How Tourism Affects The Environment Of Polar Regions Tourism Essay

How Tourism Affects The Environment Of Polar Regions Tourism Essay The Polar Regions are the icy areas around the North and South Poles. The Northern Polar Region is called the Arctic, while the Southern Polar Region is called the Antarctic (http://42explore.com). They are among the worlds coldest places which contain a majority of the worlds ice and snow. During the summer when the temperature increases, the ice melts, an immense population of wildlife arrive and daylight lasts practically all day. In the Arctic, a profusion of plants bloom. These extreme features may not be the worlds most popular tourist attractions, but a growing number of visitors are touring and recreating in the Polar Region environments (Synder, 2007). The Southern Polar Region of Antarctica is the least visited continent in the world. Until about 1820, no human had seen it and it is doubtful as to whether anyone landed on it before 1894 or spent a winter ashore prior to 1899. During the 1990s, the number of voyages increased as tour operators responded to a growing demand for Antarctic tourism  [1]  . These days however, parts of the continent and several of its offshore islands provide the setting for scientific studies and some of the worlds most sought after tourism experiences. From mid-November to early March, during the time when ice conditions are less severe, the region is visited regularly by tourists aboard cruise vessels (Bauer, 2001). Commercial cruise lines currently bring the highest number of tourists to Antarctica, and many have the Antarctic Peninsula area and its islands as their destination (Enzenbacher, 1991). Unlike the Antarctic, the Arctic has been attracting tourists since the 1800s. The earliest Arctic tourists were individual anglers, hunters, mountaineers, and adventurers who were attracted to abundant fisheries, exotic wildlife species, and remote regions. Mass tourism in the Arctic Region has been thriving since the mid 1800s when steamships and railroads aggressively expanded their transportation networks providing access to numerous destinations throughout the Arctic. Tourism entrepreneurs such as Thomas Cook formed partnerships with railroad and steamship companies and thereby pioneered the popular tourism industry. Numerous advances in transport technologies have also contributed to the steady growth of the Arctic Regions tourism. At present, advanced steamship technologies together with improved marine charts and navigational aids have allowed cruise ship travel to increase exponentially. Additionally, diesel locomotives, four wheel drives and tracked vehicles further opened access to vast regions of the Arctic. Most importantly however, air transport in all of its forms, provides speedy travel to the Arctic Region. Collectively, these improved transport technologies not only added numbers of tourists, but also expanded the seasonal and geographical research of Arctic tourism (Snyder, 2007). The growth of tourism in the Polar Regions presents both challenges and opportunities. Although this type of tourism may not be the worlds most popular, it is one of the fastest growing areas of tourism today. This has led to concerns about the possible negative impact on the environment. In the Arctic, tourist numbers have grown from about one million in the early 1990s to more than one and a half million today. In Antarctica, the number of ship-borne tourists increased by an astounding four hundred thirty per cent in the last fourteen years and the number of land-based tourists increased by an amazing seven hundred fifty seven per cent in the last ten years (UNEP, 2007). This level of tourism negatively affects the environment in many ways. Firstly, there is an increase in the level of soil erosion and contamination. For many visitors, a trip to the Polar Region may be a once in a lifetime experience. As such, many visitors would wish to see areas of great beauty or lushness such as bird colonies, marine mammals and caribou aggregations, many sights which would have previously only been seen in some form of visual media. There are rather few places where such sights are both accessible and reliable. Because of this tourist traffic to these areas is often high. Vegetation in the Arctic is typically unable to withstand such a high amount of human traffic, and paths that have been repeatedly trampled are now showing bare ground in some heavily visited areas. Secondly, garbage waste is left behind. With so many visitors to the Polar Regions each year, it is inevitable that there will be large amounts of garbage waste. However, because of climatic conditions, garbage waste decomposition is very slow and if left behind is visible on the bright white permafrost (www.coolantarctica.com). Sewage from cruise ships is also discharged into the sea. This causes harm to local species of fish and other sea creatures. Due to the increase in tourism, some Polar Region species are on the verge of extinction. Some forms of air transportation such as helicopters which are used for recreation purposes are very noisy. They produce noises that are foreign to the Polar Region sea birds which they find distressing and disturbing. This distress and disturbance causes panic flights and can lead to egg loss particularly in birds (Snyder, 2007). With an increase in visitors and the volume of ships comes an increase in the risk of oil spills in the Polar Region. Any oil that is spilled will be extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clean up. It may contaminate the wildlifes habitats and food sources. This will put strain on the wildlife that live there, as they are not accustomed to dealing with man-made interruptions in their daily way of life. The introduction of bird and plant diseases in the Polar Regions is another impact on the environment (Kriwoken Rootes, 2000). Because there are so many visitors coming from different parts of the world, there is a very likely possibility that some kind of plant or animal disease may be brought into the Region  [2]  . For example, a tourist may decide to sneak a plant in on one for their trips on land. Perhaps they would have unknowingly brought an infected plant for the purpose of trying to grow it in extreme cold conditions. If the plant is infected, then there is a possibility that it will infect other flora in the area. Other environmental impacts include air pollution from the various forms of air transportation and the unlawful collection of Region species as souvenirs (Kriwoken Rootes, 2000). Like anything else in life, if negative impacts are not controlled they can have lasting effects. An increase of tourism to the Polar Regions leads to an increase in environmental impacts. Should these impacts go untreated, long term effects could be dire. In the long run, soil erosion and contamination may lead to the complete removal of what little vegetation there is in the Polar Regions. Because of repeated trampling, vegetation will cease to grow. This will affect the natural beauty of the Regions. A constant build-up of garbage waste that is left on land by visitors and ship operators that does not decompose quickly will become unsightly on the bright white permafrost. Garbage waste, even in some of the most remote areas of the Regions, can cause disturbance not only to the beauty of the area but also to the wildlifes natural habitats. The waste may even cause diseases which local species may contract and this may lead to an increase in the death toll. If the Regions local species die at an increased rate (because of diseases caused by garbage waste as well as the introduction of bird and plant diseases), then the chances of a particular species becoming extinct is much greater. Although there has not been any major oil spills in the Arctic or Antarctic Regions as yet, because of the increased amount of travel there by ship, there is an increased possibility that there will be one day. Imagine if for whatever reason oil spills became an almost regular occurrence. Again, an oil spill that is difficult to clean up in an area covered by bright white permafrost will most definitely leave unsightly marks in a place of such natural beauty. Not only that, but it will also contaminate the habitats and food sources of wildlife for years to come, putting the natural food chain in disarray. Without being able to find food in their area, wildlife will be forced to migrate to other parts to find food or eventually die out. For many areas of the Polar Region, tourism is of great economic importance. Arctic economies rely on tourism for sales revenue, jobs, personal income, and public finance revenues. Tourism development is a goal for areas such as Greenland, Nunavut, Manitoba and Native Alaskan economies (Snyder, 2008). However, with increasing visitor numbers and increasing environmental impacts, the overall industry will be affected. Should current environmental impacts continue and worsen, then Polar tourism will cease to exist. Interestingly enough though, it was revealed in a study conducted by Dr. John Snyder, that tourist perceived there to be no terror threat in the Arctic, climate change publicity is free advertising and they want to see the Arctic and its wildlife before it is lost. Thankfully, organisations such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) have put in place strict guidelines to its member tour operator s and ships. Such guidelines limit the size of ships that can cruise Antarctic waters and also how many people can be landed at sites around Antarctica. So far the IAATO is perceived as being successful in its aims and its Regulation protection for Antarctic protection (www.coolantarctica.com). The North and South Arctic and Antarctic Polar Regions are some of the coldest places on earth, but also the most pristine. Visitor numbers have been increasing at a fast rate. However, such an increase brings with it increases in environmental impacts. These include soil erosion and contamination, the introduction of bird and plant diseases, an increased risk of oil spills, Polar Region species becoming on the verge of extinction and unsightly garbage waste being left behind by visitors. Long term effects could be dire, and if not properly regulated may see Polar Region tourism ceasing to exist.

