American Dreams And The American Dream Essay - 2288 Words

From a young age, children all over the world are taught that America is the Land of Opportunity. Their parents and their parents parents have experienced some type of fulfillment from the American Dream which prompts them to relay belief in it to the newest generation of Americans. However, nowadays, populations of Americans have become increasingly critical of the American Dream and what that dream entails. That particular group claims that the American Dream is now dead due to many different facets of society. Is it possible to demand the death of an ideal that is essentially the backbone of a powerful country such as American? There are people who argue strongly both for and against the death of the American Dream with the for side focusing individualism and the against side focusing on declining conditions in America. The passionate arguments from both sides make it clear to see that the Dream is unlike what it used to mean, possibly requiring it to evolve to fit a changing nat ion. The American Dream is a vision that has been integrated into American society, one way or another, since America s founding, and it is necessary to understand the basis and definition of this vision that has a secured place in almost all aspects of American culture. In 1931, James Truslow Adams, author of Epic of America, was the first to coin the phrase the American Dream. He said that The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer andShow MoreRelatedImmigrants And The American Dream1362 Words   |  6 PagesImmigrants and the American Dream In the article â€Å"The American Dream†, by James Truslow Adams in The Sundance Reader book, he stated that the American dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of motor cars and highRead MoreThe American Dream By Kimberly Amadeo1637 Words   |  7 PagesNowadays, a large number of people migrate to the United States to work and achieve the American Dream. According to the Article â€Å"What is the American Dream?† by Kimberly Amadeo, â€Å"The American Dream was first publicly defined in 1931 by James Truslow Adams in Epic of America. Adam’s often-repeated quote is, ‘The American Dream is that dream of land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyon e, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.’† There are many peopleRead MoreAnalysis Of The Movie The American Dream 754 Words   |  4 Pages Nyreel Powell Ms. Jones American Literature 1 June 2015 The American dream in A Raisin in the Sun Have you ever had a dream and it didn’t come how you wanted it to be? Have you ever had accomplishments that you wanted to achieve but people were getting in the way of them? The four main characters in this book all have good dreams but there are people in the way of getting to those dreams or their dream is too high to accomplish. 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Many great films and works of literature were created to show case all the different ideas people have for their American Dream. The film â€Å"Grapes of Wrath† directed by John Ford and the poem â€Å"I Will Fight No More Forever† by Chief Joseph, both depictRead More Destruction of the American Dream Essay2145 Words   |  9 PagesDestruction of the American Dream I’ve talked about it in the past, the destruction of the American Dream. Always, there have been papers, writings, and thoughts that quantify a particular section of its ultimate demise, be it due to money, education, or sexuality. Maybe the destruction cannot be viewed as a singular event or cause. Perhaps instead it must be examined as a whole process, the decay and ultimate elimination of a dream. Self destruction, if you will†¦ Mr. Self Destruct Read MoreJim Cullen And The American Dream2081 Words   |  9 Pages The American Dream, as defined by Cullen, is starting your goal off with a little and ending with more; it s like a business, you invest in it in order to gain more money. Usually, people will define the American Dream as being able to achieve your goal because everyone is offered opportunities. Cullen does acknowledge that people are born with different opportunities, so he talks about the good life. The good life describes different factors that determine your opportunities. Throughout the otherRead MoreFactors Influencing The American Dream1834 Words   |  8 Pagesindividual to succumb or to not succumb to the seductions of crime. These three factors are brilliantly portrayed in the television show, Breaking Bad and the novel, The Stick Up Kids. The American Dream is what many American citizens strive for. 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Pob Sba Free Essays

This project will elaborate on this aspect of marketing giving the reader a complete understanding of what is to be done when a business enters the marketing industry. This marketing SBA allows one to understand and gain knowledge of how to establish a business by means of organizing the marketing department, doing market research and being aware of government regulations etc. I recommend that this business. We will write a custom essay sample on Pob Sba or any similar topic only for you Order Now The successful completion of this project would not have been possible without the assistance and co-operation of my family, friends and also my teacher. And most of all to God as without his guidance this project could not have been possible. The method of data collections used in the marketing project was the Questionnaire. Advantages: * It saves time, offers anonymity and is relatively inexpensive to administer * It improves the possibility of the respondents being truthful. Description of the Business Trevi’s Custom Cakes more is a sole trader business owned by Trevenia Buchanan. It is the proprietor’s intention to establish a bakery in the parish of St. Catherine. This business will mainly be producing custom-made cakes and also other pastries. This business is of the secondary industry as we produce and sell our goods. We will provide our goods and services to mainly tourism areas. Mission Statement: Produce custom-made cakes and all other products to the best of our ability and at a reasonable price to fit each and every customer’s budget. Organization of Marketing Department The organizational structure of this business is hierarchical, the organizational chart for the business can be found in the appendix, the roles of our marketing personnel are shown below: Marketing Manager: * Develop the marketing strategy and plan. Supervise marketing department employees. * Research and report on external opportunities. Marketing Representative: * Meet with clients to represent the business. * Follow up with existing clientele and customers to maintain professional relationships. * Attend sales meetings, and generate reports and other business documents. Marketing Analyst: * Collect and analyze data to evaluate existing and potential product and service markets. * Identify and monitor competitors and research market conditions or changes in the industry that may affect sales. Use of Technology The proprietor of Trevi’s Custom Cakes more will use various types’ technologies in the business to increase productivity and efficiency of operations in the business. Two of these types technology are computers and billboards. * The computers will be used to keep inventory and stocks up to date as well as to keep records of daily transactions made by the business. The computer will also be used to access to internet and create a website for our business; through this we will be able to showcase our products. * The billboards will be used to advertise the business, billboards will be established in St. Catherine as well as other parishes in well populated areas where it can appeal to many people. This will also make our products more marketable. Market Research Target Population Qualitative: Trevi’s Custom Cakes more aims to cater to the general public, for instance, people needing cakes for special occasions such as: birthdays, baby showers, anniversary etc. Quantitative: In our endeavors we shall aim to sell to at least 1,500 people per month. Price The price of our products are based on affordability, (the price list can be found in the appendix) Competitors The business will be competing against fellow bakeries closest to our organization such as Pastry Palace, Oak Mill Bakery and Honey Crust Bakery. My competitors and the business are not situated in the same parish, the competitors were chosen because they seemed worthy of the position, these bakeries are considered to be well recognized bakeries. Product/ Service Trevi’s Custom Cakes more sell solely its own products. So the brand would include our business name, which will be brightly colored so as to appeal to the customers visually and the business slogan is â€Å"We make your SWEET dreams REALITY! , The custom-made cakes will be packaged in a white box (according to size of cake) with the logo and label attached to the cover of each box; however, pastries will be packaged in a small paper bag with the logo on each. An example of the logo is in the appendix. Pricing Strategy Cost plus: the cost of producing the product is calculated and then the percentage added on for pr ofit. The competitor’s prices will be taken into consideration as well as the cost of ingredients and quality and after a profitable income will emerge. This pricing strategy will be used so as to make the price affordable and fair, to both customer and the business. Place (distribution on channels) Description of distribution channels used As a retailer and also a producer, the business will purchase ingredients from consumers, then convert such ingredients into finished products of high quality and sell to the final consumers at an affordable and reasonable price. Producer Retailer Consumer Limitations * Ingredients from producers may be delayed * Goods may be misdirected * Poor communication Other Suitable Alternatives In the case that the set distribution channel above does not go according to plan the alternative will be to produce then sell to final consumers. Promotion Mix This will be the way of making our consumers aware of our products and their existence through advertising and sales promotion. Advertising: Trevi’s Custom Cakes more will have their products advertised through multimedia sources such as radio, television, billboards and the internet. This will highlight features of the business and its products and also educate consumers about their products. Sales Promotion: Sales promotion allows us to see what appeals to customers and what does not, and it also gives the business a jumpstart on sales. The business will be promoting sales through special offers, coupons and also free sampling. Sales promotion will also increase loyalty and customer awareness. Customer Complaints Customer’s complaint: â€Å"I ordered a customized cake for a baby shower and received one for a bachelorette party, how could you have messed up my order like that? † Owner’s response: My deepest apologies for such a mistake, you are a valued customer, due to this we will make another cake to your specifications, at no cost to you. We assure you that such mistakes have never been made before and will never be made again. Thank you for your cooperation, do come again. Government Regulations In establishing this business there are certain government regulations that will have an impact on the process. When establishing a business the entrepreneur goes to the Bureau of Standards to register the business to gain permission to operate the business. Certain documentation will also be needed; such as the food handler’s permit. This card will show that our staff is licensed to prepare food. All employees are required to be in possession of a valid food handler permit as stated by the public health act (food handling) regulations 1998. Without our food handlers permits we should not be serving customers, and doing so may result in the shutting down of our business. (an example of such permit is in the appendix) Ethical Issues This business does not believe in price gouging. Price Gouging refers the pricing of an item above market price. We will prevent this by ensuring that we create affordable prices for our clients. The ethical issue discussed will have great impact on our business if not dealt with or prevented. These impacts may include a decrease in the number of valued customers and profits gained. This would present a vile image of the business because of the over-pricing of products. 1. Robinson, Hamil, CXC Principles of Business with SBA, Study Guide Exercises. Carlong Publishers, Kingston 13, Kingston, Jamaica. 2. ORGANIZATIONAL CHART BUSINESS LOGO PRICE LIST Cakes Custom-made†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. (Depending on quality and ingredients) Pastries Cake slices†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. $150. 00 Danishes †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. $100. 00 Donuts †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦ $100. 00 Sugar buns †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. $75. 00 Creme Brulee †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. $250. 00 Cupcakes †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦.. $100. 00 Muffins (regular) †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦ $120. 00 Blueberry m uffins †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. $125. 00 Food Handler’s Permit How to cite Pob Sba, Essay examples

Matisse Essay Example For Students

Matisse Essay A special chapter in the history of modern sculpture could be devoted to artists who are known primarily for their careers as painters, but who have also made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of three-dimensional form. Henri Matisse, celebrated as one of this centurys greatest colorists, is also now recognized for the brilliant invention he brought to his sculptural compositions. Born in La Cateau-CambrÃÆ' ©sis, in northern France, Matisse first studied law before taking up painting at the age of twenty-one, and in 1891 he enrolled at the AcadÃÆ' ©mie Julian in Paris. The following year he transferred to the ÃÆ'†°cole des Beaux Arts, where he studied under the great Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau. In 1899, Matisse was introduced to AndrÃÆ' © Derain, who in turn introduced him to Maurice de Vlaminck. These artists shared a fascination with the tonal dynamics of Post-Impressionism; their vivid compositions increasingly gave color an emotive, independent, and antinaturalistic role. They exhibited together at the 1905 and 1906 Salon dAutomne, where their paintings created a sensation, leading one critic to refer to them as Les Fauves or wild beasts. By 1909 Matisse shifted to a more serene style in paintings, executed with broad color planes, simplified structures, and idyllic subjects. Matisses first sculptures were created during his student years. Not surprisingly, his earliest figures were copies after small-scale academic bronzes. By 1900 Matisse had begun more ambitious compositions. His Serf, 1900-1903, took Rodins The Walking Man as a point of departure. Where Rodin cropped the figure to emphasize the dynamism of the pose, Matisse chose to emphasize the static qualities of his standing figure. Over the next decade Matisse created a number of female nudes, variously rendered as standing and reclining figures, which reveal his careful study of the model. Unlike such contemporaries as Aristide Maillol, who consciously echoed classical archetypes, Matisse sought to render the female nude with a new immediacy, freed of art-historical conventions. The Backs are Matisses most radical works in bronze. The figure, shown from the back, is executed in high relief against a framing ground, a painterly device with few precedents in sculpture. By turning the figure away from the viewer, Matisse explores the challenge of endowing the human form with expressive power. In the succession of works, the figure is progressively straightened and the axis of the spine becomes the increasing focus of the composition. The four panels were executed over a twenty-year span, with each successive image reworked from a plaster cast of the preceding one. The Backs were never shown together during Matisses lifetime and were not conceived as a series or set. Rather, they should be regarded as one work that passed through four stages-an ongoing sculptural clarification of the artists vision.

