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

THIS IS A THREE PART ASSIGNMENT

Deliverable Length: 3-page, APA-style research paper

1ST PART:

You will prepare an APA-style research paper to discuss energy topics, as follows:

In your own words, describe the laws of thermodynamics.
Explain how these scientific laws apply to energy use, energy conversions, and the need for energy efficiency.
Describe the pros and cons of the following energy types, writing 1 paragraph for each:
- Fossil fuel: Oil, natural gas, and coal
- Nuclear energy
- Solar energy
- Wind power
- Water (hydro) power
- Bioconversion (biofuel)
Research and describe 2 provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Describe each provision, and provide your opinion about how each provision helps the United States meet energy use goals.

For this project, be sure to start with the first two Laws of Thermodynamics and show how these apply to our use of energy.(Note: You do not need to explain the zeroth law or the third law.)The description of the first two laws of thermodynamics and why this is important for energy efficiency can stand as your introduction for the assignment.

To be sure to cover each of the sources of energy required, feel free to use each type of energy as a heading for your report. Include a short description of the energy source and then describe the advantages and disadvantage for its use. This will take a minimum of three sentences for each energy source, and maybe a bit more, and so a paragraph for each would be sufficient. Note that the assignment requires you to “describe” pros and cons and not just list them.

Your eBook is the best place to start your research for this project.

There is discussion of the different types of energy in Chapter 9, and a table of pro’s and cons on page 10 in Chapter 1.

I am adding a slideshow to the Instructor Files that reviews the Laws of Thermodynamics and includes advantages and disadvantages for each type of energy source.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 is an enormous piece of legislation (551 pages long!). It covers a wide variety of energy-related topics including:

increasing energy efficiency by our government in all buildings and bases

requiring manufacturers of appliances to increase energy efficiency

better labeling of energy efficiency

changing the schedule for daylight savings time

providing tax credits for new nuclear facilities and loans and grants for students going into nuclear-related fields

increasing safety and security measures at Nuclear Plants

reducing restrictions on water pollution as a result of fracking (hydraulic fracturing of rock to extract natural gas)

authorizing a sugar cane ethanol program

providing grants to improve the commercial value of forest biomass

authorizing funds for clean-coal technologies research

reducing royalties paid to the government for offshore drilling of gas in shallow waters

continuing education programs for math and science teachers

expediting the movement of new energy technologies into the market

Here is the best review I could find, but as you see it mostly lists items. You would need to research further to give a description of the provision, but at least it is a good place to start.

http://www.aaenvironment.com/EnergyPolicyActSummary.htm

(copy and paste the link into the address bar of your browser)

2ND PART: Deliverable Length: 2-3 pages APA Style Reasearch Paper

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

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

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

Acid precipitation/ Acid rain
Smog
DDT pesticide use
Eutrophication

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

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

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

What are the harmful impacts of the pollution?

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

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

Describe examples of laws or regulations that apply to the pollution and its sources.
Also, describe educational programs, technology, or other initiatives that are used to help control the pollution.

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

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

3RD PART: Deliverable Length: 2 pages APA style research paper

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

Choose 1 U.S. environmental law. State the name of the law and the date the law was passed.
Summarize the major provisions of the law that you chose.
Describe the economic impact of the law. Provide specific economic data from credible references.
Has the law improved the environment or situation? Provide specific data from credible references.
Do you think that sound science has proven that global warming is a credible threat or not?
Should the United States adopt additional policies or laws to curb greenhouse gas emissions?

What should these policies or laws regulate or encourage?
Use specific facts to defend your position.

Please be sure to put all three parts on seperate docs as they are all seperate papers. Also Be sure cite all sources in APA format. NO PLAGIARISM!!!!!!!!