Our Amazing Earth

Metals, Mines, and Moves Toward Sustainability

Demand is rising rapidly for many types of metals, along with an increase in e-waste containing valuable and hazardous materials. Knowledgeable researchers believe that metals already in use, in infrastructure, or in waste can make up much, if not most, of the metals that we will need. Opening new mines should be a last resort.

By |2025-03-06T06:49:10-07:00March 6th, 2025|Our Amazing Earth|4 Comments

The Guano Rush and American Imperialism

By the 1800s, intensive agriculture had seriously depleted soil fertility along the East Coast of the United States. Guano mined from Pacific islands offshore from Peru became a prized imported fertilizer. Competition for that resource led to an 1856 law directing the country to secure access to guano by claiming sovereignty over unclaimed territories.

By |2025-02-20T07:43:46-07:00February 20th, 2025|Ancient Andean Cultures, Our Amazing Earth|3 Comments

Two Novel Nature-Based Water Systems in the Andes

In the Andes Mountains today, water managers are using both ancient and modern approaches to improve supplies of this vital resource. Novel methods, including those based on Indigenous knowledge, are needed to help meet the challenges of population growth and a warming climate.

By |2025-01-16T08:56:25-07:00January 16th, 2025|Ancient Andean Cultures, Our Amazing Earth|4 Comments

Gains in Geothermal Power Generation and Llamas

Geothermal energy deep underground is available almost everywhere on our planet. With financial support from climate-conscious tech companies, clever engineers are rapidly developing enhanced geothermal power projects that can access this resource. A recent trip to Yellowstone National Park with llama support provided the inspiration for me to learn more about this subject.

By |2024-08-29T08:08:36-07:00August 29th, 2024|Our Amazing Earth|8 Comments

Enchanted by Llamas

Llamas, iconic animals of the Andes Mountains, have been the trusted companions of humans for thousands of years. Llamas are superb pack animals and excel at moving on rough, rocky, and steep terrain. I’m happy to report my good fortune in recently taking an overnight camping trip with Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas on the edge of Capitol Reef National Park. It was a fabulous trip!

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