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Human Nature:. Critical Reader. Laura Betzig. ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996. 489 pp.

"A discussion of major types of natural disasters, including descriptions of some of the most destructive; explanations of these phenomena, what causes them, and where they occur; and information about how to prepare for and survive these forces of nature. Features include an activity, glossary, list of resources, and index"--Provided by publisher

The Nature Step to Respiratory Health was the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defined as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be considered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs. Background: The Nature Step to Respiratory Health was the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defned as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be consid‑ ered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs. Results: The concept of the Nature Step has evolved from innovative research indicating, how changed lifestyle in urban surroundings reduces contact with biodiverse environments, impoverishes microbiota, afects immune regulation and increases risk of NCDs. The Nature Step calls for strengthening connections to nature. Physical activity in natural environments should be promoted, use of fresh vegetables, fruits and water increased, and consumption of sugary drinks, tobacco and alcohol restricted. Nature relatedness should be part of everyday life and especially emphasized in the care of children and the elderly. Taking "nature" to modern cities in a controlled way is possible but a challenge for urban planning, nature conservation, housing, trafc arrangements, energy production, and ...

Nature-based enterprises (NBEs) have recently emerged as important actors in the delivery of nature-based solutions (NBS) to societal challenges, but little is known about the context in which they operate and the factors influencing their development. The empirical research undertaken in this study provides a first insight into the most significant barriers and enablers nature-based enterprises face in their external environment. Findings were drawn from a review of literature triangulated with a survey of 148 nature-based enterprises and interviews with the founders/CEOs of 22 NBEs. Political factors were identified as the most significant external influence, with increased awareness and incorporation of NBS into relevant policies and economic instruments seen to play a significant role in market development. Conversely, policy inconsistencies and poorly designed public procurement approaches present significant challenges. Other key influencing factors relate to financing (both public and private), lack of industry standards and impact measurement. Industry networking and access to education, training and skill development emerged as key enablers, with university collaborations highly regarded. Further in-depth research is recommended to explore indications of disparities in the levels of awareness, financing, and skills gaps across different regions of Europe and different nature-based economic activities.

Contemporary poetry is increasingly a site where the brutality of neoliberal politics is being contested. The three poems below illustrate the ways in which the culture-nature relationship is being rewritten. Nature in these poems is not separate from human experience; it is not a site for romantic contemplation or rural escape. Here, our relationship with the planet is written as emotionally and politically connected to the way we live on a daily basis. These poems are charged with pain, both in their content and their form. Clare Pollard's powerful 'The Oil' is a prose poem. On the page its thick shape mimics an oil slick. Its images grow in a rhythmic force, reflecting the increasing death grip of the ecological disaster. In James Goodman's 'Slash Poem' endangered animals are separated from mundane and aspirational consumer items by a slash. Here, the slash functions to reflect lacerating capitalist policies as species are cut in order to make room for the market and its attendant lifestyle choices. The poignancy of the species' vulnerability reaches its climax in the last line as 'the best before date' reveals the planet's own expiration. 'Greening' by Kate Potts imagines a future where we experience 'exaggerated seasonal die-off'. Like the other two poems, the power of 'Greening' comes from its easily locatable everyday descriptions: vitamin C, jogging, bunting. The recurring 'we' draws us into a social connection with the planet where drowsy sex, city parks and stockpiles are inextricably linked to shrinking wheatfields and the crisis of climate change. In these poems ecological emergency is part of daily life; it's Thomas Tank Engine pencil cases, Youtube videos and lager drinking. These poems are angry but they are also suffused with a heartbreaking bewilderment: 'what do we do now?' they seem to ask. Adapted from the source document.

Sociology Reference Guide: Nature & -- the Environment -- Contents -- Introduction -- Environmental Issues & -- Society -- The Environmental Deficit -- Society & -- the Natural Environment -- Environmental Sustainability -- Sociology of the Built Environment -- Trends in Global Population Growth -- Public Safety: Natural Disasters -- Animals & -- Human Society.