Eli's PlantArea GR by Elissavet Tzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s Made with awe en-us 2019-02-24 13:15:56 UTC 2023-01-20 20:48:42 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Xmastree.png Aegina island eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335279645 Aegina is a small island in the Saronic gulf, half an hour from Athens, inhabited since 3.500 BC and hiding an extinct volcano. It has been the first city-state to issue coins in Europe, the Aeginetic stater back in 550 BC, which portrayed a sea-turtle, maybe a hint to the islands biodiversity! 
This photo was taken during a visit in late February 2017 and as you can see, Spring was all over the place! 

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aegina
https://hanfranke.wixsite.com/flora-of-aegina ]]> 2019-02-26 10:13:50 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335279645 Theme 1: Plant diversity in Attica Region, GR eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335284357 2019-02-26 10:31:30 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335284357 eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335285225 The old town (Palaia Chora) of Aegina, abandoned by humans and reclaimed by plants.]]> 2019-02-26 10:34:39 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335285225 Vravrona wetland eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335289442 A Natura2000 wetland, Vravrona hosts the Sanctuary of Artemis, a temple of the 6th c. BC dedicated to the goddess of wilderness. As it is formatted by the course of a small river Erasinos and its estuary, the area combines freshwater, saline, maquis and agricultural habitats. 

References:
http://www.ornithologiki.gr/page_cn.php?tID=1790&aID=819 
https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%92%CF%81%CE%B1%CF%85%CF%81%CF%8E%CE%BD%CE%B1]]> 2019-02-26 10:51:20 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335289442 eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335292136 2019-02-26 11:01:04 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335292136 eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335292800 2019-02-26 11:04:08 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335292800 Mt Parnitha eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335295319 One of Greece's National Parks, Parnitha mountain "protects" Athens from the cold northern winds and offers the closest forested area, characterized by the presence of Greek  fir (Abies cephalonica) above 1000 m.

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parnitha
http://www.parnitha.net/content.asp?id=26]]> 2019-02-26 11:14:04 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335295319 eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335298143 Having suffered a massive wildfire in 2007, the forest slowly recovers, with extensive human efforts.
https://www.wwf.gr/en/areas/forests/after-fires]]> 2019-02-26 11:24:59 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335298143 eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335298931 It is also the first one (near Athens) to cover up in the protective coat of snow!
December 1, 2016]]> 2019-02-26 11:28:08 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335298931 Salvia ringens eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335304668
Vernacular names: sage (en), faskomilo (gr)

A hardy herbaceous perennial, native to the southern and eastern parts of the Balkan Peninsula, found between 300-1900 m.
Salvia ringens forms a basal clump of pinnately divided leaves, typically less than 1 foot high and wide. The leaves are dark green with a grayish cast, with petioles and stems that stand out with a wine color. From summer through autumn the plant produces tall (2 foot) flowering stems with two to four flowers at the top, in widely spaced whorls. There are only a few stems at any given time. The 1.5 inch violet-blue flowers are very showy and large, held in a small calyx covered with hair and glands. 

References: 
http://portal.cybertaxonomy.org/flora-greece/cdm_dataportal/taxon/88cd1b52-29e2-4c61-b514-dbeb009f4581
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_ringens#cite_note-Clebsch-1

Photo
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003706/]]> 2019-02-26 11:50:23 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335304668 Scientific classification eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335307900 Kingdom:  | Plantae
(unranked):  | Angiosperms
(unranked):  | Eudicots
(unranked):  | Asterids
Order:  | Lamiales
Family:  | Lamiaceae
Genus:  | Salvia
| Species:  | S. ringens]]> 2019-02-26 12:03:11 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335307900 Etymology eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335308338 Salvia from Latin, salvus meaning "healthy" or salvo "healing".  So called for its healing or preserving qualities (it was used to keep teeth clean and relieve sore gums, and boiled in water to make a drink to alleviate arthritis).

ringens from ríngor  meaning "getting angry" referring to the opening of the flower lips which make them look angry!

