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Soul of a Lion: One Woman's Quest to Rescue Africa's Wildlife Refugees

It chronicles the unique Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia, where Marieta van der Merwe and her family, former wealthy cattle farmers, have sold land to buy and care for embattled wildlife.

Critical Transitions in Nature and Society (Princeton Studies in Complexity)

How do we explain the remarkably abrupt changes that sometimes occur in nature and society--and can we predict why and when they happen? This book offers a comprehensive introduction to critical transitions in complex systems--the radical changes that happen at tipping points when thresholds are passed. Marten Scheffer accessibly describes the dynamical systems theory behind critical transitions, covering catastrophe theory, bifurcations, chaos, and more. He gives examples of critical transitions in lakes, oceans, terrestrial ecosystems, climate, evolution, and human societies. And he demonstrates how to deal with these transitions, offering practical guidance on how to predict tipping points, how to prevent "bad" transitions, and how to promote critical transitions that work for us and not against us. Scheffer shows the time is ripe for understanding and managing critical transitions in the vast and complex systems in which we live. This book can also serve as a textbook and includes a detailed appendix with equations.

Deep Waters: Courage, Character and the Lake Timiskaming Canoeing Tragedy

There are few writers who can take the facts of an actual event and transform them into a compelling story that captures the mind and the heart. James Raffan is that rare author, proving with Deep Waters that he is a masterful storyteller who has not only penned a story that is by turns harrowing and poignant, but is also a powerful investigative work that sensitively explores the nature of courage, risk and loss. On the morning of June 11, 1978, 27 boys and four leaders from St. John’s School in Ontario set out on a canoeing expedition on Lake Timiskaming. By the end of the day, 12 boys and one leader were dead, with all four canoes overturned and floating aimlessly in the wind. This tragedy, which was first deemed to be an “accident,” was actually, as James Raffan explains, a shocking tale of a school’s survival philosophy gone terribly wrong, unsafe canoes and equipment, and a total lack of emergency preparedness training. Deep Waters is a remarkable story of endurance, courage and unspeakable pain, a book that also explores the nature of risk-taking and the resilience of the human spirit.

Plants Can't Sit Still

Do plants really move? Absolutely! You might be surprised by all ways plants can move. Plants might not pick up their roots and walk away, but they definitely don't sit still! Discover the many ways plants (and their seeds) move. Whether it's a sunflower, a Venus flytrap, or an exotic plant like an exploding cucumber, this fascinating picture book shows just how excitingly active plants really are.

One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia

Plastic bags are cheap and easy to use. But what happens when a bag breaks or is no longer needed? In Njau, Gambia, people simply dropped the bags and went on their way. One plastic bag became two. Then ten. Then a hundred.

Hemingway's Barrel

Ancient Greek sailors used to say that "what land divides, the sea unites." This small collection of compelling fishermen's tails and stories will guide you through the waves and shores of various destinations around our globe to fill you with the emotions of those who have sailed across the oceans in search of unknown adventures. A feeling of love, hate, fear, belonging and abandonment will accompany you through the pages of these six extracts to make you reflect on the various values that forge our human nature. Whether vagabonds of the sea with no specific destination or goal in mind, or sedentary figures of the mainland areas, we all ultimately must inevitably face the course of our own destiny and the consequences of our decisions. So get ready to set sail around the world and to enjoy the calmness of the rustling wind, the saltiness of the whitest shores and the termoil of the most unexpected events.

Harbor Lights

A lobster fisherman in Maine attempts to reconcile his rocky past in this “unforgettable novel” by the author of The Car Thief (Kirkus Reviews). Lobster fisherman Warren Hudon has made a life of almost absolute isolation on the rough waters of southern Maine. But when he is diagnosed with rapidly developing cancer, he finds himself driven to make peace with his long-estranged wife, Beatrice, and their adult daughter, Marian. Warren’s search for reconciliation forces him to confront the failures and disappointments of his past: Beatrice’s long-standing affair with a married senator; Marian’s alliance with her mother in the acrimonious split; and the daily injustices leveled against the lobstermen of Maine. Consumed by his thoughts and growing rage, Warren, a man with nothing left to lose, must decide whether he is willing to forgive those who have wronged him, or take his revenge. “Sensitively and intelligently composed . . . the novel sings with a poetic simplicity that recalls Russell Banks or Carolyn Chute.” —Publishers Weekly “Enthusiastically recommended.” —Library Journal

