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The Shark's Paintbrush: Biomimicry and How Nature is Inspiring Innovation
by Jay HarmanThe wave of the future has been around since the beginning of times: it's called Nature. Let inventor and entrepreneur Jay Harman introduce you to stunning solutions to some of the world's thorniest problems. Why does the bumblebee have better aerodynamics than a 747? How can copying a butterfly wing reduce the world's lighting energy bill by 80%? How will fleas' knees and bees' shoulders help scientists formulate a near-perfect rubber? Today an interdisciplinary and international group of scientists, inventors and engineers is turning to nature to innovate and find elegant solutions to human problems. The principle driving this transformation is called biomimicry, and Harman shares a wide range of examples of how we're borrowing from natural models to invent profitable, green solutions to pressing industrial challenges. Aimed at a business audience, aspiring entrepreneurs, environmentalists and general science readers, The Shark's Paintbrush reflects a force of change in the new global economy that does more than simply gratify human industrial ambition; it teaches us how to live in harmony with nature and opens bright opportunities for a better future.
The Price of Fish: A New Approach to Wicked Economics and Better Decisions
by Michael Mainelli Ian HarrisIn The Price of Fish, Michael Mainelli and Ian Harris examine in a unique way the world s most abiding and wicked problems sustainability, global warming, over-fishing, overpopulation, the pensions crisis; all of which are characterized by a set of messy, circular, aggressive and peculiarly long-term problems and go on to suggest that it is not the circumstances that are too complex, but our way of reading them that is too simple. Too simple and often wrong. The authors aim to blend four streams choice, economics, systems and evolution in a combination they believe is the key to making better decisions and, in turn, finding answers to the world's most pernicious problems.
The Price of Fish
by Michael Mainelli Ian HarrisWinner of the 2012 Gold Medal IPPY Award for Finance/Investment/Economics. "Mainelli and Harris offer an original and insightful look at the big and important long-term issues facing society today. . . . Policy makers need to read this book."-Donald J. Smith, Boston University, author of BOND MATH: The Theory Behind the Formulas"In this thought-provoking and enlightening book, Mainelli and Harris highlight a point that economists too often forget: that economics is, at its heart, the study of human behavior, and that both commerce and its wicked sister, finance, mean nothing unless they are connected to people and society."-Bill Emmott, former editor of The Economist The price of fish cannot be right when we have over-fishing, hunger, and ruined seas. More than at any other time in our history, the world is faced with a series of vicious and apparently insurmountable difficulties, chief among them unstable financial markets, rapidly diminishing resources, and an ecosystem that is becoming dangerously volatile. In The Price of Fish, Michael Mainelli and Ian Harris examine in a unique way these intractable and wicked problems-sustainability, global warming, over-fishing, overpopulation, the pensions crisis-and suggest that it is not that these problems are too complex to solve, but that our way of reading them is too simple. Too simple and often wrong. Using models developed by quantum physicists, the authors show a way to making better decisions, which in turn, point to answers to our most pernicious problems. Now in paperback.Michael Mainelli and Ian Harris are co-founders of Z/Yen, a commercial think-tank in London, England.
The Rough Guide to Climate Change
by Robert Henson Duncan ClarkThe Rough Guide to Climate Change gives the complete picture of the single biggest issue facing the planet today. Cutting a swathe through scientific research and political debate, this completely updated 2nd edition lays out the facts and assesses the options- global and personal- for dealing with the threat of a warming world. The guide looks at the evolution of our atmosphere over the last 4.5 billion years and what computer simulations of climate change reveal about our past, present, and future. This updated edition includes new information from the 2007 report from the International Panel on Climate Change and an updated politics section to reflect post-Kyoto developments. Discover how rising temperatures and sea levels, plus changes to extreme weather patterns, are already affecting life around the world. The guide unravels how governments, scientists and engineers plan to tackle the problem and includes in-depth information and lifestyle tips about what you can do to help.
Land, Chiefs, Mining: South Africa's North West Province since 1840
by Andrew Manson Bernard MbengaLand, Chiefs, Mining explores aspects of the experience of the Batswana in the thornveld and bushveld regions of the North-West Province, shedding light on defi ning issues, moments and individuals in this lesser known region of South Africa. Some of the focuses are: an important Tswana kgosi (chief ), Moiloa II of the Bahurutshe; responses to and participation in the South African War and its aftermath, 1899-1907; land acquisition; economic and political conditions in the reserves; resistance to Mangope?s Bophuthatswana; the impact of game parks and the Sun City resort; rural resistance and the liberation struggle; and African reaction to the platinum mining revolution. Written in a direct and accessible style, and illustrated with photographs and maps, the book provides an understanding, for a general reader ship, of the region and its recent history. At the same time it opens up avenues for further research. The authors, Andrew Manson and Bernard Mbenga, both based at North-West University, Mahikeng Campus, have, for some thirty years, been studying and writing on the region?s past.
