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Capstone (Argumentative Synthesis)
The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe
about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction. (Rachel Carson). This is a statement from
Rachael Carson who blew the whistle concerning the adverse effects of excessive pesticides and
herbicides to the atmosphere. She is an icon to be emulated by environmentalists who are on the
forefront to ensure that environment at whole is preserved. Rachael played a significant role in
ensuring that human adopt deep ecology, a term defined that humans are a component of the
environment and should treat other components with respect by minimizing any ecological
footprints.
Technological and science advancement at large have altered the well functioning of the
environment. Ecosystems are being destroyed to pave way for establishment of infrastructure
and expansion of agricultural activities. The sophistication of these processes has meant use of
substances that could alter nature affecting the environment, which humans rely on for survival
and existence. The current trends of pollution and human footprint on nature are alarming.
Humanity should start embracing processes that ensure nature is able to replenish its self. These
include adoption of green economy strategies, for instance, where economy is driven by
renewable energy sourced from the sun, wind, and even tidal energy. Tapping such resources is
not only cost effective but also spares the environment from further destruction. Another strategy
is natural control of weeds and pests. For instance, adopting mixed crop and crop rotation while
farming will ensure minimal occurrence of pests and weed. For large-scale farmers, DDT should
be substituted with other nature friendly products.
According to Jonathan Rauch, the human population is increasing at a high rate, which
increases the demand for food and other raw materials, which compose the basic requirements

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for human survival. Rauch is of the opinion that, the only environmental friendly strategy to cope
this situation is the reliance on genetically modified crops popularly known as GMO. These
transgenic crops would help minimize many processes that are carried out in the normal species
of crops (Rauch). For instance, there is no need for tilling the land. This eliminates the menace of
soil runoff, which causes siltation in water bodies. In addition, the use of pesticides will be
eliminated as crops grow naturally. Based on the finding of his article, 37% of the earth is under
agriculture and United Nation projection of the rise of population leaves humankind with no
other environmental friendly strategy than transgenic crops.
The plight of honeybee is an article that illustrates how their decreasing number could
affect farm productivity across United States. Some scientists have argued that use of pesticides
has contributed to the decrease in the number of honeybees. TheyHoneybees play a significant
role in pollination of a wide range of crops. Thus, decrease in their number leaves the
multibillion fruit sector vulnerable to collapse. One major fruit that relies on cross-pollination,
catalyzed by honeybees is apple (TIME.com). There are other contributing reasons for
decreasinge such as bacterial infection. Failure to control such, possibly makes a significant
number of bees could die.
The last article written by Terry McCarthy illustrates the dangers behind aquaculture,
rearing of fish in farms for commercial purposes. Just like any other agricultural product, the
demand for alternative of red meat has risen. Salmon has been a great choice for many, which its
large-scale production has left a huge footprint on other natural aquatic organisms. Higher
demand calls for sophistication of processes, for example, use of pesticides (TIME.com) . This
control of pest if not regulated, will cause big harm to the environment, threatening the wellbeing
of organisms, which rely on the polluted zones. Outbreaks of diseases in such confined areas can
be fatal, which would justify the use of pesticides, but exchange programs to areas such as

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China, the largest producer of crayfish for American market, could be beneficial in adopting
eco-friendly counter measures.
These three sources have differences as well as similarities. In the first article, Jonathan
Rauch is concerned about the future and the projected trends of human population. He has
offered a solution to a potential environmental threat. While in the second article, the author tries
to figure out the causes of decreasing number of honeybees in the United States. Bryan Walsh
states there is a possibility of the decrease to have been caused by the use pesticides although
other natural factors such as bacterial infections could be the reason. However, all these articles
are inclined towards reduction of human activities that pose danger to the wellbeing of the
overall environment. Although they target different components of nature the ultimate goal is
improving the environment status and achieve environmental sustainability, a term defined as use
of environmental resources in a way that future generations are able to enjoy benefits of it.
The use of pesticides, specifically DDT has an adverse effect on the atmosphere. DDT
contains chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are also ozone-depleting substances. Ozone
depletion, will consequently lead to rise in the global temperature affecting the survival of
different ecosystems. Pesticides as illustrated by Bryan Walsh have caused decrease in number of
honeybees. For instance, in 2006, a survey conducted indicated that over one-third of U.S.
honeybees had disappeared. This has put the production of almonds, which composes the
greatest part of states export, at the verge of collapsing.
Industrialization has led to improved living standards by ensuring access to better health
care and other essential requirements. Consequently, this leads to continuous rise of human
population, which is projected to be at 8.9 billion by 2050. Feeding such population through
current agriculture practices would leave huge ecological footprints. This is because; forest cover
would reduce tremendously to create space for agriculture. Forests are main carbon sink; low

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coverage of forest reciprocates to high levels of carbon in atmosphere leading to rise in
temperature. Production of GMO food could prove to be an environmental friendly option.
Fish farming is playing a significant role in preservation of aquatic species, salmon. The
number of natural salmon species has been decreasing at a higher rate thus rearing them in farms
has helped shift focus on those habituating in natural waters. However, this shift, if not checked,
could be a cause of pollution. Terry McCarthy illustrates an example of a farm in Vancouver,
located in Campbell River, which produces almost 50 tons of salmons destined for U.S. market.
With such large production, use of pesticides is an essential requirement. Failure to treat the
wastewater could be a source of hyacinth due to concentration of nitrogen. As a result, this
affects marine ecosystem through reduced mobility and air penetration.
The effect of use of pesticides hasve been researched and documented by scientists
globally. Most notably is Rachael Carson who brought the whole issue in limelight thus paving
way for further research on the issue. Future reliance on genetically modified crops is a better
alternative to reduce environmental pressure. Lastly, aquaculture activities should be regulated to
help avert any possible dangers.
Are technological and scientific advancement a threat to conservation of nature?
We can all be agents of change by lobbying for change on policy frameworks that are
geared towards protection of the environment. The U.S. Government, under presidency of
President Barrack Obama has enacted laws to help curb decrease in honeybees. It is our
responsibility as patriotic citizens to ensure that large-scale pesticides users do not endanger the
livelihoods of farmers who rely on honeybees.

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Works Cited
Rauch, Jonathan. 'Will Frankenfood Save The Planet?'. The Atlantic. N.p., 2015. Web. 21 Nov.
2015.
TIME.com.,. 'Is Fish Farming Safe?'. N.p., 2015. Web. 21 Nov. 2015.
TIME.com,. 'The Plight oOf The Honeybee'. N.p., 2013. Web. 21 Nov. 2015.

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Dear Joan,
Thank you very much for completing this paper. I liked reading this essay. I appreciate all efforts
made to complete this paperwork.
However, I would like to ask you to be more attentive to the following:
-

Subject-verb disagreement. Unfortunately, this mistake is one of your typical errors.

Please refresh your knowledge by clicking on this link.

Words repetitions and tautology. Please substitute the repeated words with their
synonyms or paraphrase the sentences.

Your grade for the paper is College B (67).

The bid share for the order is 85%.
Best regards,
Linda