The environment Books

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Book SynopsisA photographic celebration of British wildlife and the country way of life.A Year in the Country is a book about the beauty of the British countryside, featuring stunning photography from some of Britain's greatest wildlife photographers.The book will follow the changes in nature throughout the year and revel in the joy of the British countryside. Each season presents its own gifts to the nature lover: from the trumpeting of wild daffodils in spring to the hypnotic dive and twist of starlings gathering over roosting sites in autumn. The majesty of British wildlife is captured in stunning images that evoke a timeless country existence.Part celebration of nature, part nostalgia for a slower pace of life, this book will make a stunning gift. An escape from everyday life, A Year in the Country transports its audience to a world where the sun shines and the grass is always greener.

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Book SynopsisHotel Design, Planning and Development presents the most significant hotels developed internationally in the last ten years so that you can be well-informed of recent trends. The book outlines essential planning and design considerations based on the latest data, supported by technical information and illustrations, including original plans, so you can really study what works. The authors provide analysis and theory to support each of the major trends they present, highlighting how the designerâs work fits into the industry's development as a whole. Extensive case studies demonstrate how a successful new concept is developed.Hotel Design, Planning and Development gives you a thorough overview of this important and fast-growing sector of the hospitality industry.*Please note that this title is not for sale via the Taylor & Francis Group in America or the PhilippinesTable of ContentsForeword Michael Graves. Preface Part 1: Hotel Types 1. Overview 2. Urban Hotels 3. Design Hotels 4. Suburban Hotels 5. Multi-branded Hotels 6. Mixed-use Hotels 7. Resorts 8. Casino Hotels 9. Convention Hotels 10. Conference 11. Residential Hotels and Time-Share Properties 12. Updating Existing Hotels Part 2: Design Guide 13. Site and Master Planning 14. Programming and Development 15. The Guestroom Floor 16. Guestroom and Suite Design 17. Public Space Design 18. Administration and Back-of-house Design 19. Technical Coordination and Construction 20. Future and Fantasy. Appendixes. Bibliography. List of Properties and Credits. Index

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Book SynopsisA collection of fiction, essays and poems by authors such as Margaret Atwood, Lauren Groff, and Arundhati Roy examining the true cost of the environmental crisis on the world's most vulnerable communities.

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Book SynopsisAn authoritative and wide-ranging new edition of A Dictionary of Weather containing almost 2,000 entries on all areas of the subject. Provides clear definitions and illustrative examples of terminology taken from meteorology, forecasting, and climatology. Revised and fully updated, this edition includes 300 new and revised entries, such as A-Train, Pineapple Express, and Watermelon snow, and added feature entries highlighting actual occurrences of extreme weather, including the Indian Ocean Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. Generously illustrated, and containting recommended websites for further reading, this reference work is thoroughly comprehensible. Find out where and when the world''s largest hailstone fell or where the highest temperature was recorded using the list of weather records, and check climate data for different weather types from around the world. Key terms from the related fields of oceanography, hydrology, and climatology are also covered as well as biographical information on important people in the development of meteorology. Arranged in A-Z format, it is a unique dictionary and an essential reference source for meteorology and geography students, whether at school or university, as well as for amateur meteorologists and the general reader.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition It is the definitive reference for all things meteorological * Bill Giles *a welcome and important contribution, especially suitable for amateur meteorologists * Weather *Table of ContentsFOREWARD; PREFACE; ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS; LIST OF PLATES; THE DICTIONARY; APPENDICES

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Book SynopsisFull of practical ideas for nature crafts and seasonal activities to encourage young children to be aware of their environment. Carefully written and beautifully illustrated.Trade Review'How do parents and childminders keep their sanity over the long school holidays? Answer: invest in a book like this. It is jam-packed with ideas for simple activities using natural materials found everywhere. This is well worth the £8.99 price. It is an investment for life.'-- Jackie Harris, Worcester Evening News, 21 August 2004'A wonderful and very original craft book. These seasonal activities are brilliantly thought out and easy to follow. Wonderful.'-- Hilary Woolf, Education Otherwise, October 2004'In writing Earthwise, it is as though Carol Petrash took the idea of making a daisy chain and allowed it to blossom into a myriad of activities that are not only satisfying and fun, but serve to connect both children and adults to the living Earth. Whether you live in a bustling metropolis or in the quiet of the woods, you will be able to find the materials you need to experience the creative bounty of nature. Anyone who enters this magical kingdom with Ms. Petrash will find refreshment for the adult soul and a gentle guiding hand for the growing child.'-- Bob and Nancy's Bookshop (www.waldorfbooks.com)'Seasonal, hands-on nature crafts designed to enhance community, dependence on the earth and how we need to respect all that it provides for us.'-- Skipping Stones'More than 100 classroom activities designed to help children grow into 'the sense of wonder'. A fine resource for people working with young children.'-- Earth Ethics'A treasure-trove of earth-friendly activities which will foster respect for the environment as well as for good old-fashioned thrift. With idea after do-able idea, this is a real find.'-- Children's Book Review Service'Readers familiar with the Waldorf school will recognize certain gentle components of that system of ideas: the use of beeswax, watercolours and carded wool; a preference for wooden toys. A sense of peace and centredness is fostered through the book.'-- Holistic Education Review'So holistic is this handy book that it sets out a comprehensive introduction on how to plan an earth-friendly environment for all these activities, with an excellent section on planning a growing area, so you can help children grow their own materials and really get stuck in to the process from beginning to end.'-- Jackie Harris, Worcester Evening News, 21 August 2004'Arranged around the seasons, this book is full of useful information and project ideas ... It makes a great source book and covers lots of practical projects with ideas for creating natural toys, play areas, gardening, butter-making, basket-weaving, mobiles and beeswax modelling amongst many others.'-- Start Magazine

