Articles tagged with Environmental Policy
A new study found that the US EPA's criminal prosecutions for environmental crimes correlate strongly with a county's socioeconomic status, rather than its level of pollution. Wealthier counties receive 24% more enforcement actions on average, while poorer counties are less likely to be targeted.
A new study estimates that each hectare of tropical forest generates 2.4 million litres of rain annually, enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. This process is known as evapotranspiration, where the sun's energy is used to transfer moisture from the leaves into the atmosphere.
A new framework introduces the Water Sustainability Index (WSI), a transparent, quantitative metric designed to strengthen corporate water accountability worldwide. The WSI evaluates corporate water withdrawals, consumption, discharge quality, and reuse while accounting for local water scarcity.
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) expresses deep concern over the repeal of the EPA's 2009 Endangerment Finding, which concluded that greenhouse gas emissions harm human health and well-being. AMS reaffirms key scientific conclusions on climate change, including its impacts on people and nature.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that feeling fearful is associated with greater support for climate policies, while feelings of dread lead to lower support. The researchers suggest that evoking manageable levels of fear can motivate people to engage and support solutions.
A new study found that warmer nighttime temperatures during pregnancy may be associated with a higher risk of autism diagnosis in children. Exposure to extreme heat during early and late pregnancy increased the risk by 15% and 13%, respectively.
A new study by Cardiff University reveals how ambitious climate action can save up to 1.32 million lives per year by 2040 by addressing global air quality inequalities. The research highlights the importance of cross-border pollution exchanges in achieving health benefits and reducing inequality between countries.
A new collaborative study evaluates potential dust control measures for the Great Salt Lake, considering effectiveness, cost, water demand, maintenance needs, and ecological impacts. The analysis emphasizes the importance of long-term planning, sustained maintenance, and careful consideration of unintended consequences.
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) held its 12th plenary session in Manchester, UK, to agree on a landmark business and biodiversity report. The report provides evidence and options for action to measure and better manage business relationships with nature.
Researchers urge policymakers to re-evaluate accountability in climate policy as the world inches closer to exceeding the 1.5°C target, emphasizing the need for integrated remedies and quantifying equity under overshoot scenarios.
A new perspective argues that European steel's green industrialisation pathway and Africa's steel development are intertwined solutions. Hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (H2-DRI) production in Africa can provide a lower-cost alternative for European steelmakers, while supporting developing countries' economic growth.
The IPBES Plenary Session will consider the landmark Business & Biodiversity Assessment Report, which assesses the impact of businesses on nature. The report aims to inform global policy and action on biodiversity and nature, highlighting its significance for economic prosperity, security, and quality of life.
Recent U.S. policy changes have significant environmental implications, affecting ecosystems and public health. Stanford research projects track the impact of these changes in real-time, from forest management to clean-energy investments and climate migration.
The K-ETS has matured into a stable policy instrument with robust institutional infrastructure. Market trading volume expanded significantly, but price stability remains a challenge. Policy reforms aim to strengthen price stability and align the emissions cap with Korea's NDC.
A new study reveals Nepal's community forestry program has widened the gap between rural poverty and social elite, leaving marginalized populations behind. Researchers suggest stricter monitoring and targeted payment schemes to reform the program and promote equity.
Residential wood burning accounts for over one-fifth of wintertime exposure to outdoor fine particulate matter, linked to increased risks of heart disease and premature death. By reducing indoor wood burning, Americans could decrease outdoor air pollution and save thousands of lives.
A team of researchers from Chonnam National University explores how boosting consumer trust can increase adoption of second-life EV battery tech. They found that transparent safety inspections and tailored messaging can improve adoption outcomes.
The pilot plant enables production of demand-oriented quantities of fossil and renewable fuels, documenting their climate impact transparently. Regenerative reFuels can be used in various transport modes, reducing CO2 emissions.
The United Nations University reports that many regions are living beyond their hydrological means, with critical water systems already bankrupt. The study defines 'water bankruptcy' as persistent over-withdrawal from surface and groundwater relative to renewable inflows and safe levels of depletion. This has resulted in a growing list...
New research shows that vulnerable populations in the US are exposed to a larger number and higher intensity of environmental burdens. The study found strong relationships between concentrated environmental burdens and vulnerable communities, with communities of color and those with limited English fluency facing the greatest risks.
