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EU and US water monitoring systems offer a blueprint for smarter water governance in China

A comparative review identifies how EU and US surface water monitoring architectures can strengthen surface water protection in China. The analysis suggests combining routine assessment with rapid diagnosis and long-term ecological observation to support precise and adaptive water governance.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalEnergy & Environment Nexus·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 3, 2026

International partners boost peace agreement success, Notre Dame study finds

A new study by University of Notre Dame researcher Madhav Joshi found that international partners significantly improve the success of peace agreements. The study tracked 578 individual commitments from December 2016 through April 2023 and found that deeper engagement increases implementation outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Intervention and Statebuilding·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 29, 2026

New UN-backed atlas maps migratory lifelines of highly vulnerable bird species across the americas

The Americas Flyways Atlas charts critical habitats spanning 56 countries, revealing key breeding, stopover, and wintering sites for 89 highly vulnerable migratory bird species. The atlas provides governments with a blueprint to protect these birds from habitat loss, infrastructure, and climate change.

Global initiative to address mounting pressures from illegal and unsustainable taking of migratory species announced at UN wildlife conference

The Global Initiative on the Taking of Migratory Species (GTI) aims to tackle the root causes of illegal and unsustainable taking, safeguarding wildlife and livelihoods. The initiative focuses on improving data, strengthening laws, engaging communities, and raising awareness.

Climate change and the private solution trap

A new study found that wealthier nations tend to invest more in private solutions, exacerbating climate change. The research involved over 7,500 participants from 34 countries, who took part in a simulation on how economic resources are allocated to address climate change.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2026

Amid new findings that more migratory species of animals are facing extinction nations gather in Brazil to agree on actions

Nations are coming together at the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) to address declining population trends and extinction threats among migratory species. The meeting aims to establish conservation policies and protections for over 2,000 species under threat.

Share of migratory wild animal species with declining populations despite UN treaty protections worsens from 44% to 49% in two years; 24% face extinction, up 2%

The interim update to the State of the World's Migratory Species report warns that 49% of migratory species populations are declining, with 24% facing extinction, due to habitat loss and overexploitation. The report highlights the need for coordinated international action to address these threats and protect migratory species.

Businesses can either lead transformative change or risk extinction: IPBES

A new report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) emphasizes the critical role of businesses in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Businesses can either drive transformative change or risk extinction, as they rely on and impact nature. The report provides methods and 100+ actions for bu...

Better Data for Better Health: NUS Medicine and IHME launch new regional centre to tackle ageing, climate, and chronic disease risks across Southeast Asia

The NUS-IHME Global Burden of Disease Research Centre aims to bridge the gap between longevity and healthy ageing by examining the impact of extreme heat, antimicrobial resistance, and other environmental shifts. The centre will provide critical data and insights to inform health strategies across Southeast Asia.

American Meteorological Society expands access to scholarly publications to support IPCC seventh assessment report

The American Meteorological Society has partnered with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to provide IPCC authors with access to peer-reviewed scientific publications. This collaboration ensures equitable access to critical climate science for researchers worldwide, particularly those from developing countries and fac...

Great power rivalry is reshaping global supply chains, new study shows

A new study from the Stockholm School of Economics shows how growing rivalry between major powers is pushing firms to rethink their sourcing, production capacity, and supplier relationships. Companies are diversifying suppliers, reducing dependence on single countries for critical inputs, and relocating or duplicating production to dif...

SourceStockholm School of Economics·JournalProduction Planning & Control·TypeCase study·DateJan 26, 2026

New roadmap reveals how everyday chemicals and microbes interact to fuel antimicrobial resistance

A new perspective outlines an urgent scientific roadmap for understanding chemical-microbe interactions and their role in accelerating antimicrobial resistance. Emerging evidence highlights unexpected combined effects of pollutants at low levels, which can promote resistance even when each chemical is present alone.

When helping hurts: Why acts of goodwill can stall peace

A new study reveals that even seemingly well-intentioned initiatives to help the disadvantaged side of a conflict can produce negative consequences. When humanitarian aid is not coupled with genuine political change, it may lead to moral satisfaction and decreased support for meaningful concessions for peace.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPeace and Conflict Journal of Peace Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2025

100 years of menus show how food can be used as a diplomatic tool to make and break political alliances

Researchers analyzed menus from Portuguese diplomatic dinners dating from 1910 to 2023, revealing how meals reflected and shaped the country's foreign policy. The study identified five functions of diplomatic meals: territory transfers, geopolitical alliances, economic diplomacy, scientific cooperation, and cultural proximity.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Political Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2025

High symbolism, high stakes mark historic 1st meeting of new biodiversity body dedicated to elevating the role and contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities

The Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) and Other Provisions of the Convention Related to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities has been established to elevate the role and contributions of these groups. The body aims to promote greater environmental democracy, with women and youth expertise being reflected in its work.

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework advances protection of marine biodiversity

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets robust targets for protecting marine biodiversity, addressing its complexity and variability. By focusing on key indicators such as species distribution, genetic diversity, and ecosystem structure, policymakers can track changes and implement effective conservation measures.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 11, 2025

Lunar Policy Platform (LPP), Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), and International Astronomical Union (IAU) sign MoU on Lunar Science & Ethics

The LPP, COSPAR, and IAU have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on lunar science and ethics. The partnership aims to develop principles and practices for balanced approaches to lunar activities, with a focus on promoting international cooperation and science-informed space policies.

Partial peace deals may facilitate comprehensive accords, offering roadmap for policymakers, practitioners

Researchers found that partial peace agreements play an important role in building trust and strengthening relationships between negotiators. These agreements offer strategic advantages, including consolidating incremental progress, serving as metrics, testing measures, and signaling a larger commitment to the peace process.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Peace Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2025

Researchers from Incheon National University unpack audience costs in us allies’ foreign policy choices

A study by Incheon National University researchers reveals how audience costs impact US allies' foreign policy decisions, with prevailing pro-US sentiment enhancing credibility of alignment commitments. The study found that citizens who lean towards China tolerate or even reward alignment reversals.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalContemporary Security Policy·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2025

Hard-to-avoid emissions: Limited potential for marine carbon dioxide removal in Germany’s seas

A new study finds that ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and storage in German waters is feasible but with limitations, such as local marine conditions and required materials, energy, and infrastructure. Only five methods were shortlisted for implementation in German North Sea and Baltic waters.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalEarth's Future·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 29, 2025

Study assesses U.S. image amid weakening of democracy

A study found that respondents who received information about democratic backsliding in the US had a less favorable view, but policy support remained unchanged. The research team also discovered that an economic downturn did not influence global public opinion, highlighting the complexities of soft power and US foreign policy.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeSurvey·DateApr 4, 2025

A Sustainable Development Goal for space?

Experts propose an 18th SDG to protect Earth's orbit from accumulating debris, citing the need for global consensus and mechanisms for enforcement. The proposal builds on earlier calls for a legally-binding treaty to safeguard the planet's orbital environment.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalOne Earth·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 9, 2025