References:
http://floraattica.blogspot.com/2011/06/salvia-ringens.html
https://www.etymonline.com/word/sage#etymonline_v_22602


Photo by ΝΙΚΟΣ ΝΙΚΗΤΙΔΗΣ in Parnitha Mt, 2011]]> 2019-02-26 12:05:09 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335308338 eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335311828 Salvia sp mentioned in an article about medicinal plants of Greece]]> 2019-02-26 12:18:54 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335311828 Scientific research eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335320502 Usually consumed as a herbal infusion, recent studies  on Salvia species "suggest that [...] in addition to treating minor common illnesses, might potentially provide novel natural treatments for the relief or cure of many serious and life-threatening diseases"

]]> 2019-02-26 12:49:50 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335320502 eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335321770 "Salvia officinalis [...] has been used for the treatment of different kinds of disorders including seizure, ulcers, gout, rheumatism, inflammation, dizziness, tremor, paralysis, diarrhea, and hyperglycemia."]]> 2019-02-26 12:54:08 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335321770 Matricaria chamomilla L. eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335329458
Synonym: Matricaria recutita L.
Vernacular names: chamomile (en), hamomilie (gr)

It has a branched, erect and smooth stem, which grows to a height of 15–60 cm (6–23.5 in). The long and narrow leaves are bipinnate or tripinnate. 
The flowers are borne in paniculate flower heads (capitula). The white ray florets are furnished with a ligule, while the disc florets are yellow. The hollow receptacle is swollen and lacks scales. This property distinguishes German chamomile from corn chamomile (Anthemis arvensis), which has a receptacle with scales. The flowers bloom in early to midsummer, and have a strong, aromatic smell.

References:
http://portal.cybertaxonomy.org/flora-greece/cdm_dataportal/taxon/1e95e646-04a3-4372-b07f-dac64d3df634/synonymy?highlite=68591a63-8dfb-4eac-8f52-03ecac3c541b&acceptedFor=68591a63-8dfb-4eac-8f52-03ecac3c541b#68591a63-8dfb-4eac-8f52-03ecac3c541b
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matricaria_chamomilla

Photo by ΝΙΚΟΣ ΝΙΚΗΤΙΔΗΣ
]]> 2019-02-26 13:15:50 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335329458 Scientific classification eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335333798 Kingdom:  | Plantae
Clade:  | Angiosperms
Clade:  | Eudicots
Clade:  | Asterids
Order:  | Asterales
Family:  | Asteraceae
Genus:  | Matricaria
Species:  | M. chamomilla]]> 2019-02-26 13:25:44 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335333798 Etymology eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335339378 Matricaria from matrix -icis meaning "womb" as it is used against menstrual disorders

chamomila from Greek chamaimelon, literally "earth apple," from chamai meaning "on the ground" + mēlon meaning "apple" due to its subtle apple like scent. 

References:
http://floraattica.blogspot.com/2011/04/chamomilla-recutita.html
https://www.etymonline.com/word/camomile?ref=etymonline_crossreference


]]> 2019-02-26 13:37:15 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335339378 eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335355754 "one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind [...]  The dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties [...]  for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids." Recent studies show anticancer activity, as well.
Yet, " A relatively low percentage of people are sensitive to chamomile and develop allergic reactions"]]> 2019-02-26 14:05:29 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335355754 Scientific research eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335358071 Another popular herbal infusion, chamomile is "one of the important medicinal herb native to southern and eastern Europe." Nowadays, it is also grown in most of Europe and India, and  "can be found in North Africa, Asia, North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand."
" Chamomile has been used in herbal remedies for thousands of years, known in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome."
Chamomile can grow successfully on poor soils and can withstand temperatures ranging from 2°C to 20°C. ]]> 2019-02-26 14:09:13 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335358071 Theme 2: Plant Biogeography eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335798560 2019-02-27 09:30:57 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335798560 Biogeographical regions of Europe eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335799776 My PlantArea, Attica GR, belongs to the Mediterranean biogeographical region.]]> 2019-02-27 09:35:58 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335799776 Physiography of Mediterranean Biogeographical Region eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335801548
"hilly mountaneous landscapes with inland plateaus between low mountain ranges. The coasts are rocky, interspersed with sandy beaches and sand coves. However, most plateaus only lie between 200 and 500 m above sea level."

