Articles tagged with Climate Policy
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new study highlights the emergence of 'just transition litigation', challenging climate policies and projects that disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. The phenomenon emphasizes the need for balancing climate action with social justice considerations, particularly for Indigenous Peoples, workers, and local residents.
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 published in Nature Climate Change examines the distributional impacts of climate policies and climate risks. Implementing ambitious climate policies can reduce inequality by redistributing carbon revenues, lowering the Gini index by nearly 2 points.
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.
A new study found that increased public attention led to a 22% decrease in fires in the Brazilian Amazon, avoiding approximately 24.8 million tons of CO2 emissions. The heightened scrutiny prompted the government to deploy fire brigades and implement subsequent measures.
The study found that 'double sceptics' who distrust institutions in general are more likely to be antivaxxers and climate sceptics. A tailored approach is needed to overcome their scepticism, which may involve building trust with the economy over mitigation efforts.
A new study reveals that climate experts believe the Earth is headed for a rise in global temperatures far higher than the 2015 Paris Agreement targets. Two-thirds of respondents think we may succeed in achieving net zero CO2 emissions during the second half of this century, indicating some optimism about mitigation efforts.
A new synthesis of regional climate data highlights the need for climate adaptation policy based on the latest regional climate science. Emerging signals of climate change are expected to significantly alter monsoon intensity, leading to substantial societal impacts in tropical and subtropical regions.
A new study from Uppsala University found that nearly 40% of the public support rationing of goods like meat and fuel to reduce their climate impact. The study, which surveyed over 9,000 people in five countries, also showed that acceptability of rationing is on par with taxes for emissions-intensive food.
A new study reveals the flood insurance program's effects differ greatly among communities, with higher-population and wealthier areas benefiting more from discounts on premiums. Lower-income communities also see benefits, but only in areas with less racial and ethnic diversity, realizing a gain of about $6,000 per household.
A study published in PLOS Climate found that climate legislation tends to receive more votes when linked with air pollution or environmental justice initiatives, but less support when associated with water pollution or transportation. The research suggests issue linkage affects political support for climate action, with Democrats consi...
A new study finds that carbon capture and storage technology will struggle to meet the 1.5°C and 2°C climate targets without significant expansion. The technology can sequester up to 600 Gt of CO2 over the 21st century, but current plans may not be enough to bridge the gap.
The EU's Green Deal aims to reduce carbon emissions by 2050 but may increase emissions globally. An international team of scientists found that the deal could lead to a 244.8% increase in global emissions outside EU borders. However, adopting a plant-based diet and phasing out biofuels within the EU could significantly reduce emissions.
A new study found that most US cities are successfully limiting floodplain development by applying existing tools and strategies. In New Jersey, municipalities have consistently limited new housing in floodplains and impervious surface growth using conventional local ordinances and modest government capacity.
A recent study found that both the rich and poor significantly overestimate or underestimate each other's carbon footprints, highlighting a profound inequality. The researchers surveyed 4,000 people from four countries and discovered that those in the top 10% tended to support climate policies, possibly due to higher education levels.
A psychology study finds that framing climate action as a way to protect American values and traditions can increase belief in climate change and support for pro-environmental policies among both liberals and conservatives. The study, which analyzed data from 50,000 participants across 60 countries, suggests that messaging that aligns ...
Research shows that Global South cities have limited urban greenery, resulting in higher temperatures and increased heat-related illnesses. The study suggests vast potential for enhancing urban cooling through green spaces, particularly in slums where the risk of climate change-induced deaths is highest.
A study by Weikai Li aims to quantify the economic impacts of climate change on business and financial markets in Singapore. The research explores how carbon pricing policies affect firm profitability and market value, as well as their potential to support a low-carbon economy through increased costs, government revenue recycling, and ...
Researchers evaluated 1,500 climate policies over two decades and identified successful cases, such as China's pilot emissions trading systems and the UK's minimum carbon price, which delivered major emission reductions. The study highlights the importance of well-designed policy mixes in achieving climate neutrality.
