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Weather Derivatives: Modeling and Pricing Weather-Related Risk
by Antonis Alexandridis K. Achilleas D. ZapranisWeather derivatives are financial instruments that can be used by organizations or individuals as part of a risk management strategy to minimize risk associated with adverse or unexpected weather conditions. Just as traditional contingent claims, a weather derivative has an underlying measure, such as: rainfall, wind, snow or temperature. Nearly $1 trillion of the U.S. economy is directly exposed to weather-related risk. More precisely, almost 30% of the U.S. economy and 70% of U.S. companies are affected by weather. The purpose of this monograph is to conduct an in-depth analysis of financial products that are traded in the weather market. Presenting a pricing and modeling approach for weather derivatives written on various underlying weather variables will help students, researchers, and industry professionals accurately price weather derivatives, and will provide strategies for effectively hedging against weather-related risk. This book will link the mathematical aspects of the modeling procedure of weather variables to the financial markets and the pricing of weather derivatives. Very little has been published in the area of weather risk, and this volume will appeal to graduate-level students and researchers studying financial mathematics, risk management, or energy finance, in addition to investors and professionals within the financial services industry.
Global Environmental Change: Selected Papers presented in the International Conference held 19-21 May 2008 in Sofia Bulgaria
by Vesselin Alexandrov Martin Felix Gajdusek C. Gregory Knight Antoaneta YotovaSelected papers from the International Conference "Global Environmental Change: Challenges for Science and Society in South-Eastern Europe" held 19-21 May 2008 in Sofia, Bulgaria. Covers changes in climate, land use, carbon and water cycles, air quality, etc.
Theatre Pedagogy in the Era of Climate Crisis (Research and Teaching in Environmental Studies)
by Conrad Alexandrowicz David FancyThis volume explores whether theatre pedagogy can and should be transformed in response to the global climate crisis. Conrad Alexandrowicz and David Fancy present an innovative re-imagining of the ways in which the art of theatre, and the pedagogical apparatus that feeds and supports it, might contribute to global efforts in climate protest and action. Comprised of contributions from a broad range of scholars and practitioners, the volume explores whether an adherence to aesthetic values can be preserved when art is instrumentalized as protest and considers theatre as a tool to be employed by the School Strike for Climate movement. Considering perspectives from areas including performance, directing, production, design, theory and history, this book will prompt vital discussions which could transform curricular design and implementation in the light of the climate crisis. Theatre Pedagogy in the Era of Climate Crisis will be of great interest to students, scholars and practitioners of climate change and theatre and performance studies.
Theatre Pedagogy in the Era of Climate Crisis (Research and Teaching in Environmental Studies)
by Conrad Alexandrowicz David FancyThis volume explores whether theatre pedagogy can and should be transformed in response to the global climate crisis. Conrad Alexandrowicz and David Fancy present an innovative re-imagining of the ways in which the art of theatre, and the pedagogical apparatus that feeds and supports it, might contribute to global efforts in climate protest and action. Comprised of contributions from a broad range of scholars and practitioners, the volume explores whether an adherence to aesthetic values can be preserved when art is instrumentalized as protest and considers theatre as a tool to be employed by the School Strike for Climate movement. Considering perspectives from areas including performance, directing, production, design, theory and history, this book will prompt vital discussions which could transform curricular design and implementation in the light of the climate crisis. Theatre Pedagogy in the Era of Climate Crisis will be of great interest to students, scholars and practitioners of climate change and theatre and performance studies.
Mobility and Migration in Indigenous Amazonia: Contemporary Ethnoecological Perspectives (Environmental Anthropology and Ethnobiology #11)
by Miguel N. AlexiadesContrary to ingrained academic and public assumptions, wherein indigenous lowland South American societies are viewed as the product of historical emplacement and spatial stasis, there is widespread evidence to suggest that migration and displacement have been the norm, and not the exception. This original and thought-provoking collection of case studies examines some of the ways in which migration, and the concomitant processes of ecological and social change, have shaped and continue to shape human-environment relations in Amazonia. Drawing on a wide range of historical time frames (from pre-conquest times to the present) and ethnographic contexts, different chapters examine the complex and important links between migration and the classification, management, and domestication of plants and landscapes, as well as the incorporation and transformation of environmental knowledge, practices, ideologies and identities.
