Articles tagged with Climate Policy
Research shows that even optimistic temperature targets can lead to catastrophic sea-level rise, disproportionately affecting low-lying nations. An interdisciplinary team highlights the need for justice-focused policies to minimize impacts of sea-level rise.
Mountains host half the world's biodiversity hotspots, but lack corresponding policy attention. International action is needed to invest in mountain ecosystem restoration and formulate effective climate change policies.
Leading researchers in ecological economics propose a strategic policy framework to enable wealthy countries to reduce materials and energy while improving social outcomes. The approach, known as degrowth, aims to secure human needs and well-being by abandoning aggregate growth as an objective.
Research found that widespread electric vehicle adoption will significantly reduce air pollution and associated mortality in US metropolitan areas, with Los Angeles projected to see 1,163 fewer premature deaths annually. Electric vehicles could bring up to $12.61 billion in economic health benefits by 2050.
A circular bioeconomy can reduce plastic sector's climate impacts, but meeting Paris Climate Accord goals may lead to more plastic landfilling. A fully circular plastic sector is only possible if demand for plastics is curbed, presenting opportunities for negative emissions via biogenic carbon storage.
A new study published in AGU Advances found that post-lockdown auto emissions rebounded in some California areas, with affluent neighborhoods experiencing less pollution drop. The researchers used mobile laboratory data and analyzed grass samples to track CO2 levels and found significant differences between regions.
A study by Marta Antonelli and colleagues highlights the pressing challenges in the Mediterranean region, including worsening water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and nutritional imbalances. The gap between North and South countries is expected to grow, with climate change exacerbating environmental pressures and threatening food security.
A new study found that 39 out of 43 California's coastal airports have assets exposed to projected flooding by 2100. Sixteen airports have assets within their boundaries, while 23 have assets outside their jurisdiction at risk from flooding. The study highlights the need for collaborative climate adaptation plans to address this issue.
Researchers at the University of Bern have developed a new method to determine necessary emission reductions on a continuous basis. The AERA algorithm adjusts CO2 emissions according to latest temperature data, enabling more precise calculations.
A new study published in Nature Scientific Reports reveals that social media engagement with climate policy events can increase the focus of the building sector on environmental justice. The researchers found a strong environmental justice discourse among public concerns, which can foster positive sentiments and inspire innovative emis...
Researchers at Cornell University found that FEMA's federal home buyout policies are inaccessible and inequitable due to bureaucratic hurdles. By studying regional and state programs, the team suggests that coordinating local strategies can make these buyouts more effective and equitable for all communities.
A recent study by University of Cologne researchers found that the public is more willing to support costly climate policies if other countries contribute as well. This increased willingness is due to individuals expecting these efforts to be fairer and more effective. The team surveyed over 10,000 citizens in four countries and discov...
A new Concordia University study reveals that extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and heatwaves, have failed to drive government climate action. Despite the devastating economic and human costs of these disasters, governments have remained slow to enact meaningful reforms.
Climate change is exacerbating health crises among migrant workers in the US agriculture sector, with extreme heat and chemical exposure posing significant risks. The Lancet report highlights the unequal burdens of climate change, particularly on vulnerable populations.
A new study published in Nature found that globalized supply chains for the solar industry saved countries $67 billion in production costs between 2006 and 2020. The study also estimates that strong nationalistic policies could increase solar panel prices by 20-25% by 2030, hindering efforts to meet climate targets.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases a position paper emphasizing the need for policy actions to address climate change, reduce hazardous substance exposure, and promote environmental justice. ACP calls for immediate action to limit global temperature rise and comprehensive efforts to achieve environmental justice.
Researchers found that companies with high CSR ratings decreased charitable giving by 25% due to concerns about investor displeasure. The study's findings highlight the need for rating systems to consider societal values.
The proposed SEC rule would require all US publicly traded companies to report their climate-related financial risks, including transition risk and liability risks. This disclosure is crucial for the stability of the financial system, as seen during the Great Recession.
The ForestPaths project will co-design, quantify and evaluate forest-based solutions to meet the EU’s Climate Targets for 2030 and 2050. The project will work with practitioners, policymakers, and regional authorities to determine climate- and biodiversity-smart forest management options.
