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New Cochrane gap map highlights big gaps in dengue prevention research

A new Cochrane map has identified significant gaps in dengue prevention research, with most studies lacking synthesis into reliable reviews that policymakers can use. The map highlights areas such as vaccine implementation, adult mosquito control, and environmental interventions, which require more evidence to inform effective dengue c...

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 23, 2026

Hemp waste biocomposites offer a lower-carbon alternative for packaging and agricultural films

New study finds anaerobic digestion of hemp hurd-based bioplastic systems delivers the best environmental outcome, generating up to 6.1 kg less CO2 emissions per 1 kg mulch film treated. The production process significantly affects the final carbon footprint of biocomposites.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2026

Hairdressers could be a secret weapon in tackling climate change, new research finds

Research from the University of Bath's Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations reveals that hairdressers can prompt climate conversations and inspire change. Salon owners reported successful conversations with clients about sustainability, leading to changes in habits such as water and energy usage, and even dietary choices.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeSurvey·DateMar 3, 2026

Faith as a driver of climate commitment

A new study explores how religious faith can complement climate science, providing hope, meaning, and motivation for continued action. Faith-based activists in Sweden and South Africa reveal that spirituality gives them strength and direction to commit to climate issues.

SourceUppsala University·TypeCase study·DateFeb 25, 2026

How to motivate collective action on climate

A Stanford University study found that showcasing past collective efforts on climate change can motivate individuals to take action. The most effective interventions combined evidence of impact with social and emotional benefits, increasing willingness to take public awareness actions by 30% and political actions by nearly 14%.

SourceStanford University·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 27, 2026

Socio-environmental movements: key global guardians of biodiversity amid rising violence

A new study reveals that socio-environmental mobilizations play a critical role in global biodiversity conservation by resisting environmental degradation. These local struggles often overlap with global conservation priorities, highlighting the need for policy shifts to recognize and support these movements.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCase study·DateJan 19, 2026

Young environmental activists’ activist identities are multidimensional and partly contradictory

A new study reveals that young Finnish environmental activists construct complex and contradictory identities tied to intergenerational responsibility and global climate justice. The research identified five key activist identities: the tough activist, troublemaker, planetary citizen, compulsory activist, and non-activist.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalYouth and Globalization·DateJan 15, 2026

How to retire coal, smarter and faster

A new UCSB study provides a framework for policymakers and advocates to identify key factors driving coal plant retirement. By categorizing facilities into eight distinct groups based on technical, economic, environmental, and socio-political factors, the researchers offer evidence-based strategies to accelerate closures, particularly ...

Just 100 corporations behind a fifth of global extractive conflicts, study reveals

A recent study reveals that just 100 corporations are behind a fifth of global extractive conflicts, exacerbating environmental and social harms in the Global South. The companies, mainly from the Global North, engage in high-value resource extraction and transport, concentrating wealth while transferring harms to local populations.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 20, 2025

Halo patterns around coral reefs may signal resilience

New study models spatial patterns of grazing halos around coral reefs and finds that halo patterns can signal reef resilience. The research suggests that stable halos exist where herbivores are limited by predators, while oscillating halos may indicate a shift in system health.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalThe American Naturalist·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 5, 2025

World's first visual grading system developed to combat microplastic fashion pollution

Heriot-Watt University has developed a world-first visual grading system to measure fibre shedding from clothing, aiming to reduce microplastic pollution in the fashion industry. The five-point scale assesses fibre fragments shed during washing, allowing manufacturers to select low-shedding materials and communicate with consumers.

SourceHeriot-Watt University·JournalCambridge Prisms Plastics·DateNov 18, 2024

Study examines urban forests across the United States

Researchers analyzed six US cities and found that tree species in parks were more drought-tolerant and reflected greater native biodiversity than those in residential yards. The study highlights the importance of planting drought-tolerant trees in urban areas to adapt to future climate change.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2024

China’s bid to decarbonize may have hidden costs

Decarbonizing China's Southern Power Grid could lead to ecological and sociological trade-offs, including reducing cropland in favor of solar and wind power, impacting river basins like the Salween and Mekong. Building dams for hydropower production would also negatively affect ecosystems and fisheries.

SourceCornell University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 30, 2024

Peru’s Operation Mercury stopped most illegal gold mining in one biodiversity hotspot in the Amazon. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Operation Mercury successfully halted most illegal gold mining activity in La Pampa, Peru, reducing deforestation and water quality issues. However, spillover effects led to increased mining in legal areas, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to mitigate environmental harm.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalConservation Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Support for carbon capture and sequestration is key to a greener, more reliable grid

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University find that existing coal-fired plants can produce electricity at a cost comparable to renewables with energy storage. The study suggests modifications to current tax incentives to increase deployment of carbon-constrained fossil-fuel and negative emissions technologies.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 5, 2022

Restaurant menu design could impact carbon footprint of dining

A study exploring restaurant menu design found that adding carbon labels and setting default options to low-emission dishes encourages diners to choose more environmentally friendly options. The findings suggest a promising strategy for reducing the carbon footprint of dining, but further research is needed to inform such strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Swapping just one food item per day can make diets substantially more planet-friendly

A study by Tulane University found that swapping just one serving of beef per day for a more planet-friendly alternative can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 48% and water-use impacts by 30%. This simple change could collectively make a substantial difference in reducing the carbon footprint of US diets.

SourceTulane University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

GIST scientists showcase the potential of demand response in reducing CO2 emissions

A team of scientists from GIST developed an AI-based approach to analyze and extract user behavior data, estimating the optimal demand response management for each household. The study showcases how AI can improve electricity consumption, leading to lower prices and a smaller carbon footprint.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Smart Grid·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2021

How to fix the movement for fossil fuel divestment

The fossil fuel divestment movement has failed to reverse the trend of capital flowing into carbon-intensive industries due to its binary distinction between fossil and non-fossil companies. A more nuanced campaign focusing on low-carbon (re-)investment, modeled after credit ratings for climate change, is proposed as a solution.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 3, 2020

What would Jesus do? Quite possibly, recycle

A Michigan State University study found that fundamentalist Christians are more likely to engage in pro-environmental behaviors such as conserving water and energy. However, their willingness to sacrifice for the environment does not extend to addressing climate change and protecting biodiversity.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Studies and Sciences·DateSep 23, 2019

Environmental activism works, study shows

A Michigan State University study found that environmental activism can mitigate the negative impacts of population growth and economic affluence on greenhouse gas emissions. The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showed that states with strong green voices tend to have lower emissions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2015

The industrial space age

A large-scale industrial expansion into space offers a sustainable solution to environmental concerns, providing unlimited resources and energy sinks for pollutants. This approach reconciles technological optimism with economic scarcity, enabling a unified political vision for the 21st century.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development·DateOct 4, 2007