La Nave

Per lo spotter navale Ken, l'apparizione del potente superpetroliere The Bostonian nel porto locale nell'ultima tappa del suo ultimo viaggio, è uno spettacolo troppo importante da perdere. Tuttavia, il bullo della scuola Max ha altre idee...

Global Ecopolitics: Crisis, Governance, And Justice

Despite sporadic news coverage of extreme weather, international conventions on climate change, or special UN days, rarely do we participate in a sustained analysis of environmental policy making. To remedy this shortcoming and to propel the discussion forward, Peter J. Stoett provides a concise introduction to environmental governance. Through seven case studies, Stoett analyzes the ability of international policy to provide environmental protection and discusses the ever-present factors of equality, sovereignty, and human rights integral to these issues. While providing a panoramic view of the actors and structures producing these policies, Stoett reminds readers that the topic is personal, that responsible governance is not solely the charge of governments but of individuals and communities as well.

The Canadian Environment in Political Context

The Canadian Environment in Political Context is an introduction to environmental politics designed to explain and explore how environmental policy is made inside the Canadian political arena. The book begins with a brief synopsis of environmental quality across Canada before moving on to examine political institutions and policymaking, the history of environmentalism in Canada, and crucial issues including wildlife policy, pollution, climate change, Aboriginals and the environment, and Canada's North. The book ends with a discussion of the environmental challenges and opportunities that Canada faces in the twenty-first century. Accessible and comprehensive, The Canadian Environment in Political Context is the ideal text for environmental politics and policy courses.

Mapping Wilderness

Freshwater Politics in Canada

Freshwater is in great supply across much of Canada. However, competing and changing demands on its use are leading to ever more complex political arrangements. This volume offers an integrated survey of that complexity, combining historical and contemporary cases in a conceptually-informed exploration of water politics. It offers a set of tools, frameworks, and applications that enable readers to recognize and explore the political dimensions of freshwater. The opening chapters introduce core concepts such as power, organized interests, knowledge systems, and the state. They are followed by chapters discussing freshwater subsectors including fisheries, irrigation, flood control, hydropower, and groundwater. A series of topical themes is addressed, including salmon conservation, Aboriginal water interests, hydraulic fracturing, regulatory revisions, and interjurisdictional management. A final section explores emerging trends in freshwater governance. While river catchments are not always the principal denominator in discussions of water politics, they do provide a primary frame of reference for this book. A watershed case study accompanies each chapter. This watershed grounding is intended to encourage readers to turn their attention to local and regional conditions.

Cases of Conflict: Transboundary Disputes And The Development Of International Environmental Law

Cases of Conflict focuses on times of dispute as important moments in the development of international environmental law. Conflict tests international law—both its content and its relevance become clearer in times of controversy—but conflict can also help shape the law. Drawing from a growing body of scholarship connecting the fields of international relations and international law, Cases of Conflict examines six prominent case studies to demonstrate how transboundary disputes have influenced the development of international environmental law and policy. Embracing their rich detail and real-world messiness, this book looks to develop a better understanding of the true content and potential of international environmental law.

Environmental Policy in North America: Approaches, Capacity, And The Management Of Transboundary Issues

This comprehensive analysis of key issues in North American environmental policy provides an overview of how the US, Mexico, and Canada differ in their environmental management approaches and capacity levels, and how these differences play into cross-border cooperation on environmental problems. The book offers insights into transboundary cooperation both before and after NAFTA, and presents a framework for making environmental interaction more effective in the future. The book is organized into two parts. The first, more general, section compares the national contexts for environmental management in each country—including economic conditions, sociocultural dynamics, and political decision-making frameworks— and shows how these have led to variations in policy approaches and levels of capacity. The authors argue that effective environmental governance in North America depends on the ability of transboundary institutions to address and mediate these differences. The book's second section illustrates this argument, using four case studies of environmental management in North America: biodiversity and protected areas, air pollution (smog); greenhouse gas reduction, and genetically modified crops.

