Mayor and the Greater London Authority

Mayor and the Greater London Authority The 2012 London Olympics is scheduled to be one of the most spectacular games in addition to being held in one of the world’s best cities. The Olympics is undeniably one of the greatest sporting events on earth. In order to ensure that the visitors are treated to the arrays of entertainment and eventful sporting event in addition to bringing benefits to the Londoners, the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority (GLA) has put in place measures and priorities to develop London in readiness for this event. Among the most important items on the planning agenda is environmental sustainability (Stallone, 2005). An independent body, Commission for a Sustainable London 2012, has already been established to monitor and assure the sustainability of the 2012 Olympic Games. The 2012 Summer Olympics plan for the environment is designed and focused on four main areas. These include waste management, reduction of carbon emissions, promotion of environmental awareness, and biodiversity. Other environmental measures include being committed to minimizing the construction effects to both individuals and the community. These duties and responsibilities lie at the hands of the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Mayor of London. Powers and Responsibilities of the Mayor and the GLA The Greater London Authority is a strategic administrative body that is vested with powers and responsibilities aimed at the development of London. The GLA has responsibilities that are categorized in three distinct areas that include social development, improvement of the environment, and wealth creation through economic development. These powers and responsibilities cover a range of areas that include economic development, fire and emergency planning, metropolitan policing, and transport and the GLA has four functional bodies to enable it execute its responsibilities (Greater London Authority, 2011). The GLA is headed by an elected executive mayor who is charged with the responsibility of proposing policies and budgets for the Greater London Authority. The Mayor is also for executing primary responsibilities such as appointing strategic executives to functional bodies such as the London Development Agency and the Transport for London. The Mayor of London is majorly involved in man aging and running the city of London (Borris, 2010). His functions include the setting of improvement strategies, creating visions, designing policies, provision of funding, and harnessing the resources to ensure that the city of London is among the best cities on Earth (Borris, 2010). As earlier mentioned, the GLA has four functional bodies to enable it execute its functions and responsibilities. The functional bodies are the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA), the London Development Agency (LDA), the Transport for London, and the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA). The LFEPA handles and coordinates emergency responses and planning in addition to administering the Fire Brigade of London. The MPA is responsible for overseeing metropolitan police functions and provides the city of London with policing services (Greater London Authority, 2011). The LDA manages economic development across the Greater London. The final functional body is the Transport for London is charged with the responsibility of dealing with majority of aspects relating to the system of transport in London and this covers a wide range of perspectives that include the provision of public transport, management of traffic, maintaining main roads, and the administration of Congestio n charges. The powers and responsibilities of the Greater London Authority were reviewed and documented in 2005 and further responsibilities were added. The GLA was awarded the responsibility of managing wastes, and house planning. Under the planning obligations, the GLA coordinates the proper use of land in London whereby the Mayor of London designs a strategic plan that is submitted to the 32 Boroughs of London for compliance (Mayor of London, 2010). Additionally, the Mayor is capable of overriding the planning decisions decided upon by the Boroughs if He believes that the decisions fail to conform to the interests of developing the city of London (Mayor of London, 2011). The low-carbon emissions is among the major objectives to be realized during the London 2012 Olympics and hence, the Mayor has designed the Energy strategy to give him the blue prints for reducing the levels of carbon emissions. London is known for contributing nearly 7% of the total carbon emissions in the United Kingdom and majority of these carbon emissions come from commercial and housing premises, industries, and transport systems. The Mayor of London is so committed to achieving these environmental sustainability objectives and has created several agencies to aid in the realization of these objectives. These are London Energy Partnership, the London Climate Change Agency, and the Climate Leadership Group for large cities (Mayor of London, 2010). In order to ensure that majority of houses conformed to the low-carbon emission requirements, all new constructions should to be constructed using carbon-neutral materials using building techniques that consume zero energy. Environmental Literature Review The Mayor of London (currently Boris Johnson) possesses the executive powers of the Greater London Authority and is responsible for defining policies and work programmes to majority of the employees at GLA. Other responsibilities include the preparation of budgets for the GLA and consolidated and components budgets for the GLA groups. As such, his visions are developed to be the major issue in the work programme of the GLA. Additionally, the achievement of his ambitions will see London becoming the biggest city in the world. Majority of the Mayor’s ambitions are related to the attainment of environmental sustainability and these includes climate change issues, biodiversity, waste disposal, and air quality (Borris, 2010). The energy policies and Climate change programmes instituted by the Mayor were at aimed at the reduction of the total percentage of London’s