Nuclear Power Essays (1471 words) - Nuclear Technology,

Nuclear Power Most of the world's electricity is generated by either thermal or hydroelectric power plants. Thermal power plants use fuel to boil water which makes steam. The steam turns turbines that generate electricity. Hydroelectric power plants use the great force of rushing water from a dam or a waterfall to turn the turbines. The majority of thermal power plants burn fossil fuels because thermal power plants are cheaper to maintain and have to meet less of the governments requirements compared to nuclear power plants. Fossil fuels are coal and oil. The downfall of using fossil fuels is that they are limited. Fossil fuels are developed from the remains of plants and animals that died millions of years ago. Burning fossil fuels has other downfalls, too. All the burning that is required to turn the turbines releases much sulfur, nitrogen gases, and other pollutants into the atmosphere. The cleanest, cheapest, and least polluting power plant of the two types is the hydroelectric power plant. The main reason most countries use thermal versus the hydroelectric is because their countries don't have enough concentrated water to create enough energy to generate electricity. (World Book vol. 14, 586) Nuclear power plants generate only about eleven percent of the world's electricity. There are around 316 nuclear power plants in the world that create 213,000 megawatts of electricity. (INFOPEDIA) Radioactive, or nuclear, waste is the by-product of nuclear fission. Fission occurs when atoms' nucleus' split and cause a nuclear reaction. (General Information) When a free neutron splits a nucleus, energy is released along with free neutrons, fission fragments that give off beta rays, and gamma rays. A free neutron from the nucleus that just split splits another nucleus. This process continues on and is called a chain reaction. (World Book vol. 14, 588) The fission process is used to create heat, which boils water inside the nuclear reactor. The steam that boiling the water makes is used to turn turbines, which in turn, generate electricity. Fission happens inside a carefully monitored nuclear reactor, when being used in a nuclear power plant. The fission process that nuclear power plants use spends approximately 30,000 tons of highly radioactive waste a year. (General Information) In a nuclear power plant, Uranium is used as fuel to boil the water for the steam that makes the turbines turn. So, uranium is, in a sense, the coal of a coal-fired power plant. When fueling nuclear power plants, the uranium arrives as uranium-enriched pellets. These pellets are an equivalent to one ton of coal. The pellets are sealed in tubes that are made of a strong heat- and corrosion-resistant metal alloy. This metal alloy will protect people and the environment from the high levels of radiation that the uranium is giving off. The tubes are bundled together to make a fuel assembly. The assemblies are put inside the reactor to create heat that will boil the water. The fuel assemblies are used until they are depleted. A fuel assembly is depleted when it no longer gives off enough energy to turn the turbines. Once every year, one third of the nuclear fuel in a reactor is replaced with fresh fuel. The used-up fuel is called spent fuel. Spent fuel is highly radioactive and is the primary form of high-level nuclear waste. (General Information) High-level radioactive waste is the by-product of commercial nuclear power plants generating electricity, and from nuclear materials production at defense facilities. This high-level waste must be isolated in a safe place for thousands of years so its radioactivity can die down and not be harmful to people and the environment. The name of the "safe place" that the Department of Energy is trying to make is called a repository. But until a repository is made, spent fuel and high-level waste is being stored in temporary storage facilities called dry casks and cooling pools. By the end of the year 2000, there will be more than 40,000 metric tons of high-level waste in casks and storage pools. There will also be more than 8,000 metric tons of high-level waste from defense programs. The high-level waste from defense programs is currently being stored in Idaho, South Carolina, and Washington. (General Information) Reprocessing is the chemical process by which uranium and plutonium

Everything you need to know about severance pay

Everything you need to know about severance pay For most of us, our professional lives are filled with a series of highs and lows that mark the journey along our individual career paths- highs that include praise for good performance, promotions and new work responsibilities, salary increases, and new challenges, as well as lows that include disappointment, frustration, burnout, and getting fired. If you’ve ever experience getting fired, you’re well aware that it can be one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through in life- on top of the professional setbacks and loss of purpose and identity that can come with losing a job, the financial repercussions can have a severe, profound, and lasting adverse effect.Getting fired is never something to look forward to, and most of us work hard to avoid it; but the truth is that despite our efforts there are times in our lives when things happen that we can’t prevent or control. If you’re newly unemployed or worried about getting fired, you may be t rying to figure out what financial options are available to you to help offset the loss of a regular paycheck, including the possibility of getting severance pay.What is severance pay?According to the U.S. Department of Labor, severance pay is a financial benefit that’s often granted to employees upon termination of employment. It’s designed to help ease the often-abrupt transition from gainful employment and a regular paycheck to the loss of guaranteed income that characterizes unemployment. One important thing to note is that severance pay it not a given; it is not a universal right granted to all employees, nor is it protected by the government under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Instead, severance pay is typically an agreed upon financial arrangement between an employer and employee, and the amount received is usually based upon such factors as final salary at the time of employment termination and length of employment. In addition, the reason(s) surrounding your job loss may be a significant factor regarding whether or not you’re eligible for severance pay- for example, you’re much more likely to be offered severance pay if you’re laid off due to the financial hardship or restructuring of your employer vs. getting fired for cause.How do you know if you’re entitled to severance pay?Although it’s at the discretion of your employer to offer severance to help employees cope with job loss, there are three potential scenarios that may help you quickly determine that you’re entitled:It’s a predetermined and previously agreed upon aspect of your employment contractIt’s an established company policy for all employees where you workYou’re entitled to severance under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act), a U.S. labor law that stipulates that any employer with 100 or more employees must give a minimum of 60 days of notice of a mass layoff, and failure to do so will entitle you to legally protected severance payIssues to keep in mind when navigating severanceIf your employer has a professional HR person on staff, consider utilizing them to get your questions regarding severance pay answered (HR professionals are trained to handle employee issues with discretion). Also, keep in mind that severance pay is short-term financial guidance- and it’s subject to taxation since it’s considered income- so having additional savings or alternate means of financial support to help you should you get fired would be a wise plan. Furthermore, acceptance of severance usually requires you to accept the full terms of your employer’s termination of your employment agreement; make sure you know precisely what this entails before accepting.Getting fired is never easy, but having a solid financial plan- which may include severance pay- to help you make ends meet while you’re unemployed can make a difficult time significantly less s tressful. Know your rights and know what you’re due, and you’ll be putting yourself at your best possible advantage.

