Articles tagged with Environmental Economics
A new study by NIST evaluates the power usage and environmental impact of gas versus electric HVAC systems in low-energy residential dwellings. The study suggests that natural gas is currently more economical overall than electric for a code-compliant Maryland home.
Researchers argue that Spain's current regulations on light pollution are inadequate and propose a change in approach to minimize the problem. Using white light instead of yellow light can provide significant energy savings while maintaining user safety, with potential benefits for environmental and economic aspects as well.
A study found that climate change may lead to increased fertility due to reduced resources for education, as people allocate time and money for child-rearing. The researchers used a quantitative model to examine the economic channels through which climate change affects fertility, finding that it worsens inequalities in richer countries.
A group of invasive species experts warns of the economic and environmental risks posed by biological invasions in the US, citing climate change as a major factor. The Trump Administration's budget cut is seen as reckless and inadequate to address the growing threat.
A new study in Heliyon identifies distinct opinion patterns on positional issues among Canadian voters, suggesting a micro-targeting marketing strategy could be effective. The research found that many Canadians have strong opinions on divisive issues, comparable to conventional vote predictors like party identification.
A Duke University economist argues that federal subsidies for US commercial fisheries should be rejected due to their lack of scientific merit. The proposed rule change could lead to overfishing, weak economic performance, and increased by-catch and habitat impacts if finalized.
Researchers found that cash transfer programs can exacerbate environmental degradation, particularly in rural areas where livelihoods depend on natural resources. The study suggests that these programs need to be implemented with environmental policies to maximize their effectiveness.
Russian scientists propose a new recycling method that produces liquid products from organic waste, eliminating the need for specialized plants and reducing oil consumption. The process also generates no environmental emissions, making it compatible with circular economy principles.
Paying a living wage to garment industry workers in BRIC countries may increase Western European clothing prices by 12.5%, but could lead to more jobs and less poverty, while keeping global carbon emissions roughly the same. The study challenges conventional wisdom that higher wages are bad for the environment.
A global carbon tax could reduce greenhouse gas emissions efficiently, according to a survey of people in the US, India, UK, South Africa, and Australia. The majority of respondents supported carbon taxes if revenues were returned to citizens or spent on climate projects.
A new seven-point plan aims to help policymakers develop coherent strategies to address climate change and its impact on the environment. The plan suggests working together across disciplines to tackle complex issues, and outlines guiding principles for policy decisions.
A recent study by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute scientists evaluated the economic viability of PES programs in the PCW, finding that reforestation efforts have a significant impact on ship transits and dry-season water flow. The researchers also identified market clearing equilibriums for such programs, highlighting their pot...
A two-year study by researchers at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab found that ten times more trash washes up on the coast of Texas than any other Gulf state. The majority of the trash was plastic, with most occurring during spring and summer months.
A new study led by Ohio State University aims to build models that predict how future trade scenarios could affect the Great Lakes region's food, energy, and water supply. The research team is gathering input from farmers, state and regional policy organizations, and other stakeholders to formulate potential future scenarios.
A new study by USC and other universities finds that increasing fuel economy standards for passenger vehicles will bring about significant economic benefits, including $112 billion in estimated savings. The research contradicts the Trump administration's claim that such rules would lead to too many highway deaths.
A study by Kanazawa University found that rural tourism has a positive impact on rural communities in Japan, preserving landscapes and creating jobs for older people. However, the industry faces challenges such as small income generation and seasonality, which threaten its long-term sustainability.
Researchers at KAUST developed a metal-organic framework that selectively adsorbs hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from natural gas, making it cleaner-burning and more environmentally friendly. The technology could also promote increased use of natural gas worldwide, potentially yielding large environmental and economic benefits.
A new study presents a unified path for development and conservation, considering the needs of both people and nature. By using leading projections and aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, researchers envision a world in 2050 where human well-being and nature thrive together.
Researchers have developed a MOF membrane with micro/nano architectures that accelerates oil-water separation with high efficiency. The membrane exhibits excellent separation efficiency over 99.99% for various oil-water mixtures, with a remarkable water flux of up to 102000 L/m2h.
A new study from the University of British Columbia and Princeton University found that intense competition fosters pro-social behavior, including sharing, co-operation, and volunteering. This results in higher levels of contribution to collective pools and reported increases in generalized trust among coworkers.
