New Insights Into the Physiology of Cockroaches Nov 17, 2009
A research team from the Cavanilles Institute for Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, led by professors Amparo Latorre and Andr;s Moya, has shown why the German cockroach (Blatella germanica) eliminates excess nitrogen by excreting ammonia, in contrast to most terrestrial insects that commonly produce uric acid as a waste compound. The research is published November 13 in the open-access journal PLoS Genetics. (Science Daily)
From the space race to human race Nov 17, 2009
We must have to put effort to save our rainforest, marine environment, biodiversity. That is world political leader must take initiative to reduce 25 percent green house gas emission by 2050 to avoid serious changes in the earth's climate system. (BBC News -- Science)
New Climate Treaty Could Put Species at Risk, Scientists Argue Nov 17, 2009
However, in a paper published in the latest issue of Current Biology, the scientists warn that if REDD focuses solely on protecting forests with the greatest density of carbon, some biodiversity may be sacrificed. "Concentrations of carbon density and biodiversity in tropical forests only partially overlap," said Dr Alan Grainger of the University of Leeds, joint leader of the international team ... "We are concerned that governments will focus on cutting deforestation in the most carbon-rich... (Science Daily)
* The anti-hunger imperative Nov 16, 2009
The meeting in Rome from last Monday to Wednesday provided badly needed political momentum to three linked issues that rank among the most challenging of the current era: food security, biodiversity and climate change ... The impact of biodiversity is often insufficiently understood, which means that we have undervalued its contribution to tackling global challenges ... So biodiversity can act as a natural insurance policy against sudden environmental changes and a buffer against losses... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Poaching is major threat in Indonesia Nov 15, 2009
There is a market for these animals that draws organized crime syndicates, said Tonny Soehartono, the former director of biodiversity conservation with the Forestry Ministry. Hermawati first witnessed the fate of Indonesia s wildlife on mountain hikes in East Java, when she saw exotic birds trapped in tiny cages, waiting to be scooped up by poachers. (Boston Globe)
Plan allows prairie dog poisoning Nov 15, 2009
However, environmental groups such as the Laramie-based Biodiversity Conservation Alliance have spoken out against poisoning prairie dogs especially on public lands. In our view it is perfectly reasonable to place the responsibility for poisoning or for controlling prairie dog dispersal onto private lands, said Erik Molvar, a wildlife biologist with Biodiversity, in a previous interview ... Biodiversity Conservation Alliance did not return repeated phone calls seeking comment Friday. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Airborne Nitrogen Shifts Aquatic Nutrient Limitation In Pristine Lakes Nov 14, 2009
"Such a shift could potentially affect biodiversity," he adds ... Ecologists show that when the biodiversity of crops is high ... Fleets of robotic sensors, networking through thin cables, can track environmental changes such as biogeochemical cycles or loss of biodiversity. (Science Daily)
U.N. report puts dollar value on ecosystems Nov 14, 2009
But a new report from the identifies the economic contribution of ecosystems and biodiversity as significantand lucrative. Mangroves in Vietnam, it turns out, save annual expenditures on dike maintenance of more than $7 million. (MSNBC -- Environment)
MPOC chief:Give palm oil due recognition Nov 14, 2009
He said the fact that Malaysia had kept its permanent forest for biodiversity and not opened new areas for oil palm cultivation had caused the country to forgo the revenue it could generate from the commodity ... We are also able to brief the world that we have enough forest to provide biodiversity. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
TEEB report released on the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity for policy makers Nov 14, 2009
The new report, prepared by The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) initiative hosted by the UN Environment Programme, calls on policy-makers to accelerate, scale-up and embed investments in the management and restoration of ecosystems ... Speaking at a press conference in Brussels on Friday 13 November, Pavan Sukhdev, TEEB's Study Leader, said: "Nature's multiple and complex values have direct economic impacts on human well being and public and private spending. Recognizing and... (EurekAlert!)
