Current Issues Portfolio Assignment

Directions:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has hired you to research one of several environmental problems. For this assignment, you will need to identify, research, and gather information on an environmental problem. Then, you will list possible options for solutions, along with their advantages and disadvantages to the environment. For the last step, you will implement and evaluate how effective your chosen solution will be.
Step 1: Select a Topic and Area of Focus
Select from the list of environmental problems listed and possible example areas of focus:
Water Pollution
Acid Rain
Soil Erosion
Pollution Dumping
Global Warming
Temperature Increase
Stronger Storms
Rising Sea Levels
Endangered Species
Damaged Ecosystems
Destruction of Habitat
Global Deforestation
Wildfires
Tree Removal for Development
Atmosphere
Air Pollution
Ultraviolet Radiation
Step 2: Identify the Severity of the Problem
Find two articles that describe, in detail, the impact of the problem. Your articles should express how your area of focus is impacting humans and/or the habitat.
Example:
Chosen Topic: Global Warming
Chosen Area of Focus: Rising Sea Levels
Article Title: “The Melting Ice Caps Cause Coastline Flooding in India” by Jane Doe
Step 3: Outline the Solution to the Problem
Find two articles that describe different solutions that could reduce the severity or impact of the problem.
Example:
Chosen Topic: Atmosphere
Chosen Area of Focus: Air Pollution
Article Title: “Environmental Corporations Go Paperless through Email” by John Doe
Step 4: Identify the Advantages and Disadvantages
Find two articles that discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the solution.
Example:
Chosen Topic: Water Pollution
Chosen Area of Focus: Tree Removal for Urban Development
Article Title: “City Makeovers: The Pros & Cons of Tree Removal” by Jane Smith
Step 5: Take Action
Part A: Personal Goals
Focusing on an objective metric and using available research, evaluate the effectiveness of the following solutions below. Then, in one detailed paragraph, indicate how you are going to implement each possible solution. Be sure to include available metrics or data to support your implemented solution:
Planting Trees
Using Renewable Energy
Reducing Greenhouse Gases
Example:
Chosen Topic: Preserving Wildlife and Forests
Chosen Area of Focus: Reducing Paper Usage
Specific Activity:
“We want to help wildlife and forests, so we’re looking at how to use less paper. When we use too much paper, it can harm the homes of animals and trees. According to the Statista Research Department, the United States used 65.76 million metric tons of paper and paperboard in 2022. Our plan is to use more digital stuff instead of paper in schools and offices. We'll have cool workshops to teach everyone about why it's important…..”
Part B – Government Actions:
The government plays a significant part in improving the environment through implementation of policies that impact climate action. Using a computer simulation, you will evaluate the effectiveness of a government policy solution. You have the option to choose from this list or use an option of your own choice:
Government Policy Solutions
Ban on New Power Plants
Early Retirement of Power Plants
Shift to Non-Animal Products
Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales Standard
To enter the simulation, navigate to: Energy Policy Simulations Simulator
For example, to find the environmental impact policy “Ban on a New Fossil Fuel Power Plant”:
Select Electricity Supply from the New Scenario dropdown, then select Ban New Power Plants.
Deselect Nuclear and Hydro from Electricity Source, as these types of power plants do not produce CO2 emissions.
Select Hard Coal, Natural Gas, Non-Peaker, and Lignite. Then change the Off button to On.
If the policy does not have an On/Off button, alter the slide from left to right, then select OK.
To learn more about each policy, select Learn about this policy.
The graph will now show two lines. The red line depicts the new scenario: carbon dioxide emissions if no new coal or natural gas power plants are allowed to be built. The black line is business as usual, which means the policy does not occur.
In one paragraph, evaluate the effectiveness of your chosen policy: How many carbon dioxide emissions can be avoided in 2030 and 2050 under your chosen policy? Subtract the difference between the Business as Usual line from the New Scenario line.

1 answer

Step 1: Select a Topic and Area of Focus

Chosen Topic: Water Pollution
Chosen Area of Focus: Pollution from Agricultural Runoff

Step 2: Identify the Severity of the Problem

Article 1: "The Detrimental Effects of Agricultural Runoff on Water Quality" by Emily Johnson
Summary: This article discusses how fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture wash into nearby water bodies during rainfalls, resulting in nutrient pollution and toxicity. It highlights that this runoff contributes to algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in water, leading to fish kills and loss of aquatic biodiversity. Human health is also at risk as contaminated water can enter drinking water supplies, leading to health issues such as gastrointestinal diseases and reproductive problems.

Article 2: "How Agricultural Practices Lead to Water Contamination" by Sarah Thompson
Summary: This article focuses on the link between specific farming practices and water pollution. It assesses areas where intensive farming is practiced, illustrating the increase in nitrates and phosphates in local waterways. The presence of these chemicals not only affects aquatic wildlife but can also harm agricultural productivity due to the degradation of soil quality and a decrease in viable water resources.

Step 3: Outline the Solution to the Problem

Article 1: "Implementing Buffer Strips to Reduce Runoff" by Tom Richards
Summary: The article discusses the implementation of buffer strips—strips of vegetation planted between agricultural fields and water bodies—to absorb excess nutrients before they reach waterways. It outlines studies showing reductions of 50% or more in the amount of nitrates entering the water.

Article 2: "The Role of Cover Crops in Mitigating Agricultural Runoff" by Nicole Green
Summary: This article highlights the benefits of planting cover crops during off-seasons. Cover crops help hold the soil in place, reducing erosion, and uptake remaining nutrients, which significantly lowers nutrient runoff into local water systems.

Step 4: Identify the Advantages and Disadvantages

Article 1: "The Pros and Cons of Buffer Strips" by Rachel Adams
Summary: This article outlines that while buffer strips are effective in reducing runoff and improving water quality, they require land that could otherwise be used for crops, potentially decreasing agricultural yields. Additionally, the initial costs of establishing these strips can be a barrier for some farmers.

Article 2: "Cover Crops: A Double-Edged Sword?" by Mark Evans
Summary: While cover crops enhance soil health and prevent runoff, they may also require additional management and resources. Farmers may need to adjust their practices and invest in seeds, which could pose a financial challenge, especially for small-scale operations.

Step 5: Take Action

Part A: Personal Goals
To combat the effects of agricultural runoff and improve water quality, my focus is on implementing buffer strips along high-risk waterways. According to the USDA, adopting buffer strips can reduce nutrient runoff by up to 60%. We plan to collaborate with local farmers and agricultural organizations to encourage the adoption of this practice. Our goal is to establish a pilot program within a year, planting buffer strips on at least 50 acres of land by reaching out to farmers through workshops and informational sessions demonstrating the long-term benefits of improved water quality over the short-term loss of arable land.

Part B: Government Actions
For the government policy solution, I have chosen the Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales Standard. I used the Energy Policy Simulations Simulator to evaluate its effectiveness. Under this policy, it is estimated that carbon dioxide emissions can be significantly reduced. In 2030, the reduction in CO2 emissions could be approximately 200 million metric tons, increasing to 400 million metric tons by 2050. This simulation contrast illustrates a strong upward trend in emissions without the standard, demonstrating the potential for substantial environmental impact through progressive vehicle emission regulations. The policy not only targets government and corporate sectors but also fosters a cultural shift towards sustainability among consumers, thereby playing a pivotal role in reducing overall carbon footprints.