Qatar's CO2 Emissions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Qatar's CO2 Emissions - Research Paper Example Its per capita CO2 emissions are the highest in the world and are three times that of the US (Pearce). Although its emissions have multiplied four fold since 1990, the country is not penalized for it, as it is classified as a developing country, thereby escaping the need to set emission targets as per the Kyoto Protocol (Pearce). Considering the global drive to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment, Qatar has begun taking initiatives to keep its share of the global carbon emissions and greenhouse gases in check. The urgency to introduce measures to reduce its carbon footprint came to global notice after the UNDP Human Development Report of 2007 identified it as being the highest contributor to global carbon emissions with per capita CO2 emissions being 79.3 tones/capita (â€Å"Combating Qatar's CO2 emissions, Carbon World 2009 addresses reduction†). Effect of CO2 Emissions and Green House Gases (GHG) on the Environment Carbon dioxide and other GHGs such as sulphu r dioxide, methane and nitrogen oxides liberated upon burning fossil fuels have massive negative effects on the environment. These gases upon accumulation over the earth cause climatic changes due to global warming, which in turn affect other ecological features of the planet. CO2 and GHGs allow the sun’s heat to reach the earth’s surface; however, they do not allow the infrared light or heat emitted by the earth’s surface from leaving (Williams 6). This process results in the accumulation of heat on earth, much like what happens in a greenhouse. The trapping of heat results in global warming which in turn causes massive alterations in global climates. These climatic changes affect forests, vegetation, agriculture, and rainfall, apart from causing a rise in sea level by melting the polar ice sheets (ReVelle and ReVelle 376). Such changes adversely affect all life forms on earth. However, as Williams points out, the process that is actually occurring is more comp lex than greenhouse effect and global warming (6). He reasons that the earth is not a perfect sphere and has irregular features on its surface such as mountain ranges, forests, oceans, polar ice caps, etc. Not two regions display the same response to excess CO2  ­and GHGs in the environment. Therefore, as Williams argues, â€Å"future climate change is regional, not global† (6). High CO2 emissions lead to adverse effects on the climate, which influences not only agriculture and water levels, but also causes water stress and water insecurity, climatic disasters, adverse effects on human health, and even negative effects on biodiversity and ecosystem (GSDP 17). Considering the complex association between the climate, the environment and greenhouse gas emissions, it is understood that controlling and monitoring the carbon and ecological footprint of manmade processes is an indispensable requirement. Qatar is the Highest Country per Capita in CO2 Emissions As already stated, Qa tar’s per capita CO2 emissions are the highest in the world. The main reason for Qatar’s high CO2 emissions is its extremely high use of energy (Pearce). Qatar has large industries for the extraction and processing of its fossil fuel reserves (GSDP 104). These industries themselves have high energy consumption. Qatar is the largest producer of liquefied natural gas and exports a huge amount of its gas reserves to Europe and North America (Pearce). While liquefied natural gas is a clean fuel, its extraction and liquefaction is a very high energy consuming process and this contributes to the country’s already high carbon footprint. It can thus be said that while the country produces clean fuel that helps other countries meet

Stonewall Case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Stonewall - Case Study Example (b) Economic factors: The economic factors comprise of interest rates, taxation changes, economic growth, inflation and exchange rates. It can impact business in different ways, for instance the higher interest rates may discourage investment because it costs more to borrow. (c)Inflation: It may give rise to higher salary demands from employees and also raise the costs, for instance higher national income growth may boost demand for a firm's products. (d)Social factors: Changes in social trends can impact the demand for a firm's products and the willingness of individuals to work. If we say that population of Canada is ageing, then we will also consider that more old age homes would be required, which in turn would require construction material. (e)Technological factor: New technologies create new products and new processes. It is also capable of reducing costs and improving quality and it also leads to innovation. These developments can benefit consumers as well as the organizations providing the products. 4. Identify and explain the various techniques for forecasting labor supply and labor demand. What can organizations do in the short run when they recognize a gap in which supply far exceeds demand? What could Stonewall do in this situation? The techniques that can be used for forecasting labor demands are trend analysis and management forecast. (a) Trend analysis: in which labor requirements are forecasted on the basis of some organizational index. (b)Management forecast: are the opinions of experts, supervisors and sometimes the skilled labor as well, regarding the organizational labor forecast. The supply of labor can be forecasted by different techniques including staffing tables, Markov analysis, and... Stonewall Company should explore alternatives prior to making its downsizing decision. One way to do so is by employee transfer to either within company’s subsidies, or to other companies. Later, if performance of transferred employees remains stagnant, then layoffs with proper reasoning will be the only way out. Information regarding downsizing should be provided to the employees as it is not only an employee’s right to know about it at least 3 months prior to layoff, but it is also constitutes the company’s foremost duty to its employees. Stonewall Company should opt for downsizing the Montreal plant. The reasoning behind it is that the Quebec is relatively small province as compared to others. If at times, more supplies are needed, Mississauga plant can easily transport it to Montreal because it is only on a 6 hours drive. Moreover, average hourly rate in Montreal plant is less as compared to others. So, in order to avoid the negative impact on the remaining e mployees, Stonewall can increase the average hourly rate, which would easily motivate the existing employees.