Earth Sciences, Geography & Environment Books

Book SynopsisTable of ContentsList of Figures xv List of Plates xvii List of Maps xx List of Tables xxii Acknowledgments xxiii List of Abbreviations xxvi A Guide to Reading the Second Edition of Human Geography: An Essential Introduction xxix 1 Introducing Human Geography 1 Chapter Learning Objectives 1 Introduction 2 What Is Human Geography? 3 One Planet, Many Cultures, Unconscionable Inequality 9 The Origins of Our Unequal World: The Rise,Reign, and Faltering of the West 9 Four Theories Explaining the Rise, Reign,and Faltering of the West 15 Conclusion 20 Checklist of Key Ideas 21 Chapter Essay Questions 21 References and Guidance for Further Reading 22 Website Support Material 23 2 Human Geography: A Brief History 24 Chapter Learning Objectives 24 Introduction 25 Telling the Story of the History of Human Geography 26 Human Geography in the Premodern Era 34 Human Geography in the Modern Era 35 Early Modern Period 35 Modern Period 38 Late Modern Period 43 Human Geography in the Postmodern Era 47 Postmodern Human Geography: On Relativisers and Responsibility 47 Postfoundational and Anti‐Relativist Human Geographies 48 Human Geographies in Real Time: Geocomputation and Spatial Data Science 51 Conclusion 53 Checklist of Key Ideas 54 Chapter Essay Questions 55 References and Guidance for Further Reading 55 Website Support Material 57 3 Big History: Watersheds in Human History 58 Chapter Learning Objectives 58 Introduction 59 Introducing Big History: From the Big Bang to the Sixth Mass Extinction! 59 First Watershed: The Origins of the Human Species 60 Second Watershed: First Migrations and the Peopling of the Planet 64 Third Watershed: The Development of Human Culture and Invention of Settled Agriculture 71 Fourth Watershed: The Rise and Fall of Civilizations 78 Fifth Watershed: The Rise of Western Civilization from the Tenth Century bce? 82 Conclusion 85 Checklist of Key Ideas 86 Chapter Essay Questions 87 References and Guidance for Further Reading 87 Website Support Material 89 4 The Commanding Heights: A Brief History of the European World Capitalist Economy from 1450 90 Chapter Learning Objectives 90 Introduction 91 Key Concepts: Global Commodity Chains, Value Chains, and Production Networks 91 The Rise of the European World Economy, 1450–1945: Wallerstein’s World‐Systems Analysis 93 The Fate of the European World Economy After the Age of Empire 97 Stabilizing Capitalism: Parisian Regulation Theory 98 The Thirty Glory Years of Capitalism in the Core: The Fordist‐Keynesian Compromise (1945–1975) 99 An Early Response: The New International Division of Labor (NIDL) 101 Boom and Carnage in the Core: The Neoliberal Juggernaut (1979–Present) 106 2050: Toward a Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4)? 112 Conclusion 118 Checklist of Key Ideas 119 Chapter Essay Questions 120 References and Guidance for Further Reading 120 Website Support Material 122 5 Power: The Governmental Machine of the West 123 Chapter Learning Objectives 123 Introduction 124 Power: The Governmental Machine of the West 124 The Rise (and Fall?) of the “European” Nation‐State 128 Beyond Medieval Polities: The Rise of the “European” Nation‐State from 1648 and 1848 128 Is the Sovereign Nation‐State Obsolete? Back to Medieval Polities? 132 Europe’s Nation‐States and Empires: Europe’s Scramble for the World 136 The Age of European Empires 136 Case Study: Europe’s Scramble for Africa 141 American Empire: The Eagle, the Bear, the Theocrat, and the Dragon 147 Conclusion 154 Checklist of Key Ideas 154 Chapter Essay Questions 155 References and Guidance for Further Reading 155 Website Support Material 158 6 Worlds of Meaning: Power, Landscape, and Place 159 Chapter Learning Objectives 159 Introduction 160 Enlightenment(s): The West’s Culture(s) 161 Cultural Geography and the Study of Western Culture 163 Sauerian Cultural Geography: Culture as a Superorganism 163 New Directions in Cultural Geography from the 1980s 165 Social Formations and Symbolic Landscapes 166 The West in the Cultural Landscape: On the Imperialism of the Straight Line 168 Haussmann’s Paris: The Capital City of Modernity 168 L’Enfant and McMillan’s Washington, DC, and National Mall 169 Worlds of Meaning: Landscapes of Power and Living Landscapes 172 The Ville and the Cite: Building and Dwelling in Western Spaces 172 Case Study 1: The Metropolis and the Mind: Early Conjectures 175 Case Study 2: Beyond the Pale – Clean Lines and Crooked Colonies 177 Case Study 3: Slums and Projects: The African‐American Search for a Sense of Place 183 Conclusion 186 Checklist of Key Ideas 186 Chapter Essay Questions 187 References and Guidance for Further Reading 187 Website Support Material 190 7 (Under)Development: Challenging Inequalities Globally 191 Chapter Learning Objectives 191 Introduction 192 Market Fundamentalism and the Promise of Convergence 194 Tracking and Mapping Development and Human Welfare from 1800 195 Geographies of Human Development and Poverty from 1800 197 Geographies of Income and Wealth Inequality from 1800 204 A Brief Annotated History of Development Theory and Practice 209 The Western Tradition of Development Theory and Practice 209 Challenging Inequalities Globally in the Twenty‐First Century 216 Development Alternatives and Alternatives to Development 220 Conclusion 222 Checklist of Key Ideas 223 Chapter Essay Questions 224 References and Guidance for Further Reading 224 Website Support Material 228 8 10 000 000 000: The Modern Rise in World Population from 1750 229 Chapter Learning Objectives 229 Introduction 230 Introduction to the Demographic Transition Model 231 Histories and Geographies of Demographic Transitions 234 The Demographic Transition Model and Mortality Decline 240 Explaining Mortality Decline 240 Policies for Improved Global Health 244 The Demographic Transition Model and Fertility Decline 247 Explaining Fertility Decline 247 Policies for Lowering and Increasing Fertility Levels 249 Demographic Transition: The Case of China from 1949 250 Conclusion 258 Checklist of Key Ideas 259 Chapter Essay Questions 259 References and Guidance for Further Reading 260 Website Support Material 262 9 A Planet in Distress: Humanity’s War on the Earth 263 Chapter Learning Objectives 263 Introduction 264 Perspectives on Humanity’s War on the Earth 264 The Pessimists: Rediscovering Malthus in the Age of the Anthropocene 264 The Optimists: Cornucopians and the Age of Green Technology and Clean Growth 269 The Political Ecologists: Marx in the Age of the Capitalocene 271 A Planet in Distress: The Global Climate and Ecology Crisis 273 Global Warming: Decarbonizing Our Overheating Planet 274 Biodiversity: Avoiding a Sixth Mass Extinction 278 Air Quality: Detoxing the Air We Breathe 282 Growing Waste: From “Cradle to Cradle” 282 Water Insecurity: Water, the New Gold? 284 Case Study: Tackling the Global Climate and Ecological Crisis in the Liverpool City Region 285 A New Model of Political Economy for a Cleaner and Greener Planet Earth? 289 Conclusion 291 Checklist of Key Ideas 291 Chapter Essay Questions 292 References and Guidance for Further Reading 292 Website Support Material 295 10 Homo urbanus: Urbanization and Urban Form from 1800 296 Chapter Learning Objectives 296 Introduction 297 The Modern Rise of the City from 1800 298 Europe, Capitalism, Industrialization, Urbanization, and the Industrial City 298 The Form of the Industrial City: The Chicago School of Urban Sociology and Beyond 302 The Creative Destruction of the Industrial City: Insights from Glasgow 306 Mapping the Urban Age 312 Urban Form After the Age of the Industrial City: The Shape of Things to Come? 315 Megalopolis: From Cities to Networks and Urban Galaxies? 316 Los Angeles: The 100‐Mile City and Our Postmetropolis Future? 316 Slums in the Global South: Urbanization Without Industrialization? 318 China’s Instant Megacities: State‐Orchestrated Urbanization? 321 Planetary Urbanization: Urban Studies After the Age of the City? 323 Conclusion 325 Checklist of Key Ideas 325 Chapter Essay Questions 326 References and Guidance for Further Reading 326 Website Support Material 329 11 The Walling of the West: Migration, Hospitality, and Settling 330 Chapter Learning Objectives 330 Introduction 331 The Great Human Diasporas 332 Diaspora (Διασποράς) 332 Case Study: The Atlantic Slave Trade and African Diaspora in the Americas 333 Global Migration Stocks and Flows: Definitions, Patterns, and Trends 341 Rethinking Integration: On the Politics of Hospitality 347 Host Country Integration: Policies and Outcomes 347 Thinking Integration: Assimilation, Multiculturalism, Diaspora Space, and Securitization 350 Rethinking Integration: Migrant Settling and Settling Services 354 Case Study: The Syrian Refugee and IDP Crisis 355 Conclusion 361 Checklist of Key Ideas 361 Chapter Essay Questions 362 References and Guidance for Further Reading 362 Website Support Material 365 12 At Risk: Hazards, Society, and Resilience 366 Chapter Learning Objectives 366 Introduction 367 Global Risks: Hazards by Likelihood and Impact 367 Understanding Risk: What Causes Hazards to Become Disasters and Disasters to Become Catastrophes? 370 Gilbert White: Pioneering Human Geographical Interest in Natural Hazards 370 When Hazards Become Disasters: Risk = Hazard × Vulnerability (R = H × V) 372 Mapping the World at Risk 375 Disaster Risk Reduction: What Stops Hazards from Becoming Disasters and Disasters from Becoming Catastrophes? 382 The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 382 Resilience Politics: Robustness, Recovery, Reform, or Redesign? 388 Conclusion 394 Checklist of Key Ideas 395 Chapter Essay Questions 396 References and Guidance for Further Reading 396 Website Support Material 398 13 Remaking the West, Remaking Human Geography 399 Chapter Learning Objectives 399 Introduction 400 Summary: Making the West, Making Human Geography 401 Remaking the West 405 Remaking Human Geography 409 Remaking the West, Remaking Human Geography 413 Conclusion 422 Checklist of Key Ideas 422 Chapter Essay Questions 423 References and Guidance for Further Reading 423 Website Support Material 426 Coda on Covid-19 428 Coda Learning Objectives 428 Covid‐19: The West’s Barium Meal? 429 Covid‐19’s Unexpected Geographies 432 Explaining Covid‐19’s Geographies: Risk = Hazard × Vulnerability 433 Exposure to Covid‐19: Uneven Geographies of Viral Load 434 Vulnerability to Covid‐19: Susceptibility, Adaptation, and Coping 436 Vulnerability Wrought by Socio‐structural Disadvantages and Heightened Susceptibility 437 Vulnerability Wrought by Weak Institutional Capacity for Advanced Adaptation and Preparation 439 Vulnerability Wrought by Poor Coping and the Speed, Quality, and Efficacy of Government Responses 441 Commentary: Disentangling Covid-19’s Complex Causality 442 Covid-19: A Portal to Another World? 447 Checklist of Key Ideas 450 Chapter Essay Questions 450 References and Guidance for Further Reading 450 Website Support Material 451 Glossary 452 Index 463

