Climate Change Mitigation Strategies: UNFCCC and India

Climate Change Mitigation Strategies: UNFCCC and India From UNFCCC Goals to India Abstract: Climate Change has the potential to alter the ability of the earths physical and biological systems to provide goods and services essential for sustainable development. Recognition of Climate Change as a significant global environmental challenge has a recent origin. International efforts to address the climate change formally began only a decade ago with the adoption of United Nations Framework Convention to Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992. India is a party to UNFCCC and the government of India attaches great importance to climate change issue. India is a vast country covering 3.28 million Km2 with diverse surface features and supports 16.2 percent of the global human population. Endowed with varied soils, climate, biodiversity and ecological regimes, under diverse natural conditions and over a billion people speaking different languages, following different religions and living in rural and urban areas, India is an example for a complex yet successful democratic system. Decentralization of powers through local government, to benefit the grass root level is another significant feature of Indian Government. The 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts, 1992, of the Constitution of India have endowed vast powers to local governments at rural and urban levels respectively. Indias commitments to mitigate climate change are reflected in the essence of these two acts and the working and powers given to the local government. This paper explains and brings to picture how climate change mitigation strategies are filtered in Indian System right from the UNFCCC goals to The Government of India and further to smaller levels of local governments. The paper will explain the hierarchy and working of Indian governance system and highlights the climate change initiatives within this system. The paper will also analyze the constraints and gaps in the institutional setup at local level, which, if rectified, would give more successful results in Climate Change Mitigation Mission of the Government of India. Introduction: Over a decade ago most countries joined an international treaty- The United Nations Convention on Climate Change so as to consider the impacts of climate change and to work for adaptation and mitigation initiatives for secure future and sustainable development. The convention, commonly known as the UNFCCC entered into force on 21 March 1994. The ultimate objective of The convention is stabilizing green house gas emissions at a lower level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate systems. Under the convention the governments- Gather and share information on greenhouse gas emissions, national policies and best practices Launch national strategies for addressing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to expected impacts, including the provision of financial and technological support to developing countries. Cooperate in preparing the adaptation to the impacts of climate change. In 1997, the Kyoto protocol came into being, which shared the conventions objectives, principles and institutions and also significantly strengthened the convention by committing the parties to individual and specially; â€Å"legally binding targets† to limit or reduce climate change. The text of the Kyoto Protocol was adopted unanimously in 1997; and it entered into force on 16 February 2005. India is signatory to various multilateral environmental agreements, including The Montreal Protocol, The convention on Biological diversity, the United nations Convention to combat desertification ,including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) .Government of India attaches great importance to climate change issues. Eradication of poverty, avoiding risks to food production, and sustainable development are three principles embedded in the Convention. At present, information provided in the Indias Initial National Communication to the UNFCCC is in terms of guidelines prescribed for Parties not included in Annex I to the UNFCCC and the inventory is prepared for the base year 1994. India is a vast country. It covers 3.28 million km2 of area having diverse surface features. Also, it occupies only 2.4 percent of the worlds geographical area, but supports 16.2 per cent of the global human population. The country is endowed with varied soils, climate, biodiversity and ecological regimes. â€Å"Under such diverse natural conditions, over a billion people speaking different languages, following different religions and living in rural and urban areas, live in harmony under a democratic system†( India NATCOM,2004). Climate Change Negotiations Global warming issue became a part of the international agenda in 1988. The climate issue, initiated by the small island nation Malta, came up at the UN General Assembly in December 1988, as part of a discussion on the common heritage of mankind. The resolution set up a preparatory committee to work towards an international agreement. The concern for global warming particularly by the industrialized countries geared up since then and climate politics came into being and were refined with a series of international conferences and formal negotiations that followed. The momentum culminated in the signing of a Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) and opened for signatures at the Rio Earth Summit in June, 1992. The FCCC aims at stabilization of greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations, in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Subsequently, the parties to the FCCC adopted the Kyoto Protocol in December, 1997. However, the developing nations see the Protocol as burdened with loopholes because of the fact that it emphasizes on the economic concerns, rather than ecological or social justice. The main area of dispute between the developed countries and the developing countries lies in the sectors pertaining to equity and sustainability. However, the operational details of the Kyoto Protocol have now been finalised after intensive deliberations at Marrakech, on November 10, 2001, which was participated by 171 countries . The protocol has been guided by Article 3.0 of the FCCC, and marks the first global attempt to place legally binding limits on greenhouse gas emissions from developed countries. The Protocol calls for 5.2% reduction from their 1990 level of GHG emissions by the developed countries during the period 2008-2012. It also specifies the amount each country must contribute toward meeting the reduction goal. Nations with the highest CO2 emissions