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Book SynopsisA thorough explanation of the mathematical theories, philosophies, and economics of catastrophes with a view to how humanity should be prepared for events with catastrophic consequences This book presents a holistic view of natural and man-made catastrophes, from mathematical theories and philosophy through to economics and policy. It is both academic and applied in its approach, offering both empirical evidence and academic reflections to give a new perspective on an ever-developing topic, and providing many examples of public policy and catastrophe responses from around the world. Natural and Man-made Catastrophes: Theories, Economics, and Policy Designs begins by introducing readers to numerous natural and man-made catastrophes and how catastrophe theories have played a pivotal role in designing policies and responses to them. It discusses hurricanes, earthquakes, nuclear disaster, asteroid collision, Large Hadron Collider, artificial intelligence, uncTable of ContentsList of Figures ix List of Tables xi About the Author xiii Preface and Acknowledgments xv 1 The Economics of Humanity-Ending Catastrophes, Natural and Man-made: Introduction 1 1.1 Fables of Catastrophes in Three Worlds 1 1.2 Feared Catastrophic Events 3 1.3 Global or Universal Catastrophes 7 1.4 A Multidisciplinary Review of Catastrophe Studies 11 1.5 Economics of Catastrophic Events 16 1.6 Empirical Studies of Behaviors under Catastrophes 18 1.7 Designing Policies on Catastrophic Events 21 1.8 Economics of Catastrophes versus Economics of Sustainability 25 1.9 Road Ahead 26 References 26 2 Mathematical Foundations of Catastrophe and Chaos Theories and Their Applications 37 2.1 Introduction 37 2.2 Catastrophe Theory 39 2.2.1 Catastrophe Models and Tipping Points 40 2.2.2 Regulating Mechanisms 42 2.3 Chaos Theory 43 2.3.1 Butterfly Effect 44 2.3.2 The Lorenz Attractor 45 2.4 Fractal Theory 46 2.4.1 Fractals 46 2.4.2 The Mandelbrot Set 49 2.4.3 Fractals, Catastrophe, and Power Law 50 2.5 Finding Order in Chaos 55 2.6 Catastrophe Theory Applications 60 2.7 Conclusion 61 References 62 3 Philosophies, Ancient and Contemporary, of Catastrophes, Doomsdays, and Civilizational Collapses 67 3.1 Introduction 67 3.2 Environmental Catastrophes: Silent Spring 69 3.3 Ecological Catastrophes: The Ultimate Value Is Wilderness 73 3.4 Climate Doomsday Modelers 76 3.5 Collapsiology: The Archaeology of Civilizational Collapses 79 3.6 Pascal’s Wager: A Statistics of Infinity of Value 82 3.7 Randomness in the Indian School of Thoughts 85 3.8 The Road to the Economics of Catastrophes 88 References 89 4 Economics of Catastrophic Events: Theory 95 4.1 Introduction 95 4.2 Defining Catastrophic Events: Thresholds 98 4.3 Defining Catastrophic Events: Tail Distributions 100 4.4 Insurance and Catastrophic Coverage 104 4.5 Options for a Catastrophic Event 110 4.6 Catastrophe Bonds 114 4.7 Pareto Optimality in Policy Interventions 119 4.8 Events of Variance Infinity or Undefined Moments 125 4.9 Economics of Infinity: A Dismal Science 129 4.10 Alternative Formulations of a Fat-tail Catastrophe 132 4.11 Conclusion 135 References 137 5 Economics of Catastrophic Events: Empirical Data and Analyses of Behavioral Responses 145 5.1 Introduction 145 5.2 Modeling the Genesis of a Hurricane 147 5.3 Indices of the Destructive Potential of a Hurricane 149 5.4 Factors of Destruction: Wind Speeds, Central Pressure, and Storm Surge 151 5.5 Predicting Future Hurricanes 153 5.6 Measuring the Size and Destructiveness of an Earthquake 156 5.7 What Causes Human Fatalities? 159 5.8 Evidence of Adaptation to Tropical Cyclones 162 5.9 Modeling Behavioral Adaptation Strategies 166 5.10 Contributions of Empirical Studies to Catastrophe Literature 171 References 172 6 Catastrophe Policies: An Evaluation of Historical Developments and Outstanding Issues 177 6.1 Introduction 177 6.2 Protecting the Earth from Asteroids 178 6.3 Earthquake Policies and Programs 181 6.4 Hurricane, Cyclone, and Typhoon Policies and Programs 182 6.5 Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Weapons 187 6.6 Criteria Pollutants: The Clean Air Act 191 6.7 Toxic Chemicals and Hazardous Substances: Toxic Substances Control Act 198 6.8 Ozone Depletion: The Montreal Protocol 201 6.9 GlobalWarming: The Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement 203 6.10 Strangelets: High-Risk Physics Experiments 207 6.11 Artificial Intelligence 209 6.12 Conclusion 210 References 210 7 Insights for Practitioners: Making Rational Decisions on a Global or Even Universal Catastrophe 219 7.1 Introduction 219 7.2 Lessons from the Multidisciplinary Literature of Catastrophes 221 7.3 Fears of Low-Minds and High-Minds: Opinion Surveys 228 7.4 Planet-wide Catastrophes or Universal Catastrophes 230 7.5 Making Rational Decisions on Planet-wide or Universal Catastrophes 234 7.6 Conclusion 241 References 241 Index 249

