A Princeton study projects persistent shortfalls in critical EV battery materials if domestic production expansion, demand-side strategies, and international sourcing are not aligned. Domestic expansion can meet projected demand for some key materials, but significant uncertainties remain.
A Princeton-led study examines the complexities of translating natural resource wealth into economic prosperity. Higher social and human capital, as well as institutional safeguards, are critical in avoiding the 'resource curse,' a phenomenon where extraction leads to limited growth and unstable institutions.
A recent study co-led by Princeton and University of Chicago found that deaths caused by rainfall and rising sea levels are almost ten times higher than official statistics suggest in Mumbai. The research highlights the human toll of extreme urban flooding, with slum residents facing disproportionate risks, particularly children under ...
A Princeton study finds that transitioning to clean energy reduces emissions and improves air quality, leading to significant public health benefits. The study estimates that combining federal and subnational clean energy actions can reduce 6,600 premature deaths nationally in 2030.
A Princeton study reveals how consumption-driven deforestation by high-income nations drives biodiversity loss in other countries, responsible for 13.3% of global range loss. The study finds that these countries cause international biodiversity losses 15 times greater than their domestic impacts.
Researchers from Indiana University and Princeton University provide an unprecedented look at the collaborative process that determines IPCC's sea level rise projections. The study highlights challenges in reconciling conflicting methodologies while maintaining scientific integrity.
A new Princeton study provides detailed insights into the impact of cropland abandonment on biodiversity. The research reveals that most bird and mammal species gain habitat due to crop abandonment, but even more would have benefited if recultivation occurred.
A Princeton-led study suggests that diversifying China's urban heating systems will reduce the risk of carbon lock-in. The researchers examined three hypothetical investment scenarios and found that under a low-coal scenario, electric technologies can meet up to 34% of total district heating demand in 2030.
Researchers found that conventional benefit-cost analyses favor affluent communities, while an equity-weighted approach could reduce bias in hazard mitigation funding. This new method has the potential to improve resource allocation for socio-economically vulnerable areas.
A new study examines the design characteristics of quasi-governmental organizations (QGOs) to provide insights on how to improve climate adaptation governance. The research finds that some QGOs are useful for overcoming politicization or fostering multi-level stakeholder coordination, but none prove optimal for both simultaneously.
A recent study found that approximately 30% of India's PM2.5 air quality improvements can be attributed to favorable meteorological conditions, highlighting the need for additional mitigation measures. The researchers also noted that emissions of key PM2.5 precursors have not decreased and may indicate ineffective or under-enforced pol...
A Princeton-led study suggests that co-producing steel and chemicals could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from these industries. By redirecting steelmaking off-gas to chemical production, China can lower its hard-to-abate emissions and meet climate goals.
A recent study found that rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones (RI) are already more hazardous than normal TCs and will worsen coastal flooding under future climate warming. RI events may increase by 10-30% for each degree of global mean temperature increase, posing a significant threat to coastal communities.
A study suggests that promoting prosocial preferences in smallholder farming communities can minimize economic losses from extreme weather events. By diversifying risk transfer mechanisms and implementing formal insurance, communities can shield farmers from individual risks while protecting against collective-scale volatility.
Researchers have identified over 2.4 million hectares of land as critical stopover hotspots for migratory songbirds in the eastern United States, primarily consisting of deciduous forests. Protecting these sites is essential to safeguarding bird populations, which have plummeted by a quarter since 1970 due to habitat loss and climate c...
A new study by Princeton researchers reveals widespread illegal hunting in China, resulting in the loss of over 20% of native species, including endangered ones. The study estimates that at least 28% of China's terrestrial vertebrate species may have been taken during the six-year period.
A recent study led by Princeton University researchers found that China's industrial parks can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and freshwater consumption by transitioning to clean energy sources. The study estimates that this transition could lead to a reduction of 40% in energy supply emissions, equivalent to 7% of China...
A nationwide study found that social and organizational factors play a critical role in shaping sustainable behaviors among employees. Employees are more likely to act sustainably at work if they feel supported by their company and coworkers. The study also uncovered a link between eco-friendly behaviors and higher job satisfaction, su...
A study by Princeton University finds that strengthening protection for existing parks is vital for safeguarding biodiversity. Enhancing existing park networks can protect essential habitats of 1191 animal species, highlighting the importance of preserving already protected areas.
Researchers analyzed two US Army Corps of Engineers flood megaprojects in Rhode Island that emerged simultaneously after hurricane activity around the 1950s. The study found that strong public support and political backing were crucial factors in advancing one project, while the other failed to gain momentum due to environmental concer...
A recent study reveals that the UK severely underestimates its greenhouse gas emissions from offshore oil and gas production by as much as five times. The researchers suggest alternative methods for calculating methane emissions, which could also apply to other countries.
A new study provides insights into the conservation of eastern US migratory landbirds by identifying key stopover hotspots and habitat associations. The researchers found that small pockets of deciduous forest, particularly in areas with high concentrations of food and shelter, are crucial for birds to complete their migration.
A new study reveals that high-quality coral reefs in Hawaii are popular tourist sites, but also at risk from tourism-related development and pollution. The research used social media and aerial mapping to analyze the impact of tourist visitation on live coral cover across hundreds of coastal sites.
COVID-19's impact on Native Americans led to a significant decline in life expectancy, with mortality rates surging due to chronic diseases and limited access to healthcare. The pandemic exacerbated existing social and economic inequities, further hindering the population's health.
