Articles tagged with Sustainability
Research finds that despite cocoa not driving deforestation in Colombia, small producers risk being cut out of supply chains if they don't comply with zero-deforestation requirements. Contextualized value-addition strategies are needed to support sustainable markets and peace.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that two-thirds of the plastic put into use in the US in 2017 were used for other purposes, including electronics and furniture. The overall recycling rate for plastics in the US is slightly lower than previous estimates, at 8%.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of water security, with nearly a quarter of households in low-income countries struggling to access clean water. Experts are urging policymakers to prioritize behavioral change, knowledge promotion, and investment in water infrastructure to address this pressing issue.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new catalyst that can produce cheaper and more sustainable hydrogen-powered vehicles, reducing reliance on precious materials like platinum. The breakthrough could make hydrogen vehicles more durable and scalable, leading to a potential shift towards sustainable transportation.
The study found that sports mega-events can drive urban regeneration, but most sustainable practices are imitative and lack long-term impact. Russian post-Soviet cities face unique challenges in adapting to changes.
A team of researchers from China has developed a sustainable, ultra-strong and transparent film made from living bacteria. The film, inspired by nacre, exhibits unique optical properties and excellent mechanical strength, making it a potential substitute for plastics in packaging and electronics.
Researchers develop new machine learning methods to predict polymeric carbon nitride compounds suitable for sustainable photocatalytic water splitting. This process splits water into hydrogen and oxygen without using rare earths or expensive metals.
New research from UBC Okanagan creates a sustainable and non-toxic oil and water-repellent performance textile finish. The fabric repels water, sweat, and oils without using PFCs, addressing environmental concerns.
The region's forested areas grew more fragmented due to urban sprawl, but also saw an increase in tree cover, mainly attributed to maturing trees and land-conservation efforts. This paradox highlights the need for effective land-use planning techniques to protect habitats and minimize fragmentation.
The new ASPIRE center will develop holistic solutions for vehicle electrification and decarbonization of the electric grid. Researchers will focus on charging technology integrated into roadways and parking facilities to eliminate range and charging as obstacles, enabling low-cost, sustainable solutions.
Research reveals that a marketing claim of reducing negative product properties can be interpreted in two ways, leading to improved or negative evaluations. Consumers with an incremental mindset view these claims positively, while those with an entity mindset perceive them negatively.
A new study by Flinders University researchers highlights the importance of sustainable food choices, which not only benefit individuals but also the environment. The study found that people who participate in community gardening or local food swaps experience improved mental health and social connections.
A RAND Corporation study found that telemedicine services can extend care for underserved populations, particularly in rural areas. The study examined the experiences of nine community health centers in California and found a significant increase in telemedicine volume over time.
The University of Tennessee Extension's Cotton Nitrogen Management publication has been awarded a Blue Ribbon by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. The publication, authored by Lori Duncan and Tyson Raper, provides recommendations for optimizing nitrogen use efficiency in cotton production.
The first commission focuses on scaling sustainable behaviour change, addressing challenges in identifying high-impact projects and understanding the relation between individual behavior and system change. The results will be published Open Access in the Global Sustainability journal, freely available worldwide.
A new relationship between humanity and the ocean is required to secure the continuity of the diverse life support roles provided by the sea. The paper proposes three key transition pathways to make complex ocean systems more resilient and ensure a more sustainable future.
New research from Lund University suggests that COVID-19 has exposed the tourism industry's lack of resilience to downturns and its vulnerability to the climate crisis. The study advises destinations to prioritize shorter stays, increase local profits, and rethink food services to reduce carbon emissions.
Researchers propose setting fishing targets above minimum catch levels to regulate harvests, allowing fish populations to recover. A 'blue belt' of Marine Protected Areas can further safeguard sustainability and profitability in the post-Brexit era.
A Finnish-Brazilian team uncovered evidence of a pre-colonial civilization in the Amazon that domesticated plants for food and used the environment sustainably. The research found that Indigenous peoples protected and cared for trees, including Brazilian nut and palm trees, to maintain their ecosystem.
A new study on palm oil agriculture in Borneo found that protected forest areas within oil palm plantations store up to 20% more carbon than those with no protection. These areas also boost rainforest biodiversity by conserving endangered species such as hornbill birds and dipterocarp trees.
