New research from a global consortium finds that current pledges for greenhouse gas emission reductions are insufficient, putting climate targets beyond reach. The study suggests that adherence to pledges would result in higher emissions than necessary to meet the 2°C target, limiting mitigation options and increasing costs.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that people with drug-related criminal records in Norway have a significantly higher mortality rate, up to 15 times higher than those with no record. The study also found that even prisoners without substance abuse problems had nearly twice the mortality rate of non-offender populations.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that wealth inequality can promote cooperation when people are distributed a given total amount of wealth somewhat unequally, rather than fully equally. This is because rich benefactors promote cooperation that benefits themselves and their surroundings, leading to the spread of coop...
A new study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics finds that gas flaring from oil extraction in the Arctic accounts for 42% of black carbon concentrations. Residential combustion emissions also play a significant role in black carbon pollution, contributing to the warming effect on ice and snow.
Researchers found that neurotic men born after 1957 have fewer children, while extraverted men and conscientious women tend to have more. The study suggests personality effects may be contributing to the decline of fertility rates in Europe.
A new study shows that citizen scientists can analyze satellite data and identify human impact as accurately as experts. However, experts were better at identifying specific land cover types. Interactive training and feedback may help non-experts improve their classification rates.
A new study shows that fisheries-induced evolution can lead to faster growth and earlier maturation in fish, potentially harming or helping fisheries. Optimally harvesting Northeast Arctic cod stocks could increase sustainable yields over 30% greater than today by allowing evolution to aid the economic interests of fishers
A new study suggests that sustainable farming practices can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving food security. By increasing crop yields using efficient methods, such as new varieties and precision farming, farmers can cut emissions by 12% per calorie produced.
A new study by researchers from IIASA and CICERO estimates that personal travel impacts the climate, with air travel having the biggest impact per distance traveled. The study suggests that choosing trains, buses, or carpooling can significantly reduce an individual's carbon footprint.
A new study finds that China's CO2 emissions are largely driven by products consumed in other provinces or countries, not just where they're produced. The researchers propose a consumption-based accounting approach to reduce emissions and promote fair distribution of responsibilities globally.
Research from IIASA and the University of Helsinki found that plants release gases that stick to aerosol particles, growing them into larger-sized particles that reflect sunlight and serve as cloud droplets. This feedback loop can counteract up to 30% of warming in forested areas, particularly in regions like Finland, Siberia, and Canada.
New research estimates that Europe can potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from land use by over 60% by 2050 through efficient agriculture and forest management. This reduction would be driven primarily by cutting emissions from livestock production and optimizing forest management to increase carbon sequestration.
A new study suggests that achieving the UN's Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) objectives by 2030 could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help limit global temperature rise to 2°C. The initiative includes providing universal access to modern energy, doubling renewable energy globally, and improving energy efficiency.
A new study suggests introducing shareholder liability could reduce lock-in in the energy economy and spur a shift towards sustainable energy. The study argues that fossil fuel companies' profits are not tied to environmental damage, leading to a lack of incentive for change.
A new study published in Nature highlights the importance of political action in limiting global warming to 2°C. The researchers found that political uncertainties, such as when countries will take serious action to reduce emissions, are the biggest swing factor in meeting this target. With a 20-year delay, the likelihood of success dr...
Researchers say limiting global temperature rise to 2°C requires reducing emissions to 41-47 gigatons per year by 2020. This is the only way to meet long-term climate targets without carbon capture and storage, according to a new study published in Nature Climate Change.
The Global Energy Assessment outlines 41 alternative sustainable energy pathways that offer viable, cost-effective choices for policy makers. The study finds that a rapid transformation to clean energy technologies is economically viable and can deliver clean energy to 1.4 billion people without increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Thermoelectric power plants in the US and Europe are vulnerable to climate change due to reduced water supply, leading to increased electricity prices and concerns about future energy security. The study projects a decrease in thermoelectric power generating capacity of 4-19% by 2031-2060, affecting both regions.
The new 'Geo-Wiki' web tool utilizes Google Earth and crowdsourced data to enhance the accuracy of global land use and forest cover information. By leveraging a network of volunteers, Geo-Wiki aims to produce more accurate hybrid land cover maps than existing individual products.
A new study measures brain function to assess the impact of aging on a nation's economy. Cognitive function is found to be a better indicator of the burden of aging than chronological age. The study suggests that education, nutrition, and health standards are key factors in maintaining cognitive ability across nations.
The study highlights the human cost of biomass burning, with over 2 million premature deaths in 2005, and the environmental impact on deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. The research agenda proposes cleaner cooking fuels and technologies to improve access and adoption.
The article finds that integrating climate policy with energy sustainability objectives can lead to significant synergies and cost savings. By adopting an integrated approach, major benefits can be achieved in terms of reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality.
The Laxenburg Declaration emphasizes the importance of human capital, education, and health in addressing sustainable development challenges. The declaration highlights the need to target vulnerable subpopulations with tailored policies to ensure environmental safety and adaptability.
The study found that female education is a key determinant of population growth, with more educated women having fewer children and better health outcomes. The authors suggest that concerted efforts to fast track education could help keep the global population below 9 billion by 2050.
The global economic recession of 2008-09 led to a decline in fertility rates in Europe and the US, ending the first rise in fertility since the 1960s. The study found that specific groups of people, such as young individuals and highly educated women, are less likely to have children during recessions.
A new assessment warns that current imbalances in energy technology R&D portfolios will hinder climate change mitigation unless investments in energy efficiency are increased. Energy efficiency accounts for up to 50% of potential GHG emissions reductions, yet receives less than 10% of overall public sector investment.
Researchers developed new measures of aging that take into account disability status and longevity, revealing slower aging rates in many populations. The study found that traditional measures can generate misleading results, but new metrics provide a more accurate picture of population aging.
A new IIASA report examines Namibia's population growth, environment, and development, providing a comprehensive understanding of the country's challenges and opportunities. The study highlights the importance of sustainable human development and explores alternative policy scenarios for Namibia's future.
The book analyzes the accumulative effects of industrial development over 40 years, showing changes in pollution patterns and potential risks to agricultural food production. Historical studies of heavy metal pollution are used to illustrate how spatial patterns have changed over time.
According to new population forecasts, there is a 66% chance the world's population will not reach 11.5 billion by 2100, with four regions expected to experience declines before 2050. The global population is projected to increase from 5.8 billion in 2020 to 10.4 billion by 2100, but at a slower rate.