Big profit from nature protection Nov 14, 2009
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity study (Teeb) is backed by the UN and countries including the UK. ... "And we find that with protected areas, for example, no matter how you slice the figures up you come up with a ratio of benefits to costs that's between 25-to-one and 100-to-one. "Now we can say quite confidently that there is a solid benefit from investing in protected areas," he told BBC News. Watery worldThe project's initial tranche of work focussed on forests, finding that the... (BBC News -- Business)
From little things big things grow Nov 14, 2009
It has been such an underperformer that my wife no longer sees it as a threat to world biodiversity and has even taken to paying it some attention. Mind you, my Wollemi pine has more going against it than the fact it is genetically challenged and a "time traveller from the age of the dinosaurs". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Catastrophe likely if rapid extinctions continue: UN Nov 13, 2009
AUSTRALIA and the world must make prevention of the rapid rate of species extinction a political priority or face an environmental catastrophe, the head of an international biodiversity convention has warned. In an interview with the Herald, the executive secretary of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, Ahmed Djoghlaf, said the legally binding 2010 target to stop the decline in biodiversity would not be met ... Biodiversity is the number and variation of plants and animal... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Darwin Meets Facebook: Social Networking Tool Lets Natural Historians Share Data Nov 13, 2009
A paper on this new platform features in a supplement on biodiversity informatics published in the open access journal, BMC Bioinformatics ... The Scratchpads article is among nine articles chosen for publication in the BMC Bioinformatics supplement that highlight a range of recent advancements from general biodiversity information management to DNA Barcoding ... "Scratchpads is emblematic of the kinds of biodiversity informatics approaches that are being developed to help better meet the... (Science Daily)
DNA Barcodes: Creative New Uses Span Health, Fraud, Smuggling, History, More Nov 12, 2009
"Biodiversity scientists are using DNA technology to unravel mysteries, much like detectives use it to solve crimes. It is having a profound impact on our understanding of organisms in nature and how they interact with the environment," says CBOL Executive Secretary David Schindel ... The CBD is a United Nations agreement among 190 countries to stem and reverse the loss of biodiversity ... The world's largest barcode factory is in the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario at the University of Guelph... (Science Daily)
France should look through its South American 'eyes': Brazilian President Nov 11, 2009
"France has still not learned to work politically the correct way, exploiting the fact of being the only European country with a participation in Amazon biodiversity," he said. A meeting of the Amazon basin countries will be convened by the end of this month to form a unified stand for negotiation at the Copenhagen conference on climate change. (Xinhuanet, China)
Yangtze 'facing climate threat' Nov 11, 2009
Further temperature rises will have a disastrous effect on biodiversity in and along the river, the report says. The WWF - formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund - predicts that in the next 50 years temperatures will go up by between 1. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Plant experts unveil DNA barcode Nov 11, 2009
In an effort to limit the impact on the planet's biodiversity, Dr Escalante said it was vital to establish a reliable monitoring system ... "Biodiversity scientists are using DNA technology to unravel mysteries, much like detectives use it to solve crimes," said David Schindel, executive secretary for the Consortium for the Barcode of Life (COBL). (BBC News -- Science)
World Bank: China will be most affected by climate change Nov 11, 2009
Avoided deforestation, for instance, preserves watersheds and protects biodiversity, while forests can effectively serve as a carbon sink. "Developing countries face 75-80 percent of the potential damage from climate change. They urgently need help to prepare for drought, floods, and rising sea levels. They also need to intensify agricultural productivity, contain malnutrition and disease, and build climate-resilient infrastructure," said World Bank Chief Economist and Senior Vice-President... (People's Daily Online, China)
What climate change looks like on the front lines Nov 11, 2009
With winds from 111 to 130 miles per hour, Hurricane Ivan destroyed about 90 percent of the forest, causing a a series of problems in soil erosion, biodiversity, and ecotourism. Limited resources and a small staff has made progress slow, said Aden as he walked through the Grand Etang Forest Nursery. (Xinhuanet, China)
