Erlijn van Genuchten
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I'm excited to have been invited to the Shaffordshire Libraries' Book Chat event! The event is part of the Green Libraries Month, so we will be talking about my book "A Guide to a Healthier Planet". The event is fully booked, so in case there is a recording, I'll let you know! And good news: you can have a peek inside and learn more about the book straight away at: https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/guide-to-a-healthier-planet
The most important cause of the current climate crisis is the huge amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is emitted by humans. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that is released into the atmosphere when burning fossil fuels, such as diesel and petroleum. Once these molecules are in the atmosphere, they trap heat that is radiated by the Earth’s surface. This means that instead of heat ending up in space, it remains in the atmosphere. This causes our planet to warm up, which has a wide range and far-reaching consequences. Apart from causing CO2 emissions, burning fossil fuels has other disadvantages. One disadvantage is that it causes air pollution which in turn affects our health. Another disadvantage is that fossil fuels are not renewable, which means they cannot be replenished within a short period of time. This is because fossil fuels need millions of years to form. As a consequence, we will run out of fossil fuels one day. Because of these disadvantages, alternatives to fossil fuels are being developed. For example in “How Microalgae Can be Used As A Great Alternative To Fossil Fuels”, I explain how microalgae can be used to produce various biofuels and in “Should We? How To Grow Plant Material In The Lab For Biofuel”, I explain how we can grow plant material in the lab to produce biofuel. Another possibility is to use coconut (Cocos nucifera) waste. Coconut waste is one of the most widely available biomass wastes available around the world: about 62.5 million tons are produced by over 90 countries per year. To compare, this is about 10.9 Great Pyramids of Giza! This waste can for example be used to relatively cheaply produce biochar, bio-oil, and biogas, which are the solid, liquid, and gas products resulting from processing coconut waste: - Biochar is also called charcoal, which contains main plant nutrients, making it energy-rich. This makes biochar a solid fuel and valuable fertilizer. Biochar is also able to store CO2, making it helpful in mitigating climate change (further reading: Chapter 5 of A Guide to a Healthier Planet: “Climate Solutions: Controlling CO2 Levels”). Other applications include supporting water treatment and composting. - Bio-oil is also called bio-crude, a mixture of about 200 types of molecules, with 15 to 35% of the weight being water. This is an environmentally friendly and renewable fuel. As it has similar properties to diesel oil, it can be used in diesel engines. - Biogas is a mixture of various gases, such as methane (CH4), hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide (CO), and CO2. This gas mixture can be used to create electricity. It can also be burned as fuel, as a replacement for natural gas. The process of producing biochar, bio-oil, and biogas to replace fossil fuels involves pretreatment and pyrolysis: Pretreatment The first step to producing fuel from coconut waste is pretreatment. Pretreatment involves three steps: coconut leftovers are 1. washed in distilled water. Distilled water is water without impurities, which it condensed water vapor after water has been boiled. Washing coconut waste with distilled water for example effectively removes substances and inorganic matter that can damage the equipment used to produce biochar, bio-oil, and biogas. 2. dried in the sun or an oven. Coconut waste is dried, so that the water content is 10–12%, which increases the efficiency of the pyrolysis process and the quality of the bioproducts. 3. crushed with a mill or grinder and sieved to obtain coconut pieces in the right size. This is important because the particle size influences the heating rate. The heating rate is the speed at which the temperature increases during the pyrolysis process, typically measured in degrees Celsius per minute or hour. Smaller particles make heat transfer easier so that particles have a similar temperature. This results in more bio-oil and less biochar, and therefore makes the process more efficient to produce an alternative to for example diesel. Pyrolysis The second step to producing fuel from coconut waste is pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is the process of burning biomass at high temperatures, without the use of oxygen. Apart from pretreatment, quite a few parameters influence this process, including how much biochar, bio-oil, and biogas is produced. This process is explained in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvZFfx7XhQE One parameter influencing the pyrolysis process is the type of biomass. Coconut waste is more suitable than waste from bagasse, rice husk, and leaves because it contains a lot of lignin. Lignin is a substance in the cell walls of many plants, which makes them rigid and woody. Another parameter influencing the pyrolysis process is the temperature. For example, increasing the temperature from 350 °C (662 °F) to 600 °C (1,112 °F) reduces the weight percentage of biochar output by about 10%. Also, the biochar properties and composition changed with a higher temperature, such as less hydrogen and oxygen. A third example parameter influencing the pyrolysis process is the heating rate. A higher heating rate, or faster temperature increase, influences how fast coconut waste can be turned into biochar, bio-oil, and biogas. The different speeds result in several types of pyrolysis: - Slow pyrolysis: slow pyrolysis happens at a relatively low temperature between 350 °C (662 °F) to 600 °C (1112 °F). The heating rate is slow: 5 °C per minute (9 °F per minute). The main output of slow pyrolysis is biochar, - Fast pyrolysis: fast pyrolysis requires fine coconut particles as input, so that the heating rate can be higher: 10 °C per minute (18 °F per minute). The temperature is carefully controlled temperature at about 500 °C (932 °F) and afterward rapidly brought down to turn vapor into bio-oil. The main output of slow pyrolysis is bio-oil. - Flash pyrolysis: flash pyrolysis requires even finer coconut particles as input (about 200 μm, which is about the width of 2 hairs). The heating rate is extremely fast, between 1,000 and 10,000 °C per second (between 1,832 and 18,032 °F per second)! It produces mostly biogas but also a lot of bio-oil (85–80% of the produced output weight). How we can take action So, coconut waste can be used to replace fossil fuels using the pyrolysis process. When the goal is to produce mostly biochar, slow pyrolysis is most suitable; when the goal is to produce mostly bio-oil, fast pyrolysis is most suitable; and when the goal is to produce mostly biogas, flash pyrolysis is most suitable. These products can be used as fuel. For example, bio-oil can replace diesel oil. These products are more environmentally friendly than products based on fossil fuels and are renewable. Here are practical ideas of what you and I can do to put coconut waste to good use: - Chopping up coconut husks in small pieces and adding them to the compost pile to improve your compost - Using coconut shell as a bird feeder - Chopping up coconut husks in large pieces to use as mulch in garden beds - Mixing coconut core fibers with soil to improve soil moisture (which is especially helpful in times of drought; further reading: How Climate Change Impacts Droughts and Our Health) - Using coconut shells in craft products such as candle holders, decorative bowls, and flower pots - Buying products such as mats and rope that are made from coconut waste instead of plastic Which one of these can you implement in your daily life? And do you have further ideas of what you and I could do? Thank you in advance for putting them into practice and sharing them in a comment to this question to inspire all of us. --- Did you enjoy this article? Then I’m sure you’ll love my book “A Guide to A Healthier Planet” as well. Have a peek inside the book at: https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/guide-to-a-healthier-planet --- About the author Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten is a an internationally recognized environmental sustainability expert. She is a science communicator, helping scientists in the fields of nature and sustainability increase the outreach of their results and allowing us all to put scientific insights into practice and contribute to a sustainable future. Erlijn has inspired thousands of people around the world — for example — by supporting the United Nations with her expertise, her book “A Guide to A Healthier Planet” published by Springer Nature, her YouTube channel Xplore Nature, and her posts on social media. Credit This article is based on: Azeta, O., Ayeni, A. O., Agboola, O., & Elehinafe, F. B. (2021). A review on the sustainable energy generation from the pyrolysis of coconut biomass. Scientific African, 13, e00909.
Everyone of us has a huge set of knowledge and skills, gathered over many years of life experience. This also means that each of us can decide whether we use these knowledge and skills for the good or not. Just like we decide to use knowledge about friends to invite them to an activity they will enjoy. I'm using lots of knowledge and skills for the good, for example by: - using my scientific background and writing and language skills to make science understandable for all of us - using my knowledge about cyber-security and educational skills to train people without a job to become an expert in this field too - using my knowledge about how to care well for our planet and personal development skills to inspire others to live more environmentally too - using my knowledge about proper communication and digital skills to deeply connect with people from all over the world - using my knowledge about environmental sustainability and IT and my presentation skills to inspire leaders to take action (in the picture, you can see me presenting at the United Nations in Geneva) What knowledge and skills are you using or would you like to use to make this world a better place? Please brag in the comments :-)
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Doing this showcases diverse examples of how individuals can contribute positively to various fields, inspiring readers to reflect on their own abilities and potential impact. Additionally, it emphasizes on how we all have something unique to offer in the greater good so let's do that.
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We all should embrace using the knowledge and skills that we have for good ,by Sharing the knowledge that we have with others and by doing this we'll bring change.
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Each of us has a wealth of experience that can be utilized for the greater good, much like how we use our understanding of friends to plan enjoyable activities.
🌿 Let's focus on a greener future! 🌍 Setting positive goals is key to a healthier planet. Instead of thinking about what we don't want, let's envision where we want to go and how a more sustainable future looks like. Just like a driver focuses on staying on the road and where he/she wants to go rather than on avoiding obstacles at the off the road. I'm doing this for example by: - helping scientists in the field of nature and sustainability to share their results with us in a way we all understand - going litter-picking every week to keep the neighborhood clean - traveling by train and bike instead of car and plane - eating very little meat Just to name a few. Let's put our energy toward these goals and watch our actions drive positive change. PS: The image is generated by AI and shows my mental image of me steering toward a healthier planet.
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Dear Erlijn van Genuchten Your climate idea has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to Psychologists for Future Germany by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Varsa, We Don't Have Time
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This is a motivating effort from this team of Psychologists that will go a long way in creating a sustainable future.
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Keep up the great work, and let's continue steering towards a healthier planet!
