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Southeast Asia's most persistent environmental concern is transboundary haze pollution, caused by peatland forest fires mainly in Indonesia and Malaysia for land clearance. The haze cycle affects public health, business, and tourism, leading to socio-economic impacts, despite ASEAN's initiatives towards transboundary haze-free ASEAN by 2020. The Third Sector Organisations (TSOs) play an increasingly important role in enabling, coordinating and facilitating the efficient implementation of effective strategies to combat the issue.
Alarming, riveting and humorous, "An Inconvenient Truth" is a groundbreaking book that presents conclusive evidence of global warming and its disastrous consequences. This book brings together top research from around the world, personal anecdotes, and illustrations to document the fast pace and wide scope of the issue. Written in an accessible and entertaining style, this book will open the eyes of even the most skeptical readers to the undeniable fact of global warming. Recommended for environmentalists, scientists, politicians, and anyone interested in the future of our planet, "An Inconvenient Truth" presents a comprehensive and alarming view of global warming. With its personal anecdotes, illustrations, and top research from around the world, this book is relevant to a wide range of fields of study, including environmental science, political science, and sociology. It is also relevant to anyone interested in the intersection of science and politics, and the role of individuals in shaping the future of our planet.
Did you know that human activity can cause earthquakes? In fact, they're becoming more common due to drilling, mining, and other subsurface activities. For example, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake in Spain in 2011 was caused by farmers using underground water for irrigation, which caused a shift in the fault line. The oil and gas industry, geothermal power developers, and dam builders have also caused man-made earthquakes. Learning about the science behind earthquakes is not only intellectually fascinating, but it can also help us understand how to avoid making the problem worse. Earthquakes are one of the most catastrophic natural disasters, and there is currently no way to predict when they will strike. As students, we can take an active role in learning about the impact of human activity on the environment and how we can make a positive difference.
Experience Africa from a whole new perspective with Edward Burtynsky's latest collection of photographs, African Studies. From the geometric patterns of agriculture to the devastating impact of corporate greed, Burtynsky's aerial images capture the intricate relationship between humans and the planet. Discover the beauty and horror of Africa's vast resources, extracted with both modern technology and centuries-old techniques. Explore the impact of China's shifting economy on the African continent, and ponder the abstract beauty of Namibia's Tsaus Mountains. The African continent is a final frontier worth exploring.
The UN's Decade on Ecosystem Restoration calls for urgent action to restore freshwater ecosystems. A recent study of Australian stream management highlights the need for collaborative, participatory, and adaptive nature-based solutions. Discover how building communities of practice, implementing nature-based solutions, and allocating more resources for adaptive management can help achieve global goals for ecosystem restoration.
Did you know that wetlands are vital sources of water purification, groundwater recharge, and carbon storage? A new Stanford-led study published in Nature finds that global losses of wetlands have likely been overestimated, enabling more informed plans to protect or restore ecosystems crucial for human health and livelihoods. While wetlands remain threatened in many parts of the world, the researchers combed through thousands of records of wetland drainage and land-use changes in 154 countries, mapping the distribution of drained and converted wetlands onto maps of present-day wetlands to get a picture of what the original wetland area might have looked like in 1700.
The Weather Makers by Tim Flannery paints a bleak picture of the future of our planet as we approach a global climatic tipping point. With vivid descriptions of the most powerful natural disasters in recent history, Flannery provides a riveting history of climate change and its impending impact on our world. But it's not all doom and gloom - Flannery offers specific suggestions for action that individuals and lawmakers can take to prevent a cataclysmic future. This urgent warning and call to arms is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of our planet. Recommended for environmentalists, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of our planet, The Weather Makers by Tim Flannery offers a comprehensive history of climate change and its impact on our world. With specific suggestions for action, Flannery's urgent warning and call to arms is relevant to anyone concerned about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal energy. The book is also valuable for those studying environmental science, meteorology, and related fields, as it offers a detailed analysis of the science behind climate change and its effects on our planet.
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UN Treaty protects 30% of oceans, restricts mining, fishing, and shipping, and aims to reverse biodiversity losses and ensure sustainable development. Marine life is at risk from climate change, overfishing, and pollution. The treaty also addresses marine genetic resources and requires environmental assessments for deep-sea activities. However, the treaty must be adopted and passed by enough countries to enter into force.
