Enviromental Science IP 4 & 5

ASSIGNMENT UNIT 4

Pollutants can harm ecosystem function and may also harm human health.

You will write an APA-style research paper about pollutants, their impacts, and mitigation of harmful effects. Include the following:

· Select 1 example of an environmental pollutant from the following list:

· Acid precipitation/ Acid rain

· Smog

· DDT pesticide use

· Eutrophication

· Answer the following questions about the pollution problem that you chose:

· Describe the pollutant chosen and the source of the pollutants. Include both natural and human sources, as applicable.

· Is this a point-source pollutant or nonpoint-source pollutant? Explain.

· What are the harmful impacts of the pollution?

· Describe impacts to both humans and to ecosystem structure and function.

· What steps are in place to eliminate the pollutant or to mitigate harm from the pollutant?

· Describe examples of laws or regulations that apply to the pollution and its sources.

· Also, describe educational programs, technology, or other initiatives that are used to help control the pollution.

· Have the programs, best management practices, or regulations been effective in resolving harm from the pollutant?

· Give examples of progress, or explain with examples what more could be done.

ASSIGNMENT UNIT 5

For this assignment, you will research and write an APA research paper about environmental policies, including the following:

· Choose 1 U.S. environmental law. State the name of the law and the date the law was passed.

· Summarize the major provisions of the law that you chose.

· Describe the economic impact of the law. Provide specific economic data from credible references.

· Has the law improved the environment or situation? Provide specific data from credible references.

· Do you think that sound science has proven that global warming is a credible threat or not?

· Should the United States adopt additional policies or laws to curb greenhouse gas emissions?

· What should these policies or laws regulate or encourage?

· Use specific facts to defend your position.