Articles tagged with Environmental Policy
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.
A recent study by University of Vermont researchers reveals that consulting stakeholders is crucial for environmental scholars to impact policy. The study found that stakeholder engagement improves policymakers' perception of scientific knowledge and makes research more legitimate.
A new study found that hospitals financially penalized for high readmissions reduced readmissions across all conditions, with larger reductions for target conditions. Hospitals responded positively to external policy initiatives, but further improvements are sought.
Walter Boynton, a renowned Chesapeake Bay scientist, has been awarded the Mathias Medal for his groundbreaking research on nutrient pollution and its impact on the Bay's ecosystem. His work has informed environmental policy and contributed to the development of management plans that have improved water quality.
A new study found that well owners in Kansas are significantly more aware of water supplies and policies, prioritizing conservation and issues related to the High Plains Aquifer. This research has broader implications for environmental stewardship and groundwater management.
In a study, magpies won the race for Cheetos, completing tasks faster than crows. However, crows stole food more frequently, suggesting that the smaller birds may not compensate with increased foraging efforts. The findings highlight the complex relationship between competition and cooperation in urban ecosystems.
A University of Surrey study estimates the carbon footprint of crime in England and Wales, revealing burglaries contribute 30% to the total footprint. The study also found that reducing crime does not necessarily reduce carbon emissions, due to the 'rebound effect', where money spent on addressing crime is spent elsewhere.
Shannon Estenoz, Director of Everglades Restoration Initiatives, receives the Ecological Society of America's Regional Policy Award for her collaborative work protecting the Florida Everglades from pollution, climate change, and invasive species. The award recognizes her decades-long commitment to conservation.
Jerry Franklin, a professor at the University of Washington, has been named 2016's Eminent Ecologist by the Ecological Society of America. He is credited with pioneering research on old-growth forests and challenging clear-cutting practices to promote healthy forest ecosystems. His work has had a significant impact on forestry and fore...
The field of landscape ecology offers a powerful tool for policymakers due to its ability to operate at multiple scales and across human and natural systems. This unique perspective can help address environmental transformation by informing policy and management decisions.
A new study highlights the importance of an integrated, cross-sectoral approach to climate change assessment to provide a more complete picture of impacts. Single sector studies often misrepresent the spatial pattern and magnitude of impacts due to omitted interdependencies within human and environmental systems.
A new study highlights the urgent need for the US to step up forest pest prevention measures, as imported pests cause over $2 billion in damages annually. Strengthening prevention efforts could alleviate economic burdens on homeowners and municipalities while safeguarding US trees.
The Ecological Society of America has selected six graduate students for the 2016 Graduate Student Policy Award. These students will participate in policy training and attend meetings with US Representatives and Senators to discuss federal funding for biological sciences.
A cross-sectional study of 112,000 Medicare patients found that inadequate nurse staffing and poor work environments increase risk of postoperative readmissions. Patients undergoing elective hip and knee surgery in hospitals with supportive nursing environments are 12% less likely to be readmitted.
Research shows carbon footprint labels influence consumer choice, with usage-related emissions being most important factor. Consumers value recycling and prefer manufacturers to offset emissions, rather than taking direct action.
A new study in PNAS suggests that environmental scholars can increase their policy impact by consulting widely with stakeholders during research. Stakeholder engagement is found to be a better predictor of future policy impacts than perceived scientific credibility.
Researchers develop a step-wise problem-oriented approach to enhance the relevance of ES assessments for decision making. The new framework focuses on structuring ES information according to land use problems identified by stakeholders, collecting context-specific ES information as needed by decision makers.
Research from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found a slight increase in mortality risk associated with fine particulate matter in the air. The study analyzed PM2.5 components and found that ammonium, nitrate, sulfate, and vanadium were most strongly linked to increased mortality risk, especially during winter ...
A team of researchers has advanced new modeling technology to quantify human dependence on nature and its impact on human well-being. The study found that people who depended on multiple types of ecosystem services fared better than those with limited resources.
Senator Ben Cardin receives the 2015 ESA Regional Policy Award for his decades-long commitment to environmental protection and ecosystem health. The award recognizes his efforts to promote Chesapeake Bay restoration, address climate change, and ensure science is at the table in federal policymaking.
A new study found that US states with stronger alcohol policies have lower rates of youth overall drinking and binge drinking. The study suggests that these policies are effective in reducing adult binge drinking, which has a significant impact on youth drinking rates.
A study of Colorado local government organizations found that only 87% had sun-safety policies, with few addressing environmental controls and administrative procedures. Most employers failed to provide sun-protection equipment or training, leaving workers vulnerable to UV radiation.
The supplement explores innovative 'upstream' advances in social-ecological research to foster healthy communities, focusing on policy and environmental changes. Key findings include improved food environments and multi-level structural interventions that reduce health disparities.
A new study reveals that nearly 20% of tropical forests across Amazonia are at risk from human activities such as logging, mining, and agriculture. Protecting these carbon-rich ecosystems is crucial for global climate stability and the cultural identity of indigenous peoples.
A new study led by Dartmouth researcher Jodi Brandt shows that China's conservation efforts have displaced ancient community-managed protections, accelerating old-growth logging. Total forest cover increased, but biodiversity value decreased as scrub and secondary forests dominated the landscape.
The Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods at Case Western Reserve University has won a $4.35 million grant renewal to support its efforts in designing and disseminating interventions that prevent chronic disease in urban neighborhoods. The center's collaboration with the Health Improvement Partnership-Cuyahoga County and...
A review published in ESA Frontiers explores designing rivers with environmental flows to sustain ecosystem services, considering controlled releases and hands-off policies. The approach aims to create functional ecosystems under current conditions, rather than recreating historical ones.
A study by Queensland University of Technology found that increasing pollution levels just below the current 'safe' standards would cause an estimated 6,000 extra deaths annually in Australia. The health statistician calls for thorough cost-benefit analyses to inform decision-making on new infrastructure projects.
A QUT expert warns Australian governments that increasing pollution to just below existing standards would cause thousands of additional deaths each year. The health statistician's analysis reveals the devastating impact of pollution on human life, highlighting the need for thorough cost-benefit analyses in environmental studies.
Researchers found that states with stronger alcohol policies have a lower likelihood of binge drinking, with higher taxes and reduced outlets accounting for half of the effect. This study highlights the importance of evidence-based policy decisions in reducing alcohol-related deaths and economic costs.
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.