Wedding Toast - Best Man Essay -- Wedding Toasts Roasts Speeches

Wedding Speech – Best Man Hello my name’s Paul and I’m Martin’s best man, although I’m sure Martin will have a new name for me by the time I’ve finished this. When Martin asked me to be his best man I was initially thrilled at the prospect. Unfortunately it didn't take long for this feeling of well being to dissolve into utter apprehension as I remembered the last time I had to stand up in a room full of people†¦.. I was found guilty and fined $300. I went to a wedding two weeks ago that was held in a nudist colony. Apparently I was just half an inch away from being the best man there too. By the way, if anyone is running a book on the length of this speech could I put $5 on it lasting 12 minutes please? Martin Firstly I’d like to congratulate Martin on his speech. I'm particularly impressed with the fact that you all paid attention and followed his instructions not to laugh. I’m also impressed that Martin followed my instructions to dress smartly today, although I am a bit disappointed he decided to copy my outfit. I have known Martin for over 10 long long years now. When I first met him in college he was loud, aggressive, rude, abusive and swore a lot, but just look at the man he’s become now†¦..nothing has changed. Whilst at college we discovered a local nightclub called Winkers. I would regularly witness Martin’s unique, raw, undiscovered style of dancing in Winkers that left the women speechl... ...any more happy years of friendship. On behalf of all of us in this room I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Pete and Sue Foster for the wonderful hospitality they have shown today. Martin would also like to thank Pete and Sue, in advance, for how well they’re going to treat him in the future. I’d also like to thank the bridesmaids and ushers today for their invaluable contribution to the wedding, I’m sure you’ll all agree with me that they all look wonderful. So, finally (get a glass in your hand): Here's to love, laughter And happily ever after. As Martin and Anne start their new life Please stand and toast the new husband and wife Ladies and gentlemen†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦the Bride and Groom