Seashells in My Pocket: A Child's Nature Guide Exploring the Atlantic Coast (2nd Edition)
by Judith HansenFrom the book Jacket: There is always something new for children to learn when they visit the seashore, and Seashells in My Pocket helps them to explore. Packed with scores of fascinating facts and new illustrations, this completely revised and expanded edition of Seashells in My Pocket tells kids all about nature along the Atlantic coast. The new Seashells in My Pocket includes: Sections on common shells, shore birds, sea creatures, seashore plants, and a new section on insects. A greatly expanded territory, now covering nature from Maine all the way to Florida. Dozens of species added. Locator maps showing where each species may be found. A convenient, carry-along size and sturdy, waterproof cover for long-lasting use. Perfect for taking to the beach. Tips on safety and protecting the shoreline environment.
What's Inside Shells
by Angela Royston Richard ManningWhy does a sea urchin have sharp spines? What does a tortoise look like inside his shell? How can you tell how old an oyster is? Take a look! What's Inside? is a fascinating new series that looks beneath the surface of everyday things and explains how and why they work as they do. With a unique combination of vivid photography and colorful illustration, What's Inside? peels away the outer layers to reveal an exciting world for children to explore.
A Clean Sky: The Global Warming Story
by Judith Love Cohen Robyn C. FriendAn introduction for children to the importance of preserving the environment and the significant effects that global warming can have on nature.
All Hell Broke Loose: Experiences of Young People During the Armistice Day 1940 Blizzard
by William H. Hull(Introduction) After going through all the thousands of hours it takes to write a book, an author sometimes asks himself why he did it? That's a fair question. I wasn't even in the state of Minnesota on that fateful day of November 11, 1940. I was a graduate student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and a steady reader of the Dallas Morning News. The story must have been covered by that fine newspaper but, if so, it made no impression on me. Later when I became a Minnesotan I began to hear stories of this horrible storm that killed so many people. Through the 39 years I have considered myself a Minnesotan I have frequently thought what a shame that all of those stories about this particular storm weren't written, so I decided to act for the good of history and before these people died. After all, that storm was 45 years ago at this writing. It seemed to me that people would want to know what it was like to be living on a farm with cattle and chickens to take care of, to be facing possible death on a small island in the Mississippi while duck hunting, to fight for survival in snow that seemed to be up to the armpits in northern Minnesota while deer hunting, and to be immovably caught in the "loop" of a big city like Minneapolis or St. Paul with no place to spend the night and no way to get home. These are the experiences about which these many Minnesotans have written. Speaking for all of them, I hope you enjoy their tales and realize how agonizing it was for many people- those who were fortunate enough to live through it. My only regret is that so many of the 500 + experiences received and edited had to be eliminated to restrict the physical size of the book. After repeatedly selecting from the anecdotes received, the final cutting eliminated sixty percent of those I wished to include. William Hull
The Tree In The Ancient Forest
by Carol Reed-Jones Christopher CanyonAncient trees embrace a wonderful world of creatures, each playing their special role. From lowly fungi to majestic owls, the book connects the web of nature and aptly portrays the amazing ways in which the inhabitants of the forest depend upon one another for survival. Stunning illustrations by the renowned illustrator, Christopher Canyon, manage to be both magical and true. As AAAS Science Books & Films says, "The science is accurate and the book painlessly teaches important ecological lessons. "
A Drop Around the World
by Barbara Shaw Mckinney Michael S. MaydakPresents the water cycle through the journey of a raindrop around the world, in sky, on land, underground, and in the sea, in its liquid, solid, and vapor forms, as it supports life everywhere.
Gold Rush! The Young Prospector's Guide to Striking It Rich
by James Klein Michael RohaniThis guide combines treasure hunting and historical facts in a fun, informative way. Explaining all young readers need to know to go prospecting in the United States and Canada, "Gold Rush!" provides an introduction to the wacky personalities and fascinating circumstances that led to some of the world's greatest gold--and other mineral--rushes.
Hope, Human and Wild: True Stories of Living Lightly on the Earth
by Bill MckibbenIn lyrical, penetrating essays, Bill McKibben offers an optimistic response to his bestselling "The End of Nature", focusing on successful community ventures to preserve the wilderness and reverse environmental damage. From his home in the Adirondack Mountains to a city in Brazil and a state in India, McKibben searches for realistic models for the future of the planet.
