Articles tagged with Environmental Economics
A new study improves climate change cost estimates by considering annual climate variability and persistent economic damages. This advancement highlights the urgent need for climate action to mitigate the damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions.
A new five-year research project led by Thomas Neeson aims to model the impacts of conservation incentives on farmers in the Red River basin. The study will help understand how voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs can be effectively designed to promote sustainable water use.
Researchers found that insect protein has great potential to reduce global warming associated with food consumption in Europe, especially when used in broiler meat production. Using edible insects or low-value food industry side stream products can increase the carbon footprint benefits of using insect protein over soybean meal protein.
The study assesses how much energy is needed to provide the global poor with a decent life and found that this can be reconciled with efforts to meet climate targets. The researchers identified gaps in decent living standards (DLS) by region and estimated the amount of energy required to fill them.
A recent study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment suggests that bioenergy crops can be produced on economically marginal land. The research team estimated that 1.4-2.2 million hectares in the rainfed region are suitable for bioenergy crop production on such land.
A systematic review of 169 conservation projects worldwide reveals that Indigenous and local communities are crucial for successful nature conservation. The study found that equitable conservation approaches, empowering local communities, yield positive outcomes for both humans and the environment. However, complex factors such as comm...
Researchers from Tel Aviv and Berkeley Universities propose a model for seaweed farms to absorb nitrogen, reducing pollution in estuarine and marine environments. The study shows that these farms can produce a natural decontamination facility with significant ecological and economic value.
A new study reveals that public opposition to disaster spending is driven by a lack of knowledge about the benefits of preparedness rather than personal experience with natural disasters. The study found that investing in disaster preparedness yields significant cost savings compared to relief efforts, but many Americans remain unaware...
Researchers argue that current regulations limit environmental groups from conserving natural resources through market mechanisms. By introducing non-use rights, environmentalists can express their values in the marketplace, promoting more sustainable resource management.
Analysis shows US workers in weather-exposed industries work fewer hours on hot days during economic growth, but not during recession. The study predicts $80 billion in lost wages by 2090 due to high-heat labor conditions.
New research published in PNAS suggests that community-based monitoring can improve water management in rural Costa Rica by reducing groundwater extraction and improving water quality. The program, which used a smartphone application and WhatsApp, showed modest but significant effects after one year.
Researchers propose new statistical approaches to estimate climate change impacts on US agriculture, focusing on county-level analysis. They suggest that current grouping methods can lead to inaccurate results and recommend using C-Lasso, causal forest algorithm, and geographically weighted regressions.
Researchers have created a new model that estimates the economic impacts of climate tipping points, such as disintegration of the Greenland Ice Sheet. The study finds that exceeding these tipping points could lead to increased economic costs of climate change impacts by up to 25%.
A new study found that US-China trade tensions would lead to increased nitrogen and phosphorus pollution and irrigation water consumption in agriculture, affecting not only the two countries but also other nations through international trade.
A study by Washington State University found that Gen Z adults are open to apparel rental services as a way to reduce waste and extend clothing lifespan. Key factors contributing to this trend include the perceived effectiveness of making a difference and a focus on usage over ownership.
A Japanese research team found that residents who engage in activities like camping and hiking experience increased happiness, while ownership has no effect. The study suggests better policies for enhancing forest relationships and measuring happiness based on the types of forest happiness.
A review of previous scientific studies on pollutant release from sediments during extreme flood events reveals significant risks to human and environmental health. The study highlights the need for good river management to address long-term consequences of pollutants in riverbeds.
Researchers estimate that US government subsidies will encourage more oil and gas extraction in the coming decade, particularly at low oil prices. The study's findings suggest that subsidies can flow to excess profits, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and air and water pollution.
A new analysis reveals that deliberate or accidental introductions of invasive species have cost Australia AUD$389.59 billion over the last 60 years. The most costly individual species was feral cats, while the management of invasive plants proved to be the worst offender, costing US$151.68 billion.
New research from the University of Arizona identifies climate-related threats to US Department of Defense facilities in the southwestern United States. The study recommends emphasizing risks to DOD missions, finding champions at individual bases, and integrating climate considerations into existing plans to mitigate these challenges.
