RESUMO O consumo de dióxido de carbono atmosférico pelo intemperismo tampona o efeito estufa na Terra em escala de tempo geológica. Esse mecanismo é chamado de sumidouro de carbono de silicato (SCS). Saprolito representa parte da frente de intemperismo do manto terrestre, mas historicamente não recebeu muita atenção dos geocientistas. Em escala global, o Brasil é o maior contribuinte para o SCS e o quarto maior contribuinte em número de publicações sobre saprolito. Neste estudo, a produção científica brasileira sobre o assunto de 1990 a 2022 foi avaliada, considerando publicações indexadas nas bases de dados Web of Science, SciELO e Scopus. Foram recuperados cento e oitenta artigos científicos. Na última década, sete artigos foram publicados por ano. Ao longo dos 32 anos considerados, o número de artigos sobre saprolito aumentou. A maioria dos estudos foi concentrada na região sudeste do Brasil, onde o estado de Minas Gerais liderou em termos de número de publicações (28,49%). As principais áreas em que os artigos foram publicados estavam relacionadas à ecologia, Terra e marinha; no entanto, foram citados por várias outras, incluindo as áreas de saúde e política. Uma comparação do número de publicações por bacia e o tamanho do SCS mostrou que havia menos estudos da Bacia Amazônica do que da Bacia do Paraná. Em conclusão, a fronteira geográfica para o estudo do saprolito no território brasileiro é a Bacia do Rio Amazonas, e a fronteira metodológica está relacionada à dinâmica de fluídos/gases e ao papel dos micróbios no intemperismo em profundidade. geológica SCS. . (SCS) terrestre geocientistas global 199 202 avaliada Science Scopus científicos década ano 3 considerados aumentou 28,49%. 2849 28,49% 28 49 (28,49%) ecologia marinha entanto outras política Paraná conclusão Amazonas fluídosgases fluídos gases profundidade (SCS 19 20 284 28,49 2 4 (28,49% 1 28,4 (28,49 28, (28,4 (28, (28 (2 (

ABSTRACT The consumption of atmospheric carbon dioxide by weathering buffers the greenhouse effect on Earth on a geological timescale. This mechanism is called the silicate carbon sink (SCS). Saprolite represents part of the weathering front of the Earth’s mantle, but historically, it has not received much attention from geoscientists. On a global scale, Brazil is the largest contributor to the SCS and the fourth largest contributor to the number of saprolite publications. In this study, Brazilian scientific production on the subject from 1990 to 2022 was assessed, considering publications indexed in the Web of Science, SciELO and Scopus databases. One hundred-eighty scientific articles were retrieved. In the last decade, seven articles were published per year. Over the 32 years under consideration, the number of articles on saprolite has increased. Most of the studies were concentrated in the southeastern region of Brazil, where the state of Minas Gerais led in terms of the number of publications (28.49%). The main areas in which the articles were published were related to ecology, Earth, and marine; however, they were cited by several others, including the areas of health and politics. A comparison of the number of publications per basin and the size of the SCS showed that there were fewer studies from the Amazon Basin than from the Paraná Basin. In conclusion, the geographical frontier for the study of saprolite in the Brazilian territory is the Amazon River Basin, and the methodological frontier is related to fluid/gas dynamics and the role of microbes in weathering at depth. timescale SCS. . (SCS) Earths s mantle historically geoscientists scale 199 202 assessed Science databases hundredeighty hundred eighty retrieved decade year 3 consideration increased 28.49%. 2849 28.49% 28 49 (28.49%) ecology marine however others politics conclusion fluidgas fluid gas depth (SCS 19 20 284 28.49 2 4 (28.49% 1 28.4 (28.49 28. (28.4 (28. (28 (2 (

