Articles tagged with Environmental Policy
The Southern California Environmental Health Sciences Center will continue to support research on air pollution, PFAS, and environmental health effects. The new grant will enable the center to expand its research programs and support junior investigators.
A new study reveals metabolic-associated kidney disease among young girls and women, and those without heat exposure in Nicaragua. The research found a greater prevalence of poor kidney health among young girls and women than previously known, and risk factors for kidney disease are present at younger ages.
Researchers found 86% of soil samples exceeded the EPA's 200 parts per million residential soil lead hazard level, and nearly 94% exceeded screening levels for multiple sources of lead exposure. In homes without lead-based paint, 80% of floor dust samples exceeded safety thresholds.
Research found that small particles from activated carbon and biochar can transport particle-bound pollutants after filtration, affecting water treatment performance. Dissolved contaminants may be overlooked when particles are removed, leading to incomplete contaminant transport assessment.
A new study published in Science reveals that protecting existing forests from disturbances, such as wildfires and selective logging, can provide the most significant benefits for biodiversity and carbon stocks. This approach is more cost-effective than restoration, particularly in regions where most of the original forest has already ...
A study by the University of California, Davis, estimates that each ton of carbon dioxide emitted in 2025 costs $41 in lost productivity, with heat stress affecting workers in highly populated areas. The study lends strong support for a social cost of carbon value of $200, highlighting the need for climate policy analysis.
Researchers analyzed 40,000 industrial plants and 5,000 U.S. House elections to find that firms in Democratic districts have lower emissions due to increased inspections and enforcement actions. This reallocation had potential financial impacts for firms and public health concerns for local communities.
The Frontiers Science House roadshow brings together world leaders and climate experts to address unresolved scientific disputes and policy bottlenecks in governance of climate intervention technologies and power, rewired: building the climate-energy future. The event aims to facilitate discussions and find solutions to pressing issues...
A new study suggests that support for biodiversity conservation measures can be less divisive than climate change measures, particularly among people with egalitarian worldviews. Cultural worldviews and relational values of nature also play a significant role in shaping policy support, the researchers found.
A new study finds that illness rates increase with proximity to the Santa Susana Field Laboratory, a site contaminated with radioactive and chemical waste. Wealthier residents, who were expected to take more action to protect themselves, were actually driven by fear to take precautions.
A new study found that green and blue spaces, such as woodlands and grasslands, can be up to 4.5°C cooler than built-up areas during peak summer hours. The research team monitored temperatures across Guildford for three years and found that these natural defenses can significantly reduce the urban heat island effect.
Irrigated mountain hayfields act as large filtration systems, reducing nutrient concentrations in runoff and improving water quality. This study found that voluntary adoption of best management practices can effectively mitigate the impacts of agricultural nutrient use in mountain meadow hay systems.
Scientists warn that Canada's boreal forests absorb enough heat to offset 6-20% of their climate benefit, due to their dark surface reflecting winter sunlight. Mixed forests with deciduous trees and moderate densities outperform dense evergreen monocultures in delivering climate cooling.
The climate impact taxonomy provides a shared framework linking measurable climate changes with risks and adaptation options, helping policymakers and practitioners make informed decisions. The taxonomy identifies key patterns, including regional scales and the need for both mitigation and adaptation.
A new study found that nearly a third of culverts studied are single points of failure, cutting off entire neighborhoods from hospitals. Disconnection can leave up to 30% of the population without access to emergency care.
A study by Pusan National University researchers found that Korea's emission trading reforms could reduce fossil fuel usage by increasing carbon pricing, while uniform benchmarking and auctioning ratio changes would affect power generation companies differently. The reforms aim to maximize their impact with complementary measures.
North Americans breathed unhealthy air for nearly 106 million person-days as Ontario wildfires exposed people on both sides of the border. Canada's slow fire season intensified within weeks, with Toronto recording the poorest air quality in the world.
Researchers found that Indigenous land restitution empowers communities to influence land use, but may not automatically yield environmental benefits. The study revealed that traditional land uses like pasturage increased, while non-native forest plantations decreased in restituted lands.
Lip cosmetics products are routinely ingested and absorbed through lip tissue, but existing frameworks were never designed to assess this dual-pathway exposure route. Researchers found significant gaps in testing and regulation, including inadequate absorption data and outdated ingestion assumptions.
A new study finds that global inequality has increased by 170-270% since 1960, challenging the idea of catch-up development. The research highlights the role of neoliberal policies and geopolitical strategies in perpetuating core-periphery inequality.
