Contemporary Ecocritical Methods
Ecocriticism has grown into one of the most innovative and urgent fields of the humanities, and many useful ecocritical approaches for addressing our environmental crisis have been developed, discussed, and reconsidered during the last decade. From various perspectives, ecocriticism both adopts and criticizes traditional analytical and theoretical models, resulting in an impressive methodological diversity, pushing the boundaries of the humanities. This open access book, Contemporary Ecocritical Methods, exemplifies this methodological variety and serves as a practical entry into the field. Fourteen chapters, written by scholars from various ecocritical sub-fields of environmental humanities, introduce a rich set of perspectives and their analytical tools. The ebook editions of this book are available open access under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence on bloomsburycollections.com. Open access was funded by Goethe University Frankfurt am Main.
Eco-Concepts
Eco-Concepts: Critical Reflections in Emerging Ecocritical Theory and Ecological Thought offers an intellectual journey through the ever-evolving landscapes of environmental discourse. This thought-provoking volume brings together contributors from international scholarship to scrutinize and illuminate the contemporary trends reshaping our understanding of the natural environment. From the intricate interplay of rising ecocritical theories like restoration and empirical ecocriticism to the nuanced shifts in the reimagining of ecological concepts, this book unravels the complexities of our relationship with the natural sphere. This scholarly collection serves as a compass, guiding readers through the uncharted territories of environmental scholarship or revisiting existing study through fresh critical perspectives. Eco-Concepts strives to become an essential source of reference for academics, students, and individuals seeking an in-depth exploration of the innovative notions influencing the trajectory of discussions on ecology.
Risk, Uncertainty and Maladaptation to Climate Change
This book focuses on integrated disaster risk reduction arising out of climate change and shows how communities build resilience through adaptive and transformative strategies at the local and global levels. It integrates disaster risk, uncertainty, and maladaptation to climate change with evidence from empirical research and a systematic review of existing studies. The book also proposes two important contributions, which makes it distinctive. First, it gives a systematic review of the literature to capture the changing context and concept of risk, uncertainty, and maladaptation to climate change. Second, it uses case studies from around the globe to demonstrate the ways that communities have fostered to build resilience to mitigate the impacts of climate change.There is a growing recognition that decision-makers often rely on intuitive thinking processes rather than undertaking a systematic analysis of options in a deliberative fashion. This latter approach requires accepting a plurality of narratives, embracing multiple disciplinary perspectives, and above all, integrating the appropriate disciplines that can help in finding better solutions. Thus, the book adds value to the existing knowledge on climate change adaptation, perception, and policy initiatives to address disaster risk reduction. It considers all these interconnected issues of risk, uncertainty, and maladaptation through a series of conceptual review- and evidence-based case studies to create new knowledge to address climate change adaptation and a resilient future. The book is a useful contribution to resilience scientists, policymakers, and practitioners from diverse disciplines.
Agricultural farming practices in the face of climate change
In recent years, the land pact region has experienced the vulnerability and adverse effects of climate change. This research analyses the adaptation strategies used by farmers to improve their living conditions. The methodology used consists of collecting, processing and analysing results based on 120 farmers in two districts of each commune. The field results reveal that the indicators are: the delay in the start of the rains, the appearance of pockets of drought during the rainy season, the early end of the rainy season, the increase in daily temperature, the appearance of violent winds, the multiplication of pockets of drought during the rainy season, the increase in the level of plant attack and finally the poor spatial distribution of the rains. Added to all this are the main climatic risks: pockets of drought (83%), poor spatial distribution of rainfall (71%) and rising temperatures (39%). Appropriate methods of adaptation to climate change are needed.
The Epembe Carbonatite Dyke, North-West Namibia
This book gives a bright perspective on the nature of carbonatites along with different magmatic and hydrothermal processes that affect the distribution of these dykes. In the past there has been several debates on the enrichment mechanisms of rare-earth elements, making it a significant book especially now with the increase in technology. The research is filled with exciting findings and not just from a scientific view but also with amazing landscapes and cultural differences.
Dr. Rip’s Essential Beach Book
How do waves break, and what makes good surf? What are dangerous rip currents, and how do you spot one? What should you do if you get caught in one? Australia's best-known surf scientist, Rob "Dr. Rip" Brander, takes readers on a fascinating and entertaining journey to uncover how beaches form and behave, the science of waves and currents, and how beaches respond to storms and climate change. He explains where the sand we lay our towels on came from, how the tides that wash up new treasures each day work, why no two beaches are exactly the same, and why some of them are disappearing. He also explores some of the hazards to watch out for, from rip currents to tsunamis to the (unlikely) event you find yourself swimming with a shark. Whether you're a surfer looking for the perfect wave or you just enjoy hitting the beach with friends and family, this book is a must-read for all ocean lovers.
Composting in the Framework of Circular Economy
Composting is experiencing a "second youth", and the number of plants, as well as the uses of compost, are increasing exponentially all over the world. This Special Issue is an example of the current leading research related to composting and compost and their key role in the circular bioeconomy. Aspects such as composting process control, organic waste biodegradability and associated impacts in the form of gaseous emissions are examples of this research.