This paper elucidates the inseparable connection between the pursuit of a more ecologically sustainable society and the quest for socioeconomic justice. It also demonstrates why Unconditional Basic Income (UBI) is an effective policy to act on both fronts. First, the corresponding theory on environmental and socioeconomic oppression sheds light on the argument that both types of domination stem from the same historical process and are inherently interconnected. Addressing one without considering the other is essentially flawed; they are both features and consequences of present society. Acknowledging the historical debt owed to vulnerable economic classes and developing countries is imperative. Green republicanism could potentially establish a theoretical foundation for social-ecological thinking. Defining freedom as non-domination and applying this concept to nature are essential prerequisites for overcoming socioeconomic and environmental oppression. UBI is presented and discussed theoretically as a strong solution to address these two challenges. It serves not only as a means to facilitate the transition to a post-productivist society, transforming labor relations, but also as a catalyst for the development of circular economies and more sustainable occupations. Additionally, the basic income policy implemented in the city of Maricá, Brazil, is cited as empirical evidence showcasing the environmental and socioeconomic values of UBI. justice (UBI fronts First interconnected flawed imperative socialecological social ecological thinking nondomination non challenges postproductivist post productivist relations occupations Additionally Maricá Brazil

Resumen La cartografía temática es un insumo principal para planificación territorial en Ecuador, por lo que es indispensable que sea validada. El Instituto Geográfico Militar es el ente encargado de la gestión y aprobación de cartografía en el país, y que, desde el año 2018, ejecuta proyectos de generación de geoinformación temática a escala 1: 5 000; utilizando, como enfoque científico, la ecología de paisaje y, para la validación de cartografía temática, métodos estadísticos (no probabilísticos) y técnicas de muestreo, a fin de comparar los modelos cartográficos generados con la realidad del territorio, aplicando la matriz de confusión. En este sentido, este artículo presenta la metodología para determinar sitios de muestreo para campo de tres ciudades: Quito, Guayaquil y Cuenca. Los resultados indicaron, en cuanto a la validación de cartografía de Capacidad de Acogida, que dichas ciudades tuvieron un 77 %, 47 % y 79 %, respectivamente, de coincidencia modelo-realidad, con un índice kappa de 0.66, 0.16 y 0.63, respectivamente.

Resumo A cartografia temática é um dos principais insumos para o planejamento territorial no Equador, portanto, é essencial que seja validada. O Instituto Geográfico Militar é a entidade responsável pela gestão e aprovação da cartografia no país e que, desde 2018, executa projetos para a geração de geoinformação temática na escala 1: 5 000; utilizando, como abordagem científica, a ecologia da paisagem e, para a validação da cartografia temática, métodos estatísticos (não probabilísticos) e técnicas de amostragem, a fim de comparar os modelos cartográficos gerados com a realidade do território, aplicando a matriz de confusão. Nesse sentido, este artigo apresenta a metodologia para determinar os locais de amostragem de campo para três cidades: Quito, Guayaquil e Cuenca. Os resultados indicaram, em termos de validação do mapeamento da capacidade de carga, que essas cidades tiveram 77%, 47% e 79%, respectivamente, de coincidência entre modelo e realidade, com um índice kappa de 0,66, 0,16 e 0,63, respectivamente.

Abstract Thematic cartography is a main input for territorial planning in Ecuador, so it is essential that it be validated. The Instituto Geográfico Militar is the entity in charge of the management and approval of cartography in the country, since 2018, has been implementing thematic geoinformation generation projects at a scale of 1: 5 000; using, as a scientific approach, landscape ecology and, for thematic mapping validation, statistical methods (non-probabilistic) and sampling techniques, in order to compare the cartographic models generated with the reality of the territory, applying the confusion matrix. This article presents the methodology to determine sampling sites for field of three cities: Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. The results indicated, in terms of the validation of Reception Capacity cartography, that these cities had a 77 %, 47 % and 79 % respectively of model-reality match, with a kappa index of 0.66, 0.16 and 0.63, respectively.

