Articles tagged with Sustainable Development
Huddersfield researchers are working on a new project to develop novel and sustainable molecular materials that harness light to drive useful chemical reactions. The project aims to address the limitation of using rare and expensive elements like ruthenium and iridium in current applications. By exploring the intrinsic properties of li...
A study of environmental students from 41 countries found that SDGs are highly accepted globally, with significant differences in pillar ratings between countries. Lower-income nations rated the SDGs as more important than higher-income nations.
Scientists create polymer bricks made from waste cooking oil and industrial byproducts, eliminating the need for mortar in traditional building methods. The new material's sulfur-sulfur bond produces a strong, sustainable construction material with potential to streamline construction.
A new study found that girls who spend more time on household chores in childhood are more likely to have limited future employment opportunities. The research suggests that unequal shares of household care work contribute to the gender pay gap, constraining girls' access to better-paid and higher-quality jobs.
A new study by ICTA-UAB reveals that existing climate mitigation scenarios perpetuate energy use inequalities between the Global North and South. To stop climate change, the Global North must reduce its energy consumption to sustainable levels while allowing for sufficient growth in energy use in the rest of the world.
Recent advancements in non-destructive sensors enable real-time monitoring of plant health, allowing for prompt adjustment of environmental conditions to augment crop productivity. The sensors convert plant signals into digital signals, establishing direct communication between plants and growers.
A new Series published in The Lancet estimates that adopting proven road safety interventions targeting four key risk factors could prevent between 25% and 40% of all fatal road injuries worldwide every year. This could save up to half a million lives annually, with increased focus on low- and middle-income countries.
A new sorting technology at Chalmers University of Technology reduces fish waste by up to 50%, creating five nutritious cuts from the whole fish. The innovation is being implemented in a Swedish herring processing plant, which aims to produce healthier and more sustainable food products.
Research shows that default options on carbon offsetting websites can lead to faster CO2 compensation, even at higher costs. The study found that as costs increase, the effectiveness of these defaults decreases. This suggests that people are price-sensitive when it comes to high-cost defaults.
The study highlights opportunities for robotics to support human activities, foster innovation, and enhance monitoring. However, it also identifies potential threats such as exacerbating inequalities and diverting resources from tried-and-tested solutions. Researchers emphasize the need for early identification of negative impacts and ...
A recent study found that while consumers in Finland express openness to shifting towards a plant-based diet, their purchasing trends reflect a strong preference for red meat. The researchers analyzed individualized purchase data of 29,437 customers and found that red & processed meat accounted for 63% of protein purchases, while plant...
FAPESP will host the Executive Secretariat of the Global Research Council (GRC) starting in September, reflecting its prestige among funding agencies worldwide. The GRC aims to create multilateral mechanisms for funding research and innovation.
A team of researchers from Waseda University developed a novel solution to efficiently solve complex optimization problems using Ising machines. Their hybrid algorithm reduces residual energy and reaches more optimal results in shorter time, increasing the machine's applicability across industries and sustainability practices.
Scientists and experts are calling on governments to recognize the importance of animal welfare for sustainable development. The commentary highlights how animal agriculture contributes to climate change, infectious disease emergence, and environmental degradation.
A new study reveals that tidal flats in the southeastern US are under pressure from urbanization, leading to erosion and loss of these critical ecosystem guardians. The research highlights the need for sustainable management plans to mitigate the impacts of urban expansion on coastal environments.
A team of NTU Singapore economists compiled a detailed study of Albert Winsemius' influence on Singapore's early economic development, analyzing his affinity with Singapore and his contributions to the country's economic growth. The book examines his synergy with pioneering leaders like Lee Kuan Yew and Dr Goh Keng Swee.
A team of researchers at Flinders University has developed a novel sorbent made from waste materials that can absorb almost all mercury in polluted water in minutes. The material, coated with poly(S-r-limonene), is fast-acting and selective, capturing only mercury without other metal contaminants.
Heads of State and Government meeting at the United Nations' global conference on land called for immediate action to stem life and livelihood losses due to desertification, land degradation, and drought. The Abidjan Call urges prioritizing drought relief and committing to achieving land degradation neutrality by 2030.
Researchers have identified over 2.4 million households in 49 countries as being below a certain economic threshold, based on the percentage of unlit settlements detected using nighttime light satellite images. The study found a clear association between increasing percentages of unlit communities and decreasing economic wellbeing levels.
