Organizations That Certify Productive Forests

Organizations That Certify Productive Forests The words sustainable forest or sustained yield comes to us from foresters of the 18th and 19th century in Europe. At the time, much of Europe was being deforested, and foresters became increasingly concerned since wood was one of the driving forces in the European economy. Wood used for heat became necessary to build homes and factories. Wood then was turned into furniture and other articles of manufacture and the forests that provided the wood were central to economic security. The idea of sustainability became popular and the idea was brought to the United States to be popularized by foresters including Fernow, Pinchot and Schenck. Modern efforts to define sustainable development and sustainable forest management have met with confusion and argument. A debate over criteria and indicators to be used to measure forest sustainability is at the heart of the issue. Any attempt to define sustainability in a sentence, or a paragraph, or even several pages can be limiting. I think you will see the complexity of the issue if you study the content and links provided here. Doug MacCleery, forest expert with the United States Forest Service, concedes that forest sustainability issues are very complicated and very much depends on agenda. MacCleery says, To define sustainability in the abstract is likely to be nigh on to impossible...before one can define it, one must ask, sustainability: for whom and for what? One of the best definitions Ive found comes from the British Columbia Forest Service - Sustainability: A state or process that can be maintained indefinitely. The principles of sustainability integrate three closely interlined elements-the environment, the economy and the social system-into a system that can be maintained in a healthy state indefinitely. Forest certification is based on the principle of sustainability and in the authority of the certificate to back up a chain of custody scheme. There have to be documented actions, demanded by each certification scheme, assuring a sustained and healthy forest in perpetuity. A worldwide leader in the certification effort is the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) who has developed widely accepted sustainable forest schemes or principles. FSC is a certification system that provides internationally recognized standard-setting, trademark assurance and accreditation services to companies, organizations, and communities interested in responsible forestry. The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) has made worldwide strides in the certification of smaller non-industrial forest ownerships.PEFC promotes itself as the worlds largest forest certification system...remains the certification system of choice for small, non-industrial private forests, with hundreds of thousands of family forest owners certified to comply with our internationally recognized Sustainability Benchmark. Another forest certification organization, called Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI), was developed by the American Forest and Paper Association (AFPA) and represents a North American industrial developed attempt to deal with forest sustainability. SFI presents an alternative approach that may be a bit more realistic for North American forests. The organization is no longer affiliated with AFPA. SFIs collection of sustainable forestry principles were developed to achieve a much broader practice of sustainable forestry throughout the United States without higher cost to the consumer. SFI suggests that sustainable forestry is a dynamic concept that will evolve with experience. New knowledge provided through research will be used in the evolution of United States industrial forestry practices. Having a Sustainable Forestry Initiative ® (SFI ®) label on wood products suggests that their forest certification process assures consumers that they are buying wood and paper products from a responsible source, backed by a rigorous, third-party certification audit.

No cellphones in class Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

No cellphones in class - Essay Example All schools have given teachers to own and use cell phones to school. However, students owning such gadgets in school are still a contentious issue faced with mixed reactions. The first advantage of students carrying their cell phones to school is for security and safety measure. The students can react to emergencies faster and efficiently by contacting relevant rescue teams. In addition, mobile phones that are internet enabled are essential to students when seeking information related to academic contents. Cell phones, therefore, are a good technology to incorporate in the learning because they enhance research and education. Cell phones are also advantageous to learners in the classroom because they find an opportunity to interact with friends, families and other acquaintances through platforms that promote information sharing (Brady 45). That can be useful only when students use phones outside the classroom context. In addition, cell phones also have both print and non-print media that are useful in enhancing learning. Particularly those that have videos and cameras are essential when learning requires realia and images. Such gadgets, therefore, enhance learning. Mobile phones are distracters during learning sessions. Most students participate in anti-learning activities with their cell phones during the learning process. Some students misuse their cell phones by watching censored materials and videos from the internet. Others students send instant texts, listen to music and illegal videos that draw attention from learning activities. Cell phones that have calculators installed make students lazy because they tend to use such machines to solve even simpler mathematical problems. Consequently, learners become dependent by using machines to solve most of their problems. Although the gadgets were regarded as a luxury possessed by adults, it is presently in the hands of school-going children.

