Loss Of Natural Resources Research Articles

Accuracy Assessment of Land Use Land Cover Classification Using Machine Learning Classifiers in Google Earth Engine; A Case Study of Jammu District

Abstract. LULC (Land Use and Land Cover) involves classifying and describing different land types and their usage. Using satellite imagery for LULC mapping is increasing in remote sensing. This study focuses on Jammu district in India, situated between mountain ranges from north and south make it eco-sensitive zone. Expanding of human activity and loss of natural resources make it vulnerable if mismanaged. Study of LULC is important because of it and this study deals with efficiency and accuracy of various machine learning classifiers for LULC. This study uses machine learning classifiers - Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Gradient Boosted Trees (GTB), and Classification and Regression Trees (CART) - for the task, leveraging Google Earth Engine (GEE). Sentinel-2 satellite data from January 1 to March 31, 2023, with specific spectral bands (B4, B3, B2 & B8, B4, B3), were used for image preprocessing. Six classes: built-up, water, agricultural land, fallow land, forest, and barren land, each with 100 sample points, were used for classification. After training, the classifiers' accuracy was evaluated using Overall Accuracy and Kappa Coefficient. The results showed RF as the top performer with an overall accuracy of 99.36% and a Kappa coefficient of 99.11%, followed by SVM, GTB, and CART. This highlights the effectiveness of machine learning classifiers, especially RF and SVM, in accurately mapping LULC patterns in Jammu district, suggesting RF's potential as a reliable tool for remote sensing-based LULC mapping.

The Impact of Green Purchase Intention on Compensatory Consumption: The Regulatory Role of Pro-Environmental Behavior

Green purchasing behavior refers to the potential of consumers to reduce the impact on the environment and the excessive loss of natural resources in the procurement process as far as possible under the premise of meeting their own needs. This behavior is not only helpful in alleviating environmental problems but also is an important way to achieve sustainable development. However, whether consumers will increase non-green or excessive compensatory consumption behaviors due to the “moral permission” psychological tendency, present after purchasing green products, is an important question in the current research. This study explores the effect of green purchase intention on compensatory consumption behavior, with special attention to the moderating role of pro-environmental behavior in this relationship. With the increasingly severe global environmental problems, green consumption, as a pro-environmental behavior, has gradually become the focus of social attention. By analyzing the relationship between consumers’ green purchase intention and their subsequent compensatory consumption behavior, this study further reveals the important role of pro-environment behavior in the consumption decision-making process.

Horn banana peel powder biocoagulants in lowering the turbidity of water

Purpose: In response to contemporary global issues like pollution, global warming, and the loss of natural resources, the circular bioeconomy has been proposed. Using organic waste as a bioagulant facilitates the shift to a circular and sustainable bioeconomy. For homes that use well water that has been excavated, the concentration of chemical coagulants must be taken into consideration. The purpose of this study is to use banana peel powder as a biocoagulant to lower the turbidity level of water from a dug well.
 Research methodology: The Paired Sample T-Test and the ANOVA test with Welsh correction were used to examine the average change in turbidity 0.000 <0.05 was the ? value obtained.
 Results: The Post Hoc Games-Howell test findings revealed a noteworthy distinction between the treatment groups. This study concludes that the biocoagulant made of powdered banana horn can lower turbidity to a level that satisfies health standards.

Natural Resources Depletion

The catchphrase of the early 21st century has become global warming, climate change, and the consequent push to embrace significantly more ecologically concerned attitudes towards our finite natural resources.When natural resources are being used up more quickly than they can be regenerated, this is referred to as resource depletion. One can distinguish between a country's non-renewable and renewable natural resources. Natural resources play a major role in a country's economic growth. It appears that most current patterns of urbanization, agriculture, and the use of energy and natural resources are unsustainable and need immediate correction. Natural resource usage does not appear to be justified, which might have negative economic effects on the country. Depletion of resources is being accelerated by population explosion. This article examines how, between 1990 and 2023, the use of renewable energy sources and the loss of natural resources affected environmental deterioration.

