Reading Journal Natural resource policy and management

Reading journal entries
Entry Number 1
DATE (of Journal Entry) 01.01.2010, Entry No 1
TITLE Gramlich, R. E (2006) The role of energy regulation in addressing generation market power, Environmental and energy Law and Policy journal.

ISSUE
 The monopoly of generator supplier exists at some time which disrupts smooth supplier demand cycle in the energy market resulting in unreasonable rates..

SUMMARY
This article discusses the power mitigation of generation suppliers in the energy markets at one time. The author tries to find a solution to the dominant supply position of generators faced by the energy markets as the effect of anti trust law and the commodity regulation are negligible on the generation suppliers.

The author discusses the role of Federal Energy Regulation Commission in resolving this monopoly of power generators in the energy market to promote healthy competition among generator suppliers and maintain market rates.

REFLECTION
The author has pointed out a fact of energy market that is overlooked generally. The dominant position attained by the generator supplier in the energy market at one time is due to the structural features of the energy market and is inevitable. Hence means should be employed by FERC for maintaining just rates and overthrowing the monopoly of a single power generator supplier.

Entry Number 2
DATE (of Journal Entry) 07.01.2010, Entry No 2
TITLE Flatt V. B., (2006) What is the best formula to protect the environment in electricity restructuring Comment on the environmental impact of electricity restructuring by Karen Palmer and Dallas Burtraw, Environmental and energy Law and Policy journal.

ISSUE
The author analyses the environmental impact of electricity restructuring by Karen Palmer and Dallas Burtraw.

SUMMARY
The author comments on The environmental impact of electricity restructuring looking back and looking forward by Karen Palmer and Dallas Burtraw trying to validate their research performed on the data concerning the impact of energy deregulation and restructuring on the environmental health. The author gives credit to the researchers for doing a commendable job but still shows concern for the works authenticity as he thinks that determining the effect on environmental health by energy deregulation and restructuring is a complex job.

The author performs his analysis in two portions, one regarding the data collection and analysis documented in the study and in second portion he tries to evaluate the inter relationship that exist between energy and environment.

REFLECTION
The author provided a detailed commentary on the analysis performed by the researchers and performs an in depth analysis to link energy restructuring and deregulation and its effect on environmental health. He stresses on avoiding any energy activity that may harm the environment and says that environment healthy schemes for manipulating energy should be adopted.

Entry Number 3
DATE (of Journal Entry) 14.01.2010, Entry No 3
TITLE Moss D. L. (2006) Electricity and market power current issues for restructuring market, Environmental and energy Law and Policy journal.

ISSUE
Moss surveys the literature in last fifteen years to understand current trends in the market power.

SUMMARY
Moss makes an in depth survey into the current trends in the electricity and market power and also discusses the effect of restructuring that is taking place in the power markets. The roles of anti trust and policy makers and the impact of new policies that are creating problems for the energy market have been explored in detail by Moss in order to identify the factors that have complicated the market power over the last decade.

Moss points out the flaws in the antitrust and regulators approach to restructuring and emphasises on their lack of policy making tools that are hindering the smooth restructuring process.

REFLECTION
This is an informative article as it not only combines a survey of literature over the last fifteen years but also analyses the effects of restructuring in the power market. She makes an efficient analysis of market trends and incapability of the antitrust and regulators to fight the challenges of restructuring with limited set of policy tools.

Entry Number 4
DATE (of Journal Entry) 26.01.2010, Entry No 4
TITLE Farber D. A., (2007) Adapting to climate change who should pay, journal of land use Vol. 231.

ISSUE
Farber raises the issue that who should pay the costs of climatic changes.

SUMMARY
Farber discusses the facts regarding the climate change that is now upon us and the main focus of her article is that who should pay for the cost of climatic impact. She emphasis on the responsibility of government and legal authorities to address this issue and make amends for the damage already done to the climatic conditions due to pollution and traffic hazards.

REFLECTION
On reflection, I find Farbers article very informative and awakening in the nature that until recently no significant notice was being given to the climatic changes experienced due to pollution and other contaminations that pollute our natural resources. The need arises to address such issues like adaptation Vs mitigation and bring to light the problems caused by technological changes on nature. These issues need to be addressed by our legal authorities to have laws that protect the natural resources.

Entry Number 5
DATE (of Journal Entry) 05.02.2010, Entry No 5
TITLE Lee, R. J (2007) Recent developments the changing tides of land use and environmental law, Journal of land use Vol 231.

ISSUE
Lee illustrates the use of land and environmental laws by discussing a number of related cases.

SUMMARY
Lee researches the recent developments in land use and environmental laws by analysing a few related cases and studying the decision of court and the effect of environmental laws. She explains that the presence of laws dont usually guarantee an improvement in situation regarding land use.

Lee uses a different way of communicating facts through the evidence by exploring a number of cases fought in 2007 against the government on the issue of land use and the outcomes of the cases to conclude the use of environmental laws in the land usage.

REFLECTION
Lees approach is non refutable as she presents a number of cases that show a stand of land use against environment laws and she proves her point  that changing trends in land use do not abide by environment laws and having laws does not guarantee the effective use of land. A need is present to constantly review and revise these laws for better implementation and observance.

Entry Number 6
DATE (of Journal Entry) 15.02.2010, Entry No 6
TITLE Warner, D. M. (2007) Use of subjective well being in local economic and land use policy, Journal of Land use Vol 232.

ISSUE
Economic growth requires extensive land use whereas conservation of natural resource requires minimal land use.

SUMMARY
Warner encompasses in this article a debate of economic growth which requires land to be utilized for peoples benefit and conservation of natural resources that require the saving of land. Warner emphasizes that economic growth is at the expense of violation of environmental laws that are restrictive in the use of lands.

He breaks his study into four portions to address the issue in four aspects concluded after a thorough study that a balance needs to be maintained between economic growth and use of land.

REFLECTION
Warner has performed a detailed and in depth analysis and presented it in the form of debate. His approach is very detailed and language is simple which makes it easy to understand the problems related to maintain the balance between economic growth and the use of land.

Entry Number 7
DATE (of Journal Entry) 22.02.2010, Entry No 7
TITLE Neuman, J (2008) chop woods, carry water cutting to the heart of worlds water woes , Journal of land use vol232.

ISSUE
Neuman discusses the lack of sufficient water in many countries of the world while other countries waste water.

SUMMARY
Neuman discusses the water problems faced by many countries of the world that are solvable and are present due to lack of interest of other countries that do not have similar problems. She goes over the facts and figures of many countries highlighting the problems faced by these countries due to lack of water and stresses the authorities to address the issue and find solutions.

REFLECTION
Neumans article on water problems faced by many countries and redundancy of water supply in other countries shed a light on the unfairness of resource distribution across the globe that still exist due to neglect and non interest attitude of the authorities. Such issues must be addressed at the global level and means should be employed to make a fairer distribution possible so that many countries that are devoid of basic needs of life like fresh and clean water may also enjoy these necessities.

Entry Number 8
DATE (of Journal Entry) 03.03.2010, Entry No 8
TITLE Martinez, L.H., (2005) Post industrial human activity and climate change why the United States must implement mandatory limits on industrial green house gas emissions, Journal of Land use Vol 202.

ISSUE
Recognition of the harmful impact on climate change by emission of industrial green house gases and need for mandatory laws governing this issue.

SUMMARY
Martinez makes a study regarding the natural gas emissions in the climate that are useful for atmosphere against the industrial emission of green house gases that are harmful for the climate change and emphasis on the need of mandatory rules governing this issue so that further damage can be prevented and climate change due to these harmful emissions must be slowed.

REFLECTION
In order to promote the economic growth, industries have opened in great numbers to keep up with the cycle of demand and supply but now the disastrous effects of  green house gas emissions from these industries are becoming apparent which are having an alarming effect on the climate change. Reading this article strengthens the belief that immediate and timely efforts are required to limit these emissions so that climate change can be controlled before further damage can take place.