Angel Communication Code
What is presented in this is not a topic-by-topic review of what is already known but rather; it pulls together what is already known and combines this information with fresh new insights with a singular focus. The book establishes the common thread leading to a new way to establish 2-way Extraterrestrial Communication. This presentation is unique and has never before been conceived or put to the test. For the past decade, the author has been conducting research and studying the science of extraterrestrial existence and extraterrestrial communication means and methods. The result of all of the research in combination with the dream-like vision of an extraterrestrial communication code has culminated into the publication of two books on the subject. This book is the second. The vision came to the author is very much the same sort of vision several Nobel Prize winning scientist experienced leading to their discoveries (cited herein). This book takes the reader on a journey that leads directly to a scientifically based hypothesis about establishing ET communication. It further presents the foundation of an experiment designed to put that hypothesis to the test consistent with the universally accepted standard scientific method. The next step is to execute the experiment proposed and get ready to communicate with our brothers out there in the universe beyond earth.
Angel Communication Code
What is presented in this is not a topic-by-topic review of what is already known but rather; it pulls together what is already known and combines this information with fresh new insights with a singular focus. The book establishes the common thread leading to a new way to establish 2-way Extraterrestrial Communication. This presentation is unique and has never before been conceived or put to the test. For the past decade, the author has been conducting research and studying the science of extraterrestrial existence and extraterrestrial communication means and methods. The result of all of the research in combination with the dream-like vision of an extraterrestrial communication code has culminated into the publication of two books on the subject. This book is the second. The vision came to the author is very much the same sort of vision several Nobel Prize winning scientist experienced leading to their discoveries (cited herein). This book takes the reader on a journey that leads directly to a scientifically based hypothesis about establishing ET communication. It further presents the foundation of an experiment designed to put that hypothesis to the test consistent with the universally accepted standard scientific method. The next step is to execute the experiment proposed and get ready to communicate with our brothers out there in the universe beyond earth.
Application of Geophysical Data Interpretation in Geological and Mineral Potential Mapping
This reprint, Application of Geophysical Data Interpretation in Geological and Mineral Potential Mapping, published by MDPI, is a compilation of scientific papers on new interpretation results in geological and mineral potential mapping using geophysical methods such as seismic, electrical resistivity, gravity and magnetic methods. It also provides some new methodologies for a variety of geophysical methods to aid geological methods with an emphasis on mineral exploration.
Drawing Coastlines
Drawing Coastlines reveals the ways that technical images such as weather infographics, sea-level projections, and surveys are fast remaking Mumbai's coasts and coastal futures. They set in place infrastructural interventions, vocabularies of development and conservation, and their lines and dots inscribe material conditions of existence and horizons of loss that entangle life forms. V. Chitra interlaces graphics and text by redrawing scientific images, the moments of their construction, the choices and consequences of what gets drawn and what does not, and how images are seen, performed, and manifest. These visual reconstructions show how images remake human-nonhuman relationships, arrange urban politics, and materialize landscapes in complex and contradictory ways. The multimodal format of Drawing Coastlines engages in the politics of its context where words and images combine to create coastal worlds, and to find, through a creative anthropology, openings to build new forms of care in the midst of crisis.
Mineralogy and Petrology Laboratory Practices
This book is about identification and description of minerals and rocks which usually starts with field scenarios followed by hand specimens, preferably under laboratory conditions after field excursions. The information contained in this mineralogy and petrology laboratory manual is a package for concepts and essential practical skills that will enable students to provide a detailed follow-up after such field excursions. Procedures for identifying and describing hand specimens of rock forming minerals and typical rock samples, as seen in hand specimens, have been provided as a guide on anticipated results. Illustrations for the field occurrences have also been provided for the student to visualize field realities that also exist elsewhere. Detailed properties for selected minerals have been provided for comparison with the results that will have been obtained. The comparison acts as a yardstick for the student to ascertain correctness of the descriptions done and thus act as a control opportunity other than serving as a confidence builder. The manual willl serve requirements of the course units that provide knowledge on mineralogy and petrology to students.
Influence of phytoplankton biomass on anchovy catches in Unguja and Pemba Channels
Project Report from the year 2022 in the subject Geography / Earth Science - Oceanography, language: English, abstract: This work aims to analyse the spatial and temporal variation of phytoplankton biomass in the eastern parts of the Unguja and Pemba Channels and its impact on anchovy catches. Secondary data from anchovy catches and Chl-a concentrations will be used as a proxy for phytoplankton biomass to gain important ecological and fisheries science insights. The study by Edward Paul, submitted to the University of Dar es Salaam, addresses the important role of phytoplankton as primary producers in aquatic ecosystems. Using secondary data on anchovy catches and Chl-a concentrations as a measure of phytoplankton biomass, the study examines the spatial and temporal variation of this biomass in the eastern parts of the Unguja and Pemba Channels and its impact on fisheries. Chl-a concentrations were found to be higher in Unguja than in Pemba, with significant differences between seasons. Interestingly, anchovy catches were higher in the Pemba Channel, with the correlation between Chl-a and anchovy catches being positive but not significant. These results provide important insights for fisheries science and the protection of marine ecosystems.
Meaningful Pasts
In Meaningful Pasts, Russell Johnston and Michael Ripmeester explore two strands of identity-making among residents of the Niagara region in Ontario, Canada.First, they describe the region's official narratives, most of which celebrate the achievements of white settlers with a mix of storytelling, rituals, and monuments. Despite their presence in local lore and landmarks, these official narratives did not resonate with the nearly one thousand residents who participated in five surveys conducted over eleven years. Instead, participants drew on contemporary people, places, and events. Second, the authors explore the emergence of Niagara's wine industry as a heritage narrative. The book shares how the survey participants embraced the industry as a local identifier and indicates how the industry's efforts have rekindled the residents' interest in agriculture as a significant element of regional heritage and local identities.Revealing how the profiles of local narratives and commemorations become entwined with social, cultural, economic, and political power, Meaningful Pasts illuminates the fact that local narratives retain their relevance only if residents find them meaningful in their day-to-day lives.
