Articles tagged with Environmental Policy
A new energy plan developed by researchers at Kyushu University suggests a more sustainable future energy system that includes 61% renewable-based electricity. The plan, which prioritizes solar and wind power, exceeds current projections by 50%, with significant reductions in coal-based generation and nuclear power.
A new study estimates that exposure to PFAS chemicals may result in $5.5-63 billion in lifetime health costs due to conditions like low birth weight, childhood obesity, kidney cancer, and hypothyroidism. The study supports the EPA's decision to lower safe allowable levels of these substances.
A Yale University-led commentary argues that governments must move beyond misconceptions discouraging public investment in clean energy. By redirecting investments towards decarbonization, subsidizing technologies to reduce costs, and diversifying portfolios, policymakers can maximize energy innovation returns while managing expectatio...
A University of Essex study found that three-quarters of professional footballers experienced general fatigue for 37 days and muscle fatigue for 38 days after recovering from COVID-19. Despite no drop in lung capacity, GPS data showed a four per cent decline in match performance.
A Dartmouth study provides a scientific basis for climate liability claims between individual countries, linking national emissions to global economic losses and warming. The research estimates $6 trillion in cumulative losses attributable to the world's top emitters from 1990 to 2014.
A new study provides a data-driven definition of a pond, distinguishing it from lakes and wetlands, based on surface area, depth, and emergent vegetation. The researchers found that ponds have distinct ecological structures and functions, requiring unique monitoring standards.
A new study found that exposure to air pollution and indoor burning without ventilation significantly increases the risk of heart disease mortality. Researchers created maps of eight environmental risk factors across Golestan Province, Iran, and identified associations between death and these factors, controlling for traditional risk f...
In the 2020 US House of Representatives elections, Democrats supporting the Green New Deal saw a significant increase in their vote share. This study examined the electoral appeal of climate policies, specifically the Green New Deal, and found that it resonated with voters.
The proposed Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework fails to address the totality of chemical pollutants threatening ecosystems worldwide. Researchers urge negotiators to include persistent and toxic substances like mercury and PFAS in the agreement.
The Safeguard project recommends improving pollinator knowledge, tackling causes of decline, and raising awareness to reverse the 2030 pollinator loss objective. European Commission's public consultation gathered views on strengthening the current framework on wild pollinators.
Research reveals Paradise, California's water contained VOCs at levels exceeding EPA standards due to degraded plastic pipes near or above ground. To protect communities, experts recommend burying service lines deeper, using isolation valves, and monitoring temperature thresholds.
A study published in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis found that the quality of mistletoe, a traditional Chinese medicine, is affected by its host plant. The researchers used metabolomics to investigate the influence of host plants and environmental factors on mistletoe's medicinal qualities. The results show that both host plants an...
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that children exposed to road traffic noise in schools have slower attention and working memory development compared to those in quieter environments. The research suggests potential implications for environmental noise policies protecting school environments.
A new analysis found over 10 million tonnes of PCB-containing materials remain globally, posing public health and environmental threats. The Stockholm Convention's deadline for elimination is nearing, but most countries are not on track to meet it.
A new study by Bigelow Laboratory confirms the effectiveness of chemical dispersants in breaking down oil in seawater under real-world conditions. The researchers found that dispersants were effective if applied within two to four days, a typical time frame for oil spill response.
Researchers explored potential policies to reduce nitrogen loss while protecting farmers' bottom lines. The study found that a nitrogen leaching fee policy showed the best outcome, with estimated cost savings of $524 million per year.
A new study finds that while immediate economic benefits of carbon emissions reductions are limited, most scenarios have net economic benefits after 2050. The benefits are most dramatic for developing countries, with a median net benefit of 6.0% of GDP for a 1.5°C reduction target.
A new study finds that fracking is linked to poor birth outcomes and contaminants in public drinking water. The research, which analyzed data from Pennsylvania between 2006 and 2015, shows a significant increase in preterm births and low birth weight among infants exposed to fracking-related chemicals.
Researchers recommend organizing targeted culls and creating a supply chain to make lionfish a component of the region's fishing industry. They also call for legal changes to permit lionfish removals across the Mediterranean and inclusion on the EU list of invasive species of concern.
