# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is desertification? | ACCIONA Sustainability for all

# data[].attributes.body
A process through which heat is trapped near Earth’s surface by substances known as “greenhouse gases”.

Greenhouse gases consist of carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapour. They are a part of Earth’s atmosphere.

Natural greenhouse effect maintains Earth’s average temperature at 15 degrees Celsius. However, in the past years, human activities (such as burning fossil fuels), have led to the release of greenhouse gasses, especially carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere and oceans.

The level of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere has been rising consistently and trapping heat near Earth’s surface which is causing temperatures to rise.

# data[].attributes.headline
Example of one consequence of global warming

# data[].attributes.subject
Example of one consequence of global warming

# data[].attributes.body
SEA-LEVEL RISING

The sea-level rose over the course of the last century, and in the recent decades the speed of rising has significantly increased.

The rise is mostly due to thermal expansion of the oceans, but also due to ice melting from glaciers and Antarctic ice sheet

It is predicted that by the end of the century Europe will experience an average 60-80cm sea-level rise (mainly depending on rate at which Antarctic ice sheets melts)

Sea-level rise is also projected to reduce the amount of available fresh water, which is going to significantly affect agriculture and the supply of drinking water.

As well as, increasing the risk of flooding and erosions around the coasts, with unbearable consequences for people, infrastructure, businesses and nature…

# data[].attributes.body
Dubai, UAE

30.11.2023.- 13.12.2023.

Biggest of it’s kind

The main goal of COP28 was to take stock of the progress made by parties that signed the Paris Agreement (the landmark climate treaty made in 2015), and to come up with a course of action to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and protect lives.

Outcomes:

Establishment of loss and damaged fund. It will provide financial support to developing countries which are already suffering from the effects of climate change.

Adoption of a fossil fuel phase-out agreement. It commits parties to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems. The goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This was the first time that the COP explicitly addressed the need to stop using oil, coal and gas.

Role of the private sector, the launch of a private market climate capital ($30 billion) . It will mobilise private sector investment in low-carbon and climate-resilient projects.

COP28 was closed with an agreement that signals the “beginning of the end” of the fossil fuel era, supported by deep emissions cuts and scaled-up finance.

# data[].attributes.body
Offshore oil and gas production, involving extraction of oil and gas from beneath the sea, requires the use of sophisticated technology and even greater attention to the related environmental impacts.

It began off the coast of Summerfield in California during the 1890’s. Today the largest offshore producer is Saudi Arabia.

It accounts for 30% of global oil production and 27% of global gas production. Main concerns of offshore production are cost and the environment.

Offshore productions release toxic pollution into the air and water. Exploration and drilling at the platform, transportation with tankers and refining oil on land lead to release of greenhouse gasses and other air pollutants.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Greenland- three times size of Texas, a part of Denmark, inhabited by Inuits

2. New Guinea- rainfall exceeding 300in a year, one of the least inhabited islands

3. Borneo- covered in dense rainforests, world’s most diverse flora and fauna

4. Madagascar- very unique wildlife, 250 miles off the coast of Africa

5. Baffin- largest island in Canada, mostly uninhabited

6. Sumatra- three national parks, which are all UNESCO protected

7. Honshu- contains Japans highest mountain (Mount Fuji), and largest lake (Lake Biwa)

8. Victoria Island- world’s largest island, within an island, within an island

9. Great Britain- comprises England, Scotland and Wales

10. Ellesmere- belived to have been visited by Vikings

# data[].attributes.headline
Oil spill in Singapore- the day the sea turned black

# data[].attributes.subject
Oil spill in Singapore- the day the sea turned black

# data[].attributes.body
More than 400 tonnes of oil spilled into Singapore waters after a dredging boat hit a bunker vessel on June 14 2024.

After a few day long cleanup, the removal of oil from the sea and beaches is nearly complete.

The largest oil spill in Singapore happened in 1997 when about 28,000 tonnes of oil spilled into the sea after two tankers collided and last major oil spill in 2017

# data[].attributes.body
Straitstimes.com

Eia.gov

Planete-energies.com

Sinay.ai

# data[].attributes.body
Climate.ec.europa.eu

Science.nasa.gov

Unfcc.int

# data[].attributes.body
The fisheries and aquaculture sectors have been increasingly recognized for their essential contribution to global food security and nutrition in the twenty-first century. Further expansion of this contribution requires investment to achieve sustainable and proper global fisheries and aquaculture.

