Articles tagged with Sustainable Development
A new technique reduces toxic byproducts and increases efficiency in producing alkylbenzene, a crucial intermediate for detergents. The process uses simple alkanes as alkylating agents, resulting in harmless molecular hydrogen as the sole byproduct.
A holistic transformation is needed for a sustainable future, and a new study by an international team of researchers explores the Theory of Planetary Social Pedagogy as a driver. This theory applies to all societal sectors and aims to make life meaningful by increasing experiences of belonging and inclusion.
Researchers from NTU Singapore and ETH Zurich have developed a clean and sustainable material to build zero-waste fuel cells using chicken feathers. The membrane, made from protein amyloid fibrils, conducts protons and reduces carbon emissions from burning unwanted chicken feathers.
A new net zero carbon planning policy in Bath & North East Somerset is expected to make new buildings much more energy efficient and boost the introduction of renewables. Despite concerns about increased costs, most planning applicants support the policy's intentions, with solar photovoltaics and heat pumps being key technologies.
A team of researchers warns that global coastal adaptations are inadequate to address climate change threats, citing short-sighted policies and projects. The experts call for decisive action by the international policy community to identify and tackle key risk areas.
Researchers have created biobased polyesters with superior mechanical properties, exceeding those of polyethylene and polypropylene. The new material can be easily recycled and exhibits increased tensile strength and elongation at break with molecular weight.
A recent study reveals that climate adaptation efforts globally are largely isolated and uncoordinated, with a lack of cohesion in task distribution among various actors. Comprehensive, just, and forward-thinking adaptation requires involvement from multiple groups, including governments, organizations, and individuals.
New technology enables self-sustaining modules to assemble, disassemble and recycle, offering unprecedented sustainability for electronic devices. The innovation is part of a larger field of Microelectronic Morphogenesis, which aims to replicate living systems through controlled form creation.
A new study by Caroline Hachem-Vermette and Kuljeet Singh analyzed the design and energy characteristics of various neighborhoods to assess their vulnerabilities to power outages. The researchers found that thoughtful design can reduce a neighborhood's energy vulnerability during disruptions, and they recommend modifications to shelter...
Researchers found that mature mangroves can tolerate high rates of subsidence and sea level rise, but sediment availability is crucial for their effectiveness. In areas with insufficient sediment, mangroves' ability to stabilize coastlines will deteriorate, leading to inland migration of communities.
The University of Manchester will advance understanding of microbial communities and their impact on the world. The £5.4m project aims to engineer bespoke microbial communities for applications such as CO2 conversion, contributing to a more sustainable Net Zero future.
A new approach is being developed to identify sepsis in newborn babies, with the potential to transform sepsis testing. The Neosepsis project aims to reduce neonatal deaths in Uganda by providing a quick and reliable test using a small drop of blood.
The illegal wildlife trade is a significant financial portfolio that creates state-level security and development risks. Implementing AML laws and sharing intelligence with banks can boost IWT law enforcement. Countries like Singapore, UK, and Australia are making progress in combating money laundering and IWT.
A study published by the University of Birmingham found that people living in Gaza with intermittent electricity supplies experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression, while those with reliable access had improved wellbeing. The researchers emphasized the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to address this crisis.
The MIT Press is expanding its shift+OPEN initiative with a $275,000 NSF grant to flip two high-impact subscription-based journals to diamond OA. The program aims to accelerate STEM and HSS research by providing barrier-free access to scholarly works.
The American Heart Association is providing funding to social impact entrepreneurs in Houston to address health inequities in under-resourced communities. The funds will support sustainable, entrepreneurial solutions that improve access to quality healthcare, housing, and educational opportunities.
A new system using satellite data improves crop area and yield estimates, providing critical information for food security and sustainability planning. The WorldCereal project offers a cloud-based platform with diverse operational models to cater to various user communities.
Phil Ansell reviewed over 300 research projects to assess sustainable aviation fuels, finding that multiple energy carriers have potential. Bio jet fuel pathways, power-to-liquid pathways for synthetic kerosene, liquid hydrogen, and battery electric systems were among the options examined.
The report reveals that policymakers can accelerate SDG implementation and achieve wellbeing for all by enacting five 'extraordinary turnarounds'. However, a key red flag is that global warming will plateau below 2°C under the Giant Leap scenario, giving humanity a chance to thrive again.