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn a world all too familiar with environmental disasters, Horst Kornberger argues that the bee crisis is a more significant problem than deforestation, pollution and global warming put together, as it points to the causes behind all these. Global Hive is a rallying cry for a new understanding of world ecology. More than a study of bees, this book offers both an entirely new way of thinking about the bee crisis and its causes, and a way to use the crisis to explore wider social and ecological issues. Kornberger challenges the dominant scientific worldview that reduces everything to minute detail and fails to see the larger holistic picture. He argues that we urgently need to start thinking about ecology in a different way -- by developing a new science which draws on empathy and imagination -- if we want to mend our relationship with the natural world. From this perspective, the worldwide threat of the bee crisis becomes a starting point for global change.Global Hive is a thought-provoking treatise on what colony collapse teaches us about our society, our choices and how we can build a more sustainable world.Trade Review'A wonderfully written book bringing together two aspects of our humanity: Bee-Culture and development of consciousness. Even though Kornberger is not a bee-keeper, his book is very well researched and brings to light other largely unknown aspects of the matter. He is an inspiring interdisciplinary artist, international lecturer, author and researcher into paradigm-shift.Global Hive is highly recommended for anyone wanting to understand the current human crisis deeply; for anyone wanting to take a very different but equally enlightening interest in honey-bees; and especially those wanting to connect the two. 'Compassionate ecology' comes to expression in many forms of current spiritually-inspired, Goethean and alternative bee-husbandry to which this book is an outstanding contribution.'-- Star and Furrow'The essential message of this eloquent book identifies our mindset as the root of the problems we are creating. How do we look at and understand the world? [...]This is a brilliant and penetrating study of the impact of our manipulative and emotionally impoverished Western mindset -- homo scientificus-economicus - and an urgent call to swarm our paradigms, pollinate the global mind and weave a new and compassionate eco-sphere of meaning.'-- The Paradigm Explorer'If I was limited to recommend just one book to a new beekeeper, an experienced beekeeper or somebody who loves nature and wants to know more about the extraordinary honeybee, it would be Global Hive by Horst Kornberger... This book is full of hope, and the source of the hope is the exceptional honeybee and the relationships they share with each other and nature. Horst urges us to understand and preserve the bee, so that we might start the process of turning around this ailing planet, and so create a global hive.Looking back, I can say it fundamentally changed my relationship to bees and my general consciousness of all other relationships. I feel truly inspired by bees, not for their honey but for what we can learn from them. I cannot recommend this book enough.'-- Jonathan Powell, Natural Beekeeping TrustTable of ContentsAcknowledgements 1 From Beuys to Bees 2 Honey Hunt 3 Domestication and What it Means 4 The Bee in All Bees 5 The Caged Queen 6 Enter: Varroa Destructor 7 Mites and Their Mission 8 Microscope and Mind 9 Mating Machinery 10 The Logic of Destruction 11 Macroscope 12 Goethe: The Apprentice of Nature 13 Compassionate Ecology 14 From Conscience to Compassion 15 Global Empathy 16 Beehive Metaphors 17 Bee Frames and Mind Frames 18 The Choreography of Care 19 Swarming Paradigms 20 Compassion Collapse Disorder 21 Imaginal Literacy 22 Global Hive 23 Ecolibrium 24 The Honey Doctrine Afterword Endnotes Bibliography About the Author

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book comprehensively describes essential research and projects on climate change and biodiversity. Moreover, it includes contributions on how to promote the climate agenda and biodiversity conservation at the local level. Climate change as a whole and global warming in particular are known to have a negative impact on biodiversity in three main ways. Firstly, increases in temperatures are detrimental to a number of organisms, especially those in sensitive habitats such as coral reefs and rainforests. Secondly, the pressures posed by a changing climate may lead to sets of responses in areas as varied as phenology, range and physiology of living organisms, often leading to changes in their lifecycles (especially but not only in reproduction), losses in productivity or even death. In some cases, the very survival of very sensitive species may be endangered. Thirdly, the impacts of climate change on biodiversity will be felt in the short term with regard to some species and ecosystems, but also in the medium and long term in many biomes. Indeed, if left unchecked, some of these impacts may be irreversible. Many individual governments, financial institutes and international donors are currently spending billions of dollars on projects addressing climate change and biodiversity, but with little coordination. Quite often, the emphasis is on adaptation efforts, with little emphasis on the connections between physio-ecological changes and the lifecycles and metabolisms of fauna and flora, or the influence of poor governance on biodiversity. As such, there is a recognized need to not only better understand the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, but to also identify, test and implement measures aimed at managing the many risks that climate change poses to fauna, flora and micro-organisms. In particular, the question of how to restore and protect ecosystems from the impact of climate change also has to be urgently addressed. This book was written to address this need. The respective papers explore matters related to the use of an ecosystem-based approach to increase local adaptation capacity, consider the significance of a protected areas network in preserving biodiversity in a changing northern European climate, and assess the impacts of climate change on specific species, including wild terrestrial animals. The book also presents a variety of case studies such as the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, the effects of climate change on the biodiversity of Aleppo pine forest in Senalba (Algeria), climate change and biodiversity response in the Niger Delta region, and the effects of forest fires on the biodiversity and the soil characteristics of tropical peatlands in Indonesia. This is a truly interdisciplinary publication, and will benefit all scholars, social movements, practitioners and members of governmental agencies engaged in research and/or executing projects on climate change and biodiversity around the world.Table of ContentsWater Management and Climate Change in the Focus of International Master Programs in Latin America and the Caribbean.- Mangrove Conservation Policies in the Gulf of Guayaquil.- Biodiversity Issues Should be Better Taken into Account in the Energy Transition.- Approaches to Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity Assessment in Belarus.- Community Action for Biodiversity and Forest Conservation and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Wild Coffee Forests (CAFA).- Impact of Climate Change on Sawfly (Suborder: Symphyta) Polinators in Andalusia Region, Spain.- Coffee, Climate and Biodiversity: Understanding the Carbon Stocks of the Shade Coffee Production System of India.- Implications for Biodiversity of Potentially Committed Global Climate Change (from Science and Policy).- Ensuring Co-Benefits for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Sustainable Development.- Sustainable Hydropower: using Ecosystem-based Adaptation to increase local Adaptation Capacity in Brazil.- The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative as an Adaptive Response to Climate Change.- Saving the Last Endemic-Church Forests in Ethiopia: The Case of Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve.- Factors Affecting Communication and Information Sharing for Water Resource Management in Lake Victoria Basin (LVB).- Climate Sentinels Research Program: Developing Indicators of the Effects of Climate Change on Biodiversity in the Region of New Aquitaine (South West, France).- Introducing Spatio-Temporal Conservation Units: Models for Flexible Optimization of Species Persistence under Climate Change.- The Impact of Climate Change and Variability on Wild Terrestrial Animals in Selected Rural Coastal Regions of Kenya.- Biodiversity Risks for Belarus Connected with the UV Climate Change.- The Impact of Forest Fire on the Biodiversity and the Soil Charactersitics of Tropical Peatland.- Promoting Climate Agenda and Biodiversity Conservation at the Local Level: A Case for Nepal’s Rural and Urban Municipalities.

