Articles tagged with Environmental Impact Assessments
A study by Ritsumeikan University researchers found that emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of menstrual cups can increase their adoption. Tailored information efforts highlighting long-term financial benefits can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable options.
A new study suggests that human activities may actually reduce the severity of droughts in certain regions. Climate model simulations indicate that aerosols and greenhouse gases produced by human activities have opposite effects on atmospheric chemical composition and precipitation mechanisms. This research challenges previous conclusi...
A new study reveals that micro- and nanoplastics may boost the risk of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The tiny particles are absorbed into the human body through food, air, and other sources, potentially leading to increased inflammation and severity of these conditions.
Researchers evaluated the impact of hydroelectric project construction on regressive erosion and land use/land cover changes in Ecuador's Coca River. The study found an acceleration of regressive erosion post-CCSHP implementation, affecting fluvial dynamics and environmental protection.
Researchers suggest charging carbon emitters with an emission tax could help fund basic income programs while reducing environmental degradation. Implementing basic income could boost global GDP by 130% and generate $7 in economic impacts for every dollar spent.
Hydropower expansion in Africa can reduce environmental impacts by at least 50% with minimal cost increases. Researchers have developed a computer simulation framework to optimize dam planning, balancing energy needs and ecosystem conservation.
A new study finds that urban office buildings continuously release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the outdoors, similar to traffic emissions. The research team measured VOC concentrations in a high-performance office building and found indoor levels 2-15 times higher than outdoors.
A study found that pharmaceuticals like metoprolol and atenolol, as well as illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine, were present in over 60% of water samples from Hudson and East Rivers. Enterococci bacteria and rainfall also contributed to drug presence, highlighting the need for improved water management systems
A new tool and framework allow companies to assess the circularity of their products in early design stages, enabling them to create sustainable new products. The circular design framework consists of 10 categories and includes interactive questions, helping entrepreneurs and designers think systematically and collaborate better.
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 study by Duke and Columbia Universities found that non-white older adults with mild cognitive impairment reside in areas with more environmental injustices than their white peers. The study suggests that location, race, and environmental factors may interact to impact brain health.
A recent study analyzed 53 peer-reviewed Life Cycle Assessment studies and found that conventional plastics are not always the least environmentally friendly choice. Bioplastics emerge as a viable alternative for climate change and fossil resource depletion, but other environmental impact categories show some disadvantages. The analysi...
Researchers have found that phytoplankton biomass in Narragansett Bay declined by 49% from 1968 to 2019, with the winter-spring bloom occurring earlier each year. The decrease in phytoplankton levels may indicate resilience in the face of climate change.
Researchers have found that lithium can be extracted from Pennsylvania wastewater with high efficiency, potentially supplying up to 40% of the country's demand. This could bring the US closer to meeting its goal of producing all lithium domestically by 2030.
A study found that heavy snowfall and rain contribute to earthquake swarms in northern Japan by altering underground pressure. Climate conditions are linked to seismic activity, with the timing of intense precipitation events correlating with the start of quakes.
A new AI method developed by Swedish researchers can identify toxic substances based on their chemical structure, potentially replacing animal testing. The method has been shown to be more accurate and broadly applicable than existing computational tools, offering a promising alternative for environmental research and authorities.
Researchers found widespread data gaps on environmental effects, emphasizing the need for updated information requirements in REACH legislation. They propose utilizing cross-species knowledge and grouping substances to increase understanding.
A recent study published in the Journal of Hydrology reveals significant changes in bioclimatic environments across China's dry–wet transition zones due to climate change. The research identifies these zones as hotspots of ecosystem vulnerability, emphasizing the need for targeted impact assessment and adaptation studies.
A study of 500 households in Altamira found that 61% experienced food insecurity and malnutrition. The poorest group, with low educational attainment and unemployment, was most affected.
A new study by Stanford researchers explores the effects of different watershed interventions on coral health, finding that regional-scale approaches yield better results. The research identifies key areas for restoration, protection, and sustainable agriculture to support both ecosystem and societal benefits.
A group of 350 scientists from over 60 countries call for a legally binding global treaty to prohibit the production of hazardous plastics chemicals and adopt science-based approaches. They advocate for an independent scientific body with robust conflict of interest policy and regional representation.
