#environmental impact of tourism

[trendynewsnow]

World Travel Market 2023: Focus on Sustainability, Diversity, and Technology in Tourism

World Travel Market Kicks Off in London Today marks the beginning of one of the most significant events in the global travel and tourism industry—the World Travel Market (WTM) in London. This prestigious gathering attracts hundreds of industry leaders, tourism boards, hoteliers, transport companies, and members of the public from around the globe. This year’s event is set to be the largest ever,…

[kunoevokeexperiences]

Charting a Green Path: 2024's Sustainable Tourism at Kuno Forest Retreat

In the heart of India's vibrant landscape, nestled within the lush confines of Madhya Pradesh, lies a beacon of sustainable tourism: Kuno Forest Retreat. As we venture into 2024, this sanctuary not only promises an escape into nature but also stands as a testament to eco-friendly travel and wildlife conservation success stories.

The Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary: A Commitment to Conservation

Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the larger Madhya Pradesh National Park network, has long been at the forefront of conservation efforts in India. Its dedication to preserving the natural habitat and the species that call it home exemplifies the positive environmental impact of tourism. The sanctuary’s efforts have led to numerous wildlife conservation success stories, making it a model for sustainable tourism in India.

Sustainable Tourism in the Heart of India

Kuno Forest Retreat is more than just a destination; it's an experience that harmonizes luxury with nature's untouched beauty. In fostering sustainable tourism, the retreat has implemented practices that minimize environmental footprints while maximizing visitor engagement with the natural world. From solar energy to water conservation methods, every aspect of the retreat is designed with sustainability in mind.

Green Getaways: The Essence of Eco-Friendly Travel

2024's sustainable tourism landscape is rich with green getaways, yet Kuno Forest Retreat stands out for its commitment to eco-friendly accommodations. These accommodations not only offer comfort and luxury but also ensure that every stay contributes positively to the surrounding ecosystem. The retreat's practices exemplify how tourism can coexist with nature conservation, providing a blueprint for green travel destinations worldwide.

Exploring the Great Outdoors: Adventures in Kuno

Kuno Forest Retreat offers a plethora of activities that allow guests to immerse themselves in the majesty of Madhya Pradesh's national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Whether it's a safari through the dense forests, a guided nature walk that reveals the secrets of the local flora and fauna, or star-gazing sessions under the clear night sky, the retreat ensures that every experience is in harmony with its sustainable tourism ethos.

The Role of Eco-Friendly Accommodations

The significance of eco-friendly accommodations in reducing the environmental impact of tourism cannot be overstated. At Kuno Forest Retreat, guests find themselves staying in settings that are not only luxurious but also environmentally conscious. From the materials used in construction to the daily operations, everything is aligned with the goal of sustainability. By choosing eco-friendly accommodations, travelers contribute to a larger movement that prioritizes the well-being of our planet.

A Beacon for Sustainable Tourism in India

Kuno Forest Retreat is not just a destination; it's a movement towards a greener future. As we look towards 2024 and beyond, the retreat's role in promoting sustainable tourism in India becomes increasingly vital. It serves as a reminder that responsible travel is not only about the places we visit but also about how we choose to engage with them.

Accommodation Details

For those planning their next sustainable getaway, Kuno Forest Retreat offers a variety of eco-friendly accommodations designed to provide an immersive experience in nature without compromising on luxury or comfort. Discover the perfect blend of wilderness and wellness by exploring our accommodation options here.

In conclusion, as we navigate the path of sustainable tourism in 2024, Kuno Forest Retreat shines as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It exemplifies how destinations can offer mesmerizing experiences while upholding the principles of conservation and sustainability. A visit to Kuno is not just a journey to a place but a step towards a more sustainable and conscious way of exploring our beautiful planet.

[pokecatt]

Need more than a break. Hope tourism never comes back.