New research suggests that high- and low-income countries will struggle to achieve environmental sustainability if current economic growth patterns continue. The study argues that restructuring the economic system is key to making development compatible with ecological sustainability.
A new study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution exposes connections between tax havens, deforestation, and illegal fishing. On average, 68% of foreign capital to Amazon rainforest sectors was transferred through tax havens, while 70% of IUU fishing vessels were flagged under a tax haven jurisdiction.
A study by University of California, Berkeley economists found that air pollution emissions from US manufacturing fell by 60% between 1990 and 2008 due to stricter environmental regulations. The researchers analyzed data on over 1,400 products and found that changes in production technologies were the primary driver of these decreases.
A PolyU-led project has been awarded a record-breaking HK$47.2 million grant to develop new concrete structures for marine infrastructure, aiming to reduce steel corrosion and environmental pollution. The five-year project will focus on innovative materials and designs, with potential benefits extending to Hong Kong and globally.
Researchers have developed a family of metal-free ferroelectric perovskites offering non-toxic and mechanically flexible properties for future soft robotic and biomedical devices. One organic compound exhibits ferroelectric traits similar to inorganic BTO, enabling environmentally friendly applications.
RIT will continue to lead the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) after a five-year award from the DEC. Since 2008, NYSP2I has made significant economic, environmental and social impacts across the state, including operational cost savings, assistance projects, and research initiatives.
The EXIOBASE 3 database provides new clarity on the links between international trade, consumption, and environmental impact. Researchers found some level of decoupling between economic growth and environmental impact, but efficiency was reduced for material use increasing at a faster rate than GDP.
A new climate study argues that economic optimization alone is insufficient to avoid the tipping point of critical Earth system elements. The concept of profit maximization can lead to outcomes that harm people or the environment, even with discounted future costs.
A new journal paper highlights the limitations of economic models in assessing climate change impacts, particularly at moderate to high levels of warming. The authors argue that current models inadequately account for tipping points and uncertainties, leading to large discrepancies between scientific and economic estimates.
A team of scientists analyzed ant species distributions to understand why biodiversity is higher in the tropics. Their research suggests that time is key to species diversity, with tropical habitats having had more time to accumulate species.
The Earth BioGenome Project aims to sequence genomes of every eukaryotic species on Earth, filling the huge knowledge gap in biodiversity research. With a cost estimate of approximately US$4.7 billion, the project will lay the scientific foundation for a new bioeconomy and bring innovative solutions to global problems.
A £1 million toolkit will help cities and developers accurately assess the benefits of green infrastructure, supporting recreation, community events, and wildlife. The project aims to provide a practical decision-making tool for land owners and managers, protecting existing provision and promoting high-quality green space.
Researchers at Linköping University developed new methods to predict ecological roles of species in ecosystems. They found that a species' environment influences its role, particularly in predator-prey interactions. The study focuses on marine ecosystems but may inspire research on land-based habitats.
A Yale-led study found that GDP remains linked to metal use even as affluence grows, with a 1% rise in GDP increasing the nation's metal footprint by 1.9%. This challenges the long-held theory that metal use plateaus when GDP reaches $15,000 per person.
Researchers found that economic profit is the main motivation behind salvage logging in protected areas, despite warnings about its harm to biodiversity and regeneration capacity. Salvage logging should be banned from protected areas unless necessary for safety reasons, according to ecologists.
The US has seen significant improvements in air and water quality since the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts were enacted in the 1970s. Long-term monitoring programs have tracked declines in pollutants like sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, and lead, leading to benefits for human health, economies, and environments.
The World scientists' warning to humanity has prompted global responses and endorsements, with the latest translation including Polish. The paper highlights two key areas for action: incorporating externalised environmental limits into economics and implementing higher carbon prices globally.
Kimberly L. Jensen, a professor at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, has received the SAEA's Lifetime Achievement Award for her significant contributions to agricultural economics and Southern agriculture. She is recognized for her research interests in bioenergy economics, agribusiness, and environmental labeling.
The Earth BioGenome Project will map the DNA of all known eukaryotic species, including plants, animals, and single-celled organisms. The ambitious 10-year project is expected to cost $4.7 billion.