Diseases represent a severe threat to fishery and natural strategies to fight infectious diseases are gaining new ground to address the issues of antibiotic resistance of bacteria and issues related to antibiotic residues in fish.

About 75% of the world fisheries production is used for direct human consumption and the remaining 25% is reduced mainly to fishmeal and oil

# data[].attributes.headline
The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture

# data[].attributes.subject
The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture

# data[].attributes.body
The 2024 edition of the book “The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture” features the “Blue Transformation” in action, led by FAO (The food and agriculture organization), to include aquatic foods into global food security and sustainability, enhance scientific research and capacity building, use and spread technological innovations, and support community involvement.

The Blue Transformation is a United Nations initiative to realise the potential of the oceans in supporting global food security.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Will the ocean ever run out of fish? - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Jennifer Jacquet

# data[].attributes.body
Sciencedirect.com

Fao.org

Worldfish.org

# data[].attributes.body
Our planet is 70% oceans and seas, but only a tiny part is currently protected. We need to try to protect oceans from overfishing, oil drilling and plastic pollution.

The oceans and seas contain incredible wildlife, provide food and help balance our climate.

Just because we can’t see much of what happens beneath the sea level doesn’t mean our activities aren’t having an impact.

Quite the opposite, the oceans are changing and their health is in rapid decline.

# data[].attributes.body
Industrial fishing methods have caused many fish species to be on the point of collapse.

Marine environments are being ruined by oil spills while deep sea mining threatens life in the waters.

As well as many types of pollution that make their way into the ocean, such as plastic pollution

Also while struggling with these problems, oceans are being hit hard by climate change. Sea water has also sucked up extra carbon dioxide from the atmosphere which is making the water more acidic and are warming due to climate change.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Creating ocean sanctuaries to keep out threats from industrial fishing, drilling and mining, giving marine life a chance to recover.

2. Banning single use plastic

3. Reduce vehicle pollution

4. Fish responsibly

5. Conserve water

6. Use less energy

7. Practice safe boating

# data[].attributes.body
March 2023

It sets the rules and tools for protecting ocean life over nearly half of our planet.

Healthy oceans help combat climate change by locking away carbon, and provide food and livelihoods to more than three billion people

This treaty is an opportunity to repair the damage we’ve done to the oceans.

# data[].attributes.body
the Clean Adriatic Sea Alliance is highly active in the process of saving and protecting the highly endangered Adriatic

Threats: possible drilling oil and gas off the island of Brač, pollution and overfishing

Project by Oceans 5 seeking to limit overfishing, recover fish stocks and protect critical habitat by promoting “Fisheries Restricted Areas” in the Adriatic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Protecting Seas and Oceans also protects our human rights

# data[].attributes.body
Fresh or saltwater held in the ballast tanks and cargo holds of ships. It is used to provide stability and manoeuvrability during a voyage when ships are not carrying cargo, not carrying heavy enough cargo, or when more stability is required due to rough seas.

# data[].attributes.body
Greenpeace.org.uk

Worldoceanreview.com

Marine-conservation.org

# data[].attributes.body
Enforced on 8th September 2017

all ships in international traffic are required to manage their ballast water to a certain standard, according to a ship-specific ballast water management plan.

All ships  have to carry a ballast water record book and an international ballast water management certificate. The ballast water management standards are being phased in over a period of time.

New ships must meet the ballast water treatment standard. Existing ships should exchange ballast water mid-ocean

Eventually, most ships will need to install an on-board ballast water treatment system.

# data[].attributes.body
Every year ten million tons of ballast water is being discharged in the Adriatic, with probability to increase considering development plans for Adriatic ports.

BALMAS project (Ballast Water Management System for Adriatic Sea Protection) was devised as a project that will help remove the unwanted risk to environment and people, coming from transfer of harmful organisms and pathogens through control and management of ships' ballast water.

