Harvesting The Biosphere

Author : Vaclav Smil
Publisher : MIT Press
Page : 317 pages
File Size : 40,9 Mb
Release : 2015-08-21
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780262528276

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Harvesting the Biosphere by Vaclav Smil Pdf

An interdisciplinary and quantitative account of human claims on the biosphere's stores of living matter, from prehistoric hunting to modern energy production. The biosphere—the Earth's thin layer of life—dates from nearly four billion years ago, when the first simple organisms appeared. Many species have exerted enormous influence on the biosphere's character and productivity, but none has transformed the Earth in so many ways and on such a scale as Homo sapiens. In Harvesting the Biosphere, Vaclav Smil offers an interdisciplinary and quantitative account of human claims on the biosphere's stores of living matter, from prehistory to the present day. Smil examines all harvests—from prehistoric man's hunting of megafauna to modern crop production—and all uses of harvested biomass, including energy, food, and raw materials. Without harvesting of the biomass, Smil points out, there would be no story of human evolution and advancing civilization; but at the same time, the increasing extent and intensity of present-day biomass harvests are changing the very foundations of civilization's well-being. In his detailed and comprehensive account, Smil presents the best possible quantifications of past and current global losses in order to assess the evolution and extent of biomass harvests. Drawing on the latest work in disciplines ranging from anthropology to environmental science, Smil offers a valuable long-term, planet-wide perspective on human-caused environmental change.

Author : William Leiss
Publisher : McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP
Page : 303 pages
File Size : 44,8 Mb
Release : 2023-02-15
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780228017264

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The Domination of Nature by William Leiss Pdf

Concern over ecological and environmental problems grows daily, and many believe we’re at a critical tipping point. Scientists, social thinkers, public officials, and the public recognize that failure to understand the destructive impact of industrial society and advanced technologies on the delicate balance of organic life in the global ecosystem will result in devastating problems for future generations. In The Domination of Nature William Leiss argues that this global predicament must be understood in terms of deeply rooted attitudes towards nature. He traces the origins, development, and social consequences of an idea whose imprint is everywhere in modern thought: the idea of the domination of nature. In part 1 Leiss traces the idea of the domination of nature from the Renaissance to the nineteenth century. Francis Bacon’s seminal work provides the pivotal point for this discussion, and through an original interpretation of Bacon’s thought, Leiss shows how momentous ambiguities in the idea were incorporated into modern thought. By the beginning of the twentieth century the concept had become firmly identified with scientific and technological progress. This fact defines the task of part 2. Using important contributions by European sociologists and philosophers, Leiss critically analyzes the role of science and technology in the modern world. In the concluding chapter he puts the idea of mastery over nature into historical perspective and explores a new approach, based on the possibilities of the liberation of nature. Originally published in 1972, The Domination of Nature was part of the first wave of widespread interest in environmental issues. In a new preface Leiss explores the concept of eco-dominion and the moral obligations of human citizens of the twenty-first century.

Author : Sabine Höhler
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 256 pages
File Size : 50,6 Mb
Release : 2015-10-06
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781317317531

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Spaceship Earth in the Environmental Age, 1960–1990 by Sabine Höhler Pdf

The idea of the earth as a vessel in space came of age in an era shaped by space travel and the Cold War. Höhler’s study brings together technology, science and ecology to explore the way this latter-day ark was invoked by politicians, environmentalists, cultural historians, writers of science fiction and many others across three decades.

Author : Sarah Fekadu,Hanna Straß-Senol,Tobias Döring
Publisher : Narr Francke Attempto Verlag
Page : 302 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 2017-06-12
Category : Literary Criticism
ISBN : 9783823391579

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REAL - Yearbook of Research in English and American Literature by Sarah Fekadu,Hanna Straß-Senol,Tobias Döring Pdf

Meteorologies of Modernity explores the ways in which literature reflects and participates in discourses on weather and climate – historically as well as at our contemporary moment. Literature contains a huge meteorological archive built throughout the centuries. The essays collected in this volume therefore ask to what extent literature can bring the vastness and complexity of climate change into view, how literature offers ways to think through the challenges of the Anthropocene both culturally, historically, and aesthetically, and, last but not least, how it helps us to conceptualize a radically new understanding of what it means to be human. The thirteen contributions from literary and cultural studies address weather and climate discourses from a variety of conceptual angles and cover a broad range of historical and geographical contexts. Topics include representations of tropical climates in Shakespeare, the close yet tense relationship between literature and the rising discipline of meteorology in the nineteenth century, allegories of climate change in postcolonial literature, and climate catastrophes in the contemporary clifi novel. By employing a historicizing and comparative approach, the volume addresses the need for studying representations of climate and climate change in an interdisciplinary, transnational and transhistorical framework, overcoming traditional disciplinary boundaries and creating new collectives of theory and criticism that are essential when debating the Anthropocene.