https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/physiography-of-mediterranean-biogeographical-region
]]> 2019-02-27 09:41:51 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335801548 Characteristics eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335802925 long influence from cultivation, high pressure from tourists, 
species rich, warm and drying 
]]> 2019-02-27 09:46:02 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335802925 Stress factors eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335819710 "The Mediterranean Sea region — the largest of the semi-enclosed European seas — is surrounded by 22 countries, which together share a coastline of 46 000 km. It is also home to around 480 million people living across three continents: Africa, Asia and Europe. [...] Approximately one-third of the Mediterranean population is concentrated along its coastal regions."
" The Mediterranean Sea region has been identified as one of the main climate change hotspots (i.e. one of the areas most responsive to climate change) due to water scarcity, concentration of economic activities in coastal areas, and reliance on climate-sensitive agriculture."
"Since 1970, an increase in air temperature of almost 2 °C has been recorded in south-western Europe (the Iberian peninsula and the south of France) [...] As for rainfall, precipitation has increased in the northern Alps, yet decreased in southern Europe, where a 20% drop in rainfall has been recorded. "

https://www.eea.europa.eu/soer-2015/countries/mediterranean]]> 2019-02-27 10:50:05 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335819710 Air polution eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335824532 Athens is located in a basin protected by mountains all around. This results in a unique and very pleasant climate, all year long. Yet, these favorable conditions next to the fact that the capital is the economical center of Greece, led to the accumulation of more than 3m. Smog has been the prevalent issue for the past decades. 
"Ambient air pollution in urban and industrial areas in Greece was a serious environmental problem which was connected with rapid urbanization of cities, anarchic housing development without basic infrastructures and increases of motor vehicle fleet in urban regions. Especially Athens, witnessed severe air pollution problems in the decades 1960s‘-1970s‘ and the formation of the infamous brown-yellow ―nephos in Athens."

]]> 2019-02-27 11:09:14 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335824532 Alexander Von Humboldt Cosmos: A Sketch of a Physical Description of the Universe eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335836088
With the original meaning in Greek being "adornment", Humboldt reintroduced Cosmos as “the assemblage of all things in heaven and earth, the universality of created things constituting the perceptible world.” His basic purpose is outlined in the introduction to the first volume: 
 "The most important aim of all physical science is this: to recognize unity in diversity, to comprehend all the single aspects as revealed by the discoveries of the last epochs, to judge single phenomena separately without surrendering their bulk, and to grasp Nature's essence under the cover of outer appearances."


References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmos_(Humboldt)
https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/web/The-Humboldt-Code.html
https://www.humansandnature.org/introducing-humboldt-s-cosmos
]]> 2019-02-27 11:55:31 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335836088 sbarroso https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335856827 2019-02-27 13:09:58 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335856827 Comment eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335959461
I was very impressed to learn about Humboldt and his approach to describe the unity in the diversity of nature, as well as the universal laws applying to the apparent chaos of the world.  Through the synthesis of his research and measurements, he first noticed areas with similar temperatures and went on to discover the connection of living organisms with their abiotic environment, thus considered the founder of biogeography. 

I discovered this video in Maria Robalo's PlantArea 
(https://padlet.com/maria_ceu_robalo/fqkpk7d2fm7i)
]]> 2019-02-27 15:58:26 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/335959461 eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336003403
" To date, however, it is still unclear whether local meteorological conditions affected by climate change will reduce or enhance air pollution effects on forest functioning and health. "

https://iforest.sisef.org/contents/?id=ifor0566-004]]> 2019-02-27 16:59:08 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336003403 Forest fires eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336009747 Throughout the summer of 2007, a series of massive forest fires broke out in several areas across Greece.
The first major fire was started on 28 June 2007. It is perceived to have been started by either an exploding electrical pylon or by arsonists. Significant parts of the Parnitha National Park were destroyed, and in total, the fire burnt 15,723 acres (63.6 km2) of the core of the national forest in a matter of days. Overall the mountain of Parnitha suffered a burnt area of 38,000 acres (153.8 km2), making it one of the worst recorded wildfires in Attica.
Environmental studies in Greece report that the Athenian microclimate will significantly change to warmer during the summer season, and flooding is now a very probable danger for the northern suburbs of the city. Mount Parnitha was considered the 'lungs' of Athens; following its considerable burning, both the city and local flora and fauna are expected to feel the consequences.

