World Migratory Bird Day

Dopo aver raccontato questa affascinante ricorrenza

torniamo a parlare della World Migratory Bird Day Giornata Mondiale degli Uccelli Migratori, che nel 2026 cade sabato 9 maggio, come sempre nel secondo sabato di maggio. Ma questanno porta con s un messaggio ancora pi coinvolgente e attuale

Cos (e perch continua a emozionare)

una campagna globale sostenuta anche dalle Nazioni Unite per sensibilizzare sulla tutela degli uccelli migratori e dei loro habitat. Questi straordinari viaggiatori attraversano continenti, oceani e citt, ricordandoci che la natura non ha confini. E proprio per questo la loro protezione una responsabilit condivisa.

La particolarit della doppia data

Forse non tutti lo sanno (perfetto da aggiungere!):
la giornata si celebra due volte lanno:

• secondo sabato di maggio (migrazione verso i siti di nidificazione)
• secondo sabato di ottobre (ritorno verso le aree di svernamento)

Un modo poetico per seguire il ritmo naturale delle migrazioni nel mondo.

Novit 2026: Every Bird Counts

Il tema 2026 : Every Bird Counts Your Observations Matter! (Ogni uccello conta Le tue osservazioni sono importanti!)

Un invito diretto a tutti noi: anche una semplice osservazione pu diventare un dato prezioso per la scienza.

Grande protagonista infatti la citizen science (scienza partecipata), cio il contributo delle persone comuni nel monitorare e proteggere gli uccelli migratori.

Un anniversario speciale

Il 2026 coincide anche con un traguardo importante: 60 anni dellInternational Waterbird Census, uno dei pi grandi programmi globali di monitoraggio degli uccelli acquatici. Un dettaglio che rende questa edizione ancora pi significativa!

Come partecipare (anche in modo chic!)

Non serve essere esperti birdwatcher:

• una passeggiata nella natura
• una foto condivisa
• unosservazione registrata online

possono contribuire davvero alla conservazione della biodiversit.

Un piccolo gesto, un grande viaggio

Se nel articolo precedente si raccontato il valore simbolico e naturale della giornata, il 2026 aggiunge un tassello importante: ognuno di noi pu fare la differenza.

Perch, proprio come gli uccelli migratori ci insegnano anche il viaggio pi lungo inizia da un piccolo battito dali.

Autore: Lynda Di NataleFonte: webImmagine: AI

Turns out if you don't invite the US to a climate conference, work gets done.

The conference name Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels is not exactly catchy. But, that's exactly what it is. It's not to waste time on skeptics or negotiate climate goals with oil countries. It's singularly focused on practical action to stop burning fossil fuels.

Nebula:
YouTube:

Drivers 'chucking stuff out of windows' blamed as litter on 99% of main roads. Via bbc

Nothing to see here, scroll on"March 2026 produced the largest monthly temperature anomaly in 170 years of Western U.S. instrumental records, with an average temperature +11.5F above the mid-20th-century baseline"

Earth from Space: Greenland's changing ice

1 new picture from ESA

Nothing to see here, scroll on -.-

Special Report 8. May 2026

"March 2026 produced the largest monthly temperature anomaly in 170 years of Western U.S. instrumental records, with an average temperature +11.5F above the mid-20th-century baseline"

09.05.2026 - 08:00 Uhr
Chart des deutschen Strommix ber die letzten 6 Stunden.

OK this needs to be stopped. I don't care how sad the economy is looking, this is not the way..

This would represent by far the worst evisceration of environmental law in Canadian history, far worse than what happened under Prime Minister (Stephen) Harpers government in 2012.

Saturday : We have a similar scenario now wrt
that weve had with / presence.
The mostly science illiterate buffoons of the current administration are unlikely to be capable of rationally weighting where the most immediate threat to national security is ( its actually them, but never mind that). is an active destroyer, while / impact mostly our imaginations. Im using them as comparatives, not suggesting they are linked

Le plan climatique de Carney est en pril, car les compagnies ptrolires canadiennes soulignent la ncessit de stimuler la production

Watts Wasting Texas Water. How coal and gas power plants guzzle billions of
gallons every year and how we can transition to a more secure water future.

, ,

European eel project at the River Tees hopes to boost population. Via bbc

Solar in Space Is a Solution in Search of a Problem

, ,

With Tesla Big Rigs Rolling Out, California Can Breathe Easier

Homegrown Energy: A policy blueprint for energy affordability.

, ,

is failing on

I wil not be supporting nor his fellow Conservative in the next election.

