The Gaia Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Gaia Theory - Essay Example An example of this is the central belief in Gaia Theory that says the composition of the atmosphere is closely regulated by biological reactions to changes in the atmosphere. For example, an increase in CO2 in the atmosphere should result in a corresponding growth in vegetation that would absorb the additional CO2. In this way, Gaia theorists say that the biological reaction to changes in the atmosphere help keeps the earth in a state of habitable stasis. Some Gaia theorists argue that instead of stasis, the biological changes will actually work to optimize earth’s ability to sustain life. I agree with the criticism leveled against the Gaia Theory. While I find the thoughts and hypothesis generated by this theory, I think the author’s discussion of how historical evidence shows that once earth cools, it actually works to keep itself cool and after it has heated it tends to stay hot is at odds with the theory. The levels of C4 and C2 evidenced in arctic ice core samples seems to show that biological changes cannot counter all changes in the atmosphere to create a situation of stasis or even optimization. Forests affect global climate change in several important ways. The manner that they affect global climate change is different depending on whether the forest is located in a tropical, temperate or sub-arctic region. Tropical forests affect global climate change greatly through high levels of evaporative cooling and carbon sequestration. The humid climate contributes to rapid growth in woody flora of all types. The competing species of trees organize themselves into a climax forest consisting of a deeply shaded floor with low surface temperature with massive amounts of carbon stored in the trunks to the trees. Much study has been made of the clearing of tropical forest for agricultural uses.

The Impact of An Engineering Innovation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Impact of An Engineering Innovation - Essay Example Since the invention of the internal combustion engine and of the tools and machinery that rely on it the global scene has undergone much change from the 19th century. The impact in global society has been in various ways, but the main effect has been in the transportation industry. Early application of the combustion engine was the use of automobiles and trains and later on airplanes. The use and reliance on these modes of transport have made the combustion engine indispensable in the global society. From the late 19th century, there was easier worldwide travel as a result of the trains that now had combustion engines as opposed to the earlier steam engines. The early 20th century saw the invention of the airplane that made the world travel much easier and quick. This meant that people could move from Europe to America or Asia easily. Easy movement of people has impacted societies, cultures were exchanged and products from one place could be available in any part of the world. The co mbustion engine had an immense effect on the economies of countries and the world. Movement of goods and people had become easier and convenient than never before. The transportation industry grew tremendously, and this had a profound impact on the economy in the particular areas the engine was in operation. The air travel also observed in the second half of the 20th century created a new industry that was beneficial to the economies of the countries operating the airlines and also increased the tourism sector worldwide since people could move with ease.