MSc Popular Environmental Articles
The following articles are a selection of those written by Environment MSc students in the spring of 2011.
The brief was to produce a short, popular article on the environmental issue of their choice.
A Request from the Sea
by Tania Woodcock
Humans have what can be described as a distinct flaw; the ability to empathise with other species and to recognise the harm we do to them. I refer to this as a flaw because without it we could happily go about our daily lives without a second thought to the planet. For the majority of us we are able to do so anyway, so focused on our lives that we are disconnected from the world around us and the bigger picture becomes difficult to see. Even for those who devote their careers to understanding the human effects, known as anthropogenic impacts, on the Earth, the reality of modern life means that they too will have a negative impact upon the natural environment. Take a moment to consider your daily life, the impact on the environment of every item you use, every piece of clothing you wear, everything you eat and drink. I doubt you will make it to midday before your mind is boggling with all the possible impacts and consequences. Anthropogenic impacts are huge and varied, including anything from habitat destruction to pollution, from hunting to an introduction of invasive species. We are currently losing species at such a rate that it has been compared to the "big five" mass extinctions, and although new research has suggested that we are not yet in the grips of the sixth mass extinction without a concerted effort on our part extinction rates will only intensify.
Full article: A request from the sea by Tania Woodcock (PDF 
, 1,124kb)
Biting the hand that feeds us
by Simon Nockold
The destruction of tropical rainforest for oil palm cultivation is severe and unrelenting. Palm oil is a cheap alternative to other oils and is used in many household food products. Many consumers are unwittingly supporting the industry and its deleterious impacts on biodiversity and human well being.
Full article: Biting the hand that feeds us by Simon Nockold (PDF , 295kb)
Controlling an Alien Invasion: The Truth is Out There...
by Saul Beckett
Introduced alien cane toads have spread throughout North Eastern Australia over the past 75 years and have negatively impacted many populations of unique native species. New techniques are being investigated to limit such impacts by halting the cross-country spread of this unwelcome visitor. Pheromone manipulation in breeding pools may result in increased depredation and parasitism in juvenile toads. Limiting access to man-made water bodies in Australia's arid regions could be the key to maintaining toad-free ecosystems and stemming the cane toad flow.
Full article: Cane toads by Saul Beckett (PDF , 593kb)
Could'a, Would'a, Should'a Protected the Hoodia!
by Daniel Harrison
Twenty years from now, do we really want to be contemplating such a thought? Failure to act with immediate effect could lead to extinction becoming a grim reality for the Hoodia and many other plant species that are being illegally poached and exploited for their medicinal properties.
Full article: Coulda Shoulda Woulda by Dan Harrison (PDF , 692kb)
Navigating through a wilderness of Eco-labels
by Timoty Stamp
Recent years have seen a vast increase in the number of eco-labeling programs and certified products on the shelves of supermarkets and DIY stores, in coffee shops and across the high streets. Beyond the vast array of choice, accusations of 'green-washing' serve to further complicate ethical-buying, asking the consumer to not only understand the barrage of labels, but question their credibility also. When sifting through the sea of ethical stamps our products are adorned with, even the most well-informed and ethically-motivated consumer can be excused from feeling a little overwhelmed, and perhaps a little sceptical. For the earth-conscious consumer, in a vast, green wilderness of eco-labels, how is one to make sense of the plethora of pictograms?
Full article: Ecolabels by Tim Stamp (PDF , 848kb)
Gardens & Biodiversity
by Jackie Frank
I was woken at an ungodly hour this morning by my friendly local blackbird welcoming the new day, for a second I couldn't help but be slightly irritated by the rude awakening. However I really should consider myself lucky, there are many of our common garden birds that have suffered in recent years and their numbers are declining. Between 1995 and 2005 the numbers of blackbirds in Kensington palace gardens plummeted by 67%. Luckily these lovely birds are doing well elsewhere in the country. It is thought that the decline of blackbirds in London is due to the overzealous clearing of fallen leaves to make the area look tidier and to make compost. Leaf litter provides a home and a food source to dozens of bugs and worms that work away unnoticed turning the dead leaves into humus, these bugs are a huge source of winter food for the blackbirds that dig around looking for tasty morsels.
Full article: Gardens and Biodiversity by Jackie Frank (PDF , 984kb)
Mother Nature: The female potential to nurse our rainforests
by Lena Jeha
In a year the U.N has dedicated to remember people's actions in sustaining the world's forests and on the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day; today should be used to reflect on the significant role women play in nurturing forest dependant livelihoods and biodiversity in less economically developed countries.
Full article: Mother Nature by Lena Jeha (PDF , 764kb)
Serengheti Highway
by Kara Dicks
Imagine Africa: rolling plains of the Serengeti savannah, an iconic umbrella tree here and there, perhaps the odd heard of zebra or gazelles. But everywhere you look hundreds upon hundreds of wildebeest.
The great wildebeest migration is probably the most iconic in the world and one of the only remaining in the world. Re-picture the scene, the wildebeest migration, rolling plains, clear blue sky. Now pause, insert highway, fuel tankers, HGVs, high speed pickup trucks and wildebeest dodging between to get to the other side. Those crocodile infested river crossings must be starting to look like a walk in the park. If the Tanzanian government is successful, this Serengeti highway looks set to become reality.
Full article: Serengeti Highway by Kara Dicks (PDF , 1,057kb)