New research from the University of Illinois explores how community characteristics impact the relocation of toxic-releasing facilities. The study found that facilities are more likely to move from communities with high population density, income, and education levels, while moving into those with lower socioeconomic status.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the economy, leading to a 75 million-person increase in poverty in 2020. The study predicts that economic impacts will persist due to past epidemics' effects, with energy demand and emissions dropping significantly but mostly due to reduced economic activity.
Scientists have developed a method to convert lint-microfibers from clothes dryers into energy, producing oil, gas, and char with a 70% conversion rate. The technology has been estimated to be profitable and eco-friendly, reducing carbon footprint by 42,039,000kg CO2-eq/t of lint-microfibers.
Scientists have discovered a novel way to convert post-consumer plastic into vanillin, a valuable industrial chemical. This breakthrough could boost the circular economy by turning harmful plastics into a carbon resource and promoting sustainability.
Researchers develop a framework to identify and evaluate feasibility concerns in climate mitigation scenarios, highlighting institutional constraints and socio-cultural limitations. The study applies the framework to IPCC scenarios, revealing that many assume fast decarbonization rates in regions with low mitigation capacity.
A new systematic framework allows researchers to identify feasibility concerns in climate mitigation scenarios, highlighting the need for improved assessments of socio-cultural factors and demand-side mitigation. The framework is particularly useful for exploring trade-offs over time and analyzing enabling conditions for achieving ambi...
Leading scholars propose new frameworks for environmental governance, citing structural problems in current laws and international law-making processes. They advocate for a new environmental charter, reviving the United Nations Trusteeship Council, and strengthening the UN Environment Programme to address pressing global challenges.
The University of Maryland's interdisciplinary collaboration aims to understand the complexities of valuing pollination services. Researchers examine the economic value of managed and wild pollinators, revealing the need for a more holistic approach to assessing pollinator health and resilience.
Researchers argue that targeted policies and incentives are needed to promote perennial bioenergy crops over cheaper options, reducing nitrogen runoff and improving water quality. In contrast, a cellulosic ethanol mandate with the right policies could provide substantial economic and environmental benefits.
A simulation study found a 10% carbon tax on glyphosate use would incur $98 million annual net economic loss but provide $6 million in human health benefits per year. The findings suggest caution in regulating glyphosate due to its environmental and economic concerns.
A new study by Resources for the Future found that at least 27% of new invasive pests in the US were initially detected by members of the public. The researchers suggest leveraging the public's role to improve early detection and control of invasive species, which cause significant economic and environmental harm.
A University of Illinois study reveals racial discrimination in the home-renting process actively sorts minority renters into neighborhoods with higher levels of pollution. This leads to disparities in residential pollution exposures and contributes to health issues like respiratory illnesses and stress.
The study's model analyzes country-sector linkages in the European Union, identifying EU trade partners as the most important linkages for sector growth. Domestic ties are also crucial, but less important than trade agreements.
A study by Cornell economists found that market-based or incentive-based environmental policies can spur innovation and improvements in production processes, benefiting regulated firms. However, policies mandating environmental standards and technologies may harm output and profits.
Researchers suggest converting CRP land to perennial bioenergy crops as a viable alternative to displacing food production. The integrated modeling approach confirms that this transition can be economically and environmentally viable under certain conditions.
Researchers at New York University list measures the Biden administration should consider in recalculating the social cost of carbon, a decade-old cost-benefit metric. The revised SCC will take into account devastating storms and wildfires, and incorporate inequitable effects within and across countries.
The report identifies eight categories of transition risk, including economic, financial, societal, environmental, technological, energy-related, geopolitical, and corporate. Policymakers and researchers need to grapple with the complex interconnections that tie these risks together.
A new study found that elephants are crop-raiding closer to protected areas in Kenya, more frequently, but causing less damage. This trend is linked to climate change and land-use changes, reducing support for conservation in affected communities.
A recent study predicts that climate change in South Africa will lead to a 20% decrease in per capita GDP by the end of the century. The researchers analyzed data on temperature changes and labor availability, finding that low-skilled workers are disproportionately affected, leading to a closing wage gap but reduced overall output.
New research by Swansea University scientists found that boat ramps facilitate the dispersal of invasive zebra mussels. Implementing strict control measures and monitoring around boat ramps can help prevent further spread.