Read more less

Book Synopsis“The most honest book about climate change yet.” —The Atlantic“The Infinite Jest of climate books.” —The BafflerA timely, eye-opening book about climate change and energy generation that focuses on the consequences of nuclear power production, from award-winning author William T. VollmannIn his nonfiction, William T. Vollmann has won acclaim as a singular voice tackling some of the most important issues of our age, from poverty to violence to the dark soul of American imperialism as it has played out on the U.S./Mexico border. Now, Vollmann turns to a topic that will define the generations to come--the factors and human actions that have led to global warming. Vollmann begins No Immediate Danger, the first volume of Carbon Ideologies, by examining and quantifying the many causes of climate change, from industrial manufacturing and agricultural practices to fossil fuel extractio

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Good Earth is the product of collaboration between the content rigor provided by Earth Science specialists and the results of research on learning. The Good Earth has been explicitly designed to be compatible with active learning teaching strategies in the college classroom. The structural elements of this text will allow the instructor to incorporate these student-centered teaching methods into their Earth Science course. The authors have tested the book's content and pedagogy in large Earth Science classes for non-majors that are populated with mostly freshmen. Their experiences show that the materials and methods in The Good Earth can improve students' learning, increase daily attendance, reduce attrition, and increase students' enthusiasm in comparison with classes taught following a traditional lecture format. Table of Contents1) Introduction to Earth Science2) Earth in Science3) Near-Earth Objects4) Plate Tectonics5) Earthquakes6) Volcanoes and Mountains7) Rocks and Minerals8) Geologic Time9) Weathering and Soils10) Landslides and Slope Failure11) Streams and Floods12) Groundwater and Wetlands13) Oceans and Coastlines14) The Atomosphere15) Weather Systems16) Earth's Climate System17) Global ChangeAppendix A – Conversion FactorsAppendix B – The Periodic Table of ElementsAppendix C – Answers to Selected Checkpoint Questions

Read more less

Book SynopsisA lone wild wolf lives on a small group of uninhabited islands in British Columbias Salish Sea, surrounded by freighter, oil tanker and other boat traffic and in close proximity to a large urban area. His name is Takaya, which is the Coast Salish First Nations peoples word for wolf. Cheryl Alexander studied and documented this unique wolf for years, unravelling the many mysteries surrounding his life. Her documentation of Takayas journey, his life on the islands and the development of their deep connection is presented alongside a stunning collection of her photography. Through journal entries, interviews, and photographs, Takaya: Lone Wolf tells a story that is certain to inspire, enlighten, and touch the heart. It is the story of a wild animal, alone yet at peace.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWINNER of the 2022 Oregon Book Award for Creative Nonfiction!WINNER of the 2022 CLMP Firecracker Award in Creative Nonfiction!“Plastic is powerful and moving, a deep, personal exploration of the modern world.”—Richard Rhodes, Pulitzer Prize recipient for The Making of the Atomic Bomb In Plastic: An Autobiography, Cobb’s obsession with a large plastic car part leads her to explore the violence of our consume-and-dispose culture, including her own life as a child of Los Alamos, where the first atomic bombs were made. The journey exposes the interconnections among plastic waste, climate change, nuclear technologies, and racism. Using a series of interwoven narratives―from ancient Phoenicia to Alabama―the book bears witness to our deepest entanglements and asks how humans continue on this planet.Trade Review"Plastic: An Autobiography is an ambitious braid of industrial history, material culture, environmental racism, and memoir. With its formal ambition and intelligence, yoking the movement between self and world, the book demonstrates that in the micro we can hold onto the macro, and in the macro the micro accrues meaning. Plastic is wildly impressive, a thoughtful meditation on plastic but also all of life."—CLMP Firecracker Award Judges Citation"Cobb is acutely aware that systemic change is the planet’s only hope. Tracking her carbon footprint when she flies or drives, the author bears striking witness to destruction: Birds and fish die from plastic detritus; decades after World War II, the stomach of an albatross was perforated by a plastic shard from a bombing raid."—KIRKUS "In this elegiac missive from the frontlines of our plastic-filled world, Cobb uses a variety of narrative forms to convey her deep despair over how plastic has overwhelmed our planet… There is elegance and power in Cobb’s truly unique environmental memoir."—Starred Review in Booklist by Colleen Mondor "Why have we created a culture of such wanton waste if we want to live on earth? In the long shelf of books interrogating our moment in the climate crisis, this memoir is a sharp, urgent breakthrough, a triumph of honesty."—John Freeman, Oregon Book Award Judge"In Plastic, Cobb investigates the origins of our contemporary intertwining crises by constructing a circle of cross-linked lyrical essays about the eternal presence and persistence of plastic in our natural world, our bodies, and our communities. Into this circle of narratives, she weaves facts, remainders, curiosities, and griefs—'the plastic will outlast the bones, the sand, this writing'—and like the shards of plastic she traces, her narrative structures are periodically broken by verse, lists, etymologies, and other voices, such as Samuel Coleridge, Claudia Rankine, and Karen Barad."—Kenyon Review "Cobb is stridently warning us of imminent ecological peril and the need to systemic transformation of our systems of production and consumption."—New York Journal of Books"Allison Cobb’s Plastic is so epic that it’s hard to know where to begin. Its composition spans over a decade of Cobb’s life and encompasses enormous changes in her own biography and family story… The book’s intellectual and political allegiances shift radically from a respectful, if mournful, immersion in the patriarchal world of technology and science to a much more critical remove. I sit down with Allison Cobb to discuss her new book Plastic: An Autobiography and her process in writing it."—Lambda Literary"A stunning tapestry of carefully woven stories, Plastic: An Autobiography is essential reading for all who are concerned about the state of our environment as well as the impact it has on those it supports.—Split Lip Mag“Allison Cobb’s Plastic: An Autobiography is the story of all of our lives. Gripping, informative, and moving, the book is both convicted and convicting, revealing the dirty and the brilliant underpinnings of our modern world. Once I picked it up, I didn’t want to put this book down. And when I finished reading, I knew much more about all the things I didn’t know I needed to know."—Camille T. Dungy, author of Guidebook to Relative Strangers: Journeys into Race, Motherhood, and History “Plastic: an Autobiography is a spinning gyre of history, biology, poetry, and chemistry, gathering centripetal force through attention to such particulars as a shard of plastic from WWII found lodged in the belly of an albatross sixty years later. This is a fierce and brilliant work that perhaps could only have been written by a poet who grew up in the shadow of Los Alamos, aware that the most destructive of human inventions can seem salvific until it is almost too late. Let this book be a call to awareness and action."—Carolyn Forché, author of What You Have Heard Is True: A Memoir of Witness and Resistance “Allison Cobb’s Plastic: An Autobiography gathers shards of story, history, and science, along with bits of plastic left orphaned in the world. She is a daughter of the nuclear age (her father a physicist at Los Alamos) and an environmentalist, giving her voice the authority of lived experience on the edge of our industrial nightmare."—Alison Hawthorne Deming “Allison Cobb is not only a dedicated environmentalist, but she is also one of America’s most original environmental writers. The form of this book embodies narrative plasticity as each chapter is molded by history, science, memory, experience, and personal travels through the plasticsphere. After reading the final page, you will never see plastic the same way again, and you will see it everywhere."—Craig Santos Perez “Cobb carries us on a collective and at times personal journey through environment and time, juxtaposing the persistent nature of industry and convenience against the righteous indignation of the people impacted by it. I found Plastic to be just the reminder that we all need in the fight for climate and environmental justice today."—Heather Toney