Resumen. Muchos metazoos contienen moléculas capaces de fluorescencia, absorción y reemisión de luz. Dado que la distribución anatómica, o el patrón, de estas moléculas es variable entre taxones, los patrones de fluorescencia pueden servir como una poderosa herramienta diagnóstica en taxonomía y ecología. Sin embargo, los patrones de fluorescencia específicos de especie entre invertebrados marinos están poco comprendidos. Aquí, mostramos que los hidrozoos tienen diversos patrones de fluorescencia, que pueden ser el resultado de moléculas producidas intrínsecamente u obtenidas de fuentes dietéticas. Estudiamos hidrozoos, incluidos sifonóforos, hidromedusas e hidroides, en 5 órdenes de ambientes marinos pelágicos y bentónicos en Bocas del Toro, Panamá. Nuestros hallazgos muestran que los patrones de fluorescencia son muy prevalentes y pueden variar entre especies de hidrozoos y a lo largo del desarrollo. La mayoría de los taxa de hidrozoos examinados exhibieron alguna forma de fluorescencia, con variación observada entre las etapas de vida y las partes del cuerpo. Se documentó fluorescencia en el 88% de las hidromedusas (Leptothecata, Anthoathecata, Limnomedusae y Narcomedusae), el 50% de los hidroides y el 75% de los sifonóforos que se observaron en este estudio. Nuestros resultados ilustran cómo los patrones de fluorescencia pueden servir como una herramienta diagnóstica útil para explorar la biodiversidad marina, resaltando la necesidad de una mayor documentación de los patrones de fluorescencia en la diversidad marina y de investigar las moléculas que subyacen a este fenómeno.

Abstract. Many metazoans contain molecules capable of fluorescence, which is the absorption and re-emission of light. As the anatomical distribution, or patterning, of these molecules varies across taxa, fluorescence patterns may serve as a powerful diagnostic tool in taxonomy and ecology. However, species-specific fluorescence patterns in marine invertebrates are poorly understood. Here, we show that hydrozoans exhibit diverse fluorescence patterns, which may result from molecules that are produced intrinsically or obtained from dietary sources. We surveyed 5 orders of hydrozoans, including siphonophores, hydromedusae, and hydroids, from pelagic and benthic marine environments in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Our findings show that fluorescence patterns are highly prevalent and may vary across hydrozoan species throughout development. Most hydrozoan taxa exhibited some form of fluorescence, with variation observed among life stages and body parts. Fluorescence was documented in 88% of hydromedusae (Leptothecata, Anthoathecata, Limnomedusae, and Narcomedusae), 50% of hydroids, and 75% of siphonophores. Our results illustrate how fluorescence patterns can serve as a useful diagnostic tool to explore marine biodiversity, highlighting the need for further documentation of fluorescence patterns across marine taxa and research into the molecules that underlie this phenomenon.

Abstract This contribution identifies the socio-environmental dynamics that development policies have generated on community mangroves in three key moments of Mexican history: the 1917 Constitution, the industrialization of the 1950s, and the 1985 neoliberal reforms. Through eight case studies and 180 semi-structured interviews, a conceptual input shapes three scenarios (community, touristified and conserved mangroves) and fifteen categories that synthesize these dynamics. Mangroves are going through a continuous crisis that is arguably provoked by development policies that neglect local institutions and impoverish local inhabitants. This article offers alternatives that the federal government could take into consideration to manage these areas more effectively at the environmental and territorial levels.

Resumen Este aporte identifica las dinámicas socioambientales que las políticas de desarrollo han generado sobre los manglares comunitarios en tres momentos clave de la historia mexicana: la Constitución de 1917, la industrialización de la década de 1950 y las reformas neoliberales de 1985. Mediante ocho estudios de caso y 180 entrevistas semiestructuradas, se elaboró un insumo conceptual de tres escenarios (manglares comunitarios, turistificados y conservados) y quince categorías que sintetizan estas dinámicas. Los manglares atraviesan una crisis histórica que provocarían las políticas de desarrollo que no atienden si no que debilitarían a las instituciones locales y empobrecerían a los habitantes de las localidades. Los autores ofrecen recomendaciones para que la gestión del gobierno federal sea más efectiva a nivel ambiental y territorial.

