The Eco-Time Capsule Project: POPULATION MATTERS
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Land-Use, Land-Cover Changes and Biodiversity Loss - Helena Freitas
LAND USE, LAND COVER AND SOIL SCIENCES – Vol. I - Land-Use, Land-Cover Changes and Biodiversity Loss - Helena Freitas LAND-USE, LAND-COVER CHANGES AND BIODIVERSITY LOSS Helena Freitas University of Coimbra, Portugal Keywords: land use; habitat fragmentation; biodiversity loss Contents 1. Introduction 2. Primary Causes of Biodiversity Loss 2.1. Habitat Degradation and Destruction 2.2. Habitat Fragmentation 2.3. Global Climate Change 3. Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation 3.1. General 3.2. The European Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 4. Conclusions Glossary Bibliography Biographical Sketch Summary During Earth's history, species extinction has probably been caused by modifications of the physical environment after impacts such as meteorites or volcanic activity. On the contrary, the actual extinction of species is mainly a result of human activities, namely any form of land use that causes the conversion of vast areas to settlement, agriculture, and forestry, resulting in habitat destruction, degradation, and fragmentation, which are among the most important causes of species decline and extinction. The loss of biodiversity is unique among the major anthropogenic changes because it is irreversible. The importance of preserving biodiversity has increased in recent times. The global recognition of the alarming loss of biodiversity and the acceptance of its value resultedUNESCO in the Convention on Biologi – calEOLSS Diversity. In addition, in Europe, the challenge is also the implementation of the European strategy for biodiversity conservation and agricultural policies, though it is increasingly recognized that the strategy is limitedSAMPLE by a lack of basic ecological CHAPTERS information and indicators available to decision makers and end users. We have reached a point where we can save biodiversity only by saving the biosphere. -
First International Forum for the Rights of Mother Earth
First International Forum for the Rights of Mother Earth Celebrating World Environment Day Mexico City | June 1-5 2016 First International Forum for the Rights of Mother Earth 2 Movement: horizon, path, and destiny Horizon It is time to globalize legislation for the Rights of Mother Earth and establish a Universal Declaration of the Rights of Nature, to recog- nize her as a living being- the biggest of all-, to protect her, restore her, and link her to humanity by way of respect and preservation of all her species. Only this action can stop the irrational exploitation and the utilita- rian view that today drives the relationship between mankind and Nature. Therefore, this declaration is the first step to ensure the future of the innumerable forms of existence, including the human species, on our planet. Path Mexico has gained significant legal steps to shift from an anthro- pocentric to a biocentric view, such as the Law of Protection of the Earth in Mexico City and the constitutional recognition of the rights of Nature in the state of Guerrero. These legislative advancements First International Forum for the Rights of Mother Earth 3 motivate various national and international organizations and so- cial networks to convene the First International Forum for the Ri- ghts of Mother Earth on June 1st through 5th, 2016 in Mexico City, surrounding World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5th. Destiny The First International Forum for the Rights of Mother Earth brings legislators, scientists, philosophers, ecologists, artists, keepers of ancient traditions, and social and spiritual leaders together to de- fine actions that ignite social awareness —extensive, diverse, and in solidarity— centered around the importance of legislating the Rights of Mother Earth. -
Energy Development's Impacts on the Wildlife, Landscapes, And
Losing Ground: Energy Development’s Impacts on the Wildlife, Landscapes, and Hunting Traditions of the American West A Report by the National Wildlife Federation and the Natural Resources Defense Council Barbara Wheeler he iconic game species of the American wildlife are an ecological marker for the health of non- West are in perilous decline, as migratory game species, which are also becoming increasingly T animals lose ground to energy development vulnerable to the effects of energy development. and habitat destruction in southeast Montana and northeast Wyoming. Sage-grouse, mule deer, and Bountiful wildlife populations are a major part of the pronghorn are facing decreasing herd sizes and cultures and economies of Montana and Wyoming. downward long-term population trends, which Deteriorations in habitat quality associated with threaten the continued viability of these species in energy development can negatively affect wildlife the coming decades. Of the species considered, only populations and, in turn, impact hunters, wildlife- elk populations are forecast to rebound and stabilize watchers, and the tourism industry as a whole, which brings millions of people and billions of dollars to that additional habitat loss or degradation from the region every year. These impacts justify the need from historic lows, though there is significant concern energy development could stall population growth and for land management reforms and for wide-scale further displace the species. Simultaneously, big game investments in game and non-game wildlife protection Losing Ground Jack Dempsey at state and federal levels to offset the increasing impact on wildlife from energy development. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife A study commissioned by the National Wildlife Federation and the Natural Resources Defense A study commissioned by the Council analyzes trends in population and hunting National Wildlife Federation and opportunities for mule deer, pronghorn, elk, and the Natural Resources Defense greater sage-grouse. -
