo, there is no real gauge as to how long this
solution may take. Similar issues to backlash arise in the category of political acceptability. Few
politicians would be willing to stand behind such a proposal for fear of what could ultimately be
political suicide. On a more positive note, we know for certain that this policy has room for
improvement. If passed, the policy is expected to work quite well for all intents and purposes,
however, many factors came into play when deciding exactly this would affect the economy.
This leaves freshwater regulation with scores of: three, one, three, three, two, five, four, and
three respectively for a total of twenty-four.
The most ideal solution would be to simply stop climate change. The problem with this is
how necessary global cooperation is to achieve this goal. Making changes to the way up for
damage done by climate change. The world has always been dragged kicking and screaming
through the gradual changes to adapt and combat climate change, so a negative response is to be
expected. This does not compare to the benefits. Restoration of the world climate is increasingly
high in demand. The biggest drawback is the predicted lengthy timescale, which could reach past
our own lifetime. Combating climate change has been growing in relevancy drastically since the
1970’s. There is always going to be room for improvement in our environment, and the potential
is within an arm’s reach. Economically, the total value of a healthy ecosystem is estimated at
6. $125-$145 trillion on average or twice the total GDP of all countries combined (Dr. B. Dunning,
personal communication, August 31, 2015), not to mention the aesthetic and intrinsic values of
living on a healthier planet. Initial cost is quite high in the beginning but will pay off in the long
run. This leaves combatting climate change with scores of: two, three, five, one, three, five, five,
and three respectively for a total of twenty-seven.
The total scores together are: the status quo with a score of thirty, freshwater regulation
with a score of twenty-four, and combatting climate change with a score of twenty-seven. As
such, the status quo comes out on top.
Conclusions___________________________________________________________________
To summarize, every type of ecosystem has various disrupting factors that must be kept
in check. Significant stressing factors on reef ecosystems to note include drastic temperature
swings, chemical imbalances including various particulate matter, DINs, and salinity.
I propose a most definite regulation on the amount of chemicals used in agriculture and
other industries. While the Clean Water Act may have been just recently modified, there is
always room for improvement. The whole world sees the significance in reducing climate change
in any case, and much is being done to combat environmental degradation. This doesn’t mean
the fight is over, nor should we be content where we are. Separately, making changes to a
national park is not the most realistic of goals at this time and further evaluating would be
necessary to see any changes in the Lake Okeechobee area.
Change is possible and necessary. In making these changes, the state of Florida could
break ground on a new, cleaner way of maintaining agricultural production and possibly set an
unspoken standard for other companies and states to follow. This would pave the way to a
brighter, cleaner, healthier, happier America.
7. Sources_______________________________________________________________________
1) Waycott, M., Duarte, C. M., Carruthers, T. J. B., Orth, R. J., Dennison, W. C., Olyarnik,
S., Calladine, A., Fourgurean, J. W., Heck, Jr., K. L., Hughes, A. R., Kendrick, G.A.,
Kenworthy, W. J., Short, F. T., Williams, S. L. (2009, July 28). Accelerating Loss of
Seagrass Across the Globe Threatens Coastal Ecosystems.
Retrieved from
http://www.pnas.org/content/106/30/12377.full
2) Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]. (2015, August 13). The Clean Power Plan
Final Rule.
Retrieved from
http://www2.epa.gov/cleanpowerplan/clean-power-plan-final-rule
3) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA], Environmental Protection
Agency [EPA]. (1993, January). Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program: Program
Development and Approval Guidance.
Retrieved from
http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/nonpoint/docs/6217progguidance.pdf
4) Florida Department of Environmental Protection [FDEP], National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]. (2012). Connecting the Land, the Sea and People
of Southeast Florida.
Retrieved from
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/coral/reports/LBSP/LBSP_24_Watershed.pdf
5) Layzer, J. A. (2012). The Environmental Case: Translating Values into Policy. – 3rd ed.
Washington D.C. CQ Press.
6) Udoyara, T. S., Robert, J. (1994). Evaluating Agricultural Nonpoint-Source Pollution
Using Integrated Geographic Information Systems and Hydrologic/Water Quality Model.
Retrieved from
https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/jeq/abstracts/23/1/JEQ0230010025
7) Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]. (2015, June 29). The Final Clean Water Rule.
Retrieved from
http://www2.epa.gov/cleanwaterrule/final-clean-water-rule
8) Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]. (2012, November 29). Guidance Specifying
Management Measures for Sources of Nonpoint Pollution in Coastal Waters.
Retrieved from
http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/czara/index.cfm
9) Sellner, K. G., Doucette, G. J., Kirkpatrick, G. J. (2003, July). Harmful Algal Blooms:
Causes, Impacts and Detection.