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Book SynopsisEveryone deserves a decent and affordable home, a truth (almost) universally acknowledged. But housing in the UK has been in a state of crisis for decades, with too few homes built, too often of dubious quality, and costing too much to buy, rent or inhabit. It doesn't have to be like this. Bringing together a wealth of experience from a wide range of housing experts, this completely revised edition of The Housing Design Handbook provides an authoritative, comprehensive and systematic guide to best practice in what is perhaps the most contentious and complex field of architectural design.This book sets out design principles for all the essential components of successful housing design including placemaking, typologies and density, internal and external space, privacy, security, tenure, and community engagement illustrated with case studies of schemes by architecture practices working across the UK and continental Europe.Written by David Levitt and Jo McCafferTrade Review‘There is much talk these days about design in housing but less understanding of what that means in practice. This unique compendium illustrates housing that raises the bar in terms of quality and shows how good design can create great places to live. It is a must for all those involved in the design, construction and commissioning of housing.’Peter Murray, Chairman, New London Architecture‘This collection of short essays and good practice examples is an invaluable source of inspiration. In spite of scarce resources, it shows that we can create and maintain high-quality, lower cost homes. It challenges many assumptions about design, density, and the way integrated communities can work.’Professor Anne Power, London School of Economics‘Drawing on a broad range of international examples, this book provides an inspiring survey and forms a comprehensive guide to designing great places to live. From pioneering postwar estates to community-led housing and exemplary student accommodation, it is an essential toolkit for architects and clients alike, with topics ranging from typologies and densities to external space and how to successfully mix housing with other uses.’Oliver Wainwright, architecture and design critic, The GuardianTable of ContentsContributors. Foreword. Introduction. 1. Places That Get Better Over Time. 2. Typologies. Semi-detached. Terraces. Flats. Maisonettes. Housing for an Ageing Population. Student Accommodation and Build to Rent. 3. Density. Low Density (35–90dph). Medium Density (90–250dph). High Density (250–350+dph). Tall Buildings (350+dph). 4. Internal Space. 5. External Space. 6. Mixing Homes with Other Uses. 7. Privacy. 8. Security. 9. Bins, Bikes and Cars. 10. Tenure and Sustainable Communities. 11. Estate Regeneration. 12. Co-design. 13. Sustainable Design and Construction. 14. Cost in Use. Abbreviations and Glossary. Sources of Information. Index. Acknowledgments.

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Book SynopsisThe end of the world is a seemingly interminable topic Ð at least, of course, until it happens. Environmental catastrophe and planetary apocalypse are subjects of enduring fascination and, as ethnographic studies show, human cultures have approached them in very different ways. Indeed, in the face of the growing perception of the dire effects of global warming, some of these visions have been given a new lease on life. Information and analyses concerning the human causes and the catastrophic consequences of the planetary ‘crisis’ have been accumulating at an ever-increasing rate, mobilising popular opinion as well as academic reflection. In this book, philosopher Déborah Danowski and anthropologist Eduardo Viveiros de Castro offer a bold overview and interpretation of these current discourses on ‘the end of the world’, reading them as thought experiments on the decline of the West’s anthropological adventure Ð that is, as attempts, though not necessarily intentional ones, at inventing a mythology that is adequate to the present. This work has important implications for the future development of ecological practices and it will appeal to a broad audience interested in contemporary anthropology, philosophy, and environmentalism.Trade Review�In their powerful essay on the climate crisis that humans face today, Danowski and Viveiros de Castro propose nothing short of a radically new and pluralist philosophical anthropology that is bound to reinvigorate humanist and post-humanist debates on anthropogenic global warming. A brilliant tour de force.� Dipesh Chakrabarty, The University of Chicago �This is a passionate, profoundly intelligent book. The ends of time are not the Anthropocene; that is a boundary, not a destiny. What comes next cannot be allowed to be the barbarism of the techno moderns. In this book, recomposition tracks along the Möbius strip of still imaginable, still liveable thought, mythology, and world-making practices indigenous to terrans. Actual indigenous peoples, who have refused to end in end time after end time, can perhaps teach the �needed subsistence of the future.� Donna Haraway, University of CaliforniaTable of ContentsForeword by Bruno Latour vii Prefatory note x Acknowledgments xiii 1 What rough beast ... 1 2 ... Its hour come round at last ... 8 3 ... Slouches toward bethlehem to be born? 23 4 The outside without thought, or the death of the other 28 5 Alone at last 41 6 A world of people 61 7 Humans and terrans in the Gaia War 79 Conclusion: World on the brink 109 Notes 124 Bibliography 152 Index 169

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Book Synopsis What happens when vast population growth endangers the world’s food supplies? Or our water? Our energy needs, climate, or environment? Or the planet’s biodiversity? What happens if these all become critical at once? Just what is our future? Trade Review‘Just because we have collectively lost interest in the doom clock doesn't mean it has stopped ticking … Barnosky and Hadly are serious players … When tipping points are reached, the change can be violent as well as sudden … you cannot fault the authors' determination to try to warn us’ Newsweek ‘In ‘End Game’, academics Anthony Barnosky and Elizabeth Hadly eloquently lay out the ecological perils we face, deftly showing how they might segue into food and water shortages, disease, resource wars and mass migrations … Now we know the challenges for the 21st century; we just need to act’ Fred Pearce, New Scientist