Keng Yaik warns of ramification of attack Nov 10, 2009
While some may consider the attack as a non-major issue as 90% of palm oil is used as food, he said the allegations on the use of palm oil as energy which entailed the release of more greenhouse gas (GHG), rain forest destruction and high biodiversity areas must be dealt with accordingly. First, we cannot neglect but must take advantage of any new market opportunities for palm oil, including its use as biofuel, to support future increase in palm oil production, Lim said in his keynote address at... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Jonathan Safran Foer reads from ‘Eating Animals’ Wednesday in Brookline Nov 10, 2009
It s obviously the number one cause of animal suffering, of air pollution, of water pollution, the loss of biodiversity making our antibiotics not be effective; it s a decisive factor in the creation of swine flu; and nobody s talking about it. I haven t encountered anyone addressing the very simple question: Should we eat [meat] or not. (Boston Globe)
Worlds single largest palm oil event begins Monday Nov 9, 2009
Of late, the world is demanding the development of the palm oil industry is balanced with the conservation of the environment, ecology, biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gases for sustainability. Sabri said PIPOC 2009 would focus on sustainability and the environment, cutting-edge technologies and state-of-the-art genome research and downstream value-added product development and also re-engineering the biodiesel industry to ensure profitability and survival. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Weddings and Honeymoons in Sri Lank... Nov 9, 2009
If you wish to spend less energy, why not visit some national parks and sanctuaries to witness Sri Lanka s extraordinary biodiversity, or a tea plantation, gem mine,and the archaeological sites of the Cultural Triangle. And, should you wish to view the island from a different perspective, try hot air ballooning. (Suite101.com)
Residents hope 170 acres in Ashland and Holliston stays open space Nov 9, 2009
"The biggest threat to our state's biodiversity is the loss of habitat to suburban sprawl," said Ron McAdow, the executive director of the Sudbury Valley Trustees. "There is a lot of pressure to convert land.". (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Special camp to teach youngsters about protecting the environment Nov 9, 2009
Keeping this in mind, popular cosmetic brand Kiehls thats part of LOral Malaysia will be supporting the Save Our Rare Earth Biodiversity Camp in mid-November at Gunung Nuang in Ulu Langat, Selangor, with its long-term partner Yayasan Anak Warisan Alam (Yawa). For the future generation: Local celebrities (from left) Serena C, Aishah Sinclair, Sazzy Falak, Rina Omar and Yasmin Hani striking a pose at the Save Our Rare Earth campaign launch. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Twilight of an ancient knowledge Nov 8, 2009
These climate changes affect local biodiversity. And the IPCC warns that the world's traditional and indigenous communities are among the most vulnerable to shifts in the environment. (Salon)
Studies 'overstate species risks' Nov 7, 2009
Some large-scale computer simulations may be overestimating the impact of climate change on biodiversity in some regions, researchers have suggested ... " In the paper, Dr Bhagwat and co-author Professor Kathy Willis, wrote: "These studies highlight the complexities that we are faced with trying to model and predict the possible consequences of future climate change on biodiversity ... " The researchers called for more micro-scale studies to be carried out that complement the overall picture... (BBC News)
Fertilizer, exhaust tied to alpine lake pollution Nov 7, 2009
More nitrogen can reduce long-term lake biodiversity because algae become poor food for other microscopic organisms and, ultimately, fish. The algae are high in nitrogen, but low in phosphorous and less nutritious. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Bacteria Expect The Unexpected Nov 7, 2009
14, 2008) The productivity and biodiversity of an ecosystem is significantly affected by the rate at which organisms move between different parts of the ecosystem. When there is little or no dispersal. (Science Daily)
Negative implications of GHG emission criteria Nov 6, 2009
While many do not expect the IPCC to be successful, Mamat noted that the NGOs would have materials and avenues to campaign against palm oil using GHG issues in addition to the orang utan biodiversity agenda. It will be a big challenge for RSPO members as well as the entire palm oil industry to address the carbon issue on climate change, he acknowledged. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