The Time to Act Is
The Time to Act is Now Grassroots Multi-Faith Action for the Earth Introduction Religious communities are at a crossroads with our response to climate change and other imminent threats to the environment. For much of the past 15 years, religious communities’ primary focus has been education and awareness raising on climate change, teaching that our faiths and their central teachings apply not only between people and to the Sacred, but person to planet. That education, while still vital, is not enough. We must take bold public action. We’ve seen the magnitude of the crisis. We know that public action at scale is absolutely essential. On 11 March, 2021, diverse religious and spiritual communities in 49 countries carried out 420 actions to draw attention to the climate crisis. The Sacred People, Sacred Earth day of action was organized by a grassroots, global, multi-faith alliance called the GreenFaith International Network. You can experience the energy and passion of these actions by watching this short video on Sacred People, Sacred Earth. Around Earth Day in April and World Environment Day in June, religious and spiritual leaders around the world often offer a sermon, khutbah, dharma teaching, dvar torah, or other spoken message on the climate crisis. The religious or spiritual gatherings around these days, and every gathering of its kind, offers an opportunity to convey how our different faiths compel us to take bold action on climate change. The actions organized by grassroots people of diverse faiths worldwide, a few of which are featured in this document, offer powerful instructional examples of religious belief in action, examples which can help pastors, imams, gurus, priests, rabbis, and other spiritual leaders bring to life the importance of public, morally-rooted action on climate change. -
An Exploration of Human Population Demographic Data
Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching Proceedings of the Association for Biology Laboratory Education Vol. 32, 406–421, 2011 Behind the Numbers: An Exploration of Human Population Demographic Data Teresa C. Weglarz Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin – Fox Valley, 1478 Midway Rd, Menasha WI 54952 USA ([email protected]) Increasingly global population size has been a cause for alarm among scientists. Currently, global population size is 6.9 billion and estimates for 2050 range from 8-12 billion. It is estimated that the majority of population growth in the next 50 years will be in developing countries. This computer-based lab activity explores some of the social, economic, and political factors that influence population growth. Understanding the role of these factors in popula- tion growth is critical to the study of population demography. Population demographic data provides a glimpse into the population characteristics that are associated with rapid growth. The International Data Base provides popula- tion pyramids and demography data, on infant mortality rates, fertility rates, and life expectancy of populations in over 200 countries. This population demographic data provides a glimpse into the population characteristics that are associated with population growth and may provide clues on how to address population growth. Keywords: Population growth, demography, population pyramids Introduction Introduction Human demography is the study of population charac- tion data contains estimates and projections for more than teristics. The purpose of this computer investigation is to 200 countries, which includes population size, fertility, analyze the demographic relationships between different mortality and migration rates. The entire investigation can countries. -
Sustainability/Environment/Clean Energy Awareness & Event Dates
Sustainability/Environment/Clean Energy Awareness & Event Dates: January January 1st: New Year’s Day– Resolve to find new ways to become more eco-friendly! February • February 2nd: World Wetlands Day • February 20th: World Day of Social Justice • February 27th: World Polar Bear Day March • March 3rd: World Wildlife Day • March 8th: International Women’s Day • March 14th: International Day of Action for Rivers • March 18th: Global Recycling Day • March 21st: International Day of Forests • March 22nd: World Water Day • March 23rd: World Meteorological Day (Climate change) • Late March: Earth Hour April • First full week of April: Arbor Day • April 22nd: Earth Day • Last Saturday of April: Save the Frogs Day May • All month: National Bike Month • Bike to Work Week 2021 May 17-23, 2021 Bike to Work Day May 21! • Bike to Work Day • 2nd week of month: International Compost Awareness week Composting Awareness • Second Week in May: Endangered Species Day June • June 5th: World Environment Day • June 8th: World Oceans Day • First Saturday of June: National Trails Day • June 17th: World Day to combat Desertification and Drought • June 22nd: World Rainforest Day July • All Month: Plastic Free July August • August 12th: International Youth Day September • Third weekend in September: Clean up the World Campaign • September 21st: Zero Emissions Day • September 22nd: Car Free Day • September 26th: World Environmental Health Day • Fourth Sunday of September: World Rivers Day • Last week in September: National Clean Energy Week October • All Month: Energy Awareness Month • All Month: Campus Sustainability Month • October 5th: Energy Efficiency Day • October 16th: World Food Day • October 24th: International Day of Climate Action November • November 15th: America Recycles Day • November 17th: Take a Hike Day • After Thanksgiving: Buy Nothing Day December • December 5th: International Volunteers Day and World Soil Day . -
