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Books > Earth & environment > The environment > Pollution & threats to the environment > General
Air pollution originating from rapid industrialization, urbanization, population growth and economic development has disturbed the urban ecosystems of ecologically sensitive regions like the Indo-Burma hot spot, and they are under severe air pollution stress with limited resources to collect data on what is happening. Air pollutants comprised of both particulate matter (PM) and gaseous pollutants may cause adverse health effects in human, affect plant life and impact the global environment by changing the atmosphere of the earth. It is now well established that urban PM may also contain magnetic particles along with other air pollutants. Biomonitoring of PM through magnetic properties, known as biomagnetic monitoring, measures the magnetic parameters of dust loaded plant leaves, giving a new opportunity to monitor. Compared to existing conventional technologies, biomagnetic monitoring is an eco-friendly technique perfect in urban areas. Biomagnetic Monitoring of Particulate Matter reviews the issues with PM and the potential of these methods to on tropical vegetation on a variety of flora which represent the biodiversity of the Indo-Burma Hot Spot.
Monitoring of Air Pollutants: Sampling, Sample Preparation and Analytical Techniques provides a comprehensive reference on air pollutant monitoring, addressing experimental approaches to sampling and sample preparation, as well as analytical technologies (instrumental methods) which are applicable to a wide range of topics. The book's purpose is to provide an in-depth resource on the monitoring of ambient air pollutants that covers the basic principles, recent developments, and important applications in the field. Current trends and recent advances are discussed, both with respect to analytical techniques and target air pollutants. All aspects of air pollutant monitoring, from sampling, to sample preparation, and analysis, are covered, making this the book of choice for consultation by air monitoring practitioners.
Dealing with issues related to the modelling, monitoring and management of air pollution, this book includes papers presented at the 26th International Conference on Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Air Pollution. The papers from this conference continue a wide ranging collection of high quality research works that develop the fundamental science of air pollution. Air pollution issues remain one of the most challenging problems facing society. The scientific knowledge derived from well-designed studies needs to be allied with further technical and economic studies in order to ensure cost effective and efficient mitigation. Increasingly, it is being recognised that the outcome of such research needs to be contextualised within well formulated communication strategies that help policy makers and citizens to understand and appreciate the risks and rewards arising from air pollution management. Details of the wide spread nature of the air pollution phenomena and in depth explorations of their impacts on human health and the environment are covered in this book.
This book is an examination of a neglected form of scientific corruption - corruption by political attachment to noble causes. We are used to hearing that economic interests have corrupted scientific findings, but the possibility that science might be corrupted by noble causes is largely overlooked. This book shows that this danger is real, that values can often lead to poor science, and that we are more likely to accept lower quality science when it lends support to our political preferences. Using the examples of biodiversity and climate science and the attack on Lomborg's The Skeptical Environmentalist on these two issues, Aynsley Kellow reveals how the reliance of environmental science on mathematical models and the infusion of values into its conduct have produced a preference for virtual over observational data. It argues that both sides of politics are capable of exerting such an influence, but suggests some reasons why those on the political Left seem to be more prone to do so at present, to the detriment of public policy. Science and Public Policy is a unique and challenging book. It does not argue that any one political persuasion exerts a corrupting influence on science policy, instead it makes extensive use of peer-reviewed literature to explore scientific controversies and the role of politics in them. This fascinating book will appeal to high-level general readers as well as to scholars and researchers at all levels of academe working in environmental politics and policy; and science policy.
Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have transformed the Earth's atmosphere, committing our planet to more extreme weather, rising sea levels, melting polar ice caps, and mass extinction. This period of observable human impact on the Earth's ecosystems has been called the Anthropocene Age. The anthropogenic climate change that has impacted the Earth has also affected our literature, but criticism of the contemporary novel has not adequately recognized the literary response to this level of environmental crisis. Ecocriticism's theories of place and planet, meanwhile, are troubled by a climate that is neither natural nor under human control. Anthropocene Fictions is the first systematic examination of the hundreds of novels that have been written about anthropogenic climate change. Drawing on climatology, the sociology and philosophy of science, geography, and environmental economics, Adam Trexler argues that the novel has become an essential tool to construct meaning in an age of climate change. The novel expands the reach of climate science beyond the laboratory or model, turning abstract predictions into subjectively tangible experiences of place, identity, and culture. Political and economic organizations are also being transformed by their struggle for sustainability. In turn, the novel has been forced to adapt to new boundaries between truth and fabrication, nature and economies, and individual choice and larger systems of natural phenomena. Anthropocene Fictions argues that new modes of inhabiting climate are of the utmost critical and political importance, when unprecedented scientific consensus has failed to lead to action.
"Environmental Noise Pollution: Noise Mapping, Public Health and Policy" addresses the key debates surrounding environmental noise pollution with a particular focus on the European Union. Environmental noise pollution is an emerging public policy and environmental concern and is considered to be one of the most important environmental stressors affecting public health throughout the world. This book examines environmental noise pollution, its health
implications, the role of strategic noise mapping for problem
assessment, major sources of environmental noise pollution, noise
mitigation approaches, and related procedural and policy
implications. Drawing on the authors' considerable research
expertise in the area, the book is the first coherent work on this
major environmental stressor, a new benchmark reference across
disciplinary, policy and national boundaries.
A series of interviews with Noam Chomsky, the world's greatest living
public intellectual, about the pressing issues of our time
The core objective of this book is to better understand the role of foreign policy - the crossovers and interactions between domestic and international politics and policies - in efforts to preserve the environment and natural resources. Underlying this objective is the belief that it is not enough to analyze domestic or international political actors, institutions and processes by themselves. We need to understand the interactions among them, something that explicit thought about foreign policy can help us do. The eclectic group of contributors explore European and EU responses to global climate change, and provide insights into issues on environmental protection, sustainable development, international affairs and foreign policy.
Discussing many important air pollution issues, the included contributions were presented at the 29th annual meeting in a successful series of international conferences dealing with the Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Air Pollution. The scientific knowledge derived from well-designed studies needs to be allied with further technical and economic studies to ensure cost-effective and efficient mitigation. In turn, the science, technology and economic outcomes are necessary but not sufficient. Increasingly, it is being recognised that the outcome of such research needs to be contextualised within well-formulated communication strategies that help policymakers and citizens to understand and appreciate the risks and rewards arising from air pollution management. Consequently, this volume comprises a wide range of high-quality papers that develop the fundamental science of air pollution and that place these new developments within the frame of mitigation and management of air pollution. Air pollution issues remain one of the most challenging problems facing the international community. The varied research published in this book covers topics such as Air pollution modelling; Indoor air pollution; Emission studies; Air pollution management, policy and legislation; Monitoring, measuring and data; Global, regional and local studies.
Rapid urbanization and industrialization has led to continuous deterioration of air quality which i a major environmental problem in many urban centers in both the developed and developing countries. Air pollution is characterized by high concentration of suspended particulates matter, oxides of Sulphur and nitrogen primarily from increased use of vehicles. The book provided information on rational basis for air quality management and green belt development in urban areas.
The present book Current Trends in Global Environment" deals with each and every important and recent issue of environment with clear-cut facts in a lucid manner of presentation, which are likely to be come across by its readers, irrespective of their discipline. An attempt has been made to present the matter in a perceptible and comprehensible manner which would be equally important to a beginner and specialist. Worthy for a reference for its up-to-date content that satisfy its user in a minimum of time. By far majority of books are from the mainstream with heavy a textual load. It has s on present day burning topics like The Greenhouse Effect, Natural Disasters i.e., Tsunami, Earthquake, Continental Drift, Sustainable Environment, Space Ecology, The Glossary will be useful for an individual new to the subject and anyone inexperienced in dealing with some aspects of the subjects. The index has been designed with upper most principle that it should be as complete as possible, of words and short phrases as they naturally appear in related species. We hope that his Global publication by a global famed personality will fit the subject gap for the readers and above all institutional libraries.
