- Table View
- List View
Agroforestry for Degraded Landscapes: Recent Advances and Emerging Challenges - Vol. 2
by Jagdish Chander Dagar Sharda Rani Gupta Demel TeketayThis book presents various aspects of agroforestry research and development, as well as the latest trends in degraded landscape management. Over the last four decades, agroforestry research (particularly on degraded landscapes) has evolved into an essential problem-solving science, e.g. in terms of sustaining agricultural productivity, improving soil health and biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem services, supporting carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change. This book examines temperate and tropical agroforestry systems around the world, focusing on traditional and modern practices and technologies used to rehabilitate degraded lands. It covers the latest research advances, trends and challenges in the utilization and reclamation of degraded lands, e.g. urban and peri-urban agroforestry, reclamation of degraded landscapes, tree-based multi-enterprise agriculture, domestication of high-value halophytes, afforestation of coastal areas, preserving mangroves and much more. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable asset for a broad range of stakeholders including farmers, scientists, researchers, educators, students, development/extension agents, environmentalists, policy/decision makers, and government and non-government organizations.
Agroforestry for the Management of Waterlogged Saline Soils and Poor-Quality Waters (Advances in Agroforestry #13)
by Jagdish Chander Dagar Paramjit Singh MinhasLand degradation caused by salinity and waterlogging is a global problem afflicting about one billion hectares and endangering the food security of at least 75 countries. Since the social, economic and environmental costs of on and/off-farm reclamation techniques are high, agroforestry is now emerging as a potential tool, not only for arresting salinity and waterlogging, but also for other environmental services like mitigating climate change, sequestering carbon and restoring biodiversity. This publication addresses the vital issues, principles and practices related to rehabilitation using agroforestry and includes many site-specific case studies from a number of the world's typical catchments. Written by leading researchers, the book is a must, not only for scientists whose research interests lie in soil salinity, waterlogging and poor-quality waters, but also policy makers, environmentalists, students, and educationists alike. More importantly, it contributes to reversing the salinity trends and ensuring the livelihoods of resource-poor farming families living in these harsh agro-ecosystems.
Agroforestry - The Future of Global Land Use (Advances in Agroforestry #9)
by P.K. Ramachandran Nair Dennis GarrityThis volume contains a solid body of the current state of knowledge on the various themes and activities in agroforestry worldwide. It is organized into three sections: the Introduction section consists of the summaries of six keynote speeches at the 2nd World Congress of Agroforestry held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2009; that is followed by two sections of peer-reviewed thematic chapters grouped as "Global Perspectives" (seven chapters) and "Regional Perspectives" (eleven chapters), authored by professional leaders in their respective agroforestry-related fields worldwide. A total of 130 professionals from institutions in 33 countries in both developing and the industrialized temperate regions of the world contributed to the book as chapter authors and/or reviewers. Thus, the book presents a comprehensive and authoritative account of the global picture of agroforestry today.
Agrometeorological Applications for Climate Resilient Agriculture
by S. D. Attri Nabansu Chattopadhyay Robert Stefanski Laxman Singh RathoreThis book offers perspectives on more productive, sustainable and resilient modes of agriculture. The chapters highlight successful, evidence-based local and regional practices across the globe that are resulting in more sustainable and viable methods of farming, particularly important within the context of weather variability and climate change. The efficient use of weather and climate services for agricultural applications are fundamental to these efforts. In the past, weather and climate services have not been used to their fullest potential for developing sustainable agriculture. But now more than ever, as this book documents, agrometeorology is an essential tool for current and future food production and security around the world. This book offers strategic recommendations for strengthening the role and availability of agrometeorological services around the globe.
Agromining: Extracting Unconventional Resources Using Plants (Mineral Resource Reviews)
by Antony Van der Ent Guillaume Echevarria Alan J.M. Baker Jean Louis MorelThis is the first book on global agromining/phytomining technology. It presents the complete metal farming or agromining chain; an emerging technology expected to be transformative in the extraction of resources of those elements not accessible by traditional mining techniques. Meeting the demand for critical minerals (rare earth elements, platinum group elements, nickel cobalt) is increasingly difficult in the 21st century due to resource depletion and geopolitical factors. Agromining uses hyperaccumulator plants as "metal crops" farmed on sub-economic soils or mineral waste to obtain valuable elements. This book, which follows the metal farming chain, starts with the latest information on the global distribution and ecology of hyperaccumulator plants, biogeochemical pathways, the influence of rhizosphere microbes, as well as aspects of propagation and conservation of these unusual plants. It then presents the state of the art in new tools for identifying hyperaccumulator plants and for understanding their physiology and molecular biology. It goes on to describe the agronomy of "metal crops," and opportunities for incorporating agromining into rehabilitation and mine closure, including test-cases of nickel, cobalt, selenium, thallium, rare earth elements and PGEs. Finally, it concludes with an overview of the latest developments in the processing of bio-ores and associated products. This book is edited and authored by the pioneers in the field who have been at the foreground of the development of agromining over the past three decades. It is timely as agromining is now at a pivotal point in its development with rapid expansion of activities in the field around the globe. As such it is of interest to environmental professionals in the minerals industry, government regulators and academics.
