"The l999 cyclone was not a mere natural disorder - it was mainly a man-made ecological crisis unleashed by the combined impact of climate change, industrialization, and deforestation," according to Shiva.
Similar catastrophes that appear to be natural have increased in recent years and are likely to intensify even more, because of human damage to the environment that throw ecosystems out of balance.
Geologist Jane Nielson, who worked with the U.S. Geological Service for years, explains what happens when forests are cut.
"The soils erode because the tree roots no longer hold the soil as well. The tree branches don't provide the umbrella effect that slows down bullet-like raindrop impacts. If roots are removed and the soil replanted with a monoculture, the soil erodes more because the mature roots are gone."
Alaska has been hard-hit by water crises recently. Average temperatures in Alaska have risen a startling 7 degrees Fahrenheit in the past 30 years, causing the thawing of ice caps and glaciers. The sudden temperature rise is human created. Among its consequences are dead forests, sagging roads, crumbling villages, and the disruption of marine wildlife.
Similar catastrophes that appear to be natural have increased in recent years and are likely to intensify even more, because of human damage to the environment that throw ecosystems out of balance.
Geologist Jane Nielson, who worked with the U.S. Geological Service for years, explains what happens when forests are cut.
"The soils erode because the tree roots no longer hold the soil as well. The tree branches don't provide the umbrella effect that slows down bullet-like raindrop impacts. If roots are removed and the soil replanted with a monoculture, the soil erodes more because the mature roots are gone."
Alaska has been hard-hit by water crises recently. Average temperatures in Alaska have risen a startling 7 degrees Fahrenheit in the past 30 years, causing the thawing of ice caps and glaciers. The sudden temperature rise is human created. Among its consequences are dead forests, sagging roads, crumbling villages, and the disruption of marine wildlife.