Research on more sustainable materials and systems. Covers nature-inspired manufacturing, resource disparities, mood-supporting materials, and low-carbon concrete.
The Ecological Society of America presents the Eminent Ecologist Award to Steven Hubbell for his neutral theory of biodiversity and biogeography, while Jerry Jenkins, Glenn Motzkin, and Kirsten Ward receive the Cooper Award for their work on plant succession. The Mercer Award is given to Richard Lankau and Sharon Strauss for their pape...
The study assesses the effectiveness of world fisheries management regimes using evaluations from nearly 1,200 fisheries experts. It reveals that most regimes are not meeting international standards and that transparency in converting scientific advice into policy is key to sustainability. Wealthier countries face challenges from exces...
A new study published in PLoS Biology found that most fisheries management regimes are lagging behind international standards, highlighting the need for transparent policy-making processes. The research assessed global fisheries management practices and evaluated their effectiveness in ensuring sustainability.
The Gerontological Society of America's Public Policy & Aging Report explores community-based approaches to senior housing, including home modification and aging-friendly communities. The report also examines the limitations of aging in place and critiques upscale age-restricted communities.
A Canada-wide sustainability framework is crucial for managing groundwater, as climate change and increasing demands threaten its quality and quantity. The Council of Canadian Academies recommends provincial, territorial, and federal cooperation to build scientific knowledge and improve governance.
Bowman Global Change advocates for standardized greenhouse gas measurements and clear scientific communication to empower policymakers and the public. The initiative aims to reduce confusion and inform sustainability choices based on accurate science.
Research suggests taking public transit can help individuals meet daily physical activity requirements by up to three times. Short walks during transit trips contribute to this increased activity level.
Global fisheries are in crisis due to overfishing, threatening food security in poorer countries and coastal communities. The recommendation to increase fish consumption for health benefits is not environmentally sustainable.
The Lancet Series on Health in The Occupied Palestinian Territory highlights the importance of health for achieving peace and justice in the region. Key findings include improving maternal and child health, addressing trauma and non-communicable diseases, and advocating for sustainable peace settlement through international cooperation.
Renowned biologist Ursula Goodenough explores the connection between science, ethics, and a culture of sustainability. Her work proposes an 'ecomorality,' prioritizing stewardship of the environment, in response to humanity's impact on the planet.
The Iowa students' innovative device can sanitize water for a mere $5, making it an accessible solution for developing countries. The project has already received a US EPA first-place award and plans to expand its reach globally.
Research finds higher ladybug richness and abundance in organic olive groves, indicating respect for environmental conditions. The study suggests that ladybugs can serve as a useful bioindicator for evaluating agroecosystem health and sustainability.
A study by K-State economist Tracy Turner and DePaul University professor Marc Smith found that programs assisting low-income households with home purchases may do more harm than good, leading to higher rates of foreclosure. The research highlights the need for post-purchase support to help vulnerable homeowners sustain their homes.
The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission's failure to agree on conservation measures puts Eastern Pacific tuna populations at risk. The Commission's own scientists have warned of declining fish stocks, and market forces exacerbate the problem as fish prices rise with decreasing stock levels.
A group of scientists is advocating for science-based policy in the emerging global biofuels industry to avoid costly mistakes and environmental regrets. Sustainable practices are crucial to mitigate problems associated with agriculture, including soil erosion and depletion, nitrogen fertilizer pollution, and biodiversity decline.
The new Center for Environmental Policy will evaluate key environmental issues, build public awareness, and recommend science-based policies. The center aims to engage disparate parties in the environmental debate and provide practical solutions for managing natural resources.
A new approach to teaching agriculture was developed to focus on social learning and sustainability. The method, which includes exercises that build awareness of individual and collective knowledge and knowing, helped students develop a broader capacity to approach sustainability challenges systemically and collectively.
The Institute for Computational Sustainability will pursue research agendas that advance computing and benefit society, focusing on ecology, conservation, and environmental management. It aims to create a new field of computational sustainability, combining constraint optimization, dynamical systems, and machine learning.
Small-scale fisheries, which employ over 12 million people worldwide, are being disproportionately harmed by eco-labelling initiatives and fuel subsidies. As a result, many small-scale fishers are unable to compete in the market and struggle to survive due to unfair advantages given to large-scale industrial fleets.