Entry Number 9
DATE (of Journal Entry) 11.03.2010, Entry No 9
TITLE Melville D., (2005) Whisky is for drinking Recent water law development in Florida, Journal of Land use Vol 202.

ISSUE
This article discusses the ongoing debate about the water sources in Florida.

SUMMARY
Melville focuses on the water related debate going on for Florida in which he explains that the government wants to privatize a number of sources including the water resource allocation while the others from environmental community argue that it should remain a public resource as it has been until now.

Many reports came forward in this regard to maintain the water policy as a natural resource and not to be used for growth interests. A compromise can be reached by making appropriate policies for control of water and even distribution.

REFLECTION
The article on the water problem going on in Florida and the tussle between the government bodies that want to privatise this resource for economic growth and environmental bodies that oppose this decision highlights the facts and figures related to this debate and works for a compromise in the situation. The laws and policies that are offered are covered in great detail making the situation clear to understand.

Entry Number 10
DATE (of Journal Entry) 18.03.2010, Entry No 10
TITLE Johnson, T. (2010) Global Uranium Supply and demand, article from Council on Foreign relations.

ISSUE
Recovering Uranium from mines unexplored to meet the demand and supply cycle.

SUMMARY
In this article Johnson provides an overview of the Uranium demand in the markets and the need to recover the Uranium deposits that are distributed in mines across the world.
He discusses the counties that have the greatest reserves of Uranium and estimates the cost required to recover this reserve of Uranium that would fulfil seventy years of the worlds Uranium requirements according to the authors study.

REFLECTION
Uranium is valuable and has many applications in the markets worldwide. This article provides useful information regarding the Uranium reserves and discusses the cost of recovering this Uranium reserve. These facts and figures are helpful in making decisions regarding Uranium exploits can be beneficial for the reader in long term study. However the author does not elaborate on the problems faced during these Uranium exploits and how they can be managed.

Entry Number 11
DATE (of Journal Entry) 26.03.2010, Entry No 11
TITLE Giovinazzo, C. T., (2006) Defending overstatement The symbolic clean air act and Carbon dioxide , article from Harvard Environmental Law review Vol 30.

ISSUE
Giovinazzo emphasizes the importance of the CAA (Clean Air Act).

SUMMARY
Giovinazzo highlights the importance of the CAA (Clean Air Act) which is often put down by implementers arguing that this act is unattainable due to its symbolic nature however Giovinazzo emphases that the use of this act is essential in controlling the content of rising carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which is leading to universal problems like the black hole.
The author argues that congress has added symbolic mandates to this act that not only makes it hard to neglect but plays an essential role when developing a framework for carbon dioxide control.

REFLECTION
This article gives an insight into the worthiness of CAA (Clean Air Act) which is disregarded due to its symbolic nature. The author is clearly in favour of the act and thinks it is quite useful in controlling the content of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Realizing the importance of clean and healthy environment one cannot reject the authors case especially in presence of the evidence he presents in the article.

Entry Number 12
DATE (of Journal Entry) 04.04.2010, Entry No 12
TITLE Nolon, J. R. (2006) Champions of change Reinventing democray through land law reform, article from Harvard Environmental Law review Vol 30.

ISSUE
Nolon discusses the importance of Land laws formulation across the levels of government.

SUMMARY
Nolon in his article highlights the problems faced by local government in managing land use. The problems faced by the local governments are not acknowledged by the state and federal levels of government therefore creating a gap in the laws that come into form and the laws are needed to address land related problems.

Nolon suggests co ordination between all levels of government to bring the identified problems within a framework and then resolved through new and revised policies.

REFLECTION
Nolon has identified a very important issue regarding lack of communication between the grass root level workers and people in the state and federal offices which are the law makers. Close co ordination among these levels of government shall result in policies that would solve the land use problems.

Entry Number 13
DATE (of Journal Entry) 15.04.2010, Entry No 13
TITLE Krakoff S., (2003) Mountains without hand rails .Wilderness without cell phones, article from Harvard Environmental Law review Vol 27.

ISSUE
Krakoff discusses changing of natural wilderness in the light of Professor Joseph Saxs book Mountains without handrails.

SUMMARY
Krakoff enlightens the reader in her article on the changing trends of recreating in natural environment which is being modernized by changing the wilderness to incorporate new technologies and comforts in the natural environment. According to the author this approach at recreation has robbed the nature of its peace and serenity and the experience of nature has been clouded by the use of technology.

REFLECTION
After reading her article I agree with the author that incorporating technology and comfort in natural environment like having luxurious resorts in the middle of forests to provide people with comfort robs the essence of nature which is associated with the feelings of hardships and exercise. Recreations related with wilderness like hiking and exploration dont go together with comforts like hotels and different services. It clouds the experience of nature.

Entry Number 14
DATE (of Journal Entry) 22.04.2010, Entry No 14
TITLE Laitos J. G., Gamble R. B., (2008) The problem with wilderness, article from Harvard Environmental Law review Vol 30.

ISSUE
The authors discuss the different demands for wilderness and problems associated with these demands.

SUMMARY
According to the authors, land was used for economic growth but recently land use has become more varied with the land categorizing as natural resource and the need to preserve wilderness and transforming wilderness to recreational areas and wilderness parks have changed the scenario. As a result many conflicts have resulted with economist fighting to make the land productive and environmental commodities fighting to preserve land and use for recreation. These issues are addressed in detail in this article.

REFLECTION
Land is for building homes and industries it is also for preservation and recreation. A balance needs to be maintained among the use of land for different purposes. The laws that are present for land use help in solving this conflict and must be respected by all to prevent misuse and provide better future for our generations to come.

Entry Number 15
DATE (of Journal Entry) 29.04.2010, Entry No 15
TITLE Auslander J.M., (2006) Reversing the flow The inter connectivity of environmental law in addressing the external threats to protected land and waters, article from Harvard Environmental Law review Vol 30.

ISSUE
Auslander discusses the external threats to lands and waters protected by environmental laws.

SUMMARY
Auslander brings to attention the external threats faced by lands and waters that are the property of federal government and are set aside for recreational projects like parks and wilderness or are for preservation of nature. These lands if found to be enriched with minerals or other valuable resources become prone to external threats. Auslander uses a case study to high light these threats and shows ways to improve on environmental laws for better protection of these high threat prone lands.

REFLECTION
Wilderness and land for recreational purposes is an asset for the country and have to be protected by environmental laws, but findings of minerals and other resources put these lands to threats from external sources. No compromise should be made on the perseverance of these lands and federal government should not get threatened to let go of these natural resources.

Reflection
After weeks of reading and maintaining a reading journal and analysis of these articles related to natural resources policy and management, I find myself quite in command on the subject of protecting natural resources from harm and am reflecting on the articles and listening to news and view of people regarding these issues. I have also developed a keen interest in my class and participate actively and understand the matters going on around the world regarding natural resources and find myself sharing my views in the class.

This study has helped me gain insight about the conditions of natural resources prevailing in the world and what threats and problems are faced by environmentalist in protecting these assets from destruction. I have also gained a detailed knowledge of the different laws and policies present for the protection of these natural resources and by reading these articles I find myself better capable of making evaluations regarding the applicability of these policies and making insightful suggestion and recommendations for the betterment of the laws and policies governing the use of these natural resources.

One such recommendation is that the government bodies should keep in mind the conditions prevailing across the whole world regarding a certain natural resource and not the conditions in their specific region or area. This would give a global perspective to the law makers rather than a local perspective and would enable them to understand the problems faced all over the world regarding the use of the natural resource and they would be able to identify better ways for preserving it. Another consideration to be made in formulating laws and policies related to natural resources are that proper investigation should be made before structuring the law so that the law once formulated should have provision for application in all areas regarding a natural resource and not limit to only any one specific area. Prior to formulation an exhaustive approach should be used to analyse all possible situations that may arise during the implementation phase to encounter minimal problems after the law is formulated. This would help the lawmakers in evaluating the application of the law in all scenarios.

After maintaining the reading journal, I have also gained an awareness regarding the importance of protecting the natural resources of the world and the harmful impacts of human induced conditions like traffic pollution and green house gas emission through industries on the environment and climate change and on these natural resources.

