Biomass Burning in Sub-Saharan Africa (eBook)

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the various aspects involved in biomass burning, highlighting the complexity of the phenomenon and the ensuing challenges for the design of approaches aimed at reducing fires in the open air.

Chemical issues are discussed in the first 7 chapters, providing the core of the scientific and technical information. In the then following chapters, experts in the human sciences provide information on people's attitudes and perceptions. Both types of expertise are needed in the design of interventions that can motivate people and communities to opt for sustainable practices.

In closing, the book underscores the importance of pursuing an interdisciplinary approach in order to tackle the problem effectively. It offers a valuable resource for undergraduates, graduates, and policymakers working in the fields of chemistry, environmental science, science education and sustainability.

Liliana Mammino is a professor emeritus in the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences of the University of Venda (South Africa), where she has being working since September 1997, teaching undergraduate and postgraduate physical chemistry courses, the first year general chemistry course (until 2013 included) and the process technology course. Her previous work experiences include the National University of Somalia (1974 and 1975), the University of Zambia (1988-1992) and the National University of Lesotho (1993-1996). She holds a degree in chemistry from the University of Pisa (Italy, her home country) and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Moscow State University (Russia). Her research interests comprise theoretical chemistry (her field of specialisation), with particular attention to the computational study of biologically active molecules, and chemistry education, with particular attention to conceptual understanding and the role of language, and to the education for sustainable development. She has published extensively in both areas. She has being chairperson of international conferences, including the Fifth International IUPAC Conference on Green Chemistry (Durban, 2014) the Second African Conference on Research in Chemistry Education (Thohoyandou, 2015) and the XXIII International Workshop on Quantum Systems in Chemistry, Physics and Biology (the Kruger National Park, September 2018). She is an associate member of Division III of IUPAC and a member of the Advisory Board of the Interdivisional Committee on Green Chemistry and Sustainable Development. She is also a lifetime member of the World Association of Theoretical and Computational Chemists (WATOC). In 2013, she was one of the recipients of the IUPAC Award for Distinguished Women in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. In 2016 she received the ALASA (African Languages Association of Southern Africa) award for sociolinguistics.  

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This book offers a comprehensive overview of the various aspects involved in biomass burning, highlighting the complexity of the phenomenon and the ensuing challenges for the design of approaches aimed at reducing fires in the open air. Chemical issues are discussed in the first 7 chapters, providing the core of the scientific and technical information. In the then following chapters, experts in the human sciences provide information on people's attitudes and perceptions. Both types of expertise are needed in the design of interventions that can motivate people and communities to opt for sustainable practices. In closing, the book underscores the importance of pursuing an interdisciplinary approach in order to tackle the problem effectively. It offers a valuable resource for undergraduates, graduates, and policymakers working in the fields of chemistry, environmental science, science education and sustainability.