ABSTRACT The territories ofNuestra Américahave been subjected to natural and sociopolitical dynamics that put them at risk. However, governmental authorities have preferred to implement strategies borrowed from the so-called developed countries rather than to develop their own strategies based on local past-experiences and knowledge. Therefore, from the need to reflect on the importance of construct proposals for the integral resilience of the territories, considering the characteristics and potential of local ecosystems and sociocultural aspects, the historical particularities and political ecology aspects stand out. Those are important in the construction or strengthening of resilience in Nuestra América.

RESUMEN Los territorios de Nuestra América han estado sometidos a dinámicas naturales y sociopolíticas que los ponen en riesgo. Sin embargo, las autoridades gubernamentales han preferido implementar estrategias de países considerados desarrollados, en lugar de aprender de las experiencias pasadas y emplear el conocimiento local. Por tanto, a partir de la necesidad de reflexionar sobre la importancia de construir propuestas para la resiliencia integral de los territorios, teniendo en cuenta las características y potencialidades ecosistémicas y socioculturales locales, se destacan las particularidades históricas y los aspectos de ecología política a considerar al pensar en la construcción o fortalecimiento de resiliencia en Nuestra América.

ABSTRACT. Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) seagrasses are composed of three genera and four species: Halophila baillonii, Halodule beaudettei, Halodule wrightii, and Ruppia maritima. These are colonizing seagrass species and meadows in the ETP can be ephemeral. Current seagrass distribution in this region remains unknown, with verified extant presence at a limited number of locations and mapping heavily reliant on historical reports. Suitable environmental conditions for seagrasses in the ETP consist of sheltered bays <10 m depth with fine sediment, 19-35 salinity, 26-32°C temperature, and water transparency of up to 10 m Secchi depth. In this region, seagrass organic carbon (OC) biomass pools (<0.2 Mg ha-1) have been reported from three locations, while sediment bulk density (<1.4 g mL-1) and OC (<24 Mg ha-1) have been reported from eight locations, all found on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Recent blue carbon reports from the ETP have not been included in global assessments to date. OC sequestration and sediment accumulation rates are currently unknown. Seagrasses provide key ecosystem services yet they are also threatened by anthropogenic and natural stressors. Seagrasses have already disappeared from two locations within the ETP, with restoration efforts currently underway on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This overview of our current understanding of seagrasses in the ETP and their services highlights the need for further research in this understudied region.

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to evaluate the ecology considering distribution, abundance, population structure, and fecundity of the marine diplostraceans Penilia avirostris and Pseudevadne tergestina in the Veracruz Reef System National Park, southwest Gulf of Mexico. Surface samples were collected with a 300 μm mesh plankton net at 26 sampling sites in June, August, October (2011), May (2012) and June (2013). Temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ. The temperature range was 26.53 ± 0.41 and 29.29 ± 0.27°C, salinity between 33.43 ± 0.49 and 35.91 ± 0.09, and dissolved oxygen between 2.92 ± 0.08 and 6.56 ± 0.08 mg L-1. P. avirostris and P. tergestina presented the highest density, with 2200 ind 100 m-3 in June and 5980 ind 100 m-3 in October, respectively. Four stages were determined in P. avirostris. In P. tergestina, there were five instars, with males in August and October. The size of parthenogenic females of P. avirostris was 773.4 ± 20.08 μm. In P. tergestina, it was 637.6 ± 49.28 μm. The number of embryos in P. avirostris was 2 to 7, and in P. tergestina, 2 to 8 embryos. The correlations between body length and the number of embryos in both species were statistically significant under the potential model (r > 0.68 for both species, P < 0.001). The transects with the highest abundance were the northern and the southern zones because they are far from the influence of the Jamapa River. The density of these crustaceans is related to optimal temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen values. The low proportions obtained from gamogenic individuals of P. avirostris and P. tergestina suggest that in tropical and subtropical regions, gamogenesis is not crucial for the life cycle of these organisms.