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Book SynopsisWith nearly 6,000 species identified, frogs and toads are the most familiar and abundant amphibians on the planet. This book traces the evolution and classification of frogs and toads, providing detailed information about each of the 49 families and highlighting distinctive and notable species.Trade ReviewOne of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2011 "This is an overview of one of the most baffling, diverse and astonishing of all animal groups."--Cathy Taibbi, Examiner, National wildlife conservation "Fascinating... [Frogs and Toads of the World] provides a great gateway for anyone interested in learning about these creatures... Mattison's book details what frogs eat and what eats frogs, their reproductive cycle and what kind of parents they are."--Tom Palmer, Lakeland Ledger "Naturalist and author-photographer Mattison has once again produced an excellent book related to his specialization in amphibians and reptiles. This volume is a colorful, entertaining overview of many of the nearly 6,000 species of frogs worldwide... All chapters are superbly illustrated with high-quality color photographs not frequently seen in books on animals."--Choice "[T]his book [is] a wonderful description of all aspects of frogs and toads. It is well written, well organized, well illustrated with color photographs and it is a good read for those interested in this unique group of amphibians. [This] book [is] well worth owning if you have an interest in nature in general and frogs in particular."--REH, Wildlife Activist "All sections of this book are lavishly illustrated with some of the finest color photographs of frogs yet to appear in the literature. This book is easy to read and comprehend, highly informative, accurate, and as up to date as possible in an era dominated by changes due to new molecular insights. This work is highly recommended for purchase by municipal, high school, and college libraries."--Edmund D. Keiser, Jr., American Reference Books Annual "[Frogs and Toads of the World] has a lot to offer the general naturalist and the birder interested in amphibians and learning what else is in that local patch pond."--Donna Schulman, 10,000 Birds "[S]tunningly illustrated throughout ... indispensable guide... A good general introduction on the subject."--Ian, Guardian Birdbooker Report

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Book SynopsisA combination of environmental history, travel writing, literary criticism, and memoir, this book features a pivotal figure who is the nineteenth-century diplomat and writer George Perkins Marsh, generally regarded as America's first environmentalist.

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Book SynopsisWhy do we treat our dogs as people but prefer pigs as bacon?‘Lucid, informed and persuasive’ Evening Standard ‘Thought-provoking’ Daily Mail ‘An extraordinary book’ Nicholas Evans, author of The Horse Whisperer The history of humanity’s relationship with other species is baffling. Without animals there would be no us. We are all fellow travellers on the same evolutionary journey. By charting the love-hate story of people and animals, from their first acquaintance in deep prehistory to the present and beyond, Richard Girling reveals how and where our attitudes towards animals began - and how they have persisted, been warped and become magnified ever since. In dazzling prose, The Longest Story tells of the cumulative influence of theologians, writers, artists, warriors, philosophers, farmers, activists and scientists across the centuriesTrade Review‘Informed and persuasive… By the end, you wonder why the animals have put up with us.’ * Julian Glover, Evening Standard *‘Thought-provoking.’ * Mark Mason, Daily Mail *‘An extraordinary book, brimming with wisdom and insight. Richard Girling holds up a horrifying mirror for us: how can the cleverest creature on earth be so unutterably stupid?’ -- Nicholas Evans, author of The Horse Whisperer‘The Longest Story is a compelling and thought-inspiring search inside our moral selves. Through masterful introspection, Girling delves into our relationships, fascinations and follies with animals. He tracks the origins of attitudes, unpacks contradictions and asks whether our interactions with other species holds the key to our own survival. In an age of extinction, this is essential reading.’ -- Philip Lymbery, CEO of Compassion in World Farming and author of Farmageddon: The true cost of cheap meat‘A brilliant book. Absorbing and – yes – shaming.’ -- Stanley Johnson, Ambassador, Compassion in World Farming; Winner of RSPCA Richard Martin Award‘The Longest Story blends natural history, philosophy, and narrative artistry to explore the connections between humans and animals, from prehistory to the present and the future. Written in descriptive, almost lyrical prose… The Longest Story is brimming cover to cover with fascinating facts.’ * Midwest Book Review *‘Girling brings immediacy to his engaging commentary, whether he’s exploring ancient Egypt, the Renaissance, or the twenty-first century… This thoughtful offering is a plea for readers to respect life in all forms.’ * Booklist *‘Richard Girling’s The Longest Story is a social science examination of the relationships between humans and animals – a topic that’s seldom considered, but is close at hand and environmentally relevant… mythic in scope and style… it works toward a stunning conclusion about where humans should look for wisdom.’ * Foreword Reviews *