like the United States, Japan and most European nations are expected to reduce emissions by a range of 6 to 8 per cent. By 2005, all industrialized nations that ratify the accord must also show demonstrable progress toward fulfilling their respective commitments under the Protocol. Some issues that add to the complexity of the Kyoto Protocol: Considerations for baseline and its effects The target of 5.2% reduction beyond 1990 level in the commitment period 2008-2012, were dependent on 1990 emissions. This meant that if a country which had high emissions in 1990 and had reduced them between 1990 and thereafter, then it could actually increase its emission once again, or only stabilize these, and not carry out any reductions. As an example one can analyse the case of Australia. In 1990, as much as 30 percent of the emissions were from deforestation, which eventually became a blessing for the country for, instead of penalizing for creating the problem in the first place, Australia has been able to use its emission to its advantage, by winning the right to count any improvement from its 1990 level as its national credit. And as its deforestation rate has been controlled, it actually can increase its emission above and beyond the figure of 8 percent it is expected to reduce. On the other hand, USA and Japan were lobbying hard to change the date of baseline from 1990 to 1995. The reason for this lies in the fact that both the countries have made a significant increase in carbon emissions between 1990 and 1995. Flexible mechanisms The Kyoto Protocol includes three mechanisms Art.6 (Joint Implementation), Art.12 (Clean Development Mechanism) and Art.17 (Emissions Trading), These mechanisms are meant to pave an explicit way for developed countries to meet their Kyoto targets easily. The cheapest and the most attractive option for meeting the emission targets of the North (i.e developed countries-Annexe I) being the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) that will be operated on the project basis invested in the South (i.e under developed countries). This implies that, as global warming is bound to be unsolved even by the end of this century, the South would have to pay a heavy price in future once they have reached a high level of energy efficiency through means like CDM. For by then the cost of carbon cutting will be very high even for the developing countries, which would eventually have to do the carbon cutting on their own. The next issue comes on the question of energy-efficient technology, which the North wishes to push to the South through CDM. As technology up-gradation is a continuous process, hence what is the most efficient technology at the time of implementation of the CDM project, may be obsolete within few years that follows. Principle of equity: the Kyoto Protocol does not define the rights and responsibilities of all nations within a reasonable frame. So long as the world remains within a carbon based energy economy, equitable sharing of the atmosphere shall remain a critical issue, especially for poor developing countries who need a maximum space for their future economic growth. The Kyoto reduction, by itself, is inadequate to achieve a stabilization of climate change by 2100. A continual and larger reduction, similar to that stipulated in the Kyoto Protocol for the 2008-2012 period, will be needed in the future in order to begin to stabilize long-term greenhouse gas emissions. Even if stabilization of greenhouse gases is achieved, global warming will still continue for several decades and sea levels will continue to rise for several centuries. This is because Even if the emissions from the developed countries were reduced to zero in the near future, the current trends of growing emissions from developing countries alone could force the atmospheric concentration to exceed stabilization levels of 550 ppm ( Parivesh, CPCB,2006). Thus, participation of all countries, including the developing countries such as India, is essential for a successful worldwide effort to arrest the growth of greenhouse gas emissions. India and Climate Change- The Threats and Vulnerability Climate Change is a major global environmental problem and an important issue because of diverse impacts not only ecological, but economic, social, political and physical in nature and content. It is a matter of great concern especially for developing countries like India who have limited capacity to develop and adopt strategies to reduce their vulnerability to changes in climate. Global, national and local level measures are need of the hour to combat the adverse impacts of climate change induced damages. â€Å"India being a developing country has low capacity to withstand the adverse impacts of climate change due to high dependence of majority of population on climate sensitive sectors as the agriculture, forestry and fisheries†,( Shukla, et.al, 2003). This is coupled with poor infrastructure facilities, weak institutional mechanisms and lack of financial resources. This is the reason why we are seriously concerned with the possible impacts of climate change. The possible impacts of climate change are mentioned below: Water stress and reduction in the availability of fresh water due to potential decline in rainfall. Threats to agriculture and food security, since agriculture is monsoon dependent and rain dependent agriculture dominates in many states. Shifts in area and boundary of different forest types and threats to biodiversity with adverse implications for forest-dependent communities. Adverse impact on natural ecosystems, such as wetlands, mangroves, grasslands and mountain ecosystems. Adverse impact of sea-level rise on coastal agriculture and settlements. Impact on human health due to the increase in vector and water-borne diseases, such as malaria. Increased energy requirements and impact on climate-sensitive industry and infrastructure. One of the various reasons for vulnerability of India depends on its typical and diverse climatic conditions. India is subject to a wide range of variation in climatic conditions from the freezing Himalayan winters in the north to the tropical climate of the southern peninsula, from the damp, rainy climate in the north-east to the arid Great Indian Desert in the north-west, and from the marine climates of its vast coastline and islands to the dry continental climate in the interior. The Indian summer monsoon is the most important feature in dictating meteorology of the Indian subcontinent and, hence, its economy. Almost all regions of the country receive entire annual rainfall during the summer monsoon (also called the SW monsoon), while some parts of the south-eastern states also