Articles tagged with Environmental Issues
A representative survey of over 1,200 US adults found that racial minorities and low-income Americans report higher levels of environmental concern than other groups. Stereotypes may hinder efforts to address environmental inequities and increase public involvement in environmental action.
A new study reveals that most Americans overestimate the low concern levels of minorities and lower-income people for environmental threats. The research found a paradoxical pattern where those groups report high levels of concern despite being underestimated.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change synthesizes the effects of climate change and environmental problems in the Mediterranean region. The research highlights interconnected risks to sustainable development, including water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and human security threats.
A study by Christine Horne and Emily Kennedy found bipartisan support for renewable energy, with conservatives viewing it as financially smart and a step towards self-sufficiency. Democrats strongly link renewable energy to environmental protection and reducing carbon emissions. The research highlights an area of common ground between ...
Researchers at the University of Kansas found that a recent large-scale analysis of population density was flawed due to biased sampling and missing data. Their study highlights the need to consider additional factors beyond geographic range and environmental niches when studying species abundance.
Researchers synthesized a novel rod-like metal-organic framework (MOF-5) nanomaterial for efficient removal of uranium hexafluoride. The study found that MOF-5 exhibited high sorption capacity and was an effective candidate for U(VI) enrichment, alleviating environmental pollution pressure.
A study by University of Kansas researcher Lukas Szrot found that younger religious Americans are more likely to harbor environmental concerns due to the emphasis on stewardship in religious groups. This shift is attributed to the growing discussion on creation care, which has led to a greater focus on environmental issues within churc...
A Europe-wide study found that over 95% of people reported seeing litter when visiting the coast, leading to higher concern and willingness to change behavior. The primary causes of marine litter were attributed to plastic use, human behavior, and single-use plastics.
A recent study by Prof. Xuejie Gao and colleagues found that China's population will experience a six-fold increase in very hot days by the end of the 21st century, affecting over 0.2 billion people with no exposure to cooling. The region from Yangtze River valley to North China will see the largest increase in thermal stress.
Latin American researchers identified 20 priority research questions to address pressing environmental and health issues, focusing on risk assessment, environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, and more. The Global Horizon Scanning Project will help scientists achieve sustainable environmental quality around the world.
A new study finds that climate change can cause political and diplomatic problems at US military bases, including unexpected cleanup costs and conflict between the US and countries hosting the bases. Rising temperatures and sea levels threaten to remobilize toxic waste, putting personnel and local inhabitants at risk.
The Environmental Data and Governance Initiative (EDGI) aims to preserve environmental justice data and monitor federal landscape changes. EDGI proposes a forward-looking research agenda to advance public access to environmental data, supported by an online infrastructure.
The special issue explores the role of nursing in addressing environmental changes and protecting vulnerable populations. Scholars present papers on disaster preparedness, planetary health, and education to prepare future healthcare workers for uncertain climate conditions.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals Indigenous nations are adapting to invasive species through public programs, education, and collaborative efforts with non-Indigenous governments. These initiatives not only mitigate the impact of invasive species but also protect cultural identity and traditional economic knowledge.
Researchers from the University of Exeter suggest that conservation scientists work with filmmakers to raise awareness of endangered species and environmental issues, leveraging the 'Hollywood effect' to inspire action. The study highlights both positive and negative impacts of cinema on public perceptions and attitudes towards wildlife.
Researchers find that certain patterns of collaboration are more effective in solving shared environmental problems, with tightly linked actors working together improving outcomes. A socio-ecological 'fit' between networks and ecosystems also increases the possibility of effectively solving environmental problems.
A team at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia has developed an asphalt mixture with encapsulated cigarette butts, reducing thermal conductivity and handling heavy traffic. The innovation could solve a huge waste problem while also mitigating the urban heat island effect common in cities.
A new study found that long-term exposure to noise above 55 dB, equivalent to a suburban street, is significantly linked to male infertility. The researchers analyzed data from 206,492 men and found that those exposed to higher levels of noise had a greater chance of being diagnosed with infertility.
A new Yale study finds that Lyme disease causes people in the Northeast to forego 1 billion fewer trips per year, costing them about 9 hours of outdoor time annually. The total cost is estimated to be between $2.8 and $5 billion due to the large number of affected individuals.
