Articles tagged with Sustainability
A recent University of New Hampshire study gauges public opinion on three fare policies aimed at reducing emissions. The standard policy, where all passengers pay a uniform price, is the most accepted approach, while nearly 60% express concerns about weight-based policies citing potential fairness issues and discrimination.
Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) conducted a comprehensive material flow analysis of wood in Switzerland to shed light on its availability and usage. The study found that recycling rate for wood is around 8% compared to 70% for paper, highlighting the need for sustainable use.
A new UCL Institute of Health Equity report emphasizes the crucial role of housing in determining long-term health and longevity. It proposes a new way forward for the property sector and national governments to focus on health, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability in home building and maintenance.
Engineered yeast cells can form cooperative groups that perform complex tasks and self-regulate in response to external signals. This approach enables precise production of therapeutic compounds, reducing waste and increasing treatment efficacy.
Researchers found that international trade has caused over 90% of biodiversity loss in tropical regions due to agricultural land conversion. The study tracked land use changes between 1995 and 2022, revealing a significant impact on species loss in countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Madagascar.
The authors introduce advanced methodologies for integrating maintenance strategies and structural health monitoring to extend infrastructure service life. Topics include data-driven decision-making, multi-objective optimization, cost-benefit analysis, and the role of data analytics in managing uncertainties.
CEOs innovate based on stock recommendations and analyst feedback, which can foster explorative activities like R&D. However, many sacrifice long-term sustainability for immediate returns, incentivized by their compensation packages.
A global analysis suggests that recycling human and livestock excreta can contribute substantially to meeting the nutrient supply for all crops worldwide. Recycling these nutrients could reduce global net imports of mineral fertilizers by 41% for nitrogen, 3% for phosphorus, and 36% for potassium.
A group of international scientists is urging the European Commission to implement protective measures for subterranean ecosystems, which store 97% of the world's drinking water and harbor unique biodiversity. Regular surveys of subterranean fauna can reveal the health of these ecosystems, which are sensitive to contaminants.
Researchers analyzed financial and environmental data from 8,547 companies across 34 countries, revealing that stronger environmental engagement leads to better financial outcomes. Companies with superior environmental performance demonstrate better financial results and attract greater interest from investors.
A new doctoral dissertation examines how social ventures can adapt their business models to achieve international growth while maintaining their commitment to sustainability. The research offers practical guidance for policymakers, investors, and practitioners aiming to promote sustainable international business growth.
A new study reveals that US adults who choose not to eat red meat are more concerned with environmental impacts than health risks. The survey of over 7,500 adults found that demographics such as age, education level, and income also played a role in red meat consumption.
Researchers found that burned rice hulls can provide a nearly doubling of energy density in typical lithium-ion or sodium-ion batteries. The process is more sustainable than producing graphite from biomass, which requires heating to high temperatures and produces significant CO2 emissions.
Scientists emphasize the need for gene editing and plant domestication to protect food supplies due to the climate crisis. Researchers propose two strategies: introducing genes that support resistance to environmental stress into existing crops or domesticate wild plants with lower yields but higher resilience.
The University of North Florida has been awarded a nearly $800,000 grant from the National Park Service to ramp up coastline restoration efforts in Florida and Georgia. The project will utilize pervious oyster shell habitat (POSH units) to create living shorelines that help restore coastal ecosystems.
A new study assesses the sustainability of varying Pacific walrus harvest rates under different climate and human disturbance scenarios. The research finds that current harvest levels are within a sustainable range if assessed regularly and adjusted accordingly.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis found that feeding grazing beef cattle a seaweed supplement reduced their methane emissions by nearly 40% without affecting health or weight. The study provides a promising approach to make cattle farming more sustainable and play a role in fighting climate change.
A leading psychologist argues that eco-friendly fashion must become more accessible to all consumers. Dr Mair's book highlights the importance of psychology in promoting sustainable practices in the fashion industry. She advocates for educational advertising campaigns and improved accessibility to encourage responsible purchasing habits.
A new study calls for the integration of climate resilience into every aspect of the UN SDGs to secure a sustainable future. The researchers propose five key recommendations, including aligning the Paris Agreement's climate objectives with the SDGs and empowering local communities to develop climate-focused policies.