From Oil to Knowledge: Transforming the United Arab Emirates into a Knowledge-Based Economy
by Ibrahim Alfaki Allam AhmedOver-reliance on oil challenges the long-term sustainability of an economy. The UAE’s government has placed considerable focus on a comprehensive strategic planning exercise to transform the country’s economic structure from relying heavily on hydrocarbon resources to becoming a knowledge-based economy. Non-oil is to account for 80% of the country’s economy by 2021. From Oil to Knowledge examines the role of this major powerhouse of the Arab World to transform itself into a leader in the adoption of science, technology and innovation to drive economic success on the international stage.In this first book to present and critically evaluate the extent of the UAE’s success in diversifying its economy and implementing the principles and approaches of a Knowledge Economy, the authors identify the achievements of the government to date and the areas of further development. From Oil to Knowledge will be utilized as a guide by policymakers and senior managers to enhance their ability to think strategically towards implementing the pillars of a Knowledge Economy within their own organisations and nation states.
Beneficial Insects
by David V. AlfordInsects are key components of life on our planet, and their presence is essential for maintaining balanced terrestrial ecosystems. Without insects humans would struggle to survive, and on a world scale food production would be severely compromised. Many plants and animals depend directly or indirectly on insects for their very survival, and this is particularly so in the case of insectivorous birds and other such creatures. The beneficial role of insects is often overlooked or misunderstood, and in farming circles their very presence on crops is often seen to be unwelcome. In reality, however, many insects are genuinely beneficial, as in the case of parasitic and predacious species. The use of chemical pesticides to control crop pests is becoming more tightly regulated and environmentally undesirable, and low-input farming, in which natural enemies of pests are encouraged to survive or increase, is becoming far more prevalent. Accordingly, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Pest Management (ICM) strategies are increasingly being developed, advocated and adopted. Features: Highlights information on many groups of insects and mites that act as natural enemies or biological control agents of phytophagous insects and mites, including plant pests. Profusely illustrated with high-quality colour photographs. Focuses mainly on insects and mites as natural enemies of plant pests, including parasitic and predacious species that have been accidentally or deliberately introduced in classical biological control programmes. Reviews the role of phytophagous European insects and mites in controlling or managing European plants that have become invasive weeds in other parts of the world, notably North America, Australia and New Zealand.
Beneficial Insects
by David V. AlfordInsects are key components of life on our planet, and their presence is essential for maintaining balanced terrestrial ecosystems. Without insects humans would struggle to survive, and on a world scale food production would be severely compromised. Many plants and animals depend directly or indirectly on insects for their very survival, and this is particularly so in the case of insectivorous birds and other such creatures. The beneficial role of insects is often overlooked or misunderstood, and in farming circles their very presence on crops is often seen to be unwelcome. In reality, however, many insects are genuinely beneficial, as in the case of parasitic and predacious species. The use of chemical pesticides to control crop pests is becoming more tightly regulated and environmentally undesirable, and low-input farming, in which natural enemies of pests are encouraged to survive or increase, is becoming far more prevalent. Accordingly, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Pest Management (ICM) strategies are increasingly being developed, advocated and adopted. Features: Highlights information on many groups of insects and mites that act as natural enemies or biological control agents of phytophagous insects and mites, including plant pests. Profusely illustrated with high-quality colour photographs. Focuses mainly on insects and mites as natural enemies of plant pests, including parasitic and predacious species that have been accidentally or deliberately introduced in classical biological control programmes. Reviews the role of phytophagous European insects and mites in controlling or managing European plants that have become invasive weeds in other parts of the world, notably North America, Australia and New Zealand.
The Yearbook of Polar Law: Volume 9, 2017 (The Yearbook Of Polar Law Ser. #9)
by Gudmundur Alfredsson Timo KoivurovaThe papers in this volume are based on presentations at ninth symposium in Akureyri in October 2016.