contribution to climate change, addressing the problems of fuel shortages, and the use of decentralized renewab le and low carbon technologies (Edwards, and Miller, 2008). The London draft replacement contains proposals that should be followed to ensure the realization of Zero carbon emissions and the building of zero residential buildings. These are contained in Policy 5.2 of the draft replacement London Plan (Greater London Authority, 2011). The objectives contained in this plan should be addressed according to a specific hierarchical order. First, the type of energies used should lean; in the sense that the forms of energy utilizes less energy. Second, the types of energy should and be capable of supplying efficient amounts of energy. Lastly, the source of energy and the energy should be green and this will entail the use of renewable sources of energy. The overall objectives of the London Plan should be targeted towards the realization of low-carbon emissions and all the necessary would be taken to ensure that zero-carbon developments are made. The Mayor also has an ambition providing the dream of a renewed London whereby the Londoners would have an experience of living in a cleaner and more sustainable environment. This ambition entails the development and implementation of policy objectives that provide cleaner and sustainable living conditions to the Londoners. Additionally, the Mayor’s Great Spaces initiative will see more money being channeled towards the creation and improvement of public spaces (Borris, 2010). Finances and resources will be approved through the Local Implementation Plan Programme to enable Boroughs to fund their transformation initiatives. London is well known for its diverse transport network and the mayor aims to transform it to be well suited to the support of green transport choices characterized by zero pollution vehicles. As such, the Mayor has instituted policies and measures whereby millions of resources are invested in the transport sector to deliver a variety of minimized travel choices characterized by low emissions. The range of travel choices includes electric and hybrid cars, hydrogen buses, and motor bikes in the hire scheme. Other policies included in the Mayor’s Transport Strategy is the support of public transport, promotion of unprecedented walking levels and investment in cycling, and lastly, the promotion of efficient energy measures on buses and the London Underground system. The Mayor has also embarked on waste management initiatives that are aimed at transforming London’s environmental look in addition to improving the quality of life. A range of programmes is being implemented to achieve a litter-free and green city. Other waste management initiatives include reduction of pollution levels through rubbish reduction, careful use of waste materials, and making the city more energy efficient. The waste management initiatives are implemented to help in making the city of London to utilize its resources efficiently, minimize the levels of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and above all, saving money and resources for future use. The Low Carbon Employment and Skills Programme were designed by the mayor to enhance low carbon economy initiatives and as well to deliver job opportunities to Londoners. Such job opportunities would enable Londoners to benefit from the economic and environmental benefits associated with the realization of a low carbon economy (Edwards, and Miller, 2008). This has seen the creation of a Green Enterprise District, which is an area whereby priority is given to those investing in low carbon enterprises. The Gap between Policy and What has been delivered The Mayor has managed to achieve some of the objectives identified in his ambitions and policy objectives with respect to the environmental sustainability of London. These objectives includes the creation of a greener London environment, creation of safer public spaces, installation of energy efficient equipment, low carbon zones, energy efficient transport systems, and waste disposal initiatives among others (Miles, 2010). First, the realization of a greener London began with the proposal to plant 10,000 trees on various streets of London. By 2010, nearly 4,000 trees had already been planted showing a positive progress towards the targets of creating a 25% forest by the year 2025. Second, the creation of cleaner, safer, and entertaining outdoor environment depends with the objective of creating public spaces. The Mayor has already invested  £225 million that was directed towards the creation of 50 public space projects targeted at the creation of a great outdoor environment. For instance, the Trafalgar Square has been transformed into one of the best and loved spaces. An energy efficient lighting system has been installed in the Trafalgar Square to minimize the higher amounts of expenses that go towards light provision.  £6 million has been directed towards the improvement of 11 parks in various regions across the city of London. The completion of the upgrade of these parks is scheduled to be completed by 2012 (Greater London Authority, 2011). On the other hand, the capital growth initiative was created into to transform 2,102 land pieces into food growing regions. These initiative targeted community groups and schools in will help Londoners to have regions to expand their food growing capacities (Mayor of London, 2010). In the transport sector, the Mayor has managed to install greener traffic lights (energy-bursting LED) in more than half of the total traffic lights in London. Additionally, in addition to the promotion of cycling through the bikes for hire initiative, the Mayor has built the electric vehicle revolution. The Mayor aims to ensure that the number of electrical vehicles in London and is committed to reducing the levels of carbon emissions. The RE: NEW program has already been developed to improve the levels of water and energy efficiencies to almost 100,000 homes in London (Greater London Authority, 2011). The GLA has already retrofitted 42 of its buildings to save energy. Ten Low Carbon Zones have also been identified in the city of London and are aimed at showing Londoners the exact manner on how the levels