A randomized controlled trial in Uganda found that Christian leaders' counseling courses reduced intimate partner violence by 5 percentage points. The 'Becoming One' program, led by religious leaders, shifted traditional gender norms and promoted egalitarian relationships, benefiting couples and ultimately reducing abuse.
Protecting 30% of global lands by 2030 will yield huge environmental benefits, including saving 1,000 species and reducing climate change effects. The study found that achieving this target will nearly double the environmental benefits if 50% of global lands are protected.
A Princeton study shows that environmental benefits from restored croplands are lost when they are recultivated, and most land is left abandoned for only about 14 years. The researchers found that significant environmental benefits will be lost within 30 years, highlighting the need for policy incentives to restore habitats.
A study using modified network modeling found that South African residents were likely to leave areas with climate instability, while regions with more reliable climates attracted migrants. Socioeconomic factors, such as unemployment rates, also played a role in migration patterns.
A study by Princeton University researchers recommends increasing heat pump use in rural households to improve air quality and health in northern China. Heat pumps provide the largest reductions in both air pollutant and carbon emissions, especially when used with a decarbonized power grid.
Researchers found that when people react to news, they unknowingly group themselves into polarized networks, missing out on diverse news sources. This can lead to ideologically homogenous social connections and contribute to the high rates of American political divisiveness.
A new study reveals Native American deaths from COVID-19 are substantially higher than other racial groups, with poorer living conditions and limited access to healthcare exacerbating the issue. The researchers advocate for increased funding and policies to improve public health and address these structural inequalities.
Researchers found that without policy interventions, smallholder farmers in Nepal will lose a quarter of their incomes by 2050 due to climate change. However, providing farmers with financial tools like cash transfers and access to insurance can improve household income and reduce inequality.
A group of former PCAST members recommend a commission to examine public health agencies, earlier outbreaks, pandemic preparedness, and the U.S. response to COVID-19, aiming to improve future preparedness
New York City public schools have made progress in reducing lead levels in drinking water, with Black students showing the largest reduction in lead exposure. However, most schools still have elevated lead levels due to varying testing protocols.
A new study estimates that immigration adds 1.4 to 1.5 years to U.S. life expectancy at birth, with foreign-born life expectancy reaching 81.4 and 85.7 years in 2017. Immigrants are responsible for approximately half of the recent U.S. gains in life expectancy.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that life expectancy gaps between Black and white Americans have narrowed by nearly 50% over the past three decades. Improvements in healthcare access, safety-net programs, and reductions in mortality rates among Black Americans contributed to this decline.
A new study by researchers at Princeton University found that developing countries tend to borrow in domestic currencies when issuing sovereign bonds, allowing them to act on their domestic policy preferences. This choice affects the types of pressures creditors put on governments and the ease or difficulty in paying off debts.
A study by Princeton researchers found that China, Japan, and the US continue to finance fossil fuel power generation in developing countries. Despite their own carbon neutrality targets, these countries support mostly gas and coal power overseas.
A study in Zambia illustrates the challenges of measuring biodiversity and prioritizing land use, highlighting the need for consensus among conservation biologists. Different approaches to measuring biodiversity resulted in almost completely different land-use recommendations, emphasizing the importance of consistent methods.
Researchers argue that targeting high-risk wet markets, particularly those selling live wild animals, can mitigate future infectious disease outbreaks while minimizing disruption to food supply chains. These informal markets pose little risk to human health or biodiversity, with most selling processed domesticated animals.
A new study published in PNAS proposes using a blend of nitrate and ammonium to reduce nitrogen pollution and increase food production. The researchers argue that this approach can bind to soil, reducing the risk of leaching into waterways and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
The pandemic led to a sharp drop in new opioid prescriptions and a decline in buprenorphine treatment for opioid dependency among new patients. This reduced access to treatment may have increased overdose deaths.
A study by Princeton researchers found that universities adopting an 'instrumental rationale' for diversity, emphasizing benefits for all students, reflect the preferences of predominantly white Americans. This approach is associated with lower graduation rates and poorer outcomes for Black students.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that consuming online partisan news leads to a decrease in trust in the media. After eight weeks, participants' trust in the media appeared to decrease, and this effect remained detectable nearly a year later.
Researchers found that social distancing prevented an acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) outbreak in 2020, likely due to reduced enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) transmission. The study suggests that vaccines targeting EV-D68 could lessen future AFM outbreaks.
A new study found that life expectancy in adulthood has been declining for Americans without a college degree since 2010. Meanwhile, racial gaps have narrowed, with Black Americans with a bachelor's degree now having more expected years to live than those without a degree.
A study by Princeton University researchers suggests that climate change can have both positive and negative effects on different groups. Those harmed by climate change should be compensated first, while those benefiting from it may receive payment afterwards. The approach aims to correct incentives and promote fairness in climate policy.
New research finds that job opportunities in coastal cities across Bangladesh are attracting more people, leading to increased migration to the coast. Meanwhile, populations already living along the coast tend to stay due to limited alternatives and increased flood damage.
Researchers analyzed data from the Chicago Police Department and found that Black and Hispanic officers make fewer stops and arrests, use less force than white officers. Female officers also use less force than males. The study suggests increasing diversity in police departments may decrease police mistreatment of minority communities.
Researchers develop model showing group polarization rises with economic decline and rising inequality. Strengthened social safety nets can help minimize conflict across groups.