Why Hawaii needs a break from tourism — perspective from local resident palanichang on tiktok

[adomainname]

Glacier Calving: The Powerful Force Behind Massive Waves and Climate Change Insights

Glaciers, those monumental rivers of ice flowing from high mountain peaks and polar regions, are not only stunningly beautiful but also hold incredible, often unpredictable power. Among the most captivating and intense events involving glaciers is glacier calving—a natural process where enormous ice chunks break away from a glacier’s edge and crash into surrounding water. This dramatic phenomenon not only creates an unforgettable visual display but also generates massive waves. In this article, we’ll explore glacier calving, what causes it, the powerful waves it creates, and the broader implications for ecosystems, human activity, and climate science.

What is Glacier Calving?

Definition: What is Glacier Calving?

Glacier calving is the process where large pieces of ice detach from a glacier's edge and fall into the adjacent water. These ice chunks vary in size, from small pieces to massive blocks as large as multi-story buildings. Calving is a powerful and visually spectacular event that can produce waves felt miles away.

Where Does Glacier Calving Occur?

Calving occurs most frequently at the terminus (the end) of glaciers that extend into bodies of water like lakes, oceans, or fjords. It’s most common in polar regions, such as Greenland and Antarctica, where glaciers meet the sea. These environments allow ice chunks to break off and fall into the water, forming waves that can be incredibly powerful and far-reaching.

How Does Glacier Calving Happen?

Calving happens due to the natural movement of glaciers. As a glacier moves forward, driven by gravity, the ice at its edge becomes thinner and fractures. Over time, these fractures deepen, eventually causing large chunks of ice to break away. The forward motion pushes these ice chunks towards bodies of water, where they drop, creating an impactful and sudden splash.

The Science Behind Glacier Calving and Wave Formation

Ice Dynamics and Fracture Mechanics

The constant advance of glaciers creates stress along their edges, leading to cracks and fractures in the ice. When the ice reaches a critical fracture point, large sections break off. This detachment causes sudden displacement as the ice hits the water, creating waves that can be extremely powerful.

How Does Glacier Calving Generate Waves?

When an ice chunk detaches and crashes into the water, it displaces the water around it, creating a splash and powerful shockwaves. The size and intensity of the resulting wave depend on the size of the ice chunk. Larger ice pieces create more significant waves, capable of traveling far distances.

Wave Propagation in Glacier Fjords and Bays

Once a calving event occurs, the waves created by the impact move outward from the point of collision. In confined areas, like fjords or bays, these waves can be particularly intense. They bounce off rock walls, sometimes becoming even larger and more forceful, and can travel for kilometers, posing a danger to anything in their path.

The Impact of Calving Waves on Ecosystems and Human Activity

Environmental Impact: How Calving Waves Affect Marine Ecosystems

Calving waves can have a significant effect on local ecosystems. The waves stir up the seabed, displacing marine organisms and disturbing habitats. Over time, repeated calving events can also erode coastal areas, affecting both flora and fauna in the surrounding environment.

Human Implications: Why Calving Waves Are Dangerous

For people living in or near glacier regions, calving waves can pose severe risks. Fishing vessels, research ships, and tourist boats are especially vulnerable, as calving waves have capsized boats and caused substantial damage in the past. Coastal communities near glaciers or fjords may also feel the impact of these waves, making it important for ships and local authorities to remain vigilant.

Climate Change and Glacier Calving: A Connection with Global Implications

Climate change is accelerating glacier calving worldwide. Rising temperatures cause glaciers to melt and thin, making them more prone to calving events. This not only increases the frequency of calving but also contributes to global sea level rise as more ice melts and enters the ocean. Areas like Greenland and Antarctica, where calving is occurring at unprecedented rates, are contributing significantly to rising seas—a growing concern for coastal cities and communities worldwide.

Notable Glacier Calving Events and Their Massive Waves

To understand the sheer power of glacier calving, let’s look at some notable glaciers known for their spectacular calving events.

Jakobshavn Glacier, Greenland: One of the fastest-moving glaciers globally, Jakobshavn has witnessed some of the largest calving events on record. Chunks of ice as large as skyscrapers break off, creating waves that can be felt miles away.

