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  • The Effects of Global Warming (Sample Essay)

    Abstract

    Global warming is a dangerous phenomenon that has been aggravated by human activity. The environment, as a result, has changed for the worse. The effects of this phenomenon are global and affect everyone regardless of geographical location. Below are some highlights about the devastating effects of global warming and, in some instances, their root causes are discussed in brief detail.

    The Effects of Global Warming

    Global warming is an international disaster. Its effects and control have dominated virtually all facets of modern human life. It is not uncommon to find even groceries listing themselves as being “eco-friendly” in a bid to attract environmentally conscious customers. The effects of global warming are not just about blowing hot air in the pursuit of delivering chilling information. This phenomenon has devastating consequences for all, regardless of geographical location. One of the most commonly known effects is the heating up of the atmosphere. Scientists have shown that there is a direct correlation between the increase in carbon dioxide levels and an increase in the earth’s temperature. As a result, the warmest years since 1992 have been experienced in recent years (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC], 2007).

    This heating up has caused the melting of the ice caps at the poles (Gore, 2006). This has several effects on the earth. First, it causes the rise of the ocean level. Glacial melting would contribute to about 230 feet rise in the ocean level if it were to happen at once (National Climatic Data Center [NCDC], 2008). Sea levels have risen by an average of 1.88mm per year since 1961 but have increased to 3.1mm per year from 1993. These figures seem small, but if the ocean rises by just 3 feet, lower Manhattan could be submerged, and sections of Miami would be lost. In Bangladesh and India, close to 23 million people live within this elevation of three feet (IPCC, 2007). That level of population displacement and loss of property would have serious economic and social effects.

    It is not just the loss of land; effects on biodiversity should also be considered. Data shows that melting glaciers change water’s chemical composition and temperature in the areas served by the Gulf current (IPCC, 2007). This means that sea life that cannot adapt to the new water conditions will have to either migrate or die. Coral life, for example, will be wiped out if the temperature and height of water change. In addition, mammals such as the polar bear and penguins will die out because their icy habitat is shrinking, and already their numbers are on the decline (National Geographic, 2012).

    The third effect of melting ice caps is the increase in greenhouse levels (Gore, 2008, p. 8). Science proves that there is a considerable amount of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases trapped in ice bodies around the world (Phys.org, 2012). As these bodies melt, they release these gases into the atmosphere, which, in turn, increases the rate of global warming. Additionally, these ice bodies contribute to what is referred to as the albedo effect (Ashton, Tyrell, Spalding, & Gentry, 2012, p. 130). They use this to refer to the reflectivity of a geographical feature directly. Ice bodies reflect back more sunlight, thus contributing to the cooling effect of the earth. As they melt, instead of reflective ice, there occurs dark, heat-absorbing water masses. This also increases the temperature of the earth. Both of these effects compound the global warming problem.

    Apart from increasing temperature, there is the oxymoron of global warming causing temperature plunges. It may sound off to blame global warming for this effect, but it does. Cold waves are “an unusually large and rapid drop in temperature over a short period of time” (Merriam-Webster, 2012). These cold encounters cause temperature drops of as low as -62 degrees Centigrade and are very destructive (Mani, 2010, p. 118). They freeze power lines, destroy pipes and cause transportation problems. Many people have died of hypothermia, and large areas of crops have been destroyed by cold waves around the world (Maslin, 2007, p. 59). Cold waves are created by changing climatic conditions related to melting ice caps and ocean currents. The seas absorb more heat, and polar winds are redirected due to melting ice causing this phenomenon (IPCC, 2007).

    Global warming has caused changing weather patterns, ensuring that weather phenomena have become extreme (IPCC, 2007). Of recent concern is the increase in the number and intensity of storm weather reports. Where there is usually wet weather, the storms have increased in intensity and rainfall amount, causing floods and violent thunderstorms. Also, in areas where there is drought, these drought conditions have become prolonged. In some parts of the world, the violence of thunderstorms has increased by a staggering 100% (Environmental Graffiti, 2012). In addition, the heating up of oceans has seen the rise of violent hurricanes and cyclones (National Geographic, 2012).

    Another interesting effect relates to geology. Global warming has been linked to increased volcanic and tsunami activity. The glacial masses put considerable pressure on the earth’s crust. As they melt and become lighter, they cause unexpected movement within the earth’s crust, which in turn causes volcanic and tsunami activity (IPCC, 2007). As the earth warms up, some pests and diseases thrive more in new warming up areas. Mosquitoes that spread malaria, yellow fever, and dengue have migrated north to new countries (National Geographic, 2012; Mani, 2010, p. 49). Pests such as the spruce bark beetle have wreaked havoc on spruce trees in Alaska on an area of about four million acres (Ashton, 2012, p. 88).