Chadwick F. Alger: Pioneer in the Study of the Political Process and on NGO Participation in the United Nations (SpringerBriefs on Pioneers in Science and Practice #7)
by Chadwick F AlgerThis volume honors the lifetime achievements of distinguished scholar Chadwick F. Alger on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Carolyn Stephenson presents Prof. Alger as a Pioneer in the Study of the Political Process and on NGO Participation in the United Nations. Part 1 offers an autobiographical note and a comprehensive bibliography of his academic publications. Part II includes three texts on “The Political Process in the UN,” namely “The Researcher in the United Nations: Evolution of a Research Strategy,” “Interaction in a Committee of the United Nations General Assembly” and “Interaction and Negotiation in a Committee of the UN GA.” In Part III, which focuses on “Civil Society Organizations in the UN System (NGOs),” three chapters deal with “Evolving Roles of NGOs in Member State Decision-making in the UN System,” “The Roles of NGOs in the UN System: From Article 71 to a People’s Millennium Assembly” and “Strengthening relations between NGOs and the UN system: Towards a research agenda.”
Peace Research and Peacebuilding (SpringerBriefs on Pioneers in Science and Practice #9)
by Chadwick F AlgerThis is the third volume to commemorate the 90th birthday of the distinguished scholar Chadwick F. Alger to honor his lifetime achievement in international relations, as President of the International Studies Association (1978-1979) and as Secretary General of the International Peace Research Association (1984-1987). After a brief introduction by Chad F. Alger this volume presents six of his key texts on Peace Research and Peacebuilding, covering “The quest for peace: What are we learning?”; “The Emerging Toolchest for Peacebuilders”; “Peace Studies as a Transdisciplinary Project”; “Challenges for Peace Researchers and Peace Builders in the Twenty-First Century: Education and Coordination of a Diversity of Actors in Applying What We Are Learning”; “The escalating peace potential of global governance”, “There Are Peacebuilding Tasks for Everybody”, and “What Should Be the Foundations of Peace Education?”
The UN System and Cities in Global Governance: The Un System And Cities In Global Governance (SpringerBriefs on Pioneers in Science and Practice #8)
by Chadwick F. AlgerThis is the second volume to commemorate the 90th birthday of the distinguished scholar Chadwick F. Alger to honor his lifetime achievement in international relations and as President of the International Studies Association (1978-1979). After a brief introduction by Chad F. Alger this volume presents six of his key texts on The UN System and Cities in Global Governance, focusing on “Cities as arenas for participatory learning in global citizenship”; “The Impact of Cities on International Systems”; “Perceiving, Analysing and Coping With the Local-Global Nexus”; “The World Relations of Cities: Closing the Gap Between Social Science Paradigms and Everyday Human Experience”; “Japanese Municipal International Exchange and Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific: Opportunities and Challenges” and on “Searching for Democratic Potential in Emerging Global Governance: What Are the Implications of Regional and Global Involvements of Local Governments?”.
Conserving the Oceans: The Politics of Large Marine Protected Areas
by Justin AlgerLarge marine protected areas (MPAs) have emerged since the mid-2000s as a popular state response to the overfishing, land run-off, and climate change causing the decline of the world's oceans. As of 2020, there were more than 14,000 MPAs in the world, most of them small, poorly managed, and often amounting to little more than "paper parks" that contribute little to ocean conservation or resource management. However, that is beginning to change. In recent years, governments, including the United States and United Kingdom, have turned their attention to protecting large swaths of ocean through MPAs hundreds of thousands of square kilometers in size. In this book, Justin Alger documents the efforts of activists and states to increase the pace and scale of global ocean protections, leading to a paradigm shift in how states conserve marine biodiversity. Through an analysis of domestic political economies, and based on three original MPA case studies located in the United States, Australia, and Palau, this book explains how states have protected millions of square kilometers of ocean space while remaining highly responsive to the interests of businesses. From the commercial fishing to ecotourism sectors, business heavily influences conservation policy, occasionally leading to robust protections but more often than not to business-as-usual activity on the water. Conserving the Oceans examines the reach and the limits of business influence, examining how the domestic political economy of a given ocean space can reshape a global norm to better suit local economic realities. While recognizing important global progress and growing ambition to conserve ocean ecosystems, Alger provides a critical analysis of the processes by which global environmental norms become domestic policy. Ultimately, the book questions if we are still doing too little to prevent the worst impacts of the global environmental crisis despite the paradigm shift in global ocean conservation.
