Planning for agricultural lands in British Columbia — Progress and problems

Summary With the passage of the Land Commission Act in April 1974, the province of British Columbia emerged as one of the leading innovators in agricultural land protection in North America. The British Columbia programme is unique, in that it encompasses a variety of incentives and disincentives to restrict the development of agricultural resources. While evidence suggests that the program has been quite successful, administrative weaknesses could endanger long-term viability. Regardless of the potential problems, British Columbia's experiences provide valuable lessons for other North American governments.Owen J. Furuseth is an Assistant Professor of Geography & Earth Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He received his A.B. degree (1971) in geography and urban planning from East Carolina University and an MA (1973) from the same institution in geography. His Ph.D. (1978) was earned in geography at Oregon State University.Prior to his current academic appointment he was an Associate Planner with the Jacksonville Area Planning Board in Jacksonville, Florida. His responsibilities with the agency included land use and environmental planning.His primary research interests are in the areas of agricultural land alienation, and policies to reduce these losses. During 1980–1981, Furuseth was a NATO Postdoctoral Fellow affiliated with the graduate program in Natural Resources Management at Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada. The research reported in this paper was carried out and completed while he was in Canada.     

Michoacán centre for science and technology education a summary of the project

Summary This paper looks at the problems of science and technology education in Mexico, and proposes ways in which the quality of education at every level can be improved. It advocates an interdisciplinary approach, and from that approach to science education, the development of environmental education.Prof. Gutiérrez-Vázquez received his training in microbiology and biochemistry in the National Polytechnic Institute in his native Mexico City, receiving his degree in 1954. He went from instructor to assistant professor (1950–1960), becoming a full professor, deputy dean and then dean of the Faculty of Biology in the same Institute (1961–1969); he published two books and some 20 papers dealing with the physiology of tubercle bacillus and other mycobacteria, as well as with other topics on microbiology. More recently (1970 to date), he became a full professor in the Center for Advanced Studies of the same Institute, where he has been head of the Department of Educational Research (1972–1981) and carried out research and development projects on science education for children and adolescents. During this period he has published some 20 more books and 30 odd papers, and written more than 80 science programmes for commercial television.     

Tunnel vision in environmental management

Summary This is a paper about problem-solving styles in Environmental Management and the specific deficiencies in these styles that might be groupd under the label ‘tunnel vision’. The latter, a form of selective attention, contributes to inadequate problem-formulation, partial solutions to complex problems and to the generation of even more intractable, additional problems. Examples of tunnel vision in military and environmental decision-making are discussed, together with the situational, personal and educational factors that exacerbate its influence. The paper concludes with some recommendations for changes in professional education that might help to recduce the occurrence of tunnel vision. Dr Alan Miller who is now associate professor at the University of New Brunswick received his training in biology (in England) and ecology (in Canada). He then spent several years pursuing research at the Northwest Institute for Medical Research in Chicago, USA. A growing interest in the human aspects of environmental and medical problems led to a further graduate study in psychology, followed by teaching positions in Ireland and Canada. His current interests include: the education of environmental professional; the psychosocial problems involved in environmental management, and, the problems inherent in interdisciplinary project groups.     

Environmental management in Mainland China

Summary The author was a consultant, assigned from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to provide technical assistance to China's environmental pollution research and control. His assignment in China from September 1 through October 8, 1983 was filled with visits and meetings at key research institutes, universities, and regulatory agencies in the cities of Beijing (Peiking), Shanghai, Hangchow, Zhuji and Zhiaxing (Fig. 1). Trips to famous historical sites and scenic points in and around those cities were squeezed in between the heavily scheduled meetings. Dr Shen was born and educated in China through college. This is a report of his first trip back to his homeland since he left 35 years ago. His ability to communicate with the Chinese professionals and social strata in their native tongue provided him with a greater advantage in understanding the current status of China's environmental sciences and technology in preventing air, water, and land pollution. His contribution lies not only in the technical transfer of environmental sciences and engineering, but also in strengthening the ties of cooperation and communication between American and Chinese professionals. Dr Shen is a senior research scientist with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and an adjunct faculty member of the Division of Environmental Sciences, Columbia University.     