Meaningful Pasts
In Meaningful Pasts, Russell Johnston and Michael Ripmeester explore two strands of identity-making among residents of the Niagara region in Ontario, Canada.First, they describe the region's official narratives, most of which celebrate the achievements of white settlers with a mix of storytelling, rituals, and monuments. Despite their presence in local lore and landmarks, these official narratives did not resonate with the nearly one thousand residents who participated in five surveys conducted over eleven years. Instead, participants drew on contemporary people, places, and events. Second, the authors explore the emergence of Niagara's wine industry as a heritage narrative. The book shares how the survey participants embraced the industry as a local identifier and indicates how the industry's efforts have rekindled the residents' interest in agriculture as a significant element of regional heritage and local identities.Revealing how the profiles of local narratives and commemorations become entwined with social, cultural, economic, and political power, Meaningful Pasts illuminates the fact that local narratives retain their relevance only if residents find them meaningful in their day-to-day lives.
Soggy Ground
Wetlands have long intrigued us. For centuries bogs, mires, and meadows were regarded forlorn topography, loathsome places replete with legend and lore. Natural Historian Mark Demitroff presents an engaging overview on how to read and value the unusual wet environment of the New Jersey Pine Barrens through land-surface processes. Little known ice age landforms provide critical habitat for plants and animals. Places like spungs, cripples, blue holes, and savannahs are woven together in a geographic tapestry of interactions between nature and society. People here have exploited these wetlands for millennia, features that now slowly fade from memory and place.
Jellyfish Age Backwards: Nature`s Secrets to Longevity
This eye-opening book offers a "clear and captivating" (Dr. Kris Verburgh​)scientific deep dive into how plants and animals have already unlocked the secrets to immortality-and the lessons they hold for us all. Recent advances in medicine and technology have expanded our understanding of aging across the animal kingdom, and our own timeless quest for the fountain of youth. Yet, despite modern humans living longer today than ever before, the public's understanding of what is possible is limited to our species--until now. In this spunky, effervescent debut, the key to immortality is revealed to be a superpower within reach. With mind-bending stories from the natural world and our own, Jellyfish Age Backwards reveals lifespans we cannot imagine and physiological gifts that feel closer to magic than reality: There is a Greenland shark that was 286 years old when the Titanic sank, and is currently 390, making it older than the United States. Scientists predict it will live for another 100 years. Trees and lobsters don't "age" in the way we know it. They simply get bigger and bigger. There are forms of radiation that have been known to actually increase the lifespans of certain species, from tortoises to naked mole-rats. There's a species of jellyfish, the size of a fingernail, that can age forwards, then, when threatened, age backwards and begin the process all over again. Mixing cutting-edge research and stories from habitats all around the world, molecular biologist Nicklas Brendborg explores extended life cycles in all its varieties. Along the way, we meet a man who fasted for over a year; a woman who edited her own DNA; redwoods that survive thousands of years; and in the soil of Easter Island, the key to eternal youth. Jellyfish Age Backwards is a love letter to the immense power of nature, and what the immortal lives of many of earth's animals and plants can teach us about the secrets to longevity. Shortlisted for the Royal Society Science Book PrizeA New York Times Editor's Choice PickA Sunday Times (UK) Best Book of the Year
Complexity and Statistical Physics Approaches to Earthquakes
Due to the increase in population worldwide, there is an urgent need to estimate natural hazards more efficiently. A crucial aspect of this challenging task is the mitigation of the risk of earthquakes. The occurrence of earthquakes is an inherently complex phenomenon that is manifested in the nonlinear dynamics that form the process of earthquake generation. Earthquakes interact over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales to generate new events; meanwhile, the coupling of stress interactions with other aseismic processes, such as fluid flow, poroelastic effects, and aseismic slip, may further reduce the frictional strength of faults, triggering more earthquakes. As such, earthquakes are considered a critical phenomenon, exhibiting nonlinearity, self-organized criticality, scaling, clustering, fractal/multifractal structures, and long-range interactions. The analysis of earthquake phenomena in the light of complexity theory is thus ubiquitous, and mathematical tools arising from statistical physics offer a consistent theoretical framework with which to better understand the occurrence of earthquakes. With the significant generation of new data in recent years, these modern tools may provide novel and substantial insights into the physics of earthquakes, with the ultimate aim being to mitigate the risk of earthquakes more effectively.
Geoheritage and Geotourism Resources
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the geoenvironment, with concepts like "geosites", "geoparks", and "geodiversity" becoming integral to the local economic and cultural development of various areas. Globally recognized significant geosites benefit from exchanges of information, skills, experience, and personnel within the geopark community. Geotourism, a form of tourism focused on understanding the geological features of visited areas, plays a crucial role, encompassing both natural and human resources. The core of geoparks lies in geoeducation, as they serve as ideal locations for educational activities.This volume aims to compile a collection of papers highlighting the importance of geoeducation in promoting and preserving geological heritage and geoethical values. Beyond research articles covering various geological heritage approaches, this volume zooms in on new cases, emphasizes current challenges and knowledge gaps, and includes long-term review articles. This Special Issue addresses topics such as the following: Scientific studies of geoheritage sites, showcasing geosites across different geological and geomorphological contexts.Techniques for enhancing geoheritage.The significance of geoheritage in human life.Geosciences education for sustainability.Educational programs fostering geoeducation.Sustainable geotourism, shedding light on issues related to geological heritage management.The sustainable use of natural and cultural heritage and resources.The valorization of geoheritage for sustainable and innovative tourism development.