Conserving the Oceans: The Politics of Large Marine Protected Areas
by Justin AlgerLarge marine protected areas (MPAs) have emerged since the mid-2000s as a popular state response to the overfishing, land run-off, and climate change causing the decline of the world's oceans. As of 2020, there were more than 14,000 MPAs in the world, most of them small, poorly managed, and often amounting to little more than "paper parks" that contribute little to ocean conservation or resource management. However, that is beginning to change. In recent years, governments, including the United States and United Kingdom, have turned their attention to protecting large swaths of ocean through MPAs hundreds of thousands of square kilometers in size. In this book, Justin Alger documents the efforts of activists and states to increase the pace and scale of global ocean protections, leading to a paradigm shift in how states conserve marine biodiversity. Through an analysis of domestic political economies, and based on three original MPA case studies located in the United States, Australia, and Palau, this book explains how states have protected millions of square kilometers of ocean space while remaining highly responsive to the interests of businesses. From the commercial fishing to ecotourism sectors, business heavily influences conservation policy, occasionally leading to robust protections but more often than not to business-as-usual activity on the water. Conserving the Oceans examines the reach and the limits of business influence, examining how the domestic political economy of a given ocean space can reshape a global norm to better suit local economic realities. While recognizing important global progress and growing ambition to conserve ocean ecosystems, Alger provides a critical analysis of the processes by which global environmental norms become domestic policy. Ultimately, the book questions if we are still doing too little to prevent the worst impacts of the global environmental crisis despite the paradigm shift in global ocean conservation.
The Future of Diplomacy After COVID-19: Multilateralism and the Global Pandemic
by Hana AlhashimiThis book considers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international diplomacy, and the challenges and opportunities it presents for the future of multilateralism. Global cooperation and solidarity are central to responding to and mitigating the health and socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet, to many, this was slow to mobilize and lacking in political leadership. This book takes a practical look at the lessons learned from the period spanning the World Health Organization’s first declaration of a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020, to the commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations in October 2020. This timespan covers a critical period in which to consider key areas of diplomacy, covering a range of tools of global cooperation: multilateral diplomacy, the rule of law, sustainable development, economics and financing, digital governance, and peace and security. Each chapter in this book introduces readers to the current situation in their respective areas, followed by a constructive consideration of lessons learned from the pandemic’s impact on that field, and key recommendations for the future. The practical focus and future orientation is particularly important as the book injects pragmatism and guidance that will facilitate ‘building back better’ in COVID response plans, while creating space for continued focus on global commitments around sustainable development and the future of the UN. Written by a team of authors who have worked directly in International Public Policy and the establishment of global agendas at the United Nations, this book will be essential reading for professionals and policymakers involved in diplomatic roles, as well as students and scholars interested in the future of international relations, global governance and sustainable development.
The Future of Diplomacy After COVID-19: Multilateralism and the Global Pandemic
by Hana Alhashimi Andres Fiallo Toni-Shae Freckleton Mona Ali Khalil Vahd Mulachela Jonathan VieraThis book considers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international diplomacy, and the challenges and opportunities it presents for the future of multilateralism. Global cooperation and solidarity are central to responding to and mitigating the health and socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet, to many, this was slow to mobilize and lacking in political leadership. This book takes a practical look at the lessons learned from the period spanning the World Health Organization’s first declaration of a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020, to the commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations in October 2020. This timespan covers a critical period in which to consider key areas of diplomacy, covering a range of tools of global cooperation: multilateral diplomacy, the rule of law, sustainable development, economics and financing, digital governance, and peace and security. Each chapter in this book introduces readers to the current situation in their respective areas, followed by a constructive consideration of lessons learned from the pandemic’s impact on that field, and key recommendations for the future. The practical focus and future orientation is particularly important as the book injects pragmatism and guidance that will facilitate ‘building back better’ in COVID response plans, while creating space for continued focus on global commitments around sustainable development and the future of the UN. Written by a team of authors who have worked directly in International Public Policy and the establishment of global agendas at the United Nations, this book will be essential reading for professionals and policymakers involved in diplomatic roles, as well as students and scholars interested in the future of international relations, global governance and sustainable development.