The need has arisen for each person to join hands against these negative factors that are not only destroying the natural resources of the world, but also pose a threat to the humanity itself. A positive change can only be brought by identifying the factors that contribute to pollution and destruction of natural resources and try to diminish them by following the rules and regulations formulated by the individual governments and the whole world collectively. The laws regarding land use, water use, energy consumption and clean air must be respected and followed by individuals and organizations to make an effort at preserving our natural resources.

Environmental Marketing of the Products

The Environmental Marketing can be defined as marketing a product in such a way that its benefits to the environment are highlighted and explained to the target consumer. It has been observed that the Environmental Concerns have been on a rise in recent years, not only consumers are concern about environment but also producers present in different industries are indulged in producing environmental friendly products.

Recently I had a chance to view the commercials of some car manufacturing companies like Audi AG  Toyota, they have taken a positive step towards the Environmental Marketing and Environment Friendly cars, Audi has manufactured Audi A3 TDI and Toyota has manufactured Prius Hybrid respectively which are completely based on Environmental friendly aspects, from their advertisements it is clearly visible that they are following an environmental friendly marketing strategy. The message conveyed by them through their commercials is quite effective and has brought about a change in the mind of the consumers. The present day consumers belong to a mobilized community which is aware of what is right and what is wrong. They have this tendency to take corrective measures and realize the importance of different things going around them, the approach adopted by Audi, Toyota and many other companies have brought about a drastic change in the attitude of the consumers regarding the products they utilize which are non-environmental friendly and might be hazardous, consumers are more willing to switch to environmental friendly products because environmental friendly marketing has helped them to understand the damages non environment friendly products can inflect on their surroundings (KrarupRussell,2005). Environmental Marketing is basically not only targeting the consumers which are already conscious about this issue, but instead its objective is to aware the consumer segment, which is not aware of such hazards, my personal attitude towards different products have changed since companies have introduced environmental marketing. The present day successful companies are not only focusing on their product but also on the value their product provides to the environment.

Environmental Marketing has a very clear message regarding environmental threats this message encourages consumers to be positive towards environmental friendly products. It is also an emerging fact that consumers are more into such product rather than those products which could be harmful to everyone. Governments of different countries are also encouraging the companies to develop such type of products which would be beneficial for all. It is a fact that environmental marketing is very effective and is also a competitive advantage for a company given the fact that your target audience is a empowered and mobilized community.

Air Pollution in Saudi Arabia

Pollution involves introduction of pollutants to the environment. These contaminants may cause instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the physical systems or living organisms that may be in that particular environment. Pollutants are the elements of pollution which can either be foreign or naturally occurring substances. In a case where the pollutants are naturally occurring, they are only considered as contaminants when they exceed natural levels. Sometimes the term pollution includes any substance which occurs at such unnaturally high concentration within a system that it endangers the stability of that system. For example, water is considered to be innocuous and essential to life although at very high concentration, it can be considered a pollutant. Therefore, water can be perceived to be a pollutant if taken in excessive amount because the physical system becomes overburdened which may result in its breakdown or death (Kreger 2004, p. 1).

There are different types kinds of pollution in Saudi Arabia but the most common types are water pollution, noise pollution and air pollution. This essay will mainly explore air pollution in Saudi Arabia.

Air pollution in Saudi Arabia is a major issue not only because it affects the country but because it also affects the neighbouring countries. As a result, many environmentalists are proposing new ideas to help in solving the problem through extensive development of pollution and environmental laws. Air pollution is the process of introducing pollutants of chemical, particulate and biological nature into the environment.  An air pollutant is a substance in the air that is detrimental to humans or the environment. These pollutants may be natural or man made and they can be solid particles, liquid droplets or gases. Air pollution can occur in two forms the primary and secondary air pollution.

Primary air pollution happens when pollutants are directly introduced to the air whereas secondary air pollution occurs due to reaction of chemicals in the air. In Saudi Arabia, different human activities lead to the emission of chemicals in the atmosphere and their reaction leads to the formation of more dangerous substances in the air. The weather in Saudi Arabia also plays a major role in the formation and disappearance of air pollution because wind influences the transportation of air pollutants causing pollution to spread widely. On the other hand, rain can deplete pollutants from the air and lead to other types of pollution like soil and water pollution by converting sulphur into sulphuric acid sunlight helps in the conversion of the pollutants to different substances (Kaya 2004, p.107).

Sources of Air Pollution and Their Health Effects
Air pollution in Saudi Arabia can be divided into various categories depending on the source from which its derived
Biological air pollution-like pollen, small insects and micro organisms
Physical air pollution-includes sound, thermal pollution and radioactive radiation
Chemical air pollution- Such as the ozone, aerosols and ammonia (NRC 2004, p.311).
Pollutants undergo various processes before causing air pollution which include the following
Emission-whereby the contaminants are released into the air
Transportation- This is the transfer of contaminants to other places through the air.
Exchange Here, a reaction occurs between the different compounds in the pollutants and other compounds in the air.

Distribution- its a process where various contaminants in the air pollutants are distributed in the air.
Emission- in this case the contaminants remain in a particular placeregion.

Deposition- its a process in which contaminants get deposited in specific places such as the soil. (Janneti 2007, p. 179)

The sources of air pollution in Saudi Arabia are the activities and factors which are responsible for releasing pollutants in the atmosphere and they are classified into two main categories anthropogenic sources and natural sources. Anthropogenic sources are the man made activities that pollute the environment while natural sources are those that are not induced by man in any way. Examples of anthropogenic sources are releasing of wastes from industries into the environment and an example of natural source is the eruption of volcanoes which release gases like methane that pollute the air.
The most frequent categories of air pollutants that are found in Saudi Arabia are sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and tiny dust particles called aerosols (Carl 2010, p.1).

Sulphur dioxide Its released into the air in the process of burning any sulphur containing fossil fuels. The concentrations of sulphur dioxide in the air have decreased in the past two decades because of an increase in the use of more non-sulphur containing fuels to generate energy. Sulphur dioxide being a stinging gas, can result into breathing problems in humans. During rainy seasons, sulphur dioxide is converted into sulphuric acid that causes acidification (Hester 1998, p.4).

Nitrogen oxides They are contaminants emitted by automobiles, combustion installation like power plants and industries. Nitrogen oxides can also be released from large-scale farms that practice farming. Nitrogen oxides react with other air pollutants when they are present in the air. For example, nitrogen oxide plays a great role in the formation of ozone in the lower atmosphere and eutrophication processes.  Nitrogen oxides can penetrate the lungs and cause severe damage to their functioning (Hester 1998, p.12).

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)  These include contaminants like carbohydrates, organic compounds and solvents that are obtained from petrol, gasoline reservoirs, industrial processes and fuel combustion. These compounds play an important role in shaping ozone in the lower atmospheric layer. VOCs can cause various health effects although it depends on the type of compounds available and their concentrations. In addition, their effects vary from smell nuisance, decrease in lung capacity and even cancer.

Carbon monoxide This is a toxic gas that is formed due to incomplete combustion of fuels. For example such a gas can be formed when a car engine is run in a closed room. Carbon monoxide contributes to the formation of the greenhouse effect, smog and acidification. Carbon monoxide gas has the ability to bind to haemoglobin in blood hence preventing the transportation of oxygen in the body. As a result, there happens to be oxygen depletion in the heart, brains and blood vessels which causes death (Hester 1998, p.15).

Particulate matter Includes dust particles that form organic compounds and minerals. They can also be referred to as the total suspended particulates in the air which exist in solid or liquid form. Examples of such particles include dust, fumes and aerosols and they are usually less than 100 micrometers in size. The natural sources of particulate matter in the air are soil, viruses, bacteria, pollen and salt particle which evaporate from the seas. Dust particle are associated with various health effects like causing breath shortness because of slowing down the rate of rate of exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood. Another health effect is overworking of the heart in order to cater for the oxygen loss (Colls 2002, p.60).