Global Warming Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Global Warming - Research Paper Example This decision is fundamentally based upon the assumption that if humans are legally bound to control CO2 emissions, global warming can be reduced. However, scientists vary in their views regarding the existence of global warming as a problem. Many do not attribute this problem to humans. Government’s resolution to finalize such a treaty is being criticized in that if its enforcement is delayed up to some 25 years, it would hardly do anything to lower the temperature after 100 years. In this way, the proposed restrictions of the treaty would do more of economic harm than environmental good. A better idea is to postpone any legal action unless human activity is proved to be the fundamental cause of global warming. Meanwhile, better technology should be developed in order to mitigate the issue of global warming so that both environment and economy remain in good health. Biblebelievers.org.au (n.d.) has discussed certain myths that contradict the beliefs of many. They are discusse d as follows: Myth 1 – scientists mutually consent upon warming up of Earth. According to the ground-level temperature measurements, since 1850, temperature of Earth has only increased from 0.3C to 0.6C. There is no evidence of global warming in the global satellite data of the past 18 years. Thus, saying that the globe is warming up is a myth. Myth 2 – Humans are making the globe warm. ... Scientists’ view on global warming (biblebelievers.org.au, n.d.). Myth 3 – If necessary action is not taken in time, this can be very deleterious for the environment. Immediate government action is required before it gets too late. Proponents of the theory of global warming consented in a 1995 analysis that action to safeguard the environment against global warming can be delayed for at least 25 years without causing any harm to the environment. Governments can cut emissions to approximately 9 billion tons per year now, or wait until 2020 and cut emissions by 12 billion tons per year. Either scenario would result in the desired CO2 concentration of 550 parts per million. Delaying action until 2020 would yield an insignificant temperature rise of 0.2 degrees Celsius by 2100. (biblebelievers.org.au, n.d.). Myth 4 – Global warming caused by humans will create dreadful environmental issues. Such beliefs have been totally rejected by many reputable scientists, particu larly those who researched upon the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the UN organization. â€Å"There is no actual evidence that carbon dioxide emissions are causing global warming. Note that computer models are just concatenations of calculations you could do on a hand-held calculator, so they are theoretical and cannot be part of any evidence† (David Evans cited in Cook, 2011). International energy statistics are available that tabulate the peat, coal, crude oil and brown coal production for every country starting from 1751. An in-depth analysis of the statistics suggests that the emission of CO2 has increased manifolds in the last century. According to EIA (cited in Cook, 2011), up to 29 billion tonnes of CO2 were released in the year 2006. The level

