Articles tagged with Environmental Policy
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.
Researchers explored how high-palatable foods, physical activity levels, and socioeconomic changes impact BMI in US counties. Studies found associations between abdominal obesity, dementia, and childhood obesity with food environments.
The BESTMAP project aims to develop a new flexible and interoperable framework to monitor EU policy impacts on natural, social, and cultural assets in rural areas. Computer models will help build an operational framework to analyze the adoption of agri-environmental schemes.
A new study by Imperial College London researchers shows that carbon taxes are insufficient to reduce emissions enough to meet the Paris Agreement targets. The study recommends incentivizing strategies that remove CO2 from the atmosphere alongside carbon taxes.
The British Ecological Society is conducting a randomized controlled trial to compare single- and double-blind peer review processes. The study aims to assess whether author characteristics affect peer-review scores and acceptance of papers, with a focus on reducing bias in science publishing.
A new study found that Latino and black households have a greater negative environmental impact per dollar spent on food due to their purchasing patterns. They tend to buy more environmentally intensive foods like grains and protein, and spend more money overall.
A new study reveals the role of the exotic pet trade in introducing invasive vertebrate populations across the globe. The researchers found that socioeconomic and socioecological factors drive the trade, with basic market forces being the main impetus for exotic vertebrates.
Researchers dismiss green growth policies due to limited emissions reductions under optimistic conditions. Degrowth strategies are necessary to achieve safe thresholds, with global GDP growth slowing to less than 0.5% required for 1.5C targets.
New research finds that working in a Colorado nail salon increases the risk of cancer due to exposure to carcinogenic compounds. Workers reported symptoms such as headaches, respiratory difficulties, and skin irritation, with lifetime cancer risk up to 100 times higher than baseline EPA-issued levels.
The newly digitized maps provide details of glacial tills, sands, and gravels on the earth's surface, using a unique standard color for each material. The digital maps offer more accurate and convenient information for spatial analyses, with features such as layering and GIS overlay capabilities.
The UK's single-use plastic bag charge has led to a substantial reduction in plastic bag use, with the average frequency of use falling from 'sometimes' to 'very rarely'. The study also found that consumers are ready to support other environmental charges, including a 5p charge on plastic water bottles and increased fuel duties.
A global carbon tax would benefit low-carbon economies relative to high-carbon ones, creating winners and losers within each group. Countries with more hydropower or nuclear power would hold a distinct competitive advantage.
The study models environmental impacts of adopting Bonsucro Voluntary Sustainability Standards, finding a potential reduction in sugarcane production area and water use. By focusing on 10% of current production area, most benefits can be achieved
Researchers found that elephants prefer locations with better past forage conditions over current availability, especially during the dry season. They also showed a preference for walking along roads to conserve energy and access food sources.
A new study reveals major challenges in incorporating traditional knowledge into Atlantic salmon governance in Norway and Finland. The authors argue that unrealistic international expectations and local legitimacy issues hinder the successful integration of Sámi knowledge with science.
Research at Michigan State University found that better biodiversity leads to more tourists visiting protected areas. A 1% increase in biodiversity results in a 0.87% increase in annual visitors. Strategic management and local community participation can enhance economic development and livelihood benefits.
A recent study by Prof. Natalya Ketenci found that CO2 emissions in Russia increase along with economic growth, but only up to a certain threshold, after which they decrease. The study supports the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis, suggesting that cleaner technologies can sustain economic development.
The study reveals a significant shift from mortality to morbidity, with conditions like low back and neck pain and anxiety disorders causing disability. The authors highlight the need for health services to adapt to managing long-term conditions and address social determinants of ill health.
Employment outcomes for people with disabilities vary significantly across states and counties, influenced by economic conditions, physical environment, and policy variables. Research finds that environmental factors are a strong predictor of employment rates, highlighting the importance of considering local context in policy development.
A new study reveals that wild cobras frequently eat other snakes and engage in cannibalism, with five out of six species displaying the behavior. Males are more likely to participate in cannibalism events, raising questions about its evolution and impact on intrasexual competition.
Representative Walter J. Leger III will receive the ESA Regional Policy Award for his commitment to science-based restoration of the Gulf Coast. He has championed coastal restoration and preservation, and works to ensure proper use of funds intended for coastal protection and restoration.
A new study from Boston Medical Center and Boston University found that stronger alcohol policies significantly reduce the likelihood of alcohol-related car crashes, resulting in lower death rates. The research indicates that comprehensive policy approaches are needed nationwide to address this critical public health concern.
A new co-management model between nurse practitioners and physicians reduces primary care clinician workload, alleviating burnout and fatigue. The effective model requires three core attributes: communication, mutual respect, and a shared philosophy of care.
Researchers at Indiana University have developed a method to identify communities that may be negatively affected by clean energy policies. The tool uses the Vulnerability Scoping Diagram to pinpoint populations at highest risk for negative socioeconomic consequences.
