Cholera Fact Sheet

This is a simple Cholera fact sheet developed as an assignment.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/57285437/Enviro/fact_sheet_Patrick_Reilly.pdf

This one is a bit busy for use in printing and distribution, and is geared more toward presentation use with college students.

I've actually been on the "front line" during a Cholera outbreak in northern Namibia and got to use really great publications to reach out to the community. We also did a tremendous amount of water purification education and distribution.

A Silent Spring, and It's Lasting Effects

Prior to 1962, the American consciousness about environmental issues extended into the realm of John Muir, Teddy Roosevelt, and the great parks that speckle our maps. Conservation was a well established mental framework to most Americans understanding the environment. In 1962 however, Rachel Carson fundamentally changed the way in which Americans viewed their connection with the environment, giving birth to the consciousness of the Environmentalist Movement. Carson’s A Silent Spring, so eloquently written, tapped into the publics emotions and brought to life the true impact of our actions on the environment. The ubiquitous use of DDT, fueled by it’s military uses in World War 2, provided the perfect kindling to fuel the firestorm of activity that would follow in the wake of the book’s publishing. Through Carson’s prose, an end to the use of DDT in America and in many other countries came to an end. Following public outcry about the concerns raised in the book, policy measure were put into place that would assist in the mitigation of further occurrences like DDT. The books contribution to the Movement of Environmentalism runs deep, alongside Muir and others accredited with conservation, Carson will be forever linked to the sift in America’s view to their intimate relationship to the environment.

Maps Assignment

Chloropleth maps

I chose this map to explore the uses of a chloropleth map. The map shows the prevalence of HIV (non-AIDS) in the state of Georgia and surrounding areas. Chloropleth maps utilize color spectrums to visually depict variables over a geographic region. This map uses a mutli-spectrum color progression from green to red to depict severity. In this image, the results are stunning and very easy to decipher. The urban metropolitan area around Atlanta has a high prevalence, which comes as little surprise, but also in the mid-south of Georgia rates are also high. 

Dot Density Maps

Depicted above is a different type of map depicting Georgia. This map can be considered a type of dot destiny map. Dot density maps are qualitative maps and give reference for spacial distribution. I chose this map it helps illuminate some of the findings in the first map. We can now see that the HIV rates roughly correspond with population density in different areas of Georgia.

Topographic Maps

I chose this map to use for exploration of topographic maps and their uses. This map is an Elevation Map of Georgia that incorporates elements of a chloropleth map. This map clearly shows the Fall Line, which runs from Columbus GA through just north of Macon heading northeast. This divides the state into two very distinct eco-regions and is responsible for the change in scenery as you drive north. 

Environmental Sensitivity Map

This last map that I have selected illustrates an environmental sensitivity map. The map depicts the USDA plant hardiness zones for Georgia, which shows how resistant plants of the different regions fair to extreme cold or heat. This is particularly interesting when looking viewed in conjunction with the topographic map above. It shows how plants have adapted to their niches. Environmental sensitivity maps are useful in informing policy and environmental health and protection. 

Assignment one!

Attached is the image for the first assignment. I chose an area in Alabama on the Coosa River. I paddle the Cossa often and my wife is on the board of the Cossa River Keepers. The concern that I have mapped out was identified by the Coosa River Keepers. The threat here is that the cities drinking water intake point is directly down stream of the coal ash containment pond's discharge. This raises a few concerns!

Thanks,

Patrick

This post is just a test to make sure things on the blog are all well and dandy. More posts and assignments to come!

Here's some links to my Peace Corps blogs for those interested.
http://binhue653.blogspot.com/ - From my third year as a volunteer leader
http://reilly-nam.blogspot.com/2007/01/sky-is-on-fire-and-donkeys-are-dieing.html - from year one
- Patrick