Articles tagged with Natural Resources Management
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona finds that fossil fuel companies' promoted low-carbon projects are ineffective in reducing emissions and prolonging the lifespan of fossil fuel infrastructures. These projects reinforce the industry's power and aggravate environmental injustice, while delaying a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels.
A new study proposes a two-stage decision-making framework for lithium governance in Latin America, highlighting the role of external pressures, internal politics, and industry development. The research suggests that engagement strategies must consider these factors to succeed in the region.
Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering has received a $600,379 grant to advance technology targeting harmful algal blooms in Florida's waterways. The project aims to develop novel 3D-printed adsorbent materials for efficient phosphate removal.
Research led by UMass Amherst has pinpointed suitable habitats for Myanmar's Bengal tigers, Indochinese leopards, and Mainland clouded leopards. The study suggests that many existing protected areas will continue to be critical in the future, but require additional protection and connectivity solutions to ensure the big cats' survival.
Researchers from the University of East Anglia argue that placing social justice at the heart of global restoration initiatives is vital for success. The study found that ecological targets should be aligned with local social, economic, and cultural ones to ensure holistic and long-term thinking.
A research team led by Göttingen University found that urban blue spaces play a critical role in food security and social inclusion in four major Indian cities. Women, the elderly, and marginalized communities most frequently collected, shared, cooked, and sold food products.
Researchers analyzed 1,240 wastewater samples from 351 cities worldwide and discovered latent antimicrobial resistance genes. The study highlights the need for broader surveillance of resistance in wastewater to curb future pandemics.
Biochar's applications in urban areas include reducing volatile organic compounds, improving cement durability, increasing crop yields, and removing heavy metals from water. However, large-scale adoption faces challenges such as standardized production methods and economic incentives.
Researchers developed Xiriton, a biobased concrete substitute that captures CO2 and provides a natural boost to coastal restoration. The material is made from chopped grass, pozzolan, slaked lime, shells, sand, and seawater, and has been shown to be suitable for restoring tidal areas with high biodiversity.
A new analysis challenges traditional conservation strategies by highlighting the importance of sustainable pastoralism in protecting global biodiversity. Rangelands harbor vast biodiversity and support millions of people, yet only a small percentage receive formal protection.
The reed leafhopper hosts at least seven species of bacteria, with three being essential for its nutrition. The insect transmits plant diseases SBR and stolbur, causing massive crop failures in sugar beet and potato production.
The study found that more than half of the water consumed in the basin is used unsustainably, with only 48% naturally replenished each year. The researchers suggest adopting deficit irrigation practices and repurposing farmland for habitat restoration or solar farms to address the crisis.
MIT engineers have developed an ultrasonic device that vibrates at high frequency to shake out water molecules from a material, recovering clean drinking water in minutes. This design is 45 times more efficient than existing heat-based systems, which can take hours or days.
A study published in npj Ocean Sustainability reveals that traditional Hawaiian fishponds (loko iʻa) effectively shield fish populations from the negative impacts of climate change. The research found that loko iʻa fish populations were more resilient to rising water temperatures than those in surrounding estuaries.
Researchers found that rats contributed significantly to Rapa Nui's deforestation by consuming palm nuts, preventing trees from regrowing. The islanders cleared land for agriculture and used slash-and-burn practices, but the slow-growing palm trees made them vulnerable to rat predation.
The FAPESP Day Uruguay symposium will focus on three themes: Oceanography, Forestry, and Sustainable Animal Protein Production. Researchers from São Paulo and Uruguay will engage in scientific sessions, panel discussions, and technical visits to promote collaboration and innovation.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that a vegan diet can halve the carbon footprint of an individual, with reductions of 46% in CO2 emissions and 33% in land use. The study also showed that a plant-based diet delivers nearly all essential nutrients.
Rice University researchers outline emerging solutions to make graphite production cleaner and more resilient, including synthetic graphite from renewable sources. The study emphasizes the critical role of graphite in energy storage technologies and the need for sustainable supply chain management.
A new study found that investing $7 per Ontarian in eight conservation strategies could help 75% of at-risk species recover. The strategies include habitat protection, wildlife management, and invasive species control, with a potential cost of less than one-tenth of Ontario's provincial budget.