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom leading climate scientist Dr. Friederike Otto, this gripping book reveals the revolutionary science that definitively links extreme weather events—including deadly heat waves, forest fires, floods, and hurricanes—to climate change.“Meet the forensic scientists of climate change; if you like CSI, you’ll be equally enthralled with the skill and speed these folks exhibit. But the stakes are infinitely higher!” —Bill McKibben, author of Falter and The End of NatureTied with Hurricane Katrina as the costliest cyclone on record, Hurricane Harvey caused catastrophic flooding and over a hundred deaths in 2017. Angry Weather tells the compelling, day-by-day story of the World Weather Attribution unit—a team of scientists that studies extreme weather events while they’re happening—and their race to track the connection between the hurricane and climate change. As the hurricane unfolds, Otto reveals how attribution science works in real time, and determines that Harvey’s terrifying floods were three times more likely to occur due to human-induced climate change.At the forefront of cutting-edge climate science, Friederike Otto uncovers how the new ability to determine climate change’s role in extreme weather events can dramatically transform how we view the climate crisis: from how it will affect those of us who are most vulnerable, to the corporations and governments that may find themselves held accountable in the courts. The research laid out in Angry Weather will have profound impacts, both today and for the future of humankind.Published in Partnership with the David Suzuki Institute.Trade Review"A good overview of the climate-change issue, the evolution of climate change in the industrial era, the politics over the issue, and the responsibilities of the industrialized world—in particular, corporations and governments—to help repair the damage. The result is a most timely book."—Booklist"For the fact-minded, Otto's arguments are incontrovertible."—Kirkus Reviews"This elegant new branch of climate science [will] have profound implications for public policy and planning, and will lead to even more useful research in the future."—Vancouver Sun"Angry Weather is all about science, but it is not all technical. It is a readable book for those who have limited knowledge of weather and climate systems. Otto provides succinct scientific explanations throughout the book to ensure her main points are supported by science but still understandable and relevant to the main message."—Alternatives Journal"Attribution science—climate forensics, or reverse engineering—is a new discipline explained in this book with passion and verve by one of its creators. Fredi Otto is destined to be one of those rare scientists whose name becomes well known in the wider world."—Mark Denny, author of Making Sense of Weather and Climate: The Science Behind the Forecasts"Angry Weather introduces us to the forensic scientists of climate change; if you like to watch CSI, you'll be equally enthralled with the skill and speed these folks exhibit. But the stakes are infinitely higher!"—Bill McKibben, author of Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?"[A] thrilling work of nonfiction... If readers were holding any doubt about climate's effects on weather before picking up this book, that doubt will be eviscerated before the last gripping page."—Literary Hub"This fascinating book takes us on a voyage across the cutting edge of climate science that irrevocably alters our perspective of the world in which we live and the future it holds. I wish I could make this book required reading for the world."—Katharine Hayhoe, UN Champion of the Earth

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe history of the Vikings is bloody and eventful, and Viking warriors capture the popular imagination to this day. They made history, establishing the dukedom of Normandy, providing the Byzantine Emperors' bodyguard and landing on the shores of America 500 years before Columbus. Beautifully illustrated with colour photographs and original Osprey artwork, this book presents a new window into their way of life including detailed studies of the Hersir, the raiding warrior of the Viking world, and the legendary Viking longship.Table of ContentsChronology /Introduction /The Vikings at Home /The Viking Hersir /The Vikings in Battle /The Viking Longship /Glossary /Bibliography /Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisStunning photographs and the all latest expert findings on the endangered but resourceful African Wild Dog.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Beautifully illustrated and fact-crammed guide. . . . Top marks."---Stuart Winter, Sunday Express"This is a stunning book in every way that a bibliophile or collector can imagine, and it's an inspirational book in every sense that a citizen scientist or a professional ecologist can wish for."---Grrl Scientist, Guardian"This is one of those books that I didn't know I needed until it arrived, and now that I do have it, I consider it an indispensable reference and simply cannot put it down as I plan my trip schedule for next year. This is also the first book of its kind that I've come across and, I am sure, will become a standard text for many other nature enthusiasts looking to make sense of the environment around them. This book sits comfortably alongside other reference works such as those on butterflies, moths, birds, plants and so on and . . . is highly recommended."---Pete Eeles, Dispar - The Online Journal of Lepidoptera"Essential reading for all wildlife enthusiasts, professional ecologists and landscape architects. . . . [I]t's an ideal field guide to the nation's nature." * Booktime *"The book opens up a treasure trove of previously unknown landscape, habitat and flora & fauna. . . . Anyone with an interest in the outdoors will thoroughly enjoy this book."---Phil Slade, Another Bird Blog"[B]oth inspiring and a wake-up call to anyone with an interest in the natural world . . . an invaluable reference resource as well as being an enjoyable read."---Matthew Merritt, Bird Watching"[E]xcellent and valuable . . . should be widely read by wildlife and landscape enthusiasts."---Rob Hume, Birdwatch"An essential companion to your species guides. Read it, enjoy it, take it into the field."---Anthony Robinson, British Wildlife"I like it . . . I like it a lot. This is a beautifully produced hardback volume that covers all of the main habitat types found across the islands of Britain and Ireland. Illustrated throughout with more than 680 colour photographs it is a visual feast . . . a good balance of information that's particularly well suited to the wildlife enthusiast, birder or anyone who loves the great outdoors and would like a better understanding of how it all fits together."---Calvin Jones, Ireland's Wildlife"Its detailed and authoritative treatment will make it a standard textbook for students and conservation professionals whilst its insightful content and attractive presentation will also guarantee its appeal to the general reader and amateur naturalist."---Andy Stoddart, Rare Bird Alert"Occasionally a book comes along the like of which you have never seen before. This is such a book. The beautifully produced work is a wonderful celebration of the rich diversity of Britain and Ireland's habitats, stunningly illustrated . . . This is much more than a coffee table book . . . The breadth of coverage and knowledge imparted is quite staggering. This is an essential reference book for anyone interested in our wildlife habitats, their extent, location, conservation, and much, much more."---Nigel Bourn, Butterfly Magazine"This is a highly impressive book. . . . As far as this reviewer is aware, there is no other printed work with this level of visual material describing and classifying the natural habitats of the British Isles."---Tony Chalcraft, Reference Reviews"The book is certainly crammed full of information and detail and any ecology student would do well to have this volume on their shelves."---Derbyshire Wildlife Trust"This book is highly recommended to anyone wishing to gain a better understanding of our plants and their habitats."---Ro Scott, Highland Naturalist"This is a must for your bookshelves." * Highland News *"This ambitious book succeeds in describing the range of habitat types that exist in Britain and Ireland in an informative but engaging way. For anyone wanting to learn more about the fabric and texture of the countryside, the book is an excellent starting point."---Rob Fuller, British Birds"I found this book a great pleasure to read and will be dipping into it frequently in the future. Anyone with an interest in the outdoors will love it and I would recommend without hesitation that it be placed on the reference shelves of every university, college, school and public library."---Anthony Toole, Waterstones"A lavishly illustrated book aimed at inspiring naturalists and country lovers. It should be required reading for environment ministers and their senior civil servants."---Michael Scott, Conservation Biology"Everyone should browse this book and, with deeper understanding, rejoice in the green and pleasant land in which we live--and consider how it might be maintained and improved for future generations"---Rob Robinson, BTO"It's a very informative piece of work and every birder should take a look either to refresh their fieldcraft or maybe to start them on the path of seeing the environment as a whole not just our normal narrow avian focus." * Fat Birder *"A very informative, clearly-written handbook, essential for modern day field workers."---John Badmin, British Journal of Entomology and Natural History"Authoritative guide . . . . an even more useful and attractive book than in its previous incarnation. Highly recommended."---Andy Musgrove, British Trust for Ornithology"Britain's Habitats shines in two regards: it makes for an excellent guide for those travelling through Britain (anywhere in the country), and it offers a deeper understanding of what nature has to offer."---Mihai Andrei, ZME Science"This is undoubtedly the best habitat book I have seen in a long time and will be an invaluable book to the beginner and expert alike."---Neville Davies, Gwent Wildlife Trust"Another excellent book in the wild guide series and it is perfect for planning a visit to a particular habitat and even now more functional as it can now be carried in the field. This is another essential addition to the naturalist’s library."---Roy Stewart, British Naturalists Association"It’s great to see that this wild guide bangs the drum for conservation. . . . The great thing about the wild guides is that you can visit an area and then look it up when you get a chance. Learning about habitats, how they work and how we can all help to protect them, is important to ensure our wildlife is protected for future generations." * Lapwing Magazine *"The authors have done an amazing job to cram so much useful knowledge into a pocket-sized book. . . . If I should ever be exiled to a desert island, this would be the book I would take to remind me of our particular, remarkable piece of this incredible planet."---Stephen Moran, Highland Naturalist"Whether you are seeking to better understand the landscape you see on your walks or are trying to get the hang of habitats for professional purposes, you couldn’t do much better than this book. No other habitat guide so effectively covers so much whilst remaining straightforward enough for anyone to engage with."---Gus Routledge, Scottish Birds

