Psychology and Information Making Decisions Essay

Taking The MBTI test is a good step that provides insights into behaviour help people understand themselves as well as understanding other people that they are in daily contact with, so that they can find a way to making things work properly. The MBTI measures four preferences: Focus of attention, Acquiring information Making decisions, and External orientation. In my opinion this test is a very important step if you were in a position to select a team members or if you were a project manager and you want to select your employee or you were the project manager and want to know your team composition, knowing their BMTI results will help you know if they are the right people for the job or not; or you can even put together people who you think will work better together because their personality are convenient. This test is not only useful in your professional life but also in your personal life, it can be used in personal development like when you find yourself in a certain position that you don’t know how to deal with you can use the test indicators to explore yourself and find the points of weakness you have and try to find a way to overcome them. Also it can be used for marriage counselling, leadership training †¦etc. Although this test can be used as a way to measure behaviours but you cannot fully depend on it, because sometimes behaviour depends on certain situation that surprise you of the way you behaved. Finally, this test is just a general guide, the percentage you get in it does not mean that you have a strong or weak personality; it is just a way that simplify the way you deal with different matters in your life.

Life and Work of Mary Kay Ash

The corporate world has seen many great entrepreneurs, but May Kay Ash has a unique distinction of founding a company when it was very rare for married women to work outside the home. Mary Kay introduced a new way of life for women and opened up doors of unending opportunities for them. She spent her 80 years of life which every women in the world could dream off. Born on May 12, 1918, in Houston Texas, she had a promising childhood. Her mother worked at a restaurant, she did chores at home, attended to her sick father, and excelled at school. She brought home straight As and won every competition of public speaking. She outsold every other student from Girl Scout cookies to school-event tickets (â€Å"Mary Kay Ash,† 2006). She wanted to become a doctor until an aptitude test showed her selling ability outranked her science ability. After having decided to get into sales, she joined Stanley Home Products in 1938. Energetic and a quick learner, Ash found that direct sales suited her well. She rose at Stanley to unit manager and served there till 1952. Following a divorce from her husband, Ash moved from her job at Stanley Home Products to a similar sales slot at World Gift Company, where she remained for another 11 years and became National Training Director (â€Å"Biography,† 2005). While working at Stanley Home Products and World Gift Company, she broke every sales record and won numerous awards. She was however frustrated due to the discriminating attitude towards women. Her male colleagues she trained were promoted ahead of her and were getting twice her salary. After having served for 25 years, she finally decided to retire. Soon after her retirement she started writing a book for women. This book eventually turned into a marketing plan for a â€Å"dream company,† which Mary decided to implement herself (â€Å"Mary Kay Ash,† 2006). Mary Kay bought a skin care cream formula and enlisted her second husband to handle operations and started recruiting friends as beauty consultants for the venture she called â€Å"Beauty by Mary Kay.† Her husband died just before the launch of company but her children helped her to recoup and compose herself, and go ahead with the plan. Mary Kay formally launched her company on Friday, September 13, 1963. She wrote in her autobiography, â€Å"I knew I would never have a second chance to put my dream into action.† She started the company with investment of $5000. In the first calendar year, the sales reached $198,000 and by 1983 Mary Kay, Inc. sales exceeded $300 million. The company at present sells more than 200 products in eight product categories: facial skin care, cosmetics, fragrances, nutritional supplements, sun protection, nail care, body care and men's skin care (â€Å"Mary Kay Ash,† 2006). Mary Kay Ash worked day and night which contributed badly to her health. In 1996, she survived a stroke. Before her death in 2001, the business which she started with 9 beauty consultants had reached to over 800,000 representatives in more than 30 markets. The sales reported by the company in 2000 was $1.3 billion which even crossed $2.2 billion in 2005. During the period of Mary Kay’s life, there were 151 women who earned more than $1 million in commissions. Also during this period more than 10,000 pink Cadillacs were awarded to employees (â€Å"Company Information,† 2006). Mary Kay Inc. today remains one of the largest privately held firms in the United States. Mary Kay lived her life with simple and solid principles that never wavered. As a committed daughter, wife, mother and an employer, she was always sustained by her deep and abiding faith in God. Through her uncomplicated formula for success – put God first, family second and career third – she made the world a better place specially for women (â€Å"Mary Kay,† 2006). References â€Å"Biography.† (2005). Encyclopedia of World Biography. Retrieved September 29, 2006, from http://www.bookrags.com/biography/mary-kay-wagner-ash/ â€Å"Company Information.† (2006). Mary Kay Website. Retrieved September 29, 2006, from http://www.marykay.com/company/company_companyinformation.aspx?tab=home â€Å"Mary Kay.† (2006). Mary Kay Tribute. Retrieved September 29, 2006, from http://www.marykaytribute.com/ â€Å"Mary Kay Ash.† (2006). Mary Kay Website. Retrieved September 29, 2006, from http://www.marykay.com/company/marykayash_herlifeandlegacy.aspx?tab=home ; ; ;

Challenges and Opportunities of Achieving Consensus on a UN Reform Proposal

The reform and change of the United Nations has been buried with obstacles that must be overcome due to the competitive national interests of the Member States. Due to the challenges to be addressed and the opportunities to be addressed, Member States can reach agreement on proposals that may affect domestic and regional policies and norms, potentially affecting domestic, regional and international relations. The proposal of the United Nations emergency peace service aimed to respond effectively and promptly to genocide and other humanitarian crimes is no exception. Since the late 1990s, people are seeking reform of the United Nations. However, there is little clarity or agreement on what reform actually means. People who wish the United Nations to play a greater role in the world situation and wish to limit their use to humanitarian activities or to reduce their use otherwise to refer to their ideas People's opinions range from those who want to completely eliminate the United Natio ns to people who want to become a mature world government. Since the foundation of the United Nations, reforms are ongoing and are closely related to each Secretary-General. The reform and change of the United Nations has been buried with obstacles that must be overcome due to the competitive national interests of the Member States. Due to the challenges to be addressed and the opportunities to be addressed, Member States can reach agreement on proposals that may affect domestic and regional policies and norms, potentially affecting domestic, regional and international relations. - The ancient Greeks had many values ​​to make their civilization successful, but the most important thing was their community awareness. The Greeks, especially the classic Athens, thought their decision as their community, and they were interested in the situation in the country. What is important for them is that their society is functional and productive and their personal needs are often s econdary to the country.

(choose one from the three topices) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

(choose one from the three topices) - Essay Example He asserts that human reason is his will, which government and other human institution should put first for better co-existence of the two. On the part of Marx, he argues that human reason should influence the changes that people prefer. He aims at showing that the most important thing in any society is the people. They form the institutions, thus the authorities’ and power rest on people. Freethinking and active emancipation of self conforms to Marx’s view on human reason. On the side of Machiavelli, having lived at a time of political instability, of sheer violence, war torn era characterized by betrayal and blackmail, he sees too little to rely on human reasoning (Machiavelli 25). He concludes human reason as wicked and merely a push for self-satisfaction. This paper will bring out the position of human reasoning according to the three personalities and its influence on government, property, and labor. Nicollo Machiavelli’s philosophy on human reason describes man as a fickle, unreliable creature. One should not trust his reasoning. He is content to dismiss men as a sad lot that will lie, cheat, and steal if this has benefit on them. Look at the issue of governance, Machiavelli believes that whoever comes to power is from the ordinary men. He is a prince who works his way out of the common lot of deceivers in the society. His reasoning is not far off, the lot which he was part of. Men reasoning according to Machiavelli are rich in qualities, which bring him praise or fame. Since the ruler in power or the prince is a man, he will exhibit the same reasoning behavioral to his subjects (Machiavelli 41). Thus, man is an indecisive creature. Machiavelli seems to argue that man cannot govern himself, and cannot subject a prince to conform to his reasoning. As a prince, one should put on remarkable qualities on public and wise enough not to expose his weaknesses to his subjects. If a prince depicts false strong character, then his people’ s reasoning will conclude he is indeed a good prince. By this notion, Machiavelli neglects the importance of human reasonin

The Effect Of Music Education On Children Between The Ages Of Three Research Paper

The Effect Of Music Education On Children Between The Ages Of Three And Five - Research Paper Example Todd McFlicker has written an article that outlines the many ways that an education in music can help develop a child’s cognitive skills in order to increase success in education and in endeavors post education. He suggests that it is clearly evident that music can stimulate creativity and elevate mood in children, but it has become evident from a variety of studies that music can increase cognitive development to the point that a child can significantly realize a benefit. McFlicker (2010) quotes Dr Gordon Shaw, a specialist in brain theory, in saying that children who learn to play the piano develop a higher level of spatial-temporal reasoning. Helen Neville, PhD has taken the theory of the relationship of a music education to the cognitive development of three to five year olds into the field and received positive results that allow for some confirmation of the positive effect of music education, however, not for reasons that are related directly to music. The use of music a s a tool for increasing cognitive development in small children is somewhat supported, but the individuated attention and the focus on detail awareness may be at the core of the benefit.

The Roles & Responsibilities of Licensed Practical Nurse Research Paper

The Roles & Responsibilities of Licensed Practical Nurse - Research Paper Example Apart from this, LPNs also perform the basic duty of gathering and collecting the information from the patients who are going to be admitted to the hospital or medical healthcare facility. This is one of the primary responsibilities of LPNs to collect correct and accurate information in order to provide the doctors with correct information in assisting best course of action for a patient. LPNs also are also required to administer any injections or medications which have been prescribed by the doctors. Dressing up of the physical wounds as well as helping doctors in other similar tasks. (Duncan & DePew, 2010) It is, however, important to note that over the period of time, the demarcation line between the roles of LPNs and RN’s have blurred a lot. There are a lot of overlapping roles and responsibilities which are performed by both. This evolution in the roles and responsibilities of the LPNs has now become one of the permanent factors of the practice which is now being considered. One of the major force which is reshaping the roles and responsibilities of the LPNs is the major health care reforms. Health care reforms have changed the way nurses now actually view their roles in the overall larger context of the organization. Healthcare organization, in order to meet the changing healthcare needs as well as meet with the skill shortages, have actually allowed LPNs to evolve and expand their roles to accommodate those changes. Another important force which is shaping the way the overall roles of LPNs is changing is the improvements in the overall study and curriculum which has greatly enhanced the overall scope of the nursing practices. Over the period of time, research on the subject of Nursing has actually expanded the scope of the profession and has added some additional roles and responsibilities which have now been additionally added to the traditional roles of the LPNs. Â  

Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 8

Finance - Essay Example This means they can both be implemented because they add value to the shareholders wealth. However, if only one investment opportunity was to be carried out in a limited period of six years, Penta Ltd should consider investing in retail business because it has a higher net present value of  £ 1,659,000 as compared with that of building a new factory, which has net present value of  £ 1,207,000. The methods used to appraise investment opportunities use either non-discounted values or discounted values. The most appropriate investment appraisal technique for the two investment opportunities anticipated by Penta Ltd is the Discounted Net Present Value method. Discounted Net Present Value method is defined as the summation of all discounted net cash flows that accrue to an investment opportunity in a defined period of time (Brigham and Houston 2009 p. 338). The method considers time value of money received and spent in a given project in a specified period of time. If the net present value is greater than zero (NPV>0), the investment opportunity will be implemented because it adds value to the company. If the net present value is zero (NPV= 0), the investment may or may not be undertaken. Other factors such as competition, socio-cultural and political issues may be considered to enable the manager or project director to invest or not. However, when the net present value is less than zero (NPV