Subject indicators to present the nature and limit of environmental studies in US graduate schools

Summary The purpose of this paper is to examine subjects to show the nature and limit of interdisciplinary communication in existing environmental programmes in US graduate schools. Ultimately, this analysis may provide more effective communication with the general public. Following comparative historical reviews of both the sciences and the human activity for environmental protection, and a content analysis of empirical documents used by the public, a mushroom computer model has been produced. This model is based on organizational behaviour theory and contains the following 15 subjects which were originally introduced before the lack of communication resulting from curriculum failure in the 19th century: philosophy, politics, economics, architecture, sociology, biology, medicine, agriculture, ecology, public health, mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology, statistics. The subjects should foster effective communication with the general public, leading to more effective environmental protection.Dr Hong S. Kim is at the Environmental Studies Program, California State University, Fullerton, USA. He received a PhD from the Administration and Management Program at Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. His numerous papers are focused on environmental pollution analysis, environmental impact assessment, environmental management, and environmental law. He has written a book entitledEnvironmentology which is forthcoming.Dr James P. Dixon is the Chairperson of Health Services at Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401, USA. He was recently Professor of the Department of Policy and Administration at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA. He was also past President of Antioch College (1959–1975). His many publications are concentrated in the areas of organizational development, public health and preventive medicine, and administration of human service organizations.     

The classic environmental issue

Summary Environmental issues are rarely straightforward. The construction of the Tellico Dam not only proved to be an exceptionally complex environmental problem but also developed into a major political issue in its own right. Following the discovery of a previously unknown species of fish near the site of the nearly completed dam, environmentalists began a long legal battle to halt construction work and protect the habitat of the fish. The United States Supreme Court found in their favour, but local political interests, through a series of clever manoeuvres, succeeded in exempting the dam from all legislation to secure its completion. The blatant use of political expediency to resolve an environmental dilemma makes the Tellico Dam a classic case study for students of environmental policy and decision-making.Graham Bennett was born in London in 1948 and graduated from the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia where he also completed his doctoral research. Since 1980 he has been working in The Netherlands as an Associate in the Department of Environmental Science at the Catholic University of Nijmegen. His research interests lie in the field of environmental management and he is currently involved in the study of environmental policy making in Britain and The Netherlands with particular reference to the control of pollution by local authorities.     

Pollution abatement in the indian pulp and paper industry

Summary In this paper, pollutants in air, water and as solids which stem from the paper industry are discussed, and pollution abatement measures are suggested. The Pulp and Paper Industry is highly capital, material and energy intensive and return on investment is very low. This paper reviews some emerging international principles which are effective in reducing both effluent treatment costs per tonne of paper and the mill discharges, to levels where their environmental impacts become far less significant than at present.Mr Avijit Dey is a graduate in Chemical Engineering from Jadavpur University and at present is Design Engineer in the Paper and Process Cell of Development Consultants Ltd, 24-B Park Street, Calcutta 70016, India. Dr B. Sen Gupta is Reader in the Chemical Engineering Department of Jadavpur University, Calcutta. He obtained his BChE and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Jadavpur University and an ME in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. His research interests involve pulp and paper technology, water conservation and management, and pollution control.     