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska: This Alaskan glacier is known for periodic large calving events that generate waves affecting cruise ships and other vessels in nearby fjords. This glacier’s movements attract scientists and tourists alike, both drawn by its power and potential risks.

Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica: As a significant contributor to ice loss in Antarctica, Pine Island Glacier’s calving events are substantial enough to be detected by seismometers thousands of miles away, showcasing the global scale of calving’s impact.

Fascination and Caution: Observing Glacier Calving Events

The Appeal of Glacier Tourism

For many tourists, witnessing a glacier calving event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The intense sound—often compared to a thunderous "crack" or "roar"—followed by a massive splash and radiating waves, creates a powerful, memorable scene. Locations such as Alaska, Greenland, and certain parts of Antarctica are popular destinations for this reason.

Safety Precautions for Viewing Glacier Calving Events

Despite their allure, calving events are highly unpredictable, and the waves they generate can be dangerous. Tourism operators and guides near glaciers must take strict precautions, maintaining safe distances from glaciers to ensure the safety of visitors. Special care is necessary for boats, as the waves can capsize small vessels that venture too close.

The Future of Glacier Calving and Its Impact on Sea Level Rise

As climate change continues to increase global temperatures, glaciers worldwide are expected to retreat and calve more frequently. This trend not only raises the likelihood of dangerous waves but also leads to long-term impacts, such as accelerated sea-level rise. Glacier calving events remind us of the urgent need to address climate change and mitigate its effects on our planet’s natural systems.

Conclusion: Glacier Calving as a Reminder of Nature’s Power

In summary, glacier calving is a breathtaking natural event and a powerful force with significant environmental, social, and scientific implications. From the thunderous crash of falling ice to the waves that ripple across fjords and bays, glacier calving captivates us while serving as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of Earth’s natural systems. As climate change continues to reshape our world, glacier calving highlights the need to understand and preserve these fragile ice giants that are vital to our planet’s health and future.

By understanding glacier calving, its causes, and its consequences, we not only gain insight into one of nature’s most spectacular displays but also increase our awareness of the urgent climate issues facing our planet today.

Go To The Power of Glacier Calving

[creativemedianews]

Anger as sewage leak causes 'don't swim' advisory on Exmouth beach

Anger as sewage leak causes 'don't swim' advisory on Exmouth beach #environmentalimpact #Exmouth #sewageleak

[automotiveera]

Powering the Waves: Small Marine Engines Market Insights

The small marine engines market value will reach USD 11,696.1 million by 2030 from USD 7,967.5 million in 2022, at a 4.9% CAGR. This growth can be credited to the growing demand for numerous kinds of boats utilized for recreational and relaxation events, and the growing coastal tourism for water activities including yachting, boating, and fishing.

Furthermore, the leaning toward the water-based leisure industry has been on the surge because of the increased expenditure on water-associated activities by a chunk of the populace. Also, the sense of better-quality mental health because of the quality time spent during water-based activities is a main factor for the booming boating demand, which, ultimately, quickens the outward and inward-placed engines of marine vessels.

The mounted customer involvement in marine fun activities is offering worthwhile development opportunities for engine demand. In the past years, marine tourism and relaxation activities like yachting, power boating, and sailing, have experienced a significant surge, because of the growing disposable income of consumers. Moreover, rapid development in adventure tourism is helping water recreational activities.

As per a government-issued research article, above 50 million Americans went fishing, including artisanal fishing, commercial, and artisanal fishing, in 2021, which generated a profitable demand for outdoor or inner-placed motors in marine recreational vehicles. the recreational boats category, on the basis of the application segment, generated approximately USD 3.5 billion in revenue in 2022. And, a surge in demand for technically progressive fishing boats is projected to drive the development of the industry for engines and propulsion systems across the forecast period.

In 2022, the outboard motor category dominated the industry, and the category is also projected to advance at a CAGR of 5% in the coming years. This is mainly because of the technical advances, the requirement for outboard boats is projected to increase significantly in the coming few years.

