A new global map offers detailed insights into certified forest areas, enabling policymakers and users to make informed decisions on sustainable resource use. The map combines country-level statistics with remote sensing products and crowdsourcing, providing a basis for a global pathway towards sustainability.
Researchers propose a tax on systemically risky transactions to rewire financial networks and reduce systemic risk. The tax, known as a Systemic Risk Tax (SRT), would incentivize banks to form a more resilient network, reducing the risk of cascading failures.
A new study predicts population aging will peak before the end of the century in China and Germany, with the US experiencing little aging. Traditional projections underestimate the impact of increasing life expectancy on age structures.
A new study assesses the global impact of human interventions on water scarcity, finding that large-scale water management actions can aggravate water scarcity downstream. The research highlights the importance of considering upstream-downstream linkages in water policy decisions.
The current National Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement have critical consequences for achieving the goal of keeping warming well below 2°C. The study finds that these pledges leave out key details, leading to a range of emissions outcomes with varying degrees of uncertainty.
To meet the 1.5C target, global carbon emissions need to be reduced to less than 25% of energy supply by 2100 and land use change must decrease. A new study suggests that a high-renewable energy scenario could peak emissions as early as 2022.
Researchers argue that new international banking regulations would not be effective in reducing the risk of financial crises. Instead, they propose restructing financial networks to increase resilience while avoiding efficiency loss. A state-of-the-art model suggests capital surcharges are insufficient to control systemic risk.
A new study suggests that investing in agriculture can improve food production and regional productivity, but also risks expanding agricultural land into natural forests. The region's future development will have profound implications for millions of people.
A new study found that approximately 10% of intense droughts travel between continents in predictable patterns, with the largest and most severe ones having the highest potential for damage. The researchers analyzed drought data from 1979 to 2009, identifying hotspots on each continent where similar tracks were followed.
Researchers at International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis developed a model that elucidates the natural patterns of biodiversity in tropical forests. The study shows how physiological differences and competition for light lead to a large number of species coexisting, challenging traditional ecological theory.
Climate change research needs to focus on how changing population structures will affect future human wellbeing. Global scenarios already include demographic data, but this is not being fully utilized. A new conceptual model, 'demographic metabolism,' can account for the replacement of generations and their impact on vulnerability.
A new study reveals that preferential trade agreements can enhance global commodity trade growth, but at the cost of reducing its resilience to economic shocks. The research highlights the need for policymakers to consider both short-term and long-term growth and resilience in their decision-making.
A new study found that access to basic amenities like electricity and clean energy improves with income growth, but not uniformly or quickly enough. The poorest members of society, especially women, bear the brunt of health risks from cooking with solid fuels and lack of sanitation.
A new study reveals that residential heating and transport are major sources of black carbon in the Russian Arctic, with an estimated 35% and 38% contribution respectively. This finding highlights the importance of reducing black carbon pollution in the region to mitigate climate change.
A new study estimates global methane emissions from oil and gas systems to be double previous estimates, with the Russian oil industry being a major contributor. The study found that methane recovery systems have helped reduce emissions since the 1990s, but increasing shale gas production has offset these gains.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found a significant link between economic growth and deforestation in poor countries, with the effect disappearing in wealthier economies. The research used satellite data and economic data from 130 countries to make comparisons across border regions with similar geography.
Research suggests that up to 40% of natural grasslands worldwide have potential for increased livestock grazing, leading to a 5% increase in milk production and 4% in meat production. The study highlights the importance of considering seasonal constraints and socioeconomic factors in unlocking this potential.
A recent study found that changing rainfall patterns are the key driver of changes in groundwater storage in India, rather than pumping. Groundwater withdrawals have increased tenfold since the 1950s, but variability in monsoons is the main factor driving changes in groundwater levels.
A new study reveals that overfishing can lead to evolutionary changes in fish populations, adapting them to mature earlier and at smaller sizes. The researchers found a combination of density dependence and life-history evolution likely responsible for observed changes in fish size.
Achieving the SDGs would lead to a global population of between 8.2 and 8.7 billion by 2100, peaking by 2060, according to a new study. The study highlights the impact of increasing female education and universal access to reproductive health services on reducing fertility rates and population growth.
A new study uses psychological research to develop a formula for social and environmental perceptions, consumer behavior, and individual actions. The researchers found that consumers' individual actions can go a long way towards optimizing the use of shared resources.
A new study reveals that climate change and water resources development contributed significantly to the decline of Iran's Lake Urmia. The annual flow of water into the lake dropped by 48%, with 60% attributed to climate changes and 40% to human water usage.
A recent study found that citizen science is a valuable source of data on species occurrence, particularly for birds in North America and Europe. However, less than 10% of this data is currently used in global biodiversity monitoring due to resource constraints and interoperability issues.
The new research framework lays out two sets of options for support: curative measures to address unavoidable risks, and transformative risk management to build resilience against climate-related impacts. This analysis provides a way to work towards consensus and principled action for dealing with critical climate-related risks.
A new study suggests that implementing techniques such as floor scraping, flushing with water, and using different types of flooring can reduce ammonia emissions from commercial dairy cattle barns by up to 50%. This reduction in pollution could have positive impacts on both the environment and human health.