Agronomic Crops: Volume 1: Production Technologies
by Mirza HasanuzzamanAgronomic crops have been used to provide foods, beverages, fodders, fuels, medicines and industrial raw materials since the dawn of human civilization. Today, agronomic crops are being cultivated by employing scientific methods instead of traditional methods. However, in the current era of climate change, agronomic crops are subjected to various environmental stresses, which results in substantial yield loss. To meet the food demands of the ever-increasing global population, new technologies and management practices are being adopted to boost yield and maintain productivity under both normal and adverse conditions. Scientists are now exploring a variety of approaches to the sustainable production of agronomic crops, including varietal development, soil management, nutrient and water management, pest management, etc. Researchers have also made remarkable progress in developing stress tolerance in crops through different approaches. However, achieving optimal production to meet the increasing food demand is an open challenge. Although there have been numerous publications on the above-mentioned problems, and despite the extensive research being conducted on them, there is hardly any comprehensive book available. In response, this book offers a timely resource, addressing all aspects of production technologies, management practices and stress tolerance in agronomic crops in a single volume.
Agronomic Crops: Volume 2: Management Practices
by Mirza HasanuzzamanAgronomic crops have provided food, beverages, fodder, fuel, medicine and industrial raw materials since the beginning of human civilization. More recently, agronomic crops have been cultivated using scientific rather than traditional methods. However, in the current era of climate change, agronomic crops are suffering from different environmental stresses that result in substantial yield loss. To meet the food demands of the ever-increasing global population, new technologies and management practices are being adopted to boost yields and maintain productivity under both normal and adverse conditions. Further, in the context of sustainable agronomic crop production, scientists are adopting new approaches, such as varietal development, soil management, nutrient and water management, and pest management. Researchers have also made remarkable advances in developing stress tolerance in crops. However, the search for appropriate solutions for optimal production to meet the increasing food demand is still ongoing. Although there are several publications on the recent advances in these areas, there are few comprehensive resources available covering all of the recent topics. This timely book examines all aspects of production technologies, management practices and stress tolerance of agronomic crops.
Agronomic Crops: Volume 3: Stress Responses and Tolerance
by Mirza HasanuzzamanAgronomic crops have been a source of foods, beverages, fodders, fuels, medicines and industrial raw materials since the dawn of human civilization. Over time, these crops have come to be cultivated using scientific methods instead of traditional methods. However, in the era of climate change, agronomic crops are increasingly subjected to various environmental stresses, which results in substantial yield loss. To meet the food demands of the ever-increasing global population, new technologies and management practices are being adopted to boost yield and maintain productivity under both normal and adverse conditions. To promote the sustainable production of agronomic crops, scientists are currently exploring a range of approaches, which include varietal development, soil management, nutrient and water management, pest management etc. Researchers have also made remarkable progress in developing stress tolerance in crops through various approaches. However, finding solutions to meet the growing food demands remains a challenge. Although there are several research publications on the above-mentioned problems, there are virtually no comprehensive books addressing all of the recent topics. Accordingly, this book, which covers all aspects of production technologies, management practices, and stress tolerance of agronomic crops in a single source, offers a highly topical guide.
Agronomy for Development: The Politics of Knowledge in Agricultural Research (Pathways to Sustainability)
by James SumbergOver the last decade there has been renewed interest in food security and the state of the global food system. Population growth, climate change and food price spikes have combined to focus new attention on the technologies and institutions that underpin the production and consumption of food that is varied, nutritious and safe. Knowledge politics within development-oriented agronomy set the stage for some models of agricultural development to be favoured over others, with very real implications for the food security and wellbeing of many millions of people. Agronomy for Development demonstrates how the analysis of knowledge politics can shed valuable new light on current debates about agricultural development and food security. Using bio-physical and social sciences perspectives to address the political economy of the production and use of knowledge in development, this edited collection reflects on the changing politics of knowledge within the field of agronomy and the ways in which these politics feed and reflect the interests of a broad set of actors. This book is aimed at professionals working in agricultural research as well as students and practitioners of agricultural, rural and international development. ?
