Policy change typically unfolds according to two key determinants: 1. how contested ideas are framed, and, 2. the discursive competence of respective actors (see below for a brief discussion of this term). In a stable policy context, there is enough overlap between competing frames for incremental policy change to occur. Incremental policy change involves “non-innovative … Read more
Big shifts in environmental policy can be confirmed by the money and resources spent on instituting the policy decisions through statutes, regulations, agreements, and policy statements. Policy changes are only meaningful when they carry the legislative force of the state. Anything less is mere talk and wishful thinking. In this article I will consider two … Read more
Imagine if humanity chose to take a more sustainable path. How would we describe the previous decades looking back from the Year 2050? Philosophers, mystics and spiritual leaders throughout the ages have made a distinction between the inner world and the outer (while acknowledging that any such distinction is merely an illusion!). The 20th century … Read more
Octopuses can regenerate entire arms, even though each arm has a mini brain and an extensive network of neurons. Healing begins with undifferentiated stem cells that develop into specialized cells, such as the nerve and muscle cells of a new arm. Regenerated arms are as good as new and perform as fully functional replacements for … Read more
I’ve researched sharks for many years and some of my most popular presentations feature sharks and their amazing abilities. Sharks have senses that seem magical since we humans have nothing of the kind. Sharks have seven senses including two that humans do not possess 1. electroreception for electric fields, and 2. lateral lines to detect … Read more
I’ve always been fascinated with wolves and their ability to hunt cooperatively to bring down large animals like moose and bison. As a biologist I’ve become interested in the controversial topic of wolf dog hybrids. I’ve written this article to explore the dangers wolf dogs pose to people and to wild wolf populations. Wolves and … Read more
On a recent cruise up the Amazon river, we witnessed firsthand the relentless deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. Our shore excursion to the rainforest meant hours of driving through large expanses of land that had been cleared to make way for agricultural use. The biodiversity of the Amazon is at risk, particularly in Brazil. I’ve … Read more
Whenever we travel to Australia, we love to observe that iconic marsupial, the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Even though it is becoming more and more difficult to see wild koalas in their native habitat, we have managed to track them down by following the amazing roars of the male. The koala has one of the lowest … Read more
In our travels throughout South Africa, we’ve always treasured our memories of viewing lions in the wild. When observing lions up close, we’ve wondered “why do the males have manes?” And why is there so much variation in the color of manes? Are the dark ones sexier? Research is showing that the main role of … Read more
Having the opportunity to view wild lions up close has been one of the top highlights in our quest to see wild creatures throughout the world. We’ve visited Africa several times and always look forward to the thrill of being in a land rover surrounded by lions sitting in the shade of our vehicle! Lions … Read more
Here’s one fish that I’m glad I’ve never encountered in its natural habitat! I’ve written this article in the hope that this information can help prevent accidental and potentially life-threatening encounters with the most venomous fish in the world. The Stonefish is the most venomous fish in the ocean and many people have died after … Read more
Hibernation is one of the great mysteries of the animal kingdom. How can animals survive such long periods without eating? As a biologist, I’ve researched this topic thoroughly and have prepared this article to provide you with some key insights into this fascinating adaptation. Animals hibernate to reduce their energy needs when necessary, by decreasing … Read more
Some of my most popular presentations are about weird and ugly creatures! I love the reactions I get when I show photos of some of the ugliest creatures found on our planet – especially those that live in the deep sea! Deep sea creatures have some unique adaptations for living in the icy cold, pitch … Read more
I have written this article to give wider exposure to some fascinating scientific insights into the complicated mating habits of octopuses. Most male octopus have a specialized extra-long arm called the hectocotylus to deliver sperm from a distance. This is an adaptation to mating with cannibalistic females that frequently kill and eat males during or … Read more
I’m a frequent user of Google Earth to help enrich my presentations in front of large and demanding audiences. When introducing a new and exotic location, I find nothing beats an attractive and useful map or satellite image. Google Earth is an invaluable tool for providing your audiences with geographic context and added interest in … Read more