Researchers have discovered that extended periods of high stress in wheat crops can lead to iron deficiency and stunted growth. By reducing iron deficiency with a synthetic organic molecule called PDMA, plants are able to improve photosynthesis and biomass under heat stress conditions.
A new study reveals the deep connection between wildlife trafficking and other serious crimes, including arms dealing and human smuggling. By mapping these intersections, researchers can focus on key players driving global networks, boosting anti-trafficking interventions.
A recent study found that extinction rates in plants and animals peaked around 100 years ago and have declined since then. The researchers argue that past extinctions are not reliable predictors of current and future threats due to changing drivers such as habitat loss and climate change.
Research at the Amazon Conservatory for Tropical Studies found that arboreal mammals, such as sloths and monkeys, use canopy bridges in the Peruvian Amazon to cross over treeless areas. The study provides insights into how forest creatures adapt to human-made structures.
The FAU Queen Conch Lab has developed mobile lab hatcheries to restore threatened Caribbean queen conch populations and promote sustainable seafood production. These self-contained units bring advanced aquaculture capabilities to coastal communities, supporting education, employment, and food security.
The University of Texas at Arlington is revamping a course on conservation of natural resources with the help of an NSF grant. The new course will introduce students to decision-making frameworks for managing resources like water, air, and food.
Researchers call for greater transparency and regulation in the vegetable oil industry to enable consumers to make informed decisions about their oil choices. The authors emphasize that almost all oils are associated with biodiversity and human rights issues in some contexts, depending on crop management and supply chains.
Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology have discovered fluorinated covalent organic polymers (FCOPs) that can remove 67.3% of beta-blockers like atenolol and metoprolol within the first minute. The FCOPs' strong adsorption performance is attributed to their rich structure, which enables multiple synergistic ...
A recent study found that light color affects phytoplankton growth and nutrient cycling in lake ecosystems. The researchers discovered that the less light available to microalgae, the more important the color of light became for their growth.
Critical raw materials are projected to grow from 1 million tonnes in 2022 to between 1.2 and 1.9 million tonnes by 2050. Europe can recover more of these essential materials by improving collection, design, and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment.
An AI-driven irrigation management system developed by Texas A&M University students uses soil sensors, crop data, and weather forecasts to optimize watering. The system conserves water, reduces costs, and increases crop yields, addressing global issues of water scarcity and inequity.
Researchers analyzed 11 international constructed floating wetlands projects and found that they can be a competitive solution for improving water quality, especially for nitrogen removal. The cost of removing nitrogen was consistently cheaper than phosphorus, making floating wetlands a more economical option over time.
A groundbreaking European study by Dr. Mohammad Fazle Rabbi evaluates the EU's food system and identifies key pathways for reduction in carbon emissions. The research highlights systemic inefficiencies, regional disparities, and improvements in circular economy practices that can contribute to emission reductions.
The project, designed by Juan José Castellón, represents a powerful model of interdisciplinary collaboration between Rice's School of Architecture and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The modular system collects and cleans rainwater through hollow ceramic structural columns and a lightweight canopy membrane.
A University of Delaware-led research team has developed a new type of catalyst that enhances conversion of plastic waste into liquid fuels more quickly and with fewer undesired byproducts. The catalyst achieves reaction rates nearly two times faster than those previously reported, producing targeted production of liquid fuels while mi...
Research reveals community management effectively protects vast areas of Amazonian forest, safeguarding biodiversity and supporting local communities. Community-led conservation efforts are crucial for long-term sustainability, but require recognition and financial support.
Climate change is expected to bring increased damages and costs for European forestry, with gains in Northern Europe and losses in Central and Southern Europe. The study highlights the need for strategic adjustments to forest management to reduce economic losses and foster more climate-resilient forests.
Researchers developed computational tools to analyze ecological data, identifying functionally equivalent species across different ecosystems. These tools use optimal transport distances to compare network structures, allowing for large-scale monitoring of ecosystem health and guiding conservation efforts.
The authors argue that energy availability has driven architectural design throughout history, with fossil fuels transforming buildings in the 17th century. They challenge conventional wisdom on sustainability, highlighting the high energy costs of modern minimalist designs like the Seagram Building.
The IUCN Microbial Conservation Specialist Group is a new coalition of experts aiming to integrate microbiology into global biodiversity governance. The group's priorities include building a global network, mapping microbial conservation hotspots, developing microbe-specific Red List criteria, and mapping existing projects.
