Articles tagged with Sustainable Development
The study found that AI's rapid growth would annually put 24-44 million metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere, draining 731-1125 million cubic meters of water. A roadmap suggests using smart siting, faster grid decarbonization and operational efficiency to cut impacts by 73% (carbon dioxide) and 86% (water).
The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded an €8.33 million Synergy Grant to a five-year project led by Professors Jun Borras, Esteve Corbera, Ian Scoones, and Anna Tsing. The 'Land and Life in the Anthropocene' project aims to reshape landscapes for more-than-human life through innovative framework and connected approaches.
A recent study analyzed satellite data from 2000 to 2020 and found that while ecohealth began improving after 2012, degradation still dominates in Asia's drylands. The region's land ecosystems have changed significantly, with about 22% of the land remaining degraded and only 13% showing recovery.
Bamboo is being explored as a promising material for reducing plastic waste due to its fast growth rate, renewable nature, and extensive distribution. Despite challenges, bamboo-based products have improved performance profiles and are gaining popularity worldwide.
Scientists propose 'Environmental Catalytic Cities' with self-purification function to remove air pollutants, using stable and green catalytic materials. This technology could mitigate urban air pollution without extra energy consumption.
The University of Copenhagen has launched a new AI Package to strengthen its research in artificial intelligence and make it more accessible to society. The package aims to bring together various initiatives and research centers across the university to develop AI in a responsible, sustainable, and democratic way.
Researchers develop distribution-type membrane reactors for efficient carbon dioxide methanation. The study demonstrates the advantages of this approach in controlling reaction rates and temperature profiles. High thermal conductivity membranes produce more methane with selectivity, and their use can accelerate a carbon-neutral society.
A policy-specific assessment framework evaluates integrated effects of emission control policies on greenhouse gas mitigation, air quality improvement, and public health protection. China's on-road transportation policies have achieved remarkable progress but face weakening synergies, underscoring the need for deep structural transitions.
The ATP-DEC calculator provides accurate and transparent information on carbon disclosure, helping align aviation with climate targets. It captures real-world variations and life cycle emissions, making it a crucial tool for policymakers, airlines, and passengers.
A team of scientists introduces a nature-based solution to tackle global soil pollution by harnessing microbes and iron minerals. Microbial iron mining removes toxic substances like heavy metals and organic pollutants, transforming them into less hazardous forms.
Researchers have developed a calculation method enabling fair comparisons of energy consumption between pulp and paper companies, with potential to reduce fossil fuel usage and release raw materials. The new methodology could contribute to increased efficiency and a changed approach to energy audits.
Lowering residential speed limits to 30kph significantly boosts bicycle riding safety without affecting car trip times, according to a study. The reduction in traffic stress leads to more people choosing bikes as a safe mode of transport.
A new approach called Streamlined Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) uses AI, 3D modeling, and secondary databases to assess a product's environmental footprint. SLCA cuts the time required for assessments from months to just one week, while maintaining accuracy.
A groundbreaking European study by Dr. Mohammad Fazle Rabbi evaluates the EU's food system and identifies key pathways for reduction in carbon emissions. The research highlights systemic inefficiencies, regional disparities, and improvements in circular economy practices that can contribute to emission reductions.
Research highlights that wealthy countries waste more food, but urbanization is narrowing this gap. Global food waste has increased by 24% since 2004, with rising waste in middle-income countries driven by economic growth and urbanization.
A survey by University of Washington researchers found that participants with a negative view of public charging were less likely to choose an electric vehicle than those with a moderate view. Participants demanded strikingly large concessions, such as a 30% discount or 366 extra miles of range, before choosing an EV.
Researchers developed a palm-sized, portable multimaterial printer using electrowetting on dielectric technology to print conductive and insulating liquids. The printer allows for on-site fabrication of origami devices with customizable shapes and functions, enabling site-specific sensor deployment in resource-limited environments.
New research from Uppsala University reveals how plant-based meat alternatives became popular in Sweden through a combination of business, consumer and societal factors. Key findings include the role of documentaries like An Inconvenient Truth and the Swedish National Food Agency's sustainability recommendations.
A new study suggests that school meal procurement can be redesigned to maximize public value, promoting nutritious meals, sustainable farming, and local producer participation. This approach has the potential to shape markets and drive social, environmental, and economic benefits, as seen in Scotland's and Brazil's successful programs.