Researchers found that a portion of corn stover can be harvested for biofuel production without reducing soil organic carbon levels in high-yielding systems. This study suggests that corn stover could supply up to 25% of the biofuel crop needed by 2030.
The Marine Conservation Alliance will document its work on halibut and salmon excluder devices for trawl nets, as well as its marine debris cleanup efforts, at the American Fisheries Society Meeting in Ottawa. The MCA Foundation's cleanup work removed over 175 metric tons of plastic debris from Alaska shorelines last year.
A paper by F. Stuart Chapin III and colleagues presents policy strategies for sustainable management of Alaskan boreal forests in response to climate change, integrating ecological and social sciences. The award recognizes the research's contribution to sustainability science.
UBC researchers suggest redirecting fuel subsidies from fishing fleets to re-training fishers to address the economic and environmental impact of rising fuel costs. The study found that governments spend $6.4 billion annually on fuel subsidies, which could be better spent supporting sustainable fisheries.
The Ecological Society of America presented awards to eight ecologists, including Michael Rosenzweig for the Eminent Ecologist Award and Monica Turner for the MacArthur Award. The awards recognize outstanding contributions to ecological research and education.
Starbucks and Conservation International are partnering to address climate change and promote sustainable coffee farming. The companies will plant 10 trees in Mexico for every $10 donated through the Starbucks Card Rewards program, supporting conservation efforts in Chiapas.
A PhD study by Juan Pedro Reyes found that integrating safety into building design can significantly reduce accidents and costs. The research developed a mathematical model to calculate the sustainability of a building's safety, with promising results.
The banking crisis is attributed to unrealistic expectations of high returns on equity and poor risk management, according to economist Paul J.J. Welfens. The crisis will persist if regulatory systems are not improved and sustainable investment strategies are not promoted.
A $50,000 USDA grant will help Kansas State University's Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Initiative connect independent grocers and provide strategies for keeping small-town stores viable. The goal is to improve customer health by promoting healthier food options in rural areas.
The Resilience and Adaptation Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks has received a $3.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to address questions of social-ecological resilience, adaptation and sustainability. The program focuses on integrating economic, cultural and ecological dimensions of sustainability.
The Institute for Sustainable Nanoelectronics will leverage Moore's Law to develop a design methodology applicable to emerging computing platforms. Probabilistic CMOS technology reduces energy consumption while increasing electronic noise, enabling more efficient chip designs.
The G8's $1.5 billion vaccine donation will mostly go to pharmaceutical firm profits rather than costs. Experts advocate for a more sustainable approach to maximize lives saved and benefit poor children.
A study suggests that drylands can be managed sustainably to protect biodiversity and culture of 2.5 billion people. Introducing hope rather than gloom, the report highlights the importance of local knowledge and collaboration between residents and managers.
Stanford University researchers highlight the importance of ethics in addressing climate change, arguing that traditional cost-benefit analyses are inadequate. They propose the creation of a global assessment of human behavior to inform sustainable policies and recognize universities' critical role in solving the human predicament.
A University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist advocates for collecting more and better data in fisheries management. This focus on data quality can lead to more accurate assessments of fish populations, ultimately improving the sustainability of fisheries and reducing environmental harm.
Carnegie Mellon professor Baruch Fischhoff argues that decision science principles can help policymakers and the public make effective decisions on climate change. He emphasizes the need for coordinated action among experts from various fields, including domain specialists, social scientists, and designers.
Engineers trained to solve problems objectively need to consider sustainability's ideological and normative aspects. The concept of sustainability is difficult to define, requiring a unique approach that acknowledges egalitarianism and the redistribution of wealth.
Research reveals that sustainable aquaculture is essential to meet growing demand for healthy seafood, with advancements in feed efficiency and marine environments crucial to its growth. The industry has enormous potential to increase production and provide affordable and healthy seafood options.
The Marine Conservation Alliance Foundation (MCAF) presents its cooperative research programs at the AAAS conference, focusing on improving fishery sustainability. The initiatives include reducing seabird mortality by over 80% and developing excluder devices to minimize bycatch.
Researchers have found that mature trees in the Eastern Desert of Egypt are in significant decline, with over 50% disappearing between 1965 and 2003. The traditional resource management practices developed by desert people are being replaced by commercial charcoal production, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable forest management.
Researchers found that ancient Athenian rowers would have matched up well with modern-day athletes in terms of endurance. The study suggests that ancient Greeks may have had a more efficient way of rowing, or were extremely fit, to power their warships at high speeds.