Ahora contaminamos nosotros: La competencia entre el planeta, la gente y los beneficios ante la sostenibilidad
by Ronald RwakigumbaAhora contaminamos nosotros utiliza como título un argumento oído a menudo en las negociaciones sobre el cambio climático, donde las naciones menos desarrolladas sugieren que dado que las naciones desarrolladas generaron la mayor parte de la contaminación del pasado, ahora tienen la obligación histórica de satisfacer los costes asociados con la atenuación del cambio climático o la adaptación al mismo. Simultáneamente, argumentan que dado que la contaminación de la industrialización es una consecuencia inevitable del desarrollo, las naciones en vías de desarrollo han de contaminar para conseguir el crecimiento económico. Decir lo contrario no es nada nuevo, lo que falta en el discurso es explicar claramente el crecimiento ecológico como una alternativa que combina perfectamente algo tan aparentemente opuesto como el desarrollo con los objetivos ecológicos y sociales. Lo que también falta en los discursos es una la estrategia multisectorial del desarrollo sostenible en la que se conjunten las distintas facetas del desarrollo sostenible y se aproveche el enfoque combinado. Este es el viaje que se explica en las páginas de "Ahora contaminamos nosotros". Tras profundizar en la sostenibilidad, el libro presenta el valor del medioambiente y ofrece formas de solucionar los errores de la monetarización del medioambiente, para continuar con una narración general de la acción (¿o es inacción?) climática. También la energía, elemento que juega un papel clave en el funcionamiento de hogares y economías, necesita un buen análisis que se ofrece en uno de los últimos capítulos. Lo que diferencia a teste libro es el enfoque holístico con que conecta los distintos aspectos para trazar una imagen más completa de cómo avanzamos, lo que se explica en el capítulo final sobre desarrollo sostenible, con ejemplos, lecciones y reflexiones. Finalmente, estamos juntos en esto, en nuestro hogar compartido, la Tierra, y la mejor forma de
Ahora o nunca: Una vuelta en bici para salvar el planeta
by Marc GrañóHace diez años, todavía había quien dudaba del cambio climático, las abejas no estaban en peligro de extinción, y reciclar era opcional. Hoy, todo esto es nuestra realidad. #AhoraoNuncaLibro <P><P>Vivimos en un mundo en el que: <br>1.- los grandes bosques... están siendo talados. <br>2.- muchas especies de animales... desaparecen cada año. <br>3.- los veranos son más largos y calurosos..., y los inviernos más cortos y menos fríos. <P>Ahora o nunca nos da una vuelta al mundo para ver la realidad de la Tierra con los ojos abiertos. Aprenderás qué puedes hacer tú, día a día, paso a paso, para salvar el planeta.
AI and Robotics in Disaster Studies (Disaster Research and Management Series on the Global South)
by T. V. Vijay Kumar Keshav SudThis book promotes a meaningful and appropriate dialogue and cross-disciplinary partnerships on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance and disaster management. The frequency and the cost of losses and damages due to disasters are rising every year. From wildfires to tsunamis, drought to hurricanes, floods to landslides combined with chemical, nuclear and biological disasters of epidemic proportions has increased human vulnerability and ecosystem sustainability. Life is not as it used to be and governance to manage disasters cannot be a business as usual. The quantum and proportion of responsibilities with the emergency services has increased many times to strain them beyond their human capacities. Its time that the struggling disaster management services get supported and facilitated by new technology of combining Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) with Data Analytics Technologies (DAT)to serve people and government in disaster management. AI and ML have advanced to a state where they could be utilized for many operations in disaster risk reduction. Even though many disasters cannot be prevented and a number of them are blind natural disasters yet through an appropriate application of AI and ML quick predictions, vulnerability identification and classification of relief and rescue operations could be achieved.
