Did you know that pollution causes 15 times more deaths in the world than all wars and acts of violence? And three times more deaths than malaria, AIDS, and tuberculosis combined. The numbers are alarming. Last November, The Lancet published a study that indicates that pollution is the primary environmental cause of deaths and illnesses, causing an estimated 9 million … [Read more...] about Pollution, a form of tacit violence
Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Bird watching tourism takes flight
Nestled among towering volcanoes, Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan is often described as one of the world’s most beautiful lakes. Four of the Central American region’s seven biomes meet in the Atitlan region, making it a biodiversity hotspot and a natural “gas station” for migrating birds. But here, as elsewhere in the developing world, a lack of economic opportunities often drives … [Read more...] about Bird watching tourism takes flight
5 Superpowers Mangroves Have
To commemorate International Mangrove Day (July 26th) let’s take a moment to think about why these wonderful tropical ecosystems are unique and worthy of our protection. Mangroves are formed by trees that are highly tolerant to salt and that grow in an amphibian environment, with aquatic and terrestrial characteristics. Here are five of their superpowers. 1. Reducing … [Read more...] about 5 Superpowers Mangroves Have
Visualizing Hazards and Services – An integral Tool for Decision Making in Small Island Developing States
When we picture the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, much of what we envisage is a luxurious sun, sea and sand getaway, especially since the country has one of the highest GDPs in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. Given this imagery, it easy to assume that there are little to no challenges faced by a population of less than 400,000 people. Upon closer observation of … [Read more...] about Visualizing Hazards and Services – An integral Tool for Decision Making in Small Island Developing States
This flood was a disaster!
This is the standard phase we hear or say after seeing the results of a river’s strong swell. Floods that affect cities, forcing thousands of families out of their homes, floods in which they lose the majority of their belongings, floods in which economic activity is suspended and, as a result, income is diminished: These effects all form part of the dynamic of ecosystems, and … [Read more...] about This flood was a disaster!