News Bin - October 30, 2018
Bringing you the latest news, information, and resources from around the web. In the October 30th edition, read more about the following:
- Major Climate Report Describes a Strong Risk of Crisis as Early as 2040
- Nature Works: New Research Shows the Economic Value of National Parks
- A Photo Trip to the Yucatán Peninsula
- Grand title winners selected for Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018
- 8 travel predictions on how we will travel in 2019
Major Climate Report Describes a Strong Risk of Crisis as Early as 2040
A UN expert panel has found that dire consequences of climate change could arrive as soon as 2040 – much sooner than previously thought. Compiled by 91 scientists using over 6,000 scientific studies, their results show that greenhouse gas emissions continuing at the same rate will produce worsening droughts, food shortages, wildfires, coastal flooding, and coral reef die-off. The United States formally accepted these findings, but clarified that they do not necessarily endorse them. Political controversy poses an obstacle to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to economic realities, a diminishing timeline, and the severity of the issue. While some results could be reversed, others would not.
Nature Works: New Research Shows the Economic Value of National Parks
National parks are often promoted as a way to conserve a country’s natural treasures while simultaneously providing supervised opportunities for visitors to experience their beauty. But are national parks of value economically? A new study in Iceland tackled this question using Snæfellsjökull National Park as a sample case, and found that the park does in fact yield significant economic returns in the local community. The Icelandic government is funding the project for further research across all areas of Iceland, with the hope that results can be shared and learned from on a larger scale.
A Photo Trip to the Yucatán Peninsula
Because most people recognize the region for vacation destinations like Cancún and Cozumel, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula often goes unnoticed for its richness of cultural and natural offerings. The region is home to famous Maya ruins like Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Uxmal, as well as lesser-known sites like Coba, El Rey, and Mayapan. It is also a birding hotspot, with Rio Lagartos Biological Reserve alone boasting 395 of the near 600 total species for the whole peninsula. This photo essay captures the vivid beauty and full range of the Yucatán: bird life and wetlands, caverns and rainforests, culture past and present.
Grand title winners selected for Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018
London’s Natural History Museum has selected the winning images for the 2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year! This year’s grand title went to Marsel van Oosten for his portrait of golden snub-nosed monkeys in central China. Other categories include “Animals in their Environment,” “Animal Behaviour,” “Plants and Fungi,” “Under Water,” “Urban Wildlife,” and “Earth’s Environments.” Selections are chosen based on “artistic composition, technical innovation and truthful interpretation of the natural world.” Scroll through the beautiful and inspiring images at the link below.
8 travel predictions on how we will travel in 2019
Using research from 21,500 travelers, Booking.com has revealed their predictions for 2019’s travel trends. Authenticity, individuality, and conservation are the driving forces at work, as most people are seeking out travel experiences that have educational content, personal interaction with their destination, one-of-a-kind experiences, and low environmental impact.