Articles tagged with Sustainability
An international treaty is proposed to address global health research and development issues, ensuring coherence, fairness, efficiency, and sustainability. The treaty aims to provide fair contributions and benefit sharing from all countries, generating a globally sustainable system.
A recent study found that 54% of microwaves in the UK are disposed of for cosmetic reasons or minor faults, and 85% can be safely repaired. Simple design changes could prevent these issues altogether, reducing waste and conserving resources.
A new University of Florida study suggests that selective logging of tropical forests can be a viable conservation option, as long as the forest is given adequate time to recover. The research found that biodiversity and carbon retention take a hit from logging but can be reversed over time.
A long-term study reveals that nature tourism in China's Wolong Nature Reserve increases conservation efforts, but disproportionately benefits individuals with existing resources. The research suggests that poverty alleviation policies may need to be revised to address the unequal distribution of benefits.
The prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Foundation has selected four University of Miami students as 2012 Goldwater Scholars: Christopher Sanchez, Ian Ergui, Juan Pablo Ruiz, and Christine Chesley. Sanchez is majoring in Environmental Science and Policy with a focus on Anthropology.
An international group of scientists proposes a plan to describe 10 million species in less than 50 years, leveraging worldwide collections and technological advances. This mission aims to chart the biosphere and understand the origin, organization, and sustainability of biodiversity.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a novel procedure to assess plant species diversity in an area by analyzing vegetation information collected by satellites over time. This allows resource managers to evaluate biodiversity without collecting regionwide field data.
A study reconstructing fisheries yields over seven centuries in Hawaii and Florida Keys reveals that Native Hawaiian societies managed fisheries sustainably through local regulations and community involvement. The authors argue that incorporating ancient techniques into modern policy may be key to sustaining coral reef fisheries.
A new test developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory uses impurity profiling to trace the source of nerve agents used in terrorist attacks. Up to 88% of impurities in source chemicals can wind up in the finished product, making them unique like a fingerprint.
A CU Denver study reveals a positive correlation between Green School practices and student achievement in science, with the Midwest region showing the highest average survey score. The research highlights the importance of green schools in promoting environmental literacy and sustainability.
The construction of roads in isolated villages disrupts traditional information flow patterns, leading to changes in economy and social life. As a result, inhabitants adapt their subsistence strategies and environmental management, resulting in significant transformations.
Arizona State anthropologist Michelle Hegmon's research draws on the past to inform modern climate policy, exploring how societies adapted to change and what it was like to live in those societies. Her work offers lessons on tradeoffs and the human experience in times of climate change.
Researchers at Michigan State University are exploring the intersection of art and science to better understand sustainability. Artists Joe Zammit-Lucia, Sacha Kagan, and David Maggs will discuss how their work can provoke thinking and change people's perceptions of complex sustainability issues.
A study by North Carolina State University found that most college athletics departments lack formal relationships with campus groups working on sustainability initiatives. Athletic department representatives understand the importance of sustainability, but few have incorporated sustainable practices into their strategic plans.
A University of Manchester research consortium found that UK carbon emissions targets could be met with significant expansion of both renewables and nuclear electricity by 2035. However, this would require a huge increase in nuclear power to make up for the loss of current nuclear stations.
Researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Indiana University analyzed the field's evolution, composition, and collaboration structure. The study concludes that sustainability science is both applied and basic, spanning worldwide institutions and governments. A global collaboration network emerged around 2000, defining the fie...
Researchers found that sustainability science has become a cohesive global field, doubling in size every 8.3 years, with contributions from over 2,200 cities and 174 countries. The most productive city for sustainability publications was Washington, D.C., surpassing major tech hubs like Boston and the Bay Area.
Research from the University of Sheffield found that people are willing to pay extra for greener urban spaces, with greater tree coverage attracting higher payments. The study surveyed public opinions on various redevelopment scenarios and found a strong correlation between green space quality and willingness to pay.
Researchers argue that inland fisheries can be protected by extending sustainable seafood initiatives to freshwater species. Modified approaches would be needed due to smaller and more concentrated fisheries in developing countries.
Researchers from the University of Leicester are working with Kenyan partners to develop demonstration projects for an ecologically sustainable source of flowers grown at Lake Naivasha. The project aims to reduce water use, improve ecosystem health, and increase access to clean water for local communities.
