Articles tagged with Environmental Issues
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.
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.
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 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.
A new Rice University study explores the complex relationship between self-evaluations and supportive behaviors towards environmental issues. Researchers found that individuals who experience mixed self-evaluations, including both positive self-assets and negative self-doubt, tend to exhibit less extensive issue-supportive behavior.
Researchers suggest that focusing on a country's age and history can increase citizens' confidence in its enduring future, leading to increased environmental concern. A lab-based study found that participants who viewed the US as having a longer history donated more money to an environmental organization.
This special issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment brings together diverse perspectives on addressing global environmental challenges. The issue highlights socio-ecological drivers of environmental injustice, explores ways to encourage behavioral change, and emphasizes the role of religion in promoting Earth Stewardship.
Researchers found that people tend to reject damaged or imperfect recyclables, citing them as useless. To combat this, consumers and manufacturers can take steps to override these tendencies by changing packaging and product design.
Despite increased efforts by Christian leaders and organizations to promote eco-friendly values, a new study reveals that the general public's environmental concerns remain low among Christians in the US. The research surveyed over 1,400 people and found that Christians reported lower levels of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors...
A recent study investigated public perception of how waste disposal sites affect residents living nearby, particularly odor and local pollution concerns. The study found that odour perception diminished over time as the facilities were closed, and older residents reported more concern about health impacts.
A new framework combining engineering criteria with ecological and social concerns could minimize the impacts of hydrocarbon development in the Amazon. Extended Reach Drilling and other best practice components may reduce project-related deforestation by over 75%, according to a recent study.
A new study reveals that proportions of threatened species are more closely related to socio-economic pressures from the early 20th century. This 'extinction debt' implies that current conservation efforts may underestimate true extinction risks, as many species may already be destined for extinction due to temporal delays.
A global survey reveals that environmental issues, particularly climate change, are a low priority for people in the US and around the world. In the surveys, the economy ranked highest in concern, with environmental issues ranking sixth.
A new book edited by Emilio Moran joins social and natural scientists to explore human role in addressing health challenges, managing forests and animal species. The study highlights the importance of understanding people's motivations and decisions in solving environmental problems.
A new study maps environmental stresses and ecological services in the Great Lakes, highlighting areas of high cumulative stress and potential for protection. The analysis provides a comprehensive perspective on restoration, identifying locations where multiple problems intersect and opportunities for targeted remediation.
A study from researchers at UC Berkeley suggests that reframing pro-environmental rhetoric according to values resonating with conservatives can reduce partisan polarization. The findings indicate that such approaches can increase motivation among conservatives to support environmental causes.
A Michigan State University study reveals that exposure to environmental harm increases the likelihood of environmentally-friendly behaviors among urban Chinese residents, regardless of economic status. People are more likely to act when they feel a sense of personal responsibility and can take control of their actions.
A study suggests that environmental groups can collaborate to inform the public about environmental concerns, leading to improved efficiency and targeted messaging. By leveraging existing connections and seizing strategic opportunities, organizations can build public knowledge and empowerment in environmental decision-making.
A growing field of study, ecopsychology examines the psychological, spiritual, and therapeutic aspects of human-nature relationships. It highlights various approaches to integrate psychology and environmental content in education, promoting students' appreciation for the link between their well-being and the natural world.
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation's Council of environment ministers emphasized the role of communities in building resilience to environmental changes. The ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to initiatives aimed at greenifying North America's economy and protecting its citizens' health.
The Inclusive Wealth Report 2012 proposes a new approach to sustainability by measuring natural, manufactured, human, and social forms of capital. This comprehensive index provides a more accurate picture of a country's development and well-being than traditional indicators like GDP.
The study found that cultural values associated with sustainability, such as being unselfish and prioritizing social responsibility, are linked to environmentally sustainable behaviors. The researchers observed strong correlations between these values and practices, suggesting that fostering sustainable attitudes can promote behavioral...
A study suggests that women can reduce their breast cancer risk by avoiding unnecessary medical imaging. According to the UCSF analysis of IOM report, radiation exposure from medical imaging is a known risk factor for breast cancer.
Researchers found significant health and ecosystem implications from coal-tar-based sealcoats, which release PAHs detrimental to human and ecosystem health. The study recommends avoiding coal-tar-based sealcoats in favor of asphalt-based ones or no sealcoat at all.