Month: August 1991
Pulse of the Planet Daily Audio
PURIFYING WATER, BY FREEZING
As the magnitude of groundwater pollution becomes evident, finding ways to decontaminate drinking water becomes increasingly vital.
August 29, 1991BUILDING WITH ICE
In some parts of the world, using local construction materials might mean building with ice.
August 28, 1991ICE PONDS
Harvesting the winter cold can yield high energy savings.
August 27, 1991MAASAI – Wildlife Parks
African wildlife conservation areas have helped save endangered species, but in the process, indigenous peoples – such as the Maasai – have been denied access to their traditional lands.
August 26, 1991MAASAI – Nomads of East Africa
For centuries, the Maasai have herded their cattle throughout East Africa. Slowly but surely, their use of traditional grazing lands is being restricted.
August 23, 1991AMAZON, BURNING OF THE – CO2
The burning of the rainforests has increased the amount of the Carbon Dioxide entering the atmosphere each year, thus contributing to global warming.
August 22, 1991OZONE – CFC’s
Every year, tons of chloroflorocarbons (CFC’s) are released into the atmosphere. These chemicals, widely used in refrigerators and air conditioners, are contributing to the thinning of the earth’s ozone layer.
August 21, 1991OZONE 1 – THE ANTARCTIC
The balance of life in the Antarctic ecosystem is being threatened by a thinning of the ozone layer, and a corresponding increase in harmful ultraviolet radiation.
August 19, 1991HUNTERS OF THE ITURI FOREST – The Reserve
The Ituri rainforest is home to Africa’s most diverse populations of animals and plants. Can its natural resources be protected, while allowing indigenous people to continue their traditional way of life?
August 16, 1991HUNTERS OF THE ITURI FOREST – The Hive
On a honey hunt in the Ituri forest of Zaire, the Efe people smoke bees out from their hives, sixty feet above the ground.
August 15, 1991ICEBERGS – Polar Dynamics
Over the years, the world’s sea level has slowly but surely been rising. One measure of this phenomenon may be an increasing number of icebergs breaking off the Antarctic ice shelf.
August 14, 1991INDIA – Tree Huggers
In northern India, an unusual form of direct action saved a forest and launched an environmental movement.
August 13, 1991INDIA – Deforestation
How can developing countries take advantage of their natural resources without destroying them?
August 12, 1991INDIA – Population
The heart of India’s overpopulation problems may lie in its rural agricultural areas.
August 9, 1991GREAT SWAMP – Water Quality
Wetlands collect run-off water. However, if that water first flows across roads and parking lots, it may bring with it oils and other pollutants.
August 8, 1991COMPOSTING – Municipal
Some municipal waste is better suited for gardens than landfills.
August 7, 1991COMPOSTING – Challenge to Municipal Composting
Composting isn’t just for backyard gardeners anymore. With proper management, municipalities can recycle yard waste.
August 6, 1991HUNTERS OF THE ITURI FOREST – Army Ants
A nest of marauding ants can number in the millions, and cover an area the size of a football field.
August 5, 1991HUNTERS OF THE ITURI FOREST – Honey Whistles
Whistles are used to coordinate a honey hunt in Africa’s Ituri Rainforest.
August 2, 1991HUNTERS OF THE ITURI FOREST 1 – Lighting a Fire
In the midst of a damp tropical forest, carrying a fire may be easier than starting one.
August 1, 1991OIL-EATING BACTERIA – Bioremediation
Naturally occurring bacteria can be used to eliminate oil residue, but there are limitations to this technique.