# data[].attributes.body
July 2024.- A Malta-flagged container ship discharged 900 tonnes of untreated ballast water into the Baltic Sea, violating international environmental regulations

2022.- general cargo ships and bulk carriers discharged most of the ballast (87% of the total quantity) in the Port of Ploče. Moreover, discharged ballast water was analysed according to the origin, and it was found that 70% of discharged ballast originates from the Adriatic Sea.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Introduction of invasive species

2. Altered ecosystems

3. Risks to human health

4. Harm to native species

5. May damage infrastructure, affect fisheries and aquaculture operations, and reduce the quality of water bodies used for recreation, tourism, and drinking water supply

# data[].attributes.body
Mdpi.com

Ballast-water-treatment.com

Clearseas.org

Imo.org

# data[].attributes.body
a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

has an impact on ocean temperatures, the speed and strength of ocean currents, the health of coastal fisheries, and local weather from Australia to South America.

occur irregularly at two to seven year intervals.

not a regular cycle, or predictable in the sense that ocean tidesare.

# data[].attributes.body
the periodic cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific

Typically occurs every 3 to 5 years

La Niña represents the cool phase of the El Niño

the changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures affect the patterns of tropical rainfall from Indonesia to the west coast of South America.

These changes in tropical rainfall patterns affect weather patterns throughout the world

# data[].attributes.body
La Niña is most likely to emerge in October-December 2024 (57% chance) and is expected to persist through January-March 2025.

The chance of El Niño developing during the forecast period is near zero.

# data[].attributes.body
Education.nationalgeographic.org

Wmo.int

Weather.gov

# data[].attributes.body
11th November 2024 - 22nd November 2024

Baku, Azerbaijan

# data[].attributes.body
1. pledge from developed nations to contribute at least $300 billion annually to support adaptation.

2. Countries failed to reach an agreement on how the outcomes of last year’s “global stocktake”, including a key pledge to transition away from fossil fuels

3. all elements of the Paris Agreement have been finalised

4. Hydrogen Declaration represents our collective intent to drive forward the global agenda for renewable, clean/zero-emission and low-carbon hydrogen and its derivatives

# data[].attributes.headline
COP29 did not achieve strong outcomes for the climate, people or nature

# data[].attributes.subject
COP29 did not achieve strong outcomes for the climate, people or nature

# data[].attributes.body
Wri.org

Unfccc.int

Cop29.az

Carbonbrief.org

# data[].attributes.body
A desert is a landscape where little precipitation occurs and, consequently, living conditions create unique biomes and ecosystems.

About one-third of the land surface of the Earth is either arid or semi-arid.

A place that receives less than 25 centimeters of rainfall per year is considered a desert.

COLD DESERTS:

Cold deserts, also known as polar deserts, are a type of desert characterized by low temperatures, minimal precipitation, and harsh conditions.

Cold deserts have cold winters and cooler temperatures year-round.

Example of cold desert: Gobi

HOT DESERTS:

These deserts experience extremely high temperatures during the day and can be quite hot year-round. They often have sand dunes and are found in regions near the equator.

Example of a hot desert: Sahara

# data[].attributes.body
The Bedouins are a group of nomadic Arab peoples traditionally found in the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, and North Africa.

Their name comes from the Arabic word badawi, meaning "desert dweller."

They are organized into tribes, each led by a sheikh

They are known for their hospitality.

They traditionally rely on animal herding, especially camels, for sustenance and transportation.

Bedouin clothing is designed for the desert, with long robes and headscarves protecting them from the sun and sand.

MODERN-DAY BEDOUINS:

While many Bedouins have transitioned to urban life, there are still communities that maintain their traditional ways of life.

Despite various changes, many Bedouin communities continue to preserve their cultural traditions and have made significant impacts to the region's history, especially in areas such as literature, art, and trade.

# data[].attributes.body
The Berbers are an indigenous ethnic group native to North Africa, with a history spanning thousands of years.

They speak Tamazight, using the Tifinagh script. Traditionally organized into tribes, Berbers have contributed greatly to North African history, especially through the Numidian and Moorish empires.

Most are Muslim, though pre-Islamic beliefs still influence some practices.

Berber culture is rich in art, weaving, and metalwork, with distinctive patterns and symbolism.

Despite modernization, many Berbers maintain a strong cultural identity today.

# data[].attributes.body
Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes a desert due to factors like prolonged drought, deforestation, overgrazing, and poor agricultural practices.

It affects regions with already dry climates, causing a decline in soil quality and productivity.