[decodingbiosphere]

The Impact of Tourism on the Environment: Pros and Cons

Tourism is a wonderful way to explore new places, experience diverse cultures, and create unforgettable memories. However, like most things in life, it comes with both positive and negative effects. In this article, we will find out how the tourism impacts the environment. We’ll explore the ways in which tourism can be a force for good and the challenges it poses to our planet. The Positives –…

[reasonsforhope]

"When Francois Beyers first pitched the concept of 3D ocean farming to the Welsh regulators, he had to sketch it on napkins. 

Today the seafood farm is much more than a drawing, but if you walked along the Welsh coastal path near St David’s, all you’d see is a line of buoys. As Beyers puts it: “It’s what’s below that’s important.”

Thick tussles of lustrous seaweed suspend from the buoys, mussels cling to its furry connective ropes and dangling Chinese lantern-esque nets are filled with oysters and scallops. 

“It’s like an underwater garden,” says Beyers, co-founder of the community-owned regenerative ocean farm, Câr-y-Môr. The 3-hectare site is part of a fledgling sector, one of 12 farms in the UK, which key players believe could boost ocean biodiversity, produce sustainable agricultural fertiliser and provide year-round employment in areas that have traditionally been dependent on tourism. 

Created in 2020 by Beyers and six family members, including his father-in-law – an ex-shellfish farmer – the motivation is apparent in the name, which is Welsh for “for the love of the sea”. ...

Pictured: Drone shot of Câr-y-Môr, which is on the site of abandoned mussel farms. Image: Scott Chalmers

Ocean farming comes from the technical term ‘integrated multi-trophic aquaculture’, which means a mixture of different seaweed and shellfish species growing together to mutually benefit each other. But it’s not just a way of growing food with little human input, it also creates ocean habitat. 

“You’re creating a breeding ground for marine animals,” explains Beyers who adds that the site has seen more gannets diving, porpoises and seals – to name a few – since before the farm was established.

Ocean farms like Câr-y-Môr, notes Ross Brown – environmental research fellow at the University of Exeter – have substantial conservation benefits.

“Setting up a seaweed farm creates an exclusion zone so fishermen can’t trawl it,” explains Brown, who has been conducting experiments on the impacts of seaweed and shellfish farms across the UK. 

Brown believes a thriving ocean farming industry could provide solutions to the UK’s fish stock, which is in “a deeply troubling state” according to a report that found half of the key populations to be overfished. “It would create stepping stones where we have safe havens for fish and other organisms,” he adds. 

But UK regulators have adopted a cautious approach, note Brown and Beyers, making it difficult for businesses like Câr-y-Môr to obtain licenses. “It’s been a tough old slog,” says Beyers, whose aim is to change the legislation to make it easier for others to start ocean farms. 

Despite navigating uncharted territories, the business now has 14 full-time employees, and 300 community members, of which nearly 100 have invested in the community-benefit society. For member and funding manager Tracey Gilbert-Falconer, the model brings expertise but most importantly, buy-in from the tight-knit local community. 

“You need to work with the community than forcing yourself in,” she observes. 

And Câr-y-Môr is poised to double its workforce in 2024 thanks to a Defra grant of £1.1 million to promote and develop the Welsh seafood industry as part of the UK Seafood Fund Infrastructure Scheme. This will go towards building a processing hub, set to be operational in April, to produce agricultural fertiliser from seaweed. 

Full of mineral nutrients and phosphorous from the ocean, seaweed use in farming is nothing new, as Gilbert-Falconer notes: “Farmers in Pembrokeshire talk about their grandad going down to the sea and throwing [seaweed] on their farms.” 

But as the war in Ukraine has caused the price of chemical fertiliser to soar, and the sector tries to reduce its environmental impact – of which synthetic fertiliser contributes 5% of total UK emissions – farmers and government are increasingly looking to seaweed. 

The new hub will have capacity to make 65,000 litres of sustainable fertiliser annually with the potential to cover 13,000 acres of farmland. 