Important: The key element of your happiness is the quality of your relationships. So, even when advertisements makes you feel that you that you need XYZ to become happier, think about it: Do you really need it? Here are ideas how you can improve the relationships with people around you to increase your happiness: 1. giving sincere compliments to brighten someone’s day (a sincere compliment is when you are truly impressed, not meant to flatter, preferably about personality traits or accomplishments) 2. expressing your appreciation in a way they understand (this can be words of affirmation, spending time together, giving a gift, doing something for this person, touching them if the type of relationship is appropriate to do so) 3. listening (engaging with the other, without judging and using both verbal and nonverbal cues to show that you understand what they are saying) 4. showing genuine interest in the other person (for example by asking open-ended questions, listening more than you talk, and smiling) 5. making them feel important (for example by doing the previous ideas or for example asking for their opinion, remembering personal details about them, and saying thank you) And by the way, this is more environmentally friendly and better for your health and bank account as well!
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Plus, it's a win -win situation..better for us, better for others, and better for the planet too!
When thinking about climate change and its consequences, many first think of rising sea levels and higher temperatures. While these can indeed be consequences, there is a much more wide range of consequences. For example, extreme weather events caused by climate change impact our mental health. But climate change not only impacts our mental health. It also impacts our physical bodies, for example, because of additional heat, temperature variations, and humidity changes. In “10 Effects Of Global Warming On Pregnant Women And Birth Defects”, I explain the consequences for pregnant women and unborn babies. These environmental changes can cause issues such as hunger, stress, injuries, disease, and even death. And it is already happening: every day, over 150,000 deaths and 5 million disabilities-adjusted life-years have been caused by climate change since the 1970s, especially in developing countries. Disabilities-adjusted life-years are the years of life lost due to premature death and the years lived with disability! As climate change can cause or contribute to disease and disability, it means it not only affects us as a whole but also particular body parts. Here are examples of body parts that are affected by climate change: Skin The first example body part that is affected by climate change is our skin. Our skin is impacted directly and indirectly by climate change through higher temperatures, behavioral changes, air pollution, and limited access to treatment. This impact is complex, as several factors influence this relationship at the same time. One example factor influencing the relationship between climate change and skin health is that higher temperatures caused by climate change can increase our exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is an important cause of skin cancer. Exposure to UV radiation increases when skies are less frequently covered by clouds due to higher temperatures or when we spend more time outside. But extremely high temperatures can also cause us to stay inside air-conditioned rooms more often so that we have less exposure to sunlight. This reduces the amount of vitamin D being produced by our bodies, which is important to protect us from UV radiation. This means that when we do go outside, we are more vulnerable to UV light. Another example factor influencing the relationship between climate change and skin health is that climate disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires can damage our skin, from slight, harmless bruises to life-threatening damage, such as third-degree burns. As these disasters can limit the availability of healthcare services needed to recover from skin damage or prevent us from getting help, this can cause further health issues, such as infections, blood poisoning, or even death. Eyes The second example body part that is affected by climate change is our eyes. One example impact of climate change is that heat waves — which are becoming more frequent due to climate change — can cause inflammation in the cornea. The cornea is the transparent outer layer of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil and allows light to enter the eyeball. This can in turn lead to eye infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi and to allergic reactions. Retina disorders are issues with the light-sensitive layer at the back of our eyes, which converts visible light into signals for the brain. Another example impact of climate change is that more UV radiation can reduce the immunity of cells in our eyes. As a consequence, our eyes are more likely to catch an inflammation or infection. Also, UV radiation can trigger latent viruses. Latent viruses are viruses that are in our bodies, but are inactive and don’t cause any symptoms. Once they are triggered, they can start causing problems and symptoms. And UV radiation together with a heat wave can increase the risk of tumors in the eye, cataract, and retinal disorders. Cataract involves the lens becoming cloudy, which impairs our eyesight. A third example impact of climate change is that changed climatic circumstances can reduce food production, causing malnutrition. Malnutrition means that we don’t have enough to eat or an unbalanced diet. This can cause for example a vitamin A deficiency called xerophthalmia, which causes problems with our eyes, especially in children younger than five years old. When left untreated, they can turn blind. In adults, malnutrition can lead to eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Glaucoma involves increased eye pressure that damages the optic nerve, which transmits the signals to the brain; age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease that impairs our central vision. Mouth The third example body part that is affected by climate change is our mouth. While our mouth may not seem like a critical body part, oral health is very important for general health. Also, problems with our mouth are related to several chronic diseases including diabetes: if our gum is inflamed, this can lead to higher blood sugar levels, which can contribute to developing diabetes. In some countries, oral diseases are in the top 5 health diseases that put a large health burden on the country. Also, the health of our mouth not only impacts how well we can chew food but also how we speak, smell, and look and thus impacts whether we can flourish in life. This means, that climate change has directly and indirectly a large impact on my aspects of our lives: - Rising global temperatures make health conditions worse in patients with teeth problems. Heat impacts them even further when it changes their behavior, allows their disease to spread to other people, affects availability of much-needed health services, and limits energy and water availability. Also, heat can make microorganisms more resistant to antibiotics and reduce the quality of stored medicines. - Extreme weather events such as floods and droughts can cause limited food availability. This in turn can cause malnutrition, which can lead to several oral issues such as angular cheilitis, ulcerative gingivitis, and abnormalities with the bones in our mouths. Angular cheilitis involves cracked skin in the corners of the mouth and ulcerative gingivitis involves inflamed and sore gums. - Higher humidity will change viruses, virus hosts, and how likely diseases can be transmitted. It can also cause newer fungi diseases to develop, which can have serious consequences for our mouth. For example, fungal Mucormycosis can for example cause tooth pain, loose teeth, and tingling or pricking sensations in the lip. Conclusion and how we can take action So, climate change impacts various body parts, including our skin, eyes, and mouth. Just to name a few. To reduce the negative impact, it is critical to limit greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible. Here are practical ideas of what you and I can do to limit these emissions and take care of our bodies as well as possible: - Using environmentally friendly sun protection, including as little sunscreen as possible, hats, and sunglasses - Using antibiotics only when necessary - Sharing information about the impact of climate change on various body parts with others (for example, by sharing this article) - Reducing CO2 emissions as much as possible, for example by traveling by bike instead of a motorized vehicle (see “A Guide to a Healthier Planet” and my other articles for many more ideas) - Supporting or setting up training programs that make health professionals aware of the consequences of climate change in their field of expertise Which one of these can you implement in your daily life? And do you have further ideas of what you and I could do? Thank you in advance for putting them into practice and sharing them in a comment to this question to inspire all of us. --- Did you enjoy this article? Then I’m sure you’ll love my book “A Guide to A Healthier Planet” as well. Have a peek inside the book at: https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/guide-to-a-healthier-planet --- About the author Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten is a an internationally recognized environmental sustainability expert. She is a science communicator, helping scientists in the fields of nature and sustainability increase the outreach of their results and allowing us all to put scientific insights into practice and contribute to a sustainable future. Erlijn has inspired thousands of people around the world — for example — by supporting the United Nations with her expertise, her book “A Guide to A Healthier Planet” published by Springer Nature, her YouTube channel Xplore Nature, and her posts on social media. Credit Deshmukh, C. V., Dodamani, A. S., & Mistry, V. D. (2023). Climate change on oral health and dentistry: association and mitigation. Acta Scientific Dental Sciences (ISSN: 2581–4893), 7(1). Ghoshal, R., Ghosh, D., Ghosh, S., & Mukherjee, G. Impact of climate change and related environmental factors on eye health in India-A narrative review Watson, T. P. G., Tong, M., Bailie, J., Ekanayake, K., & Bailie, R. S. (2024). Relationship between climate change and skin cancer and implications for prevention and management: a scoping review. Public Health, 227, 243–249.
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It's important to prioritize both physical and mental health in our efforts to address climate change.
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Love the practical tips for reducing emissions.♻️ Small changes can make a big difference.
