Articles tagged with Environmental Issues
Professor Martin Melosi's research focuses on the historical management of water supply and sanitation systems in American cities. He argues that cities should be viewed as ecosystems with a physical, biological, and social structure, and explores the role of government in managing water resources.
Environmental anthropologist Kenny Broad and underwater photographer Wes Skiles were named Explorers of the Year for their work documenting Blue Holes in the Bahamas. Musician Jack Johnson received the Arts Ambassador for the Environment Award, while IBM was recognized for its research partnership with National Geographic.
USDA scientists recommend controlling starch buildup in sugar factories by using an intermediate-temperature stable amylase to break down unwanted starch. The solution involves adding diluted concentrated amylase solutions to factory tanks, resulting in improved product quality and reduced costs.
A virtual issue explores the long-term environmental impact of the Chernobyl disaster and its relevance to future nuclear accidents. Research reveals radiation can affect entire ecosystems, highlighting the need for better understanding and mitigation strategies.
The US EPA is collaborating with the United Nations University to develop strategies for managing electronic waste (e-waste) in Africa and Asia. The five-year agreement will support research, tracking, data collection, analysis, and information sharing to improve e-waste refurbishment and disposal.
A study by Michigan State University researcher Aaron M. McCright found that Democrats generally believe in global warming more now than they did 10 years ago, while Republicans increasingly deny its existence. The gap between these groups has increased over the past decade, hindering meaningful national energy policies.
The new journal Environmental Development aims to provide solutions to regional environmental issues through rapid assessments and integrative approaches. It bridges the gap between natural sciences, social sciences, and policy makers to foster global action and knowledge sharing.
Professor Elizabeth Canuel of VIMS has been awarded a prestigious Aldo Leopold Leadership Fellowship to enhance her skills in effective science communication. She will participate in two intensive training sessions on Capitol Hill to promote the application of scientific knowledge to address environmental issues.
Most college students fail to grasp fundamental scientific principles like the carbon cycle and conservation of matter, leading to inaccurate explanations and environmental issue ignorance. The study calls for improved teaching methods to enhance students' understanding of essential biological concepts.
A special edition of the American Chemical Society journal Environmental Science & Technology is now online, focusing on environmental policy past, present, and future. The issue includes articles on topics such as energy sustainability, biodiversity, and climate change.
A University of Gothenburg study finds that China's plastic bag charging policy reduces consumption by half, with 60% still not complying. The ordinance allows store owners to price bags and keep profits, but competition remains fierce.
Researchers found that when people believe a goal is autonomously chosen, they experience increased motivation and value, whereas imposed choices lead to decreased motivation. This study has implications for consumer behavior and marketing strategies.
A special issue of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology examines innovative ICT applications for energy efficiency, smart irrigation, and carbon reduction. The research assesses the environmental impacts of ICT and entertainment sectors, estimating their net environmental impact and potential for reducing carbon emissions.
A special issue of Ecopsychology explores how women's interactions with nature affect their sense of self, body image, and environmental drive. Women who spend time in natural settings tend to have better body images and distance themselves from societal beauty standards.
This special issue of Environmental Science & Technology explores key topics in environmental policy, including decimating honey bee colonies, carbon capture and storage, and biodiversity. The issue also delves into the origins of environmental issues and how scientists are addressing concerns.
China's rapid growth has led to significant environmental challenges with worldwide implications, emphasizing the need for a systems approach to tackle these issues. The country's biodiversity is threatened by extinction, and climate change requires global cooperation to develop low-emission industries.
A study by Michigan State University sociologist Aaron M. McCright found that women are more likely to believe in the scientific consensus on global warming than men. The research challenges common perceptions that men are more scientifically literate and suggests gender socialization as a possible explanation for the gender divide.
A recent article in Ecopsychology explores the catastrophic psychological responses to the BP Gulf oil spill, predicting long-lasting effects of chronic depression, withdrawal, and lack of functioning. The disaster is likely to stimulate renewed environmental activism and changes in attitudes and behaviors.
Scientists must engage non-academic audiences and tailor their message for policymakers to inform policy decisions. Effective science communication can also educate children about environmental issues through arts-based initiatives, fostering empathy and promoting collective action.
The Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange (CAKE) provides foundational knowledge on adaptation, new research, and innovative work from the field. The website enables scientists and practitioners to define and build the field of adaptation.