Stockholm Recommendation 96: Viable in the Dominican Republic

Summary The Dominican Republic and other Caribbean countries face serious challenges to their natural resource base. In recent years the government of the Dominican Republic has taken major steps toward the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for national natural resources management. This plan is called Plan Sierra. An important component of this plan is the outline of actions for carrying out an environmental education programme within the country. This demonstrates a commitment to fulfill Recommendation No. 96 of the Stockholm Conference in a way that could become a model for other Latin American nations. Clinton L. Shepard is Assistant Professor in the Division of Environmental Education, School of Natural Resources, The Ohio State University. Dr Shepard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Kentucky and graduate degrees from The Ohio State University in Natural Resources/Environmental Education and Education-Foundations and Research. He has worked as an interpreter and Environmental Education Coordinator for the State of Ohio Department of Natural Resources, a research associate for ERIC—Science, Math, and Environmental Education Clearinghouse, and College instructor in interpretive methods, environmental education methodology, resident outdoor programming, and natural resources development. He is also involved in international research and development, especially in the Caribbean Basin. Robert E. Roth is Chairman/Professor in the Division of Environmental Education, School of Natural Resources, The Ohio State University. Dr Roth received a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management, a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Science Education, a Master's degree in Conservation Education from The Ohio State University, and his Ph.D. in Environmental Education from The University of Wisconsin. he came to OSU in 1969 and since that time has designed and institutionalized the only academic unit in the US that offers both well developed undergraduate and graduate programmes in Environmental Communications, Education and Interpretation and has published over 40 works in the field. He has been instrumental in implementing a growing international environmental education research and development emphasis in the wider Caribbean, he continues as an Executive Editor of theJournal of Environmental Education.     

Public attitudes on environment,energy and the economy — Implications for policy

Summary During the last ten years environmental quality and energy have emerged as important national issues right along with the economy. The central proposition appears to be that environmental concerns are inversely related to concern about energy and the economy. The common assumptions about public perception of the trade-offs between environmental quality, economic growth, and energy production are shown to be invalid. In any event it is unlikely that public policy makers will find themselves strongly pulled by a highly polarized public.David J. Rosen is an assistant professor in the Department of Human Ecology, Cook College of Environmental and Agricultural Sciences, Rutgers University (U.S.A.) where he teaches in the interdisciplinary International Environmental Studies and Human Ecology curricula. While formally trained as a political scientist (Ph D, Rutgers University, 1975) for the past six years his research on energy and environmental matters has become increasingly interdisciplinary. The subjects of his work have ranged from the international energy system to the provision of solar energy incentives by state government. He has also served as a consultant to government and private organizations on a number of energy and environmental projects.     

Natural structure in the man-made environment

Summary The paper contains examples of design elements and natural symmetries that have appeared and are now being used in man-made works. The pleasing principles of symmetric structures have been shown in examples of architectural ornament, planning of towns and university campuses. These same symmetries are shown to give coherence to the growth of forms in nature. The paper further discusses how different artists have arrived at their particular choices of natural symmetries to be used whether in planning, architectural structures, town clusters or painting. Dr Arthur L. Loeb was born in The Netherlands and was educated at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University, where he took a doctorate in Chemical Physics. Through his research contact with Gyorgy Kepes, M. C. Escher and R. Buckminster Fuller, he has been able to embrace the whole spectrum of design. He is a sculptor and painter, and has great interest in music. His 40 or so publications show his expertize as well as his exceptional ability in combining the compatible aspects of the arts and the sciences. His present position is Head Tutor at the Department of Visual and Environmental Studies, and Curator of the Teaching Collection in the Carpenter Center, Harvard University.     

Ideology and environmental risk management

Summary Although risk management is interdisciplinary in nature, in practice it is excessively compartmentalized. For instance, two quite different orientations to risk management are commonly seen, the relationship between them being one of suspicious rivalry rather than cooperation. Thus, anyone interested in developing a more integrated form of risk management is faced with the problem of trying to understand why these opposed factions have developed and what sustains their mutual antagonism. Hopefully, this paper makes a contribution in this regard by discussing the psychological and socio-political roots of environmental ideology.Dr Alan Miller is currently Professor of Psychology at the University of New Brunswick. He received his early training in biology (in England) and ecology (in Canada). He subsequently spent several years pursuing research at the Northwest Institute for Medical Research in Chicago, USA. A growing interest in the human aspects of environmental and medical problems led to a further graduate study in psychology, followed by teaching positions in Ireland and Canada. His current interests include: the education of environmental professionals; the psychosocial problems involved in environmental management, and the problems inherent in interdisciplinary project groups.     