Author : Dain Bolwell
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 294 pages
File Size : 48,9 Mb
Release : 2019-02-11
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 9780429770609

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Governing Technology in the Quest for Sustainability on Earth by Dain Bolwell Pdf

Governing Technology in the Quest for Sustainability on Earth explores how human technologies can be managed to ensure the long-term sustainability of our species and of other life forms with which we share this world. It analyses human impact, the discourses of environmentalism and issues of economics, history and science. As these variables are complex, drawing on issues from the social, physical and life sciences as well as the humanities, Dain Bolwell uses an interdisciplinary approach to investigate these concepts and their related public policies. Exploring three major existing and emerging technologies – chemical herbicides, nuclear-electric power generation, and robotics and artificial intelligence – the book demonstrates the multifaceted and complicated nature of the grand challenges we face and draws out the measures required to effect sustainability in the wider political sphere. Exploring how we can govern technology most effectively to ensure a long term and sustainable future, this book will be of great interest to students and researchers of environmental studies, science and technology and environmental law and policy.

Author : George Steinmetz,Andrew Revkin
Publisher : Abrams
Page : 256 pages
File Size : 46,8 Mb
Release : 2020-04-07
Category : Photography
ISBN : 9781683358800

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The Human Planet by George Steinmetz,Andrew Revkin Pdf

A dynamic aerial exploration of our changing planet, published on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day The Human Planet is a sweeping visual chronicle of the Earth today from a photographer who has circled the globe to report on such urgent issues as climate change, sustainable agriculture, and the ever-expanding human footprint. George Steinmetz is at home on every continent, documenting both untrammeled nature and the human project that relentlessly redesigns the planet in its quest to build shelter, grow food, generate energy, and create beauty through art and architecture. In his images, accompanied by authoritative text by renowned science writer Andrew Revkin, we are encountering the dramatic and perplexing new face of our ancient home.

Author : H. Lieth,R.H. Whittaker
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 339 pages
File Size : 54,5 Mb
Release : 2012-12-06
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783642809132

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Primary Productivity of the Biosphere by H. Lieth,R.H. Whittaker Pdf

The period since World War II, and especially the last decade influenced by the International Biological Program, has seen enormous growth in research on the function of ecosystems. The same period has seen an exponential' rise in environmental problems including the capacity of the Earth to support man's population. The concern extends to man's effects on the "biosphere"-the film of living organisms on the Earth's surface that supports man. The common theme of ecologic research and environmental concerns is primary production the binding of sunlight energy into organic matter by plants that supports all life. Many results from the IBP remain to be synthesized, but enough data are available from that program and other research to develop a convincing sum mary of the primary production of the biosphere-the purpose of this book. The book had its origin in the parallel interests of the two editors and Gene E. Likens, which led them to prepare a symposium on the topic at the Second Biological Congress of the American Institute of Biological Sciences in Miami, Florida, October 24, 1971. Revisions of the papers presented at that symposium appear as Chapters 2, 8, 9, 10, and 15 in this book. We have added other chapters that complement this core; these include discussion and evaluation of methods for measuring productivity and regional production, current findings on tropical productivity, and models of primary productivity.

Author : Partha Dasgupta
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 679 pages
File Size : 49,5 Mb
Release : 2024-04-30
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 9781009494335

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The Economics of Biodiversity by Partha Dasgupta Pdf

"This landmark report explains the current state of play in relation to biodiversity loss and explores the ways in which we can find a sustainable path to deal with this problem, one that will require us to change how we think, act and measure success"--

Author : U. Seeliger,B. Kjerfve
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 376 pages
File Size : 40,7 Mb
Release : 2013-03-14
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783662044827

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Coastal Marine Ecosystems of Latin America by U. Seeliger,B. Kjerfve Pdf

Coastal and marine ecosystems, some severely degraded, other still pristine, control rich resources of inshore environments and coastal seas of Latin America's Pacific and Atlantic margins. Conflicts between the needs of the region's nations and diminishing revenues and environmental quality have induced awareness of coastal ecological problems and motivated financial support for restoration and management. The volume provides a competent review on the structure, processes and function of 22 important Latin American coastal marine ecosystems. Each contribution describes the environmental settings, biotic components and structure of the system, considers trophic processes and energy flow, evaluates the modifying influence of natural and human perturbations, and suggests management needs. Although the focus of the book is on basic ecological research, the results have application for coastal managers.