of emissions can be reduced particularly from older buildings in the city. Other achievements include waste management projects whereby the draft strategy was created with objectives of saving  £90 million annually inform of managing and reducing wastes. This entails the use of recycling materials and improved and efficient use of resources. The cleaning up of the air also falls under the cleaner and greener initiatives. This objective was included in the Mayor’s Air Quality Strategy that included the introduction of hybrid vehicles, promotion of the recycling revolutions. Despite the realization of the above objectives, still other policies and objectives are yet to be achieved by the Mayor of London and GLA. For instance, majority of initiatives in many policies are targeted to the 2012 London Summer Olympics, which are a year away but it seems that it would be possible to achieve such objectives within this time. A low carbon London is the mayor’s 2025 vision of making the city one of the biggest and greenest cities on Earth. Currently, the city is still relying of carbon and fossil fuels and therefore the low carbon ambitions are far from being realized. The current transport system might be efficient but it is yet to be fit-for-purpose for the environmental conservation. The realization of a strong, diversified, and resilient economy characterized by job delivery and efficient transport system might take time to be realized. A survey of Opinions regarding Mayoral Policies The Mayor’s ambitions, visions, and strategies targeted towards the realization of a greener London have received varied interpretations and opinions from different members across the globe. Many have believed that the strategies that have been put in place by the Mayor will indeed facilitate the objective of reducing the contributions of London towards the Global climate change and promote economic development. The GSM students believe that the plans and objectives outlined by the Mayor will indeed bring real and long-term benefits. The Mayor has set five ambitions giving priorities about the key areas that need reformations. Furthermore, each of these ambitions has strategic plans detailing how the objectives will be realized. These are described as plans from vision to reality (The Greater London Authority Strategic Plan 2010-2012). The rules and responsibilities of the Mayor cover a range of responsibilities such as economic development, transport, development and plannin g, and environmental issues and climatic change issues. The functions of the Mayor includes the determination of budgets for GLA and GLA groups and therefore, the Mayor has outlined objectives for each group, the rate of budget, and a timeline from which the objectives will be achieved. The Mayor has even gone to an extent of identifying partnerships to enable him fund the initiatives. Many believe that the Mayor has all it takes to transform his ambitions and visions to make London among the friendliest and greenest cities in the world. The Mayor consults with the local Londoners in the promotion of opportunities and equality towards the development of London (The Greater London Authority Strategic Plan 2010-2012). The plans undertaken by the Mayor of London have also been believed to be the blueprint that will enable the city to contribute positively to the sustainability and development of London. Conclusion The GLA and the Mayor of London have been responsible for creating visions, policies, and strategies for the development and improvement of the City of London. With the 2012 Summer Olympics being underway, London is on the world map and is expected to provide an entertaining and spectacular atmosphere for holding the games. The GLA and the Mayor, among other priorities, have identified the environment as being a crucial factor that needs improved in order to enable it to achieve its objectives. Among the most important items on the planning agenda is the objective of realizing environmental sustainability. Through their powers and responsibilities, the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority have managed to achieve effectiveness in the implementation of the planned strategies and policy objectives. For instance, the GLA uses the four functional bodies to enable it execute its functions and responsibilities. Other objectives that have since been achieved by the GLA with respect to environment include attainment of environmental sustainability on measures such as climate change issues, biodiversity, waste disposal, and air quality. The energy policies and Climate change programmes instituted by the Mayor are aimed at the reduction of the total percentage of London’s contribution to climate change, addressing the problems of fuel shortages, and the use of decentralized renewable and low carbon technologies. The Mayor’s ambitions, visions, and strategies have enabled him to achieve a number of measurable results that includes the creation of a greener London environment, creation of safer public spaces, installation of energy efficient equipment, low carbon zones, energy efficient transport systems, and waste disposal initiatives among others. The Mayor has even gone to an extent of identifying partnerships to enable him fund the initiatives. Many believe that the Mayor has all it takes to transform his ambitions and visions to make London among the friendliest and greenest cities in the world. The Mayor consults with the local Londoners in the promotion of opportunities and equality towards the development of London. Finally yet importantly, the

Is There One True Religion Or Is Religion Man Made