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons These refer to chemical pollutants that are found naturally in crude oil and coal. The natural sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are fires and volcanic eruptions while man-made sources are majorly industrial processes. Health effects associated to this pollutant are diseases of the liver, jaundice and kidney problems (Frederica 2009, p. 195).

In Saudi Arabia, the most polluted cities are Riyadh and Jeddah. Riyadh faces a problem of political violence and repression, political in the political and social environment which enhances air pollution due to commotion involved that raises dust. On the other hand air pollution is a big problem for Jeddah more so on hot summer days. This city experiences bush fires, landfill fires and pollution from the two industrial zones in the north and south Jeddah (DEH 2010, p.1).

Figures and Statistics
Studies reveal that by the year 2007, Saudi Arabia experienced 5.6 air pollution of the total pollution that takes place in the country (CIA 2010, p.1). A comparison of air pollution through carbon monoxide emission in Saudi Arabia and North Africa in 1980, 1996 and 2009 shows that Saudi Arabia experiences a higher percentage of air pollution. The figures of carbon monoxide emissions are 3000, 11000 and 14000 metric tons in Saudi Arabia while North Africa exhibited 2000, 6000 and 4000 metric tons of carbon monoxide emissions in 1980,1996 and 2009 respectively (IEA 2001, p.1). The bar graph below shows a summary of this information.

Bar graph showing a comparison in Carbon monoxide emissions in Saudi Arabia and North Africa

Source  (IEA 2001, p.1) httpearthtrends.wri.orgpdf_librarycountry_profilescli_cou_682.pdf
On the other hand, research shows that emission of sulphur dioxide globally contributes to air pollution. A comparison of emissions of this pollutant in North America, Saudi Arabia and Africa shows that pollution by sulphur dioxide is lower than that caused by carbon monoxide. Percentage of air pollution by sulphur dioxide for the years 1980, 1996 and 2009 in North America, Africa and Saudi Arabia were 52.4, 7.5  and 6.3 of global emissions (Stern 2005, p.169). This information is tabulated below

Table showing comparison of Sulphur emissions in North America, Saudi Arabia and Africa
RegionYearPercentage of global emissions ()North America198052.4Saudi Arabia19967.5Africa20096.3Source (Stern 2000, p.169)

Recommendations
Since most of the sources of air pollution are induced by human activities which can be controlled to reduce the effects of this kind of pollution, I would recommend the following

People in Saudi Arabia should review their driving habits. This is because a big percentage of air pollution is from the emission of fumes from automobiles. Therefore people should drive less and make fewer trips with vehicles to help cut down on the car emissions. Driving less means that people should adopt alternative ways of transportation like walking or bicycle riding, ride in public transit. By so doing, air pollution by motor vehicles will be reduced.

In order to reduce indoor air pollution, it is important that people in Saudi choose air friendly products like air fresheners that are water based or have low amounts of volatile organic compounds instead of those made of smog-forming chemicals.

Outdoor air pollution can be reduced by reducing the use of chemical products which release toxic fumes or if they are used they should be tightly sealed with lids.

To reduce air pollution in factories, I recommend that air filters should be frequently changed to increase their effectiveness reducing air pollution.

Conclusion
Air pollution just like any other type of pollution is equally harmful to the health of human beings. The fact that man plays a big role in air pollution, this problem can be easily solved if people in Saudi Arabia can cooperate in practising methods of reducing air pollution.

Human Population

Census Bureau of the United States has estimated that the current world human population is about 6,818,500,000 people.  In 2009 the United Nation estimated the world human population to be around 6,800,000,000. This is an indicator that the human population is growing at a very alarming rate with an annual birth rate of approximately 134 million per year against 57 million deaths (Freeman. 1974).
The alarming increment in the number of human on earth has raised queries as to whether the planet earth is becoming over populated.  The human population is experiencing scarcity of resources due to the overpopulation.  In order to them to counter this problem they have come up with ways that have in turn threatened the ecosystem. For instance there planet earth is warming up, the air is being populated, and the levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide have risen (Freeman. 1974).

It is estimated America enjoyed a low population of less than 100 million in the years 1950s. During this period there was a series of epidemics that were believed to have been introduced by their encounter with the explorers from Europe leading high death rates.  Evidences provided by archaeologists indicated that most deaths of the current world were cause by diseases by the old world such as influenza, smallpox, and measles.  However, with time the natives developed immunity towards these diseases (Collinson. 2002).
       
The life expectancy for children increased tremendously in the 18th Century and so did the human population due to introduction of vaccines, effective medication, and improved sanitation.  As a result the United Kingdom alone is said to have doubled in every 50 years population.  India s population has since grown from 125 million in 1750s to 1.5 billion. The 20th Century recorded the highest increment in human population worldwide.  This is also attributed to increased agricultural produce and improved medical knowhow (Collinson. 2002).

Researchers have indicated that the rate of population growth has decreased except in the Middle East, Latin America and Sub-Saharan.  However some countries such as Eastern and Central Europe and experiencing negative factors as a result of decrease in population. Japan and Western Europe are said to fact similar threats in the near future as a result of change in fertility pattern. A study done by the United Nation in 2006 showed that the drop in population growth was as a result of demographic transition.  The report also indicated that should this pattern of growth remain unchanged, there might be zero rate of growth by the year 2050. Research indicates that Asia has the largest number of people of approximately 3.8 billion, which is 60 of the world human population, while Africa has 12 (Zuckerman. 1996).

Prediction
The rapid increases in human population lead Thomas Malthus to predict in 1798 that the world would run short of food supply by the mid 19th Century.  Paul R. Ehrilich, in 1968 predicted that famine would occur in 1970s and 1980s.  However various economists challenged them as various measures had been put in place to counter the foreseen problem.  For instance, the massive awareness of green revolution lead to increase in food production whose increment has been concurrent with the rapid growth of the population. Analysts have however warned that despite the increase in food production, the prices are sky rocketing making its accessibility to those who have the means, and thus a larger number of human population experiencing malnutrition (Collinson. 2002).

Green Revolution
The introduction of Green Revolution lead a 250 increase in food production for the year 1950 to 1984.  However, the green revolution being supported by fuel irrigation among other things such as pesticides and fertilizers lead to acute prices of food.  Therefore, despite the discovery saving the continent from dire famine, it has not entirely addressed the accessibility of food by the poor.  United Nation reported that as at 2005 approximately 850 million people were facing malnutrition due to lack of purchasing power of food. The high production of oil is an indicator that oil is crucial for daily survival.  Farming is now mechanized where by bio-fuel is required which has had an effect on the prices of the farm produce (Freeman. 1974).

Overpopulation
Overpopulation is said to be a serious threat for the next generation.  Generally is a state whereby there are more humans on earth than the earth can handle in terms of provision of enough resources that would make them live happily and live it a fit place for the next generation users.  However some countries provide incentives for people to increase their birth rate.  This is said to have an impact of the growth of the economy and military security. Other critics have challenged such countries saying that the world is overpopulated and that failure to control birth rate is in fact increasing death rate by default. On one hand, some politicians call for countries, especially MDCs to increase their population size to maintain their economic growth and military security. On the other hand, critics denote that one out of five people living here today is not properly supported and believe that the world is already limited in resources (Freeman. 1974).

Causes of Rapid Human Population Growth
The world has seen a rapid increase in human population due to low death rate and increased birth rates.  Above all the high skilled science and technological advancement have contributed in reduction of death rates.  These innovations lead to increment in production and supply of food, the public health sector has been able to provide clean water and sanitation as well as introduction of effective antibiotics and vaccines which have contributed to prolonging human lives.  In the past developing countries way of life was wanting.  However, there has been the processes of education and global interactions that has lead to enhancement in their standards of living, and thus longitivity of lives.  These innovations have seen discovery of treatment for diseases that once killed so many people such as measles, malaria, and flu (Zuckerman. 1996).

Food Production and Distribution
There also has been innovation in the agricultural sector, the biggest break through being genetically modified food as well as irrigation.  For instance in the United states there was an increase in production from 631 million tones to 1.65 billion tones between the years 1950 and 1984.  This is an indicator that the amount of food produce increased tremendously that can cater for increasing human population (Hutchinson. 2008).