A new tool is being developed to fight global algal blooms by identifying resilient landscapes for farming. Researchers found that sampling headwaters allows for improved water quality and food production while minimizing toxic residue in waterways.
Shale gas ranks seventh out of nine electricity options due to its significant environmental and social impacts. To become a more sustainable option, large improvements are needed, including reducing environmental impacts by 329-fold and increasing employment by 16 times.
Researchers found invasive plant species can change their ecological niches to thrive in new continents and climates, challenging traditional assumptions. This shift has major consequences for predicting invasive species distribution and responses to climate change.
Experts at the Global Innovation Summit propose 10 guiding principles for sustainable economies, emphasizing research, education, and responsible resource development. The summit highlights innovative technologies like AI, sensors, and additive manufacturing to drive efficient production and mitigate environmental challenges.
A no-growth economy may be more stable with fewer crashes, according to a University of Sussex study. The research challenges dominant economic thinking, suggesting that economies can be volatile even during periods of growth.
Insect-based food sources present a significant nutritional opportunity due to their high levels of animal protein and key micronutrients. However, the nutritional quality of insects is influenced by their diet and environmental impact remains a concern.
McGill University has received a $10-million donation to establish a new School of Public Policy, bringing together faculty and students from across Canada and worldwide. The school will offer a one-year graduate program in public policy and executive teaching programs.
A study by James Cook University scientists warns of serious hidden costs and risks associated with new roads in high-rainfall areas. The researchers urge limiting planned or built roads in these regions to prevent pot-holes, landslides, and environmental degradation.
Researchers at James Cook University found that poorly planned roads can become costly money-losers for developing nations due to high maintenance costs. The study highlights the risks of corruption and substandard construction methods, which can lead to rapid collapse and further environmental damage.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals Indigenous nations are adapting to invasive species through public programs, education, and collaborative efforts with non-Indigenous governments. These initiatives not only mitigate the impact of invasive species but also protect cultural identity and traditional economic knowledge.
The durian tree relies on the pollination services of the island flying fox, which is critically endangered. The discovery has significant implications for Southeast Asia's tropical ecosystems and the lucrative durian industry.
The University of Kansas will partner with four other Kansas universities to study the role of microorganisms in environmental changes and economic implications. This project aims to improve understanding of microbiomes in water, plants, and soil.
Research finds that intercropping corn with chili peppers reduces soil erosion, improves economic return, and increases biodiversity. This method is particularly beneficial for farmers in southern China's hilly areas, where it can bring in an extra $1,000-$2,000 per year.
A University of Illinois economist found that property transactions in Kenya did not show significant price changes due to the Millennium Villages Project, despite increased amenities and subsidies. Residents may be holding onto their land to wait for potential value increases, suggesting a lack of perceived benefits.
Scientists from UC Santa Cruz and the Nature Conservancy released a report identifying lands in Florida that are potential targets for projects with multiple benefits, such as reduced flood exposure, conservation, and remediation of social vulnerability. The study proposes prioritizing property buyouts based on these factors to support...
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that environmental regulations can reduce pollution emissions from urbanization without hindering economic growth. The study used annual data on air quality and economic indicators to assess the impact of stricter pollution standards, finding no negative effect on GDP.
Researchers examined spearfishing practices in the Caribbean, finding that compressor divers targeted higher-quality fish more efficiently than free divers. The study highlights the importance of understanding fishing methods to develop effective management strategies for coral reefs.
A new study models rural poverty using ecological, economic, and epidemiological factors. The framework highlights disease transmission and recovery rates as key determinants of long-term health and wealth dynamics.
Researchers are exploring the potential of mollusc shells to restore damaged oyster reefs and cultivate new oysters. The shells contain over 95% calcium carbonate, a valuable biomaterial used in various applications, offering a sustainable alternative to mined limestone.
New research aims to understand falling sea levels in the Dead Sea, with potential impacts on the environment and local economies. The study will use historical and present-day data, along with numerical models to predict future levels and assess government responses.
A growing number of businesses and governments have adopted the circular economy framework, aiming to keep resources in use for longer. The Journal of Industrial Ecology special issue explores the concept's complexities and opportunities, including product design methods, social forces, and challenges of implementing circularity efforts.