Perspectives On Global Biodiversity Scenarios And Environmental Services In The 21st Century

Quantitative models are increasingly being used to assess the impact of socioeconomic development pathways on biodiversity and environmental services. Regardless of the scenario, the decline of biodiversity will continue throughout the 21st century. Land-use changes drive biodiversity changes in terrestrial systems, while overfishing drives changes in marine systems, and climate change affects all realms. The loss of habitats will lead to local population decreases, and global extinctions will occur at unpredictable rates due to the lag between environmental changes and their effects. To address this, we need to focus more on the relationship between the decline of ecosystem services and the position of species responsible for that function in the trophic hierarchy. Perspectives on Global Biodiversity Scenarios and Environmental Services in the 21st Century makes biodiversity scenarios understandable, relevant, and valuable to stakeholders by using effective language and focused communication techniques. Instead of merely showing the potential effects of global change on biodiversity, scenarios should consider the feedback connecting environmental forces. Biodiversity provides numerous essential environmental services crucial to human well-being both now and in the future. The climate is a critical component of ecosystem functioning and directly and indirectly affects human health. The target audience includes biology and environmental science students and faculty, scientists, social workers who generate and collaborate on biodiversity scenarios, policymakers, and corporations with a basic science understanding.

The scientific community has voiced two general concerns about the future of the earth. Firstly, climatologists and oceanographers have focused on the changes in our physical environment, ie climate, oceans, and air. And secondly, environmental biologists have addressed issues of conservation and the extinction of species. There is increasing evidence that these two broad concerns are intertwined and mutually dependent. Past changes in biodiversity have both responded to and caused changes in the earths environment. In its discussions of ten key terrestrial biomes and freshwater ecosystems, this volume uses our broad understanding of global environmental change to present the first comprehensive scenarios of biodiversity for the twenty-first century. Combining physical earth science with conservation biology, the book provides a starting-point for regional assessments on all scales. The book will be of interest to those concerned with guiding research on the changing environment of the earth and with planning future policy, especially in accordance with the Global Biodiversity Convention.

The scientific community has voiced two general concerns about the future of the earth. Climatologists and oceanographers have focused on the changes in our physical environment -- changes in the climate, the oceans, and the chemistry of the air we breathe. Environmental biologists, on the other hand, have addressed issues of conservation and the extinction of species. There is increasing evidence that these two broad concerns are intertwined and mutually dependent. Past changes in biodiversity have both responded to and caused changes in Earth's environment. In its discussions of ten key terrestrial biomes and freshwater ecosystems, this volume uses our broad understanding of global environmental change to present the first comprehensive scenarios of biodiversity for the twenty-first century. Combining physical earth science with conservation biology, Future Scenarios of Global Biodiversity provides a starting point for regional assessments on all scales. The book will be of interest to those concerned with guiding research on the changing environment of the earth and with planning future policy, especially in accordance with the Global Biodiversity Convention.

This synthesis focuses on estimates of biodiversity change as projected for the 21st century by models or extrapolations based on experiments and observed trends. The term "biodiversity" is used in a broad sense as it is defined in the Convention on Biological Diversity to mean the abundance and distributions of and interactions between genotypes, species, communities, ecosystems and biomes. This synthesis pays particular attention to the interactions between biodiversity and ecosystem services and to critical "tipping points" that could lead to large, rapid and potentially irreversible changes. Comparisons between models are used to estimate the range of projections and to identify sources of uncertainty. Experiments and observed trends are used to check the plausibility of these projections.