Costly Fix: Power, Politics, And Nature In The Tar Sands

Costly Fix examines the post-1995 Alberta tar sands boom, detailing how the state inflated the profitability of the tar sands and turned a blind eye to environmental issues. It considers the position of First Nations, the character and strength of environmental critiques, and the difficulties that environmental groups and First Nations have had in establishing a countermovement to market fundamentalism. The final chapter discusses how Alberta's new NDP government, in its first couple of years, has addressed the legacies they have inherited from the previous Progressive Conservative government on climate change, royalties, and the blight of tailings ponds in the boreal forest. Throughout the book, Urquhart demonstrates that too many actors have done too little to prevent Alberta's boreal forest from becoming a landscape sacrificed for unsustainable economic growth.

Ecological Responses at Mount St. Helens: Revisited 35 years after the 1980 Eruption

This book builds on existing work exploring succession, disturbance ecology, and the interface between geophysical and biological systems in the aftermath of the 1980 eruptions of Mount St. Helens. The eruption was dramatic both in the spatial extent of impacts and the range of volcanic disturbance types and intensities. Complex geophysical forces created unparalleled opportunities to study initial ecological responses and long-term succession processes that occur in response to a major contemporary eruption across a great diversity of ecosystems--lowland to alpine forests, meadows, lakes, streams, and rivers. These factors make Mount St. Helens an extremely rich environment for learning about the ecology of volcanic areas and, more generally, about ecosystem response to major disturbance of many types, including land management. Lessons about ecological recovery at Mount St. Helens are shaping thought about succession, disturbance ecology, ecosystem management, and landscape ecology. In the first five years after the eruption several syntheses documented the numerous, intensive studies of ecological recovery. The 2005 volume "Ecological Responses to the 1980 Eruption of Mount St. Helens" (Springer Publishing) was the first ecological synthesis since 1987 of the scores of ecological studies underway in the area. More than half of the world's published studies on plant and animal responses to volcanic eruptions have taken place at Mount St. Helens. The 25-year synthesis, which generally included investigations (i. e. , data) from 1980-2000, made it possible to more thoroughly analyze initial stages of ecological responses and to test the validity of early interpretations and the duration of early phenomena. And 35 years after the eruption, it is time for many of the scientists working in the first three-decade, post-eruption period to pass the science baton to the next generation of scientists to work at Mount St. Helens, and a synthesis at this time of transfer of responsibility to a younger cohort of scientists will be an enormous asset to the continuation of work at the volcano.

Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness

The definitive guide to the therapeutic Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or the art and science of how trees can promote health and happinessNotice how a tree sways in the wind. Run your hands over its bark. Take in its citrusy scent. As a society we suffer from nature deficit disorder, but studies have shown that spending mindful, intentional time around trees--what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing--can promote health and happiness.In this beautiful book--featuring more than 100 color photographs from forests around the world, including the forest therapy trails that criss-cross Japan--Dr. Qing Li, the world's foremost expert in forest medicine, shows how forest bathing can reduce your stress levels and blood pressure, strengthen your immune and cardiovascular systems, boost your energy, mood, creativity, and concentration, and even help you lose weight and live longer.Once you've discovered the healing power of trees, you can lose yourself in the beauty of your surroundings, leave everyday stress behind, and reach a place of greater calm and wellness.