A report from the Commonwealth Fund estimates that private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans were paid $922 more for each beneficiary than traditional Medicare's fee-for-service program in 2005, totaling over $5.2 billion. Eliminating these extra payments could save Medicare $30 billion over five years and be redirected to enhance benefits.
The World Health Organization's African Regional Health Report is criticized for its lack of facts and reliance on rhetoric. To achieve sustainable health improvements in Africa, effective cooperation between the UN's agencies and multilateral institutions is required.
A new study estimates that up to 73 million sharks are killed annually for their valuable fins, exceeding UN reports by three times. The shark fin trade's high demand and lack of regulation threaten slow-to-produce shark populations.
The ITTO report reveals that sustainably managed tropical forests have expanded from 2.4 million acres in 1988 to at least 87 million acres in 2005. However, the majority of forest land being managed sustainably comprises less than 5% of total surveyed areas.
The report highlights successful environmental and cultural management in popular cruise destinations, including philanthropic funds for local communities and scientific laboratories on ships. It also provides recommendations for how stakeholders can work together to minimize negative impacts while promoting conservation.
A new study reveals that Europeans are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of seafood, with 79% citing importance in purchasing decisions. Consumers prefer eco-labels and want reassurance on sustainability, driving demand for environmentally responsible seafood.
Agricultural activity dominates over a third of the Earth's landscape, posing environmental challenges such as deforestation and water pollution. New maps track changing agricultural land use patterns worldwide, highlighting emerging trends like soybean production in Argentina and Brazil driven by China's demand.
A study by Research Australia highlights the importance of commitment, funding, and collaboration in sustaining primary health care programs. The research examined five regional programs across Australia, finding that effective partnerships between organisations, leadership, and financial sustainability are crucial for long-term success.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal reports that prescription drug costs have surpassed $18 billion. This significant increase underscores the importance of disseminating unbiased information to ensure patient safety and healthcare sustainability.
The Ecological Society of America has awarded a new SEEDS grant to increase diversity in ecology. The program will expand existing activities, including undergraduate research fellowships and field trips, to reach more students from African American, Latino, and Native American communities.
The Ecological Society of America presents an action plan to address growing environmental challenges globally. The report emphasizes the need for integrating ecological knowledge into policy and management, fostering an ecologically knowledgeable public, and building infrastructure for ecology.
The Land Regeneration Network has achieved rapid membership growth, now standing at 1250 individuals from 890 companies and organisations across Wales. The network provides a high-quality information resource and business networking events, contributing to the growing demand for clear technical information in the environmental sector.
The UK pension system is under pressure as an aging population and changes in private provision impact state and individual savings. The current system appears sustainable due to reduced generosity and reliance on means-testing, but may face challenges if people reduce private savings.
Researchers developed a computer model to predict the effects of different hunting regimes on lion populations over 50 years. The study suggests that males aged 5 or older can be sustainably hunted without limits, while younger lions are prohibited to ensure population stability.
Researchers in Hawaii have developed a way to grow the complete life cycle of long ogo, an edible red seaweed, without needing to harvest starter plants from the ocean. The sustainable system for growing fresh long ogo is unique in the United States and provides additional income for 40 farmers.
The government aims to safeguard 10% of its territory by tripling protected areas, with a focus on preserving primary forests and promoting sustainable land use. Madagascar is home to unique and endemic species found nowhere else.
Researchers at UC Davis found that organic and sustainably-grown fruits and vegetables contain higher levels of polyphenolics, a type of natural chemical with potential health benefits. The study suggests that the absence of pesticides and fertilizers in sustainable farming practices may lead to increased production of these chemicals.
Organic and sustainably grown produce show significantly higher levels of antioxidants compared to conventionally grown food. The investigation reveals a 58.5% increase in antioxidant levels for sustainably grown corn, highlighting the potential benefits of alternative farming practices on nutrition.
The World Legacy Awards honor three tourism projects for their exceptional balance between nature conservation, heritage protection, and social responsibility. Wilderness Safaris in South Africa, ATG Oxford in Italy, and the REST Project in Thailand were recognized for their contributions to sustainable tourism.
Researchers argue that prioritizing ecological aesthetics over traditional scenic preferences may not be the best approach. Instead, they suggest building a consensus on ecosystem health and understanding how people adopt environmental concerns. The study highlights the need for a balanced approach to landscape management.