Environmental and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution
In a world dealing with the widespread impact of heavy metals on our environment, it is crucial to delve deep into the subject and develop effective strategies. Despite appearing in seemingly harmless concentrations, these metals, which do not break down easily and accumulate in living organisms, pose potential threats to various life forms, including humans. Understanding the intricate details of their presence, pathways, sources, and associated risks in our environment underscores the need for focused research.This reprint is expected to provide valuable insights that will lay the foundation for future research and policy efforts. The combined knowledge of the global scientific community shared in these pages will contribute to a more resilient and sustainable approach to tackling the complex challenges presented by heavy metal pollutants in our environment. Additionally, the reprint will serve as a handy reference for students, scholars, and budding researchers.
Nanomaterials Ecotoxicity Evaluation
Nanotechnology has made enormous progress over the last few decades, and the current use of nanomaterials is rapidly increasing. As a result, the continuous release of nanomaterials into the air, water, and soil has raised concerns about possible adverse consequences for environmental and human health. This Special Issue pays close attention to the evaluation of nanomaterials' ecotoxicity associated with their occurrence, behavior, fate, and bioavailability. Such an evaluation would be critical for scientists, legislators, business leaders, and the public to understand and develop effective solutions to the potential impacts of nanomaterials.
How to Cope with Climate Change
How did mankind change Earth from the beginning? How did changes in technologies change our society and the global climate? And how do we have to change to cope with climate change?Climate change is the ultimate threat in the world today, and it can only be addressed through comprehensive technological and societal transformation. This book examines the financial, technical, and social situation of the world today, and outlines some of the existing policies and technologies that will help us on our long and unpredictable journey through climate change. Three major factors that have led us to today's predicament - our economic system, our own inexcusable ignorance, and continued political inertia - must be addressed, discussed, and changed for the better.This book also deals with the concept of change. How is a successful change defined? What steps are necessary, and which steps come first? Fortunately, there is good news. Innovation and human ingenuity will produce the tools needed to deal with the climate catastrophe. The only question is whether people will themselves be able to change to a sufficient degree. The whole process of change will take generations, it will have to be a joint effort, and the stakes are incredibly high.
How to Cope with Climate Change
How did mankind change Earth from the beginning? How did changes in technologies change our society and the global climate? And how do we have to change to cope with climate change?Climate change is the ultimate threat in the world today, and it can only be addressed through comprehensive technological and societal transformation. This book examines the financial, technical, and social situation of the world today, and outlines some of the existing policies and technologies that will help us on our long and unpredictable journey through climate change. Three major factors that have led us to today's predicament -- our economic system, our own inexcusable ignorance, and continued political inertia -- must be addressed, discussed, and changed for the better.This book also deals with the concept of change. How is a successful change defined? What steps are necessary, and which steps come first? Fortunately, there is good news. Innovation and human ingenuity will produce the tools needed to deal with the climate catastrophe. The only question is whether people will themselves be able to change to a sufficient degree. The whole process of change will take generations, it will have to be a joint effort, and the stakes are incredibly high.
Cheaper, Faster, Better
Instant New York Times Bestseller * Financial Times Best Books of 2024 Climate investor and activist Tom Steyer shows us how we can win the war on climate--and why fighting for a sustainable future can help bring meaning and prosperity to our lives.The consequences of climate change--rising waters, extreme weather, record temperatures--are transforming our lives, as global warming accelerates more rapidly than scientists predicted even a few years ago. At the same time, the clean energy revolution is forging ahead faster than nearly anyone anticipated. As Tom Steyer sees it, these two trends together create a moment like the one America faced during World War II: on the one hand, an existential threat that demands our collective action; on the other, an opportunity to lead the world, protect the planet, and set the stage for a new generation of shared economic prosperity.In 2012, Steyer walked away from the highly successful investment fund he founded to devote himself full time to climate issues, and he's been on the front lines ever since. In this accessible book, aimed at everyone from college students to Wall Street investors, Steyer presents his blueprint for winning the climate fight--sharing his own story of becoming a "climate person," debunking the arguments made by fossil fuel companies, and showcasing the inspiring, innovative work of other climate leaders in the clean-energy transition. Capitalism, Steyer argues, can be the key to scaling climate progress, and all of us can play a part in stabilizing our planet. As green technology is fast becoming cleaner and cheaper, reshaping our planet's future--and our own--has never been more crucial or within our reach.
The Bell Bowl Prairie in Rockford, Illinois. Destruction of an Ecosystem and a Social Identity Motivated by Economics
Seminar paper from the year 2023 in the subject Geography / Earth Science - Demographics, Urban Management, Planning, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, language: English, abstract: This paper looks at prairies in the state of Illinois and at their fate facing continuous pressure of developmental projects. Specifically, it analyzes the case of the Bell Bowl Prairie near the City of Rockford, Illinois: The Greater Rockford Airport Authority published plans to expand the cargo area of their Chicago-Rockford International Airport, enabling it to grow substantially. Parts of the area are already on the grounds of Bell Bowl, however, the infrastructural plans aim for a larger natural area coverage - which means destruction of a defining landscape type in the Midwest. In the paper, the reader gets an introduction into the physical geography of prairies, which includes the definition of the term. Further, the case is presented in necessary detail, illuminating social, environmental and legal aspects. This includes the connection between citizens and this natural habitat, protection of endangered animal and plant species as well as the conflict between courts, activists and different authorities. For clarification and temporal orientation, a chapter deals with the current status as well as a view into the near future.
