Publications by authors named "Moustapha Itani"
Article Synopsis
- Understanding the carrying capacity of Earth's grazed ecosystems and the role of herbivory is crucial for various scientific fields and policy decisions.
- Current estimates suggest that herbivore populations today are 4-5 times larger than they were during pivotal historical periods, which raises concerns about environmental impacts like deforestation and climate change, but these estimates come with significant uncertainty.
- Revised evidence indicates that herbivore levels in the Late Pleistocene and pre-industrial times may have been higher than previously thought, highlighting the need for more precise research to establish reliable baselines for effective biodiversity conservation and climate policy.
Background: The US military first deployed depleted uranium (DU) weapons in Iraq during the Gulf War in 1990 and in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Research into the health impacts of DU has been mired in debate and controversy. Research funded by the US government has denied the health risks posed by DU to the Iraqi population, while opponents have claimed that DU is responsible for increased rates of birth defects and cancers in Iraq.
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