The rate of extinction of biological species is greater today than at any time in the last 65 million years. Some predict that if this rate continues, two-thirds of all living species will disappear during the next century. Because reaching consensus on specific courses of action involves complex issues, any adequate response to this impending crisis must include coverage of many areas of inquiry and understanding. Protection of Global Biodiversity features essays by distinguished international experts who communicate with each other across disciplinary boundaries to address the challenge of formulating policies to protect biodiversity. Although the global community has recently adopted a Convention of Biological Diversity, the agreement sets forth only abstract goals. Contributors to this volume advance the Convention's initial steps by providing workable solutions that can be implemented regionally, nationally, and locally. The contributors--including natural, social, and political scientists; economists; lawyers; and environmentalists; and decisionmakers in business, agriculture, and government--have united to create a common discourse and to evaluate and propose strategies for halting this alarming loss of biodiversity. In recognizing the diverse aspects of this task--scientific, economic, institutional, moral, and legal--this book presents a new picture of emerging action. Contributors. S. James Anaya, Gregory Benford, Graciela Chichilnisky, S. Todd Crider, Yvonne Cripps, Robert T. Fraley, Anil K. Gupta, Lakshman D. Guruswamy, G. M. Heal, Brent Hendricks, Robert B. Horsch, Laura L. Jackson, Annie Lovejoy, Ariel E. Lugo, Jeffrey A. McNeely, Brian G. Norton, Elinor Ostrom, Peter H. Raven, John W. Reid, Walter V. Reid, Mark Sagoff, Roger A. Sedgo, R. David Simpson, Ana Sittenfeld, Christopher D. Stone, Gary H. Toenniessen

Climate change has far-reaching consequences beyond its environmental impact. It also significantly affects human social and mental well-being, both at individual and community levels. Addressing the social and mental well-being impacts of climate change requires a multi-faceted approach that includes both mitigation and adaptation strategies. This involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting sustainable development, building climate-resilient communities, enhancing social support systems, and investing in mental health services to address the specific challenges of climate change. In this groundbreaking exploration, Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health and Well-Being transcends the traditional discourse on climate change by delving into its repercussions on the social and mental fabric of our communities. From the foundational examination of the connections between climate change, social stability, food security, and mental health to the nuanced exploration of eco-anxiety, ethical dilemmas, economic instability, and climate-induced migration, this work leaves no stone unturned in its quest for knowledge. The book not only identifies the problems but also offers solutions. By emphasizing a multi-faceted approach, it advocates for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable development, climate-resilient communities, and robust mental health services. It empowers readers—academics, professionals, policymakers, and the general informed public—to take actionable steps toward a sustainable and mentally resilient future. The interdisciplinary nature of this work makes it a valuable resource for graduate and postgraduate students, professionals in various fields, educators, and policymakers.

In economics, researchers have stated that there is a limit to growth because natural resources are finite. However, with technological developments and the discovery of new natural resource reserves, the limits on growth and development have begun to disappear. New technologies promoting energy efficiency provide growth opportunity in new directions, and the development of technologies have a positive effect on the environment. Perspectives on Ecological Degradation and Technological Progress explores the economic and social impacts of technological progress on environmental degradation from a multidisciplinary perspective. Other factors that may affect environmental degradation are analyzed, and indicators that may be important for the environment are determined. Covering topics such as economic growth, ecological degradation, and environmental violations, this premier reference source is an excellent resource for economists, ecologists, government officials, sociologists, environmental engineers and innovators, students and educators of higher education, librarians, researchers, and academicians.

Exploring Ethical Dimensions of Environmental Sustainability and Use of AI is a comprehensive and insightful book that delves into the ethical implications and challenges that emerge at the intersection of environmental sustainability and the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI). With a focus on key ethical dimensions such as transparency, equity, privacy, autonomy, unintended consequences, and trade-offs, this book aims to provide a thorough understanding of the responsible deployment and development of AI in the realm of environmental sustainability. By addressing the ethical aspects and challenges involved, this book contributes to the development of ethical guidelines and frameworks that align AI technologies with the vision of a sustainable and equitable future. Researchers will find immense value in this book as it offers a holistic exploration of the ethical implications, filling a critical gap in the existing literature. Policymakers can gain valuable insights to inform the creation of ethical guidelines and regulations governing AI use in sustainable initiatives. Practitioners, including professionals working in environmental organizations or technology companies, will acquire practical knowledge to guide their decision-making and implementation of AI-driven solutions.