Radical Policies of President Franklin D Roosevelt

President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the New Deal program to attack the Great Depression that was plummeting the nation into a financial crisis; his plan can be said to have been a radical departure from Roosevelt†s predecessors. Roosevelt was brought to power with the expectation that he would initiate a major shift in the nature of government, and his actions following his campaign can rightfully be dubbed Roosevelt†s predecessors can be said to have been more conservatives than radicals. President Coolidge†s objective was to reduce the significance of the presidency and to limit the powers of the overnment. He was content to let all of the nation†s problems work themselves out. He twice vetoed the McNary-Haugen bill, which would have drastically helped farmers by buying crop surpluses. President Hoover believed that the role of the gov†t. was not to solve the problems, but to help the problems disappear. He stated that â€Å"if gov†t solved society†s problems directly, people would give up their freedom and gov†t. would become the problem. † From public pressure, however, Hoover began to promote more direct fed. volvement, initiating such programs as the Reconstruction Finance Corporation and the Agric. Marketing Act, which helped farmers by buying their crop surpluses. His actions had little effect on the economy, but FDR made sure that his actions did. Roosevelt took a much larger step in using fed. involvement, more then any other President had done before. Roosevelt†s philosophy differed in that he promoted direct relief for the â€Å"forgotten man† in financial trouble. He saw nothing wrong with gov†t. activism, and he chose to use the fed. gov†t. to try to regenerate economic growth. Some programs, including the Agric. Adjustment Act and the National Reconstruction Administration, even allowed gov†t to become too involved, resulting in Supreme Court legislation declaring them illegal and unconstitutional. His instituted loan and price-support programs which farmers became dependent upon, the Wagner Act as the overseer of labor-management relations, and a program to regulate the banking system and financial systems. In other words, he significantly changed the role of gov†t in the ecomony and in society by granting gov†t more control over them. After the New Deal and the Second Hundred Days were over, society held the expectation that the Pres. and the gov†t. were responsible for correcting any or all problems that they had. Even so, Roosevelt†s radical actions had stabilized the economy and prevented economic collapse. Conservatives argue that Roosevelt undermined individualism and free enterprise, but really he simply saved the nation with his ideas and reforms. Roosevelt may have used the fed. gov†t. intensely in society, but he saved thousands of unemployed workers and helped his fellow man.

