ScienceDaily: Environmental Policy News

More emphasis needed on recycling and reuse of Li-ion batteries

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:20:20 EDT

The discovery of potential environmental and human health effects from disposal of millions of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries each year has led scientists to recommend stronger government policies to encourage recovery, recycling and reuse of lithium-ion battery materials.

Life scientists present new insights on climate change and species interactions

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:58:58 EDT

Life scientists provide important new details on how climate change will affect interactions between species in newly published research. This knowledge, they say, is critical to making accurate predictions and informing policymakers of how species are likely to be impacted by rising temperatures.

Changing Arctic: What should be done?

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:57:57 EDT

In two critical reports released at the Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Kiruna, Sweden on May 15th, scientists helped inform an international body of senior government officials about changing conditions in the Arctic, and potential responses to those changes.

Cancer and birth defects in Iraq: The nuclear legacy

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:55:55 EDT

Ten years after the Iraq war of 2003 a team of scientists based in Mosul, northern Iraq, have detected high levels of uranium contamination in soil samples at three sites in the province of Nineveh which, coupled with dramatically increasing rates of childhood cancers and birth defects at local hospitals, highlight the ongoing legacy of modern warfare to civilians in conflict zones.

Why we need to put the fish back into fisheries

Sun, 19 May 2013 19:48:48 EDT

Overfishing has reduced fish populations and biodiversity across much of the world’s oceans. In response, fisheries are increasingly reliant on a handful of highly valuable shellfish. However, new research shows this approach to be extremely risky.

Global health policy fails to address burden of disease on men

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:54:54 EDT

Men experience a higher burden of disease and lower life expectancy than women, but policies focusing on the health needs of men are notably absent from the strategies of global health organizations, according to experts.

Scientific consensus on anthropogenic climate change

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:30:30 EDT

A comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed articles on the topic of global warming and climate change has revealed an overwhelming consensus among scientists that recent warming is human-caused.

Emotional response to climate change influences whether we seek or avoid further information

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:14:14 EDT

Because information about climate change is ubiquitous in the media, researchers looked at why many Americans know so little about its causes and why many are not interested in finding out more.

Learning to recycle: Does political ideology matter?

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:27:27 EDT

Some targeted messages based on political orientation are more effective at persuading consumers to recycle according to a new study.

Non-smoking hotel rooms still expose occupants to tobacco smoke

Mon, 13 May 2013 20:24:24 EDT

Non-smoking rooms in hotels operating a partial smoking ban don't protect their occupants from tobacco smoke, reveals new research.

As Canada takes Arctic Council helm, experts stress north's vulnerability to spills, emergencies

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:33:33 EDT

It is crucial that northern nations strengthen response capabilities to shipping-related accidents foreseen in newly-opened northern waters, as well as to more-common local emergencies such as floods, forest fires and rescue situations, experts say.

Brain diseases affecting more people and starting earlier than ever before

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:55:55 EDT

Scientists have found that the sharp rise of dementia and other neurological deaths in people under 74 cannot be put down to the fact that we are living longer. The rise is because a higher proportion of old people are being affected by such conditions -- and what is really alarming, it is starting earlier and affecting people under 55 years.

Coral reefs suffering, but collapse not inevitable

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:34:34 EDT

Coral reefs are in decline, but their collapse can still be avoided with local and global action. That's according to findings based on an analysis that combines the latest science on reef dynamics with the latest climate models.

New Red List developed for threatened ecosystems

Wed, 08 May 2013 17:21:21 EDT

Scientists have developed a new Red List system for identifying ecosystems at high risk of degradation, similar to the influential Red List for the world's threatened species.

Toxic waste sites cause 'healthy years of life lost' for people living in India, Philippines and Indonesia

Sat, 04 May 2013 16:31:31 EDT

Toxic waste sites with elevated levels of lead and chromium cause a high number of “healthy years of life lost” in individuals living near 373 sites located in India, Philippines and Indonesia, according to a new study.

Researchers estimate a cost for universal access to energy

Thu, 02 May 2013 22:58:58 EDT

Universal access to modern energy could be achieved with an investment of between 65 and 86 billion US dollars a year up until 2030, new research has shown. The proposed investments are higher than previous estimates but equate to just 3-4 per cent of current investments in the global energy system.

Global networks must be redesigned, experts urge

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:19:19 EDT

The increasing interdependencies between the world's technological, socio-economic, and environmental systems have the potential to create global catastrophic risks. We may have to redesign global networks,or else they could turn into "global time bombs," experts say.

New auto index redefines which cars are really 'made in America'

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:40:40 EDT

Researchers have revealed a new Made in America Automotive Index that evaluates and ranks 253 car models based on country of origin and several factors not addressed by the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA).

Shifting the burden of recycling

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:15:15 EDT

Over the past two decades governments around the world have been experimenting with a new strategy for managing waste. By making producers responsible for their products when they become wastes, policy makers seek to significantly increase the recycling -- and recyclability -- of computers, packaging, automobiles, and household hazardous wastes such as batteries, used oil motor, and leftover paint -- and save money in the process.