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Book SynopsisClimate change is increasingly recognized as a global threat, and is already contributing to record-breaking hurricanes and heat waves. To prevent the worst impacts, attention is now turning to climate engineering - the intentional large-scale modification of the environment to reduce the impact of climate change. The two principal methods involve removing some carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (which could consume huge amounts of land and money, and take a long period of time), and reducing the amount of solar radiation reaching the earth''s surface, perhaps by spraying aerosols into the upper atmosphere from airplanes (which could be done quickly but is risky and highly controversial). This is the first book to focus on the legal aspects of these technologies: what government approvals would be needed; how liability would be assessed and compensation provided if something goes wrong; and how a governance system could be structured and agreed internationally.Trade Review'In Climate Engineering and the Law, editors Michael B. Gerrard and Tracy Hester lead us into the third phase of climate change law and policy based on their sobering but inescapable assessment that the current trajectory of mitigation and adaptation policies will not be enough. The chapters of the volume, authored by experts in their fields, accessibly guide the reader through the essential scientific and legal foundations necessary for meaningful engagement over the question of climate engineering, and provide thoughtful insights on the important next steps. As disappointing as it may be to accept that some forms of climate geoengineering will be needed in order to avoid massive human and environmental catastrophe, they will be, and we'd better prepare law for it now rather than later.' J. B. Ruhl, David Daniels Allen Distinguished Chair in Law, Vanderbilt University, Tennessee'Gerrard and Hester have persuasively made the case why the world's tool-kit for combating climate change must expand beyond climate mitigation and adaptation and include some forms of climate engineering. Their ground-breaking compilation of legal and technical issues surrounding potential climate engineering approaches will enable lawmakers, scientists and policymakers to consider this challenging subject in a clear-headed and disciplined manner.' David J. Hayes, Executive Director, State Energy and Environmental Impact Center, New York University and former Deputy Secretary, US Department of the Interior'The importance of legal and regulatory frameworks for the successful implementation of climate change mitigation cannot be overestimated. This book is long overdue and provides an excellent overview of the issues, as the entire field is evolving rapidly.' Klaus Lackner, Director, Center for Negative Carbon Emissions, Arizona State University'A much-needed, comprehensive treatment of the serious policy, structural, institutional, and legal challenges raised by climate engineering proposals. This work will be an important reference for shaping and framing the public debate as it continues to move forward. It highlights the near absence of regulatory and institutional frameworks to safeguard the planet from unforeseen consequences of well-intentioned, but risky, interventions.' David A. Wirth, Boston College Law School, Massachusetts'The world may need climate engineering, but the control of this technology will challenge our institutions dramatically. Climate Engineering and the Law nicely puts together the existing legal tools and concepts for governing intentional modification of the climate. The book makes clear that concepts for controlling geoengineering present unique challenges but finds utility in previous laws, policies and agreements.' Jane C. S. Long, former Principal Associate Director, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, California'A book that should be read also by non-legal researchers, Climate Engineering and the Law will hopefully spur similar academic exercises, thus ultimately enhancing the collective wisdom desperately needed to turn anthropogenic manipulation of the planet into a shield against climate change, rather than a dreadful double-edged sword for self-destruction.' Matteo Fermeglia, Carbon & Climate Law ReviewTable of ContentsPreface and acknowledgments; Editors and contributors; 1. Introduction and overview Michael B. Gerrard; 2. Technologies Eli Kintisch; 3. International law Jesse L. Reynolds; 4. US law Albert C. Lin; 5. Liability and compensation Tracy Hester; 6. Research governance Michael Burger and Justin Gundlach; 7. Conclusions and recommendations Michael B. Gerrard and Tracy Hester.

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Book Synopsis''A very funny, important and only moderately terrifying clarion call of a book'' - Adam Kay''HOT MESS provides loads of laughs about the climate situation and will position you at the right point between fear and determination'' - Mark Watson ''Hilarious, informative and worrying in equal measure. And that''s just the bits about having a baby'' - Josie LongFor fans of Randall Munro''s WHAT IF? Matt Parker''s HUMBLE PI and anyone looking for practical tips on how to stop the end of the world!Dr Matt Winning is a stand-up comedian and environmental economist with a PHD in climate change policy, which means he''s the sort of doctor who will rush to your side if you fall ill on a plane, but only to berate you for flying. We are currently facing a global climate emergency. You''ve probably noticed. But why does the end of the world need to be so depressing? HOT MESS aims to both lighTrade ReviewClimate change is no laughing matter - oh yes it is - with Matt Winning's superb, hilarious, side-splitting book that makes you take a whole new look at the climate crisis, surviving having children and life in general. * Mark Maslin, author of How to Save Our Planet *A very funny, important and only moderately terrifying clarion call of a book. * Adam Kay *HOT MESS provides loads of laughs about "the climate situation" and will position you at the right point between fear and determination. * Mark Watson *Hilarious, informative and worrying in equal measure. And that's just the bits about having a baby. * Josie Long *The first book about climate change that made me laugh out loud. If you've been too freaked out to subject yourself to the climate crisis, Hot Mess is the kick in the pants you need to start making yourself useful. * ' Prof. Kimberly Nicholas, author of Under the Sky We Make: How to Be Human in a Warming World *Everything a Fringe show should be: hilarious, personal, inventive, and something that will stay with you for some time to come. * EdFestMag *Winning's sharp wit and intelligence allows him to educate as he entertains. * Sunday Post *

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Book SynopsisThis book provides readers with the latest developments in environmental research. Chapter One reviews different toxicological and ecotoxicological tests applied to different types of textile effluent treatments and their efficiency in detecting potential toxicity in treated effluents. Chapter Two illustrates that in properly leveraging green marketing through sustainability strategic initiatives, a firm can simultaneously become more profitable, promote quality environmental issues, and enhance corporate reputation. Chapter Three investigates drinking water recarbonization process based on a combination of experimental and mathematical modelling. Chapter Four discusses improving the management of ecosystem services by means of stakeholder perceptions. Chapter Five examines community involvement in river management for ecosystem services and livelihood. Chapter Six focuses on the effect of some environmental factors on milk production of primiparous Holstein raised in the Souss-Massa region in Morocco. Chapter Seven studies the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influence over precipitation in Argentina. The final chapter discusses kinematics of ice-cores near divides and inferences from age/depth data.