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Greek_forest_fires
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6252676.stm

]]> 2019-02-27 17:07:59 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336009747 Estimation of the expected post-fire recovery of the burned A. cephalonica forests of Parnitha National Park eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336020457
"The issue of post-fire ecology of forest communities has been studied extensively in several Mediterranean areas. In most cases, the post-fire tree communities are made up with the same tree species as before fire due to their adaptation strategies to fire. However, not all Mediterranean tree species have developed strategies to survive fire, and some species may disappear after fire.
 Common examples in the Mediterranean basin are the coniferous forests of Pinus nigra Arnold, Pinus silvestris L., Abies cephalonica Loudon, and Abies borisii regis Matf. The dominant species of these forests are obligate seeders, while the seeds produced ripen in autumn; thus, in the event of fire in the summer, there are no mature seeds to ensure regeneration. As a result, when they are burned, there is an increased risk of non-potential re-establishment of the burned forest due to regeneration failure, and burned forests are likely to turn into scrublands.
Taking into consideration the different scenarios of climate change (e.g., global warming, extreme weather events, heat waves, droughts, etc.), the problem of fire damages on these non-adapted ecosystems becomes even more urgent, as more fires are expected to occur [...]
The post-fire plant community recovery was very slow, especially on rocky limestone slopes and on soils of poor site quality. Three years after fire, our results show that the pre-fire dominant tree species (A. cephalonica) was completely absent in the post-fire conditions [...]
[...] any establishment of A. cephalonica in the open post-fire conditions is doubtful, and thus, the recovery to the pre-fire forest community is rather unlikely. This will offer the opportunity to other species, adapted to wildfires, to colonize the burned area. "

https://iforest.sisef.org/contents/?id=ifor0600-008]]> 2019-02-27 17:19:05 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336020457 April 25, 2018 eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336285219 This photo was taken during a hike through the burnt areas. 11 years after the fire and the fir forest is replaced by shrubs - I have to look for research on their diversity!]]> 2019-02-28 07:49:40 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336285219 Theme 3: Plants and climate change eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336286791 2019-02-28 07:56:10 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336286791 Andes' tree species are ‘on the run’ eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336287397 Tropical Andean trees are shifting roughly 2.5 to 3.5 vertical meters a year on average, but in fact they need to migrate more than 20 vertical feet a year! 

They  migrate to higher altitudes where the air is cool enough to support their existence. Due to the fast climatic change they have to move faster in order to remain in equilibrium with their preferred temperatures.]]> 2019-02-28 07:59:04 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336287397 Comparisons eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336304785 I was very impressed to see that Portugal belongs to the Mediterranean biogeographical region, even though it is facing the Atlantic Ocean. Susana Barosso’s PlantArea is very similar to mine, as it includes Lisbon, the capital and largest city of Portugal, though not as densely populated as Athens. Habitats and plant species in the area seem very similar, as well.

I was also intrigued to find out in Sonia’s PlantArea that Switzerland belongs to two different biogeographical regions. The Continental region has an “opposite” climate to the Mediterranean during summer, especially regarding precipitation! The Alpine region shows some similar plant species, probably as it acts like a barrier or “transition” between the other two.

]]> 2019-02-28 09:15:02 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336304785 Athens historical weather eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336792078
The only data on Athens' weather that I could find was for the last decade (maybe I didn't know where to look, but I did search a lot).
Even though this year's Feb 28 was 3 C degrees warmer...]]> 2019-03-01 10:54:39 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336792078 Temperature eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336794947 ... the year round fluctuations haven't changed much during the last decade.]]> 2019-03-01 11:08:42 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336794947 Rainfall eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336795581 on the other hand, reached the decade's top this January!]]> 2019-03-01 11:12:25 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336795581 Humidity eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336796227 at the same time, was reaching the decade's low.

All of the above factors may indicate a future with a drier climate combined with severe weather phenomena.]]> 2019-03-01 11:16:04 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336796227 Floods eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336803570 Heavy storms that hit Attica on November 2017 during a medicane, caused a deadly flood near Athens.

Rainfall is not the only one to blame, though; the main torrent in the area has been built over, a common yet destructive practice.]]> 2019-03-01 11:55:01 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336803570 Global carbon dioxide level eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336806113
" The current warming trend is of particular significance because most of it is extremely likely (greater than 95 percent probability) to be the result of human activity since the mid-20th century and proceeding at a rate that is unprecedented over decades to millennia."