Climate Change and Insect Biodiversity: Challenges and Implications
by Habib Ali Youming Hou Muhammad Bilal TahirThis up-to-date reference book discusses the effects of climate change on the biodiversity of insect pests. The changing climate and agricultural intensification practices impact negatively on insect biodiversity. The book explains the significance of insect pests for evaluating climatic impacts on a wide range of ecological systems. It covers the effect of climate change on pollinators and household and agricultural insect pests. It explains how climate-smart agriculture can enhance productivity and food security.FEATURES Reviews the effects of climate change on plant-insect interactions Includes topics such as insect biodiversity informatics and conservation Discusses food security, pest management, and beneficial and social insects Covers topics such as precision agriculture and climate-smart agriculture Provides insights on the relation between agriculture intensification and insect biodiversity This book is meant for scientists, researchers, and students working in the fields of agriculture, entomology, ecology, plant science, environmental biology, and biotechnology.
The Peach Potato Aphid (Myzus persicae): Ecology and Management
by Jamin AliConsidered as economically significant pests with worldwide distribution, aphids feed on hundreds of cultivated and ornamental plants and cause considerable economic loss on a global scale. The peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae, is one of the most severe model aphid pests and successfully colonizes hundreds of plant species from 40 different families. It is a complex aphid pest known for its high reproductive rate, biotype formation, suppression of plant defenses, and wide range of host plants. This book covers ecological aspects - including life cycle, damage, and host range - which make aphids an economically important pest. A wide range of topics are covered, including ecological aspects of M. persicae; challenges with management approaches; damage; suppression of plant defenses; evolution; the mechanism of resistance against major classes of insecticides; the potential of biological control and natural plant-derived compounds (plant defense elicitors) as an alternative to the use of synthetic chemical insecticides to control M. persicae; and integrated pest management for M. persicae. As the peach-potato aphid is a model aphid pest, studying it helps to develop control strategies against the entire group of aphids. Written for professionals, as well as students, teachers, and researchers in the fields of entomology, ecology, and bioscience, this book is an enriching new addition to its field.
The Peach Potato Aphid (Myzus persicae): Ecology and Management
by Jamin AliConsidered as economically significant pests with worldwide distribution, aphids feed on hundreds of cultivated and ornamental plants and cause considerable economic loss on a global scale. The peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae, is one of the most severe model aphid pests and successfully colonizes hundreds of plant species from 40 different families. It is a complex aphid pest known for its high reproductive rate, biotype formation, suppression of plant defenses, and wide range of host plants. This book covers ecological aspects - including life cycle, damage, and host range - which make aphids an economically important pest. A wide range of topics are covered, including ecological aspects of M. persicae; challenges with management approaches; damage; suppression of plant defenses; evolution; the mechanism of resistance against major classes of insecticides; the potential of biological control and natural plant-derived compounds (plant defense elicitors) as an alternative to the use of synthetic chemical insecticides to control M. persicae; and integrated pest management for M. persicae. As the peach-potato aphid is a model aphid pest, studying it helps to develop control strategies against the entire group of aphids. Written for professionals, as well as students, teachers, and researchers in the fields of entomology, ecology, and bioscience, this book is an enriching new addition to its field.
Climate Change Impacts on Plant Biomass Growth
by Mohammad AliThis book offers a methodical explanation of our biomass-driven ecosystem, the undeniable uncertainties posed by the response of vegetation to changes in environmental conditions and the fact that humans everywhere have an interest, even an obligation, to cooperate in a global campaign to combat climate change.