A comprehensive set of reference values for handgrip strength is provided, enabling practitioners to identify individuals at risk of premature death and disease. The study builds on previous research, showing that handgrip strength corresponds with markers of age, such as mortality, disability, and cognitive decline.
The new data sheet explores population trends in Europe, highlighting the impact of aging, migration, and pension systems. Eastern European countries show the fastest rate of population aging, while standard indicators suggest a slower rate.
A new study identifies nearly 1.37 billion hectares of land globally suitable for oil palm cultivation, while avoiding protected forests and high-biodiversity areas. The resulting map includes 19.3 million hectares of land that could be available for future production, slightly more than the current extent of palm oil production.
The Rio Grande is a vital lifeline for the southwestern US and northern Mexico, but its water level is declining due to growing demand. A new study proposes four policy recommendations to strengthen water resources management, including reciprocal water re-distribution, expertise sharing, and small-scale sustainability strategies.
A new analysis published in Nature finds that country pledges under the Paris Agreement would lead to a global temperature rise of 2.6-3.1°C by 2100, exceeding the 2°C limit. The study suggests that additional measures are necessary after 2030 to limit warming to 2°C or even 1.5°C.
A new study reveals that the type of soil used in agricultural models can significantly impact yield projections, particularly in regions with limited fertilizer or irrigation. This uncertainty highlights the need for improved soil observations to better adapt to climate change impacts on food production.
A new study finds that sustained high or low oil prices could have a significant impact on future carbon dioxide emissions. The magnitude of the impact depends on various uncertainties, including energy supply and demand technologies, alternative resources, and climate policy.
A new study finds that EU-15 citizens increasingly identify as European, with the proportion rising to 61% in 2013. The study also shows that younger cohorts are more likely to have multiple identities, which will continue to increase as they replace older generations.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that groundwater extraction contributes about three times less to sea level rise than previously estimated, with an accurate figure of around 80%. This revised estimate suggests that other processes may be contributing more water to sea level rise, widening the gap between modeled ...
A new study finds that small-scale electricity systems bring some clear benefits, but service conditions vary widely, with unreliable and limited hours of service. Solar-powered systems lead to the greatest reduction in kerosene use and health benefits.
The study found that under moderate to intense climate change scenarios, the proposed action plan will not be sufficient to protect the lake. Urgent actions are needed to save the lake through regional action to limit human water use and global action to limit greenhouse-gas concentration.
A new study suggests that carbon pricing revenues could generate enough funds to cover the drinking water supply for most countries worldwide by 2030. In India alone, a carbon tax would yield around $115 billion annually, with only 4% needed for clean water and sanitation.
Eliminating kerosene subsidies by 2030 could reduce use by 97%, improving health and the economy. The study suggests phasing out subsidies to maintain lighting access while promoting affordable alternatives.
A new study suggests that a tax on individual transactions between financial institutions could eliminate systemic risk in the financial system. The proposed tax relies on an analysis of banking network data and would go into a government fund to bail out struggling banks.
Experts warn that poorly designed insurance instruments could fail to reach poor communities, highlighting the need for tailored approaches and coupled with adaptation efforts. Policymakers must consider climate insurance as part of a wider strategy rather than in isolation.
A new study finds that climate mitigation efforts in the energy system could lead to increasing pressure on water resources, requiring integrated strategies for sustainable long-term use. The energy sector's increasing demand for water by 2100 poses a risk of water allocation conflicts and local shortages.
A new study suggests that the available budget for carbon dioxide emissions is on the low end of previous estimates, lending urgency to addressing climate change. The researchers propose a limit of 590-1240 billion tons CO2 from 2015 onwards to keep global warming below 2°C.
A new study published in Geoscientific Model Development predicts that global water demand will exceed current levels, posing significant challenges for sustainable food production and economic development. The IIASA Water Futures and Solutions initiative aims to reduce future water use through improved efficiency and policy options.
A new study warns that stringent climate policies could limit the adoption of modern cooking fuels in developing countries, putting millions at risk. The study found that without targeted subsidies, increasing carbon prices would disproportionately harm energy access goals.
A new study finds that climate change and changing water resources could reduce global electricity production capacity by over 60% by 2040-2069. However, adaptation measures such as increasing power plant efficiency and using alternative cooling systems can mitigate this decline.
Researchers Warren Sanderson and Sergei Scherbov propose new measures to replace the old-age dependency ratio, providing a more nuanced understanding of population aging. The new measures take into account factors such as health care costs and pension payouts, offering a more accurate assessment of future consequences of aging.
A new study reveals that cheating microbes, which rely on neighbors for enzyme production, slow down decomposition and increase microbial remains in the soil. This leads to a build-up of organic matter and specifically nitrogen in the soil.
Researchers found that electric mobility could be a crucial factor in reducing CO2 emissions from transportation, which currently accounts for 23% of global emissions. Improved urban infrastructure policies, such as investing in public transport and bike paths, can also lead to significant reductions in emissions.
A new study examines trade flows of 71 mineral commodities between 107 countries and finds that regional shortages of essential minerals can lead to cascading shocks and instabilities in the global market. The research proposes policy measures, such as commodity risk taxes, to create more stable markets.
A major economy leading climate action could limit warming to 2°C, but countries must agree on fairness criteria. Effective emission reductions are possible if a leader doubles domestic targets, enabling other nations to follow and stay on track for the 2°C limit.