The Ecological Society of America honors seven distinguished ecologists for their outstanding contributions to the field. The awards recognize achievements in ecological research, education, and sustainability, including Simon A. Levin's Eminent Ecologist Award and Martin Lindegren's Sustainability Science Award.
Researchers discovered that human bone samples can act as a biological marker for dozens of metals and toxic elements. The study analyzed rib bones from 84 citizens in a non-industrial region in Russia, finding the presence of 44 additional elements beyond those naturally present in the body.
A University of Alberta researcher examines three social narratives that prevent people from acting on the effects of oil on the environment. These narratives, including strategic realism, eco-apocalypse, and technological utopianism, hinder effective action despite knowledge of the issue's impact.
A Stanford University study found that public opinion experts' 'most important problem' question systematically underestimates Americans' priority on global warming and the environment. When reframed, however, this question reveals a significant increase in environmental concerns.
The University of Arizona Superfund Research Program will receive $14 million to investigate metal-laden dust, water contamination and their health effects. The program aims to minimize mine dust and water leachate, stabilize arsenic residuals, and monitor pollutant distribution in air and water.
Michigan State University environmental scientist Jianguo Liu argues that China needs strong leadership and institutional innovations to achieve sustainability. He highlights the importance of integrating natural and social science research to understand complex interactions between humans and the environment.
The study reveals that plastics accumulate in garbage dumps and oceans, harming aquatic life and contaminating the food chain. Human exposure to plastic additives like BPA and phthalates is also a concern, particularly for infants, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised health.
The US liquid detergent market reached $3.1 billion in sales in 2009, driven by innovative eco-friendly products containing natural ingredients. Manufacturers are now offering specialty cleaners that reduce energy or water consumption, combining detergents with fabric softener and static reducers into single sheet-like products.
A special issue on climate justice explores the global implications of climate change on human health and the environment in disadvantaged communities. The collection of articles examines the disproportionate effects of energy production, environmental consequences, and healthcare utilization in low-income populations.
Research at the University of Granada found that consuming fish more than 3 times a week during pregnancy is associated with worse cognitive performance in children. Higher levels of mercury exposure also show generalised delays in cognitive, memory, and verbal areas.
A study found that at least 85% of computers imported into Peru are reused, rather than going directly into recycling. The US is the source of up to 76% of used computers imported to Peru, challenging the widespread belief that e-waste is mainly about dumping unusable junk.
Particulate air pollution during the 2008 Beijing Olympics was twice as high as recent games in Athens and triple that of Atlanta. Despite government efforts to reduce pollution, levels were unacceptable for most dangerous particulate matter 100% of the time, posing serious health risks to athletes and spectators.
The inaugural issue of Ecopsychology, a new peer-reviewed online journal, chronicles the transdisciplinary endeavor of ecopsychology and its role in advancing psychological practice in an ecological context. The journal examines the link between human health, culture, and environmental issues.
Stephen Schneider, a climate researcher, emphasizes the need for accurate and comprehensive reporting on global warming. He stresses that developed nations must take control of their greenhouse gas emissions to make the problem solvable in developing countries.
Research finds higher ladybug richness and abundance in organic olive groves, indicating respect for environmental conditions. The study suggests that ladybugs can serve as a useful bioindicator for evaluating agroecosystem health and sustainability.
New research suggests that the process of manufacturing nanomaterials can offset their environmental benefits, with some studies indicating life-cycle impacts 100 times greater than traditional materials. This challenges the assumption that nanomaterials will lead to reduced energy and resource use.
Researchers in Algeria have discovered that orange peel can effectively remove acidic dyes from industrial effluent, blocking sunlight and harming photosynthesizing plant species. The study found that absorption time depends on dye concentration and temperature, with strong dyes absorbed at up to 70 milligrams per gram of orange peel.
A RAND Corporation study found that U.S. Army units can gain tactical and strategic advantages by better managing environmental issues during deployments, which can influence local support for the mission and overall success. The study recommends giving more weight to environmental considerations in planning and operations.
A new study reveals that citizens of poorer nations are equally concerned about environmental quality as their counterparts in rich nations. This challenges the long-held assumption that poverty-stricken countries prioritize basic needs over environmental protection.
Two large environmental programs in China have shown success in balancing human needs with environmental conservation, converting cropland to forests and reducing soil erosion. The programs offer alternative livelihoods for farmers and promote global carbon sequestration, but face challenges that require local involvement and funding.