Guinea worm control: Assessing the effectiveness of drum-lined water holes

Summary The purpose of the paper is to examine the feasibility of used oil drums as a lining material for shallow rural wells. The discussion focuses upon the comparison of the water quality in the oil drum-lined holes with other local water sources. The response to the innovation, from a range of guinea worm prone rural environments in Ibarapa district, Oyo State, Nigeria, was encouraging. The study noted substantial reductions in cyclop population (potential for guinea worm infection) and improved water quality in the sanitary wells as compared to rural ponds. Investigations also reveal substantial saving in costs in using oil drum-lining as opposed to concrete. Findings point to the need for this kind of water scheme as opposed to sophisticated boreholes, and deep well programmes, especially in situations of limited funds and technical skills necessary to install and maintain water supply systems.Dr Abimbola Y. Sangodoyin obtained his first degree in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Ibadan. He subsequently obtained a MSc in Water Resources Technology and a PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham, UK. He is currently a lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Ibadan where his research has focused on rural water systems and urban solid waste disposal and pollution problems.Mr Miebaka J. Ayotamuno has trained to Master's level as an Agricultural Engineer at the University of Ibadan. He is currently a member of staff at the Department of Agricultural Engineering, River State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.     

Garrett hardin: Dilemmas and taboos

Summary Garrett Hardin has written extensively about the biological, ecological and social impacts of various approaches to allocating natural resources. His work has been based largely upon the theory of the tragedy of the commons, population genetics and the application of biological principles to analogous social processes. He points out that policies that are morally appealing, because of their short-term benefits, may lead to disaster in the years ahead. His recommendations have stimulated considerable controversy and have been the object of moral criticism. They should not, however, be dismissed without careful consideration. Ralph H. Lutts is director of a natural history museum and an environmental education center. He is also adjunct assistant professor of environmental studies in the School of Natural Science of Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts. His research interests are in environmental ethics and history.     

Synergy,sigmoids and the seventh-year trifurcation

Summary Whereas linear and exponential growth have become relatively familiar metaphors, second-order growth processes, as exemplified by autocatalytic chemical reactions, have not yet entered the vernacular. Derek J. de Solla Price has discussed sigmoid growth, but described it as a three-phase process. It is shown here that these three phases are more apparent than real, with initial slow growth, intermediate rapid growth and ultimate saturation all characteristic of the same second-order process. A model, arrived at by the superposition of several sigmoid curves, is proposed for the periodic critical decision points which occur during the course of a career or the life time of an organization. These decision points correspond to a trifurcation, leading to renewed sigmoidal growth, saturation, or a rapid phase-out.Dr Arthur L. Loeb is Senior Lecturer on Visual and Environmental Studies, Curator of the Teaching Collection in the Carpenter Centre for the Visual Arts, and Acting Master of Dudley House, Harvard University. He was born in The Netherlands and educated in the United States at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University. His doctorate is in Chemical Physics, but through his research contact with Gyorgy Kepes, M. C. Escher and R. Buckminster Fuller, he has been able to embrace the whole spectrum of design. His 40 or so publications show his expertize as well as his exceptional ability in combining the compatible aspects of the arts and the sciences. Prior to his appointment at Harvard University he has been an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Staff Scientist at the Kennecott Copper Company.     