The politics of climate change

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:05:05 EDT

US residents who believe in the scientific consensus on global warming are more likely to support government action to curb emissions, regardless of whether they are Republican or Democrat, according to a new study.

Scientists advocate a simple, affordable and accurate technology to identify threats from sea-level rise

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:14:14 EDT

Researchers are calling for the global adoption of a method to identify areas that are vulnerable to sea-level rise. The method, which utilizes a simple, low-cost tool, is financially and technically accessible to every country with coastal wetlands. The team seeks to establish a network to coordinate the standardization and management of the data, as well as to provide a platform for collaboration.

Cheaper natural gas-powered cars on the horizon?

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:41:41 EDT

When it comes to American consumers' vehicular preferences, a chemist says the choice often boils down to simple economics more so than availability, environment or altruism.

Biodiversity crisis: The impacts of socio-economic pressures on natural floras and faunas

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:23:23 EDT

A new study on extinction risk has shown that proportions of plant and animal species being classified as threatened on national Red Lists are more closely related to socioeconomic pressure levels from the beginning than from the end of the 20th century.

The future of our energy

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:48:48 EDT

When it comes to sustainable energy supplies hydroelectric plants are usually the best solution, according to researchers who have reviewed the economic, social and environmental impact of fuel provision.

Sea mammals find U.S. safe harbor

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:46:46 EDT

New research shows that many US marine mammal populations -- especially some seals and sea lions -- have rebounded since 1972, because of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

'Sustainable fishing' certification too lenient and discretionary

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:49:49 EDT

The certification of seafood as “sustainable” by the nonprofit Marine Stewardship Council is too lenient and discretionary, a study by a consortium of researchers has found.

Limiting greenhouse gas emissions from land use in Europe

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:27:27 EDT

New research estimates future land use emissions for the European Union, showing that Europe could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from land use by more than 60 percent by 2050.

Seemingly small research funding cuts could hinder progress in nanotechnology

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:20:20 EDT

Cuts in federal funding of nanotechnology research threaten to slow progress toward some of the field’s greatest promises, including commercialization of sustainable new energy sources that do not contribute to global warming, an international authority in the field cautioned here today.

Global solar photovoltaic industry is likely now a net energy producer

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:29:29 EDT

The construction of the photovoltaic power industry since 2000 has required an enormous amount of energy, mostly from fossil fuels. The good news is that the clean electricity from all the installed solar panels has likely just surpassed the energy going into the industry's continued growth, Stanford researchers find.

Reducing waste of food: A key element in feeding billions more people

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:35:35 EDT

Families can be key players in a revolution needed to feed the world, and could save money by helping to cut food losses now occurring from field to fork to trash bin, an expert said. He described that often-invisible waste in food — 4 out of every 10 pounds produced in the United States alone — and the challenges of feeding a global population of 9 billion.

Trade emerging as a key driver of Brazilian deforestation

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:52:52 EDT

A new study found that trade and global consumption of Brazilian beef and soybeans is increasingly driving Brazilian deforestation. Consequently, current international efforts to protect rainforests (e.g., REDD) may be undermined by the increased trade and consumption.

'A better path' toward projecting, planning for rising seas on a warmer Earth

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:14:14 EDT

More useful projections of sea level are possible despite substantial uncertainty about the future behavior of massive ice sheets. In two recent articles, researchers present an approach that provides a consistent means to integrate the potential contribution of continental ice sheets such as Greenland and Antarctica into sea-level rise projections.

Environmental policies matter for growing megacities

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:13:13 EDT

A new study shows clean-air regulations have dramatically reduced acid rain in the United States, Europe, Japan and South Korea over the past 30 years, but the opposite is true in fast-growing East Asian megacities, possibly due to lax antipollution rules or lack of enforcement.

Chinese foreign fisheries catch 12 times more than reported, study shows

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:42:42 EDT

Chinese fishing boats catch about US$11.5 billion worth of fish from beyond their country's own waters each year -- and most of it goes unreported, according to a new study.

Survey shows many Republicans feel America should take steps to address climate change

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:50:50 EDT

In a recent survey of Republicans and Republican-leaning Independents, a majority of respondents (62 percent) said they feel America should take steps to address climate change. More than three out of four survey respondents (77 percent) said the United States should use more renewable energy sources, and of those, most believe that this change should begin immediately.

Americans back preparation for extreme weather and sea-level rise

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:06:06 EDT

The majority of Americans express support for stronger coastal development codes, according to a new survey.

Seabirds need effective marine conservation in wake of discard ban, warns study

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:54:54 EDT

Conservationists have renewed urgent calls for effective marine protection in European waters, after a new study revealed that the recent EU ban on fish discards could have a significant short-term impact on some seabirds.

Sustainable Development Goals must sustain people and planet, experts say

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:52:52 EDT

Scientists are arguing for a set of six Sustainable Development Goals that link poverty eradication to protection of Earth's life support. The researchers argue that in the face of increasing pressure on the planet's ability to support life, adherence to out-dated definitions of sustainable development threaten to reverse progress made in developing countries over past decades.

