Articles tagged with Environmental Economics
A study by Tsinghua University researchers highlights the need for a strategic framework to achieve net-zero energy sector technologies in China. The team proposes three primary pathways to reduce emissions: improving efficiency, transitioning to zero-carbon energy sources, and implementing carbon capture technologies.
A new study by UGA researchers found that workers facing higher job risks are paid less, while those with worse working conditions are also less satisfied. The study suggests that employers should pay attention to employee happiness as it contains critical economic information.
A new study from the University of Surrey warns that delayed and disorderly energy transitions could lead to increased inflation, higher interest rates, economic stagnation, and financial instability. However, an orderly transition with targeted investments in green technologies and a robust financial framework can mitigate these risks.
A UC3M study found that family businesses exhibit greater environmental responsibility than non-family businesses. The research also revealed that companies with family involvement perform better financially when implementing sustainable practices.
A research project from Politecnico di Milano proposes a novel method to recycle used vegetable oil into valuable resources like bio-lubricants and air purification devices. The project optimizes waste treatment processes while reducing waste and promoting European independence in critical raw material supply.
A study by Prof. Dr. Heinz Welsch found that countries with higher per-capita income and emissions levels pursue more ambitious climate targets, but their populations are less willing to contribute to climate change mitigation. The study also found a correlation between the discrepancy and lower satisfaction with democracy.
A new study estimates that US agriculture needs a 5-8% per year growth in research investment or $2.2 billion to $3.8 billion in additional funding to maintain productivity through 2050. The urgency is driven by the impact of climate change, which takes time to be addressed through publicly funded research and development.
Perovskite LEDs have shown great potential for commercialization due to their lower costs and environmental impact. However, longevity remains a significant issue that needs to reach around 10,000 hours for a positive environmental impact.
Researchers from the University of Michigan found that line drying clothes could save households up to $2,100 in energy costs over their lifetime. The study also highlighted the importance of behavioral changes, such as running dryers during off-peak hours, and the varying emissions due to different regions' energy sources.
The VALOR project aims to understand the cascading impacts of pollinator shifts on ecosystems, farm businesses, and local communities. It will develop a comprehensive approach to gaining insights into the effects of pollinator changes on human well-being.
The research analyzed satellite images and machine learning to detect forest loss in Ukraine during the war. The study found that Ukraine lost over 800 km² of forests in 2022 and 772 km² in 2023, mainly due to fires in war-torn regions.
Researchers developed a sustainable process to recover valuable products from oilcane bagasse, generating multiple product streams. The process recovers anthocyanins and vegetative lipids for natural colorants and biofuel production, making the process more cost-effective and sustainable.
A study led by Alexandria Marquardt suggests that Virginia's oyster restoration practices are effective in increasing fishery sustainability and supporting local economies. The research shows that shell replenishment activities, combined with rotational harvests, result in improved reef structure and increased commercial harvests.
A study analyzes the carbon emission drivers in Belt and Road Initiative countries, finding that economic development and population growth are major contributors. The research also highlights the importance of reducing energy intensity and carbon intensity in middle and high-income countries.
A new study suggests adjusting VAT rates on food groups based on health and environmental impacts could lead to healthier diets, reducing cases of diet-related diseases. The proposal aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions and generate significant revenue for governments.
A new study from the University of Illinois explores how differences in ownership motivation affect willingness to control invasive plants and pests. The research suggests that providing subsidies to the weakest link, such as recreationist landowners, can optimize the effect of control efforts and reduce costs.
A new study estimates it would cost $15.6 billion per year for 30 years to prevent extinction for 99 of Australia's priority species, due to habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change. The Australian Government has committed to reversing the decline of 110 priority species, but experts warn that urgent action is needed t...
Researchers found that sustainability certificates improve cocoa yield and income for small-scale producers, but have no effect on biodiversity in plantations. The study suggests that further biodiversity conservation measures are needed to achieve tangible environmental benefits.
Weizmann researchers create new method to analyze dendrites in lithium-ion batteries, finding optimal composition for safe energy storage. The study reveals 'golden ratio' for electrolyte balance, extending battery life and reducing fire hazard.
The study reveals that battery production depends on over 35 materials and critical minerals, posing significant human health and environmental risks. Sustainable solutions like green energy systems, tailings backfilling, and circular economy strategies are proposed to mitigate these impacts.