A comprehensive study assesses decarbonization's ramifications on global poverty and inequality, revealing the potential for redistributing domestic carbon revenues to alleviate poverty. However, careful policy design and international cooperation are crucial to address social development issues in developing countries.
Researchers at the University of Chicago created an unprecedented approach to urban development using high-resolution data. The analysis shows that cities with better infrastructure have better developmental outcomes, and that improving access can improve residents' well-being beyond just physical needs.
A new method uses narrow bandgap λ-MnO2 to extract lithium from salt water while desalinating it to generate freshwater. The method achieved high lithium selectivity and reduced energy demand by 87%, indicating its potential as a solution for both lithium recovery and water purification.
Biochar X is a pioneering open-access journal focused on advancing the frontiers of biochar science. The journal welcomes high-quality research across various domains, including energy development, health, agriculture, and societal implications.
Biocontaminant explores biological contaminants in diverse ecosystems, including air, water, and soil. The journal publishes innovative control and remediation strategies to mitigate health and ecological impacts.
A study by University of Birmingham researchers found that corporate net-zero pledges often lack the substance needed to drive real change. Many companies use vague language and focus on direct emissions, omitting substantial indirect emissions generated by their products.
Birdwatching tourism has seen significant growth globally, with countries in the tropics experiencing increased visitation and economic development. However, not all countries have benefited equally, with research from UC Santa Cruz identifying challenges and success stories that may inform future conservation efforts.
Energy & Environment Nexus is a pioneering open-access platform exploring the dynamic interplay between energy and the environment. The platform spans key areas such as renewable energy, sustainable technologies, and pollution control, aiming to accelerate innovation and impact.
Researchers warn of declining access to safe and reliable water in the US, urging better tracking tools and policy reforms. A new tool, Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE), measures water insecurity in over 1,000 households across the country.
The Nitrogen Cycling journal aims to advance multidisciplinary research on the nitrogen cycle, covering processes, microbial drivers, impacts, innovations, and solutions. The journal is now welcoming submissions from researchers and will drive innovation in this rapidly evolving field.
A new study assesses 310 transboundary basins worldwide, finding their average SDG Index score is 42 out of 100. Coordinated action on clean water, economic growth, and health can boost sustainability in these shared waters, with 38% of basins reaching sustainability through integrated strategies.
A new $3 million grant will help researchers evaluate the long-term value of integrating natural systems into infrastructure planning. The project aims to advance natural infrastructure applications by developing and monitoring technologies, such as unoccupied aerial systems equipped with advanced sensors to collect environmental data.
A new study from South Dakota State University reveals how grapevine canes can be converted into a biodegradable plastic-like material. The resulting films are stronger than traditional plastic and will decompose in the environment, providing a potential solution to the plastic waste problem.
Researchers consider natural rubber's potential as a sustainable material for flexible sensors, self-powered systems, and energy harvesting devices. The study aims to enhance natural rubber's electrical and mechanical properties while minimizing its environmental impact.
The Arctic Challenge for Sustainability II research program has led to a cross-disciplinary study on sustainable development in the Arctic for Indigenous peoples. The goal is to improve health, well-being, and security of Arctic communities while conserving ecosystem structures and resources.
A new IIASA study highlights the critical role of socioeconomic conditions in shaping wildfire economic losses. By adopting sustainable development pathways, countries can reduce wildfire-related damages by up to 2% of GDP in low-income nations.
The study developed a three-dimensional heat transfer model to analyze energy pile performance in soft clay soils. The results revealed thermal interference and crowding effects, but also introduced practical multiplier factors to simplify predictions and reduce computational resources.
A research team at HKUST introduces comprehensive bio-inspired multiscale design strategies to address key challenges in commercializing perovskite solar cells. The approaches focus on leveraging insights from natural systems to create solar cells that can withstand environmental stressors and prolonged use.
The Sustainability Accelerator at Stanford University has selected 41 new projects spanning biology, agriculture, electricity, industry, and water, addressing key climate vulnerabilities. The projects aim to drive implementation of sustainability challenges and create an ecosystem for impact.
The StamiNa project aims to demonstrate and validate a new sodium-ion battery technology for e-mobility applications in East Africa, offering an alternative to lithium iron phosphate batteries. This collaboration seeks to accelerate commercialization while supporting the growth of an African-led battery ecosystem.