Researchers have developed a method to convert black polystyrene waste into reusable starting materials using sunlight or white LEDs. The technique involves adding carbon black and exposing the mixture to high-intensity light, resulting in efficient breakdown of polymer bonds.
A study published by researchers from Göttingen University sheds light on the critical role of leaf phenology in trees providing shade and improving climate resilience in cocoa agroforestry systems. The research found that certain shade tree species can significantly influence productivity and environmental stability.
Researchers found that living in neighborhoods with low food access, contaminated drinking water, and proximity to Superfund sites increases PFAS levels in blood. The study provides evidence for addressing neighborhood-level factors in reducing racial and ethnic environmental health disparities.
Outi Niemensivu's research highlights the significant societal role of arts universities in fostering social well-being and diversity through higher music education. However, her study suggests that traditional music education needs a fresh perspective to support social sustainability.
Researchers developed a new durable plastic that breaks down in seawater, reducing microplastic pollution. The material is strong, non-toxic, and customizable for various applications.
A study published in Nature Cities analyzed textile waste in various cities, finding that most donated clothes are exported or thrown away. Experts call for a change in how cities handle fashion waste, suggesting the need for local recycling and reuse facilities.
A new study by University of Texas at Austin researchers has found a significant cache of rare Earth elements hidden inside US coal ash waste. The study estimates that there could be 11 million tons of accessible rare earth elements in the US coal ash supply, which is nearly 8 times the current domestic reserves.
A new study warns that Colorado's West Slope basins, supporting a $5 billion agriculture economy, face a potential tipping point due to drought vulnerability. The research suggests that even moderate climate change and streamflow declines can threaten water storage, agriculture, and municipal supplies.
Researchers created a new electrode design that increases the efficiency of converting CO2 into ethylene, a valuable chemical product. The electrochemical system can now be scaled up for industrial applications without significant energy or cost losses.
An international team of scientists identified a surprising factor accelerating lithium-ion battery degradation, leading to reduced charge and potential failure in critical situations. Strategies to reduce self-discharge may include electrolyte additives and cathode coatings to improve battery lifespan.
Frank Yin, a renowned agronomy researcher at UTIA, has been recognized with the prestigious 2024 American Society of Agronomy Fellowship. Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to research and education in areas such as nutrient management, precision agriculture, and soil conservation.
The collaboration aims to detect red tide occurrences early and provide information to fisheries stakeholders to prevent damage to marine environments. The system will also be used for broader environmental monitoring of forests and oceans, improving accuracy through repeated validation.
Scientists from leading institutions and societies urge governments to adopt scalable, innovative microbial technologies to combat climate change. These solutions have shown promise in carbon sequestration, methane mitigation, bioenergy production, bioremediation, and more.
Large-scale declines in African elephant populations have been confirmed over 53 years of survey data. Forest elephant populations decreased by 90%, while savanna elephant populations fell by 70%. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides a comprehensive assessment of African elephants and highli...
Researchers developed a sustainable, high-performance material suitable for packaging and biomedical devices by exploiting the mechanical properties of cellulose nanofibres. Adding small peptides improves their mechanical performance and water-resistance.
Researchers used computer modeling to study the feasibility and challenges of hydrogen-powered aviation, suggesting that improvements in fuel cell power could eliminate environmental impact. The team's model indicated that switching from traditional jet fuel to hydrogen fuel could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%.
Researchers have designed a paper-aluminum laminate that could replace plastic layers in protective packaging, providing a more sustainable option. The material's mechanical properties were compared to conventional polyethylene-aluminum laminates and found to be nearly identical.
Scientists create diacetylene derivative-based luster materials with tunable colors and metallic lusters, opening new possibilities for applications in jewelry, printing inks, and cosmetics. The developed material can express a golden luster selectively using light irradiation, minimizing environmental footprint and weight.
A study by Osaka University reveals that Japanese consumers value transparency in AI assistants, compromising on performance for greater clarity. Environmental sustainability is also a consideration, but remains secondary to cost and performance.
A new tool developed by Stanford University and Morgan Stanley assesses the nature-related impacts of over 2000 global companies, providing a new framework for evaluating and acting on corporate impacts on nature. The tool provides ecosystem services footprinting metrics with greater transparency than existing ESG approaches.