Lack of parking in asu campus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Lack of parking in asu campus - Essay Example The university receives over 2000 visitors a day. The parking space cannot accommodate all vehicles hoping to park on the campus. Students park outside the university premises in order to reduce the problem of congestion and high parking fee. They park at a distance of 15 minutes to 1hour’s walk to campus. Some of the students are now forced not to come with their vehicles to school. I propose ASU to reduce the cost of campus parking and provide additional parking. Different plans have been laid down to solve fee payment of the vehicle. Generally, the students of ASU should not be involved in paying the parking fee. The university authority has also tried to solve the problem through instituting fines on those who fail to pay the parking fee, putting up more buildings and shades for parking. I think that there is no need for raising fee payment for parking to the students of the ASU since the university should cater for their issues. Parking the vehicles outside the campus compound is not safe for parking since it is risky (Todd Web). I therefore, wish that the institution should reduce payment fees to the students than to the visitors. However, there is no need for the campus students to pay for the parking fee since they are entitled to use the campus resources simply because they pay the fee. ASU entered in to a contract with a private developer to begin constructing a hotel and a conference centre on Mill Avenue and University Drive (Arizona State University Web). This was done in order to create more space for students’ recreation and parking. Parking and Transit Services was established to curb the complex parking situation at the campus. The regulations are published and made law in all the premises of ASU for easy utilisation of the parking spaces (Yara Web). The university authority assigned the duty of providing parking areas on the campus, imposing fines and collection of

Audit related issues facing Groupon company Assignment

Audit related issues facing Groupon company - Assignment Example The interested customers then purchase the coupons electronically using their credit cards or paypal which they present in those restaurants. The firm has experienced tremendous growth since its inception with expansion in over five hundred markets in about forty seven countries worldwide. In the first year of its establishment, it managed to receive revenue worth $15 million which had never been witnessed by other players in the same industry (Garner, 2008). However, it has began to experience numerous challenges including a significant drop in the price of its shares in the New York Stock exchange market after its Initial Public Offer (IPO) in the year 2011 in the month of November. Stiff competition from its major competitors such Google and LivingSocial have further pushed down the pre-tax profits of Groupon. These firms quickly adopted the techniques used by Groupon and have since emerged stronger than it. Current problems experienced by Groupon can be traced to internal control failures according to the Chicago Tribune dated September 24th 2013. Internal control failures After registering low revenue than expected in its third quarter financial report, the management of the firm admitted to weak system of internal controls as the main cause of the decline in revenue. The admission was made to the United States Security and Exchange Commission (S.E.C) as they sought to explain their untimely report. The true picture of the firm was revealed after an external audit was conducted by Ernest & Young who revealed serious internal control failures over financial reporting. The company’s spokeswoman also blamed the poor internal controls for being the cause of lack of accuracy in the accounts. The company experienced a number of failures which led to a decrease in the earnings per share of its stock from 12 cents per share to 8 cents per share. As the company expanded, many internal control initially set up were not followed accordingly. Some specific inte rnal control failures include inability to regulate the percentage discounts on each coupon as the demand for its services increased (Graham, 2011). The firm failed to monitor its sales as well as to keep track of its financial records. Some coupons could be sold at a loss leading to insufficient funds for the firms operations. Some firms terminated their contracts with Groupon as its shares began to decrease in value leading to a decline in its customer base. Before its Initial Public Offer, the firm introduced new protocols in its accounting procedures in a bid to paint an attractive picture to its prospective investors without checking the new system’s accuracy and reliability. In that case, there was no smooth transition between the old and the new accounting protocols and as a result some old systems were still in use. Specific solution There are several steps that the auditors of Groupon would have taken in order to avoid such failures in the internal control systems. F irst, there was a need to involve all stakeholders including its customers, shareholders and employees so as to seek their opinion before introducing any change in the internal controls. This would have assisted in improving and maintaining the trust of its employees and customers thus contributing in making them feel part of the firm. The main challenge with this approach is that it requires a lot of time to undertake as well as resources (Whittington, 2012). The second approach is to adopt the use external and more independent auditors after the internal auditors have done their part. This is however costly but a firm in the

Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing - Essay Example Humanism is a concept that goes beyond any person’s professional laws and requirements. Nurses may need to resort to their moral values and beliefs when coming up with a solution. (Benjamin, 2010). Some situations need to be weighed on closer look so that the best decision is made. During a moral dilemma there is not a right or wrong decision to make. (Hold, 2013). All in all, the dilemma must be solve particularly when the patient’s life is at risk.   Mr. Smith, 67 years of age and widowed, is fighting a UTI. This is a urinary tract infection which if not treated at the stage in which it is, it can cause further complications in his system. The only way to stop this complication is to offer him with Intravenous antibiotics which will ultimately kill the bacteria causing the UTI. However, Mr. Smith refuses the medication at all costs even after the doctors, nurses as well as his close family members have explained to him the importance. Informed consent is important i n medicine and the doctors have done a good job telling Mr. Smith and his family of his condition and what needs to be done. While it normal to see such a case where old people refuse treatment, Mr. Smith happens to not have a sober mind following the serious effects of the complications. The doctors and nurses have used this as basis that he is not legible to make any serious decisions by himself. Following this, the IV antibiotics are still being administered to Mr. Smith without his approval. Informed consent is not fully.

Robert Burns’ “To a Mouse” Essay Example for Free

Robert Burns’ â€Å"To a Mouse† Essay In the poems Robert Burns’ â€Å"To a Mouse† and â€Å"The Mouse’s Petition† by Anna Letitia Barbauld, many feelings and emotions about mice are brought forth. While both poems were written by different authors, many of the feelings they share towards mice are common. The analysis of the two poems will help to find the comparisons and differences in theme, political and social issues, diction, and tone. Examples from the poems will help to show the similarities and differences in the two. The tone of each poet in the poems, many similarities become evident. Both poets portray a sad and guilty tone when talking about mice. When Barbauld begins to write about what she believes the mouse is feeling inside of the test cage, the reader gets an idea how the poet may also feel. â€Å"For here forlorn and sad I sit, within the wiry grate.† (Barbauld, 5-6) Barbauld uses a line in the poem to show how she thinks the mouse is feeling. Robert Burns expresses an equal amount of remorse for the mouse in his poem. He does so by using his sad regretful and remorseful tone, much like Barbauld. â€Å"I’m truly sorry man’s dominion has broken Nature’s social union.† (Burns, l.7-8) Burns makes it obvious how he feels by using his tones throughout the poem to relay a message of guilt and sadness. The two poems share identical endings; Burns as well as Barbauld make reference to the fact that mice are much like men. Barbauld indicates, â€Å"So when destruction lurks unseen, which men, like mice, may share.† (Barbauld, l.45-48) Oddly enough, speaking to a mouse in the same tone, Burns states, â€Å"The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men Gang aft a-gley.† (Burns, l.39-40) While both poems are written by differen t poets, in different years, the two share the same tone to help portray their views of mice and how they are misunderstood. The themes in both of the poems are very similar also both poems are about mice and their life changing experiences with them. The common theme in Anna Barbauld’s, â€Å"A Mouse’s Petition,† is cruelty and unfairness. The mouse Barbauld speaks of is being used for tests in a science lab, and will eventually be killed in such experiments. Anna writes through poem that this act is unjust and should not happen to such a creature. Through the use of the poem she tries to tell the scientist â€Å"Beware, lest in the worm you crush, a brothers soul you find.† (Barbauld, l.35-36) Barbauld relates that killing a mouse is not morally different from taking the life of a fellow man. The poems theme is effective and pushes the reader to feel sorrow for the poor mouse. In â€Å"To a Mouse† by Robert Burns, the ongoing themes are guilt and fear. Burns knows what mice are up to, stealing his food from his crops and ruining his walls within his home to make homes of their own. Burns however, does not care because he himself feels guilty for the little mice. Burns feels like even though they may be a nuisance to some humans, the mice have no choice but to do these things to live to see another day. â€Å"I doubt na, whiles, but thou may thieve; What then? Poor beastie, thou maun live!† (Burns l.13-14) Burns explains why he is not bothered that the mice steal his food. Burns also has the theme of fear in his poem. The mice fear men, and for good reason, Burns is aware of this and makes minimal effort to scare the mice while they are at work. â€Å"An’ justifies that ill opinion which makes thee startle,† (Burns, l.9-10) Burns discusses how the fear mice have for men is due to the brutes who have no patience to understand what the mice go through. While the two poems have different themes, one being cruelty and unfairness and the other being guilt and fear, the themes are similar in the fashion that both poets show remorse for the mice and what they go through. Barbauld never once mentions how mice may in fact have it easier than humans do, but in the final lines from â€Å"To a Mouse† Burns does indicate being a mouse may sometimes be easier. â€Å"Still thou art blest compared wi’ me! (Burns, l.43) Burns states that even though a mouse may not want to be a human, Burns believes a mouse has the ability to solely live in the present, and cannot remember the past or have to think of the future. Burns shares the dread he feels when he must remember the past or think about the future. Burns wishes he never had such a burden, and believes mice would not want to have such a burden either. For this reason while the two poems’ themes are very similar, they still have striking differences in how they view mice and men. Many Political issues were raised when the two poems were written. In 1773, the same year â€Å"The Mouse’s Petition† was written, the Boston tea party movement had happened. This happened soon after the British parliament granted it a monopoly to the North American tea trade. While this made the British happy it was the beginning of a revolt by the Americans. They felt they should not have to be taxed for their own goods. The Americans fought back by raiding the tea ships going to the British and dumping all the tea into the ocean. While this was a revolt for the Americans, for the British not much had happened except for the fact they had seen what happens as a result of people being pushed into something they didn’t want to do. This connection can be made to the Mouse in â€Å"A Mouse’s Petition† because the mouse did not want to be a test subject but was forced to do so, left without a choice. Wither or not Barbauld’s writing was affected by the Boston Tea Party movement or not, the two happening in the same year seems to be enough of a connection to assume this was an effect. In 1785, the same year â€Å"To a Mouse† was written, Scotland was under the beginning of the highland clearances. Before 1785 many families and clans were getting relocated to other parts of Scotland so that the land could be used to raise big black sheep instead. The success of relocating humans for the use of their land became so popular that the evil countess of Sutherland used the threat of clearances to blackmail every young man on her vast estates to enlist in her regiment. She then evicted their families later anyway. One is left to wonder if Burns was forced to take part in one of these dreadful moves, or simply had to experience seeing these events happen. Either way having to leave your land unexpectedly would take a toll on your mind mentally and physically. Especially if you were sent to war with promise your land would be safe, only to come back realizing your land had been taken away anyways. In, â€Å"To a mouse,† burns refers by stating through a part of his poem that he does not like the fact that he can remember the past, â€Å"The present only touchect thee: But och! I backward cast my e’e On prospects drear! An’ forward though I canna see, I guess an’ fear!† (Burns, l.49-53) Burns talks about how looking back on the past brings him disappointment and sorrow. Maybe this is because he was in the middle of relocation or had already gone through one due to the highland clearance. While material has not proven or disproven that Burns was a part of the highland clearance one can be left wondering if those events had an impact on his poem. The poetic diction in the two poems is very unique. While both use plenty of metaphors, there vocabulary is much different. This is partly because Burns uses a Scotish accent in his poems to give off the Scottish feel. Barbauld uses regular 1700’s English, much like other poets of the time from Britain. Burns’s Scottish accent is used in the poem to give the reader an idea what it would sound like if he himself was to recite the poem. While the reader may not understand as quickly as if reading in regular English, it helps to read the poem exactly like it would be read. While at first it is a challenging task to understand, it later becomes simple to translate. Barbaulds poem is much more generic for what the poems looked like in her area in the 1700’s, there is no accent used like in Burns’s which makes the initial reading of her poem much easier. One thing â€Å"To a Mouse† and â€Å"A Mouse’s Petition† have in common is there use of metaphors. Burns uses metaphor less often than Barbauld, â€Å"An’ bleak December’s winds ensuin’, Baith snell and keen!† (Burns l.28-29) Burns discusses with the mouse about how the winter winds are sharp like a knife, a metaphor for the winter wind being cold and seeming like it can go right through your body. Barbauld uses metahphors more frequently, â€Å"May some kind angel clear thy path, And break the hidden snare.† (Barbauld, l.47-48) Barbauld is saying metaphorically that she hopes the man has a sudden change of mind and his thoughts are changed for the good, not to use the mouse as a scientific test dummy. The two poems being compared and contrasted show that the two are not so different. While there are many similarities and differences analysing political and social issues, diction, and tone have helped to find these similarities and differences. The two poems about mice are much more complex than the initial read. The reader must dig deep into the meanings of the poems, the diction, the time they were written, the social issues that were happening in those times, and the poet’s tones to reveal the true meanings of the poems. Works Cited Burns, R. â€Å"To a Mouse.† The Longman Anthology: British Literature. David Damrosch and Kevin J.H. Dettmar. Pearson Education, 2010. 359-360. Latitita, A. â€Å"The Mouses Petition.† The Longman Anthology: British Literature. David Damrosch and Kevin J.H. Dettmar. Pearson Education, 2010. 62-63.

