Soil Management for Sustainable Agriculture and Ecosystem Services
This Special Issue includes 14 papers by authors from Italy, USA, Egypt, Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, Czech Republic, China, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Greece, dealing with several topics. The spatial distribution of soil organic carbon is useful for improving crop productivity and assessing the effect of agronomic management on crops and soil. Two interpolation methods and remotely sensed images were used in two papers. Other papers dealed with the use of zeolite-rich tuff in olive growing to reduce mineral fertilization, tested the effectiveness of green manure crops in providing nutrients and supplementing traditional fertilizers, and proposed composted sewage sludge as a source of micronutrients for crops. Since soil-borne diseases worsen the fertility, other authors studied the bacteria in the rhizosphere of saffron. Mapping and modeling soil suitability and capability under intensive land use in drylands with multivariate analysis was the topic of another paper, as was the evaluation of forest patches for preserving water regulation in tropical landscapes. Other findings regard agricultural conservation practices that reinforced the small water cycle and the comparison of deep-rooted vegetal covers for stabilizing slopes or repairing shallow landslides. Moreover, industrial solid waste can be a liming material to reduce soil acidification, increase crop productivity or amend soil; low-peat mixtures are able to provide C sequestration, climate regulation, and functional diversity services, while low-intensity management of high mountains can preserve seed-rich habitats for farmland avifauna.
Transport, Persistence and Toxicity of Pollutants in the Sea
This reprint describes the fate of pollutants transported to the sea from the mainland and how they accumulate in the marine environment and organisms. This will contribute to increasing the knowledge on the dangers of pollutants that reach the marine environment and their fate once they enter the marine food chain. We also hope to improve knowledge on the effects of the pollutant load on the sea during all the seasons, due to the contribution of rivers, rainfall, etc., and the relative influence on marine organisms.
Natural Gas Hydrate and Deep-Water Hydrocarbon Exploration
This reprint is a comprehensive compilation of both new discoveries and methods related to nature hydrate and deep-water hydrocarbon. This reprint contains the advanced methods used in natural gas hydrate and deep-water hydrocarbon exploration. Its scope ranges from the East China Sea to the South China Sea and the Southeastern India Ocean. The reprint particularly focuses on the many innovative technical developments that have emerged in this field, and explores the various ways we may achieve renewable energy integration.The reprint provides a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who are interested in the challenges and opportunities associated with natural gas hydrate and deep-water hydrocarbon exploration.
Oceanic Oases Under Threat
"Oceanic Oases Under Threat," is a comprehensive analysis of the impact of climate change on various regions, focusing mainly on the Mediterranean, Gulf, and Indian Ocean areas. It is organised into several key sections, each addressing different aspects of this broad topic. Each section delves into specific aspects of climate change, ranging from its fundamental background, the particular vulnerabilities of different regions, to the socio-economic impacts and policy responses. The report also provides an in-depth theoretical framework, looking at power structures and environmental justice, and it explores the interplay between climate change and social dynamics, such as conflict, migration, and community resilience. Moreover, it includes a variety of case studies, quantitative and qualitative data analyses and concludes with a call to action for policymakers and the general public​. Contributions of this report: - Provides a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic impacts of climate change in Arab regions.- Sheds light on historical climate data, regional projections, and policy responses.- Focuses on specific regions such as the Mediterranean, the Gulf, and the Indian Ocean to study the impacts of climate change on small islands and peninsulas.- Explores power dynamics and environmental justice issues specific to these regions to deepen understanding of climate change impacts and identify opportunities for more equitable and just responses.- Aims to develop holistic strategies that address the root causes of climate change, conflict, and migration and provide support to affected communities.- Aims to foster a sense of global responsibility and inspire action for a more sustainable and resilient future.- Aims to work towards implementing effective policies, promoting regional and international cooperation, and preserving the beauty, diversity, and stability of the planet. Practical implications of this report: - The report highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts between governments, communities, NGOs, and international organisations to develop adaptive strategies and mobilise resources to address the challenges posed by climate change in the Indian Ocean region.- It emphasises the importance of implementing resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and protecting marine ecosystems to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build resilience in the region.- The report calls for comprehensive and collaborative approaches to address the interconnected challenges faced by small islands and peninsulas, particularly in the Mediterranean, Gulf, and Indian Ocean regions.- It emphasises the significance of education and awareness campaigns in enhancing resilience and understanding the implications of climate change in these regions, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members.- The report underscores the need for international cooperation, financial assistance, and capacity-building initiatives to support small islands and peninsulas in implementing long-term strategies to address climate change challenges effectively.Overall, the report provides practical guidance for policymakers, communities, and organisations to take action and work towards a more sustainable and resilient future in the face of climate change.
Cold Breath of Dormant Volcanoes
This work, written in an understandable way for the interested layperson, introduces into the unknown world of the CO 2 gas volcanoes, the so-called mofettes. A little explored world that lets animals die in the middle of Europe, changes the flora, influences soils and the atmosphere and can provide clues for upcoming volcanic eruptions. With the help of the botanical bioindication, such degassing points can also be found in the field and even used economically, e.g. in mineral water and fire extinguishers, for the preservation of food and for the healing of heart and skin diseases. In this biological-geological mofette guide, Prof. Hardy Pfanz explains where such phenomena can be found in Germany, but also worldwide, and what they tell us. He also reveals - with a wink - one or the other extraordinary and legendary thing about mofettes.