Researchers at Osaka University have synthesized an easy-to-handle nano-cobalt phosphide catalyst that achieves efficient hydrogenation of nitriles to primary amines. The catalyst combines efficiency, cost-effectiveness, ease of handling, and reusability, offering numerous advantages in terms of cost and safety.
A new study by Cranfield University reveals that zinc alloys outperform aluminum and magnesium alloys in terms of sustainability and part lifespan. The research highlights the need for manufacturers to consider the environmental impact of their materials, even if cost is a consideration.
A RAND Corporation study found that behavioral health integration is possible in various medical practices, with adaptation to each practice's needs being key to success. Financial sustainability remains a challenge, despite the effectiveness of integration in improving patient care and reducing mental illness burden.
A Japanese government stimulus program using discount shopping coupons showed positive effects on certain consumer groups, including middle-aged people and those with higher household incomes. The study found that financial literacy reduced coupon purchases among older adults, while higher income increased purchases among younger respo...
A study by Colorado State University researchers found that microgreens are acceptable to consumers, with high scores for appearance, flavor, and texture. The findings suggest that microgreens could become a key food source for preventing nutrient deficiencies and promoting global health and environmental sustainability.
The COVID-19 pandemic is driving a global re-evaluation of values and lifestyles, leading to potential radical shifts in policy. RIHN is playing a central role in the Future Earth Knowledge-Action Network's initiative on sustainability transitions.
The study found that CPC practices significantly increased their staffing with care managers and behavioral health staff, while non-CPC practices remained relatively unchanged. The authors suggest further research on the impact of team-based care and staff composition on healthcare costs and patient experience.
Researchers found that home gardening was associated with higher levels of happiness comparable to other leisure activities. The study revealed that women and people with low incomes reported higher emotional well-being while gardening, suggesting a potential solution for equity in food action planning.
A study by University of Michigan researchers maps China's export-driven CO2 emissions to specific coastal manufacturing hubs, revealing that 1% of the country's land area generates 75% of these emissions. The findings highlight key sectors and cities driving climate change.
Warm spells in UK winters are occurring more often and for longer periods than ever before. The analysis of historical temperature data shows that week-long warm intervals now consistently exceed 13 degrees C, a threshold that was previously rare and typically occurred every 5 years.
A new biocontrol agent, Dactylopius opuntiae 'stricta' biotype, has been found to be the most cost-effective method for controlling the invasive Opuntia stricta in Laikipia County, Kenya. This approach has shown significant reduction in the number of cladodes, flowers, and fruit of affected plants.
Researchers develop cellulose nanofiber plate (CNFP), a sustainable and high-performance material replacing traditional plastics. With exceptional strength, toughness, and thermal dimensional stability, CNFP has the potential to revolutionize industries, including aerospace.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found a way to recycle used polyurethanes into equivalent or even higher quality material, solving the issue of conventional waste lingering in landfills.
Researchers at UB and UNC Chapel Hill have developed a new evidence-based roadmap for mobile produce markets, providing step-by-step instructions for starting and running a market. The Veggie Van model has been tested through research and shown to increase access to fresh, healthy food for low-income families.
A new commentary paper highlights the urgent need to address environmental degradation using big data and technological advances. The study shows that despite increased computing speeds and data storage, the planet is still facing serious declines in forest cover and tidal flats.
Researchers found that a social marketing program, Fish Forever, increased community support for sustainable fishing practices. The program's customizable approach and community-led initiatives helped shift social norms and improve perception of management interventions.
A retrospective on the global environmental movement highlights the need for scientific collaboration with society to influence public policy. Scientists must engage across fields to drive societal transitions toward environmental sustainability.
Researchers are testing the feasibility of building roads from recycled plastics, mixed with asphalt for a safe and durable consistency. The project aims to create more sustainable roads while reducing waste and costs.
A new study found that only international trade has a net positive effect on global food systems sustainability, while population growth, urbanization, and lifestyle change have negative impacts. The study suggests that policymakers need better tools to measure and monitor food system dynamics to make them more sustainable.
A new method called consolidated bio-saccharification (CBS) can convert lignocellulose into fermentable sugars, offering a cost-effective and efficient way to produce renewable energy. Researchers believe CBS has tremendous advantages in reducing enzyme production costs and streamlining operational processes.