09.05.2026 - 02:00 Uhr
Chart des deutschen Strommix ber die letzten 6 Stunden.

Spring bloom arrived early across much of the United States this year, bringing pretty flowers and trees into view while also handing allergy sufferers an early dose of sneezing, itchy eyes and worse. Another side effect of our changing climate. Read more from Inside Climate News:

Europe climate report signals rising extremes

Pentagon Reviews of Land-Based Wind Projects Are Causing Significant Delays

Original title: The Pentagon is delaying wind power development even on private land

IA: It's not clickbait
Usuarios: It's not clickbait

View full AI summary:

...

Pentagon Reviews of Land-Based Wind Projects Are Causing Significant Delays

Original title: The Pentagon is delaying wind power development even on private land

IA: It's not clickbait
Usuarios: It's not clickbait

View full AI summary:

#...

CO2caine fossil fuels addiction T-shirt

A T-shirt from our Scientist and Philosopher range. The second in our CO2caine series.

This T-shirt based on the CO2caine T-shirt displays the source of our problems, the burning of fossil fuels, effectively since the start of the industrial revolution. The human race is addicted to burning fossil fuels to the detriment to life on Earth. The level now seen in the atmosphere has not been at such a level since before the start of this current series of ice ages around 2.58 million years ago. The implications are that parts of the planet will become uninhabitable and there will be mass extinctions of different forms of life which may include Homo sapiens. (S&P)

Check out how these products are made using organic cotton. We need to live in not just a sustainable way but one that causes the least environmental loading on the planet. You can even send these items back to be made into new things when you have finished with them.

This is the link to the T-shirt itself, .

Our Teemill organic cotton products are ethically, environmentally and ecologically produced. They are recyclable, sustainable, stylish, high quality fashion items.

Our links

Our Teemill shop site for our organic cotton clothes and bags, .

My author page where you can discover more about my books, .

This is our website for all our photography and my books, .

Our Etsy shop, .

We are also on Flickr, .

Also on Instagram, .

On Pinterest,

#ethical #environmental #ecological #recyclable #sustainable #stylish #quality #fashion

Australia is breaking its carbon bond, but there's a cost
By Daniel Keane, Leah MacLennan, and Will Hunter

As Australia weans itself away from coal, aging power stations across the country have been reduced to smoke and rubble. But for communities at the coalface, there are serious and dramatic consequences.

#

(6/6)
- USA ex colonie UK/fr : fin de la guerre avec Mexique ex colonie Empire Espagne -> cte pacifique de la Californie sous contrle USA (cf 1867 1870).

=> Dbut Rue vers l' dans nouveau pays sans droit du travail = explosion croissance dmographique californienne via voie terrestre (conflits/massacres population autochtone -> colonisation).

What Is Surface Mining

Surface mining is one of the most popular techniques for extracting minerals worldwide. It is crucial to global supply chains, energy generation and infrastructure development because many vital minerals, including coal, metals, aggregates and building materials, are located in shallow layers.

Surface mining is usually less expensive, simpler to run and safer for employees than underground mining. But it also poses serious environmental problems, making reclamation and proper management essential. This article explores what surface mining is, how it works, the different types, the equipment involved and the environmental and economic implications of this extraction method.

What Surface Mining Is and Why It Matters

is the process of extracting minerals by removing the layers of rock and soil, that covers a mineral deposit. It is used when deposits are found in the upper few hundred meters of the Earths crust, which is relatively close to the surface.

This approach is selected for several reasons, such as:

• It makes it possible to extract materials on a huge scale.
• It is less expensive than underground mining.
• It enables the use of heavy machinery for effective production.
• It is much safer than other types of mining because workers stay above ground.

Some of the common materials extracted through surface mining includes coal, iron ore, copper, bauxite, limestone, sand, gravel and other industrial minerals. These resources are essential for construction, manufacturing, energy generation and everyday consumer products.

How Surface Mining Works

Although the exact process varies depending on the deposit and mining method, most surface mining operations follow a similar sequence. :

1. Site Identification and Geological Surveys: Geologists conduct mapping, drilling and sampling to determine the size, depth and quality of the mineral deposit. Environmental assessments are also carried out to understand potential impacts.
2. Land Clearing and Overburden Removal: Vegetation, topsoil and rock layers are removed using bulldozers, excavators and sometimes controlled blasting. Topsoil is often stored for later use in reclamation.
3. Extraction of the Mineral Deposit: Once the overburden is cleared, miners use heavy machinery to extract the mineral. Depending on the method used, this may involve digging, drilling, blasting or dredging.
4. Processing and Waste Management: Materials are crushed, screened or washed on site. Waste rock and tailings are stored in designated areas, while valuable minerals are transported for further processing.
5. Transport and Logistics: Haul trucks, conveyors and rail systems move the extracted materials to processing plants or distribution centres.