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhether you want a turf roof, solar-powered hot water, or a super-insulated (and cost-efficient) house, you need to know the essential elements of the selfbuild process. In The Green Self-Build Book, Jon Broome gives an overview of the different methods of sustainable and eco-friendly construction techniques, and presents this information in a way that is relevant to non-professionals. The book includes case studies of green building techniques such as earth & straw bale buildings. The Green Self-Build Book gives inspiration and information to guide you through the green self-build process. It is intended for anyone who is planning a self-build project, and also for housing professionals, students and teachers.Trade ReviewFor an eco-friendly loft extension or the greenest insulation money can buy, this is just the ticket. -- Dominic Murphy * The Guardian *Table of ContentsWhy build green? Who else has built green? Low Environmental Impact Ozone Depletion Potential Re-Use and Recyclability Health Procurement Community involvement Energy standards and strategy Low energy design Water How to design & specify green Green housing Useful links, references and contacts

Read more less

Book SynopsisFeatures 50 simple, practical things which we can do during the working day to make a difference to the world and those around us, regardless of our profession. This book helps us make the most of the time we spend at work and feel good about ourselves.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWINNER: Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain Literature 1997Paul Pritchard's Deep Play is a unique, stylish and timeless commentary reflecting the pressures and rewards of climbing some of the world's hardest and most challenging rock climbs.Pritchard started climbing in Lancashire before moving to join the vibrant Llanberis scene of the mid-1980s, at a time when the adventurous development of the Dinorwig slate quarries was in full swing. Many of the new slate routes were notable for their fierce technical difficulty and sparse protection, and Pritchard took a full part in this arcane sub-culture of climbing and at the same time deployed his skills on the Anglesey sea cliffs to produce a clutch of equally demanding wall climbs.Born with an adventurous soul, it was not long before Pritchard and his friends were planning exotic trips. In 1987, paired with Johnny Dawes, Pritchard made an epoch-making visit to Scotland's Sron Ulladale to free its famous aid route, The Scoop. Pritchard and Dawes, with no previous high altitude experience, then attempted the Catalan Pillar of Bhagirathi III in the Garhwal Himalaya in India, a precocious first expedition prematurely curtailed when Pritchard was hit by stonefall at the foot of the face. In 1992, Pritchard and Noel Craine teamed up with the alpinists Sean Smith and Simon Yates to climb a big wall route on the East Face of the Central Tower of Paine, Patagonia. Pritchard followed this with an equally fine first ascent of the West Face of Mount Asgard on Baffin Island.Other trips – to Yosemite, Pakistan and Nepal as well as returns to Patagonia – resulted in a clutch of notable repeats, first ascents and some failures. The failure list also included two life-threatening falls (one on Gogarth, the other on Creag Meaghaidh), which prompted the author into thought-provoking personal re-assessments, in advance of his later near-terminal accident on The Totem Pole in Tasmania.A penetrating view of the adventures and preoccupations of a contemporary player, Deep Play stands alone as a unique first-hand account of what many consider to be the last great era in British climbing.Trade Review"It is a remarkable book. It is a love letter to the mountain, an obituary for lost friends, a Joycean study of a community. Most of all, in its roughshod description of thrills and achievement, adventure and comradeship ... it's an explanation of a way of life." (Sabine Durrant, The Guardian.) "Not since The Hard Years has the social background of a leading protagonist been so effectively drawn. Touching on themes of economic deprivation, failing education standards and the brutish myopia that affected Britain, but especially England, in the 1980s, Pritchard illustrates how climbing was, at least then, a rare way to escape from monochrome to glorious Technicolor." (Ed Douglas, Climber Magazine.) "It is bold, experimental, innovative in its narrative and descriptive material in a way which is entirely in keeping with the spirit of the prize." (Peter Gillman, Boardman Tasker Prize Chair of Judges.)Table of ContentsContents AcknowledgementsForeword by John Middendorf Preface to the 2012 Edition Introduction – Playing the System CrackFire-Starter Rubble Merchants, Slateheads and Others Lost in the Broccoli Garden A Piece of Driftwood On the Big Stone Bhagirathi Diary Outside the AsylumCentral Tower of Paine: El Regalo de Mwono Paine North Tower: El Caballo de Diablo Just Passing Through The Doctor and the Witch A Game One Climber Played AdriftHyperborea A Survivor’s Affair Making Castles in the Sand Deep PlayersOn the Shark’s Fin with Philip Lloyd Accidental Hero – Silvo Karo A Lesson in Healing from Andy Parkin Author’s Glossary Notes about the Essays

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe title of this book is taken from Ebenezer Howard's visionary tract To-morrow: A Peaceful Path to Real Reform. Published in 1898 as a manifesto for social reform via the creation of Garden Cities, it proposed a new way of providing cheap and healthy homes, workplaces and green spaces in balance in cohesive new communities, underpinned by radical ideas about collective land ownership. While Howard's vision had international impact, in this book planning historian Stephen Ward largely honors the special place that Hertfordshire occupies on the peaceful path, beginning with the development of Letchworth and Welwyn Garden Cities.Table of Contents1. Ebenezer Howard2. Letchworth Garden City3. Welwyn Garden City4. Finding other paths5. Stevenage6. Hertfordshire's other New Towns7. Wider Perspectives8. Where the path led

Read more less

Book SynopsisA mountain peak above the Monastery of St Catherine in Egypt, Mount Sinai is best known as the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments in the biblical Book of Exodus. This book brings this rich history to light, exploring the ways in which the landscape of Mount Sinai s summit has been experienced and transformed over the centuries, from the third century BCE to World War I. As an important site for multiple religions, Mount Sinai has become a major destination for hundreds of visitors per day. In this multifaceted book, George Manginis delves into the natural environment of Mount Sinai, its importance in the Muslim tradition, the cult of Saint Catherine, the medieval pilgrimage phenomenon, modern-day tourism, and much more. Featuring notes, a bibliography, and illustrations from nineteenth-century travelers books, this deft blend of historical analysis, art history, textual criticism, and archaeological interpretation will appeal to tourists and scholars alike.

