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IOP Publishing


IOP Publishing celebrates outstanding peer reviewers

The IOP Publishing Outstanding Reviewer Awards recognize researchers who deliver exceptional peer review reports, showcasing the essential contribution of reviewers to published research quality. The awards honor over 3,500 reviewers from 74 countries, with notable recognition for lower middle-income country contributors.

AI adoption in the US adds ~900,000 tons of CO₂ annually, equal to 0.02% of national emissions

A new study estimates AI adoption across the US could add approximately 900,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, a relatively minor increase compared to nationwide emissions. Researchers stress the importance of integrating energy efficiency and sustainability into AI development and deployment to mitigate this environmental impact.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 11, 2025

Climate intervention may not be enough to save coffee, chocolate and wine, new study finds

A new study found that climate intervention strategies like Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) are ineffective in stabilizing growing conditions for coffee, cacao, and grapes. The study revealed that SAI only brought down temperatures but failed to manage unpredictable rainfall and humidity, leading to inconsistent crop yields.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 2025

Gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon has done more damage to peatlands in the last two years than in the previous three decades

A new study reveals that artisanal gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon has caused significant damage to carbon-rich peatlands, releasing millions of tons of carbon into the atmosphere. The destruction exceeds all previous decades and poses a serious threat to the environment and climate.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 11, 2025

7-year study reveals plastic fragments from all over the globe are rising rapidly in the North Pacific Garbage Patch

A 7-year study found a significant increase in centimetre-sized plastic fragments in the North Pacific Garbage Patch, surpassing larger floating plastics. The research, conducted by The Ocean Cleanup, reveals an unexpected rise in mass concentration of these fragments, likely originating from decades-old plastics discarded globally.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 19, 2024

Zero-emissions trucks alone won't cut it: Early retirement of polluters key to California's emission goals

A new study by Stanford University and Arizona State University recommends California implement early vehicle retirement for heavy-duty vehicles. The policy aims to reduce cumulative emissions by two-thirds and pollution-related mortality, particularly among disadvantaged communities. This approach would be more effective than relying ...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Infrastructure and Sustainability·DateJul 8, 2024

New findings: East Palestine train derailment caused chemical pollution falling to the earth surface across the US and beyond

A new study reveals that the East Palestine train accident released inorganic pollutants into the atmosphere, which were found in precipitation across a large geographical area covering at least 16 states. The pollutants also reached southern Canada and North Carolina, posing significant risks to aquatic flora and fauna.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 19, 2024

Early retirement of old vehicles won't save the planet: A study

A new study published in Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability found that lifespan caps for passenger vehicles have limited effect on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research also suggests that life span caps could amplify negative effects of EVs, including increased material use and ecotoxicity.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Infrastructure and Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2024

When energy doesn’t add up: 200 US cities will fall short of sustainable energy goals despite pledging to transition to renewable sources by 2050

A new study finds that many US cities will struggle to meet their renewable energy targets by 2050, with gas remaining the primary source of energy. Renewable energy generation needs to triple to meet a 45% share of energy production, but instead is often used to supplement growing energy demands.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Infrastructure and Sustainability·DateJan 18, 2024

The cost of climate change: 2°C global warming target is not economically reasonable unless we make major changes

A new study by Dr Taikan Oki estimates the total cost of climate change between 2010 and 2099 to be $46-230 trillion US dollars. The research team found that reducing climate change often incurs costs similar to or exceeding financial benefits, highlighting the need for prioritizing biodiversity and health factors.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 1, 2023

Rooftop solar panels could power one third of US manufacturing sector

A new study reveals that rooftop solar arrays can meet the entire electricity demand of up to 35% of US manufacturers, currently accounting for only 2.2% of the grid mix. The research investigates the feasibility of on-site solar panel installations across different regions and manufacturing sectors in the US.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Infrastructure and Sustainability·DateMay 11, 2023

20,000 premature US deaths caused by human-ignited fires

A study published in Environmental Research Letters finds that human-ignited fires are responsible for over 67% of small smoke particles called PM2.5 in the US, leading to 20,000 premature deaths annually. The research highlights the need for ignition-focused management plans to reduce human-ignited fires and minimize health impacts.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 16, 2023