Articles tagged with Environmental Impact Assessments
Aging silicon-rich biochar reduces cadmium uptake in leafy vegetables, improving plant resistance to heavy metal stress. The material reshapes soil microbial communities, contributing to reduced cadmium availability.
Research reveals that aging significantly alters the electron transfer behavior of pyrogenic carbon in soils and environments, with some materials becoming more electron-conductive while others become less so. These changes can influence nutrient cycling, pollutant degradation, and microbial processes in environmental systems.
A new study explores how artificial lighting at night shapes ecological and genetic patterns of two closely related isopod species, Ligia laticarpa and L. furcata, in Tokyo Bay. The research reveals a clear ecological boundary between the two species, consistent with patterns of urban illumination.
A new study by UK and EU researchers finds that countries with better-targeted climate policies cut carbon emissions significantly faster than those without. The study analyzed over 3,900 climate policies adopted since 2000 in leading economies and found that these policies avoided approximately 3 billion tonnes of CO2 in 2022 alone.
The REST-COAST project presented scientific advances, practical tools, and governance insights developed throughout its lifetime. Researchers explored pathways for upscaling from site-specific demonstrations to broadly adaptable frameworks, linking high-resolution modelling with broader decision-support tools.
Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.
The Coastal Challenge game offers an interactive platform for exploring how choices shape coastal system resilience. Players test long-term adaptation paths while balancing ecological, social, and economic objectives.
A new report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) emphasizes the critical role of businesses in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Businesses can either drive transformative change or risk extinction, as they rely on and impact nature. The report provides methods and 100+ actions for bu...
Researchers from Hokkaido University used a new method to track groundwater levels and greenhouse gas emissions in Southeast Asia's peatlands, finding they release more gases than previously thought. Human activities like drainage and agriculture increase emissions by tripling or sixfolding, contributing 30% of Japan's annual emissions.
Exposure to ozone levels found in affected areas alters the ants' odor signature, causing them to be attacked as if they were foreign intruders. The disruption of chemical communication between adult ants and larvae may also lead to neglect of brood care and larval death.
SPIE becomes a signatory to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Publishers Compact, committing to help create a sustainable future. The organization's research and publications already align with several of the UN's 17 sustainability goals.
A groundbreaking field-based research study from Nankai University found the average carbon emission of dismantling a single unit of E-waste increased from 1.2513 kgCO2 to 1.3335 kgCO2 between 2013 and 2020, highlighting the urgent need for more efficient recycling technologies.
Residential wood burning accounts for over one-fifth of wintertime exposure to outdoor fine particulate matter, linked to increased risks of heart disease and premature death. By reducing indoor wood burning, Americans could decrease outdoor air pollution and save thousands of lives.
A new study finds that soil salinization influences inorganic carbon storage, particularly in regions with elevated salinity. The research reveals a conditional relationship between salinity and inorganic carbon, highlighting the need to incorporate soil chemical processes into global carbon assessments.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) received the 2025 Glenview Environmental Sustainability Award for Innovation, recognizing its commitment to clean energy and reduced emissions. The organization's solar panel installation at its headquarters powers medical simulation facilities using renewable energy.
A global study of 2,636 firms across 31 countries found that stronger ESG disclosure and performance correspond to higher intrinsic value. This aligns with theoretical analysis and signaling theory, highlighting the need for companies to communicate substantive progress honestly.
Researchers from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia have developed a life cycle-verified roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in laser powder bed fusion. The study provides a tiered, cumulative action plan that factories can adopt incrementally, making measurable progress towards sustainability.
A new study from the University of Michigan and Ford Motor Company suggests that EV owners can save thousands on their energy bills and cut carbon emissions by using their vehicles' batteries to power households. The technology, known as V2H, can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from a household's electricity use by 70-250%.
Scientists developed an objective index for monitoring and detecting shear lines over the Philippines, accounting for up to 20% of extreme rainfall days. The detection method is useful for weather forecasting, early warning systems, and understanding how this weather system evolves.
This study investigates how environmental variability and human migration influence the evolution of cooperation among humans. Simulation results reveal that cooperation is more likely to evolve when these factors are sufficiently high, hindering non-cooperative groups and encouraging cooperative groups.