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Wow,this is very new.Would love to practice this tips💚
climate change is progressing, extreme weather events are occurring more frequently. As I explained in Chapter 3 of my book “A Guide to a Healthier Planet”, extreme weather events include heat waves, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, and droughts. Not every country is affected by these events in the same way, meaning that some places will experience tornadoes more frequently while other places will be facing droughts more often and longer. Drought is different from most of the other extreme weather events as it can last a lot longer: often a decade or more. This can be caused by natural processes such as interactions between the ocean and atmosphere, heat waves, and El Niño. El Niño happens when deep water that normally rises to the surface in the Pacific Ocean remains deep. This means fewer nutrients and less cold water reach the surface, resulting in warmer, nutrient-poorer water. Apart from natural causes of droughts, other causes involve human behavior, such as fires and global warming caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Global warming impacts droughts through increasing temperatures that cause more water from the ground to evaporate, and through reducing soil moisture, the amount of flowing water, and the water level in water storage areas such as streams and lakes. They can be categorized based on intensity: - Meteorological drought: a lack of precipitation such as rain and snow and depends on how much water in a certain area evaporates - Agricultural drought: a lack of water in the soil, causing low soil moisture and a lack of water for plants - Hydrological drought: a period of unusually low surface or underground water levels and a reduced water flow below and above the ground. This drought usually follows meteorological and agricultural drought - Socioeconomic drought: the inability to meet human needs because of water shortage As these types of drought differ in intensity, the impact differs as well. For example, while meteorological droughts affect terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, they usually don’t lead to a lack of drinking water for us. And this type of drought usually has a small impact on energy production. On the other end of the scale, socioeconomic droughts can for example lead to illness and conflicts, and in the worst case to death. Also, the impact differs between countries, across areas within countries, and within the population, especially when an area is unprepared for drought. This is how droughts can impact our health: 1. Water-related effects The first way droughts impact our health is through water-related effects. Even though less water is involved in a drought, the risk of diseases being spread by water is higher. This is because drought impacts not only water availability but also water quality. How water quality is affected by droughts is a complex mechanism that depends on climate and environmental conditions and watershed characteristics. A watershed is an area that drains rainwater or melted snow to streams, lakes, or wetlands. For example, when less water flows during drought, water stays in the same place for longer. This allows pollutants such as chemicals, metals, and other solid particles to gather in this stagnant water. And the number of harmful microorganisms have the opportunity to grow. This makes it more likely that we are affected by diseases. Unfortunately, climate change is expected to worsen these effects because harmful organisms are more likely to spread in warmer and saltier water (further reading: How does Climate Change Impacts Plants in Urban Environment). The number of nutrients decreases and water can become less clear during drought, too. This is because fewer nutrients can be transported to other areas, soil erodes more easily due to evaporating water, and internal processes such as nutrient cycling can be affected. Nutrient cycling involves exchanging nutrients between living organisms, the environment, and non-living components to support the life and growth of organisms. This can lead to reduced nutrients and oxygen in water, making plants and animals struggle to survive, and can make water unsafe to drink. While water availability and quality are reduced during droughts, the need for water can increase, for instance, to water plants. This is critical as it makes us more likely and maybe even force us to use unsafe water. This can in turn make us more likely to become ill. This is especially the case for poor populations with limited access to water and sanitation. 2. Food-related effects The second way droughts impact our health is through food-related effects. These effects are closely related to decreased food security and nutrition — in the worst case even starvation — during a drought. Especially low- and middle-income countries are affected because they have fewer opportunities to make up for food scarcity, for example because of poor transportation networks and limited access to other markets. Climate change is expected to increase food insecurity and malnutrition through droughts, which is critical as already about 1 in 3 people worldwide don’t have access to adequate food. This is because droughts cause fewer crops to grow, limit the availability of livestock, and affect fisheries. This means that both the quantity and quality of food in drought-affected areas change. Also, food prices will change because of limited availability, which will affect the quantity and quality of food people can afford. The consequences of limited quantity and quality of food — and the resulting under-nutrition — are far-reaching. For example, children who survive under-nutrition often suffer from long-term cognitive damage, physical underdevelopment, and a higher risk of infections, such as malaria. Also, pregnant women who are under-nourished have a higher risk of bearing early and giving birth to babies with low birth weight. And in all of us, undernutrition can lead to mental health issues, including more stress, anxiety, and depression. In extreme cases, these mental health issues can trigger suicide. 3. Virus-related effects The third way droughts impact our health is through virus-related effects. How droughts cause these effects is complex, as several changes can happen at the same time. For example, the number of viruses that are spread by mosquitoes can increase when storage containers are filled with limited available water. At the same time, the number of breeding grounds can decrease because droughts reduce the number of breeding grounds for mosquitoes in natural environments. Also, other animals that carry viruses are affected by droughts, such as ticks. Ticks thrive in wet environments, which means that their numbers decrease during droughts. 4. Air-related effects The fourth way droughts impact our health is through air-related effects. Air-related effects are caused by droughts because they impact air quality by increasing the concentration of air pollutants. For example because of more and more severe wildfires and dust. Inhaling these pollutants can block our airways, cause inflammation, and make blood more likely to form clots. This can lead to problems with our heart and blood vessels. In the worst case, it can even lead to death. These risks are especially high in cities that also suffer from other pollution sources, such as particles from vehicles that burn fuel. (Further reading on the impact of dust on our health: How Earthquake Debris Affects The Environment and Our Health) In this video, you can see a huge dust cloud in Parkes (United Kingdom). This cloud was caused by a strong low air pressure area, which picked up a lot of dust from the very dry ground: https://youtu.be/Esz6ne9x9yM Apart from inorganic particles, air pollutants can also include organic matter, such as harmful microorganisms, allergens, and fungi spores. They can irritate the lungs after inhaling them, and increase the chance of diseases, allergies, and infections. Such diseases are more likely to spread during droughts as they can more easily be carried by the wind. How we can take action So, climate change makes meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological drought worse by less rainfall and snow, and by higher temperatures that cause more water to evaporate. This affects us as this can turn into a socioeconomic drought, meaning that we don’t have enough water to meet our needs. But there are practical ideas of what you and I can do to prevent droughts and reduce the negative impact of droughts: - Installing a rain barrel to capture rainwater - Removing pollutants from water, for example by using plants and microorganisms (further reading: Chapter 11 of A Guide to a Healthier Planet: “Pollution Solutions: Removing Pollutants from Soil and Water”) - Reusing wastewater (further reading: 10 Technologies That Allow Us To Reuse Our Daily Wastewater) - Reducing water use, for example by washing at the sink or having shorter showers - Harvesting water when drinking water runs out (further reading: 2 Methods That Can Save Us When Freshwater Runs Out) - Educating yourself in resilient and sustainable agriculture - Voting for a political party that takes climate change seriously and puts solutions into practice Which one of these can you implement in your daily life? And do you have further ideas of what you and I could do? Thank you in advance for putting them into practice and sharing them in a comment to this question to inspire all of us. --- Did you enjoy this article? Then I’m sure you’ll love my book “A Guide to A Healthier Planet” as well. Have a peek inside the book at: https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/guide-to-a-healthier-planet --- About the author Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten is a an internationally recognized environmental sustainability expert. She is a science communicator, helping scientists in the fields of nature and sustainability increase the outreach of their results and allowing us all to put scientific insights into practice and contribute to a sustainable future. Erlijn has inspired thousands of people around the world — for example — by supporting the United Nations with her expertise, her book “A Guide to A Healthier Planet” published by Springer Nature, her YouTube channel Xplore Nature, and her posts on social media. Credit Chivangulula, F. M., Amraoui, M., & Pereira, M. G. (2023). The Drought Regime in Southern Africa: A Systematic Review. Climate, 11(7), 147. Salvador, C., Nieto, R., Vicente-Serrano, S. M., García-Herrera, R., Gimeno, L., & Vicedo-Cabrera, A. M. (2023). Public health implications of drought in a climate change context: A critical review. Annual review of public health, 44, 213–232.
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If one day you woke up and discovered you were on a deserted island, what would you do https://love-tester.io ? If it were me, I would take my phone and play the game test lover, this game is so fun.
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This is quite informing...the issue of climate change and possible hazards that are likely to come up is well explained.there's actually alot that we can learn from this.
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This article does an excellent job of explaining the various types of droughts. I've gained new insights from it! Thank you, Dr. Erlijn!
I'm excited to share that I've been nominated as a Voice of a New Era of Leaders as part of the #LeadershipRedefined movement by @femalefactor.global. This journey is about more than recognition—it's about changing the narrative of leadership to reflect empathy, innovation, and resilience. Better leadership creates a better world for us all!
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You deserve it ...congratulations.
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Congrats!
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congratulations
In my previous article “How Do Lionfish As Invasive Species Affect Their Surroundings and Us”, I explained the large impact of lionfish on the environment. Their impact is large, especially in areas that don’t belong to their natural habitat. In these areas, they are intruders, also called exotic species. As they are harming the environment, they are not only called exotic but also invasive. While animals can be invasive species that harm the environment, also plants can spread to new regions and harm their new environment. One of these plants is kudzu (Pueraria montana). Kudzu is a climbing vine that lives for several years. Their stems in early years are covered in bronze hairs; in later years, their stems become woody and grow very large, up to 30 cm (11.8 inches) thick. They grow upward, winding around a tree or other plants, and even walls or other man-made structures, all the way to the top. They also grow thick roots. The roots are used for medicines. While kudzu naturally grows in East Asia, it was introduced in North America in 1876 and used as an ornamental plant, for food and medicines, to stop soil erosion, and to produce materials such as clothes and fishing nets. By 2001, it had covered 3 million hectares (7.4 million acres) in Eastern USA and was spreading with about 50,000 hectares (about 124,000 acres) per year. To compare, this was about 5.6 million soccer fields, with an additional about 93,000 soccer fields a year, which is about 256 additional soccer fields a day! Because of its rapid growth, it is now one of the most harmful plant species in the USA and has also spread to other countries in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and South Asia where it is affecting natural ecosystems and agriculture. An ecosystem is a biological community consisting of organisms that interact with their physical environment. While kudzu is spreading, it harms ecosystems in many ways, including: - kudzu causes complete shading because the plant occupies forest canopies once they have reached the top of trees and because they form mats on the ground. This permanent shadow disturbs photosynthesis of other plants. Photosynthesis is the natural process of turning water, sunlight, and CO2 in nutrients and oxygen. This causes native species to die and reduces the number and diversity of species in the area - the plant functions as a fire ladder to the top of a tree, making it easier for wildfires to spread - soil below kudzu contains less carbon, which can affect the growth of native plant species, plants that naturally grow in the area - the composition of fungi below the ground changes, which can also negatively affect native plant species - kudzu emits a lot of isoprene. Isoprene is a molecule consisting of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms. It forms together with nitrogen oxide smog, meaning it affects air quality - kudzu is involved in transmitting several types of viruses that affect crops in farming Apart from harming the ecosystem, it is also harmful to agriculture, with high financial consequences: - timber production is affected, causing between 100 and 500 million USD per year in the USA - costs arise to control the plant’s spreading. For example, to remove the plant from electric cables and to allow other plants to thrive again. It costs about 500 USD per hectare (268 USD per acre) per year - kudzu is involved in transmitting several types of viruses that affect crops in farming. For example, the virus