A new study provides a predictive sequence of events leading to coral reef collapse and identifies key sustainability targets for managing coral reefs. Researchers found that well-protected areas typically have 1000-1500 kilos of reef fish per hectare, and regulations restricting gear or species can help maintain biomass.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are developing means to efficiently breed saltwater fish and invertebrates in captivity. Successful breeding has been achieved for seven species, including clownfish, gobies, and coral, reducing reliance on destructive wild-caught methods.
Researchers suggest using linear compensation to design emissions reduction strategies that benefit all nations, with punishments adjusted relative to other countries' performance. This mechanism leverages national abatement efforts to incentivize cooperation.
A team of experts recommends ending most commercial fishing in the deep sea due to their unsustainability. The study suggests redirecting subsidies to rebuild fish populations in closer-to-coastal waters.
Researchers will focus on predictive molecular signatures and biomarkers to screen high-risk populations and provide effective treatment strategies. The collaboration aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs in the fight against colorectal cancer.
In exploring the formation of disaster-response agencies after 9/11, a researcher finds that most new nonprofits ceased operation within two years. However, those with stronger ties to families of victims endured past two years. The expert's research also highlights the importance of collaboration and leveraging resources.
Japan's universal health coverage has been a success story, maintaining equity and containing costs over the past 50 years. However, the ageing society of Japan threatens its sustainability, with rising premiums and emerging uninsured populations.
A recent commentary in CMAJ highlights that alternative funding models for healthcare in Canada will not reduce costs nor achieve financial sustainability. The majority of healthcare costs are spent on a small proportion of the population, and private healthcare has higher administrative costs.
Researchers found that many eco-labeled Chilean sea bass sold in US groceries were not sustainably sourced from the recognized fishery off South Georgia. The study revealed genetic variations in the fish, indicating possible mislabeling and mixing with other species.
Research by Clemson University scientists found that up to 8% of certified Chilean sea bass are not from the South Georgia/Shag Rocks population, with some being labeled as other species entirely. The study highlights issues with the supply chain and eco-labeling of sustainably harvested seafood.
Consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable and ethical products from apparel companies that practice transparency. However, skepticism about corporate claims of sustainability persists due to suspicion of marketing ploys. To build trust, consumers demand standardized authentication from authorities like the government.
A global study found that seven out of 61 species are threatened, with the southern bluefin tuna being one of them. The main factors contributing to this are the fish's high dollar value leading to heavy fishing pressure and their slow reproduction rate.
A study by Michigan State University found that farmers are more likely to reenroll their land in a conservation program if they talk to their neighbors about it. Farmers who interacted with each other were willing to reenroll more land, with over 15% more land being reenrolled after 10 interactions.
A study published in Fish and Fisheries reveals that 28% of cod products sold in Ireland are mislabeled, compared to 7% in the UK. The research found that most mislabeled products were less expensive fish species substituted for cod.
The Ecological Society of America honored seven distinguished ecologists with awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to research, education, and public service. Thomas G. Whitham received the Eminent Ecologist Award for his work on individual variation in ecology, while Donald Strong was recognized for his editorial leadership a...
Research findings suggest that appealing programming benefits and financial support are key factors in attracting arboreta members. The study recommends providing discounts on educational programs and hands-on workshops to appeal to members, particularly women with higher education levels.
A Fulbright scholar is studying the ecological theory of Patagonian lakes in Argentina's Andean heights, focusing on nutrient chemistry and planktonic inhabitants. The research aims to establish a baseline for understanding lake nutrient supplies in 'ancestral,' pre-development conditions.
Two winning projects were selected to provide clean and sustainable water to communities in need. The Tagore-SenGupta Foundation project will install arsenic removal units in remote villages and schools in Cambodia, while Jenna Forsyth's project focuses on low-resource chlorine generation for safe drinking water in western Kenya.
Three teams of Tufts graduate students have won $10,000 from the Dow Sustainability Innovation Student Challenge Award program for their research on clean water, renewable energy, and green medical technologies. The winners will use their prize money to develop solutions to pressing global challenges.
The US EPA is collaborating with the United Nations University to develop strategies for managing electronic waste (e-waste) in Africa and Asia. The five-year agreement will support research, tracking, data collection, analysis, and information sharing to improve e-waste refurbishment and disposal.
