Environmental Ethics -- Spring 2002
(Phlv 3109-001)
Course Pages
Our schedule for the rest of the semester is as follows:
Wednesday April 10: official due date for policy/position papers,
Wednesday May 1: final take-home test due.
Original Syllabus
Second Take-Home Test --not up yet
Environmental Links
Suggested topics for policy/position papers (in no particular order)
Remember that for most topics, you will want to consult current periodicals and/or EPA reports. You can also find other equally specific topics that you pre-approve with me. The paper should include your own conclusion on the issue, i.e. your own ethical evaluation.
The environmental impact of the Three Gorges Dam being built in China.
Proposals to take down the Hoover Dam and progress on this issue.
Cleanup of the Hudson river --what is happening?
Cleanup of the Passaic river --see EPA report/visit EPA library downtown Manhattan
The Columbia University Biosphere II project and its benefits (Biosphere II is a closed environment in which scientists can model complex ecosystems in miniature). Look at reports on this topic.
Possible alternative fuels for automobiles, including electric cars and hybrids (Honda Civic GRX and the Primus). What are the realistic economic benefits?
Burning coal veins around the world and their impact on carbon dioxide pollution and global warming.
Use of ethanol fuel in industry, and other burnable fuels from crops. What are the ecological benefits, if any?
Solar powered buildings and the integration of solar panels in architecture. A good starting point for this would be the website for kisscathcart.com, home of our own architecture professor Colin Cathcart.
Integrated Pest Management--ways of controlling the populations of insects that may harm crops through use of other insects and other alternatives to toxic pesticides.
The rise of "organic" food labels such as "Greenseal" and the USDA organic stamp. What are the benefits and problems, and how are consumers responding?
The controversy over introducing "yellow rice" (genetically altered to include beta-carotine, which prevents childhood blindness) in the Phillipines.
Remediation material management
Last updated March 11, 2002. Comments: Davenport@Fordham.Edu |