The AI Cleanse: Harnessing Data-Driven Solutions (Springer Water)
by Manoj Chandra GargThis groundbreaking book goes beyond conventional approaches and explores how AI is revolutionizing the field of wastewater treatment, offering innovative solutions to pressing challenges. "The AI Cleanse" takes you on a captivating journey through the convergence of AI and wastewater treatment, revealing the potential for enhanced efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability. From optimizing treatment processes to intelligent monitoring and fault detection, this book showcases how AI-driven technologies can reshape the way we approach wastewater treatment.Gain a comprehensive understanding of the basics of wastewater treatment and the limitations of traditional methods. Explore the practical applications of AI, such as data acquisition and analysis, process optimization, and resource recovery. Learn about cutting-edge technologies, emerging trends, and future directions in the field.Written in a reader-friendly style, "The AI Cleanse" bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation. Packed with real-world examples, case studies, and insights from experts in the field, this book equips researchers, professionals, and students with the knowledge needed to harness the full potential of AI in wastewater treatment.If you are passionate about environmental preservation, sustainable practices, and the power of technology, "The AI Cleanse" is your guide to unlocking the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in wastewater treatment. Embrace a cleaner future and be at the forefront of this revolution in the field.
AI for Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability (Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Engineering and Management)
by Suneeta Satpathy Sachi Nandan Mohanty Satyasundara Mahapatra Nidhi AgarwalThis book discusses the adverse effects of climatic changes on our planet. It examines AI-based tools and technologies and how they can assist in identifying energy emission reductions, CO2 removal, and support the development of greener transportation networks, monitoring deforestation, and forecasting extreme weather events.AI for Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability identifies and discusses in detail the importance of environmental sustainability based on accomplishment of the UN's 17 Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs). It presents the various AI-based possibilities for accelerating international efforts to safeguard the environment and conserve natural resources. The authors offer a comprehensive analysis of the emerging field of climate change in relation to Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning. The book discusses AI developments, applications, and best practices that will help us transition to a low-carbon future on both a regional and global scale. It provides case studies with analytical results pertinent to climate change and weather prediction and includes chapters with a research-oriented approach, which can encourage new developments in the field of sustainable climate and green environment.The book can be used as a primary textbook for graduate and postgraduate students in technology and science, as well as a reference for researchers, academics, and IT professionals working on climate change and sustainability initiatives.
AI in Material Science: Revolutionizing Construction in the Age of Industry 4.0
by Syed Saad Syed Ammad Kumeel RasheedThis book explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on material science and construction practices in the Industry 4.0 landscape. It enquires into AI history and applications, examining material optimization, smart materials, and AI in construction. Covering automation, robotics, and AI-assisted design, the book provides insights into ethical considerations and future trends. A modern reference for scholars and professionals, it bridges academia and practical applications in the dynamic intersection of AI and materials science.
AI Innovation for Water Policy and Sustainability (SpringerBriefs in Water Science and Technology)
by Manish Kumar Goyal Sachidanand Kumar Akhilesh GuptaIn the face of unprecedented challenges in managing water resources, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a revolutionary force, reshaping the landscape of water conservation, treatment, irrigation, policy formulation, watershed management, and the monitoring of groundwater and surface water. This book explores the transformative role of AI in the water domain, exploring cutting-edge applications and innovative solutions that promise to address pressing issues in sustainable water management. As we navigate the complexities of a changing climate, population growth, and urbanization, the chapters within this book offer insights into how AI technologies can enhance efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and provide data-driven strategies for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our vital water ecosystems. From intelligent water treatment systems to precision agriculture and policy decision support, each chapter unfolds a narrative of AI-driven advancements, providing a comprehensive guide for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers navigating the intersection of artificial intelligence and water management.
Aid and Development: The Inverse Sovereignty Effect In The Pacific Islands (Routledge Perspectives on Development)
by John Overton Warwick E. MurrayThis book provides an overview of what aid is, how it has changed over time and how it is practiced, as well as debates about whether aid works, for whom and what its future might be. The text shows how ‘aid’ is a contested and fluid concept that involves a wide and changing variety of policies, actors and impacts. It equips the reader with an understanding of what aid is, where it comes from and where it goes, how it is delivered and what its impacts are, and whether shortcomings are a result of a fundamental problem with aid, or merely the result of bad practices. It explores the changing political ideologies and conceptions of development that continually reshape how aid is defined, implemented and assessed, and how, despite a global commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, we are at a point where the very notion of aid is being questioned and its future is uncertain. Each chapter includes case studies, chapter summaries, discussions, weblinks and further reading, to help strengthen the reader’s understanding. Aid and Development provides an important resource for students, development workers and policy makers seeking an understanding of how aid works.