Climate Capitalism
"An important read for anyone in need of optimism about our ability to build a clean energy future."--BILL GATES "Illuminating, incisive, and deeply reported."--DAVID WALLACE-WELLS, New York Times-bestselling author of The Uninhabitable Earth Our age will be defined by the climate emergency. Contrary to the doomist narrative that's taken hold about the climate emergency, the world has already begun deploying the solutions needed to deal with it. On a journey across five continents, Climate Capitalism tracks the unlikely heroes driving the fight against climate change. From the Chinese bureaucrat who did more to make electric cars a reality than Elon Musk, to the Danish students who helped to build the world's longest-operating wind turbine, or the American oil executive building the technology that can reverse climate damages, we meet the people working to scale technologies that are finally able to bend the emissions curve. Through stories that bring people, policy and technology together, Akshat Rathi reveals how the green economy is not only possible, but profitable. This inspiring blend of business, science, and history provides the framework for ensuring that future generations can live in prosperity and that the wheels of progress don't falter.
Governing Sea Level Rise in a Polycentric System
How do polycentric governance systems respond to new collective action problems? This Element tackles this question by studying the governance of adaptation to sea level rise in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Like climate mitigation, climate adaptation has public good characteristics and therefore poses collective action problems of coordination and cooperation. The Element brings together the literature on adaptation planning with the Ecology of Games framework, a theory of polycentricity combining rational choice institutionalism with social network theory, to investigate how policy actors address the collective action problems of climate adaptation: the key barriers to coordination they perceive, the collaborative relationships they form, and their assessment of the quality of the cooperation process in the policy forums they attend. Using both qualitative and quantitative data and analysis, the Element finds that polycentric governance systems can address coordination problems by fostering the emergence of leaders who reduce transaction and information costs. Polycentric systems, however, struggle to address issues of inequality and redistribution.
Survival Strategies of the Gelatinous
"Step by step processes for surviving of the Thick: Bits of knowledge into Jellyfish Environment" is a charming investigation into the puzzling universe of jellyfish, unwinding the complexities of their natural elements and versatile instruments. This enlightening book, containing eight shrewd sections, digs profound into the step by step processes for surviving that make these thick animals tough occupants of our seas. The basic part sets the stage by characterizing the interesting qualities of jellyfish and stressing the basic significance of grasping their environment. The ensuing sections unfurl a complete story, starting with an investigation of the different characterization and dissemination of jellyfish species, offering perusers a striking scene of the huge and shifted submerged domain they possess. The book further explores through the taking care of and savage strategies utilized by jellyfish, revealing insight into their shrewd instruments, like stinging cells and arms, that empower them to explore their maritime climate with ruthless artfulness. A point by point assessment of their regenerative procedures and life cycle gives perusers significant bits of knowledge into the intriguing excursion from polyp to medusa, delineating the unpredictable interaction of ecological elements impacting their multiplication. Natural transformations, a vital part of jellyfish endurance, become the overwhelming focus in another section, addressing their resilience to temperature varieties, saltiness inclinations, and reactions to ecological stressors. The hypnotizing universe of bioluminescence and correspondence sticks to this same pattern, disentangling the meaning of light creation in jellyfish and its job in correspondence, hunter evasion, and mating ceremonies. Connections with different species and the effect of jellyfish on biological systems are investigated, featuring cooperative associations with fish, protection components against hunters, and their impact on marine pecking orders. The book then directs its concentration toward the human aspect, examining stinging episodes, monetary and environmental effects of jellyfish blossoms, and proposing alleviation and the executives techniques.
Natural Disaster Relief Mechanisms in Canada, Bangladesh and Indonesia
Seminar paper from the year 2022 in the subject Geography / Earth Science - Demographics, Urban Management, Planning, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Department of Geography and GIScience), language: English, abstract: This paper looks at policy input in three countries to manage natural disasters that occur on a regular basis. These countries are Canada, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. In the chapters about Canada, information about wildfires and (flash) floods is presented, looking at various reasons for the disasters as well as institutions involved in policymaking. The same content goes for cyclones in Bangladesh and earthquakes in Indonesia. In all four instances, historical evidence about particularly strong cases of these four types of disasters is presented, which underscores the continuous relevance for society and politics. Including a variety of information of different types of sources, the paper contributes to a debate about disaster management and relief mechanisms as well as policymaking capacities.
Sustainable India
Embark on a journey into the future with "Sustainable India," a revolutionary blueprint that charts the course for India's transformation into a sustainable superpower in 50 years. In this pioneering work, the author unveils a novel strategy that places sustainability at the forefront of India's national objectives, ultimately leading to the creation of the world's first sustainable economy and ecosystem.Central to the book's proposal is the establishment of 130-150 equal high-rise, mixed-use blue-green cities as the linchpin of India's sustainability journey. The move enables large scale natural farming ( 100 Mha), dense forests over 55% of land area and an extensive network of rivers, lakes, and canals. It also triggers a reversal to natural products, materials, and supply chains while nurturing a culture of minimalism. Simultaneously, it lays the foundation for a green transportation system and revitalization of the countryside. As India urbanizes, the book envisions a systematic dissemination of family planning, progressive asset ownership, minimum wages, healthy work policies, and social security. The book provides detailed strategies and transformation plans for each sector within industrials, manufacturing and services. By reorienting towards sustainability, the author demonstrates how production requirements can be minimized, domestic enterprises can gain a competitive edge, and the power of the people can be harnessed. Furthermore, "Sustainable India" illuminates the path towards a future with sustainable energy balance.The transformation is meticulously outlined in four phases, detailing government investments, industrial consolidation and expansion, infrastructure development and relocation, changes in trade, employment and wages. Based on the bottom up interlinked country model, India emerges as an independent economy with a real GDP of $28 trillion (2020 prices) by 2075. A high quality of life becomes a reality for every citizen, and India stands in perfect harmony with its environment.The book presents the World's First Comprehensive and Empirical Model of Sustainability, defining the frontier of human knowledge & capabilities, altruism, health & environmental consciousness. The model has been developed using leading research, data and methodologies.
