Generally speaking, weathering refers to a phenomenon in which rocks or minerals are broken down or dissolved on the Earth’s surface. Chemical weathering, in particular, is defined as the process during which water, air, and microorganisms change the molecular structure of rocks and soil. There are several types of chemical weathering processes, including acidification, hydrolysis, … Read more
Sustainability is an idea under which things are done or resources are used without diminishing their quality or quantity over time. The term ‘sustainability’ is ubiquitous today since every field in every part of the world is trying to implement its essence or principles to make the world a better place for humans to live … Read more
Soil, also commonly referred to as dirt or earth, is our life support system. It is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, living organisms and water that are vital for healthy plant growth, human nutrition, and regulation of the Earth’s climates. As one of the most significant components of the earth’s ecosystem, human life … Read more
We all know that trees are one of the most valuable gifts from nature that has made life possible on planet Earth. Although their importance is obvious, humans have taken their value for granted and have made drastic and tragic reductions in their historical numbers. Therefore, current environmental activism is centered on increasing the number … Read more
Rainforests can simply be defined as the areas of highest rainfall on the annual basis in the range of 250 to 450 centimeters with relatively warm climates. They are characterized by a continuous and closed tree canopy with considerable presence of epiphytes and lianas. Primarily grouped into two main categories, tropical and temperate rainforests; they … Read more
Fungi are a type of eukaryotic, microscopic organism which consists of thread-like structures, with a diameter of less than 10 µm called hyphae. They are incredibly diverse with yeasts, molds, and mushrooms as common forms. They are usually found in any kind of habitat but mostly grow on soil or dead plant matter rather than … Read more
Lithium is a silvery-white alkali metal, one of the soft metals that you can easily cut with a knife. Just like other alkali metals, lithium is a highly reactive and flammable metal, meaning that it must be stored in mineral oil, under inert gases, or in a vacuum. From consumer products to health supplements, lithium … Read more
When you look up into the sky, there’s not much you can see. And no matter how long you stare at it, you will probably have trouble figuring out what is going on up there. Although we might see a blue sky or even a couple of clouds, there is much more than that hidden … Read more
Wood is an important renewable natural resource prevalent in our day-to-day lives as well as the global economy. As a vital tool in the history of human civilization, wood has long been a part of our life and its serviceability continues to increase annually for fuel, weapons, furniture, and many more. Millions of people today … Read more
According to The World Bank, the world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste every year. At least 33% of that waste isn’t managed in an environmentally safe manner. 34% of that waste comes from high-income countries, though they only make up 16% of the world’s population. What can be done about this issue? … Read more
Forests are important because of the wide range of products and services they provide. From filtering the water we drink to purifying the air we breathe, the importance of forest services are immeasurable. Many of the products we use every – food, timber, paper, medicines, detergents, and cosmetics – directly or indirectly involve forests. Being … Read more
The field of forestry is an applied science that uses biological, physical, social, political, and managerial sciences to protect, manage and conserve forests. Forestry is also an art because although the sciences ensure reliable information, it is up to the foresters to use their judgment and techniques to achieve the desired outcome from forests. While … Read more
The world is warming due to human-created climate change. Climate scientists have sounded the alarm for decades. We’re already seeing many of the catastrophic effects such as rising sea levels, massive hurricanes, severe drought, and more. While some of the changes can’t be reversed, there’s still hope. The key? Reduce greenhouse gases. That can be … Read more
The world is a beautiful place. Biodiversity is one of the reasons why. Biodiversity – which is the diversity within species, between species, and in every ecosystem – serves many essential functions in the world. When a species goes extinct – like a certain type of flower- the world loses more than just something pretty. … Read more
We hear about threats to the environment every day. Whether it’s the ravages of climate change, deforestation, or pollution, apocalyptic-sounding events fill the news cycle. It can be overwhelming and challenging to discern what exactly it all means. The environment – which includes everything from the ocean to the forests – impacts every area of … Read more
There are hundreds of thousands of plant species. They include the tiny caviar-sized watermeal plant to the tallest redwood in California. People travel across the world to see certain plants, like the California redwoods, the bluebells of Europe, and the cherry blossoms of Japan. Despite human’s love of plants, 40% of the world’s plant species … Read more
When you hear the term “wildlife,” you might picture animals, but many guidelines on conservation or similar areas include flora as well as fauna. These living things are not introduced by humans but are found wild. Different wildlife live in every ecosystem, including forests, oceans, deserts, and more. Why does wildlife matter? Here are ten … Read more
Landscaping is when trees and other plants are brought in to create an area of beauty, whether it’s in a quiet neighborhood or a bustling city. Today, you can find impressive landscaping projects in the form of rooftop gardens, urban pocket parks, and backyard oases. Landscaping isn’t cheap, so why is it worth investing in? … Read more
Water management is the management of the water resources available on earth. Authorities establish systems and regulations that deal with water for a variety of uses, including agriculture and sanitation. Why is this so important? Water is a renewable resource, but only when it’s managed well. If it isn’t, the world faces serious consequences. Here … Read more
Arachnophobia – the fear of spiders – is one of the most common phobias. That fear isn’t without cause as most spiders are venomous. In certain types, that venom can cause serious health issues in humans. However, most spiders like to keep to themselves and they don’t attack without reason. Their presence in the world … Read more
If you’ve ever taken a walk in a forest, you know how rewarding that experience can be. Imagine you’re in a forest right now. Can you hear the wind blowing through the leaves and the songs of birds? Do you feel like you’ve become a part of something bigger than yourself? Forests play a symbolic … Read more
Civilization began with agriculture, and though humanity has changed significantly, agriculture still remains very important. In certain countries, its significance is more obvious, but the reality is that every country in the world depends on agriculture for one thing or another. Here are ten reasons why agriculture is important: #1. It’s the main source of … Read more
