Articles tagged with Environmental Impact Assessments
A USC-developed shipboard system using limestone and seawater can remove up to half of carbon dioxide emitted from shipping vessels, cutting maritime CO2 emissions by 50%. The process mimics a natural chemical reaction in the ocean, where CO2 is absorbed into water pumped onboard and then neutralized through a bed of limestone.
The BONSAI Climate Footprint Analyser helps users understand the climate impact of various products and materials through a free, publicly accessible platform. The tool provides accurate CO₂e values for over 1,000 products across 40 countries, enabling organisations to assess and reduce their climate footprint.
A new study found that recycled polyethylene plastic can leach chemicals into water, causing impacts on zebrafish larvae's hormone systems and lipid metabolism. The researchers highlight the need to address toxic chemicals in plastics across their life cycle.
Nearly half of Mesoamerica's 4,000+ tree species are at risk of extinction, primarily driven by agriculture and logging. Conservation efforts are urgently needed to protect these species.
Researchers argue that deliberate full extinction might be acceptable in rare cases, but only with careful consideration of ecological and moral implications. The study calls for robust ethical safeguards and inclusive decision-making frameworks to guide the use of genetic modification technologies.
Mount Sinai Health System has received three prestigious awards from Practice Greenhealth for its commitment to environmental sustainability. The system's Mount Sinai Green program aims to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and create healthier environments. Recent initiatives include reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and improvi...
The ITU-WBA Greening Digital Companies report shows that tech sector carbon emissions continued to rise in recent years due to rapid advances in AI and data infrastructure. Despite this, the report highlights encouraging progress as more companies set emissions targets, source renewable energy, and align with science-based frameworks.
The use of plastics in agriculture and food production has grown significantly, with 20% of all plastics used in France in 2023. Plastics are used to package, transport, and preserve food products, but their composition is often complex and diverse.
The GREEN TALENT project aims to address climate change and biodiversity loss by boosting skills and competences in research and innovation. The four-year project will establish demonstration hubs in Malta, Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria, hosting 45 secondments and fostering international collaboration.
Researchers have developed a sustainable method for extracting sugars, organic acids, and phenolic compounds from corn stover using subcritical water. This process recovers high-value bioderivatives with yields up to six times higher than traditional methods, reducing energy costs and time.
A new study published in Science finds that strong climate policy can preserve twice as much ice as current warming trajectories, even if temperatures stabilized today. At a 1.5°C temperature increase, 53% of global glacier mass could be preserved, alleviating hazards like flooding and freshwater deficiency.
A new study finds that limiting global warming to 1.5°C could save twice as much glacier ice as current policies, which project an average of +2.7°C. This would mitigate 10cm of sea-level rise and preserve up to 39% of global glacier mass.
Researchers developed a metalens-based microscope that achieves both wide field of view and high-resolution imaging in a compact design. The system uses a doublet configuration and annular illumination to overcome traditional metalens limitations, enabling practical applications in biomedical imaging.
Nico Wunderling joins the Center for Critical Computational Studies (C3S) to investigate global warming's impact on planetary stability. He focuses on the Amazon rainforest and its biodiversity under climate change pressures.
Subsidies to agriculture, fossil fuels, and other sectors cause significant environmental degradation, threatening biodiversity and public health. The study highlights the urgent need for a transformation of the current economic model to protect nature and ensure well-being.
Researchers developed a bimodal video platform combining hyperspectral and RGB video to predict high-quality spectra from lower-cost RGB data. The platform demonstrates improved performance in the visible spectrum but faces challenges in the near-infrared range, highlighting the need for broader spectral coverage.
A new international study shows that El Niño and La Niña climate patterns affect nearly half of the world's mangrove forests, threatening these vital coastal ecosystems. Mangroves are experiencing widespread degradation during El Niño events and increased growth during La Niña events.
A recent study analyzes evolution of sustainability in higher education institutions, highlighting need for standardization and impact assessments. University-led initiatives and campus regulations can directly impact sustainability performance.
A Kyoto University study reveals that seasonal timing of terrestrial invertebrate resource subsidies can mediate life-history variation in wild organisms. The researchers found that early subsidies led to the highest life-history variation, while later or no subsidies resulted in lower variation.