Utilizing LANDSAT data and the Maximum Likelihood Classifier for Analysing Land Use Patterns in Shimoga, Karnataka

The loss of natural resources has been linked to rapid and invasive urbanization, which in turn worsens the local environment’s scenery and conditions. Preparation of a land use land cover(LULC) map is one of the methods to observe the changes in the geological structure of the study area. The LULU map gives an idea of changes that are occurring during the specified period which will in turn helps in suggesting the measures to be taken to prevent the chances of natural disasters that might occur because of these changes. This study uses a collection of LANDSAT images to evaluate changes in LULC in the Shimoga district for the years 2010, 2015, and 2020. For the classification and creation of LULC maps for the chosen periods, a supervised technique using a Maximum Likelihood Classifier(MLC) has been used. Waterbodies, urban areas, forest areas, and agricultural land have been recognized as the main classes of LULC. The overall accuracy of these maps has been evaluated while taking into account ground facts from Google Earth Pro. The overall accuracy for classification obtained is 85.03% for 2010, 85.27% for 2015, and 85.61% for 2020. The classifier created using LANDSAT scenes and the MLC approach performs well for the research area, as seen by the Kappa index values of 0.8, 0.8, and 0.81 for the years 2010, 2015, and 2020, respectively. The study’s findings indicate that over ten years, the proportion of built-up areas has expanded from 2.8% to 5.4%. When a 2.49% increase occurs in just 10 years, it is necessary to be concerned given the rise of only 1.6% over the previous 40 years. It can also be observed that the proportion of agricultural land has expanded while the fraction of forests has diminished in the study area. The findings of this study are useful in determining that LULC changes are one of the causes of natural disasters including landslides, floods, and forest fires.

О лесных пожарах в лесах Челябинской области за 2018–2021 годы и анализ требований к воспроизводству лесов в лесохозяйственном регламенте

The article presents the results of a four-year study of the number of forest fires on the territory of 22 forestries in the Chelyabinsk region. It was revealed that the main cause of fires is the human factor such as careless handling of fire. The number and intensity of fires are somewhat dependent on the number of crown fires and weather conditions. Forest fires cause enormous economic and environmental damage to the environment. The damage from a forest fire consists of the loss of standing wood and the cost of extinguishing work, clearing and restoring burned areas, losses from the death of animals, moreover, the calculations have shown that the economic damage from fires can significantly exceed the cost of extinguishing them. Environmental damage from fires consists of the loss of natural resources, for example, valuable animals or rare plants, listed in the Red Book of the Chelyabinsk region of Russia, may be lost due to a forest fire. In order to carry out the most effective reforestation and afforestation, each of the 22 forest areas has developed forest management regulations for reforestation in accordance with the Order of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation No. № 188 by 25.03.2019 making changes to it. The article presents an analysis of the forestry regulations on the example of the Krasnoarmeyskoye forestry of the Chelyabinsk region.

Strategic environmental assessment in Palu Central Sulawesi reflecting water provision profile based on ecosystem services

Reconciling development activities with Natural resources conservation has become one of the essential elements in the search for sustainable development. The degradation of Natural resources attributed to human activities through development increase rapidly. This trend is exacerbated by policies encouraging land conversion and natural resource overexploitation, as well as a need for more information about the value of natural resource conservation. Consequently, it can alter the ecosystem and change the natural resources and their functions. Protecting natural resources begins with policymaking, followed by development plans and programs. In this study, describe how the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a safeguarding tool for controlling natural resource loss in Palu City, Central Sulawesi. Natural resources are one of the vital aspects to be considered in SEA. Development in the central city, opening the land for agriculture on a large scale (plantation), and mining were the main issues that contributed to high risk to the natural resources. Regional development plans and programs assess by predicting, evaluating, and mitigating the environmental impact produced by the development. Our study found that the involvement of multi-stakeholders, Government, legislative, universities, social communities, and nongovernmental organizations successfully collected strategic development goal issues related to natural resources conditions in Palu, Central Sulawesi. Assessment of the plans and programs of development that will contribute to the mitigation of natural resource degradation and decide alternative recommendations for regional development plans and programs. This study demonstrates the integration of SEA in controlling natural resource degradation due to development.