A new scientific review published in Sustainable Production and Consumption explores how to accurately assess the carbon footprint of coffee farming. The study provides guidance on measuring green coffee's environmental impact, including identifying representative measurements and applying land use change modeling.
Fruit eating birds play a vital role in forest ecosystems by consuming, excreting, and spreading seeds to allow trees to grow and function. The study found that highly fragmented landscapes restrict bird movement, reducing carbon recovery potential by up to 38 percent.
Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, demonstrated a new method for visualizing vegetation gradients in hilly terrain. This analysis showed that 'hillslope-impacted vegetation' is a common global phenomenon, widely distributed across various climates and regions.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that neighborhoods with more adversity have up to twice the increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The research highlights the complex interplay between social and environmental factors on health outcomes.
A new study published in Stroke found that exposure to artificial, bright outdoor nighttime light may increase the risk of cerebrovascular disease and stroke. The research, which analyzed data from over 28,000 adults living in China, suggests that higher levels of outdoor light pollution at night may be a risk factor for these conditions.
Climate change is causing rapid warming of Scotland's lochs, with potential costs of £16.5 million annually due to algal blooms and reduced water quality. Implementing efficient land management practices could reduce phosphorus pollution by 20% under a best-case scenario.
The rapid assessment of the Kakhovka Dam breach has estimated that half a million hectares of protected habitats have been exposed to hazards, including nutrients and pollutants. The study will support international action to restore a biodiversity hotspot in southern Ukraine.
A recent study highlights the importance of considering lamb's nutritional value when comparing its carbon footprint. The research found that lambs finished on grass diets had a lower carbon footprint per unit of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids content, making them a more sustainable option.
A new study from Stockholm University found that pesticide linuron causes significant physiological impacts in frogs, including changes in DNA, growth, metabolism, and reproductive systems. The research highlights the profound transgenerational consequences of environmental pollution on amphibian populations.
A recent study suggests that nature experiences positively impact human time perception, particularly in temporal duration and perspective. This can lead to a sense of 'gaining time' and balance feelings of time scarcity. By reconnecting with nature, people may develop a more positive and balanced time perspective.
Scientists estimate carbon emissions from ancient volcanic events using a new technique that analyzes excess mercury left behind in rock records. The study suggests that these large igneous provinces may have triggered positive Earth system feedbacks, exacerbating the effects of carbon emissions.
Researchers propose that policy interventions should focus on reducing energy demand to improve energy security, rather than just increasing supply. This approach is found to be more effective in making countries less susceptible to convergent energy crises.
A new study highlights the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples' knowledge in advancing climate change research and policy. The project LICCI, led by Victoria Reyes-García, engaged over 5,000 individuals across 48 diverse cultures and nationalities to document climate change impacts as perceived by local communities.
A study published in Environmental DNA analyzed seawater samples from the Ogasawara Islands, detecting 124 unique fish species and 38 coral genera. The research highlights the importance of monitoring biodiversity in remote regions using efficient methods like eDNA sequencing.
Researchers developed a multi-step process to quantify the dependency of international trade on Nature's Contributions to People (NCPs), including spatial mapping and tracing international trade flows. The study aims to improve knowledge about the complex relationship between nature and international trade, supporting implementing Targ...
A new study by University of Massachusetts Amherst engineers highlights the disproportionate impact of poorly maintained roads on residents in disadvantaged communities. The research found that these communities are twice as likely to have poor roads, leading to increased fuel consumption and higher costs for drivers.
A new study reveals conflicting national and sectorial targets, as well as differing availability of abatement options, hinder companies' ability to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers propose introducing a carbon measurement and management process alongside a dynamic framework to align climate targets and actions.
Researchers developed a novel approach to measuring community personality and found that people in like-minded communities tend to be happier, healthier, and more highly achieving. Communities differ significantly in terms of personality traits, with some counties having high proportions of open-minded or conscientious individuals.
A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the production and use of ammonia as a marine fuel can lead to eutrophication, acidification, and emissions of potent greenhouse gases. Researchers warn that the pursuit of low-carbon fuels may create new environmental challenges.