Researchers call for four major changes to implement and govern SDGs globally, strengthening commitments by high-income countries, adjusting goals to new challenges, making them legally binding, and embedding them in institutions. Stronger global oversight is needed to support these reforms.
A team of Purdue researchers developed patent-pending adhesive formulations from sustainable bio-based components that grow stronger when exposed to water. The adhesives have potential applications in coral reef restoration, construction, biomedical, dental, food, and cosmetic industries.
Using biochar in cement enhances mechanical properties and contributes to sustainability objectives, reducing the need for traditional cement content. This study provides an overview of biochar's suitability as a sustainable additive in cement, promoting environmentally beneficial outcomes.
Employing agricultural technology can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by generating net negative emissions, with methods including biochar, agroforestry, and sustainable seafood harvesting. The most effective way to reduce emissions is through soil modifications, agroforestry, and hydrogen-powered fertilizer production.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have developed a catalyst support based on titanium dioxide powder to facilitate effective CO2 reduction. The study demonstrated increased hydrogen production and enhanced catalytic performance with silver nanoparticles loaded onto the TiO2 surface.
Researchers propose standardized criteria for radiative cooling performance evaluation to improve reliability and comparability. The technology uses the sky as a heat sink to achieve cooling below ambient temperatures.
Researchers from The University of Warwick and The University of Manchester have solved the long-standing puzzle of why graphene is permeable to protons. Protons are strongly accelerated around nanoscale wrinkles in perfect graphene crystals, which could lead to more sustainable hydrogen production.
A new study by Edith Cowan University has discovered zinc-air batteries as a superior alternative to lithium-ion, offering low costs, environmental benefits, and high theoretical energy density. The breakthrough redesigns the batteries using natural resources like zinc from Australia and air, enhancing their viability for sustainable e...
The study analyzed the Parnaíba and São Francisco River basins, highlighting vulnerabilities to deforestation, fire, drought, poverty, and climate change. The SEVI index measures socio-environmental vulnerability, revealing 'very high' levels in 53% of the São Francisco basin.
A £1.75m project led by Professor Chenyu Du aims to develop new processes for recovering polyester and cellulose from mixed cotton and polyester fibres. The goal is to create a roadmap towards net-zero for the textiles industry, reducing plastic waste and increasing recycling rates.
A UK-Sri Lankan research network aimed to develop research capacities among senior academic staff members from both countries. The training network investigated differences, overlaps, and synergies between Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) research communities.
Researchers from Finland and international partners applied the doughnut model to transport, finding that it can help balance social and environmental needs. The study highlights the need for metrics that consider both travel time and wider effects on the environment.
The four-year Bio-LUSH project optimizes biomass value chains and develops green processing methods to extract high-quality fibers from diverse plants. The initiative supports the establishment of a sustainable bio-fibrous economy in Europe by utilizing underexplored biomass feedstocks.
Researchers at North Carolina State University used CRISPR gene-editing to breed poplar trees with reduced lignin levels, while improving their wood properties. This breakthrough could make fiber production for paper, diapers, and other products more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective.
The team led by Jan J. Weigand developed an innovative method for producing phosphorus-based chemicals, reducing environmental impacts and enabling a more sustainable access to platform chemicals. Phosphorus recycling through electrochemical methods is also being explored, aiming to reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
Researchers found that investors evaluate a company's environmental performance based on financial materiality, providing a better perspective for understanding environmental risks. The study analyzed data from 1,766 companies and identified three key findings: varying evaluation criteria, shareholder risk perception, and the importanc...
A team of researchers from SUTD and A*STAR has developed a quick and energy-efficient technique to produce 2D mica nanosheets, which have shown an 87% higher CO2 adsorption capacity than bulk mica. The nanosheets' high specific surface area and porosity enable effective carbon capture.
Researchers found that while parents and educators recognize the benefits of nature play, they struggle with certain aspects, particularly risk. A key move will be to boost educators' knowledge about nature-based learning to promote enabling factors.
A new collection of academic papers highlights the contributions of citizen science to the SDGs, emphasizing its potential for monitoring and transformative change. The collection demonstrates that citizen science has vast untapped potential for driving progress towards achieving the SDGs.
New study finds that limiting human activity in parts of the ocean can enhance marine environment health and benefit nearby coastal communities. MPAs with strict fishing restrictions sustain fisheries and improve income and food security for nearby residents.
