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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Mason environmentalist awarded Blue Planet Prize for lifetime achievement in conservation

Public release date: 18-Jun-2012
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Contact: Tara Laskowski
tlaskows@gmu.edu
703-993-8815
George Mason University

Thomas Lovejoy, University Professor of Environmental Science and Policy at George Mason University, was awarded the 21st annual Blue Planet Prize, the international environmental award sponsored by the Asahi Glass Foundation in Japan.

The Blue Planet prizes are awarded to individuals or organizations each year that make outstanding achievements in scientific research and its application in helping to solve global environmental problems. Lovejoy accepted the award during a press conference in Rio on June 17, and will receive a prize of 50 million Yen (approximately $626,000).

He received the award for pioneering work in biodiversity science and conservation, including how human-caused habitat fragmentation causes biodiversity loss.

"It's a pleasure to join in congratulating both our esteemed faculty member and the commitments to biodiversity which he so ably represents," says Peter Stearns, Provost of George Mason University. "His work is a central part of our larger educational and research program on sustainability."

Lovejoy's career spans multiple decades and includes many creative and important contributions to research on the severe impact of land use on biodiversity and ecosystems. He began his career in the mid-60s, researching ecosystems in the Amazon rainforest. This led to the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project, the largest long-term experiment in the history of landscape ecology. Now in its 33rd year, the project was responsible for showing that fragmentation of animal habitats is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, along with climate change.

Lovejoy was one of the first to point out that the Amazon rainforest was in crisis and was a pioneer in educating the public of this problem. His work in policy included the first published projection of global extinction rates.

Lovejoy also developed "debt-for-nature swaps," in which a portion of a nation's foreign debt is forgiven in exchange for investments in conservation. Debt-for-nature swaps are now among the largest sources of financing to support international environmental projects.

Lovejoy has been decorated twice by Brazil and in 2011, along with other environmentalists, was awarded the first Joao Pedro Cardoso Medal of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, for his work worldwide in conservation and environmental policy.

"I am delighted by the recognition of the importance of biological diversity. I am also humbled and honored to become a Blue Planet Prize Laureate and thereby join so many distinguished Laureates since the inception of the prize," says Lovejoy. "Much of what I am being honored for was achieved in collaboration with others, so I salute and thank them for their help and inspiration."

Two Blue Planet Prizes are awarded each year, one to an individual and the other to an organization. The other recipients were William Rees (Canada) and Mathis Wackernagel (Switzerland) for their development and advancement of the Ecological Footprint, a comprehensive accounting system for comparing human demand on ecosystems to ecosystems' capacity to self-renew.

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Mason environmentalist awarded Blue Planet Prize for lifetime achievement in conservation Public release date: 18-Jun-2012
[ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Tara Laskowski
tlaskows@gmu.edu
703-993-8815
George Mason University

Thomas Lovejoy, University Professor of Environmental Science and Policy at George Mason University, was awarded the 21st annual Blue Planet Prize, the international environmental award sponsored by the Asahi Glass Foundation in Japan.

The Blue Planet prizes are awarded to individuals or organizations each year that make outstanding achievements in scientific research and its application in helping to solve global environmental problems. Lovejoy accepted the award during a press conference in Rio on June 17, and will receive a prize of 50 million Yen (approximately $626,000).

He received the award for pioneering work in biodiversity science and conservation, including how human-caused habitat fragmentation causes biodiversity loss.

"It's a pleasure to join in congratulating both our esteemed faculty member and the commitments to biodiversity which he so ably represents," says Peter Stearns, Provost of George Mason University. "His work is a central part of our larger educational and research program on sustainability."

Lovejoy's career spans multiple decades and includes many creative and important contributions to research on the severe impact of land use on biodiversity and ecosystems. He began his career in the mid-60s, researching ecosystems in the Amazon rainforest. This led to the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project, the largest long-term experiment in the history of landscape ecology. Now in its 33rd year, the project was responsible for showing that fragmentation of animal habitats is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, along with climate change.

Lovejoy was one of the first to point out that the Amazon rainforest was in crisis and was a pioneer in educating the public of this problem. His work in policy included the first published projection of global extinction rates.

Lovejoy also developed "debt-for-nature swaps," in which a portion of a nation's foreign debt is forgiven in exchange for investments in conservation. Debt-for-nature swaps are now among the largest sources of financing to support international environmental projects.

Lovejoy has been decorated twice by Brazil and in 2011, along with other environmentalists, was awarded the first Joao Pedro Cardoso Medal of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, for his work worldwide in conservation and environmental policy.

