Environmental History of Asia
Discusses some of the great natural catastrophes that have impacted the history of Asia, as well as past climate shifts and their effect on Asian peoples and cultures.
Influenza Pandemics in Asia
Two Asian influenza pandemics swept the globe in the 20th century, and medical officials around the world are always on the alert for a recurrence. Learn more about the Asian flu epidemic of 1957 and the Hong Kong flu of 1968.
Two Asian influenza pandemics swept the globe in the 20th century, and medical officials around the world are always on the alert for a recurrence. Learn more about the Asian flu epidemic of 1957 and the Hong Kong flu of 1968.
When the Rains Stop, the Emperors Fall
The changing strength of the monsoon cycle of rains in China has powered the fall of several major dynasties in the Chinese Empire, according to environmental data. Learn how a lack of rain can bring down an emperor - and how we learn about it centuries later.
The changing strength of the monsoon cycle of rains in China has powered the fall of several major dynasties in the Chinese Empire, according to environmental data. Learn how a lack of rain can bring down an emperor - and how we learn about it centuries later.
The Great Tangshan Earthquake of 1976
The Great Tangshan Earthquake of 1976 killed hundreds of thousands of people, and changed the political climate of China.
The Great Tangshan Earthquake of 1976 killed hundreds of thousands of people, and changed the political climate of China.
Ganges River in Trouble as Himalayan Glaciers Recede
India's sacred river, the Ganges ("Ganga"), is in danger of running dry as its source glaciers high in the Himalayas fall victim to global warming. Should the Ganges dry up entirely, the economic and spiritual survival of India would be in jeopardy.
India's sacred river, the Ganges ("Ganga"), is in danger of running dry as its source glaciers high in the Himalayas fall victim to global warming. Should the Ganges dry up entirely, the economic and spiritual survival of India would be in jeopardy.
Eruption of Mt. Pinatubo
The 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo killed hundreds of people and destroyed entire villages. The eruption sent ash high into the atmosphere, where it blocked much of the sun's incoming energy, cooling the entire Earth for several years.
The 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo killed hundreds of people and destroyed entire villages. The eruption sent ash high into the atmosphere, where it blocked much of the sun's incoming energy, cooling the entire Earth for several years.
Poor Water Management Doomed Angkor Wat
Many archaeologists now believe that the Khmer civilization with its capital at Angkor Wat collapsed due to poor water-management. Ironically, history may be repeating itself, as local water resources are proving unable to keep up with booming construction for Angkor's tourist influx.
Many archaeologists now believe that the Khmer civilization with its capital at Angkor Wat collapsed due to poor water-management. Ironically, history may be repeating itself, as local water resources are proving unable to keep up with booming construction for Angkor's tourist influx.
Desertification in China: The Growing Gobi
Since 1950, human activities have combined with natural climate variation to accelerate desertification in China. The Gobi Desert expands each year, and today even the capital at Beijing is threatened by the encroaching sands.
Since 1950, human activities have combined with natural climate variation to accelerate desertification in China. The Gobi Desert expands each year, and today even the capital at Beijing is threatened by the encroaching sands.
Japan's Role in Deforestation
The islands of Japan are largely forested, despite the country's high consumption of wood products. In order to protect their own forests, the Japanese have imported massive quanitities of wood from other countries, fueling deforestation in Indonesia, Canada, the Philippines, and other nations.
The islands of Japan are largely forested, despite the country's high consumption of wood products. In order to protect their own forests, the Japanese have imported massive quanitities of wood from other countries, fueling deforestation in Indonesia, Canada, the Philippines, and other nations.
The Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004: Information Clearinghouse
On December 26, 2004, a powerful earthquake in the Indian Ocean off of Indonesia generated the deadliest tsunami in recorded history. The tsunami killed almost 230,000 people all around the Indian Ocean basin, and washed some low-lying islands away.
On December 26, 2004, a powerful earthquake in the Indian Ocean off of Indonesia generated the deadliest tsunami in recorded history. The tsunami killed almost 230,000 people all around the Indian Ocean basin, and washed some low-lying islands away.