The Clean Air Act of 1970 set out for the United States a basic, yet ambitious, objective to reduce pollution to levels that protect health and welfare. The Act set out state and federal regulations to limit emissions and the Environmental Protection Agency was established to help enforce the regulations. The Act has since had several amendments, notably in 1977 and 1990, and has successfully helped to increase air quality. This book reviews the history of the Clean Air Act of 1970 including the political, business, and scientific elements that went into establishing the Act, emphasizing the importance that scientific evidence played in shaping policy. The analysis then extends to examine the effects of the Act over the past forty years including the Environmental Protection Agency's evolving role and the role of states and industry in shaping and implementing policy. Finally, the book offers best practices to guide allocation of respective government and industry roles to guide sustainable development. The history and analysis of the Clean Air Act presented in this book illustrates the centrality of scientific analysis and technological capacity in driving environmental policy development. It would be useful for policy makers, environmental scientists, and anyone interested in gaining a clearer understand of the interaction of science and policy.
The book presents a detailed assessment of the health science of lead and the human health risk assessment models for lead s human health impacts, followed by an account of various regulatory efforts in the United States and elsewhere to eliminate or reduce human toxic exposures to lead. The science of lead as presented here covers releases of lead into the environment, lead s movement through the environment to reach humans who are then exposed, and the spectrum of toxic effects, particularly low-level toxic effects, on the developing central nervous system of the very young child. The section on human health risk assessment deals with quantifying not only the dose-response relationships that underlie toxic responses to lead in sensitive populations but also with the likelihood of toxic responses vis-a-vis environmental lead at some level of exposure. This section includes a treatment of computer models of lead exposure, particularly those that use lead in whole blood as a key measure. Various models convert lead intake via various body compartments into measures of body lead burden. Such measures are then directly related to severity of injury. The final section of the book deals with past and present
regulatory efforts to control lead releases into the human
environment. Current control efforts present a mixed picture. The
most problematic issue is the continued presence of lead paint in
older housing and lead in soils of urban and mining industry
communities.
At the UN Climate Negotiations in Copenhagen, 117 heads of state concluded that low-carbon development is necessary in order to combat climate change. However, they also understood that transition to a low-carbon economy requires the implementation of a portfolio of policies and programs - a challenging endeavour for any nation. This book addresses the need for information about factors impacting climate policy implementation, using as a case study one effort that is at the heart of attempts to create a low-carbon future: the European Emission Trading Scheme. It explores problems surrounding the implementation of the ETS, including the role of vested interests, the impact of design details and opportunities to attract long-term investments. It also shows how international climate cooperation can be designed to support the domestic implementation of low-carbon policies. This timely analysis of carbon pricing contains important lessons for all those concerned with the development of post-Copenhagen climate policy.
John Scott develops, describes, and uses new primary data about US industrial firms' research and development (R&D) investments to create innovative products and processes that provide goods and services without the by-product of pollution. New knowledge about environmental R&D is provided by original surveys of industry from 1993 and 2001. The R&D and other firm data are juxtaposed with US Census industry data and with US Environmental Protection Agency data about industrial toxic releases. This book presents hypothesis tests that provide evidence supporting the use of public policies - described in the book - to stimulate industry to use its creative powers to improve environmental performance. Economists and policy makers in the areas of industrial organization, technological change, the economics of R&D and the environment including policy toward R&D and technology; as well as corporate officers of R&D and environmental affairs will find this volume indispensable.
Global climate change cannot be understood without knowing the fundamental principles of science, economics, and politics that condition our policy choices. To that end, the contributors to this volume, experts in their respective fields, take a comprehensive look at the major issues involved. This volume is written for policymakers and informed citizenry who want to understand at a general level the complexities of global climate change without becoming enmeshed in technical minutia. The introduction emphasizes the core fact that climate change issues cut across disciplines. William Schlesinger and Gerald North explain the carbon cycle and how increased greenhouse gases impact temperature. The economics papers deal with the applicability of benefit/cost analysis and then proceed to examine the benefits of avoiding temperature change versus the costs of the various CO2 abatement options. Finally, David Victor, a Stanford political scientist, asks which policies are feasible in a world where the incentives differ dramatically among countries. The book closes with open letters to the President of the United States. Policymakers along with academics, students and any reader interested in a broad look at the important issues in the global climate change story will find this book indispensable.