A combination of ecological restoration, economic initiatives, and political stability has led to a 30% increase in India's tiger population over the past two decades. The country's unique approach to coexistence between humans and predators involves protected reserves and multi-use landscapes where tigers and people share space.
Researchers found that cacao grafting increases crop yield by 45% after just two years, while preserving native arthropod diversity. This approach rejuvenates old cacao crops with minimal ecological impact.
A study by Kyushu University economists found a significant economic impact on Japan's tourism industry, resulting in a loss of 3.44 trillion yen and 22 billion US dollars. The pandemic also led to employment declines for 868,976 people, with the highest losses in restaurants and hotels.
A new study finds that battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) have improved significantly in reliability over the years, matching the lifespans of traditional cars and vans with internal combustion engines. BEVs now have an average lifespan of 18.4 years and can travel up to 124,000 miles.
A new study suggests that counter climate change organizations are more likely to arise in countries with stronger environmental policies and institutions. These groups often have eclectic views not directly tied to economic or political interests, and are increasingly global in scope.
The University of Texas at Arlington is developing more efficient processes for sourcing rare earth elements needed to produce high-performance magnets. The project aims to make the mining of these critical materials more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.
A new USC study reveals that the US is facing a shortage of 4.5 million homes due to policy missteps in the early 2000s, which led to a historic housing bubble and subsequent Great Recession. The crisis has disproportionately affected millennials and people of color, with racial and ethnic disparities in homeownership widening over time.
Researchers estimate that human-made products store around 400 million tons of fossil carbon annually, equivalent to 9% of extracted fossil carbon. Recycling and increasing product lifetime can help reduce waste streams, while enacting policies to minimize landfill discharge is crucial.
A new study by Dr. Ohad Raveh and Dr. Nathan Goldstein finds that UAP sightings are positively correlated with economic conditions across regions but display counter-cyclical patterns within those regions over time. The research suggests that shifts in attention to extraordinary phenomena may reflect broader fluctuations in public focus.
The study traces the evolutionary history of brown algae through genomic analysis, highlighting their role in sustaining coastal habitats and combating climate change. The research also identifies practical applications in aquaculture, biotechnology, and ecosystem restoration.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that multinational enterprises (MNEs) are actively contributing to environmental problems despite claiming to address them. The research team argues that there is an urgent need for MNEs to reassess their innovation strategies to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Researchers analyzed financial and environmental data from 8,547 companies across 34 countries, revealing that stronger environmental engagement leads to better financial outcomes. Companies with superior environmental performance demonstrate better financial results and attract greater interest from investors.
The National TRAP Program has awarded $1.4 million to fund 11 projects in nine US states and Palau to remove derelict fishing gear from coastal waters. This initiative aims to standardize data collection practices and establish a national database to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of these efforts.
A new UN report highlights the economic benefits of investing in sustainable land and water management to reduce drought costs. The study estimates that nature-based solutions can generate up to $10.1 trillion in business value by 2030, while creating millions of jobs.
A study of U.S. adults on anti-obesity medications found that 25% reported wasting more food since taking the drugs, while changes in diet and eating habits appeared to offset some of this waste, particularly among those who consumed more vegetables.
A study by Cornell University researchers recommends that the costs of new power lines be borne by those who benefit from them, resolving disagreements over cost allocation. The 'beneficiary pays' approach encourages investment in the grid without disputes over cost-sharing.
A new study explores the relationship between democratic attributes and greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the effectiveness of Direct Popular Voting in reducing emissions. Civil Society Participation is also found to have a significant impact, particularly in countries with higher GDP per capita. The research provides insights for...
A resilience index is proposed as a more suitable indicator of policy success than GDP, incorporating social and environmental components. This approach aims to steer decision-makers within the planet's 'safe operating space', balancing competing interests and trade-offs.
Research led by the University of Göttingen found enriching beech forests with commercially valuable native and non-native conifer species can enhance biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and economic performance. The study showed that mixing beech with Douglas fir resulted in positive gains, particularly for biodiversity and economic ...
A new study warns that Colorado's West Slope basins, supporting a $5 billion agriculture economy, face a potential tipping point due to drought vulnerability. The research suggests that even moderate climate change and streamflow declines can threaten water storage, agriculture, and municipal supplies.