The book examines how architects can better serve society by changing their approach to the building process. Staub discusses three components of sustainability: ecological, economic, and social, highlighting social sustainability as an under-discussed aspect in architecture.
The Nature Relationship Index (NRI) aims to measure a country's sustainable path by assessing its relationships with nature, tracking progress and development. The NRI adds an environmental dimension to the Human Development Index, fostering mutually beneficial relationships between humans and the natural world.
Researchers develop biodegradable material that cools temperatures by up to 9.2°C and reflects 99% of sun's rays, reducing energy consumption by 20% a year in hot cities.
A new study found that extreme weather events worsen resource insecurities and increase risks of sexual and gender-based violence, transactional sex, and menstruation insecurity among refugee youth in Uganda. Climate-related pressures push young women into early marriage and transactional sex to access food.
A team of researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan, has developed a novel fluorinating quaternary ammonium complex with extremely low hygroscopicity, making it an excellent reagent for electrochemical fluorination. The new agent was synthesized by combining KF with tetrabutylammonium bromide and showed promise in pharma...
A team of Australian engineers has developed a process to convert low-grade illite and kaolin clays into high-performance cement supplements, reducing CO2 emissions and increasing concrete strength. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using these clays as substitutes for traditional cement in construction materials.
A Chinese research team has developed a multi-dimensional framework to assess sustainable development, using it to evaluate Huzhou city's progress from 2003 to 2022. The framework identifies key areas of focus and proposes a feasible path for collaborative development.
A study combines DFT and machine learning to analyze a wide range of epoxides in CO₂ cycloaddition, identifying key molecular descriptors and predicting reactivity trends. The research aims to develop predictive catalyst and substrate design for optimized CO₂ fixation, contributing to greener chemical processes.
A recent study analyzes evolution of sustainability in higher education institutions, highlighting need for standardization and impact assessments. University-led initiatives and campus regulations can directly impact sustainability performance.
The Carbon Hub brings together scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers to reimagine hydrocarbons as sources of clean hydrogen and advanced carbon materials. This process could address energy access, emissions, and unsustainable material usage, potentially avoiding gigatons of CO2.
The University of Texas at Arlington's (UTA) Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) has developed a real-time sensor data system to track environmental impact. The program helps Texas manufacturers reduce pollution, lower emissions, and save costs by identifying energy waste, water consumption, and air leaks.
A study found that 186 countries struggle to produce enough of essential food groups for their own needs, with significant gaps in meat and dairy products. The research highlights the need for international cooperation to build resilient food supply chains and ensure public health.
A new global model shows that targeted interventions across emissions, diets, food waste, and water efficiency could halter environmental degradation by 2050. The study identifies five measures to reduce transgression: climate mitigation, food-consumption change, reduced food waste, improved water-use efficiency, and improved nitrogen-...
Global CO2 emissions from industry can be reduced by up to 5% through improved energy management and social constructions of energy efficiency. The key findings highlight the importance of system-wide processes, increased knowledge dissemination, and corporate culture changes in achieving this goal.
A synthetic lichen system developed by Texas A&M researchers enables concrete to heal itself without outside intervention. This innovation uses cyanobacteria and filamentous fungi to produce crack-filling minerals, setting it apart from previous self-healing concrete endeavors.
International experts urge cities to embed nature in infrastructure for better health, climate resilience, and equity. Urban greening benefits include cooler streets, cleaner air, improved mental health, and greater biodiversity.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology developed a holistic solution for structural monitoring, combining various technologies to provide usable findings for service life forecasts and proactive maintenance planning.
A novel construction material FHPRC boasts excellent mechanical properties and is suitable for super-high-rise structures. The research optimizes tensile behavior by combining UHPC with high ductility and crack control capacity of engineered cementitious composite.
Researchers have developed novel methods for aerobic oxidation of organic compounds using molecular oxygen or air as green oxidants. Photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and photoelectrocatalysis technologies offer new insights for sustainable chemical synthesis and development.
Fraunhofer IAF presents a bidirectional 1200 V GaN switch with integrated free-wheeling diodes, enabling more efficient power electronics for energy generation and mobility. The switch can be used in grid-connected power converters and electric drive systems.
A research group led by Francesco Greco transformed marker ink into a graphene-based electrical circuit using a laser beam, creating a new frontier in electronics. The innovation uses simple and low-cost materials to generate innovative applications on any surface.