Articles tagged with Environmental Economics
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
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 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.
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.
Scientists at the University of California, Davis have successfully engineered a strain of photosynthetic cyanobacteria to grow without light. This breakthrough allows for cost-effective and controllable biofuel production in diurnal conditions.
Researchers have developed a novel, environmentally friendly approach to pretreating Miscanthus biomass, enabling more efficient conversion into biofuels. The 'green' pretreatment process uses switchable butadiene sulfone, which can be recovered and reused, reducing waste and costs.
The study highlights the importance of sustainable land management in reducing deforestation and preserving ecosystems. Agricultural intensification, combined with policies and incentives, can minimize environmental degradation and secure the health of forests and streams in the Amazon and other tropical regions.
A global survey reveals that environmental issues, particularly climate change, are a low priority for people in the US and around the world. In the surveys, the economy ranked highest in concern, with environmental issues ranking sixth.
Philip Lowe, RELU programme director, received the Bertebos Prize for his contributions to sustainable rural development and land use management. The prize recognizes his interdisciplinary approach and impact on rural policy development in the UK and Europe.
A new study links vector-borne diseases to economic development across the globe, finding that these diseases have a substantial effect on income between tropical and temperate countries. The study's results suggest that infectious diseases can undermine economic growth similarly to crime or government corruption.
A new study found that ethnically and religiously diverse countries tend to underinvest in environmental protection, even when controlling for income and industrial activity. Social fragmentation can lower collective action and reduce public spending on environmental protection.
Elsevier has acquired the Journal of Choice Modelling, a leading publication in choice modelling, which covers topics such as transport and marketing. The journal will continue to publish four issues in 2013 and maintain access for a wide range of readers through ScienceDirect.
Mountaintop mining has significant environmental and social impacts, but a new public ecology approach aims to balance economic needs with ecological protection. The approach involves broad participation, transparency, and compromise among stakeholders, including miners, environmental groups, and government agencies.
A new paper by Stephen S. Morse and colleagues proposes a series of research and surveillance opportunities to bridge gaps in understanding zoonoses and improve pandemic prediction. The authors emphasize the need for a global early warning system to prevent emerging infections at their source.
A new study suggests climate change is causing significant stress to western rangelands, leading to ecosystem degradation and loss of biodiversity. The researchers recommend reducing or eliminating livestock from public lands to mitigate these effects and restore affected ecosystems.
Recent presidents earn high grades for economic performance, while some historical figures receive failing marks. A new study analyzing data from 1789 to 2009 assigns a grade point average to each president, providing an objective measure of their economic success.
Gustavo Arellano, best-selling author and '¡Ask a Mexican!' columnist, will discuss how Mexican food conquered America in his new book. He'll address misconceptions about what constitutes 'Mexican' food and its influence on US cuisine.
Research in Venice Lagoon reveals rapid climate change with SST increasing ten times the global average, impacting local economy and marine life. The study highlights the urgent need to address urban heat island effects to secure coastal habitats.
A new study published in Science magazine provides population assessments for thousands of data-poor fisheries worldwide, revealing that over half are in decline. However, the research highlights hope for recovery: most unassessed fisheries have not yet collapsed and can provide a significant seafood supply boost if managed sustainably.
A recent study found that the abandonment of rice cultivation in Taiwanese paddies has led to an increase in disease-carrying ticks and chiggers, resulting in higher incidence rates of scrub typhus. This demonstrates the potential for global commodities pricing to drive the spread of infections.
Researchers study natural gas impacts on drinking water, finding high methane concentrations near fracking sites. Gas leaks also cause soil changes, affecting urban ecosystems. The session discusses policy strategies to encourage cleaner natural gas distribution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation's Council of environment ministers emphasized the role of communities in building resilience to environmental changes. The ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to initiatives aimed at greenifying North America's economy and protecting its citizens' health.
Researchers developed a 'cost-sensitive' model to determine when importing a given plant is worth the risk, balancing economic benefits and environmental damage. The model uses statistical procedures to assess a plant's likelihood of becoming invasive.