Agri-Food Wastes and Biomass Valorization
Agricultural practices, industrial manufacturing, and household consumption are just a few of the activities that contribute to the production of food waste biomass. Modern environmental theories, like the circular economy, are thought to be the impulse behind the implementation of zero-waste policies. The huge percentage of such residual biomass has significant potential to be used as a raw material to produce novel products and specialty feedstock through biorefining procedures, even though the high volume of waste originating from the food industry raises serious concerns regarding both economic and environmental aspects. Given that many plant parts that are rejected during fruit and vegetable processing (e.g., leaves, branches, peels, roots, stems, and seeds) carry a sizable load of phytochemicals, including polyphenols, the recovery of valuable secondary metabolites from waste plant tissues is an appealing prospect in this regard. This specific group of substances exhibits a wide range of chemical compositions with diverse biological characteristics and functions, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities as well as chemoprotective effects against cancer and other degenerative diseases.
Unhomely Life
How do Chinas mobile individuals create a sense of home in a rapidly changing world? Unhomely life, different from houselessness, refers to a fluctuating condition between losing home feelings and the search for home -- a prevalent condition in post-Mao China. The faster that Chinese society modernizes, the less individuals feel at home, and the more they yearn for a sense of home. This is the central paradox that Xiaobo Su explores: how mobile individuals--lifestyle migrants and retreat tourists from China's big cities, displaced natives and rural migrants in peripheral China--handle the loss of home and try to experience a homely way of life. In Unhomely Life, Xiaobo Su examines the subjective experiences of mobile individuals to better understand why they experience the loss of home feelings and how they search for home. Integrating extensive empirical data and a robust theoretical framework, the author presents a journey-based critical analysis of "home" under constant making, un-making, and re-making in post-Mao China. Su argues that the making of home is not a solely economic or rational calculation for maximum return, but rather a synthesis of resistance and compromise under the disappointing conditions of modernity. Offering rich insights into the continuity and disruption of China's great transformation, Unhomely Life: Develops an original theory of unhomely life that incorporates contemporary research and traditional Chinese ideas of home Explores the process of homemaking and its implications for understanding the costs of high-speed economic growth in China Analyzes mobile individuals across different genders, ages, ethnicities, social classes, and economic backgrounds to address the balance between meaning and money in everyday life Containing in-depth and sophisticated empirical data collected from 2002 to 2020, Unhomely Life: Modernity, Mobilities, and the Making of Home in China is an invaluable resource for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, lecturers, and academic researchers in cultural studies, migration, tourism, China studies, cultural anthropology, sociology, and social and cultural geography.
The Mane Attraction
"The Mane Attraction: Exploring Lion Cranial Anatomy" invites enthusiasts and scholars alike on a fascinating journey into the intricate details of one of nature's most iconic big cats. This exploration delves into the distinctive features of lion cranial anatomy, shedding light on the remarkable structures that contribute to their majestic appearance and unparalleled predatory prowess.At the heart of this examination is the mane, an unmistakable characteristic of male lions that not only serves as a symbol of strength and dominance but also plays a crucial role in social dynamics. The narrative unfolds as a meticulous study of the mane, unraveling its evolutionary significance, variations among individuals, and its correlation with age and health.The detailed exploration extends beyond the mane to encompass the entire cranial structure of lions. From powerful jaws adorned with formidable teeth to the intricate skull anatomy that accommodates the robust muscles required for hunting and feeding, each aspect is meticulously examined. The unique adaptations that allow lions to be efficient hunters and maintain their status as apex predators are highlighted with a blend of scientific precision and accessible language.The narrative navigates through the complexities of lion cranial anatomy, illustrating how these features contribute to the species' survival in diverse ecosystems. Emphasis is placed on the sensory adaptations, such as keen eyesight and acute hearing, that make lions formidable hunters and apex predators within their habitats.Through vivid descriptions and visual aids, "The Mane Attraction" offers readers a deeper appreciation for the anatomical marvels that make lions both aesthetically captivating and biologically formidable. It serves as an educational resource for those interested in zoology, wildlife biology, or simply the wonders of the animal kingdom.Whether dissecting the biomechanics of a lion's roar or unraveling the mysteries behind its cranial adaptations, this exploration captures the essence of what makes lions the undisputed kings of the savannah. "The Mane Attraction" stands as a testament to the intricate beauty and evolutionary marvels inherent in lion cranial anatomy.
Truth Lies Politics And a Warming World
The book covers the hazards we face today as our democratic institutions are being challenged to their very foundation. Lies and how they have influenced the public and created a society of hate, policies and laws that reinforce it even against children. It touches on today's idiocy of our unregulated guns and the mayhem they have created. How just one industry knowingly created the effects of climate change the world and millions of its people are experiencing today.
Taiji
The little coastal village of Taiji, Japan is lauded as the birthplace of Japanese whaling. Today the secret of 'The Cove' and Taiji's annual dolphin hunt is out.Set amid the activists' frontline battle to protect Taiji's dolphins, 'Taiji' brings a bigger untold story to readers. It sets out the conflict against the backdrop of Japanese history and culture; documenting its duality set in stark contrast against the high spirituality of the nearby Kumano region.Drawing on his three trips to Japan, Len Varley details his mysterious encounters with a number of captive dolphins. Interactions with police and dolphin hunters. There is action and intrigue; loyalty and loss.'Taiji' is a broad canvas which the author paints lovingly-sometimes hard-bitten, sometimes in wonderment-but always with his trademark sensitivity and respect for life.As a work which observes an example of human mishandling of interactions with nature and wildlife, its messages remain timeless and relevant.