https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/]]> 2019-03-01 12:09:34 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336806113 eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336807275 https://www.climatechangepost.com/greece/climate-change/ ]]> 2019-03-01 12:15:29 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/336807275 The "black" 2007 eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337048554 Apart from Parnitha, the Peloponnese suffered  deadly forest fires during August and September 2007.  The area was struck by a severe winter drought " the second lowest annual accumulated value since 1951 [...]  Additionally, the region was stricken by three heat heaves during summer, being the number of hot nights especially noticeable, surpassing more than 35 nights. " To top that "during the extreme days of fire activity in 2007, strong northerly advection of very hot and dry air over the region, favored fire occurrence." ]]> 2019-03-01 21:39:25 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337048554 Comparissons eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337058024 The similarity I saw in the PlantAreas that I have visited so far, is the increasing occurrence of extreme weather events, like heatwaves and heavy rainfalls. Topped with a global temperature rise, they are beginning to affect the environment that we are adjusted to. 
Apart from the monitored global increase of CO2, climate change is more or less based on projections in the (very near, most probably) future. System Earth will eventually balance, but some will pay the price, whether they were responsible or not.]]> 2019-03-01 22:31:20 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337058024 Theme 4: Plants as source for the future eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337112854 2019-03-02 12:46:37 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337112854 Assess the problem eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337113150 The threat of climate change and the knowledge that it is related to CO2 emissions from fossil fuels has led scientists to look for alternatives for our energy needs, that is in the cultivation of biofuel crops.
Using my everyday knowledge, I think that:
  • We are still strongly depended on fossil fuels and only the developed countries of the world have the technology and therefore the luxury of using green energy.
]]> 2019-03-02 12:51:11 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337113150 Plant roofs eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337114121 An abandoned traditional house in Athikythera. Depended on scarce resources, the inhabitants of small islands used hardwood, covered it with dried seaweed for insulation and  clay for the top coat.]]> 2019-03-02 13:05:57 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337114121 Fuel from plants eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337140369 Going through the readings though, it seems that 
Replacing fossil fuels with biofuels is highly controversial since it solves one problem but creates new ones.  
]]> 2019-03-02 17:48:54 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337140369 "Svounies" eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337141093 My mother still remembers the dung cakes that decorated the walls of a small village at the foot of Mt Olympus, where she had relatives. Just 50 years ago, people would collect cow manure (svounies), make "pies", throw them against the walls in order to dry and use them in the stove. She says they smelled really nice, like dry grass (which was the main ingredient, after all). 
Abundant biofuel - less controversy :-)

https://karditsas.blogspot.com/2017/07/blog-post_25.html]]> 2019-03-02 17:56:24 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337141093 Retsina eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337210497 Attica is one of the major producers of retsina "a Greek white (or rosé) resinated wine, which has been made for at least 2,000 years. Its unique flavor is said to have originated from the practice of sealing wine vessels, particularly amphorae, with Aleppo Pine resin in ancient times. [...]  The European Union treats the name "Retsina" as a protected designation of origin and traditional appellation for Greece and parts of the southern regions of Cyprus. [...]  Today the traditional grape for Retsina is Savatiano with Assyrtiko and Rhoditis sometimes blended in, as well as other grape varieties throughout Greece. Modern Retsina is made following the same winemaking techniques of white wine or rosé with the exception of small pieces of Aleppo pine resin added to the must during fermentation."


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retsina]]> 2019-03-03 10:53:35 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337210497 Resin collection eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337212184 In 1961 Greece produced 3% of global resin production. One can still see the collecting wounds in many pine forests, though the craft has been in decline due to the use of synthetic resin.


https://s-i.huffpost.com/gen/4972184/images/n-RESIN-628x314.jpg]]> 2019-03-03 11:11:52 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337212184 Savatiano eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337215885 The traditional grape of retsina is "a historical white grape variety [...] among the Greek vineyard’s most widely planted"

 https://winesofgreece.org/varieties/savatiano/]]> 2019-03-03 12:00:06 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337215885 Beer eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337216722 A very popular alcoholic drink (especially during Greek summer) considering it has as many as 45 labels produced in Greece, either by large companies or microbreweries.

http://www.ekathimerini.com/233337/article/ekathimerini/business/greece-going-beer-crazy-as-microbreweries-proliferate]]> 2019-03-03 12:12:08 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337216722 Barley eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337222423 The main ingredient of beer, barley is the 3rd most cultivated grain in Greece, with two varieties of wheat holding the first places.


References
http://archive.gramene.org/species/hordeum/barley_intro.html
https://agrotikanew.blogspot.com/2013/01/blog-post_9685.html

]]> 2019-03-03 13:27:10 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337222423 5 grain beer eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337223052 One of the labels, apart from barley, uses wheat, rye, corn and rice!]]> 2019-03-03 13:35:18 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337223052 Christmas fir eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337225308 In Greece we decorate fir for Christmas. In fact, 75% of fir trees demand is covered by Abies sp plantations in Chalkidiki.


