Global Warming Essay Example for Free

Global Warming Essay The global carbon cycle is one of the most important biogeochemical cycles in nature and should be considered with special emphasis because of constantly increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Basically, the term â€Å"global carbon cycle† describes the movement of all forms of carbon, which is the fourth abundant chemical element in our universe and essential for the structure and/or energy production for every living organism, between the atmosphere, oceans, biosphere and geosphere. Two main parts of the carbon cycle can be distinguished, i. e.the geological carbon cycle (with a turnover time in the range of millions of years), and the biological carbon cycle (which operates at time scales ranging between days and thousands of years). In short, in the geological cycle, processes like weathering and erosion are forming carbonates from atmospheric CO2 and water which are reacting with minerals in the earth’s surface and eventually washed the into the oceans where they settle in sediments. The much faster carbon turnover in the biological cycle includes processes like photosynthesis and respiration, both key phenomena of life. 2. A greenhouse gas is a gas in the atmosphere that allows sunlight enter the atmosphere and reach the earth’s surface, but then prevents a certain portion of the reflected radiation (mainly this is the infrared or â€Å"heat† part of the spectrum) to leave the atmosphere towards open space again. Due to this effect, a â€Å"greenhouse† effect, similar to that wanted and used in agricultural greenhouses to grow plants faster and earlier due to warmer temperatures, develops and gradually heats up the atmosphere. This leads to global warming with all the negative effects discussed in the next paragraph. CO2 is both, a naturally occurring and man-made greenhouse gas, that together with other natural (water vapour, methane and nitrous oxide) and man-made substances (e. g. gases used for aerosols and cooling liquids) is responsible for global warming, the man-made amount of atmospheric CO2 however alarmingly rising. 3. â€Å"Global warming† describes the slight, but constant and gradual elevation of our atmosphere’s temperature, especially realized as a man-made effect within the last decades. Although times of global warming have repeatedly occurred on our planet long before humans could contribute (e. g. ice-age and warming periods), the dramatic increase of man-made atmospheric CO2 due to industrialization, excessive agriculture, and transportation leads, due to the previously described greenhouse effect, to a global rise in temperatures. With growing certainty that rise is understood to be responsible for an increasing occurrence of catastrophic events such as changes in weather (storms and hurricanes, heavy rain and snow, desertification), elevation of sea level (flooding), or melting of glaciers and arctic ice shelves. 4. There are diverse causes of global warming including natural processes such as carbon dioxide exhausting from rotting organic matter, atmospheric water vapour or natural gases like methane. However it is more and more agreed that the recent dramatic increase in global warming is mainly caused by a man-made elevation in atmospheric CO2 by transportation, agriculture and industries. Such elevated concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere and all their negative effects (see above) not only cause global warming by direct influence, but also interact with natural processes, altogether outbalancing the global carbon cycle and destabilizing our climate with unpredictable consequences. 5. The Kyoto Protocol has been signed by the United Nations on Dec. 11th 1997 in Kyoto, Japan with the intention to set measures against progressive climate changes. For the first time in history, the participating nations (until today 136 nations signed and ratified the protocol) agree on threshold levels and the reduction of the production of greenhouse gases within the protocol’s validation period from 2005 until 2012. 5. Unfortunately shaming poor. The United States signed the Kyoto protocol when it was initiated, but (together with Australia) never ratified the agreements. However, Australia started to ratify the agreements in the year 2007 after a change in their government, leaving the USA (who under President G. W. Bush shows no intention to ratify the contract in the near future) back in shame alone†¦ 6. Of course YES! The US considers itself as one of the world’s leading nations. Doubtlessly it is one of the world’s leading industrial nations, which is good for wealth and progress, but also implies a big responsibility, since due to its industry the US is also one of the leading producers of CO2. Thus, the US contributes a major part to the worldwide greenhouse effect and therefore to global warming as well. So why does the US not act responsible in terms of environmental issues? Profit and industrial interests are a strong power worldwide and very often refuse sustainable actions and environmental care, but in contrast to the US the other nations who signed the Kyoto Protocol at least start acting responsible. To my opinion it is a shame for the US to ignore alarming facts and signs of global warming and not even try to show some responsibility for our planet and future generations. So, even if the Kyoto Protocol is certainly not the final solution to growing environmental challenges, it is a beginning and can be the start of a sustainable and more responsible human future. However, to allow that beginning, cooperation and good will of all nations, including the US is essential.

