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Study: US takes 'low road' to growth with adverse impact on wellbeing, future prosperity

A new study published in the Cambridge Journal of Economics finds that countries taking the 'low road' to growth, like the US, experience adverse effects on wellbeing and future prosperity. In contrast, Scandinavian countries that take the 'high road' by investing in social reproduction see positive effects on human welfare.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalCambridge Journal of Economics·DateDec 17, 2019

Environmental pollution in China begins decreasing

A recent international research study published in Science Advances journal shows that environmental awareness and investments in China over the past decade have led to a weakening of the connection between economic growth and pollution. Despite this progress, major challenges remain, including increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 13, 2019

Big city growth escalates the urban-rural divide

A new study challenges the long-held assumption that cities grow in parallel, revealing a widening urban-rural divide and increased regional inequality. The research uses Swedish population registers to analyze city growth trajectories, finding that smaller cities face significant economic shocks and structural changes.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2019

Mangroves and storm protection

A study analyzed data on 2,000 coastal communities in 23 countries with substantial mangrove areas, finding that even modest coverage can protect economic activity from cyclones. The analysis estimated a permanent loss of 5.4-6.7 months' worth of economic activity for communities with minimal mangrove coverage.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019

Land conservation helps local economies grow

A new analysis by Harvard University shows that land conservation modestly increases employment rates in New England cities and towns, even when controlling for other factors. The study found small gains in median household income and population, as well as employment growth in recreation and tourism industries.

SourceHarvard University·JournalConservation Biology·DateMar 26, 2019

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Economic growth linked to reduction in stunting and thinness, but rise in overweight and obesity in Chinese children and adolescents

A study found that economic growth in China led to a decrease in stunting and thinness among children and adolescents, but a significant increase in overweight and obesity rates. The research suggests a need for policies promoting dietary diversity, physical activity, and health education.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMar 19, 2019

Biodiversity crisis: Technological advances in agriculture are not a sufficient response

A study by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) finds that technological advances in agriculture are not sufficient to address biodiversity loss, which is driven by population and economic growth. The research highlights the need for policies addressing these factors to mitigate biodiversity decline.

Tinkering with public debt we doom innovation and growth

Research by Bocconi University finds that public debt increases the cost of capital for innovative firms, forcing them to choose only profitable projects over riskier ones, ultimately affecting national GDP growth. A high public debt can lead to a 4% decline in GDP growth after five years compared to a normal debt level.

SourceBocconi University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateJan 18, 2019

Spending our carbon budgets wisely

Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology suggest that prioritizing fundamental human needs over economic growth could make it easier to reduce carbon emissions. They found that meeting subsistence and protection needs takes half of the global carbon budget, while leisure and identity take most of the other half.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 15, 2018

Overuse of agricultural chemicals on China's small farms harms health and environment

A new study found that small farm size strongly affects the use and intensity of agricultural chemicals in China. The research suggests that addressing this issue is critical to sustainable development in Chinese agriculture. If left unaddressed, other less-developed countries may face similar health and environmental problems.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Uncertainty in long-run economic growth likely points toward greater emissions, climate change costs

Researchers found substantially higher uncertainty than assumed in current climate change studies, with a median per capita output growth rate of 2.03% per year. This new understanding of uncertainty will affect policy planning globally.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2018

Why economic growth does not necessarily contribute to human happiness

A new study reveals that economic growth in developed countries may not improve human happiness, but rather erodes free goods and creates social problems. The Negative Endogenous Growth Model suggests that economic systems can produce wealth from the erosion of free goods, leading to unhappiness and excessive consumption.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateMar 13, 2018

Building a sustainable future: Urgent action needed

A new report highlights the need for sustainable solutions to address growing energy demands from emerging middle classes. The study finds that adoption rates of energy-efficient materials and technologies vary greatly across countries due to differences in climate, economic power, and public perception on climate change.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalMRS Energy & Sustainability·DateOct 30, 2017

A large mineral sector can undermine other companies

A large mineral sector can lead to a 'resource curse,' where the finance sector prioritizes established firms over smaller companies, hindering national economic growth. This phenomenon, studied in 70 countries, suggests that the finance sector's focus on larger companies can exacerbate the resource curse.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEmerging Markets Review·DateMay 8, 2017

China's economic growth could help other developing countries

Research from the journal Area Development and Policy highlights China's successful economic growth as a model for other developing countries. To achieve sustained growth, these countries should develop their economies according to their comparative advantages and avoid immediate exposure to international competition. However, there ar...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalArea Development and Policy·DateMar 21, 2017

Tweeting in times of emergency

The study found that only half of Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies have adopted Twitter, highlighting the digital divide as a constraint. Despite this, high activity rates were observed in countries like Kenya, Indonesia, and the Philippines, suggesting potential for growth in developing economies.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Management·DateMar 20, 2017

Electricity and economics

A new study analyzes data from 21 countries and finds a positive correlation between electricity consumption and life satisfaction in some nations, while others show the opposite relationship. The research suggests that narrowing production-consumption gaps can improve human development outcomes.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Energy Issues·DateMay 19, 2016