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One of the industries that cities across the country have recently started to target in order to move forward is the development of alternative energy sources. Areas which have been victim to the decline in the steel industry as well as manufacturing have been forced to literally retool themselves. Their solution has been to turn their manufacturing based economy into a high tech economy.

Cities have targeted companies which develop windmills, solar cells, fuel cells, geothermal technology and even hydrogen technology. These industries have been viewed as the future of the global economy and cities are trying to jump on board early. Due to a lack economic situation, investors have hesitated to back these alternative energy companies. In order to ease the way, some cities have offered significant tax breaks to companies in attempt to get these companies to set up shop. The increase in income tax the city will receive from the new employees offsets the tax break given to the company.

New Growth in Struggling Ohio

One of the areas which have been hit hard by the struggling economy is that of eastern Ohio. Primarily a steel manufacturing economy, eastern Ohio has turned its attention towards natural gas. Companies from areas such as Oklahoma and Texas were contacted by city officials to bring their operations to the region. Offices employing hundreds of people have been set up in cities throughout Eastern Ohio to act as base of operations.

Not only are cities enjoying the increase of income tax revenue, but also the revenue from the natural gas itself. Estimates of one million dollars will be flowing to cities and villages general fund from the revenue of natural gas. Steps like these are being used by cities across the country to pull themselves into the new economy.

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As mentioned, a major factor that plays into the changing environment is the growing population in the world. With exponential increases occurring globally, all areas will be affected in some way, though some will be affected to a greater degree. For example, coastal areas around the globe are undergoing a vast change in this current age. This is due to the shift of civilization towards the coast in the recent era. It is said that almost half of the worlds population resides near the coast at this time. This has led to significant changes in land topography. In order to accomodate the growing coastal population, the land has been shaped to become suited for houses, among other things. It can be argued that this has led to the increase in extreme events, which have vastly occurred on the coast. However, without substantial proof, it can only be said that an interaction exists to some unknown degree.

On the other hand, circumstances exist where the interaction becomes much more apparent. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is a prime example. This is a period of time in New Orleans history where the crime rate had drastically risen and was at a peak. Subject to this particular circumstance, individuals who had previously been crime-free became criminals. Some people were driven to commit murder, while others resorted to robbery. The environment itself had, in this case, greatly affected the lives of many individuals, causing them to react in a way that they would not have done previously. Many other examples of this kind of interaction have occured in the past if you look for the information.

The interaction between society and the environment, as well as the science behind it, is something that is ever-changing. There will always be something to learn for those who are interested. It is clear, though, that we are currently moving in a particular direction.