Issues on Airport Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 12500 words

Issues on Airport Security - Essay Example However, the human element posits a problem. 4 2.7.3. Screeners’ Performance Problems 4 2.7.2. Investments In Equipments And Technologies Despite the screening procedures in place, there are still some cases where tragedies occurred because there were opportunities, which allowed some passengers to carry weapons or other items that may be used as a tool for hijacking the plane. Thus, various checkpoints and screenings were set up to deny such opportunity to present itself. Using a metal detector, travellers are screened quickly. Some airports invested in more advanced explosive detection machines such as X-ray machines and Puffer Machines. These machines are used for both carry on and checked baggage. A technology of gas chromatography to detect compounds given off from explosives is also being utilized. There are also machines developed to scan for hidden weapons and explosives on passengers. Such devices, on the other hand, use Compton scattering and necessitates passengers to stand flat on a panel in order to produce a high-resolution image. Moreover, Israel introduced a technology in 2008 that will allow travellers to pass through metal detectors without having to take off their shoes. Shoes are often removed because walk-though gate detectors are not reliable enough in detecting metals on the lower parts of the body whereas this technology will allow security officials as well as passengers to do away with such inconvenience since the machine can detect in less than two seconds metals as small as a razor blade (Dillingham, 2000). In general, passengers are screened through airport security into the concourses located at the exit gates that is often referred to as the secure or sterile area. Travellers are discharged into the sterile area so that they will not be subjected to the same security checks they already went through before the flight; however, they may still be subjected to such checks whenever deemed necessary. Not only are the aircrafts a djusting but also the whole airport, including the business establishments in it such as the restaurants and other eateries. Eating establishments discontinued the use of glasses and utensils made of glass and substituted its plastic alternatives to decrease the probability that these will be used as a deadly weapon (GAO, 2004). In the United States, the concourses are usually open for non-passengers who want to welcome relatives and friends on their arrival. However, due to heightened terror threats and activities, such is no longer allowed. It is now required that non-passengers secure a gate pass so that they can enter into the secure area of the airport. The most accepted valid reasons for securing a gate pass is for the purpose assisting children or attending a business meeting in the secure area since businesspersons would opt to hold it there for safety. For such business meetings in the secure area, a 24-hour notice is required in the case of the United States (GAO, 2004). I n other countries, non-passengers are not yet prohibited to access the secure area. In Australia, non-passengers are also subjected to the similar security checks to those of the passengers. However, there are sensitive information that is not released for public viewing such as information on the sensitive areas of the airports, airport ramps and operational spaces. These areas called the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) are the spaces, which require special qualifications before being entered upon (GAO, 2004) The

Environmental Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Environmental Issues - Essay Example Rubenstein et al oppose this argument by pointing out that these animals would be introduced into a completely new environment from that of their predecessors, with unpredictable results. Dolan also argues for re-wilding as a means of restoring species’ evolutionary potential. Rubenstein et al rebuff this argument as impractical because both the species being reintroduced and those in the current habitat have evolved very differently from past species (Easton, 2011). According to Dolan, re-wilding boosts conservation efforts. Endangered species from Africa and Asia stand a better chance of survival if protected in North American reserves (Easton, 2011). Rubenstein et al however disagree with this on the basis that diversion of resources away from on-going conservation efforts further reduces these species’ chances of survival (Easton, 2011). Rubenstein et al therefore highlight serious concerns on the viability and practicality of re-wilding. Instead of diverting attent ion and funds towards experimental efforts, I believe it is more productive to focus on current conservation efforts. ISSUE 5: MILITARY TRAINING AND THE ENVIRONMENT The United States military is entrusted with 25 million acres of land for military training purposes (Easton, 2011). There are more than 300 species on these lands, and so far, the military has displayed a conservative approach towards these species, training and conducting its activities in a manner that preserves the integrity of these species, an approach termed ‘working around’ (Easton, 2011). Benedict Cohen argues that environmental concerns hinder the military from achieving its training objectives and renders them satisfactorily unprepared to defend the country. He therefore argues for exemption of the military from strict environmental protection policies on the basis that military activities do not greatly endangered species. Cohen provides assurance that the military will continue to conserve the l and under its stewardship (Easton, 2011). Clark strongly opposes the exemption of the military from environmental regulations, arguing that the military has so far trained satisfactorily while within the limits of environmental policies. She also gives examples of the military’s active environmental conservation by incorporating environmental concerns into its training routine, thus demonstrating that military objectives and environmental conservation are not mutually exclusive, but capable of being integrated. Clark also argues that if limitations are removed, there will be no guarantee that the military will clean up after itself, and irreparable damage may be inflicted on the ecosystem (Easton, 2011) . I believe that no institution should operate under a mandate of zero accountability. The military cannot be expected to adequately police itself as regards environmental conservation, and should therefore be held accountable by regulatory bodies on the impact of its activiti es on the environment. ISSUE 6: CARBON EMISSION RESTRICTIONS The growing realization of the devastating impact of green-house gases emitted by human activities and the subsequent climate change necessitated establishment of controls and regulation of emissions by these industries. The debate over carbon emissions is a result of climate change concerns and the need for human beings to regulate their