ABSTRACT In view of the current global ecological crisis, characterized by the devastation of the environment, it is essential to carry out critical studies on its origin, structure, and development. The crisis, evidenced by high levels of pollution and an overexploited nature, generates academic reflections. The present study describes the anthropocentric humanist thinking of Karl Marx and the theocentric humanist thinking of the encyclical Laudato Si' with respect to nature. For this purpose, a systematic review of the literature was carried out within the framework of the PRISMA methodology. The record consisted of the review of 250 documents, period 2017-2023, in journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), SciELO, and Latindex, where it was evidenced that the nature presented in Laudato Si' is located in a theological scenario while in Marx's anthropology in a materialistic scope, highlighting the call made by Pope Francis for a change since the social problem has been transforming into a purely environmental one.

RESUMEN En vista de la actual crisis ecológica mundial, caracterizada por una devastación del ambiente, resulta imprescindible realizar estudios críticos sobre su origen, estructura y desarrollo. La crisis, evidenciada en los altos niveles de contaminación y en una naturaleza explotada con creces, genera reflexiones de tipo académico. El presente estudio describe el pensamiento humanista antropocéntrico de Karl Marx y el pensamiento humanista teocéntrico de la encíclica Laudato Si’ respecto a la naturaleza. Para ello se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura enmarcada en la metodología PRISMA. El registro consistió en la revisión de 250 documentos, período 2017-2023 en revistas indexadas en Scopus, Web of Sciencie (WoS), SciELO y Latindex, donde se evidenció que la naturaleza presentada en el Laudato Si’ está localizada en un escenario teológico mientras que en la antropología de Marx en un ámbito materialista; destacándose el llamado hecho por el papa Francisco para que se produzca un cambio, pues el problema social se ha ido transformando en netamente ambiental.

Abstract (Introduction): The variability of geographic space, in terms of the horizontal structure of landscapes, influences ecology and suggests an association between landscape heterogeneity indices (LHI) and ecosystem services (ES). This relationship is crucial for conservation and sustainable development in Latin America, given the diversity of landscapes, from tropical forests to snow-capped mountains and deserts, which harbor a unique wealth of biodiversity and ecological functions. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between LHI and ES. (Methodology): Fourteen landscape heterogeneity indices and seven ecosystem services were calculated in Santa María Huatulco, Oaxaca, and related to the estimated ecosystem services for the same area. (Results): The models showed a statistically significant relationship between LHI and ES, suggesting that certain LHI can influence the provision and distribution of ES. (Conclusions): Therefore, understanding how LHI affect ES is essential to promote sustainable development in Latin America.

Resumen (Introducción): La variabilidad del espacio geográfico, en términos de la estructura horizontal de los paisajes, influye en la ecología y sugiere una asociación entre los índices de heterogeneidad paisajística (IHP) y los servicios ecosistémicos (SE). Esta relación es crucial para la conservación y el desarrollo sostenible en América Latina, dada la diversidad de paisajes, desde selvas tropicales hasta montañas nevadas y desiertos, que albergan una riqueza única de biodiversidad y funciones ecológicas. (Objetivo): Se buscó determinar la relación entre los IHP y los SE. (Metodología): Se calcularon catorce índices de heterogeneidad paisajística y siete servicios ecosistémicos en el municipio de Santa María Huatulco, Oaxaca, y se relacionaron con los servicios ecosistémicos estimados para la misma área de estudio. (Resultados): Los modelos demostraron una relación estadísticamente significativa entre los IHP y los SE. (Conclusiones): Investigar y comprender como los IHP afectan la oferta y distribución de los SE es esencial para promover un desarrollo sostenible en América Latina.

Abstract. To address the issue of the urban Anthropocene, it is proposed to inquire into memories, socio-ecological practices, and collaborative relationships among living ecosystems. Based on ethnographic work and secondary sources from three urban situations in Santiago de Chile -garden, square, and third ruderal landscape- the objective is to understand the collaborative interaction between the human and the non-human. The working hypothesis suggests that it is in the expressive and collaborative gestures of subjectivities, desires, and imag inaries that transformative, ecologically sustainable capacities emerge, opening the way to public spaces in cohabitation with living ecosystems. It is concluded that although the three experiences have not been integrated by urban policies, they constitute political exercises and acts of vita activa in the face of urban ecological crisis, opening paths for a collaborative anthropology framed within an ecology of diverse practices and knowledge.