Latar belakang kawasan kajian

Latar belakang kawasan kajian 3.1 PENGENALAN Dalam bab ini, perkara yang dibincangkan adalah tentang latar belakang kawasan kajian dan aspek yang berkaitan dengan pembangunan lokasi kajian, penduduk, sosio-ekonomi, guna tanah, perindustrian dan lain-lain. Dalam bab ini, isu kesan perindustrian seperti pencemaran dibincangkan. Bab ini, pembaca akan memahami secara lebih mendalam tentang kawasan kajian. dengan mengetahui secara lebih mendalam latar belakang kawasan kajian, penkaji akan dapat memahami dan menerangkan secara menyeluruh tentang kawasan kajian. 3.2 PEMBANGUNAN DI MALAYSIA Pembangunan adalah sesuatu aspek yang penting dan sentiasa diutamakan oleh kebanyakan negara yang sedang membangun dan negara maju. Di Malaysia, pembangunan adalah satu agenda penting yang diberi keutamaan kerana Malaysia adalah sebuah negara yang sedang membangun. Pembangunan di sini bermaksud pembangunan ekonomi, politik, sosial, dan lain-lain. Jika dilihat kembali sejarah Zaman Batu Awal, manusia sudah mula berusaha mencipta peralatan-peralatan dan pengangkutan untuk memudahkan kehidupan mereka. Secara lahiriah, setiap manusia sudah pasti ingin mengecapi pembangunan dan pemodenan serta gaya hidup yang mudah dan berkualiti. Oleh itu, kita tidak dapat menghalang pembangunan sesebuah negara. Di kebanyakan negara maju dan negara sedang membangun, pembangunan ekonomi adalah sesuatu yang paling penting dan sentiasa diutamakan. Revolusi perindustrian adalah salah satu agen dan pemangkin kepada pembangunan ekonomi sesebuah negara. Revolusi perindustrian di Malaysia telah bemula sejak tahun 1970-an lagi. Revolusi perindustrian ini adalah salah satu langkah mencapai Wawasan 2020. Usaha mencapai Wawasan 2020 terbukti dengan pembangunan sektor perindustrian, pertanian, perumahan dan sebagainya. Setiap negeri di Malaysia mempunyai kawasan Perindustriannya sendiri. Contohnya, Shah Alam (Selangor), Mergong (Kedah) dan lain-lain. 3.2 PEMBANGUNAN DI KEDAH   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Negeri Kedah merupakan salah sebuah negeri daripada 14 negeri yang terdapat di Malaysia. Negeri Kedah terletak di utara Semenanjung Malaysia. Lokasi negeri Kedah adalah bersempadanan dengan 3 negeri dah 1 negara iaitu Perlis (Barat Laut), Pulau pinang (Barat Daya), Perak (Selatan) dan Thailand (Utara). Kedah Darul Aman merupakan sebuah negeri di Semenanjung Malaysia yang kaya dengan hasil pertanian. Kedah mempunyai keluasan lebih kurang 9,426km ². Kedah terletak di Utara semenanjung Malaysia yang berhadapan dengan Selat Melaka. Kedah merupakan salah sebuah negeri Agraria (pertanian) yang mempunyai banyak kawasan pertanian padi serta perkampungan nelayan. Negeri Kedah juga dikenali sebagai negeri Jelapang Padi kerana hasil pertanian padi yang banyak. Perindustrian membawa kepada pertumbuhan penduduk dan wujudnya banyak bandar-bandar baru. Kawasan perindustrian biasanya mempunyai tahap kepadatan penduduk yang sangat tinggi. Berdasarkan bancian pada tahun 2003, Kedah mempunyai populasi penduduk sebanyak 1,778,188 orang. Daripada itu, populasi penduduk yang berbangsa Melayu adalah kaum terbesar dengan 75%, diikuti kaum Cina iaitu sebanyak 15%, kaum India sebanyak 7%, Bukan warganegara sebanyak 1.6%, lain-lain kaum sebanyak 1.4%. Negeri Kedah terbahagi kepada 9 buah daerah yang kecil. Daerah-daerah tersebut adalah Daerah Kubang Pasu, Daerah Padang Terap, Daerah Yan, Daerah Pendang, Daerah Kuala Muda, Daerah Sik, Daerah Baling, Daerah Kulim dan Daerah Alor Setar. Di setiap daerah ini, terdapat aktiviti-aktiviti ekonomi yang dijalankan oleh penduduk tempatan. Sebagai contoh, aktiviti ekonomi yang dijalankan di Daerah Pendang adalah pertanian padi basah, Revolusi Perindustrian di Kedah tertumpu di Kulim dan Mergong. Pembangunan perindustrian ini semakin rancak dan membesar. Semakin banyak kilang dibina berhampiran dengan kawasan perumahan, pusat rekreasi dan sungai. Pembangunan yang tidak terancang boleh mendatangkan masalah manusia dan alam sekitar. 3.3 LATAR BELAKANG KAWASAN MERGONG   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Negeri Kedah Darul Aman mempunyai 11 buah daerah. Daerah Kota Setar adalah ibu negeri Kedah. Terdapat 34 buah mukim dalam daerah Kota Setar. Salah sebuah mukim yang terdapat dalam Daerah Kota Setar adalah Mergong. Mergong adalah salah sebuah mukim yang sangat terkenal dan menjadi tumpuan penduduk. Kawasan Mergong ini adalah sebuah kawasan perindustrian. Sebelum pembinaan kawasan perindustrian ini, kawasan ini kurang menjadi tumpuan penduduk. Apabila kawasan ini dibangunkan menjadi kawasan perindustrian yang utama di Kedah, kawasan ini mula didiami penduduk. Ini kerana terdapatnya peluang pekerjaan yang banyak dalam sektor perindustrian serta jaringan pengangkutan yang dimajukan. Ini telah menyebabkan pertambahan penduduk di kawasan Mergong semakin meningkat. Daerah Kota Setar sudah lama wujud. Mengikut sejarah, daerah kota setar telah wujud sejak awal abad ke-16. Daerah Kota Setar ini telah berkembang pesat dan akhirnya diishtiharkan sebagai Bandaraya Alor Setar pada 21 Disember 2003. Daerah Kota Setar ini mempunyai keluasan 666 km ². Kawasan perindustrian Mergong ini meliputi 60.45 hektar daripada jumlah keluasan daerah Kota Setar. 3.4 CIRI-CIRI FIZIKAL Bagi melihat ciri-ciri fizikal kawasan perindustrian Mergong, pengkaji telah mengenalpasti ciri-ciri bentuk muka bumi, iklim dan cuaca, tumbuh-tumbuhan semulajadi serta saliran dan perparitan di Daerah Kota Setar. 3.4.1 Bentuk Muka Bumi : Kawasan daerah Kota Setar terdiri daripada kawasan tanah pamah yang landai. Dianggarkan sebanyak 85% daripada kawasan di Daerah Kota Setar adalah kawasan tanah pamah. Di kawasan tanah pamah ini, pelbagai jenis aktiviti dijalankan seperti, perindustrian, perniagaan, kawasan pentadbiran, kawasan perumahan, kawasan bandar, kawasan pertanian dan lain-lain. Kawasan tanah pamah sangat sesuai dibangunkan sebagai pusat bandar dan pembinaan sistem pengangkutan yang baik. Daerah Kota Setar disaliri oleh 3 buah anak sungai iaitu Sungai Mempelam, Sungai Gunung Sali, dan Sungai Alor Terus. Kawasan tanah pamah yang luas ini juga telah mempengaruhi kegiatan ekonomi penduduk. Contohnya, kawasan tanah pamah yang luas dan subur serta sistem saliran yang baik telah membolehkan kebanyak penduduk menjalankan kegiatan pertanian. Terdapat sedikit kawasan tanah tinggi di daerah Kota Setar. Kawasan tanah tinggi ini adalah kawasan di sekeliling Gunung Kerian. Kawasan di Gunung Kerian ini mempunyai kepadatan penduduk yang rendah serta sistem jalan raya yang kurang baik. 3.4.2 Cuaca dan Iklim : Malaysia terletak berhampiran dengan garisan Khatulistiwa. Kedudukan ini menentukan jenis iklim yang dialami oleh sesebuah negara. Oleh itu, Kedah mengalami iklim Khatulistiwa atau iklim Hutan Hujan Tropika. Iklim jenis ini tidak mengalami musim panas atau musim sejuk yang nyata. Ini bermaksud, Malaysia mengalami panas dan lembap sepanjang tahun. Jumlah hujan atau nilai kerpasan minimum yang dicatat sekurang-kurangnya 60mm. Selain itu, perubahan suhu harian adalah antara 2 °C (36 °F) dan 5 °C (41 °F).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jumlah hujan yang turun di Alor Setar adalah mengikut musim dan masa. Jangkaan jumlah hujan sebulan di Alor Setar pada Januari dan Februari adalah kurang daripada 80mm. Keadaan ini adalah kerana keadaan cuaca yang sangat kering. Bermula dari bulan Mac hingga Oktober, jumlah hujan yang turun mula meningkat. Jumlah hujan yang turun pada masa ini adalah sebanyak 110-160mm. Pada bulan November, jumlah hujan yang turun meningkat iaitu antara 150-250mm. Pada masa ini, rebut petir diiringi dengan hujan lebat berlaku dengan kerap pada sebelah petang. Pada bulan disember pula, jumlah hujan mula berkurangan iaitu kurang daripada 150mm. Selain itu, hujan di kawasan iklim Khatulistiwa mempunyai adalah lebat iaitu hujan perolakan. Kedah terletak di pantai barat Semenanjung Malaysia dan di bahagian utara yang berhampiran dengan Negara Thailand. Thailand dan kawasan sekitarnya mengalami iklim Monsun Tropika. Ini menyebabkan negeri Perlis dan Kedah mengalami sedikit ciri iklim Monsun Tropika. Ini menyebabkan sesetengah kawasan di Negeri Kedah mempunyai perbezaan suhu yang ketara. Oleh itu, tumbuh-tumbuhan yang sesuai ditanam di bumi Kedah dengan iklim khatulistiwa adalah padi basah, kelapa sawit, getah, dan lain-lain. 3.4.3 Tumbuh-Tumbuhan Semulajadi : Iklim dan cuaca merupakan faktor yang sangat penting mempengaruhi jenis tanaman atau tumbuh-tumbuhan yang terdapat di sesuatu kawasan. Di daerah Kota Setar, tumbuhan yang sesuai ditanam adalah padi basah. Ini kerana tanah di daerah Alor Setar ini adalah tanih jenis alluvium. Tanih ini sangat sesuai untuk pertanian. Selain itu, tanaman yang sesuai adalah pelbagai jenis sayur-sayuran. Sebelum Malaysia mencapai kemerdekaan, kawasan di daerah ini telah digunakan untuk pertanian padi basah. Petani-petani di kawasan ini kebanyakannya telah menjual tanah pertanian mereka untuk tujuan pembangunan seperti pembinaan kawasan perindustrian. Segelintir petani sahaja yang masih meneruskan aktiviti pertanian mereka kerana mereka masih mencintai tanah pusaka mereka. Ini menyebabkan petani-petani itu menerima pelbagai kesan daripada perindustrian yang juga terdapat di kawasan tersebut. Antara tanaman lain yang terdapat di kawasan ini adalah pokok pisang, getah dan lain-lain. 3.4.4 Sistem Perparitan dan Saliran: Kawasan Mergong ini disaliri oleh 3 cawangan daripada Sungai Kedah iaitu Sungai Mempelam, Sungai Gunung Sali, dan Sungai Alor Terus yang saling berhubung antara satu sama lain. Ketiga-tiga sungai ini bermula dan bersambung dengan Sungai Kedah. Sungai Mempelam melalui kawasan perindustrian Mergong dan kawasan kediaman Kampung Mempelam. Sungai Gunung Sali merentasi kawasan perindustrian Mergong 1 dan Mergong 2. Sungai Alor Terus juga mengairi kawasan di pinggir kawasan perindustrian Mergong 1 dan Mergong 2 tetapi lebih banyak dilalui kawasan perniagaan di sekitar Mergong.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Daerah Kota Setar juga disaliri oleh terusan yang terkanal iaitu Terusan Wan Mat Saman. Terusan ini merupakan terusan yang terpanjang di Malaysia. Terusan sepanjang 36 km ini telah dibina pada tahun 1885. Terusan ini menghubungkan Sungai Kedah di Alor Setar hingga ke Kaki Gunung Jerai di Gurun iaitu di selatan Kedah. Terusan Wan Mat Saman ini berfungsi ini mengairi kawasan pertanian padi di Kedah. 