affecting soybeans caused a smaller yield, resulting in a loss of 240 million to 2 billion USD in the USA. In Brazil, the costs are between 500 million and 700 million USD per year due to yield loss and additional costs for chemicals. Kudzu can have these negative impacts because it can spread freely. These are reasons why kudzu can spread freely and do harm to its surroundings: Reproduction The first reason kudzu can thrive as an invasive species and harm its surroundings is because of the way it reproduces. One way kudzu reproduces is through its root system. It grows a large root system, with many nodes from the stems and roots. A node is the location where a root or stem branches. After 1 to 3 years, the rooted nodes detach from the mother plants, which means that a clone is created. This clone can continue to grow as an independent plant. Because of the large number of nodes, such as 61 per m2 (5.7 per sq feet), the density of clones in an area can be very high. Also, rooted nodes can be spread by hurricanes or humans. Another way kudzu reproduces is by producing seeds. Seeds spread usually within 6 m (19.7 feet) and up to 25 m (82 feet) from the mother plant and can even be carried further by streams or flood water. These seeds can lay dormant due to the seeds’ coats and only start to grow into a plant when this coat is damaged or by rising temperatures between spring and summer. As only a few seeds are produced and not all seeds can grow into a new plant, this means that producing clones from the roots is the most important way to reproduce. Adaptation The second reason kudzu can thrive as an invasive species and harm its surroundings is because of its adaptation. Adaption means that it can thrive under many different conditions. For example: - it can grow in many different environments, including the outer boundaries of forests, on agricultural fields, in mountains up to 1500 m (4921 feet), and on small islands - it can thrive on various types of soil, including sandy and clay soils - it accepts soil of different acidity levels, ranging from 3 to 8, which is rather acidic to slightly alkaline - it prefers nutrient-rich soil but can also grow in nutrient-poor soil as kudzu can obtain nitrogen from the air instead of soil - kudzu can also survive relatively dry periods as it stores water in its roots - it prefers hot summers (over 25 °C / 77 °F) and mild winters but also survives winters with extreme colds (down to -29 °C / -20.2 °F). This is because leaves die with cold temperatures which grow back in early spring and because snow protects under-ground stems from dying by functioning as insulation - it has genetic diversity even though the plant clones itself because the plant was introduced to the USA multiple times from different origins Allelopathy The third reason kudzu can thrive as an invasive species and harm its surroundings is because of allelopathy. Allelopathy means that kudzu spreads chemicals that prevent or limit other plants’ growth. These chemicals are released into the environment, including soil and air, by both living kudzu plants and their remainders. They suppress native plants’ growth by for example preventing germination, limiting root growth, suppressing healing, and affecting the beneficial relationship between native plants and fungi. As these chemicals are new to native species, they have not yet developed a mechanism to deal with them or increase their tolerance, making invasion of kudzu easier. Insecticidal and fungicidal activity The fourth reason kudzu can thrive as an invasive species and harm its surroundings is because of limited insecticidal and fungicidal activity. Insecticidal and fungicidal activity involves plant-eating insects and harmful microorganisms that limit the growth of kudzu. For example: - kudzu contains substances that cause the soybean looper moth to die sooner and their pupae to grow smaller when eating kudzu compared to soybean plants - kudzu contains chemicals that limit tobacco mosaic virus activity - some fungi that live in plants and benefit kudzu limit harmful fungi’s growth by secreting certain substances - as they don’t have natural enemies or only in small numbers in non-native areas, kudzu is not or hardly limited by insects and fungi Conclusion and how we can take action So, kudzu is a thriving invasive species in some parts of the world because it effectively reproduces through the roots, adapts well to various types of environments and circumstances, limits the growth of native plants, and is hardly limited by natural enemies. This not only harms ecosystems, for example by suffocating other plants but also agriculture by affecting crop growth. As kudzu has many harmful effects, it is important to limit its growth as much as possible. Here are practical ideas of what you and I can do to help control the spread of kudzu: - Removing any kudzu on your land as early as possible including the roots - Using kudzu root to obtain a nutritious starch - Using kudzu to feed livestock or let them graze it - Using vines as rope or to create objects such as chairs, baskets, and hammocks - Using kudzu leaves as food or as an ingredient for edible products Which one of these can you implement in your daily life? And do you have further ideas of what you and I could do? Thank you in advance for putting them into practice and sharing them in a comment to this question to inspire all of us. --- Did you enjoy this article? Then I’m sure you’ll love my book “A Guide to A Healthier Planet” as well. Have a peek inside the book at: https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/guide-to-a-healthier-planet --- About the author Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten is a an internationally recognized environmental sustainability expert. She is a science communicator, helping scientists in the fields of nature and sustainability increase the outreach of their results and allowing us all to put scientific insights into practice and contribute to a sustainable future. Erlijn has inspired thousands of people around the world — for example — by supporting the United Nations with her expertise, her book “A Guide to A Healthier Planet” published by Springer Nature, her YouTube channel Xplore Nature, and her posts on social media. Credit This article is based on: Kato-Noguchi, H. (2023). The impact and invasive mechanisms of Pueraria montana var. lobata, one of the world’s worst alien species. Plants, 12(17), 3066.
Let's explore the world together without traveling: Elk or moose, wildlife in Sweden Enjoy the beauty of Sweden on this virtual walk: click here.
In my book "A Guide to a Healthier Planet", I have explained why spending time in nature is beneficial for our health (Chapter 13): it reduces harm, restores capacities, and builds capacities by influencing biophysical processes. These beneficial effects happen even when we experience nature in urban areas, even though urban areas are known for a lot fewer plants and animals than rural areas. For example, plants improve mental and physical health by reducing anxiety, depression, blood pressure, etc. That is why caring well for these plants is very important for residents. Unfortunately, with climate change progressing, the health of many of these plants and animals is at risk. For example, in chapter 16 of the same book, I explain how urbanization impacts pollinator behavior in urban areas. But also plants are affected because climate change is causing various biotic and abiotic stresses. Biotic stress is caused by attacks of living organisms including pests, weeds, and harmful microorganisms. Abiotic stress is caused by harsh conditions and damage caused by non-living factors, such as rising temperatures and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, and increase or decrease in rainfall. Many plant species are struggling to adapt to these increasing number of stress factors, especially in urban environments. The higher number of stress factors hinders plant growth and survival. Also, as our climate is complex and dynamic, and environmental changes due to climate change impact both biotic and abiotic stress factors, plants have to deal with constantly changing circumstances. This is how climate change impacts plants in urban environments and us: Drought The first way climate change impacts urban plants is through droughts. A drought is an unusually long period of low rainfall that leads to water shortage. This water shortage has a large impact on soil, animals, and plants. It does not only lead to smaller yields and less food to eat, but it also affects urban vegetation. This is for example because: - the composition of plants that make up urban forests changes - plants' growth changes as their growth phases shorten - plants can turn less CO2 into energy - stomata function less well so that plants can use water less efficiently. Stomata are small pores in leaves that allow the exchange of gases - more oxidative stress damages the plants. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the amount of toxic molecules in cells and tissue, and the ability to detoxify these molecules Higher temperatures The second way climate change impacts urban plants is through higher temperatures. Higher temperatures are caused by increasing global temperatures, more frequent heatwaves, and heat islands. A heat island is an area that is a lot warmer than the surrounding area. This higher temperature is possible because infrastructure such as buildings and roads absorb and re-emit heat more than vegetation does. This affects vegetation for example because: - heat stress decreases plants' growth rates and changes metabolic regulation. Metabolic regulation involves regulating the chemical processes within cells - heat stress reduces chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for making plants look green and for photosynthesis, which involves turning CO2 from the atmosphere, water, and sunlight into oxygen and nutrients - heat stress causes more phenolic compounds to be produced, which are molecules that harm cells - heat stress can cause reactive oxygen species to be generated. Reactive oxygen species are highly reactive molecules causing oxidative stress - more frequent heatwaves limit plants' development more than the temperature during the heatwave Higher salt concentration The third way climate change impacts urban plants is through high salt concentrations. Salt concentrations increase in the soil when water evaporates and when urban coasts are flooded with seawater. This increased salinity impairs plants' growth and disrupts other processes in plants, for example: - higher salt concentrations disrupt osmotic functions. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from a solution with a high concentration to a solution with a lower concentration of water molecules. The two solutions are separated by a membrane that lets water molecules pass but prevents salt molecules from passing. This means that osmotic functions in plants involve regulating the balance between concentrations in cells, which is crucial for processes such as growth and taking up nutrients. - high salt concentrations can in some plants prevent salt ions from moving from the roots to the part above the ground. An ion is an atom or molecule with a positive or negative electric charge because it lost or gained one or more electrons. Plants need these ions to make osmosis possible, absorb water, and keep a healthy pressure from within cells so that the plants remain rigid. A lack of healthy pressure is also the reason why the leaves of our plants at home droop when we haven't watered them enough. Impact on us The impact of climate change on urban plants through droughts, higher temperatures, and higher salinity affects us as well. This is because urban plants are very important for our well-being, both physically and mentally. Plants in urban areas benefit us physically, for example, because urban plants: - remove air pollutants, which means they improve air quality in urban areas - create cool areas in hot cities - trigger us to spend more time on outdoor sports, which is good for our physical well-being - provide food in urban gardens and on green roofs Plants in urban areas benefit us mentally, for example, because urban plants: - inspire us to spend more time on outdoor sports, which is not only good for our physical well-being but also our mental health - make us feel calmer and more at ease as it is more pleasant to look at plants than at a blank wall - allow us to feel more relaxed and refreshed by allowing us to focus our attention away from everyday tasks and demands Conclusion and how we can take action As climate change affects plants through droughts, higher temperatures, and higher salinity, and this in turn affects us, it is important to protect urban vegetation. Here are practical ideas of what you and I can do to limit the impact of climate change on urban vegetation: - Selecting and growing more resilient and climate-resistant plants - Contributing to limiting climate change (further reading: Part I Climate change of "A Guide to a Healthier Planet") - Using biostimulants to increase the stress resistance of plants. Biostimulants stimulate natural processes in plants and help them use nutrients in their surroundings that can without this help not be used to make them more resistant to abiotic stress - Replacing a paved area with plants to limit the development of heat island and cool the area down - Using mulch instead of pavement stones to define a path in your garden - Making your roof a green roof - Growing plants on your balcony - Creating green walls to provide shadow and limit the heat uptake of buildings such as your house Which one of these can you implement in your daily life? And do you have further ideas of what you and I could do? Thank you in advance for putting them into practice and sharing them in a comment to this question to inspire all of us. --- Did you enjoy this article? Then I'm sure you'll love my book "A Guide to A Healthier Planet" as well. Check it out at: https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/guide-to-a-healthier-planet --- About the author Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten is a an internationally recognized environmental sustainability expert. She is a science communicator, helping scientists in the fields of nature and sustainability increase the outreach of their results and allowing us all to put scientific insights into practice and contribute to a sustainable future. Erlijn has inspired thousands of people around the world - for example - by supporting the United Nations with her expertise, her book "A Guide to A Healthier Planet" published by Springer Nature, her YouTube channel Xplore Nature, and her posts on social media. Website: https://www.sustainableDecisions.eu Credit This article is based on: Kisvarga, S., Horotán, K., Wani, M. A., & Orlóci, L. (2023). Plant Responses to Global Climate Change and Urbanization: Implications for Sustainable Urban Landscapes. Horticulturae, 9(9), 1051. Marselle, M. R. et al. (2021). Pathways linking biodiversity to human health: A conceptual framework. Environment International, 150, 106420. Image: Heat islands in red during a heat wave in India (credit: “ASA's ECOSTRESS Detects ‘Heat Islands' in Extreme Indian Heat Wave” by NASA/JPL-Caltech is licensed under CC0 1.0 public domain)
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Love the ideas for taking action ✊ Planting more trees, using biostimulants, even green roofs!
