Select and complete one of the following assignments:
Option 1: Environmental Pollution Simulation Review and Summary
View the Simulation "Managing Environmental Concerns and Resources" found in Week Four of the student website to prepare for this assignment.
Write a 750 word summary briefly describing the simulation background information and details. Include information on your decisions and performance:
• Complete the following three sections of the simulation:
o "All That Smoke"
o "A Heap of Trash"
o "The Energy Quandary"
• For each section of the simulation, make decisions on the optimal measure for addressing the pollution management issue.
• Analyze the optimal measure for addressing the issue using the Effect Prism, balancing popular acceptance, budget use, and pollution reduction.
• Provide rationale for the pollution reduction measures chosen from an environmental science perspective.
• Review any feedback on decisions and performance provided, including the effectiveness and acceptance levels for the chosen decisions.
• Discuss trade-offs for the various pollution reduction measures.
For example, bringing in legislation to install pollution control devices in factories may sound like a good choice, but installation of such devices is a huge expense, and there is likelihood of strong opposition by business groups.
• After completing all three portions of the simulation, take a screenshot of your results and provide them to your instructor.
1. Press Alt + Print Screen on your computer keyboard to create a screenshot.
2. Open a blank Microsoft® Word document.
3. Press Ctrl + V on your keyboard to paste the screenshot into the document.
You may also print the results to PDF and post them to your instructor in the Individual forum.
• Explain the statement, "decision-making about environmental issues necessitates the maintenance of a fine balance between the effectiveness of measures and the public reaction towards them."
Include two outside references.
Format your summary consistent with APA guidelines.
Option 2: Environmental Pollution Scenario Review and Summary
Read the following scenario: You are an associate level environmental scientist in Phoenix, AZ. Growing human population within the city increases pressure on the infrastructure and on natural resources, and this affects the environment. As cities expand, they cut deeper into surrounding rural areas, causing environmental problems, such as the loss of wetlands, loss of biological habitat, and air and water pollution. The high density of automobiles, factories, and commercial enterprises in urban areas adds to airborne emissions, including particulate matter, various types of oxides, and hazardous volatile compounds.
Phoenix, AZ has experienced rapid growth in population over the past decade. The Phoenix City Council is worried that this pattern of population growth is beginning to create a number of negative environmental, economic, and social consequences. These include deteriorating infrastructure, increasing traffic congestion, declining air and water quality, and the loss of open space. The City Council has charged you with writing a report with recommended measures to fix the pollution issue. The City Council provides a budget of $18 million for tackling the environmental issues.
Make decisions on the optimal measure for addressing the pollution management issue.
Choose 4 of the 7 measures given below based on popular acceptance, budget use, and pollution reduction:
1. Pollution control legislation for point sources: $4.3M
2. Random emission testing: $3.6M
3. Encourage alternative transportation, walking, and bicycle use: $4.4M
4. Promote fuel-efficient cars: $3.3M
5. Establish green spaces or urban forestry: $4.2M
6. Improve roads: $4.7M
7. Encourage carpooling: $2.8M
Write a 750 word summary briefly describing the background information and details. Include information on your selections:
• Your selection criteria and total cost
• The rationale for the pollution reduction measures chosen from an environmental science perspective
• Information on reduction of pollution
• Trade-offs for the various pollution reduction measures
For example, bringing in legislation to install pollution control devices in factories may sound like a good choice, but installation of such devices is a huge expense, and there is likelihood of strong opposition by business groups.
• Explain the statement "decision-making about environmental issues necessitates the maintenance of a fine balance between the effectiveness of measures and the public reaction towards them."