Articles tagged with Sustainable Development
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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...
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.
A new report identifies ten key facts about global land use and details opportunities for a more sustainable and equitable approach. The study emphasizes the importance of considering trade-offs and acknowledging the rights of marginalized groups in policymaking.
A new report identifies 10 key facts about global land use, highlighting opportunities for a more sustainable and equitable approach. The study emphasizes the need for policymakers to consider trade-offs and marginalized groups' rights in developing effective solutions.
A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals that large-scale land acquisitions for agriculture lead to increased water scarcity, impacting local users. The research analyzed 160 acquisitions and found that 105 resulted in competition for water, often at the expense of local communities.
According to a new study, climate change will force 45% of transboundary fish stocks to shift significantly by 2100, raising tensions and potential conflicts over resource management. This shift will disproportionately affect tropical countries and potentially collapse international agreements.
A study highlights the importance of cohesive, cross-sectoral strategies to promote nature-based solutions in Asia. The research emphasizes the need for national and international governance frameworks to effectively implement NbS for climate security, socioeconomic development, and eco-sustainability.
A new study reveals that circular waste management systems can effectively reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, with the potential to eliminate open burning of waste by 2050. The researchers estimate that this could account for almost a quarter of global methane emissions.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have developed a biotechnology-based solution to produce ovalbumin, a key protein in egg white powder. The fungus-produced ovalbumin reduces greenhouse gas emissions and land use by up to 72% compared to traditional chicken-based production.
Scientists use a modified drone with a radiation shield to collect high-quality atmospheric data in polar regions. The study shows that the low-cost drone provides accurate data comparable to radiosondes, expanding the observational network and improving weather forecasts.
Researchers are working on developing low-cost, environmentally benign materials that can selectively remove nutrients from municipal and agricultural wastewaters. The goal is to create novel materials for the recovery of phosphates and nitrates, which could become valuable, environmentally friendly fertilizers for agricultural fields.
Despite efforts to control river pollution, lake water quality has not improved as expected in China. Lake restoration and ecological management are key to addressing eutrophication and achieving sustainable development.
Marquette University has received a two-year, $3.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop novel technologies for protecting the environment and providing clean drinking water. The 'In Defense of Water' program will focus on four areas: water reuse, disinfection, PFAS removal, and water data fusion.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst analysis found that packaged beef burgers contain more calories, protein, and fat than imitation and veggie burgers. Veggie burgers, on the other hand, are lower in fat and higher in vitamin A and C.
Researchers create new route for producing PCTA monomer using plant-based acrylate and acetaldehyde, achieving overall yield of 61%. The method also produces UNOXOL diol in high yield, reducing carbon footprint.
A new study explores the use of Picture Pile, a citizen science tool, to contribute to SDG monitoring and close data gaps. It found that Picture Pile can help monitor eight indicators and support seven more, providing supplementary information.
A systematic literature review found HIV seroprevalence in five key populations: men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), prisoners, sex workers, and transgender people. The review identified significant gaps in data, particularly for transgender individuals.
A new study found that 60% of countries involved in SDG partnerships are high- or upper-middle-income, while lower-income countries have limited participation. The unequal distribution of partnerships may hinder sustainable development worldwide.
The report reveals that electronic waste generated in the region rose by 50% between 2010 and 2019, with only 3.2% collected and safely managed. The regional e-waste total jumped from 1.7 Mt to 2.5 Mt, with Russia generating the most e-waste.
A study at the University of Plymouth found that retrofitting an existing building with a green wall reduced heat loss by 31.4%. The study suggests that living walls can provide significant energy savings and help reduce carbon emissions in existing buildings.
Researchers have developed efficient catalysts for ammonia synthesis under mild conditions using ternary ruthenium complex hydrides. The unique configuration and function mechanism of these complexes enables non-dissociative activation of nitrogen, leading to superior kinetics and favored ammonia production.
A new study demonstrates the importance of supply-side enhancements to increase clean fuel consumption in sub-Saharan Africa. Supply-side interventions such as shortening distances to retail points and improving access to multi-burner stoves are found to be crucial for accelerating growth of the clean cooking market.
A new study suggests that UK plant-based alternative food consumption has nearly doubled over the past decade, with younger generations and women being more likely to adopt this diet. The research found that plant-based milks were the most popular among the UK population, followed by vegan sausages and vegetable burgers.
Scientists have successfully stored energy in bean plant roots using conjugated oligomers, creating a new biohybrid system for sustainable energy storage. The research demonstrates that the roots of intact plants can function as networks of conductors, storing up to 100 times more energy than previous experiments.
The CryForm project aims to replace synthetic stabilizing agents with crystalline materials, enabling innovative multiphase formulations for safer, more sustainable and affordable products. The project will develop biocompatible crystals for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food applications, contributing to the European Green Deal.