Is there one true religion or is religion man made? In a nutshell, religion is a composed gathering of convictions, social frameworks, and world perspectives that relate humankind to a request for presence. Many religions have accounts, images, and hallowed histories that expect to clarify the importance of life, the beginning of life, or the Universe. Subsequently, these religions may have sorted out practices, ministry, a meaning of what constitutes adherence or participation, blessed spots, places of worship and sacred writings. The act of religion may incorporate customs, sermons, celebration or love penances, celebrations, wedding administrations, or different parts of human society. Religions might likewise contain mythology. The†¦show more content†¦The changes in these generations have not destroyed the religion per say but enhanced continuity and relevance of the religion to the status quo. Preservation of Christianity is based on the core principles such as dogma that is a set of rules that are universally believed to be incontrovertibly true. My Christian background and beliefs, however, have been based on faith rather than rational hypotheses. Is what I believe all a figment of my imagination? In his article, Matt Slick asserts that Christianity is the one true religion (Slick). That is what Christians believe and uphold to the truth despite the lack of plausible evidence to support the hypothesis. Christianity and two other monotheistic religions, Islam and Judaism all refer to Jerusalem as the Holy City (Fraser) but they don’t differ in the ways of worship. Thinking about it, if there is indeed one God, why the difference in religions and ways of worship. Additionally there also inter-religious differences within religions such as Christianity. The debate on the existence or non-existence of a true religion for that matter, in inseparable from the origin of religion. Religion is intended to center the general population s consideration and vitality on a solitary, perpetual, uncompromising and imperceptible preeminent being. The supreme being professedly made a sub-par human race only for some additional brotherhood and affection for himself and afterward

Hca 322 Week 5 Assignment Free Essays

A Deeper Look into Ethics and Laws Regarding Surrogacy HCA 322: Health Care Ethics and Medical Law A Deeper Look into Ethics and Laws Regarding Surrogacy When one or more persons contract with a woman to gestate a child than relinquish that child after birth to the person or couple is known as surrogacy. It is a course of action that goes outside of natural reproduction. For some, it is the only method of having children, extending family. We will write a custom essay sample on Hca 322 Week 5 Assignment or any similar topic only for you Order Now Surrogacy has been stirring up many controversies over the years. Ethics, morals, laws, religious views, etc. ave played a major role in the issues that follow the topic of surrogacy. Laws and regulations pertaining to surrogacy vary from state to state. Some states have no enforceable laws towards surrogacy, while others only permit surrogacy contracts that are uncompensated arrangements and gestational agreements (Trimarchi, 2011). Some states prohibit same sex couples from entering into any form of surrogacy contracts. In this paper, I will be address the legal and ethical issues involved and other aspects of surrogacy. History of Surrogacy and Case Study Surrogacy was assumed to have been around since the Babylonian times. Alternatively, the most credible records to date allocate managing legal passivity and the public responses during the middle of the 20th century. Surrogacy did not become public in 1976, when Attorney Noel Keane negotiated the first ever surrogacy agreement (â€Å"History of surrogacy,† 2011). Attorney Noel Keane and Dr. Ringold created the first ever fertility clinic (surrogacy clinic) in the United States. Many laws and regulations were not implemented until the case of Elizabeth Kane and the case of Baby M. Elizabeth Kane was the first woman to enter into a compensated surrogacy agreement in 1980. She was to be compensated with $10,000. She, however, was unwilling to leave the surrogacy agreement without the baby. It was the decision of the court to not grant custody of the child to Elizabeth Kane due to her signing a legal contract. This is the case known for starting the implementation of some laws in some states. In 1986, Mary Beth Whitehead (surrogate mother) and the Stern family entered into a surrogacy agreement. This is the notorious case of ‘Baby M. ‘ It was agreed that Whitehead would receive $10,000 if the child were born healthy, and the surrogate maintained the guidelines and restrictions stated in the contract. However, if there was a case of miscarriage or still born, Whitehead would only receive $1,000. Also, once the child was born Mrs. Stern could legally adopt the child. Once the child was born, Whitehead decided she did not want to give custody of the child to the Sterns. She fled the state and was soon taken into custody. Judge Sorkow, ruled that custody of Baby M would be given to the Stern family, enforcing the surrogacy contract. Whitehead was also deemed an unfit mother. Mrs. Stern was given permission to adopt Baby M. Whitehead appealed the court’s decision. New Jersey’s Supreme Court overturned Judge Sorkow’s ruling, invalidating commercial surrogacy contracts as a disguised form of baby-selling (Tong, 2011). Whitehead was granted visitation to baby M. Cases like ‘Baby M’ assisted in triggering some but not many regulations on surrogacy. Ethics and morals, and forms of discrimination against women arose after the case of ‘Baby M. ‘ Some believed that the ruling was justified, whereas others felt that it exploited financially unstable, young, minority women searching for an easy way to earn cash (Tong, 2011). The case of ‘Baby M,’ had some thinking that if Mrs. Whitehead were financially stable, like the Stern Family, she would’ve been granted full custody of the child. On the other hand, those favoring the decision stated that most surrogacy advocates chose women who are 20-30 and have had a child. They also noted that majority of surrogates chosen are Caucasian women. Surrogate agencies now seek women who are unselfish and are financially ready to be the role of a surrogate. Legal Issues A contract is considered to be an agreement, written or verbal, outlining terms and conditions (legally binding obligations) between two parties. Contracts are legally enforceable. In regards to surrogacy, contracts are drawn up with terms and conditions for the surrogate as well as the intended parents. While a majority of the population feels this is a legally enforceable contracts others see the contract as null and void. Due to the close resemblance of ‘baby selling,’ which is illegal in every state, there has been, and still is a bit of a divide on decisions in legislation in regards to surrogacy. â€Å"Court decisions and legislation in the United States are split on the issue of whether or not to prohibit surrogacy contracts† (Pozgar, 2012). The surrogacy field has some regulations, such as the use of contracts, which are considered to be law binding, as of right now. The topic of surrogacy is a topic, with much needed deliberation. Before any couple may move forward with the surrogacy process, there are certain factors that must be considered. This includes: Is surrogacy permitted in the state? Are surrogacy contracts permitted? Is there the option to transfer parental rights (adoption)? Once one has these questions answered, they have to determine other factors. Such as: costs for both surrogate (if any) as well as intended parents, contract agreement, testing procedures, medical expenses for the surrogate, etc (â€Å"What are the,† n. d. ). If an agreement has been reached, and all aspects of the surrogacy are agreed to, a surrogacy contract can be entered into without any issues developing. However, this does not mean no issues will arise later in the surrogacy. Some aspects may have been over looked, or the surrogate could develop issues once the child is born, hence the case of ‘Baby M. ‘ There is nothing in federal legislation in regards to surrogacy. Laws regarding surrogacy vary from state to state. As of this moment, several states prohibit acts of assisted reproductive technologies. In those states any surrogacy contracts are unenforceable, proclaiming all contracts void (Hansen, 2011). Some of these states consider acts of surrogacy a crime, punishable by law. While some states allow surrogacy by only to married couples or to couples where one of the intended parents is related to the child. A majority of the states allow surrogacy to take place. In fact they have allowed the surrogacy field to prosper (Hansen, 2011). These states do not have any regulations on surrogacy. Surrogacy contracts are binding just as any other drawn up contract. When entering into such a potentially controversial contract, lawyers should be present to discuss any issues, and to witness the agreement. All parties involved in surrogacy have legal rights. Ones that should not be over looked. For instance, all parties involved in surrogacy have a right to confidentiality. The right to privacy and confidentiality should be underlined in the contract drawn. The intended parents of the child as well as the surrogate mother must keep all information private. While information between the surrogate and the intended parents may be shared, a third party (surrogacy agency) tries to keep all information to a need to know basis. For example, the intended parents may want to know of any mental or physical issues of the surrogate. Otherwise, all information should be kept private. Both parties in the surrogacy contract have the right to an attorney. Due to high risks of controversies, all parties should have legal representation. Lawyers can assist in explaining the contract. They can also give legal advice if the other party has a ‘change of heart. ‘ With legal representation comes attorney-client confidentiality. The attorney hired must keep all information private. Ethics Morals Surrogacy raises many ethical issues. All too which must be evaluated before entering into a surrogacy contract. The biggest ethical issue pertaining to surrogacy is the mental and physical displacement the surrogate mother endures. The surrogate mother must be capable of releasing the child once she has completed labor. In a surrogate situation, the gestational mother is the woman who carries the baby to term. This can be a very taxing process both physically and emotionally – and unique in that after the surrogate mother physically carries the baby throughout the pregnancy, she needs to physically and emotionally detach herself from the child once it is born† (The ethical issues,† n. d. ). For some women this issue is effortless, they simply see their body as a temporary home for the child, a ‘womb for rent’. While others form an attachment with the child while in the gestational period. This attachment presents difficulty for the surrogate mother once the child is born. â€Å"After the child is taken, the surrogate mother may be negatively impacted as her feeling of isolation is felt along with the reality of the sale of her body † (Pozgar, 2012). This, in the long run, could cause more negative impact for the surrogate mother than positive. Women’s values in liberty and autonomy need to be weighed against other values like exploitation, health and welfare. When entering into a drastic contract, the fear of infidelity weighs heavy on all parties. Trust in one another is a major characteristic that must be displayed. â€Å"It is easy to praise a successful arrangement in retrospect, but the danger always exists that an arrangement one is planning would cause moral harm to the surrogate and/or the commissioning parents† (van Niekerk ; van Zyl, 1995). If the surrogate mother were to change her mind after the child were born, it could cause an emotional impact on all parties, including the child. In the case of ‘Baby M,’ Whitehead grew attached to the child. At first, she was considered to be unfit as a mother and lost all rights. However, she continued her efforts to custody of the child. After two years, she was awarded visitation to the child, and the intended mother was unable to adopt the child. The emotional devastation felt had to have been overwhelming. The child was subject to the custody battle and confusion of ‘who is my mommy? ‘ While the Stern family (intended family) had to endure in sharing a child too which they would have full custody. What about the rights of the child? This is a question stirring around controversy. The child is usually never considered when people decide assisted reproduction technologies. The child is not given the option of knowing his/her gestational mother, or of any other details pertaining to her (unless otherwise stated, like in the case of ‘Baby M’). The child is also denied the ability to know if his/her biological parents (if sperm donation and/or egg donation is used). â€Å"Transferring the duties of parenthood from the birthing mother to a contracting couple denies the child any claim to its â€Å"gestational carrier† and to its biological parents if the egg and/or sperm is/are not that of the contracting parents† (â€Å"Surrogacy: A 21st,† ). Also, the baby may have identity issues upon being informed of the nature of his birth, that is if the intended parents decide to disclose this information to the child. Awkwardly, there has been deliberation that surrogacy is close to resembling prostitution. Commercial surrogacy (paying a surrogate mother for gestation of a child) is said to be considered a form of prostitution because the woman is selling her body for someone else’s contentment. Although surrogacy is not for intimate purposes, people feel it is the same concept. They feel it is immoral. However, those favoring surrogacy argue that ‘we live in a society where physical labor is compensated with money or material items. ‘ They feel that this argument is invalid (van Niekerk van Zyl, 1995). . Lastly, ‘baby-selling’ is the issue surrounding surrogacy. Selling a child is illegal and unethical in any state. Infertility clinics and surrogacy agencies are growing more popular in the United States. These clinics and agencies do take a portion of the money involved in the surrogacy. This little fact gives more power to the argument of ‘baby-selling. The agency or clinic is considered to be the third party in the process, assisting with finding probable surrogates for intended families, drawing up a contract, what each party is responsible for throughout the gestation period of the child. An infertile couple pays an agency $10,000 to find a surrogate, and another $10,000 to the surrogate for any expenses she made covered while carrying the child. The infertile couple also pays the medical expenses, prenatal and postnatal care. So some like the state of Michigan, this is unethical and illegal. It is classified as ‘baby-selling. ‘ However, if a woman who bears a child gives the child to a infertile couple for free, this is completely legal and ethical. In my opinion/ Conclusion In the future, the topic of surrogacy will still be controversial. However, with technology becoming so advance, I foresee a solution to infertility for couples coming to an end. States have their different opinions on the subject, and because of those opinions laws and regulations have been placed on surrogacy. Some states laws will change, as the issue of surrogacy arises. † As surrogate/contract parenting arrangements are normalized and routinized, the U. S. public will probably press federal and state authorities to pass clear legislation governing surrogacy† (Tong, 2011). Woman are given the gift to bare children. However, some are incapable due to some form of medical issue. If a family wants to extend their family by having children (legally) that is their given right. Of course this varies from state to state. Surrogacy does cause many ethical and legal issues. However, these are issues that all surrogate mothers and intended families take into close consideration before pursuing. It is important that all parties involved weigh in liberty, autonomy, fidelity, ethical and moral values against all other standards and values. Many issues are bound to arise when entering into such a highly drastic contract, but with close monitoring, fidelity and understanding, the contract should be capable of being carried out with no issues. References Hansen, M. (2011, March 01). As surrogacy becomes more popular, legal problems proliferate. Retrieved from http://www. abajournal. com/magazine/article/as_surrogacy_becomes_more_popular_legal_problems_proliferate/ History of surrogacy. (2011). Retrieved from http://www. findsurrogatemother. com/surrogacy/information/history Pozgar, G. (2012). Legal and Ethical Issues for Health Professionals (3rd ed). Jones ; Bartlett Publishers. Retrieved from http://online. vitalsource. com/books/9781449685065/id/ch02lev1sec10 Surrogacy: A 21st century human rights challenge. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://www. cbc-network. org/issues/making-life/surrogacy/ The ethical issues of surrogacy. n. d. ). Retrieved from http://www. modernfamilysurrogacy. com/page/surrogacy_ethical_issues Tong, R. (2011). Surrogate parenting. Retrieved from http://www. iep. utm. edu/surr-par/#H4 Trimarchi, M. (2011). Surrogacy overview. Retrieved from http://health. howstuffworks. com/pregnancy-and-parenting/pregnancy/fertility/surrogacy3. htm van Niekerk, A. , ; van Zyl, L. (1995). The ethics of surrogacy: Wome n’s reproductive labour. Journal of Medical Ethics, 21(6), 345-345. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com/docview/216336102? accountid=32521 What are the How to cite Hca 322 Week 5 Assignment, Papers

Impact of Oil and Gas Industry on Environment

Question: Describe the impact of oil and gas industry on environment. Answer: Overview of Oil and gas in our life: Oil and gas are used widely in our day to day life. The modern lifestyles and modern economies are nothing without the oil fuels which are used in cars, trucks and planes. The plastics and other chemicals or the various lubricants like tars, waxes etc are produced by the byproducts of the oil refining. Many pesticides and various fertilizers are made either from the oil or the byproducts of the oil. On the other hand electricity is (Institute (2012))provided by gas and also gas is normally used for cooking, heating water and heating building and houses. Various industrial operations are fueled by the oil which includes aluminum, nickel smelters and other manufacturing industries. The fertilizers are produced by gas. Gas can also be used in the form of CNG of LNG. Oil and gas are the most important energy sources in the world. Currently 90million barrels of oil are required for various other purposes other than using it for transport or energy as a fuel. Currently the future of fuel i s not clear as the end of gas and oil production is not yet in sight. But the fact that the reservoirs will be depleted at some point of time is already known because oil is being consumed four times that is being discovered in the reservoirs. Hence we shall try to use the resources sensibly. This is the reason that the oil heating is replaced by the other sources of energy. Along with this oil remains a crucial raw material for the industry such as the chemical industry. As the gas and the oil industry is global due to various operations conducted in every corner of globe it cannot be said that oil industry does not harm the society in general. There are various ecological side effects of the exploitation of gas and oil reserves.