receive rainfall during early winter from the north-east monsoon. Therefore, India could be more at risks than many other countries from changes in temperature and sea level. Models predict an average increase in temperature in India from 2.3 to 4.8  °C for the bench mark doubling of carbon dioxide scenario (Lonergan, World Bank Technical Paper No.402, 1998). Temperatures would rise more in Northern India than in Southern India. In the North Indian Ocean, under a doubling, the average number of tropical disturbance days could increase from 17 to 29 a year (Haarsma et.al Climate Dynamics, Vol.8, 1993); while, without protection, approximately 7 million people would be displaced, and 5,760 Km2 of land and 4,200 Km of road would be lost (Asthana, JNU, New Delhi, 1993). Further, in the Indian context, climate change could represent an additional stress on the ecological and socioeconomic system that are already facing tremendous pressure due to rapid urbanization, industrialization and economic development. Options for Mitigation â€Å"The ability to adapt to climate change depends on the level of income and technology, as well as the capacity of the system of governance and existing institutions to cope with change. The ability to mitigate GHG emissions depends on industrial structure (the mix of industrial activities), social structure (including, e.g., the distance people must travel to work or to engage in recreational activities), the nature of governance (especially the effectiveness of government policy), and the availability and cost of alternatives. In short, what is feasible at the national level depends significantly on what can be done at the subnational, local, and various sectoral levels†(Climate Change 2001: Working group III: Mitigation; IPCC,2001).The challenges of climate change mitigation involve diverse issues economic, political, social and environmental. Governance is one of the prime issues in mitigation of climate change impacts. A structured governance system is the only tool through which any policy framework or initiative can be achieved. The importance or role of governance in mitigation thus can be described through its three pillars: Organizational Structure- Through governance the qualities of organization participation, transparency and accountability can be achieved in the mitigation exercise at all levels.. Financial Mobilization- This involves ensuring financial commitment globally, at national levels and also at local levels of the government Legal Framework- It ensures empowerment, enforcement and compliance of mitigative strategies and supporting environmental laws. As the National GHG inventory for India shows, the major increase in GHG emissions over the next 20 years would be related to energy consumption. As India has abundant coal deposits, it is beyond doubt that coal will be the dominant source of energy. Therefore, energy efficiency measures in this sector remain our prime concern. Power generation in India is expected to reach a peak demand of 176 GW by 2012, and the total energy requirement will be 1058 billion units (Parivesh, Central Pollution Control Board, 2006). This is why; increasing the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the form of low carbon options are the two main measures that can greatly reduce GHG emissions. We will now simultaneously specify what scientific mitigation tools for climate change are available for various sectors and the corresponding governance measures to actually target the process of mitigation. The energy sector: Fiscal incentives and taxes, voluntary emission reductions, green rating, and capacity building etc. Another area of importance is the transmission and distribution losses, which is energy loss. There is considerable scope of reducing losses, meant to translate into a large mitigation potential. Two major categories of Barriers hinder adoption of electricity conservation and demand management in India. a) Macro-level barrier At the level of governance system; either policy induced or due to lack of appropriate policies and; b) Micro-level barriers related to the consumers and the economic environment they face.This can be equated to lack of awareness about possible alternatives on the part of the consumers and lack of awareness drives on the part of the government. The forestry sector: IPCC Second Assessment Report categorizes three broad options for abatement viz. Conservation management: This strategy attempts to conserve the existing carbon storage capacity of forests by halting or slowing down forests deforestation and forests degradation. Storage management : This strategy attempts to increase carbon strategy in woody vegetation and soil in existing degraded forests, as well as to create new carbon sinks in areas where forests do not exists or have been cleared. These may be achieved by promoting natural regeneration, reforestation on deforested lands, aforrestation of non-forest lands and agro-forestry on crop and pastureland. Substitution management: This strategy attempts involves the replacement of fossil fuels by renewable fuel wood or other biomass products. Here, governance plays an important role based on it a capacity to generate and bring about changes in the management of forests and augmentation of use of renewable products. The agriculture sector: Methane emissions from rice cultivation remain the major contributor of GHG emissions. Other sources being enteric fermentation, manure management, agricultural soils etc. Abatement strategy in this sector in India can be achieved given the scientific expertise available in India, but require gearing up by proper governmental intervention at the level of ministry of agriculture, as far as policy initiatives are concern, and through local governments for implementation and monitoring. The industrial sector: As the national inventory of GHG shows, major contribution came from energy intensive sectors like iron steel, fertilizer, cement, aluminium, paper pulp etc. A few option available for energy efficient options in power, industrial and domestic sector are given as follows: Source: Teri, New Delhi. These can be supported by further subsidizing use of energy efficient options and where required made mandatory by the government under the periphery of the existing environmental laws of the country. Mitigation through sinks: Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere by a number of processes that operate on different time scales, and is subsequently transferred to reservoirs or sinks. The Kyoto Protocol through its Ariticle 3.3 allows afforestation as a sink to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Further, Article 3.4 