Desertification leads to loss of biodiversity, diminished water resources, and reduced agricultural yields, affecting both the environment and local communities.

Human activities, such as excessive farming and urbanization, exacerbate the problem.

Addressing desertification requires sustainable land management, reforestation, soil conservation, and water-saving technologies to restore the land and improve resilience against climate change. It’s a global challenge that requires urgent attention.

# data[].attributes.body
Britannica.com

Worldhistory.org

Nationalgeographic.com

# data[].attributes.body
Theguardian.com

Time.com

En.wikipedia.org

# data[].attributes.body
Ancient, undisturbed woodlands that have existed for thousands of years, untouched by human activity.

These forests host diverse ecosystems, with rich biodiversity, complex ecological processes, and old-growth trees.

They play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, climate regulation, and maintaining global biodiversity.

Primeval forests are often considered critical for preserving natural habitats and species that depend on these ecosystems.

Due to deforestation and human expansion, many of these ancient forests are now endangered, making conservation efforts vital for sustaining their ecological balance and environmental benefits.

# data[].attributes.body
Čorkova Uvala is a primeval forest located in Biokovo Mountain in Croatia.

It is one of the last remaining ancient forests in the region, known for its biodiversity and natural beauty.

The forest, with its old-growth trees, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected area, offering important insights into natural ecosystems.

Čorkova Uvala is home to a variety of rare and endangered plant and animal species, making it an important ecological area.

Its untouched nature, shows us how forests once looked before human influence, providing valuable information for conservation and climate change research.

# data[].attributes.body
Štirovača is a primeval forest located in the Paklenica National Park in Croatia.

This ancient forest, part of the UNESCO-listed Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe, features towering beech trees, diverse flora, and fauna.

It's also an important ecological site, containing Europe’s natural heritage. The forest plays an important role in conservation, biodiversity, and environmental research, preserving ecosystems untouched by human development.

# data[].attributes.body
Virginforests.eu

Np-sjeverni-velebit.hr

Np-plitvicka-jezera.hr

# data[].attributes.body
The extraction of rubber and coltan in regions like Congo can negatively impact primeval forests, leading to deforestation and biodiversity loss.

Rubber tapping, while less destructive than logging, still involves clearing large areas of forest, disrupting ecosystems.

Coltan mining is far more damaging, as it involves the excavation of huge amounts of earth, often in sensitive areas.

These activities threaten wildlife, contribute to habitat destruction, and increase environmental degradation in some of the world's most important and vulnerable ecosystems.

# data[].attributes.body
Globalwitness.org

En.wikipedia.org

Shado-mag.com

# data[].attributes.body
also known as the boreal forest, is the world’s largest land biome, stretching across northern North America, Europe, and Asia.

Characterized by cold winters, short summers, and coniferous forests, it is home to animals like bears, wolves, and moose.

The soil is often acidic and nutrient-poor due to slow decomposition.

plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate by absorbing carbon dioxide. Its huge expanse of trees acts as a significant carbon sink, helping to combat climate change.

delicate ecosystem, vulnerable to both climate change and human activity.

# data[].attributes.body
important to Earth's ecological balance because it’s hosting diverse wildlife

The biome is shaped by extreme seasonal variations, with long, harsh winters and brief summers.

Its trees are adapted to cold, with needle-like leaves that minimize water loss.

Despite its beauty, the taiga faces threats from deforestation, climate change, and industrial activity.

# data[].attributes.body
a cold, treeless biome found in polar regions and high mountain tops.

characterized by long, harsh winters, short, cool summers, and minimal precipitation, mostly falling as snow.

The soil in the tundra is typically frozen, known as permafrost, which limits plant growth.

During the brief summer, the top layer of the soil thaws, allowing small, hardy plants like mosses, lichens, grasses, and low shrubs to grow.

Animal life is adapted to the cold environment, with species like arctic foxes, caribou, polar bears, and various migratory birds.

animals often have thick fur, layers of fat, or specialized adaptations to survive the extreme cold.

# data[].attributes.body
plays an essential role in regulating the Earth’s climate by storing large amounts of carbon in the permafrost.

due to global warming, the permafrost is melting, which could release greenhouse gases and exacerbate climate change.

Tundra is also highly vulnerable to human activity and climate shifts.