Brazil Will Host of the Global Celebrations of World Environment
Brazil will Host of the Global Brazil, China and the United States, recycling in all its forms, already employed twelve million people. Celebrations of World Environment Day Brazil is also a leader in the sustainable production of ethanol as a fuel for vehicles and is expanding into other The United Nations forms of renewable energy like wind and solar. Recently, Environment Programme the construction of 500 thousand new homes with solar (UNEP) announced today panel installations in Brazil has generated 300 thousand that Brazil, who owns one new jobs. of the fastest growing "We are delighted to host the global celebrations for the economies in the world, environment. The World Environment Day in Brazil will will host the global be a great opportunity to present the environmental celebrations of World Environment Day (WED) , aspects of Sustainable Development in the weeks leading celebrated annually on June 5. up to Rio +20 Conferences," said the Minister of the This year's theme, " Green Economy: It includes you?" environment of Brazil, Izabella Teixeira. invites the world to assess where the "Green Economy" "The history of Brazil, with its complex dynamics and is the day to day life of each one and estimate if the diverse economy, its wealth of natural resources and its development, by the Green Economy way, covers the current role in international relations, offers a unique social, economic and environment needs in a world with perspective through which a large and result transformer 7 billion people, which expected to reach 9 billion 2050. will become possible in the Rio +20 "added Mr. -
Press Release – Tsogo Sun – 05/06/2018
Press Release – Tsogo Sun – 05/06/2018 World Environment Day with Miss Earth and Tsogo Sun As the world observes World Environment Day celebrations, with India playing the host country for 2018, the Miss Earth South Africa Leadership programme alongside strategic partners such as Tsogo Sun are recommitting their focus and work on the importance of their campaign #WasteStopsWithME While plastic has many valuable uses, humanity has become addicted to single-use or disposable plastic — with severe environmental consequences. In light of the staggering statistics, people are relooking at plastic use. Around the world, one million plastic drinking bottles are purchased every minute, while up to 5 trillion single-use plastic bags are used worldwide every year. In total, half of all plastic produced is designed to be used only once — and then thrown away. Plastic waste is now so ubiquitous in the natural environment that scientists have even suggested it could serve as a geological indicator of the Anthropocene era says United Nations Environment. Over the past three years the Miss Earth South Africa Leadership programme has been hard at work at a grass-roots level in communities across the country with a firm focus on the individual responsibility and role that is played by citizens, rethinking plastic consumption, re-addressing the use of single-use plastic and firmly focussing on banning the use of straws, by highlighting and creating much needed awareness of the long-term effects that these have on the environment, our oceans, water bodies and marine life. Pollution, plastic and litter are all part of the same conversation and while the organisation and their partners have been a well-established environmental advocacy platform, there is no doubt that climate leaders from these ranks have become thought leaders within this space. -
An Axiomatic Foundation of the Ecological Footprint
A Service of Leibniz-Informationszentrum econstor Wirtschaft Leibniz Information Centre Make Your Publications Visible. zbw for Economics Kuhn, Thomas; Pestow, Radomir; Zenker, Anja Working Paper An Axiomatic Foundation of the Ecological Footprint Chemnitz Economic Papers, No. 025 Provided in Cooperation with: Chemnitz University of Technology, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration Suggested Citation: Kuhn, Thomas; Pestow, Radomir; Zenker, Anja (2018) : An Axiomatic Foundation of the Ecological Footprint, Chemnitz Economic Papers, No. 025, Chemnitz University of Technology, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Chemnitz This Version is available at: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/190431 Standard-Nutzungsbedingungen: Terms of use: Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Documents in EconStor may be saved and copied for your Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch gespeichert und kopiert werden. personal and scholarly purposes. Sie dürfen die Dokumente nicht für öffentliche oder kommerzielle You are not to copy documents for public or commercial Zwecke vervielfältigen, öffentlich ausstellen, öffentlich zugänglich purposes, to exhibit the documents publicly, to make them machen, vertreiben oder anderweitig nutzen. publicly available on the internet, or to distribute or otherwise use the documents in public. Sofern die Verfasser die Dokumente unter Open-Content-Lizenzen (insbesondere CC-Lizenzen) zur Verfügung gestellt haben sollten, If the documents have been made available under an Open gelten abweichend von diesen Nutzungsbedingungen die in der dort Content Licence (especially Creative Commons Licences), you genannten Lizenz gewährten Nutzungsrechte. may exercise further usage rights as specified in the indicated licence. www.econstor.eu Faculty of Economics and Business Administration An Axiomatic Foundation of the Ecological Footprint Thomas Kuhn Radomir Pestow Anja Zenker Chemnitz Economic Papers, No. -
Nomadic-Colonial Life Strategies Enable Paradoxical Survival and Growth Despite Habitat Destruction Zhi Xuan Tan1, Kang Hao Cheong2*