Catchy Blog Titles 5 Steps, 100+ Formulas, 500+ Words

Catchy Blog Titles 5 Steps, 100+ Formulas, 500+ Words Do you like catchy blog titles like these? What 10 Studies Say About The Best Times To Post On Social Media How To Attract An Audience With The Best Blog Photography Tips (+128 Free Images) 21+ Easy Ways To Build An Email List That Will Skyrocket By 552% In 1 Year The 10-Minute, 10-Step Solution For The Best Blog Outline Data and psychology say you do. And so will your audience when you apply this method to your own blog posts. So would you like to learn how to write catchy blog titles like that? If youre genuinely interested in writing better, catchier, and awesome-r blog titles for your already great content, youre in the right place.  This post is going to help you maximize the time you invest in writing your  awesome content to help you get more social media shares and traffic from your blog titles. Youre going to learn how to use  the four pillars of awesome content in  your blog titles, how to  use psychology to increase shares and clicks, and how to use the best words to capture your audiences unique interest. To top it off, youll even get a ton of  proven catchy blog title templates, formulas, and structures weve seen work for getting more social shares and traffic. Lets do this thing. 5 Easy Steps And 100+ Formulas For The Best #BlogTitles That Will Quadruple Traffic3 Free Resources to Write Catchier Blog Titles Start writing better headlines now with these three free downloads: A Catchy Blog Titles inforgraphic that breaks down the elements of strong blog headlines. A Blog Title Performance Tracking Template to help you A/B test blog titles when shared on social media. A Content Calendar Excel Template to store your headline ideas and plan every blog post you write. Step 1: Write Catchy Blog Titles With The  4 Pillars Of Successful Content A very basic principle in content marketing is to  look back at your  best content and repeat its success. I've recently taken this idea to the next level at to help us use our data from past content to help us plan better content and actually predict future growth. That analysis revealed that top-performing content reflects four key traits extremely well. On the other hand,  worst-performing content does  poorly in all four areas. Simply rank each blog post according to four questions, giving each question a 1–3 ranking (meaning a top post according to your  gut would be a 12 whereas the worst would be a 4.) Was this a topic your readers would be deeply interested in learning more about? Was this post deeply researched to share unique and better information than any other source on the Internet? Did the post turn the research into actionable, exhaustive how-to advice? Was the keyword well-chosen and optimized throughout the post to help you  experience long-term traffic? After you rank them, compare each blog post's score to its page views to translate your  gut into actual data. The results should show that  most  of your  high scoring content ends up being your  best performing blog posts. If not, you just learned a lot about how your gut is off, and you can use your new knowledge backed by data to  strategically choose to publish better content. You can do this process for your content, too. But the point is: Since the idea of solid topic, research, depth, and keywords define success for content, your blog titles should reflect those qualities to connect with your audience from the moment they see your headlines. Translate your gut into data to strategically create better #content. #bloggingShare The Value Your Readers Will Get Behind The Click. The #1 thing that will help you write successful blog titles is by first creating content your audience will be deeply interested in learning more about. It makes sense, right? That's why this post kinda started off with that tangent, but it's coming full circle right now: Use the words  that describe the topic in your blog title. Avoid ambiguity. Ask yourself the question, "If I were a member of my audience, why would I read this blog post instead of any others like it? Why?" Then, like a little kid,  go down the why rabbit hole to get to the core value you're providing to your readers. Just like you would with marketing a product, define the value proposition for your blog posts and include that in your blog titles. From there, define the single best value proposition for your content. For example,  after a ton of brainstorming, this blog post's value proposition is to increase traffic. Recent research shows 29% of content marketers measure success primarily through social media and 38% see traffic as their #1 form of measurement. This blog post helps both of those groups of content marketers reach their goals. Pro Tip: Write your blog title  before you write your blog post. This practice will help you define the value proposition so you can connect it into the blog post, which guarantees your blog title will deliver on its promise. Use Numbers And Facts To Get 206% More Traffic To Your Blog Posts. ^See what I did there? The second pillar of successful content is to back up  the claims  you made in your value proposition with research. This is where you prove to your audience that your blog post is different because it's actually based on real success they could also experience if they just read your blog post. Use Numbers And Facts In Your #BlogTitles To Get 206% More Traffic To Your Blog Posts.Informal research from Canva and Ian Cleary of Razor Social suggests that including numbers in your blog titles  can double your social shares. Data from Brian Dean at Backlinko also suggests that including numbers in your blog titles  can increase your clickthrough rate by 36%! There are a few  ways to do this: Outline your blog post in the form of a list. Use the number of points from your list in your headline. Put a  real number to your value proposition. If your value proposition is to save time, your number could be  save 30 minutes of time. If your value proposition is to generate more sales, your number could be  generate 32% more sales. Share the sample size of your data to increase your credibility. For example, if your  post is about managing multiple projects at once and you sourced tips from 100 industry experts, include that number in your blog title. You get the picture. The blog post you're reading right now has several numbers; I chose to focus on 500 words, 100 templates, and the results you could achieve if you follow this advice with 438% more traffic.  We drew those 500 words from more than 1 million of the most-shared headlines we've seen go through , so I could have also included that number. Pro Tip: If you  have multiple numbers to increase your credibility and your audience's perception of success, write several headlines  with multiple numbers.  Then  A/B test them to eventually choose the best one and change your blog title even after your post publishes. That will give you more initial shares and click-throughs and  will boost your long-term traffic to that blog post. This is not blowing smoke. Seven  of our top 10 posts on the blog have at least one number in the blog title, if not more. And of those seven, six are in the top six positions and  they get on average 206% more traffic than an average blog post. Tell The Story And Deliver On The Expectation. The third pillar of awesome sauce content is depth and delivering on the promises you made in your blog title with your value proposition and research. Good #blog titles  are only as good as the extensive  advice that follows the click. #bloggingWhen you translate this to your blog title, it means telling the story truthfully and as clearly as you can. If your blog post doesn't follow through on the value proposition or you can't back up your number, you're doing it wrong. This is where you translate your actionable, in-depth, how-to advice into a few words that help your readers understand what to expect after clicking through to read your content: Critically analyze the words you use to make sure you deliver on your promise. For example, if you use the word template in your blog title, your audience will likely expect a free download of some kind. Make sure your blog post delivers on that promise. Consider searcher  intent when you write your blog titles. Ask yourself, "As a user, what would I expect to read if I clicked through on this blog title?" Critique the way you  include numbers to make sure you deliver on the promise. It seems obvious, but it's incredible how often blog titles  don't deliver on the promises they make. I wanted to include examples of successful blog titles  outside the marketing industry to complement this post. Unfortunately, I was super dismayed by the sheer lack of quality behind the headlines I found because they were purely click bait. Here are some things to look out for: I searched for "manage multiple projects" and clicked through to see the headlines: How to Manage Multiple Projects – 5 Things You Need 5 Most Common Mistakes in Managing Multiple Projects: Micromanagement Leadership (Part 1) How to Manage Multiple Projects Managing Multiple Projects, Objectives and Deadlines 7 Ways to Juggle Multiple Project Tasks- and Get Things Done The top five search results promised how to resolve my challenge to manage multiple projects at once, but they barely scratched the surface. You can avoid situations like these for yourself by thinking of searcher intent: As a searcher, I want to know how to manage multiple projects at once. As a searcher, I want detailed information on process- so a step-by-step procedure would be great. As a searcher, I don't care about your blog's word count goals but rather  getting all of the information I need to do my job better. If you were to click-through the top five search results for this example,  most of the blog posts don't deliver on these three searcher stories (to use a term  from agile project management). In fact, #2 only delivers one  mistake instead of the five it promises while all of the others neglect the how to nature they promise. That causes poor  reader experience  that could  increase your bounce rate and cause you to lose fans like my friend John here who commented on a recent post Ben wrote: Good blog titles  are only as good as the actionable, in-depth, and how-to advice that follows  after the clickthrough. Takeaway: Write blog titles  that tell the complete story in your posts, and deliver on the promise you make. If you're not sure if you're making this mistake, take a look at your bounce rate in Google Analytics. If it's more than 5%, you  can use the advice from this post to help you work through even better blog titles. Use The Keyword In Your Blog Title. The fourth pillar of great content is  optimizing it for your audience to find it via search engines.  The 17% of you who put 5–10 hours into writing blog posts can get more traffic from your content if you simply optimize it so people can find it when they need it. I say it that way because Google seems to reward longer content with better rankings. And if time is an indicator of length, depth, covering everything having to do with that topic and giving actionable stories, then those who spend more time creating content have  more opportunity to get traffic and social shares from this pillar of successful blog posts. Relating that back to your blog titles, Brian Dean recently researched the top 200 ranking factors that make Google tick, and one of them was this: H1 tags are a â€Å"second title tag† that sends another relevancy signal to Google, according to results from this correlation study. What Brian is trying to say, is  that when you target a keyword in your  blog posts, it makes sense to include that keyword  in your blog titles for your page title and H1. Brian also notes that including the keyword closer to the beginning of your blog title (specifically in your page title) helps search engines understand the importance of it in relation to your post. Step 2: Use Psychological Triggers In Your Blog Titles To Encourage More Social Shares Jonah Berger is the author of Contagious: Why Things Catch On, and found there are six STEPPS behind the psychology of contagious content: Social currency: People talk about things to make them look good. Triggers: Topics  that are at the top of your mind are at the tip of your tongue. Emotion: When you care about something, you share it. Public: When you see people doing something, you'll imitate it. Practical value: You share things to help others. Stories: You like to share things that are wrapped in narratives. I'll let Jonah himself explain his research a little more thoroughly: Neil Patel also  researched a few different studies to find five  key elements that help  influence social shares: Curiosity Amazement Interest Astonishment Uncertainty And when the New York Times analyzed why their readers were sharing content, they found people share: Valuable and entertaining content to change opinions or encourage action. Content that helps define who they are and what they care about. Information that helps them stay in touch with people  and maintain relationships. Content that helps them feel involved in the world. Content that supports causes or brands they care about. Now, all of  this  goes way beyond writing catchy blog titles, and it's  all great advice you can use to craft even better content.  But let's take all of  this research  and apply it to your blog titles specifically: Appeal To Your Audience's Emotional Need For Resolution. Appeal to  the emotional reasons people would read your content. Understanding your readers' challenges  and suggesting your blog post offers a solution immediately from your headline will encourage clicks and shares. For example, think of headlines that include  that will messaging in them:  21+ Easy Ways To _____  That Will Skyrocket Your Followers By 552% In 1 Year. Recommended Reading: Proof that Emotional Headlines Get Shared More on Social Media Focus On The Remarkability Within Your Content. Take advantage of trendy words and appeal to entertainment, amazement, and astonishment. Jonah uses the word remarkable often to describe content that gets shared- so include noteworthy information in your blog titles that shows the remarkable information your readers will get after they click. For example, Neil Patel offers this example for a blog title that amazes:  How Spending $162,301.42 on Clothes Made Me $692,500. That  blog title also has numbers as proof that you can experience the same success as Neil if you just follow his advice. Make Your Audience Feel Like Rock Stars Among Their Peers. Write  your blog titles to help people look good. Your readers  want to feel successful, engaged in the world, and be supportive. Your readers  feel as though the blog titles from the content they share- like yours- define who they are as people. A great way to connect this emotion to your blog titles is through uncertainty.  When someone reads your blog post, they know the answer to something others don't- so let them boast their knowledge while also encouraging more clicks back to your content. Do this by asking questions. And not just any questions. Close-ended questions that essentially cause your readers to answer with yes or no. In a recent case study, I found that social messages with close-ended questions get more clickthroughs than any other type of social message we shared. In fact, close-ended questions get 255% more clickthroughs than open-ended questions! For example, write a blog title like: Are You Using _____  To Get 277% More _____?  Blog titles like this suggest that the sharer knows the answer and is getting the kind of success your headline promises. It also makes anyone seeing that blog title feel the fear of missing out (FOMO) that will encourage them to click through just to know the answer. And hey, you might get the snowball effect of yet another share. Provide A Practical Way To Solve A Problem. Blog titles that focus on practical value are those that offer how-to, actionable, and oftentimes  step-by-step solutions to problems. They cover information that is interesting- not the same-old thing that feels like it's been done over and over again. You can do this by differentiating your  blog titles by including your value proposition in them directly. For example, this blog title includes the value proposition of doing something super quickly (because who has time these days) coupled with a promise of doing it in 10 quick steps:  The 10-Minute, 10-Step Solution For The Best _____. Step 3: Use Catchy Words That Are Proven To Increase Action So other than focusing on telling  a complete story with your blog title and connecting it to your audience's emotional needs, what specific words make certain blog titles catchier than others? Do You Use The Words Your Audience Uses In Your Blog Titles? That's a good question  and one that Joanna Wiebe from Copy Hackers has an answer to. Joanna is a copywriting genius. When I read her Headlines, Subheadlines, and Value Propositions  book recently, one very interesting point really stuck with me (among tons of others- you should totally check out her  book since you're interested in writing better blog titles): Use the words your audience uses in your blog titles. That's a very simple idea, and it's one that can help you connect with your audience immediately because it's exactly how they think. While planning  a headline test with Crazy Egg's website, Joanna surveyed their users by asking them to describe Crazy Egg in two to three words. From there, she worked  the most-used words into her headlines to connect with  an audience like Crazy Egg's existing users. That. Is. Brilliant. So when we launched a new course recently, I took Joanna's advice  and  used the words from our audience's biggest challenges in the headline to connect with their lingo immediately: The words were:  on track, organized, and save time. The result? For an initial launch just to our existing email subscribers, 2,181 people signed up with page view to signup conversion rate of 27%! You can apply that same strategy to the words you use in your blog titles  by sending a simple survey to your existing email subscribers. Just promise them a reward (a free e-book or  exclusive content of some kind is perfect for this), that it'll only take two minutes, and ask one simple question: "What is your biggest professional challenge as a (insert job title here)?" That will  not only give you tons of blog post ideas; you'll also have their own words you can use in all of your copy- and blog titles- moving forward. Use Words Proven To Increase Your Social Media Shares. Since is a social media editorial calendar tool, we have access to millions of blog titles. Literally. So, being the data nerds we are, we looked at more than 1 million headlines and found the words used most often in the top shared content. From there, we compiled a list for you of those 500 words to use as a tear sheet for inspiration  the next time you're writing blog titles: Pro Tip: Use these words with the headline analyzer to increase  your grade and score as you write your blog titles. Step 4: Rock These Catchy Blog Title Templates To  Jumpstart Your Creativity So you could take  all the advice from this post and start writing catchy blog titles right now. You know the background of your four pillars of successful content, how to connect to your audience emotionally, and how to use catchy words in your headlines. Or you could get a little more advice from the headline pros out there with some formulas so you don't have to come up with everything from scratch. Sound good? Let's take a look at the best blog title templates from around the Interwebs. Write better headlines with formulas from Joanna Wiebe of Copy Hackers:  Joanna wrote an amazing post with every copywriting formula you could imagine. In it, she says she keeps a swipe file handy for when she sees cool headlines she'd like to use for inspiration later on. Might be something for you to consider, too. :) Write magnetic headlines with templates from Brian Clark of Copyblogger: Brian is a genius when it comes to writing pretty much anything. He has some great advice for using social proof, insider knowledge, and appealing to ease to get more traffic. Get attention with headline templates from Michael Hyatt:  Michael is a friend of who's built a platform of 615,597 fans to date. His blog titles definitely tie into the information throughout this post, and his templates- though simple- are extremely effective at getting more readers. Increase conversions with  headline formulas from Sherice Jacob on the Crazy Egg blog:  Sherice takes the stance that  writing great copy is an art and a science. She's helped a bunch of folks increase conversion rates with her headline writing skillz. Since Crazy Egg- a tool that helps people get better conversions- thought this information was awesome, I thought you gals and guys would enjoy it, too. Get more social shares with a little advice from users: We recently analyzed the 4,302,684  blog titles in our database, focusing on the headline structure behind the 1,000 most popular posts that got the most social shares of any content we've ever seen. Those formulas are proven to increase your chances of getting more social shares from your blog titles. To top off that list, I'd also like to share the blog title structures from our top-performing content on the blog: What {#}  Studies Say About  {Subject} {#} {Noun}  That Are Proven To  {Desirable Outcome} {#} Ways To Be {Adjective}  When You Don’t  {Verb} {Adjective} How To {Verb}  An {Audience} With The Best {Subject}  Tips (+{#} Free {Resources}) {#} Data-Driven {Noun}  From {#}  Of The Most Popular  {Noun} {#}+ Easy Ways To {Verb  A  {Noun}  That Will Skyrocket By {#}% In 1 Year How To Use {Noun}  To Increase Your  {Desirable Outcome} The {#}-Minute, {#}-Step Solution For The Best  {Noun} How To Rock A {Noun}  That Will Save You Tons Of Time How To {Verb}  Your {Noun}  For Massive Growth If you start with these ten blog title formulas and write  'em in the headline analyzer, I can nearly guarantee you'll get an awesome grade and score which means you'll get more social shares for your hard work. Which brings me to the last step here... How To Write Catchy Blog Titles With 100+ Proven Templates That Increase Social SharesStep 5: Use 5 Blog Title Tools To Take Your Headlines To The Next Level Woohoo! You made it and understand the best ways to write  super catchy blog titles. Let's  just say you're having a bit of trouble staying inspired.  There are some great  tools out there to help you out: Impact has a blog title generator that helps you insert a topic you'd like to write about and spits out all sorts of headlines to get the inspiration going. Similarly, HubSpot as a blog topic generator that will help you enter in a couple nouns that you might use in your blog post (think about using the keyword), and generate a bunch of topics based on your nouns. Where HubSpot starts, SEOPressor takes it a step further and literally asks you to enter a keyword into their blog title generator to get the ideas flowing. And if you're looking for something a little more humorous and trendy, the content idea generator by Portent is the one for you. Last but not least, once you come up with your headline through any of these generators, run it through the headline analyzer  (which is now built directly into your editorial calendar, too). While your blog title might be close, you could probably use a few of the lessons you've learned from this post- along with the huge list of emotional words- to improve your blog title even further to increase your social shares. How To Use What You've Learned In A Meaningful Way You're a headline  maniac now with your 5-step process for writing a super catchy blog title. I wanted to recap with a bit of advice you might have seen from us in the past because if you're serious about improving your blog titles, this is how to take what you just learned to the next level: Write your headline first- before writing your post. That will help you focus on the value proposition to keep your writing on track. Write at least 25 headlines for every post. Your first take at this might feel awkward, and this process gives you the chance to work through tons of ideas to find the best ones you can use in A/B tests. When you put the time into writing great blog titles, use them for multiple purposes. Share alternative versions you came up with in your blog title brainstorm on social media, and A/B test your headlines in your email subject lines. Download and use alternative headlines throughout your post to encourage more social shares. Don't worry so much about the mechanics. Word count and length- though important in some contexts like subject lines- don't matter as much as the catchiness factor you learned about in this post. If you decide to write catchy headlines  through this process, make sure the content behind the click is just as powerful as your promise. Plan time to improve your blog titles by analyzing  data from your own audience. This  process definitely works for increasing traffic and social shares- but you may have to adjust the pillars according to your own findings. You've got this. :)