3.5 KEPENDUDUKAN Negeri Kedah mempunyai bilangan penduduk yang sederhana padat. Mengikut data daripada Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia, jumlah penduduk Kedah pada tahun 2009 adalah seramai 2 juta orang. Daripada angka ini, jumlah penduduk di Daerah Kota Setar mencatat bilangan penduduk yang paling ramai. Jumlah penduduk di Daerah Kota Setar adalah seramai 429,900 orang penduduk. Daripada jumlah ini, seramai 214,100 orang adalah lelaki dan 215,800 orang adalah perempuan. Mergong adalah salah sebuah mukim yang terdapat dalam Daerah Kota Setar. Jumlah penduduk di mukim Mergong ini adalah seramai 20,300 orang iaitu 10,100 adalah lelaki dan 10,200 adalah perempuan. Bilangan penduduk di kawasan Mergong ini didapati meningkat berbanding pada tahun 2000. Pertambahan penduduk ini adlah disebabkan pembinaan kawasan perindustrian Mergong. Apabila kawasan perindustrian Mergong dibina, kawasan ini menjadi tumpuan penduduk kerana pertambahan kemudahan jaringan jalan raya dan wujudnya banyak peluang pekerjaan. Oleh itu, terdapat pertambahan penduduk di kawasan Mergong ini. 3.6 KEGIATAN EKONOMI Di Daerah Alor Setar, terdapat pelbagai aktiviti ekonomi yang dijalankan oleh penduduk setempat. Antara aktiviti-aktiviti ekonomi yang dijalankan adalah seperti pertanian, perindustrian, perniagaan dan lain-lain. 3.6.1 Pertanian Sebelum kawasan Mergong ini dibangunkan sebagai kawasan perindustrian, kawasan ini adalah kawasan pertanian padi basah. Kawasan ini diusahakan oleh petani-petani tempatan di tanah pusaka. Pada mulanya, kawasan pertanian di Mergong ini adalah sangat luas. Apabila kawasan ini hendak dibangunkan dan dimajukan sebagai kawasan perindustrian, kebanyakkan tanah-tanah pertanian itu dibeli oleh pemilik-pemilik kilang. Ini kerana kebanyakkan golongan yang tiggal di kawasan Mergong pada ketika ini adalah golongan muda. Apabila kawasan ini dibina kilang dan dimajukan, guna tanah kawasan ini telah berubah daripada pertanian kepada perindustrian. Pada masa sekarang, masih terdapat sebilangan kecil tanah yang masih digunakan sebagai pertanian. Kawasan ini diusahakan oleh sebilangan kecil petani yang kebanyakkannya adalah golongan tua yang sangat mencintai alam sekitar. Apabila kawasan ini digunakan untuk pertanian, kawasan ini akan mengalami masalah kerana tanah pertanian ini adalah berhampiran dengan kawasan perindustrian. Tahap kesuburan tanih pertanian ini agak terjejas berikutan kesan daripada pembinaan kawasan perindustrian di kawasan ini. Sungai Kedah yang menyaliri kawasan pertanian ini tercemar dengan sisa daripada kilang. Ini memberi kesan negatif kepada kegiatan pertanian di kawasan ini. 3.6.2. Industri Kilang Mukim Mergong merupakan sebuah kawasan pertanian yang luas dan subur. Kawasan Mergong ini sangat subur kerana kedudukannya adalah berhampiran dengan Sungai Kedah yang melalui kawasan ini. Mergong kemudiannya dibangunkan sebagai kawasan perindustrian yang utama di Kedah. Di kawasan perindustrian ini, terdapat banyak kilang yang terdiri daripada pelbagai jenis perindustrian. Terdapat 3 jenis industri di kawasan Mergong ini iaitu industri ringan, industri sederhana dan industri berat. Industri ringan di kawasan ini adalah kilang-kilang pembuatan bahan-bahan makanan seperti industri keropok, gula-gula dan sebagainya. Kilang-kilang yang berasaskan industri ringan ini adalah paling banyak di kawasan Mergong ini. Industri sederhana pula mempunyai bilangan yang kedua terbanyak di kawasan Perindustrian Mergong. Antara contoh-contoh kilang yang berasaskan industri sederhana adalah kilang pakaian, kilang perabot, kilang pembuatan kicap, kilang papan kilang pembuatan roti dan sebagainya. Kategori industri ketiga adalah industri berat. Bilangan industri berat kawasan Mergong adalah paling sedikit. Walaupun bilangan industri berat ini adalah sedikit, tetapi kilang-kilang industri berat inilah yang telah menjadi titik permulaan kepada pembukaan kawasan Perindustrian Mergong ini. Antara kilang yang paling awal di buka di kawasan Perindustrian Mergong ini adalah Kilang Sime Tyres iaitu kilang pembuatan tayar yang terkenal. Antara kilang kilang lain yang mengusahakan industri berat adalah kilang beras, kilang pembuatan cecair nitrogen, kilang simen, kilang pembuatan tayar kenderaan berat, kilang pembuatan kapal dan bot-bot kecil, bengkel membaiki kereta. Berdasarkan kepada laporan MBAS (2000), terdapat lebih 600 buah kilang di kawasan ini. Kilang-kilang yang terdiri daripada pelbagai jenis dan ketegori. Antara jenis industri yang utama di kawasan Mergong ini adalah industri ringan, industri pembuatan dan perkhidmatan serta industri berat. Kawasan perindustrian Mergong ini menyediakan lebih kurang 40,000 peluang pekerjaan kepada penduduk. 3.6.3 Perniagaan :   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kawasan Mergong ini adalah sebuah kawasan yang sangat berhampiran dengan pusat bandar iaitu Bandaraya Alor Setar. Di kawasan Mergong ini, terdapat pelbagai aktiviti ekonomi. Antara aktiviti ekonomi yang utama di kawasan ini adalah aktiviti perniagaan. Aktiviti perniagaan adalah satu aktiviti ekonomi yang penting kerana ia akan menjana pendapat penduduk setempat yang berniaga. Selain itu, ia juga akan menyumbang kepada pendapatan dan menjana ekonomi negeri Kedah. Perniagaan adalah antara aktiviti yang penting kerana ia akan membawa kepada pertumbuhan penduduk di kawasan tersebut. Secara lahiriah, manusia memang suka akan kemajuan serta kawasan ekonomi seperti pusat bandar berbanding kawasan pedalaman yang kurang aktiviti perniagaan. Terdapat pelbagai jenis aktiviti perniagaan di mukim Mergong ini. Antaranya adalah perniagaan makanan, pakaian, tekstil, barang kemas, kedai menjual kereta dan motosikal, hotel, motel, kedai perabot, kedai papan. Selain itu, di kawasan Mergong juga terdapat ‘Hipermarket yang terkenal iaitu TESCO. Oleh itu, kawasan ini menjadi sebuah kawasan yang terkenal dengan pelbagai aktiviti perniagaan. 3.7 GUNA TANAH Secara keselurahannya, guna tanah di Mergong adalah lebih kepada kegiatan ekonomi seperti perindustrian, perniagaan, pertanian dan lain-lain. Kebanyakan kawasan telah dibangunkan untuk tujuan ekonomi. Kegiatan ekonomi ini adalah sangat penting kerana ia menyediakan peluang pekerjaan kepada penduduk setempat. Selain itu, penduduk dapat meningkatkan taraf sosio-ekonomi penduduk. Antaranya adalah kawasan perindustrian Mergong. Kawasan perindustrian Mergong adalah sebuah kawasan yang luas. Ia meliputi lebih 600 buah kilang di kawasan ini. Kawasan perindustrian Mergong ini terbahagi kepada 2 fasa iaitu fasa 1 dan Fasa 2. Oleh itu, kawasan perindustrian Mergong ini merupakan sebuah tapak yang sangat luas dengan melibatkan pelbagai kegiatan perindustrian di kawasan tersebut. Terdapat pelbagai jenis industri di Mergong iaitu industri ringan, industri sederhana dan industri berat. Antara contoh industri ringan adalah kilang-kilang membuat bahan makanan seperti gula-gula, keropok dan lain-lain. Contoh industri sederhana pula adalah kilang papan, kilang perabot, kilang kayu, kilang kapas, kilang kicap, kilang pakaian, dan pelbagai jenis kilang lain. Contoh industri berat yang terdpat di kawasan perindustrian Mergong adalah kilang Sime Tyres, kilang simen, kilang besi dan keluli dan lain lain. Aktiviti kilang di kawasan perindustrian ini membawa pelbagai kesan terhada p penduduk dan alam sekitar. Kesan-kesan daripada perindustrian ini akan dibincang dalam bab 4 dan bab 5. Guna tanah untuk kawasan perumahan adalah terhad. Kawasan Mergong ini yang pada asalnya adalah kawasan pertanian merupakan kawasan tumpuan penduduk. Pada masa sekarang, kawasan ini telah dibangunkan menjadi bandar dan pusat perindustrian. Oleh itu, tanah yang digunakan untuk tujuan perumahan menjadi semakin kurang. Walaupun kawasan ini merupakan kawasan tumpuan penduduk, kawasan perumahan ini adalah terhad di sebahagian kawasan sahaja. Ini kerana kebanyakan kawasan telah dibangunkan menjadi pusat ekonomi seperti bandar dan sebagainya. Kawasan Mergong ini mempunyai jumlah penduduk yang ramai kerana terdapatnya peluang pekerjaan yang banyak serta taraf hidup penduduknya juga tinggi. Oleh itu, penduduk di kawasan Mergong ini kebanyakannya adalah penduduk yang baru berpindah ke kawasan itu. Ini kerana, kawasan perumahan di Mergong ini boleh dianggap sangat baru. Oleh kerana kawasan Mergong tidak mempunyai tanah yang mencukupi untuk perumahan, rumah-rumah yang dibina adalah rumah jenis fl at. Ini adalah kerana masalah kekurangan tanah dan bilangan penduduknya yang ramai. Di kawasan Mergong, terdapat beberapa sekolah yang dibina. Antaranya adalah Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Mergong, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Mergong, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tunku Abdul Rahman (STAR) dan Sekolah Menengah Agama Kedah. Sekolah-sekolah ini terletak berhampiran dengan kawasan perumahan. Semua sekolah ini adalah antara sekolah-sekolah yang utama dan terkenal di Kedah. Selain itu, di kawasan Mergong juga terdapat kawasan pertanian. Pada mulanya kawasan pertanian ini merupakan kawasan pertanian sangat luas. Kawasan pertanian ini ditanam dengan padi basah. Apabila kawasan mergong mula dibangunkan, tanah-tanah pertanian tersebut diubah kepada pembangunan kawasan perindustrian. tanah-tanah pertanian itu dibeli dan di ambil alih oleh kerajaan dan syarikat-syarikat swasta yang inging menggunakan tanah tersebut. Oleh itu, kawasan pertanian di Mergong mula berkurangan. Guna tanah lain di kawasan Mergong ini adalah pembinaan kemudahan Perhentian Bas Ekspres di Alor Setar iaitu Perhentian Shahab Perdana. Semua bas yang datang ke Alor Setar dari pelbagai tempat seperti dari Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh dan sebagainya akan berhenti di perhentian ini. BANK, TESCO, SEK RENDAH, SEK, MENENGAH, UNIVERSITY INSANIAH,PASAR BORONG, PUSAT FUTSAL, PUSAT KESIHATAN MERGONG, PEJABAT PENDIDIKAN DAERAH KOTA SETAR, KOMPLEKS PENERANGAN DI SHAHAB PERDANA,HOTEL/MOTEL, PUSAT PENJUALAN KERETA, PEJABAT JPJ 3.8 PEMBANGUNAN DAERAH MERGONG 3.9 KEMUDAHAN-KEMUDAHAN INFRASTRUKTUR 3.9.1 Bekalan Elektrik 3.9.2 Bekalan Air 3.9.3 Hubungan telefon 3.9.4Hospital dan Kemudahan Kesihatan 3.9.5 Lain-lain Kemudahan 3.10 SISTEM PENGANGKUTAN 3.11 KESIMPULAN http://images.google.com.my/imglanding?q=map%20kedahimgurl= http://www.about-malaysia.com/kedah/images/map-kedah.gifimgrefurl=http://www.about-malaysia.com/kedah/usg=__UgDwddpNj3b9l5tme89hXaCYaQg=h=212w=206sz=6hl=enum=1itbs=1tbnid=G49LrsUsXtHK3M:tbnh=106tbnw=103prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmap%2Bkedah%26start%3D36%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26ndsp%3D18%26tbs%3Disch:1start=44um=1sa=Nndsp=18tbs=isch:1#tbnid=G49LrsUsXtHK3Mstart=48

