Articles tagged with Environmental Issues
A new study found that coral reefs have lost half their ability to provide food, jobs, and climate protection since the 1950s, with significant declines in reef coverage and biodiversity. This loss threatens the well-being and sustainable development of human communities on coastal areas.
The scientific paper highlights challenges in global food systems, including climate change, production of unhealthy foods, and inadequate nutrition. The authors propose rebalancing agriculture research towards healthy crops, nutrient-rich foods, and nature-positive technologies to create a more sustainable future.
A new study found that global light pollution has increased significantly over the past 25 years, with the true increase potentially being much higher. The study, led by the University of Exeter, reveals that the transition to solid-state LED technology has masked the impact of light pollution in many regions.
A new study using Argo system ocean temperature data refines climate modeling predictions by identifying models most consistent with observations. The analysis shows that land and air temperatures only tell part of the story, with oceans storing 90% of the planet's heat.
Researchers analyzed past fires in Klamath Mountains, finding that weather and fuels impact non-reburns while reburn intensity mirrors previous fires. Prescribed fire and wildfire management can limit severe fire conditions, maintaining moderate weather for future fires.
A new study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign introduces an electrochemical redox desalination process that removes up to 99% of excess salt from whey while refining over 98% of its valuable protein content. The process uses less energy and operates at a lower cost compared to conventional desalination systems.
A new University of Central Florida study found that using deadline-ism messaging in climate change communications increases perceptions of the threat and support for government action. Participants who read articles with deadlines supported more political climate change action than those without deadlines.
Researchers from Tel Aviv and Berkeley Universities propose a model for seaweed farms to absorb nitrogen, reducing pollution in estuarine and marine environments. The study shows that these farms can produce a natural decontamination facility with significant ecological and economic value.
Researchers studied Northern California residents' responses to wildfire smoke, finding that social norms and social support significantly influence protective health actions. The study aims to promote safer behavior by understanding how people interact with information and make decisions during smoke events.
Researchers identify commercialized Membrane Distillation as a green solution for clean, drinkable water. The technique overcomes Reverse Osmosis limitations and provides safe drinking water while managing brines, keeping the environment safe.
A new study found that Baltimore County's leaky sewage infrastructure delivers tens of thousands of human doses of pharmaceuticals to the Chesapeake Bay annually, affecting aquatic life and behavior. The study estimates that nearly 1% of raw sewage flows into the environment via leaking pipes.
A new instrument measures atmospheric ammonia with high sensitivity and fast response, allowing for accurate quantification of NH3 emissions from agricultural ecosystems. The open-path design overcomes challenges faced by close-path instruments, enabling long-term and automated measurements.
Scientists at Ural Federal University and RAS developed a technology to process metallurgical slag into valuable materials such as cast iron and Portland cement clinker. The technology eliminates the problem of environmental pollution by industrial enterprises.
A Cornell University study found that politicians are more likely to tweet about climate change if they represent wealthy districts or have concerned constituents. In contrast, communities most at risk from climate change are less likely to see their leaders address the issue due to economic constraints and resource disparities.
A recent study warns that abandoning earthen homes could lead to increased carbon emissions and further climate change. Researchers argue that a balanced approach is needed, considering the environmental benefits of earth materials while also promoting safe and affordable housing options.
A new study led by Adam Pearson and Jonathon Schuldt found that family values are a stronger predictor of climate opinions and policy support among US Latinos than political views. Familism, or cultural values representing commitment to the family, was the most important predictor, even more so than politics.
Researchers at INRS and Université de Montréal are developing new electrodes based on nanostructured materials to degrade chemical compounds, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like PFAS. The project aims to create innovative solutions to decontaminate waters containing harmful chemicals.
Researchers found that tin fluoride additive traps oxidized tin in solution, reducing instability. Fluoride also improves colloid stability, leading to more homogeneous crystal growth.
Leading scholars propose new frameworks for environmental governance, citing structural problems in current laws and international law-making processes. They advocate for a new environmental charter, reviving the United Nations Trusteeship Council, and strengthening the UN Environment Programme to address pressing global challenges.
A new technique uses bacterial biofilms to capture microplastics, which are then processed and dispersed for recycling. This method has the potential to remove microplastics from wastewater treatment plants, helping to stop their release into oceans and protect human health and food chains.