Aspiring nature writers will participate in a unique workshop and ecotour in the remote Smith Inlet, led by Lesley Evans Ogden. The program offers daily writing coaching and feedback sessions, with optional one-on-one coaching, and includes accommodations, meals, and wildlife tours.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that satellite-derived forest maps often disagree, creating uncertainty for conservation, climate, and development policies. The discrepancies can be as high as a factor of 10, affecting millions of hectares and human lives.
A new study led by NTU Singapore reveals that El Niño events can persistently slow long-term improvements in mortality rates, leading to enduring reductions in life expectancy. The research estimates that El Niño could reduce life expectancy gains by 2.8 years and cause economic losses of up to US$35 trillion by 2100.
A new study assesses the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive through a social justice lens, highlighting how renovation policies can widen existing social inequalities. The Composite Building and Social Vulnerability Index reveals markedly different levels of vulnerability across EU countries.
A global study of 2,636 firms across 31 countries found that stronger ESG disclosure and performance correspond to higher intrinsic value. This aligns with theoretical analysis and signaling theory, highlighting the need for companies to communicate substantive progress honestly.
A new study suggests that well-designed school meal programmes can simultaneously improve child nutrition, reduce long-term diet-related illness, lessen climate pressures, and stimulate resilient food systems. Providing a healthy, sustainable meal to every child by 2030 could generate substantial health and environmental gains worldwide.
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) urges the US government to maintain and strengthen NSF NCAR, a critical resource for weather forecasting and climate science. This would lead to further forecast improvements that benefit the nation's safety and economy.
Recent research reveals that volcanic eruptions can cause unpredictable weather patterns, including volcanic rain, dust storms, and unstable Antarctic air. The study also found that the Antarctic surface atmosphere has become less stable and more prone to gravity waves since the 1950s.
A new study finds that environmental regulations in the US reduce medical costs and financial losses by up to five times more than the costs associated with implementing these rules. The EPA's operating budget is tiny compared to federal spending, yet it helps protect the environment and save lives.
A new study found that considering factors jointly can capture a more accurate representation of disparities in residential greenspace exposure, driven by structural racism. Exposure to trees and grass provides numerous benefits to physical and mental health, but inequities persist due to disinvestment in marginalized communities.
Researchers from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia have developed a life cycle-verified roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in laser powder bed fusion. The study provides a tiered, cumulative action plan that factories can adopt incrementally, making measurable progress towards sustainability.
A new study proposes a two-stage decision-making framework for lithium governance in Latin America, highlighting the role of external pressures, internal politics, and industry development. The research suggests that engagement strategies must consider these factors to succeed in the region.
Research reveals that exposure to addictive drugs like fentanyl and ketamine affects the behavior and survival rates of oyster larvae. The study found that after two weeks of exposure, survival declined in all treatments and doses, with benzoylecgonine causing the greatest reduction.
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study reveals that raw ecological data is not enough to protect ecosystems; knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement are crucial. The research proposes the PRISM model to strategically frame ecological data and improve planning decisions.
A national study led by Curtin University found that Australian's location significantly affects their body weight. The research tracked individuals across 14 years and discovered that people tend to adapt to the typical weight profile of their new community., Local food environments, walkability, and access to green space are key fact...
A University of Houston scientist teams with international partners to map Antarctica's glaciers, revealing tidal movements and retreat rates up to 700 meters per year. The dataset provides the most detailed view yet of how glaciers interact with the ocean, enabling better understanding and modeling of sea-level rise.
Researchers warn that Brazil's domestic policies must align with international commitments on forest conservation and climate justice. The country must take concrete actions, such as reversing anti-environmental policies and protecting indigenous peoples' rights.
A study conducted in a Japanese ICU found that healthcare workers experience reduced satisfaction and concentration due to poor lighting and excessive noise. The findings suggest that designing ICUs with improved natural light and mitigating noise can enhance worker satisfaction, productivity, and quality of patient care.
Research by University of Birmingham scientists reveals that lower-income individuals are more likely to own cheaper, higher-emitting vehicles contributing disproportionately to local urban air pollution. Spending an additional £10,000 on a diesel vehicle is associated with a 40% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions per litre.
A survey by Göttingen University found that consumers overestimate the environmental benefits of locally sourced food, while underestimating the advantages of imported goods. This misjudgment can lead to environmentally unfriendly choices.