Mechanisms of disease and diseases of skin, bone and muscles Essay

Mechanisms of disease and diseases of skin, bone and muscles - Essay Example Additionally, apparently the upper layers of the dermis or the complete epidermis might be damaged, as a result of the grease fire in the kitchen. The wound and swelling may appear red or pink in color with watery texture and is painful, as he complained. This wound may get blanched with application of pressure too. Fortunately, with second degree burns of partial thickness, it should be healed within 10-21 days without grafting and appearance of scar marks will be minimal. 2. Since Margie experienced swelling in your knee within just 5-10 minutes of the basketball accident, it generally means her ACL is injured it is necessary to get medical attention without delay, otherwise it may cause permanent damage to one’s knee. It is rarely seen that an injured ACL does not cause any swelling (McCance & Huether, 2014). Next in the list of torn ACL symptom is pain. Any person having ACL injury gets pain most of the time. It is very rare that an ACL injury patient does not get a pain and it has happened earlier. The pain can vary from mild to severe. The doctor should see if Margie’s knee get swollen and it will not be unusual if your knee possesses a small amount of fluid in it. Furthermore, if the doctor sees that Margie’s knee has swelled up like a basketball, there are high chances that Margie has got an ACL injury or a fracture. Margie heard a pop sound that is not as minor or low when one cracks one’s knuckles. This popping sou nd also does not refer to the ones that one generally feels with the motion of the knee. If Margie has heard a powerful, loud and painful pop sound, after she had an injury in her knee – this generally means she has got a torn ligament. Many athletes generally confess to their teammates that they heard a pop sound when their ACLs are torn. One cannot bear one’s own weight and experiences extreme pain while walking is the general complaint. There are many injuries that can cause serious pain in one’s leg

Explains all that we have learned our class Essay

Explains all that we have learned our class - Essay Example At first, we understood the major importance of hospitality laws. The knowledge of hospitality laws isn’t just a piece of information, but it is an important part that professionals and students must know to avoid heavy fines, negative publicity, and lawsuits. All the managers, employees, and staff members must be aware of all these laws. We were taught in this semester that hospitality laws have a wide range of implications that must be known and followed in order to avoid breaking state and federal laws. book serves as a handbook for professionals and everyone in this business as the subject is well distributed in chapters and units, updated examples are given, and cases are explained that cover a wide range of possibilities. hospitality industry, the main importance is given to the safety of the customer. Food safety laws are essential and it is important to have the knowledge of how to store and clean food to keep the customers satisfied and safe. This would avoid fines and lawsuits. Safety laws can also include the fire safety laws where the hotels must meet the guidelines on fire safety. Such laws and the following of them enhance the public image of the business and increase the customer base. Customers also feel safe as they rest easy and have the trust that the hotel would protect them in cases of fire and provide hygienic clean food (Morris & Cournoyer 23). Hospitality laws also enable the businesses to protect their reputation. Some of the contemporary hospitality laws introduced in the textbook and in class are discriminatory laws, employment laws, and access to disabled patrons. There must be no discrimination against customers or employees on the basis of their race, religion, sex, disability, or age. This leads to a negative impression and negative public image. Managers and employers must also respect the workers despite their background and avoid discrimination at workplace of any kind. They are

Write a brief humorous essay on the director Essay Example for Free

Write a brief humorous essay on the director Essay Write a brief humorous essay on the directors take of a modern production of a chosen scene in Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet, Act 1, Scene 5 No, no, no and NO! I was beginning to get exasperated. The actors I had selected for my production of William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet were, how should I put it kindly? , dim and untalented. We were rehearsing one of the most important scenes of the play, the scene where Romeo and Juliet first meet. The scene where they fall in love, the whole play revolved around this scene, and this bunch of amateurs was ruining it. Look Megan, I said to my Juliet, you have to put some feeling into this, acting is about much more than just reciting the lines. You have to imagine that YOU are Juliet. You are a fourteen-year-old girl being approached by a handsome boy. You have to SHOW the audience that you arent sure how to react to his advances. Be coy, sweet and innocent. But you also have to be witty. Do you understand, darling? I felt as if I was talking to a toddler. I think so, said Megan. Okay, lets try it one more time. Places everyone! Act 1, scene 5, Action! I yelled. We tried it again, Megans tone had improved, but I suspected that she didnt have a clue what any of what she was saying meant, and her movements were awful. Whilst Mark, my Romeo, was actually doing okay. I guess miracles do happen. Yes that was much better, sweeties! I screamed But, Mark, darling, you arent confident enough, you have to be a smooth operator, youre a charmer, and you know that sooner or later this young lady will fall for your charm and wit. What charm and wit? This boy couldnt charm a teapot, let alone a young girl! I thought to myself. Once more! Action! My throat was getting sore from yelling so much. Being a director isnt easy, you know, its not all about doing lunch, and all that. But I love it, so I persisted. That was dreadful, simply dreadful! Juliet when you say I grabbed the nearest script Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hands too much, its meant to be witty. By this remark you show us that you are intelligent and that youve caught onto Romeos metaphor. But you still arent sure about him, you are flattered to be approached, but still wary of this guy you know nothing about. You are quite happy touching his hand, but dont want to go further, so you play hard to get! And Romeo, you have to be persistent, even a little aggressive. You touch her hand, but Megan, you pull away, but Mark you go for her hand again, and even try to kiss her after: Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too? so Megan, you dodge his kiss and quickly make up an excuse. Are we clear? Okay, again. Action! They were doing better, but still not good enough. I was beginning to get a headache. Juliet, when Romeo touches your hand you turn away, but Romeo as I said before, you persist. My headache was getting worse, it is pure torture seeing a Shakespeare masterpiece being acted as they were acting it. Last time. And get it right, please. Action! They were getting worse and worse, but Id had enough for the day. Oh well, maybe we still had time to recast.

Effect of Stratospheric Ozone Depletion on Aquatic Ecosystems Essays

The Effect of Stratospheric Ozone Depletion on Aquatic Ecosystems Introduction Throughout the years, advances in technology and scientific development have greatly influenced our global community. Various anthropogenic factors, such as the increased combustion of fossil fuels and widespread usage of manmade chemicals, have greatly affected the planet's atmosphere and it's ozone layer. Ozone Depletion The stratospheric ozone layer is the Earth's natural means of protection from the Sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. Some of the chemicals most harmful to the ozone layer are chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs. These compounds are chemically inert gasses that, when introduced to the stratosphere, speed up the depletion of the ozone layer. The reason that these chemicals are so harmful is that after a CFC molecule is broken up by UV radiation in the stratosphere, its Chlorine atom is free to react with the ozone molecules in the atmosphere. Because Chlorine is a catalyst, it continues to react with other ozone molecules causing continuous damage and depletion of the ozone, as can be seen from the chart of CFC reactions below. As the ozone layer continues to be depleted, more harmful ultraviolet rays are able to penetrate the earth's atmosphere and are absorbed by its surface. Although the sun's emissions of UV rays remain constant, decreases in stratospheric ozone levels cause a reduction in the Earth's protection from the sun's harmful rays. Research has recently shown that over exposure to UV-B radiation can impair the body's ability to fight off disease, in addition to causing skin cancer and a range of eye disorders. Ultraviolet radiation also deleteriously affects plant growth by reducing leaf size and the... ...mental effects on marine life and the aquatic food chain. Further damage to the earth's aquatic ecosystems must be prevented in order to prevent not only the deterioration of oceanic life, but also the deterioration of the planet and its diverse life forms. By ceasing CFC usage and implementing substitutes, as well as through decreasing fossil fuel emissions and the release of other chemicals into the atmosphere, we can attempt to conserve what remains of the ozone layer and thus impede the increasing penetration of UV rays into the Earth's atmosphere and oceans. The safety of the planet and its organisms rests on the protection of the stratospheric ozone layer. If the depletion of stratospheric ozone continues, it will result in the deterioration of the phytoplankton which is an important base to the aquatic food chain on which most marine and animal life depends. Effect of Stratospheric Ozone Depletion on Aquatic Ecosystems Essays The Effect of Stratospheric Ozone Depletion on Aquatic Ecosystems Introduction Throughout the years, advances in technology and scientific development have greatly influenced our global community. Various anthropogenic factors, such as the increased combustion of fossil fuels and widespread usage of manmade chemicals, have greatly affected the planet's atmosphere and it's ozone layer. Ozone Depletion The stratospheric ozone layer is the Earth's natural means of protection from the Sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. Some of the chemicals most harmful to the ozone layer are chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs. These compounds are chemically inert gasses that, when introduced to the stratosphere, speed up the depletion of the ozone layer. The reason that these chemicals are so harmful is that after a CFC molecule is broken up by UV radiation in the stratosphere, its Chlorine atom is free to react with the ozone molecules in the atmosphere. Because Chlorine is a catalyst, it continues to react with other ozone molecules causing continuous damage and depletion of the ozone, as can be seen from the chart of CFC reactions below. As the ozone layer continues to be depleted, more harmful ultraviolet rays are able to penetrate the earth's atmosphere and are absorbed by its surface. Although the sun's emissions of UV rays remain constant, decreases in stratospheric ozone levels cause a reduction in the Earth's protection from the sun's harmful rays. Research has recently shown that over exposure to UV-B radiation can impair the body's ability to fight off disease, in addition to causing skin cancer and a range of eye disorders. Ultraviolet radiation also deleteriously affects plant growth by reducing leaf size and the... ...mental effects on marine life and the aquatic food chain. Further damage to the earth's aquatic ecosystems must be prevented in order to prevent not only the deterioration of oceanic life, but also the deterioration of the planet and its diverse life forms. By ceasing CFC usage and implementing substitutes, as well as through decreasing fossil fuel emissions and the release of other chemicals into the atmosphere, we can attempt to conserve what remains of the ozone layer and thus impede the increasing penetration of UV rays into the Earth's atmosphere and oceans. The safety of the planet and its organisms rests on the protection of the stratospheric ozone layer. If the depletion of stratospheric ozone continues, it will result in the deterioration of the phytoplankton which is an important base to the aquatic food chain on which most marine and animal life depends.