A new survey reveals that while Australians care deeply about the Great Barrier Reef, many are unaware of its location. The study found that only a few participants could identify individual species, highlighting the need for targeted public awareness campaigns to address knowledge gaps.
New research challenges conventional views on the link between environment and conflict, highlighting global inequalities that disproportionately harm countries in the Global South. The study finds that ecological sustainability and peace are not positively correlated, but comprehensively sustainable peace is possible.
Researchers found four types of aircraft engine exhaust particles, including soot, volatile particles, and onion-like structures. The onion-like particles are composed of organic compounds and have unique internal structures that may affect their volatility and interaction with the human respiratory tract.
A new study from Texas A&M University found that residents' knowledge of environmental health risks is the most important factor in their decision to take a home buyout. Residents who live in areas with high levels of risk and are more concerned about environmental risks are more willing to accept a buyout.
The European Science Alliance for Agriculture and Food (ESAAF) aims to provide independent scientific expertise to EU policies. The new coalition brings together five leading institutions to promote sustainable and resilient food systems.
A study by UTHealth Houston found that some public transit shelter designs can trap heat and increase temperatures, posing a significant risk to bus riders' health. Providing shade through trees or strategic shelter design can mitigate this issue.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo have developed a method to restore tens of thousands of oil and gas exploration sites in western Canada using native moss. The technique involves transplanting moss onto decommissioned well pads, effectively recreating peatlands and supporting ecosystem development.
Researchers develop advanced materials from plant waste, enhancing wood strength without increasing weight or harming the environment. The treatment used is simple, cost-effective and safe, making it a potential replacement for traditional construction materials.
Researchers at UCLA and Princeton discovered that showing people continuous temperature data can lead to a vague impression of gradual change, while presenting binary data like lake freezes causes a striking shift. This approach may overcome climate apathy by creating an emotional connection to local traditions.
Biomass is crucial for Europe's ability to reach its climate targets, providing both energy and negative emissions. Excluding biomass from the European energy system would increase costs by 169 billion Euros per year.
The World Cocoa Foundation and Alliance of Bioversity International assessed the accuracy of key maps for deforestation, tree planting, and greenhouse gas emissions monitoring. The study found that open access global maps are not accurate enough for cocoa analyses in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.
Dr. Gadhamshetty, a leading expert in environmental engineering, brings over 25 years of experience to the role. He aims to expand the journal's influence and promote transformative research that addresses critical environmental challenges.
Researchers developed a cell-based reporter assay that can quantify epigenetic changes induced by chemicals and potential carcinogens. The epi-TK assay detects gene silencing and activation, reflecting epigenetic changes associated with both gene expression and DNA methylation.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that smoke from US wildfires and prescribed burns caused $200 billion in health damages in 2017, resulting in 20,000 premature deaths. Senior citizens were disproportionately affected, with Native American and Black communities experiencing the greatest harms per capita.
A new system, Amalur EIS, analyzes European industrial plant emissions and finds the energy sector generates 59.5% of total environmental impacts. Climate change has the greatest weight in Europe's total impact.
A new framework, SOPA, assesses business process sustainability using life cycle assessment and activity-based costing to evaluate environmental impacts. The study demonstrates the potential for digital processes to significantly reduce environmental costs.
A study by Eawag and the University of Zurich found that human impacts on biodiversity are widespread and severe, with average species declines of 20% across all biogeographic regions. The composition of species communities is also shifting, with environmental pollution and habitat changes having a particularly negative impact.
The American Geophysical Union has opened a new application portal for U.S. researchers to self-nominate as experts, authors, and review editors for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Seventh Assessment Report. The nomination period is open until mid-April.
Researchers assessed the environmental impact of five waste-to-nutrition technologies in France, finding that their efficiency is variable. They compared these technologies with existing waste recovery methods, such as anaerobic digestion and composting.
Researchers created a new GIS-based multi-criteria decision tool to guide decisions on using nature-based shorelines or hybrid solutions in the Florida Keys. The study finds that nearly 8% of the shoreline is suitable for nature-based solutions, while 67% is already vegetated or represents another natural shoreline.
A meta-analysis from the University of Georgia's College of Public Health found that factors like air pollution and access to green spaces can significantly raise or lower dementia risk. Living near major roadways was associated with a 10% higher risk, while exposure to fine particulate matter increased risk by 9%.