Natural Resources and Society: Understanding the Complex Relationship Between Humans and the Environment (Earth and Environmental Sciences Library)
by Mohd Akhter Ali M. Kamraju"Natural Resources and Society: Understanding the Complex Relationship Between Humans and the Environment" is a study of the dynamic interplay between humans and the natural world. The book explores the complex relationship between human societies and the environment, examining how human actions can both impact and be influenced by natural resources.The book covers a broad range of topics, including the history of human resource use, the role of natural resources in economic development, and the environmental impacts of resource extraction and consumption. It also considers the social and cultural factors that shape human interactions with the natural world, and the challenges of sustainable resource management. Overall, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between humans and the environment, emphasizing the importance of understanding this relationship in order to develop more sustainable and equitable societies.
Temporal and Spatial Environmental Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic (Advances in Geographical and Environmental Sciences)
by Mohd Akhter Ali M. KamrajuThis book identifies, evaluates and reports the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical, biological and socioeconomic environment, using the science and technology of geoinformatics. It encourages the environmental considerations in the future city and policy planning and decision-making. For example, according to the World Health Organization, 80% of people living in cities are exposed to polluted air that exceeds healthy levels. City planners have applied the developing concepts of sustainability to modern debates over how cities and regions should be reviewed, regenerated and reformed since the introduction of the concept in developmental science. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a remarkable drop in air pollution has been observed in India and other countries, which has accelerated the shift to green and sustainable development. Geoinformatics can provide solutions and resources for local, sustainable activities in education, health, sustainable agriculture, resource management and related fields. This book serves researchers in a variety of areas, including hazards, land surveys, remote sensing, cartography, geophysics, geology, natural resources, environment and geography.
Power Up: An Engineer's Adventures into Sustainable Energy
by Yasmin Ali'A stimulating and affable overview of how major feats of engineering can help the world beat the climate crisis'NEW STATESMAN'A powerful and often lyrical book ... Fascinating and insightful in equal measure'MARK MIODOWNIK'Ali's enthusiasm for energy infrastructure electrifies this engaging tour of the people and structures that power our modern world'GAIA VINCE'Highly recommend ... a warm and educational read'ROMA AGRAWAL__________We rarely think about the energy systems that prop up our existence. With hot water, lighting and digital entertainment all available at the flick of a switch, it's easy to underestimate the vast global network that makes these things possible.Growing up in Iraq, Yasmin Ali regularly experienced power cuts - ironic for a country rich in oil and sunshine. Now as an engineer working in energy, Yasmin has a deep appreciation for what these resources mean for our lives. In Power Up she takes us on a journey across the globe to reveal the bigger picture, from solar farms shimmering in the desert to power stations hidden deep in the mountains. We discover where we get energy from, how it is moved and used around the world - and why we need to understand the whole system if we want to transition towards a clean, green future.Power Up is a definitive picture of the intricate world that humanity has built, and a rallying cry to face the challenges of climate change using the power at our fingertips.
Water Management and Sustainability in Asia (Community, Environment and Disaster Risk Management #23)
by Nor Eliza Alias Mohd Ridza Mohd Haniffah Sobri HarunWater is life. Managing water quantity and quality is a big part of human responsibility. Water Management and Sustainability in Asia covers topics related to water resources management, including multi- and interdisciplinary research on flood, soil infiltration, contaminants, sediment, water quality, hydrological modelling, and water resources systems. Presenting case-studies on soil infiltration and contaminants, the impacts of flood with risk assessment, as well as water modelling and management systems. The lessons shared in this volume focus on rapidly developing countries in the South-east Asia who have a complex climate system which presents challenges. This research provides models and projections that can support water management in the region.
Flutter, Butterfly!: Level 1 (National Geographic Readers Ser.)
by Shelby Alinsky National Geographic Kids StaffNational Geographic Primary Readers pair magnificent National Geographic photographs with engaging text by skilled authors to help your child learn to read. Developed by education experts, this series of books for beginner readers is spread across four levels: Early Reader, Becoming Fluent, Becoming Independent and Independent Reader. Flutter, Butterfly! is a colourful book that uses simple vocabulary and fun pictures to capture the interest and help develop the skills of early readers. Told in simple yet lively text, Flutter, Butterfly! will enchant children who are just beginning their reading journey. Level 1: Early Reader books contain simple sentences and are just right for kids who can decode with ease and are beginning to read fluently. They are ideal for readers of Yellow and Blue book bands for guided reading.