Articles tagged with Environmental Policy
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.
Researchers found socio-cultural barriers, lack of maintenance and funding, economic challenges, institutional barriers, technological and environmental barriers hinder GI adoption. Community-based approach identified the need for increased transparency and communication from government, as well as resident participation and engagement.
A recent study found that warmer temperatures are associated with an increase in COPD exacerbations. The research analyzed data from over 1,100 smokers with COPD and discovered a 2% increased risk of exacerbations for every one-degree Celsius rise in ambient temperature.
The Safeguard project will assess the status and trends of European wild pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects. It will also explore effective ways to halt declines in different scales, from local to global.
A new USC study found a link between 'forever chemicals' and changes in glucose metabolism in Latina girls, potentially increasing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers measured the impact of PFAS on glucose metabolism over time among adolescents and young adults.
Researchers at KAUST developed a new method to simulate the spread of wildfires through forests, capturing complex dynamics involved. The model accurately predicts fire behavior at forest scale and can be used to optimize firebreaks and improve wildfire management.
A revised model of wildlife conservation, I-NAM, incorporates Indigenous histories, perspectives, and knowledge systems into the original NAM framework. The new approach emphasizes continuous learning, listening, and respecting diverse views to improve wildlife management.
Researchers from the University of Washington identified a strong link between fine particulate air pollution and an increased risk of dementia. A 1 microgram per cubic meter difference in PM2.5 pollution was associated with a 16% greater incidence of dementia, highlighting the potential neurodegenerative effects of air pollution.
Researchers estimate that US government subsidies will encourage more oil and gas extraction in the coming decade, particularly at low oil prices. The study's findings suggest that subsidies can flow to excess profits, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and air and water pollution.
Researchers developed a simple desalination technology harnessing solar energy, increasing efficiency by 280-400% compared to traditional devices. The innovative system produces high volumes of clean water at lower costs, addressing global water scarcity.
A comprehensive study of Lepidoptera's transparent wings reveals multiple approaches to achieve transparency, including the absence of scales and varying scale densities. The research suggests that transparency acts as ultimate camouflage, making butterflies less visible to predators.
A new study suggests that resisting ecosystem changes may be futile, instead recommending a 'RAD' framework that involves accepting, directing, or resisting transformations. The authors argue that embracing change is a viable response to environmental shifts, rather than viewing it as a last resort.
A study finds that cropland redistribution to marginal lands undermines environmental sustainability, increasing wind erosion, irrigation water consumption, fertilizer use, and decreasing natural habitats. The study suggests restricting land reclamation and boosting crop yields for both food security and environmental benefits.
Researchers argue that targeting high-risk wet markets, particularly those selling live wild animals, can mitigate future infectious disease outbreaks while minimizing disruption to food supply chains. These informal markets pose little risk to human health or biodiversity, with most selling processed domesticated animals.
Researchers have found that restoration action is at risk of failure if it doesn't consider the social and political dimensions of the effort. Key findings include a successful kelp restoration project centered on indigenous worldviews, and a lake restoration project whose main beneficiaries were well-heeled urban residents.
A study of over 1,000 Americans found that conservatives were more likely to believe false claims about politics that benefited the right, while liberals were more likely to believe true claims that favored the left. This suggests that the political environment and widely shared news plays a role in shaping conservative misperceptions.
New research reveals autonomous vehicles will increase energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions across all categories studied. However, electric autonomous vehicles can change this outcome, particularly if adoption rates exceed 40%.
The University of Maryland examined green infrastructure adoption in Tucson, Arizona, revealing the role of policy entrepreneurship and interest groups in its trajectory. The study found that a culture of water ethics, known as One Water, drives sustainability efforts in the city.
The Ecological Society of America's virtual annual meeting will explore the theme 'Vital Connections in Ecology' from August 2-6, 2021. The event will feature live plenaries, panels, and pre-recorded presentations with accompanying discussion sessions.
A sector-based approach to regulations has reduced diesel particulate matter (DPM) emissions in California by 78%, outperforming the US average of 51%. The analysis suggests that adopting similar policies could help reduce DPM emissions nationwide, improving public health.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that stricter environmental laws in one country can lead to increased pollution in other countries with lax regulations. This phenomenon, known as 'carbon leakage,' highlights the need for global cooperation on environmental policies.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers shows that a dynamic operating reserve demand curve (ORDC) construction improves reserve procurement and pricing in competitive wholesale electricity markets, particularly during hot and cold hours with heightened risk of generator forced outages.
Researchers will use a combination of data from scientific monitoring, citizen scientists, and high-tech sensors to assess UK insect abundance and diversity. The project aims to provide definitive evidence on whether insects are declining overall and inform environmental policies to protect them.
