Articles tagged with Environmental Policy
State Senator Darrell Steinberg will receive the ESA Regional Policy Award for his efforts in fostering renewable energy, clean water, and parks. The award recognizes Steinberg's championing of bills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable communities.
Reducing agricultural production in provinces like Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, and Hebei, and importing food from other regions, could conserve China's water resources. A new report suggests that restructuring these regions could reduce national water use while maintaining food security.
A California Lutheran University study found that citizen-designed redistricting in Ventura County led to fairer representation, with most incumbent supervisors re-elected based on their responsiveness to constituents. The new districts also strengthened support for environmental protections and liberal social policies.
Researchers analyzed angler catch records for evidence of a lunar cycle's effect on muskie behavior. They found that muskellunge are caught consistently more around the full and new moon phases, with anglers catching 5% more fish during peak lunar days.
Cigarette butts are a significant source of pollution worldwide, containing toxins and carcinogens found in cigarettes. A proposed policy includes banning filtered cigarettes, implementing a deposit-return scheme for used butts, and holding manufacturers responsible for clean-ups.
Protected areas in Costa Rica reduce poverty by 16% through ecotourism and infrastructure changes. Increased tourism accounts for two-thirds of the reduction.
A UC Riverside study suggests that increasing block-rate water budgets can effectively promote water use efficiency by sending a price signal to customers regarding water scarcity. The study found that average household water use decreased by 15% under the new pricing structure, while overall prices only rose 4%.
A new study finds that states with stronger alcohol policies have significantly lower binge drinking rates. The study analyzed 29 alcohol policies and found that stronger policy environments can reduce binge drinking rates by one-fourth, even after accounting for demographic factors.
A 12-organisation Anglo-French partnership has developed an English Channel Governance Guide to ensure sustainable management of the world's busiest waterway. The guide will inform live marine policy development on a national and European scale, focusing on ecosystem management, conservation, and human use of the waterway.
A new study found that China's payments for ecosystem services programs led to significant forest growth and environmental benefits. However, the programs also had negative impacts on rural households and their livelihoods, highlighting the need for more sustainable policies.
A new study published by Rice University and the University of California at Davis predicts that US corn yields will decline by 7% and irrigation needs will increase by 9% due to climate change. This could sharply hinder the nation's ethanol production targets, leading to a re-evaluation of biofuel policies.
A new study suggests that Li-ion battery disposal can lead to environmental and human health threats due to the release of toxic materials. The American Chemical Society recommends stronger government policies to encourage recovery, recycling, and reuse of lithium-ion battery materials.
Policies in California's Salinas Valley are prioritizing food safety over wildlife habitat, resulting in the destruction of wetlands and riverside areas. The measures, driven by powerful buyers, create unnecessary costs for farmers and harm wildlife, despite low risk from animals.
The Abess Center honored Terrence 'Rock' Salt with the 2013 Environmental Stewardship Award for his decades-long commitment to championing the Everglades. Karlisa Callwood received the inaugural Orion Herbs Fieldwork Grant to study the Bahamian spiny lobster fishery.
Researchers from Princeton University have developed a novel framework to project the mass balance of the Antarctic ice sheet, incorporating uncertainty and expert judgments. This approach provides a comprehensive baseline that can be improved over time, offering a more informative projection of future sea levels.
A UCI study has found that Southern California sagebrush populations are more adaptable to climate change than those in the north. The researchers transplanted sagebrush from sites along the California coast to a test garden, measuring its responses to altered precipitation and long-term climate data.
Researchers at Arizona State University are using sociometric sensors to analyze social interactions among scientists and policymakers. They aim to identify patterns that facilitate successful collaborations, which can inform the creation of new research centers.
Researchers emphasize the importance of understanding how social and personal norms are influenced by behavior to promote long-term environmental changes. The authors suggest that effective policies can induce changes in norms over time, leading to increased public acceptance of environmental measures.
Research from the University of Illinois recommends a new framework for wetland restoration that could lead to more environmentally positive outcomes. The current guidelines often favor larger, more homogeneous wetlands over smaller, unique ones, potentially harming biodiversity.