Governing Sea Level Rise in a Polycentric System
How do polycentric governance systems respond to new collective action problems? This Element tackles this question by studying the governance of adaptation to sea level rise in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Like climate mitigation, climate adaptation has public good characteristics and therefore poses collective action problems of coordination and cooperation. The Element brings together the literature on adaptation planning with the Ecology of Games framework, a theory of polycentricity combining rational choice institutionalism with social network theory, to investigate how policy actors address the collective action problems of climate adaptation: the key barriers to coordination they perceive, the collaborative relationships they form, and their assessment of the quality of the cooperation process in the policy forums they attend. Using both qualitative and quantitative data and analysis, the Element finds that polycentric governance systems can address coordination problems by fostering the emergence of leaders who reduce transaction and information costs. Polycentric systems, however, struggle to address issues of inequality and redistribution.
Source-To-Sea Management
This book is the first of its kind on the emerging topic of source-to-sea management. It showcases different applications of the concept to improve the environmental health of freshwater, land and coastal and marine systems, drawing upon research performed across Europe, Africa and Asia.Improved management of land, freshwater, coasts and oceans is a key environmental challenge of our time. It is needed to prevent the millions of tons of plastic and other pollutants that enter the ocean from land-based sources each year. It is essential to reduce highly polluted, oxygen-depleted "dead zones" in our coastal and marine waters. Extensive diversions of the flows of rivers need to be avoided to ensure that little or no water reaches the sea. Source-to-sea (S2S) is an emerging concept to improve understanding of how to effectively manage freshwater, land, coastal and marine systems. The collected works in this book explore experiences with S2S management in diverse regions across Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, addressing sedimentation, nutrient and pharmaceutical pollution in freshwater and marine aquatic environments, and marine debris on the coasts and in the seas. It provides key insights into a few areas that should be of interest to those who want to learn from the lessons from case studies of applied S2S interventions.This book will be of great value to scholars, students and researchers interested in global freshwater, coastal zone, ocean management, sustainable development and environmental governance. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the journal Water International.
Feature Papers for Land Innovations - Data and Machine Learning
The Special Issue "Feature Papers for Land Innovations-Data and Machine Learning" makes valuable contributions relating to spatial data science for obtaining, processing, analyzing, harnessing, and visualizing social, economic, environmental, and other data related to land. In particular, this Special Issue welcame geospatial artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques for dealing with spatial big data, including remotely sensed data and social media data. Manuscripts can be theoretical, applied, or review articles. Interdisciplinary manuscripts were particularly welcome as well.
Weed Ecology and Diversity
The term "weed" is rather subjective, as we are the ones who decide what plants are called weeds, and the term usually carries a negative connotation. However, there is a reason why weeds grow in some places and behave in their particular manner. Today, certain groups of weeds have become extremely rare, and some species have even gone extinct where they were once abundant. Climate change also creates a huge challenge, and weeds often act as indicators of this change.This Special Issue discusses the ecology and diversity of weeds in natural and human-impacted agroecosystems on different continents. The focus is on the weeds' distribution, abundance, and diversity and how anthropogenic factors, pedoclimatic conditions, and genetics create, alter, and destroy specific weed communities.
Grassland Ecosystem Services
Sustainability is the overall goal in the management of grassland resources; it further determines the institutional framework within each grassland use is planned and implemented. Recent developments emphasize the need to include ecosystem services (supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural) provided by grasslands into this framework. This reprint focuses on research advantages related to the ecology and management of grasslands and to the safeguarding of related ecosystem services, and provides an outline for future directions for sustainability. The reprint contains experimental studies and systematic reviews regarding grassland biodiversity, issues and threats related to grasslands, sustainable use of grasslands, ecosystem services they provide and other topics.
Tangled in Vow & Beseech
Tangled in Vow & Beseech vows to remember what we lose and beseeches us to embrace every moment. Throughout, McCabe Johnson writes intimately about family, nature, and animals, while also protesting the violences of religion, patriarchy, and racism. The lyricism of these poems carries the speaker into the "clear slipstream of memory" to "river me home. River me home."-Craig Santos Perez, author of from incorporated territory [疇mot], winner of the National Book Award for PoetryThrough an array of poetic forms, Jill McCabe Johnson explores a deep sense of interconnectedness. These lyric tangles help us grapple with a life where the ugliest abuses of person and planet occur alongside a mother's love for her son, the grace of childhood innocence, the anniversary of a first kiss, and the understanding that "in this land" of "dogwood blossom, swordfern and fen" is "everything" we need to "believe." -Derek Sheffield, author of Not for Luck, co-editor of Cascadia Field Guide: Art, Ecology, Poetry, and Poetry Editor of Terrain.org
How to Avoid Going Down the Toilet
A comparison between Earth's cyclical and balanced processes before and after the introduction of humans is made. An analysis of the attempts of the civilized to understand Nature and their eventual turning away from it to construct a reality of their own. This alternate reality is examined through economics, culture, and scientific lenses and their effects on the Earth and its inhabitants. The future is contemplated for humanity and the planet in light of current climatic and other worldwide events such as global warming and depletion of water resources to name just two of many. "How to Avoid Going Down the Toilet" pleads for a change in our attitude toward Nature because it is the final authority on how things work on our planet. The Only Alternative to our current way of life is introduced in Five action steps achievable in our lifetime.