A recent study by Arizona State University analyzed large-scale land acquisitions and their impact on climate change. The research found that implementing environmental regulations can significantly reduce carbon emissions, but this comes at the cost of reducing the amount of land available for agricultural development.
Researchers from the University of Kent's Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology found that elephant ivory is still being sold on eBay, often disguised as bone. The study reveals that only a small percentage of these items were removed by eBay, highlighting the ongoing challenge of combating illegal wildlife trade.
Research analyzing England's early-adopter councils found that Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policies resulted in habitat losses despite promises of net gains, with lower-quality habitats being compensated for higher-quality ones years later.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that the environmental benefits of renewable power generation differ significantly across regions. The researchers found that one megawatt hour of renewable power produces varying emissions reductions depending on where it was generated.
A study by Imperial College London has assessed 29 alternatives to microbeads and found that silica is the most environmentally friendly option. Silica is a naturally occurring mineral that is chemically inactive, non-toxic, and easy to source and process.
A study found that firms tend to follow the pecking order theory, drawing down internal funds before relying on debt financing after negative E&S incidents. Firms with high CSR reputation are better able to cushion the impacts of such incidents. Financially constrained firms react differently due to limited access to equity markets.
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. will publish Journal of Correctional Health Care, a national, peer-reviewed journal focusing on correctional health care. The journal provides education for healthcare providers serving the incarcerated population, covering topics such as clinical care, mental health, and substance abuse treatment.
A study published in the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine found that 85% of medical waste does not meet regulated standards for disposal. By implementing changes such as reusable devices, better sorting of infectious waste, and effective recycling, hospitals can reduce waste while saving costs. The study suggests that hospitals co...
Researchers will conduct two-part ecological study of Gunston Cove, measuring water quality parameters and species composition. The study aims to assess the impact of anadromous fish migration on the ecosystem.
A team of researchers analyzed over 4,600 field experiments and found that gradual changes can have devastating consequences on ecosystems. The study suggests that focusing solely on tipping points may overlook the negative impact of gradual changes, and that a more nuanced approach is needed to develop effective environmental policies.
A new study published in PNAS explores the impact of poverty alleviation efforts on environmental targets, finding that successful programs can increase food production and reduce poverty but may also lead to trade-offs with environmental protection. The research highlights the importance of considering social and environmental outcome...
A study by Brown University researchers found that inconsistent EPA regulations increase lead poisoning risk to over 35,000 US kids. The discrepancy puts children at nearly four times the risk of lead poisoning compared to homes with lower floor dust lead loadings.
A study by Syracuse University found that Americans who live in blue states tend to live longer than those in red states, primarily due to state policies. Liberal state policies could raise US life expectancy by over 2 years, while conservative policies could reduce it by 2 years.
Researchers develop a One Health framework to improve sustainability in the rapidly growing aquaculture industry, which now accounts for half of global seafood consumption. The strategy emphasizes metrics such as access to nutritious food, employment quality, and ecosystem health.
A recent study found that less than 20% of ecological research is computationally reproducible, highlighting the need for improved sharing of code and data. The study's lead author calls for a drastic increase in code availability to address this issue.
A recent study published in Nature Sustainability found that incentives for afforestation in Chile led to an increase in forest plantations but a decrease in the extent of native forests. This research highlights the need for careful policy design and application to protect natural ecosystems.
A new study finds that poorly designed tree-planting campaigns could lead to more biodiversity loss and little climate change benefit. Strong subsidy restrictions are crucial to avoid these negative impacts.
A new commentary paper highlights the urgent need to address environmental degradation using big data and technological advances. The study shows that despite increased computing speeds and data storage, the planet is still facing serious declines in forest cover and tidal flats.
Oil and gas companies contributed over $84 million to US congressional candidates in 2018, largely influencing environmental policy votes. The study found a negative association between oil and gas company contributions and subsequent LCV scores, suggesting a reward system for legislators voting against pro-environmental policies.
Researchers R. Christian Jones and Benoit Van Aken are conducting stream monitoring for the City of Fairfax, analyzing parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and E. coli levels. The study will provide data to support the city's VA Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit requirements.
The Helsinki Declaration emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to protect human health and the environment. Key findings include the importance of social justice, long-term goals, and scientific knowledge in addressing planetary health threats.
The journal will publish short-form 'From Practice' articles and data articles, bridging the gap between natural resource managers and applied scientists. The new online repository Applied Ecology Resources will facilitate information exchange among practitioners and academics.
The proposal aims to implement a holistic, integrated systems-based approach to pesticide regulation, considering dynamic agroecological factors. Current ERA guidelines are decades old and based on assumptions that misrepresent modern ecological systems.