But to feed the processing hub, generate profit and reduce their dependency on grants, the co-op needs to increase the ocean farm size from three to 13 hectares. If they obtain licences, Beyers says they should break even in 18 months. 

For now, Beyers reflects on a “humbling” three years but revels in the potential uses of seaweed, from construction material to clothing.  

“I haven’t seen the limit yet,” he smiles."

-via Positive.News, February 19, 2024

[alpaca-clouds]

Travel is good, tourism isn't

I said in the blog yesterday, that I think travel is good, but tourism isn't. So, let me explain this. And I will put this here first: I am going to explain it on the example of Japan, because I know the most about what is happening there in terms of travel and tourism - and what issues arise from it.

See, I do think travelling to foreign places (whatever that means for you) is a good thing. Experiencing other cultures and interacting people who due to their culture have a very different outlook on life and the world is a good thing. Not only to move away from a certain worldview (which for white people tends to be an eurocentric one, and for Americans an US-centric one), it also fosters empathy to other people.

And I think of this dramatic thing especially when it comes to Americans travelling, who due to their lacking education system often do know jack shit about the rest of the world.

However: I do both think that the thing we right now call tourism does not really help, but actually does hinder this - and is harmful in many other ways.

Right now, foreign tourists are no longer allowed in Gion, the Geisha quarter of Kyoto. The reason for it is, that too many of them were fucking disrespectful. Some made photos of the Geisha without asking, some even touched the kimono and the hair of the Geisha. Some even got angry and started arguing, when people told them to not do this.

Especially when it comes to Kyoto I can think of a variet of other examples. People have carved their names into temples. People touched things that are not supposed to be touched (like idols). People otherwise behaved inappropriately, for example towards kannushi and mikos. Folks have bathed their feet in pools meant for ritual cleansing. There are a lot of examples of this.

And I think part of this goes back to two things. For one again eurocentrism and the way, that a lot of especially white folks to not perceive other cultures as real. But also, and maybe more importantly, the mindset that: "I have paid $1500 for this trip and I get to very well do what I want." The different culture in this mindset gets treated like a themepark, not as a place filled with real people, rather than performers there to enhance the tourist's experience.

Meanwhile the tourists generally are not really interested to interact with the other culture further than that. Which is also, why they tend to flock to the same few places, to all go make their own photo of the same place that a million people have photographed before - as compared to going exploring in a foreign place.

And in some cases - like Kyoto - this also leads to the fact that the local people often get pushed out of the places they actually live in.

A lot of people will often say: "Yeah, but it is great for their economy." Which... leaving my capitalism-hating-ideation aside for a moment... Well, actually it is not good and COVID showed us. Because it makes the economy totally depedent on tourism. In places that are heavily dependent on tourism, the sudden complete anihilation of tourism with the pandemic pushed those places further into a crisis than anywhere else. Heck, keeping it with Kyoto: Given a lot of folks had jobs related to the tourism industry and there were in fact not many other jobs, a lot of people found themselves forced to move away from Kyoto during the pandemic.

So while the entire "but economy" thing will seem true on a short term, it actually is not on the long term.

And that is without going into the environmental impact that comes from a lot of people flocking to certain places. This is shown especially in areas, where folks go for "nature", destroying nature while they do so. Because nature just cannot handle thousands upon thousands of people travelling through.

So, what do I mean with "travel, instead of tourism"? Well, frankly: Yes, you still go to other places. But - to keep with Japan - instead of going to Kyoto you might go to Morigushi or Beppo, and instead of touring from one temple and shrine to the next, you will just interact with the places and explore them. To actually experience them, rather than some preconscieved notion of what it is supposed to be. And you interact with the people.

And you learn. Because we all just need to learn about different people, different cultures and different places. Rather than just consuming them.

[beautiful-basque-country]

I never suspected there was such a big anti-tourism movement in Spain and EH, now I feel awful because I've always wanted to visit

Kaixo anon,

You know, the problem is not you - or thousands more - wanting to visit, the issue here is that there are actual hordes of thousands of tourists arriving every day that invade some cities in a very specific time of the year (namely, summer). If people came evenly distributed during the year, it wouldn't be so massified as it is now, but I know that's asking for the impossible.