Read more less

Book SynopsisExplore the world and satisfy your wanderlust in the most eco-friendly way.How can we lessen our impact on the world without giving up the things we love? This series of easy-to-follow guides show that positive change is possible without radical changes to your everyday life.Sustainable tourism doesn’t have to mean vowing to never take another flight or spending holidays camping in your back garden. This short expert guide from eco-travel journalist Juliet Kinsman, takes you through every step of planning your trip, from booking to boarding, and arms you with everything you need to know for a lower-impact getaway.Whether it's explaining how to know which plane to take (yes, some are greener than others) or how to avoid the mini toiletries trap; this book shows that you can save the planet and still live life to the full.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"This book shows why oceanography may be the vital science whose history we need to understand if we want a picture of the evolving relationships between science and the American state over the last century. With her characteristic but rare combination of philosophical and historical insight, and her sharp eye for the politics beneath the surface, Oreskes has skillfully interpreted the wide-ranging legacies of oceanography, and brought them into our understanding of scientific--and political--debates of the present day."--Katharine Anderson, York UniversityTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 The Personal, the Political, and the Scientific 2 Seeing the Ocean through Operational Eyes: The Stommel-Arons Model of Abyssal Circulation 3 Whose Science Is It Anyway? The Woods Hole Palace Revolt 4 Stymied by Secrecy: Harry Hess and Seafloor Spreading 5 The Iron Curtain of Classification: What Difference Did It Make? 6 Why the Navy Built Alvin 7 Painting Projects White: The Discovery of Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents 8 From Expertise to Advocacy: The Seabed Disposal of Radioactive Waste 9 Changing the Mission: From the Cold War to Climate Change Conclusion: The Context of Motivation Acknowledgments Sources and Abbreviations Notes Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe relationship between humans and mountain lions has always been uneasy. A century ago, mountain lions were vilified as a threat to livestock and hunted to the verge of extinction. In recent years, this keystone predator has made a remarkable comeback with the help of enlightened wildlife management policies and protection under the Endangered Species Act. But its recovery has led to an unexpected conundrum: Do more mountain lions mean they’re a threat to humans and domestic animals? Or, are mountain lions still in need of our help and protection as their habitat dwindles and they’re forced into the edges and crevices of communities to survive? Carnivore expert Mark Elbroch welcomes these tough questions. He dismisses long-held myths about mountain lions and uses ground-breaking science to uncover important new information about their social habits. Elbroch argues that humans and mountain lions can peacefully coexist in close proximity if we ignore uninformed hype and instead arm ourselves with knowledge and common sense. He walks us through the realities of human safety in the presence of mountain lions, livestock safety, competition with hunters for deer and elk, and threats to rare species, dispelling the paranoia with facts and logic. In the last few chapters, he touches on human impacts on mountain lions and the need for a sensible management strategy. The result, he argues, is a win-win for humans, mountain lions, and the ecosystems that depend on keystone predators to keep them in healthy balance. The Cougar Conundrum delivers a clear-eyed assessment of a modern wildlife challenge, offering practical advice for wildlife managers, conservationists, hunters, and those in the wildland-urban interface who share their habitat with large predators.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis lavishly illustrated book examines the distribution, ecology, conservation status, and biogeography of 176 species of dragonflies in the southern plains of the United States, where twelve ecoregions converge. The topics discussed, such as phenotypic variation and ecology, are applicable and of interest across the United States and much of north America, and will appeal to researchers and dragonfly enthusiasts alike. A series of maps, including a distributional map by specific locality of occurrence, indicate level of documentation and allow the reader to visualize the biogeographical associations of a given species. These maps also encourage citizen scientists to contribute documentation wherever they spend time in the field. Context-driven chapters, including one on the regionâs rich paleontological history, blend environmental history and biogeography, giving the book a fresh perspective on the natural world while providing a rich summary of the odonates.Dragonflies at a Biographical Crossroads: The Odonata of Oklahoma and Complexities Beyond Its Borders will be sought out by dragonfly researchers and enthusiasts, entomologists, amateur naturalists, paleontologists, conservation biologists, educators, regional historians, and those seeking to meld the disciplines of cultural and environmental history with biology. It will also be readily accessible to the lay public. Dragonflies combine the visually stunning with acrobatic fireworks in ways no other insect can hope to combine.Trade ReviewThis book provides a comprehensive review of the occurrence, abundance, conservation status, temporal trends, and some ecological information about odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) in Oklahoma. It is a new contribution to Odonatology and I learned a lot from it. The book represents the most complete collection of information about odonates in Oklahoma, with some intriguing patterns mentioned in the species accounts that will hopefully spur more research into this fascinating, beautiful, and important group of animals.-- Nancy E. McIntyre, Professor & Associate Department Chair, Landscape & Community Ecology, Texas Tech University, USADragonflies at a Biogeographical Crossroads demonstrates how these extraordinary insects can reveal for us the riches of the physical landscape and the human experience. Far more than a scholarly work about dragonflies, and covering terrain and ideas beyond Oklahoma, this is an almanac of history, ecology and conservation from a state too long dismissed as flat and dusty. Among its dragonflies, you will discover the vast biological diversity of Oklahoma and the state’s rightful place in the geography of America. Let this volume set a high standard for insect discovery in other states and regions.-- Bryan Pfeiffer, President of the Dragonfly Society of the Americas, 2018-21This book is a fantastic contribution to the field. Not only does it present a great array of new information, it even presents new ways to present the information. I have never seen a book about the flora or fauna of a state that has as much information as this book contains. I paged through it in awe of the scholarship, thoroughness and even imagination expressed in the pages. The occurrence maps are fantastic, better than any I have ever seen, as they combine specimens, photos and sight records in an easily understandable way. The historical aspect of the county maps and all the history related in the text is also unique to this book. As well, it often deals with taxonomic and other questions that far exceed the borders of the state. So many things about this book are unique! Conservation becomes a more and more important feature of our writing about odonates and other organisms, and this book treats that thoroughly. Finally, we need much more published about the natural history of odonates, and the species accounts in this book contain much of interest in that regard.-- Dennis R. Paulson, Director Emeritus, Slater Museum of Natural History, USABrenda Smith and Michael Patten have succeeded admirably in completing the most thorough treatment of Dragonflies and Damselflies of any state I have seen. This treatise on the Oklahoma fauna includes a series of rich and interesting introductory chapters followed by detailed accounts of each species in the state. This is an impressive compilation and analysis of an especially diverse state that will be useful to anyone wanting to explore dragonflies and damselflies in Oklahoma.-- John C. Abbott, Ph.D., Chief Curator & Director of Museum Research and Collections, University of Alabama Museums, The University of Alabama, USA Dragonflies at a Biogeographical Crossroads is a truly unique and engaging book, absolutely indispensable if you are interested in the odonates of Oklahoma but also of great interest to any student or lover of this amazing group of creatures. One of the themes of the book is "beyond," and it certainly exceeds even lofty expectations in that regard: it is beyond a field guide, beyond just Oklahoma, and beyond just a book about dragonflies (here the title is a little misleading as it includes damselflies as well). The chapter on the ancestors of Oklahoma odonata is simply the most complete history on this group I have read, and the other introductory chapters are equally riveting. The species accounts are like complete research papers for each and every species, with life histories, seasonality and incredible range data, packed with more information than is available almost anywhere else. The treatise on Macromia field identification alone makes buying this book worthwhile! This is a book that will, and should, find its way onto the shelf and into the lap of everyone who is interested in this fascinating group of insects.-- Giff Beaton, naturalist and author, USAThis book provides a comprehensive review of the occurrence, abundance, conservation status, temporal trends, and some ecological information about odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) in Oklahoma. It is a new contribution to Odonatology and I learned a lot from it. The book represents the most complete collection of information about odonates in Oklahoma, with some intriguing patterns mentioned in the species accounts that will hopefully spur more research into this fascinating, beautiful, and important group of animals.-- Nancy E. McIntyre, Professor & Associate Department Chair, Landscape & Community Ecology, Texas Tech University, USADragonflies at a Biogeographical Crossroads demonstrates how these extraordinary insects can reveal for us the riches of the physical landscape and the human experience. Far more than a scholarly work about dragonflies, and covering terrain and ideas beyond Oklahoma, this is an almanac of history, ecology and conservation from a state too long dismissed as flat and dusty. Among its dragonflies, you will discover the vast biological diversity of Oklahoma and the state’s rightful place in the geography of America. Let this volume set a high standard for insect discovery in other states and regions.-- Bryan Pfeiffer, President of the Dragonfly Society of the Americas, 2018-21This book is a fantastic contribution to the field. Not only does it present a great array of new information, it even presents new ways to present the information. I have never seen a book about the flora or fauna of a state that has as much information as this book contains. I paged through it in awe of the scholarship, thoroughness and even imagination expressed in the pages. The occurrence maps are fantastic, better than any I have ever seen, as they combine specimens, photos and sight records in an easily understandable way. The historical aspect of the county maps and all the history related in the text is also unique to this book. As well, it often deals with taxonomic and other questions that far exceed the borders of the state. So many things about this book are unique! Conservation becomes a more and more important feature of our writing about odonates and other organisms, and this book treats that thoroughly. Finally, we need much more published about the natural history of odonates, and the species accounts in this book contain much of interest in that regard.-- Dennis R. Paulson, Director Emeritus, Slater Museum of Natural History, USABrenda Smith and Michael Patten have succeeded admirably in completing the most thorough treatment of Dragonflies and Damselflies of any state I have seen. This treatise on the Oklahoma fauna includes a series of rich and interesting introductory chapters followed by detailed accounts of each species in the state. This is an impressive compilation and analysis of an especially diverse state that will be useful to anyone wanting to explore dragonflies and damselflies in Oklahoma.-- John C. Abbott, Ph.D., Chief Curator & Director of Museum Research and Collections, University of Alabama Museums, The University of Alabama, USA Dragonflies at a Biogeographical Crossroads is a truly unique and engaging book, absolutely indispensable if you are interested in the odonates of Oklahoma but also of great interest to any student or lover of this amazing group of creatures. One of the themes of the book is "beyond," and it certainly exceeds even lofty expectations in that regard: it is beyond a field guide, beyond just Oklahoma, and beyond just a book about dragonflies (here the title is a little misleading as it includes damselflies as well). The chapter on the ancestors of Oklahoma odonata is simply the most complete history on this group I have read, and the other introductory chapters are equally riveting. The species accounts are like complete research papers for each and every species, with life histories, seasonality and incredible range data, packed with more information than is available almost anywhere else. The treatise on Macromia field identification alone makes buying this book worthwhile! This is a book that will, and should, find its way onto the shelf and into the lap of everyone who is interested in this fascinating group of insects.-- Giff Beaton, naturalist and author, USATable of ContentsIntroduction. History of Oklahoma Odonatology. Oklahoma Geography and Habitats. Biogeography of Oklahoma Odonata. The Odonata Fossil History of Oklahoma and the Region. Environmental History of Oklahoma. Conservation of Oklahoma Odonata. Seasonality of Oklahoma Odonata. Introduction to Species Accounts. Species Accounts. Zygoptera – Damselflies. Calopterygidae – Broad-winged Damsels. Lestidae – Spreadwings. Coenagrionidae – Pond Damsels. Anisoptera – Dragonflies. Petaluridae – Petaltails. Aeshnidae – Darners. Gomphidae – Clubtails. Cordulegastridae – Spiketails. Macromiidae – Cruisers. Corduliidae – Emeralds. Libellulidae – Skimmers. Appendices. A. Synonyms, Dubious Records, and Hypothetical Species. B. List of Specimen Collections, Data Sources, and Record Contributors. C. Additional Resources. D. Oklahoma Odonata Species Totals by Era. E. First State Records of Oklahoma Odonata. F. Supplementary Tables. G. Reference Maps. Literature Cited. Endnotes. Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThere is a growing need for public buy-in if democratic processes are to run smoothly. But who exactly is the public? What does their engagement in policy-making processes look like? How can our understanding of the public be expanded to include or be led by diverse voices and experiences, particularly of those who have been historically marginalized? And what does this expansion mean not only for public policies and their development, but for how we teach policy? Drawing upon public engagement case studies, sites of inquiry, and vignettes, this volume raises and responds to these and other questions while advancing policy justice as a framework for public engagement and public policy. Stretching the boundaries of deliberative democracy in theory and practice, Creating Spaces of Engagement offers critical reflections on how diverse publics are engaged in policy processes.Table of ContentsIntroduction: Why Create Spaces of Engagement? Connecting Theory, Policy, and Practice Leah R.E. Levac, University of Guelph and Sarah Marie Wiebe, University of Hawai’i, Manoa Part One: Across Disciplines and Beyond the Academy: Stretching Deliberative Democratic Theory 1. Revelatory Protest, Deliberative Exclusion, and the B.C. Missing Women Commission of Inquiry: Bridging the Micro/Macro Divide Genevieve Fuji Johnson, Simon Fraser University 2. The Alberta Energy Futures Lab: A Case Study in Socio-Cultural Transition Through Public Engagement Stephen Williams, Energy Futures Lab 3. Deliberative Democracy and Collective Impact: Seeing and Believing Shared Outcomes and Shared Participation Ellen Szarleta, Indiana University Northwest 4. Northern Women’s Conceptualizations of Wellbeing: Engaging in the "Right" Policy Conversations Leah R.E. Levac, University of Guelph and Jacqueline Gillis, University of Guelph 5. Unsettled Democracy: The Case of the Grandview-Woodlands Citizen Assembly Rachel Magnusson, City of Vancouver 6. Opening to the Possible: Girls and Women with Disabilities Engaging in Vietnam Deborah Stienstra, University of Guelph and Xuan Thuy Nguyen, Carleton University Part Two: Centring Voices from the Margins: Expanding and Evaluating Engagement Practices 7. How OpenMedia.ca Has Used Social Media to Engage Thousands in "Policy Hacking" for Regulatory Reforms at the CRTC and Other Government Bodies Tara Mahoney, Simon Fraser University 8. An Experiment in Engaging the "Heart and Mind": Building Community Capacity on Post-Secondary Campuses Catriona Remocker, University of Victoria, Tim Dyck, University of Victoria, and Dan Reist, University of Victoria 9. Art-Full Methods of Democratic Participation: Listening, Engagement, and Connection Joanna Ashworth, Simon Fraser University 10. Power, Privilege, and Policy-Making: Reflections on “Changing Public Engagement from the Ground Up” Alana Cattapan, University of Waterloo, April Mandrona, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Tammy Findlay, Mount Saint Vincent University, and Alexandra Dobrowolsky, Saint Mary’s University 11. Engaging with Women in Low-Income: Implications for Government-Convened Public Engagement Initiatives and Deliberative Democracy Leah R.E. Levac, University of Guelph Part Three: Effective and Affective Spaces of Deliberation 12. The heART of Engagement: Experiences of a Community-Created Mobile Art Gallery in Brazil Bruno de Oliviera Jayme, Royal Roads University 13. Temporary Labour Migrants’ Engagement and (Dis)engagement with the Policy Process Ethel Tungohan, York University 14. Storytelling as Engagement: Learning from Youth Voices in Attawapiskat Sarah Marie Wiebe, University of Hawai’i, Manoa 15. Making Spaces for Truth: Exploring the Lived Meanings of Deliberating Reconciliation in Higher Education Derek Tannis, Saskatchewan Polytechnic 16. Global Development Agendas with Local Relevance? "Glocal" Approaches, Tensions, and Lessons on Measuring Aid Effectiveness Astrid Pérez Piñán, University of Victoria Conclusion: Concluding Reflections on Policy Justice Deliberative Democracy, Citizen Participation, and the Future of Policy-Making Leah R.E. Levac, University of Guelph and Sarah Marie Wiebe, University of Hawai’i, Manoa