    These deadly effects will only keep on getting worse the more global warming continues to exert its toll. This calls for fast measures to be undertaken by all stakeholders to come up with a quick remedy to global warming. Failure to do so will see more adverse effects arising due to global warming. With all that is taking place as a result of global warming, it is sad to see how major policymakers are not taking these warnings as seriously as they need to be.

    References

    Ashton, M., Tyrell, M., Spalding, D., & Gentry, B. (2012). Managing forest carbon in a 

    changing climate. Rotterdam, Netherlands: Springer.

    Gore, A. (2006). An inconvenient truth: The planetary emergency of global warming 

    and what we can do about it. New York, NY: Rodale.

    IPCC. (2007). Climate change 2007: Synthesis report. Retrieved from:

    http://www.theglobalwarmingstatistics.org/global-warming-statistics-ipcc-report

    Mani, C. (2010). Effects of global warming. London, England: Oxford Book Company.

    Maslin, M. (2007). Global warming: Causes, effects and the future. Minneapolis, MN:

    MBI Publishing Company.

    Merriam-Webster. (2012). Cold wave. Retrieved from

    http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20wave

    National Geographic. (2012). Effects of global warming. Retrieved from

    http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/gw-effects/

    NCDC. (2008, August 20). Global warming. Retrieved from

    http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/globalwarming.html#q7

    PhysOrg. (2012, July 23). Rise in temperatures and CO2 follow each other closely in

    climate change. Retrieved from http://phys.org/news/2012-07-temperatures- CO2-climate.html

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  • Legalization of Marijuana (Sample Essay)

    Marijuana usage receives a portmanteau of skeptical reproach and approval from users, medical professionals, state institutions, and religious-affiliated centers. Striking evidence indicates the legalization of marijuana does not necessarily lead to an escalation in the usage of the drug. Perhaps, it is time government institutions and law enforcement bodies appreciate that marijuana usage is in existence. This is despite the approval or legalization of the drug. According to Gwynne (2013), approximately 36% of high school students smoke marijuana. This is an indication that the failure to legalize marijuana does not necessarily stop its widespread usage. Another fact is that the legalization of marijuana does not have a direct influence on the frequency of usage.

    The support for legalization drives its propagation from the lack of extreme physical problems associated with intoxication and withdrawal tendencies. Contrary to other toxicants, including alcohol, cannabis is a benign frivolous drug with modest effects on the user. Five hundred seventy-three thousand cannabis plants underwent destruction in 2008 following a crackdown (Olivero, 2013). The high plant growth in one state indicates an increase in the demand for the drug. While there are possible medicinal effects associated with excessive consumption of marijuana, the physical problems are not dissimilar to other legalized drugs like alcohol. For instance, excessive usage of marijuana can lead to addiction and cognitive dulling. The same applies to overconsumption of alcohol, which has additional demerits of deteriorated health like liver cirrhosis. Therefore, cannabis ought to be legalized like a recreational drug.

    The contemporary perception of cannabis usage tends to associate the practice of smoking with criminals and gangs. However, this is because of the initial position assumed by the government and law enforcers. Medical professionals have an alternative view. Rosenthal and Kubby (2003) argued that cancer patients under cannabis prescription show laudable results. The propagation of information by mainstream culture on cannabis remains distorted and biased. Critics seem to focus on the negative effects while assuming the possible positive effects of using marijuana. Bhang has positive effects that do not mirror the effects of other legal drugs. In fact, the legalization of marijuana would curb criminal activities involved with the peddling of the drug.

    It is obvious that the usage of cannabis is widespread in almost every urban center. This is irrespective of government efforts to try and stop the usage of the drug. Optimistic thinking would focus on tax collection increase based on the legalization of marijuana. Legalizing cannabis  would require that vendors acquire trade licenses. According to Fairchild (2008), legalizing cannabis could augment the tax returns by $8.7 billion annually. This is assuming that there would be minimal alteration in the frequency of usage. However, the tax returns could increase with augmentation in consumption. This would not be problematic as marijuana lacks carcinogens, and hence, it cannot cause lung cancer.

    In conclusion, irresponsible behavior does not necessarily culminate from cannabis usage (Gerber, 2004). The current tendencies on juvenile delinquency are not a result of consuming marijuana. This is because marijuana does not lead to the development of vile behavior that was not already inherent in a person. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the public and the government to legalize marijuana because of its widespread usage. In fact, the lack of carcinogens in marijuana makes it more health-sensitive than tobacco. Legalizing marijuana would eliminate associated criminal problems and improve police relationships with society. The legalization of marijuana is long overdue.

