Biodiversity Overview - Biodiversity is on the fringes of modern society, mainstreaming it is essential for human survival, health, and ethical considerations [4] - The planet consists of living and non-living things, with non-living things being more abundant [7][8] - Life on Earth began approximately 4 billion years ago, evolving into diverse forms [9] - Living organisms are interdependent and connected to non-living elements [10][11] - Plants constitute 80% of the Earth's biomass, followed by bacteria and fungi [16] Species and Extinction - There are an estimated 8 to 10 million species on the planet, but less than 20% are known [17][18] - The planet is experiencing its sixth mass extinction, primarily caused by humans [19] - IUCN has assessed 170,000 species and identified 47,000 (approximately 6%) as threatened with extinction [20] - Extinction rates are increasing, with projections of 1,000 species per million per year by the end of the century [21] Causes of Biodiversity Loss - Habitat destruction and fragmentation, mainly due to food production and dietary choices, are major causes [22] - Invasive species introduced by humans disrupt ecosystems [23] - Chemical use, including pesticides and veterinary medicine, contributes to species decline [24] - Overexploitation, over hunting, over fishing, and poaching further threaten biodiversity [24][25] Conservation Efforts - Scientists are cataloging and identifying species, and IUCN has developed a system to assess extinction risk [26] - International agreements like CITES regulate trade in endangered species, and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) promotes national biodiversity strategies [26] - The CBD aims to protect 30% of seas and lands [28] Regional Biodiversity - Armenia is located within two biodiversity hotspots, the Iran-Anatolian and Caucasus hotspots [29] - Armenia has 27,000 species of plants, animals, and fungi, with 640 being endemic [29]

Core Viewpoint - The Road Manager Operations Capability Framework report outlines the necessary capabilities and skills for road managers to effectively respond to emerging transport trends, identifying four core capabilities and four operational capabilities essential for road management operations [4][6]. Group 1: Core Capabilities - The four core capabilities identified are Communication, Stakeholder Engagement, Leadership, and Change Management, which are essential for effective road management [4][20]. Group 2: Operational Capabilities - The operational capabilities include Network Management, Incident and Event Management, System Management, and Data and Insights, which support the core capabilities in practical applications [4][20]. Group 3: Key Themes in Transport Sector - The transport sector is experiencing significant changes characterized by five key themes: Network Safety, Technological Advancements, Environment and Sustainability, Network Demand Changes, and Customer Expectations and Stakeholder Engagement [5][14]. Group 4: Impact of Global Trends - The report examines how these global trends will influence the roles and responsibilities of road managers, emphasizing the need for adaptability in response to evolving operational environments [6][15]. Group 5: Framework Adaptability - The Capability Framework is designed to be flexible, allowing jurisdictions to adapt it according to their specific needs, maturity, and complexity of their road networks [23][27]. Group 6: Future Planning - The report aims to assist transport agencies in Australia and New Zealand in making informed business planning and investment decisions over the next 5 to 10 years, focusing on the evolving roles and responsibilities of road managers [33][34].

Microplastics really are everywhere in nature — even in your bedroom (and car) https://t.co/rcqYqeCfVB ...

Brazil’s Congress have hurled insults at Marina Silva, the environment minister, compared her to terrorists and told her to resign. They want to pass a bill that would dismantle many of the country’s environmental regulations https://t.co/89slWp1rc7 ...

Health Implications - Vegetarian diets are associated with a 16% lower risk of coronary disease due to high fiber, antioxidants, and plant-based nutrients [3] - 100 grams of chicken breast provides 31 grams of high-quality protein, essential for muscle building [4] - Processed meat is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, with regular consumption potentially leading to cancer [4] Environmental Impact - Livestock production accounts for 145% of global greenhouse gas emissions [5] - Producing one pound of meat requires 1,800 gallons of water, while one pound of wheat requires only 25 gallons [6] - Vegan diets produce 75% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to meat-inclusive diets [6] - Deforestation occurs annually in areas like the Amazon River basin for cattle ranching [6] Ethical Considerations - Concerns exist regarding the confinement of chickens in small cages and pigs in small stalls [7] - Governments worldwide are attempting to improve animal welfare standards in farming practices [7] - Ensuring animals are raised well can lead to better quality protein and meat for consumers [8]