Sustainable Development Leaders
For successful leadership progress, no one should think of, or be put in a position to, start from the top. Leadership development is progressive. It does not mean that if you can walk, you can run! There are six main criteria that individuals should be evaluated on to be pre-qualified for leadership responsibilities. These criteria are: Academic Achievements, Experience, Personal Achievements, Leadership Training, Skills, Loyalty.Sustainable Development Leadership responsibilities necessitate extensive knowledge, experience, and achievements; therefore, the assignment of such responsibilities should be via a vertical movement and not horizontal. Often, Sustainable Development Leadership failure starts from Human Resource Corruption.
Hydrological Processes Modelling and Data Analysis
This book provides a state-of-the-art overview of the concepts and methodologies of data and modelling-driven hydrological analyses and their wide range of practical applications. The book is driven by the realisation that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts are essential in engineering hydrology to produce well-trained hydrologists. Such hydrologists will be equipped to face future societal challenges that require enhanced information and communication technology tools and integration of technical and non-technical areas. The book contains 12 chapters that introduce the principles of hydrological data analysis and highlight the current and emerging tools and techniques for analysing hydrologic data. The book describes the types of data typically used in hydrological analyses. It highlights the revolutionary technological advancements made toward hydrological data collection, including the use of drones and smartphones. The foremost objective of the book is to present the hydrological data analysis procedures. It explains the steps involved in data analysis for easy understanding of the reader, including students and professionals. This book presents case studies that demonstrate step-by-step procedures involved in typical analysis problems and may guide students and professionals in planning and executing steps to analyse the problem at hand. Case study examples will guide them to understand the intricacies of hydrological data analysis. It provides the readers with a complete package to enrich their understanding of the hydrological data analysis tools and techniques. Subsequently, as well-trained hydrologists, they could execute their learning to meet any specific grand challenge of the twenty-first century.
Application of Plant Biotechnology in Forestry
The aim of this reprint is to immerse the reader in the latest biotechnological approaches employed in forestry. From rejuvenation through clonal propagation to somatic embryogenesis, the cryopreservation of germplasm, and the use of molecular techniques and genetic engineering, we aim to unravel the potential and promise of these cutting-edge technologies. In this reprint, leading experts in the field share their insights, research findings, and visions for the future. Together, we embark on a journey to unlock the full potential of biotechnology in forestry, seeking sustainable solutions that balance our insatiable need for forest resources with our responsibility to preserve the harmony of our planet's ecosystems. We pave the way towards a greener, more sustainable future where forests thrive and humanity prospers in harmony with nature.
Pokot Pastoralism
Examines how pastoral peoples imagine, or even design, their futures under the pressure of changing environments and large-scale government projects. In East Africa and beyond, pastoral groups find themselves and their livelihoods under increasing threat when dealing with rapid environmental change. On the one hand, they contemplate major upheaval as a result of landscape and climate change on a scale never seen before. At the same time, these often-marginalised groups find themselves subsumed by the wider interests of national political economies prioritising new investment in land as well as encouraging tourism. This book investigates one such group - the nomadic pastoralists in East Pokot in north-west Kenya - and traces their social and ecological transformation over the past two hundred years to show how modern challenges are linked to the past history and also shape the perceptions of pastoral futures. In East Pokot the grass bush savannah upon which the pastoral lifestyle depends has strongly declined over a long period of time, with encroachment of acacia. Though traditionally cattle-rearing, its people have been forced to diversify into raising other browsing animals as well as cattle husbandry. The development efforts of the Kenyan government to use natural resources have also threatened their environment and their way of life. Bringing a long view to the history of human-environmental relations, the author reveals a more complex picture of change that, contrary to earlier assumptions, is not due exclusively to the pastoralists' pasture management, but also to the extinction of wildlife populations in the region, which were hunted heavily in colonial times. Attempts to move beyond Pokot territory, to the regions west of Lake Baringo and to the hard-fought Laikipia Plateau, have often been compromised by violent conflicts. While a younger generation looks to develop new sources of income through the job opportunities created by geothermal energy production, and diversify into other agricultural activities, this has also brought a dynamic social transformation: increasing production and sale of alcohol, decreasingly nomadic lifestyle, growing differences between the older and younger generations, and so on. Contributing to debates on future rural Africa, ecological history and environmental change, the book will appeal to anthropologists, sociologists, geographers, historians and development scholars.Published in association with the Collaborative Research Centre FUTURE RURAL AFRICA, funded by the German Research Council (DFG).
Strengthening Cooperation Over Transboundary Groundwater Resources
This book considers various aspects of the management and regulation of transboundary groundwater resources. It presents case studies and explores recent efforts to engage the international community on best practices and global standards for governing transboundary aquifers.
