Articles tagged with Environmental Economics
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that human activities have expanded at a slower rate than population and economic growth, but still have extensive environmental impacts. The research found that three-quarters of the planet is significantly altered and 97% of species-rich regions are seriously altered.
A recent University of Kansas study found that environmental regulations can increase firms' profits when implemented in the right balance. When wastewater discharge limits were stringent and inspections were frequent, profits declined as expected, but under conditions where one was stronger than the other, profits improved. This sugge...
Researchers have developed mathematical models that can ensure new pipeline systems are designed economically and efficiently. The models use computational fluid dynamics to predict the optimum design for hydraulic capsule pipelines, which can convey bulk solids effectively.
Researchers from the University of Missouri suggest farmers use buffers between crops and trees to reduce soil runoff, while maintaining good growing conditions. The study found that utilizing Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land strategically creates effective buffers.
A new study led by Carnegie Institution's Greg Asner reveals diverse forest communities in the Andes and Amazon regions that break long-held ecological rules. The research uses high-fidelity imaging to create large-scale maps of leaf nutrients, offering key findings on forest responses to climate change.
Regulation of localized sea turtle bycatch in the Hawaii longline swordfish fishery led to increased total sea turtle bycatch in the surrounding area. The study found that without such regulation, sea turtle bycatch would be 11% lower than actual counts.
A new study published in Frontiers in Plant Science found that introducing legumes into agricultural systems can reduce nitrous oxide emissions by 20-30% and fertilizer use by 25-40%. The study also shows increased gross margins in forage agriculture systems, demonstrating the potential for both environmental and economic benefits.
A new study reveals that economic concerns are a significant factor in the adoption of sustainability plans by local governments. Fiscal savings and attracting development projects were key motivators, along with environmental concerns.
A new tool, FEAST, calculates economic costs of different methane leak detection technologies and identifies the most cost-effective methods. The study found that selectively targeting super-emitters can help mitigate methane leakage at lower costs, while expensive instruments can be used if leak detection is performed rapidly.
A Strathclyde PhD student has been awarded a place on the prestigious Schmidt MacArthur Fellowship, an international programme on the circular economy. The fellowship provides valuable support for his studies and research on networks of innovation in the circular economy.
Researchers found that subtle changes in the air-water interface shape near the surface of capillaries significantly impact drying rates. By controlling microstructure, drying time can be improved. The study's findings could lead to more efficient porous materials for various industries.
Desalination plants can generate renewable hydropower for peak demand periods, improving water security without building new dams. This approach offers cost savings for consumers and government.
A national survey found that most Americans are willing to pay more taxes to support biodiversity conservation in the Gulf of Mexico. The survey showed that people value preserving biodiversity for future generations and are willing to pay between $35 to $107 more annually for the expansion of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sa...
A multi-disciplinary team from James Cook University has developed a roadmap for sustainable fishing tourism in Papua New Guinea. The project aims to benefit local communities while promoting conservation of the Papuan Black Bass, one of the world's toughest sportfish.
Development assistance for vaccines in low- and middle-income countries increased from $822m in 2000 to $3.6bn in 2014, driven by the creation of Gavi and US/UK contributions.
Researchers found a 7-8% drop in happiness among British workers compared to leisure activities outside of work. The Mappiness app, which quizzes users on their wellbeing, debunks the myth that Brits love queuing and reveals lovemaking as the most pleasurable experience.
The increased international trade and travel have led to the spread of infectious diseases, including zoonoses like SARS and MERS. The economic cost of these outbreaks can be significant, with the 2001 UK hoof and mouth disease outbreak costing over $10 billion.
Researchers warn that Africa's planned 'development corridors' could have devastating environmental impacts, including habitat disruption and loss of biodiversity. The corridors, spanning 53,000 km, would crisscross the continent and prioritize agricultural production over environmental conservation.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that surface solar radiation in China has decreased due to higher air pollution and lower wind speeds. The research reveals that the solar dimming increased significantly during the day in polluted areas, with 20% of reduced solar radiation attributed to aerosols.
Despite recent advancements, only 3.5% of the ocean has protection, compared to 15% of terrestrial areas, highlighting a need for accelerated action. Seven key findings from researchers suggest that full protection, networks, and smart planning can enhance biodiversity and economic benefits.