Current mining practices can be improved through effective policies and stakeholder involvement. A more sustainable extractive industry can supply key raw materials for renewable energy technologies and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To achieve this, diverse stakeholders must participate in governance at different levels.
A Stanford University team developed a solar-powered technology to improve the quality and quantity of dried agricultural produce, increasing incomes for smallholder farmers in India. The equipment boosted prices by 14-22% compared to traditional open-air sun drying methods.
Human activity on Hainan Island is causing changes in the body shapes and diets of tropical birds, resulting in biotic homogenisation. Despite efforts to protect biodiversity, the island's unique ecosystem is being affected by large-scale economic and land-use changes.
Vertical farming enables crops to be grown in vertically stacked layers, conserving land and allowing for multiple harvests per year. This method can significantly reduce water requirements and chemical crop protection, while increasing yields through optimal growth conditions and technologies.
A team of researchers from Nanyang Technological University and National Parks Board in Singapore has discovered that certain tropical plant species can absorb and remove toxic heavy metals and metalloids from contaminated soil. The study identified 12 plant species effective for phytoremediation, including Cow Grass, Brake Fern, and I...
A study finds that Industry 4.0 technologies have largely failed to improve resource efficiency and reduce emissions, contrary to company expectations. However, companies with high digitalisation levels are better positioned to align production with demand and improve sustainability performance.
A new study assesses wastewater infrastructure in 129 countries to explore community-wide health indices using Wastewater-based Epidemiology (WBE). The technique detects factors influencing health, including disease biomarkers detectable in wastewater.
Researchers at Okayama University have created a new method to kill cancer cells using light-activated protein AR3, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. The approach uses green light to trigger apoptosis in targeted cells, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.
A new study examines the 'Programme for Results' scheme, a results-based financing package underpinning Ethiopian government's education reforms. It found that several aspects of the project were unfit for purpose from the start, including inadequate systems to measure results and overlooked groups of children with disabilities.
Researchers used machine learning to predict the most important factors underlying heavy metal pollution remediation in biochar-treated soils. Biochar nitrogen content and application rate were found to be the most crucial features in determining HM immobilization, with soil properties also playing a significant role.
A study by RIFS researcher Silke Niehoff analyzed DAX company sustainability reports and found that most prioritize customer demands and efficiency over environmental concerns. However, a few companies are using digitalization to promote sustainable development and serve as role models.
The Bank of Okinawa has awarded ¥1 million grants to two startups, Genome Miner and Menopause and Beyond, participating in the OIST Innovation Square Startup Accelerator Program. The grants aim to support their entrepreneurial journey and contribute to the development of the local economy.
A research group studied China's water conservation regulations in the northern drylands and found they drove industrial transformation, reducing negative environmental impacts. Adaptive strategies were developed for 12 cities to integrate their development pathways and promote holistic sustainable development through cooperation.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers explores the complexities of making meaningful progress in critically important areas. The analysis reveals that improvements in some economic SDGs can impair social and environmental SDGs initially but then improve simultaneously after a turning point.
A new study reveals how Bolsonaro's supporters are misusing satellite data to promote economic development at the expense of environmental protection. The researchers found that far-right groups are creating alternative 'truths' about deforestation, questioning the validity of scientific findings and sowing confusion among the public.
The African BioGenome Project aims to sequence the genomes of Africa's endemic plants, animals, fungi, and protists. This will build resilience in breeding, sustainable food systems, and biodiversity conservation, aligning with the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
A Brazilian study proposes a methodology to involve secondary school students in mapping natural disaster hazards and impact prevention. The students, aged between 2019-2021, were trained to identify areas prone to flooding and landslides using aerial photographs taken by drones.
A team of researchers has found that plastic waste-derived porous materials can adsorb CO2 from flue gas, reducing plastic pollution and emissions. The study suggests that these materials could be used in industrial-scale applications, making them a promising alternative to conventional CO2 capture technologies.
A team of researchers proposes converting discarded surgical masks into a burnable fuel through pyrolysis, yielding a carbon-rich oil with high heating value. The study suggests this method offers better environmental performance compared to conventional waste management approaches.
Researchers at the University of Seville conducted a study on deficit irrigation for Sunchocola tomatoes, finding no significant changes in commercial quality but increased carotenoids and phenolic compounds. The results have significant nutritional importance and potential for global irrigation water savings.