Jeans have a fascinating history, from their origins as sturdy workwear to their current status as fashion icons. However, the manufacturing process for a single pair of jeans emits over 33 kilograms of carbon, contributes to environmental degradation, and often involves poor labor practices. As a student, you can learn about the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry and take action to reduce your own impact. Buying used jeans, washing them less frequently, and choosing brands that prioritize sustainability and fair labor practices are all steps you can take. By exploring these issues, you can become a more informed and responsible consumer, and contribute to a more just and sustainable world.
Imagine a world without humans - what would happen next? This thought experiment highlights the interconnectedness of our world and the impact humans have on it. Without our intervention, nature would take over and endangered species would have a chance to thrive. However, the world would never forget us as we would leave our mark. Learning about the environment and the impact humans have on it is not only intellectually stimulating, but it also has practical benefits. By understanding our impact on the planet, we can make informed decisions and take action to ensure a sustainable future. So, let's explore and discover the fascinating world of environmental science and make a positive impact on the world we live in.
A new study reveals that coral reefs have declined by 50% since the 1950s due to climate change, overfishing, and pollution. The loss of these biodiversity hotspots not only affects marine life but also puts communities and livelihoods at risk. Learn more about the rapid pace of global coral collapse and its implications for indigenous communities and local ecosystems.
A 1°C temperature rise can cause a tenfold increase in displacement, and a 50mm reduction in rainfall per month can double it. Conflict is a major driver, but displacement itself doesn't cause further conflict. Discover the impact of climate change on vulnerable regions across African drylands and the urgent need for adaptation measures.
Improving tree coverage and access to green spaces in LA County could significantly increase life expectancy, particularly in lower-income communities of color. The study's findings provide a blueprint for targeted green strategies that could help reduce health disparities and increase longevity among predominantly Black and Latino residents of "park poor" neighborhoods. The study's authors suggest that policies implemented where they are needed most could lead to a significant decrease in life expectancy disparities across Los Angeles.
A new global study reveals that deforestation and human-induced damage to forests are happening faster than they can regrow, hindering efforts to combat climate and ecological emergencies. Led by the University of Bristol and published in Nature, the research highlights the potential of carbon storage in recovering forests, but also emphasizes the need for sustainable forest management. The study provides the first pan-tropical estimates of aboveground carbon absorption in tropical forests recovering from degradation and deforestation, and identifies the vulnerability of carbon sinks in recovering forests.
Are you curious about the hidden waterways that run beneath London's busy streets? Did you know that many of London's neighborhoods are named after these waterways? Discover the fascinating story of London's "secret" rivers, their historical significance, and how they are being restored to improve the environment and the lives of millions of people in this inspiring article from BBC. Follow the journey of volunteer groups who are revitalizing these waterways, creating habitats for wildlife, and reducing flood risks across the city.
Plastic is a synthetic polymer that has completely changed our world. It is lightweight, durable, and can be molded into almost any shape. Unfortunately, plastic has saturated our environment, invaded the animals we eat, and is finding its way into our bodies. Plastic takes between 500 and 1,000 years to break down, yet we use it for things meant to be thrown away. 40% of plastics are used for packaging, and since its invention, we have produced about 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic. 79% of it is still sticking around, and a lot ends up in the ocean, where it outweighs all the fish. Microplastics, pieces smaller than 5 millimeters, have been found in honey, sea salt, beer, tap water, and in the household dust around us. While there is little science about the health risks associated with microplastics, it is safe to say that we have lost control over plastic to a certain extent, which is kind of scary. By learning more about plastic, we can take steps to reduce its impact on our environment and our health.
In "Storms of My Grandchildren," Dr. James Hansen, the preeminent climate scientist, delivers a powerful and urgent message about the looming threat of global warming. With a stark warning that the planet is hurtling towards a climatic point of no return, Hansen calls for immediate and decisive action to phase out coal and achieve a goal of 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This book is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of our planet and the fate of future generations. Recommended for students of environmental science, policy makers, and anyone interested in the urgent issue of climate change, "Storms of My Grandchildren" provides a comprehensive and compelling overview of the science behind global warming and the political obstacles to addressing it. The book is an important resource for those seeking to understand the dire consequences of inaction, and the urgent need for a groundswell of public support to create a tipping point for change. Hansen's message is clear: we must act now to save our planet and our grandchildren from a catastrophic fate.