A new analysis reveals African women remain significantly underrepresented in water governance, with only 17% of national ministries led by women. Practical steps are needed to address social and institutional barriers and ensure women's equal representation in shaping policies and decisions.
A new study reveals that corporations disclose little about their ocean-specific impacts, especially on biodiversity and ecosystems. The research highlights crucial gaps in current reporting frameworks and provides an important baseline for future comparisons.
A new study finds that traditional masculine norms, such as self-reliance and avoiding femininity, drive men's increased meat consumption. Researchers recommend addressing these norms and promoting plant-based marketing to encourage men to adopt healthier dietary habits.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science identified ancient protein SCORE to help plants defend against various pathogens. By engineering synthetic SCORE variants, plants can be made resistant to multiple pathogen types.
UCSB researchers warn that the ocean's cumulative impact will double by 2050 due to climate change and human activities. The tropics and poles are expected to experience the fastest changes in impacts, with coastal areas bearing the brunt of the increased pressures.
A new method uses narrow bandgap λ-MnO2 to extract lithium from salt water while desalinating it to generate freshwater. The method achieved high lithium selectivity and reduced energy demand by 87%, indicating its potential as a solution for both lithium recovery and water purification.
A global assessment reveals that ocean plastics pose ecological risks in areas with dense marine life and pollutants, even in waters with modest plastic levels. The study identifies high-risk zones, including the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans, where coordinated efforts can substantially lessen threats.
A new study by Bournemouth University confirms that red squirrel populations across Europe are resilient to the effects of climate change, but highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitat. The study found that temperature changes and low rainfall do not directly affect the survivability of red squirrels.
A study by University of Birmingham researchers found that corporate net-zero pledges often lack the substance needed to drive real change. Many companies use vague language and focus on direct emissions, omitting substantial indirect emissions generated by their products.
Researchers warn of declining access to safe and reliable water in the US, urging better tracking tools and policy reforms. A new tool, Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE), measures water insecurity in over 1,000 households across the country.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a mechanochemical method to increase hydrogen saturation in perovskite powder, doubling its capacity. This discovery has significant implications for environmental sustainability and the potential for a hydrogen-based economy, as it enables more efficient production of ammonia fertilizer.
Researchers found that brown anole lizards can withstand extreme lead levels without impairment. Transcriptomic analyses revealed minor effects on brain and liver tissue, with altered genes linked to metal ion regulation.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets robust targets for protecting marine biodiversity, addressing its complexity and variability. By focusing on key indicators such as species distribution, genetic diversity, and ecosystem structure, policymakers can track changes and implement effective conservation measures.
Researchers found that bat boxes can reach lethal temperatures if not designed properly. Simulations showed that adding insulation, light colors, and thoughtful orientations can make the boxes safer. The study's code is publicly available, allowing conservationists to tailor their solutions to specific climates.
A review paper suggests microclimates could offset negative impacts of extreme weather on insects. The authors argue that current macroclimate models are not viable for predicting impacts on insect populations.
Researchers analyzed 96 years of forest census data, revealing homogenization trends and loss of tree species. The study suggests that reduced forest diversity makes the ecosystem less resilient to future disturbances.
Researchers at UniSA propose a predictive analytics approach to identify high-risk areas before damage occurs, reducing pipe blockages and environmental contamination. The study suggests that traditional removal methods are not effective and can cause more harm.
A new study from Colorado State University and Western Colorado University found that aspen forests can act as natural firebreaks, slowing fires' spread. Aspen trees with high moisture content and chemical differences reduce flammability, making them more resistant to burning.
A new approach, facilitated migration, aims to increase juvenile salmon survival in California's Central Valley waterways. By tweaking release timing and volume, water managers can boost survival rates from 6% to 46%, potentially adding 20,000 more fish to the ocean.
The researchers developed a five-level pyramid model to assess energy supply security, taking into account dynamic effects and higher resolution. Switzerland can increase its energy security by diversifying its energy sources and increasing domestic production, with additional storage facilities also contributing.
A new study found that domesticated carp have lower chronic stress levels than their wild counterparts, despite regular angling capture. The researchers compared scale cortisol data from domesticated and wild carp and found that the former had significantly lower levels of chronic stress.