Between Two Rivers
Located in Albuquerque's south valley, Atrisco is a vibrant community that predates the city, harking back to a land grant awarded in 1692. Joseph P. S獺nchez explores the evolution of this parcel over the four centuries since the first Spanish settlers arrived. He tracks its transformation from an individual to a community grant, peeling away the layers of historical events that have made Atrisco the last piece of undeveloped real estate in a growing metropolitan area. S獺nchez examines the creation of Atrisco as a frontier community during the Spanish and Mexican periods and shows how it maintained its identity and land ownership into the American era. He describes the historical processes of colonization, land tenures and transfers, and social and economic activity. He also assesses the transfer of the land grant to a private corporation and its subsequent fate, and considers Atrisco's role in the future of Albuquerque. Today more than 30,000 New Mexicans are descended from the early settlers of Atrisco; and because few places in the United States have retained their Spanish and Mexican influences as have the New Mexican land grants, the history of Atrisco offers a unique perspective. S獺nchez's study preserves Atrisco's origins as part of that area's Hispano heritage, depicting people who learned to defend their culture against outside challenges and embedding local history in a larger regional saga.
Looking at Trees
We all walk past trees every day. But do we really stop and look? In a fast-changing world, it is more important than ever to consider our relationship with nature. This book brings together the world's best contemporary photography of trees, encouraging us to reconnect with the wisdom of these ancient, life-sustaining plants.
The Complete Encyclopedia of Plants
Are you tired of struggling to keep your plants thriving?Have you ever wondered why your plants refuse to bloom, grow, or even survive? Do you find yourself asking why some plants thrive while others struggle? And do you wish there was a comprehensive solution to your gardening challenges?If you're nodding along, you're not alone. The struggle of nurturing plants is a shared experience among many of us.The Complete Encyclopedia of Plants An In-Depth Guide to Plant Care and IdentificationThe author, a seasoned horticulturist with decades of experience, has not only nurtured gardens but also weathered the ups and downs of plant care. They've felt the despair of wilting leaves and the triumph of a blossom in bloom. This guide is born from their firsthand struggles and triumphs in the world of plants.Unlock the secrets behind optimal plant nutrition.Discover the art of soil preparation for different plant species.Master the techniques for pest and disease management without harmful chemicals.Learn the tricks of seasonal care for year-round thriving gardens.Explore the best practices for watering, sunlight, and temperature control.Understand the subtleties of pruning, shaping, and propagation.Get insider tips on how to create stunning landscapes.Decode the mystery of indoor plants and their unique needs.
Mysterious Waters
The investigation of different social viewpoints on the puzzle unfurls as a spellbinding excursion across mainlands and ages, uncovering a rich embroidery of human translation. In Western practices, the traditional Greek logicians moved toward the puzzle with scientific thoroughness, looking for legitimate answers for life's secrets. Judeo-Christian viewpoints entwined the puzzle with divine secrets, welcoming devotees to mull over the indescribable idea of God. The Edification time introduced a shift from strict clarifications to logical request, outlining the conundrum as a test to be demystified through reason.Wandering into Eastern domains, Taoism embraced the riddle as a vital piece of the regular request, upholding for agreement with enormous powers. Harmony Buddhism used incomprehensible koans to rise above common comprehension and access higher awareness. Hindu mystery, with its perplexing layers of the real world, considered the riddle to be an entryway to profound disclosure and an impression of the enormous play (Lila).Native societies, like Local American practices, saw the puzzle from the perspective of nature, participating in customs to associate with the baffling powers of the land. African animism, with its lively practices, utilized functions to explore the conundrum inside the otherworldly domain. In the Cold and Subarctic locales, Inuit and Yupik societies integrated the riddle into their accounts of endurance in unforgiving scenes, mixing otherworldliness and common sense.Southeast Asian viewpoints, affected by Buddhism, saw the puzzler interweaved with the fleetingness of life, inciting supporters to look for edification through reflection. Animist customs in the area found the puzzle implanted in their association with nature spirits. Polynesian societies explored the puzzle of the immense Pacific through modern route strategies, transforming the strange signs of the regular world into guides for marine.In the core of the Center East, Islamic magic (Sufism) embraced the riddle as a profound mission for divine association, communicated through metaphorical verse. Persian magic wove stories of the riddle into accounts of the spirit's excursion and its longing for divine get-together. In the contemporary globalized world, logical realism looked to demystify the puzzle through exact request, while postmodern relativism tested the idea of a widespread translation, underlining emotional and socially built implications.
Brief Eulogies for Lost Animals
In this collection of one hundred brief eulogies, science writer and poet Daniel Hudon gives a literary voice to the losses stacking up in our present-day age of extinction. Natural history, poetic prose, reportage, and eulogy blend to form a tally of degraded habitats, and empty burrows, and of the songs of birds never to be heard again.
Denierland
Denierland is the place where sceptics of climate catastrophe have been exiled.Sceptics refuse to bow to the consensus that the Wealthy West faces "Migration crises, civil wars, crop failures, famines, extreme weather, looting, wildfires and flooding" if we don't cut our emissions of carbon dioxide to the fabled "Net Zero." Why? Are we too proud? Funded by fossil fuel interests? Is it pure selfishness? Maybe we're too stupid? Is it because we think climate action is a ruse to install undemocratic global government? Do we think it is all a Chinese hoax to bankrupt the West? Nope, nope and nope again. The reason is far more prosaic. Sceptics have very good evidence that the alarmists' fire and brimstone predictions are wildly exaggerated, and that the measures they propose won't make life better for normal people anywhere. Instead, they will reduce our freedoms and make us poorer.And rationalising all the world's problems onto a single axis - carbon dioxide - won't solve the biodiversity crisis either. It will just make things worse for wildlife. Denierland explains why: CLIMATE CHANGE IS REALHUMAN-CAUSED CLIMATE CHANGE IS REALBUT HUMAN-CAUSED CLIMATE APOCALYPSE IS NOT.