These technologies has also allowed new breed of seeds, fertilizers and modern machinery which in turn has lead to expansion of agricultural sectors across the globe.  Studies indicate the production of food has increased by 24 in the last 10 years.  However, these expansion in food produce has not been witness evenly particularly in African Countries.    Researchers have also confirmed that there is no food shortage in the world, but equitable distribution should be considered.  There are very many people particularly in African countries that do not have sufficient cash to buy food (Collinson. 2002).  

Public Health
Survival of daily living is depended on basic needs such as safety shelter, food, and clean water. Initially inaccessibility of clean water would contribute to wiping out children from cholera. Studies indicate that in the year 1990, less than 50 of the human populations were capable of getting access to safe drinking water, however there has been in increase of accessibility of clean water to 75 afterwards.  It was forecast that the accessibility to clean and safe drinking water was to increase by 14 in the year 2000 throughout the world (Hutchinson. 2008).

Housing
Due to the rapid increase in human population, there has been the need to expand on housing. This has therefore resulted in evolution of urban centers which are highly populated.  Due to high demand in housing, accommodation has become very expensive.  As a result there has emerged high class, middle class, and low class societies.  The poor are forced to live in slums, whereby women and children are exposed to threats such as rape and exploitation. There have been strategies by various governments throughout the world to eradicate poverty in vain.  Cheap housing schemes have been designed by some governments unfortunately the number of the poor is appalling (Collinson. 2002).

Consequences
Studies have confirmed that the poorest countries have the largest number of human population.  Research has also confirmed that there is a correlation between poverty and fertility as well as high child hood mortality rate. Therefore the people who enjoy high standards of living have low fertility rates, these people also have a longer life span as opposed to the poor as well as lower infant mortality rate.  In a nutshell poverty and overpopulation are associates of increase of death and diseases.  This is because lack of adequate sanitary housing and clean drinking water lead to health issues (Freeman. 1974).

Developing countries have the highest number of human population as opposed to the developed countries.  For instance one in every five persons in the Soviet countries live below the poverty line, as opposed to one of every eight person in America. Poverty is said to have been caused by the acute increase in population after the end of the 2nd World War.  Poverty has the lead to death of mankind. Instead of allowing poverty to persist, it is important to limit our number be-cause in dense populations too many lack adequate food, water, shelter, education and employment. High fertility, which has been traditionally associated with prosperity, prestige, and security for the future, now jeopardizes chances for many to achieve health and security (Hutchinson. 2008).

Many governmental and non governmental organizations have been set up to ensure that the projected population in the coming years will be concurrent with production of food, water, heath care, technology, and education.  For instance the development countries have put in efforts to ensure that both the social and economic conditions are at par. Programmes such as World Food Programme have been designed to ensure equitable distribution of food especially in developing countries.

Strategies to Counter These Problems
Many scholars have differed as to whether the rapid growth of human population is a good thing or a bad thing.  Too many people on planet earth have lead to its gross destruction particularly the eco system.  There has been a global outcry to create awareness of the dangers of global warming.  This has lead to the many states to develop policies that prohibit destruction of the earth.  Children are now being taught at an early age about the advantages of reserving the forests and rivers (Hutchinson. 2008).

The communities are now being taught to plan their families as well as spacing them.  Family control facilities are being distributed at no cost.  Women are also empowered through education to control their fertility rate.  Some governments have also come up with free health care in order to curb the problem of child death due to treatable diseases.

Exaggerated Global Warming

Global warming is worldwidely experienced climatic phenomenon but the question is, is it really that serious Global warming has been a major issue as a result of industrialization as well as human progress since the past few decades. The cry to bring global warming to an end has been carried on by private in addition to international organizations since the initiative was first put forward. Global warming occurs as a result of devastating factors that negatively affect the climate. There are numerous sources that give details about the causes and effects of global warming. Each and every living organism has been negatively affected by the current global warming. This paper will evaluate various sources in order to demonstrate the dangers of global warming.

Introduction
Gupta asserts that global warming is primarily a change in the climatic conditions of the earth (p, 4). These climatic conditions differ as a result of various reasons both internal and external. Changes to climatic conditions and thus global warming can occur as a result of natural, for example volcanic emissions and solar activity, or man-made circumstances, such as deforestation. The issue concerning global warming in the United States has in the past few years generated heated debates in the political arena. The former U.S. Vice President, Al Gore, an anti-global warming crusader, through the U.S. National Assessment of Global Warming as pointed out by Harmon, convinced a lot of people that global warming manifest an evident and current danger to the United States (p, 29). However, Al Gores report was termed as a misrepresentation claiming that it portrayed deliberate scientific deceit for the purpose of political agenda (Johnston para, 7). Many people, according to Johnston, claim that Al Gore failed the movement for climatic change and that his negligence resulted in an irreplaceable harm to the climate (para, 8). All in all Al Gore notes that global warming is an overwhelming danger currently facing the United States and the world at large. Gore asserts that left uncontrolled, global warming will tremendously affect the future of humankind (Harmon p, 36).

Exaggerated Global Warming
Global warming occurs as a result of a combination of numerous factors. The solar variation theory, according to DSilva, states that the suns energy has been increasing day by day over the past sixty or so years (para, 1). This theory states that the sun may now be acting as a major cause of global warming.  Studies, as illustrated by DSilva, have revealed that the amount of sunspots in a particular area directly affects the amount of time taken by the nearby earth to cool (para, 1). The sun acts as the main source of energy to the earth. The earth takes in a very large percent of the earths solar flax. As a result of this flax, the earth, land, and oceans atmospheric temperatures increase drastically (Sinha p, 89). Orbital forcing, as Sinha states, is the other factor believed to be a natural cause of global warming (p, 90). The slow tilting of the axis of the earth is also believed to have some negative effects on the climate. This tilting causes the sun to be positioned at different angles than normal, thereby causing it to hit the icebergs. The most significant cause of global warming is the greenhouse effect (Sinha p, 91). Green house effect is the increase in earths surface temperature as a result of infrared radiation from the atmosphere. Green house effect has led to an in crease in the atmospheric temperature by about 24. Increase in carbon dioxide is the main factor that results in greenhouse effect (Gupta p, 8). Methane is the other gas that is linked to global warming. The other factor that may lead to global warming is solar variations these are the changes that occur in the quantity of radiant energy emitted by the sun. Rapid industrialization is the other factor, in addition to natural causes, that result in an increase in global warming presently. Global warming is believed to have first been experienced about 8,000 years ago with the start of agriculture (Maslin p, 40). Forests were cleared, a factor that increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Industrialization is believed to increase the release of gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, which lead to global warming to the atmosphere. Forests are cleared in order to establish industries. Cutting down of trees results in an increase in the amount of carbon in the atmosphere as trees contain a very high quantity of carbon. Burning of fuel fossils is the other humankind activity that increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the air and, thus an increase in global warming.  Over the past two decades the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that results in global warming has increased by about 80 (DSilva para, 5).

Although global warming is believed to cause numerous negative environmental effects, it is hard to link specific conditions to global warming. It is also hard to tell whether the link between the global warming and the tremendous global effects attributed to it are true. The former vice president of the United States, Al Gore, was highly criticized for publishing work that many claimed over exaggerated the effects of global warming for political gains (Harmon p, 41). However, the effects of global warming are dangerous and real. The two major effects of global warming are increase in the atmospheric temperature by approximately 3 to 5 C, and the rise of sea level by about 25 meters (Roleff p, 54). Increase in global temperatures result in a wide range of changes including rise in sea levels as a result of thermal expansion of the ocean, along with melting of the land ice. The numbers as well as the patterns of climatic phenomenon predictions are changing at a very high rate as a result of global warming (Maslin p, 45). The total power of hurricanes has increased as a result of global warming this is due to the increase in their average intensity and duration. Extreme changes in temperature and patterns of prediction increase the frequency, duration, and magnitude of other climatic events such as floods, tornadoes, heat waves as well as draughts (Roleff p, 68). Hurricanes as well as other storms are likely to become more and more intense if the current rate of global warming is not checked (Gupta p, 16). Global warming leads to a drastic reduction in agricultural production. It also leads to glacial retreat, lesser summer street flows, and extinction of certain species. Some species are moving from regions experiencing adverse effects of global warming to cooler regions.