     

                                                          References

    Fairchild, C. (2013, April 20). Legalizing marijuana would generate billions in additional tax revenue annually. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/20/legalizing-marijuana-tax-revenue_n_3102003.html

    Gerber, R. J. (2004). Legalizing marijuana: Drug policy reform and prohibition politics. Connecticut, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group.

    Gwynne, K. (2013, June 27). Five reasons cops want to legalize marijuana. Retrieved from http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/five-reasons-cops-want-to-legalize-marijuana-20130627

    Olivero, J. M. (2013). The Legalization of medical and recreational marijuana in the United States’ state of Washington and the impact on Mexican cartels. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 3(4), 8-17.

    Rosenthal, E., & Kubby, S. (2003). Why marijuana should be legal. New York, NY: Running Press.

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  • Death of Osama bin Laden: Effect on Al-Qaeda (Sample Essay)

    The U.S. Special Forces killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan on May 2, 2011. Bin Laden was the founder and head of Al-Qaeda, an Islamist militant group. The Navy SEAL Team raided Bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, which was built in 2006 (Bowden, 2012). The killing of the Al-Qaeda leader, who was among the terrorists in the U.S.’ most-wanted list, sparked mixed reactions globally. In particular, Osama’s death had considerable impact, as well as implications, on the prospects of Al-Qaeda, its affiliates, and other Islamist militant groups (Rogers & McGoldrick, 2011).

    The death of the Al-Qaeda chief was undoubtedly a major blow to the Al-Qaeda fraternity worldwide. Apparently, the group is still reeling from the major blow following the demise of its core architect. The group has yet to find someone with outstanding charisma and allure of Osama’s caliber to succeed him (Kitfield, 2012). Since the killing of Osama, the organization has been lacking the initially exclusive top control, with only Ayman al-Zawahiri emerging as the possible favorite. Ayman was Osama’s deputy since the early 1990s in an acting capacity. However, he lacked the charisma, which was an incomparable attribute of the late Osama (Kitfield, 2012). Osama had a remarkable personality that attracted many young men in the Arabic world. Even the West and South Asia were passionate about bin Laden and felt inspired when the fallen leader was at the helm of Al-Qaeda leadership.

    Moreover, Al-Qaeda and its affiliates have faced myriad challenges in terms of safety and leadership since the death of bin Laden. For instance, leadership rows have become a widespread setback within Al-Qaeda’s ranks, in addition to controversial arrests and killing of some of its leaders (Musharbash, 2012). Furthermore, the newly fangled jihadist hubs, which have emerged near the Afghan border and North Pakistan after the death of Osama, pose a huge danger to international security and safety (Musharbash, 2012). The Arabian Peninsula, particularly Yemen, has emerged to be the fresh Al-Qaeda hotspots as armed Islamists take advantage of political turmoil to engage the country’s defense forces in battles for several months. In addition, Islamist rebel groups such as Al-Shabab (in Somalia) and Boko Haram (in Nigeria) have persistently pushed their way into the limelight to become the most dreaded terrorist organizations since the death of Osama bin Laden. Boko Haram has been on the spot for imposing Sharia Law in the multiethnic country of Nigeria and allegedly killing hundreds of Christians in the country (Seib, 2008). On several occasions, Al-Shabab admitted responsibility for massive bomb attacks in Somalia and neighboring African nations.

    The death of Osama bin Laden has ultimately revealed the fresh scheme and leadership approach of Al-Qaeda that perhaps operates off its goal instead of following distinctive guidance (Lüsted, 2012). Incidentally, bin Laden had evolved from a mere leader of Al-Qaeda operations into a symbolic personality as far as Islamic international terrorism is concerned. Therefore, it would be a decisive test for Al-Qaeda to replace him. In effect, any instability in Al-Qaeda’s leadership would be an added advantage to the U.S. and NATO towards realizing their vision to secure the Afghan populace and overwhelming the Taliban (Lüsted, 2012).

    In conclusion, the death of Osama bin laden has resulted in a leadership dilemma in Al-Qaeda and Islamist terrorist groups worldwide. Although Al-Qaeda is still focused on the process of expanding the association base and recruiting universally accepted leadership, the biggest challenge remains the leader’s aptitude to exude confidence and charisma, which was typical of bin Laden.

