The Caribbean is often subject to hurricanes. These powerful storms can be highly destructive and often devastate poor areas. As a result, the United States offers more than $500 million annually in emergency disaster aid. Meanwhile, Caribbean hurricanes are carefully monitored and researched, especially with regard to larger tropical weather and climate patterns.

In your own words, briefly describe the main parts of a northern hemisphere hurricane and its principal characteristics (such as size, precipitation, rotation, and so on). Are recent hurricane seasons worse than in previous years?

Haiti and Dominican Republic share the Caribbean island of Hispaniola and they shared a from roughly 1500–1800. Haiti today is the Western Hemisphere's poorest country while Dominican Republic enjoys the Caribbean's largest and fastest growing economy. As a result, Haitians fleeing poverty and civil instability often migrate to Dominican Republic. During the 1990s, Haitian "boat people" were turned away from the United States or kept in detention centers in South Florida. Since the fall of the Aristide government in February 2004, American troops and then UN peacekeepers were stationed in Haiti to maintain civil calm and aid humanitarian efforts until new national elections are held in 2005. In the meantime, economic opportunities for Haitians in their own country remain bleak.

Given Haiti's current political and economic instability, what is the Dominican Republic's official policy regarding Haitian migrants? What are at least two of the ethical and economic arguments for or against allowing Haitian immigrants into the United States?

Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States, with an economy closely tied to American military bases and U.S.-owned factories. Although they are full U.S. citizens, many Puerto Ricans have pondered their own nationalism. Among the populace, debate continues regarding whether Puerto Rico should retain its commonwealth status, become a U.S. state or declare independence. In 1997, U.S. House Bill 856 allowed a referendum on the issue but 51% of Puerto Rican voters opted for no change in status.

What are current feelings on the subject of Puerto Rico's political status? Providing evidence for your arguments, which status do you believe would be in the best interest of the people of Puerto Rico?