Climate Change Problems For The Fiji Islands

Climate Change Problems For The Fiji Islands This paper explores the risks that climate change poses to the tourism development in Fiji islands. It shows the adverse effects of the changing climate and the dangers pose by the tourism activities and also pose a major hazard for the local people in the region. It also deals with the dangerous carbon emissions and CO2 effect on the landscape, food, water, energy. Key words: pacific, climate change, carbon and CO2 emissions. Introduction The pacific is the world`s largest ocean with a surface area of 175 million sq km and constitutes for 40% of the planet`s waters. Located in the tropical latitudes, it covers more than half the globe`s circumference. Temperature of the surface water in the western tropical regions is always more than 28 ÃÅ'Ã…  C over a depth of several hundred meters. This makes up the world`s storage of thermal energy for exchange with atmosphere. Here the interaction between atmosphere and ocean is most extreme and influences the climate not only regionally but planet-wide. The nations of the pacific are obscured human settlements absorbed in this vast fluid universe. The ocean is the most important factor controlling the environment and life. Hence any change in oceanic conditions and climatic changes are important for environment and life (Philander, 1990). The mean climate of a region is defined by the average conditions observed over 3 decades or more, considering all characteristics that makes weather felt by everyone and predicted by meteorologists. The main characteristics are temperature, wind conditions, atmospheric pressure, cloud cover and rainfall. The south pacific is bounded by an area of low pressure near the equator and high pressure around 30 S parallel. North-south pressure creates the regular winds in these two areas known as the south-east trades (Philander, 1990). Any change in earth`s climate has an impact on mankind, biodiversity, health and services provided by ecosystems worldwide. For adapting to such climate changes it is necessary to understand variation of climate, why and how the climate changes, and how it impacts the earth`s ecosystems. Climate mode is an important way of understanding climate variability, changes and impacts. Earth`s climate is changing and such changes tend to take place with different patterns which may be characterised by one or many modes of the climate systems (Philander, 1990). Fiji is the largest tourism destination in the south pacific but international arrivals are unstable over the last 5 years because of harmful events like political coup in Fiji in 2000, terrorist attacks in United States on 11th September 2001, the Bali attack in 2002, and severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in Asia in 2003. Tourism is endangered to natural hazards and disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, flood, droughts, and cyclones. Climate change is an important characteristic in disaster management as it is likely to affect Fiji through sea level rise and storm surge, changing temperature and extreme weather events (Wilbanks, 2003). About 400,000 tourist visited Fiji in 2002 with an average length of stay of 8 days. While most visitors come for rest and relaxation linked to beach environments, current marketing campaigns aim to shift the image from pure beach promotion to a wider experience (Ministry of tourism-Fiji, 2003). The main aim of this journal paper is to analyse effects of climate change in Fiji islands and adapting and minimizing climate change by the tourist resorts. The reason for behind this is that surveys and interviews were undertaken resulting in many operators already prepared for climate related changes and adapt to potential impacts resulting in climate change. Method Tourism in Fiji is largely based on resorts therefore accommodation sector is prominent tourism sub-sector. Tourists spend most of their time at the resorts. For the above reasons it was appropriate to focus on this analysis of accommodation. Effects of climate change on tourism in Fiji Tourism operators are familiar with ecological factors like strong reefs and plain water crucial for tourism in Fiji. Operators were conscious of the climate change associated impacts like cyclones, the thrashing of coral reefs and flooding. Polluted water was related to mounting water temperature and climate change. Increasing sea levels were mentioned by three businesses, two of which lie in low lying Mamanuca Islands. Generally accommodation business had experienced at least one of the climate related impact. The most common impacts were erosion, water availability, and interruption of electricity. Many resorts were affected by cyclones resulting in coral bleaching and property harm (Short, 2004). Climate related impacts previously experienced Frequency out of 25 Comments by respondents Shore line/beach erosion 9 Banks on edge property/beach give way Reduced water availability 9 In recent droughts Interrupted supply chain 8 Power cuts Coral bleaching 8 Noticed by tourists, snorkelling affected Damage to property 5 From sea surge Sea level rise 3 Storm frequency and intensity 3 Maintenance of gardens (Short, 2004). Eight businesses said that they were not affected by any of the factors listed. There are five areas located in the Mamanuca Islands, which are relatively exposed to climate change due to the risk of cyclones, sea level rise, poor water quality, disappearing corals, and inadequate water availability. There is need of understanding of climate change problems and the managers do not share the problems faced by climate change (Short, 2004). Tourist accommodation uses large variety of energy resources with electrical energy created from hydropower or diesel generator being most important for energy use. Petrol and diesel is use for business vehicles and other purposes. Also liquefied petroleum gas is used by most businesses mostly for cooking, hot water and in laundry. Energy utilization and greenhouse gas emissions differ broadly for diverse businesses. The standard of accommodation and geographical location are the two factors that have major influence on energy consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions (Becken, 2002). Tourist accommodation in the Mamanuca Islands is around 2-3 times as  carbon-intensive as that in  Viti  Levu. The key cause for this is in electricity generation, which is to a great extent less  carbon-intensive in  Viti  Levu. Because of the high quantity of renewable energy sources (hydro and bagasse) compared with diesel production on islands with its natural inadequacy (about 65-70% of e nergy input is lost during the process of generation). Resorts on remote islands run more or less self-sufficiently, and hence have supplementary energy needs (e.g., sewage treatment, freezing rubbish). Transport energy utilization is also high given that not only do tourists have to be transported to and from the resort, but so also do food supplies, energy (diesel and gas), water and other devices required for operating the resort (Becken, 2002). The rough feasible estimate is obtained of energy use and carbon monoxide emissions related with tourism for the Fiji. The total number of visitor nights spent in Fiji was 2,891,295 in 2002 (Department of energy, 2003). 82% of visitor-nights were spent in hotels, 13% in backpacker/budget accommodation, and the remaining nights were being spent in motels, on boats or in other forms of commercial and non-commercial accommodation. Total energy used due to tourist accommodation was calculated at 1,078,373,475 MJ per annum which is equivalent to national energy use of 6.5%. in terms of carbon monoxide the accommodation industry emits 68,219 tonnes per annum.( Department of energy, 2003) Tourism in Fiji is extremely exposed to climate change related hazards such as cyclones, flooding and storms, sea level rise, erosion, transport and communication interruption, and momentarily less water availability. Another most important apprehension for the tourism industry is the deprivation of natural systems, such as coral reefs and forest ecosystems, further exasperated by climate change. Tourism businesses in common are affected in the form of physical damage from a  cyclone  or storm surge, erosion, and coral bleaching. In spite of the high risk linked with tourist facilities built on the waterfront, most new developments spotlight on coastal areas. Mangroves are been cut down in large scale who in turn acts like a protection against climate related changes (Jones, 2003). Tourist accommodation providers adapt to climatic conditions that may affect their business, and in doing so they are also prepared for impacts that may result from a changing climate. Typically, operators focus on relatively concrete and foreseeable high-risk impacts, such as cyclones and storm surges, for example by  cyclone-proofing their structures and erecting seawalls. A number of accommodation providers have insurance cover against cyclones and storm surges. Generally, it seems that the risk of accumulative impacts or more abstract impacts are less recognised and addressed. Pollution control, sewage treatment, and water management are examples of this. The vulnerability to extreme climate-related events can be reduced when climate change adaptation is integrated in the development process from the earliest stages (Jones, 2003). The exact location of the development and design such as building material, orientation, structures and landscaping helps in reducing the vulnerability. There is a opportunity to change tourism development in at destinations less vulnerable to climate change, with current attempts to diversifying Fiji`s tourism product in relation to ecotourism. New and unique tourism products can be developed in Fiji on high land areas using Japanese concept of shakkei (borrowed landscape), where hotel layout, garden landscaping and scenery are mixed together into an overall experience of ecosystem that is different from the typical beachfront (Ayala, 1995). A number of greenhouse gas moderation procedures are in place such as adapting generator sizes, switching off lights, energy efficient light bulbs and solar hot water. There is a huge potential for solar energy and wind-generated power especially on the Coral Coast, the Mamanuca Islands, and Sonasavu, these technologies are taken up slowly, inhibited by lack of knowledge, capital, capacity and government incentives. Often, the energy demand of a single tourist resort is too small to justify investment in a wind turbine. The policy focus and interests of resort operators in Fiji are development-driven, although there is a strong recognition of the concept of sustainable development. Climate change is mainly seen from the perspective of tourisms vulnerability and adaptation. Mitigation seems to be less pressing, although in the medium term increasing greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., as a result of increasing tourist arrivals) could undermine Fijis credibility in international negotiatio ns on climate change. The above order of Government and industry priorities has to be recognised when trying to implement any climate-change-related measures (Ayala, 1995). Climate change can be mixed with sustainable development by identifying key problems and then linking those to climate change. In the case of Fiji tourism these major local problems are land use issues, old stock accommodation, lack of new capital and investment, limited air capacity, dependence on air travel, economic leakage, lack of unique selling point, environment degradation and political instability (Narayan, 2000). Environmental problems like pollution, deforestation and excessive use of resources are to be considered. Potential issues in addition to these problems are more likely to be funded by donor agencies, stakeholders and industry members (Hay et al., 2003). Recognizing co-benefits of climate change policies is as important as its effect, for example, heavy use of air conditioning leads to increase in greenhouse gas emissions or the relocation of sand adds to local environmental impacts. Future work would need to take into account technological and economic aspects, as well as the expected amount of reduced or increased greenhouse gas emissions (Dang et al., 2003). Energy is a major cost driver