50 Hikes in the Upper Hudson Valley (Explorer's 50 Hikes #0)

Explore the hiker's paradise of the Northeast Few regions of America offer a landscape as beautiful, varied, and easily accessible as the Hudson Valley. From the stunning fjords of the Hudson Highlands, one can see both the Manhattan skyline and the distant looming Catskills. The challenging rock scramble up Breakneck Ridge is one of the most popular hikes in all the Northeast, but nearby, a quiet ridge-walk to Bald Mountain offers solitude and equally stunning views. In the Shawangunk Ridge, called on the Earth's "Last Great Places" by the Nature Conservancy, world-class hiking and climbing routes follow shining white conglomerate cliffs around the ridge's endless views. In this beautiful, full-color first edition, you'll discover expert tips from an experienced author, clear and concise directions, and fascinating context about the surroundings to enrich your hiking experience. History buffs will find endless fascination in the myriad ruins and cultural landmarks that dot the Hudson Valley's woods. From walks to rock scrambles, caves, gazebos, and majestic waterfalls, the Hudson Valley offers endless exploration.

Brave New Arctic: The Untold Story of the Melting North (Science Essentials)

An insider account of how researchers unraveled the mystery of the thawing ArcticIn the 1990s, researchers in the Arctic noticed that floating summer sea ice had begun receding. This was accompanied by shifts in ocean circulation and unexpected changes in weather patterns throughout the world. The Arctic's perennially frozen ground, known as permafrost, was warming, and treeless tundra was being overtaken by shrubs. What was going on? Brave New Arctic is Mark Serreze's riveting firsthand account of how scientists from around the globe came together to find answers.In a sweeping tale of discovery spanning three decades, Serreze describes how puzzlement turned to concern and astonishment as researchers came to understand that the Arctic of old was quickly disappearing--with potentially devastating implications for the entire planet. Serreze is a world-renowned Arctic geographer and climatologist who has conducted fieldwork on ice caps, glaciers, sea ice, and tundra in the Canadian and Alaskan Arctic. In this must-read book, he blends invaluable insights from his own career with those of other pioneering scientists who, together, ushered in an exciting new age of Arctic exploration. Along the way, he accessibly describes the cutting-edge science that led to the alarming conclusion that the Arctic is rapidly thawing due to climate change, that humans are to blame, and that the global consequences are immense.A gripping scientific adventure story, Brave New Arctic shows how the Arctic's extraordinary transformation serves as a harbinger of things to come if we fail to meet the challenge posed by a warming Earth.

Breakpoint: Reckoning with America's Environmental Crises

An insightful look at the American environmental crisis and emerging solutions from the heartland to the coasts in the era of global climate change†‹ Eminent ecologist Jeremy B. C. Jackson and award†‘winning journalist Steve Chapple traveled the length of the Mississippi River interviewing farmers, fishermen, scientists, and policymakers to better understand the mounting environmental problems ravaging the United States. Along their journey, which quickly expands to California, Florida, and New York, the pair uncovered surprising and profound connections between ecological systems and environmental crises across the country. Artfully weaving together independent research and engaging storytelling, Jackson and Chapple examine the looming threats from recent hurricanes and fires, industrial agriculture, river mismanagement, extreme weather events, drought, and rising sea levels that are pushing the country toward the breaking point of ecological and economic collapse. Yet, despite these challenges, the authors provide optimistic and practical solutions for addressing these multidimensional issues to achieve greater environmental stability, human well†‘being, and future economic prosperity. With a passionate call to action, they look hopefully toward emerging and achievable solutions to preserve the country’s future.

Among the Aspen: Northwoods Grouse and Woodcock Hunting

Following his English setters into thickets in search of grouse and woodcock, Mark Parman feels the pull of older ways and lost wisdom. How rare it is, in our high-tech world, to find oneself completely off the track, bewildered in the wild, and then find the path home by sight and scent and memory. Among the Aspen interweaves tales of companionable dogs, lucky hunts, and favorite coverts where quarry lurks with ruminations on the demise of hunting traditions, the sale of public lands and the privatization of places to hunt, the growing indifference to science, and the loss of wilderness on a planet increasingly transformed by the sprawl of humanity.