Sorry for the Inconvenience But This Is an Emergency
As floods, fires and unprecedented heatwaves rage across the planet, more and more people are turning to nonviolent action to achieve political change. Can it work? Doctor and aid worker Lynne Jones offers a compelling, ground-level account of the last five years of protests in the UK, exploring how and why ordinary citizens have resorted to extraordinary methods to confront the global climate and nature crises. Drawing on her experiences opposing nuclear weapons at Greenham Common airbase in the 1980s, and sharing her journey in movements like Extinction Rebellion today, she reflects on both public history and her personal story to answer key questions about nonviolent action in a world on the brink. Can we learn from the protest movements of the past? How do you communicate with those who disagree? What are the most effective forms of disruption in a Western democracy? Is property damage nonviolent? Is the law just? How important are direct interventions, boycotts and non-cooperation? What can we learn from indigenous activists in the Global South? A lifetime of activism has taught Jones that we all have more power than we realise. It's time to use that power for meaningful, transformative change--before it's too late.
River Ecology
Rivers have been vitally important to human populations worldwide for millennia as "highways" for inland travel, and as sources of water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, manufacturing, irrigation, and power generation, as well as repositories for human, animal, and industrial wastes. This accessible textbook takes a broad approach to river ecology, covering the basics but going beyond by including topics that are often overlooked such as blackwater streams and rivers, tidal creek ecosystems, and reservoir limnology. Since most running water (lotic) systems have been altered or impacted by human activities, there is significant emphasis on anthropogenic impacts, including sedimentation, nutrient pollution and related eutrophication issues as well as the effects of dams and river fragmentation, power plant operations, chemical contamination, wastewater treatment discharges, industrial scale livestock production, invasive species, and rural and urban storm water runoff on river ecosystems. Advances in stream and river restoration are also discussed.
Forest Ecohydrology
Forests are inherently linked to water resources and water-related ecosystem services. Therefore, an integrated forest-water management system is urgently required to ensure a balanced supply of hydrological and other ecosystem services from forests to meet the fast-increasing societal demands for them. This means that water aspects must be integrated into traditional forest management focusing mainly on timber production, and based on the knowledge and the latest scientific results of forest ecohydrology. Unfortunately, there are a lot of gaps in our knowledge of forest ecohydrology. This reprint presents relevant new results from scientific research on forest ecohydrology, related to the drought tolerance mechanism, hydrological properties of soil and litter layers, variation in solar radiation within stands, snowpack isotopic composition in open and forested areas, canopy transpiration and response to the main influencing factors, and the water balance components of typical forests at different regions with various climates. This knowledge can contribute to the theoretical development of forest ecohydrology and the innovative practice of integrated forest-water management to enhance the balanced supply of hydrological and other ecosystem services from forests.
Fluid Flow in Fractured Rocks
FLUID FLOW IN FRACTURED ROCKS "The definitive treatise on the subject for many years to come"--Prof. Ruben Juanes, MIT Authoritative textbook that provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to fluid flow in fractured rocks Fluid Flow in Fractured Rocks provides an authoritative introduction to the topic of fluid flow through single rock fractures and fractured rock masses. This book is intended for readers with interests in hydrogeology, hydrology, water resources, structural geology, reservoir engineering, underground waste disposal, or other fields that involve the flow of fluids through fractured rock masses. Classical and established models and data are presented and carefully explained, and recent computational methodologies and results are also covered. Each chapter includes numerous graphs, schematic diagrams and field photographs, an extensive reference list, and a set of problems, thus providing a comprehensive learning experience that is both mathematically rigorous and accessible. Written by two internationally recognized leaders in the field, Fluid Flow in Fractured Rocks includes information on: Nucleation and growth of fractures in rock, with a multiscale characterization of their geometric traits Effect of normal and shear stresses on the transmissivity of a rock fracture and mathematics of fluid flow through a single rock fracture Solute transport in rocks, with quantitative descriptions of advection, molecular diffusion, and dispersion Fluid Flow in Fractured Rocks is an essential resource for researchers and postgraduate students who are interested in the field of fluid flow through fractured rocks. The text is also highly suitable for professionals working in civil, environmental, and petroleum engineering.
Advances in Characterizing and Addressing Land Degradation and Associated Ecosystem Responses
Land degradation, exacerbated by climate change and rapid urbanization, poses significant threats to socio-economic development. There is an urgent need to explore land degradation and its associated ecosystem responses and the suitable pathways for sustainable development in urban and rural regions. This reprint comprises a collection of 16 articles, featuring 1 review article and 15 research articles. There are some key practical experiences and scientific findings to support the ecosystem change response to land degradation, through either theoretical works or empirical research, identifying the characteristics and solutions for sustainable development. Key scientific issues addressed include land use and land cover change, ecological impacts of urbanization, mechanisms of land degradation on ecosystems, and coordinated social, economic, and ecological development. This reprint encouraged scholars to share the latest advancements in the research framework, datasets, methods, and case studies for assessing land degradation and associated ecosystem responses. We expect this reprint will inspire broader reflection and discussion within academic community regarding the theories and practices concerning land degradation and associated ecosystem responses. It could be a valuable reference for exploring potential solutions towards achieving land degradation neutrality and promoting regional sustainable development.