for the operation of a tourism accommodation business, especially when energy is derived from fossil fuels either for transport or electricity generation. The operation of diesel generators is costly, because of inefficiencies, transportation costs (diesel shipment), maintenance, and salaries for powerhouse staff. Thus, managers have an economic interest in keeping electricity consumption low. The crux with diesel generators, however, is that once a generator is purchased, the optimum range of electricity generation is determined at about 80% of the maximum performance. Mini hydropower schemes are less relevant for coastal resorts, but could be an option for tourism ventures operated in inland communities (referred to as ecotourism operators by the Fiji Ministry of Tourism and Visitor Bureau). The capital costs are very high, however, and consequently the uptake is minimal. The Department of Energy currently assesses potential sites for mini hydropower s chemes, and it is also exploring potential for geothermal electricity generation on Vanua Levu, the second largest island of Fiji. Wind energy is not widely used in Fiji, but the Coral Coast, Mamanuca Islands, and Sonasavu are promising locations for wind-powered generation. Wind energy systems are available at different scales, ranging from small 1-kW ones to 100-700  kW schemes (medium scale), or even larger ones (UNEP, 2003). Tourist resorts would need small- to medium-scale wind systems if they want to meet their whole electricity demand by wind power. Small islands are unlikely to erect wind turbines because of lack of space and noise pollution. Resorts on larger areas are in a better position to pursue wind energy. No renewable energy sources are currently seriously discussed for transport, although one resort looked into wind-driven boats, and there are explorations into replacing fossil fuel with bio-fuel, for example derived from  coconut  (copra) oil (Sopac, 2004). Steps to minimize the effect of climate change in Fiji Reforestation is the most important means of reducing climate change. Trees minimizes vulnerable nature of cyclones, improve microclimate and enhances landscapes which are used in tourism activities. Trees reduce carbon content in the air and are useful in adaptive measures like erosion control and watershed management. Forest protection and plantation should be done under adaption policies. Developing small scale technologies for wind and solar energy on the remote island would help reduce the dependency on imported fossil fuel and economic leakage (Dang et al., 2003). Adaptation Impact on mitigation Impact on environment Tree plantation Reduces net CO2 emissions through carbon sinks Benefits biodiversity, water management, soils Water conservation Reduces energy costs for supplying water Positive in areas where water is limited Renewable natural resources Reduces CO2 emissions Overall, less polluting than fossil fuels Natural building materials Small carbon footprint for locally produced materials Depends on sustainability of plantations Reducing water pollution Increased energy used for sewage treatment Positive for coral reefs and marine life Marine protection Neutral Positive for marine biodiversity Rain water collection Saves transport energy for supplying water Possibly interrupts the natural water cycle Guest education Neutral Increases awareness Setting back structures Neutral Positive when structures built away from beachfront Diversifying markets Positive if markets are eco-efficient Depends on environmental impacts of new markets Weather proofing tourist activities Depends on the type of activities Depends on the type of activities Water desalinisation High energy costs Takes pressure off freshwater resources Increasing beach conditioning Increases CO2 emissions Air pollution in case of diesel generation Beach nourishment Energy use for mining and transportation Disturbs eco systems Reducing beach erosion with sea walls Neutral Disturbs natural currents and cause erosion (Dang et al., 2003). There is no common strategy to address interactions between climate change and tourism in Fiji, nor is there a sector-wide industry association that could promote any climate-change-related initiatives. However, there are isolated examples among industry members that reveal a high understanding and advanced use of technology and management to address climatically unfavourable conditions. Those operators are also best prepared for increased risks resulting from climate change. Also, a number of operators engage in wider environmental management, energy conservation, and therefore climate change mitigation, although the greenhouse gas emission aspect is rarely the reason for the mitigating measures undertaken Overall, there is a need for tourism-specific information on what climate change is, how it will affect tourism, and what operators could do to adapt and mitigate. In the medium term it would also be important to include climate change in the curricula of tertiary education for students in the field of tourism, resource management engineering and architecture. Since the scope and costs for many adaptation and mitigation measures are largely determined by the design of tourist facilities, the incorporation of these aspects into architectural courses is particularly important. Alongside information and education initiatives, the Government could assist businesses in undertaking energy audits, facilitating the implementation of Environmental Management Systems (e.g., Green Globe 21), and providing incentives, for example for the uptake of renewable energy sources. Climate change could form part of a wider risk management plan for tourism. Such an initiative is currently being discussed between the Ministry of Tourism and the Disaster Management Office. A two-level approach could be possible, where guidelines are provided for tourism operators to develop their own risk or disaster management plan at the business level, while Government covers wider issues beyond individual businesses, such as tourism infrastructure and larger evacuation plans. The current attempt by the Fiji Visitor Bureau to diversify the product could be seen as part of national-level risk management, as they attempt to spread risk across different markets (e.g., event tourism, sport tourism, nature tourism) and seasons. Fewer initiatives exist to weather-proof tourism, as suggested for tourism in Phuket, Thailand (Raksakulthai, 2003). Another important step towards implementing a nation-wide risk management strategy for tourism and climate change would be the mapping of all tourism infrastructure, as well as the risk of various hazards in different locations. The Department of Environment in their climate change policy or the Ministry of Tourism in their risk management plan are best advised to pursue measures that offer win-win situations, namely for adaptation, mitigation, wider environmental management and development. Examples of such measures are reforestation, water conservation, and the use of renewable energy sources. It is recommended that the synergies between adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development be explored further and that the effects be quantified where possible; i.e., how much  carbon  can be saved as a result of a particular measure and what costs are involved. This is even more important given the lack of resources in Fiji, which requires maximising benefits from any implemented measure (Dang et al., 2003). Reducing the consumption of hot water for laundry and showers and reducing the water temperature are saving measures. Other energy use reductions measures in accommodation are lighting, including energy efficient light bulbs, sensor lighting in the garden, solar panel lights, and room keys used to operate lights inside the room. Although energy efficient bulbs are good option they are expensive and do not last long because of the fluctuating supply of power from generators. In the smaller islands the energy costs of shipping are higher, so the managers tend to increase the ship load with passengers on board with food, waste or water. One way of saving fuel is to minimize shipping trips. The increase in global mean temperature to 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels is necessary to keep the risk of dangerous climate change at an acceptable level and to limit climate impacts. Temperatures increase certain level of atmospheric concentration. The results indicate that in order to have a good chance of limiting global average temperature in the long run to 2 degrees atmospheric concentration of all greenhouse gases needs to be stabilised. Intergovernmental policy on climate change i.e. IPCC indicates that keeping concentration in the range of 445-490 ppm requires global emissions to peak by 2015, and to fall by between 50-85% by 2050. Current trends would result in much higher concentrations and high risks of catastrophic climate change. The clean development mechanism means to make compliance with easier target commitments , the Kyoto Protocol allows using offset credits from emissions reduction projects in developing countries, under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Governments can propose and implement emissions reductions on a project-by-project basis under CDM. The resulting credits are bought by governments that are under emissions reduction obligations. Large projects categories are renewable energy mainly using hydropower instead of fossil fuels, reduction of methane emissions from landfills and coal mines, emissions from cement production, and destruction of potent industrial gases. There were over three thousand CDM projects underway in may 2008, which, is implemented and approved, would yield expected emissions reductions of 2.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide. The Asian Pacific region accounts for 80 per cent of the CDM credits that expected to be generated. The World Bank cites supply estimates of 1 .4 to 2.2 billion credits by 2012 Conclusions and recommendations Global concern over climate change impacts and risks has increased greatly in recent times, and climate change is recognised not only an environmental challenge but also an economic challenge. The Pacific region is home to the fast growing, large economies in the world and the dominant source of growth in greenhouse gas emissions. To limit and reduce emissions action is required in developing countries. There is large number of opportunities to reduce emissions but most of these are expensive and cannot be implemented unless policy settings change. More ambitious policies will be needed to turn emission trends around in developing and developed countries. The international dynamics are of the mutually reinforcing type: one country`s action depends on other countries doing their bit. The more countries commit to significant policies, the easier it will become to draw others in. In contrast, if some countries refuse to take part in collective action, others will also refuse to do so. A n effective response to global climate change will need to involve bilateral deal or multilateral agreement. Large and medium sized economies will need to be a part of it. For an agreement to succeed, the door must be kept wide open for developing countries to engage fully in policies, with the support of high income countries. Climate change analysts predict that within the coming decades, sea level will rise gradually. So the affecting nation might have begun identifying the effects of climate change on tourism activities and overall people living in that region. Small islands are at risk to adapt to the adverse affects of climate change because of high costs as well as benefits. Not only just people but unique human cultures are also at high risk. Migration is another option for local people but again the cost factor is crucial, as most of these people are illiterate and unemployed. They will have to relocate unwillingly. Survival is the main concern in this case. It is also highly impossible for any recipient nation to grant asylum to an entire country. The larger impact of climate change will challenge the capacity of the country. The secondary impacts will be water scarcity, food security, health services, land scarcity. At some point many land areas will become incapable of sustaining life and people will be forced to migrate.