Rethinking Chemistry

AbstractThe German Chemical Society (GDCh) Board of Directors chose the motto “Rethinking Chemistry” last year to address challenges connected to climate change, loss of natural resources, and geopolitical conflicts as the guiding principle of all our endeavors and actions. Rethinking Chemistry indicates the Board's desire to encourage scientists to approach chemistry in a new way, with a focus on reconsidering the field from many different angles. By taking a holistic approach, the Board intends to foster innovative, sustainable, and effective ways to use chemistry.Rethinking Chemistry is also the motto of the GDCh Science Forum Chemistry (WiFo) 2023, and a Special Collection on the homepage of Angewandte Chemie is dedicated to this event and its motto. Rethinking Chemistry means something different in each area of chemistry, and the WiFo 2023 as well as this Special Collection of Angewandte Chemie showcase its many facets.

The impact of involuntary resettlement on households’ livelihood: A case study of railway infrastructure induced resettlement in South Wello zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The research paper investigates the impact of involuntary displacement on households' livelihoods due to railway infrastructure development projects in Ethiopia. The number of people being displaced due to land acquisition, including railway transportation, has been increasing, and the constitutional provision for compensation and resettlement is often inadequate to alleviate the negative effects of displacement. The study employs a quasi-experimental design with propensity score matching (PSM) to examine the impact of railway infrastructure on households' livelihoods in the South Wello Zone, Ethiopia. The study uses household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The results reveal that involuntary displacement due to a railway project significantly and negatively affects displaced households' livelihoods, including a decrease in income, financial instability, loss of natural resources, and social disintegration due to insufficient compensation payments. The study recommends implementing comprehensive and sustainable compensation and resettlement programs, constructing nearby resettlement environments, involving affected households in decision-making, and mitigating environmental impacts. Local governments should provide alternative packages and fair compensation, and feasibility studies should prioritize households' livelihoods, consider environmental and social impacts, and view involuntary displacement as a last resort.

Natural Antioxidant Potential of Melon Peels for Fortified Foods.

Agricultural and food waste recycling reduces natural resource losses, contributing significantly to the development of new green markets through the creation of redesigned products. In order to cycle valuable molecules, the peels from Italian cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars were studied and successfully characterized for high-added biomolecules to verify their possible exploitation as wealthy biomasses. Peels were investigated for their cell wall-modifying and browning enzymes, as well as for total polyphenols, ortho-diphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and antioxidant properties. The results of the analyses displayed great promise in one of the three cultivars investigated. Later on, a preliminary study using the best peel extract as a dietary supplement was carried out by preparing fortified seawater to enhance its antioxidant power. The effects of storage time (60 days) were examined at two temperatures through the determination of the stability of the polyphenol content. The kinetic parameters of degradation were also calculated. The "enriched sea water" retained great antioxidant activity in refrigerated conditions, demonstrating that there is good potential for melon by-products to add their natural compounds for food fortification. These findings may provide valuable data for scale-up, from the lab to the pilot or industrial application.

Ocean Acidification, Climate and Health Hazard

Ocean acidification is a growing threat to marine life, ecosystems, and human health. Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, are the main drivers of ocean acidification. As atmospheric CO2 levels continue to rise, the ocean’s pH decreases, making it more acidic. This review examines the impacts of ocean acidification on climate and health hazards, focusing on the causes and consequences of acidification, as well as potential solutions. The review discusses how ocean acidification is affecting marine life, including shellfish, corals, and fish, and how this can lead to economic and ecological consequences. Additionally, it explores how ocean acidification is exacerbating climate change and contributing to the occurrence of extreme weather events. The review also examines the potential health hazards associated with ocean acidification, including the impact on human health through the consumption of contaminated seafood, and the impact on mental health due to the loss of natural resources. Furthermore, this review outlines potential solutions to address ocean acidification, such as reducing CO2 emissions, improving wastewater treatment, and implementing sustainable fishing practices. The review concludes that urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification. It highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address this issue and underscores the importance of developing sustainable solutions to preserve the health of our oceans and the well-being of human populations worldwide.