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Book SynopsisThis book discusses biodiversity, management and environmental issues of several national parks around the world. The first chapter presents general principles of access to national parks for tourism and recreation under the provisions of the Nature Conservation Act. Chapter Two examines the contribution of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) exploitation to poverty alleviation in the Fako-Meme Forest region of Cameroon, as well as the nexus between NTFPs exploitation and forest conservation. Chapter Three studies the visitors'' profile and travel motivations for the Peneda-Gerês National Park of Portugal. Chapter Four focuses on the welfare of captive breeding stock for reintroductions into Saudi Arabian national parks.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides readers with the latest developments in environmental research. Chapter One provides a socio-economic analysis on the impact of the Cyclone Sidr on rural communities of Southwest Bangladesh. Chapter Two describes the recent status of Ophraella communa and the ragweed in Japan and discusses the changes in the relationship between this herbivore and its host plants. Chapter Three reviews seed dispersal systems in the regeneration of semiarid Mediterranean forests. Chapter Four examines important implications for providing adaptive silvicultural practices under future climate change. Chapter Five presents the mathematical model and results of numerical simulations of long-term thermal influences of different engineering construction on the permafrost in northern oil and gas fields exploitation. Chapter Six discusses the current policies for urban heat island (UHI) mitigation and adaptation in Canada. Chapter Seven examines the Bei''anHeihe highway, located in northeast China, which goes through a permafrost degradation area in the northwest section of the Lesser Khingan Mountain. Chapter Eight focuses on metal and metalloids in sediments from the estuary of the Nerbioi-Ibaizabal River. Chapter Nine reviews a study of the deforestation of Agave cupreata-Trelet Berger in Guerrero, Mexico. Chapter Ten analyses a 25-year-long study using tree-ring 13C records from Spanish forests, which reveals a transitory interruption of the Suess effect during the nineties of the past century.

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Book SynopsisEnvironmental stresses, such as heavy metals, drought, radiation, salts, pesticides, temperature, etc. are major factors collectively called abiotic stresses, which limit agricultural productivity. Abiotic stress factors negatively influence the survival, biomass production, and yield of staple food crops of up to 70%. In recent years, much attention has been given for developing strategies to alleviate the adverse effects of abiotic stresses on crops in order to fulfill the food demand of increasing population. Chemical application and agronomical crop management practices have been used to alleviate abiotic stresses with some success. During the last decade, extensive work has been carried out to understand plant hormone-mediated enhancement in abiotic stress tolerance using physiological, biochemical, genetic, molecular, and genomic approaches for crop breeding and management. This book has complied recent research on plant hormone mediated regulation of abiotic stress tolerance in plants with special emphasis on crops. This book consists of fourteen chapters dealing with recent research made in the direction of plant hormone and abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants. Chapter One deals with abiotic stress and crop productivity. Chapters Two and Three deal with the role of polyamines, ROS, and melatonin in the regulation of abiotic stresses. Chapter Four extensively elaborates the significance of the multigene family in the improvement of crops under stress conditions. Chapters Five and Six deal with the interaction of plant hormones and their subsequent impact on plant abiotic stress tolerance. Chapter Seven, Eight and Nine comprehensively deal with the role of abscisic acid and gibberellic acid signaling in the regulation of abiotic stress tolerance in crops. Chapters Ten through Thirteen describe the role of brassinosteroids cross talk, interaction and signaling in the regulation of abiotic stress tolerance in crops. Chapter Fourteen deals with the emerging role of oxylipins in the regulation of abiotic stress in crops. Chapter Fifteen deals with the role of jasmonic acid and salicylic acid signaling in the regulation of abiotic stress tolerance. This book has gathered recent information of plant hormone research and abiotic stress tolerance in crops. We hope that this book will be very useful for graduate and post graduate students and researchers.

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Book SynopsisThis book compiles research summaries from a number of different focuses in the important field of environment and agriculture.

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Book SynopsisThis book compiles research summaries from a number of different focuses in the important field of environment and agriculture.

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Book SynopsisThis book compiles research summaries from a number of different focuses in the important field of environment and agriculture.

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Book SynopsisThis volume is devoted to one of the most popular topics of modern ecological and environmental sciences. This book focuses on the alterations in ecological and biogeochemical cycling in impacted polar land and water ecosystems, where a significant part of natural gas and oil production is developing both in Russia and in many other countries. In the near future, these will make great progress. Founded on the field monitoring of various biogeochemical cycle parameters of polar ecosystems and relevant changes in ecological indexes and indicators, the authors suggest new biogeochemical technologies for assessing and managing environmental and geoenvironmental risks in severe climate conditions. This issue is meant for a wide range of scientists, specialists and practitioners in ecological science, biogeochemistry and energy sectors, and may be quite useful to undergraduate and postgraduate students who study the fundamental principles of ecosystem sustainability and anthropogenic impact.

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Book SynopsisThe authors present a practical, theoretical approach for systemic landscape planning strategies that incorporate a synergistic view of nature and culture in the process of continuous construction of the landscape, while stressing the reality of urban growth in developing countries. This study was established through a technical analysis of the urban context and biophysical dynamics in correlation with with a social participation method. Afterwards, a report on various species employed in bio-monitoring campaigns: mussels, oysters and clams, algae, vegetables, lichens, mosses is offered. The numerous investigative techniques applied are critically examined, focusing on analytical performance in terms of accurateness and detectability. The authors also discuss applications of remote sensing technology to improve local and regional water governance programs, maintaining that the implementation of remote sensing techniques in water governance frameworks is essential due to their synoptic views which allow us to monitor large areas and thereby improve spatial and temporal management. Following this, deforestation and savanna development in Ghana is examined, with the contention that the current knowledge is incomplete because several gaps exist in the prehistoric, precolonial, and colonial landcover. The authors also go on to review the current changes in wetlands in the five US-Gulf states, the subsequent impact on carbon sequestration, the general function of wetlands in the Gulf of Mexico, the way this contributes to global warming, and the way this mitigates global warming. Later, a study is presented with the goal of exploring residents sense of place in post-conflict area of Africa, with the goal of supplying information that may guide policy makers in the enhancement of the economic and social welfare of the people in the study area. The compilation ends with a description of numerous causes of uncertainties in forest biomass estimation procedures using optical remote sensing and terrestrial forest inventory data-sets. These uncertainties are typically generated due to spatial resolution and information content on satellite imagery.

