Scientists look to farmers from hundreds of years ago for clues to protecting the Amazon today. An international team of archaeologists and paleoecologists reports finding evidence that indigenous people, living in the savannas around the Amazonian forest hundreds of years ago farmed without using fire.
The finding suggests modern man could learn from his ancestors in seeking solutions to the mass deforestation of the Amazon. The researchers analyzed records of pollen, charcoal and plant remains stretching over a period of more than 2,000 years. Drawing on these record the team was able to create the first detailed picture of land use in the Amazonian savannas. They found that long before the arrival of the first Europeans, early inhabitants of the savannas constructed small agricultural mounds with wooden tools. GreenBiz.com. New Spiral Island 2008. TreeHugger.
Renewable Energy in 1970, Renewable Energy Now (Maps) Blmurch via Flickr/CC BY 2.0 There's nothing like a nice 'before and after' image to help drive home a point.
And in this case, the point is something like this: Even though it at times feels like it's moving much, much too slowly, the renewable energy revolution is well underway. Just take a look at these maps from Black & Veatch (via Grist), and observe how many renewable energy projects were installed or planned for imminent installation in 1970:
Center for Health and the Global Environment. Here are some simple ways you can work to protect biodiversity -- and human health! Making small changes in your food, your transportation, and your home can have significant impacts. Here's how: Going Green, Fuel Efficiency, Organic Food, and Green Living.