Researchers at the University of Bath recommend reducing the impact of existing palm oil production and supporting Certified Sustainable Palm Oil to make the industry more sustainable, as alternatives take several years to develop.
A study by University of Sydney and University of São Paulo found that 20% of malaria risk in deforestation hotspots is driven by international trade of goods like coffee, timber, and palm oil. The research calls for consumers to be more mindful of their consumption and procurement, supporting sustainable land ownership in developing c...
Professor Xavier Font, a leading expert in sustainability marketing, has been awarded €224,994 to study how governments use evidence to make better policy decisions for the tourism industry. The fellowship will focus on analyzing processes used by four tourist boards and informing the introduction of sustainability indicators for Europ...
Researchers discovered that nanoprecipitates serve as both dislocation sources and obstacles, leading to a self-hardening deformation mechanism. This sustainable approach enhances ductility and strength in structural materials.
Researchers from University of Michigan found that using a manual dishwasher with the two-basin method can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18% compared to machine washing. They also suggest avoiding pre-rinsing and selecting energy-efficient settings to minimize environmental impact.
Researchers found that urban sustainability rankings neglect complex causalities and lack transparency in data gathering, weighting, and aggregation processes. The study analyzed 21 similar rankings, indexes, and tools to identify methodological weaknesses and called for caution when using these tools.
A European Union-funded project is using guided conversations with older adults in rural areas to identify their needs and create innovative solutions. By empowering older people, the project aims to revitalize rural communities and address issues like isolation and loneliness.
A study by the University of Nottingham found that sharing information on sustainable features increases consumers' positive emotional connection to food. The researchers tested Bambara Groundnut-based products and discovered that participants rated them higher when told about climate change and sustainability issues.
Scientists at the University of Bath have developed a new chemical recycling method that can break down plant-based plastics like PLA into their constituent molecules. This technology has the potential to create a circular economy by reusing carbon indefinitely, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a palladium-based intermetallic electride, Y3Pd2, as a highly efficient catalyst for Suzuki cross-coupling reactions. The material exhibits improved catalytic activity and reduced activation energy compared to traditional pure Pd catalysts.
A new polyamide family has been developed from a biogenic residue, offering improved performance and lower costs compared to traditional crude oil-based materials. The synthesis process is scalable and can be conducted in one reaction container, increasing sustainability.
A Yale-led research team outlines key principles for a green chemistry future, emphasizing the importance of systemic sustainability in all chemical processes. The paper highlights recent achievements in green chemistry and its potential to revolutionize various industries, from energy generation to electronics.
This special issue of Science explores safer and more sustainable chemicals to address environmental and health concerns. Reviews argue for rethinking chemistry and considering inherent properties in early stages of design.
A new study led by the University of Göttingen calls into question the sustainability claims made by large corporations like Michelin regarding rubber production. The researchers found that local villagers' reports indicated land-ownership, ecosystems, and biodiversity suffered due to deforestation and poor pay conditions.
A team of researchers developed a formula to make consistently tasty espresso while reducing waste and saving money. By using less coffee at a coarser grind and brewing faster with less water, the approach saves coffee shops 13 cents per drink and reduces waste by 25%.
A three-year qualitative study found that resolving tensions between sustainability and mainstream strategies increases their legitimacy. Managers prioritized sustainability over competitive actions, with worker commitment crucial to its success.
A recent study published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society found nearly one fifth of all spider families associated with saltwater or freshwater habitats. Aquatic spiders display a range of adaptations, including dense hairs to repel water and specialized sensory systems.
A global analysis by the University of Washington found that nearly half of the world's fish catch comes from sustainably managed stocks. Effective management is credited as the main reason for these sustainable levels or successful rebuilding.
A new project aims to connect networks of groups developing sustainable and resilient cities worldwide. The NATURA network will link early-career scholars and practitioners to share knowledge on climate change resilience.
A recent study found that conservation programs like China's Grain-to-Green Program can increase crop raiding by 64% on remaining cropland, resulting in significant economic losses. The hidden costs of conservation are being borne by poor farmers, who are also receiving lower yields and farming smaller areas.