Articles tagged with Environmental Economics
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.
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.
Grammy-winning Maná leads a project proposing direct payment schemes for landowners in Mexico's La Primavera Forest, promoting conservation and biodiversity. The model aims to compensate citizens who benefit from the reserve's ecological services while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at University of York and University of Canterbury disprove the accepted theory of nestedness, finding instead that a species' number of mutualistic partners is a better predictor of individual survival and community persistence. This challenges the idea that ecological communities exhibit nested structures.
Researchers used the Modern Portfolio Theory to develop a diversified land portfolio for conservation in the Prairie Pothole Region. The study found that considering both benefits and costs resulted in the most efficient land acquisition, with the central area proving more cost-effective than the eastern region.
A long-term study on nature tourism in China's Wolong Nature Reserve found that those with resources, education, and government connections were more likely to succeed in the tourism industry. The research highlights the need for balanced policies between economic development and habitat management.
By 2030, humanity's urban footprint will occupy an additional 1.5 million square kilometers, equivalent to the combined territories of France, Germany, and Spain. The forecast urban population in 2050 is expected to reach 6.3 billion, with dense cities designed for efficiency offering a promising path to sustainability.
The UK has launched its Centre for Carbon Measurement to improve climate data accuracy, support carbon markets, and stimulate green innovation. The centre aims to triple the £6m of low-carbon projects already being supported by NPL over three years.
A University of Connecticut study reveals that growing economic uncertainty leads to decreased public belief in man-made global warming. Research found a strong correlation between unemployment rates and climate change skepticism, with jobless rates dropping skepticism among the public.
Researchers from Taiwan studied a local industrial park, measuring air and water pollution, solid waste production, and energy consumption. They proposed a management model based on sustainable practices to reduce the negative environmental impact of industrial parks.
The Eco2 Index ranks countries based on their financial deficits, national debt, and resource consumption. Many high-income countries, including Japan and the US, perform poorly due to high ecological deficits, while South America and parts of Africa score well in terms of financial security.
A new study by Michigan State University economist Soren Anderson suggests that the government mandate for ethanol is not justified due to low demand elasticity. The researcher found that when ethanol prices rose, demand fell only 12-16%, indicating that consumers are not willing to pay a premium to support the corn-based fuel.
A commentary in Nature suggests that the economic pain of a flattening oil supply will trump environmental concerns, with production hitting a wall around 2005. Stagnant oil supplies and volatile prices take a toll on the world economy, with oil production decline expected to continue.
A comprehensive review examines how climate change affects invasive alien species in Canada, highlighting the urgent need for policy development and further investigation. The study predicts profound consequences for environments, economies, and societies worldwide, including the spread of infectious diseases in the Arctic.
The report explores complex consequences of excess nitrogen on ecological communities, human health, and agriculture. Strategies to maximize efficient use of fertilizer and mitigate agricultural sources are also presented.
Researchers found willingness to take financial risks decreases with age and economic downturns. Investors should not adjust their risk tolerance according to the economic climate. Financial planners must consider clients' attitudes toward risk for appropriate investment portfolio recommendations.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that UK's discarded wrapping paper and Christmas cards can be turned into high-grade biofuel, powering vehicles with lower greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that using this technology could provide a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Ecosystem services have declined by 60% due to land conversion for food and fiber production. Experts recommend market-based solutions, such as cap-and-trade policies and certification schemes, to incentivize sustainable supply of these services.
The southern pine beetle is the most destructive forest pest in the US, causing significant economic and ecological harm. The new synthesis, Southern Pine Beetle II, updates research on the insect's biology, ecology, and management, providing current state-of-the-art knowledge.
Research by University of Kansas social psychology professor Omri Gillath suggests that economic hardship can lead men to adopt short-term mating strategies, increasing their chances of reproduction. In low survivability conditions, men become more interested in sex and are more likely to pursue multiple partners.
Researchers argue that economic behavior is linked to ecosystem vulnerability to invasive species. Biological invasions serve as a model for studying general ecological processes. Understanding these interactions is crucial for predicting impacts of global change on ecosystem services.
A new study found that rain-index insurance can have ecological consequences if farmers adopt unsustainable grazing practices. The study suggests that insurance payouts in periods of moderate drought may incentivize farmers to abandon sustainable management strategies, leading to overgrazing and increased soil erosion. To mitigate thes...
A survey of young adults in Montreal, Halifax, and New York City reveals a strong desire for sustainable lifestyles, with respondents willing to adopt eco-friendly practices such as reducing car usage and energy consumption. The study highlights the need for better communication and collective action to address global problems like cli...
The UNEP report highlights the need to decouple economic growth from resource consumption to achieve a sustainable future. Experts warn that current trends could lead to unprecedented levels of resource consumption by 2050, posing an existential risk to the planet.
Clemson University is conducting a design-feasibility study for a vertical farm in downtown Charleston, powered by solar and wind energy. The project aims to promote sustainable food systems and community connectivity.
A study found that restaurants 'cherry pick' parties by size, quoting longer wait times to undesired customers. This practice benefits small parties that spend more per person, and makes economic sense when there's excess demand for large parties.
A group of experts has identified 40 critical environmental questions to guide scientific research and inform natural resource management. These questions aim to balance economic, social, and ecological considerations, facilitating collaboration between researchers and policymakers.
Bats play a crucial role in reducing pesticide use and crop damage, with estimates suggesting their value to agriculture is roughly $22.9 billion annually. However, widespread bat population declines due to diseases like White-Nose Syndrome and wind turbine collisions threaten this ecological balance.
A new study suggests that fatality figures from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill may have been greatly underestimated, with a true death toll potentially 50 times higher. Marine conditions and far-off deaths mean recovered carcasses only account for a small proportion of fatalities.
A new statistical model helps regulators identify ships carrying unwanted species, enabling more effective screening of ballast water. The model's findings are published in Environmental Science & Technology, providing a promising solution to prevent bioinvaders from causing environmental damage.
A new integrative climate model recognizes the significance of human-induced causes, such as deforestation and agro-industry, in addition to carbon dioxide emissions. This approach aims to achieve a more effective and socially democratic climate policy, responsive to local conditions.
A recent economic recession has created a shortage of credit for small businesses, forcing many to rely on personal savings and household assets to stay afloat. This can put their personal assets at risk, warns MU researcher Tansel Yilmazer.
The Leopold Leadership Program selects mid-career researchers to engage policymakers, journalists, and business leaders with their research. Fellows receive training and networking opportunities to translate their knowledge into action.
A new life cycle assessment report from the Energy Biosciences Institute identifies seven grand challenges for biofuels, including understanding farmers, feedstock options, and land use, as well as characterizing tailpipe emissions and their health consequences. The report aims to provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating the en...
A global collaboration found that invasive plant species have similar or lower abundance at introduced versus native sites, challenging the 'abundance assumption'. This study used standardized protocols across over 60 sites worldwide to collect population and community data, providing a new approach to address critical ecological issues.
A global collaboration found that invasive plant species often have similar or lower abundance at introduced and native sites, challenging a common assumption. This suggests that biosecurity screening procedures need to be revised to address how species behave in non-native communities.
A €12 billion annual economic impact of invasive species worldwide and a new $4 million project will control invasive plants like giant hogweed in Ireland and Scotland's river catchments. The CIRB project aims to restore biodiversity and prevent environmental damage.
A special section in Ecological Economics analyzes ecological distribution conflicts, linking them to political ecology and social metabolism. The research explores the impacts of resource extraction and waste disposal on economic, environmental, cultural, and social conflicts.