Articles tagged with Environmental Economics
New research finds women make up 50% of post-harvest fisheries and aquaculture workforce, yet often remain invisible, unpaid or underpaid. The study calls for policy changes to address social justice dimensions of technology development.
A new study found that auditors are more likely to give in to companies' requests for lenient financial reports when they have already been involved in ESG audits. This can lead to inflated numbers and misrepresentation of a company's value to investors and shareholders.
The study finds that agricultural expansion could lead to a 26% decline in biodiversity and emit almost half of current annual global CO2 emissions. Conservation policies can also have economic benefits, with minimal impact on GDP and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers project significant short-term impacts of the Russian invasion on global timber markets, but also warn of long-term effects on the economy and environment. The study predicts that some product markets may not recover from the invasion, leading to increased production in other countries and potential environmental harm.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have unveiled an eco-friendly method to extract rare metals from semiconductor waste, recovering precious tungsten and assessing its economic viability. The bioleaching process, using a fungus to dissolve metals, is found to be 7% cheaper than traditional methods.
A new economic model called socio-bioeconomy (SBE) aims to protect the Amazon by supporting indigenous and rural communities, and standing forests. SBEs focus on sustainable use and restoration of ecosystems, eco-friendly tourism, and community-led development.
A study by Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology found that local food harvesting is more economically-efficient and less carbon-intensive than industrial food production in the Canadian Arctic. Replacing locally-harvested foods with market substitutes would cost over $3 million per year and emit over 1,000 tonnes of CO2-e...
Research shows that wealthy countries in the Global North benefit from unequal exchange with the Global South, net-appropriating 826 billion hours of labor. This amounts to a wage value of €16.9 trillion, equivalent to half of total consumption in the Global North.
Rocio Uria-Martinez, an energy and environmental economist at ORNL, was recognized for her work on the U.S. Hydropower Market Report detailing industry trends. Her research analyzed climate change impacts, pumped storage hydropower operations, and cost allocation in multipurpose projects.
A survey-based study found that 97% of Japanese respondents are willing to pay for a nationwide wastewater surveillance system, with a median value of $8.83 per household per year. The estimated annual tax would be more than enough to cover system maintenance costs, making the system economically justified.
A global assessment of scientific literature finds that nature-based solutions (NbS) are an economically effective method to mitigate risks from disasters such as floods, hurricanes, heatwaves, and landslides. NbS have been proven consistently cost-effective in mitigating hazards in 71% of the studied articles.
A new article assesses the reliability and robustness of a spatial microsimulation method for calculating carbon tax incidence. The authors demonstrate the approach's ability to generate granular household-level estimates, providing unique insights into the distributional consequences of carbon taxes. They find that different revenue r...
A study of Japanese listed companies found that those with higher carbon emissions face higher costs for borrowing and raising money. In contrast, companies that follow TCFD guidelines and openly share climate-related information benefit from lower capital costs.
A new study suggests that implementing effective water quality management measures could halve future water scarcity in the Pearl River Basin. The research highlights the importance of addressing water pollution and other environmental factors to mitigate water scarcity and support sustainable development.
The US food system is dominated by industrial agriculture, which perpetuates global challenges like food insecurity and biodiversity loss. Agroecology offers a solution, prioritizing ecological and social sustainability without sacrificing one for the other.
A nationwide bottle deposit program could significantly increase the rate of plastics recycling in the US, from 24% to 82%, according to MIT researchers. With the right policies in place, including sufficient demand for recycled material, PET bottles can be safely made into new products with high quality and minimal processing.
The application of complex network models in energy and carbon emission systems provides valuable insights into their structure, operation, and internal mechanisms. These findings enhance our understanding of environmental and energy challenges.
Surfing provides a significant economic boost to Australia, with adult surfers spending over $3,700 per year on domestic travel and surf-related accessories. The sport also has a positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing, as well as fostering a sense of community connection.
Researchers found that adding nitrogen to concrete could significantly reduce global levels of potentially harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) created by the construction industry. This process could contribute to a reduction in NOx emissions by 3.4-6.9 megatonnes, representing 6-13% of industry-related emissions in 2021.
A review of Endogenous Technological Change in Integrated Assessment Models demonstrates current techniques and theoretical foundations for handling technical evolution. The E3METL model showcases implications of energy technology advancement, economic impacts, and shifts in abatement costs.