Conservationists call for radical change to ‘war on poaching’

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:50:50 EDT

Widespread extinction of highly endangered and valued species will occur without a radical change to the way the wildlife trade is being handled across the world, according to conservation scientists.

Researchers map out an alternative energy future for New York

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:26:26 EDT

A new study outlines a path to statewide renewable energy conversion, and away from natural gas and imported fuel.

Ground-level ozone falling faster than model predicted

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:39:39 EDT

While dangerous ozone levels have fallen with reductions in emissions from vehicles and industry, a new study suggests a model widely used to predict the impact of remediation efforts has been too conservative.

Conservation development has some developers thinking -- and seeing -- green

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:04:04 EST

Homes in neighborhoods that incorporate protected open space command prices 20 to 29 percent higher than those without open space, according to a new study.

Unhealthy drinking widespread around the world

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:35:35 EST

A new study shows that alcohol is now the third leading cause of the global burden of disease and injury, despite the fact most adults worldwide abstain from drinking.

Shark fisheries globally unsustainable: 100 million sharks die every year

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:32:32 EST

The world’s shark populations are experiencing significant declines with perhaps 100 million – or more - sharks being lost every year, according to a new study.

A new look at urbanization's environmental impact

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:56:56 EST

A research team from Sweden has developed a technique for quick, simple and cost-effective mapping of worldwide urban growth and its environmental impact.

Global surveys show environment ranks low among public concerns

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:15:15 EST

A newly released international study reveals that the issue of climate change is not a priority for people in the United States and around the world. The surveys showed that when asked to rank priority worries, people were five times more likely to point to the economy over the environment.

UN sustainable energy initiative could put world on a path to climate targets

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 14:27:27 EST

The UN's Sustainable Energy for All initiative, if successful, could make a significant contribution to the efforts to limit climate change to target levels, according to a new analysis.

Geoengineering by coalition to mitigate global warming

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:39:39 EST

Solar geoengineering is a proposed approach to reduce the effects of climate change due to greenhouse gasses by deflecting some of the sun's incoming radiation. This type of proposed solution carries with it a number of uncertainties, however, including geopolitical questions about who would be in charge of the activity and its goals. New modeling work shows that if a powerful coalition ever decided to deploy a geoengineering system, they would have incentive to exclude other countries from participating in the decision-making process.

U.S. could double energy productivity, experts say

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 10:07:07 EST

Researchers have long understood that using energy more efficiently can be just as beneficial as finding new ways to produce energy more efficiently.

Genetically modified crops are overregulated, food science expert says

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 13:42:42 EST

Scientists argue that genetically modified foods are safe for consumption and overregulated.

Climate change is not an all-or-nothing proposition

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:45:45 EST

A statistician says that the natural human difficulty with grasping probabilities is preventing Americans from dealing with climate change.

Preparing for climate change-induced weather disasters

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:43:43 EST

The news sounds grim: Mounting scientific evidence indicates climate change will lead to more frequent and intense extreme weather that affects larger areas and lasts longer. However, we can reduce the risk of weather-related disasters with a variety of measures, according to scientists.

Smoking bans linked with 'successive reductions' in preterm birth

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:41:41 EST

Smoking bans are associated with a "consistent pattern of reduction in the risk of preterm delivery," finds a new study.

Crew rotation and passenger connections spread flight delays, study finds

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:19:19 EST

Researchers say that crew rotation and passengers connections systematically spread flight delays due to a domino effect. The work, that proposes a new methodology to assess the degree of air traffic congestion.

Environmental hazards or energy solutions? Geophysicists size up energy resources, carbon capture and fracking

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 07:52:52 EST

Decisions about future energy challenges are too often hindered by propaganda, half-truths and a limited grasp of the science that informs the choice and use of hydrocarbon and other resources, according to delegates at the annual conference of the British Geophysical Association.

Security risks of extreme weather and climate change

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:50:50 EST

A new study, conducted specifically to explore the forces driving extreme weather events and their implications for national security planning over the next decade, finds that the early ramifications of climate extremes resulting from climate change are already upon us and will continue to be felt over the next decade, directly impacting US national security interests.

Using Twitter to predict the influence of lifestyle on health

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST

Researchers showed last year how Twitter can be used to predict how likely it is for a Twitter user to become sick. They have now used Twitter to model how other factors -- social status, exposure to pollution, interpersonal interaction and others -- influence health.

Predictions of the human cost of climate change

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:53:53 EST

Scientists predict a grim future for billions of people by 2050 if climate change issues are not addressed now.

Predicting a low carbon future for Toronto

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:13:13 EST

Cities are major players in the climate change game. More than half of the world's population lives in urban areas and over 70 percent of global GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions can be attributed to cities. A case study of Toronto demonstrates alternative strategies for how the city can implement a low carbon urban infrastructure plan by 2031.

Blowing hot and cold: U.S. belief in climate change shifts with weather

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:30:30 EST

A study of American attitudes toward climate change finds that local weather -- temperature, in particular -- is a major influence on public and media opinions on the reality of global warming.