]]> 2019-03-03 14:01:05 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337225308 Fruits and "vegetables" eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337381320 In the fertile plain of Marathon (deriving from the Greek word for fennel "marathos')  in NE Attica, lies the "vegetable garden of Athens. Agricultural production includes grapes, pumpkins, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, leeks, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, onions and more.

References
http://www.froutonea.gr/gr/reportaz/aricle_archive5169
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathon,_Greece]]> 2019-03-04 09:17:02 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337381320 Tubers and roots eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337388716 Potatoes, sweet-potatoes, beets, carrots, radishes and turnips are also produced in Marathon, with some farms being organic.]]> 2019-03-04 09:46:52 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/337388716 Common spices eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/338778446 In Greek cuisine we use a lot of herbs like origanum, thyme, basil and mint, but the most common spices are ]]> 2019-03-07 10:10:23 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/338778446 Pepper eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/338779093 That is the fruit of Piper nigrum, known as peppercorns, which are dried and used either whole or ground.  "More precisely black pepper (cooked and dried unripe fruit), green pepper (dried unripe fruit), and white pepper (ripe fruit seeds)." ]]> 2019-03-07 10:12:26 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/338779093 eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/338780449 "Black pepper is native to present day Kerala in Southwestern India and is extensively cultivated there and elsewhere in tropical regions. Vietnam is the world's largest producer and exporter of pepper, producing 34% of the world's P. nigrum crop as of 2013. "

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_pepper]]> 2019-03-07 10:16:35 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/338780449 Cinnamon eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/338781141 "obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum." We use pieces of or ground dried bark in sweet and savory recipes, like cookies and cakes or minced meat sauces.]]> 2019-03-07 10:18:57 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/338781141 eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/338783069 Cinnamomum verum, called true cinnamon tree or Ceylon cinnamon tree is a small evergreen tree belonging to the family Lauraceae, native to Sri Lanka.  In 2016, Indonesia and China produced 75% of the world's supply of cinnamon. 

References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamomum_verum]]> 2019-03-07 10:26:11 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/338783069 Theophrastus eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/338785341 wrote Historia Plantarum (Enquiry into Plants) between c. 350 BC and c. 287 BC, making it the first scientific record of the natural history of plants. In his second book On the Causes of Plants, he focuses on the cultivation of plants, looking more into their economical uses. He was the first to organize knowledge and observation about plants' anatomy, size, means of propagation, preferences in terrain, how they are grown, their practical uses, even the effects of climate on wood. It seems quite a meticulous work which set off to classify the wealth of plants, their dependence on abiotic factors like climate and soil, as well as their importance for humans' health.

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historia_Plantarum_(Theophrastus)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theophrastus]]> 2019-03-07 10:34:29 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/338785341 Theme 5: Threatening factors of plant diversity eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/342004237 2019-03-16 13:27:52 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/342004237 Endangered plants found in Greece eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/342004424 http://www.earthsendangered.com/search-regions3.asp]]> 2019-03-16 13:30:20 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/342004424 Group 8 assignment eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/342719234 Advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels in connection to developed and developing countries.


References:

Aden Nate, April 5, 2016. 

The Roads to Decoupling: 21 Countries Are Reducing Carbon Emissions While Growing GDP.

https://www.wri.org/blog/2016/04/roads-decoupling-21-countries-are-reducing-carbon-emissions-while-growing-gdp

Ahuja Dilip, Tatsutani Marika, 2009.  

Sustainable energy for developing countries. Published in S.A.P.I.E.N.S. 2.1 | 2009 : Vol.2 / n°1

https://journals.openedition.org/sapiens/823

Ayres Crystal, July 2, 2015. 

15 Most Notable Advantages and Disadvantages of Fossil Fuels

https://connectusfund.org/15-most-notable-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-fossil-fuels

Goldstein Adam, December 15, 2015. 

What is the link between carbon emissions and poverty?

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/12/what-is-the-link-between-carbon-emissions-and-poverty/

Tucker Davey, August 5, 2016. 