Financial Services Essay -- Industry Body Finances Essays

Financial Services Introduction to Financial Services 1.0Financial Services is a growing industry, which provides for the financial needs of individual consumers and businesses. This unit explores the needs of and products available for both the consumers and businesses. The term financial service covers a wide range of products including accounts for depositing money, loans, savings and investments, pension and financial advice. Financial Services for individual consumers are available from banks, building societies and also from organizations such as supermarkets and insurance companies, over the counter, by telephone or over the Internet. Businesses have financial needs when they start up, expand and carry on day-to-day business activities. These needs include financing, insurance, bookkeeping, payment services, investment and general financial advice. A variety of financial institutions can provide these services banks, insurance and investment companies and firms of accountants. In this assignment I will produce a report which analyses the financial needs of three different types of customers and investigate the ways in which these needs can be satisfied by a range of financial service providers. Two of the customers are personal customers of contrasting types. In this case I will be talking about a graduate from university and parents of two children. I will estimate their likely expenditure and income in the form of a personal budget. In the 2nd task I will recommend how those needs can be met and from which type of financial institution (an assessment of the cost, returns, risks and benefits of the products). To: Business Studies Department of S.G.M Ref: 1122 From: Demet Gocer Date: 02/11/04 Title: Analysis of financial needs of a graduate from university and a married couple both employed with children. 1.0 Terms of Reference On Monday 7th September 2004 , I was asked to write a report on financial services by the business studies department. This report is written by Demet Gocer, and is based on an analysis of two customers, and an estimate of their likely income and expenditure, in a form of a cash-flow forecast, and an assessment of their financial needs, I also need to identify the financial service needs of a business, and explaining how the size of an organization can be a signi... ...eeds to be changed or withdrawn. Supply of goods and services act This act involves the supply of services, including those for the supply of financial services. The following are included in the contract: - The services will be performed with reasonable care - The work will be done within a reasonable time - A reasonable charge will be made Reasons for legislations: In general terms legislation in this area is intended to: - Protect those with weaker bargaining power, e.g. employees in a large firm or small firms negotiating with a large powerful trade union - Ensure that all UK firms meet the needs of customers in a cost effective way which will lead to international competitiveness There are plenty of regulations and laws that aim to protect the public when they are buying or using financial products or services, they are mostly formulated by particular industry bodies, an industry body is not a government regulator, but a group which represents similar kinds of business (e.g banks, or mortgage lenders) Therefore customers know that if they deal with a business that is a member of that body, they will be treated in a particular way.

Only the second part of the assignment needs to be done which is the final individual share portfolio review. The company is Tesco.

