In the research of environmental impact assessment (EIA), the problem of weight distribution for a set of parameters has not yet been properly solved. Presents an approach of objective weighting by using a procedure of Pij principal component-factor analysis (Pij PCFA), which suits specifically those parameters measured directly by physical…

Discusses the history and current developments of the Biosphere 2 Project, a prototype for enclosed self-sustaining structures for space colonization built in the Arizona Desert. Biosphere 2 was created to educate and provide solutions to environmental problems and revenue from research. (MCO)

In spite of rapid progress achieved in the methodological research underlying environmental impact assessment (EIA), the problem of weighting various parameters has not yet been solved. This paper presents a new approach, fuzzy clustering analysis, which is illustrated with an EIA case study on Baoshan-Wusong District in Shanghai, China. (Author)

Discusses the objectives of conserving nature, appropriate strategies to reach those objectives, the present situation of formal conservation in South Africa, and the role of research in formulating sound conceptual models of ecosystem structure and function. (MDH)

Concentrations of chemical substances and microorganisms are often averaged using geometric means. Argues that the arithmetic mean is a better choice for summarizing data because arithmetic means are unbiased, easier to calculate and understand, scientifically more meaningful, and more protective of public health. Results of a simulation study…

Green chemistry is the awareness of the damaging environmental effects due to chemical research and inventions. There is emphasis on a need to include green chemistry in synthesis with atom economy in organic chemistry curriculum to ensure an environmentally conscious future generation of chemists, policy makers, health professionals and business…

For a generation or more, environmental education discourses have been constructed around persistent Cartesian dualisms of modernist thought that divide an "othered" category of being from that of a constituted homogeneous human identity. During the same period, both feminist and poststructuralist theorizing has acted to destabilize the…

Monte Carlo computational experiments reveal that the ability to discriminate between first- and second-order kinetics from least-squares analysis of time-dependent concentration data is better than implied in earlier discussions of the problem. The problem is rendered as simple as possible by assuming that the order must be either 1 or 2 and that…

Modern Western philosophy and the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead reveal why geography has not been (but could be) at the forefront of the environmental movement. The dualism between man and nature of western thought has led to misuse of the environment; whereas Whitehead's philosophy recognizes harmony between man and nature. (JR)

In their preoccupation with highly complex new energy systems, scientists and statesmen may be overlooking the possibilities of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). That is the view of a Carnegie-Mellon University physicist who is in the forefront of solar sea power investigation. (Author/BT)

An experimental approach now being tried to resolve environmental conflicts is the use of the negotiation-mediation process. The role of the mediator and the nature of the mediation process as applied to environmental disputes are outlined. (BT)

Presents a list of recommendations concerning global data collection and sharing which will enable a genuine interdisciplinary and transsectoral analysis of environmental pollutants and their effects in order to influence environmental management. (Experts attending the conference represented 13 countries.) (BR)