A University of Utah-led survey found that 69% of Salt Lake County residents are concerned about the Great Salt Lake's decline, with habitat loss and risks to human health ranking as top issues. Concern varies by social group, birthplace, and personal experiences.
A new study identifies five audience 'classes' based on people's perceptions of scientists' credibility, including enthusiasts, optimists, moderates, skeptics, and estranged. Researchers found that public estimates of scientific credibility differ depending on the topic and audience class.
Scientists from the University of Sharjah found high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in industrialized and urban settings across MENA. The study highlights the persistence of legacy chemicals embedded in consumer products, electronic waste, sediments, soils, and indoor environments.
A two-year field study shows that biochar-derived from rice straw improves soil health and crop resilience to saline-sodic stress. Biochar enhances nitrogen metabolism, increases yield, and reduces oxidative stress, making it a promising strategy for sustainable rice production in salt-affected regions.
A new book reveals Iran's government failure to address devastating environmental catastrophes, while persecuting campaigners trying to raise awareness. The country's rulers have failed to provide a comprehensive plan, despite the concerning state of its natural environment, leading to issues like water scarcity and deforestation.
A large study suggests exposure to air pollution during sperm development can impact genes associated with sperm development, chromosomal organisation and cellular quality control. Researchers identified 39 DNA methylation changes linked to air pollution mixtures, including ozone and nitrogen dioxide.
A nationwide study found substantial regional differences in sperm quality, with men in northern Spain recording the strongest semen quality. Lifestyle habits were broadly similar across regions, suggesting environmental exposures may play a role in male reproductive health.
A study of 17,000 EU citizens found that most view economic growth as compatible with sustainability, with values like equality and collective welfare driving support. Citizens in wealthier societies tend to be less supportive, suggesting they feel more secure when basic needs are met.
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) has released a statement expressing concerns about the proposed OMB rule on federal grantmaking changes. The rule could reduce public access to weather information, slow commercialization of advances in weather science, and limit scientific collaboration.
A new study by Swansea University introduces a One Health Sustainability Framework linking biodiversity, ecological condition, and environmental sustainability with wellbeing outcomes in nature prescribing. The framework highlights the need to understand what kinds of nature and how much are needed to support health in a sustainable way.
The UN has launched an initiative calling on AI companies to publicly disclose their environmental impacts, including carbon, water and land footprint. The move comes after a report highlighted the massive electricity demand and environmental impacts of AI systems.
Eight EU-funded research consortia warn that Europe's food security and societal functions are at stake due to failing pollinators. The report advocates making Pollinator Stewardship an explicit priority across policies, promoting ecoliteracy in education, and addressing short-term production goals.
Researchers unveil a rigorous framework to fix global forest carbon credit systems, addressing methodological defects and promoting biodiversity conservation. The new standards aim to produce high-integrity climate assets while safeguarding community interests.
A two-year field experiment in subtropical China shows that combining nitrogen transformation inhibitors with biochar can reduce harmful nitrogen gas emissions while supporting tea productivity. The treatment combining biochar and dual inhibitors also increased tea yield by 6.7% and plant nitrogen uptake by 14.4%.
A new study published in Biochar reports a promising approach to address food safety and climate challenges at the same time. A titanium dioxide-loaded biochar material reduces arsenic mobilization and methane emissions in flooded paddy soil, offering a two-in-one strategy for safer rice and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study suggests that balancing wetland conservation with economic development is possible through a locally adjusted policy featuring both tradeable offsets and taxes. The study estimates that this approach would retain two-thirds of private gains from trade while preventing about $1.6 billion in flood damage.
The global data centers powering artificial intelligence are projected to consume nearly triple the combined annual electricity use of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria by 2030. AI's environmental cost is being systematically mismeasured, with its water footprint equaling the basic annual domestic water needs of all 1.3 billion people ...
Residents in informal Lagos settlements have developed sophisticated climate adaptation systems, including drainage systems and plastic waste management, to stay safe during flooding. Despite government policies dismantling their homes, they continue to earn income from providing climate-related services.
A new commentary reveals that most of Africa's biodiversity persists outside formal protected areas, challenging the reliance on fenced reserves and policies like the 30×30 target. Working landscapes, shaped by centuries of human-nature coexistence, often retain higher ecological connectivity and resilience to climate change.