A new study by Linköping University finds artificial turf pitches more environmentally sustainable than natural turf when recycled and maintained properly. However, there are reservations due to production impact and maintenance emissions that can be mitigated with electrified machinery.
Researchers from the University of East Anglia argue that placing social justice at the heart of global restoration initiatives is vital for success. The study found that ecological targets should be aligned with local social, economic, and cultural ones to ensure holistic and long-term thinking.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study reveals that raw ecological data is not enough to protect ecosystems; knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement are crucial. The research proposes the PRISM model to strategically frame ecological data and improve planning decisions.
Research shows that flooding in delta cities like Shanghai can expand by up to 80% and be much deeper by 2100 due to extreme climate events, sea-level rise and land subsidence. A major adaptation effort is required to raise defences and construct mobile flood barriers.
A new review highlights how climate change intensifies the impact of plastic pollution, affecting ecosystems and potentially disproportionately impacting apex predators. The study urges eliminating non-essential single-use plastics, creating international standards for reusable and recyclable plastics.
A new study highlights 21 critical barriers to implementing green and blue infrastructure, including technical, social, economic, governance, and policy challenges. The research provides actionable strategies for practitioners and policymakers to enhance GBI resilience across diverse urban settings.
The smart bamboo glass exhibits record tensile strength, flexibility, and impact toughness while retaining high visible-light transmission. Annual HVAC savings range from 1.6% to 5.58%, reducing global-warming potential by 35% and human-toxicity indicators by 40-60%.
The study warns that connecting isolated habitats can lead to the spread of diseases and invasive species, while also increasing wildfire risks. To mitigate these effects, researchers recommend implementing cost-reduction strategies such as disease surveillance, habitat filters, and fire breaks.
The EU-funded INNOVATILE project aims to reduce the environmental impact of ceramic tile manufacturing through innovative technology, targeting a 10-20% decrease in raw material and water consumption. The project also focuses on using secondary raw materials and replacing critical resources with alternative resources.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that a vegan diet can halve the carbon footprint of an individual, with reductions of 46% in CO2 emissions and 33% in land use. The study also showed that a plant-based diet delivers nearly all essential nutrients.
A new study found that people often misperceive the environmental impact of everyday food products, with common misconceptions including overestimating processed foods and underestimating water-intensive products. The researchers suggest that clear labels could help consumers make informed sustainable choices.
The project aims to quantify the link between water conditions, fish populations, and wading bird nesting success in the Florida Everglades. Researchers will collect data on aquatic prey and habitat conditions during the dry season to provide essential insight into restoration efforts.
The University of Lisbon will host the world's largest conference on ecosystem restoration in 2027, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and industry experts. The event aims to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing on restoring ecosystems, particularly in Portugal, a country with rich ecological diversity.
A food tax shift could reduce premature deaths and disease by 700 annually and 700,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in Sweden. The study shows that selective taxes on unhealthy foods can lead to healthier diets without increasing the average price of groceries.
Researchers found that communities with green infrastructure systems like rain gardens saw a notable reduction in cadmium, copper, nickel, and zinc being sent into local waterways. Implementing more of these systems can improve water quality, make cities cooler, and enhance ecosystem services.
A Concordia University study reveals that neighborhoods with lower incomes and higher proportions of racialized residents tend to be hotter due to less vegetation. Increasing tree coverage can lower land surface temperature by 1.4°C, but wealthier areas have more access to green infrastructure.
A new study finds that glaciers will likely reach their peak of self-cooling power in the 2020s-2040s before near-surface temperatures spike up and melting accelerates. The research, led by Thomas Shaw, used an unprecedented dataset of on-glacier observations worldwide to demonstrate this trend.
A new study reveals that fossil fuel companies are failing to invest in renewables, with only 20% owning an operational project and renewable energy representing just 0.1% of their primary energy extraction.
Rice exposed to nanoplastics and cadmium suffered a 16% loss in biomass, but biochar treatment increased biomass by over 80% and restored chlorophyll and protein levels. Biochar formed a physical barrier, trapped pollutants, and enhanced antioxidant activity.