A study led by the University of Texas at Austin found that groundwater levels in Sub-Saharan Africa frequently increased over time, with most aquifers replenishing their water supply during rainy periods. The research tracked long-term water storage gains and losses across Africa's major aquifers using NASA's GRACE satellites.
The study demonstrates the importance of protecting nature to keep tourism revenue flowing, with key findings showing that infrastructure supports tourism hotspots where roads and hotels are easily accessible. Researchers suggest creating a nationwide accounting system to track the value of natural assets and provide long-term habitat ...
A new study finds that top 10 banks have limited commitments to reduce financing of fossil fuels, despite increasing focus on climate change. Experts recommend policy changes to address the banking industry's responsibility in financing climate change.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that improved eye health services are associated with moving closer to achieving seven SDGs. Multiple direct connections were discovered between eye health services and increased productivity, household expenditure, income, education, and equality.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provide valuable insights on managing C&D waste and reducing carbon emissions in building refurbishment projects. By upcycling generated waste, carbon emissions can be significantly reduced, with a potential reduction of around 40% compared to traditional practices.
Researchers at UPV/EHU propose using caesium cations to improve the cyclability of sodium-air batteries, increasing their energy density and range. By adding a caesium salt to the electrolyte, they were able to achieve over 90 charge/discharge cycles.
Urbanization in China has led to an increase in biomass and carbon stocks, both in rural areas and recently developed cities. The country's afforestation strategy and green policy initiatives have contributed to this positive effect on its climate balance.
A human-centered approach is needed to build sustainable solutions, according to Arizona State University professor Katina Michael. She will present evidence on operationalizing public interest technology in practice, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and empowerment.
Researchers used AI to identify detrimental dams and reveal lost environmental benefits from existing 158 hydropower dams. The study considers six socio-environmental criteria, including river flow and energy production, to optimize dam selection across the entire Amazon basin.
A new computational tool, 'Amazon EcoVistas,' analyzes proposed dam projects collectively for their energy generation and environmental impacts. The tool identifies hydroelectric dam portfolios that meet energy production goals with the least environmental harm, taking into account five environmental criteria and social values.
A new study published in The Lancet found that over one in four women (27%) have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime, with recent violence affecting nearly one in seven (13%) women. The study highlights high levels of violence among adolescent girls and young women, emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent ...
The Lancet Commission highlights the need for concerted efforts to improve mental health care and prevention globally. Experts stress that depression is a common yet undertreated condition with significant social and economic impacts.
According to a new study, lifting over 1 billion people out of poverty worldwide would increase global carbon emissions by 1.6-2.1%. The main reason for this is the huge inequality in carbon footprint between rich and poor nations. Rich countries emit significantly more carbon than poor ones.
A new study examines the toxic impact of bio-based substances and innovative technologies on the environment, finding both biosurfactants and microgels as highly promising candidates for use in sustainable products. The results highlight the importance of integrating green toxicology into bioeconomy strategies.
A new method to produce hydrogen from water has been discovered, using cobalt and manganese as catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to a cleaner and more sustainable hydrogen economy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award recognizes women scientists making innovative contributions to climate change research and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The award provides a cash prize and networking opportunities, supporting the critical role of women in addressing climate shifts.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a stable sulfur cathode that functions in a commercially viable carbonate electrolyte, enabling Li-S batteries with three times the capacity of Li-ion batteries and lasting over 4,000 recharges. This breakthrough paves the way for more sustainable battery alternatives.
Agricultural researcher Benjamin Schiek developed a mathematical method to better allocate resources across different policies and projects. The method calculates correlations between institutional research projects and strategic objectives, revealing synergies and trade-offs, enabling more informed funding decisions.
The American Roentgen Ray Society has awarded two 2022 ARRS Scholarships to Sean Woolen and Bradley Allen, providing a total of $180,000 in funding for their radiological research projects. The scholarships aim to advance emerging scholars and prepare them for leadership positions.
A City University of Hong Kong study found that improper disposal of surgical masks can pollute over 54,800 Olympic-sized swimming pools annually with microplastics. The research also showed that microplastics accumulate in the food chain, affecting marine organisms and potentially harming higher-level species.
The Advanced Magnetics for Power and Energy Development (AMPED) Consortium has received a $60,000 planning grant from the National Science Foundation to address the growing need for improved soft magnetic materials and enhanced device applications in emerging energy technologies. The consortium aims to create an interdisciplinary workf...