A Culture of Violence

A culture of violence may not always go noticed by people, especially those who are living within a community. The closeness of the people therein, together with a fixed mindset or opinion about the community, may prevent residents from realizing or accepting the fact that things have changed for the worse.Moreover, there is the possibility that people might get too complacent that they would no longer bother to identify key issues, such as those involving attitudes or cultures that need to be changed.Article SummaryThe story of Reena Virk, a fourteen year old, East Indian girl, illustrates this point. In â€Å"Reena Virk's short life and lonely death: swept away: a 14-year-  Ã‚  Ã‚   old girl beaten by the very teens she wanted as friends was left to the cold salt-water,† Cernetig tells a classic story of a girl coming from a minority group who, for this reason, desperately tries to fit in her new surroundings.Being taken from her home, she finds herself in a new but unfrie ndly environment where teenagers already knew each other. It did not help Reena at all that she was overweight. Thus, she got picked on by the other teenagers in her school.However, this classic story turned out worse than it should have. While the usual story ends happily, with the ugly duckling fitting in after sometime, this one ended, quite tragically, in Reena’s death.Unbeknownst to the local community, small groups of teenagers in the local schools had been forming gangs that are similar to those seen in television shows featuring Los Angeles gangs (Cernetig). Moreover, these teenagers appear to have been influenced by songs and shows that abound in mainstream media, which all glorify violence and the proliferation of gangs.Examples of these media are what Cernetig calls â€Å"gangsta-rap CDs (Cernetig).† This influence has gone to the extent of ending up with a murdered young girl, without anyone taking responsibility for it, despite the fact that several suspec ts have already been apprehended (Cernetig).The story gets more notorious because of the delay with which Reena’s body was found. One week has passed before the police were able to locate her body. Moreover, their theory on the case had been built largely on speculations based on stories that had circulated about town.AnalysisReena’s story raises several issues for critical analysis. The first one involves the media’s portrayal of an L.A. gang. This is a crucial issue in the story because this was apparently the main reason why people at very young ages are exposed to violence. Worse, the media is shown to be primarily responsible for building a certain image of a gang as cool or fun.