A new report highlights the importance of recognizing Indigenous Peoples' and local communities' knowledge systems to address climate change. The authors argue that these knowledge systems bring alternative ways of understanding and addressing complex global problems, such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
The EU aims to regulate electric vehicle batteries and stationary batteries with more than 2 kWh storage capacity. Researchers warn that design options may fall short of expectations and do harm.
A new study by Cornell University researchers suggests that green policy incentives for carbon capture and renewable energy can help reduce the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining. States with lower electricity prices and a higher share of renewable energy in their grids are best suited for this approach.
Researchers from Hiroshima University developed a comprehensive framework to improve carbon-cutting policies in China. The model takes into account various factors, including behavior, land use planning and energy consumption, to provide a fuller picture for policymakers.
The International Journal of Dermatology calls on dermatologists to take action against climate change by reducing carbon emissions through increased use of telehealth. The authors also emphasize the need for funding prioritization for climate-health research to improve healthcare sustainability and decarbonize the profession.
A new study finds that the social cost of carbon is more than triple the current federal estimate, with each additional ton of carbon dioxide costing society $185. The study's updated methodology and key scientific advancements led to the higher estimate, which could inform stronger climate policies.
A new study from the University of California San Diego's School of Global Policy and Strategy finds that countries with bold pledges are more likely to achieve their goals. Europe takes the lead, while the US is not expected to meet its commitments. The study suggests that better systems for checking on country compliance are needed.
A new study suggests that prediction markets could improve climate risk forecasts by incentivizing experts to share information. The markets would offer a level playing field for diverse expertise and provide a structured way to distribute research funding, promoting effective altruism.
A new study finds that adapting to climate change will require more energy than previously estimated, leading to higher energy investments and costs. Ambitious mitigation policies can cut the increase in energy system costs induced by adaptation, resulting in net gains.
Researchers from Kyushu University analyzed global patent applications to identify R&D strategies for sustainable mining technologies. The study found that the Paris Agreement and raw metal price trends influence CCMT development, with varying degrees of impact by country.
A new Princeton University study found that Americans widely underestimate their fellow citizens' support for climate policies, with conservatives and liberals alike mistakenly believing a minority supports action. The research suggests this underestimation can lead to weaker actual support and stifled public discussion.
A national survey of 1000 adults in Greenland found that 3 out of 4 support extracting and exporting sand from the melting ice sheet, with most preferring local involvement. The study highlights a rare example of an Arctic Indigenous population wanting to be involved in decision-making about adapting to accelerated Arctic changes.
A new study concludes that net zero carbon emissions in the concrete industry need both supply-side and demand-side strategies. Changes in purchasing habits and infrastructure design can reduce concrete consumption, promoting recycling, reuse, and material efficiency.
A new study suggests that reducing sugar consumption through sugar taxation policies can have significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. Redirecting existing sugar cropland to alternative uses like biofuel production could lead to emissions reductions of up to 54.3 MtCO2e per year.
A new study from the University of Miami found that Miami's history of environmental injustice is a key factor in understanding why different groups are talking at cross-purposes about climate change. The research highlights how community histories, such as experiences of privilege or dispossession, shape opinions on climate change.
A recent study found that climate change will decrease the availability of female low-skilled labor, driving a potential increase in their wages. This could close the wage gap between male and female low-skilled labor as well as the wage gap between low-skilled and high-skilled female labor.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that heat and cold exposure are associated with substantial excess mortality in England and Wales. London had the highest heat-related mortality rate, while the risk of death from cold was highest in Northern England, Wales, and the South West.
Researchers discovered microplastics in Palau's coral reefs, despite their pristine nature, raising concerns about the impact on marine life. The study highlights the pervasive presence of plastic pollution in even the most protected ecosystems.
A new study published in Environmental Research: Climate reveals the Earth's energy imbalance is crucial for understanding and addressing climate change. The research found that 93% of extra heat from the imbalance ends up in the oceans, increasing their temperature and sea level, leading to more frequent extreme weather events.
New research highlights how climate change enhances wildfire risk globally, but human actions and policies can mitigate regional impacts. The study assesses 500 previous papers and examines future fire weather trends to provide insight into the success or failure of climate policies.
New research finds that limiting global warming to 1.5°C could reduce human exposure to water scarcity, heat stress, and vector-borne diseases by 10-44% globally. The study also identifies West Africa, India, and North America as regions with projected increased climate change risks.