GPS used to preserve ants' nests Nov 5, 2009
Nick Brodin, Natural England's regional biodiversity officer, said: "Hairy wood ants are a very uncommon species in the north-east of England and it's great news that these amazing ant nest stacks in Holystone Wood will be safeguarded thanks to satellite technology. "Use of GPS technology has revolutionised nature conservation research and habitat management and this project will make it easier to find the nest stack of the wood ants. " Bookmark with: Print Sponsor SEE ALSO 01 Aug 09 |... (BBC News -- Technology)
Don't Sweat the Invasion Nov 5, 2009
The effects of exotics on biodiversity are mixed. Their entry into a region may reduce indigenous populations, but they're not likely to cause any extinctions (at least on continents and in oceanslakes and islands are more vulnerable). (Slate)
Coral reef troubles warn of disaster Nov 5, 2009
Indeed, the former chief scientist of the Australian Institute of Marine Science warned in a recent presentation to the Royal Society of London that, There is no hope of reefs surviving to even mid-century in any form that we now recognize and when, they go, they will take with them about one-third of the world's marine biodiversity. Like the rapidly shrinking Arctic ice cap, recent research has accelerated estimates on the risk to corals by decades, if not centuries. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
DEC introduces New York Nature Explorer Nov 5, 2009
Billed by DEC as, A Gateway to New York s Biodiversity, Nature Explorer lives up to its title, and whether it s used by students, hikers, planners, consultants, or the general public, it is a valuable and informative tool in monitoring and appreciating nature in the 21st century ... Funding for the effort came from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the NYS Biodiversity Research Institute, and contributions by the state s Return a Gift to Wildlife program. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
Hidden Life Forms Found at Yellowstone Nov 5, 2009
But the initial report showed a rich biodiversity including 46 kinds of bees, 373 plant species, 86 mushroom types, five kinds of bats, 24 butterflies and more 300 kinds of insects. The finished list won't provide a complete picture of what's living in the park. (Fox News)
Adobe Town lease sale on hold Nov 5, 2009
The BLM's action comes after a request from a number of conservation groups, including the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance, Natural Resources Defense Council, Wyoming Outdoor Council, The Wilderness Society, Wyoming Wilderness Association and Center for Native Ecosystems ... "It looks like (industry is) taking the last remnants of momentum of the drill-anywhere-at-any-cost policies of the previous administration before new policies take root," said Erik Molvar, wildlife biologist for the... (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Ghana must deal with Invasive Alien Species - Ayittey Nov 4, 2009
Accra, Nov. 4, GNA - Ms. Sherry Ayittey, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, on Tuesday said the problem of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in the country should be combated, to save the environment and indigenous biodiversity from the scourge ... The workshop would address the pertinent issues of global warming and its repercussion on biodiversity. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Woolies' organic midway target draws flak Nov 4, 2009
Warren Lupke, the general manager of fresh produce at Pick n Pay, which aims to implement biodiversity farming methods among its own suppliers, said there was insufficient organic fertiliser to sustain major production in South Africa's commercial market. "It's going to be extremely unlikely for any South African retailer to achieve biodiversity farming in two years based on the challenges facing us today," he said. (Business Report, South Africa)
Now It's Time to Find a Scape Goat Nov 4, 2009
The company could also face breaches under the national environment laws - The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act ... As a country, Austrlaia made commitments to the CBD 2010 biodiversity protection targets (2012 for marine) precisely to safeguard something for the future. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
So Did We Save the Amazon Rain Forest or What? Nov 4, 2009
Environmentalists fret over the fate of the Amazon for good reason: It contains more than half of the planet's remaining tropical rainforest, one-fifth of our global freshwater, and as much as one-third of the world's biodiversity. Saving all this was once a rallying cry for green activists, and a few early triumphs made that goal seem likely. (Slate)
Action plan to save the Malayan tiger Nov 4, 2009
