In this article, the author shares some of the observations he gained when he started researching soil degradation, climate change, global warming, and water quality. First, he observed that there were not many websites that focused solely on soil-related issues. Second, not very many of these would be useful to teachers because, while they…

Maintains that policies that recognize the commercial value of resources and offer rewards for actions that preserve rather than deplete them, offer the best chance for environmental protection. Discusses recent experiments where the right to harvest a resource is sold as a commodity. Examines the role this plays in conservation. (MJP)

Summarizes a wealth of statistical information concerning the economic development and debt for a number of developing nations. Includes statistics on the gross national product growth of Cote d'lvoire, Guatemala, Malaysia, Korea, Colombia, and Nigeria, as well as, the gross domestic product growth and debt service for Latin America, Africa, and…

Argues that well-intentioned government policies, such as the Endangered Species Act, can actually cause harm to endangered species by creating disincentives to preserving the habitat for endangered species. Maintains that the use of incentives can lead to voluntary species protection. Includes instructions for an in-class teaching activity. (MJP)

Summarizes the global efforts of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to ease poverty and help developing nations to build their capacity for sustainable development. Includes a glossary of poverty and human development terms, a human poverty index ranking for developing countries, and suggested teaching activities. (MJP)

Defines an ecostudent as one who focuses on understanding the natural environment and protecting fragile ecosystems in different regions of the world. Discusses the differences between ecostudents and ecotourists and emphasizes the importance of ecotourism. Explains how the attributes of the ecotourist may benefit the experiences of students…

Explores how the tools of geography can help meet some of the challenges inherent in sustainable development by looking at changes in land-use patterns among the Bribri Indians of Costa Rica. Includes a geography lesson on comparing regions and environmental issues. (CMK)

Describes the community of Monteverde, a small town located in the Tilaran Mountains of Costa Rica, that was founded by a group of Quaker families. Indicates the importance of community as a means to an achievement of shared purposes and the many smaller communities that all contribute to the sustainable development of Monteverde. (CMK)

Reviews the theories of 18th-century social scientist Thomas Malthus regarding population and his predictions of massive worldwide famine. Maintains that countries with a tradition of private property rights can sustain a dense population and food supply. Examines the relationship between low birth rate and economic prosperity. (MJP)