    References

    Kitfield, J. (2012, April). The Atlantic: How the killing of Bin Laden has crippled Al-Qaeda. Retrieved from http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/04/how-the-killing-of-bin-laden-has-crippled-al-qaeda/256505/

    Musharbash, Y. (2012, May). Impact of Bin Laden death: The monster lives on. Retrieved from http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/impact-of-bin-laden-death-the-monster-lives-on-a-760195.html

    Bowden, M. (2012). The finish: The killing of Osama Bin Laden. New York, NY: Atlantic Monthly Press.

    Lüsted, M. A. (2012). The capture and killing of Osama bin Laden. Edina, MN: ABDO Pub.

    Seib, P. M. (2008). The Al Jazeera effect: How the new global media are reshaping world politics. Washington, DC: Potomac Books.

    Rogers, A., & McGoldrick, D. (2011). III. Assassination and targeted killing–The killing of Osama bin Laden. The International and Comparative Law Quarterly, 60(3), 778-788.

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  • Basics of Decision Making

    Decision-making is a cognitive or mental process that results in selecting an action course among several alternative situations and scenarios.  Each decision-making process produces a final action or an opinion, which can be an exceptional output. The process of decision-making is as ancient as humanity (Gruinig, Grunig, & Kuhn, 2009). At first, it involved interpreting dreams and studying trail marks. It later transformed to voting, where the majority of senate members, citizens, and comrades would vote to make decisions. Since then, it has developed and resulted in a complex result involving an initial analysis of possible alternatives. Decision-making is a process everybody has to undertake at any one time (Gurvis, 2007).

    Decision-making is a leadership-defining characteristic viewed in different perspectives. In the cognitive perspective, the process is continuous (McLucas, 2010). There is an interaction with the surrounding environment. In the psychological perspective, the process is in the context of an individual preference, needs, and values. In the normative perspective, an individual’s decision is based on the logic of the process and the invariant option it leads one (Kaner et al., 2011). One has to know the difference between an opinion and a decision. Therefore, it is important to make a decision that one should and leave the rest. Another essential point to note is that leaders have to make decisions from several options and alternatives, which do not have to be ideal in solving the existing problem or circumstance (McLucas, 2010).

    Evaluate the situation before developing an action course. For example, a decision to call a fire brigade to help stop the fire from spreading within a slum is more significant than that of buying a car. The latter can always wait. Think about the outcome and consequences of decisions made (Kaner et al., 2011). Another key tip is to avoid making hurried decisions. This can result in a downfall and choosing things that are not a priority. As much as leaders should act quickly on easily changeable, less crucial, and adaptable decisions, they need to do it carefully because action-cause might have far-reaching implications and ramifications that might be hard to change. Timing is often fundamental. Therefore, avoid procrastination. It is better to make a wrong decision early and correct it than to make a correct decision rather too late (Mullen & Roth, 2009).

    Timely decisions are good. They come in handy when required. Writing down all options and checking their workability is vital because it forms a guide to decision-making (Mullen & Roth, 2009). They assist in evaluating facts and fiction. In addition, avoid bias and choosing options given by friends. Evaluating all the options can help one focus on the scope. Making an independent decision as one moves along is more practical and efficient than postponing the whole thing. The core of decision-making is objectivity. Moreover, involving other individuals feasibly helps in seeing issues clearly. It also motivates them and brings up an atmosphere of commitment and cooperation (Rai & Bhushan, 2004).

    In conclusion, effective and true leaders in any organization must have an opportunity to be right, and in some cases wrong, since no human is perfect. The leaders must also trust themselves and feel confident in handling whatever circumstance comes their way. Before becoming a leader, there is a need to train and understand the process of decision-making (Mullen & Roth, 2009). Leaders need to evaluate which issues are worth spending energy and time on to avoid wasting time on unnecessary content. The process of making decisions is an in-depth plan of action, which requires a lot of brainstorming, fresh ideas, and thoughts. A thorough follow-up of the decision made enhances the effectiveness of the outcome. There are people within organizations who never want change. They will constantly try through thick and thin to disagree and keep things as they were before. For an organization not to stagnate, one needs to make imperative decisions at the right time, for the right people, and at an ethically acceptable condition (Gruinig, Grunig, & Kuhn, 2009).

     

    References

    Gruinig, R., Grunig jr, R., & Kuhn, R. (2009). Successful decision-making: A systematic approach to complex problems. Seatle, WA: Springer.

    Gurvis, S. (2007). Management basics: A practical guide for managers. New York, NY: Adam Media.

    Kaner, S., Lind, L., Toldi, C., Fisk, S., Berger, D., & Doyle, M. (2011). Facilitator’s guide to participatory decision making. Chicago, IL: John Wiley and Sons.

    McLucas, A. C. (2010). Decision making: Risk management, system thinking and situation awareness. Washington, WA: Argos Press.