Comparing Incest in Vanity Fair, Lolita and Annabel Lee :: comparison compare contrast essays

Incest in Vanity Fair, Lolita and Annabel Lee      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In modern literature there are many examples of incest. Incest is presented in the plots of many books. Of course it is not in its classical form as it is in Oedipus legend. The form is changed but incest as such can be recognized . Here are two excerpts to display the latter. One is from Nabokov's Lolita, the other is from Thackeray's Vanity Fair.      Ã‚   " I had thought that months, perhaps years, would escape before I dared to reveal myself to Dolores Haze; but by 6 she was wide awake, and by 6.15 we were technically lovers. I am going to tell you something very strange: it was she who seduced me." Her age ia twelve.      Ã‚   " Rebecca Sharp never had been a girl, she said; she had been a woman since she was eight years old ..."      Ã‚   According to Freud the problem of incest is a subconscious one. Incest is always desired subconsciously. Its prohibition saves man from two aspirations: to kill the father and marry the mother. A triangle father-mother-child is brought out. This triangle can be used to show the transformations which in the classical Oedipus legend undergoes in modern writings. In the Greek myth Oedipus kills his father and marries his mother. I avoid mentioning the circumstances deliberately because I   concentrate on the triangle father-mother-child, which is the classical form under which incest appears. In the above mentioned literary works the classical triangle has undergone two changes. First, instead of son we have daughter. Second the mothers of the girls are dead. So the triangle is reduced to the lineal connection father-daughter.      Ã‚   According to L. Stros incest does not always depend on the real, genetic kind-ship; it also depends on the social connections among people, in the cases when a given individual is raised to the rank of father, mother, son or sister. So in Lolita, it is also a case of incest but between are a surrogate father and daughter.      Ã‚   The similarities of themes both in European (in particular Greek and British literature) and American literature exhibit the cyclic effect in literature: the themes are old and the form is which is new. It could not be said that a given text definitely belongs to a given country. The text has cultural influences which are not indigenous.

Roses in the Desert :: Essays Papers

Roses in the Desert Hearts starve as well as bodies, give us bread, but give us roses! - James Oppenheim, line of â€Å"Bread and Roses,† poem written in 1911, quoting the protest slogans of female industrial workers What brings the human heart to starve? Such a critical question acutely fits into the rhyme and reason of character and theme in Stargirl and Holes. Discerning the meaning of a hungry human heart, against a back drop of parched desert environments, protagonists Leo, Stargirl and Stanley Yelnats walk in worlds fraught with injustice and cutting unkindness. From Mica highschool to Camp Green Lake, authors Jerry Spinelli and Louis Sachar do not shy away from illustrating worlds connected to the industrial jungle which prompted Oppenheim’s 1911 poem; rather, within these American deserts, their protagonists help readers to explore theories of nonconformity, loyalty, and altruism. Through Stanley’s good humor and intermittent kindness in agreeing to teach Zero to read, Leo’s self-conscious perspective as narrator, and Stargirl’s selfless generosity in giving porcupine neck ties and African violets, Sachar and Spinelli question that which starves and that which nourishes our living human hearts. What does it mean to fit in? As creatures designed for community living, we desire to be liked, to be appreciated, and to be included among groups. Leo knows how to fit in; he knows not to be being singled out in the crowd, how to dress, what to say, especially against the flamboyant nonconformity of Stargirl. Stanley also stands out in a crowd, but not by choice; overweight, he doesn’t â€Å"have any friends at home† and â€Å"kids at school often teased him about his size,† and coming from a poor family, he longs to do things that â€Å"just like rich kids† (Sachar 7, 6). His notebook is dropped in the toilet by pint-sized bullies and his family is under a curse. In Stanley, optimistic about â€Å"swimming in a lake† despite his ominous detainment in a detention center, there exists the same good humor and optimism that sustains his inventive father. In revealing Stanley’s smile at their â€Å"family joke† to readers, Sachar shows hi s protagonist’s strength in inherited humor and the strength of his imagination; his family stories feed him and he is lifted out of where he is by the power of his memory. Against ghastly, sweltering conditions and the injustice of his own incarceration, Stanley’s sense of humor saves him from breaking;

An Analysis of Humes Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion Essay

An Analysis of Hume's Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion ABSTRACT: Hume's Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion (1779) may be read in the way Cleanthes (and Philo as well) reads Nature, as analogous to human artifice and contrivance. The Dialogues and Nature then are both texts, with an intelligent author or Author, and analogies may be started from these five facts of Hume's text: the independence of Hume's characters; the non-straightforwardness of the characters' discourse; the way the characters interact and live; the entanglements of Pamphilus as an internal author; and the ways in which a reader is also involved in making a dialogue. These and other analogies should reflect upon the Author of Nature as they do upon Hume's authorship: They do not prove the existence of their respective authors, but may well shed some light on the nature of these disparate beings. The bulk of Hume's Dialogues concerning Natural Religion is given over to two discussions of "the" so-called argument from design. (1) In Part 2 Cleanthes succinctly states an "argument a posteriori" that attempts to "prove at once the existence of a Deity, and his similarity to human mind and intelligence." According to this argument, the world and its parts are (like) intricate machines or human contrivances, implying "by all the rules of analogy" that their cause, "the Author of Nature," is a designing intelligence (all 2.5.Cleanthes to Demea and Philo). Philo then subjects this argument to various and withering criticisms in Parts 2-8, although he later ends up confessing, more than once, (2) his inability to deny the powerful attraction this form of argument and its natural theological conclusion has for everyone, himself included. In Parts 10 and... ...otelian Society Supplementary Volume 18, 179-228. Tweyman, Stanley. 1986. Scepticism and Belief in Hume's Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion. The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff. Williams, B. A. O. 1963. "Hume on Religion," in David F. Pears, ed. David Hume: A Symposium. London: Macmillan; New York: St. Martin's Press, 77-88. Wollheim, Richard, ed. 1963. Hume on Religion. London: William Collins Sons/Fontana Library. (editor's introduction, 7-30) Wood, Forrest E., Jr. 1971. "Hume's Philosophy of Religion as Reflected in the Dialogues." Southwestern Journal of Philosophy II, 185-193. Yandell, Keith E. 1976. "Hume on Religious Belief." In Livingston, Donald W. and James T. King, eds. Hume: A Re-Evaluation. New York: Fordham University Press, 109-125. ________. 1990. Hume's "Inexplicable Mystery": His Views on Religion. Philadelphia: Temple University Press.