A new study by Kyoto University reveals that major companies relying on low-quality offsets undermine the effectiveness of the voluntary carbon market. The research finds that these companies collectively account for over one-fifth of all retired offsets, most of which fail to meet well-known quality standards.
A new study by the University of Oxford recommends expanding climate reporting standards to capture companies' wider impact on global net zero. This includes their product power, purchasing power, and political influence. The goal is to incentivize systemic change through products, purchases, and policy lobbying.
A USC study found that terms like climate change and global warming are more familiar to people than alternative terms, generating more concern about Earth's warming. The study also revealed that perceptions of climate-related issues vary by political affiliation.
A new international study underscores the need to integrate technological advancements with robust institutional capacities to formulate effective climate policies. The research found that inadequate institutional capacity could hinder reaching even 2°C targets, while improved global institutional support could enhance the likelihood o...
A Dutch survey study found that higher satisfaction with home office setup, including air ventilation, is associated with higher productivity and lower burnout. The study suggests that investing in home-office hardware and environmental factors can support work-from-home policies.
Researchers found that five out of six existing heat-wave indices were unable to capture the severity and spatial distribution of recent lethal heat waves in India, Spain, and the USA. The lethal heat-stress index was better able to identify dangerous heat-stress conditions, particularly in low-humidity regions.
Researchers call for coordinated action to address air pollution's complexity, including elevating policy ambition, expanding regulatory scope, and integrating scientific policymaking. The paper highlights urgent need for clean air globally as health harms arise from lower concentrations.
Scientists argue that solar farms in the UK have great potential to restore degraded habitats and meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. However, unless policies change, potential biodiversity benefits could be squandered.
Researchers analyzed four core climate tipping elements, including the Greenland Ice Sheet and Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, to determine the risks of destabilization due to overshooting 1.5°C. Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to limit tipping risks.
Researchers warn of rapid global changes and geo-political instability due to climate change. International cooperation is needed to rethink mobility and cultural integration to ensure a benign transition.
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...
A recent study by UC Davis highlights California's vulnerability to climate change, with native plant species facing extinction in hot spots like the Sierra Nevada and coastal ranges. The study suggests a 19% loss of species by 2080 under current projections.
A research team at Rice University has pioneered a new method to extract purified active materials from battery waste, enabling efficient separation and recycling of valuable battery materials. The technique uses solvent-free flash Joule heating to create unique features with magnetic shells and stable core structures.
Researchers have developed a rapid electrothermal mineralization (REM) process that can remediate synthetic chemicals in soil, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The method uses electrical inserts and biochar to heat contaminated soil, converting PFAS into nontoxic minerals.
Households in Liberia that participated in forest-based activities reduced their food scarcity by 84 percent. The research also found that forests can capture carbon and advance sustainability goals for low- and middle-income countries, reducing hunger and improving well-being.
African national adaptation policy documents reveal inadequate information on adaptation investments and tracking progress, limiting investment channeling and tracking effectiveness. However, some countries have robust plans, such as Benin and South Africa, which hold lessons for future climate negotiations.
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 comprehensive analysis of US coal power plants reveals feasibility for conversion to advanced nuclear reactors, providing valuable insights for policymakers and utilities. The study uses a GIS-based tool to evaluate socio-technical and economic factors, suggesting a broad spectrum of suitability levels across different locations.
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 by RIFS suggests that voluntary reductions in living space can contribute to achieving EU's climate and housing goals. European citizens are willing to embrace smaller living under the right circumstances, with a preference for centrally-located apartments in green neighborhoods.
A new study by Stanford University and Arizona State University recommends California implement early vehicle retirement for heavy-duty vehicles. The policy aims to reduce cumulative emissions by two-thirds and pollution-related mortality, particularly among disadvantaged communities. This approach would be more effective than relying ...
A study published in PLOS Climate found that childhood home temperatures and community connectedness can help predict how U.S. residents set their thermostats. The researchers surveyed 2,128 participants and found that those who grew up in cold-winter locales tend to dial up their thermostats higher than those raised in warmer homes.