A new study found that early environmental experiences and temperament shape children's problem-solving skills. Children with hawk traits developed enhanced problem-solving for rewards by age 4, but performed worse on standardized tasks.
A new study led by Cornell University researchers found that exposure to Pope Francis' image heightened moral beliefs about climate change in wide segments of the public, particularly Republicans. For Republicans who saw the pontiff's photo prior to answering questions, 39% agreed that climate change is a moral issue, up from just 30%.
A new study maps species threat hotspots across the globe, connecting consumer purchases to environmental impacts. The research found that US consumption caused hotspot zones in Southeast Asia, Madagascar, and southern Europe, among other regions.
Researchers propose a unifying framework for managing environmental microbiomes, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity in maintaining human health. The study suggests that altering microbial diversity can have significant impacts on human health, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies.
A new study calls for a shift in conservation approaches that consider humans' livelihoods, cultural traditions, and dependence on natural resources. This can lead to successful conservation projects when both natural and social scientists work together with local communities.
Scientific cooperation on environmental pollution played a key role in easing Cold War tensions in the 1970s. Norway's lead on acid rain monitoring led to limited technological cooperation with the Eastern Bloc, paving the way for political relationships at the United Nations.
Researchers developed a way to map environmental footprints to specific locations, connecting economic activity and global supply chains with environmental impacts. This innovation allows governments, companies, and individuals to identify areas where they can participate in reducing emissions and air pollution.
A new study demonstrates how citizen science can be used to improve environmental decision-making and secure funding for conservation projects. Online software and web-portal platforms enable community groups to design protocols, conduct experiments, and implement plans, making them an invaluable tool in addressing environmental issues.
Research published in Psychological Science found that cultural values shape environmental behavior. In individualistic countries, personal concerns drive eco-friendly actions, while in collectivistic societies, social norms are a stronger motivator. The study suggests that tailoring messages to local culture is crucial for promoting p...
A study by University of Kansas researchers found that environmental organizations have shifted towards neoliberal policies, prioritizing economic expansion over radical changes. This shift has led to inadequate responses to climate change and other environmental issues.
The STARS4ALL project is a EU-funded initiative that aims to promote dark skies across Europe through crowd-sourced data collection and analysis. Researchers are monitoring social media interactions between citizen science volunteers and participants to design new apps and projects for contributing light pollution data.
A study found that mentioning politics in environmental issue messages can deter people from supporting pro-science projects. Even those with more knowledge about the issue were less likely to back solutions when framed around global warming terminology.
A new study reveals that economic concerns are a significant factor in the adoption of sustainability plans by local governments. Fiscal savings and attracting development projects were key motivators, along with environmental concerns.
A new special issue from Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology investigates the life cycle environmental and natural resource implications of energy efficiency technologies. The studies reveal that while these technologies generally reduce greenhouse gas emissions, their benefits vary widely among regions and technologies.
A new study from Oregon State University finds that conservatives' attitudes toward climate change and environmental concerns shift when the issues are framed in terms more closely aligned with their values. The researchers used moral foundations theory to test how shifts in moral framing affect attitudes toward environmental issues.
Researchers argue that network governance models can help big conservation alliances govern themselves and strengthen connections through communication. This approach emphasizes inclusivity, allowing disparate stakeholders to envision common goals and choose metrics for measuring progress.
The 2016 Environmental Performance Index reveals both optimism and concern as nations expand access to water and sanitation while failing to reverse air quality degradation and fisheries decline. Concerted efforts have reduced deaths from waterborne diseases, but 8% of the world's population lacks clean water access.
The Planetary Health Alliance aims to improve understanding of environmental change and human health. The alliance will foster research, training, and policy action at the intersection of environment and public health.
Researchers found that only half of water bodies have fish consumption advisories in line with EPA recommendations. The largest fish sizes need new advisories, affecting up to 65% of sites examined.
The partnership between Cornell's Atkinson Center and EDF aims to accelerate problem-solving research and catalyze policy changes addressing pressing environmental issues, backed by a $1.7 million grant.
The US is set to harden its shoreline by 22,842 km if current trends continue, with most new development focusing on soft marshy estuaries and lagoons. Coastal wetlands provide essential ecosystem services, including filtering pollution and buffering against storms.