"I am delighted by the recognition of the importance of biological diversity. I am also humbled and honored to become a Blue Planet Prize Laureate and thereby join so many distinguished Laureates since the inception of the prize," says Lovejoy. "Much of what I am being honored for was achieved in collaboration with others, so I salute and thank them for their help and inspiration."

Two Blue Planet Prizes are awarded each year, one to an individual and the other to an organization. The other recipients were William Rees (Canada) and Mathis Wackernagel (Switzerland) for their development and advancement of the Ecological Footprint, a comprehensive accounting system for comparing human demand on ecosystems to ecosystems' capacity to self-renew.

###

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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

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Asia stocks slip as euro zone fears focus on Spain

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Greek vote only buys some time in widening euro crisis

AFP -- Getty Images

"This is a victory for all Europe. We are committed to do what it takes and do it fast," New Democracy party leader Antonis Samaras said after his party claimed victory. But the euro zone's future is anything but certain.

By John W. Schoen, Senior Producer

ERFURT, Germany -- Greek voters Sunday bought Europe?s leaders a little more time in their two-year, unsuccessful struggle to contain an ever-widening financial crisis. But the forces that are slowing the continent?s economy and threaten to break the common currency apart show no signs of easing.

In what amounted to a referendum on a German-engineered program of deep spending cuts and sweeping economic reforms, Greek voters Sunday agreed by a razor-thin margin to continue to abide by Berlin?s harsh terms in return for an ongoing financial bailout that will allow Athens to keep paying its bills.

The imminent prospect of a painful economic future without that financial support prompted Greek voters to narrowly elect parties committed to abide by terms agreed to by Greece's former government. Sunday?s vote spelled defeat for radical leftists who had vowed to reverse course and break with austerity measures that have driven Greece?s economy into a deep recession.

Now, the conservative New Democracy, with roughly 30 percent of the vote, is expected to join with the PASOK Socialist party, with 12.3 percent, to form a new government.

?Today the Greek people expressed their will to stay anchored with the euro, remain an integral part of the euro zone, honor the country's commitments and foster growth,? Antonis Samaras, leader of conservative New Democracy party, told reporters after the vote. ?This is a victory for all Europe. We are committed to do what it takes and do it fast.?

Sunday?s vote was the most crucial test to date of the strained monetary union that lies at the heart of a financial crisis that has sent Europe into a widening recession. But the vote provided only a temporary reprieve.

Last week, banks in the weaker southern economies of Greece, Italy and Spain were hammered as investors and depositors fled, leaving those nation?s banks under added pressure. Worries about possible default of their government?s debt slashed they value of their bond holdings. Spanish government debt is now rated just above notch above junk status. Spain?s banks have also been forced to write down the value of home mortgages as they continue to suffer the painful hangover of a U.S.-like housing bust.

In the short term, Sunday's vote gives euro zone leaders, led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, some breathing room. For the first time in weeks, there is now hope that Athens will form a government that will negotiate with Berlin and its allies over ongoing conditions for the financial lifeline that is keeping Greece from falling into economic chaos and exiting the common currency. ?

But Merkel has become even more isolated in her insistence that Greece citizens adhere to measures that have already lowered their standard of living and promise harsher sacrifices ahead.

On Sunday, French President Francois Hollande's Socialists strengthened its hold on parliament, wining an absolute majority, and giving him greater backing as he presses Germany to ease up on its insistence on austerity for weaker euro zone economies. Following the defeat Nicolas Sarkozy, his predecessor and Merkel's most visible ally, Hollande has reversed France?s course and pressed for an easing of austerity measures and for new spending to stimulate growth. He also wants to see a new euro zone banking system set up to protect depositors and states if banks fail.

Merkel and Hollande are set to fly to Mexico on Monday for a Group of 20 summit that will once again be dominated by Germany, the largest and most prosperous economy that is bearing the brunt of the financial burden of bailing out it weaker neighbors. Sunday?s elections in Greece will only push Germany deeper into the crisis.

Still, after 18 unsuccessful summits in the past two years, it remains to be seen whether another meeting will accelerate coming up with a solution to the crisis On the one hand, Greek voters acknowledged what has been known for two years: No Greek government can avert social chaos without a financial lifeline. Athens? departure from the euro would only speed the country?s financial collapse.

But the Greeks willingness to accept German money does little to raise popular support among German voters for continued bailouts of Athens -- and potentially Madrid and Rome yet to come. As the Greece election?results were being tallied here Sunday, most TV screens in the former East Germany were tuned to watch the national soccer team advance in the latest round of the Euro 2012 championship.