Resumen. Para tratar el problema del Antropoceno urbano se propone interrogar las memorias, las prácticas socioecológicas y las relaciones colaborativas entre ecosistemas vivos. A partir del trabajo etnográfico y fuentes secundarias de tres situaciones urbanas en Santiago de Chile -jardín, plaza y tercer paisaje ruderal-, el objetivo es comprender la interacción colaborativa entre lo humano y lo no-humano. La hipótesis de trabajo plantea que es en los gestos expresivos y colaborativos de subjetividades, deseos e imaginarios que surgen capacidades transformadoras, ecológicamente sustentables y que abren el camino hacia espacios públicos en cohabitación entre ecosistemas vivos. Se concluye que a pesar de que las tres experiencias no han sido integradas por las políticas urbanas, estas constituyen ejercicios políticos y de vita activa frente a la crisis ecológica urbana, lo que abre vías para una antropología colaborativa que se enmarca en una ecología de las prácticas y saberes diversos.

Abstract (Introduction): The variability of geographic space, in terms of the horizontal structure of landscapes, influences ecology and suggests an association between landscape heterogeneity indices (LHI) and ecosystem services (ES). This relationship is crucial for conservation and sustainable development in Latin America, given the diversity of landscapes, from tropical forests to snow-capped mountains and deserts, which harbor a unique wealth of biodiversity and ecological functions. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between LHI and ES. (Methodology): Fourteen landscape heterogeneity indices and seven ecosystem services were calculated in Santa María Huatulco, Oaxaca, and related to the estimated ecosystem services for the same area. (Results): The models showed a statistically significant relationship between LHI and ES, suggesting that certain LHI can influence the provision and distribution of ES. (Conclusions): Therefore, understanding how LHI affect ES is essential to promote sustainable development in Latin America.

Resumen (Introducción): La variabilidad del espacio geográfico, en términos de la estructura horizontal de los paisajes, influye en la ecología y sugiere una asociación entre los índices de heterogeneidad paisajística (IHP) y los servicios ecosistémicos (SE). Esta relación es crucial para la conservación y el desarrollo sostenible en América Latina, dada la diversidad de paisajes, desde selvas tropicales hasta montañas nevadas y desiertos, que albergan una riqueza única de biodiversidad y funciones ecológicas. (Objetivo): Se buscó determinar la relación entre los IHP y los SE. (Metodología): Se calcularon catorce índices de heterogeneidad paisajística y siete servicios ecosistémicos en el municipio de Santa María Huatulco, Oaxaca, y se relacionaron con los servicios ecosistémicos estimados para la misma área de estudio. (Resultados): Los modelos demostraron una relación estadísticamente significativa entre los IHP y los SE. (Conclusiones): Investigar y comprender como los IHP afectan la oferta y distribución de los SE es esencial para promover un desarrollo sostenible en América Latina.

Resumen: Este artículo analiza el proceso de constitución y consolidación del campo de la ecología política en América Latina como espacio interdisciplinar en las ciencias sociales. Afirmo que la configuración del campo de estudios surge de la intersección entre dinámicas sociopolíticas y académicas en dos momentos fundamentales: en un primer momento, se decantan las principales líneas de análisis, donde las proposiciones teórico-empíricas se imbrican al activismo y compromiso político de sus principales representantes con procesos específicos; en un segundo momento, se produce la formalización académica y el ensanchamiento del campo de estudios, con nuevas preguntas que se inscriben en el contexto geopolítico global de cambio climático y transición energética, donde desatacan nuevas agendas de investigación transversales en su aporte a la discusión internacional. El artículo aporta una mirada original a los debates interdisciplinares de las ciencias sociales, así como a las discusiones en la relación academia/sociedad.