# data[].attributes.body
a polar region located at the northernmost part of Earth, encompassing the Arctic Ocean, northern parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, and surrounding islands.

Characterized by frigid temperatures, the Arctic experiences extreme seasonal variations, with long, dark winters and short, bright summers.

Arctic landscape includes ice-covered seas, glaciers, tundra, and frozen soil.

It is home to unique wildlife, including polar bears, arctic foxes, seals, and migratory birds. Marine life such as whales, fish, and krill thrive in the cold waters.

# data[].attributes.body
The Arctic's ecosystem is highly sensitive to climate change, with warming temperatures leading to rapid ice melt, affecting species and human communities reliant on ice for their livelihood.

Indigenous peoples like the Inuit have adapted to this harsh environment for thousands of years.

The region is also of global significance due to its role in regulating Earth's climate and its immense natural resources, which are increasingly being explored.

# data[].attributes.body
Melting in the Arctic and other polar regions poses significant environmental and societal problems.

1. As ice melts, sea levels rise, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.

2. The loss of ice reduces the Earth's albedo effect, causing more sunlight to be absorbed, further accelerating warming.

3. Melting disrupts habitats for species like polar bears and seals, endangering their survival. Additionally, melting permafrost releases stored carbon and methane, intensifying climate change.

4. The changing landscape also affects indigenous peoples who depend on ice for hunting and travel, while opening up previously inaccessible areas to resource extraction, risking environmental degradation.

# data[].attributes.body
Transhumance is the seasonal movement of livestock between fixed pastures, often practiced by herders in mountainous or pastoral regions.

This tradition allows animals to graze in different areas depending on the time of year, optimizing the use of land and resources.

In spring and summer, livestock are moved to higher altitudes or cooler areas, while in autumn and winter, they return to lower, warmer grounds.

This practice has been essential for maintaining the balance of local ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural life in harsh environments.

# data[].attributes.body
Transhumance is common in regions such as the Alps, the Himalayas, and parts of Africa and the Middle East.

It provides numerous benefits, such as preventing overgrazing in one area and allowing land to recover.

It also helps herders maintain a diverse and resilient agricultural system, contributing to the overall ecological health of the area.

# data[].attributes.headline
What are the problems with transhumance?

# data[].attributes.subject
What are the problems with transhumance?

# data[].attributes.body
transhumance is increasingly under threat from modern pressures like land development, climate change, and changing economic practices.

Urbanization, reduced access to grazing land, and the intensification of agriculture are destroying traditional pastoral lifestyles.

Despite these challenges, transhumance remains an important cultural practice, often recognized for its ecological benefits, such as maintaining biodiversity and sustaining local economies in rural areas.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
World Heritage Transhumance: Mountain Trail from Oetztal to Schnalstal

# data[].attributes.body
The commercialization of climbing has increased the risks they undertake, with many Sherpas exposed to life-threatening conditions while assisting foreign expeditions.

Climate change also threatens their traditional livelihoods, as the region’s glaciers melt, and unpredictable weather patterns disrupt their agricultural practices.

The influx of climbers has led to overcrowding, putting pressure on both the environment and the Sherpa community.

# data[].attributes.body
Sherpas are an ethnic group native to the high-altitude regions of Nepal, particularly the Khumbu Valley near Mount Everest.

Renowned for their extraordinary mountaineering skills, they have played a crucial role in the success of Himalayan expeditions.

Their ability to acclimatize to high altitudes, combined with their strength and intimate knowledge of the terrain, makes them invaluable guides and porters for climbers.

Sherpas are traditionally farmers and herders, with their culture deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. Their strong connection to the mountains and respect for nature influences their way of life and worldview, which emphasizes hospitality, resilience, and community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Dangerous Life Of A Sherpa On Everest | Everyday Extremes | BBC Earth Explore

# data[].attributes.body
Education.nationalgeographic.org

Brittanica.com

Blueplanetbiomes.org

# data[].attributes.body
Education.nationalgeographic.org

Earthobservatory.nasa.gov

En.wikipedia.org

# data[].attributes.body
Worldwildlife.org

Nsidc.org

En.wikipedia.org

# data[].attributes.body
Ich.unesco.org

Nationalgeographic.com

Brittanica.com

# data[].attributes.body
Nationalgeographic.com

Reuters.com

Bbc.com