Ecoblogs

Is science more incomprehensible than the ups and downs of a female’s hormones? Relax. Every problem has a solution. It is true that we need to build a foundation in order to understand more complex scientific and environmental issues. So, if you want to read more and more materials on basic issues related to these subjects from other sources — in addition to Science Blogs Brasil and Ecoblogs — here’s a wonderful and reliable source: The Center for Weather Forecasting and Climate Studies (CPTEC),  National Institute for Space Research (INPE), has presentations on frequently discussed topics — particularly by the media.

The presentations are animated and easy to understand. They were not kidding when they asked “do you want me to draw you a picture?”. As the narrator speaks, graphs and drawings show us examples. The website’s most viewed items — guess what — are: global environmental changes, greenhouse effect and carbon cycle. The webpage also provides explanations on the nature of radiation, water balance, plant diseases and climate, El Niño and La Niña, movements in the atmosphere, climate changes, topography and climate, use of satellites in agriculture, remote sensing and soil. Wanna check it out? Click here and have fun!

Karl Hampton, Minister for Parks and Wildlife, tests the Simpsons Gap bicycle path. Photo by Justin Brierty

We have seen how to reuse and recycle various materials on this blog, but this idea surprised me. In Australia, a 17km-long bike path has been built with recycled ink cartridges, which according to manufacturers is more resistant and durable than ordinary wood.

This bike path is located in the West MacDonnell National Park and cost US$130,000. It was built by a company called Replas Recycled Plastics. The company’s website has more details on the material and the recycling process.