Ecological restoration: using ecological processes to repair degraded habitat

In our endeavour to create better lives for ourselves, our families and our communities, we have also damaged the environment. Thousands of years ago, this did not matter much as people inhabited only a very small area. Over time, however, especially in the last few hundred years, our impact footprint has increased considerably. The value …

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Large engineering projects shock local socio-economic systems

Project teams working in developing countries, and especially in remote areas, face several challenges. One of these challenges is understanding the culture of the local communities that become the project’s neighbours. These cultures are often very different from the cultures the expats in the project team have grown up in. What is unknown can be …

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Lockdown experiences during Covid-19 pandemic illustrate how much people value being outdoors

During the height of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, millions of people were confined to their homes or allowed only limited travel. Sooner or later, depending on personal circumstances, like the condition and size of one’s home, people wanted time outdoors—time to be out in the open, under a blue sky and in nature.A recent study published …

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Major engineering projects contribute to economic growth

Well designed and managed engineering projects provide a valuable platform and opportunity to contribute to economic development. This is especially the case in developing countries that lack infrastructure, industrial capacity and investment. Goal 8 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to “promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment …

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Research News

Guidelines for eco-industrial parks based on food webs: Three researchers at Texas A&M University drew inspiration from food webs found in nature to develop guidelines for designing more resilient eco-industrial parks. The results suggest that the approach will assist in addressing environmental, economic and resiliency concerns. Glacial meltwaters in Greenland contain mercury: An international team …

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Major engineering projects often fail to maximise opportunities

Dams, pipelines, power plants, mines, refineries and smelters, ports and rail are all examples of large engineering projects with a primary purpose. Dams store water, pipelines convey water, petroleum, gas or slurry. Power plants generate electricity,  mines extract minerals, refineries and smelters extract metals from ores.  Ports provide a safe harbour for ships and facilities …

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