This if left unchecked will result in tremendous changes in the ecosystems. Global warming is also believed to cause diseases, which had been eradicated in certain places, to return with severe consequences (Schneider p, 57). On average, precipitation has increased across the world. Schneider notes that the amount of fresh water drastically reduces with increase in global warming (p, 75). This leaves a lot of people as well as animals which rely on it for drinking water and power production without a source. Scientists predict that heat waves, hot extremes in addition to heavy precipitation will become a common phenomenon (Roleff p, 51). Scientists argue that the sea will become more acidic as a result of taking up more carbon dioxide (Schneider p, 79). Global warming, as asserted by Kriengsak, causes devastating economic effects to the U.S. as well as the whole world (para, 1).

Kriengsak argues that tornadoes and hurricanes in addition to other storms result in bullions of dollars in damage, disease and control of conflicts that may arise (para, 4). Global warming, according to Roleff, is also believed to be the major cause of extreme cold weather that has recently afflicted the eastern and southern regions of the United States (p, 87). This is believed to be as a result of movement of cold polar air masses to the southern regions. Global warming is also attributed to heavy snow falls. This is due to the fact that higher temperatures results in more evaporation of water in addition to higher humidity content in the atmosphere, and therefore to heavier snows incase the warm, humid air comes across cold air masses moving to the southern regions from the polar regions. The real exaggeration of global warming as a result of man-made related factors must be somehow greater than a factor of two, due to the fact that most of the rise in atmospheric temperature occurred before 1940, but carbon dioxide in addition to other green house gases entered the atmosphere after 1940 (Maslin p, 65). This may lead to a conclusion that the effect of green house can only be accountable for only a few proportions of the observed rise in temperature.  Exaggeration of global warming for the last few years, as argued by Maslin, is important as it acts as a resource of the forecasts of a devastating global warming in the next century (p, 112).

Conclusion
It can therefore be concluded that global warming, which is primarily a change in the climatic conditions of the earth, is a real danger to not only the united states, but also to the rest of the world. Private as well as international organizations have been in the forefront in the fight against global warming. The former vice president of the U.S, Al Gore, though was highly criticized, clearly illustrated the effects of global warming to humankind. The two major effects of global warming are increase in the atmospheric temperature by approximately 3 to 5 C, and the rise of sea level by about 25 meters. Global warming has also resulted in an increase in the total power of hurricanes due to the increase in their average intensity and duration. Global warming leads to a drastic reduction in agricultural production. Global warming causes devastating economic effects to the U.S. as well as the whole world. It also leads to glacial retreat, lesser summer street flows, and extinction of certain species.

A REPORT ON THE NECESSARY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR A FEASIBLE PROJECT IN BOCO ROCK WIND FARM

Whenever project decisions are made, one of the most critical questions considered is the financial impact. In most cases, where the project flows from a more developed standpoint to one that is lesser developed, there are certain advantages that such a project enjoys. However, there are certain risks as well, which the stakeholders need to be aware of. The task of this report is to analyze the environmental implications that may accrue from the decision by the Wind Prospect CWP Pty Ltd in carrying out the project in Boco Rock Wind Farm. This report should help the directors to determine whether the project is really favorable for environment or not. This report takes into account political, social, economic, as well as technological factors that have environmental consequences on the stakeholders. This is done in consideration of Environmental and Planning Assessment Act 1979 and of course other fundamental environmental policies.

Executive Summary
Bock Rock Wind Farm had proposed development initiatives in a bid to come up with mechanisms to produce electricity from wind energy. The Environmental Assessment provided the modalities and logistics that would be used to implement the project, and mainly it advised on the potential impacts that would occur to the existing environment and community. All along, the project prioritized the proposed measures that would enable it to control potential adverse effects. In order to be more objective in its decision making, the opinion of the public was also considered. It is noted that the project was released to the public for their review and scrutiny. For instance, it was availed at Bombala and Cooma-Manaro council offices. This was a good move since it was a good way to capture the feelings of the people about the whole thing. Any project should be community friendly and one cannot establish this unless one seeks the communities opinion. Their decision to carry out consultations in order to point out issues that were not agreeable to public and other stakeholders was very important as it would add value and confidence to the project.

This report has a number of objectives and it aims to among other things to analyze the Environmental Impact Assessment and how it would be useful in the mitigation of the potential impacts from the operations of the project it pinpoints the fundamental consequences and predicts their magnitude it outlines the best measures to be observed in order to mitigate the adverse impacts it establishes a harmonic connection between the propagators of the project and the stakeholders overall, it provides a template that supervises and oversees the environmental management program proposed.

Introduction
Whenever a company considers carrying out a project of whatever kind, it is important for it to consider the potential hazards attached to it. Normally, most companies will consider the financial risks especially, in the quest to minimize losses. It is the hope of all companies that they will make lucrative deals out of the project. Looking at the trends in the modern world today, companies are changing their assessment procedures that is they not only consider the financial risks but also the socio-political impacts the project might have, not forgetting the environment. It is not within the companys mandate to consider the environmental implications of its project, as such, it is a statutory requirement. A right thinking government today has put stern regulations geared towards the protection of environment.

The decision by the Wind Prospect CWP Pty Ltd to establish itself within the prescribed environmental statutes says a lot. It is worth noting that this move comes at very critical moment when environment has become a serious reality. Indeed, there is a lot that the company needed to consider before initiating the project. Boco Rock Wind Farm project had great potential to being an enemy to the environment. In this regard, there are a number of environment related issues that should have been put into consideration by the management of the company when it deliberated on the dynamics of this project. This is because a decision of such magnitude could have serious environment consequences to the stakeholders if not carefully examined.  This report considers the environmental impact and concerns that arise out of the decision by the company to carry out the project at Boco Rock Wind Farm. Various aspects of environmental implications such as biophysical and socio-economic, as well as purchasing power parity will be considered.

The Report Procedure
Its main focus is based on the assessment of the environmental impact that would result from Air quality  Noise and Vibration. This analysis shall take into account the prescription spelled out in the Environmental Impact Assessment. The framework within which this assessment will take place is characterized by the following precision and dependability in regard to impact identification and also in relation to its significant magnitude in addition, a feasibility study will be conducted in ensuring that the control mechanisms are adequate enough to mitigate potential adverse environmental impacts. More importantly, the biophysical aspect, socio-economic aspect and culturalheritage aspect, will also be considered.

Bock Rock Wind Farm Project
The project aimed at establishing a long-term project that would generate electricity. More specifically, it aimed at creating over one hundred and twenty five turbines and ancillary structures. This would take place on Monaro Plains which was a high altitude plateau. The importance of the erected wind turbines were meant to produce electricity from wind energy.

The scope of Wind Prospect Group was far-reaching. It has been noted that it had initiated similar projects, particularly in renewable energy in states like Australia, New Zealand, and USA among others. Notably, it has been in service for 18 years.

The proposed Project development would establish over one hundred and twenty five wind turbines constituted of an on-site electrical cable network and an on-site collector substation. In addition, it would access tracks hardstand areas which stretched up to four wind monitoring masts and significant site signs would be hoisted. In the end, the project would also see an installation capacity of about two hundred and seventy Mega Watts but on condition of the model of turbine selected. The wind farm would have its operations controlled by use of remote computer control, local operations as well as the maintenance staff.

The proponent would settle for a final turbine selection by placing tenders prior to the Development approval.The turbines that were utilized for the project were three-blades, with fifty percent variable speed as well as pitch controlled machines which had the rotor and nacelle escalated on a decreasing cylindrical steel tower. The height of the turbine was approximated to be one hundred and fifty tow meters from the ground to the tip of the blades which had a height of between 80 and 101.5 meters as well as blades with lengths between 44 and 52 meters. The wind turbines that were to be utilized in this project had a number of variations in that the generation capacity varied between 1.8 and 3.3 Mega Watts. On average, turbines of this degree start to generate electricity at wind speeds around 4 meters per second and go off when wind speeds rise above twenty five meters per second. Normally, the shutting down when the wind speed is very high is a good control since it ensures safety or better still, the shutting down meant for safety reasons.( See figure below).  