A new study reveals Low-Cost Source Apportionment (LoCoSA) is being used to great effect across the Global South, offering a powerful tool for improving public health and environmental policy. Researchers are now putting their findings into practice in Uganda, identifying and understanding dominant sources of Kampala's air pollution.
A new study finds that wetlands along the Mississippi River Basin effectively clean up nitrogen runoff from agricultural fields. The researchers show that restoring these wetlands can lead to significant savings for local drinking water treatment facilities, with potential annual benefits of $200 million.
Constructed wetlands can mimic natural water purification processes, but studies of full-scale CWs have been limited. Researchers identified key factors affecting removal efficiency, including carbon sources and hydraulic parameters.
A new study offers a risk management approach to assess carbon removal portfolios and their potential to limit global warming over centuries. The framework suggests combining nature-based carbon storage like forestry with technology-based solutions like Direct Air Capture can provide long-term temperature stabilization.
A study by Bonnie Johnson at the University of Kansas found that group reflective practice among planning commissioners and staff improves services and reduces stress. The researchers explored the use of unconventional formats for staff reports to facilitate discussions about their work.
The UK food system is under pressure due to climate change, global shocks, and poor diets. A new report calls for radical transformation in three key areas: more resilient farming, smarter land use, and healthier diets.
Critical raw materials are projected to grow from 1 million tonnes in 2022 to between 1.2 and 1.9 million tonnes by 2050. Europe can recover more of these essential materials by improving collection, design, and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment.
The research emphasizes the importance of coordinating China's multi-level carbon markets in the context of global carbon pricing. Local pilot markets are seen as experimental fields for innovation, covering small enterprises and promoting regulatory experimentation.
Researchers find that farmed totoaba could alleviate poaching pressures by establishing a regulated trade. The study suggests that a market-based solution may be more effective than a regulatory approach in curbing poaching. A $6 million subsidy program could make farming cheaper and prevent further decline of the wild population.
Rice exposed to nanoplastics and cadmium suffered a 16% loss in biomass, but biochar treatment increased biomass by over 80% and restored chlorophyll and protein levels. Biochar formed a physical barrier, trapped pollutants, and enhanced antioxidant activity.
Researchers at Tohoku University utilized AI to develop strategies for water treatment and air pollution control. The study highlights innovative approaches using machine learning in material screening and global distribution simulation of pollutants.
A study found that UK MPs and the public overestimated the time needed for global greenhouse emissions to peak. Labour MPs were more likely to know the correct answer than Conservative MPs. The researchers suggest that institutions like the IPCC need to improve communication about climate change to policymakers and the public.
A University of Bath study shows many parents are deeply worried about the climate crisis and their children's future, but struggle to live low-carbon lives. Despite feeling a strong responsibility to safeguard their children's future, most parents find it difficult to consistently model low-carbon behaviors at home.
The US Climate Collection aims to publish U.S.-focused climate assessment science and research synthesis papers to inform future national and sub-national assessments. The collection welcomes studies that advance the evidence-based design of future U.S. assessments of climate risks and solutions.
A study found that 72% of Illinois' remaining 981,000 acres of wetlands are unprotected under the federal Clean Water Act, despite providing $419 million in residential flood control benefits. The decision also removes protections for wetlands that may better mitigate a storm surge or heavy rain event.
The 'Grassland Butterfly Index' shows a significant decline in butterfly populations in Germany from 2016 to 2023, with some species decreasing by up to 50%. This trend is consistent with European-wide declines, highlighting the need for effective conservation measures to protect these important ecosystem indicators.
A review of hundreds of studies found a link between childhood plastic exposure and long-term health concerns like heart disease, obesity, and asthma. Parents can take simple steps to limit their children's plastic exposure, such as replacing plastic containers with glass or stainless steel.
Decades of conflict have devastated Kurdish regions' communities and environment, while peace talks neglect ecological harm. A new publication proposes including environmental restoration in negotiations to build a just and lasting peace, emphasizing community-led restoration and Indigenous knowledge.
Stakeholders from Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland met to develop impact plans influencing policies and markets to restore degraded peatlands. The plans aim to align policy goals with specific tasks, support efficient funding and market innovation.
Public confidence in US health agencies has declined, with sharp decreases among Democrats, according to a new survey. Most Americans lack confidence in HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s ability to provide trustworthy public health information, but have more trust in Dr. Anthony Fauci.