Future events Essay Example for Free

Future events Essay Richard here talks of a forthcoming golden era full of glory and hope. Whilst speaking in public, Richard uses this opportunity to defend him from being accused in future events. By praising the running of the country nobody would suspect him of becoming a family murderer. Again, in private Richard reveals his true feelings and again reveals to the audience future plots.  I am determined to prove a villain and hate the idle pleasures of these days. Plots I have laid, inductions dangerous. (Act 1 scene 1.Lines 30 +32) When speaking concealed away from the public, Richard provides insight into future events. Although it may appear that the war is over the royal family is about to confront another battle in the eyes of Richard. It is through what is said in private that Richard sheds light on future plots and events and to an extent he draws a relationship with the audience because of this.  The final area in which I will explore appearance and reality will be through the manipulation of religion. Richard of Gloucester is not the only character in the play to use appearance and reality as his two partners in crime prove. Catesby and Buckingham use religion as a weapon of disguising for Richards true personality and intentions. He is within, with two right reverend fathers, divinely bent to meditation .. To draw him from his holy exercise. (Act 3 scene 7.Line 60 + 61)  Buckingham endeavors to make Richard appear holy and innocent by portraying him as a devout, holy and religious man. By this point in the play we know that Richards life is not based on serving god but rather serving his own desires. His allies continue to do their utmost to mask his evil traits in front of the politicians.  This prince is not an Edward. He is not lulling on a lewd love-bed, but on his knees at meditation.(Act 3 scene 7.Line 70-71) Again, religion is manipulated to give a false identification of Richard. Their aim is to get Richard to become king and attain ruler ship thinking that they may get something in return. Buckinghams language reveals that he; Catesby and Richard are play acting.  Two props of virtue for a Christian prince .. and see a book of prayer in his hand. (Act 3 scene 7.Line 95+96)  Buckingham makes it apparent that this is a play within a play and uses the church and the word of god as a prop to make Richard look convincing on stage. Richard also does his part in covering up his true personality. I do beseech your grace to pardon me, who, earnest in the service of my god. (Line 104-105)  Richard once again stresses how devoted he is to god when really he is only devoted to getting himself raised to a godly figure in the form of king. Shakespeare reveals yet another plane to Richards ever- changing character through the manipulation of religion as we not only see a deceitful interpretator, a cold-blooded murderer but also a manipulative man. He has no regard for family, women or even god and this manifests the extent that he is willing to go to get what he wants. Shakespeare provides us with another peek into future events through the manipulation of Richard. Come, let us to our holy work again.(Act 3 scene 7.Line 245)  This holy work will in fact not be holy but will rather entail unholy and irreligious dealings. The work will contain further plotting and this braces the audience for further manipulation. This device measures the extent to which Richard will go to change his character. It also reveals that Richard isnt the only character that utilizes appearance and reality in the play and this reflects the amount of manipulation contained within the play. Appearance and reality is a device that Shakespeare cleverly uses to keep the character Richard of Gloucester running throughout the play. It revitalizes his character and interest in him is always stimulated because of this. To an extent, Richard uses appearance and reality as a stepping stool for further dealings in the future. Richard, the anti-hero, uses his physical appearance as a driving force for evil traits and deceive4s others into thinking that it makes him weaker. His contrasting treatment of women perfectly illustrates how well he can adjust roles when required. He is the master of deception as his opening soliloquy proves. It is what is said in private that reveals to the audience what Richards true intentions are and it is what is said in public that reflect lies. Shakespeare makes this link early on so that Richards changing wont fool the audience. Shakespeare mirrors appearance and reality through the manipulation of religion to show the extent that Richard will go to obtain what he requires. Appearance and reality is important because it shows that Richard is a character of dual interpretations and Shakespeare makes sure Richard uses it continually so that his character continues to fuel interest for the audience. Appearance and reality is a vital tool in the play as it not only plays a huge part in shaping events in the play but it also reveals future events that are to take place.

