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Beyond green tech: the real reason digital economies drive down carbon emissions

A spatial analysis of 259 Chinese cities shows that digital transformation drives environmental progress by optimizing broader industrial structures. Governments should focus on upgrading entire industrial ecosystems rather than waiting for isolated technological miracles to solve the carbon crisis.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Why some U.S. cities thrive while others decline: New study uncovers law of economic coherence of cities

A new study reveals that US cities maintain a constant level of economic coherence despite technological revolutions, with larger cities being less coherent. Coherence combines variety, workforce balance, and industry diversity, constraining transformations and diversification.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 23, 2025

Updated economic geography model incorporates heterogeneity in firm productivity and environmental pollution

A new economic geography model, incorporating firm heterogeneity and environmental pollution, can help policymakers understand the impact of industrial clusters on regional development. The model suggests that changes in firm productivity distribution and trade costs can influence industrial agglomeration and region development.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPortuguese Economic Journal·DateMay 20, 2025

A new chapter in Roman administration: Insights from a late Roman inscription

A newly discovered Tetrarchic boundary stone provides valuable historical insights into the sweeping tax reforms of Roman Emperor Diocletian. The inscription mentions two previously unknown village names, a new imperial surveyor, and reflects the socio-economic dynamics during the Tetrarchy period.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPalestine Exploration Quarterly·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2025

A third of UK public ‘tolerant’ of petty corruption

Researchers found that up to 34% of the British public considered acts like nepotism or bribery acceptable during the vaccine rollout. The study also discovered an association between public tolerance of petty corruption and vaccine rollout speed, with slower rollouts in areas where tolerance was higher. Lead author Dr Franziska Sohns ...

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJan 9, 2025

Eco-conscious fashionistas hampered by geographical barriers to return clothing

A new study reveals that eco-friendly activewear companies' post-consumer circular economy policies are hindered by geography, making them ineffective for global customers. The research found that many companies have take-back schemes but restrict them to domestic customers or specific locations, limiting their environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCambridge Journal of Regions Economy and Society·DateAug 11, 2024

Powerful financial giants could play vital role in preventing the next pandemic

A new study identifies public and private companies operating in economic sectors associated with increased risks of emerging infectious diseases. Financial actors can mitigate these risks through investments that promote ecological restoration, pathogen surveillance systems, and community health care.

SourceStockholm Resilience Centre·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Tis the season to recognize chocolate: researchers highlight high quality cacao in Colombia

A study published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture proposes a framework to characterise the unique properties of cacao beans in the Buenaventura region. The research highlights the benefits of establishing Denominations of Origin for cacao, including higher market prices, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateNov 30, 2023

Assessing the massive costs of biological invasions to the world

A new study published in BioScience documents the progress of the InvaCost endeavour, which has compiled data on the economic cost of biological invasions. The database now includes over 13,553 entries and provides a clear picture of the major threats posed by invasive species to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBioScience·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 4, 2023

Employment dynamics: a closer look at rising exports and ICT penetration

The article explores how export diversification and ICT shape employment patterns, with research highlighting the importance of diversified trade baskets to minimize economic uncertainties. Tailored trade policies can unlock employment opportunities for both high-skilled and low-skilled workers, fostering sustainable growth.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalJournal of International Commerce Economics and Policy·DateJul 26, 2023

When local economic inequality is high, the rich tend to be more generous

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals with higher incomes tend to be more generous when living in areas with high levels of economic inequality. In contrast, the lowest-income groups show less generosity in more unequal areas. The researchers used local data from the US and UK to examine this relationship.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 14, 2023

Uncovering the ritual past of an ancient stone monument in Saudi Arabia

Archaeologists have discovered evidence of ritualistic belief and economic factors intertwined for Neolithic people in northwest Arabia. Excavations at a mustatil east of AlUla revealed animal offerings, human interment, and suggest repeated pilgrimages, challenging previous understandings of the region's culture.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 15, 2023

Researchers illuminate gaps in public transportation access, equity

A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reveals that even with broad coverage, public transit systems may still exclude low-income and vulnerable populations. The researchers used a GIS-based approach to evaluate travel times by location and economic conditions, finding that routes often leave behind those who rel...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·TypeCase study·DateFeb 16, 2023

New paper highlights the importance of locational strategy in business

A new paper published in Global Strategy Journal argues that understanding locational strategy can give businesses an edge over competition. Locational decisions affect branding, human resources, and research and development. The study authors refine their approach to the topic by merging corporate strategy with economic geography.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalGlobal Strategy Journal·TypeCase study·DateOct 20, 2022

Is climate change disrupting maritime boundaries?

Researchers warn that climate change will increase uncertainty in international law governing maritime zones, affecting small island states. Technologies like GPS and satellite bathmetry may help solidify claims, but more data is needed to accurately delineate existing boundaries.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 9, 2022

Camping reservations: ‘A wicked problem of equity,’ finds UM researchers

A study by UM researchers found that online camping reservations systems can exacerbate existing inequalities in national park access. Campers from higher-income areas and predominantly white communities are more likely to secure coveted sites. The team suggests a lottery system could help balance accessibility with protection of natur...

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalJournal of Park and Recreation Administration·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2022

Extreme weather research shows household income impacts of Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy, need for more equitable climate resilience planning for cities

A new analysis found that low-income households in New Orleans lost nearly 35% of their income after Hurricane Katrina, while high-income households in NYC lost only 5.8%. The study highlights the need for diversified income sources to mitigate economic harm from extreme weather events.

SourceIllinois Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Geography·DateDec 14, 2021

How can we stop mankind from stagnating?

The global human population is projected to lead to food and water shortages, pollution, poverty and social tension. A new mathematical model suggests that intrinsic factors, such as Turing instability, may drive heterogeneous population distribution, regardless of geographical heterogeneity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 28, 2021