    Mullen, J. D., & Roth, B. M. (2009). Decision making: Its logic and practice. Minnesota, MN: Rowman & Littlefield.

    Rai, K., & Bhushan, N. (2004). Strategic decision making: Applying the analytic hierarchy process: Decision engineering. Seatle, WA: Springer.

    This is a sample essay written by one of our professional writers. Use this sample only as reference material and do not pass it as your own, as it will be considered plagiarism. You can, however, order a paper from our site and have it written according to your specifications and requirements.

  • Anorexia: The Role of the Media

    Anorexia is considered an illness from which those who suffer exhibit signs of low self-esteem and a continued need to control their emotions and surroundings. Anorexia is also considered a disorder that is mainly an unusual reaction to various internal and external conflicts that may include unhappiness, stress, anxiety, and the feeling that one’s life is exceedingly spinning out of control (Kittleson & Kramer, 2005). That being said, the disease is a very negative way for an individual to attempt to cope with such emotions. New research has indicated that anorexia could be a genetic disorder, with environmental factors catalyzing the condition’s advancement (Spettigue & Henderson, 2004). When one has the opportunity to interact with or even treat patients with anorexia, it is rather difficult not to end up blaming the media not only for causing the disorder but also for maintaining it. However, many people are exposed to the same media, yet not all develop eating disorders. Therefore, a question can be posed: What role does the media play in creating and promoting eating disorders like anorexia? An in-depth analysis of the media’s role in the above-mentioned area of life will be discussed.

    Media as an enabler and etiology to anorexic tendencies

    Over the years, magazines, advertisements, and television shows have created a stereotypic image of what the perfect woman should look like. This image has been getting thinner with time, to the point that it is extremely difficult for most women to keep up. Such images have created a social environment that has contributed mainly to disordered eating and body dissatisfaction in women and girls (Williams, Thomson, & McCoy, 2003). Research indicates that commercials for diet products and foods have increased in the recent past. In contrast, the body sizes for fashion models, beauty pageant contestants, and Playboy bunnies have decreased at the same time (Spettigue & Henderson, 2004). Therefore, it is safe to say that the media glorifies the slender body and emphasizes its importance, not to mention the importance of the general appearance. It is also important to note that there is a multi-billion dollar industry that relies on the emphasis of the value and importance of appearance and beauty in women (Shannon, 2007). The media has constantly engraved an image into people’s minds, one that is supposed to be acceptable in the social context. This has led many people to develop eating disorders in the bid to achieve these body forms.

    The media in maintaining anorexic tendencies

    Young women who exhibit body dissatisfaction, an internalization of the thin stereotype, a tendency of social comparison, and shape preoccupation are not only influenced by the media, but they also use the media more often than others (Williams et al., 2003). Research indicates that most women suffering from anorexia also record heavy media usage and even consider their reading of magazines as an addiction (Smolak & Moore, 2013). Qualitative results have also confirmed this notion. Beauty and fashion magazines, to these women, become manuals on how to achieve the desired thinness. They also support the desire to counterbalance and restrict dissonance, soliciting compliments from family and friends.

    Media and the prevention and treatment of anorexia

    The media has also been used to help people with anorexic tendencies. This has been done mainly by increasing awareness on media use, analyzing the intentions and content of media producers, and training people on critical thinking before engaging in activities promoted on the media (Spettigue & Henderson, 2004). These practices have shown considerable success to date.

    In conclusion, the media plays a rather notable role in the commencement and sustainability of eating disorders. However, that is not the only role played by the media. The media also helps patients to recover from these conditions. People are encouraged not to follow everything they see in the media and to think critically before engaging in any activities that may be destructive to them.

    References

    Kittleson, M. J., & Kramer, G. F. (2005). The truth about eating disorders. New York, NY: Facts on File.

    Shannon, J. B. (2007). Eating disorders sourcebook: Basic consumer health information about anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating, compulsive exercise, female athlete triad, and other eating disorders (2nd ed.). Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics.

    Smolak, L., & Moore, R. H. (2013). The developmental psychopathology of eating disorders implications for research, prevention, and treatment. Hoboken, NJ: Taylor and Francis.

    Spettigue, W., & Henderson, K. A. (2004, February 13). Eating disorders and the role of the media. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2533817/

    Williams, M. S., Thomsen, S. R., & McCoy, J. K. (2003). Looking for an accurate mirror: A model for the relationship between media use and anorexia. Eating Behaviors, 4(2), 127-134.

    This is a sample essay written by one of our professional writers. Use this sample only as reference material, and do not pass it as your own as it will be considered plagiarism. You can, however, order a paper from our site and have it written according to your specifications and requirements.