The RETRACE project aims to define specific territorial policies on Circular Economy through a Systemic Approach. The project will focus on the Covid-19 impacts on regional circular economy practices and new best practices.
The new Atlantic Marine Energy Center, led by UNH, will focus on wave and tidal energy conversion, as well as ocean sensing and aquaculture. The center aims to advance marine renewable energy technologies through research, education, and outreach.
A team of Lehigh University undergraduates has won the National Institutes of Health's Healthcare Technologies for Low-Resource Settings Prize for developing a diagnostic device to detect sickle cell disease in infants. The $15,000 prize will support further development and testing of the device, which could improve healthcare outcomes...
Two hundred ninety scientific researchers from 46 countries urge the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ban harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. The signatories cite research showing that such subsidies lead to unsustainable fishing practices, contravening UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.
A new study reveals that increasing human wellbeing and improving environmental resilience are not always compatible, especially when understood too simplistically. The research team argues that a more nuanced approach can help find win-win scenarios, prioritizing both people's livelihoods and the planet's health.
The study finds that universal access to clean cooking services might not be achieved by 2050, despite progress on other SDGs. Low-income households in sub-Saharan Africa and developing Asia are most at risk of not being able to afford clean cooking.
Scientists aim to create sustainable materials for optical applications by leveraging polylactide, a renewable resource with good optical properties. The project addresses issues like CO2 emissions and microplastics to develop cost-effective high-performance polymers.
A study in Brazil's Santos city showed that citizen science collaboration between civil society and academia can achieve progress toward ocean conservation goals. The project developed a methodology for integrating civil society and academia, including training and validation of monitoring protocols.
A recent study in Nature Sustainability explores sustainable pathways for China's increasing food demand while balancing trade and environmental impacts. The research highlights the importance of integrating global optimization towards SDGs to address challenges such as food security, water shortage, and greenhouse gas emissions.
A meta-analysis by the University of Basel found that no-till farming alone does not achieve desired results in sustainable agriculture. Retaining crop residues on fields after harvest prevails over no-till farming in promoting carbon storage, soil protection and increased yields.
Researchers developed a real-time measurement technique to detect algae health issues, detecting threats 37-76 hours earlier than traditional methods. This could save hundreds of millions of dollars in algae biomass losses and protect the world's most promising sustainable product source.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a non-toxic alternative to traditional cyanide-based gold extraction processes. The new chloride-based method, called EDRR, achieves an impressive 84% gold recovery rate, surpassing the 64% recovered with traditional cyanide methods.
Ancient human societies adapted to tropical ecosystem dynamics, revealing their adaptability and resourcefulness. By studying these past interactions with the environment, scientists can better understand how to conserve tropical environments.
A team of researchers has demonstrated how a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can mitigate against negative environmental impacts in metal mining explorations. The new approach helps identify potential 'hot-spots' before extraction operations begin, allowing geologists to select targets with lower environmental impacts.
The Sustainable Agriculture Matrix provides a comprehensive assessment of agricultural sustainability at a national level, considering environmental, economic, and social impacts. The framework helps governments and organizations evaluate progress, identify priorities for improvement, and inform policies towards sustainable agriculture.
A recent study employs machine learning to guide the design of novel materials for CO2 capture, identifying elemental composition and textural properties as key factors. The research team's findings suggest prioritizing adsorption parameters and surface area optimization for high CO2 adsorption efficiency.
The RIT workshop series on sustainable computing aims to create computers with environmental consciousness from raw materials to recycling. Keynote speakers will discuss trends in computing and its environmental footprint.
In the Brazilian Amazon, small towns are practicing a self-sustaining circular economy by converting waste into inputs for production. The Carauari community produces 100 metric tons of processed fish per year, generating resources from waste that fuel other activities.
Researchers found socio-cultural barriers, lack of maintenance and funding, economic challenges, institutional barriers, technological and environmental barriers hinder GI adoption. Community-based approach identified the need for increased transparency and communication from government, as well as resident participation and engagement.
Researchers have developed an AI-powered tool, Roofpedia, to track sustainable roof adoption worldwide. The tool uses satellite images to gauge cities' green and solar roof penetration, with Singapore ranked third in solar roof coverage.
The study assesses how much energy is needed to provide the global poor with a decent life and found that this can be reconciled with efforts to meet climate targets. The researchers identified gaps in decent living standards (DLS) by region and estimated the amount of energy required to fill them.
The sand industry is unsustainable due to rapid consumption, conflicting with eight of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Environmental and local human consequences are significant, including erosion, flooding, and polluted drinking water.
A UMD researcher has been awarded a $6 million grant from the US Department of Energy to create sustainable products like biofuels and bioplastics from food waste. The project aims to understand waste sources, characterize municipal solid waste, and produce renewable resources.
A new study reveals that the global demand for sand and gravel is in direct conflict with nearly half of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, primarily affecting health, environment, and society in low- and middle-income countries. The research highlights the need for effective management plans and policies to balance the pros an...