Assignment Paper

1.Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring” (1962) was merely a piece of sensationalist journalism with little
scientific basis”. Critically Discuss.
(IMPORTANT: Do not just do a book review. Make sure you answer the question).
2.How did Alice Hamilton’s autobiography “Exploring the Dangerous Trades” (1943) change the public and
governments perception of the health hazards associated with the U.S. workplace?
(IMPORTANT: Do not just do a book review. Make sure you answer the question).
3.Global warming is now widely accepted to be occurring as documented in Al Gore’s novel “Inconvenient
Truth”. However, there are three theories that are not widely accepted in the scientific community. These are:
1. Global warming is caused solely by human (anthropogenic) activity.
2. Global warming is a natural phenomena which is well supported by scientific evidence to occur
approximately every 1,500 years.
3. Global warming is a natural phenomena which is being speeded up due to anthropogenic activity. (A
combination of Theory 1 and 2).
Put aside what you have learn from the media and critically examine the evidence, for and against, each of
these theories, taking into account the peer reviewed published evidence to support and refute each theory.
Your response should be balanced and unbiased.
(IMPORTANT: Do not just consider one theory and take one side. Make sure you answer the question in full).
4.The discovery of nuclear energy has been hailed as one of our greatest scientific triumphs and assailed as
the ultimate Faustian bargain. Scott W. Heaberlin in his book “A Case for Nuclear-Generated Electricity: (Or
Why I Think Nuclear Power Is Cool and Why It Is
Important That You Think So Too)”, advocates for the expanded use of nuclear energy. Discuss the
advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy. Specifically include in your discussion the environmental,
public health and social impacts.
(IMPORTANT: Do not just do a book review. Make sure you answer the question).
5. Mark Reisner’s book “The Cadillac Desert” details how the Western U.S. has been transformed through the
manipulation of water. Discuss the cost and the benefits of water transfers form water rich areas to dry areas.
Include in your discussion the environmental and social impacts and whether water should be transferred at
all.
(IMPORTANT: Do not just do a book review. Make sure you answer the question ).
6. Review the principle air pollution laws passed in the state of California during the past 25 years which have
attempted to improve air quality state wide. How effective have these laws been? Are the costs of these laws
justifiable by the benefits to public health and the environmental esthetics improvements they produce?
Confine your answer to either stationary OR non-stationary sources.
(IMPORTANT: If you do not know the difference between stationary and non-stationary sources this is the first
thing you need to research before attempting to answer the question).
7.What are the major requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act? What amendments have been made to the
act since it was passed in 1974? Specifically, critically discuss the Acts impact on public health and the
environment and the cost of implementation.
(IMPORTANT: Do not just cover the 3 major amendments covered in your text book, there are many more).
8.What is the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District (SJVUAPCD) Residential Wood Burning
Rule 4901?. Review the rule identifying amendments, exemptions, requirements, penalties and incentive
programs. Include in your answer a review of the US EPA Wood stove certification program which is an
integral component of Rule 4901. Last, review the intent of the rule with respect to PM 2.5.