Becoming Native to this Place
by Wes JacksonFrom the book: "It has never been our national goal to become native to this place. It has never seemed necessary even to begin such a journey. And now, almost too late, we perceive its necessity. Unfortunately, the nature of the nativeness toward which we must work has been not merely altered but severely compromised. Part of the reason is that we have eight and a half times as many people in our country as we did when my grandfather was born. Perhaps even worse, the forces that have given us our modern problems--the ozone hole and global warming, acid rain, Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, soil erosion and loss of family farms, and so on--gain power by the decade. Destruction is occurring at an accelerating pace. It has all happened so fast (more than 80 percent of all the oil ever burned has been burned in my lifetime) [He was born 1936.] and it is going to get worse--half of Mexico's population is under fifteen years of age, ready for a major explosion. The world is slated to add one billion people in the 1990s alone. More people will be added in ten years than the total population of the earth at the time of Columbus. This book is dedicated to the idea that the majority of solutions to both global and local problems must take place at the level of the expanded tribe, what civilization calls community. In effect, we will be required to become native to our little places if we are to become native to this place, this continent"
Science & Life Issues: Ecology and Evolution
by University of California at Berkeley Lawrence Hall of ScienceScience and Life Issues, or SALI, uses several kinds of activities to teach science. For example, you will design and conduct an experiment to investigate human responses. You will explore a model of how species compete for food. And you will play the roles of scientists learning about the causes of infectious disease. A combination of experiments, readings, models, debates, role plays, and projects will help you uncover the nature of science and the relevance of science to your interests.
Issues & Earth Science
by University of California at Berkeley Lawrence Hall of ScienceNIMAC-sourced textbook
Believing Cassandra: An Optimist Looks at a Pessimist's World
by Alan AtkissonAtKisson sees concerned citizens and scientists who view the world hurtling toward self-destruction. Is it true that most of the human race could care less about their dire warnings?
Dr. Art's Guide to Planet Earth: For Earthlings Ages 12 to 120
by Art SussmanDr. Art introduces the planet Earth and explains its matter cycles, energy flows, and life webs, while encouraging us to think globally and act locally.
Keeper Of The Swamp
by Ann GarrettAboy and his ailing grandfather pole a small boat out into the Louisiana bayou. Suddenly, they spot Boots, a female alligator the grandfather saved from poachers years ago. <P><P>How will the boy face the danger in learning to take care of this wild creature? Strikingly illustrated with artwork that combines oil painting and computer imaging, Keeper of the Swamp is a scary and satisfying tale that carries a strong environmental message.
Generation Dread: Finding Purpose In An Age Of Climate Anxiety
by Britt Wray“Generation Dread is a vital and deeply compelling read.”—Adam McKay, award-winning writer, director, and producer (Vice, Succession, Don’t Look Up) “Read this courageous book.”—Naomi Klein, author of This Changes Everything “Wray shows finally that meaningful living is possible even in the face of that which threatens to extinguish life itself.”—Dr. Gabor Maté, author of When the Body Says No When we’re faced with record-breaking temperatures, worsening wildfires, more severe storms, and other devastating effects of climate change, feelings of anxiety and despair are normal. In Generation Dread, Britt Wray reminds us that our distress is, at its heart, a sign of our connection to and love for the world. The first step toward becoming a steward of the planet is connecting with our climate emotions—seeing them as a sign of our humanity and empathy and learning how to live with them. Britt Wray, a scientist and expert on the psychological impacts of the climate crisis, brilliantly weaves together research, insight from climate-aware therapists, and personal experience, to illuminate how we can connect with others, find purpose, and thrive in a warming, climate-unsettled world.
Introduction to Three-Dimensional Climate Modeling
by Warren WashingtonMost descriptions of climatic modeling assume readers to have a great deal of previous knowledge about atmospheric or ocean dynamics, but Washington (US National Center for Atmospheric Research) and Parkinson (US National Aeronautics and Space Administration) address readers in the atmospheric science, geography, geology, hydrology, oceanography, and ecology who may be only vaguely aware of climate models. They explain what the models are attempting to simulate, how they are constructed, what they have succeeded in simulating, and how they are being used for evaluation and prediction. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc. , Portland, OR (booknews. com)
North Star Geography
by Tyler H. HoganGEOGRAPHY is more than just place names and outline maps-it's understanding how the world around us works! North Star Geography gives students a deep understanding of how geography impacts all of us every day-with real-life applications for college, career, citizenship, and ministry. Written from a distinctly Christian perspective by a homeschool grad (now a homeschool dad), North Star Geography is a full high school credit.
Facies Models 4
by Robert Walker Dalrymple Noel P. JamesThe Geological Association of Canada's Facies Models 4 is the essential volume on sedimentary succession interpretation. Presented in full color, this updated edition of the original, highly popular textbook Facies Models incorporates the enormous advances in our understanding of depositional environments since the last edition was issued in 1992. Coverage of this topic is at the advanced undergraduate- to graduate-student level, making this book accessible to anyone with an interest in sedimentary environments.