Moon Banff National Park: Including Banff & Jasper National Parks (Travel Guide)

Find Your Adventure with Moon Travel Guides!Banff sparkles as the crown jewel of Canada's national parks. Explore the best of it with Moon Banff National Park.Inside you'll find:Strategic, flexible itineraries designed for day hikers, winter visitors, families with kids, campers, and moreThe top experiences and unique ideas for exploring Banff: Ride over the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh or through the sky in a mountain gondola. Follow the vast network of hiking trails along glacial valleys, and discover alpine lakes and spectacular vistas. Soak in a natural hot spring, treat yourself at a luxurious mountain resort, or discover the park's history at one of Banff's excellent museums. Grab a cup of coffee at a local shop, or experience the town's classic après-ski nightlife Expert tips for hiking, biking, skiing, and more, plus essential packing and health and safety informationDetailed hike descriptions with mileage, elevation gains, difficulty ratings, and trailhead directionsThe best places to spot wildlife like black bears, elk, and bighorn sheepValuable insight from seasoned explorer and Banff local Andrew HempsteadHonest advice on when to go and where to stay inside and outside the park, from gorgeous mountain lodges to secluded campgrounds,Up-to-date information on park fees, passes, and reservations, and strategies for get to Banff National ParkFull-color photos and detailed maps throughoutRecommendations for families, international visitors, and travelers with disabilitiesThorough background on the wildlife, terrain, culture, and historyWith Moon Banff National Park's expert advice, myriad activities, and local know-how, you can plan your trip your way.Exploring more of Canada's great outdoors? Try Moon Canadian Rockies. Hitting the road? Try Moon Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Road Trip.

Malfeasance: Appropriation Through Pollution?

In this highly original and provocative book, Michel Serres reflects on the relation between nature and culture and analyzes the origins of the world's contemporary environmental problems. <P><P>He does so through the surprising proposition that our cleanliness is our dirt. <P>While all living beings pollute to lay claim to their habitat, humans have multiplied pollution's effects catastrophically since the Industrial Revolution through the economic system's mode of appropriation and its emphasis on mindless growth. He warns that while we can measure what he calls "hard pollution"--the poisoning of the Earth--we ignore at our peril the disastrous impact of the "soft pollution" created by sound and images on our psyches. <P>Sounding the alarm that the planet is heading for disaster, Serres proposes that humanity should stop trying to "own" the world and become "renters." Building on his earlier work, especially that on hominization, he urges us to establish a "natural contract" with nature.

Antropoceno: La política en la era humana

El Antropoceno es una nueva época geológica cuyo rasgo central es el protagonismo de la humanidad, convertida en agente de cambio medioambiental a escala planetaria. Desde una postura original, elegante y sensata, Arias Maldonado aprovecha todas las oportunidades que ofrece el concepto, un excelente marco teórico para el debate sobre la sostenibilidad global, la conservación de las formas y espacios naturales, así como para la moralización de las relaciones entre el ser humano y la naturaleza. La colonización humana del planeta ha terminado por conducirnos a una nueva época geológica: el Antropoceno. Al menos, así lo indica una sólida hipótesis científica según la cual el progresivo acoplamiento de los sistemas sociales y naturales ha hecho de la humanidad el principal agente de cambio medioambiental global. De manera que el Holoceno, bajo cuyas benévolas condiciones climáticas ha prosperado la humanidad, está dejando paso a un nuevo régimen planetario lleno de peligros y oportunidades. Del cambio climático a la extinción de especies, de la urbanización a la reforestación, el Antropoceno es un fenómeno ambiguo: un efecto colateral del progreso humano que despierta a las fuerzas telúricas que operan en el tiempo profundo y nos recuerda que somos criaturas terrenales. En este libro de vocación interdisciplinar, Manuel Arias Maldonado somete a riguroso análisis este novísimo concepto y se pregunta por sus consecuencias políticas. O sea: por los efectos que para la sociedad liberal y la democracia tiene una mutación planetaria que obliga a reorganizar las relaciones socionaturales.

Pinkalicious and the Pink Pumpkin

Pinkalicious is on a search to find a pink pumpkin in this pinkerrific new lift-the-flap book! With thirteen flaps that open to reveal hidden surprises on every page, Pinkalicious fans will be perfectly pleased!