River Ecology
Rivers have been vitally important to human populations worldwide for millennia as "highways" for inland travel, and as sources of water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, manufacturing, irrigation, and power generation, as well as repositories for human, animal, and industrial wastes. This accessible textbook takes a broad approach to river ecology, covering the basics but going beyond by including topics that are often overlooked such as blackwater streams and rivers, tidal creek ecosystems, and reservoir limnology. Since most running water (lotic) systems have been altered or impacted by human activities, there is significant emphasis on anthropogenic impacts, including sedimentation, nutrient pollution and related eutrophication issues as well as the effects of dams and river fragmentation, power plant operations, chemical contamination, wastewater treatment discharges, industrial scale livestock production, invasive species, and rural and urban storm water runoff on river ecosystems. Advances in stream and river restoration are also discussed.
Comprehensive Research in Earthquake Forecasting and Seismic Hazard Assessment
The reprint "Comprehensive Research in Earthquake Forecasting and Seismic Hazard Assessment" is a collection of articles dealing with various aspects of the physics of seismic processes, earthquake forecasting, and the search for their precursors. All published articles can be roughly divided into three unequal groups according to the number of articles presented. The first group includes theoretical and methodological articles. The second group includes articles confirming one or another model of seismicity behaviour in anticipation of a strong earthquake. Finally, the third and most numerous group of articles consists of those analysing the results of long-term observations of the behaviour of various geophysical fields. We are confident that each of these articles will find an interested reader, and that the collection as a whole deserves the attention of representatives of the scientific community concerned with the problem of earthquake forecasting and the search for their precursors.
Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES 2022)
Implementing sustainable development is central to achieving global reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating anthropogenic environmental impacts. As defined by the UN 2030 Agenda and its associated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sustainable development requires a holistic, interdisciplinary approach, which is not without its challenges. Indeed, studies tracking global progress toward meeting the 2030 SDG targets emphasize the importance of implementing sustainable solutions, with several SDG targets described as 'off track.' Therefore, there is an urgent need to address the challenges of an interdisciplinary, unified, and practical approach to sustainable implementation. In this context, this Reprint brings together 15 selected papers presented during the 2022 SDEWES Conference. These papers cover a broad range of topics, from circular governance models to education related to sustainable practices, as well as the impacts of current legislative frameworks targeting energy efficiency, built environment energy performance, bio-based industrial applications, transport and sustainable energy services, and production, supply, and infrastructure maintenance strategies. This Reprint provides an interdisciplinary and holistic perspective on sustainable development solutions, with several papers highlighting the interrelations between various fields and aspects of sustainability.
The Principles of Geology
Principles of Geology is a groundbreaking classic of science, Mentioned multiple times in glowing terms by Charles Darwin, in The Origin of Species, and heralded by such contemporaries as Melville, Emerson, Tennyson and George Eliot, Principles of Geology is here for a new generation concerned with Earth sciences, climate and the processes which shape it.
Toxic Tenacity
During the first few months of the community's efforts, I viewed it as merely a public relations battle. I concentrated on becoming good at TV interviews. We seemed to get better as we progressed in the battle with the toxic dump site. But things changed after I went on a road trip home one afternoon from work! The events changed my view of the battle!As I bounced along the country road, listening to country music, I noticed a large pick-up speeding up behind me. It started to pass but pulled in and pushed me off the road. I almost hit both a fence post and a power poll, but I managed to miss both! My anger turned to rage, and I pulled onto the road and chased the idiot at a fast speed, but finally, my rage subsided, and I stopped the chase. Later, I recognized the man at a meeting, and he was a dump employee!So, this event years later came to mind when I got an afternoon call from a raspy voice wanting to meet me at 9:00 at night on the road up to the dump site. He said he had some important documents to give me that he wanted me to send to the EPA. He said they would be a game-changer! So, was it an attempt to kill me? I was hesitant but agreed to the meeting. We met each other halfway up the road to the entrance. Later, my secretary mailed them to the San Francisco EPA, and within a week, a six-million-dollar fine was issued against the site for excessive waste storage.These were just the beginnings of the battle to close the site, and eventually, tenacity prevailed!KENNETH MCCALIP holds degrees in history, geography, and Law from various California universities but was plagued with arthritis in his hands and thus never practiced Law. But his law background did prepare him for the upcoming events at the small, poor community school in the backwoods of Santa Barbara County, California. It was a perfect location to achieve his goal of helping poor people, but he was unprepared for the upcoming barrage of trials and tribulations. Little did he know, as Principal-Superintendent, he would be up against the vested monetary interests of Southern California combined with poor toxic waste supervision by both state and local regulators. But with tenacity, as his guiding star, he stuck with it to the hard-won end and the closure of the toxic waste dump site that was only one mile from his schoolyard!
North American Odyssey
"Deep down, there is just something that draws us to the land, to wild places. We were there to listen to the land."When National Geographic Adventurers of the Year Amy and Dave Freeman marry, they set out on an unusual honeymoon: a three-year, 12,000-mile journey across North America. From Alaska's Inside Passage to Florida's Key West, they traverse the continent by kayak, canoe, dogsled, and skis, encountering wildlife, sublime landscapes, and harrowing challenges.Along the way, the Freemans also bear witness to environmental degradation and climate change--from plastic-covered beaches to forest fires to retreating glaciers. And as they engage with Native and rural communities most impacted by the changes resulting from modern industrial society and meet individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting the natural world, their adventure deepens in ways they never imagined.From the white-knuckle rush of paddling white water to the wonderment of dogsledding across a frosted landscape where caribou and wolves roam, North American Odyssey is a celebration of our interconnectedness to the natural world and to each other. Beautifully written, engagingly told, and inspiring throughout, Amy and Dave Freeman's story is a clarion call for change in the way we live.