Author : Unesco
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 284 pages
File Size : 52,9 Mb
Release : 1970
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : UOM:39015056052080

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Use and Conservation of the Biosphere by Unesco Pdf

Author : James D. Nations
Publisher : University of Texas Press
Page : 363 pages
File Size : 49,6 Mb
Release : 2010-01-01
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780292778771

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The Maya Tropical Forest by James D. Nations Pdf

The Maya Tropical Forest, which occupies the lowlands of southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize, is the closest rainforest to the United States and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Western Hemisphere. It has been home to the Maya peoples for nearly four millennia, starting around 1800 BC. Ancient cities in the rainforest such as Palenque, Yaxchilan, Tikal, and Caracol draw thousands of tourists and scholars seeking to learn more about the prehistoric Maya. Their contemporary descendants, the modern Maya, utilize the forest's natural resources in village life and international trade, while striving to protect their homeland from deforestation and environmental degradation. Writing for both visitors and conservationists, James Nations tells the fascinating story of how ancient and modern Maya peoples have used and guarded the rich natural resources of the Maya Tropical Forest. He opens with a natural history that profiles the forest's significant animals and plants. Nations then describes the Maya peoples, biological preserves, and major archaeological sites in Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. Drawing on more than twenty-five years of conservation work in the Maya Tropical Forest, Nations tells first-hand stories of the creation of national parks and other protected areas to safeguard the region's natural resources and archaeological heritage. He concludes with an expert assessment of the forest's future in which he calls for expanded archaeological tourism to create an ecologically sustainable economic base for the region.

Author : Rob Avis,Michelle Avis
Publisher : New Society Publishers
Page : 178 pages
File Size : 52,6 Mb
Release : 2018-12-11
Category : House & Home
ISBN : 9781550926675

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Essential Rainwater Harvesting by Rob Avis,Michelle Avis Pdf

Design a rainwater harvesting system for any home in any climate. Water is a crucial resource increasingly under stress. Yet rainfall, even in arid climates, can make up a sizable portion of any home, acreage, or farm's water requirements if harvested and utilized with care. The key is appropriate planning and high-quality site- and climate-specific design. Essential Rainwater Harvesting is a comprehensive manual for designing, building, and maintaining water harvesting systems for the warm and cold climates of the world. Presenting design considerations and approaches for the most common household rainwater supply scenarios – primary, supplemental, and off-grid supply – this step-by-step approach covers: Considerations for full-property water security Demand planning and conservation strategies Supply calculations and design implications for extreme rainfall and drought Materials selection and water quality System and site assessment Sizing and design of gutters, conveyance, tanks, and pumps Pre-filtration, filtration, and disinfection options System maintenance and upkeep This practical resource provides DIYers, trades, and rainwater practitioners with the essential tools, methods, and technical know-how to design, build, and maintain rainwater harvesting systems anywhere. Rob Avis, P.Eng and Michelle Avis, P.Eng own and operate Adaptive Habitat, a leading edge property design firm for resilient homes, acreages, and farms and Verge Permaculture, a globally recognized award-winning education business. They have over 20 years of combined experience in project management, ecological design, and sustainable technologies, which they share at vergepermaculture.ca from their suburban house and yard that they've transformed into a model of cold climate urban permaculture in Calgary, Alberta.

Author : Anonim
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 404 pages
File Size : 54,5 Mb
Release : 1988
Category : Science
ISBN : 0716605899

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Science Year 1989 by Anonim Pdf

Author : Michael Lockwood,Graeme Worboys,Ashish Kothari
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 842 pages
File Size : 55,6 Mb
Release : 2012-05-04
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781136561757

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Managing Protected Areas by Michael Lockwood,Graeme Worboys,Ashish Kothari Pdf

This handbook, produced by world renowned experts from the World Conservation Union (IUCN), spans the full terrain of protected area management and is the international benchmark for the field. The book employs dozens of detailed international cases studies, hundreds of concise topical snapshots, maps, tables, illustrations and a colour plate section, as well as evaluation tools, checklists and numerous appendices to cover all aspects of park management from biodiversity to natural heritage to financial management. The book establishes a conceptual underpinning for protected area management, presents guiding principles for the 21st century, reflects recent work on international best practice and provides an assessment of skills required by professionals. As the most authoritative guide ever compiled to the principles and practice of protected area management, this volume is essential for all professionals and students in all countries and contexts.

Author : Christian Leveque
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 490 pages
File Size : 52,5 Mb
Release : 2003-01-10
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 9781482294354

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Ecology by Christian Leveque Pdf