Solar greenhouses to save energy

Photo credit: WVC 1995-1999 – Picture5-Gao-Jia-Van-02b.jpg

Belgian TC-Dialogue Foundation’s Greenhouse project in the Lanzhou region (Gansu Province, P.R. China 1995-1999)

Reinventing the Greenhouse

The modern glass greenhouse requires massive inputs of energy to grow crops out of season. That’s because each square metre of glass, even if it’s triple glazed, loses ten times as much heat as a wall.

However, growing fruits and vegetables out of season can also happen in a sustainable way, using the energy from the sun. Contrary to its fully glazed counterpart, a passive solar greenhouse is designed to retain as much warmth as possible.

Research shows that it’s possible to grow warmth-loving crops all year round with solar energy alone, even if it’s freezing outside. The solar greenhouse is especially successful in China, where many thousands of these structures have been built during the last decades.

Read the full article: Low-Tech Magazine

Desertification: the scientific consensus report

Photo credit: WVC 1988-12

TC-Dialogue Foundation’s reforestation project in Arbolle

(Prov. du Passoré, Burkina Faso)

Desertification

Context – Desertification is the persistent degradation of dryland ecosystems.

It threatens the livelihoods of some of the poorest and most vulnerable populations on the planet. Desertification is largely caused by unsustainable use of scarce resources.

What options exist to avoid or reverse desertification and its negative impacts?

The same wood (Bois de la Fraternisation) in Arbolle in July 1994 (Photo WVC 1994-07)

This Digest is a faithful summary of the leading scientific consensus report produced in 2005 by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA): “Desertification Synthesis Report”

Read the full article: GreenFacts

Desertification countermeasures

Photo credit: WVC 2005-07

Reforestation in Abaga Banner – Xilin Gol – Inner Mongolia – P.R. China

Project of TC-Dialogue (Belgium)

How to Fight Against Desertification

Dongbei University of Finance and Economics

Agusto Fabilo Biputra – Abdul Rahman Butt – Anastasia Jeanice – Stevano Otto 

Supervisor:  Dr- Alireza Nasiri

ABSTRACT

Desertification has been occurring at a very rapid rate over the five greatest deserts of the world during the time of global warming.  This paper explains the main causes of desertification which stem in the removal of vegetation.  

We have discussed the countermeasures already implemented throughout the world in order to properly analyze the advantages and disadvantages of these measures.

We can use this analysis to come up with a better idea or solution on how to prevent and counter desertification.  We have mostly used data and references from the five great deserts since the expansion of these deserts has been the most significant.  

We have used the datacollection method because it is the easiest and the most reliable method to observe the progress of desertification over the years.

To tackle desertification, countries affected by it will implement the convention by formulating regional programs. Due to the ever changing concerns about desertification, they will need to regularly review the program.  Furthermore, we have acknowledged that desertification can only be countered through changes in local and international behavior.  This change in behavior can be brought about by continuous education to the local people.

Read the full article: Academia.edu

Reforestation with drought-resistant species

Photo credit: WVC – sdb-49-WVC copy.jpg

TC-Dialogue’s project in Abaga Banner – Xilin Gol

Inner Mongolia 2005-05

Drought-resistant plants curb desertification

YOU TUBE VIDEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzfzCNLZ_CE

In desert areas of northwest China’ s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, local farmers have made good use of the natural conditions to cultivate drought-resistant plants. These special plants can both generate economic income, and fight against the further spread of desertification.

Photo credit: WVC – sdb-52-WVC copy.jpg

Drought-tolerant Juniperus sabina to stabilize sand dunes in Abaga Banner – Xilin Gol – Inner Mongolia (Project TC-Dialogue 2005-05)