of the Kyoto Protocol states that additional human induced activities in the agricultural soils and LULUCF categories may be added to the three mechanisms (Joint implementation, Clean Development mechanism and Emission trading) subject to certain conditions. In India, forestry is dominated by government based institutions. These institutions need new insight so that they can effectively incorporate mitigation policies and measures in their resource management activities. According to the central Pollution Control Board, India has been persistently implementing one of the largest reforestation programs in the tropics with over one million hectares planted annually. Nearly half of this reforestation is on degraded forests and village common land. It is estimated that the carbon uptake in forests, degraded forests, and plantations is estimated to offset the gross carbon emissions from the forests sector. Carbon dioxide emissions in India are projected to increase from no-net emissions in 1990 to 77 million tonnes by 2020( Parivesh, CPCB,2006). Barriers to mitigation: Greenhouse gas mitigation measures are compounded by several barriers inherent to the process of development. In India, inequitable distribution of income and wealth forms a core feature of barriers to effective implementation of any type of intervention in India, leave apart climate change. Available instruments to limit domestic GHG emissions can be categorized into market based instruments, regulatory instruments, and voluntary agreements. For the developing countries, however, domestic structural reforms and policies on trade liberalization and liberalization of energy markets act as barriers to GHG reduction. These policies coupled with macroeconomics, market oriented reforms, set the framework in which more specific climate policies would be implemented. The IPCC Special Report on technology Transfer (IPCC, 2000) identifies various important barriers that could impede environmental technology transfer, such as: lack of data, information, and knowledge, especially on emerging technologies; inadequate vision about the understanding of local needs and demands; high transaction costs and poor macro economic conditions; insufficient human and institutional capabilities; inappropriate technology adopted and Poor legal institutions and framework. These hold good for the overall barriers of mitigation in Indian Context also. In terms of governance and its intervention, technology transfer can be traded off with some of our own indigenous technologies. This will ensure equitable exchange and also promote indigenous Indian Science. National Policy for Climate Change Mitigation We, as present generation have inherited this environment and atmosphere from our ancestors. Further the consequences of climate change will be faced by our children in the future. And so it can be said that climate change is an inherently different and irreversible problem as compared to other environmental problems. Also, the assumption that prior experience of problems like air pollution has failed at many levels as a good model upon which policy decisions on climate can be based. Options to mitigate climate change include actual emission reductions carbon dioxide sequestration and investments in developing technologies that will make future reductions affordable and easily available since cheap relative to their current costs. Since the inception of UNFCC in 1992, the Govt. of India has been an active participant in the climate charge negotiations. India being a party to the UNFCC was the 38th country to ratify it on November 01, 1993. The Ministry of Environment Forests is the nodal Ministry for all environment related activities in the country and is the nodal Ministry for co-coordinating the climate charge policy as well. The working group on the FCCC was constituted to oversee the implementation of obligations under the FCCC and to act as a consultative mechanism in the Govt. for impacts to policy formulation on climate change. To enlarge the feedback mechanism the Govt. of India has constituted an Advisory group on climate charge under the chairmanship of the Minister of Environment Forests. Development of National Guidelines Policy Options for reducing GHG Emissions The national guidelines or framework for monitoring GHG emissions and policy options for reducing GHG should emphasize not only on issues associated with climate change but also include the following: Emission Forecasting Setting goals Policy criteria Policy evaluation Organizational and political issues Climate change and GHG emission and sequestration may include many sectors of society and extend far into the future. Furthermore, policy measures to address GHGs overlap with many other public policy objectives, however in a complimentary way. Policy formulations involve: Understanding the issues at hand, Having a broad vision of the range of actions that governments can take to address those issues, Selecting from within this the approaches that offer the most potential far achieving multiple public goals. More importantly, the policy formulation process must respond to local circumstances and must address institutional, fiscal, political, and other constraints. The Govt. of India has nevertheless addressed a large number of local and regional environmental issues in its developmental strategy that are complementary to the climate change issue. Institutional Arrangements So Far For Climate Change Related Strategies In Area of Research The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Ministry of Science and Technology (MST), Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Ministry of Water Resources (MWR), Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Ministry of Non Conventional Energy (MNES), Ministry of Defence (MoD), Ministry of Health and Family welfare (MoHFW), are the main ministries of the Government of India which promote and undertake climate and climate change-related research in the country. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is also am important agency involved in working of this area and is under the direct governance of the Prime Minister.It supports all the above agencies with satellite-based passive remote sensing. The MoEF, MST, MHRD and MOA operate under the umbrella of many premier national research laboratories and universities. The most prominent being the 40 laboratories of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an autonomous body under the MST; and the vast network of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under the MOA. The CSIR is the national RD organization which provides scientific and industrial research for Indias economic growth and human welfare. It has a countrywide network of 40 laboratories and 80 field centers. The ICAR network includes institutes, bureaus, national research centers, The Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the MST coordinates advanced climatic and weather research and data collection over the Indian landmass. There are three premier institutions under DST that are solely dedicated to atmospheric science viz. the IMD, the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast (NCMRWF) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Apart from the Indian initiatives, climate change research promoted by international organizations like the World Climate Research Program (WCRP), International Geosphere Biosphere Programme (IGBP), International Human Dimension Program (IHDP) and DIVERSITAS are being strongly supported by various Indian agencies like Indian Climate Research Program (ICRP) under DST, National Committee- International Geosphere Biosphere Programme (NC-IGBP) constituted by Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and Geosphere-Biosphere Program (GBP) of ISRO. Agencies like CSIR, also provides infra-structural and financial support to carry out research in the area of global change In Area of Development The single most important feature of our post-colonial experience is that the people of India have conclusively demonstrated their ability to forge a united nation despite its diversity, and to pursue development within the framework of a functioning, vibrant and pluralistic democracy. In this process, the democratic institutions have put down firm roots, which continue to gain strength and spread. A planned approach to development has been the central process of the Indian democracy, as reflected in the national five-year plans, state plans,departmental annual plans, and perspective plans of various ministries of the central and state governments. For the last five and a half decades, the guiding objectives of the Indian planning process have been sustained economic growth, poverty alleviation, food, health, education and shelter for all, containing population growth, employment generation, self-reliance, peoples participation in planning and programme implementation, and infrastruc ture development. The National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development, 1992, provides the basis for the integration of environmental considerations in the policies of various sectors. It aims at the achievement of sustainable lifestyles and the proper management and conservation of resources. The Policy Statement for Abatement of Pollution, 1992, stresses the prevention of pollution at the source, based on the ‘polluter pays principle. It encourages the use of the most appropriate technical solutions, particularly for the protection of heavily polluted areas and river stretches. The Forest Policy, 1988, highlights environmental protection through preservation and restoration of the ecological balance. The policy seeks to substantially increase the forest cover in the country through afforestation programmes. This environmental framework aims to take cognizance of the longer-term environmental perspective related to industrialization, power generation, transportation, mining, agriculture, irrigation and other such economic activities, as well as to address parallel concerns related to public health and safety. The statutory framework for the environment includes the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Other enactments include the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991, the National Environment Tribunal Act, 1995, and the National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997. The courts have also elaborated on the concepts relating to sustainable development, and the ‘polluter pays and ‘precautionary principles. In India, matters of public interest, particularly pertaining to the environment, are articulated effectively through a vigilant media, an active NGO community, and very importantly, through the judicial process which has recognized the citizens right to a clean environment as a component of the right to li

Computer Engineer :: essays research papers

Introduction and History Computer engineering is a very time consuming, challenging job. To be a good computer engineer you need years of experience and collage education. Computer engineers provide information and data processing for certain computer firms and organizations. They conduct research, design computers, and discover and use new principles and ideas of applying computers. I am going to tell you specific facts about the careers of computer engineers like payment, education needed, skills, responsibilities of the job, job outlook, and benefits of the job. Computer engineering started about 5,000 years ago in China when they invented the abacus. The abacus is a manual calculator in which you move beads back and forth on rods to add or subtract. Other inventors of simple computers include Blaise Pascal who came up with the arithmetic machine for his father’s work. Also Charles Babbage produced the Analytical Engine, which combined math calculations from one problem and applied it to solve other complex problems. The Analytical Engine is similar to today’s computers. Occupation’s Duties A computer engineer has certain duties and responsibilities depending on the location and size of the firm he or she works for. Also the duties vary between job levels. If you work at a small firm, you will be set up on the firing line immediately and will be expected to make your boss money or you’ll be fired. Also in a smaller firm you’ll probably spend hours of pain-staking time trying to solve a problem that other engineers probably went over before. In larger firms, you’ll be hired probably as a junior computer engineer and work your way up to senor and maybe manager of engineers. If you enjoy challenging work and problem solving, your best place to be is in a small firm. If you enjoy problem solving but not to the severe degree as in a small firm, then your place is in a larger firm. Overall, the responsibilities and duties are basically the same. These duties include preparing cost benefit analysis on programs, determining copter soft and hardware needs, and debugging computers to eliminate errors. Benefits The benefits of being a computer engineer are unique to those people who like having challenges put in-front of them to solve. This job puts you in challenging positions that you have to problem solve to get out of. Also computer engineers have the ability to fix or even their own computers. Computer engineers get paid vacations, holidays, and sick days.