That said, while part of the hordes, we can deal with respectful tourists, but this has come to a level where disrespectful, I-think-I'm-a-king-and-all-these-poor-locals-are-here-to-serve-me-as-I-please kind of tourists are a majority. And not only come here for a couple of weeks, they come back when they retire, they become expats, they become digital nomads, all while not changing their attitude.

I'm not gonna even comment about the high environmental price we pay welcoming thousands of cruise ships a year and hundreds of flights a day, or how much the health system - paid by Spaniards - has to spend to take care of tourists that have drunk themselves into a comma or jumped off of a balcony as a rite of passage.

When you go visit another country, you're part of the problem, that's how it is. However, you can always minimize your impact.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Inside Climate News:

On a clear, hot summer afternoon along the Bogue Chitto creek at Walker’s Bridge Water Park in southern Mississippi, Noah Devros dives into the murky water with a flashlight and cheap plastic dive mask. He emerges holding a small turtle.

Devros is a graduate student and researcher from the University of Southern Mississippi, and he’s working to tag and inventory the Pearl River map turtle, which in July was listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. The rule effectively makes it illegal to harm the animals in any way.

Armed with these new protections, this turtle could be the catalyst for halting a huge and controversial engineering project upriver in Jackson, Mississippi, known locally as “One Lake.”

Devros weighs and tags the map turtle before placing her back into the sand.  

“They’re really charismatic,” said Devros, adding that the species is important to the local ecology; they eat invasive clams and clean the water by consuming algae. 

The Pearl River map turtle, named after the one place it calls home and the maplike details on its back, relies on the running waters of the Pearl River basin in Mississippi and Louisiana to eat, nest and live. 

But upstream, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has put forward a plan to reduce flooding from the Pearl River in Jackson. The plan—one of four flood-control proposals being considered by the agency—would dredge and widen a section of the Pearl and build a new dam across the river, creating an artificial lake spanning roughly 1,700 acres.

Scientists and environmental groups warn that One Lake would be devastating for the map turtle, flooding beaches the species depends on for nest-building and wiping out food sources along the Pearl’s riverbed. Critics also say the project could have far-reaching economic impacts beyond Jackson, threatening tourism and other industries downstream.

[trendynewsnow]

Air Passenger Taxes and Their Impact on European Travel

Air Passenger Taxes Spark Controversy in France This week in France, the national union of airline pilots, known as the Syndicat national des pilotes de ligne (SNPL), has announced a strike in response to the recent hike in air taxes. The proposed amendments to aviation taxes have raised alarms, with fears that they could result in significant job losses and adversely impact the tourism sector.…

[sussex-newswire]

Time Magazine has named Prince Harry one of the 100 most influential people working on climate issues:

"The Duke of Sussex supports conservation groups in Africa and says he really became an environmentalist during a trip in 2012 to the Caribbean when a 7-year-old boy told him that England’s environmental impact was damaging the coral reefs. After that interaction, he was inspired to start Travalyst ('travel' and 'catalyst'), a nonprofit that provides people booking travel with emissions and other sustainability data so they can consider the lowest impact options. The aim is to help make a dent in the industry’s carbon footprint; tourism makes up about 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

"Travalyst worked with Google to create the Travel Impact Model, a free, publicly available methodology launched in 2022 that predicts per-passenger CO2 emissions produced by upcoming flights. Travalyst’s coalition of partners, representing a combined market value of $3 trillion, includes top tech companies used by tourists like Booking.com, Expedia Group, Mastercard, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor and Visa. On Sept. 12, Travalyst announced that its flight emissions data has appeared in 65 billion searches worldwide.  

"Prince Harry has stressed that sustainable travel also means travel that boosts local economies and supports tourism businesses that hire local talent. He summed up Travalyst’s mission at its fifth anniversary celebration on Sept. 24 during Climate Week: 'As I sought solutions to some of the world's most pressing conservation challenges, I quickly realized just how profound an impact the travel and tourism industry has…together we are proving that travel can be a force for good. So let’s continue this journey together and make sure that travel benefits everyone everywhere.'"