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This is very interesting, thanks for sharing! The impact of climate change on plants is largely talked about but always concerns crops and agriculture. But this sheds light on something else as well: how can we regreen cities to mitigate climate change when trees and plants die from it?
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Understanding the impact of climate change on urban plant life is crucial for our well-being.
Visit the calmness of the beautiful Wohkudu Beach in Indonesia after a gorgeous (guided) nature walk! No need to travel, no expenses, and you can set off straight away by clicking here.
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This is a beautiful natural site to visit.May you keep on conserving it for generations to come.
Today, an earthquake with severity over 7 on Richter's scale has hit Taiwan. Already several buildings collapsed and a tsunami warning is sent out. This means that Taiwan soon has to deal with the debris that this event is causing. In this article, I explain how important it is to deal with this debris cautiously and how to do so in an environmentally friendly way: https://app.wedonthavetime.org/posts/c5a05a3d-f33d-4dbe-b593-68a9e527f96b?utm_source=url-copy&utm_medium=wdht-web-app-share&utm_campaign=erlijng
How earthquake debris affects the environment and our health | We Don't Have Time
While currently many extreme events happen that are caused by climate change, such as floods and droughts, some extreme events happen naturally. For example, earthquakes are caused by suddenly moving tectonic earth plates. This sudden movement is possib
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I support this, this can also be a strategic. way of preventing loss of lives
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By handling debris responsibly, we can minimize health risks associated with exposure to hazardous materials and pollutants, as well as prevent further environmental degradation.
Even though this may not be obvious in your daily life, we're currently facing a mass extinction of animal and plant species. This is because issues caused by humans such as climate change, habitat loss, invasive species, diseases, and environmental pollution negatively affect many species. One of the animals facing extinction is monarch butterflies as I recently explained in my article "Protecting the Monarch: Strategies to Prevent Butterfly Extinction". While butterflies are insects, also other types of animals are at risk. For example, amphibians are facing a similar faith: a shocking 41% are at risk of extinction! Although amphibians are also affected by all mentioned environmental issues, the most important cause is infectious diseases. One of these diseases is chytridiomycosis, caused by chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis). This fungus causes damage by invading the surface of amphibians' skin. While it is unclear why this disease has become so common and why it kills amphibians, it is possible that environmental stress, for example caused by climate change or increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation, reduces amphibians' resistance to infection. This reduced resistance allows the fungus to disrupt normal functioning of the skin, resulting in an internal imbalance. As amphibians are facing so many environmental threats, conservation efforts in their natural environment may not be enough to save them from extinction. That is why also other efforts, away from their natural habitat, are needed. One of the possibilities is applying reproductive technologies. These technologies allow humans to increase the number of offspring, improve genetic diversity, and exchange genetic material between animals living in captivation and the wild. Genetic diversity can for example reduce when populations become isolated. The exchange of genetic material is even possible with previous generations! An effective way to exchange genetic material in amphibians is using sperm. Sperm from living animals can be used but recent advances in reproductive technology allow us to use sperm from non-living animals. This is possible because amphibian sperm can now be stored by keeping the sperm cool for short-term storage or freezing it for long-term storage. Short-term is usually up to about a week and occasionally up to a month; long-term is up to several decades or even longer. This is how this works: Obtaining amphibian sperm The first step to ensure a species' future conservation by storing amphibian sperm is obtaining sperm from living animals. Obtaining sperm can be done during surgery by taking out the male animal's testes, which is of cause very harmful - unless it is done immediately after an animal died naturally for other reasons. A more gentle way to obtain sperm is by applying hormone therapy, which causes sperm cells to develop and be released so that they can be captured - similar to when a fruit from a tree falls off when it is ripe so that it can be harvested. As the effects of hormone therapy are only temporary and it allows sperm to be obtained more often, this is the preferred method. To make hormone therapy successful, it is important to choose the optimal hormone type, dose, and frequency because males from different amphibian species react to hormones differently. Storing sperm The second step to ensure a species' future conservation by storing amphibian sperm is storing the sperm. Here, it is important that the conditions are right. This is important because whether fertilization is successful mostly depends on the number of healthy sperm cells and their speed. This means that storage conditions should ensure that these parameters are kept intact as much as possible. Short-term storage One example of a storage condition that influences whether sperm remains intact short-term is osmolality. Osmolality is the concentration of all dissolved particles in the sperm fluid. Before ejaculation, this concentration is the same as the concentration in the surrounding environment. This causes the sperm cells to stay where they are. After ejaculation, the difference in concentration between sperm and the surroundings suddenly increases. This causes chemical reactions in the sperm cells, which in turn causes sperm to move. But their movement also uses up their energy reserves quickly. This means that when storing sperm, it is helpful to keep high osmolality so that sperm remains inactive. Another example of a storage condition that influences whether sperm remains intact short-term is temperature. Usually, temperatures between 0 to 5 °C (32 to 41 °F) are optimal for short-term storage of amphibian sperm, although this differs between species and can be higher as well. Low temperatures reduce the energy use of sperm cells and reduce bacterial growth. Long-term storage One example of a storage condition that influences whether sperm remains intact long-term is the preservation medium. The preservation medium is the substance surrounding the sperm during storage. This medium needs to have several characteristics that protect the sperm from freezing cold. These characteristics include preventing ice formation within the sperm cells and preventing dehydration. Also, the medium needs to contain substances such as antioxidants and antibiotics. The presence and concentration of components differ per species, as they need to be optimized for the physiological characteristics of the sperm cells. Another example of a storage condition that influences whether sperm remains intact long-term is the freezing method. Freezing puts a lot of stress on sperm cells. Stress factors include ice that can form inside the cells, a sudden change in the medium's concentration, and toxicity. These stress factors can damage sperm cells and make them unable to fertilize an egg. To limit the damage as much as possible, optimal rates and conditions need to be determined. For example, whether a slow-cooling rate of -200 °C (360 °F) per minute or an ultra-rapid cooling rate of -1000 °C (1800 °F) per minute is better. With an ultra-rapid cooling rate, the formation of ice crystals is prevented by converting the sperm and medium to a glassy state immediately but this method results in a lot less usable sperm cells after thawing. Cooling can be done using programmable freezers, by holding sperm samples above the surface of liquid nitrogen, or a specially designed device for this purpose called dry shipper. Using sperm The third step to ensure a species' future conservation by storing amphibian sperm is using the sperm to produce offspring. Preferably offspring that can't be distinguished from natural offspring in terms of fitness, development, and survival, and without abnormalities. Artificial fertilization involves several steps: 1. An egg cell needs to be obtained from a female amphibian, by massaging the abdominal after providing hormones, by obtaining the egg from a mating female, or by obtaining it from the oviduct - the tube that leads away from the ovary - under anesthasia. 2. The egg cell is placed onto a Petri dish. 3. The reactivated thawed sperm and storage medium are poured onto fresh egg cells, into the Petri dish, for artificial fertilization. This artificial fertilization process is in some species equally effective compared to natural fertilization when looking at hatching success and larval survival while in other species, it is less effective. Also, amphibians' body weight at metamorphosis and other characteristics such as length can be the same or differ, depending on the species. Metamorphosis involves in amphibians the changes that are needed for life on land as opposed to life in water. Their weight at this stage is important, as it impacts for example fertility and their ability to find food. And important for the conservation of species: whenever offspring from stored sperm reaches sexual maturity, they can produce a new generation. Conclusion and how we can take action So, sperm storage can be used to conserve threatened amphibian species by storing amphibian sperm, either short-term or long-term. This sperm can then be used to artificially fertilize an egg, which can produce healthy offspring. This healthy offspring can in turn grow the species' population by natural fertilization processes. Here are practical ideas of what you and I can do to save amphibians: - Refraining from chemical fertilizers and pesticides to prevent water pollution - Properly disposing of waste to prevent pollution - Protecting natural habitats in which amphibians can thrive - Preventing fragmentation of habitats when building infrastructure - Building ecoducts (animal bridges) so that amphibians can safely cross busy roads - Supporting organizations that specialize in protecting amphibians --- Did you enjoy this article? Then I'm sure you'll love my book "A Guide to A Healthier Planet" as well. Have a peek inside and find out more at: https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/guide-to-a-healthier-planet --- About the author Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten is a an internationally recognized environmental sustainability expert. She is a science communicator, helping scientists in the fields of nature and sustainability increase the outreach of their results and allowing us all to put scientific insights into practice and contribute to a sustainable future. Erlijn has inspired thousands of people around the world - for example - by supporting the United Nations with her expertise, her book "A Guide to A Healthier Planet" published by Springer Nature, her YouTube channel Xplore Nature, and her posts on social media. Credit This article is based on: Anastas, Z. M., Byrne, P. G., O'Brien, J. K., Hobbs, R. J., Upton, R., & Silla, A. J. (2023). The Increasing Role of Short-Term Sperm Storage and Cryopreservation in Conserving Threatened Amphibian Species. Animals, 13(13), 2094. Image: "Bull Semen Motility" by Ghadeer Bustani is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Recent armed conflicts around the world not only affect humans, they also impact the natural environment, sometimes making an area unlivable. This is for many reasons critical, including that this can trigger further armed conflicts. In this article, I explain the vicious cycle between armed conflicts and environmental destruction in more detail: https://www.erlijn.nl/link/scicomm.php?l=79f933814f (German version of the article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/der-teufelskreis-zwischen-krieg-und-umweltprobleme-van-genuchten-95owe