Started Early - Took My Dog, by Emily Dickinson :: essays research papers

Started Early- Took My Dog, by Emily Dickinson Suicide was not a widely discussed topic in the 1800's although, it commonly appeared as a theme in many literary works of that time. The action of killing one's self is not a classified psychological disorder, but there are many disorders where suicide is the end result. This is why suicide is a commonplace subject within the psychological field in present day society. The poem "I Started Early- Took My Dog," by Emily Dickinson, can be interpreted as making strange reference to a suicide. Freud says, "Suicide is a response to loss (real or symbolic), but one in which the person's sorrow and rage in the face of that loss are not vented but remain unconscious, thus weakening the ego."(Freud p.246). Dickinson uses several elements in her poem to relate this theme such as tone, imagery and rhyme. It is told through the first person point of view of an unknown speaker. Dickinson begins the first line of her poem by writing in iambic tetrameter. In the second line she switches to iambic trimeter and proceeds to alternate between the two. This rhyme scheme proves to be particularly effective in complimenting the subject of the poem-- the ocean. When a reader looks at the poem it is easy to see the lines lengthening then shortening, almost in the same fashion that the tide of the ocean flows and ebbs. I started Early- Took my Dog And visited the sea- The Mermaids in the Basement Came out to look at me. (Dickinson 1-4) The waxing and waning action of the text might symbolize the constant cycles of life. The fact that the text recedes then elongates in rhythm make the reader think the speaker of the poem is not sure what steps to take in their life. The speaker might not have convinced him or herself about the suicide attempt. Many suicidal thoughts are stopped short of action and then thought about later. Dickinson writes in this style to show the opposing forces of every situation. Suicide would likely be the most contemplated decision the narrator has ever had to make. Through metaphors, the speaker proclaims of her longing to be one with the sea. As she notices The mermaids in the basement,(3) and frigates- in the upper floor,(5) it seems as though she is associating these particular daydreams with her house. She becomes entranced with these spectacles and starts to contemplate suicide.

Why Sports

Why Sports!! Why wouldn't you play a sport? Everyone has something that they like that they are good at. Whether you are good at skating on ice, throwing balls, hitting balls, running, etc. , there are many different sports to learn about and play including baseball, basketball, hockey, and football. Just by observing these sports you might see you're into one that you like. I say everyone should play a sport. First of all baseball is a terrific team sport. It is a simple sport in that there is a diamond of bases and an outfield.Your goal on offense is that you want to hit the ball so that you are safe on one of the bases (the bases go clockwise). If the ball gets to the person on the base before you get there then you are out. On defense you are put in a certain position and if the ball comes to you on the ground you must throw it to which ever base that the runner is running to. If the ball is hit in the air and it's caught then you are automatically out. There are nine innings in baseball. An inning is the period which each team hits once. Choose this sport if you like a nice, aggressive team game.Basketball is another simple sport that consists of two baskets and one ball. The first basketball hoop was made of peach buckets. The goal is to shoot the ball into the basket that your team is going at. Each basket is worth 2 points but if you shoot it from beyond the three point line then you get three points. There are certain rules like you can't hold on to the ball and run or it's traveling. And there are physical fouls like slapping and tripping stuff like that. If you get fouled then you get foul shots which count as one point. Choose this sport if you want to develop coordination.Football is a physical sport with hard hitting and a lot of running. Football was so popular that Galileo played it. The goal of this game is to get the football to the touchdown zone. If you accomplish this there then you get six points and then you can try for the extra point. F or the extra point you have to kick the football through the field goal. In this game there are downs. If you obtain a 4th down then you will lose the football but if you make it past you have to get past the line then you keep the ball with a first down. Choose this sport if you like a fast, hard hitting game.Now if none of hose sports interest you then you might like calmer sports like golf, bowling, swimming or cheerleaders. Or there are extreme sports like sky diving, mountain climbing, cliff diving, air kicking volcano surfing, etc. Will not go into deep detail with these sports but if you are interested then check them hope you will hopefully try one of these sports for yourself. Sports out. Are fun and good exercise for your body. And even if you don't do sports then try to go out an hour a day.