Developing Countries Can’t Afford Climate Change.

https://futureoflife.org/2016/08/05/developing-countries-cant-afford-climate-change/?cn-reloaded=1

https://www.energy.ox.ac.uk/wordpress/energy-in-developing-countries/

https://energyinformative.org/fossil-fuels-pros-and-cons/

]]> 2019-03-19 07:44:53 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/342719234 Airborne Wind Energy eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/344550046 The alternative to massive modern windmills: the kite, a 4.000 year technology to serve our future needs! 

http://www.airbornewindeurope.org/ ]]> 2019-03-24 12:13:19 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/344550046 Introduction eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/344552308 Fossil fuels are substances generated by the fossilization process of the organic remains of prehistoric animals and plants. Comprising mainly of coal, natural gas, and petroleum, they have fueled human development and its ever growing energy demands, though actually a finite resource with considerable impacts on the environment.

“In 2007, The U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA) concluded that 86,4% of the primary energy consumption in the world can be sourced back to fossil fuels.” (https://energyinformative.org/fossil-fuels-pros-and-cons/ ). 

Yet, it does not come without a toll. The debate becomes more complex when we consider their advantages and disadvantages in connection to developed and developing countries.
]]> 2019-03-24 12:39:42 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/344552308 Advantages eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/344686048 1. Well Developed
The technology we use to harness the energy in fossil fuels is well developed. The main reason for this is that fossil fuels have been used to power our world for many decades. 

2. They produce large amounts of energy.
These energy sources are easily combustible, where most combustion engines just need a little amount of them to power up. Industrial revolution has popularized their use, where all machines, vehicles and some devices depend on the fossil fuels, may it be petroleum, coal or natural gas.

3. They are stable.
 Composed of the molecules of mainly carbon and hydrogen, fossil fuels are very stable. They are easy to store because of the constancy in their molecular constitution, not forming other compounds if stored in cans for a longer periods of time. This is the same reason why carrying them is also easier than other forms of fuel.

4. They have high calorific value.
 All energy we produce has a specific calorific value, and the more it is, the more it is effective. When it comes to fossil fuels, they are the highest producers of calorific value, which is why they are still preferred over renewable or alternative energy sources.

5. They can be easily stored and transported.
 One big advantage of using fossil fuels is that they can be easily stored and transported. Having a stable composition, they are strong enough to be carried from one place to another. Even natural gas is already being transported to different areas.

6. They are easily available.
 Since fossil fuels have been of such a great utility, more extractions are done every day. With the advancements in science and technology, refineries and extraction procedures have also improved a lot, making their availability even easier.

7. They are easy to set up.
 Since fossil fuels are easily available, their power plants can be constructed anywhere in the world. They are also easier to extract and process, as well as capable of producing large amounts of energy at a single location.

8. They cost low.
 Due to their availability throughout the world and easy extraction methods, fossil fuels are not that expensive. To obtain them in a refined form, they just need to be properly treated without a wide set up, so it is economical. Unlike alternative energy sources, like wind or solar, that investments needed for their facilities are too high, preventing many people from installing solar panels and wind turbines at home. 
]]> 2019-03-25 06:10:01 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/344686048 Disadvantages eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/344686672 1. Fossil fuels are a finite resource.
 It takes a certain amount of time for the fossilization process to occur on our planet. This means fossil fuels are a finite resource. Once they are harvested, they cannot be replaced in the lifetime of anyone living right now, according to our current knowledge. It takes millions of years and specific conditions to replace a fossil fuel. That’s a very different effort compared to the energy released in a daily sunrise.

2. Fossil fuels are often cheap because of subsidies.
 Many governments tend to subsidize the price of fossil fuels instead of letting the free market govern what they tend to be. Businesses that operate within the fossil fuel industry also receive subsidies so that they can continue providing energy products to consumers at reasonable costs. US Government incentives for fossil fuels are typically $4 billion or more annually. In comparison, renewable energy resources like solar may receive about $1 billion annually.

3. Fossil fuels combust to create an acidic environment.
 Many of the outcomes which come out of the combustion of fossil fuels without condensing technologies lead to an environment that is more acidic. This acidity can change ocean environments, alter how crops can grow, and may even lead to a higher risk of drought and famine. Many ecosystems on Earth are very sensitive to changing conditions, which means continued fossil fuel use could lead to unpredictable and extremely negative consequences.

4. They are the main source of carbon dioxide.
 When burnt, fossil fuels emit carbon dioxide—a greenhouse gas that is the main culprit of global warming. 