Read more less

Book SynopsisA lavish volume in celebration of the astonishing fossils uncovered in Abu Dhabi’s deserts, a region once lush, green, and teeming with now-extinct animals This lavish volume celebrates the astonishing wealth of fossils uncovered in recent decades in Abu Dhabi’s desert. These prehistoric findings, around seven million years in age, record a period when the region was lush, green, and teeming with diverse mammals, all now extinct. With more than one hundred full-color photographs, including reconstructions of extinct animals, this book is both a visual delight and a unique glimpse into Arabia’s ancient past. All text in the book is presented in both English and Arabic.Distributed for the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow Bad Are Bananas? was a groundbreaking book when first published in 2009, when most of us were hearing the phrase 'carbon footprint' for the first time. Mike Berners-Lee set out to inform us what was important (aviation, heating, swimming pools) and what made very little difference (bananas, naturally packaged, are good!). This new edition updates all the figures (from data centres to hosting a World Cup) and introduces many areas that have become a regular part of modern life - Twitter, the Cloud, Bitcoin, electric bikes and cars, even space tourism. Berners-Lee runs a considered eye over each area and gives us the figures to manage and reduce our own carbon footprint, as well as to lobby our companies, businesses and government. His findings, presented in clear and even entertaining prose, are often surprising. And they are essential if we are to address climate change.Trade ReviewIt is terrific. I can't remember the last time I read a book that was more fascinating and useful and enjoyable all at the same time. -- Bill BrysonAn engaging book that manages to present serious science without preaching. It offers tools that any reader will be able to use and make informed choices, and even seasoned ecoenthusiasts will be in for plenty of surprises * New Scientist *Enjoyable, fun to read and scientifically robust. A triumph of popular science writing. -- Chris GoodallIf we're serious about really addressing climate change, we need to become energy and carbon literate, and get to grips with the implications not only of our choices but also the bigger infrastructures which underpin the things we consume. How can we educate our desires unless we know what we're choosing between? Mike Berners Lee, to my complete delight, has provided just the wonderful foundation we need - a book that somehow made me laugh while telling me deeply serious things. -- Peter Lipman, Director of SUSTRANSThis book is amazing. I was either going "wow" or snorting with laughter. -- Rachel Nunn, Director, Carbon Neutral StirlingCuriously fascinating to both climate geeks and well-rounded human beings alike. -- Franny Armstrong, Director of The Age of Stupid and founder of 10:10