In the 2020 US House of Representatives elections, Democrats supporting the Green New Deal saw a significant increase in their vote share. This study examined the electoral appeal of climate policies, specifically the Green New Deal, and found that it resonated with voters.
A recent study by ICTA-UAB researchers found that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in public expectations, with many citizens becoming more pessimistic about future climate action. However, some respondents expressed positive views on the impact of COVID-19 on consumption habits and environmental awareness.
Researchers at Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that climate policies can change people's preferences, leading to increased environmental protection and health benefits. This knowledge can inform the development of demand-side measures to curb carbon emissions and produce better climate policies.
A recent study published by The BMJ found a significant widening gap in death rates between US counties that voted for Democratic and Republican candidates. Between 2001 and 2019, mortality rates decreased by 22% in Democratic counties but only 11% in Republican counties, with the gap increasing sixfold.
The EU project IDAlert aims to tackle the emergence and transmission of zoonotic pathogens by developing innovative decision-support tools and systems. It will assess the costs and effectiveness of adaptation measures to improve climate resilience in health systems across Europe.
A new study provides a roadmap for the US to reach its 50% greenhouse gas emissions reduction target by 2030, with rapid decarbonization in power and transportation sectors crucial. The study, based on six leading energy models, suggests that tripling historic carbon reductions is achievable through collaboration across all sectors.
A new study suggests achieving a 50% reduction in US greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 is possible through increasing renewable capacity and transitioning to electric vehicles. This would limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, aligning with the UN's climate target.
A new article in BioScience argues that incremental changes are insufficient to address planetary emergencies, and calls for broader system-wide changes to governing interactions between climate, biodiversity, and society. The authors hope their work will inform the setting of biodiversity objectives and targets.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed an innovative carbon capture system that removes CO2 directly from the atmosphere with unprecedented performance. The isophorone diamine-based system achieves 99% efficiency and can process low concentrations of CO2 in air at a rate twice as fast as existing systems.
A new report from the InterAcademy Partnership highlights the severe impacts of climate change on human health, including increased risk of heat-related illnesses and food insecurity. The report calls for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen disease surveillance systems to mitigate these effects.
China has increased animal protein production 800% over the past 40 years, but nitrous oxide emissions have risen only 286%, thanks to policy and farm management interventions. Anaerobic digestion and composting on farms are key strategies for future reduction in greenhouse gases.
Mariculture holds great potential to help satisfy global demand for meat, but requires careful governance and efficient operations. The study suggests that finfish and shellfish farms can increase seafood availability, while maintaining ecosystem health.
Researchers developed an interdisciplinary resilience framework to understand the connection between social and water systems in communities like the Choyeros. The framework explores how social systems impact water supply resilience and vice versa, providing a tool to generate conversations and coordinate responses.
The study explores how countries can reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 with continued economic growth through 2100. The results suggest that stringent public policies and rapid deployment of low-carbon technologies are necessary to achieve this goal, with the global economy projected to be five times its size in 2100.
The UK report highlights the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to future climate adaptation research and equitable partnerships. Embedding local knowledge and co-designing solutions with local stakeholders are crucial for effective adaptation.
A new study suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry, and land use sectors could lead to higher food prices and potentially negative impacts on food security. The study found that a decarbonization scenario would increase international food prices by about 27%, affecting around 420 million people at ri...
The European Union is projected to experience increased fire-prone areas, threatening biodiversity and carbon sinks. The IPCC report highlights the need for adaptation in addressing wildfires, focusing on fire and forest management to increase ecosystem resilience.
A study of 22 large cities across 14 countries reveals that more than one-quarter did not involve public health agencies in their climate change plans. Despite this, 73% reported having a public health department on their climate-plan teams. The researchers recommend enhancing public health agency involvement to target activities to th...
Two studies on hurricane and wildfire survivors found that negative personal experiences drive adaptation behaviors, while considering vulnerabilities is crucial for effective communication and policy. These findings inform public communications and policy to empower vulnerable communities.
A new study finds that top 10 banks have limited commitments to reduce financing of fossil fuels, despite increasing focus on climate change. Experts recommend policy changes to address the banking industry's responsibility in financing climate change.