More than a fifth of the world's migrating species are at risk of going extinct as a result of climate change and human encroachment, according to this report by the United Nations. Migratory species globally are facing critical challenges, with nearly half in decline and over 20 per cent threatened …
In light of the impact invasive alien species have, the Convention on Biological Diversity recognizes the importance of preventing the introduction of, and controlling or eradicating alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats and native species. This brochure highlights the threat invasive alien species pose to biodiversity and what each of …
This WHO report formulates a series of recommendations on the most important directions for future work in this field, and how this should be integrated with related areas of public health and climate research. This report describes the results of an international consultation with researchers, research donors, public health practitioners …
This is the first biennial global assessment of disaster risk reduction prepared in the context of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction. It focuses on the nexus between disaster risk and poverty, in a context of global climate change. The 2009 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction is the …
A Kenyan and a Tanzanian pleaded guilty on Monday to illegal possession of ivory after being caught with hundreds of kilos of elephant tusks in one of east Africa's biggest seizures for years. The two men were driving a car loaded with 512 kg (1,129 lbs) of tusks when they …
This paper analyses the terrestrial carbon balance of China during the 1980s and 1990s using biomass and soil carbon inventories extrapolated by satellite greenness measurements, ecosystem models and atmospheric inversions. These three methods produce similar estimates of a net sink of 0.19
The US Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday six emissions of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, are a danger to public health and welfare. Here are excerpts from the EPA's so-called endangerment finding, which opens the way for possible regulation of climate-warming pollution. * "The scientific evidence clearly indicates that …
In what could be a historic moment in the struggle against climate change, the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday confirmed what most people have long suspected but had never been declared as a matter of federal law: carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases constitute a danger to public health and …
Experts at a workshop yesterday called for expanding government and non-government partnership to build collaboration for protecting the Royal Bengal Tigers in the Sundarbans. Joint cooperation among the stakeholders, especially the government and local NGOs, is necessary for conserving tigers to maintain the ecosystem of the world's largest salt-tolerant mangrove …
Spiders are gaining favour in ecological studies as indicators of environmental quality1 and as biological control agents in agricultural ecosystems. Coffee, a major commercial crop of India harbours rich spider diversity. The crop is also attacked by a variety of pests. This correspondence discusses the importance of gut content analysis …
Some 80 percent of Arctic ice may disappear in 30 years, not 90 as scientists had previously estimated, according to a new study on the impact of global warming. "The amount of the Arctic Ocean covered by ice at the end of summer by then could be only about 1 …
There is widespread interest in biofuel crops as a solution to the world's energy needs, particularly in light of concerns over greenhouse-gas emissions. Despite reservations about their adverse environmental impacts, no attempt has been made to quantify actual, relative or potential invasiveness of terrestrial biofuel crops at an appropriate regional …
This paper presents a conceptual framework that turns the mainstream adaptation discourse upside down, with understanding and respect for autonomous adaptation as the starting point for a new agenda to manage the human dimensions of climate change. It suggests that adaptation should be built on efforts to more effectively support …
The overall goal of this report and the accompanying report summarizing the findings and recommendations, both based on the economic and sector work (ESW), is to advance the understanding and integration in operational terms of environmental water allocation into integrated water resources management. The specific objectives of the reports are: …
In the coastal community of Chabihau, Yucatan, Mexico, hurricanes Gilbert (1988) and Isidore (2002) opened breaches in the coastal dune. The government modified these breaches with a floodgate, channels, and bridges, allowing tidal influx that has transformed the swamp ecosystem into a coastal lagoon. Our long-term research (1990-2006) has been …
The all-important subject of water needs holistic treatment instead of fragmented attention from mostly diffused and unaccountable multiple governmental/civic agencies -Proloy Bagchi The holy and ancient city of Ujjain, situated on the banks of the Kshipra River, is thirsting for water. All the water sources have dried up. Until recently …
In suggesting an alternative to the current pattern of industrialisation we cannot ignore the environmental limits of industrial growth. Sustainable alternatives need to incorporate an understanding that non-industrial lifestyles and non-human life forms too deserve respect and space to flourish. This short piece offers a sympathetic critique of the Amit …