The impact of some specific air pollutants on agricultural productivity

Summary Unplanned discharges of atmospheric pollutants influenced by intense industrialisation, the population explosion and urbanisation result in injury and damage. The intensity and nature of the damage is a function of the concentration of the pollutant and the duration of exposure (dose). This has immediate (acute) and long (chronic) effects on the quantity and quality of agricultural products.Based on the properties of these pollutants, the resulting effects on the receptor may cause biochemical and physiological modifications at the cellular level as well as whole plant, animal and ecosystem alterations. These may cause significant changes in agricultural output.Mr E.M. Shaibu—Imodagbe is Vice—Principal and a lecturer at the Samaru College of Agriculture, of Ahmadu Bello University. He holds a Master's degree in Pollution and Environmental Control from the University of Manchester, UK, and his research special interests are in pollution damage and environmental quality.     

An improved understanding of the environmental impact of open drains in a Nigerian city

Summary An investigation has been made of the environmental impact and degree of pollution resulting from open drains in Ibadan city, Nigeria. The parameters measured included: (a) pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, hardness, and calcium, magnesium and chloride content of the water, and (b) depth, width, velocity, discharge and waste water generation; in drains located in three areas categorised according to population density. The results illustrate important differences in the wastewater properties of drains in low-medium and high population density (traditional core) areas of the city. While previous attention has been largely focused on the degree of pollution from open drains as characterised by parameters listed under (a), and on environmental hazards such as erosion, flooding and public nuisance, this study went further. It uses the parameters listed under (b) to recommend appropriate technology designs and some management techniques to arrest the problem.Dr A.Y. Sangodoyin is a member of staff of the Department of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Ibadan. He is qualified as a civil engineer.     

Education on environmental law

Summary The current views on whether environmental law is a subject of study at the Universities is discussed in this paper. The author traces the development of environmental law, and maintains that legal science is one, and that it has been grounded into branches for teaching and research purposes. A case for the teaching of environmental law at the universities is made. A teaching programme is suggested which brings out the relationships of environmental law with ecology, social science, economics, management science, technology and other branches of legal science.Born in Argentina, with a Doctor of Law from the University of Buenos Aires. Has held professorships in Water and Mining Laws, Agrarian and Mining Law, Natural Resources Law, in several universities in Argentina. He was a visiting professor in the period 1967–71, at Delft Technological Institute, The Netherlands.From 1969–70, he was Secretary of State for Water Resources of Argentina, and in 1970, Vice-Chairman of the UN Committee on Natural Resources. Consultant on Environmental Law for FAO in 1970. He is at present (1980–82) President of the International Water Resources Association.He has been a member of the IUCN Commission on Environmental Policy, Law and Administration since 1978, is President of the Inter American Commission on Environmental Law and Administration, and Regional Governor (Latin America) of the International Council on Environmental Law.In 1978 he was awarded the Elizabeth Haub Prix on Environmental law.He is author of several books and papers on environmental, natural resources and water laws. These include Code on Natural Resources (Province of Corrientes Argentina, 1980) and co-author of Code on the Renewable Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Colombia, 1974.     

Economic development and environment

Summary While considerable progress has been achieved in understanding and addressing environmental problems over the last 15 years, it is clear that much still remains to be done. Prominent among the concerns calling for further action are the dispersion of toxic substances from a large variety of sources and uses, the accumulating and widespread effects of air pollution, and inefficient management of the natural resource base needed to sustain future economic development. It is increasingly evident that work on these issues must be addressed in their global context, including the developing world.Mr Erik Lykke took up his duties as Director of Environment for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on 5 November, 1984. He is Norwegian, and comes from the Norwegian Ministry of Environment, where he was appointed Director General when it was established in 1972. Before that appointment he held various posts in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the Norwegian Foreign Service, and worked in the Norwegian Embassies in Ottawa and London and the Delegation to NATO.Mr Lykke graduated from the University of Oslo in 1954 (MA in political science, history and sociology) and worked for a short time as a journalist. He was assistant to Mr. Trygve Lie (a former Secretary-General of the United Nations) and Foreign Minister Halvard Lange. He has worked on a number of national committees, dealing with space, nuclear research, research in science and technology, air, acid precipitation, and law of the sea and polar matters.From 1970, up to his appointment as OECD Director of Environment, he was closely involved in the development of Norwegian policy and practice on environmental protection and in international work in this field. He was actively engaged in the preparations for the 1972 UN Environment Conference and the 1972 Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping from Ships and Aircraft (he was the first Chairman of the Oslo Commission). He was also Chairman of the UN-ECE and OECD Environment Committees, and has led Norwegian delegations to a number of international meetings and conferences.The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the OECD or of the Governments of its Member countries.     