A study by North Carolina State University found that kids' presentations about ocean waste increased concern among adults, particularly voters, and led to greater support for marine debris policies. The research suggests kids can have a significant impact on community attitudes and policy decisions.
A major study led by the University of York reveals that Kenya's Standard Gauge Railway project has caused significant environmental damage, including soil, water, and air pollution. The research highlights the need for more effective mitigation strategies to minimize ecological impacts on future infrastructure projects.
A new treatment process recovers higher concentrations of rare earth elements from acid mine drainage (AMD), a significant environmental concern. The two-stage method uses carbon dioxide to extract valuable minerals at lower costs and environmental impact.
Researchers have found that PFAS chemicals have dispersed more broadly than previously thought, contaminating surface water and soil up to 30 miles from a manufacturing facility. The study's findings suggest that these chemicals could be carried into groundwater, highlighting the need for wider monitoring of PFAS exposure.
Research reveals demographic differences in environmental issue conceptualization by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Lower-income and racial minority groups prioritize human factors over ecological issues, suggesting a holistic approach to addressing interconnected social and environmental concerns is necessary.
A new study from Ohio State University suggests that communication about environmental issues can help bridge the political divide by appealing to moral foundations. The researchers found that conservative moral messaging was more effective at increasing support for transitioning away from fossil fuels among conservatives, especially w...
New research advances understanding and methods for assessing novel technologies' environmental impacts. LCA inventories and scenarios are linked to climate change modeling, improving innovation cycle management.
A new Australian technology developed by Flinders University and Clean Earth Technologies can absorb pollutants, including mercury and oil spills. The solution uses a polymer made from sulfur and plant oil to capture toxic substances in water, reducing environmental harm.
Researchers found that reflecting on past sacrifices made by others for future generations can increase a sense of moral obligation to protect the environment. However, this approach has limited impact in increasing pro-environmental attitudes or motivations, and may even evoke feelings of unworthiness.
A national team of researchers, led by Xu Liang from the University of Pittsburgh, has received a $1.3 million grant to create CyberWater, an open framework that integrates diverse data sets and models for investigating water resources and climate-related environmental issues.
Scientists genetically modified mycoparasites to express Green Fluorescent Protein, revealing they can live up to 21-days on host plant surfaces without harming the environment. The study showed that these mycoparasites cannot spread in sterile soil or decomposing leaves, addressing concerns about their impact.
A study published in Nature Sustainability found that people understand sustainability in four distinct ways, but most see environmental and social outcomes as trade-offs. This suggests that effective communication is key to overcoming public scepticism about achieving a sustainable world.
Research found that community engagement is crucial for success in certain environmental projects, such as increasing fish populations or decreasing forest clearance. Understanding what drives community engagement can be more important than ecological aspects in these cases.
A long-term partnership between researchers and local community members has led to significant improvements in air quality and environmental awareness in Pittsburgh's East End. The program, EJCAM, trained community leaders and advocated for green initiatives, resulting in a more informed and engaged citizenry.
A new study finds that when competing fishermen cooperate over local environmental problems, they can improve the quality and quantity of fish on coral reefs. The research, conducted across five coral reef fishing communities in Kenya, reveals that communication among competitors leads to more fish and higher quality catches.
According to a Concordia study, high-performing corporations are more likely to disclose hard information about their environmental practices, building trust with stakeholders. This transparency pays dividends in the long run, leading to increased public goodwill and market value.
A new study in Heliyon identifies distinct opinion patterns on positional issues among Canadian voters, suggesting a micro-targeting marketing strategy could be effective. The research found that many Canadians have strong opinions on divisive issues, comparable to conventional vote predictors like party identification.
A WSU sociologist's analysis of over 20,000 people's opinions reveals that environmental support declines with age and has minimal impact from cohort, but is significantly affected by presidential politics. Republican voters tend to oppose Democratic environmental policies, while supporting them when a Democrat is in office.
Researchers argue that 'positive parochialism' can be a foundation for environmental concern and action, highlighting the potential of local focus to address global issues. The study examines the legacy of the Parish Maps project, which promoted local environmentalism and created thousands of maps across the UK and beyond.
The transformation of Swedish mining policy has led to widespread resistance and demands for greater state responsibility. The book examines how the withdrawal of state involvement has shifted responsibilities to local administrations and companies.
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 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 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.