Impact of urbanization on the climate in developing countries Research Paper

Impact of urbanization on the climate in developing countries - Research Paper Example Today, urbanization has been expanded globally. Its rapid expansion has been related to climate change; the phenomenon is more intensive in developing countries. The effects of urbanization on the climate change in developing countries are presented and analyzed in this paper. The literature related to this subject has been critically reviewed in order to identify all aspects of the relationship between urbanization and climate change, in regard to the developing countries. It is proved that urbanization is highly involved in climate change in these countries; however, the level at which urbanization has influenced the climate of developing countries is not standardized. Certain of these countries have been proved as better prepared to control the expansion of urbanization in their territory. Other countries, such as China, face difficulties in managing the effects of urbanization. Due to its radical expansion worldwide, urbanization has been extensively explored as of its environmental effects. In fact, it has been proved that urbanization can impact the environment in regard to all its elements, meaning ‘the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and the lithosphere’ (Joseph 2009, p.11). More specifically, under the influence of urbanization, the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere can reach extremely high levels, depending on the density of local population (Joseph 2009). At the same time, urbanization leads to the reduction of the O2 available in atmosphere, due to the limitation of green areas where O2 is produced (Joseph 2009). In terms of the hydrosphere the expansion of urbanization is reflected to the following fact: the needs for water in urban areas can be quite high (Joseph 2009). The potentials of local water depositories to respond to these needs are often limited (Joseph 2009). In addition, urbanization can affect lithosphere: extensive land areas are

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) & Male Circumcision, is it a social Research Paper - 1

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) & Male Circumcision, is it a social custom or a religious practice - Research Paper Example legally mandated to ensure that all citizens enjoy their rights and happiness, without prejudice or favor because of social, racial, or religious orientation. Male circumcision and female genital mutilation are issues that have raised intense debate on whether they should be treated as religious or social custom practices. However, in view of the historical practices of both male circumcision and female genital mutilation, the practice should be regarded as social but not as religious issue. In addition, United States should not allow these practices among young boys and girls. Researchers have established that female genital mutilation and male circumcision affect the anatomy of the external reproductive organs of both sexes, which ultimately leads to alteration of sensation during sexual intercourse (Toubia, 1993, p31). These findings have been applied for a long time in different societies to achieve different social objectives, including suppression of sexual feelings. According to Dally(1991, p37), female genital mutilation has been in existence for over 4000 years ago and between 80 to 100 million women have undergone the rite in different parts of the world. There are different reasons that proponents of female genital mutilation use to justify the practice. These include the argument that it is a tradition that is prescribed by the religion (Porter, et al 1986, p 652). Moreover Toubia (1993, p62), argues that female genital mutilation is one of the many practices surrounded by myths and beliefs. Unfortunately, these myths and beliefs have been used for so long to justify the perpetuation of the practice in the society. Toubia (1993, p68) notes that in societies where female genital mutilation is prevalent, uncircumcised women do not get marriage partners because such women are perceived to contain several shortcomings. In most societies that practice the vice, uncircumcised women are considered unfaithful to their husbands once they get