(Raymond Leffler (2006)) Overview of oil and Gas exploration and production process: There are two parts of which the oil and gas industry is comprised of one is the upstream and the other is the downstream. (Richard. (2000))Upstream is mainly the production and the exploration sector of the industry whereas the downstream sector is the sector dealing with the processing and the refining of the crude oil and the gas products and distribution of the same. The various principle steps in the production of oil and gas are as follows: Exploration surveying: There were major sedimentary basins identified in the process of hydrocarbon bearing in the rock formation. A field geological method is used to know more detailed information. For measuring the variations a magnetic method is used which reflects the character of the rocks which are present. One of the most common methods of assessment is seismic survey it is used to identify the geological structures and the sound wave properties.(Mariano (2010)) Exploration Drilling: After identification of the promising geological structure the exploratory holes are dug in order to know the intensity and thickness of the reservoirs internal pressure. The wells that are dug to discover the hydrocarbons are known as the exploration wells. A pad is constructed on the site that is chosen for the land based operations. Appraisal: After the successes of exploratory drilling more wells need to be drilled so that the extent and the size of the field is determined. Appraisals wells or out step wells are the wells which are drilled to quantify the hydrocarbon reserves. The size and the nature of the reservoir is determined at the appraisal stage.(UNEP (2012)) Development and production: The production and development wells are the wells which are drilled after establishing the size of the field. During the appraisal wells one or more small reservoir may be developed. For drilling larger wells additions production wells are required. (Goal.Lumban Chaxzko (2014)) Factor impacting of the oil and gas exploration on Environment: Oil and gas industry is not free from hazards. This industry holds the major hazards for the environment and further impacts the oil, water and soil in different levels. One of the most hazardous consequences of oil and gas industry is pollution. Pollution is caused by almost all the activities which are carried on by this very industry. There are about 800 different chemicals which are generated during the process of drilling, transportation, refining and production of oil and gas. Some of the other environmental impacts included in the list of this industry are acid rain, contamination of the ground water, poor water quality and the intensification of the green house. There is the loss of biodiversity as well due to the oil and gas industry more over it contributes to the destruction of the ecosystem.(Looney (2012)) There is a proper documentation of the impacts of the oil and gas industry on the environment. Still it is very important to protect the environment from the impacts of these industries by taking important and suitable measures. The major polluters to the environment are the oil refiners as they consume large amount of energy and water and produces large waste waters and further releases hazardous gases. Though the oil industry affects the society in the negative way still it plays a positive role in the environment as well as by creating different job opportunities for the people and generating tax revenues and royalties for the government.(Devold (2013)) Impact of oil and gas Production on Environment The oil and gas industry impacts the environment to a great extent. Some of the effects of this industry are included below: Human and cultural Impacts: There may be changes in land use patterns, logging, hunting etc Changes may occur in the socio economic systems as there will be new employment opportunities , inflation, differences in per capita income(Kao (1998)) The socio cultural systems may change like there might be change in the organization structure, practices and beliefs. Changes might take place in the planning activities. Aquatic Impacts: The impacts of the oil and gas industry on the aquatic life include the following: The industry contaminates the water by discharging various effluents in to the water and hence renders the water unsuitable for drinking. The inorganic salts which are discharged in to the water without appropriate treatment also contaminate the water. These industries create thermal pollution by discharging the effluents whose temperature is higher than the water bodies in which these are being discharged. The oil spills which are discharged by the oil and gas industry contaminates the water. The ocean discharges affect the benthic organisms through the hydrocarbon levels which rises up to 800 meters.