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Book SynopsisRecently, airborne particulate matter (PM), microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the atmosphere, has become a major concern in many countries because of its considerable damage as an air pollutant to the climate and human health. In the preliminary chapter of this book, the authors review the current status of fine PM in environmental technology regarding their emission source and discuss future prospects of PM-based air pollutants reduction and related research. Soil organic matter (SOM) is commonly recognized as one of the key parameters of soil quality, and it has been linked to ecosystem productivity, being recommended as a sensitive indicator for monitoring programs. Thus, the following chapter provides an overview of the most important factors altering SOM in agricultural land and forests, describing the current trends to keep soil capacity for biomass production and carbon sequestration. Next, a study is presented which analyzes parameters of the atmospheric boundary layer - such as height, thickness, and temperature- concerning the inversion layer in Murcia (2011-2016). The different factors and situations of more intense TI registered in the VMSR are analyzed using satellite images, synoptic information, and meteorological data provided by radiosonde. In Northern Cyprus, the Güzelyurt groundwater basin contains the most extensive aquifer of the island, which has been exploited since 1955 for both municipal and agricultural water supplies. The authors study hydrographs from 13 wells observed for 40 years to trace the long-term fluctuations of the groundwater level and to sketch temporal contour maps. Significant lowering of the groundwater level was noted in the west-central part of the basin, where the municipal wells are concentrated. Lastly, it will be described how some models treat the effective albedo in cities considering the atmospheric micro and the meso scale. For the microscale, the schemes used in ENVI-MET, SOLWEIG and SOLENE models are described. These models are mainly used to analyze the interaction between the urban design and the human thermal comfort. The albedo is one of the fundamental parameters to study this topic.

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Book SynopsisThe opening study presented in Advances in Environmental Research. Volume 65 aims to clarify the sources and characteristics of groundwater in the aquifers along the coast of the White Sea in northwestern Russia, and on this basis to perform a broad 14C and 234U/238U dating of all their types, taking into account the mixing processes. After this, the process of thermal conversion of layered double hydroxides into metal oxide catalysts and their applications in selected environmental processes is presnted and discussed. Thermal decomposition of hydrotalcite-like materials results in the formation of mixed metal oxides, which may be examined for their applications in catalysis due to their relatively high surface area, porosity and homogenous distribution of metal cations. The authors analyze Mongolia, a landlocked country located in Central Asia with a population of over 3 million people. Due to the harsh weather conditions, rapid urbanization and mining activities, environmental quality of the country has increasingly degraded as the air, soil and water pollution has surpassed permissible levels. The current situation has a harmful impact on the national economy, social development, health and environment. Later, this collection discusses inorganic solid phase supports, including pristine and surface-modified alumina, Fe3O4 nanoparticles and mesoporous silica extractants, which have demonstrated good retention capacity for naturally-occurring and anthropogenic actinides. The choice to adsorb or tether the ligand on the solid surface is addressed as it is a cornerstone for an effective and selective separation between the actinides and the lanthanides. The concluding paper provides a review of how the national struggle between Slovenes and Germans unfolded, and how it was reflected in the conquest of the summits and in the construction of mountain huts. The events presented mostly focus on the area of Carniola, Slovenia, particulary the area of the Julian Alps around Mount Triglav.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a comprehensive overview of the current, most critical challenges and issues facing Serbia, on its road towards integration in the European Union. The chapters in the book are written by highly renowned authorities in their respective research fields including prominent scholars, academics, and researchers. Thorough analysis of the challenges and issues currently facing the Serbian society and state encompass the fields of: Mineral resources of Serbia including societal, economic, and environmental aspects; Biofuels status and prospects in Serbia; Sustainable agriculture and rural development of Serbia; Development of innovative agriculture production technologies for linseed, glycine, grain, and spring field crops, among others; Environmental concerns in Serbia including pollution sources, types of pollutants, as well as the current status, trends, prospects, and methods of pollution control; Environmental pollution with persistent organic pollutants; Contamination of urban soils in Serbia and their pollution status; Environmental pollution by heavy metals and radionuclides in certain localities in Serbia. The book provides a representative account of the most important, current challenges and issues of Serbia in the considered areas. It can serve as an authoritative source of information on the covered topics for the general public, as well as for specialists in different fields, interested in having a deeper insight into these topics.