Abstract: This article analyzes the process of constitution and consolidation of the field of political ecology in Latin America as an interdisciplinary space in the social sciences. We argue that the configuration of the field of study arises from the intersection between sociopolitical and academic dynamics in two fundamental moments: the first moment, the main lines of analysis, where the theoretical-empirical propositions overlap with the activism and political commitment of their principal representatives with specific processes; a second moment, of academic formalization and broadening of the field of studies, with new questions that are part of the current global geopolitical context of climate change and energy transition, where the new cross-cutting research agendas and their contribution to the discussion stand out international. The article provides an original look at the interdisciplinary debates in the social sciences and the discussions on the relationship between academia and society.

Abstract Environmental ethics focuses on human responsibility towards the environment, especially due to the current abuse of natural resources. This relationship has caused serious impacts on the environment and human life, pointing out the need for a genuine and practical change for humanity to assume its responsibility in the preservation of the environment. By considering the theological-philosophical points of view presented by Pope Francis and Hans Jonas’ ethical proposal for the technological era, this study seeks to merge both ideas to promote biodiversity. This implies recognizing the role of the human being as a responsible steward, promoting an ethic that orients towards the future, while maintaining respect for the position of the human being as guardian of the ecosystem and its biological diversity.

RESUMEN La ética ambiental se enfoca en la responsabilidad humana hacia el entorno, especialmente debido al abuso de los recursos naturales en la actualidad. Esta relación ha causado impactos graves en el medio ambiente y en la vida humana, señalando la necesidad de un cambio genuino y práctico para que la humanidad asuma su responsabilidad en la preservación del entorno. Al considerar los puntos de vista teológico-filosóficos presentados por el papa Francisco y la propuesta ética de Hans Jonas para la era tecnológica, se busca en este estudio fusionar ambas ideas para lograr que fomenten la biodiversidad. Esto implica reconocer el papel del ser humano como administrador responsable, promoviendo una ética que oriente hacia el futuro, manteniendo el respeto por la posición del ser humano como guardián del ecosistema y su diversidad biológica.

The number of people on Earth and human activities are currently taking on frightening proportions with far-reaching consequences for our planet, its biodiversity and ultimately the human race itself. Ten thousand years ago, humans represented 1% of the total biomass of all land vertebrates. The rest was made up by wild animals. Currently, humans, livestock and pets make up 99% of terrestrial vertebrate biomass, while wild animals represent only 1%. It took millennia for the human population to reach the 1 billion mark and that only by 1890. By 1960, however, the world population had grown to 3 billion. Today there are 8 billion people living on our planet. According to Population Matters, the world population will be approximately 10,4 billion by the end of this century, despite the gradual decline in the growth rate in some countries. There is only a 23% chance that the total population growth rate will tail off before 2100. The population of the 47 least developed countries is likely to triple between 2017 and 2100 to around 3 billion. There are currently 62 million people in South Africa. About 67,9% of our population (in 2021) live in urban areas. The South African population grew by 0,87% in 2023. The fertility rate is 2,30 (2023). It is estimated that by 2050 75,5 million people will be living in South Africa, with 8 out of every 10 people living in urban areas, which would significantly increase the pressure on infrastructure. The Global Footprint Network states that humans currently use the resources of 1,75 Earths. If the situation does not improve, by 2050 we would need the equivalent of three Earths to survive. More than 4 billion people will have little or no water by 2050, and South Africa even now has been classified as a "water-stressed" country. Medical science is continually contributing to more babies surviving their entry into the world and to our living increasingly longer. Life expectancy has risen from 46 years in 1950 to 73,2 years in 2023. By 2050 it will be 77 years. What can be done? Empowerment of women is important. Population growth can be curbed to a reasonable extent by giving more girls access to education. This certainly does not mean that girls or women alone should be held responsible for the current population growth, but much more will have to be done about sex education, women's rights will have to be actively promoted and there will have to be better provision and use of contraceptives. Obviously, these issues should be approached and handled with due caution. In this regard, countries such as Thailand and South Korea have, in the recent past, proved that good education may result in lower birth rates. In Africa, women with no education have an average of 5,4 children; women who completed high school an average of 2,7 children and women with tertiary education an average of 2.2. In Nigeria, every year of school attendance by girls cuts the birth rate by a tenth. In addition, intensified efforts to reform economies and societies should be considered. For the sake of the survival of the human species and the sustainability of the Earth, ecological and economic justice and the empowerment ofwomen have to be encouraged. The Millennium Project - a global participatory think tank that was founded in 1996 under the auspices of the American Council for the United Nations University, but which became independent in 2009 and has since grown into a global network of institutions and individuals - aims to improve humankind's prospects for a better future. It recommends, among other things, the following: • Support a policy aimed at improving the survival of children, responsible family planning and educational opportunities for (especially) girls. • Improve methods that will ensure skills and employment opportunities for young people, as well as care and services for the elderly. • Implement the UN's urban agenda. • Create enough smart cities where citizens with urban intelligence can help in eco-smart ways with the necessary improvements in the city. • Increase training in resilience, and improve disaster prediction and management. • Provide guidance for people about urban ecology. • Intensify research and development in saltwater agriculture (halophytes or salt plants) on coastlines to produce food for humans and animals, biofuel and pulp for the paper industry, and to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2). This will ease the pressure on freshwater agriculture. • Improve agricultural and irrigation management. • Invest in precision agriculture and aquaculture. • Reduce food losses from the "farm to the mouth" (one third or 1,3 billion tons of agricultural production is wasted in this way every year). • Establish seaweed to restore wild fish populations along coastlines. The World Bank estimates that 90% of marine life is completely depleted. • Expand the production of insects for animal feed and human diets (insects have a low environmental impact, and 2 billion people already supplement their diet with insects today). • Encourage vegetarianism. Although there are more ways to address these important global challenges, responsible family planning remains one of the most important. This is an extremely sensitive issue for many people (especially in Africa), but if it is not promoted in a humane, informed and responsible way, the sustainability of life on our planet will increasingly come under tremendous pressure in various respects.

