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Trade agreements can ease the pain of a possible global recession

A new study by the University of California School of Global Policy and Strategy found that credible trade agreements help U.S. firms invest in new export markets during economic downturns. The research suggests that trade agreements can mitigate the impact of a global recession, particularly for industries dependent on exports.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of International Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2022

US food insufficiency spiked by 25% after monthly Child Tax Credits expired

A new study found that the expiration of monthly Child Tax Credit payments led to a 25% increase in food insufficiency among US households with children. The loss of cash relief benefits disproportionately impacted Black, Latino, Indigenous, and immigrant families, exacerbating racial and economic inequities.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2022

The Lancet: New report details “massive global failures” of COVID-19 response, calls for improved multilateral cooperation to end pandemic and effectively manage future global health threats

The Lancet Commission report highlights widespread, global failures in the COVID-19 response, resulting in millions of preventable deaths and reversed progress towards UN SDGs. The report calls for strengthened multilateral cooperation, improved technology, and international health financing to address future health threats.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 14, 2022

Hurricane Harvey’s hardest hit survivors five times as likely to experience anxiety from COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers found that those severely impacted by Hurricane Harvey were four times more likely to experience income loss and five times more likely to suffer severe anxiety during the pandemic. The study highlights the cumulative effect of economic stress and mental health impacts on an individual's well-being.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateSep 12, 2022

Child deaths by gun violence during pandemic

The study suggests that COVID-19's direct mortality effects on children may be comparable to the magnitude of indirect outcomes from gun violence. The authors noted a possible increase in gun-related deaths among children due to factors like psychological and economic strain during the pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 4, 2022

Deep economic divide found even among employed people during COVID-19

Researchers examined precarity in employed adults and found that most fell into two categories: those doing well financially and those struggling. The study highlights the need for organizations to consider the long-term consequences of using precarious work arrangements, which can lead to a less healthy and less productive workforce.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJul 11, 2022

Research: Partnership between humanitarian organizations and governments is essential for providing cash assistance to refugees

Research from Indiana University reveals that cash assistance is a double-edged sword, harming both refugees and local residents if not implemented correctly. Humanitarian organizations can extend cash assistance to host regions with market power by partnering with local governments.

SourceIndiana University·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

Workers with disabilities overcome pandemic setbacks, outpacing people without disabilities to set new records for employment

A new report from Kessler Foundation reveals that workers with disabilities have exceeded pre-pandemic employment levels to reach historic highs, while those without disabilities still lag behind. The data show that labor force participation rates for people with disabilities increased from 33.6% in 2019 to 35.1% in 2021, outpacing the...

Fall and rise of electricity use in early pandemic

A Stanford University and Oregon State University study found that global electricity consumption declined by 7.6% in April 2020 due to government restrictions, but recovered rapidly as people returned to work and social activities. The magnitude of change was not related to the severity of restrictions or economic activity.

SourceStanford University·JournaliScience·DateFeb 11, 2022

Modeling emissions pathways for India’s climate amid COVID-19 recovery

A new study models India's climate change impact from varying emissions strategies during the COVID-19 recovery. The research finds that greener scenarios may drive a positive feedback loop, while extreme temperature and precipitation events are expected to increase in magnitude and frequency regardless of the emissions commitments.

A salty treat: Extracting high-quality magnesium sulphate from seawater desalination brine

A team of Korean researchers has successfully extracted high-quality magnesium sulphate, without calcium impurities, from seawater desalination brine using a novel ethanol-based process. The process achieved up to 67% magnesium recovery efficiency and has potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industry.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalDesalination·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021

Satellite images show positive impact of conservation efforts for China's coastal wetlands

Satellite images reveal a substantial increase in saltmarsh area and stable trends of tidal flat areas after 2012, driven by decreased anthropogenic activities and increased conservation and restoration efforts. Conservation efforts have positively impacted China's coastal wetlands, mitigating the loss of these important ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 28, 2021

Race, not job, predicts economic outcomes for black households

Research from Duke University's Samuel DuBois Cook Center for Social Equity found that Black households lost more wealth than white families during the decade-long economic recovery following the Great Recession. The study also showed that Black working-class families remained in the worst overall economic position, entering the COVID-...

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2021

After the pandemic: Economy, poverty and climate in the post-COVID-19 era

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the economy, leading to a 75 million-person increase in poverty in 2020. The study predicts that economic impacts will persist due to past epidemics' effects, with energy demand and emissions dropping significantly but mostly due to reduced economic activity.