[musicfeedsmysoul12]

The Top Reasons Why You Should Know Geology as a Writer

Hello, lovelies! A project for my Introduction to Geology class was to create a ‘promotion’ of Geology as it can be used for things other then you know, tourism or warning of natural disasters. Me, being the writer, decided to create this post that I will be posting for the fun of it. As this is a creative project, I decided to write it as I normally write posts here on my blog.

First off, writing is a complicated business when it comes down to it. Particularly when you get into the idea of worldbuilding. As someone who has two different worlds I’ve been working on creating, one thing that helps a lot is geology in general. I know, it sounds a bit crazy to think about. But it’s true. Geology is the study of the earth itself, and knowing how the earth works, even if it’s just basic concepts, helps build a world. After all, a town in the mountains and a town by the seaside may suffer from different natural disasters, but it comes from the same thing: the shifting of tectonic plates.

Let’s say that you’re building a world where your main character lives in the mountains. What sort of mountain town? Is it a mining town? Is it a town for tourists? In this little example, I will use a prototype for a story I am working on, where the main character lives in a town with a hot spring. How do hot springs form? Would this affect the area of the mountain town? The answer to this, of course, is geothermal heat that is pushed upwards to the upper crust. Once you know that, trying to figure out the environmental impacts of this occurs next. Then you have to think about the dangers of hot springs and so on, and how the people you have created would react to them.

Hot springs, and in general geothermal sites, have had religious or cultural connections for centuries! Think of all the health gurus talking about going to a hot spring to soak away the pain due to the minerals in a spring. Think of how people will purposely hike to get to a hot springs to soak in! An entire culture can be built around a hot springs to. Communal bathing is quite common across cultures, and a hot springs can be the site for potential political talks or even just a place of relaxation for people.

Adding to the above, you now have a tourism aspect, a possible religious aspect, an environmental concern, and a culture ready to be built up all based on a geological matter! I mean, look at the picture; it’s an image from a national parks website (https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/hot-springs.htm if any of you wanna look). We can see how a geological function like a hot spring can affect tourism here! Look at how many people are watching this! Even in a more medieval setting, you can’t doubt people wouldn’t line up to see this!

Let’s continue with another thought, and that is how places tend to end up settled. There are plenty of guidebooks that inform us how, as well, you can look at history! Natural resources are the answer to that, with water being a primary reason behind the settlement of many areas. But there are other resources that may have a settlement show up. Some may be organic, but others would be things such as coal, materials such as stone to create things, or it could be something like gems that people mine for money. 

As well, by considering what natural resources are around, you determine more landscape as a result of these. The picture below is a picture of the world’s largest open-pit diamond mine. Imagine that something like this exists in your story. 

And how does this happen?

Did you guess geology? You’d be right! Geology is such an ingrained process in world-building that writers don’t tend to see it. And let’s be real, if you have a group of people who live by a mine and a group of people who live by a lake, there are vastly different concerns each other has. This again comes down to the effects geology has on EITHER of these things.

Some writers ignore how geology works. JR Tolkein may have been a fantastic writer, but in the end his ideas on mountains were pretty wrong. Not bad, just wrong. While I’ll never say you can’t bend some rules for the fun of it when writing fantasy, I will say most people enjoy the sprinkling of reality littering the pages of their work rather then not. As well, it’s easier on the writer to. 

I mean, I prefer not to wonder what sort of dangers there are in my worlds.  If I can take a two-second Google Search to get an idea of it, it’s easier than trying to think of these things myself. Look to the above picture! We now have, in fact, at least 6 (6!!) things to include as worries for your little fishing village on the ocean. And guess what?! TWO of these things are related to geology! 

So, to recap so far: Geology can be used to not only give your world either income, but it can also enable you to create a religion based on things around them, it can be used to create interesting landscapes and can give you natural disasters that are connected to said landscapes!