Research from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that mothers with high prenatal psychosocial stress and depressive symptoms developed higher blood pressure during the first year postpartum. Social cohesion during pregnancy was also associated with lower blood pressure, suggesting a protective factor.
A new University of Texas at Arlington study reveals high concentrations of microplastics in bird lungs, with average particles per species and gram of lung tissue measured. The study highlights the urgent need to address plastic pollution and its far-reaching impacts on ecosystem health and human health.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that polyethylene (PE) packaging can have an average life cycle global warming potential savings of approximately 70% compared to commonly used packaging materials. This is due to PE's lower fossil resource use, GWP, water scarcity and mineral resource use in most applications.
Brondizio's work highlights the vital role of Indigenous peoples in conservation and connects large-scale structural processes to local communities. His research has transformed knowledge of the Amazon region and its socio-ecological issues.
A new study suggests adjusting VAT rates on food groups based on health and environmental impacts could lead to healthier diets, reducing cases of diet-related diseases. The proposal aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions and generate significant revenue for governments.
The FAU-designed autonomous observation platform system offers a comprehensive approach to studying the Arctic environment and monitoring the impact of melting sea ice. The system integrates with the environment it monitors, providing new data on Arctic Sea ice melt beyond what satellites and manned ships can provide.
A study by Kyushu University economists found a significant economic impact on Japan's tourism industry, resulting in a loss of 3.44 trillion yen and 22 billion US dollars. The pandemic also led to employment declines for 868,976 people, with the highest losses in restaurants and hotels.
Researchers found that brief ozone exposure reduces blood oxygen saturation, triggers hypoxia-related biomarkers, and increases arterial stiffness. Ozone pollution is a worldwide health issue, linked to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that Aldabra Atoll's shoreline has maintained its net shoreline and total land area over 51 years, with an average change rate of 25 cm per year. The lagoon shoreline underwent more rapid changes than the ocean shoreline, particularly in areas exposed to wind and waves.
A nationwide analysis of Japan's plastic litter removal from rivers found that natural disasters and extreme weather events contribute to spikes in collected plastic waste. The study, led by Tokyo University of Science, also identified positive correlations between basin population, plastic litter recovery, and cleanup activities.
A new monitoring system uses 'virtual sensing' to accurately estimate CO₂ and NOx emissions based on driving behavior. The system provides personalized environmental impact assessments, empowering drivers to manage their emissions.
A new UN report highlights the economic benefits of investing in sustainable land and water management to reduce drought costs. The study estimates that nature-based solutions can generate up to $10.1 trillion in business value by 2030, while creating millions of jobs.
Researchers will test the hypothesis that environmental manganese exposure is associated with the progression of Parkinson's symptoms and measure neuroinflammation in the brain using MRI scans. The study aims to inform environmental regulations for manganese worldwide and address an environmental justice concern.
A new UN University study reveals Hurricane Helene's devastating impacts, with over 31,000 buildings affected and $12.5 billion in threatened property value. The disaster highlights the urgent need for investment in resilient infrastructure and improved land-use planning to mitigate future extreme weather events.
Researchers found high levels of contamination on Perequê Beach in Guarujá, Brazil, with plastic and cigarette butts predominating. The study, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, highlights the need for public policies to mitigate litter and protect marine ecosystems.
Record-high temperatures in Svalbard and East Finnmark create conducive conditions for tree growth, exceeding the classic 10°C threshold. The growing season and average temperature criteria were met at multiple weather stations, indicating a suitable climate for forest establishment.
A study by Texas A&M University has revealed high levels of lead, barium, and chromium in soil samples from the Greater Fifth Ward neighborhood. The findings highlight the need for environmental protection programs to address health risks associated with heavy metal exposure.
Research articles highlight the limitations of the 'tens rule' in invasion ecology, while also showcasing the growing use of crowdsourced science in environmental reviews. Additionally, a study uses artificial intelligence to identify individual animals with high accuracy, improving conservation strategies.
A recent study by Probal Dutta finds that companies with good environmental performance tend to disclose more information about their activities and effects on nature, often with external verification. This is a positive association, suggesting that companies are taking responsibility for their impact.