Harmony in the Wild
"Harmony in the Wild: A Global Approach to Tiger Conservation" is a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to address the critical challenges faced by one of the world's most iconic and endangered species-the majestic tiger. This comprehensive conservation program is driven by a profound commitment to fostering coexistence between human and tiger populations while simultaneously preserving the delicate balance of ecosystems.At the heart of this initiative is a global perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness of various tiger habitats and the importance of collaborative efforts across borders. The program engages nations, conservation organizations, and local communities in a unified front, recognizing that the survival of tigers requires a coordinated, international approach.The strategy of "Harmony in the Wild" is multifaceted and incorporates innovative conservation practices, community involvement, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies. This approach is designed to not only protect tigers but also to enhance the overall health and resilience of the ecosystems they inhabit.Local communities are integral to the success of this initiative, and the program places a strong emphasis on empowering them as stewards of the land. By promoting sustainable livelihoods and providing education on the importance of coexisting with these apex predators, "Harmony in the Wild" aims to create a harmonious balance between human activities and the natural habitats that tigers call home.Cutting-edge technology plays a pivotal role in the monitoring and protection of tigers. Satellite tracking, camera traps, and data analytics are employed to gather valuable insights into tiger behavior, migration patterns, and population dynamics. This information not only aids in the protection of individual tigers but also informs broader conservation strategies.The global community is invited to participate in this transformative endeavor through educational programs, wildlife tourism initiatives, and partnerships with businesses committed to sustainability. "Harmony in the Wild" recognizes that the survival of tigers is not just a conservation issue but a shared responsibility that requires collective action.Ultimately, "Harmony in the Wild: A Global Approach to Tiger Conservation" represents a beacon of hope for the future of tigers and the ecosystems they inhabit. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to coexistence, this initiative strives to ensure that future generations can marvel at the beauty of tigers in the wild.
Oaklore
"A joyful and imaginative exploration of these totemic trees."--Tristan Gooley, author of How to Read a Tree The perfect gift for nature lovers and bookworms alike, Oaklore unveils how the mighty oak tree has shaped and influenced English literature, culture, and history. A charming and whimsical exploration of one of England's most important trees, Oaklore invites readers to embark on a journey of discovery, unveiling the role of oaks in English literature and mythology, and the myriad of life that thrives within the branches and bark of these ancient trees: from the feathered denizens to the intricate communities of insects, fungi, and lichens. British environmentalist and writer Jules Acton skillfully weaves together her personal experiences of wandering in the woods, scientific insights, and cultural histories to paint a rich, folkloric, and multifaceted portrait of the magnificent specimen. From learning to recognize bird songs to observing the moss and butterflies that thrive in the presence of oaks, Acton encourages a deeper connection during our own woodland explorations and celebrates the enchanted realms of oak trees. Above all, Oaklore underscores the urgent need to protect the oak tree and the vibrant, interconnected worlds it sustains. Acton's narrative serves as a call to action, inspiring readers to engage in conservation efforts and foster a deeper appreciation for the oak's vital role in the delicate web of life.
The Quickening
An NPR Best Book of the YearA 2025 National Endowment for the Arts Big Reads SelectionWinner of the CLMP Firecracker Award in Creative Nonfiction"The Quickening is a book of hope."--Elizabeth Kolbert, author of Under a White SkyAn astonishing, vital work about Antarctica, climate change, and community.In 2019, fifty-seven scientists and crew set out onboard the Nathaniel B. Palmer. Their destination: the ominous Thwaites Glacier at Antarctica's western edge. Their goal: to learn as much as possible about this mysterious place, never before visited by humans. And with them is author Elizabeth Rush, who seeks, among other things, the elusive voice of the ice.Rush shares her story of a groundbreaking voyage punctuated by both the sublime--the tangible consequences of our melting icecaps; the staggering waves of the Drake Passage; the torqued, unfamiliar contours of Thwaites--and the everyday moments of living and working in community. A ping-pong tournament at sea. Long hours in the lab. All the effort that goes into caring for the human and more-than-human worlds. Along the way, Rush takes readers on a personal journey around a more intimate question: What does it mean to create and celebrate life in a time of radical planetary change?What emerges is a new kind of Antarctica story, one preoccupied not with flag planting and heroism but with the collective and challenging work of imagining a better future. With understanding the language of a continent where humans have only been present for two centuries. With the contributions and concerns of women, who were largely excluded from voyages until the last few decades, and of crew members of color, whose labor has often gone unrecognized. Urgent, brave, and vulnerable, The Quickening is an absorbing account of hope from one of our most celebrated and treasured contemporary authors.
Taiji
The little coastal village of Taiji, Japan is lauded as the birthplace of Japanese whaling. Today the secret of 'The Cove' and Taiji's annual dolphin hunt is out.Set amid the activists' frontline battle to protect Taiji's dolphins, 'Taiji' brings a bigger untold story to readers. It sets out the conflict against the backdrop of Japanese history and culture; documenting its duality against the latent spirituality of the nearby Kumano region.Drawing on his three trips to Japan, Len Varley details his mysterious encounters with a number of captive dolphins. Interactions with police and dolphin hunters. There is action and intrigue; loyalty and loss.'Taiji' is a broad canvas which the author paints lovingly-sometimes hard-bitten, sometimes in wonderment-but always with his trademark sensitivity and respect for life.As a work which observes an example of human mishandling of interactions with nature and wildlife, its messages remain timeless and relevant.