The EU's sustainable finance framework urgently needs to expand to address climate goals. The current taxonomy will not meet the Paris Climate Agreement target of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
Researchers found that windfall profits from oil and gas companies in 2022 would be enough to cover climate payments for nearly five years. Governments can redistribute these excess profits to fight the climate crisis, with a tax on windfall profits being a proposed solution.
Experts argue that current implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain policy is flawed, with localized offsetting leading to double conservation gains when targets are placed where they benefit biodiversity most. This approach can greatly improve benefits to wildlife and help nature-deprived areas.
A new study by UC Davis engineers and economists finds that producing materials like steel, plastics, and cement inflicts $79 billion a year on the global climate. The team calculated climate costs using the Environmental Protection Agency's Social Cost of Carbon standard.
A new experimental study has found that cockroaches and maggots can efficiently break down invasive seaweed into a high-quality compost. This discovery offers promising prospects for the bio-recycling of the invasive alga Rugulopteryx okamurae and its management in circular economy applications.
Researchers found that restoring coastal marshes can significantly help protect coastlines at a reasonable cost. A study by MIT graduate student Ernie I. H. Lee and professor Heidi Nepf shows that enhancing salt marshes in front of protective seawalls can reduce construction costs while still providing adequate protection from storms.
A new study explores clauses in pollination contracts that could make them more appealing to beekeepers, including pesticide protection and cover crop options. Beekeepers valued these features, particularly those protecting against pesticide exposure, with discounts ranging from $6 to $8 per colony.
Despite Norway's ambitious circular economy goal, the country incinerates more than 65% of collected waste, with significant gaps in data collection and measurement methods. Researchers propose 18 new methods to improve efficiency, highlighting the need for more accurate reporting on recycling rates.
A circular bioeconomy aims to reduce waste, transform industries, and regenerate natural systems for environmentally sustainable food and energy production. The concept needs a values-based economic lens with the right policies and incentives to persuade consumers and producers.
A new study by NUS Medicine reveals that Singaporean families with young children successfully adapted to the pandemic's challenges, with 31% showing economic security and relational strengthening. Families with strong relational factors, such as maternal self-efficacy and quality family time, demonstrated higher relational resilience.
Researchers introduce the 'prosocial market economy' as a model embedding cooperation, ethical behavior, and sustainability into organizational practices. This approach prioritizes collaboration and collective well-being, fostering long-term economic success and sustainability.
A group of scientists and economists warn that green subsidies can have negative spillover effects and diminish overall effectiveness if not implemented cautiously. They suggest imposing time limits on subsidies to ensure they do not perpetuate harmful practices over the long term.
Researchers studied three Chinese NGOs engaging in trans-boundary RET transfers, highlighting their roles in coordination, technical assistance, and environmental monitoring. Despite growing importance, these NGOs face challenges such as limited global integration and inadequate funding.
The C-REM 4.0 model helps analyze the economic and environmental impacts of climate policies in China's provinces. The updated model provides well-founded policy recommendations for achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
A study published in Business Strategy and the Environment found that green finance initiatives can significantly reduce CO2 emissions. The researchers also noted that investing in renewable energy is crucial for companies to achieve environmental sustainability.
Agricultural water pricing may help manage scarce resources, but firms' responses vary. Researchers found that groundwater extraction decreased by 22% after a 21% price increase, but firms became more responsive to prices over time, with increased elasticity between the first and fifth year.
A study by MIT researchers found that EV charging stations increase annual spending at nearby businesses by an average of $1,500 in 2019 and $400 from 2021 to 2023. The impact is particularly pronounced for businesses within 100 yards of charging stations and in low-income areas.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a highly selective and efficient glycerol electrooxidation process that converts waste into high-value three-carbon compounds. Higher borate concentrations improved selectivity for these products, reducing the need for additional processing.
A WVU statistician is developing new methods to analyze curve-type data for predicting extreme weather patterns, financial turmoil and pollution levels. The research aims to create innovative tools for understanding high-resolution data and addressing regional risks in mountainous states like West Virginia.
A study by University of Bonn researchers found that measures against illegal deforestation in Brazil lead to a decrease in violent crimes and homicides. The number of homicides fell significantly, particularly after being blacklisted.