Kyoto Protocol Summary

The Kyoto Protocol is an agreement between industrial countries stating that they must reduce their greenhouse gas emission by various percentages as a means to allow better environments for less developed countries. Although there are multiple ways for countries to meet this requirement, some had chosen to secede from the project, thinking it was just a ploy to give money to third world countries. This entire mechanic is very important because the drastic climate change created by greenhouse gases can be very harmful to less developed countries without the support of the first world countries. Their economy may deteriorate.

Lipari Landfill

Lipari was a 16 acre landfill that one point and time was ranked the number one superfund in the nation. 1958 through 1971 this landfill was used as a dump site for industrial wastes. There chemicals that were dumped went into the ground and even went in the streams and lakes. The landfill was a victim of 40,000 barrels of waste. Eventually in 1971, New Jersey Solid Waste Authority closed this site down. The effects it had on the neighboring areas was that those living near the landfill were at greater risk to getting leukemia and giving birth to low weight babies. 

U.S. Radium Corp.

It all began in the year of 1917 in Orange, New Jersey, where this company's operation began. In this company they create paint and use it to paint instruments and other items they could paint. This seems normal until the fact that the paint that was created had radium in it. Radium is a element so toxic for humans or other species. The people working in this company were mainly lady's who were lied to so that owners could make money. Scientist's told the lady's that it could cure cancer, diseases and protect them from anything. Many women were convinced and began working there. These woman were called the "Radium Girls" for the fact that they mostly had to handle the radium. After so long working for the company, these women started to get sick and suffer what was then called radium jaw. After the conditions the women were in, one by one many either died or suffered the consequences the scientist's had. After that the company closed down for good in 1926. At that year the U.S. created a a stronger protection law for all employees stating that jobs should be in good condition for them to work.

Love Canal Summary

The Love Canal is one America's worst Environmental issues to ever occur. A lot of the blame can be put on the Hooker Chemical company for they dumped 21,000 tons of chemical waste. Also Hooker Chemical's company failure to warn the people of Niagara Falls  that they should not buy this chemical infested land. During this whole fiasco that was Love Canal no seemed to take action. The people had clear indications that they were suffering yet no state officials took notice. All of this could have been avoided. The 17 million it cost could have been avoided if people took into consideration what these chemicals can do to people. We of course have to continue to be aware of the environment and what people are doing to it because we can easily find ourselves in a similar situation.

Clean Air Act

                                                              Clean Air Act

          The Clean Air was designed by the congress in 1970 for protecting public health, and welfare of the public. The act had two major revisions in 1977 and 1990. The revisions were due to initiatives to target newly discovered pollution. The Clean Air Act requires EPA to establish national regional air quality standards for certain common and widespread pollutants. These common air pollutants are called “criteria pollutants” found all over the United States. These criteria pollutants are: particulate pollution, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and lead.
 



States are responsible for developing enforceable plans that meet and maintain air quality that meet national standards.   EPA assist state efforts by providing technical assistance and issuing national emission standards for new sources. issuing national emission standards for new sources. If a state fails to provide an adequate plan, EPA must then issue a federal implementation plan for the state. A State plans for non-attainment areas generally are due within 3 years after designations for a new or revised air quality standard is issued.  These plans must provide for attainment of the standard air quality within 5 years of designation, or up to 10 years if  EPA determines additional time is needed due to the area’s severity of pollution and availability of controls.  

Exxon Valdez

   The Exxon Valdez was taking place on the day of March 23, 1989, when the Exxon Valdez ran into a Bligh Reef, spilling tons of oil that added up to approximately 10.8 million gallons.  The Exxon Valdez although was heading towards Long Beach, California until the tragedy happened.  As many as  2,800 sea otters, 300 harbor seals, 900 bald eagles, and 250,000 seabirds died in the days following the disaster. The spill caused over 300 million of economic harm to more than 32 thousand people whose live-hoods depended on commercial fishing. The cleanup required about 10,000 workers, 1000 boats and roughly 100 airplanes and                                                              helicopters. twelve years after the spill, oil still can be found on half of                                                               the randomly selected beaches. The spill although have made great                                                                progression to this day.

Mobro 4000 garbage barge

The Mobro 4000 garbage barge was essential in sparking the modern recycling revolution.  The Idea to move trash by barge was revolutionary but the situation was exaggerated by the media.  They claimed that there was medical waste on the barge. That caused the barge to go from place to place for five months.  The garbage ended up being burnt in a Brooklyn incinerator.  Because of the scare people started to recycle more and the amount of people recycling has steadily increased.