Aid, Growth and Poverty
by Andy Sumner Jonathan GlennieThe authors discuss the impact of foreign aid and tackle the question of why assessing the impact of aid isso difficult. The authors focus on peer-reviewed, cross-country studies published overthe last decade and draw together some global-level assessments, considering the context and conditions under whichaid might be said to 'work'. Glennie and Sumner argue that the evidence in four areas shows signsof convergence that may have direct relevance for policy decisions on aid andfor aid effectiveness discussions. These are as follows: Aidlevels (meaning if aid is too low or too high); Domestic political institutions(including political stability and extent of decentralisation); Aid composition(including sectors, modalities, objectives and time horizons); and Aidvolatility and fragmentation. Notably, this study finds that there is no consensus that theeffectiveness of aid depends on orthodox economic policies.
Aid, Ownership and Development: The Inverse Sovereignty Effect in the Pacific Islands
by Warwick E. Murray John Overton Gerard Prinsen Tagaloa Avataeao Ulu Nicola WrightonOne of the key principles for effective aid programmes is that recipient agencies exert high degrees of ownership over the agendas, resources, systems and outcomes of aid activities. Sovereign recipient states should lead the process of development. Yet despite this well-recognised principle, the realities of aid delivery mean that ownership is often compromised in practice. Aid, Ownership and Development examines this ‘inverse sovereignty’ hypothesis with regard to the states and territories of the Pacific Island region. It provides an initial overview of different aid ‘regimes’ over time, maps aid flows in the region, and analyses the concept of sovereignty. Drawing on a rich range of primary research by the authors and contributors, it focuses on the agencies and individuals within the Pacific Islands who administer and apply aid projects and programmes. There is indeed evidence for the inverse sovereignty effect; particularly when island states and their small and stretched bureaucracies have to deal with complex and burdensome donor reporting requirements, management systems, consultative meetings and differing strategic priorities. This book outlines important ways in which Pacific agencies have proved adept not only at meeting these requirements, but also asserting their own priorities and ways of operating. It concludes that global agreements, such as the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness in 2005 and the recently launched Sustainable Development Goals, can be effective means for Pacific agencies to both hold donors to account and also to recognise and exercise their own sovereignty.
Aid Performance and Climate Change
by Julian CaldecottThe richer countries spend about US$165 billion yearly on overseas aid, mainly to keep human development going. These efforts are undermined by climate change, water-catchment damage, biodiversity loss, and desertification, and their interactions with social systems at all scales, which few aid designs or evaluations fully address. This must change if aid performance is to be improved. Constraints to be overcome include limited understanding of the very complex systems that aid investments affect, and of the ecology behind climate change adaptation and mitigation. Aid Performance and Climate Change targets these problems and others, by explaining how to use multiple points of view to describe each aid investment as a complex system in its own unique context. With examples throughout, it reviews cases, ideas, and options for mitigation using technology and ecology, and for adaptation by preserving resilience and diversity, while exploring related priorities, treaties, and opportunities. Combining an empirical, eye-witness approach with methodological conclusions, this book is an essential resource for those looking to improve aid design and evaluation, and will be a necessary tool in training the next generation of aid professionals to respond to the causes and consequences of climate change.
Aid, Technology and Development: The Lessons from Nepal (The Earthscan Science in Society Series)
by Dipak Gyawali, Michael Thompson and Marco VerweijOver the last 50 years, Nepal has been considered an experiential model in determining the effectiveness and success of global human development strategies, both in theory and in practice. As such, it provides a rich array of in-depth case studies in both development success and failure. This edited collection examines these in order to propose a novel perspective on how human development occurs and how it can be aided and sustained. Aid, Technology and Development: The lessons from Nepal champions plural rationality from both a theoretical and practical perspective in order to challenge and critique the status quo in human development understanding, while simultaneously presenting a concrete framework with which to aid citizen and governmental organisations in the galvanization of human development. Including contributions by leading international social scientists and development practitioners throughout Nepal, this book will be of great interest to students, scholars and practitioners working in the field of foreign aid and development studies.