This process continues in cycles until the deposit is depleted or no longer economically viable.

Types of surface mining

Surface mining is not a single technique but a group of methods adapted to different geological conditions. The most common include:

Equipment Used in Surface Mining

Surface mining relies on powerful machinery designed to move large volumes of earth and rock. Some of the most common includes:

• Excavators: Used for digging and loading materials.
• Draglines: Massive machines that remove overburden in large openpit or strip mines.
• Bulldozers: To push soil, rock and debris to clear the ground efficiently.
• Haul Trucks: Transport extracted materials across the site.
• Drills and Blasting Tools: Are used to break up hard rock layers.
• Crushers and Conveyors: Process and move materials efficiently.

These machines enable highvolume production and continuous operation, making surface mining one of the most productive extraction methods.

Environmental Impacts of Surface Mining

Ecosystems and landscapes are significantly changed by surface mining. While these effects can vary depending on the method and location, most of them share common environmental issues. :

• Land Disturbance and Habitat Loss: Removing vegetation and soil disrupts habitats and can lead to longterm ecological changes. This means that large open pits and waste piles reshape the natural landscape.
• Soil Erosion and Sedimentation: Exposed soil is vulnerable to erosion, which can cause sediment to enter rivers and streams, affecting water quality and aquatic life.
• : Runoff from mine sites may contain heavy metals, chemicals or acidic water (acid mine drainage). This can contaminate groundwater and surface water systems.
• : Dust from blasting, excavation and transport can affect air quality. Also, diesel emissions from machinery also contribute to greenhouse gases.
• Noise and Vibration: Blasting and heavy equipment generate noise that can affect nearby communities and wildlife.
• Visual Impacts: Large pits, waste piles and altered terrain can significantly change the appearance of natural landscapes, making an area visually unappealing.

Safety Considerations in Surface Mining

Although surface mining is typically safer than underground mining, there are always concerns that need to be carefully considered. Some of the typical risks consist of:

• Landslides and slope failures.
• Accidents involving blasting.
• Heavy machinery collisions.
• Respiratory problems and dust inhalation.
• Hearing loss caused by noise.

Regulatory frameworks such as the (MSHA) in the United States or the (HSE) in the UK set strict guidelines to protect workers.

Reclamation and Restoration

is the process of returning mined land to a stable, productive or natural state once mining is finished. According to current mining rules, companies must prepare for reclamation before operations even start. Typical reclamation tasks consist of:

• Soil replacement and regrading
• Replanting plants
• Restoring the habitats of wildlife
• Handling tainted water
• Keeping an eye on long-term environmental recovery

Some former mine sites have been successfully converted into wetlands, parks, farmland or locations for renewable energy.

Economic Importance of Surface Mining

Global economies depend heavily on surface mining. It supplies raw materials for technology, manufacturing, building and energy generation.

Some of the key includes:

• Reduced extraction expenses in contrast to underground mining.
• High rates of production.
• generation of jobs in mining areas.
• Support for sectors like infrastructure development, cement production and steelmaking.

The primary distinctions between surface and underground mining are outlined in the table below:

Future Trends in Surface Mining

The mining industry is undergoing rapid technological change. Several trends are shaping the :

• Automation and Remote Operation: Driverless haul trucks, autonomous drills and remotecontrolled machinery improve safety and efficiency.
• Drone Surveying and GIS Integration: Drones provide realtime mapping and monitoring, while GIS tools help optimise mine planning and environmental management.
• Sustainable Mining Technologies: Cleaner fuels, electric machinery and improved waste management reduce environmental impacts.
• Stricter Environmental Regulations: Governments are increasingly requiring companies to minimise emissions, protect biodiversity and ensure responsible land restoration.
• : As recycling technologies improve, demand for newly mined materials may decrease, pushing the industry toward more sustainable extraction practices.

Conclusion

Surface mining is an essential resource extraction technique that sustains modern infrastructure and international enterprises. Particularly for shallow mineral deposits, it provides operating efficiency, high production rates and financial benefits. But it also poses serious environmental problems that call for careful planning, regulation and reclamation.

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Ei koskaan yksin

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Because why would we not want to save the beautiful planet

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EVERYONE should check out these slides! Excellent summary of what is happening in the world.

I'm slowly working through the Climate Action Plan of the municipality I live in, . I appreciate the inclusion of these challenges as a barrier to taking effective action:

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1/2

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