A new Michigan State University study reveals that participants in payments for ecosystem services programs may become conservation martyrs due to oversimplified payment models. The research highlights the importance of considering opportunity costs at the beginning and monitoring benefits over time to ensure participant well-being.
A University of Melbourne study reveals that one in four Americans report chemical sensitivity, with nearly half experiencing severe health problems. The research found a significant increase in diagnosed cases of Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, affecting an estimated 55 million adults.
A new study by ZSL and Utah State University argues that rewilding is a crucial approach to address global biodiversity loss. The research calls for revised legislation to facilitate the inclusion of rewilding in conservation efforts, with a focus on monitoring progress and understanding social impacts.
A global assessment of small hydropower dams highlights their potential for growth, but lacks scientific studies on their environmental impact. Researchers estimate that nearly 83,000 small dams are operating or under construction in 150 countries, with the number potentially tripling if all capacity were developed.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that Woolworths' Farming for the Future program drove increased adoption of environmental practices among its large-scale fruit, vegetable and flower growers. The program combines annual auditor feedback with individual farmer needs, leading to significant shifts in farming practices.
The American Chemical Society reviews the most intriguing chemistry stories of 2017, including breakthroughs in computing and molecular machines. Chemists also demonstrated their support for science through marches and rallies, while environmental groups protested the Trump administration's TSCA implementation delays.
A new policy process aims to overcome the stalemate on ivory trade, recognizing the moral perspectives of both proponents and opponents. The researchers' structured approach seeks to help stakeholders understand each other's views, making informed decisions that balance conservation with economic interests.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that US transportation and water infrastructure funding is not broken, but a national consensus on priorities is needed. Targeted spending increases can largely eliminate maintenance backlogs by 2030, while federal capital funding can include resilience requirements for natural disasters and climate c...
McGill University has received a $10-million donation to establish a new School of Public Policy, bringing together faculty and students from across Canada and worldwide. The school will offer a one-year graduate program in public policy and executive teaching programs.
The Obama and Trump administrations have produced vastly different environmental assessment results related to the Clean Water Act. A systematic protocol for government cost-benefit analyses of proposed regulations is urgently needed to ensure better decision-making on human health and environmental issues.
A new study found that stronger alcohol policies, including taxes and sales restrictions, can reduce the likelihood of alcohol involvement among homicide victims. This policy change resulted in a 1% reduction in likelihood of alcohol involvement for every 1% increase in policy restrictiveness.
A team of Stanford researchers is using satellite data to track and identify brick kilns in South Asia, which are a major source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative aims to raise public awareness and incentivize kiln owners to switch to cleaner technologies.
A study models urban impacts on river and stream ecosystems, finding that hard infrastructure affects over 1,200 species nationwide and contributes to 260 local extinctions. Cities can improve environmental quality through infrastructure policies beyond their boundaries.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that environmental regulations can reduce pollution emissions from urbanization without hindering economic growth. The study used annual data on air quality and economic indicators to assess the impact of stricter pollution standards, finding no negative effect on GDP.
A new study by ICRAF and Princeton University proposes payment schemes for rural communities to protect and restore China's native forests on collectively owned land. The researchers argue that existing policies neglect these lands and fail to promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Research suggests that land protected by regulation lacks adequate space for animals to roam, while land acquired for conservation provides better habitat. However, the study's findings indicate that incidental protection regulations can still have a positive impact on biodiversity.
New research found a link between reduced tariffs on high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and higher caloric sweetener intake in Canada. The study suggests that trade agreements like NAFTA may contribute to increased exposure to unhealthy food items, particularly those containing HFCS.
Researchers used citizen scientists wearing boot socks on walks to find that slightly less than half of the socks were positive for Campylobacter, a common cause of diarrheal disease. The study suggests seasonal patterns and links to environmental factors, which could lead to interventions to reduce disease risk.
A new study finds that private land conservation data is often inaccessible, hindering effective conservation efforts and taxpayer investments. The researchers suggest addressing capacity shortfalls in federal agencies and revising policies to improve transparency and accountability.
Researchers found that shale-gas development leads to significant forest fragmentation, particularly on private land. To mitigate this, they recommend placing new well pads near pre-existing pipelines and consolidating infrastructure.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that long-term ecological and environmental studies (LTEES) are disproportionately valuable compared to short-term research, yet receive limited funding. The collaboration of 36 researchers highlighted the growing demand for LTEES in policymaking and scientific communities.
The Ecological Society of America recognizes Diana Harrison Wall, Kathleen Weathers, and Debra Peters with the Eminent Ecologist Award, Eugene P. Odum Award for Excellence in Ecology Education, and Distinguished Service Citation, respectively, for their outstanding contributions to ecology.
A study by Duke University identifies 6,648 fracking spills in Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania between 2005 and 2014, with half of spills due to pipes and valves. The analysis reveals that wells with previous spills are at higher risk of future incidents.