A study found that households implementing environmentally sustainable behavior reported a reduction of approximately two tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions per year. Key factors influencing adoption included financial cost, lack of time and knowledge, and lifestyle factors such as household size and vehicle ownership.
A new study uses computer-aided content analysis to reveal language differences between stakeholders in environmental conflicts, such as the hedgehog culling debate. The tool has great potential to reduce conflicts and promote dialogue among stakeholder groups.
A Dutch engineer suggests building pyramids from solidified waste to dispose of toxic industrial and domestic waste. This innovative system reduces the risk of toxic materials leaching into groundwater, providing a sustainable solution to waste management.
R.D. Schuiling suggests using dolomite or limestone to react with hot lava, cooling it down and solidifying it, potentially saving thousands of lives and homes during future eruptions. He proposes various methods for deploying these rocks, including helicopter drops and aerial cable systems.
Yale Environment 360, a new online magazine, covers global environmental issues with reports, analysis, and Op-Ed-style pieces. The site features original articles by leading journalists, scientists, and experts, showcasing diverse perspectives on climate change, energy policy, and more.
A new study has found that antimicrobial ingredients in personal care products, such as triclosan and triclocarban, persist in estuarine sediments and can harm aquatic life. The study also discovered a potential pathway for the breakdown of these chemicals, but notes that their continued use poses significant environmental risks.
Two new papers by leading environmental scientists highlight the 'nitrogen cascade,' where a single atom of reactive nitrogen can cause harm to ecosystems and human health. The researchers suggest minimizing nitrogen use through optimizing plant uptake, recovering nitrogen from manure, and decreasing emissions from fossil fuel combustion.
A recent survey conducted by University of Missouri professor David Konisky found that Americans are more concerned about local environmental issues than global warming. The top three priorities for government action are protecting community drinking water, reducing pollution of US rivers and lakes, and improving urban air pollution.
To make global environmental treaties more effective, Professor Lawrence Susskind recommends engaging civil societies in treaty-making and enforcement. He also suggests offering incentives for countries that ratify and comply with treaties, as well as establishing meaningful timetables and targets with economic penalties.
The special issue reports on discussions of selected legal and environmental issues at the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly. It also covers high-level meetings on climate change and explores underlying sources of global problems.
A large-scale industrial expansion into space offers a sustainable solution to environmental concerns, providing unlimited resources and energy sinks for pollutants. This approach reconciles technological optimism with economic scarcity, enabling a unified political vision for the 21st century.
Researchers from the University of Vermont argue that peace parks can be a powerful tool in war zones, effectively resolving conflicts between Ecuador and Peru, Tanzania and Mozambique. By focusing on shared environmental concerns, such as desertification or water depletion, peace parks promote cooperation and mutual respect.
A new analysis has identified cancer-causing compounds, air pollutants, and other substances of concern in the production of carbon nanotubes. Researchers are working with industry partners to develop environmentally sustainable manufacturing methods and filter systems to minimize hazardous by-products.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that alternative cropping systems reduced nitrate levels in surface and ground water by 41-62% compared to conventional farming practices. Increasing cropping system biodiversity can improve water quality.
Long-term monitoring programs help society understand environmental issues like acid rain, clean air, and global warming. The absence of monitoring hinders evaluation of environmental policies and contributes to the development of appropriate experimental design.
A new report from the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies explores the potential of nanotechnology to build an environmentally sustainable society. The report highlights several promising applications, including the use of nanoparticles to clean up toxic waste sites and reduce lead emissions in electronics manufacturing.
The AAAS symposium aims to address the environmental effects of large-scale livestock operations, including land degradation, air and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Researchers will present findings on how to develop policies and practices to reduce adverse effects while ensuring food security and preserving natural resources.
A UI researcher emphasizes the importance of understanding molecular processes in solving environmental issues, as demonstrated by the case of Antarctic ozone thinning. She advocates for further research on molecular assembly and disassembly to safely recycle materials from outdated computers.
A recent study finds that human population size and affluence are the primary drivers of environmental stressors, whereas urbanization, economic structure, and age of population have limited impact. The researchers used global average productivity to compare environmental tradeoffs and human-induced stressors in the environment.
Researchers found that intermittent streams provide crucial habitats for coho salmon smolts, while the US Supreme Court's decisions may impact these ecosystems. Additionally, natural sacred sites like sacred groves can hold valuable insights into biodiversity management and conservation.