Teaching Climate Change
Teaching Climate Change: Science, Stories, Justice shows educators how climate change can be taught from any disciplinary perspective and in a transdisciplinary way, drawing on examples from the author's own classroom.
Climate, Science and Society
Climate, Science and Society: A Primer makes cutting-edge research on climate change accessible to student readers.The primer consists of 37 short chapters organized within 11 parts written by Science and Technology Studies (STS) and other social science scholars. It covers a range of key topics including communication, justice and inequality, climate policy, and energy transitions, situating each one within the context of STS studies. Each reading translates a focused area of climate change research into short, accessible, and lively prose. Chapter authors open debates where relevant, consider policy implications, critique existing areas of research, and otherwise situate their reading within a larger body of research relevant to climate change courses.Designed as a jumping-off point for further exploration, this innovative book will be essential reading for students studying climate change, STS, environmental sociology, and environmental sciences.The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license.
A Resonant Ecology
In A Resonant Ecology, Max Ritts traces how sound's integration into the environmental politics of Canada's North Coast has paved the way for massive industrial expansion. While conservationists hope that the dissemination of whale songs and other nature sounds will showcase the beauty of local wildlife for people around the world, Ritts reveals how colonial capitalism can co-opt sonic efforts to protect the coast. He demonstrates how digital technologies allow industry to sonically map new shipping lanes and facilitate new ways of experiencing sound-premised not on listening, but on sound's exploitable status as a data resource. By outlining how sound can both perpetuate and refuse capitalist colonialism, Ritts challenges the idea that the sonic realm is inherently liberatory and reveals sound to be a powerfully uncertain object. Through a situated geographical approach, he makes the case that only a decolonial and multigenerational environmental politics can counter the false promise of "sustainable marine development" held up by industry and the state.
A Resonant Ecology
In A Resonant Ecology, Max Ritts traces how sound's integration into the environmental politics of Canada's North Coast has paved the way for massive industrial expansion. While conservationists hope that the dissemination of whale songs and other nature sounds will showcase the beauty of local wildlife for people around the world, Ritts reveals how colonial capitalism can co-opt sonic efforts to protect the coast. He demonstrates how digital technologies allow industry to sonically map new shipping lanes and facilitate new ways of experiencing sound-premised not on listening, but on sound's exploitable status as a data resource. By outlining how sound can both perpetuate and refuse capitalist colonialism, Ritts challenges the idea that the sonic realm is inherently liberatory and reveals sound to be a powerfully uncertain object. Through a situated geographical approach, he makes the case that only a decolonial and multigenerational environmental politics can counter the false promise of "sustainable marine development" held up by industry and the state.
Healing soil
Connecting people to soil for a better futureUsing his own artworks and drawing on his soil science research, Bruce Ball reveals the importance of soil to humanity. Structured in three main parts, his book takes us on a journey from the nature of healthy soil, through the influence of soil on our health and food to its hidden contributions to our society and our planet.In Healing Soil you can discover: How soil works, what makes it healthy and how it affects your healthHow healthy soil helps combat climate change, environmental pollution and biodiversity loss while allowing sustainable production of nutritious food.How a soil-based view of the world, and parallels between soil and our lives, can help us arrive at the cultural and spiritual transformation needed for a sustainable society.Your own road to a healthy and sustainable life using practical and meditative exercises on soil, helped by a visual soil health chart and a wealth of references that allow you to reflect and build on what you unearth in the book.Contributions are also included from farmers, former students, scientists, a theologian and a community worker who the author encountered in his esteemed 35-year career in soil science.Professor Pete Smith, University of Aberdeen, award-winning climate change scientist and soils expert, states 'this labour of love will inform and enchant its readers, be they knowledgeable environmental scientists, or people learning about soil for the first time
Life Application Study Bible
In How the Earth Feels Dana Luciano examines the impacts of the new science of geology on nineteenth-century US culture. Drawing on early geological writings, Indigenous and settler accounts of earthquakes, African American antislavery literature, and other works, Luciano reveals how geology catalyzed transformative conversations regarding the intersections between humans and the nonhuman world. She shows that understanding the earth's history geologically involved confronting the dynamic nature of inorganic matter over vast spans of time, challenging preconceived notions of human agency. Nineteenth-century Americans came to terms with these changes through a fusion of fact and imagination that Luciano calls geological fantasy. Geological fantasy transformed the science into a sensory experience, sponsoring affective and even erotic connections to the matter of the earth. At the same time, it was often used to justify accounts of evolution that posited a modern, civilized, and Anglo-American whiteness as the pinnacle of human development. By tracing geology's relationship with biopower, Luciano illuminates how imagined connections with the earth shaped American dynamics of power, race, and colonization.