Researchers propose a conservation credit system to reduce costs and meet 30x30 ocean protection targets by allowing countries to trade conservation obligations. This approach enables nations with higher conservation costs to pay others to increase their efforts, achieving more equitable conservation across the globe.
Remanufacturing is a process that transforms end-of-life products into new ones, offering economic benefits and environmental advantages. Companies need to invest time and energy to adopt this approach, but it can lead to increased profitability and sustainability.
A new study by IIASA researchers highlights the benefits of transboundary cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong River Basin, which could maximize economic benefits while minimizing environmental losses. Full cooperation is recommended as a more beneficial and stable option for riparian countries, especially under changing climate conditions.
Researchers analyzed interprovincial value chain emissions in China, finding provinces with high local emissions transferring production to others. The domestic economy's resilience and the national average correlation of intermediates are relatively low.
A research team has developed a new framework for the circular economy, which aims to reduce negative impacts on environmental and human health. The SpheriCity project provides a tool for cities to conduct circularity assessments and collaborate with each other.
A new computer algorithm has been developed to enhance the management of invasive species globally, optimizing resource allocation and reducing costs. The innovative tool is adaptable to various population dynamical models and treatment methods, improving the effectiveness of environmental conservation efforts.
International agreements like Sustainable Development Goals represent wide support for a sustainable future. However, disagreements on how to achieve this lead to marginalization and inaction. Researchers found that competing approaches prioritize different values of nature, making compromise difficult.
A recent study by University of Maryland economists suggests that the current payment structures in Ecosystem Services Incentive Programs limit participation and create incentives to leave early. The new design uncouples penalties from payments, resulting in increased program completion rates, higher payments to farm owners, and more e...
A team of Chinese economists extended the basic CGE model to assess the impacts of environmental policies, including carbon taxes and emission disclosure. The model can provide crucial economic indicators and trends in production activities, supporting comprehensive policy formulation.
A new study shows that firms in the US respond differently to political parties in charge, even if policies don't change. Firms located in Republican-governed states spend more on water pollution control than those in Democratic states.
A new study found that 19 out of 34 countries failed to fully meet their 2020 climate commitments set in Copenhagen 15 years ago. The study highlights the challenges countries face in reducing emissions while maintaining economic growth, particularly for those unable to meet their targets.
A new Illinois study reveals that countries with high production levels emit more air pollutants due to domestic and foreign demand. The researchers found a significant increase in carbon monoxide emissions from China to South Korea, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to address pollution.
A new study reveals that less affluent countries are more prone to damage caused by biological invasions, with average costs exceeding $26.8 billion annually globally. Wealthier nations can mitigate this issue by investing in invasive species management in neighboring countries.
The US Department of Energy's Billion-Ton Report suggests that the country could produce over 1 billion tons of plant-based biomass per year for renewable fuels while meeting projected demands for food, feed, fiber, conventional forest products, and exports. This would triple the current bioeconomy capacity, enabling the production of ...
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to a significant reduction in natural snow cover days globally, with popular ski hubs moving to remote areas. The European Alps, Australian Alps, and Japanese Alps are expected to experience the most decline, threatening local livelihoods and ecosystems.
Researchers propose that policy interventions should focus on reducing energy demand to improve energy security, rather than just increasing supply. This approach is found to be more effective in making countries less susceptible to convergent energy crises.
High levels of air pollution have a significant negative impact on teams' ability to solve complex problems, such as developing clean energy technologies and vaccines. The study used escape-room games data to estimate that high-pollution days can lead to up to 5% longer completion times for teams.
A study published in Natural Resources Forum found that renewable energy production reduces carbon dioxide emissions in OECD countries but increases them in emerging economies. Economic growth also enhances environmental quality in both sets of countries, while institutional quality is linked to fewer emissions in OECD countries.
A team of researchers at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology developed a new simulation model to study the cultural evolution of collective property rights. The model shows that these institutions critically depend on clearly defined and enforced access rights.
A new study suggests Mexico can grow its economy by building biorefineries to produce biofuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals from abundant organic waste materials. The research promotes the adoption of sustainable practices to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals 8-12.
Researchers found that fishers' operational decisions and social structures play a crucial role in adapting to climate change. Cooperatives can be resilient to short-term shocks, but small-scale cooperatives may become more vulnerable as climate change progresses.