Fig. 1
Again, about four stable wind monitoring masts of around one hundred meters in length would also be installed. In this light, the masts were meant to monitor the performance of the wind turbines as well as provide necessary information that would be useful in determining the progress of the activity. The wind monitoring masts consisted of guyed narrow lattice and tabular steel design. It was noted that the electricity generated by every wind turbine generator would be converted to thirty three Kilovolts through a transformer situated either at within or adjacent each turbine. The electrical cables that went underground run at the depth of about 0.8 to 1 meter underneath the ground surface. This was meant to conduct the electricity that emanated from the wind turbines to the collector substation.

It was approximated that the collector substation would require one hectare of land as well as include a grid connection infrastructure and buildings, at least on average. The significance of the selected location would ensure that the visual impact of the wind farm would be minimal especially through the sitting of the collector a distance from regularly used public roads located at the Sherwins Ranges hills. In fact, this would ensure that the potential visual impact that would result from the Projects internal electrical infrastructure was kept to the minimum. It was imperative to establish a new transmission mechanism which would be connected to the existing electricity grid. Above all, this would harness the energy generated by the project. This requirement could not be met until the following consideration a new double-circuit of one hundred and thirty two kilovolts overhead transmission line needed to be constructed.  In addition, this would connect the Project with another two established Country Energy lines situated at about twenty five kilometers east side of the collector substation. The good news was that the proposed transmission line would belong to Country Energys network and as a result the Country Energy would be the sole proprietor and operator of the new transmission line infrastructure.

Validation of the Project
Evidently, it has been acknowledged globally on the necessity in mitigating the environmental effects linked to fossil fuel energy production. This acknowledgement is evident in international, national and state wide commitments promoting the progressive development of less-hazardous energy projects. Notably, the Australian Government approved the Kyoto Protocol which resulted to the cutting of greenhouse gas emissions to one hundred and eight percent compared to the levels they were in 1990. This turning point decision would see Australias position grow in the realm of climate change in the international arena. Through a legislation process, the Renewable Energy Target was reinstated. It aimed at ensuring that twenty percent of electricity in Australia was produced from renewable resources come the year 2020. The cheapest mode of generation would be Wind energy as it was of low cost, potentially renewable and could be implemented to achieve a significant portion of this target. The project posed a great advantage and feasibility in the quest to increase the local as well as global need for renewable and recyclable projects. Besides, the project acted as solution in tackling the issues of Global Warming and Climate Change. Notably, it would contribute about 1.75 percent of new renewable production in a bid to attain the projected Australian target.

Environmental Impact Assessment
An environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a fundamental instrument for identifying the environmental, social, and economic impact of a project prior to its implementation. It can anticipate potential damage and as a result provide necessary mitigation mechanisms. The managers of Bock Rock Wind Farm Project ought to be aware of EIA requirements.

It aims to anticipate the environmental, social and economic impacts at an early stage in project planning and design. It advises on the procedures that can be established to reduce possible adverse impacts, shape projects to match the local environment and recommend suitable options to decision-makers. It identifies and evaluated suitable the beneficial as well as the adverse impacts, the most environmentally suitable, cost effective and practical option together with the alternatives. Furthermore, it should provide recommendations for mitigation of negative consequences, monitoring and auditing project implementation.

Impact Identification
In a bid to point out the potential environmental impacts of the project, wide consultations took place between the proponent and other stakeholders. A number of procedures were established that served as mitigation templates in case of adverse impacts. These consultations were included in the environmental assessment so as to develop most favorable wind farms design that would balance environmental, social, economic and cultural needs.

It was noted that there was a possibility of potential visual effects linked to the wind farm, as well as glinting. However, it was believed that relatively rare and shadow flicker effects would not likely be a major issue for any of the local dwellings due to the careful development of the turbine layout. In addition, the project posed a number of visual influence.

Hearing is used relentlessly for communication and in the responsiveness of the environment. Noise is generally undesired sound and, to some degree, what one individual regards as noise may not be noise to another individual. In this regard, it was noted that the inimitable acoustic emissions from wind turbines was a potential danger to the surrounding communities.

Biobanking procedures and assessment were used in Vegetation mapping flora quadrats assessment. In this regard, it was established that the project operations did not support seven threatened fauna species and one endangered ecological community. In addition, habitat was also endangered together with flora species although this was not well documented.

The following were the purportedly threatened species and endangered ecological communities recorded on site Natural Temperate Grassland Grassland Earless Dragon Little Whip Snake Diamond Firetail Eastern False Pipistrelle Eastern Bentwing Bat and oceanensis Squirrel Glider. One migratory species, the White bellied Sea Eagle was also recorded within the Project site, along the McLaughlin River.

Notably, the Aboriginal people lived in the Cooma Monaro district and its environs for at least 21,000 years.  During this time, there was recurrent utilization of the high country, with migration happening largely during summer in a bid to attend inter tribal ceremonies, which took place in the project site.
As per the assessment report it was determined that the archaeological resource in the Project site did not interfere with the Aboriginal cultural heritage standards and guidelines kit. However, the establishment of the Project would amount to grave physical impacts to the Aboriginal objects that might be directly situated within impact areas in spite of their archaeological significance. Indeed, any Aboriginal object directly located within the vicinity of impact would be comprehensively disturbed, andor destroyed during construction.

It was predicted that Ground disturbance during the construction phase of the project had the potential to cause straight consequences to any Aboriginal objects or Non Indigenous items which were present on site. Aboriginal objects in form of stone artifacts were expected to expand in a relatively continuous, although the low density allocation across the broader landscape encompassed by the Project. In general, the foreseen impacts were predicted to be distinct in nature given that the footprint of construction activities were relatively small and, for this reason, effects to the archaeological resource across the landscape would not have significant consequences.

According to the assessment it was hoped that the addition of 240 vehicles per day would adversely impact on the existing road users, more so, on the minor and unsealed roads, for about two years until the completion of the construction of the project. Furthermore, major impacts were anticipated to take place during the construction period, while on the other hand, minor impacts were also anticipated during the operational phase.

The large structure, including wind turbines, which occurred within or close to the signal path, was a potential interference. In particular, this interference could affect the signals as well as degrade their performance.  In addition, the electromagnetic emissions that proceeded from the generators and other machinery also had the potential to interfere with the signals.  Nonetheless, the modern turbine generators and strict International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) regulations for manufacturers, ensured that there would be no negligible emissions from wind turbine.

There were several links and omnidirectional services which took place across and next to the Project. Considering the layout of the Project, the predicted impacts were expected to be minimal. The chances were that television interference would be experienced by some landowners in the area.
It was purported there would be minimal effects to the surrounding groundwater  as well as the surface water given that the Project would be sourcing its water from an existing on site dam. Again, it was hoped that there would be limited activities within these areas and effective mitigation actions and management. However, potential impacts were likely to take place especially due to the construction activities. However the Soil and Water Management Plan strategy ensured that all alleged adverse effects were within controllable measures.

Impact Assessment
According to LVIA, each of the seven Landscape Character Areas within the Project viewshed had a Medium sensitivity to allow change, and represented a landscape that is reasonably typical of other landscape types found in surrounding areas of the Monaro, as well as landscapes within the wider regional context of the NSW Southern Tablelands. In addition, it established that the Project was likely to be an suitable and satisfactory development within the viewshed, which in a wider view consisted of built elements such as roads, agricultural industry, aircraft landing strips, communication and transmitter towers and power lines. In general, the cumulative visual effect of the Project in combination was anticipated to have low visual impact. In this regard, it was considered that the Project was well suited to the scale of the landscape furthermore it was not likely to occasion unacceptable cumulative visual influence.