Researchers examine China's massive Grain to Green Program, which has invested over $32 billion to persuade farmers to return cropland to forest and grassland. The study found that too much land is being enrolled in the program in flat areas, and policymakers need to communicate more with farmers to better understand their needs.
Ken Bierly, Senior Partnerships Coordinator at the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, has been recognized for his outstanding record of informing political decision-making with ecological science. He has developed tools for watershed management, including wetland regulations and local watershed councils.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that tailored school nutrition programs led to a 30% decrease in unhealthy foods and a 26% increase in healthy food options. The Healthy ONES model emphasizes stakeholder engagement and community-driven process interventions to address childhood obesity.
A new study reveals that many strategies to increase physical activity in kids lack injury prevention measures, highlighting the need for integrated approaches. Behavioral, environmental, and policy approaches can make exercise activities safer for kids, as demonstrated by successful interventions such as traffic-calming measures and e...
Researchers urge the EPA to partner with academic institutions to test and evaluate the risks of high-priority chemicals, prioritizing those that pose a risk to children's health. The authors also propose reforms to the Toxic Substances Control Act to improve chemical policy and reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals.
A new Nature paper suggests that carbon labeling can encourage both consumers and manufacturers to make better environmental choices. By providing information on product carbon footprints, labeling can reduce emissions in households by influencing consumer decisions and encouraging firms to identify efficiencies in their supply chains.
A team of international experts has established a unified approach toward measuring sustainability, identifying valid and reliable indicators to evaluate progress and proposals. The framework aims to promote common language and measurements globally.
A recent survey of US stem cell scientists reveals substantial negative impacts of ongoing policy uncertainty on their work, including changes to science type and quality, delays in new projects, and hindered collaborations.
The southeastern United States is home to a diverse array of fish species, but poor stream health poses a significant threat to their survival. The region's growing population and increasing demands on water resources have led to widespread degradation of aquatic habitats.
A report by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies assesses the applicability of voluntary approaches to nanotechnology oversight. The study suggests that both non-regulatory and voluntary initiatives can play a constructive role in managing nanotechnology's possible environmental and health effects.
A University of Louisville Public Health doctoral student is developing a model to simulate the travel of mercury from an emission source to humans, aiming to inform environmental policy decisions. The research will focus on Kentucky waterways, with the goal of reducing risk to subsistence fishers, anglers, and women of child-bearing age.
Trade in coral and tropical fish is substantial and growing, removing millions of animals a year. The US can leverage its market power to reduce the environmental impact by protecting more species and promoting humane sales.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine highlight the carcinogenic effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can cause harm during organ formation. EDCs, such as bisphenol A, have been linked to increased cancer rates, obesity and infertility.
Researchers from NC State University developed a new model to understand how biofuel chemicals react when burned. This helps create more efficient and environmentally friendly energy sources.
A study by David Victor finds that fossil-fuel subsidies undermine energy security and worsen the environment. Most subsidies are a waste of money, and their removal could provide $550 billion annually for more beneficial programs.
Mikhail Mikhailovich Ermolaev was a prominent Soviet Arctic scientist who worked for 13 years before being arrested and sent to the Gulag on trumped-up charges. Despite harsh conditions, he eventually resumed his academic career and established a new department at Kaliningrad State University.
A new UC Davis study finds that sudden shifts in Earth's natural systems can occur with no warning, making it difficult to prevent or prepare for major changes. The study suggests that some effects of climate change on ecosystems may only be seen once the effects are dramatic, making return to a desirable state nearly impossible.
A new study suggests that Brazil can end deforestation in the Amazon by 2020 with the help of market forces and government will. The estimated cost of achieving this goal is between $6.5 billion to $18 billion, which would result in a 2-5% reduction in global carbon dioxide emissions.
A recent study by University of California, Davis, researchers used 'bugs in boxes' to investigate the variability of invasive species' spread. The results suggest that predicting the course of an invasion may be more challenging than previously thought.
The role of society in preventing chronic diseases such as CVD is crucial. Governments, industries, and civil society must collaborate to promote healthy lifestyles and environments. The impact of societal changes on health outcomes has been observed in countries like Finland, where CVD mortality has decreased by over 70%.
A small study found that people believe bottled water has health benefits, but are unsure of the extent. Convenience and taste were more influential factors for participants when choosing bottled water.