Long-distance travel has a substantial carbon footprint, with journeys over 50 miles accounting for 70% of emissions. Research suggests targeting long-distance travel may be more effective than current efforts to reduce emissions. Changing behavior and policy can maximize reductions in carbon emissions from passenger travel.
Researchers found that 240 Chinese cities benefit from carbon mitigation efforts of other cities, with weak beneficiaries having stronger connections to upstream heavy industry cities. Effective emission reduction requires policies addressing distinct city challenges and opportunities.
A new study by Annenberg Public Policy Center researchers finds that science-consistent beliefs about climate change's public health effects predict support for climate policies. The study controlled for belief in climate change's existence and cause, highlighting the importance of grounded knowledge in promoting climate action.
A new IIASA-led study introduces a dynamic systems approach to understanding social tipping points, which include looking at interconnected feedback mechanisms and interactions across different systems and scales. Small actions can lead to significant changes that ripple through social and economic systems.
A new model suggests that strong policies can backfire in polarized societies if people perceive low risk, leading to a rebound in fossil fuel use. In highly polarized situations, social interactions reinforce dominant norms, making it harder for subsequent transitions to occur.
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.
The report highlights the benefits of developing transit station areas with a focus on housing, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased walkability. Researchers recommend policy approaches to mitigate gentrification outcomes and bridge the gap between demand for walkable communities and supply.
A study found that people in affluent areas in New Zealand were contributing more than their fair share of greenhouse gas emissions from transport. They drove further and owned more cars, leading to higher emissions per week.
A new Drexel University study found that domestic income inequality unevenly impacts different emission components in wealthy nations. The research suggests that reducing income concentration at the top end of the distribution could synergistically reduce emissions, but might increase direct end-user emissions. Policies aiming to impro...
A new study examines the design characteristics of quasi-governmental organizations (QGOs) to provide insights on how to improve climate adaptation governance. The research finds that some QGOs are useful for overcoming politicization or fostering multi-level stakeholder coordination, but none prove optimal for both simultaneously.
A Europe-wide survey reveals that current crises distract from climate action and weaken public support. The study suggests emphasizing the urgency of climate change to increase support for measures like taxing fossil fuels.
A recent study by ISGlobal and partners reveals that imported ground-level ozone (O3) contributed to over 88% of all deaths attributable to O3 across 35 European countries. Most transboundary O3 came from hemispheric sources, accounting for 56.7% of total attributable mortality.
The EU ETS's credibility plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. Reforms strengthened the system's long-term credibility, allowing firms to align their market behavior with climate targets. This led to increased carbon prices, signaling high policy credibility and farsighted actors.
Climate change projections suggest that land-locked lakes on the Tibetan Plateau will increase in volume fourfold by 2100, leading to significant land loss and related impacts. This could alter the landscape, affect wildlife migration routes, and exacerbate climate change through increased greenhouse gas emissions.
A literature review finds that globally, most people trust climate scientists, while a small minority's skepticism can hinder climate inaction. The review suggests that climate scientists can increase their credibility by advocating for action and reducing personal carbon footprints.
A new study finds that the US Drought Monitor is not keeping pace with climate change, leading to frequent severe droughts being classified as rare. The consequences are dire, with some regions spending more time in extreme drought conditions than federal guidelines allow, potentially leaving them without adequate aid.
Researchers at Kyushu University analyzed the carbon footprint of building a wooden house in Japan, estimating 38 tons of CO2 emissions. The team identified electric power sector and steel manufacturing process as major contributors to total emissions.
Research by the University of East Anglia reveals that net zero plans show limited ambition in dealing with residual emissions, which are expected to come from hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation and agriculture. The study analyzed national climate strategies for 71 countries, finding that only 26 quantify residual emissions, with m...
A recent study found that approximately 30% of India's PM2.5 air quality improvements can be attributed to favorable meteorological conditions, highlighting the need for additional mitigation measures. The researchers also noted that emissions of key PM2.5 precursors have not decreased and may indicate ineffective or under-enforced pol...