The plans adoption by the National Biodiversity-Biotechnology Council was made with the aim of not only protecting the near-extinct subspecies but also to increase its population to about 1,000 by 2020 ... The Deputy Prime Minister said the council had asked states and also government agencies to consider biodiversity conservation when they plan and implement development projects ... He said the council had also agreed to further update and expand the national biodiversity spatial databases... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Over 1,000 fish species 'threatened with extinction' Nov 3, 2009
The list by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the most respected inventory of biodiversity covering more than 47,000 of the world's species ... We have only managed to assess 47,663 species so far; there are many more millions out there which could be under serious threat," said Craig Hilton-Taylor, manager of the IUCN Red List unit. The environmental group WWF also urged action, saying the latest Red List update "should cause alarm over the continuing unprecedented... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Species' extinction threat grows Nov 3, 2009
More than a third of species assessed in a major international biodiversity study are threatened with extinction, scientists have warned ... "The scientific evidence of a serious extinction crisis is mounting," warned Jane Smart, director of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Biodiversity Conservation Group ... "The latest analysis... shows that the 2010 target to reduce biodiversity loss will not be met," she added. (BBC News)
Banks Should Be Handed Over to People's Ownership Nov 3, 2009
If biodiversity is vital for ecosystems, the same idea can apply to financial systems, too. Second, there would be more competition. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Data Point To Some Improvements In China's Environment Nov 3, 2009
The study, by Haigen Xu of the Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences and nine colleagues, examined an array of indicators of biodiversity in China as part of an effort to assess China's progress toward the goals of the Convention of Biological Diversity. Parties to the convention agreed in 2002 to reduce biodiversity loss significantly by 2010 ... China is a megadiverse country that has been undergoing rapid development, so the finding of growing forest stocks is surprising, although some... (Science Daily)
Charles Darwin Really Did Have Advanced Ideas About The Origin Of Life Nov 3, 2009
Despite this statement, the scientist took it upon himself to understand the evolutional processes underlying biodiversity. "Darwin was convinced of the incredible importance of this issue for his theory and he had an amazingly modern materialist and evolutional vision about the transition of inanimate chemical matter into living matter, despite being very aware of Pasteur's experiments in opposition to spontaneous generation," Juli Peret;, principal author of this study and researcher at the... (Science Daily)
The Walt Disney Company Makes Significant Commitment to Protect Threatened Forests in the Amazon, Congo and United States Nov 3, 2009
This commitment by Disney represents the largest single corporate contribution ever made to reduce emissions from deforestation and will help build confidence in these activities that generate such compelling climate, local community and biodiversity benefits, said Peter Seligmann, CEO and Chairman of Conservation International. In addition, as climate talks gain momentum in the US and abroad, Disneys leadership points the way to the key role tropical forest conservation must play in... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Letters for Monday, November 2, 2009 Nov 2, 2009
Besides biodiversity, ecological health, soil condition, sustainability, carbon-footprint and run-off, ownership should include responsibility for. Reasonable access to traditionally sacred places on private property. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Investing in planet protection Nov 2, 2009
Ecological economist Pavan Sukhdev, the head of the Cambridge University-based group The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) presented the startling new figures at the Diversitas conference in South Africa ... " Putting a price on nature Apart from a moral obligation to look after our environment, Sukdev believes that even in simple cost benefit terms conservation is good sense and investing $45 billion could secure "nature-based services" worth $4.5 trillion to $5.2 trillion... (CNN -- International)
Wolves, moose and biodiversity: An unexpected connection Nov 2, 2009
What difference does this classic predator-prey interaction make to biodiversity. A large and unexpected one, say wildlife biologists from Michigan Technological University. (EurekAlert!)
