Articles tagged with Sustainable Development
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.
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 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 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 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...
Researchers from Pusan University developed a super-stretchable, deformable, and durable material for 'super-flexible' alternating current electroluminescent devices. The material was successfully applied in devices that functioned with up to 1200% elongation, displaying stable luminescence over 1000 cycles.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed optimized yeast extracts for cell-free biosynthesis, enabling faster and more efficient chemical production. This breakthrough integrates cellular engineering with cell-free systems, paving the way for sustainable alternatives to current petrochemical processes.
Managing 30% of land for conservation could safeguard 70% of terrestrial plant and vertebrate animal species while conserving over 62% of the world's above-ground vulnerable carbon. The study also suggests this approach could safeguard 68% of all clean water resources.
A recent study suggests that personal carbon allowances (PCAs) may be a feasible solution to reduce emissions and promote sustainable lifestyles. The researchers propose a market-based approach to provide individuals with incentives and options to link their actions with global carbon reduction goals.
NTU scientists create soft and stretchable battery powered by human perspiration, suitable for wearable devices. The battery generates electricity in the presence of sweat, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional batteries.
Scientists from Incheon National University identified interzonal airflow across household entrance doors as a dominant factor in calculating heating loads. They found that strong stack effect and weather-driven airflow rates were larger than external infiltration rates, making conventional airtightness measures unreliable.
The article outlines five complementary actions to increase electrification rates and secure long-term access to affordable energy in Africa. Key findings include the need for an independent champion to transform the sector, international partnerships, and investment in clean energy.
Researchers project a further decline in excess male births in countries like China and India, but warn of a surplus of young men globally, posing social and economic challenges. A global loss of 22 million female births could occur by 2100 if all at-risk countries are included in projections.
Scientists propose integrated strategy combining climate action with policies for development, food access, equity, and environmental sustainability. The Sustainable Development Pathway aims to reconcile decent living with ecological boundaries.
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity has released a detailed draft agreement for managing nature, proposing 21 action targets to reduce threats to biodiversity and preserve ecosystems. The framework aims to enhance ecosystem integrity, value nature's contributions to people, and share genetic resources fairly.
The article emphasizes the importance of integrating different disciplines and stakeholders in conservation efforts. Key findings include the need for increased funding and expert guidance for transdisciplinary research, as well as the benefits of such approaches, including improved data quality and innovation.
The Leopoldina and RNE outline options for societal, political, and business transformations to meet the climate change challenge. They emphasize the importance of a global carbon price, infrastructure expansion, and new climate-friendly technologies.
A new project will develop novel tools and capacities to understand and manage interlinkages between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting sustainable development pathways for African countries. The project will analyze multi-level governance structures and path dependencies to identify impediments and enablers to sustai...
Despite a 19% increase in global spending on science and a 13.7% rise in scientists, significant disparities remain, with only two countries accounting for nearly 63% of the investment. The report highlights the need for more diverse and inclusive science policy, emphasizing the importance of women's participation in research.
A new study finds that marine conservation initiatives can have negative impacts on community livelihoods, including increased anxiety and social division. Researchers recommend that conservation efforts should follow social impact assessments and provide livelihood support for affected communities.
Researchers propose techniques to decode fungal electrical activity, enabling efficient information transmission and complex processing. Fungal networks can monitor large data flows, providing insights into ecosystem dynamics and promoting sustainable development.
Despite increased public use of parks and reserves, 26% of people reduced their visits during lockdowns, highlighting the need for inclusive urban planning policies. The study found that lockdown periods motivated new users to explore green spaces, which foster good mental health and serve as a nature-based coping mechanism.
A Concordia University study reveals that only a few Quebec public bodies have implemented substantial employee-driven innovation in line with the Sustainable Development Act. Institutional factors, such as bureaucratic processes and political agendas, often hinder meaningful staff action.
The current loss of tropical forest fauna impedes achieving SDGs, threatening food security, infectious disease outbreaks, and climate change mitigation. Defaunation also jeopardizes human well-being and cultural significance.
The COVID-19 crisis has emphasized the need to adapt to global environmental changes, with researchers highlighting the importance of shifting societal priorities from economic growth to human well-being and environmental health. A sustainable transition requires a cohesive and inclusive society where people adhere to collective action...
A study by RIFS researchers highlights the need for digital innovation to be guided by a systemic perspective acknowledging environmental, economic, and socio-cultural impacts. This includes professional technology assessments and inclusive decision-making processes to foster sustainable development.
Younger generations in Japan prefer sustainable lifestyles and are willing to work for companies that align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Despite concerns about job security, they prioritize SDG-minded companies over better pay.
A study co-developed with local stakeholders explores regional water scenarios to facilitate rational water resource planning in the extended Lake Victoria Basin. The analysis suggests that water use and withdrawal will increase significantly due to population and GDP growth, coupled with climate change.
Researchers from the UOC analyzed 18 blockchain-based multimedia content protection systems, identifying gaps in research and shortcoming in interoperability, scalability, and design. The study proposes a taxonomy to guide development of blockchain-based copyright protection systems.
Carlos Nobre, a Brazilian climate scientist, will receive the AAAS Award for Science Diplomacy for his work on Amazon biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples. The award recognizes his career-spanning contributions to science diplomacy, including leading the comprehensive scientific assessment of the Amazon Basin.
The study found that five of seven SDG 14 targets are achievable with spatial management tools, such as marine protected areas and fully protected areas. Single-sector tools are not effective for all targets, while multi-sectoral tools facilitate the achievement of a wide range of targets.
A new study proposes a cost-benefit analysis to guide the management of non-indigenous species in the Mediterranean, highlighting their potential benefits. The research suggests policy reforms for sustainable fisheries management, while also promoting commercial over-fishing and NIS-specific licences.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a new protein nanobioreactor that can improve hydrogen production efficiency by up to 550%. The bioreactor uses bacterial protein cages and enzymes to produce clean energy. The study offers a promising solution for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels.
This study highlights the importance of evenness in assessing sustainable development goals, revealing a bottleneck in China since 2013 due to stagnant progress in some SDGs. Regional integration and cooperation are proposed as effective strategies for holistically achieving SDGs across regions.
Researchers at JAIST and U-Tokyo successfully developed a thermodegradable aromatic polymer with the highest heat resistance of all reported plastics, using cellulosic biomass as feedstock. The plastic exhibits superior thermostability over 740°C and is lightweight, making it suitable for circular economy applications.