The Kyoto Protocol has singularly failed to shape international environmental policy-making in the way that the earlier Montreal protocol did. Whereas Montreal placed reliance on the force of science and moralistic injunctions to save the planet, and successfully determined the international response to climate change, Kyoto has proved significantly more problematic. International Environmental Policy considers why this is the case. The authors contend that such arguments on this occasion proved inadequate to the task, not just because the core issues of the Kyoto process were subject to more powerful and conflicting interests than previously, and the science too uncertain, but because the science and moral arguments themselves remained too weak. They argue that 'global warming' is a failing policy construct because it has served to benefit limited but undeclared interests that were sustained by green beliefs rather than robust scientific knowledge. This highly topical book takes a frank look at the political motivations that underpin the global warming debate, and will appeal to political scientists and energy policy analysts as well as anyone with an interest in the future of the environment and in the policies we create to protect it.
Nitrate is ubiquitous. It is present in water, soil, plants food, and is also a normal human metabolite. The main external sources of nitrate are vegetables and drinking water. This book examines the relationship between nitrates and human health During the latter half of the 20th century or so, nitrate has been feared as the source of the rare condition called matheaemoglobinaemia, or "blue baby syndrome", for young infants. Nitrate has also been implicated with causing cancer, through increased formation of carcinogenic compounds. Both claims are based on dubious evidence. This book sets out research results to disprove these assumptions, and goes on to explore the beneficial effects of nitrate in preventing infections, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. It should be of interest to researchers in medicine, and those in agriculture and food industries.
Emissions trading has become a central feature of global efforts to control climate change. Its inclusion in the Kyoto Protocol to the Framework Convention on Climate Change represents a victory for advocates of market-based instruments and builds upon twenty years of experience with trading schemes in the United States. However, the concept is controversial and attempts to introduce similar trading schemes in Europe have met with mixed results. This timely book provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of emissions trading including the lessons learnt, the problems faced and the prospects for its extended use. It includes case studies of trading schemes in the US and Europe, and studies of international trading under the European acid rain regime. Problems of practical implementation, especially institutional feasibility and political acceptability, are given particular attention. The prospects for the international trading of greenhouse gases following the Kyoto Protocol are assessed, together with the potential conflict between emissions trading and established regulatory traditions. Pollution for Sale will be of great interest to policymakers, practitioners, researchers and students of environmental policy.
'This very interesting book explores the issues and approaches that society must take to shift to lower carbon usage in transportation. . . Each expert contributor provides excellent insight into the various facets of contemporary mobility systems and transportation practices to help the reader understand the complexities of transportation and related environmental concerns. Topics include urbanization and transportation in urban areas travel patterns, accessibility to transportation, and financial aspects.' - W.J. Sproule, Choice 'In their new book, Moving Towards Low Carbon Mobility, Moshe Givoni and David Banister have succeeded in doing what few edited volumes achieve. They have put together a set of chapters by international experts on a range of topics that link together tightly as a coherent whole.' - Michael Kuby, Journal of Transport Geography 'For a thorough and thoughtful perspective on what it will take to de-carbonize cities of the future, this book is a must-read. Technology alone, we are told, will not create the post-carbon city. As important is coming to grips with a complex web of cultural, institutional, financial, and social factors that powerfully shape mobility choices, now and in the future. A balanced, holistic approach that reveals how the many elements of contemporary transport systems work together offers the best hope for achieving more sustainable, less carbon-intensive mobility futures.' - Robert Cervero, University of California, Berkeley, US The transport sector has been singularly unsuccessful in becoming low carbon and less resource intensive. This book takes an innovative and holistic social, cultural and behavioural perspective, as well as covering the more conventional economic and technological dimensions, to provide a more complete understanding of the mobility and transport system and its progress