Sustainability Inquiry

In Social Studies, we have been doing a research project based on a sustainability issue. The issue that I have chosen is Water Pollution.

Key Question 1: What is the environmental/social sustainability issue? 

Water pollution is a change in the water that makes it unsustainable and harmful. In other words, the water becomes so toxic that you cannot use it, or give it to animals. This occurs when chemicals, waste, and other things are discharged into the water. Water pollution can negatively impact many living organisms and nature’s water cycle.

                                                                                  

Key Question 2:  What factors have caused this issue?

Humans are the main cause of water pollution. Many of the waste that ends up in the water are from household activities.  These are urine, food waste, oil, cleaning supplies, medicine and many other things. Some of the pollutants are from agriculture and industrial waste. Both of them contains chemicals, which are dumped into rivers and ocean that can affect the population of living things in the water. Another factor that has caused water pollution is sewage. Sewage is transported directly into the waterways and it can spread bacteria that can make people and animals sick. Burning of fossil fuels has also caused water pollution because when the gas combines with the rain, it makes it acidic which can kill animals. Sometimes, people pollute the water by accident by allowing their cars to leak oil and gas onto the ground.

Key Question 3: What will happen if this issue continues to degrade? 

Water is one of the most important things on Earth which provide support for many living things. If water pollution continues to degrade, it could highly damage the environment. Water pollution doesn’t just affect the environment but it can also kill humans and animals. The pollution in the water can reach a point where there isn’t enough oxygen for the fish to breath which can lead to fish suffocating. This issue can also spread diseases that can cause illnesses for humans. As a result, it can wipe the population of living organisms on the earth. 

Key Question 4: What are the possible solutions to this issue (either being currently done or could be done)? 

There are numbers of things that we can do in our daily lifestyle to prevent water pollution. An example of this is turning off the tap when it’s not needed. This helps by saving more water and reducing the amount of contaminated water that needs to be treated. Another way that can help this issue is by putting litter in a bin instead of throwing it on the beach or near the water. As a matter of fact, this idea can save millions of animals that live underwater. Overusing pesticides and fertilizers can highly impact the water as they runoff into water resources. Try using the natural ones to help reduce the pollutants. 

Conclusion

Water pollution is an issue that makes water unsustainable and harmful. This happens when toxic substances enter the water system such as lakes, oceans and rivers. Water pollution can highly impact the environment and can also degrade the quality of the water. A lot of these pollutants are from human activities. Most of these waste are from factories, homes and other buildings.  Some of the pollutants contain chemicals, which are dumped into rivers and ocean that can affect the population of living things in the water. Sometimes, people pollute the water accidentally by allowing their car to leak oil onto the ground letting them in the water. Water is one of the most important things in the earth that provides for many living things. If we keep polluting the water system, it could have a highly negative impact on the environment. As a result, this can kill many humans and animals on Earth. Instead of destroying the water quality, there are many things we can do to prevent this issue. We can help by turning off the tap when it’s not needed, such as while you're brushing your teeth. Apart from saving water, it prevents water shortages and it lessens the amount of water that needed to be treated. Also, instead of throwing litter in the water or near it we should put it in a bin. Water pollution is a real threat to the Environment. It is our responsibility to conserve water bodies and keeping them pollution-free.

The Merchant of Venice ll Act 4

Act Four, Scene One

1) What does the Duke believe Antonio intends to do? (Black Pg. 147, Blue Pg.85) 

The duke believes Shylock was acting cruelly until Antonio begs for mercy

2) What does Shylock intend to do?

He intends to get a pound of flesh out of Antonio.

3) Finish this quote that tells us why, ‘You’ll ask me why I rather choose to have a weight of carrion flesh, than to receive three thousand ducats. I’ll not answer that, but to say it is my humour, is it answered?’ (Black Pg. 149, Blue Pg.86) 

4) What two loopholes does Portia find in the wording of the contract? (Black Pg. 165-167, Blue Pg.95-96) 
First, Shylock can't take less or more than a pound of flesh. Second, he can't drop a shred of blood when he cuts his flesh out.

5) Shylock now has to pay penalties. Complete this quotes that tell us what the penalties are: ‘I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it, For half thy wealth, it is Antonio's, the other half comes to the general state’ (Black Pg. 169, Blue Pg.97) 

6) Are the penalties fair? Why/why not.

Not really, because the penalty says that Shylock can cut a pound of flesh out of Antonio. But he also wants him dead which wasn't on the bond.

7) How do Lorenzo and Jessica gain by the result?

Shylock will give all his goods to Jessica and Lorenzo when he dies.

8) What reward has Portia claimed and why is this significant?

She claims the ring because Bassanio promise to never take it off as a promise.

9) Portia tells Shylock ‘The quality of mercy is not strained’. How does she try to persuade Shylock to show mercy, how much mercy is she willing to show him ((Black Pg. 157-159, Blue Pg.91-92) )
- She will give him any amount of money just to save Antonio. 

Act Four, Scene Two

1) What invitation does Portia refuse and why?

Portia refuses to have dinner with Bassanio because she needed to go to Shylock's house.

2) What does Nerissa plan to get, why do you think this is important?

She intends to get her husband's ring so she can check if he's loyal or not.

3) Do you admire Portia after these scenes, or do you find her actions cruel. Use examples to support your thinking. 

I admire Portia because she's willing to help her husband's friend.