The Vicious Cycle Between War and Environmental Issues | We Don't Have Time
While writing this article, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been going on for almost two years. It shocked the globe in 2022 and still does as the devastation continues. The devastating effects are massive and far-reaching, affecting all thre
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Of key current concern is that we are using earthen materials more quickly than they can be replenished. This is why Earth Overshoot Day is now observed every year! Earth Overshoot Day is the date on which we have used all earthly resources available for that year. In 2022, it already fell on 28 July, which means we were close to using twice as much earthen materials as were available. Currently, the sector that uses the most earthen resources is the construction sector. This sector uses, for example, much stone, gravel, and sand. Construction sand is usually taken from beaches, quarries, and riverbeds. It is estimated that between 32 and 50 billion tonnes of sand and gravel are used globally every year! This is between 5,500 and 8,700 Great Pyramids of Giza! And what makes it worse: the use is expected to increase by 5% per year. As sand is a limited natural resource, it is unsustainable to continue using it at the current rate. That is why it is important to develop more sustainable approaches in construction. The following video nicely elaborates on this point (4:47–7:12): https://youtu.be/bVaf5kyO6Ts One approach is using self-healing concrete. Another way is using waste materials in place of natural sources, such as crushed waste glass. This helps solve two pressing challenges at the same time: sand depletion and reducing the ever-increasing amount of waste glass ending up in landfills. Using waste materials also helps the transition into a circular economy. A circular economy is an economy in which products are used as long as possible by sharing, reusing, repairing, and refurbishing them, and at the end of their life use their materials for new products. Transitioning to this economy is essential to ensure that we also have enough earthen resources available for the expected world population of nearly 10 billion by 2050. This is why crushed waste glass is a great, sustainable alternative to sand: Characteristics The first reason why crushed waste glass can be a great, sustainable alternative to natural sand is because of the similar engineering characteristics. For example, the chemical composition of both sand and crushed waste glass is similar as both largely consist of silica. This is because glass is produced by melting sand. Likewise, the densities achieved by traditional sand and crushed waste glass particles are similar. Density means how tightly particles can be packed together. While sand and crushed waste glass have certain characteristics in common, they also differ. For example, beach sand particles are typically more rounded than crushed waste glass particles. Their more angular shape makes these particles interlock more easily, which increases strength. Also, waste glass can be crushed to varying particle sizes. This is important because engineering characteristics of building materials differ with different particle sizes. Performance The second reason why crushed waste glass can be a great, sustainable alternative to natural sand is because of its similar or improved engineering performance. Depending on various parameters, the engineering behavior of crushed waste glass can be similar, or sometimes even superior, to that of natural sand. For example, the strength of both materials is similar when the particles are dry. But interestingly, the strength of crushed waste glass is higher when the particles are submerged in water. This may be because the water and glass particles attract each other. Also, crushed waste glass performs better than natural sand with respect to abrasion and permeability. This means that glass particles wear away less quickly and allow water to pass through pores more easily. The higher permeability may be because of the non-porous and smooth surfaces of the glass particles, facilitating the flow of water. Example application Because of the similar or improved engineering characteristics and performance of crushed waste glass, it can be used in a wide range of applications. One of these applications is in granular columns to strengthen weak soils such as clay. Granular columns are vertical boreholes created in the ground and filled with compacted granular materials (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone) that are stiffer than the original soil. These columns make the weak soil relatively stronger and denser. They also help drain water from the soil. This increases strength, the downward vertical movement (settlement), and helps reduce damage caused by earthquakes. Together, this supports the stability of the overlying infrastructure. This is also clearly explained and shown in an animation in this video (5:21–5:54): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbdbK5Du7wk&t=10s Typically, sand and stone are used as granular materials to fill these columns. But crushed waste glass could also be used and may be even better suited because glass particles are stiffer than sand particles. One issue with granular columns is that they are likely to bulge when they carry a heavy load. Bulging means that the diameter of the column widens. This could weaken the column and make water drainage less effective. Also, it may cause the surrounding soil to enter the granular column and reduce its stability. This problem can, for example, be resolved by encasing the granular column in a special geotextile that helps keep the particles in place and the column intact. Conclusion and how we can take action So, crushed waste glass can be a great alternative to natural sand in many construction applications because its relevant engineering characteristics and performance are similar, or sometimes superior, to that of traditional sands. It can, for example, be used in granular columns to strengthen weak soils and make these soils suitable for construction. Here are practical ideas about what you and I can do to support glass waste being used in construction: - Depositing glass waste to designated bins, - Discussing with construction companies, consultants and regulators the potential use of crushed waste glass as an alternative to natural sand in construction, - Using crushed waste glass instead of natural sand for different building applications, such as tiles and bricks, - Becoming a responsible consumer in general by changing mindsets, and - Supporting activities and research promoting the transition to a circular economy --- Did you enjoy this article? Then I’m sure you’ll love my book “A Guide to A Healthier Planet” as well. Have a peek inside the book at: https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/guide-to-a-healthier-planet About the author Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten is a an internationally recognized environmental sustainability expert. She is a science communicator, helping scientists in the fields of nature and sustainability increase the outreach of their results and allowing us all to put scientific insights into practice and contribute to a sustainable future. Erlijn has inspired thousands of people around the world — for example — by supporting the United Nations with her expertise, her book “A Guide to A Healthier Planet” published by Springer Nature, her YouTube channel Xplore Nature, and her posts on social media. --- Additional material In this video, the scientists who performed this research provide a clear overview of the importance of research like this and why desert sand is unsuitable for construction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGVoJ1QYWUA In this picture and video, you can see how the experiments were conducted (3:16–3:42): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtaPirmPMdU In this video, the sand and glass particle characteristics in granular columns are explained in more detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUNv7SY-vfM --- Credit This article is based on: Kazmi, D., Serati, M., Williams, D. J., Qasim, S., & Cheng, Y. P. (2021). The potential use of crushed waste glass as a sustainable alternative to natural and manufactured sand in geotechnical applications. Journal of Cleaner Production, 284, 124762. Kazmi, D., Serati, M., Williams, D. J., Olaya, S. Q., Qasim, S., Cheng, Y. P., & Carraro, J. A. H. (2022). Kaolin clay reinforced with a granular column containing crushed waste glass or traditional construction sands. International Journal of Geomechanics, 22(4), 04022030. Kazmi, D., et al. (2024). Shear Strength and Consolidation Behaviour of Kaolin Clay Reinforced with a Granular Column Backfilled with Crushed Waste Glass. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 1-18. Connect with the scientists through LinkedIn or UQ Researchers Page.
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Excellent article Erlijn! Your science communication skills are epic!
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This is a commendable practice that helps reduce environmental impact. By recycling glass into construction materials, we can decrease the demand for natural resources like sand while diverting waste from landfills, promoting a more circular economy.
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We want to reduce massive plastic pollution, this is a good project for the earth sustainability
Let's explore the world together without traveling: Mapu a Vaea blowholes in Tonga
Have you ever thought to yourself "Someone should do something about this." If yes, why not you? You are someone!
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Well it crosses my mind all the time 100%
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indeed am someone, and we are the people for such calls, are you one of them out there?