towards high carbon mobility. The book uses this platform to explore the means to achieve low carbon mobility through outlining alternative pathways, through an investigation of theories of change, and through alternative visions of the low carbon transport city. The book's core message is that the complexity of the mobility and transport system should not encourage inaction, but strong and immediate action. In addition to implementing a wide range of policy measures, the book argues for a fundamental change in 'thinking' when it comes to transport policy, governance and analysis approaches, before low carbon mobility becomes a reality. Bringing together the latest thinking on transport, mobility and the environment, this book will appeal to researchers and students interested in sustainability issues and sustainable transport and transport related areas in particular, including policy makers as well as a more general professional audience. Contributors include: N. Akyelken, M. Al-Chalabi, D. Banister, E. Beyazit, J. Bishop, M. Givoni, R. Hickman, J. Liu, J. Macmillen, J. Markovitch, A. Neves, T. Schwanen, M. Tran
Nelson's Dangerous Dive explores deep underwater with Nelson the Whale where he discovers a hidden shipwreck and learns that what lurks below may not let you go. As he desperately signals for help, luck is on his side as a group of brave tourists give him the break he needs! Nelson's Dangerous Dive is based on true events and it is this powerful message which invites children and adults alike to question the impact of ocean plastic on our environment. With ideas and activities which reinforce the story this is a book which will inspire children to make changes to the world around them. There is a huge growing national and international consciousness about the dangers of palm oil and deforestation and it is important to teach children about this devastating global issue without overwhelming them or shocking them. The Wild Tribe Heroes series of books guides young readers through the issues in a gentle and friendly way together with further information to inspire children to make changes to their own and their families lives. Sold over 30,000 books in the series in just 2 years ; No 1 bestselling books ; Personal letters of congratulations from Sir David Attenborough and Prince Charles ; All books are based on true stories which means that children are more connected to the issue. ; Featured in national media - BBC, ITV, Guardian, Huffington Post and Mail on Sunday ; Sold by WH Smiths, Waterstones, National Trust, RNLI, Surfers Against Sewage, #2MinuteBeachClean. ; Stocked by over 250 museums, national libraries, bookshops and gift shops, zero waste and farm shops and major tourist attractions such as The Eden Project and London & Chester Zoos ; Reached over a million children worldwide in schools ; Translated into 15 different languages so far
This reference resource describes both the scientific background and the economic and social issues that resulted from environmental disasters resulting primarily from human activity. Categorized by the type of tragedy--including coal mine tragedies, dam failures, industrial explosions, and oil spills--this one-stop guide provides students with descriptions of some of the world's most tragic environmental disasters. Entries clearly describe each disaster by defining the cause, the consequences, and the clean-up efforts. Readers will learn who the responsible parties were, the effect on the environment and people living in the immediate area, and the economic impact of each disaster. In addition, the long-term consequences, the likelihood of a repeat disaster in the same area, and the measures that have been taken to prevent a repeat incident are discussed. Entries include the Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion, the Exxon-Valdez oil spill, the atomic bomb at Hiroshima, and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
A concise yet thorough overview of environmental issues, problems, and controversies facing Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica. The paradisiacal islands of the South Pacific. The unworldly landscapes and wildlife of Australia. The frozen expanses of Antarctica. This new title in ABC-CLIO's World Environment Series encompasses some of the most benign-and hellish-places on Earth. How is humanity threatening-and preserving-these diverse and far-flung environments? They are vast, distant, and scarcely populated. Yet the environments of Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica are facing the same threats confronting the rest of the planet, as well as some unique ones of their own. How have human-introduced species impacted Australia's natural order? What new global conventions are helping close Antarctica's ozone hole? And why is global warming threatening the South Pacific's life-teeming coral reefs? The region's governments are grappling with the spectre of global warming, which, if not meaningfullly addressed by industrialized nations half a world away, could produce rising sea levels capable of engulfing several states of Oceania and partially submerging portions of many other inhabited i |
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