The project aims to shape future international engineering guidance for coastal infrastructure as climate change increases storm surge risk. Researchers will gather environmental data on saltmarsh systems and work with international partners to develop practical hybrid green-grey infrastructure solutions.
The FutuRaM project mapped Europe's 'urban mine', revealing a vast reservoir of metals and minerals essential for clean energy, digital technologies, and modern industry. By 2050, recovery systems could enable the EU to recover between 4.1 and 5.7 million tonnes of critical raw materials annually.
A UNIGE team developed an AI-based model to predict public support for decarbonization measures, highlighting the decisive role of emotions, beliefs about policy impacts, perceptions of fairness, and social norms. The research confirms that transparent communication is essential for accelerating the energy transition.
A global study of marine litter has identified food and beverage plastics as the leading contributors to ocean pollution, with plastic packaging, caps, and bottles dominating shoreline debris worldwide. The research highlights the urgent need for reduced plastic production and more efficient waste management practices.
A review of food waste in Australia's quick service restaurants found order mistakes as the biggest driver of waste, with better staff training crucial for reduction. The study recommends ongoing training and making food waste metrics part of performance evaluations to mitigate back-of-house food waste.
Researchers found that farmers and conservation groups share priorities on future uncertainty, collaboration, ecosystem-based approach, and creative management options. The study aims to improve dialogue and support effective management in the Klamath Basin and inform future river restoration efforts.
A new study reveals that almost three-quarters of Brazil's federal nature reserves lack adequate funding, with the Amazon facing significant financial shortfalls. The analysis highlights the need for increased resources and long-term financial planning to support conservation efforts.
A survey of Tokyo teachers found that key biodiversity topics were covered extensively, but omissions stood out. Personal experiences of nature significantly influenced what teachers chose to highlight.
The EU's plans for domestic production of fossil-free aviation fuels risk steering development towards more expensive and energy-intensive pathways. A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the current regulatory framework favours combustion-based alternatives over gasification, leading to increased costs and energy use.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a water-based pesticide formulation that outperforms conventional methods in delivering agricultural pesticides. The new solution uses nanostructured cellulose nanocrystals to stabilize pesticide droplets without chemicals or solvents.
Researchers at Adelaide University argue that climate risk assessments need evaluative governance to prioritize acceptable risks and promote long-term action. The study suggests introducing four sequential steps to shift thinking towards longer-term solutions.
The ECE 2026 brings together researchers and clinicians to share the latest endocrine research and developments. Key sessions include Plenaries, Symposia, Awards, Meet the Experts, Debates, and Oral Communications.
A new national study led by Michigan State University researcher Amber Pearson found that the biological benefits of nature are not experienced equally across all populations. While higher tree canopy is generally associated with lower allostatic load, this association was not seen in less-advantaged groups.
A new UN report reveals that poor water quality is closely linked to poverty and gender inequality in the Global South. The study finds that 84 countries face a combination of unsafe drinking water, limited financial resources, and gender inequality, affecting nearly 2 billion people.
A new study published in Communications Sustainability reveals that investing in renewable energy yields more combined climate and public health benefits than direct air capture. The analysis models the health and climate benefit of cost-equivalent deployments of DAC, solar, and onshore wind across US grid regions from 2020 to 2050.
An international team of researchers found that coordinated land-use planning can reduce species impact by 15% and carbon loss by 19%. Strategic planning can enable progress toward global biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development goals simultaneously.
A new study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production examines the link between corporate political spending and ESG disclosure among S&P 500 companies. The researchers found that firms with higher lobbying expenditures tend to score lower on sustainability transparency, particularly when it comes to environmental disclosure.
Researchers investigate whether micro- and nanoplastics contribute to liver disease through oxidative stress, fibrogenesis, and inflammation. They emphasize the need for increased research into plastic-induced liver injury and its potential impact on human health.
A new empirical study found a direct link between climate finance and lower conflict risk in developing countries. Climate finance that alleviates water stress and boosts renewable energy projects contributes to peace and stability, with greater impact at higher levels of funding.
A global paradigm shift is needed to protect intact ecosystems and prioritize Nature Positive framework, integrating Indigenous knowledge and finance. The webinar series on May 28, 2026, will explore effective actions for people and nature, guided by the Three Conditions Framework.
A new study shows that combining biochar application with moderate water table management can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural peat soils. Biochar consistently lowers carbon dioxide emissions and suppresses methane production, making it a promising strategy for climate mitigation.