Read more less

Book SynopsisPart of a series of guides following key figures and themes, Walter Stephen explores the life and theories of the Scottish biologist, sociologist, geographer, philanthropist and urban planner, Sir Patrick Geddes. His renewal work in Edinburgh’s Old Town is as visible and impressive today as it was in the 19th and 20th centuries and his concepts such as ‘Think Global, Act Local’ are just as relevant. The author is an authority on Patrick Geddes and this book forms part of the On the Trail series.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe British beach is full of creatures that we think we know - from crabs to clams, starfish to anemones. But, in fact, we barely understand how many survive or thrive. In Rock Pool the delights of childhood paddling are elevated to oceanic discoveries, as the fragile beauty and drama of intertidal existence is illustrated through the incredible lives of twenty-four individual creatures. Rock Pool is the eye-opening account of a life-long passion by a talented writer and naturalist.Trade Review`Here are three simple steps to help you feel better about the world: read Heather Buttivant's marvellous book, grab a pair of wellies and get yourself to a rocky shore ... [a] thoughtful, enlightening and entertaining read.' BBC Wildlife Magazine | 'An utterly joyous book, a celebration of our incomparable 11,000 miles of British coastline ... an eye-opening delight from start to finish.' Daily Mail

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Hope Jahren asks the central question of our time: how can we learn to live on a finite planet? The Story of More is thoughtful, informative and - above all - essential'' Elizabeth Kolbert, author of The Sixth ExtinctionHope Jahren is an award-winning geobiologist, a brilliant writer, an inspiring teacher, and one of the seven billion people with whom we share this earth. In The Story of More, Jahren illuminates the link between human consumption habits and our imperiled planet. In short, highly readable chapters, she takes us through the science behind the key inventions - from electric power to large-scale farming and automobiles - that, even as they help us, release untenable amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. She explains the current and projected consequences of greenhouse gases - from superstorms to rising sea levels - and the actions that all of us can take to fight back. At once an explainer on the mechanisms of warmiTrade ReviewA superb account of the deadly struggle between humanity and what may prove the only life-bearing planet within ten light years, written in a brilliantly sardonic and conversational style -- E. O. WilsonHope Jahren is an awesome writer and scientist. Her new book, The Story of More, is captivating and compelling. She urges readers to be courageous dealing with global environmental changes and human population growthHope Jahren asks the central question of our time: how can we learn to live on a finite planet? The Story of More is thoughtful, informative and - above all - essentialA concise and personal yet universally applicable examination of a problem that affects everyone on planet Earth . . . [Jahren] doesn't use scare tactics or shrill warnings . . . She clearly shows how the amount of waste created by the privileged could provide plenty for those less privileged * Kirkus Reviews *Hope Jahren's compelling book uses statistics brilliantly to provoke self-examination. In sections on 'Life', 'Food', 'Energy' and 'Earth', it illuminates subjects from population growth to melting glaciers * Nature *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA compelling evolutionary narrative that reveals how human civilization follows the same ecological rules that shape all life on EarthTrade Review“Starting from ecological and evolutionary principles that transcend our own species, Mark Bertness offers a new perspective on the rise of human civilization.”—Judith Bronstein, editor of Mutualism“A Brief Natural History of Civilization uses the science of natural history to frame the peril and promise of our times.”—Paul Ewald, author of Plague Time: The New Germ Theory of Disease“Understanding the ‘big picture’ of the development and trajectory of human civilization is vital as a global society faces collapse. Bertness’ book provides a brilliant short course on what should be the central topic for public education today.”—Paul R. Ehrlich, author of Human Natures“A remarkable, far-ranging synthesis with something new and eye-opening on just about every page. Mark Bertness points to the powerful force of cooperation as our best hope.”—James Gustave Speth, author of America the Possible: Manifesto for a New Economy“Who am I? This book weaves a powerful argument that our sense of self and our culture is very tightly coupled to our sense of place in nature. A remarkable synthesis!”—Paul Dayton, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisBiogeography is the study of geographic variation in all characteristics of life - ranging from genetic, morphological and behavioural variation among regional populations of a species, to geographic trends in diversity of entire communities across our planet''s sufrace. From the ancient hunters and gatherers to the earliest naturalists, Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace, and scientists today, the search for patterns in life has provided insights that proved invaluable for understanding the natural world. And many, if not most, of the compelling kaleidoscope of patterns in biological diversity make little sense unless placed in an explicit geographic context. The Very Short Introduction explains the historical development of the field of biogeography, its fundamental tenets, principles and tools, and the invaluable insights it provides for understanding the diversity of life in the natural world. As Mark Lomolino shows, key questions such as where species occur, how they vary from place to place, where their ancestors occurred, and how they spread across the globe, are essential for us to develop effective strategies for conserving the great menagerie of life across our planet.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewThis is a good read on a fascinating discipline that Lomolino's holistic approach, which includes geology, paleontology, anthropology, ecology, evolution, and conservation science, serves well. * Society for Conservation Biology *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements List of illustrations 1: Biological diversity and the geography of nature 2: Dynamics maps of a dynamic planet 3: Geography of diversification 4: Retracing evolution across space and time 5: The geography of biological diversity 6: Macroecology and the geography of micro-evolution 7: The geographic and ecological advance of humanity Further reading Index

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisForest Gardening or Agroforestry is a way of growing edible crops with nature doing most of the work. Modelled on young woodland, a wide range of crops is grown in vertical layers. Species are chosen for their beneficial effects on each other, creating a healthy system that maintains its own fertility, with little need for digging, weeding or pest control. Whether a small area in your back garden or a larger plot, here is advice on how to create a beautiful space with great environmental benefits from planning and design (using permaculture principles) to planting and maintenance. With a changing climate, we must grow food sustainably, without compromising soil health, food quality or biodiversity and Forest Gardening offers an exciting solution to the challenge. Creating a Forest Garden also includes a detailed directory of over 500 trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, annuals, root crops and climbers – almost all of them edible and many very unusual. As well as more familiar plants you can grow your own chokeberries, goji berries, yams, heartnuts, bamboo shoots and buffalo currants.Trade Review“The ultimate book on the subject… extremely thorough and beautifully illustrated” * Let's Talk (East Anglia) *"This book is a magnificiently produced and massive tome that is sure to become every forest gardener's horticultural toolkit and bible." * Grow It *"Marting has produced a book that is not only visually beautiful but very practical, offering advice on planning, designing, planting and general maintenance." * Positive News - Summer 2010 *"If you are seriously considering the creation or maitenance of a forest garden then you would do well to have this book on your shelves. Even if you are only looking for novel ground cover suggestions in shaded areas or approaches to inter-planting trees, then this book offers bountiful food for thought." * Green Prophet *"Creating a Forest Garden is a fascniating read for gardeners interested in how to plant communities that work." * Gardens Illustrated *"Martin Crawford has produced a spectacularly useful guide to new horticultural and ecological terrain of great importance." * Permaculture Activist *"This semina piece of work is not only visually entralling, it's incredibly easy to use and it contains a level of detail and explanation that makes it, I believe, a must read for anyone who is serious about building a truly sustainable forest." * WWOOF Ireland *"Martin's book is visually stunning with beautiful photography and illustrations, accompanying very informative and well constructed text." * Self Sufficient-ish Website - 11 June 2010 *"This book is a must if you are interested in producing food from your garden, becoming more self-sufficient or just curious about plants and their uses." * The Cottage Gardener - June 2011 *Table of ContentsForeword by Rob Hopkins Introduction Part 1: How forest gardens work 1. Forest gardens 2. Forest garden features and products 3. The effects of climate change 4. Natives and exotics 5. Emulating forest conditions 6. Fertility in forest gardens Part 2: Designing your forest garden 7. Ground preparation and planting 8. Growing your own plants 9. First design steps 10. Designing wind protection 11. Canopy species 12. Designing the canopy layer 13. Shrub species 14. Designing the shrub layer 15. Herbaceous perennial and ground-cover species 16. Designing the perennial/ground-cover layer 17. Annuals, biennials and climbers 18. Designing with annuals, biennials and climbers Part 3: Extra design elements and maintenance 19. Clearings 20. Paths 21. Fungi in forest gardens 22. Harvesting and preserving 23. Maintenance 24. Ongoing tasks Glossary Appendix 1: Propagation tables Appendix 2: Trees and shrubs for hedging and fencing Appendix 3: Plants to attract beneficial insects and bees Appendix 4: Edible crops by month of use Resources: Useful organisations, suppliers and publications

Read more less