German voters who have been paying attention to the events in southern Europe are deeply ambivalent about the ongoing demands for bailouts. While most support the continuation of the monetary union, many are deeply skeptical that financial assistance alone can revive the comatose Greek economy.

?We are in a European union we have to stand for their debt as long as they're in the euro zone,? said Frederik Grewe, a retired government worker in Berlin. ?But the Greek have no basic industry -- only the tourists. It?s the same in Portugal and Spain and Italy.?

But the recession sweeping through southern Europe is already cutting demand for German exports, which has begun to slow the gears of Germany?s heavily export-driven economy. But for the time being, for German voters the euro zone crisis is visible only in the headlines.

If the recession spreads, though, Germany?s leaders may have an even tougher time continuing to extend the financial lifelines that are keeping southern Europe from slipping into a deeper downturn.

?If times get harder then it could easily happen that there?s less willingness to stand ... for other countries -- even in the same currency zone,? said Timo Klein, an economist with HIS Global Insight based in Frankfurt.

The Eurozone remains in a delicate balance as the financial crisis in both Greece and Spain threaten to take down their European partners. How will the financial troubles abroad affect the presidential election in November? Parag Khanna, co-author of "Hybrid Reality," joins the Melissa Harris-Perry panel to discuss.

More money and business news:

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Monday, June 18, 2012

Iraq bombings kill five in bloody end to deadly week

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Sony Alpha NEX-F3

Despite having a rather odd progression in model names, the Sony Alpha NEX-F3 ($599.99 direct with 18-55mm?lens) is the direct successor to our Editors' Choice Sony Alpha NEX-C3 ($649.99, 4.5 stars). Like its predecessor, the F3 sports a 16-megapixel APS-C image sensor that delivers top-notch images in challenging light, and can focus and fire off images with impressive speed. It adds a built-in flash, an LCD that tilts all the way to face the front of the camera, and support for the FDAEV1S Electronic Viewfinder ($349.99), and in doing so wrangles our Editors' Choice award for entry-level compact interchangeable lens cameras away from the NEX-C3 .

Design and Features
Taking many of its design cues from the NEX-C3, the NEX-F3 ?sports a deeper grip, like the one found on the mid-range NEX-5N ($699.99, 4.5 stars). It's a bit larger and heavier than either camera, measuring 2.6 by 4.6 by 1.7 inches and weighing 11.1 ounces without a lens. (The NEX-5N is 2.4 by 4.4 by 1.6 inches, 9.5 ounces.) The rear LCD tilts, but unlike other NEX cameras, it can face all the way to the front for self portraits. When placed in that position it automatically activates a 3-second self timer and?flips the image horizontally, so that you get the natural feeling of looking in a mirror. Of course, once the actual photo is taken it is saved to the memory card in a normal orientation. The front-facing capability does have a cost. The downward tilt, which is useful when taking shots with the camera above your head, is not as deep as in other models, and if you opt to use the EVF, it blocks a good portion of the view when the LCD faces front.

The larger body also makes room for a built-in flash. It's identical to the one found on the pro-level Sony Alpha NEX-7 ($1,349.99, 4.5 stars), and is hinged so that you can bounce light off of a ceiling to add softer illumination to a scene.

Despite being small for an interchangeable lens camera, the NEX-F3 packs an APS-C image sensor?the same size found in most D-SLRs. Compact systems cameras that use smaller sensors, like the Nikon J1 ($649.95, 3.5 stars) and the Olympus PEN E-PL3 ($699.99, 3.5 stars) have smaller lenses since the physical area that needs to be covered with light isn't as great, but they sacrifice some of the ability to create shallow depth of field. The 18-55mm (27-82mm equivalent) zoom lens included with the F3 isn't quite as large as a typical D-SLR kit zoom, but it's pretty close.

One area in which Micro Four Thirds trumps the NEX system is lens availability?Sony has released a number of lenses for NEX cameras in the past year, but it still lags behind the Micro Four Thirds library. The NEX system currently lacks a fast f/1.4 lens, and the longest telephoto optic only reaches 210mm.

Aside from its new hinge mechanism, the rear LCD is unchanged from the NEX-C3. It's a 3-inch display with a 921k-dot resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The Live View frame is justified left, while a strip to the right displays the current function of the camera's programmable controls. You can customize three soft keys to suit your needs. My typical configuration is to set the bottom button as a focus assist, as I often use manual focus lenses with the NEX system, and I set the center button to bring up the Shooting Mode menu and use the right button to adjust ISO. In addition to the programmable controls, the camera has dedicated buttons for Drive Mode, EV Compensation, playback, and movie recording.