Effective utilization of waste paper sludge ash as a supplementary material for cement

One of the main causes of carbon dioxide emissions, along with deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels, is the manufacture of cement. Another significant user of natural, untapped resources is the manufacture of concrete. About 7% of the planet's greenhouse gas emissions come from the cement industry. To address the environmental effects of cement manufacturing and the continued loss of natural resources, finding an alternative binding ingredient is vital to establish a sustainable concrete industry. This study shows how to combine waste paper sludge ash with various cement ratios to produce low-cost concrete. Waste paper sludge ash was used as an extra cementitious ingredient as a novel replacement for traditional concrete. In the current experiment, waste paper sludge ash was used as partial replacement of different proportions of (2.5%,5% and 7.5 %) to cement in concrete of M25 grade to test and study its durability, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength at 28 days. Using the results as a guide, it was found that waste paper sludge ash can replace cement up to 5% by weight. Test results show that adding waste paper sludge as a partial replacement of cement in concrete improved the performance of concrete in terms of strength.

A global perspective on a new paradigm shift in bio-based meat alternatives for healthy diet

A meat analogue is a casserole in which the primary ingredient is something other than meat. It goes by various other names, such as meat substitute, fake meat, alternative meat, and imitation meat. Consumers growing interest in improving their diets and the future of the planet have contributed to the move towards meat substitutes. This change is due to the growing popularity of low-fat and low-calorie diets, the rise of flexitarians, the spread of animal diseases, the loss of natural resources, and the need to cut down on carbon emissions, which lead to greenhouse effects. Plant-based meat, cultured meat, algal protein-based meat, and insect-based meat substitutes are available on the market with qualities like appearance and flavor similar to those of traditional meat. Novel ingredients like mycoprotein and soybean leg haemoglobin are mixed in with the more traditional soy proteins, cereals, green peas, etc. Plant-based meat is currently more popular in the West, but the growing interest in this product in Asian markets indicates the industry in this region will expand rapidly in the near future. Future growth in the food sector can be anticipated from technologies like lab-grown meat and its equivalents that do not require livestock breeding. Insect-based products also hold great potential as a new source of protein for human consumption. However, product safety and quality should be considered along with other factors such as marketability and affordability.

Anthropological Study of a Typical Drought-Prone Village in India: Strategies for Sustainable Rural Habitat

Drought-prone villages are constantly facing the challenges of agricultural productivity, lack of alternative livelihood opportunities due to ecological vulnerability, predominance of wasteland, inadequate water supply, and absence of physical and socio-cultural infrastructure. The study aims to develop a comprehensive policy framework to mitigate the socio-economic and environmental issues against the threat. The methodology comprises an anthropological study from micro to macro level to synthesize the dynamics of drought in the economic, ecological, and socio-cultural indices of a typical agrarian village of Purulia District in West Bengal, India. The results illustrate ecological susceptibility such as extreme climatic condition, futile wasteland cover, rocky undulating landform, top soil erosion, and human-made contingencies including deforestation, absence of water conservation practices, over utilization of existing water bodies resulting in water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, and absence of major agrarian livelihood. Lack of alternative livelihood practices such as agro-forestry and non-farm activities, appropriate knowledge regarding drought mitigation, sustainable living practices, inadequate physical infrastructure. and pressing issues in housing with population growth results in degradation of socio-economic profile of the residents, loss of natural resource. and poor socio-spatial livability quotient. It also increases the risk of habitat loss with regular drought occurrence. The study can be further adapted and strengthened according to varied rural settlements according to their geographical context, climatic vulnerability, predominant livelihood contingencies, and socio-cultural resonance. Most research in this domain focuses on the geophysical and meteorological parameters while the anthropo-geographical aspects such as local ecology, indigenous livelihood patterns, and native strategies of drought management are largely overlooked. The policy framework has been suggested to facilitate an integrated measure for the ecological and economic sustainability against drought with diversified livelihood opportunities, environmental upgradation, and augmentation of physical infrastructure. This policy can be further strengthened with retrofitting strategies of housing for future expansion and optimization of socio-cultural spaces to foster a sustainable economy, cohesive socio-cultural well-being, and resource optimization.

