Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
in the density of nomadic populations around 850 BC. Geel et al. (
2004
)
hypothesise a relationship with an abrupt climatic shift towards increased humidity
caused by a decline of solar activity. Areas that initially may have been hostile
semi-deserts changed into attractive steppe landscapes with a high biomass pro-
duction and high carrying capacity. Newly available steppe areas could be invaded
by herbivores, making them attractive for nomadic tribes. The central Asian horse-
riding Scythian culture expanded and an increased population density was a
stimulus for westward migration towards southeastern Europe (Geel et al.
2004
).
Tibetan culture and livelihoods depend on native plants for medicine, food,
grazing, wood, as well as cash from market sales. The Medicine Mountains (part
of the Hengduan Mountains) of the eastern Himalayas, with tremendous plant
diversity derived from steep gradients of both elevation and precipitation, have
traditionally been an important source of Tibetan medicinal plants (Salick et al.
2009
). Salick et al. (
2009
) examine climate change in this area and vegetation
patterns influenced by biogeography, precipitation and elevation. The Alpine
environment has the highest plant diversity and most useful plants and is the most
susceptible to climate change with impacts on traditional Tibetan culture and
livelihoods—particularly Tibetan medicine and herding (Salick et al.
2009
).
3.1.5 Religion
Biomass Different religion leaders call on all people and nations to recognise the
serious and potentially irreversible impacts of global warming caused by the
anthropogenic emissions of GHGs and other pollutants, and by changes in forests,
wetlands, grasslands and other land uses. According to the New Scientist (
2007
),
also religious leaders pray for cold weather to combat climate change. Leaders
from world religions gather in Greenland to show unity on the problem of global
warming and to pray for the planet (The New Scientist
2007
). As example, we will
present Vatican and Buddhism point of view regarding climate change.
A Vatican-appointed panel of scientists has reported what climate change
experts have been warning for years: the Earth is getting warmer, glaciers are
melting, and urgent measures are necessary to stem the damage. The scientists
called for urgent reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and reductions in methane
and other pollutants that warm the air, and for improved observation of mountain
glaciers to better track their changes. The Pontifical Academy of Sciences, a
Vatican advisory panel appeal to all nations to develop and implement, without
delay, effective and fair policies to reduce the causes and impacts of climate
change on communities and ecosystems, including mountain glaciers and their
watersheds, aware that we all live in the same home (Vatican-appointed…
2011
).
Buddhism is not a religion; it is a way of life. It teaches the moral and ethical
conduct… for the happiness of oneself and the welfare of the community. The
Buddhist doctrines… [analyse] human life and the intrinsic nature of things…
based on reasoning and rational thinking… not based on an initial act of faith
(Mendis
1993
).