5. Fossil fuels can damage the environment through human error.
 Fossil fuels, particularly petroleum products, can spill during harvest or transport. From oil pipeline spills to disasters such as the Exxon Valdez spill, human error can cause a lot of unintended environmental damage. Even regular wear and tear, if not properly maintained, can lead to a higher risk of a leak occurring. Fossil fuels, being needed to be transported to their processing plants via land, air and water can involve leaks in oil tankers or ships getting drowned deep under the sea. The crude oil contains toxic substances that pose serious hazards to all organisms.

6. Fossil fuels aren’t a technology.
 Although we can make it cheaper to find and access fossil fuels, the fuel itself is not a technology. This means there will always be a baseline price for this product, especially since many of them are traded as commodities. Renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar, are based on technology. The prices for these energy resources have been in a continual decline since the 1970s. In some communities, solar and wind energy is virtually the same price as the energy created through fossil fuel combustion.

7. They have rising prices.
 Countries in the Middle East have huge oil and gas reserves, so many other countries are dependent on them for constant fuel supply. They comprise the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which is are responsible for almost half the world’s oil production, even holding the majority of oil reserves. It constantly monitors the volume of oil consumption and then adjusts its own production to maintain desired barrel prices. This results oil price fluctuations around the world.

8. Fossil fuels may contribute to public health issues.
 Outside of the risks that pollution causes for premature fatalities, there are ongoing health issues that can be caused by the combustion of fossil fuels. Air pollution that comes from fossil fuel consumption can trigger symptoms that are similar to asthma. It can also create irritation with a person’s air passageways that can trigger chronic coughing, allergy development, lethargy, and other quality of life concerns. The ozone layer is being worn-out by the greenhouse gases released from fossil fuels. Ozone holes allow harmful UV rays to enter the Earth’s atmosphere, affecting human life through diseases, particularly skin cancer. 

9. Fossil fuels can be dangerous to harvest.
 Coal miners can develop a condition known as Black Lung Disease, which in severe cases is almost always eventually fatal. Natural gas drillers can be exposed to concentrated chemicals and silica, which can lead to adverse health issues. Oil workers are exposed to toxic chemicals frequently, which can increase their risks of cancer development. This shows that harvesting fossil fuels can be dangerous to personal health.
]]> 2019-03-25 06:15:02 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/344686672 Discussion eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/344697507 Fossil fuels have characteristics which irrefutably make them the most reliable fuels, so far.   The facts that they have high calorific value and they are stable mean that they can readily produce large amounts of energy and can be easily stored and transported. The high cost of rare earth elements necessary for the transformation of alternative energy sources into electricity, makes extracting and processing of fossil fuels relatively cheaper. This is very important for developing countries in particular, which cannot invest in that technology when they can hardly sustain themselves. 
Therefore “fossil fuels are still the cheapest, most reliable energy resources available. When a developing country wants to build a functional economic system and end rampant poverty, it turns to fossil fuels.” In India 400 million people live without sufficient food or shelter. India hopes to transition to renewable energy as its economy grows, but the investment needed to meet its renewable energy goals “is equivalent to over four times the country’s annual defense spending, and over ten times the country’s annual spending on health and education.” (Tucker, 2016 ).

It has been documented that when poverty decreases carbon emissions increase and vice versa (Goldstein, 2015).  But this seems to be the case for developing countries.
In developed countries the situation has been changing since 2000, with research and investments in alternative sources of energy starting to pay off. “21 developed countries have reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously growing their economies.” (Tucker, 2016). 

How did they achieve that? “There is not a single formula, policy or demographic trend that’s driven GDP-GHG decoupling across all countries. Sweden, for example, implemented ambitious policies including carbon taxes that supported its decoupling. Denmark’s rapid increase in renewable energy reduced emissions while stimulating local production.” (Aden, 2016)

]]> 2019-03-25 07:38:33 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/344697507 Suggestions eltzovani https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/344698365
In Greece there are two huge debates going on concerning the establishment of vast wind farms on the mountains and of new oil extraction factories in pristine territories. How can we cope with this dilemma between fossil fuels and wind power? How can we calculate the real cost of either one, when both may have long-term negative impacts like loss of habitats, destruction of landscapes or pollution and over-exploitation of water resources. It seems that the way to go is “think globally - act locally”. Keeping in mind that the greenhouse effect affects us all, we need to turn to whatever resources and technology we have available in our own countries, areas or even back yards. Tapping into and updating local knowledge and old-time techniques, researching and investing in technology of small scale energy sources, might be the way to proceed. ]]> 2019-03-25 07:42:35 UTC https://padlet.com/eltzovani/z6cila9vus6s/wish/344698365