The menu system is vast and sprawling. Thankfully, once you have the camera configured to your liking you won't have to spend too much time adjusting things, but you may find yourself scratching your head in order to locate specific settings. Hitting Menu on the back of the camera brings up six options: Shoot Mode, Camera, Image Size, Brightness/Color, Playback, and Setup. If you can remember that Focus options are in Camera, Exposure controls in Brightness/Color, and any sort of customization options are in Setup, you should be good to go.

Auto Portrait Framing and Clear Image Zoom options are both located in the Camera menu, but are only active if you're shooting in JPG mode. The former works automatically, saving a cropped version of a portrait alongside your original shot?both in full 16-megapixel resolution. You'll have to activate Clear Image Zoom, which effectively doubles the focal length of your lens via an in-camera crop, although it can be programmed as a soft key function. Unlike traditional cropping, the image is saved as a full-resolution file, with some in-camera?interpolation to better preserve detail. It isn't as sharp as with a telephoto lens, but if you're a JPG shooter and don't plan on making large prints, there is absolutely no reason not to use the function to increase the reach of your lens?the resulting files will be more than adequate for online sharing, and will retain enough detail for printing in, say, a photo book.

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Be Your Very Best With These Awesome Personal Development ...

Improving your character and personality are vital to any program of personal development. It focuses on improving knowledge and self-awareness, spiritual development and even through fulfilling your personal goals. This article contains a variety of suggestions to help you plan your own path for growth and development. If you are methodical, you will gain an understanding of your self-knowledge and awareness. Learn more about pheromone colognes if you want to improve your personal development.

Slow down and count to ten in your head before you speak in anger. Take a deep breath and think of a peaceful place. Focus on remaining calm and think about what you want to say before you speak.

Try to live wisely and humbly. Keep an open mind and learn from new situations you encounter. You should also learn to recognize the elements you cannot change. Modesty will help you work within your limits. Use the mistakes from the past to create your wisdom for the future.

Stress and happiness do not go together. You are harming yourself mentally and physically when there is too much stress in your life. If we want to think clearly and strive for our goals with neat, calm purpose, we must eliminate the stress in our minds. Make time in your schedule each day to take a few minutes alone and clear your mind. This peaceful mental relaxation will refresh your mind, and improve your inner self.

Use your work time efficiently. The best way to do that is to take breaks more often. If you designate a time to relax, then you will be more willing to buckle down and focus during work periods.

Unless you are willing to work towards your personal goals, you will never be able to grow as a person. You have to choose and accept the change in order to grow.

Spend time with people who look at life the same way you do. They'll help you stay on track by being good role models for positive behavior, and you'll better balance any negative energy you get from people who aren't as supportive of your self-improvement goals.

The best way to go about personal development is to concentrate your improvement efforts on one trait at a time. Even though there may be many things that you need to improve on, by working on only one, you increase your chance of being successful. By limiting your focus and introducing adjustments gradually, the change is more likely to be permanent.

You have to be in good physical shape if you want your personal development efforts to be as effective as possible. Always keep a healthy routine that includes exercise, diet, and sleep in order to be successful. It may seem simple, but sometimes the simplest things in life are actually the most difficult.

Instead of bragging about achievements, you should ask others about theirs. This allows you to discover some of the great things that people around you are capable of accomplishing, which helps you to respect others by giving you insight into their character.

Sexual capital is a new trait that's extremely important to develop. This simply means the ability to use your charm (not sexuality) to get what it is that you want. Although not everyone has excellent social skills, having these skills can provide you with a lot of assistance in certain situations.

Leadership is the cornerstone of personal development. Most people believe that leadership and influence are synonymous. Analyze your leadership progress. Are there any events that have had an impact in your life? How have these events shaped your life? What personal qualities do you have that make you a good team player? Ask yourself these questions in order to see how you will be as a member of a team.

A huge factor in personal development is simply being aware of the things you want to achieve in your life and how you intend on reaching that goal. Creating long-term goals is a necessity, because it can change your perspective and increase motivation.

Exercise is for everyone, not just people who are trying to lose a few pounds. There are lots of good, healthy reasons for exercising. When you exercise, your body produces a number of chemicals, such as endorphin, which improve your overall mood.

Learn more about pheromone colognes and improve your attraction and confidence. You must monitor your progress whenever you undertake a personal development project. This article can help you in setting goals and achieving success with those goals. Gradually begin making changes that can help you reach your personal development goals. Learn more about pheromone colognes.

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