Pastoral household natural resource dependence and contributions of grassland to livelihoods: A case study from the Tibetan Plateau in China

Although the utilization of natural resources by traditional pastoral households has a certain impact on ecosystems in arid and semiarid areas, this utilization can meet diversified livelihood needs. Assessing the dependence of communities and households on natural resources helps improve the awareness of ecosystems and develop strategies for sustainable grassland management. Taking Sunan Yugur Autonomous County on the Tibetan Plateau, China, as a case study, this paper chose three communities based on different natural resource utilization methods (a grazing community, mixed-feeding communities, and stall-feeding communities), evaluated their natural resource dependence using a dataset containing 163 questionnaires, and used the Tobit model to explore the main factors affecting the level of natural resource dependence. The preliminary results indicated that pastoral households had a relatively high level of natural resource dependence (0.44) compared with other ecosystems analyzed in a previous study, and the main purpose of depending on natural resources was to meet income needs. Pastoral household natural resource dependence in grazing communities was the highest, along with the increase in their large-scale livestock numbers. Natural resource dependence decreased along with the increase in income diversification, and the implementation of grassland ecological compensation policies in mixed-feeding communities and stall-feeding communities had a positive impact on changing traditional livelihoods at the cost of natural resource losses. Grassland ecological compensation policies have played a certain role in promoting the restoration of vegetation; however, the natural resource utilization efficiency was relatively low, especially in stall-feeding communities. Therefore, improving feeding technology is recommended to promote effective resource utilization. At the same time, in addition to subsidies for pastoral households, the study suggests that sustainable grassland management policies can be improved by promoting nonagricultural employment, strengthening education, and increasing infrastructure construction.

The factors driving land cover transitions and land degradation and the potential impacts of the proposed developments in the Isiolo dam watershed, LAPSSET corridor, Kenya

Isiolo dam is planned to be constructed along the Ewaso Nyiro River to provide water to the planned Isiolo resort city, one of the Lamu Port and Southern Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor projects. This paper evaluates the factors driving land cover transitions and their effects, as a consequence of the proposed infrastructure developments with a view to providing evidence-based information for formulating policies and approaches for sustainable land management and development. Landsat images were used to assess Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) change, while land degradation was evaluated based on the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification guidelines (2000–2020). Spatial overlays of land degradation, LULC change, population, and land tenure were performed to establish their interrelations. The results revealed that water, bareland, built-up, and forest increased by 2043%, 83%, 35%, and 17%, respectively, while shrubland and cropland decreased by 26% and 6%, respectively. Further, 61% of the watershed remained stable, 31% experienced degradation and 8% improved. The main drivers of LULC transitions, and land degradation are population pressure, land tenure, climate change and economic growth. With the development of the LAPSSET projects, it is projected that built-up areas, cropland, and bareland will increase mainly due to population increase, while the forest and shrubland will reduce mainly as a consequence of an increase in built-up areas and potentially poor land management. To achieve sustainable development with net zero loss of natural resources, proper planning for economic investments as well as inclusive land-use planning should be enhanced in drylands such as the Isiolo watershed and similar landscapes.