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@patrick_kiash yes, me too, I’ve even decided to employ myself in 2020 (instead of being an employee) to be able to do more about it. “It” in my case unsustainable practices, both in my own daily life and others practices 👍🏻
While currently many extreme events happen that are caused by climate change, such as floods and droughts, some extreme events happen naturally. For example, earthquakes are caused by suddenly moving tectonic earth plates. This sudden movement is possible when two tectonic plates hardly move for a while because of friction, but the moving force has become so large that the friction is not enough to hold the plates in place. As our continents are moving constantly and will always do, these events will continue to exist. In this time lapse video, you can see how plates have moved to where they are today and where they are expected to go in the future: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLahVJNnoZ4 These sudden movements can have different levels of magnitude, as measured on the Richter scale. This means that some earthquakes are very mild and don't have a significant impact, while other earthquakes are more severe and cause a lot of damage: - < 2.5 on the Richter scale: earthquakes that are usually not felt. They occur millions of times each year. - 2.5–5.4: earthquakes that are usually felt but only cause minor damage. They occur about half a million times each year. - 5.5–6.0: earthquakes that cause slight damage to buildings and other structures. They occur about 350 times each year. - 6.1–6.9: earthquakes that cause a lot of damage, especially in highly populated areas. They occur about 100 times each year. - 7.0–7.9: earthquakes that cause major damage. They occur about 10–15 times each year. - > 8.0: earthquakes that completely destroy the area near the earthquake's center. They occur once every one or two years. This means that each year, over 100 earthquakes cause serious damage. When these earthquakes affect populated areas, they result in a lot of earthquake debris. Earthquake debris is the leftovers from collapsed buildings and the remains of buildings that have become unstable because of an earthquake or after-shocks. Categories of earthquake debris are: - household debris such as tables, mirrors, clothes, etc. - household devices such as dishwashers, ovens, freezers, etc. - electronic debris such as TVs computers, telephones etc. - vehicles such as cars, trucks, boats, etc. - hazardous debris such as batteries, oil, cleaning chemicals, etc. - debris from buildings such as bricks, concrete, metal, etc. - vegetative debris such as trees, bushes, etc. - rotting materials such as fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, etc. - dead animals such as livestock and pets - earth materials such as soil, rocks, tsunami sludge, etc. The amount of earthquake debris depends on earthquake characteristics such as magnitude, but also construction characteristics. This means that an earthquake of the same magnitude in an area with poorly constructed buildings will cause more debris than in an area with buildings that are built according to earthquake regulations. In the worst-case scenario, the earthquake is strong and buildings collapse easily. This happened for example on February 6th, 2023 when Turkey was affected by an earthquake of magnitude 7.8. Here, tens of thousands of buildings collapsed completely or partly because building regulations to prevent earthquake damage were ignored. This caused millions of tons of earthquake debris. Dealing with this debris is an important step in recovering from such an event, initially in critical areas and infrastructure such as hospitals and roads, and soon after also in the remaining affected areas. When dealing with debris sustainably, this does not only involve removing debris, but also sorting, separating, and recycling materials. This can be challenging because it involves threats but is very important as it affects both public health and the environment, including soil, surface and groundwater, and air. Here are examples of how earthquake debris affects the environment and our health: Dust The first example cause of environmental and health damage from earthquake debris is dust. Dust can come from different sources and, as a result, has different consequences. One source of dust is the collapse or demolition of buildings during or after an earthquake, or the transport of debris to disposal sites. The most dangerous type of dust is asbestos. While asbestos has many favorable properties for buildings and other infrastructure such as sewage pipes, including being strong and resistant to heat, it is a dangerous material. This is because its dust contaminates air, water, and soil so that we accidentally inhale or eat asbestos particles. As asbestos fibers are extremely thin - 1200 times thinner than a hair - they can hardly be removed by our bodies and can therefore cause continuous harm. For example, in our lungs, the particles can cause immediate damage through inflammations and long-term damage through diseases such as lung cancer. In this video, you can see the huge dust clouds from collapsing buildings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buLMbZhp5rI Another source of dust is landslides. This dust can for example contain airborne spores of fungi that cause breathing diseases when inhaled. One of these fungi is Coccidioides immitis which causes coccidioidomycosis, or valley fever. Valley fever can cause various symptoms, including tiredness, a cough, fever, shortness of breath, and headaches. While many people don't have symptoms and may recover by themselves, some need medication to recover. A third source of dust is tsunami sludge. Tsunami sludge is a muddy mix of water, debris, and sediment that is swept over the land by a tsunami wave. A tsunami wave is caused by an underwater earthquake. This sludge can contain chemical substances, heavy metals, oils, and harmful microorganisms. After these substances have contaminated the environment, they can affect our health. For example, it can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which involves blocked airflow and breathing problems such as shortness of breath. This can severely impact our lives and even lead to having to go to the hospital. Heavy metals and chemicals The second example cause of environmental and health damage from earthquake debris is heavy metals such as cadmium, chlorine, zinc, and nickel, and chemicals. Heavy metals and chemicals can contaminate both surface and groundwater when they leak into water bodies such as streams, lakes, rivers, and seas. This can have a long-term negative effect on aquatic ecosystems because of reduced water quality. Also, heavy metals and chemicals in contaminated water can be harmful to us when used as, for example, irrigation or drinking water. When heavy metals enter our bodies, they can affect natural processes and cause long-term damage. For example, it can cause Parkinson's disease (further reading: "How heavy metal can cause Parkinson disease", chapter 10 of "A Guide to a Healthier Planet") Putrescibles The third example cause of environmental and health damage from earthquake debris is putrescibles. Putrescibles are things that can decay or rot when they're not taken care of properly, such as food and other organic materials. These organic materials can start to go off when the power goes down after the electricity network has been damaged by an earthquake. As it starts to go off, bacteria and mold have a chance to grow, which can make catching a disease through food more likely. This can for example result in diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and breathing issues. Also, when putrescibles enter the environment, they can attract animals that potentially carry pests, such as rats. This can not only affect our health but also the health of other organisms. Disrupted sanitation The fourth example cause of environmental and health damage from earthquake debris is disrupted sanitation. Disrupted sanitation can provide breeding grounds for arthropods such as mosquitoes, flies, and mites and attract rodents such as rats. These animals can spread infectious diseases. For example, flies can spread coli (Escherichia coli) and several types of salmonella bacteria (Salmonella spp), mosquitoes can spread several types of fever and malaria, and rodents can spread Leptospira bacteria, which can cause leptospirosis. This bacteria affects animals and humans, causing a wide range of symptoms in humans, including fever, headaches, yellow skin, and red eyes. Also, disrupted sanitation can cause materials to become contaminated with feces. When sewage water with feces contaminates surrounding water bodies, waterborne diseases such as cholera and hepatitis A can spread. These diseases can harm earthquake recovery workers and residents who come into contact with this water. Also, it can for example affect organisms in aquatic environments by introducing diseases, reducing water quality, and changing the number of nutrients. Too many nutrients can cause eutrophication. Eutrophication means excessive nutrients cause dense plant life, which can cause aquatic animals to suffocate. Conclusion and how we can take action So, earthquake debris affects the environment and our health because it causes dust, heavy metals and chemicals, and putrescibles to end up in our surroundings. Also, it can disrupt sanitation and cause wounds, making it more likely for diseases to affect us. Moreover, the debris itself and dealing with the debris can disturb natural ecosystems and disturb our mental health. Here are practical ideas of what you and I can do to limit the negative impact of earthquake debris on the environment and our health: - Preventing asbestos from breaking - Disposing of asbestos separately from other debris - Bringing asbestos to a disposal site that can deal with this type of debris properly - Wearing protective clothes when dealing with earthquake debris - Wearing a protective mask to prevent breathing in earthquake dust - Disposing of earthquake debris properly - Following earthquake regulations when building a new house - Collaborating with others to set up a debris management plan and put it into practice Which one of these can you implement in your daily life? And do you have further ideas of what you and I could do? Thank you in advance for putting them into practice and sharing them in a comment to this question to inspire all of us. Did you enjoy this article? Then I'm sure you'll love my book "A Guide to A Healthier Planet" as well. Check it out at: https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/guide-to-a-healthier-planet --- About the author Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten is a an internationally recognized environmental sustainability expert. She is a science communicator, helping scientists in the fields of nature and sustainability increase the outreach of their results and allowing us all to put scientific insights into practice and contribute to a sustainable future. Erlijn has inspired thousands of people around the world - for example - by supporting the United Nations with her expertise, her book "A Guide to A Healthier Planet" published by Springer Nature, her YouTube channel Xplore Nature, and her posts on social media. Links are included in the comments. Credit This article is based on: Mavroulis, S., Mavrouli, M., Lekkas, E., & Tsakris, A. (2023). Managing Earthquake Debris: Environmental Issues, Health Impacts, and Risk Reduction Measures. Environments, 10(11), 192.
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It's essential to distinguish between natural events like earthquakes and those exacerbated by human-induced climate change, like floods and droughts.
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Earthquakes could be very catastrophic..measures to deal with them should be put into place so as to save lives.
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I think only a few countries are well prepared to deal with earthquakes and their aftermaths. Bigger problem is, the countries who have the means to deal with such tectonic plate movements rarely experience them and the people who are in no position to deal with them suffer the most from them. Take for example Haiti, a country plagued by infighting and poverty and then they have to deal with earthquakes. They do not have the right materials to handle them, or the required shelters. I think the United Nations can do better in terms of helping such countries be better prepared by establishing standards and assisting in their implementation.
💫 In 2022, I decided to dedicate myself to making scientific research in the fields of nature and sustainability available to all of us, as this helps us to take action toward a healthier planet. And I’m super happy that Louis Yuen has a similar passion! Instead of writing articles for adults, he draws wonderful and impactful comics for children, which also address important environmental issues based on science. 💥 Two weeks ago, I decided to buy one of his comics as I’m impressed by his work and to support him. I very much enjoyed reading the comic because it is very interesting – even I learned something new – and because it is made with so much love and attention to detail! I smiled broadly many times even though the addressed issues are critical. And I can tell that he put a lot of effort in creating this comic book, not only because of the beautiful drawings and games, but also because he is working closely together with the scientists who did the scientific research. 💡 Also, we had a wonderful conversation last week, exchanging thoughts about how we can make an even bigger positive difference. One of the ideas was sharing these comics and the related educational programs with more schools, so that children can learn about these issues in a playful way. 💠 So, I would like to ask you for help: if you are in touch with a school – for example, your children’s school, the school next door, or the school you work at – are you willing to show one or more of his comics to them? This would be extremely helpful, as having knowledge about these issues from a young age allows children to make a positive difference for the rest of their lives. Also, when his work is being used, he will be able to create more comics! 📖 He has published so far 3 comics on Amazon, which you can find here (affiliate links): Volume 1: https://amzn.to/43lVpNR Volume 2: https://amzn.to/3Tb0rYO Volume 3: https://amzn.to/3uYJ6uh 💬 And feel also free to connect with Louis directly when you have questions, want to collaborate, or want to know more about his program: https://app.wedonthavetime.org/profile/louis_yuen Thank you in advance for your support as together we can achieve more!
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Keep up the great work in promoting accessibility to scientific research and sustainability efforts!
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Visual storytelling, like Yuen's illustrations, can be a powerful tool in engaging people of all ages in environmental advocacy and action.
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Dr. Erlijn, Thank you for your support! We hope future generations can tackle climate change instead of fearing it. Today's youth have many ways to gear up for an eco-friendly future. Making daily climate actions part of our lifestyle is essential for sustainability. The Noella eBook series and its program provide children with essential guidance on their vital part in tackling climate change. Addressing the intricate challenges of climate change might be beyond our current generation, but could be within the reach of future ones.
