Global Canopy Programme Why are we a nation of tree-huggers? 3 February 2011Last updated at 15:44 By Jon Kelly BBC News Magazine Plans to transfer ownership of many public forests in England have provoked a huge row. But why are we so protective of our woodlands? It's about the rustling of the leaves and the crunch of twigs underfoot. Above all, it's a place where nature takes priority over humans. For the vast majority of us, living in towns and cities, visiting a forest is the easiest way to escape our mechanised, wipe-clean, ring-roaded civilisation and properly get back to nature. As the government is finding out, a forest unleashes something deeply primordial in otherwise domesticated, suburban Britons. Plans to radically change the ownership of some of England's forests have provoked a furious backlash. A YouGov poll suggested that 84% of people were opposed. to the government's plans, with one pressure group saying it had collected 400,000 signatures on a petition. Continue reading the main story Why trees are a force for good
Ghost Forest Art Project UK and World Weather Forecast: radar, severe warnings, and more Nature's gift: The economic benefits of preserving the natural world 24 October 2010Last updated at 19:12 By Richard Anderson Business reporter, BBC News Forests and the insects that live in them provide huge economic benefits Slowing down the destruction of the Earth's natural resources is essential if the global economy, and the businesses that drive it, are to prosper long term. The current rate of destruction is estimated to cost the world trillions of dollars every year, and the damage will only get get worse unless wide-ranging measures are taken to stop it. The reason is simple - population growth is the main driver behind those factors that are causing biodiversity loss. There are currently about 6.7 billion people living on Earth, and this number is projected to grow to 9.2 billion by 2050 - that's roughly the population of the UK being added to the planet every year. This means we'll need 70% more food, according to the United Nations (UN), just one of the many additional pressures on Earth's finite resources. Valuing nature So what can be done?
Weather: Interactive weather world map, short and long range forecasts for the UK and abroad Sky News UK Weather Forecast Temperatures over parts of the country dropped back to minus 4C on Thursday night, so it was a chilly start in many spots, but sunny. That sunshine will help push temperatures up to around 14C at best, but that should feel quite pleasant in light winds. It will be warmest over parts of the north and west, whilst North Sea Coasts will be cooler at times, with an on shore breeze. Through the afternoon, cloud will bubble up over central, southern and south-eastern areas; this will disappear this evening. So, it will be another chilly night tonight, with a touch of frost in rural areas. The emphasis on Saturday’s weather will be on dry conditions once again, with the best of the sunshine in the north and west. Central, southern and south-eastern areas will be more cloudy with one or two isolated showers.
Blog | TEDxAmazônia | TEDxAmazônia No próximo dia 12 de dezembro, será lançado em São Paulo o livro-vídeo que comemora 25 anos do projeto Vídeo nas Aldeias , que aproximou o vídeo de 127 aldeias indígenas brasileiras. O projeto é fruto do trabalho de Vincent Carelli, antropólogo e documentarista que formou diretores cinematográficos indígenas. Ele falou sobre esse trabalho na sua talk no TEDxAmazônia e inclusive adiantou alguns trechos de filmes que estavam ainda sendo finalizados. O livro-vídeo bilíngüe, conta com depoimentos, ensaios críticos e fotográficos em mais de seis horas de filme. Idealizado como um conjunto de textos, imagens e filmes que se complementam, Vídeo nas Aldeias – 25 anos reflete sobre cinco encontros mais significativos promovidos pelo projeto, com os índios Ashaninka (AC), Kuikuro, Xavante (MT), Huni Kui (AC) e Mbya-Guarani (RS).
Botany Department, Smithsonian Institution CRISTALINO JUNGLE LODGE Built to harmonize with the surrounding forest, the eco-friendly bungalows provide a pleasant and comfortable stay. All rooms have a strong preoccupation with environmental sustainability. » Link to the session Cristalino Lodge was elected as one of the best hotels in Brazil by National Geographic Traveler, combining authentic experiences, sustainability ethic and a strong community involvement. » Link to the session The lodge was honored by Condé Nast Traveller as a World Savers Awards winner! » Link to the session Cristalino Lodge wins the prestigious Global Vision Award, by Travel + Leisure in 2012, due to the outstanding efforts towards conservation! » Link to the session