Wanna know what ELSE Geology can be used for?

Naming your little villages and towns. No, I am NOT kidding.

Look, people name places either after relatives, or themselves or they looked around frantically before pointing at the nearest rock and went: ROCK TOWN. Don’t believe me?

In Alberta, we have: High River, Slave Lake, Okotoks (A reference to Big Rock, using the Blackfoot word for rock, "ohkotok"), Diamond Valley, Fox Creek, Milk River, Peace River, Pincher Creek, Rocky Mountain House- the list just goes on and on and on!! And again, GEOLOGY. Struggling with naming your little mountain town? Did you but a mine near it? What does the mine produce? Diamonds?

Boom. Diamondville. It’s that easy when you’ve created the geology of the world, you can just use words from your area! No more hard time thinking about it, just GO FOR IT!

So, in the end: learn geology. It gives you a way to create culture, economic concerns, a name for places and even see what sort of local concerns there are in even the smallest village. 

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Tourism in Brazil could benefit from climate agenda

Different tourism sectors are coming together to create itineraries aligned with the climate agenda in Belém, Pará state, combining experiences of immersion in the forest, and regional cuisine, and promoting sustainable production systems. The idea behind the initiatives is to take advantage of the opportunities brought by sustainable tourism���such as attracting investment and increasing competitiveness—and also to overcome the challenges in bringing together the major players from the two agendas.

Parys Fonseca, an entrepreneur in the lodging sector, has created a business model combining the experience of immersion in the Amazon rainforest with sustainable lodging. After consulting the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae) in Pará, he learned about a recyclable modular structure which not only has less environmental impact at a lower cost, but also keeps room temperatures stable without artificial refrigeration.

“The installation process was really quick. In just two weeks I was renting it out as accommodation. And I thought it was better because the work was simpler, the module adapts to the environment, and it’s also thermoacoustic,” he pointed out.

Located on Murucutu Island, one of the 42 islands that make up the city of Belém, Fonseca’s resort offers visitors not only a chance to spend a night’s sleep immersed in the Amazon rainforest, but also gastronomic experiences with local products from the region’s sustainable production chain. “The next step is to create a route for tourists to learn about açaí palm production, just as there’s route on cocoa on Combu Island. Sebrae is supporting me with training and management, which has been key for the local residents and entrepreneurs alike,” he said.

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Sticking with this weekends Israeli Beach Themed lessons 🪼🪼

Israel's coastal waters, especially those of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a fascinating array of marine life, including the intriguing and often misunderstood jellyfish.

These gelatinous creatures, known for their ethereal beauty and sometimes painful stings, are a common sight during the warmer months.

The most frequently encountered species along Israeli shores is the Rhopilema nomadica, or nomad jellyfish, which has been making its presence felt with increasing frequency in recent years.

Jellyfish in Israel are not just a marine curiosity but also a subject of scientific study and environmental concern.

The influx of jellyfish, particularly during their blooming periods, can have significant impacts on local ecosystems and human activities.

For instance, large swarms of jellyfish can affect fishing, tourism, and even the operation of desalination plants, which are vital for Israel's water supply.

Despite the challenges they pose, jellyfish also play an essential role in marine ecosystems.

They serve as both predators and prey, helping to maintain the balance of oceanic life.

Additionally, their presence can indicate changes in marine environments, often linked to factors such as climate change, overfishing, and pollution.

For beachgoers in Israel, it's important to be aware of jellyfish during the summer months.

While their stings can be painful, they are rarely dangerous.

If you do get stung, the recommended first aid includes rinsing the area with vinegar or seawater, avoiding fresh water, and removing any tentacles with a pair of tweezers.

In recent years, Israel has taken steps to monitor and manage jellyfish populations.

Collaborative efforts between marine biologists, environmental organizations, and governmental agencies aim to better understand jellyfish behavior and mitigate their impact on human activities.

Whether you view them with awe or caution, jellyfish are an integral part of Israel's marine landscape, reminding us of the delicate balance that sustains our oceans and the ongoing need for environmental stewardship.