A Sustainable Development Strategy for the Maltese Islands

A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR THE MALTESE ISLANDS 2007-2016 Proposed by the National Commission for Sustainable Development 2 A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR THE MALTESE ISLANDS 2007-2016 National Commission for Sustainable Development 20th December 2006 This proposed Sustainable Development Strategy for the Maltese Islands was adopted by the National Commission for Sustainable Development on 13 November 2006, in terms of Article 8 (7f) of the Environment Protection Act (Chapter 435 of the Laws of Malta).It is being submitted by the Commission to the Cabinet of Ministers for possible endorsement by the Government of Malta. This document does not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Malta. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Objective and Mandate Sustainability is a Two-way Street Implementing the Strategy Layout Priority Areas 1. INTRODUCTION 1. 1 The Process of Drafting the Strategy 1. 2 The Mandate 1. 3 The Main Benefits of a Sustainable Development Strategy 1. 4 The Criteria Underpinning the Strategy 1. Layout of the Document 2. UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES 2. 1 The Overarching Vision and Goal 2. 2 Sustainability is Multifaceted 2. 3 The Democratic Dimension: Participation is Necessary 2. 4 Social Responsibility and the Ethical Dimension 2. 5 The Political Dimension: Integrative Legislation and Policy 2. 6 The International and Regional Dimensions 3. THE PROPOSED STRATEGY FOR MALTA 3. 1 Managing the Environment and Resources 3. 2 Promoting Sustainable Economic Development 3. 3 Fostering Sustainable Communities 3. 4 Cross-cutting Strategic Issues 3. Cross-cutting Strategic Issues 5 5 6 6 7 7 9 9 9 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 13 13 14 15 15 35 47 57 58 4. IMPLEMENTING THE STRATEGY 4. 1 Institutionalising the Development of the Strategy 4. 2 Identifying Responsibilities and Structures 4. 3 Setting Targets, Monitoring and Evaluation 4. 4 Devising Participatory Schemes 4. 5 Collaboration between the Public and Private Sectors 4. 6 Coordinating a nd Funding the Strategy 5. THE WAY AHEAD 5. 1 Revising the Strategy 5. 2 Ongoing Consultation 6. THE PRIORITIES APPENDIX 1: PRIORITY STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 63 63 63 65 65 67 68 69 69 69 71 73 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The process of drafting the National Strategy for Sustainable Development was initiated during the 5th meeting of Malta’s National Commission for Sustainable Development (NCSD), held on 9 December 2002, when the Commission appointed a Task Force to oversee the preparation of a National Strategy for Sustainable Development, consisting of an overarching vision and principles, listing the aspirations of Government, civil society and the private sector in this regard, and outlining methods of implementation, taking into account Malta’s capacities and constraints.This decision was taken in line with the functions of the Commission, as listed in Article 8(7) of the Environmental Protection Act (Act XX 2001). The Task Force met soon after it was appointed and set in mot ion a consultative process to prepare the National Strategy for Sustainable Development. In March 2006, the National Commission for Sustainable Development appointed a second Task Force, in order to update the original draft of the National Strategy for Sustainable Development, published in July 2004, by incorporating suggestions put forward by various organisations and individuals that were consulted during 2004 and 2005 and by government ministries, departments and public sector agencies that were onsulted in March 2006. That version was published in April 2006,2 and presented for discussion at a National Conference on Sustainable Development, held on 22 April 2006 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. A third draft of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Maltese Islands was drawn up to incorporate suggestions put forward during the April 2006 Conference.Following a second round of consultation with government departments and other public sector agencies, a fourth draft (the current document) was prepared by a third Task Force appointed by the Commission for Sustainable Development and presented to the Commission on 13 November 2006. The Commission adopted this document and decided to submit it to the Cabinet of Ministers for possible endorsement by the Government of Malta This proposed Strategy represents the views of the NCSD and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Malta. Objective and MandateThe objective of drawing up a National Strategy for Sustainable Development was first established in the aftermath of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), when the Maltese Government, together with the governments of other nations, committed itself to adopt such a Strategy so as to â€Å"build upon and harmonise the various sectoral, economic, social and environmental policies and plans that are operating in the country† and to â€Å"ensure socially responsible economic development while protec ting the resource base and the environment for the benefit of future generations. Governments also agreed that the Strategy should â€Å"be developed through the widest possible participation† and that it should be â€Å"based on a thorough assessment of the current situation and initiatives† (Agenda 21, Chapter 8, paragraph 8. 7). In September 2000, some 150 Heads of State, including Malta, signed the Millennium Declaration and reaffirmed their support for the principles of sustainable development and Agenda 21. They also agreed on the Millennium Development Goals, including the need to â€Å"integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes and reverse the loss of environmental resources. (Millennium Development Goal 7). 1 2 See http://home. um. edu. mt/islands/ncsd/analysis_public_consultation. pdf http://home. um. edu. mt/islands/ncsd/draftstrategydocument_2006. pdf 5 This activity at UN level prompted the European Union to p repare its own Strategy for Sustainable Development3 in 2001, which was renewed in June 2006. The EU Strategy contains targets and actions on seven key priority challenges, and outlines guiding principles for sustainable development.The Malta Strategy builds upon and is informed by the Sustainable Development Strategy of the EU. In addition, as a result of its accession to the EU, Malta has embarked on wide-ranging reforms in various sectors, produced national strategic documents in key areas, transposed EU directives in line with the acquis communautaire, upgraded its environmental legislation, and bound itself to adopt measures which are strategically aimed at achieving sustainable development goals.Malta’s Strategy is also in line with the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development. 4 These commitments, among others, have imposed an obligation and a mandate for Malta to adopt a sustainable development strategy. Malta has, following UNCED, undertaken various actions which can be considered conducive to sustainable development. These were however not couched within an overarching sustainable development strategy. This Strategy is intended to satisfy this need.It is the result of the dedicated work of members of the National Commission for Sustainable Development, particularly those forming part of the task forces appointed by the Commission, and also draws on extensive public consultation. It contains an overarching vision and related principles, reflecting the aspirations of the people as expressed in the consultation process. It sets targets and related performance indicators in line with such aspirations and with national commitments, and outlines methods of implementation taking into account Malta’s capacities and constraints.This proposed Strategy for Sustainable Development reinforces the strategic vision identified in key Malta Government policy documents, including the National Reform Programme and the Draft National Strategic Re ference Framework. Sustainability is a Two-way Street In various parts of this document, civil society participation is encouraged. Such participation should not be taken to imply armchair criticism, but involvement in the pursuit of sustainable development goals.While it is the Government’s responsibility to officially formulate, fund and implement the national sustainable development strategy, there is an equal responsibility placed on individuals, constituted bodies and civil society in general to play their part in supporting initiatives that foster sustainable development, as a way of achieving a better quality of life for current and future generations. This may involve changes in the way individuals conduct their life, but social responsibility is central to the concept of sustainable development. Implementing the StrategyThe success of this Strategy will lie in its implementation. A prerequisite for successful implementation is an Action Plan relating to the strategic directions, particularly the priority ones. The Action Plan needs to include specific indicators, budget allocations and time frames, thus rendering it amenable to regular monitoring. This Strategy should be undertaken once the priority strategic directions are approved by the Government. 3 â€Å"A sustainable Europe for a Better World: A European Union Strategy for Sustainable Development† COM (2001) 264 final. See http://www. planbleu. org/actualite/uk/MediterraneanStrategySustainableDevelopment. html 6 Layout This report is organised in six chapters. Chapter 1 describes how the Strategy was drawn up and the criteria underpinning it. Chapter 2 explains the overarching vision underpinning the Strategy, referring to the various dimensions of sustainable development. Chapter 3, which presents the Strategy, is structured in four sections, covering the environmental, economic and social pillars of sustainable development, as well as cross-cutting issues.Chapter 4 deals with the implementation of the Strategy. Chapter 5 presents suggestions for the way forward, with a reminder that the Strategy is an ongoing process requiring periodic revisions. The final chapter lists the priority areas, accompanied by indicators and targets. The focal point of this document is Chapter 3, which, as stated, contains the proposed Strategy, under the following four main headings: (1) managing the environment and resources; (2) promoting sustainable economic development; (3) fostering sustainable communities; and (4) cross-cutting strategic issues.A number of strategic directions are proposed with regard to each heading. These strategic directions are only accompanied by indicators or targets in cases where priority areas are identified, and are intended to serve as guideposts for the attainment of sustainable development goals in the long term. The priority areas, on the other hand, are to be interpreted as an undertaking by Government to attain the targets indicated within the time frames indicated. Priority AreasThe document identifies 20 priority areas, which were given major importance during the consultation process and which the NCSD considered as warranting foremost attention for the attainment of sustainable development goals in Malta. These priority areas are accompanied by indicators and targets. They are considered to have a direct positive effect on society as a whole, in that they improve the quality of life of the population, are in line with sustainable development goals and could be used to gauge whether Malta is moving towards or away from sustainability.The priority strategic directions so identified are the following: 1. The Environment Climate Change. Take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through transport policy and an energy policy that seeks to promote environmental protection, competitiveness and security of supplies and, as a result, decouple the rate of growth of GHG emissions from economic growth. Air Quality. Take re medial action to control emissions of air pollutants (ambient levels of particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, lead, ozone, heavy metals and nitrogen oxides), and achieve compliance with European standards.Nature and Biodiversity. Halt loss of biodiversity by 2010, and achieve management of protected areas by 2008. Freshwater. Adopt a policy with the aim of ensuring the utilisation of water resources in a manner that is environmentally and economically sustainable, while safeguarding the water needs of the population, and of the agricultural, commercial and industrial sectors, and achieve good quantitative status by 2015. Seawater. Sustain compliance with the Bathing Water Directive and achieve compliance with Barcelona Convention standards. Wastes.Prevent and minimise waste by achieving EU waste-related objectives and targets, reviewing Malta’s Waste Management Strategy by 2007. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7 7. Land use. Protect, maintain and improve the urban and rural environment and, through the planning system, protect the open countryside from uses, particularly residences, which can be more appropriately located in urban areas. Transport. Reduce car ownership rates to the EU average by 2014. Attain 1995 bus patronage levels by 2014 (40 million passengers). 8. 9. The Economy Economic Growth.Adopt policy measures so that the growth of GDP per capita in real terms occurs at a rate which will enable the Maltese economy to converge towards the EU average. 10. Employment. Create employment opportunities to generate income and improve the quality of life of the population, taking into consideration environmental and social impacts and adopt policy measures so that the ratio of total employment to the working-age population in Malta converges with the EU average and reaches at least 57 per cent by 2010. 11. Labour productivity.Adopt policy measures to increase average labour productivity at a rate of 1 per cent per annum over the EU average by 2010, while attempting to balance wages, taxation and productivity, in collaboration with the social partners. Society 12. Poverty reduction. Reduce or, at least contain, the current level of 15 per cent of the population at risk of poverty and decrease the ratio of population aged over 65 at risk of poverty from 20 per cent to 15 per cent, by 2010. 13. Labour force participation of women. Adopt policy measures so that the labour force participation rate of women increases to 40. per cent by 2010. 14. Health. Decrease the ratio of overweight/obese population in line with the EU average by 2010 by, amongst other things, enhancing the focus on healthy living and prevention, in order to reduce the need for curative care. 15. Education. Continue to adopt measures to decrease the early school leavers rate to 35 per cent by 2010 Cross Cutting Issues 16. Spatial development plan. By 2010, draw up an integrated spatial development plan to take forward the National Strategy for Sustainable Development, with the participation of major stakeholders. 7. Economic Instruments. By 2008, draw up a strategy to enhance the use of economic instruments, such as charges, taxes, subsidies, deposit refund schemes, and trading schemes to apply the polluter pays principle and to promote sustainable development in Malta. 18. Enforcement. By 2008, put in place an audit of enforcement arrangements to assess the adequacy of the current mechanisms and to promote integration of responsibilities and reduction of overlaps. Implementation 19. Institutional setup.By 2008, put in place a permanent structure, appropriately staffed and funded, to monitor and review the National Strategy for Sustainable Development on an ongoing basis, under the auspices of the National Commission for Sustainable Development, and hold an annual Conference with the participation of major stakeholders to critically evaluate progress relating to the Strategy. 20. Sustainability indicators. By 2008, establish and fund an entity responsible for compiling and evaluating sustainability indicators. This entity should work closely with the National Commission for Sustainable Development and the National Statistics Office. 1. INTRODUCTION 1. 1 The Process of Drafting the Strategy The process of drafting the National Strategy for Sustainable Development was initiated during the 5th meeting of Malta’s National Commission for Sustainable Development (NCSD), held on 9 December 2002, when the Commission appointed a Task Force5 to oversee the preparation of a National Strategy for Sustainable Development, consisting of an overarching vision and principles, listing the aspirations of government, civil society and the private sector in this regard, and outlining methods of implementation, taking into account Malta’s capacities and constraints.This decision was taken in line with the functions of the Commission, as listed in Article 8(7) of the Environmental Protection Act (Act XX 2001). The Task Force met soon after it was appointed and set in motion a consultative process to prepare the National Strategy for Sustainable Development. In March 2006 the National Commission for Sustainable Development appointed a second Task Force7, to update the original draft of the National Strategy for Sustainable Development, published in July 20048 by incorporating suggestions put forward by various organisations and individuals that were consulted during 2004 and 2005 and by government ministries, departments and public sector agencies that were consulted in March 2006. That version was published in April 20069 and was presented for discussion at a National Conference on Sustainable Development, held on 22 April 2006 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. 0 A third draft of a Sustainable Development Strategy for the Maltese Islands was drawn up to incorporate suggestions put forward during the April 2006 Conference. Following a second round of consultation with government departments and other public sector agencies, a fourth draft (the current document) was prepared by a third Task Force11 appointed by the Commission for Sustainable Development and was presented to the Commission on 13 November 2006.The Commission adopted this document in terms of Article 8 (7f) of the Environment Protection Act (Chapter 435 of the Laws of Malta) and decided to submit it to the Cabinet of Ministers for possible endorsement by the Government of Malta. 1. 2 The Mandate With the setting up of the National Commission for Sustainable Development in 2002, in terms of the Environment Protection Act (2001), Malta took the first steps to develop a National Strategy for Sustainable Development.The NCSD’s main remit is to advocate national sustainable development across all sectors, to review progress in the achievement of such sustainable development and to build consensus on action needed to achieve further progress. The NCSD is also charged with identifying relevant processes or policies which may undermine sustainable development, and with proposing alternative processes or policies for adoption by the Government.One of the specific The Task Force was composed of Lino Briguglio, as coordinator, Godwin Cassar, Marguerite Camilleri, Victor Axiak and Ray Cachia Zammit 6 See http://home. um. edu. mt/islands/ncsd/analysis_public_consultation. pdf. 7 The second task force was composed of Lino Briguglio, as coordinator, Godwin Cassar, Marguerite Camilleri, Paul Pace, Martin Spiteri and Marisa Scerri. 8 See http://home. um. edu. t/islands/ncsd/draftstrategydocument. pdf 9 http://home. um. edu. mt/islands/ncsd/draftstrategydocument_2006. pdf 10 See http://home. um. edu. mt/islands/ncsd/conference_report_22-04-06. pdf 11 The third task force was composed of Lino Briguglio as coordinator, Godwin Cassar and Marguerite Camilleri. 5 9 tasks of the Commission is â€Å"to prepare a National Strategy for Sustainable Development† (Chapter 435 of the Laws of Malta, A rticle 8).The objective of drawing up a National Strategy for Sustainable Development was first established in the aftermath of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), when the Maltese Government, together with the governments of other nations, committed itself to adopt such a strategy so as to â€Å"build upon and harmonise the various sectoral, economic, social and environmental policies and plans that are operating in the country† and to â€Å"ensure socially responsible economic development while protecting the resource base and the environment for the benefit of future generations. Governments agreed also that the strategy should â€Å"be developed through the widest possible participation† and that it should be â€Å"based on a thorough assessment of the current situation and initiatives† (Agenda 21, Chapter 8, paragraph 8. 