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Book SynopsisChapter one contains a rudimentary inferential analysis concerning conditions in the US such as the variation of the atmospheric content of carbon dioxide over two hundred and seventy two years up to 2016, and the contribution of major environmental sources to the atmospheric amount of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and methane along with emissions caused by hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulphurhexafluoride and nitrogentrifluoride The following chapter aims to present an overview of environmentally exploitable properties, as well as present and potential prospects of bacterial extracellular polymeric substances in addressing real life environmental problems. The authors go on to review the heavy metal processes that occur in the soil and leafy vegetables, particularly in cabbage, and the relationships between the soil levels and metal contents in plants. An approach for the utilisation of microorganisms from shallow hydrothermal vent sediments in environmental biotechnology is also presented. Next, it is shown that that SDG 13 and SDG 15 can be addressed simultaneously if policy makers and practitioners focus on reducing the costs of telecommunications and the internet, as this would reduce the costs for tablets and mobile phones, enabling improved access to information and practice on Ecosystem Based Adaptation and microforestry schemes. The authors discuss the responsibility of the Water Board of Nicosia to operate the water distribution network that covers more than 91 sq. km, water mains of 1,280 km length, and the management of the 13 water reservoirs. They also show how water management is governed and how it affects theiIsland of Cyprus. The subsequent study indicates that concentrations of trace elements in sediments and brackish wate,r and even interstitious waters, may not provide an accurate view of the levels of contamination and their potential ecotoxicity in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. The closing paper focuses on the land-use/cover dynamicity and its impact on the land surface temperature of Lodhama river basin in Darjeeling Hill area during the period of 2001 and 2016.Table of ContentsFor more information, please visit our website at:https://novapublishers.com/shop/advances-in-environmental-research-volume-68/

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Book SynopsisChile is located in the Southern Cone of South America; it has a high diversity of landscapes, which have been considered by naturalists and scientists as an irreplaceable patrimony of nature. This country has more than 4,000 kilometers of latitudinal extension, with deserts, agricultural valleys, large mineral deposits, ancient forests, relict and endemic species, glaciers, dunes, indigenous cultures and an increasing economy. The main aim of this book is to contribute to the understanding of the environment in Chile. The first chapter focuses on understanding an important dimension of nature, describing the Chilean forests as one of the main natural patrimonies of the country. Then the human enforcement of conservation biodiversity and natural patrimony is presented. Topics such as plastic pollution in oceans, the role of the school education system, private protected areas and others are addressed. Then the book focuses on the potential impacts generated by climate change on the environment of Chile. Alternatives for sustainable development in the near future that take into account food security, soil erosion and climate change. The book finalizes with two issues which that are strongly linked to human activities, natural hazards and mining impacts. A history of natural hazards in Chile is presented, analyzing the changes in policy and the influence of socio-environmental events and dynamics on the current structure of risks in Chile determined by natural and human factors. Finally, an analysis of the impacts of mining associated with arsenic and copper is presented, describing the development of environmental standards, which aim to avoid or reduce the impacts on nature and humans.Table of ContentsFor more information, please visit our website at:https://novapublishers.com/shop/chileenvironmentalhistoryperspectivesandchallenges/

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Book SynopsisIn presenting this volume, the author is aware that there are several excellent books, dealing with one phase or another of tree life. It is believed, however, that there is still need for an all-round book, adapted to the beginner, which gives in a brief and not too technical way the most important facts concerning the identification, structure and uses of our more common trees, and which considers their habits, enemies and care both when growing alone and when growing in groups or forests.Table of ContentsPrefaceHow to Identify TreesThe Structure and Requirements of TreesWhat Trees to Plant and HowThe Care of TreesForestryOur Common Woods: Their Identification, Properties and UsesAn Outdoor Lesson on TreesIndex.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a comprehensive compilation of all reports, testimony, correspondence and other publications issued by the Congressional Research Service during the month of May, grouped according to topics. This book is focused on the following topics: Agriculture Environment

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Book SynopsisVolume 69 opens with an overview of recent studies regarding toxic effects of chlorpyrifos and the methods of its removal, focusing mainly on the generation of its oxo-analogue, chlorpyrifos-oxon, as a result of organophosphate metabolism by cytochrome P450s, and the influence on some physiologically important enzymes. Following this, a comprehensive overview of the diversity of Basidiomycetes species present in polluted areas is provided, as well as potential uses in the restoration of these areas. Basidiomycetes fungi promote immobilization of mycogenic metals through the precipitation of oxalates or via ligand binding, as well as passive bio-absorption and accumulation in their biomass. Ecosystems of the European North show low tolerance to anthropogenic impact and very slow succession recovery. This largely determines the development of biota and ecosystems. Among the types of impact, the authors propose that special attention should be paid to those associated with gathering, hunting, and grazing, and aimed mostly on the use of bioresource potential of landscapes. Next, after a short introduction on the composition and sources of oil pollutants in the environment, the authors review all transformation processes that affect composition of oil pollutants in contaminated soils. The authors also describe detailed information on the toxicity of chlorpyrifos and its metabolites, the themobility of chlorpyrifos in soil and water following spraying, and residues of its metabolites on treated edible plants. In the penultimate chapter, the RUSLE model coupled with transport limited sediment delivery function were used to predict the longtime average annual soil loss, and to identify the critical erosion-/deposition-prone areas of Lodhama river Basin in Eastern Darjeeling himalaya, India. Lastly, although microorganisms cannot destroy pollutants, this collection discusses how they can alter their chemical properties via a surprising array of mechanisms. The focus is on the metals and metalloids that contaminate waters and are most commonly found in the environment, including: lead, chromium, mercury, uranium, selenium, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, silver, gold, and nickel.Table of ContentsPrefaceToxicity of Chlorpyrifos and Its Removal from the EnvironmentBasidiomycetes in Polluted Areas: Identification, Metal Accumulation and ApplicationsChanges in the Cryolithozone of European North under Anthropogenic Influence and Its ConsequencesTransformations of Oil Pollutants in Contaminated SoilsBehavior of Chlorpyrifos in Soil, Water and on Edible PlantsEstimation of Annual Soil Loss and Critical Deposition Prone Areas of the Lodhama River Basin, Darjeeling Himalaya, India Based on RUSLE Model Coupled with Transport Limited Sediment Delivery ModelRole of Microbes in Industrial Wastewater BioremediationIndex.

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