Articles tagged with Environmental Economics
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
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 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.
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.
The Urban Water Management Workshop, held at UC Riverside, stressed the need for a portfolio approach to water management, including information campaigns, pricing options, supply reuse, and technology-based rebate programs. The workshop aimed to improve communication and collaboration between academics and water agency officials.
China faces both criticisms and accolades for its environmental record, being both the largest polluter and the country leading in cleaning up pollution. Dr. Joachim H. Spangenberg suggests three fields of action to help China reduce its climate footprint and accumulated debt within a decade.
A global survey of 350 cities reveals that 75% tackle climate-change issues as part of their planning, with 73% attempting both mitigation and adaptation. However, only 21% report tangible connections between climate change response and achieving other local development goals.
UCSB's residential dining services incorporated local pesticide-free or organic produce into their menu, resulting in a significant increase in sustainable food options. The project demonstrated that scaling up local food systems can have a positive impact on the community and environment.
A new Concordia University research reveals that companies can reduce disposal costs and boost revenues by reprocessing and selling waste to other firms. The practice of industrial symbiosis has been found to create significant economic, environmental and societal value, according to researcher Raymond Paquin.
New indicators of social and environmental well-being are being used to measure a nation's success beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP). These include birth weight, hours slept, eyeglasses, city birds, washing machines, and teenage schoolgirls, highlighting the need for broader measures of societal progress.
A study by Sarah Crowley reveals the complex history of camels in Australia, from their role in infrastructure development to their current status as 'humped pests.' The estimated 1 million-strong population poses a significant environmental threat, causing damage to agriculture and water resources.
Clemson professor Rajendra Singh is recognized for his efforts to expand solar deployment across the US, driving policy changes and creating jobs in the industry. He has played a key role in increasing new solar installations, enough to power over 2.2 million American homes.
A new analytical tool, HANDY, incorporates two new variables into the well-known predator-prey model, reflecting the accumulation of wealth and economic stratification between rich and poor. The model suggests that human societies can reach a sustainable steady state when they do not over-deplete natural resources and avoid extreme eco...
The Ocean Health Index assesses ocean health across 10 categories, with Brazil scoring lowest in Natural Products and Food Provision. The index provides a framework for strategic management of ocean resources, with opportunities for improvement identified in various states.
Eight international scientists propose eight sustainable livestock strategies to cut costs while boosting the quantity and quality of food produced. These include feeding animals less human food, raising regionally appropriate animals, and tailoring practices to local culture.
Researchers at Oregon State University created a new approach to sustainable manufacturing that incorporates the human component, addressing economic, environmental, and social impacts. The method considers various facets of sustainability, including energy usage, materials, worker safety, and satisfaction, to create a holistic process.
The Yale School of Environment journal examines the benefits and limitations of environmental footprinting, a concept that summarizes human impact on the planet. The field continues to evolve, offering new opportunities for collaboration and precision in assessing sustainability.
A panel of experts from Duke University and Scripps Institution urges policy and stewardship measures for deep sea ecosystems. The extraction of deep-sea minerals and precious metals creates economic incentives but poses unknown ecological risks.
The Algae Biomass Organization has published a new standard for measuring algae industry operations, establishing a common language for describing economic and environmental impact. The updated standards will help compare diverse algae technologies and their commercial production scale.
A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers found that white roofs are the most cost-effective option over a 50-year time span, with savings of $2 per square foot compared to black roofs. Green roofs, while more expensive upfront, offer environmental and amenity benefits that may mitigate their financial burden.
Researchers propose measures to tax CO2 emissions and cut labor taxes, reducing pollution and increasing economic activity. The study suggests environmental fiscal reform can benefit both the public system and the environment.
The study found that high government subsidies reduce the net benefits of the industry, leading to job losses and revenue decline. Growers on large estates earn significantly more than independent farmers, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to address socio-economic impacts.
Cyber resilience requires metrics reflecting relationships among system components in physical, information, cognitive and social domains. A new framework proposes combining network-centric operations and resilience response stages to quantify and manage cyber system resilience.
A new recycling process can extract valuable materials from wastewater containing rare earth elements (REEs), which are crucial in modern technologies. The process uses a nanomaterial to capture more than 85% of the REEs, providing a promising solution to address supply shortages and environmental concerns.
Dr. Scott Tinker receives AGI award for his documentary Switch, which has reached an estimated 3 million people globally and screened at over 350 universities. He is also a prominent figure in building bridges between academia, industry, and government.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison team developed a model to forecast the impact of future policies on urban development and agricultural cultivation on aquatic ecosystems. The study found that crop cover is projected to decrease in some regions, while urbanization may exacerbate biodiversity loss in others.
A UMD-led study reveals the US economy's high resource dependence on oil, making it susceptible to 'peak oil' threats. The research team identifies sectors such as iron mills, chemical manufacturing, and air transport that could put the entire economy at risk.
A unique experiment involving 500 industrial plants in Gujarat, India, reveals that changing the auditing system from firm-paid to central-funded auditors significantly reduced pollution levels and increased accuracy. The study's findings have implications for the global debt-rating system and corporate financial reports.
A new study shows that fisheries-induced evolution can lead to faster growth and earlier maturation in fish, potentially harming or helping fisheries. Optimally harvesting Northeast Arctic cod stocks could increase sustainable yields over 30% greater than today by allowing evolution to aid the economic interests of fishers
A new report from the University of East Anglia finds that current UK farming subsidies distort land use decisions, resulting in significant financial and environmental costs. The research suggests that reforms to EU subsidies could improve land use efficiency and reduce costs, while also conserving wild species and promoting recreation.
The new journal aims to provide a forum for discussing the economic aspects of water resources, including extraction, pollution, and allocation. The first issue is freely available online on ScienceDirect and features articles on topics such as willingness to pay and water conservation incentives.
A new study published by Rice University and the University of California at Davis predicts that US corn yields will decline by 7% and irrigation needs will increase by 9% due to climate change. This could sharply hinder the nation's ethanol production targets, leading to a re-evaluation of biofuel policies.