An important part of my contribution to a healthier planet is journaling. This means I write in a notebook every day, to capture what I've been doing, my goals and dreams, how I'm feeling, what I'm grateful for, what I learned etc. This helps me a lot to keep going! But as the notebooks I have found in the shop don't meet my requirements, including having a lovely nature-related cover and the number of pages, I created my own notebook. I absolutely love it! Click here to get one of these notebooks too, with the picture you can see below on the cover (affiliate link): https://www.erlijn.nl/link/prod.php?l=notebook Happy writing!
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Creating your own notebook with a nature-themed cover that meets your specific needs and preferences is a fantastic idea.
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Here is the link to the notebook (affiliate link): https://www.erlijn.nl/link/prod.php?l=notebook
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@erlijng Danke schön
When we think about biodiversity, we normally think about preserving species. This is because many species are currently going extinct. But to preserve biodiversity, it is sometimes also important to get rid of certain species in some areas. I already explained why sea urchins are killed in kelp forests in "How Kelp Restoration Projects Impact Biodiversity". Also, species that are invasive in certain areas can be important to remove. This is because invasive means that they don't naturally occur in this area and are harming the environment and native species. An example is the lionfish, which is invading the Caribbean Sea. The lionfish, a native of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and the Persian Gulf, was first seen in the western Atlantic Ocean in 1985, off the coast of Florida. In the next few years, it was seen occasionally off the east coast of North America, then began being seen off the Atlantic islands like Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Turks in the early 2000s. By 2008, they had spread throughout the Caribbean Islands, including Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, and to Central America. Lionfish were able to extend their territory because of several factors. These factors include: - Lionfish can travel long distances and even cross barriers that stop other fish species, such as large sandy areas. - Most species don't recognize lionfish as a predator but it can eat a wide range of other marine animals. The large diameter of its mouth and the ability to expand its stomach up to 32 times the normal size even allow lionfish to consume larger fish. And without food, it can survive up to 10 weeks. - Lionfish grow rapidly, are with 45 cm (17.7 inches) rather large, and live with up to 10 years rather long. - Lionfish mature early and can produce a lot of offspring because they breed all year around and can produce between 1,800 and 42,000 eggs per laying. Having spread rapidly throughout the Caribbean, the lionfish became a threat to the Caribbean marine environment. This is how they affect their surroundings: Impact through competition The first way that lionfish affect their surroundings is by competing for available resources. Available resources are for example food and shelter. This is because lionfish have started to live in the same habitat and consume the same prey as native species. As a consequence, fewer resources are available for the animal species that already lived there before the lionfish occupation. Competition for available food is a concern because it can affect the behavior and growth of native species and can even impact their survival and population size. Also, the prey population is affected as lionfish grow faster, consume more prey, and consume prey faster than native species. Competition for shelter and space is a concern because it requires native species to be active more and have less time to rest. As a consequence, the native species' growth can be affected and they are more likely to be hunted. In some cases, lionfish can share shelter with other fish. These changes in available food and shelter also change how the ecosystem functions. For example, lionfish's presence on coral reefs can limit the amount of time parrotfish graze on algae that form on coral. When algae build up on coral reefs, they affect the reef's health. Also, these changes affect the food webs and as a result the entire ecosystem. Impact by predation The second way that lionfish affect their surroundings is by predation. This is possible because lionfish eat other marine animals. They are not picky and instead eat whatever other marine inhabitants are available, including large herbivores and crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs. Smaller lionfish prefer crustaceans, while larger lionfish prefer fish, especially young fish as they are easy to catch. They hunt marine animals by cornering their prey against a rock or other obstruction. They can also expel fast water jets to disorient the prey and create a current to move the prey toward their large mouth. When the prey gets close, they usually grab it by the head and swallow it in one piece. This aggressive hunting style can have large effects on populations of native marine inhabitants. In this video, you can see a lionfish hunting (1:42 min): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqGhsMhZtF0#t=1m42s Also, lionfish eat so much that they can hunt native species to extinction locally. This is possible because they consume prey faster than their populations can recover. This is critical because removing some marine animals from the food chains can change the whole ecosystem. For example, parrotfish and surgeonfish not only have a limited amount of time to graze on coral reefs but when they are almost or completely gone, this allows algae to grow and affect the coral reef's health even more. Impact on human activities The third way that lionfish affect their surroundings is through their impact on human activities. For example, lionfish affect fishing activities in the Caribbean because they eat snapper and grouper, reducing the adult population and the types of fish available for commercial fishing. As this in turn affects the livelihood around the local fishing industry, lionfish populations are now being managed. To manage their populations, they are captured as finding a natural biological control involving a natural enemy has been unsuccessful so far. They are captured during scientific expeditions, guided dives, and periodic fishing programs. These activities have been successful in reducing the average size of lionfish and their numbers. For example, one specialized form of fishing, international fishing tournaments, have attracted sports fishermen and divers from all over the world, which not only decreases the lionfish population but also increases international awareness of the invasion. Cuba, for example, has sponsored 5 tournaments, in which 103 fishermen have caught 660 lionfish. Conclusion and how we can take action So, invasive species such as lionfish affect their surroundings by competing for food and shelter with native species and by eating native species. As this in turn affects human fishery, they are now being captured to control their numbers. Here are practical ideas of what you and I can do to reduce the lionfish population: - Trying lionfish for dinner as it is not only delicious white meat but also helps reduce the population - Attending a lionfish tournament - Supporting fishing cooperatives that assist in the management of invasive species - Telling friends and neighbors about the harms of invasive species and encourage them to never release a non-native species into the wild Did you enjoy this article? Then I'm sure you'll love my book "A Guide to A Healthier Planet" as well. Check it out at: https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/guide-to-a-healthier-planet About the author Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten is a an internationally recognized environmental sustainability expert. She is a science communicator, helping scientists in the fields of nature and sustainability increase the outreach of their results and allowing us all to put scientific insights into practice and contribute to a sustainable future. Erlijn has inspired thousands of people around the world — for example — by supporting the United Nations with her expertise, her book “A Guide to A Healthier Planet” published by Springer Nature, her YouTube channel Xplore Nature, and her posts on social media. - More about her book “A Guide to a Healthier Planet” - Invite Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten as speaker - Xplore Nature YouTube channel - Toward (a green) peace of mind community - resolving eco-anxiety - Science communication support - Website Credit This article is based on: Del Río, L., Navarro-Martínez, Z. M., Cobián-Rojas, D., Chevalier-Monteagudo, P. P., Angulo-Valdes, J. A., & Rodriguez-Viera, L. (2023). Biology and ecology of the lionfish Pterois volitans/Pterois miles as invasive alien species: a review. PeerJ, 11, e15728. Image: The development of the lionfish population in the last 30 years (credit: "Lionfish Animation Map" by U.S. Geological Survey is licensed under CC0 1.0 (public domain)
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Taking action, such as participating in lionfish tournaments or supporting fishing cooperatives, can help mitigate their impact.
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Thanks for sharing this Erlijn! The impact of invasive species on biodiversity is not discussed enough
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Fascinating read. Time to spread awareness & take action to protect our precious marine ecosystems.
Let's explore the world together without traveling: Lencois Maranhenses National Park, Brazil Go on wonderful guided tours through nature around the world on YouTube @xplore-nature
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The vast landscapes offer a sense of serenity and isolation, a place where one can truly connect with nature.
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We have experienced the beauty of travelling to Lencois with zero carbon footprint. Exploring the Universe without increasing carbon footprint is the best form of leisure spending.
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Exploring and travelling without increasing our carbon footprint is one of the best ideas we've come up with. Now I and the rest of us have travelled to Lencois and have experienced the beauty without actually being there.
🌱 Exciting News! Introducing "Toward (a Green) Peace of Mind" 🌍 Are you feeling overwhelmed by the many current environmental issues and resulting eco-anxiety? Do you want to take meaningful action for the planet but don't know where to start? Look no further! Our new membership site is here to support you on your journey toward environmental resilience and empowerment. 🌿 Join our community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about protecting the planet and overcoming eco-anxiety together. With expert guidance, actionable tips, and a supportive network, we'll help you transform fear into action and uncertainty into empowerment. 🌿 Gain access to exclusive resources designed to provide practical solutions for reducing your anxiety and contributing to a healthier planet. Plus, connect with others who share your concerns and aspirations in a safe and supportive environment. 🌿 It's time to turn your eco-anxiety into a force for positive change. Join us at "Toward (a Green) Peace of Mind" and embark on a journey toward a greener, more peaceful world. Together, we can make a difference! Ready to take the first step? Click the link below to learn more and join our community today! https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/toward-a-green-peace-of-mind
Toward a green peace of mind
Membership site dedicated to providing you with the tools, resources, and community you need to overcome eco-anxiety.
https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/toward-a-green-peace-of-mind
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Let's work together to create a healthier planet and find peace of mind in the process.
I'm excited to announce that my book "A Guide to a Healthier Planet" will be translated to German! I'm super happy as this means that even more readers have access to the important scientific insights and actionable steps related to climate change, pollution, and biodiversity contained in the book and can put them into practice toward a more sustainable future! I will keep you posted once it is available. Click here to find out more about the English version of the book and have a peek inside: https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/guide-to-a-healthier-planet
A Guide to a Healthier Planet
This book focuses on closing the gap between scientific insights on pressing environmental issues that do not often reach the general public.
https://www.sustainabledecisions.eu/guide-to-a-healthier-planet
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Congratulations on reaching more readers and inspiring further action towards a healthier and more sustainable world!
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Congratulations Erlijn on this achievement. Am happy that your piece will reach more and more audience. May it be translated to multiple languages accepted across the world going forward
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The native Deutsch speakers will be privileged to get to experience this book in a language they can perceive well. This is a good move linguistically
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Your book "A Guide to a Healthier Planet" sounds like a perfect fit for Green Libraries Month, and I'm sure it will spark some insightful discussions.