A study found that UK MPs and the public overestimated the time needed for global greenhouse emissions to peak. Labour MPs were more likely to know the correct answer than Conservative MPs. The researchers suggest that institutions like the IPCC need to improve communication about climate change to policymakers and the public.
A major new study proves that hydropower is a leading force in cutting carbon emissions, with the potential to reshape sustainable development in Southeast Asia. The study found that as hydropower consumption increases, CO2 emissions drop significantly, while reliance on fossil fuels drives emissions upward.
A new gas-solid separation method promises cleaner and cheaper recycling of critical elements. The technique uses flash Joule heating to extract REEs in seconds without water or acids, achieving over 90% purity and yield for REE recovery.
Researchers at George Mason University's College of Public Health are studying the impact of early life exposures on child health. They have gathered data from over 30,000 children and will continue to follow a subset of 1,059 families until 2030.
Researchers found iron-biochar composites milled in a nitrogen atmosphere exhibit superior catalytic performance for degrading organic pollutants. The composite achieved a phenol removal rate of 90.3% when used to activate persulfate, outperforming those milled in air or vacuum.
The MiningImpact project is investigating the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining on ocean ecosystems. Scientists are studying biodiversity, genetic connectivity, and ecosystem health to develop indicators and threshold values for harm.
Researchers found little evidence of disproportionate siting in Black counties, but a growing share of the Black population over time. Long-term demographic shifts after power plant openings led to higher Black population shares, with an average rise of 4% in 50-70 years.
A federally funded study found children with leukemia who were exposed to pesticides during their mother's pregnancy had a higher risk of death. The study, published in Cancers, examined over 800 children and showed pesticide exposure increased child mortality by up to 60%.
A new study reveals that corporations disclose little about their ocean-specific impacts, especially on biodiversity and ecosystems. The research highlights crucial gaps in current reporting frameworks and provides an important baseline for future comparisons.
A global assessment reveals that ocean plastics pose ecological risks in areas with dense marine life and pollutants, even in waters with modest plastic levels. The study identifies high-risk zones, including the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans, where coordinated efforts can substantially lessen threats.
A renowned climate scientist is sounding the alarm on extreme weather events in Asia, proposing an eight-point plan to address climate change. The plan focuses on investing in climate science, accelerating renewable energy, transforming urban mobility, and strengthening climate resilience.
Heat-related deaths are projected to rise four-fold by 2050 if global temperatures reach 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Experts recommend a physiology-based approach that focuses on hot people, using tools like HeatWatch, to enhance heat adaptation and minimize carbon intensity.
A University of Florida research team developed a more accurate way to count wildlife using drones, confirming the world's largest known nesting site for the Giant South American River Turtle. The method combines aerial imagery with statistical modeling, offering a new tool for conservationists to monitor vulnerable animal populations.
Researchers found that agro-pastoral activities increased soil erosion rates 4-10 times faster than natural formation over 3,800 years. The study reveals the degradation of high-altitude soil first, followed by medium- and low-altitude soils with agricultural development.
Research suggests that nine commonly used pesticides in viticulture have significantly underestimated environmental impact, with half-lives exceeding two days and potential for long-range transport.
Health experts urge the UN to strengthen the treaty's focus on ending plastic production and reducing toxic chemicals. The World Health Organization estimates that one-quarter of global deaths are linked to environmental harm, including chemicals, pollution, and waste.
Researchers will study how ocean currents and nutrients from land influence the health and productivity of MCEs, which support diverse marine life and important fisheries. The project aims to fill critical knowledge gaps and provide science-based solutions for environmental protection and sustainable growth in the gulf region.
A University of Houston engineer has developed a method to create strong and eco-friendly materials from bacterial cellulose, which could replace plastic in various industries. The new material has high tensile strength flexibility, foldability, optical transparency, and long-term mechanical stability.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology discovered that ship traffic triggers large methane emissions in shallow areas, including ports. The study found that cruise and container ships caused the most frequent and largest measured methane releases.
A new study led by RMIT University found that restoring southern Australian reefs from urchin barrens is feasible and beneficial for improved water quality, fisheries, and carbon sequestration. Economic modelling showed an AU$50 million investment would return up to AU$92 million in economic benefits.