7). In September 2000, some 150 Heads of State, including Malta, signed the Millennium Declaration and reaffirmed their support for the principles of sustainable development and Agenda 21.They also agreed on the Millennium Development Goals, including the need to â€Å"integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes and reverse the loss of environmental resources† (Millennium Development Goal 7). 12 This activity at UN level prompted the European Union to prepare its own Strategy for Sustainable Development13 in 2001, which was renewed in June 2006. The EU Strategy contains targets and actions on seven key priority challenges and outlines guiding principles for sustainable development. 4 The Malta Strategy builds upon and is informed by the EU Sustainable Development Strategy. In addition, as a result of its accession to the EU, Malta has embarked on wide-ranging reforms in various sectors, produced national strategic documents in key areas, transposed EU directives in line with the acquis communautaire, upgraded its environmental legis lation, and bound itself to adopt measures which are strategically aimed at achieving sustainable development goals.These commitments, among others, have imposed an obligation on and a mandate for Malta to adopt a National Strategy for Sustainable Development. Malta has, following UNCED, undertaken various actions which can be considered conducive to sustainable development15 but these were not couched within an overarching sustainable development strategy. The Strategy contained in this document is intended to satisfy this need. See http://www. un. rg/millenniumgoals/ â€Å"A sustainable Europe for a Better World: A European Union Strategy for Sustainable Development† COM (2001) 264 final. 14 The seven priorities emerging out of the renewed EU Strategy are: †¢ Climate change and clean energy †¢ Sustainable transport †¢ Public health †¢ Sustainable production and consumption †¢ Conservation and Management of natural resources †¢ Social inclusion, demography and migration †¢ Global poverty and sustainable development challenges. 5 See Report submitted by the Government of Malta to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002). http://home. um. edu. mt/islands/Malta_WSSD. pdf 13 12 10 1. 3 The Main Benefits of a Sustainable Development Strategy The main advantage of drawing up a National Strategy for Sustainable Development is that such a strategy informs policy-making agents across different sectors. It also provides a framework for a systematic approach within an institutionalised process of consultation and consensus building.The National Strategy for Sustainable Development should serve as a guide in prioritising actions that are undertaken by all members of society to ensure the prudent use and management of resources in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations, thus contributing to a better life for everyone. The Strategy addresses social, economic and envi ronmental concerns in a coherent manner and permits policy makers to assign relative priorities to these three pillars of sustainable development.It affords an opportunity for identifying specific initiatives and for committing authorities towards their implementation within defined time frames. The extensive public consultation exercise that was carried out enriched the process by encouraging participatory schemes, and the exercise was an educational experience in itself for the participants and facilitators. 1. 4 The Criteria Underpinning the StrategyThe criteria on which the Strategy was based are similar to those set out by the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs16 namely that the Strategy should: †¢ seek to integrate economic, social and environmental considerations; †¢ be inter-sectoral and multilayered; †¢ have a long-run perspective and an ethical dimension with regard to future generations; †¢ be developed on the basis of broad part icipation and generate a feeling of ownership by stakeholders; †¢ be backed by strong political commitment; †¢ serve to develop capacity and itself generate an enabling environment; †¢ promote the development of monitoring and assessment procedures; †¢ foster an educative process and a sustainable development culture; †¢ be coherent, in that there should be a balance between the funding potential and strategy priorities; and †¢ be anchored in sound technical and economic analysis. 1. 5 Layout of the Document This report is organised in six chapters. Chapter 2, which follows this introduction, explains the overarching vision underpinning the Strategy, referring to the various dimensions of sustainable development. Chapter 3, which presents the Strategy, is structured in four sections, covering the environmental, economic and social pillars of sustainable development, as well as cross-cutting issues. Chapter 4 deals with the implementation of the Strategy .Chapter 5 proposes a way forward, with a reminder that the Strategy is an ongoing process requiring periodic revisions. The final chapter lists the priority areas, accompanied by performance indicators and targets. 16 UN DESA (2002). â€Å"Guidance in Preparing National Sustainable Development Strategies,† available at http://www. un. org/esa/sustdev/publications/nsds_guidance. pdf 11 2. UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES 2. 1 The Overarching Vision and Goal The National Strategy for Sustainable Development is primarily aimed at improving the quality of life of all members of society, promoting convergence between the interests of different sectors and layers of society and between the interests of current and future generations. 2. 2 Sustainability is MultifacetedSustainable development must be based on a multifaceted approach, covering environmental, economic and social concerns, since the quality of life is dependent on these factors considered together and not in isolation from one a nother. This holistic approach requires a long-term view of development, rather than one based on short term economic gains. It assigns major importance to the integrity of nature and biodiversity, as well as to the eradication of poverty, the removal of social injustice and other factors that work against human welfare of current and future generations. For this reason, economic development must be planned and executed within a framework that respects environmental capacity constraints and conservation priorities.It should be emphasised that sustainable development cannot be compatible with economic stagnation and retardation – the word â€Å"development† itself suggests improvements, including material ones. It is for this reason that, in this document, the need for economic development is given due importance, emphasising the point that sustainable development is not just an environmental issue, but a multidimensional and multifaceted one. However, while it is recog nised that sustainable development objectives need to take into account economic realities, it is likewise recognised that to date, in spite of remarkable efforts towards environmental protection, such constraints have often excessively shifted the national priority towards economic requirements. The Strategy drawn up in this document acknowledges this reality.Furthermore it sets as a top national priority the need to improve our quality of life and of the environment, in an effort to safeguard the long-term prospects of economic growth and social wellbeing. 2. 3 The Democratic Dimension: Participation is Necessary Directly or indirectly, all members of society are potentially affected by decisions related to sustainable development. Public participation in decision-making is therefore an essential feature of sustainable development. Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration states that sustainable development issues are best handled with the participation of all citizens concerned, and t hat these should have the information and opportunity to be able to participate in decision-making processes, including judicial redress. Agenda 21 emphasises the need for enabling the participation of major groups.More recently, the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) Johannesburg Declaration recognised the importance of a broad-based commitment to public participation in policy-formulation, decisionmaking and implementation at all levels. In this regard, Malta has signed the UNECE Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters and, following accession to the EU, has adopted the EU directives relevant to this convention, namely Directive 2003/4/ and 2003/35. 12 Public participation is important for two principal reasons. First, public participation is a good in its own right, empowering people both individually and collectively and reducing social exclusion and alienation.Second, decision s taken through participatory processes are sounder because they are based on a broader spectrum of knowledge and are easier to implement because they are owned by a wider group of people. 2. 4 Social Responsibility and the Ethical Dimension While it is the Government’s responsibility to officially formulate, fund and implement a national Sustainable Development Strategy, there is an equal responsibility placed on individuals, constituted bodies and civil society in general to play their part in supporting initiatives that foster sustainable development, as a way of achieving a better quality of life for current and future generations. This may involve changes in the way ndividuals conduct their lives, but social responsibility is central to the concept of sustainable development. Sustainability has a strong ethical dimension and can be considered as a value to be upheld. In this regard, the issue of responsibility towards future generations takes centre stage – this a spect of sustainable development was an important component of the most widely used definition of sustainable development, as proposed by the Bruntland Commission in 1987, which states that sustainable development is the improvement in the quality of life of current generations without compromising that of future ones. There are also ethical considerations relating to science and technology, since these have major impacts on sustainability.It is important that scientific and technological developments have the improvement of quality of life as a central aim. Ethics also have an important role in the promotion and sharing of knowledge and in the participation of stakeholders in the process. The association between sustainable development and matters such as information, transparency and participation is also ethically based, as noted above. The keyword with regard to the ethical dimension of sustainable development is â€Å"responsibility† and this pertains to environmental qu ality, political matters, use of economic resources, education, culture, intergenerational concerns and international affairs. 2. The Political Dimension: Integrative Legislation and Policy The political dimension of sustainable development relates to the need for strong political commitment from all layers of authority, including Government and local authorities. It is therefore important that those in authority recognise the benefits of sustainable development and take steps to promote it. The multifaceted nature of sustainable development requires cooperation and effective linkages between the different government departments and parastatal organisations at national and local level. In this context, the National Commission for Sustainable Development is a useful and important vehicle for co-operation and effective interface, both at the national and local level, between the various Government entities.The political dimension is also relevant because the process of sustainable dev elopment requires consensus-building on the ways in which natural and economic resources are to be utilised. Sustainable development is primarily a political process since it is based on constant negotiation 13 between the various individuals and groups that have different interests with regard to the use of resources. The process also involves subsidiarity – a principle associated with the decentralisation of power and the provision of an enabling environment, including material assistance to the decentralised units, in order to achieve sustainable development objectives.In general, sustainable development requires a good legal foundation to ensure protection of the environment, to promote macroeconomic stability, to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable groups and to cater for the interests of future generations. Moreover, achieving the desired results requires an integrated approach. 2. 6 The International and Regional Dimensions Agenda 21 created a new development model, en dorsed by the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), aimed at preparing the world for the challenges of the 21st century. It placed the primary, though not exclusive, responsibility on national governments, which were expected to adopt national strategies, plans, policies and processes conducive to sustainable development, in order to secure the well-being of current and future generations.The international commitments of states to promote sustainable development at the regional and international levels emanate from ethical and mutual interest considerations. The ethical obligations stem from the concept of human solidarity. Actions by one state that place a burden on other states or that disregard the plights of other states work against such solidarity. This is one important reason why collaboration is necessary, and should also be an underlying reason for countries, Malta included, which form part of the donor country group within the United Nations to accept intern ational commitments, including those proposed at UNCED and the WSSD, even when such commitments do not produce material gains to the donor countries.Another ethical consideration is that Planet Earth has a limited capacity to deal with negative environmental, economic and social impacts, and collective responsibility in therefore called for. The ‘mutual interest’ consideration is associated with the fact that many sustainable development problems are not confined within the borders of nation-states. Obvious examples are climate change, which has an international dimension, and air and sea pollution, which generally have regional impacts. There are also economic aspects of sustainable development connected with trade and aid, which have clear regional and international mutual interest dimensions.There are many international and regional arrangements for coordination and co-operation including the United Nations, the European Union and the Mediterranean Commission for Sus tainable Development, within which Malta operates at the international and regional level. These have developed and promulgated their own sustainable development strategies and plans, and member countries have an obligation to abide by the commitments which they undertake within such organisations. 14 3. THE PROPOSED STRATEGY FOR MALTA This chapter presents the National Strategy for Sustainable Development adopted by Malta, with reference to the environmental, economic and social dimensions.These three pillars of sustainable development are interrelated and action in this regard should be integrated. In this Chapter, the three dimensions are treated separately, in different sections, for the purpose of exposition only. There are a number of cross-cutting issues which cannot easily be categorised under any one dimension, and these are considered separately in the last section of the chapter. A number of strategic directions are proposed with regard to each heading. These strategic di rections are intended to serve as guideposts for the attainment of sustainable development goals in the longer term, are only accompanied by indicators or targets in cases where priority areas are identified.The priority areas, on the other hand, are to be interpreted as an undertaking by Government to attain the targets within the time frames indicated. This proposed Strategy for Sustainable Development reinforces the strategic vision identified in key Malta Government policy documents, including the National Reform Programme and the Draft National Strategic Reference Framework. 3. 1 Managing the Environment and Resources 3. 1. 1 The Main Environmental Challenges Malta's environmental challenges have been systematically assessed in a number of official reports including the State of the Environment Report (1998, 2002 and 2005) and Malta's National Report to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002).On the basis of these reports and following an extensive consultation proce ss in connection with the drawing up of this Strategy, the following environmental challenges facing Malta were identified: †¢ Air quality and climate change †¢ Energy-efficiency and renewable energy resources †¢ Biodiversity †¢ Freshwater †¢ Wastes †¢ Marine and coastal environment †¢ Land use †¢ Transport †¢ Natural and technological risks †¢ Leisure and the environment 3. 1. 2 Air Quality and Climate Change The quality of Malta’s air should be completely safe for human health and able to support biodiversity. In addition, human activities should have the smallest possible impact on climate and on global life-supporting systems (including the ozone layer). The significant improvement in data availability since 1998 has allowed a thorough quantitative assessment of air quality over the Maltese Islands.Parallel work on determining emissions, the drawing up of a greenhouse gas inventory, as well as observation of transboundary pollution, have provided a detailed identification of sources and their relative importance, providing a sound information base for policy. 15 Electricity generation and transport are the major contributors to air pollution in Malta. In recent years, greenhouse gas emissions have increased due to the increased demand for electrical energy and the growth in private car ownership. This has resulted in atmospheric pollution by particulates, ozone, sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds including benzene and lead.A shift to better-quality and lower-sulphur fuels was made in 2004 and leaded petrol was phased out in January 2003. Results from the national air monitoring programme indicate that the two main air pollutants of concern are particulate matter and ozone, while nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide also pose challenges. The main anthropogenic sources of particulate matter are transport and electricity generation, as well as quarrying and construction activ ities. As a user of ozonedepleting substances (ODSs), Malta also contributes to dispersion in the environment of these substances. The challenge in this area is to attain EU air quality standards while ensuring efficient production and use of energy, as well as a cost effective transport system.Measures designed to encourage energy end-use efficiency, to use renewable sources of energy and to restrict overall vehicle use, including the provision of a high-quality public transport as well as traffic management measures, will be conducive towards this end. Furthermore, support for the use of alternative fuels such as biodiesel should be continued. Government has already introduced financial incentives to promote biofuels, through the exemption from excise duty of the biomass content in biodiesel.. The biodiesel produced in Malta originates from waste cooking oil, and waste collection programmes have been established. Targets for the use of biofuels in road transport have also been set . A balance needs to be found between the costs of introducing alternative fuels and the benefits of reduction in use of conventional fuels. Landfills have been a source of air pollution for many years.The rehabilitation of old landfills and the proper engineering of new ones are expected to resolve the negative impacts associated with past operating practices of Malta’s landfills. Mitigation and adaptation issues and the political and economic aspects of climate change need to be properly addressed as these involve significant economic costs and may impact heavily on Malta’s development. Adaptation to rising global surface temperatures and the anticipated consequential rise in sea level need to feature in future development strategies. In particular, future development strategies should consider the impacts of climate change on coastal areas in terms of risks to settlements and human safety, commercial activities and habitats. 