The deep-ocean option for the disposal of sewage sludge

Summary Present methods of disposal of high-bulk low-toxicity wastes, such as sewage sludge, into shallow marine environments are beginning to be questioned by many environmentalists. The alternative options generally considered all have environmental costs. A novel approach of discharging such wastes as slurries into the deep ocean at depths of 4,000 m close to the abyssal sea bed is considered. Such disposal would fulfil all the criteria required by the Oslo Convention before dumping at sea can be permitted, in that it isolates the waste from Man's ambit and offers no threat to present or foreseeable uses of the ocean. It also seems to fulfil the criteria of the World Conservation Strategy, so long as the oxygen levels in the deep waters of the ocean are not reduced excessively. The improvements in the quality of coastal seas would offset the doubling in the economic cost of disposal.Dr Martin V. Angel is the Head of the Biological Oceanography Group at the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences Deacon Laboratory. He serves on the Council of the WWF, UK and is a member of its Conservation Review Group. He is also a member of the IUCN Commission of Ecology, with particular interests in conservation of oceans and Antarctica. His professional expertise is in the ecology of deep-living pelagic organisms in the oceans but he is also an editor of a research journal,Progress in Oceanography and an external examiner for the Open University.     

Desertification around Hirakud reservoir

Summary A comparative study of Survey of India topo-maps of 1929 and land satellite imageries in False Colour Combination (FCC) of 1975 indicates a loss of 43% and 46% of the reserved forest around Sambalpur and Jharsuguda respectively, besides other forest types in a radius of twenty miles. Deforestation is found to be an accelerating process where the rate of loss is estimated to be more during 1970–75 and 1960–70 in comparison to 1950–60 from a semilogarithmic trend curve between 1929 and 1975. This curve also fits to a hypothesis that the rate of deforestation is faster after 1950 (after developmental plan periods came into force). An analysis of the climatic data indicates a decrease in rainfall and number of rainy days, and morning relative humidity. The mean minimum and maximum temperature, evening relative humidity and atmospheric pressure show increasing trends. Relationships between forest loss and climatic parameters are significant for morning relative humidity, rainy days, maximum temperature and atmospheric pressure. Considering the loss of storage capacity of the Hirakud reservoir due to severe deforestation in the catchment area, suggestions are given for natural forest preservation. Arttabandhu Mishra graduated in Science (Zoology Honours) and Education from Utkal University; postgraduated from Berhampur University, India. At present he is a Lecturer in School of Life Sciences, Sambalpur University and Secretary of Orissa Environmental Consciousness Society. His fields of interests are Productivity and Energetics of Forest Ecosystems, Environmental Education and Community Education. He has published seven papers on the above fields and a number bf popular articles. He tries to use folk literature as media to carry scientific messages. Madhab C. Dash, obtained his B.Sc. (Hens), M.Sc. from Utkal University, India and Ph.D. from University of Calgary, Canada. At present he is Professor and Head, School of Life Sciences, Sambalpur University, a fellow of the Zoological Society of India, the National Institute of Ecology and the National Academy of Sciences, India. His major areas of research and writing are on the functional role of soil organisms in the decomposer subsystem of ecosystems, He has published seventy-five papers on taxonomy, biology, population ecology, metabolic functions, energy flow modelling, role in soft fertility and waste conditioning ability of Oligochaetes, nematodes, protozoa and soil microorganisms. Professor Dash has contributed specialised chapters in major treaties published by Cambridge University Press, UK; John Wiley and Sons, USA; and Academic Press, New York, USA.