Die aantal mense op aarde en hulle/ons aktiwiteite neem tans skrikwekkende afmetings aan met wydlopende gevolge vir ons planeet, biodiversiteit en uiteindelik onsself. Die moderne mens het sy teenwoordigheid op die aarde en die benutting van hulpbronne baie lank as sy onaantasbare reg gesien. Die huidige uitwerking van byvoorbeeld bevolkingsgroei en besoedeling versteur die aarde se natuurlike ritme in so 'n mate dat ons nou nie meer op 'n kitsoplossing kan hoop nie. Die mens se getalle neem teen so 'n tempo toe dat dit nie net nadelig vir die planeet is nie, maar ook vir die mensdom self. Wat kan gedoen word? Bemagtiging van vroue speel 'n belangrike rol. Dit beteken beslis nie dat meisies en vroue alleen vir die huidige bevolkingsgroei verantwoordelik gehou moet word nie. Die bevolkingsgroei kan egter in 'n redelike mate vertraag word deur veral meer meisies toegang tot onderwys en opleiding te gee - asook hul lewensomstandighede te verbeter. Ook sal daar heelwat meer aan seksopvoeding gedoen moet word, vroueregte sal daadwerklik bevorder moet word en daar sal beter voorsiening en gebruik van voorbehoedmiddels moet wees. Uiteraard moet hierdie kwessies met die nodige omsigtigheid benader en hanteer word. In hierdie verband kan onder andere Thailand en Suid-Korea genoem word wat in die onlangse verlede bewys het dat goeie onderwys geboortesyfers laat daal. In Afrika het vroue wat geen onderwys ontvang nie, gemiddeld 5,4 kinders; vroue wat hoërskool voltooi het gemiddeld 2,7 kinders en vroue wat tersiêre studie deurloop het, gemiddeld 2,2 kinders. In Nigerië sny elke jaar wat meisies skool bywoon, die geboortesyfer met 'n tiende. Hiermee saam sal daar ook verskerpte pogings moet wees om ekonomieë en samelewings te hervorm. Ter wille van die mens se voortbestaan en die volhoubaarheid van lewe op aarde moet ekologiese en ekonomiese geregtigheid, en die bemagtiging van vroue aangemoedig word.