Essay on A Sense of Desperation in Atonement - 984 Words

How does McEwan capture a sense of desperation in Part 2 of Atonement? The title ‘Atonement’ hints at a dark secret, a need for retribution and weighty themes, which McEwan duly delivers. The desperation in the narrative format of Robbie the soldier is paralleled by Briony’s increasing desperation to obtain penance for her crime. It is a desire further complicated by her omnipotent narrative role; McEwan steps in and out of his characters minds with unfettered confidence and in Part 2 he provides Briony with the same gift so that she might assume the mind of Robbie. This can therefore provide her with only a fabricated atonement, of which she is subconsciously aware will never fully purge her of her sin. Briony says that it†¦show more content†¦This does not devalue Robbie’s desperation to be removed from the war and be reunited with Cecilia, sentiments which he would undoubtedly have felt, but significantly it displays (in her all too poetic manner) Briony’s desperation for retribution. The tone in which ‘Robbie’ gives his account of the horrors which â€Å"would not let him go† is one of desperation and exclamation but also ambiguity; it is not just the war which haunts him but his arrest and subsequent jail term too and it also hints at the horrors of Briony’s crime which will not let her go either. Robbie’s sole reason for living is Cecilia and it the memories of her which constantly drive him to fight for his survival: â€Å"This is why he had to survive†¦. he had one good reason to survive†. The torment until he can see her, having endured three and a half years of sleepless nights, was like â€Å"a hand squeezing at his throat.† Through Briony’s narrative of Robbie, McEwan shows how memories of the past are essential to counteract Robbie’s growing frustration and desperation: â€Å"when he wrote back he pretended to be his old self, he lied his way into sanity.† Similarly Cecilia â€Å"[feeds] on the same memories†, in an attempt to give herself hope and dispel her anxiety. At the end of Part 2 Briony providesShow MoreRelatedMark Solis. Mrs. Ham . English 12. 02 March 2017. Kite1099 Words   |  5 Pagesis a cause of constant guilt for Amir. As a result from Baba’s emotional detachment from Amir he longs for Baba to feel a sense of pride and acceptance in him. Sadly, all Amir wants to do is please his father to the point where it leads him to a desperation that is willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to please him in hopes that Baba will acknowledge Amir. That desperation to please Baba is used by Amir as justification for not coming to Hassan’s aid in that alley way, all in order to get theRead More Scarlet Critique Essay870 Words   |  4 Pages The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne was written in 1850. It was based on the Puritans of the 1600s, which were revived in Hawthornes era. Hawthorne descended from Puritan heritage and harbored a sense of guilt and hatred for their way of life. He used many themes and literary techniques in The Scarlet Letter including symbolism and irony. He emphasized the individuals role in the community and the role of women in society. Hawthorne used romanticism as opposed to the classical correctnessRead MoreThe Book Of Joel Is A Negative Impact On Christians And Their Theology From The Old Testament999 Words   |  4 Pagesfundamental themes of the biblical story are portrayed: the people’s separation from God, their need for repentance, and God’s redeeming grace, also known as â€Å"the Day of the Lord†. Through the eyes of Joel, as he lives through this epoch of great desperation, we see the theme of â€Å"the Day of the Lord† as being intrinsic, especially in Joel 2:28-29 wherein the day when the Spirit of the Lord is poured out for all to receive is proclaimed as coming soon. Them The central purpose of the prophetsRead MoreWhat Do The Experiences Of Ancient Prophets And Joseph Smith `` Sinking `` Essay895 Words   |  4 Pagesthought of Jesus Christ, his soul crying out for mercy and was suddenly filled with joy and light. Joseph also felt overpowered by a destructive darkness and exerted all his soul to cry out for deliverance and was immediately encompassed by light and a sense of peace. There were also the comparisons between the reactions of Joseph Smith and Moses after they saw God face to face, being completely exhausted and overwhelmed with heaven’s glory. However, in Moses’ case, the adversary’s frightening encounterRead Moreon the Waterfront Shows That Most People Prefer Security to Justice. Discuss1328 Words   |  6 PagesWaterfront,† we see that to some extent that people do prefer security to justice. This film focuses on the balance between our moral conscience, and our need for survival. It explores how much we are influenced by our own need for survival compared to our sense of justice. Kazan, utilizes characters like Terry, to explore the limits of human tolerance and the conscience. He depicts a world shrouded in a blanket of fog and mist, which masks the criminality, corruption and immorality. Kazan uses this money-drivenRead MoreSummary Of The Road 1476 Words   |  6 Pageshis own humanity in his blinkered pursuit of s afety for his son. Both the unconscious and the real provide nightmarish scenarios, which cruelly trap the Father in a state of hopelessness. The description that follows that dream scene allows for a sense of guidance to emerge, one that is intrinsically connected to the Boy. He is the light in the darkness, the one who is â€Å"carrying the fire† (p.234). Although readers might interpret its ugliness as a reflection of its feral state, one believes thatRead More Salvation is in the hands of the Sinner1625 Words   |  7 Pagesand bad deeds. He realizes that salvation lies in his hands, and that it is a personal decision that only he can make. One senses the desperation in the heart of Everyman, having realized that his life was blackened with sin; he strives to change the black he has accumulated in the â€Å"book of counts† and change it to a book of white. Everyman feels like he must make atonement for his sin, in order to escape death, for salvation is in the hands of the sinner. Death is something everyone is familiarRead MoreAnalysis of Scenes of Atonement Film1825 Words   |  8 PagesAtonement- Analysis of Scenes The scene starts with a long shot of the three characters walking on a path in the reeds towards the camera. The reason a long shot is used is to establish the setting of the characters. It cuts in to a close up of Robbie to show his emotion as he realises they have made it to the sea. It cuts to an medium high angle aerial long shot as the characters are running through the reeds to show the true desperation of the men. While they are running the music playing isRead More The Criminal Is Not Solely Responsible for His Crime Essay example2339 Words   |  10 Pagesgoing around. All it means people – They trying hard to keep you down. Unfortunately, most poor people do not have the information, education or means to take the high road out of the ghetto. As a result, they end up living lives of quiet desperation that poets write about. The poverty mentality described in Bobby Bland’s song is a luckless legacy passed down from generation to generation by people who settle for less because they don’t know any better or can’t do any better. Many choose toRead MoreMarketing Mistakes and Successes175322 Words   |  702 Pagesonly a commodity. Unless he could change such a mindset, this was a major impediment, one that would scuttle his dream. To every one who would listen he repeated his mantra: â€Å"We would take something old and tired and common—coffee—and weave a sense of romance and community around it. We would rediscover the mystique 1 Cora Daniels, â€Å"Mr. Coffee: the Man behind the $4.75 Frappuccino Makes the 500,† Fortune, April 14, 2003. 2 Howard Schultz, Pour Your Heart Into It, Hyperion: New York, 1977