Articles tagged with Environmental Issues
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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent MIT survey shows a dramatic shift in Americans' ranking of climate change as the country's most pressing environmental problem. Over three-quarters of respondents believe the government should take action to address global warming, and individuals are willing to spend their own money on mitigation efforts.
A special issue of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology highlights the most impactful products on the environment, with 70-80% of damage attributed to automobiles, air transport, food, and energy use. The research informs environmental improvement programs and policy decisions globally.
Actor Harrison Ford was recognized for his lifelong passion toward environmental issues, emphasizing the need for individual responsibility in conserving nature. He has been an integral part of Conservation International's mission to conserve biodiversity worldwide.
A recent special issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment highlights China's environmental concerns, including water and air pollution, cropland loss, and biodiversity decline. The country's rapid urbanization is also exacerbating these issues, with over 50% of its population expected to live in towns and cities by 2020.
The American Geological Institute publishes Coal and the Environment, a framework for understanding coal's mining and use impacts. The report discusses new clean-coal technologies and regulations to reduce harmful emissions.
The Penn CEET aims to improve environmental health through research and outreach, focusing on lung disease, endocrine systems, and gene-environment interactions. The center will collaborate with local communities to address pressing environmental concerns.
A recent study by the University of California - Irvine has found that indoor air purifiers producing even small amounts of ozone can exceed public health standards. This increases exposure to ozone levels in excess of health guidelines for people operating these devices indoors, potentially worsening respiratory issues such as asthma.
A majority of Americans (55%) expect the world's natural environment to be in worse shape in 10 years than it is now. Despite party affiliation, 67% of Democrats and 48% of Republicans are pessimistic about environmental health. A bipartisan 86% supports government action to improve the environment during the next year.
The article discusses Nicol's model of krill's life history, which separates the species into different stages and explains how it drives its evolution. The study reveals that this life cycle keeps adult krill separate from younger stages, reducing competition for food and minimizing predation on juveniles.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks graduate program's Regional Resilience and Adaptation Program offers potential solutions to modern land-use practices. Students are trained to address issues of regional and global sustainability, recognizing both short- and long-term needs.
This special issue examines the role of consumption in shaping the environment, exploring its impact on water use, energy consumption, and product life spans. Researchers analyze household and global consumption patterns to better understand the pivotal role of consumption in environmental management.
Researchers have developed a new process that can efficiently break down paper into soluble sugars, potentially providing a solution to the global wastepaper glut. The method uses designer cellulosomes with unique enzymes that work together effectively to degrade cellulose chains.
Two scientists outline China's environmental impact on the world, including pollution, resource consumption, and human health dangers. They recommend education, environmental law enforcement, market tools, and lifestyle changes to address these issues.
The June 2005 issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment highlights various ecological concerns, including Chesapeake Bay tributary restoration, community recovery after disturbances, and threats to marine species. Researchers also explore the nutrition link between pathogens and infected hosts.
A recent MIT survey found that the US public is poorly informed about climate change and carbon capture and storage (CCS), a key mitigation technology. The survey revealed that only 17% of respondents had heard or read about CCS in the past year, while many were unaware of other energy-related solutions like hydrogen cars and wind energy.
The 2005 Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) ranks countries on 21 elements of environmental sustainability. Finland scores highest, performing well on issues like air pollution and global-scale environmental efforts, while the US ranks 45th due to weaker performance on waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions.
The new UCI Environmental Molecular Science Institute will investigate how chemical reactions occur at the boundary between air and liquid droplets, affecting atmospheric pollution and climate change. Researchers will use theory, experiments, and computer modeling to gain new insights into smog formation and acid rain.
A study found that UK small firms often prioritize short-term gains over sustainability, with many believing it's not a priority for customers. The research suggests regulatory measures may be necessary to drive change within the sector.
Experts argue that a new Global Environmental Organization (GEO) is needed to consolidate and coordinate environmental policy research, technology databases, and information clearing-houses. The UN Environment Programme is also overstretched and recommends focusing on science and co-ordination of scientific activities.
The aquarium trade poses a significant threat to marine and freshwater ecosystems due to the introduction of invasive species. Experts recommend regulating the industry by listing safer alternatives and using bonds to cover potential damage costs.
Researchers developed a simple method for ultra trace determination of chlortetracycline and tylosin antibiotics in animal manures and surface/ground waters. Tests showed high concentrations of these antibiotics in swine manure samples, highlighting potential environmental pollution risks.
A study examining coastal and southern California shrublands found that fire hazard risk was relatively constant at 2.7% annually, contradicting the assumption that older vegetation fuels cause larger fires. Regional differences may contribute to these findings.