Relationship between Politics and Religion

Between the fourth and eleventh centuries, the relationship between politics and religion included religion being used for military aid, papal primacy, rulers enforcing religious orthodoxy, and religion being used for legltlmlaatlon. One of the relationships between religion and politics was papal primacy (church power over ruler power) as seen in documents 3, 4, and 5, In the fifth century, Pope Gelasius told the Roman emperor it was important to deter to papal authority.He wrote this in a demanding and domineering way in order to maintain power over secular rulers Gelaslus I's letter Illustrates the Idea of papal primacy where he tated, â€Å"[P]iously bow your neck to those who have charge of divine affairs† (doc. 3). Since the pope argued that rulers should â€Å"bow† to the clergy, this Indicates the power ot the pope over secular rulers. Similarly, Pope Gregory VII asserted his power over princes and their subjects. Since the Dictatus Papae was a letter. which was candid. It probably portrays the pope's view'S accurately.In the letter the pope claimed he had the power to release people from their ruler's authority, which suggests the pope was superior to rulers In terms of their power (doc. 4), Gregory VII also railed dgdlnst Idy nvestiture (kings appointing bishops). As a pope, he would of course see matters of faith as most Important because he was head of the Church. HIS decree exemplifies papal primacy because he proclaimed, â€Å"[N]o clergyman shall receive Investiture from the hand of the emperor, or the king† (doc. ). By reserving the power to appoint bishops, the pope had more power than emperors and Another document that might further this analysis of papal primacy would be a comparison of the land holdings of kings versus the papacy. This might indicate whether or not wealth contributed to the papacys sense ot superlorlty wer secular rulers. Another relationship between politics and religion was the use of religion for mili tary support as shown In documents 2 and 8.In the late sixth century, Gregory wrote in the account of the conversion of king Clovis bringing about the history of his armys victory between the fight of the Franks and the Alemannl. In the document, It is mentioned that Clovis' passion tor Jesus Christ earned his victory with the fight between his army and the Alemanni and the address of this, suggests that Gregory as the 81shop of Tours was for the divinity of this particular faith. Clovis proclaimed, â€Å"Jesus Christ†¦ o is said to give aid to those in distress and victory to those who hope In you† (doc. 2). This gives off the Impression that religion was much valued when it came to winning a tight between armies. Charlemagne wrote to pope Leo Ill indicating that religion provided for the support of the military. As the king of the Franks, he Is dedicated to have the faith concerning of Jesus Christ whom he Is to glorify and having the authority as the head of the churc h, the belief of Christ Influenced his thoughts on the mllltdry did.The king addressed, â€Å"Cod willing and granting, the Christian people will torever achieve victory over the enemies ot His ame†, which indicates his favor towards the Invocation for military support from his Lord In relation to religion being Invoked for military aid, another document that might further this analysis would be a reference from the annals which might show an L]nblased point of view of religions towards the act of military.Relationship between Politics and Religion BY asdf0801 religious orthodoxy, and religion being used for legitimization. power over ruler power) as seen in documents 3, 4, and 5. In the fifth century, Pope Gelasius I told the Roman emperor it was important to defer to papal authority. He secular rulers. Gelasius I's letter illustrates the idea of papal primacy where he Since the pope argued that rulers should â€Å"bow' to the clergy, this indicates the power of the pope ov er secular rulers.Similarly, Pope Gregory VII asserted his power over princes and their subjects. Since the Dictatus Papae was a letter, which was candid, it probably portrays the pope's views accurately. In the letter the pope claimed he had superior to rulers in terms of their power (doc. 4). Gregory VII also railed against lay faith as most important because he was head of the Church. His decree exemplifies apal primacy because he proclaimed, â€Å"[N]o clergyman shall receive investiture bishops, the pope had more power than emperors and kings.Another document that contributed to the papacy's sense of superiority over secular rulers. military support as shown in documents 2 and 8. In the late sixth century, Gregory army's victory between the fght of the Franks and the Alemanni. In the document, it is mentioned that Clovis' passion for Jesus Christ earned his victory with the fght as the Bishop of Tours was for the divinity of this particular faith. Clovis proclaimed, hope in yo u† (doc. 2). This gives off the impression that religion was much valued when it came to winning a fght between armies.Charlemagne wrote to pope Leo Ill Franks, he is dedicated to have the faith concerning of Jesus Christ whom he is to influenced his thoughts on the military aid. The king addressed, â€Å"God willing and granting, the Christian people will forever achieve victory over the enemies of His name†, which indicates his favor towards the invocation for military support from his Lord. In relation to religion being invoked for military aid, another document that an unbiased point of view of religions towards the act of military.