China can alleviate debt burdens in exchange for debtor nation commitments to climate change mitigation and environmental protection. Countries like Angola, Cambodia, and the Solomon Islands show great promise for debt-for-nature swaps, while Senegal, Sudan, and Zimbabwe prioritize debt-for-climate swaps.
A new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research suggests that carbon pricing is a more efficient way to address climate change than regulations and bans. The study highlights the economic benefits of Pigouvian taxation, which can help maximize welfare while minimizing negative externalities.
A recent study by Kaunas University of Technology found that large European manufacturing companies prioritize environmental impact reports over circular economy principles. The researchers analyzed 226 companies' GRI reports and discovered a lack of disclosure on product lifecycle extension, material reuse, and recycling technologies.
A landmark agreement, the Amazon Soy Moratorium, has prevented thousands of square kilometers of deforestation over its first decade, with no negative impact on agricultural growth. The policy's success can be attributed to cooperation among private companies, NGOs, and government agencies.
The study analyzes healthcare accessibility in sub-Saharan Africa and identifies a strategy to efficiently abate inequalities. Researchers estimate that ~6,200 new facilities need to be built by 2030 to meet universal healthcare targets.
New research from CU Boulder finds that worst-case emissions projections used by the IPCC are not reflecting the slowing rate of growth in the global economy. This suggests that these high-emissions scenarios have already diverged from reality and may continue to do so over the coming decades.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that improved air quality under the Clean Air Act saved nearly 20 percent of birdlife in the US, potentially averting 1.5 billion bird deaths over the past 40 years.
The UKRI programme aims to improve understanding of plastic pollution impacts and develop solutions for cleaner environments. Researchers will investigate various aspects of plastic waste, including its effects on agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, and waste management practices.
Researchers created a cost-efficient method to synthesize eco-friendly 'pseudo' gemini surfactants with comparable performance to existing compounds. The new surfactants have desirable properties, such as low superficial tension and biodegradability, making them suitable for various industries like skincare, medicine, and construction.
A new study found that community forest management policies often result in weakened rights and less access to forests for local populations. Despite positive outcomes in some cases, the overall results show a series of trade-offs between people and the environment. The research highlights the need for governments to ensure that commun...
A study found that people who received documents highlighting their high energy consumption compared to others reduced their usage, while those with lower energy consumption didn't decrease their use after receiving similar documents. The results suggest that contrasting social norms can hinder behavioral change.
A mathematical model has been developed to facilitate decision-making in inventory management, balancing performance of inventory and transport in a supply network. The model uses system dynamics methodology and can be applied to diversified crop systems, aiming to introduce environmental and economic benefits.
This study highlights the importance of evenness in assessing sustainable development goals, revealing a bottleneck in China since 2013 due to stagnant progress in some SDGs. Regional integration and cooperation are proposed as effective strategies for holistically achieving SDGs across regions.
Research shows that information campaigns and free seedlings can encourage diversification in oil palm plantations, increasing tree planting and survival rates. The study emphasizes the need for policies that consider both supply-side and demand-side impacts to reduce environmental degradation.
A Rutgers University-led paper finds that most countries are neglecting nature-related economic reforms and investments in their post-COVID recovery plans. The authors call for governments to prioritize biodiversity and ecosystem resilience with incentives, regulations, and fiscal policies.
The article highlights the importance of crabs in Oman's ecology and economy, with Barr Al Hikman nature reserve being a crucial nursery ground for numerous crab species. The research shows that millions of crabs inhabit the reserve, providing food for hundreds of thousands of birds.
A new study reconstructs pre-Columbian diets in the Brazilian Amazon, revealing that terrestrial plants and animals were main sources of caloric intake. Fish was not the primary source of protein, contradicting previous assumptions.
West Virginia University engineers have developed a new low-cost process to convert natural gas flared at industrial sites into high-value solid carbon and hydrogen. The $3 million DOE award aims to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions from shale gas production, benefiting various industries and the economy.
Rachel Painter, a University of Tennessee Extension professional, has been recognized nationally for her work with local Master Gardeners. Her efforts have helped increase the volunteer retention rate from 30% in 2016 to nearly 75% in 2019.
A proposed mining policy in Brazil's Amazon rainforest could lead to significant economic losses due to impacts on rubber, timber, and greenhouse gas mitigation ecosystem services. The policy threatens to destroy valuable ecosystems that provide an estimated $7 billion AUD annually, making it financially unsustainable.