16 Promote the adoption of new technologi es, including mandating use of catalytic converters, to affect †¢ Take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through an energy policy which seeks to promote †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ environmental protection, competitiveness and security of supplies, and as a result decouple the rate of growth of energy demand from economic growth. Take remedial action to control emissions of air pollutants (ambient levels of particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, lead, ozone, heavy metals and nitrogen oxides) and achieve compliance with European standards. Encourage people to make use of public transport or to adopt car-pooling practices in order to reduce vehicle emissions. Introduce smaller buses on certain public transport routes.Require the construction industry to reduce generation of fine dust particles. Continue to monitor landfills for air pollution and take remedial action as required. Continue to monitor transboundary p ollution and take remedial action as required. Develop a hazard map for coastal areas prone to erosion and flooding. Take action to reduce Malta's vulnerability to Climate Change. significant cut-backs in vehicle emissions. Main strategic directions with regard to air quality and climate change: 3. 1. 3 Energy-efficiency and Renewable Energy Resources. Energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources (RES) can be economically and environmentally advantageous.RES are not extensively used in Malta, although they may have immediate local application. Solar water heating could offset a substantial proportion of annual generation of electricity, avoiding emissions of CO2. Generation of electricity using photovoltaics (PV) is currently limited to a small number of specialised applications. The use of photovoltaics will, in practice, be determined by economic factors (the cost of panels and associated equipment), the extent to which these systems can be connected to the electricit y grid, and the associated feed-in tariff established, including any support measures for renewable electricity. Various incentives and support measures could speed up market penetration.Market forces on their own may not spur the use of RES, and government intervention in the form of subsidies or other incentives is required to encourage investors to develop these sources of energy and to encourage consumers to use them. It is important, however, to ensure that the use of RES does not pose unduly high fiscal burdens. In 2005, the Government of Malta introduced a series of measures to support electricity generation from RES. These include financial incentives in the form of grants on the capital costs of photovoltaic installations and micro-wind generation systems by domestic households. A net metering arrangement and purchase by Enemalta at established tariffs of excess electricity generated from small-scale PV systems have also been introduced.In addition, grants on the capital co st of solar thermal water heaters installed by domestic consumers and other financial incentives related to meter installation charges for new domestic consumers installing such systems have been established. The Government has also published a draft Renewable Energy Policy for Malta, with the three key objectives of promoting RES, improving the quality of life and providing support facilities and services in a holistic manner. Further reductions in CO2 emissions are likely to be attained through the construction of energyefficient buildings and the use of small combined heat and power plants by industry, the introduction of energy-efficient electric motors and drives, the proper dimensioning of airconditioning units and attendant ducting, and further use of energy-saving lamps.Emissions could also be reduced through improvements in electricity generation and use, as discussed in the previous section. Such reductions could also be attained through fuel pricing as part of an energy 1 7 policy, and through making available alternative sources such as Biodiesel, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The use of energy from animal waste and oil waste is also being studied and reviewed by Government. Efficiency in government electricity usage should be very visible so as to encourage private users to change their own behaviour with regard to electricity usage, as well as to curb light pollution. Such visibility includes more efficient street lighting and luminous devices used in road safety signs.Floodlighting of public buildings could also be reduced late at night. Government departments should adopt energy-efficient lighting and air-conditioning in order to lead by example. Energy-saving pilot projects by the Housing Authority should be encouraged. Main strategic directions with regard to energy-saving and renewable resources †¢ Adopt a national energy policy that seeks to improve efficiency in electricity generation and to promote a sec ure, competitively priced, and environmentally sound energy supply, †¢ Put in place an integrated approach, supported by a nationwide educational campaign, to promote energy efficiency and conservation by users. Carry out an energy audit of street lighting and propose measures to promote efficiency in lighting †¢ Step up funding for research to improve knowledge on local materials and conditions in building for energy efficiency and in the use of renewable energy sources †¢ Adopt building regulations that would include design requirements relating to thermal efficiency. †¢ Direct more development permit applicants to adopt energy efficiency measures. †¢ Promote the introduction and use of renewable energy sources through support mechanisms and other appropriate measures. †¢ Promote energy audits and energy-efficiency improvements in commercial and industrial establishments. Heighten water conservation methods to reduce dependency on reverse osmosis plan ts. 3. 1. 4 Freshwater Water in the Maltese Islands remains a scarce and basic resource and is under intense pressure from competing users. While traditional problems associated with the lack of availability of supply have been addressed mainly though significant investment in desalination plants, this has been achieved at a high cost. Furthermore, new challenges emerge as more information becomes available from studies carried out on environmental impacts. It is likely that modern technological progress will chart the way towards higher levels of efficiency in the use of water resources.The fair allocation of water resources is considered to be a major priority that needs to be addressed throughout the decision-making process. Water demand and supply need to be managed on a geographical basis, especially in areas where second class water requirements take precedence. The integrated management of water resources at water catchment district level is considered to be crucial. Availabl e water resources should be fairly allocated to the different stakeholders while taking into account sectoral requirements in terms of quality and quantity. Such an exercise would require a sound regulatory system and a clear policy, backed by legislation, that sets priorities for water use and lays the foundations for the sustainable management of water resources.In this context, Malta will have to eliminate wasteful practices and move towards the conjunctive use of groundwater with other non-conventional sources such as desalination, treated sewage effluent and stormwater. Stakeholders’ requirements, the relative supply costs and the benefits accrued, as well as the value of the externalities generated by the use of water, need to be carefully assessed. 18 The quality and integrity of groundwater bodies in the Maltese Islands are currently at risk mainly from over-exploitation (including uncontrolled private abstraction of groundwater), leading to increased salinity, and fr om contamination by excess nitrates (mainly from agriculture) and other pollutants.Information on and awareness of the importance of groundwater and the risks posed to its integrity by over-exploitation and pollution need to be more widely disseminated. The ‘polluter pays principle’, as well as the EU Environmental Liability Directive provisions, need to be more extensively used and enforced. Investment in stormwater management and flood relief are key priorities for the Maltese Islands. The installation of stormwater catchment facilities will allow this source of freshwater to be utilised for a wide variety of purposes, reducing the strain on the current freshwater resources. Furthermore, road and land development have often failed to recognise the importance of maintaining natural aquifer recharge.Legislative changes introduced in 2000 with the establishment of the Malta Resources Authority involved the separation of the regulatory and operational responsibilities pre viously carried out by the Water Services Corporation. This has led to a clear distinction of regulatory and operational roles between the regulator and the utility agency, thus promoting an improvement in the level of services provided, to the consumers as well as better regulation of the sector. Drinking water quality standards have improved during the past three years as a result of infrastructural improvements which allow a more uniform blending of groundwater with desalinated water throughout the Maltese Islands.Further improvement is foreseen as the Water Services Corporation plans to upgrade its desalination facilities in an endeavour to improve product quality and energy efficiency. The introduction of a better-regulated system for groundwater abstraction, together with enforcement of environmental measures to improve the qualitative standards of groundwater supplies, is also envisaged. In recent years, the Water Services Corporation has also stepped up its water conservatio n efforts and has reduced losses from the distribution network. Better use of harvested rainwater and treated sewage effluent is envisaged in the coming years, while further measures and incentives to store stormwater run-off in urban/semi-urban areas will be considered.Potable water quality needs to be improved in order to reach EU standards and the present plans of the Water Services Corporation and of the Malta Resources Authority to achieve this aim need to be fully implemented in a sustainable manner. Through EU Structural Funds, measures and projects are underway to improve drinking water quality. At the same time, conservation measures related to water produced through sewage treatment, controlled abstraction of groundwater, the better use of cisterns and wells, and the cleaning of existing dams and building of new ones in strategic locations need to be encouraged through the enforcement of existing legislation, a more effective consumer education programmes and, possibly, ec onomic incentives and disincentives. Measures to store rainwater, including the use of disused quarries, need to be explored.Valley beds need to be cleared from unauthorised interventions in order to allow for the safe collection of water; however, the ecological value of valleys must be recognised in addition to their water transport function, and the haphazard clearing of valleys should be prohibited. As well as supplying potable water for human use, freshwater also sustains a variety of perennial springs and small water bodies which, in turn, support a variety of species. Such freshwater ecosystems are extremely threatened by the combined effects of habitat loss and by the lack of water availability, resulting from anthropogenic activities and recurring episodes of drought.These freshwater habitats need to be very carefully managed and all efforts should be made to safeguard them before they are completely lost. To this end, the importance of such measures will be 19 reflected in the implementation of the Water Catchment Management Plan under the national legislation transposing the Water Framework Directive. Around 14. 3Mm3/year of treated sewage effluent are expected to be available for re-use in Malta and Gozo during the next five years. As a signatory to the Barcelona Convention, Malta is committed to treat all wastewater before discharging at sea, and is thus planning to set up three new sewage treatment plants: one in Gozo and two in Malta.The treatment plant in Gozo and that in the north of Malta are expected to be operational by 2008. Once the projected sewage treatment plants are operational, the country should have significant quantities of second-class water. While not suitable for human consumption, this water may be suitable for other purposes. Other uses should be explored, especially for those sectors and activities with heavy water consumption. In this regard, projects that require large quantities of water to sustain them need to be careful ly assessed for their impact on the water supply. Since sewage is increasingly being seen as a water resource, it must also be protected against contamination from hazardous industrial and other effluents.Main strategic directions with regard to freshwater: †¢ Adopt a policy with the aim of ensuring the utilisation of the nation’s water resources in a manner that is environmentally and economically sustainable. †¢ Allow the natural biodiversity of surface water eco-systems to be sustained and to flourish, and achieve good ecological status for inland surface waters by 2015 in line with the Water Framework Directive. †¢ Ensure a reliable and good-quality supply of potable water in accordance with international water quality standards. †¢ Reduce and prevent further pollution of waters with the aim of achieving good status of all water bodies by 2015 in line with the Water Framework Directive. Establish and operate comprehensive monitoring networks for all wa ter bodies in the Maltese Islands in order to reliably assess the achievement of ‘good status’ objectives in these bodies. †¢ Encourage initiatives for the adoption of water efficiency and conservation measures. †¢ Introduce effective catchment management and design roads so as to maximise the channelling of water towards reservoirs. †¢ Improve public awareness on the environmental, social and economic value of water. †¢ Strengthen and enforce regulatory measures with regard to illegal abstraction. †¢ Encourage the recycling of non-potable sources of water for secondary use. †¢ Assess projects that require large quantities of water in order to ascertain that they do not unduly create water supply shortages. Optimise the use of second-class water particularly in those sectors that make heavy use of water. 3. 1. 5 Biodiversity Though small in size, the Maltese Islands and their territorial waters support a variety of habitats and significant biodiversity which are still not adequately recognised as an environmental asset to be protected and sustained. Loss of biodiversity, i. e. the irreversible loss of species and ecosystems, can have very damaging effects on various aspects of a nation’s development. A number of endemic and sub-endemic species are not only of scientific importance but are also of evolutionary and biogeographical interest, being relics of past Mediterranean flora and fauna.Over the years, not enough commitment has been shown to protect such biodiversity, leading to rapid habitat loss and uncontrolled exploitation of wildlife. This has meant that unique and important habitats such as wetlands, sand dunes and woodlands have disappeared or are on the verge of disappearing. Furthermore, some elements of Malta’s biodiversity have a wider regional and global importance, and as such are protected under international legislation. 20 Extinction and loss of species has been documented since 1998 by the State of the Environment Reports. In spite of the introduction of substantial legal protection for important habitats during the last 15 years, effective protection has lagged behind.Effective conservation requires the allocation of financial, physical and human resources to enable management, including short- and long-term monitoring. Moreover, in situ and ex situ conservation is urgently required (e. g. propagation, habitat restoration, containment, control or eradication of invasive alien species and reintroduction of indigenous species). In spite of efforts to protect and manage indigenous biodiversity, most threatened species and the majority of endemic species, remain under threat from human-mediated activities (such as overexploitation, illegal capture and killing, land development and introduction of alien species) and from the consequences of such activities such as loss and degradation of habitats, pollution, disruption of food webs, erosion and eutrophication) that l ead to undesirable changes in ecosystems. The dwindling areas of garigue, sand dunes and cliff faces are some examples of habitats that are endangered. Due to the state of such habitats, even certain recreational activities, such off-roading, camping and abseiling, need to be better regulated. The state of knowledge of local biota is still poor and resources for the implementation and enforcement of existing regulations have still not reached the required levels. The biodiversity monitoring programme is still rudimentary and under-funded.Exploitation, whether illegal or unregulated, of a number of wildlife species and communities is still ongoing (and, in some cases, possibly increasing), mainly through hunting, trapping and fishing. The currently available data on such activities are not sufficient and not sufficiently reliable to permit a thorough assessment of the impact of such exploitation on the local biodiversity. This issue should be addressed as an immediate priority. Land reclamation in sensitive ecological areas should be prohibited and the re-use of abandoned fields encouraged. This needs to be linked to the promotion of land stewardship, establishment of ecological corridors and organic farming. The uncontrolled introduction of alien species into local eco-systems continues to be of serious concern.An increasing number of such species are establishing themselves in the wild, with adverse effects on the local eco-systems. It is widely documented globally that human-mediated activities, namely trade and tourism, facilitate the introduction and transfer of such species into new environments. Once alien species are introduced, either deliberately or accidentally, into the environment, they can establish themselves. In certain cases, alien species start to compete with native species, in which case they become invasive and could become the dominant species. Invasive alien species involve and affect a wide range of social, ecological and economic activi ties and can also affect public health.To prevent these impacts, a strategy to control existent alien species and to prevent the further introduction of alien invasive species, should be drawn up. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be considered as alien species and the regulation of GMOs should be included in any policy and/or legislation on alien species. Malta’s official policy is that applications to deliberately release or place on the market GMOs are assessed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis and by means of a thorough scientific assessment. Support should be given to research and development to predict and prevent invasive behaviour of alien species and GMOs before they are released into the environment.The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety should be ratified and implemented in order to control transboundary movements of GMOs with the aim of providing a comprehensive and holistic approach to the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of natu ral resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits deriving from the use of genetic resources. 21 In order to comply with the EU nature protection acquis, Malta has designated an extensive network of Special Areas of Conservation, of which 31 are of international importance and which amount to a respectable 12. 5 per cent of the national territory in terms of land area. The total area of protected terrestrial habitat on the Maltese Islands relative to the total surface area compares favourably to the EU average.Additional efforts should now be made so that rare or scientifically important eco-systems not yet protected, as well as representative examples of more widespread habitats such as marine eco-systems, are afforded legal protection. Natural areas which are declared protected need to be monitored and managed in accordance with adopted management plans, the more so since this is also a legal obligation. Management plans have already been adopted for some of the sites, and others are in the pipeline. Monitoring work has been undertaken and policy provisions are being drawn up to ensure that the EU Directives are adhered to. Nonetheless, the process of agreeing on management plans for protected areas will have to be significantly accelerated in order to meet Malta's national and international obligations.A commendable dev