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Problem Area: Environmental Quality as...
Online Activities
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Go to the sites listed and find the specific areas mentioned in the capsules below.
- Worldwatch Institute
This is the homepage of a nonprofit public policy research organization, which informs policymakers and the public about global problems and trends. Includes alerts and press briefings, publication highlights, World Watch Magazine, and job announcements.
Click on Issues and choose an article on a current environmental concern. Read the text and write a short report in which you express your point of view about this particular issue.
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission
This is the homepage of the U.S. commission regulating civilian use of nuclear energy. It has news, a reference library, and information on disaster response and problems of radioactive waste disposal. Click on ‘What We Do’. After you have familiarized yourself with its mission and activities, ask yourself this question: "As a citizen, am I sufficiently informed (and concerned) about the risks associated with nuclear energy?"
- Department of Energy
This official homepage has news and general information on the department's numerous programs and resources.
Click on A to Z Index. There, you will find highlights of current issues involving energy. Most people do not think a great deal about energy until there's a power outage or their furnace or air conditioner needs repair. What if you were asked if the government should trim its budget by eliminating the Department of Energy? How would you respond? Why?
- Environmental Protection Agency
Homepage of the U.S. government's agency dedicated to environment-related problems and resources, including news, legislation, regulations, test methods, and scientific data.
The EPA's stated mission is "to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment." Some Americans think the EPA is just another costly taxpayer expense. Others believe that without the EPA, our society would be in real trouble. Click on About EPA to find out more concerning the organization and its mission. Now that you are more familiar with the EPA, how do you react as a citizen and a taxpayer (or soon-to-be one)?
- U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization
This is the homepage of the United Nations agency working to promote agricultural development and food security. Includes data on the forestry industries of many countries.
Click on Newsroom. There, you will find news clips on current issues that involve food and hunger-related issues around the world. Do you think the peoples of the world benefit from the activities of this organization? Why or why not?
- International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
This organization, based in the United Kingdom, is dedicated to helping societies "conserve the...diversity of nature." The site includes the latest news and info.
Once you have accessed the site, click Search and plug in the key word pollution. You will then see a variety of links related to this topic. Pick a couple that look interesting and explore them in detail. Then, write a short "position paper" concerning your personal views about pollution.
- Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is dedicated to preserving endangered habitats and wildlife by purchasing areas under threat.
Click on How You Can Help. This will tell you more about the mission and activities of this organization. You will find links to "Adopt an Acre" and “Rescue the Reef”. Do you think these programs are worthwhile? Would you want to become involved? Why or why not?
- Greenpeace
This homepage offers information on current campaigns and membership of this controversial private non-profit organization, which favors active intervention in environmental problems worldwide. The site provides access to audio and video archives of Greenpeace in action and a discussion forum.
Over the past few decades, Greenpeace has been an extremely controversial organization and some of its activities have involved violent interactions surrounding some of Greenpeace's "campaign events." Click on Campaigns and then click on one or two of the current Campaign Events within the site. What are your reactions to this organization?
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