Assignment #5A
Identifying Local Opportunities
Opportunity 1
Title: County commission repeals plastic
ban ordinance
Description: Efforts to end the use of
single-use plastics were overturned in Gainesville this past week. Gainesville
City Commissioner Adrian Hayes-Santos stated that The Federal Retail Federation
(whom have the support from Publix) are preventing the community and others
from protecting their environment.
Problem: Gainesville community members and
leaders attempting to take environmentally friendly actions are being detained
due to unfavorable support from the Third District Court of Appeals.
Who: People that are conscious of the
environment’s condition, the Gainesville community members supporting this
claim
Opportunity 2
Title: RON CUNNINGHAM: Florida leaders
turning our waters into algae factories
Description: Florida’s coastal waters are in
grave danger due to the rapid growth of toxic algae. Moreover, this is
polluting nearby rivers and lakes with heavy ecological and health calamities.
This article goes in depth at how it is human actions that are causing this,
such as wastewater discharge in Tampa Bay and sewage sludges from South
Florida. This is making the water extremely toxic to the point where one cannot
even touch the water. Affecting nearby fishermen and coastal communities.
Problem: Toxic algae is spreading in
coastal waters around Florida and is being fueled through human actions.
Who: Families and communities that
live by the coast, fishermen and industries reliant of clean water.
Opportunity 3
Title: Vaping-linked lung problems
surface in Florida
Description: Lung illnesses have been
increasing due to vaping. 450 people have been affected due to this and has
already resulted in 5 deaths. Electronic cigarettes often contain nicotine and
marijuana and while not yet confirmed what exactly is causing these pulmonary
issues, vapes (e-cigarettes) are the only recurring variables. Although it is
meant for adults, young adults and teens are the main users of these products.
Problem: Electronic cigarettes are
becoming the leading cause of pulmonary illnesses across the United States.
Who: Young teens and adults who
overuse vaping products
Opportunity 4
Title: UF Campus To Lose 600 Parking
Spaces As Construction Begins On New Parking Garage
Description: The University of Florida is
planning to open a new parking garage; however, the price of decals are also
expected to rise by twenty two percent within a four year span and 600 parking
spots will be lost in the meantime. Although this is proposing more spots on
campus the temporary removal of 600 spots is detrimental for UF students.
Problem: Parking on campus is highly
limited and about to become even more so for students and faculty
Who: Students, faculty, members and
visitors who need parking at the University of Florida
Opportunity 5
Title: Invading seawater jeopardizes South
Florida’s delicate drinking water source, but we can lessen the threat
Description: Sea water is slowly creeping in and
coming through the underground in cities in South Florida. Saltwater is pushing
through the Biscayne Aquifier which is the main source of clean water for many
surrounding cities.
Problem: Underground saltwater intrusion is
contaminating freshwater sources in South Florida.
Who: Community members in South Florida,
industries reliant of fresh water
Hey Jake,
ReplyDeleteI commented on another post about how the people affected are very interconnected. You did this perfectly by showing that many groups of people can be affected by one single issue. I posted in a manner similar too yours and I like the short and too the point responses on the opportunities you gave.
Hi, Jake.
ReplyDeleteThe majority of the articles that you decided to shed light on, were in some way related to environmental issues. I agree that environmental issues need solutions, or at least plans that protect it. Furthermore, parking spaces at the University of Florida are a real issue and I’m glad that they are trying to fix. I was not aware that the University of Florida was building a new parking Garage and I think it is a great idea for those that own a car on campus.