The University of Miami's Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy has awarded two graduates, Sara Gonzalez-Rothi and R. Scott Nuzum, with Everglades Foundation Congressional Fellowships. The fellows will receive a $45,000 stipend and spend 12 months in Washington D.C. offices focused on environmental policy.
A new report identifies six Americans who view global warming differently, from 'alarmed' to 'dismissive', revealing varying levels of concern, awareness, and action on climate change.
A Michigan scientist and ethicist argue that environmental scientists have a responsibility to advocate for environmental policy. They analyze key arguments for and against advocacy, finding that most lack soundness. The researchers conclude that more active participation by scientists in policy matters is necessary to better society.
A study by K-State psychologist Satoris Culbertson found that perceived family-friendly environments benefit both individuals and organizations. The research showed that these environments increase intent to remain in the military and unit capability of successful performance.
A study by MIT researchers found that cap-and-trade programs can be effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions without a significant economic impact. The study analyzed the European Union's system and similar US programs, confirming that markets emerge to facilitate trading and emissions are reduced efficiently.
A Yale University study finds that compact fluorescent lighting can increase mercury emissions in certain countries and US states, offsetting energy conservation gains. The switch to CFLs may reduce emissions in some areas, such as Estonia and China, but increase them in others, like South America and parts of Europe.
The September 2008 issue of BioScience features research on the molecular biology toolbox, permafrost carbon vulnerability to climate change, urbanization impacts on aquatic ecosystems, warfare ecology, sociality in bats, lab-computation collaboration, deforestation and vectorborne disease, and more.
This special issue of Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice examines the economic value of nursing care and its impact on patient outcomes. The research reveals that improving work environment changes or staffing levels can lead to cost savings through increased nurse satisfaction and improved patient outcomes.
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle will be the first recipient of a prestigious award from the Ecological Society of America. The award recognizes his commitment to ecological and environmental policy issues through initiatives such as invasive species control and renewable energy promotion.
Priority Countdown countries face policy gaps and conflicts hindering progress towards reducing maternal, newborn, and child mortality. The authors identified key challenges including financing, governance, and product availability that must be addressed to scale up effective interventions.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Active Living Research Program highlights the need for tailored interventions to address disparities in physical activity participation among underserved communities. The special issue identifies safety concerns related to crime as a key barrier to active living, while also pointing towards policy a...
A new study by George Mason University researchers suggests that companies participating in voluntary environmental programs (VEPs) do not outperform those that don't participate. In fact, non-participating companies outperformed self-monitored VEP participants by 24%.
The journal, launched by Mongabay.com, will publish original research papers and reviews on tropical forest and ecosystem conservation. It aims to stimulate publications addressing social, economic, and industrial drivers impacting tropical ecosystems.
A novel study by Jianguo Liu and Eunice Yu at Michigan State University found that divorce rates globally are on the rise, leading to more households with fewer people, increased resource consumption, and environmental degradation. In contrast, cohabitation can reduce urban sprawl and soften the environmental hit.
Researchers synthesized natural and social sciences to understand coupled human and natural systems, revealing complexities in environmental and socioeconomic patterns. The study emphasizes the need for specialization easing up to develop feasible policies for effective solutions to complex problems.
The UK's escalating waste problem can be tackled by changing buying habits and attitudes to consumption. Social marketing techniques can encourage people to reduce their consumption and lower waste output.
Ecologists and philosophers protest a new definition of 'endangered species' that could weaken the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. The new definition limits endangered species to those at risk of extinction within their current range, which may hinder conservation efforts for species like wolves, grizzly bears, and jaguars.
Researchers at Harvard University found that Beijing's traffic restrictions in November reduced NOx emissions by 40% and traffic by 30%. The study suggests that similar efforts could lead to significant changes in air quality during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
An international science team led by LSU professor Robert Twilley is developing an environmental observation system for India to help reduce climate-related risks. The system will provide a scientific foundation for long-term government policies aimed at meeting international accords on greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers will develop software to predict unintended consequences of greenhouse gas reduction policies on the automotive market, life cycle environmental impact, and material demand. The goal is to ensure that policies effectively reduce emissions while minimizing undesirable outcomes.