A new framework reveals how panda conservation efforts in China impact cities worldwide, including economic impacts and greenhouse gas emissions. The study also explores the effects of tourism and conservation on local ecosystems.
The University of Bonn study found that Brazil's 'blacklisting' policy reduced Amazon forest loss by 26% per year. The researchers used data from 2008 to 2012 and compared listed communities with comparable non-listed communities.
A group of ecologists at Oregon State University argue that scientific research must address the world's multiple demands and needs to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. They suggest that Earth scientists should focus on real-world problems and share knowledge widely to benefit society.
Protected areas in Indonesia have preserved 14,000 hectares of mangrove habitat between 2000 and 2010, avoiding 28% of total mangrove loss. This conservation effort has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 13 million metric tons annually.
A study published in Science reveals that humans exploit adult fish populations at 14 times the rate of marine predators and hunt large land carnivores nine times faster than their wild counterparts. This unprecedented level of predation highlights humanity's role as a 'super predator' driving widespread wildlife extinctions.
Economist Edward Barbier calls for international cooperation to protect the world's most at-risk nations from hurricane damage and long-term climate change impacts. He advocates for coastal protection plans, economic diversification, and restoration of natural barriers to safeguard vulnerable populations.
A new study suggests that well-specified contracts are effective in reducing violations on the part of the buyer only if they are from highly globalized countries or have low-risk business environments. Contract monitoring can help mitigate negative influences of contract violation on relationship performance.
Research found that people use their neighborhoods as a gauge of wealth distribution, influencing wealthy individuals' perceptions of the broader population's wealth. The study also revealed a chain-like relationship between household income, social-circle income, and perceived fairness.
A study by researchers at University of Illinois found that groundwater from three major aquifers is crucial for food security, with 91% of embodied water staying within the US. Unsustainable usage threatens domestic food supply and global markets.
Northwestern University professor Fengqi You uses life-cycle analysis to make the production more environmentally and economically friendly. By restructuring the supply chain, he found that a network of pipelines can transport freshwater and shale gas, reducing trucks and exhaust emissions.
The formation of the ASEAN Economic Community will likely lead to more deforestation, large-scale commercial monoculture crops, and environmental degradation if nations fail to address gaps in policies and enforcement. The region's agricultural land covers 1.26 million hectares, with forests covering 50% of ASEAN's total area.
A new study by University of Massachusetts Amherst fisheries biologist Andy J. Danylchuk is assessing the impact of catch-and-release fishing on the golden dorado fish in South America. The study aims to develop conservation strategies and sustainable fishing practices for this iconic species, which is crucial to the regional ecotouris...
A new assessment tool evaluates fisheries' ecological health alongside economic and community benefits, revealing surprising results. Alaska salmon ranks high in ecology but low in economics and community performance, while Colombian artisanal shrimp performs well in community impact despite low ecological stock levels.
May-Britt and Edvard Moser, Norwegian neuroscientists, were elected members of the American Philosophical Society in recognition of their groundbreaking research on spatial memory. The APS recognizes outstanding achievements in all fields of intellectual endeavor, a testament to the Mosers' exceptional contributions to neuroscience.
Scientists demonstrate potential for engineered softwoods to process more easily into pulp and paper by incorporating S-monomers, a key feature of hardwoods. This breakthrough could improve industry economics and reduce environmental impact by making biomass processing faster and more efficient.
A new open-access article provides cutting-edge resources for identifying parasitoid wasps in Africa and Madagascar, with over 306 described species and 54 genera available for research. The resource aims to facilitate future work on the taxonomy of these wasps and their importance in ecosystems.
A group of scientists, economists, and agriculture experts is working together to develop sustainable farming practices that minimize environmental pollution. The goal is to increase food production while ensuring farmers can make a living and the environment remains healthy.
Current residential development research is limited by single-discipline perspectives, missing holistic insights into environmental, economic, and social impacts. Key findings include the underrepresentation of ecosystem processes and nutrient cycling in studies.
The European Commission developed the BIOLCA tool to evaluate alternative fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It allows users to simulate life cycles, compare environmental impacts, and boost sustainability.
The Tobacco Atlas details the scale of the tobacco epidemic, its harmful influence on health, poverty, social justice, and the environment. The report highlights the tobacco industry's expanding array of tactics to preserve profits, including aggressive marketing and legal action, which cause economic, social, and environmental harm.
