Global warming in saudi arabia Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Global warming in saudi arabia - Research Paper Example This paper will analyze the major cause of global warming in Saudi Arabia, its impacts, some mitigation measures that should be taken and the response of the country towards climate change policies. Introduction Saudi Arabia, one of the hottest and driest countries in the world, is approximately situated between East longitudes 37 and 56 and North latitudes 17 and 31. The average yearly rainfall in the Kingdom ranges from 80 mm to 140 mm apart from the southwestern mountains. Utmost summer temperatures frequently go beyond 45 degrees Celsius while virtual humidity is very low and skies are usually clear. These increases in the maximum temperatures are as a consequence of global warming (Alkolibi, 225). Depledge indicates that Saudi Arabia’s attitude on climate change is plainly established on its fears over the likely negative effects of climate change lessening policies on its economy. They fear that these measures will sharply reduce their export thereby affecting the econom y. These fears are expected, since Saudi Arabia relies heavily on the oil sector, which accounted for 77 percent of government incomes in 2002. Due to this, oil exporters are the most shown to endeavor to cut greenhouse gases, and will be likely to bear costs higher than those of the mitigating developed countries will. This is because being an oil producing country, there is a lot of combustion taking place in its industries, thus increasing the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (12). Despite being a major oil producing country, Saudi Arabia also has a banging population; 29 million people and growing at a rate of 2 percent a year. This means that the country has pressure since this population is not able to sustain its present standard of living on the declining oil revenues. In order to maintain this population, pressure is mounted on the oil resources thus emitting more carbon in the atmosphere. In turn, this accelerates global warming in the country thus making it hotte r and drier. Watchdog groups and western diplomats allege that the Saudis realize that a global accord to regulate carbon emissions is possible and they are trying to suspend it as long as possible (McEvers, 14). McEvers further states that most of the people in Saudi Arabia do not consider climate change as a big concern despite the country experiencing very high temperatures (11). Moreover, there are a number of weather-related catastrophes in the nation for instance sandstorms, long-term droughts and frequent severe floods. These are the adverse effects of global warming in the country yet the population is ignorant about it. Furthermore, projections indicate that most of the country’s cities located at the Coasts are likely to be submerged in a few decades to come (12). Low rainfall and high temperatures plus high inconsistency of both factors greatly affect agriculture in the country. This is because these conditions lessen soil moisture, damage the soil by mechanical we athering and augment evapotranspiration. These conditions have a damaging effect on water accessibility and agriculture and depict Saudi Arabia a very poor country in terms of agricultural production and water resources (Alkolibi, 225). A quantitative estimation by the British Hadley Center GCM experiment forecasted that climatic change in consequence of global warming is anticipated to lead to reduction in agricultural food production in dry regions situated in the lower latitudes. This

Should gays & lesbians be allowed to serve in the U.S. military Research Paper

Should gays & lesbians be allowed to serve in the U.S. military - Research Paper Example Homosexuals need to be allowed the same opportunities as other people. Their sexual orientation does not make them lesser beings, and it should not be used as an excuse to bar them from doing things that they want to do (Carter 233). I support the idea of having gays and lesbians in the US military, regardless of whether they practice homosexuality or not. I do not see how why this group of well-meaning citizens should be judged for their sexual orientation and yet they are willing to risk their lives for the sake of this great country. For someone to sacrifice his life for the sake of his country and country folk, it requires a remarkable sense of bravery (Bourg 429). Instead of being viewed as unwanted people, gay men and lesbians wanting to join the military should be treated like the heroes they are. The introduction of the â€Å"don’t ask, don’t tell† policy has greatly improved matters for the gay and lesbian community in America (Carter 233). Homosexuals a re no longer required to disclose their sexuality on the enlistment forms. The policy also disallowed any military official investigating the sexual orientation of military officers. This gave homosexuals more freedom and confidence in applying for military positions. No one should be harassed just because they have a different sexual orientation from others. ... If one is to be discriminated against because of something that he or she cannot change, then that is very unfortunate because it would be tantamount to denying them their fundamental rights as citizens of America (Bourg 430). Being different should not be viewed as a weakness or as a moral wrong, rather society should embrace everyone since we all have something positive to share with others. Tolerating and accepting the gay and lesbian community may be a tall order for some people, but this should not be the case. Many gay men and lesbian women have served this country in different aspects with honor (Carter 234). When people say that homosexuals should not serve in the military, what they are portraying is fear about things that might never happen in the first place. This fear is unwarranted because it is obvious that homosexuals live very peacefully with other people, it would not be different in the military. The standard that needs to be upheld in the military is not gender ori entation; rather a lot of emphasis should be on attitude and behavior (Johnson 133). If the gays and lesbians have the right kind of attitude and behavior for military service, then there should be no problem enlisting them. There is no evidence showing that one’s sexuality may determine one’s efficiency at work. The only thing that comes in the way of efficiency is one’s determination or the lack of it. If a homosexual is therefore determined to keep the United States and the citizens safe, I think that he or she should be given the chance. If gays and lesbians are barred from military service, then what is to be said of their fundamental rights and liberties as Americans? The American constitution is categorical in the provision of equality in