Advances in the Monitoring, Diagnosis, and Optimisation of Water Systems
This Special Issue is committed to focusing on highly relevant state-of-the-art advances in the monitoring, diagnosis, and optimisation of water systems, aiming to provide a broad spectrum of reference methods and techniques specially focused on water cycle applications, including fault detection (namely, leak localisation to reduce the loss of water due to leaks, which may account for up to 65 % of the total water depending on the network) or water quality modelling in Water Distribution Networks (WDNs), as well as different methodologies applied to water sanitation. Here, there is growing interest in the adaptation and use of technologies related to the circular economy that promote environmental sustainability, in which resource recovery is a key issue for industrial and environmental processes and shows a wide spectrum of study possibilities, especially in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). This is mainly related to sludge treatment processes such as biogas generation via the substrate co-digestion process, which can be an alternative source for thermal and electrical energy production, as well as a source of renewable natural gas. Hence, all the contributions in this Special Issue have an impact on the advances in the monitoring, diagnosis and optimisation of water systems and, overall, cover a wide and complete sector of knowledge within this area.
Crops and Vegetation Monitoring with Remote/Proximal Sensing
Remote sensing is a powerful technique for characterizing and monitoring crop or vegetation properties at reasonable temporal and spatial resolutions. Remote sensing uses airborne and spaceborne platforms to collect various imageries and is widely applied for the vegetation monitoring of local- or large-scale interest concerning the effect of geophysical and climate parameters.The Special Issue highlights vegetation monitoring using remote sensing data acquired from satellite or unmanned aerial vehicle platforms. In addition to the optical data, thermal data is utilized to estimate crop yield or production, orchard water status, chlorophyll content, forest diversity mapping, or vegetation phenology.
How the Earth Feels
In How the Earth Feels Dana Luciano examines the impacts of the new science of geology on nineteenth-century US culture. Drawing on early geological writings, Indigenous and settler accounts of earthquakes, African American antislavery literature, and other works, Luciano reveals how geology catalyzed transformative conversations regarding the intersections between humans and the nonhuman world. She shows that understanding the earth's history geologically involved confronting the dynamic nature of inorganic matter over vast spans of time, challenging preconceived notions of human agency. Nineteenth-century Americans came to terms with these changes through a fusion of fact and imagination that Luciano calls geological fantasy. Geological fantasy transformed the science into a sensory experience, sponsoring affective and even erotic connections to the matter of the earth. At the same time, it was often used to justify accounts of evolution that posited a modern, civilized, and Anglo-American whiteness as the pinnacle of human development. By tracing geology's relationship with biopower, Luciano illuminates how imagined connections with the earth shaped American dynamics of power, race, and colonization.
Living with Climate Change
Living with Climate Change contains different topics on how to adapt to global warming. With a strong focus on ways of adapting to climate change, the book also examines the root causes of global warming. Readers are provided all the most up-to-date thinking and information on each issue due to the extensive list of references connected to each chapter. By linking various topics and interesting new innovations that are often synergistic, this book covers a wide range of issues in global warming adaptation that is ideal for readers from many disciplines.
Assessments and Conservation of Biological Diversity from Coral Reefs to the Deep Sea
Assessments and Conservation of Biological Diversity from Coral Reefs to the Deep Sea: Uncovering Buried Treasures and the Value of the Benthos examines marine benthic habitats around the world that are linked by their physical location at the bottom of the oceans. The book approaches deep sea marine biodiversity with perspectives on genetics, microbiology and evolution, weaving a narrative of vital expert linkages with the goal of protecting something that most people cannot view or experience. Heterogeneity becomes operative across one of the largest continuous habitats of the planet. The book provides a full assessment of biological diversity within various benthic habitats, from coral reefs to plankton and fish species, and offers global case studies. It is the ideal resource for marine conservationists and biologists aiming to expand their knowledge and efforts to the rarely seen, yet equally important, realms of the ocean and respective benthic species. As deep-sea ecosystems and their species face unprecedented threats of disruption and extinction due to factors including disease, disinformation, pollution and climate change, this book provides current, sweeping knowledge of this undersea world along with remedies for its conservation.
The Decarbonization Delusion
Could the race to de-carbonize our energy systems be leading us closer to environmental disaster? Why did biology choose carbon, in a variety of compounds, as its energy carrier and storage substance? From the smallest life forms, through multicellular organisms, and up to whole ecosystems, this economy of carbon compounds is fundamentally sustainable. Yet today, many are working to expunge carbon-based energy carriers from human economies, replacing them with solutions based on other elements and minerals. In The Decarbonization Delusion, independent scientist and writer Andrew Moore shows that the race to decarbonize is leading us further down the road to environmental degradation. Instead of banishing carbon, Moore argues that we should look to life on Earth, which has used carbon in highly sustainable ways for 3.5 billion years, as a model for how humans can use carbon sustainably. The Decarbonization Delusion begins by discussing carbon's role in the inception of the universe and its critical importance in biology. Moore identifies many intriguing features of biology's use of carbon that are crucial to creating sustainable human economies on Earth. Throughout, Moore draws on extensive research and original calculations to disprove common fallacies about carbon-based energy carriers and their alternatives. For example, he shows that the widely perceived superiority of battery technology over carbon-based fuels is, in most regards, a serious misconception that, if not corrected, could have grave environmental consequences. Politicians, industrial leaders, and even some scientists have contributed to the widespread belief that carbon should have no place in our energy economies. In The Decarbonization Delusion, Moore argues against this idea, asking us to re-think our assumptions and approach sustainable energy development in a more scientific and dispassionate fashion.
Stoves and Trees
Originally published in 1984, Stoves and Trees asks whether better stoves really help the two billion people in the developing world who rely on wood and charcoal for cooking and heating their homes. It also asks if improved stoves actually save fuel and if they can help slow down tropical deforestation.