A KAUST-led global study found that livestock management and climate explain woody species coverage in arid environments. Managing grazing pressure and type of herbivore can allow for more sustainable production in these ecosystems.
An international team of researchers emphasizes the need for interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity in crisis management. Science can contribute to integrated decision-making by co-designing solutions with scientists, policymakers, and affected populations.
Researchers at North Carolina State University identify molecular property of lignin that determines ease of using microbial fermentation to turn trees into industrial chemicals. The discovery could lead to more sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based chemicals.
The school will focus on methods to address structural safety and infrastructure resilience challenges in a climate change context. Key findings include the importance of increasing infrastructure resilience to reduce social wellbeing impacts.
Next-generation passive radiative cooling technology offers an electricity- and refrigerant-free cooling solution, potentially reducing surface temperature by at least 2°C. The innovation has promising application potential in buildings, roads, and clothing, addressing issues such as urban heat islands and greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study identifies 324 owners of globally used reefers, 10 of whom account for nearly a quarter of all transshipment events. The research provides unprecedented transparency into the seafood value chain, allowing for improved governance and oversight of transshipment practices.
Researchers analyzed atmospheric mercury concentrations and found a 10% decline between 2005 and 2020, contrary to global inventories that indicate an increase. The study suggests that human activity-driven emissions are driving the trend, but limitations in data and scientific understanding remain.
A new case study in India found that home garden interventions struggled due to verbal training, lack of demonstrations, and limited household engagement. However, flexibility and participatory techniques like Process Net-Mapping revealed positive outcomes on nutrition and sustainable agriculture practices.
A new study of bubbles on electrode surfaces could help improve the efficiency of electrochemical processes by understanding how blocking effects work. The findings show that only a smaller area of direct contact is blocked from its electrochemical activity, not the entire surface shadowed by each bubble.
The WVU STARS-UP program pairs two-year colleges with nearby four-year institutions to provide astrophysics and astronomy research opportunities. The goal is to create a sustainable pipeline for careers in STEM, focusing on underrepresented students from low socioeconomic communities.
The UK is investing £170 million in new research and innovation projects to support clean living, tackle climate change, and boost economic growth. The projects will focus on land use transformation, sustainable agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
A recent study explores the feasibility of non-wood cellulose-based textiles, offering a promising direction for the industry. The research highlights the potential of agricultural residues and dedicated fiber crops as viable alternatives to wood-derived pulp.
The review highlights the potential of cellulose-based materials in purifying wastewater without causing environmental harm. Cellulose can be converted into valuable products like hydrogels, aerogels, and nanocellulose for sustainable water remediation.
Researchers introduce the 'prosocial market economy' as a model embedding cooperation, ethical behavior, and sustainability into organizational practices. This approach prioritizes collaboration and collective well-being, fostering long-term economic success and sustainability.
A group of scientists and economists warn that green subsidies can have negative spillover effects and diminish overall effectiveness if not implemented cautiously. They suggest imposing time limits on subsidies to ensure they do not perpetuate harmful practices over the long term.
A new study from Uppsala University found that nearly 40% of the public support rationing of goods like meat and fuel to reduce their climate impact. The study, which surveyed over 9,000 people in five countries, also showed that acceptability of rationing is on par with taxes for emissions-intensive food.
A human rights-based approach to coral reef protection could ensure governments are held accountable for safeguarding marine ecosystems. An estimated one billion people rely on healthy coral reefs globally for food security and income, highlighting the catastrophic impact of their loss on human health and economic wellbeing.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a new cooling system that extracts water from the air using gravity, eliminating the need for electricity. The system can double the rate of water collection compared to alternative technologies and offers significant energy savings.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has released comprehensive guidelines for protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding in emergency situations. The recommendations aim to safeguard the health and well-being of infants in disasters and conflicts by ensuring safe nutrition and immune protection.
A recent study published in Global Environmental Change highlights the pressing need for innovative economic strategies to address global water scarcity and pollution. The research found that 71% of the world's population has high existing water security needs, with significant disparities in readiness across regions.
Researchers introduce a novel, green approach to convert citrus waste into bioactive pectin and micronized cellulose using cavitation. The process, termed CytroCav, offers a circular economy practice requiring only water and electricity.