Application Project 07
Environmental Science
Title: Population

      

Part A:  

A national survey by the Roper Organization found that even though 78% of Americans believe that a major national effort is required for environmental improvement (ranking it fourth among national priorities), only 22% were making significant efforts to improve the environment. The poll identified five categories of citizens:
(1)

 true-blue greens (11%), who are involved in a wide range of environmental activities.
(2)

greenback greens (11%), who don’t have time to be involved but who will pay more for a cleaner environment.
(3)

grousers (24%), who aren’t involved in environmental action mainly because they don’t see why they should be if every­body else isn’t.
(4)

sprouts (26%), who are concerned but who don’t believe individual action will make much difference.
(5)

basic browns (28%), who are the most apathetic and least involved or who are strongly opposed to the environmental movement.

1.  (2 points) To which category of citizens do you belong? 

2.  (2 points) Ask a minimum of TEN of your friends to take this poll (ask them the above questions).  List the results of your poll and include the percentages you calculated. 

3.  (2 points) How does your poll compare with the Roper poll?  

4.  (2 points) What do the results of your poll tell you about our future on Earth?

PART B:  

Name of your City/Area and zip code  _____________________________________________  

The following does not require research.  You are writing the report card for your city.

Rate your city from 0-10 with 0 = Bad or nonexistent and 10 = Excellent,    N/A = no evidence

                                                                                                                   

Component Being Observed

Possible
Points
Your
Rating

Are there existing trees protected?                                        

10

 

Is there evidence that new trees have been planted?                                                  

10

 

Does your city have local city parks that can be used and enjoyed?                               

10

 

Can the local lakes and rivers be swum in?                             

10

 

What is the quality of the air?

10

 

What is the quality of the water?

10

 

Are there efficient noise pollution reduction plants?

10

 

Are there convenient recycling programs?

10

 

Does your city have a hazardous waste collection program?

10

 

Does your city have a recycling program?

10

 

Does your city have a composting program?

10

 

Does your city have an effective mass transit system?

10

 

Are there bicycle paths?

10

 

Do buildings have high-energy efficiency standards?

10

 

Is there a buy local program for matter and energy resources?

10

 

There is sustainable use of locally available resources?

10

 

How much renewable resource for energy is available locally?

 

 

_________%  type of energy_________________

10

 

Do local environmental laws protect enough citizens?

10

 

Do local officials check out the environmental record of industries that want to relocate?

10

 

Are local master plans used for land-use decisions?

10

 

Is medical care easily obtained?

10

 

Are land use decisions made by using ecological planning?

10

 

Are decisions made with active participation by citizens?

10

 

    Total Points

230

 

1. (2 points) Add up all of the points for your ratings and divide them by 230.  What is your percentage?    What grade does your city earn?  Comment on this.

2. (2 points) What do you like best about your area?

3. (2 points) What do you like least about your area?

4. (2 points) What are the ecology/environmental organizations in your area?  Describe them.   (Are you a member?) (All areas have ecology organizations.)

 

PART C:     (2 points)            

Name of the town where you live: ________________  What is the zip code? ______________
What is the population of your town? ______________   Source of info: ____________________________ (No credit given if source is not provided).

What is the population estimate for the year 2030? _________________  Source of info? ___________________(No credit given if source is not provided).

                                                                                  

State Population based on age distribution can be used to make predictions of trends in future growth.  Identify your selected state, indicate and discuss current data and indicatet future projections about the state's: 

 

1.

(3 points) Population

2.

(3 points) Economics

3.

(3 points) Growth patterns

Answer the above three questions based on age distribution in the state.  Be sure to read pages 101-104 of the text before completing this section.  The above answers should be detailed and written using your own words. DO NOT COPY AND PASTE TABLES FROM THE WEBSITES as your answer.  

Possibly useful websites:  

http://www.census.gov/population/www/projections/statepyramid.html Age structure diagrams by state

http://www.census.gov/

http://www.census.gov/population/www/projections/stproj.html State Population Projections

http://www.projectionscentral.com Occupational Projections

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/26000.html   Michigan Quick Facts (notice at the top left that there is a link to Select Another State, and in the top center there is a link for MORE Michigan Data Sets)

The following are repeat links found from the above links (to be used if the above links are broken):

http://www.census.gov/population/projections/state/9525rank/miprsrel.txt (Michigan)

http://www.census.gov/population/projections/state/9525rank/kyprsrel.txt Kentucky)

 

        Don't forget to include a summary of the application. (3 points this week)