(Spooner (2012)) Ecosystem Impacts: During the production and refining processes carried out in these industries many particulate emissions are discharged by them which contaminate the environment. During the refining and production process the sulphur and nitrogen gases are emitted which are very harmful for the environment. These industries often release a hazardous material occasionally which contaminates the environment to a large extent. Various solid wastes are disposed of by these industries which contaminates the soil and the ground water. Potential Emergencies: The industries often use machines which are very noisy and hence they create noise pollution. There are various accidents caused by these industries like fire, oil spill This often causes war and sabotage There are chances of leaks and explosions on the plants. At times there are oil and gas well blow outs Measures which can take to minimize the impacts above are: The impact of the oil and gas industry is very harsh on the environment so it is required that proper measures are taken from time to time to overcome these issues. Some of the measures which can be taken are as follows: It shall be taken care that no waste waters are discharged in to the river, lakes till these water wastes are treated properly. In order to remove the contaminants from the water the water shall be well treated by evaporation, oil and grease separation, aeration, reverse osmosis etc which depends upon the type of contaminates to be removed from the water. Whenever there is liquid discharge in to the water bodies these discharge shall comply with the laws and standards which are adopted in different countries. There shall be proper drainage system where the materials that may seep due to rain can be stored in order to avoid contamination of rain water. The areas where the products and the raw materials are to be stored shall be water proofed and there shall be proper drainage system so that there shall be proper treatment of wash water and spills. The equipment like cyclones electorate precipitators, bag filters can be used to particulate the emissions. Water scrubbers can be used to control the acidic emissions like sulphur and nitrogen oxides. Water sprays can be used to control the dust emissions from patios and outdoor areas. Carbon absorption and wet scrubbers can be used to control the gas emissions. In order to prevent the occasional leaks of oil and gas preventive maintenance of equipment is required along with the proper storage tanks. Dikes and catch basins can be used to prevent hazardous material storage tanks. Before disposing the solid wastes finally which cannot be recycled properly shall be treated properly. Possible methods shall be used for the treatment depending on the nature of waste which includes controlled landfill disposal, chemical immobilization, burning in cement kilns or incineration. If the treatments of treating the waste are unavailable then the waste can be treated in other plants where the treatment facilities are available in which there shall be special care in case of transportation of the water. In case there arises a issue where the waste cannot be treated then the wastes shall be stored in the plant sites and facilities shall be made for the same. In order to reduce the impacts and the risks of the accident the system conditions of the roads shall be accessed properly during the feasibility study. The buildings which hold loud equipments shall be sound proofed so that there are less chances of noise pollution. Measures shall be taken to prepare emergency response plans in case there are any kind of emergencies these plans can be implemented. Environmental Protection Measures: Implementation at the site: There should be adequate personal and financial resources in order to ensure that the environmental protection measures are implemented properly. The objectives and the policies of the company shall be displayed on all the sites of the organization. Each site shall develop its own objectives and shall take care that those objectives are fulfilled. The site manager shall initiate different strategic objectives for different sites. (Water (2013))The implementation manager shall take care of his roles and responsibilities. There shall be sufficient representatives with sufficient knowledge at each site. There is a wide variety of documentation which is required to describe the functions and responsibilities of the management system.(Office of Legislative Drafting and Publishing (2011)) Monitoring at the site: Monitoring takes care that the plans are met and commitments are met. For this direct measurement of the information gathered is required. Monitoring means measuring the actual performance with the planned though surveillance, inspection and analysis. Proper follow up of the plans and in case there are non compliance of any planned actions corrective measures shall be taken in to consideration. There shall be proper audit and review procedures that shall be established by the company from time to time to check any kind of deficiencies. Proper care shall be taken that the procedures and instructions are followed at all levels. Relevant environmental protection measures shall be taken so that in case there are any chances of loss of environment that shall be known earlier only. Recommendations: It has been seen that oil and gas industry poses different threats on the environment but it has also proved to be profitable for the environment in many different ways so it is very important to take different measures to save the environment from the hazards of the oil and gas industry so that the production can be carried in such a way that is only profitable and not hazardous to the environment. Bibliography Devold, H (2013), Oil and Gas Production Handbook. Goal.Lumban Chaxzko, Z (2014), Advances in Intelligent Systems: - Page 26, illustrated edn, WIT Press, 2014. Institute, AP (2012), Energy API, viewed 15 March (2016), https://www.api.org/Oil-and-Natural-Gas-Overview. Kao, C-K (1998), Environmental Regulation of Oil and Gas - Page 306, Kluver Law International Limited. Looney, R (2012), Handbook of Oil Politics - Page 21, Routledge, New York. Mariano, B (2010),.eolss.net, viewed 14 March (2016), https://www.eolss.net/sample-chapters/c08/e6-185-18.pdf. Office of Legislative Drafting and Publishing (2011), National Environment Protection Measures (Implementation) Act 1998, viewed 16 March (2016), https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2011C00281. Raymond, M Leffler, W (2006), Oil and Gas Production in Nontechnical Language, Amanda Seiders. Richard. (2000), Overview of oil and Gas exploration and production process, McGrawHill. Spooner, A (2012), Dummies.com, viewed 14 March (2016), https://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/what-is-the-environmental-impact-of-petroleum-and-.html. UNEP (2012), UNEP industry and environment, viewed 14 March (2016), https://www.ogp.org.uk/pubs/254.pdf. Water, FSCOEA (2013), National Environment Protection Measures (NEPMs), viewed 16 March (2016), https://www.scew.gov.au/nepms.