According to surveys which targeted a number of local populations within the Southern Tablelands, suggested about eight nine percent of respondents were in favor of wind farms being developed in the Southern Tablelands, while on the other hand, seventy one percent of respondents expressed support of the development of a wind farm within one kilometer from their residential dwelling. This result was closely reflected in the responses gathered by the Project Proponent from a Public Opinion Survey and online survey which recorded 72  of respondents approving of wind being used to generate renewable energy.

Wind turbine noise had been predicted and assessed against relevant criteria prescribed by the SA EPA Guideline and World Health Organization (WHO) goals where appropriate. Layout Option 1 (125 WTGs), equipped with REpower MM92, 92.5 m rotor diameter, 100 m hub height, 2.05 MW turbines was predicted to comply to all relevant noise criteria, SA EPA Guideline and WHO limits, at all respective receivers. Layout Option 2 (107 WTGs), equipped with Siemens SWT 2.3 101, 101 m rotor diameter, 100 m hub height, 2.3 MW turbines was also predicted to comply with all relevant noise criteria, SA EPA Guideline and WHO limits, at all respective receivers.

An assessment had been carried out to the Construction noise impact, blasting impact and vibrations levels. In this regard, the worst case scenarios were considered to be quite acceptable. Furthermore, another assessment had been conducted regarding the Construction traffic noise impact and it was noted that the maximum construction traffic generated scenario would augment the present traffic noise levels along local roads by about three to seven dBAt.

In order to minimize traffic impacts reduce community disruption and the risk of traffic incidents a range on management and mitigation strategies had been proposed during the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the Project. In turn this would facilitate minimum disruption to existing traffic conditions. It was noted that there were no aerodromes within or in the vicinity of the Project Study area, so there were no concerns with regard to the Project impacting on OLS and PANS OPS of airfields. However, part of the regulations proposed included lighting requirements for tall structures. The Ambidji Group conducted an independent Aeronautical Impact Assessment and Obstacle Lighting Review, which established that the Project did not have any operational justification for the provision of obstacle lighting, and therefore would not require any turbines to have hazard lighting.

Environmental Safeguards and management
A number of amendments had been made to the proposed layout in order to reduce and avoid impacts on the ecological values of the site. Given the extensive areas of NTG across the site area, particularly across the Sherwins Range, and the requirement for turbines to be placed on ridge tops, the opportunities to avoid all impacts on NTG were limited. However, it was not possible to completely prevent placing turbines in areas supporting woodland as that would impact upon the Projects feasibility,

The avoidance measures that would or had been implemented to minimize impacts on the ecological integrity of the site as well as maintaining the engineering and economic feasibility of the wind farm were summarized as follows access roads had been designed to follow current tracks and roads present within the study area where possible to minimize additional vegetation clearance for access electrical cables would be placed underground and within the road footprint where possible to allow for temporary rather than permanent disturbance and electrical cables would pass overhead across significant gullies and waterways to reduce impacts. NTG was present across much of the western portion of the site. Whilst it was not possible to avoid areas of NTG completely, the following had been undertaken to minimize and avoid impacts on this community  Road layouts had been placed outside areas of NTG so as to minimize fragmentation of NTG where feasible Potential locations for concrete batching plants had been sited in disturbed and sown areas to avoid further impacts on NTG and Temporary construction facilities would be located in disturbed areas and within the current development envelope wherever it was possible.

Recommendations
On the basis of the reported findings, this report further recommended that the company goes ahead with the proposed development of Boco Rock Wind Farm. This is because, after a thorough environmental analysis of the situation in this project, it was found favorable to take place.
A significant amount of funds was set aside for the purposes of realizing the projects objectives especially in the maintenance of an environment friendly atmosphere. A constant observation should be made to ensure that all the mechanisms put in place to regulate environment hazards. This is especially crucial considering the potential impacts the project has to the environment. Even if the predictions made it look like a good activity, the stakeholders should have never took it fro granted. Indeed, the project potentially posed adverse environmental hazards therefore, there ought to have been concrete indications of what the Company intended to do when confronted with spontaneous environmental hazards. The report did not indicate what they would do to solve such adverse effects.
Again, a feasibility study ought to have been conducted to further establish the political, social, as well as legal situations in the surrounding neighborhood, and their implications on the financial returns of the company.

Conclusion
The need for this report arose out of the decision by the management of Wind Prospect CWP Pty Limited, to carry out the project at Bock Rock Wind Farm. The aim was to establish whether such a proposed project would generate adverse environment hazards both to the stakeholders. This report has established that the company is very well advised to consider such a move.

FOSSIL FUELS

Fossil fuels belong to non-renewable sources of energy that are accountable for giving the energy required around the world for many families and industrial facilities like electrical generators and others. Deposits of these kinds are generally found deep within the earth surface which is often needed to be mined. Fossil fuels are also rich in carbon remains of prehistoric civilization and other creature that have lasted in severe heat and pressure deep within the earth over millions of years. Researchers said that there are three types of fossil fuels which can be utilized for energy consumption such as natural gas, oil and coal.

Natural gas is a gas that consisted primarily of methane (CH4) substance. It is in the form of gaseous fossil fuels that are very flexible, plentiful and comparatively clean compared to oil and coal. It is also created and formed from the remains of marine microorganisms such as plankton and other type of small water creatures like algae. However, compared to the other types of fossil fuel, it is relatively a new kind of energy supply.

In 1999 more coals are used than natural gas since people were scared that like oil, the supplies of natural gas will run out. For example, developed countries like United States, Japan and others have overtaken the consumption of coal than natural gas (Miller 1999). Moreover, some researchers forecasted that the supply of natural gas will run out by the end of 21st century. Since it is primarily consists of methane, the gas is highly compacted in a small volumes at huge depths of the earth. In terms of getting this kind of fossil fuel, it needs to be conveyed to the surface by drilling. Moreover, in terms of supply, it reserves are can be seen around the globe since it were evenly distributed unlike oil.

On the other hand, oil is a liquid type of fossil fuel that is created and formed from the remains of marine organisms just like natural gas. The process is so complex that after millions of generations, the deposits will end up in a sediment and rock where oil is ensnared in small holes. Just like the natural gas, it needs to be conveyed by drilling in able to get the residue (commonly called as crude oil). Today, this kind of fossil fuel is widely used type of non-renewable sources of energy (Miller 1999). Crude oil contains various types of organic components which are brought to refining establishment to further transform the product in a more refined residue. Many types of industries including cars, jets, electricity, roads and many others utilize this kind of fossil fuel. However, oil is a kind of non-renewable sources of energy which cannot be found everywhere on earth. Thus, various events like wars resulted in shortage of search of kind of fossil fuel just like what happened in the Gulf War in 1991.

Lastly, coal is a solid kind of fossil fuel that was created and formed over millions of generations by decomposes remains of land vegetation. This is formed when layers are compressed and heated over time. The results are natural deposits that are eventually turned into coal. In comparison with the two types of fossil fuel, coal is more abundant in supplies. However, some researchers forecasted that the use of coal around the world will heighten as oil supplies become inadequate. They predicted that current supplies of the coal in the world will last for at least 200 years or more. In the recent study conducted by various researchers, they found out that the use of coal was doubled in the middle of 20th century. However, at the start of 1996, there is a decline in the use of coal (McKinney and Schoch 2003). Many developing countries were the primary consumer of this kind of non-renewable sources of energy since they cannot afford the high price of natural gas and oil.

Traditionally, these three kinds of fossil fuels were in abundant supply that was simple to have and transport. But now, signals are showing that these supplies are beginning to be depleted. It is a fact that it needs millions of years before these fuels will be replenished.  Then one may ask, Why are we still using fossil fuel in huge amount Thus, the answer is very simple and easy to explain.  Fossil fuels are cheaper than any kind of reasonable alternative energy that human known. Compare to renewable energy like wave, wind and solar energy, they need large amount of money in able to obtain them. However, many scientists have already forecasted that fossil fuel will increase in price because of scarcity. Therefore this may lead to an eventual transfer from non-renewable to renewable sources of energy in the coming years.