Introduction This report will conclude on the performance of Tesco Plc. over the previous 5-months. Performance will be based on the share-price performance, company reports as well as a comparison between J Sainsbury Plc, Morrison Plc and U.S rival Wal-mart. Major Headwinds RemainPrice CompetitionGiven the current environment, aggressive competition in the UK grocery market is the greatest headwind to continued growth. According to Kantar Worldpanel (2014) Tesco continues to lose market-share as aggressive competition from discount brands Aldi and Lidl pushes greater emphasis on Tesco’s marketing and price strategy to retain custom as both competitors plans major expansion plans in the coming years. To add, major price competition from the likes of ASDA and now Morrison’s is gaining momentum once again, (BBC Business, 2014) [Online]. Morrison’s’ aggressive plan to spend GBP1bn on cutting prices over three years will put pressure on Tesco and other supermarket operators to respond in order to protect market share. This could accelerate margin erosion across the sector in 2014 Morrison’s price cuts are likely to be funded by planned cost savings and potentially by accepting a lower margin, (Fitch Rating, 2014). They are more aggressive than the GBP1bn initiative Asda announced in November, which at the time was to be spread over five years. To limit the impact on margins, retailers will probably respond by accelerating cost cutting initiatives and investment in product ranges and store formats. Tesco has the strongest margin, but this has been shrinking for several years, (Financial Times, 2014) [Online]. It may now be pushed to rethink its pricing in order to defend market share, which has come under pressure as evidenced by weak 2013 Christmas trading. Furthermore, the above could dampen CAPEX plans for the coming years.Rise of DiscountersAs mentioned, the recent Kantar Worlpanel (2014) report cemented the rise of Aldi and Lidl; however recent reports from Tesco have attempted to downplay the threat, with little success. The CEO referred to them a s ‘niche’ players, (Tesco, 2013). However, these players control 45% of the affluent German market and are market leaders in several other large countries. We would not compare the effectiveness and the threat posed by Aldi in 2014 with that posed by Kwik Safe (disappeared) in the 1990s. It is not an informative chart in our view. CAPEX remains strongCAPEX guidance was cut to a maximum of ?2.5bn per annum, in line with market expectations. Tesco plans to cut new space additions in the UK to 700,000 sq ft in 2014/15 from 1.4mn in 2013/14. CAPEX is shifting from new space to maintenance. Having invested ?400mn in the UK Refresh programme in 2013/14, the company plans to invest ?500mn per annum in each of the next three years. This is close to ?2bn in total to complete the programme. The priority for next year is re-modelling the Extra format where the sales performance is the weakest, (Tesco, 2013).Online growth MixedA lot of focus, as expected, has been put on the increa sing movement online. With Morrison’s considering and online platform, while Waitrose moves in with more products and free delivery. Tesco announced it will reduce the fee it charges for home delivery and click & collect. While it is good that the company aims to be competitive, excessive cuts in the delivery charge would reduce margins and also incentivise the customer to order smaller quantities more frequently, making the economics a lot less attractive. The delivery charge is a tool used to distribute demand among the different time slots and days of the week. Tesco unveiled ?127Million of trading profit from online grocery (?2.5bn sales), (Tesco, 2013), suggesting a 5% margin. According to the company, all direct costs are fully charged, that is the cost of the pickers and the delivery, (Tesco, 2013). This would not include things such as store depreciation, store energy costs, rates etc. Given this, on estimated 25Million annual orders of ?100 each, the delivery fee (?4-5 per order) would account for the great majority of profit. If this delivery fee is substantially cut, so will the profit obtained. Share Performance Graph – Share Price Performance of Selected Companies – 6-Month. Data obtained from Bloomberg (2014) [Online]. Focusing on share performance (Graph 1), over the previous 6-months, Tesco Plc is down by 18.3%, however performance is still between than W.M. Morrison and J Sainsbury, whose shares have fell by 24.2% and 19.9% respectively. Given this; the grocery sector has been a weak performer on the market, given that the FTSE 100 has risen by 2% over the same period. Weakness in the sector was seen on the 12th March (circled), after the market release from Kantar Worldpanel (2014). According to Kantar Worldpanel (2014), Tesco’s market share dropped to 28.7% in the 12 weeks ended March 2. That compares to 29.6% a year ago and is the lowest level since late 2004. Adding to the company’s woes, Tesco’s sales were down 0.6 percent in the three-month period. The main issue for investors was the movement of these sales to discounters Aldi and Lidl, plus upmarket grocer Waitrose. Morrison’s also loosened further to a share of 11.1% from 11.8% a year earlier, while ASDA, a subsidiary of Wal-Mart Stores eased to 17.5%, a 0.3 point fall Y-O-Y. Sainsbury’s was the only grocer among Britain’s ‘big four’ to hold on to its market share in the period, reaming at 17%, (Kantar Worldpanel, 2014). The report noted that the big-four where competing more for a shrinking ‘middle-ground’ as consumers move to either discounters or upmarket retailers – over the past 3-years, Waitrose, Aldi and Lidl have taken a combined 3.5 points from competition, equating to ?4.4Billion in sales per year, (Kantar Worldpanel, 2014). Taking an international look, while Wal-Mart did record a small drop on the 12th March, over the 6-month period its shares are up 3%, given its exposure to the U.S economy, which has been performing strongly, supported by consumer spending.SummaryWhile the recovery in the UK economy will present opportunities for Tesco Plc, given its exposure to consumer spending through an extensive product offering, major headwinds remain as the continued expansion of discounters pose a real threat, contrary to the thoughts of Tesco management. Furthermore the price-wars between major retailers commence once again for the shrinking middle-ground of the market, margins are expected to be hit. This has the potential to derail Tesco’s expansion plans, which will impact on future performance given aggressive competition. References BBC Business (2014) [Online]: Morrison’s restructuring sparks fears of new price war, UK, BBC News. Bloomberg (2014) [Online]: Share Price Data, Available at http://www.bloomberg.com/markets/, Accessed 27/03/2014. Financial Times (2014) [Online]: Tesco Plc, Available at http://markets.ft.com/research/Markets/Tearsheets/Summary?s=TSCO:LSE, Accessed 27/03/2014. Fitch Rating (2014): Morrison’s price cuts to pressure Tesco; margins at risk, UK, Fitch Ratings Agency. Kantar Worldpanel (2014): Unprecedented change in grocery retailing, UK, Kantar Worldpanel. Tesco (2013): Annual Review 2013, UK, Tesco Plc.

A Report On Medical Transcription Essay - 926 Words

Bill is mailed for any service the physician provided at SCHC before ambulance arrived. Describe the information maintained in the ED register. Patient is transferred out of the facility. Approximately how many patients does the ED treat in an average day? Patient is transferred out of the facility. Medical Transcription Review established procedures for medical transcription. Is medical transcription performed at the hospital, or is it outsourced? Medical transcription is outsourced to a company called MModal. Describe how and where physicians access the dictation equipment. What dictation system is used? One of the equipment for dictation physicians used is called Dragon. Dragon is a speech recognition system that dictates directly into NextGen the EHR. The physician at South Carolina Heart Center use Dragon to report the Office Notes of the patient. Dragon can be access anywhere by calling the direct telephone line and pressing the physician’s two digit pin and two digit work type (Appendix F). Is medical transcription productivity and quality monitored? How? Yes, medical transcriptionists at MModal are paid six cents per line and the quality is monitored by MModal. What controls are used to determine the status of dictated reports? Time, physicians have a twenty-four hour period to dictate after seeing a patient. If an outside transcription service is used, describe the procedure for sending and receiving the material. Discuss any benefits orShow MoreRelatedTaking a Look at Medical Transcription1326 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is Medical Transcription? Medical Transcription, commonly known as MT, is a form of record keeping. It is an allied health profession. Doctors/Physicians or other medical personnel dictate and record medical reports about patients. 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