Fiorenzo Omenetto, a Tufts biomedical engineer, has been awarded the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship to develop bioresorbable optical and electronic components. His research focuses on silk-based photonics, which could address unmet needs in medical, food safety, and environmental applications.
CMAJ states that Canada's federal election should prioritize quality health care delivery over sustainability. The six aspects of high-quality care include safety, effectiveness, patient-centred care, timeliness, efficiency, and equity. A national electronic health record system is vital to ensuring quality care.
Three winning solutions were selected from 64 submissions, including triple fortifying salt and microencapsulation of folic acid, aiming to improve interventions for preventing infant mortality and birth defects. Scientists Without Borders will now work with the solvers to advance their ideas into viable and scalable interventions.
A three-year project led by the University of Strathclyde aims to create portable devices that can analyze air samples from valuable items without touching them. The technology uses 'sniffing' artefacts to understand the composition and condition of objects, with potential applications for museums and collectors.
A study found that commercial laundry detergents and hand washes may contain up to 97% plant-based carbon, while some 'green' products contained significantly less. The research used radiocarbon dating to analyze the carbon content of products and revealed inconsistencies between product claims and actual composition.
Researchers found that forests managed by local users are more likely to have higher biodiversity and provide greater economic benefits. The study analyzed over 80 forest sites in six tropical countries and found that formal recognition of local user rights is crucial for sustainable management.
Researchers at Michigan State University have created innovative computer models that can accurately monitor changes in wildlife habitats over time. These models utilize remote sensing technology and can be used to track various changes, including the effects of human activities on habitat quality.
Jason Julian, a University of Oklahoma geography professor, has been awarded a Fulbright fellowship to research the impact of land use changes on optical water quality in New Zealand rivers. His study will explore connections between landscape characteristics, land use, and water clarity over the past 20 years.
A University of Michigan study found that more people believe in 'climate change' than 'global warming', with a difference driven by partisan orientation and question wording. Overall, 74% believed climate change was real when referred to as such, while 68% did so when called global warming.
Researchers are studying how social networks can be leveraged to effectively communicate sustainability science and make informed decisions. By analyzing the structure of social networks, scientists can identify key influencers who can spread information and have a dialogue with them.
A recent study emphasizes the importance of considering urban dynamics, national policies, and economic globalization when researching tropical deforestation. The researcher argues that current models are too simplistic, ignoring the complex feedback loops between human decisions and environmental changes.
A team of international experts has established a unified approach toward measuring sustainability, identifying valid and reliable indicators to evaluate progress and proposals. The framework aims to promote common language and measurements globally.
The symposium explores the shrinking distance between humans and nature, with increased trade and technological advancements having significant consequences for environmental sustainability. World-renowned experts will present on the topic of telecoupling, highlighting new dynamics in human-nature interactions.
A new survey suggests that over 90% of former oyster reefs have been lost worldwide, with the majority being found in North America. The decline is mainly attributed to over-harvesting and disease, highlighting the need for improved mapping efforts and sustainable fishing practices.
The University of Oklahoma is establishing an Institute for Water and Sustainability, including the Oklahoma Water Survey, to benefit Oklahoma and the nation. The institute will provide research and data for informed decision-making regarding water conservation and use.
Community-based co-management is a promising solution for sustaining world's fisheries, according to new study. The approach shares responsibility between government and users, fostering social cohesion, clear incentives, and protected areas.
A study finds that community-based co-management is key to sustaining aquatic resources and the livelihoods of communities depending on them. Co-management involves sharing responsibility for resources between governments and users, leading to successful and sustainable fisheries worldwide.
Dr. Paul Anastas, known as the 'Father of Green Chemistry,' will discuss the importance of sustainability principles in business operations. The conference focuses on sustainable technologies and practices, including water reuse, natural resource management, and product life cycle assessment.
A new analysis by ACS suggests that banning toxic substances in toys and children's products is crucial. The authors recommend government action, including restrictions on well-documented toxins, and industry-wide efforts to establish safe production practices.
Research from the University of New Hampshire found that walkable neighborhoods have higher levels of social capital, including trust among neighbors and participation in community events. This study suggests that designing neighborhoods with accessibility can lead to increased social benefits and improved quality of life.