A recent study published in Environment and Behavior found that marine litter significantly undermines the psychological benefits of coastal environments. The research, conducted by Plymouth University, showed that participants rated clean beaches most positively, while scenes with seaweed or public litter were rated more negatively.
A three-year fishery closure around Robben Island increased African penguin chick survival rates by 18%, a significant improvement for the endangered species. The study highlights the importance of small no-take zones in improving demographic parameters of mobile species like the African penguin.
Researchers analyzed nine air quality regulations and estimated potential lives saved ranging from none to over 80,000 per year due to uncertainty on fine particle health effects. The analysis found better information is needed on the economic effects of air regulations to accurately assess their impact.
Research finds artificial light from coastal communities and shipping alters marine invertebrate communities, affecting fouling and ecosystem services. The study warns of potential impacts on coral reefs and other sensitive environments.
A University of Missouri researcher found that human perception of environmental damage improves over time, despite little improvement in the environmental conditions. Residents' perceptions of the severity of the beetle kill problem decreased during the study period.
A recent study by University of Vermont researchers reveals that socializing with neighbors is linked to a set of environmental behaviors, including buying chemical-free fruits and vegetables, conserving water and energy, and driving less. Generalized trust in others also plays a crucial role in promoting eco-friendly habits.
A new study suggests that China should conduct national conservation horizon scanning to identify potential environmental problems that have not yet been noticed by society. This could help prevent large-scale environmental disasters, such as the serious haze caused by heavy air pollution in northern China and across the Yangtze River ...
The inaugural survey of American attitudes about the environment reveals a complex picture of public opinion. While most Americans believe the US should take a leading role in combating global warming, they tend to prioritize other environmental concerns. The poll also found that Americans are adopting environmentally friendly lifestyl...
Non-Tea Party Republicans' views on science and environmental issues are closer to those of Independents than Tea Party supporters, according to new research. The study found significant divisions between Tea Party supporters and Republicans, but fewer divisions between non-Tea Party Republicans and Independents.
A new study found that future-oriented women are the voting bloc most strongly motivated to invest in reducing global warming. They tend to be more politically liberal, value the environment, believe in global warming, and are willing to pay more to mitigate climate change.
A new study by University of New Hampshire sociologists found that coastal residents' views on environmental issues are deeply divided along party lines, with Democrats expressing greater concern about environmental problems than Republicans.
A new study by Michigan State University scholar Aaron M. McCright found the US public increasingly divided on environmental issues, mirroring Congressional polarization since 1992. The gap between conservatives opposing and liberals supporting environmental protection has grown drastically over two decades.
The Environmental Crime Program Training (Project EnCriPT) offers a range of free, online courses on environmental enforcement and public health issues. These courses will help strengthen enforcement efforts across various levels and provide hands-on experience in processing hazardous materials scenes.
The project evaluated environmental technologies on livestock farms in the Atlantic Area, focusing on reducing emissions and improving waste management. Collective treatments in waste treatment and use have been found to be effective.
A survey of over 500 researchers found that scientists support outreach efforts, but are hesitant due to concerns about peer disapproval. Confidence plays a key role in willingness to participate.
Scientists at Wayne State University are working to identify a chemical found in algae that may inhibit spawning in invasive zebra and quagga mussels. The research aims to develop an ecological-scale control strategy to disrupt reproduction and reduce mussel populations.
Boundary organizations facilitate communication between scientists, stakeholders, and policymakers to address pressing environmental challenges like water availability and species decline. Effective collaboration requires integrating diverse perspectives and knowledge in a neutral environment to inform environmental decisions.
The Yale School of Environment journal examines the benefits and limitations of environmental footprinting, a concept that summarizes human impact on the planet. The field continues to evolve, offering new opportunities for collaboration and precision in assessing sustainability.
The new field of macrosystems ecology is being touted as a solution to tackle environmental problems such as climate change and invasive species. By integrating biology with other fields and using vast amounts of data, ecologists can study complex systems at broad scales.
Researchers propose measures to tax CO2 emissions and cut labor taxes, reducing pollution and increasing economic activity. The study suggests environmental fiscal reform can benefit both the public system and the environment.