West Africa: Coastal Lifeline Under Siege Nov 1, 2009
The scheme, which is still in a pilot phase, having been rolled out only in Guinea-Bissau so far, aims to protect the region's biodiversity and to enhance the abilities of local communities to adapt to the erosion. "From my own experience, I don't think people generally are aware of climate change per se," but they have witnessed changes in coastal areas, said Isabelle Niang, Regional Coordinator of the Adaptation to Climate Change in Coastal Zones of West Africa (ACCC) programme. (allAfrica.com)
Destinations Nov 1, 2009
Rainforests are the rock stars of Earths ecosystems, generating nearly a third of the planets oxygen turnover and hosting mind-boggling biodiversity. Multimedia. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Feds probe amphibian's well-being Nov 1, 2009
A coalition of eight conservation groups -- including the Center for Native Ecosystems and the Laramie-based Biodiversity Conservation Alliance -- submitted a petition to the UWFWS in 2006 seeking to protect the amphibian throughout its historic range west of the Mississippi River and Great Lakes. USFWS officials completed an initial review of the petition in May, which concluded that western populations of the frog may warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
South Africa: Critics Welcome Rejection of Genetically Altered Potato [interview] Oct 31, 2009
The recent rejection of a permit application for the general release in South Africa of a potato that has been genetically altered has received a standing ovation from the African Centre of Biodiversity (ACB). The SpuntaG2, which is designed and developed by South Africa's Agricultural Research Council, contains an introduced protein that kills the caterpillar of the Potato Tuber Moth (PTM), a pest believed to be responsible for losses of up to R40 million (U.S. $5. (allAfrica.com)
South Africa: New Potatoes - Blessing Or Curse? Oct 31, 2009
" One of the organizations that applauds the permit rejection is the African Centre for Biodiversity (ACB). This Johannesburg-based organization has been monitoring the introduction of GM crops in South Africa for the past decade, and is working closely with small-scale farmers and civil society. "We worry about the safety of these potatoes in the long run - for both humans and the environment. The science is simply too young to guarantee the world the safety of crops that have been tampered... (allAfrica.com)
Road salt contaminates many urban streams, study shows Oct 31, 2009
Either they're killed outright or it affects their reproduction, reducing biodiversity among less tolerant species, which can have consequences farther up the food chain. Besides road salt, other sources of chloride include wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, water softeners, farms and more salt leaching from landfills, as well as natural sources. (Anchorage Daily News)
Conservation District gets $5,000 grant to build native plant greenhouse Oct 31, 2009
As land gets developed and invasive species dominate a landscape, native plants are being lost and biodiversity is decreasing. Many wildlife species, especially insects, rely on certain native plants for food or some part of their lifecycle. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Lions for Karoo Park Oct 31, 2009
Like the Karoo National Park, all national parks lie at the centre of our South African character," said Jonas. "They reflect and strengthen our sense of place; they protect and support our unmatched biodiversity and increasingly, they anchor growth, job creation and hope through tourism for our communities. . (iAfrica.com)
Sunday TV: Wuthering Heights Oct 30, 2009
The biodiversity of this meeting point between the sub-tropical and temperate zones of eastern Australia is something to behold. Brush turkeys fighting off carpet pythons sniffing too close to precious eggs, the lurid mating display of the Albert's lyrebird and the ancient beauty of the forest itself make a solid foundation for yet another plea for the conservation of these priceless places. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Demography and the environment: Falling fertility Oct 30, 2009
That s not going to happen unless governments both use carbon pricing and other policies to encourage investment in those technologies and constrain the damage that economic development does to biodiversity. Falling fertility may be making poor people s lives better, but it cannot save the Earth. (The Economist)
850 New Species of Invertebrates Di... Oct 29, 2009
"Discovery of this 'new' biodiversity, although exciting scientifically, also poses a number of challenges for conservation, in that many of these species are found in areas that are potentially impacted by mining and pastoral activities," he said. Mining particularly poses a threat to the microfauna s survival. (Suite101.com)
Web site of the week Oct 29, 2009
For example, elementary and middle school children can experience an Electronic Field Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Tuesday, Nov. 3 when schools in more than 40 states, totaling 3 million students, log on to interactively visit and learn about the biodiversity of the park. Educators wishing to participate in the program, which is free for participating schools and includes interactive lessons and games prior to the online visit, can sign up at. (Montana Standard, MT)
Documentary on Pollan's 'The Botany of Desire' Oct 29, 2009
"It's a parable about the importance of biodiversity, and it's a parable we forget at our peril.". For hard-core Pollan fans, "The Botany of Desire" will be a reminder that Pollan's first best-seller contains the seeds of the ideas he developed in subsequent work. (San Francisco Chronicle)
What Are Coral Reef Services Worth? $130,000 To $1.2 Million Per Hectare, Per Year Oct 29, 2009
28, 2009) Experts concluding the global DIVERSITAS biodiversity conference in Cape Town described preliminary research revealing jaw-dropping dollar values of the "ecosystem services" of biomes like forests and coral reefs -- including food, pollution treatment and climate regulation ... The work provides insights into the worth of ecosystems in human economic terms, says economist Pavan Sukhdev of UNEP, head of a Cambridge, England-based project called The Economics of Ecosystems and... (Science Daily)