A new study reveals that introducing a simple, renewable chemical to the pretreatment step can make next-generation biofuel production cost-effective and carbon neutral. A CELF biorefinery can more fully utilize plant matter than earlier methods, resulting in sustainable aviation fuel at a break-even price of $3.15 per gallon.
A Chinese Medical Journal study examined the spatiotemporal features of disease burden due to air pollution across China between 2005 and 2017. The findings revealed a downward trend in premature mortality from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) pollution, but an increasing financial burden due to economic growth.
A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the production and use of ammonia as a marine fuel can lead to eutrophication, acidification, and emissions of potent greenhouse gases. Researchers warn that the pursuit of low-carbon fuels may create new environmental challenges.
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona finds that big oil companies are relentless in expanding their extractive operations, deploying new technologies and seeking favorable locations. This leads to significant social and environmental costs, with local communities fighting against extraction activities.
Researchers found that with sufficient financial incentives and educational resources, many agave farmers are willing to adopt sustainable cultivation practices that allow for some natural flowering and seed production. This can help protect genetic diversity and benefit bats pollinating the flowers and feeding on the nectar.
A new UCF study found that the 2018 Florida red tide bloom caused $2.7 billion in losses to tourism-related businesses, with low concentrations having a significant economic impact. The research highlights the importance of risk management tools for individuals and businesses affected by harmful algae blooms.
A new study by ICTA-UAB shows that pursuing higher economic growth may jeopardise the Paris goals and leave no viable pathways for humanity to stabilise the climate. Slower growth rates make it more feasible to achieve the Paris goals, with lower economic growth reducing CO2 emissions by 10-13% by 2030.
A study published in Nature predicts that climate change will lead to a 9% loss of ecosystem services by 2100, with the poorest 50% of countries expected to bear 90% of the damages. The study's findings highlight the importance of accounting for natural systems and human well-being within economic frameworks.
A cross-disciplinary study from the University of Cambridge reveals that a drought in southern California in the mid-1970s led to the explosive rise of professional skateboarding culture. The authors argue that small environmental changes can have profound effects on human behavior, stimulating cultural and technical innovation.
Researchers propose three methods to meet EU climate goals: a carbon removal bank, extended land use regulation, and clear identification of difficult-to-tackle emissions. These measures aim to incentivize companies and countries to invest in new technologies and reduce emissions.
A new study from the University of Exeter emphasizes the importance of shared community spaces in addressing gentrification and its effects on rural communities. Dr. Joanie Willett's research found that these spaces can foster relationships, knowledge-sharing, and community action to adapt to changing futures.
A new paper from climate economists at the University of Oxford identifies sensitive intervention points that could unlock significant progress towards the Paris Agreement with the least risk and highest impact. These include critical tipping points in renewable energy, networks of powerful political figures, and windows of opportunity...
African nations could see an additional $37 million in profit each year by raising access fees for their fisheries. This would lead to an increase in fish biomass and a more sustainable operation. However, challenges include differing interests and objectives among governments and varying conditions of different fisheries.
A recent study published in ScienceDirect found hundreds of toxic chemicals in recycled plastic pellets from 13 countries. The findings highlight the risks associated with recycling plastics and the need to phase out harmful chemicals. The researchers urge policymakers to take action to limit hazardous chemicals in plastics.
Researchers improved biomass-related traits in sheepgrass using a custom genome editing system, revealing its potential for rapid genomic breeding. The study increased understanding of sheepgrass genomics and established a precedent for its genetic improvement.
Research reveals correlation between financial sector risks and increased carbon footprint in bank loans, hindering humanity's progress towards a green economy. The study analyzed CFBL data for 37 countries from 2010 to 2018, finding that systemic risk within the banking sector raised the CFBL in developed countries.
A researcher from Göttingen University advises on overcoming difficulties faced by mining communities in transition, suggesting a three-step approach centered around stakeholder collaboration. This approach combines early planning, local-based solutions, and targeted investments to foster economic and workforce transformation.
Researchers warn that greenwashing poses a threat to achieving a 'nature positive' world, where environmental decline halts and biodiversity improves. The University of Queensland study emphasizes the need for standards and transparency to distinguish genuine efforts from misleading claims.
Deforestation contributes to climate change, producing 6-17% of global greenhouse gas emissions. New satellite-based technology tracks forest change globally, enabling policymakers to understand the problem and develop solutions.