RESEARCH ARTICLE Nomadic-colonial life strategies enable paradoxical survival and growth despite habitat destruction Zhi Xuan Tan1, Kang Hao Cheong2* 1Yale University, New Haven, United States; 2Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore, Singapore Abstract Organisms often exhibit behavioral or phenotypic diversity to improve population fitness in the face of environmental variability. When each behavior or phenotype is individually maladaptive, alternating between these losing strategies can counter-intuitively result in population persistence–an outcome similar to the Parrondo’s paradox. Instead of the capital or history dependence that characterize traditional Parrondo games, most ecological models which exhibit such paradoxical behavior depend on the presence of exogenous environmental variation. Here we present a population model that exhibits Parrondo’s paradox through capital and history- dependent dynamics. Two sub-populations comprise our model: nomads, who live independently without competition or cooperation, and colonists, who engage in competition, cooperation, and long-term habitat destruction. Nomads and colonists may alternate behaviors in response to changes in the colonial habitat. Even when nomadism and colonialism individually lead to extinction, switching between these strategies at the appropriate moments can paradoxically enable both population persistence and long-term growth. Introduction *For correspondence: kanghao.cheong@singaporetech. Behavioral adaptation and phenotypic diversity are evolutionary meta-strategies that can improve edu.sg a population’s fitness in the presence of environmental variability. When behaviors or phenotypes are sufficiently distinct, a population can be understood as consisting of multiple sub-populations, Competing interests: The each following its own strategy. Counter-intuitively, even when each sub-population follows a los- authors declare that no ing strategy that will cause it to go extinct in the long-run, alternating or reallocating organisms competing interests exist. -
Download Vol. 3 No. 2. Full Issue
ISSN 2398-5496 Vol 3, No 2. 2019 the journal of population and sustainability Information ISSN 2398-5496 The Journal of Population and Sustainability (JP&S) is an open access interdisciplinary journal exploring all aspects of the relationship between human numbers and environmental issues. The journal publishes both peer reviewed and invited material. It is intended that the JP&S act as an interdisciplinary hub facilitating collaboration and furthering the development of the field. While published by environmental charity Population Matters, the JP&S is editorially independent and welcomes contributions from scholars with a variety of perspectives on the role of population in environmental problems. The views and opinions expressed by authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, the editorial board or publisher. www.jpopsus.org Editor: David Samways Editorial Board: Jeroen van den Bergh (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) John Cleland (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) Diana Coole (Birkbeck, University of London) Herman Daly (University of Maryland) Kerryn Higgs (University of Tasmania) Graeme Maxton (Club of Rome) Fred Naggs (Natural History Museum) Jane O’Sullivan (University of Queensland) Niki Rust (Newcastle University) Bill Ryerson (Population Media Centre) Submissions We invite contributions from the social sciences, humanities, environmental and natural sciences including those concerned with family planning and reproductive health. We also invite contributions from those working for NGOs with interests in population and environmental issues. We are interested in publishing original research papers, reviews of already published research, opinion pieces and book reviews. For submission details please see our website: www.jpopsus.org The editor would like to thank Bill Anderson-Samways, Harry Cripps, and Peter Slater for their help in producing this issue. -
Earth Overshoot Day
Monday 29 July is Earth Overshoot Day WE HAVE ALREADY USED UP THE EARTH’S RESOURCES FOR 2019! What is Earth Overshoot Day? Earth Overshoot Day is the day when humanityʼs demands for ecological resources (including fish, forests, fresh water, etc) exceed what the Earth can renew in a year. This year it will fall on Monday 29 July. Collectively, we are over-consuming and over-exploiting our resources. Our unreasonable demands on the Earth are driven by our attitudes and disconnect towards the Earth, our common home. Why do we need to change our attitudes and behaviour? Last October the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that we have just 12 years to avoid cata- strophic climate. In May, another United Nations report suggested we are heading towards the extinction of one million species. Climate change and biodiversity loss are tragic warning signs of our broken relationship with Godʼs Creation –we are losing sight of our interrelationship with all living things. And, Australians are some of the biggest contributors to this problem. If everyone behaved like us, humanity would consume the equivalent of 5.2 Earths a year! Why is it important to mark Earth Overshoot Day? As Christians, we want to mark this event to raise it in the public consciousness and create a call for transformation in both our attitudes and behaviour. Ultimately, we want to renew the Earth and save our common home, as both Pope Francis and Rowan Williams have said, we need an “ecological conversion”. What can I do to help on Earth Overshoot Day? •Toll your Church bells or light a candle from 11.48am, for the 12 minutes until midday, marking the 12 years that the IPCC has foreshadowed as a critical tipping point.