Researchers found that pandemic shutdowns gave a window into environmental racism in California's air pollution policy, revealing disproportionate impacts on Hispanic and Asian communities. The study suggests policies targeting transportation emissions could have significant environmental justice impacts for these groups.
A new Penn State study found that people are more likely to choose empathy for an animal over a human, but only when the choices are not in competition. When context matters, people's willingness to engage in human empathy decreases, while their interest in animal empathy increases.
The EuropaBON project aims to develop a unified approach to monitoring Europe's biodiversity and ecosystems. A list of 15 essential variables has been identified for harmonization across countries, but most are not currently being monitored adequately.
The study explores how countries can reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 with continued economic growth through 2100. The results suggest that stringent public policies and rapid deployment of low-carbon technologies are necessary to achieve this goal, with the global economy projected to be five times its size in 2100.
A new study by a University of Georgia researcher finds that plastic bag bans or fees can lead to an increase in the sale of smaller trash bags, potentially offsetting any reduction in plastic waste. Sales of larger trash bags remain relatively unchanged.
A recent study of Australian suburbs found that tree-inclusive gardens provide up to a 30-metre buffer during summer heatwaves, reducing energy costs. Researchers recommend incorporating deciduous trees into housing designs for better energy efficiency and urban aesthetics.
The Philadelphia Regional Center for Children's Environmental Health aims to identify and protect vulnerable communities from environmental exposures. The center will focus on four primary research areas: asthma prevention, lead exposure, air pollution, and endocrine disrupting chemicals.
A new study by University of Maryland scientists has developed a five-stage scale to track the progression of salt pollution in freshwater streams and rivers. The researchers found that road salts combined with other pollutants create
A bi-national regulation targeting ships entering the Great Lakes since mid-2000s has reduced invasive species risk by 85%, with a significant impact on fisheries and biodiversity. The study suggests that saltwater flushing through ballast tanks is a crucial control strategy.
A global study reveals that freshwater lake ecosystems are being damaged by salt concentrations below government-protective thresholds. The loss of zooplankton triggers a cascade effect causing an increase in algae, potentially altering nutrient cycling and water quality.
A new study reveals that construction workers are at high risk of tracking multiple toxic metals into their homes, including arsenic, chromium, and lead. The study found a range of factors, such as lack of work lockers and poor hygiene practices, can impact metal concentrations in home dust.
The UN Environment Programme's latest Frontiers Report identifies three critical environmental issues: urban noise pollution, wildfires, and phenological mismatches. These issues pose significant risks to public health and ecological systems, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
Researchers found that streptomycin, a widely used antibiotic in U.S. agriculture, impairs bumblebee behavior, including reduced foraging efficiency and slowed cognition. The study aims to understand the potential impacts on pollinators of antibiotic use in agriculture.
Using ancient and historical DNA can assess population genetic patterns and inform conservation actions. The study reveals that a/hDNA can be compared with contemporary data to set baselines for intra-species genetic diversity and estimate changes in effective population size.
According to a new study, lifting over 1 billion people out of poverty worldwide would increase global carbon emissions by 1.6-2.1%. The main reason for this is the huge inequality in carbon footprint between rich and poor nations. Rich countries emit significantly more carbon than poor ones.
A new study identifies key facts about global land use, highlighting opportunities for a more sustainable and equitable approach. The study's findings emphasize the need for policymakers to consider trade-offs between competing benefits and prioritize value judgments when making land use decisions.
Researchers found pedal bikes increased bus rides by 1%, while electric bikes took that to 2.1%. The system supported ridership, particularly for socioeconomically disadvantaged and young people.
A new study reveals that temperate rainforests can play a crucial role in combating climate change by sequestering carbon and mitigating flooding. However, the research also shows that natural expansion of these ecosystems is unlikely to meet UK targets due to fragmentation and degradation.
The global chemical industry aims to recover from the pandemic while addressing consumer demand for sustainable products. Investments in carbon capture and clean technology will continue to rise, while companies rethink packaging and manufacturing methods to reduce waste.
A new analysis by Carnegie Mellon University researcher Akshaya Jha finds that risk aversion drives the purchasing of coal primarily from long-term contracts, resulting in premium prices. The study estimates that if power plants purchased all their coal from the spot market, annual aggregate cost savings would be $2.9 billion on average.
