This author primarily focuses on exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of public health and microbiology. Their work examines the intricate relationships between human health, the environment, and microscopic organisms. The author endeavors to highlight the impact of scientific knowledge on building healthier societies. Their approach is informed by a profound understanding of biological systems and their influence on global well-being.
An account of the biology, behavior, and history of parasites, following the interplay between these fascinating life forms and human society over thousands of years. Despommier focuses on long-term host-parasite associations, which have evolved to avoid or even subvert the human immune system.
The vertical farm represents a transformative innovation for securing the global food supply while addressing critical environmental issues. Imagine a world where every community has a local food source, grown efficiently, with minimal waste of water and light, accessible via a simple elevator ride. Columbia professor Dickson Despommier envisioned this solution to America's food, water, and energy crises, leading to the concept of the vertical farm, which has garnered attention from scientists, architects, and policymakers worldwide. In this pioneering work, Despommier illustrates how vertical farms can revolutionize food production for future generations. These structures, filled with fruits and vegetables, can supply entire cities with fresh produce. Vertical farms offer numerous benefits: year-round food production, protection from adverse weather, recycling of water, job creation, elimination of harmful chemicals, reduced fossil fuel reliance, prevention of crop loss during transport, and mitigation of agricultural runoff. They can be established in abandoned buildings or vacant lots, transforming urban areas into lush landscapes that provide locally grown food. Notably, vertical farms can empower nations with limited arable land to become significant food producers. This groundbreaking concept is poised to change the agricultural landscape and is destined to become a classic in sustainable development literature.
A Library Journal Best Book of 2010â A world-changing innovation whose time has come. The visionary book provides a blueprint for securing the worldâ s food supply and at the same time solving one of the gravest environmental crises facing us today.â --StingImagine a world where every city has its own local food source grown in the safest way possible, where no drop of water or particle of light is wasted, and where a simple elevator ride can transport you to natureâ s grocery store â imagine the world of the vertical farm. When Columbia professor Dickson Despommier set out to solve America's food, water, and energy crises, he didn't just think big - he thought up. In The Vertical Farm, he passionately explains the incredible impact of urban agriculture and how it will change the face of this planet for future generations. With this groundbreaking book, â Despommier has quickly become the central figure in what could be a worldwide revolution.â (Scientific American).
Dickson D. Despommier proposes a visionary yet achievable plan for creating a new, self-sustaining urban landscape.