The rising global demand for metals in a context of declining ore grades is driving the opening of new mines and the expansion of existing ones, disturbing substantial land areas (especially by open pits). However, how much land is currently disturbed globally? How much land could be disturbed by metal mining in 2050? This study investigates the global area disturbed by mining of iron, bauxite, copper, gold, and silver for the first time. The first part consists of the calculation of the specific land requirements, i.e. the area newly disturbed caused by the ore extraction at the mine site. The second part addresses the global area disturbed in the year 2011 whereas the third presents scenarios of how such area might evolve until 2050. The last part addresses the current and future pressures on global biodiversity by metal mines and shows possibilities for the future opening of new mines in low biodiversity areas, alleviating pressures in high biodiversity ones. This study presents the findings of the author´s dissertation hoping they are used as a frame to develop policies and incentives to reduce the amount of area directly disturbed by mines and their pressures on biodiversity.

Bio-Geotechnologies for Mine Site Rehabilitation deals with the biological, physical, chemical, and engineering approaches necessary for the reclamation of mine waste. As mining has negative effects on natural resources and deteriorates the quality of the surrounding environment, this book provides coverage across different types of mining industries, which are currently creating industrial deserts overloaded with technogenic waste. The book offers cost-effective strategies and approaches for contaminated sites, along with remediation and rehabilitation methods for contaminated soils and waste dumps. It is an essential resource for students and academics, but is also ideal for applied professionals in environmental geology, mineral geologists, biotechnologists and policymakers. Deals with global and holistic approaches of abandoned mine land rehabilitation Includes mine waste rehabilitation case studies from around the world Covers integrated technologies, such as bioremediation of metalliferous soil Provide strategies for sustainable ecosystems on mine spoil dumps Offers novel methods for the remediation of acid mine drainage

Published to coincide with the Fourth United Nations Environmental Assembly, UN Environment's sixth Global Environment Outlook calls on decision makers to take bold and urgent action to address pressing environmental issues in order to protect the planet and human health. By bringing together hundreds of scientists, peer reviewers and collaborating institutions and partners, the GEO reports build on sound scientific knowledge to provide governments, local authorities, businesses and individual citizens with the information needed to guide societies to a truly sustainable world by 2050. GEO-6 outlines the current state of the environment, illustrates possible future environmental trends and analyses the effectiveness of policies. This flagship report shows how governments can put us on the path to a truly sustainable future - emphasising that urgent and inclusive action is needed to achieve a healthy planet with healthy people. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

In this research, the tendency of material footprint assessment within sustainability assessment schemes for buildings is studied. Needs for quantifying material footprint within life cycle assessment (LCA) boundaries of buildings are identified. A methodology of assessing material footprint in relation to climate footprint is developed, using available life cycle databases for construction materials.

This title is a culmination of a two-year research effort aimed at identifying environmentally and socially vulnerable areas at risk from mining. The report aims to provide a methodology that companies, governments, and civil society groups can use to develop a set of standards for environmentally responsible mining.

Anthropogenic influences, such as changing climatic conditions, domestic and industrial pollution, eutrophication, and salinization, have great impacts on freshwater systems. Nutrient cycling in freshwater ecosystems, population dynamics and community structure, water quality, sustainability, and management of ecosystem stability are increasingly important. Establishing a management strategy using a multidisciplinary approach ensures the sustainability of water resources. The present and future work being done in the field of limnology is necessary for preserving and protecting our freshwater ecosystems. In this respect, limnology is a rapidly developing science that has many significant aspects. The scope of this book covers all aspects of freshwater environment studies, from physical and chemical to biological limnology. This book provides useful information on basic, experimental, and applied limnology to researchers and decision makers.