A University of South Australia study suggests that nature-based citizen science projects can alleviate stress and isolation, while improving mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. By engaging with natural environments, individuals can experience lower stress levels, improve their wellbeing, and feel connected to a community.
A study by Tulane University found that swapping just one serving of beef per day for a more planet-friendly alternative can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 48% and water-use impacts by 30%. This simple change could collectively make a substantial difference in reducing the carbon footprint of US diets.
Researchers at Skoltech developed an algorithm that aggregates and maps environmental data to predict and visually map the quality of water, soil, or air. The solution uses interpolation to fill gaps in data and produces detailed maps with high resolution.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University estimates that current regulatory analyses of air pollution significantly understate mortality costs among racial minorities. The study found that using race- and ethnicity-specific data increases premature mortality estimates related to PM2.5 from pollution exposure, with a $100 billion annual...
The QUENCH network aims to discover how the quality of urban ecosystems affects nature-connectedness and health. Funded by £312,000 from NERC, UKRI, the project brings together experts in environmental science, health, psychology, social sciences, and more.
A new study models India's climate change impact from varying emissions strategies during the COVID-19 recovery. The research finds that greener scenarios may drive a positive feedback loop, while extreme temperature and precipitation events are expected to increase in magnitude and frequency regardless of the emissions commitments.
A conservation incentive mechanism has stimulated creation of protected Atlantic Rainforest areas, mainly APAs with few restrictions. However, its impact is limited by the number of units created and differing responses from states and municipalities.
A new study found that research and development on chemistry and materials science were key factors behind the significant cost decline of lithium-ion batteries. The analysis revealed that over 50% of the cost reduction came from R&D activities, with chemistry and materials research being the primary contributors.
A study by Technical University of Munich found that major tech companies significantly underreported CO2 emissions from their value chain, with 50% of emissions omitted in 2019. The researchers developed a method to identify reporting gaps and estimated the omitted emissions at 751 megatons carbon dioxide equivalents.
Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) propose a radical approach to accelerate the energy transition. By using fossil power plants at full capacity and building solar infrastructure, they aim to minimize cumulative CO2 emissions and complete the energy transition within five years.
A new study by University of Pittsburgh researchers links econometric models with production profitability to predict the impact of demand shocks on carbon intensity. Small shocks are predicted to displace heavy crudes with higher carbon intensity, but the relation may be counterintuitive.
A comprehensive analysis of 178 countries reveals that social factors, such as income and education, play a more important role in explaining migration than environmental factors. The study found that income was the most important factor in some countries, while health was key in areas with high in-migration
Lignocellulose, a plant-based material, can be used to create light-reactive surfaces for windows or materials that react to certain chemicals. By customizing lignocellulose, researchers can improve light absorption and achieve better operating efficiency in solar cells.
New research from the University of Arizona suggests that a slowdown in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) will intensify extreme cold weather in the US. The study found that without the AMOC, extremely cold winter weather would become more frequent and severe.
Climate change-driven reductions in precipitation and river discharge will diminish the Amazon's hydropower capacity, according to a new study. As a result, alternative energy sources like solar and wind are expected to become more important.
A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that 62% of Europeans live in areas with less than recommended green space, leading to 42,968 premature deaths. The study suggests that European cities should focus on reclaiming urban land for green spaces and implementing nature-based solutions.
A groundwater market in California's Mojave desert stabilizes resources and increases property values by 200%, generating a net benefit of at least $400 million. The cap-and-trade system enables water to be used more productively while compensating original owners.
Ancient human societies adapted to tropical ecosystem dynamics, revealing their adaptability and resourcefulness. By studying these past interactions with the environment, scientists can better understand how to conserve tropical environments.
A systematic review presents evidence that environmental obesogens, such as hormone-disrupting chemicals, play a significant role in childhood and adult obesity. Dr. Leonardo Trasande recommends simple policies to reduce exposure and suggests economic benefits of limiting public exposure.
The Sustainable Agriculture Matrix provides a comprehensive assessment of agricultural sustainability at a national level, considering environmental, economic, and social impacts. The framework helps governments and organizations evaluate progress, identify priorities for improvement, and inform policies towards sustainable agriculture.
Researchers found that state-driven emissions controls are only slightly more expensive than federally mandated ones, with nationwide costs being one-tenth higher. This approach relies on technologies like low-carbon electricity and advanced biofuels, which can be traded between states to even out costs.