Acropolis Museum

Acropolis Museum The (new) Acropolis Museum opened its doors to the public in June 2009 and is an important reference point for culture and consequently for the cultural law. The location of the museum, as well as the way of the exhibition practice, aims at collecting, protecting, studying, highlighting, and displaying the monuments of the sacred rock of Acropolis at national and international level. It is a museum specially dedicated to the monuments of the Acropolis. Among its missions, the museum focuses on making accessible to its visitors, scientists, and anyone interested the world-class archaeological treasures. It contributes to the promotion of historical and archaeological knowledge, aesthetic cultivation, creative thinking, and -in general- modern perception of classical education. The purpose of the Museum is to coordinate all its functions according to the visitor and his expectations. The institution seeks in many ways to make the guest a real shareholder in its research programmes for interpretation and understanding of the exhibits. The organization is an element that proves the museum orientation in the modern form of communication of the cultural institutions focusing on the visitor. Cultural organizations play a crucial role in our society, economy, and cultural life of every country. In an environment that is particularly competitive and difficult, all the cultural institutions should search for ways and tools to make themselves sustainable. Undoubtedly, communication is a fundamental function of museums and above all with the public. It should transmit and provide with information, messages, and experiences in a clear and effective way to different and diverse audiences. Through communication, the public image of the organization is also determined. The Acropolis Museum gives emphasis on its communication strategy. It includes the Front of House Department whose role is to ensure the smooth reception of the audience and flow of visitors, create a hospitable environment, and provide high-quality services. The Communications and Promotion Department is responsible for supporting and promoting the museum in Greece and abroad. Development and protection of the museum’s successful external communication include -among other things- the official website, Facebook page, Youtube channel, web newsletters, publications, written communication with the wide public and the media. This case study The Parthenon Gallery fully reflects the content of the organization as its architectural structure and exhibition practice aims at the balanced relationship between the museum and monuments of Acropolis and; the unique ability of visitor to connect comfortably and in a multiple ways the architectural sculptures with the ancient temple where they come from. The relationship of the building with the surrounding area is one of the biggest advantages of the exhibition.

Brochure on Islam Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Brochure on Islam - Assignment Example The Five Pillars of Islam include fasting, hajj, zakat, prayer and ritual dedication of faith. Islam worship, study the Quran and pray at mosques with Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem regarded as sacred places (Berkey, 2009). The Holy Islamic book of Quran Major Festivals Islamic faithful celebrate quite a number of festivals. Such festivals include Eid ul Fitr  and Eid ul Adha among others. Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the month of fasting, coming as the last ceremony of the holy festive month. The early Muslims first staged this celebration in the year 624 CE (Berkey, 2009). On this day, usually a public holiday, Muslims give thanks to Allah for giving them strength to exercise self-control during the period of fasting. The festival kicks off upon an official sighting of the new moon in the sky. During this occasion, Muslims put on their finest clothes, decorate their homes and pay visits to friends and family members. Additionally, Muslims practice special acts of generosity and grat itude by feeding the poor, giving donations to the mosques and holding processions in the streets. Finally, the day ends by sharing a meal during daytime for the first time in the month of fasting. Forgiveness and repentance are encouraged during Eid ul Fitr. Eid ul Adha is termed as the Festival of sacrifice to mark Prophet Abraham’s sheer obedience to the will of Allah when he was asked to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Berkey, 2009). This festival is celebrated on the last days of hajj, which represents one of the pillars of Islam and the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca. All Muslims join those on the pilgrimage to celebrate the occasion to remind themselves of their commitment to offer any form of sacrifice He demands of them. According to the Quran, God sent Abraham to Mina to sacrifice Ishmael but later replaced him with a ram. During Eid ul Adha, Muslims sacrifice a lamb or another type of domestic animal with the family, friends and the poor getting a third of the total share. Meditation in Islam Muslims practice meditation, which according to the Quran is a method of reaching the Divine Presence of Allah. Meditation can be undertaken in any silent place including the mosque or at home. It is practiced by sitting in a preferably dark room, covering oneself and to cut any connection with the surrounding. During meditation, Muslims should not only feel, hear or think of nothing but also being in the presence of Allah. Meditation can last from five and more minutes but it is never a ride in the park (Perreira, 2010). An individual is believed to be successful in meditation when they are able to attain ultra-power which translate to some supernatural signs like flying away according to the Muslim teachings. During meditation, Divine Presence offers one an audience with Allah leaving everything behind so that no physical harm can be inflicted. The partaker of meditation enters their spiritual being. This can only be achieved by following strictly the special r ules of Islamic meditation. Meditation also offers relaxation and delivery from stress (Perreira, 2010). Islamic Rites of Passage Rites of passage in a Muslim’s life are marked to signify important transitions of life including birth, marriage and death. These practices together with the Five Pillars regulate the religious lives of every Muslim. Moreover, the Quran also prohibits practices such as smoking, usury, gambling, eating pork and drinking alcohol (Berkey, 2009).