Researchers aim to improve thermal comfort evaluation system by addressing metrics, questionnaire design, and prediction models. The goal is to provide a more personalized approach to comfort in various environments.
Researchers found that small electric aircraft can have a notably lower climate impact – up to 60 percent less – and other types of environmental impacts than equivalent fossil-fuelled aircraft. The study also highlights the need for longer battery lifetimes and improved energy storage capacity to minimize mineral resource scarcity.
The FAPESP School of Advanced Science on Biodiversity aims to train young environmental scientists and technicians to critically analyze biodiversity data. The school will bring together leading researchers with representatives from different user segments to cover topics such as conservation, climate change, and ecosystem services.
A team from Tokyo Institute of Technology has developed a method to remotely monitor nuclear reactors using antineutrinos. The approach, published in the Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, could help prevent the manufacturing of materials for nuclear weapons.
A study by University of Waterloo researchers found that corporate investing in communities decreased despite an increase in companies committing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The results indicate 'SDG-washing', where public pledges aren't translating into socially responsible investments.
A Eurac Research study conducted in the terraXcube simulator found that humans can perceive temperature differences as small as 0.92 degrees Celsius. This sensitivity suggests an inherent characteristic of human perception, influencing our thoughts and actions. The study's results have implications for energy sustainability in buildings.
Researchers at Okayama University uncovered key reproductive characteristics of the red-swamp crayfish, highlighting the importance of hook length and chelae for identifying sexual status. The study also found high reproductive ability and fast growth rates compared to native Japanese crayfish.
A new study in the Journal of Dairy Science analyzes the life cycle of milk production in 47 small farms in Karnataka, India, identifying key emissions hotspots and potential sustainability improvements. The research highlights the importance of high-yielding animals and efficient feeding strategies to reduce carbon footprints.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that sodium-ion batteries have an equivalent climate impact as lithium-ion batteries without the risk of raw material depletion. They identified potential measures to further reduce climate impact, such as developing environmentally better electrolytes.
Researchers develop a mathematical model that analyzes the future survival of plants in a changing climate by studying how far wind can carry seeds. The model provides fast and reliable predictions of seed movement, considering factors like seed type, plant height, and wind speed.
A systematic review found that climate change-related concerns are linked to less positive attitudes towards reproduction and a desire for fewer children or none at all. The study identified four key factors: uncertainty about the future of an unborn child, environmentalist views on overpopulation and overconsumption, meeting family su...
A new study reveals that consumers place a higher value on products from circular economies due to the concept of psychological ownership. This finding suggests that businesses and policymakers can align strategies with consumer values to promote sustainable initiatives.
The Children's Environmental Health Center will investigate the cumulative health impacts of early exposure to pollutants and non-chemical stressors among children in underserved communities. The center aims to reduce environmental health disparities and promote environmental justice for children.
Research reveals that firms with female directors show improved social and environmental performance and disclosures. Female directors' education level also positively affects reporting quality, with those holding a master's degree having the most significant impact.
A study by the University of Washington and NOAA found that upgrading a culvert in Washington improved fish traffic for four species of interest: cutthroat trout, coho salmon, rainbow trout, and sockeye salmon. Meanwhile, a smaller culvert replacement had less impact on fish populations.
A WVU team is providing free technical assistance to local industrial facilities to reduce their impact on environmental and community health. The project aims to support businesses in making changes that benefit their communities while maintaining profitability.
A recent study reveals 15%-18% of the Brazilian Amazon is at high risk of ecological disruption by 2050. The regions, often near 'deforestation arc', exhibit low research frequencies and are threatened by climate change.
A new global study assesses the scale of metal mining contamination in river systems worldwide, impacting human populations and ecosystem services. The research estimates 23 million people affected by toxic waste, highlighting the need for new safeguards to address growing demand for 'green' minerals.
A study of five case studies reveals the benefits of incorporating ecological connectivity into environmental assessments. The research emphasizes the need for guidance on conducting connectivity analyses and monitoring project impacts.
A recent study published in Ocean and Coastal Management found that the public perception of plans to combat oligotrophication in the Seto Inland Sea is more positive than expected. The survey revealed that respondents were unfamiliar with nutrient supply measures from factories and sewage treatment plants, but presented information si...