A new study by Imperial College London found that only 12% of global net-zero greenhouse gas emissions pledges have high confidence in full implementation. To avoid worst impacts of climate change, researchers recommend legally binding targets and long-term plans.
A new hub for plant and microbial science will be built in Norwich, UK, with £317.7 million investment from the UKRI Infrastructure Fund. The facility aims to deliver sustainable food solutions, improve human health, and reduce climate change impact.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland reveals that most sustainability scholars support post-growth pathways for affluent countries, while less affluent countries favour either green growth or post-growth pathways. The study's findings challenge the prevailing green growth focused approach and emphasize the need for tar...
A comprehensive analysis of 15 years of worldwide research into SDGs finds significant gaps in funding, collaboration and assessment between developed and developing countries. The authors call for equity and greater recognition for developing nations' contributions to addressing global challenges.
A new working group of the Global Research Council aims to map existing funding mechanisms for global research collaboration. The group will assess opportunities for multilateral engagement and figure out how to implement them, despite legal barriers that prevent public resources from crossing national borders.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed flexible wooden partition walls using kerfing technology, allowing residents to adapt their spaces as needed. The innovative system aims to reduce waste and carbon emissions while providing affordable solutions for housing.
A study in Brazilian cities highlights the need for adapted nature-based solutions (NbS) to address environmental inequality. Municipal administrators are aware of NbS, but lack clarity on how to prioritize decision-making.
Experts at the Global Research Council's annual meeting emphasize the need for equal opportunities and local context-specific challenges to address climate change impacts. The assessment highlights the importance of global research collaboration, tailored solutions, and partnerships between countries to mitigate and adapt to climate ch...
Current measures to protect grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are damaging the ecosystem and should be stopped. Small burrowing mammals, like the plateau pika and zokor, play crucial ecological roles in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.
The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology has been awarded a $1 million NSF Engines Development Award to establish a green bioeconomy in the Southeast. The project aims to develop carbon-neutral crop technologies and create sustainable consumer goods, reducing climate change impacts from manufacturing.
New research suggests that households could break even on their solar panel investments by 2027, thanks to a steady decline in cost outlay and return on investment. The study also predicts that solar electricity will become a more competitive energy source, making it 40-50% cheaper by 2035.
A new metric, called the carbon storage (CS) factor, enables urban planners to evaluate how a new development will affect the city's carbon balance. By using the right kind of wooden construction technologies, up to 70% of future construction can preserve lost forest carbon storage capacity.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have made a breakthrough in removing rapeseed's bitter substances, paving the way for a new plant-based protein source. The team identified three proteins that transport glucosinolates into seeds, allowing them to prevent accumulation and produce healthier seeds.
Researchers have engineered bacteria to combine natural enzymatic reactions with the carbene transfer reaction, producing new-to-nature carbon products that can be used in biochemicals and advanced biofuels. This breakthrough could reduce industrial emissions by providing sustainable alternatives to chemical manufacturing processes.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University will investigate the links between multimodal transportation, climate adaptation and resilience. The center aims to promote transit access, sustainable communities and resilient development.
Dr. Vesna Najdanovic from Aston University won a $25,000 grant to develop greener analytical methods using ethyl lactate as a solvent for liquid chromatography. This environmentally friendly alternative reduces carbon footprint and pollution in the pharmaceutical industry.
Researchers developed GAME-Net, a graph neural network that rapidly evaluates adsorption energy for large molecules like plastics and biomass. The model achieves accuracy comparable to density functional theory (DFT) while utilizing simple molecular representations.
The project aims to collect core samples and temperature data down to 15,000 feet to test the potential of geothermal energy in the region. Data will also be gathered on underground carbon storage in the Appalachian basin, a scientific first in the state.
A new study reveals that high-income countries made more progress than low-income ones in ocean conservation after the adoption of Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. Despite positive results on land, particularly in biodiversity hotspots, the ocean's sustainability progress slowed, causing further global inequality.
A new paper proposes solidifying air as a medium to reduce energy consumption and costs in transporting hydrogen by sea. The process, called Solid Air Hydrogen Liquefaction (SAHL), has the potential to lower energy consumption for liquefying hydrogen by 25-50%.
The City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has been approved to establish the first UNESCO Regional Training and Research Centre on coastal contaminant monitoring in Hong Kong, focusing on the Western Pacific region. The centre aims to strengthen marine pollution monitoring, promote innovative technologies, and facilitate international r...