Impact of Tourism Industry to the Environment Essay

Introduction The tourism industry can pose a threat to the environment, if changes made to it are not sustainable and are irreversible. This paper is entitled â€Å"Impact of the tourism Industry to the Environment: A Philippine Situation.† The researchers want to discuss how the tourism industry can pose a threat to the environment regarding to the changes made, whether it is not sustainable and irreversible. The researchers chose to do this paper in order to complete the major requirement of Comski 2. Second, to apply their knowledge on what they’ve learned from the study of research. Third, to apply their learning on APA. Hopefully, this paper will serve as reference guide for the upcoming tourism students to develop their writing skills and love for reading. This research paper will help the students to have a better understanding on how the tourism industry can pose a threat to the environment when a not sustainable and irreversible change have made. According to It’s Mo re Fun in the Philippines website, the Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world. It has a rich history combining Asian, European, and American influences. Prior to Spanish colonization in 1521, the Filipinos had a rich culture and were trading with  the Chinese and the Japanese. Spain’s colonization brought about the construction of Intramuros in 1571, a â€Å"Walled City† comprised of European buildings and churches, replicated in different parts of the archipelago. In 1898, after 350 years and 300 rebellions, the Filipinos, with leaders like Jose Rizal and Emilio Aguinaldo, succeeded in winning their independence. In 1898, the Philippines became the first and only colony of the United States. Following the Philippine-American War, the United States brought widespread education to the islands. Filipinos fought alongside Americans during World War II, particularly at the famous battle of Bataan and Corregidor which delayed Japanese advance and saved Australia. They then waged guerilla war against the Japanese from 1941 to 1945. The Philippines regained its independence in 1946. Filipinos are a freedom-loving people, hav ing waged two peaceful, bloodless revolutions against what were perceived as corrupt regimes. Read more: It’s More Fun in the Philippines Food The Philippines is a vibrant democracy, as evidenced by 12 English national newspapers, 7 national television stations, hundreds of cable TV stations, and 2,000 radio stations. Filipinos are a fun-loving people. Throughout the islands, there are fiestas celebrated everyday and foreign guests are always welcome to their homes. According to Tourism Research and Statistics Division, visitor arrivals in 2013 totaled to 4,681,307 surpassing the previous year’s record of 4,272,811 by 9.56%. This feat gives the tourism industry a new milestone as tourists continue to demonstrate sustained growth amidst challenges. During the year, visitor count reached an all time high of more than 400,000 during the months of January, February, March, July and December. The highest growth rate, on the other hand, were recorded in February (15.8%), June (14.0%) and August (13.0%). Koreans remain the biggest source market with 24.9% share to total inbound visitors for 1.17 million arrivals. This market continued to sustain growth at 13% by year-end. The successful conclusion of air services agreement in this market has contributed to increase in flight frequencies in key international gateways. Chinese tourists have bounced back with year-end growth of 69.9% for a total visitor arrival of 426,352. This volume surpassed the revised target for China of 260,000 set at the beginning of the year. The substantial increase in Chinese visitors was first felt in May when arrival posted 107.7% growth. For the past eight months, growth was steady at more than 100% to double digit. Accordingly,  Chinese visitor share to total inbound expanded from 5.9% in 2012 to 9.1% in 2013. Japanese visitors continued to rise steadily with 433,705 arrivals for 5.1% growth. The implementation of new programs and introduction of new products targeting new and niche markets have revitalized the growth in this market. Remaining as the third biggest source market, Japan accounted for 9.2% share to total visitors. Australians and Singaporeans have already surpassed the Taiwanese as the fourth and fifth source of visitor arrivals. These markets posted 11.4%and 18.0%, respectively. These markets demonstrated slow but consistent expansion from seventh and eight ranks during the year. Visitors from the United States of America (USA) contributed the second biggest arrivals at 674,564 for a share of 14.4%. Other countries that contributed substantially are Taiwan with 139,099 arrivals, Canada with 131,381 arrivals, Hongkong with 126,008 arrivals, and United Kingdom with 122,759 arrivals, Malaysia with 109,437 arrivals and Germany with 70,949 arrivals. Moreover, the following markets generated noteworthy gains: Saudi Arabia (+29.7%) with 38,969 arrivals, Vietnam (+27.8%) with 26,599 arrivals, Russian Federation (+25.2%) with 35,404 arrivals, Indonesia (+24.5%) with 45,582 arrivals, United Arab Emirates (+19.5%) with 15,155 arrivals, Thailand (+16.8%) with 47,874 arrivals, France (+15.8%) with 39,042 arrivals and India (+12.5%) with 52,206 arrivals. By regional grouping, the East Asia region continued to contribute the biggest arrivals for share of 49.1% with 2,298,597. The region posted a double-digit gain of 12.73% vis-à  -vis its previous year’s contribution of 2,038,987 arrivals. The ASEAN region maintained its position as the third largest contributor of arrivals by region, accounting for 9.02% of the overall traffic base. This region posted an increase of 12.49%, from its output of 375,190 in 2012. Total revenues gained from inbound visitors for the year was estimated at US$4.40 billion, equivalent to Php 186.15 billion, up by 15.1%. The overall average length of stay of visitors in 2013 remained at 9.6 nights. Foreign visitors stayed for an average of 9.4 nights while Overseas Filipinos stayed an average of 18.8 nights. Average daily expenditure of inbound tourists during the year increased by 8.7% to US$101.12 from the US$ 92.99 recorded in 2012. Koreans showed biggest spent at US$140.81 per day while visitors from the United States have the longest stay at 13.4 nights. On the other hand, based on  per capita spending of the Philippines’ top markets, visitors from Canada recorded the biggest spent at US$1,393.68. It was followed by visitors from Australia with a per capita expenditure of US$1,382.48. Other high spending markets include: Germany with US$1,360.34, U.S.A. with US$ 1,334.34, United Kingdom with US$1,306.86 and Korea with US$ 874.59. Statement of the Problem The study shall focus on how tourism industry can pose a threat to the environment, if changes made to it are not sustainable and irreversible. This research paper will also answer the following questions: 1. Do you think that most of the changes in our environment are caused by the development in our tourism industry? 2. What are the major changes that happened in our country’s environment due to our own tourism industry? 3. Do you think that the policies made by the government to address environmental problems which resulted from the tourism efforts are effective? 4. Has the government made efforts to make our environment sustainable to cater to the demands of the blooming tourism industry? 5. How does the country respond to the growing problems we experience in terms of our environment and its impact to the tourism industry? Scope and Limitations This study shall only focus on how tourism industry can pose a threat to the environment, if changes made are not sustainable or irreversible. However, this study shall not focus on other aspects that are not related to the topic to be discussed. Methodology The researchers chose the topic how the tourism industry can pose a threat to the environment, if changes are made to it not sustainable and irreversible. The researchers made a research interview with an expert in order to answer the research questions being made. The research instruments used were the primary references from the Learning Resource Centre in College Department composed mainly of books and some internet sites that gave information related to the topic. First, the data was gathered by listing the title and author of the book. Second, the researchers browsed some articles and internet sites that can help them to answer some requirements needed in order to complete their paper. The plan used by the  researchers in their data analysis started from the choice of topic to be analyzed, formulation of thesis statement, outline, statement of the problem and first draft. Browsing some background and other related information helped the researchers in creating note cards. The researchers, through their interest on the chosen topic, were able to formulate a research problem, and a couple of research questions. The researchers gathered information led them to the conclusion. Presentation and Data Analysis To complete this study, it is necessary to analyze the data collected in order to answer the research questions. As already indicated in the preceding parts, data are interpreted in a descriptive form. This part comprises the presentation, analysis, and interpretation of the findings resulting from this study. Presentation of Data This study presented how does tourism industry can pose a threat to the environment, if changes are made are not sustainable and irreversible. The research questions formulated by the researcher will be answered using the interpretations of the gathered data. General Overview According to Eturbonews website, the Philippines have the total land area of 30 million hectares; where the 15.8 million is composed of tropical forests. Spread throughout the 7,107 islands of the archipelago, these are home to a recorded 556 species of birds, 180 mammals, and 293 of reptiles and amphibians, as well as a vast variety of trees, plants and flowers. Scientists have confirmed that, in the aggregate, 67 percent of the aforementioned fauna and flora are endemic in the Philippines. Every year, moreover, more new species are being discovered in the Philippines than in any other country. But as the Philippines’ population continues to grow, so have its forests shrunk. In 1934, when the population was a mere 15 million, 17 million hectares were under forest cover. By 1960, the population had doubled and forests were down to only 10.4 million hectares. Since then, due largely to illegal logging and slash-and-burn farming and despite government and private sector efforts to curb them, the annual deforestation rate has been at 2 percent. These gathered data came from a research interview  conducted by the researcher to an expert. The expert who has been interviewed was Ms. Joreen Rocamora a Domestic Tourism teacher. Changes Caused by the Tourism Industry According to Ms. Rocamora, not all of the changes in the environment are caused by the development of the tourism industry. For her, these changes in the environment are mostly coming from people. It is not only coming from the tourism development but also coming from avarices, apathy and arrogance of the people. When they seek for more, when they would want to get more from the environment whether it is coming from the industry of engineering and manufacturing, if one is seeking more from it then, definitely our environment would changed negatively. Second apathy, when one is indifferent, he or she does not care about the lives of other people especially on how they lived. Environmental awareness will just throw away all of those things and one can harm the environment if we do not think other people especially the future generation, whether it is coming from the tourism industry, engineering or manufacturing or any other industry like agriculture, it could also harm the environment . It is not coming mainly from the tourism industry; that’s why there is eco-tourism. Eco-tourism is low impact tourism, there is no need for us to develop the area, we just need to maintain, sustain and preserved what we have in the community. There’s no need for a lot of visitors to occupy the said area. Tourism development, yes it is one of the reason if we do not minimize the negative impacts of development in our country, particularly in a certain destination. If we maximize all the positive impacts definitely it will not harm the environment. For example when we have new hotels, if they use solar for their power, if they use organic materials, if they use biodegradable and even reuse water to cover the field and even the golf courses for watering the golf courses; when you say tourism development you also pertain to practices and management systems. For example, corporate social responsibility wherein hotels their management reach out to the community to help them and to clean up, to have coastal cleanup, do tree planting. Travel agencies, when we have travel agencies, they also have green movement program wherein they lessen the use of papers and they create packages that would include tree planting activity, coastal cleanup, volunteer tourism. It  means that even if we have to develop certain areas, we can still minimize negative impacts and be able to reach out to the environment and to the community. We give back to the environment and to the community by providing job opportunities. The interview only states that most of the changes made to the environment came not only in tourism industry but also in other industries whether it is sustainable or irreversible. People can be considered as one of those who make changes to the environment due to its apathy and arrogance. They can also be the one to make some necessary action s in order to preserve the natural resources our country have. Major Changes Happened in the Country’s Environment from Tourism Industry Positively we have a lot of developments in our country in the environment like La Mesa Eco-park, the rehabilitation of the eco- park because of tourism industry, because of the local government unit and the commission on the parks they are able to create such programs that give livelihood, opportunities and rehabilitate La Mesa Eco-park, Pasig River is also being restored. We also have several restorations of parks wherein they offer packages like a guided tour with the use of eco-friendly materials. When you say major change, I can say in the environment it is a major change that happened in our country it has rehabilitated and it has sustained our country’s premiere disappearing natural destinations. All in all, most of the changes made to the environment came from tourism industry due to eco-tourism wherein people sustained, maintained and preserved the beauty of natural resources. Due to eco-tourism there are a lot of parks and water forms being rehabilitated. That’s why it can be considered as one of the major changes made by the tourism industry to the country’s environment. Environmental Policies We have one, the latest is â€Å"Bangon Pilipinas†, and it is a program coming from the Department of Tourism wherein the aim is to help the Samar and Leyte and even the Bohol who were affected by the recent typhoon â€Å"Yolanda† and the earthquake. Most of the proceeds from the packaged tours are given to the community and to the people from Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Some examples of the environmental policies are no smoking in some areas, the use of eco-bag. There are laws and environmental programs coming from the  government like no to mining, no to dynamite fishing and the no to killing of whales, now they are preserving this extinct whale sharks and no to killing of primates like tarsier and other indigenous animals. When we say environment were not only talking about plants, we have the flora and faunas, ecosystem, marine rich diversity that’s part of the environment. According to Eturbonews website, an article entitled â€Å"The Philippine Environment and its Eco tourism Potential† states some related topics to environmental policies of the country. Thence, in tune with recent global awakening, aided by mainstream media coverage of environmental issues, and adopting new approaches and strategies toward saving the planet for posterity, Philippine government agencies and the private sector have been working closely to focus broader attention on a source of great pride for the Filipino nation, the country’s abundant wealth of endemic species and the precipitous rate at which these species are decreasing and disappearing. Efforts Made by the Government Yes, Loren Legarda, one of our senators is one of the advocates for environmental programs. She is really pursuing this kind of efforts from the senate. We also have Commissioner Nyem, he is the one who argues to the House of Representatives, he is also the representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organization in the environment. He is the one who made campaign for environmental programs. Yes, they’re creating efforts with regards to, especially, not only coming from the tourism development, as what I have said when we say development it means we are able to develop one area using recycled materials, reusable, like E-jeepney, solar energy, so we can balanced the positive and negative effects. It doesn’t mean that when we develop a certain area the environment would be destructed. Not all changes made in the environment can produce negative effects. In developing environment we have eco-tourism so it doesn’t need to develop, because when it comes to eco-tourism it’s about sustaining the environment. When we say development it is too broad, we can give opportunity. Development is not only about infrastructure, it is not only amenities, it is not only widening of loads. When we say development we can also provide employment other people which can help them earn money and increase their standard of living. Filipinos Respond to the Environmental Problems Our country’s ways to respond to problems are by means of policies. As what I’ve said, the environmental laws, the practices that they are implementing, coordination should be present when the policies are executed; those are the tourism planning and development in our country. Part of our strategic directions for national tourism development plan is developing and sustaining the destinations we have. One of the ways our country is responding to the problems in the environment is by assigning zones called the T.E.Z which stands for Tourism Enterprise Zones, and are the only ones allowed for further development. Other parts not included in the T.E.Z. are not permissible for development because they should just sustain, preserve and maintain it. The most important thing is it should start from us because we are one of those that contributed to the suffering we endure from climate change and global warming. The reason behind the sudden changes in our environment is that it can also come from our own action. We should not be dependent to our government in making plans for the future of our environment. We should have the initiative to do our part even if it will be just in small scale. As strategic directions of the DOT, he said there is a need to develop and market competitive tourist products and destinations; improve market access connectivity and destination infrastructure; and improve tourism governance and human resources. He lamented that the DOT’s budget of $10 million (P423 million) for marketing and promotions has not changed in the past five years, compared to neighboring countries such as Malaysia with $80 million and Thailand with $75 million. With this, he said the DOT will ask the Department of Budget for an additional P5 million in their budget. In a statement, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez said that climate change will become an increasingly pivotal issue affecting tourism development and management. â€Å"The global tourism industry has been marked by changes as a result of the impacts of climate change on tourism destinations, tourist demand, and creation of policy and management responses adopted by key stakeholder groups with respect to adaptation and mitigation,† Jimenez said. Keep tourism industry a float. Commissioner Heherson Alvarez of the Climate Change Commission said that while tourism industry is a contributor to  climate change by generating greenhouse gas emissions through reliance on cars, buses, especially air travel, as well as high levels of energy consumption such as air-conditioning, heating and lighting, viable and sustainable solutions need to be considered. â€Å"We are living on dangerous but challenging times. To curb greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on carbon-heavy energy, we must scale-up the use of renewable energy sources such as biomass, solar, micro-hydro and wind as they are abundant and ecologically sound alternative to fossil fuels,† Alvarez said, adding that the highly populated Philippines is vulnerable because of its relatively low capacity to adapt to the climate crisis. Alvarez further said that tourism has a huge potential to alleviate poverty and spur economic growth â€Å"so it is urgent that the industr y makes it sustainable and disaster-resilient.† â€Å"DOT’s programs are greatly threatened by climate change. We need to keep the tourism industry afloat as it is a matter of national survival,† Alvarez stressed. Legazpi Mayor Geraldine Rosal, on the other hand, said that with the recent calamity that hit Metro Manila and various parts of the country, there is a need for coping mechanism to be able to adapt to climate change and disastrous effects. â€Å"We need to promote now more than ever the bottom-up approach or the learning by doing approach to address the pressing problems confronting us now not only in the eco-cultural tourism sector but in all vertical and cross sectors of society,† Rosal said. The non-government organization Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development (LCCAD) headed by its President and Chairman Nong Rangasa said that the 1st tourism and climate change conference attended by local officials, business sector and tourism officers aims to enhance the level of understanding of those with the tourism industry on how climate variability and extremes could affect development. â€Å"This conference was designed to showcase, demonstrate and translate effective and efficient implementation of science-based analysis for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction measures,† Rangasa said. Recommendations For the improvement of the study, the researchers would like to recommend the following: 1.This researched paper is suggested to the future researchers to give them more insights about the topic. 2.It is also advised that more  resource materials be used to broaden the study. 3.Choose a topic that they can easily understand and they must also have interest in it. 4.Give citation on every resource used to avoid plagiarism. 5.Follow the steps in making a research paper. 6.Lastly, it is recommended to develop the study in a longer period of time in order to acquire more information about the topic.