Using holistic frameworks to model many components of both human and natural systems can shed insights on how activities in one part of the world affect distant regions. Economic models, such as those provided by the Global Trade Analysis Project, help policymakers make informed decisions about sustainability.
A group of scientists argue that disciplinary approaches to global crises are ineffective and making problems worse due to counterproductive interactions. Systems integration, a holistic approach, is needed to tackle complex world problems.
A large-scale study by University of Southampton researchers has found that the agricultural development of a region in eastern China is ecologically unsustainable, with losses of ecosystem services and declining water quality. The study suggests that economic development has created a trade-off between gains in agricultural productivi...
Researchers found that women, parents, and nature lovers are willing to pay more for environmental upgrades. The study used a psychological scale to understand why people choose between promoting environmental values or commercial uses.
Research by András Tilcsik at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management shows that employees who experience similar economic environments in their early and later work lives perform better. Companies can help avoid 'curse of extremes' by diversifying new employees' experiences.
A UT Arlington study found that businesses near the stadium experience success when they synchronize their activities with events. Businesses closer to the stadium saw as a negative became paralyzed, but adapting to time-adaptation strategies helped them thrive.
Researchers reconstruct genetic family tree of Pheidole ants, finding two main groups with distinct evolutionary histories in the Americas and Europe/Asia/Africa/Australia. The study reveals a deterministic pattern in climate distribution, suggesting that Pheidole's success is linked to a key innovation.
A new model developed by economists at Duke University and the University of Connecticut helps fishermen boost profits by identifying the most efficient fishing practices and behaviors. The model found that in some cases, congestion can actually increase potential late-season profits and reduce the risk of fishery depletion.
Researchers found afforestation and intense pasturing to be effective ways to increase environmental and economic value of abandoned farmlands. Afforestation with native Andean alder had a positive impact on climate and water balance, while intense pasturing scored higher on ecological scale.
A University of Tennessee study reveals little evidence of conservation organizations adapting to economic changes, limiting their effectiveness. The research analyzed tax filings and interviews with nonprofit leaders, finding inconsistent strategies across the sector.
The 'SWITCH' tool enables policymakers to assess the economic and environmental implications of different energy scenarios, revealing significant variations in air pollutant emissions and land use. Researchers call for a move beyond sole focus on carbon reduction targets to consider local energy and environmental contexts.
A new special feature of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology explores how industrial ecology can lead to cost savings and higher profits for businesses. The research highlights the economic and environmental benefits of using life cycle assessment, design for environment, and material flow analysis in supply chains.
Researchers found a significant gap between the economic loss claimed by residents and the compensation received after the Hebei Spirit oil spill. Only 11 percent of the claims were approved for compensation. The study highlights the need for better consideration of social and ecological impacts in oil spill compensation.
The TX Invasives app allows users to identify 56 invasive plants, 25 insect species, 19 animals, and four pathogens. Citizen scientists have reported over 17,000 invasive species observations since 2005, aiding in management decisions and responding to new threats.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research suggests that responsible consumption is a myth, shifting the burden for solving global problems from governments to individuals. The researchers found that this shift benefits corporations by creating new markets, while all the pressure falls on consumers.
A new University of Akron study reveals that increased workloads and less satisfying job duties during the Great Recession had little direct effect on the health of workers who survived job cuts. Instead, these workers were already accustomed to coping with stressful environments.
Economics experts will debate the usefulness of economic models, experiments and econometric regressions in addressing real-world issues. The meeting will feature lectures on topics like kidney donation matching and US unemployment, as well as systemic risk measurement.
A new study by Chinese and American conservation biologists quantifies China's recent economic growth on its coastal ecosystems. The research shows that after reforms declared in 1978, many human economic activities with deleterious environmental impacts increased markedly.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia argue that natural resources worth more than US$40 trillion must be accounted for. The value of these 'natural capital' elements is largely excluded from GDP and corporate accounting, but using them has an impact on the natural world and future living standards.
Researchers warn that invasive watersnakes in California pose a threat to native and endangered species, including the giant gartersnake, California tiger salamander, and foothill yellow-legged frog. The snakes' spread could disrupt ecosystems and lead to further declines of already imperiled native fish and amphibians.