Potential Resources of NTFPs and Socio-economic Empowerment in the Rural Economy of Telangana, India

Forests are very important resources for the livelihood, sustenance and for commerce generation to forest inhabitants. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as medicinal, leaves, flowers (corolla), fruits, seeds, bamboos, gums, resins offer seasonal employment to local people and provide socio-economic empowerment in the rural economy. The present study focuses on the NTFPs as potential resources and their role in livelihoods improvement of rural people of Telangana, India. Hence, over exploitation and unscientific harvesting practices are the major threats for the loss of natural resources and the present study highly recommends the conceptual framework for the conservation and sustainable management of NTFPs for their bio-based economy potential to the poorest section of society.

Using US Natural Resource Damage Assessment to understand the environmental consequences of the war in Ukraine.

Military conflict has led to large-scale environmental changes throughout recorded human history. Pollution from war contaminates surface water and soil, releases large volumes of greenhouse gases into the air, and directly harms wildlife and biodiversity. Although much is understood about the human toll of war, numerous examples of postwar reconstruction suggest that underestimating the severity of wartime damages to ecosystems and natural resources results in prolonged or incomplete recovery of the environment. A data-driven scientific approach closely aligned with the evidentiary rules standard in western legal systems is needed to quantify the injury, destruction, or loss of natural resources and inform the estimation of the reparations necessary to restore the environment fully. The US Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process and the European Union environmental liability directive are well-suited for a systematic and science-based analysis of the ecological injuries incurred during armed conflicts. Both approaches include a preliminary damage assessment process, which could be initiated during wartime to document and predict the likely severity of the injuries and prioritize, in advance, rehabilitation activities after the cessation of hostilities. In this article, we refer to news reporting of Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine as an example of how a preliminary damage assessment could be conducted remotely and later modified by in-country inspections and analysis to verify and refine the scale of injuries and to develop reparation proposals. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:366-375. © 2022 SETAC.

Enhancement of Rutting Resistance for HMA Pavement Layers by Incorporating with SBS Modified Asphalt and A High Percentage of RAP

The loss of natural resources is one of the growing problems due to the inability to replace these resources on the one hand, and environmental pollution resulting from damage to asphalt pavements on the other hand. So the use of RAP in asphalt mixture has been promoted. The research addressed the inclusion of RAP in bulk and its effect on the resistance of asphalt mixtures to "RUTTING" as one of the most important problems. What mixtures are exposed to during high-temperature cycles where there are four different percentages of RAP (10, 15, 20, 25%), (30, 40, 50, 60%) and (40, 50, 60, 70%) For each of the three paving layers (surface, bond, base) respectively. Four samples were taken at three different temperatures (45, 55, and 70) degrees Celsius of asphalt mixtures for each of the three pavement layers. Various types of asphalt bonds have been used. To evaluate mixtures during the Hamburg Wheel Track test at different temperatures. The results indicated an improvement in the corrosion resistance of the mixture with the inclusion of RAP. The resistance of the asphalt mixture increased when SBS asphalt was used, which improved the mechanical properties of the asphalt mixtures. The experimental results of the Hamburg wheel test also showed a significant improvement in "Rutting Resistance" when RAP was added at its optimum value. For each of the three layers (surface, binder, base), the use of SBS modified asphalt reduces permanent deformation of the asphalt mixture.

Five Hundred Years War or The Longest Genocide in Human History

After Columbus discovered America in 1492, the native population of the Americas declined significantly. The mass decline of the Indian population was the result of tribal wars, enslavement, massacres, disease, alcoholism, loss of natural resources and land, forced displacement and violence against the language, culture and religion of the tribes, provoked by the colonists. Due to the policies and measures taken by Europe and the United States in relation to the indigenous people of America, the number of the indigenous population of America has not only been greatly reduced, but also some Indian peoples have completely disappeared from the stage of history. For a long time, this issue was hushed up and not discussed. In modern times, there is enough research on this topic. Many call it the longest and deadliest genocide in the world. The death toll is estimated at 95-114 million people. Keywords: Indian genocide, colonialism, expulsion of Indians, ethnic cleansing, Indian reservations, assimilation, cultural genocide