Advancing Complexity Research in Earth Sciences and Geography
In order to solve richer and more diverse problems in environmental and Earth sciences and other fields that have a direct impact on human society and human life, it has become a global trend to synergistically utilize methodological innovations in all relevant fields, including statistical science, systems science, complexity science, and artificial intelligence, to tackle the problems. This Reprint, a collection of papers published in a Special Issue of Applied Sciences, demonstrates the feasibility of such a rationale. This Special Issue is hoped to instigate further activities along this line.
Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping (Color Print)
"Conservation landscaping" refers to landscaping with specific goals of reducing pollution and improving the local environment. In the Chesapeake Bay watershed (the land that drains to the Bay and its many tributaries), this style of landscaping is sometimes called "BayScaping," or beneficial landscaping.Conservation landscaping provides habitat for local and migratory animals, conserves native plants and improves water quality. Landowners also benefit as this type of landscaping reduces the time and expense of mowing, watering, fertilizing and treating lawn and garden areas, and offers greater visual interest than lawn. Beneficial landscaping can also be used to address areas with problems such as erosion, poor soils, steep slopes, or poor drainage. One of the simplest ways to begin is by replacing lawn areas with locally native trees, shrubs and perennial plants. The structure, leaves, flowers, seeds, berries and other fruits of these plants provide food and shelter for a variety of birds and other wildlife. The roots of these larger plants are also deeper than that of typical lawn grass, and so they are better at holding soil and capturing rainwater.
Loving the North Woods
Loving the North Woods is a chronicle of the difficult challenges that led to tremendous conservation achievements in the great North Woods of Maine. Focusing on the remarkable period of activity from 1990 to 2015, during which historic achievements in American conservation unfolded, it explores how people love a place and how they bring that love into action. The stories of conservation in Maine's North Woods, hidden in files of land trusts, state government archives, forest landowners' records, and in the memories of those who participated, can inspire and guide us now and far into the future.
The Natural Environment of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
The book presents the first comprehensive description of parts of the Mid-Atlantic ridge subject to a contract for polymetallic sulphide exploration between the International Seabed Authority and the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Poland. The state-of-the-art of the study area presented here takes into account a variety of aspects, including hydrological and meteorological conditions, hydrography, optical properties of water, seafloor morphology, geology, sediments and sedimentation processes, pelagic environment and its biocoenosis, benthic organisms, seabed communities, deep-sea environmental protection, as well as many other. Also, the research methods and tools are enumerated, and the studies advised for the future are outlined. The Atlantic seabed area described in this monograph is situated near the central part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR), one of the major geological formations on Earth, featuring - like other mid-oceanic ridges - active and inactive hydrothermal vent fields with their unusual and unique ecosystems. The commercial interest in MAR exploration is due to the deposits of massive polymetallic sulphides, formed as a result of hydrothermal fluid precipitation.
Climate Policy Integration
This book analyzes climate policy integration processes by investigating cause-effect relations in cases of integrating climate policy in energy and land-use sectors of Indonesia and Mexico, taking a novel comparative case study approach. The book identifies root causes for integration outside of the public administration, discussing decisive factors in the political economy of the energy and land-use sectors. Showing how policy windows may open for the successful integration of climate policies nevertheless, the book addresses the need to identify and properly use these windows to establish the administrative and institutional arrangements for effective climate policy implementation. This book offers two-fold insights for overcoming the challenges posed by climate policy integration: Firstly, it contributes to theory-building by amending theories of the policy process and by taking a wider perspective on the role of integration in the context of transformational change processes in emerging economies. Secondly, it sets forth a set of research-based practical policy recommendations on how to foster climate policy integration in the political decision-making processes as well as the public administration structures. Therefore, this book will appeal to scholars and researchers of public policy, public administration, political science, and environmental sciences, as well as policy-makers and practitioners interested in a better understanding of climate policy integration in energy and land-use sectors.
Social Transformation for Climate Change
This book argues that social transformation is both necessary and possible if democracies are to respond effectively to the climate crisis without social collapse.
Beach Rambles In Search Of Seaside Pebbles And Crystals
Beach Rambles In Search Of Seaside Pebbles And Crystals: With Some Observations On The Origin Of The Diamond And Other Precious Stones. This book is a result of an effort made by us towards making a contribution to the preservation and repair of original classic literature. In an attempt to preserve, improve and recreate the original content, we have worked towards: 1. Type-setting & Reformatting: The complete work has been re-designed via professional layout, formatting and type-setting tools to re-create the same edition with rich typography, graphics, high quality images, and table elements, giving our readers the feel of holding a 'fresh and newly' reprinted and/or revised edition, as opposed to other scanned & printed (Optical Character Recognition - OCR) reproductions. 2. Correction of imperfections: As the work was re-created from the scratch, therefore, it was vetted to rectify certain conventional norms with regard to typographical mistakes, hyphenations, punctuations, blurred images, missing content/pages, and/or other related subject matters, upon our consideration. Every attempt was made to rectify the imperfections related to omitted constructs in the original edition via other references. However, a few of such imperfections which could not be rectified due to intentional\unintentional omission of content in the original edition, were inherited and preserved from the original work to maintain the authenticity and construct, relevant to the work. We believe that this work holds historical, cultural and/or intellectual importance in the literary works community, therefore despite the oddities, we accounted the work for print as a part of our continuing effort towards preservation of literary work and our contribution towards the development of the society as a whole, driven by our beliefs. We are grateful to our readers for putting their faith in us and accepting our imperfections with regard to preservation of the historical content. HAPPY READING!