Aiming for an A in A-level Geography
by Simon OakesExam board: AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, WJEC EduqasLevel: A-levelSubject: GeographyFirst teaching: September 2016First exams: Summer 2018Master the skills you need to set yourself apart and hit the highest grades. This year-round course companion develops the higher-order thinking skills that top-achieving students possess, providing step-by-step guidance, examples and tips for getting an A grade.Written by experienced author, teacher and lecturer Simon Oakes, Aiming for an A in A-level Geography:- Develops the 'A grade skills' of analysis, evaluation, creation and application, ensuring that you know how to apply these skills and approach each exam question as an A/A* candidate- Takes you step by step through the specific skills you need to master in A-level Geography, including geographical reading, data analysis and skills for the Independent Investigation (NEA)- Clearly shows how to move up the grades with sample responses that have been annotated to highlight the key features of A/A* answers- Puts the theory behind achieving an A grade into practice, providing in-class or homework activities and further reading tasks that stretch towards university-level study- Perfects exam technique through practical tips and examples of common pitfalls to avoid- Cultivates effective revision habits for success, with tips and strategies for producing and using revision resources- Supports the major exam boards, outlining the Assessment Objectives for reaching the higher levels under the AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC/Eduqas specifications
Aiming for an A in A-level Geography
by Simon OakesExam board: AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, WJEC EduqasLevel: A-levelSubject: GeographyFirst teaching: September 2016First exams: Summer 2018Master the skills you need to set yourself apart and hit the highest grades. This year-round course companion develops the higher-order thinking skills that top-achieving students possess, providing step-by-step guidance, examples and tips for getting an A grade.Written by experienced author, teacher and lecturer Simon Oakes, Aiming for an A in A-level Geography:- Develops the 'A grade skills' of analysis, evaluation, creation and application, ensuring that you know how to apply these skills and approach each exam question as an A/A* candidate- Takes you step by step through the specific skills you need to master in A-level Geography, including geographical reading, data analysis and skills for the Independent Investigation (NEA)- Clearly shows how to move up the grades with sample responses that have been annotated to highlight the key features of A/A* answers- Puts the theory behind achieving an A grade into practice, providing in-class or homework activities and further reading tasks that stretch towards university-level study- Perfects exam technique through practical tips and examples of common pitfalls to avoid- Cultivates effective revision habits for success, with tips and strategies for producing and using revision resources- Supports the major exam boards, outlining the Assessment Objectives for reaching the higher levels under the AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC/Eduqas specifications
Ain't Love Grand!: Earthworms to Elephant Seals (Chicago Shorts)
by Marty CrumpThe natural world is filled with diverse—not to mention quirky and odd—animal behaviors. Consider the male praying mantis that continues to mate after being beheaded; the insects, insects, and birds that offer gifts of food in return for sex; the male hip-pocket frog that carries his own tadpoles; the baby spiders that dine on their mother; or the starfish that sheds an arm or two to escape a predator's grasp. In Ain’t Love Grand, Marty Crump—a tropical field biologist well known for her work with the reproductive behavior of amphibians—examines the bizarre conduct of animals as they mate, parent, feed, defend themselves, and communicate. More importantly, Crump points out that diverse and unrelated animals often share seemingly erratic behaviors—evidence, Crump argues, that these natural histories, though outwardly weird, are actually successful ways of living.
Ain't There No More: Louisiana's Disappearing Coastal Plain (America's Third Coast Series)
by Carl A. Brasseaux Donald W. DavisWinner of the 2018 Louisiana Literary Award given by the Louisiana Library AssociationFor centuries, outlanders have openly denigrated Louisiana's coastal wetlands residents and their stubborn refusal to abandon the region's fragile prairies tremblants despite repeated natural and, more recently, man-made disasters. Yet, the cumulative environmental knowledge these wetlands survivors have gained through painful experiences over the course of two centuries holds invaluable keys to the successful adaptation of modern coastal communities throughout the globe. As Hurricane Sandy recently demonstrated, coastal peoples everywhere face rising sea levels, disastrous coastal erosion, and, inevitably, difficult lifestyle choices.Along the Bayou State's coast the most insidious challenges are man-made. Since channelization of the Mississippi River in the wake of the 1927 flood, which diverted sediments and nutrients from the wetlands, coastal Louisiana has lost to erosion, subsidence, and rising sea levels a land mass roughly twice the size of Connecticut. State and national policymakers were unable to reverse this environmental catastrophe until Hurricane Katrina focused a harsh spotlight on the human consequences of eight decades of neglect. Yet, even today, the welfare of Louisiana's coastal plain residents remains, at best, an afterthought in state and national policy discussions.For coastal families, the Gulf water lapping at the doorstep makes this morass by no means a scholarly debate over abstract problems. Ain't There No More renders an easily read history filled with new insights and possibilities. Rare, previously unpublished images documenting a disappearing way of life accompany the narrative. The authors bring nearly a century of combined experience to distilling research and telling this story in a way invaluable to Louisianans, to policymakers, and to all those concerned with rising sea levels and seeking a long-term solution.