World History: How Can a Discipline Remain Relevant? Essay -- World Hi

â€Å"Historians are a contentious lot. While their arguments are usually conducted in polite language, the disputations are conducted on a number of fronts at once, and the frame of mind of the disputants ranges from a sporting pleasure with making point after point to a savage determination to win the day.† Although a sense of negativity creeps into this notion of Manning’s, a strengthening of world history can also emerge from this back and forth debate. World history will take shape as scholars push each other to clarify and defend ideas, while remaining skeptical and critical readers. This debate is key to avoiding either a stagnation of ideas or a dilution of possible new insights. As Manning asserts, â€Å"The exciting debates and the real advances in knowledge come when multiple scholars are working on related topics, testing their assumptions, data, and interpretations against each other’s.† As world history moves forward, as a disc ipline, historians would do well to keep this in mind. In addition to internal debate, a need to defend world history as a discipline is still necessary. A significant amount of work was done on defining and defending world history in the early to mid 1990’s. Any cursory look at the Journal of World History during this time period highlights this fact. In addition if you look to the May 1995 issue of History and Theory you see a thematic take on world history. As a result of this scholarship the discipline of world history gained momentum in academia, especially at the teaching level. Despite this trend, world history still finds itself defending its ideas. World history has yet to gain support from the elite universities and those that wish to pursue a PhD in world history have limi... ...r than a series of airtight specialist monographs.† Only by engaging in the debate within and from outside of world history will the discipline continue to be relevant on both an academic and popular stage. Works Cited Duchesne, Ricardo. â€Å"Asia First?.† The Journal of the Historical Society 6, no. 1 (March 2006): 69-91. Frank, Andre Gunder. ReOrient: Global Economy in the Asian Age. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1998. Hobson, John. â€Å"Explaining the Rise of the West: A Reply to Ricardo Duchesne.† The Journal of the Historical Society 6, no. 4 (December 2006): 579-599. Landes, David. The Wealth and Poverty of Nations: Why Some Are So Rich and Some So Poor. New York: WW Norton and Company, 1999. Manning, Patrick. Navigating World History: Historian Create a Global Past New York: Palgrave/MacMillan, 2003. World History: How Can a Discipline Remain Relevant? Essay -- World Hi â€Å"Historians are a contentious lot. While their arguments are usually conducted in polite language, the disputations are conducted on a number of fronts at once, and the frame of mind of the disputants ranges from a sporting pleasure with making point after point to a savage determination to win the day.† Although a sense of negativity creeps into this notion of Manning’s, a strengthening of world history can also emerge from this back and forth debate. World history will take shape as scholars push each other to clarify and defend ideas, while remaining skeptical and critical readers. This debate is key to avoiding either a stagnation of ideas or a dilution of possible new insights. As Manning asserts, â€Å"The exciting debates and the real advances in knowledge come when multiple scholars are working on related topics, testing their assumptions, data, and interpretations against each other’s.† As world history moves forward, as a disc ipline, historians would do well to keep this in mind. In addition to internal debate, a need to defend world history as a discipline is still necessary. A significant amount of work was done on defining and defending world history in the early to mid 1990’s. Any cursory look at the Journal of World History during this time period highlights this fact. In addition if you look to the May 1995 issue of History and Theory you see a thematic take on world history. As a result of this scholarship the discipline of world history gained momentum in academia, especially at the teaching level. Despite this trend, world history still finds itself defending its ideas. World history has yet to gain support from the elite universities and those that wish to pursue a PhD in world history have limi... ...r than a series of airtight specialist monographs.† Only by engaging in the debate within and from outside of world history will the discipline continue to be relevant on both an academic and popular stage. Works Cited Duchesne, Ricardo. â€Å"Asia First?.† The Journal of the Historical Society 6, no. 1 (March 2006): 69-91. Frank, Andre Gunder. ReOrient: Global Economy in the Asian Age. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1998. Hobson, John. â€Å"Explaining the Rise of the West: A Reply to Ricardo Duchesne.† The Journal of the Historical Society 6, no. 4 (December 2006): 579-599. Landes, David. The Wealth and Poverty of Nations: Why Some Are So Rich and Some So Poor. New York: WW Norton and Company, 1999. Manning, Patrick. Navigating World History: Historian Create a Global Past New York: Palgrave/MacMillan, 2003.

Masters of Satire: John Dryden and Jonathan Swift Essay

â€Å"Both Swift and Dryden are masters of satire. Usually the satire is directed against an opponent/enemy or a political process. Using references from one poem from each writer, discuss how and why each uses satire and wit as a cutting sword.† John Dryden and Jonathan Swift became remarkable satirists through their ability to cleverly entwine political innuendos into their writings. There were mountains of governmental and religious issues occurring in the era of Dryden and Swift and these two witty men penned their standings into poetry and tales of adventure. Dryden’s â€Å"Absalom and Achitophel† is laced with his outlooks on England’s situations. He uses numerous moments of humor to make fun of the religious situation between the Catholics and the Protestants and also the political drama after the death of King Charles. His descriptions of the similarities between England’s issues and the many parallels to biblical problems are uncanny. Lines 433 through 438 are just on example of the satire Dryden weaved into his poem. â€Å"Would David have you thought his darling son? What means he then, to alienate the crown? The name of godly he may blush to bear: ‘Tis after God’s own heart to cheat his heir. He to his brother gives supreme command To you a legacy of barren land†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (890) Dryden was exposing the hypocrisy of King Charles who claimed to be a pious man, yet he shunned his own son. In â€Å"A Description of a City Shower†, Swift incorporated hints of political and class struggles in England. As I read this poem, I got the feeling that Swift was implying that, when national tragedy strikes (when it rains), no matter what class of citizen you are or political party you belong to, you  have the same reaction as everyone else. The King on down to the poorest peasant shares the need to survive. â€Å"Here various kinds, by various fortunes led, Commence acquaintance underneath a shed.† (968) I may have been off on what the author really wanted to express, but that is how I felt and I could not help but think of 9/11 and how the United States came together. Democrats, Republicans, Liberals, and every other political party came together under tragedy. This poem made me see the bond of nationality all over again.

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