November 2018

Ambassador Blake represents a figure from the international sphere of politics and resources. He has access to U.S. and worldwide intelligence, research and networks. For instance Blake was tasked with figuring out how to reduce Indonesia’s greenhouse gas production. Yet, at the time, Indonesia was in its last year of an administration, so there was… Read more Ambassador Blake’s talk and its connections to bilateral activists

How Will an Artificial Mountain Reduce Pollution?

November 13, 2018mcsteinberg No Comments

Group: Governance. Interesting idea of using soil, that would otherwise go to waste, for absorbing pollution. The artificial mountain could absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and safely store it while adding to the community landscape. https://www.pollutionsolutions-online.com/news/air-clean-up/16/breaking-news/how-will-an-artificial-mountain-reduce-pollution/47638

Oysters: How these shellfish are being used in Louisiana to prevent soil erosion →

November 13, 2018Oyster Boi No Comments

This article goes into the research being done on oyster reefs and their ability to slow the progress of soil erosion on the coast of Louisiana. At the four control sites in the study, the oyster reefs were able to half the rate of erosion over a few months. One interesting social concept behind this environmental problem is how restaurants used to return used oyster shells to fisherman. Fisherman would then return these shells to the ocean and oyster reefs were created through this process. According to the article, only one or two restaurants still do this. Now, oyster shells are sent to landfills, where they are processed in useless ways.

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20180822-recycled-shells-of-louisiana-oyster-reef-protect-new-orleans

Group: Extractive Colonialism

Prevention and Control of Soil Pollution in China

November 13, 2018alindberg No Comments

Our group found this article to be extremely interesting and illuminating on current foreign policy. More specifically this article focuses on soil conservation in China, where there is a major soil pollution problem. To combat this problem, China has implemented progressive policies and laws. The new law specifies that the polluter is primarily responsible for… Read more Prevention and Control of Soil Pollution in China

Can Dirt Save the Earth?

November 13, 2018psorornejad No Comments

With soil at the forefront of our discussions for the week, we can benefit from understanding exactly how important soil is to the health of our planet. Through this article we can not only learn about the importance of soil to humanity, but also about how we are using new technologies to replenish the soil… Read more Can Dirt Save the Earth?

Egypt and Senegal Receive Gamma Detectors to Help Combat Soil Erosion

November 13, 2018pagraham No Comments

The people of Egypt and Senegal rely heavily on the agriculture sector as a means of income and food. Recently, both countries have fallen to the intense impacts of soil erosion. These countries have worked along side the UN and other organizations to further develop the creation of Gamma Detectors. Gamma Detectors provide a longer… Read more Egypt and Senegal Receive Gamma Detectors to Help Combat Soil Erosion

Methods of high yield farming while still maintaining the environment

November 12, 2018jdfisher No Comments

Emily Baker, Brian Brooks, Jacob Fisher, Elise Smutko Soil is a very important natural resource. It allows for crops to take root and grow into bountiful crops. Without soil, humankind would have a challenging time growing healthy crops. Recently, the International Soil and Water Conservation group estimated that soil quality will drastically decline through 2050… Read more Methods of high yield farming while still maintaining the environment

More on the language and practice of colonialism -this time far away from planet earth

November 12, 2018wsanmartin No Comments

And two important unanswered questions: Is there a narrative we can use that isn’t just trotting out Christopher Columbus and pretending like that’s a rosy picture? How confident are you that people will buy into the idea that space is for everyone, and not just a playground for people who can afford it?