ScienceDaily: Resource Shortage News

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.

New era of fisheries policy needed to secure nutrition for millions

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:26:26 EDT

A new study argues that for fisheries policies to be effective they must take in to account not just fish stock conservation and environmental issues, but also research data on the patterns and dynamics of fish trade, markets and user consumption.

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.

Super-sized citizens: The relationship between a country's fast-food outlets and its obesity rates

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:54:54 EDT

Many studies have linked the meals served at fast-food outlets to obesity, but is there a relationship between the number of restaurants in a country and the girth of its population?

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.

Poverty threatens health of US children

Sat, 04 May 2013 16:32:32 EDT

Pediatricians, economists, social scientists and policy experts came together to address one of the greatest threats to child health -- poverty.

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.

Escalating cost of forest conservation

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:51:51 EDT

In the face of unprecedented deforestation and biodiversity loss, policy makers are increasingly using financial incentives to encourage conservation.

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.

Smart solutions to a worsening water crisis

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:41:41 EDT

Innovative policies and new technologies that reduce water waste are helping countries across the Middle East and North Africa deal with chronic water shortages.

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.

New emissions standards would fuel shift from coal to natural gas

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:48:48 EDT

Tougher EPA air-quality standards could spur an increased shift away from coal and toward natural gas for electricity generation, according to a new study. Complying with stricter regulations on sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, nitrogen oxide and mercury may make nearly two-thirds of the U.S. coal-fired power plants as expensive to run as plants powered by natural gas. The regulations would make 65 percent of U.S. coal plants as expensive as natural gas, even if gas prices rise significantly.

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.

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.

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.

Heart attack rates rise with plunging GDP in Greece's financial crisis

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:44:44 EST

Heart attack rates have spiked in Greece since the start of the country's financial crisis, especially among women and residents older than 45, according to a new study.

Name your neighborhood, define your health?

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:43:43 EST

Does your neighborhood really define health? Most of us make a choice between suburbs, countryside, or city and settle down. But others, particularly those living in poverty, don’t always get to make that choice —- the choice that could actually determine our quality and length of life. So how does this choice affect our health?

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.

Horse meat scandal: Experts views from across Europe

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:37:37 EST

It all started when the Irish Food Standard Authority realized, mid-January, that some of the burgers sold in the country (and in the UK) contained about 29% of equine DNA, upon testing. This was much more than could not be accounted for by cross contamination in a meat factory. Tracing the meat back through complex supply chain, the manufacturer pointed the finger at a meat producer in Poland. At the time of writing, this possible source of contamination has not been confirmed. Doubt remains, particularly because Ireland has been known for poor traceability of its own horse meat aimed at export, which was found to have falsified passports.

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.

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.

Polar bear researchers urge governments to act now and save the species

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:47:47 EST

Polar bear researchers are urging governments to start planning for rapid Arctic ecosystem change to deal with a climate change catastrophe for the animals.

New study highlights impact of environmental change on older people

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:44:44 EST

Recent natural disasters illustrate vulnerability of older people: majority of deaths from the Great East Japan Earthquake (2011) and Hurricane Katrina (2005) occurred among older people. Researchers are calling for better awareness among policy makers and the public of the impact climate change and deteriorating environmental quality will have on an aging population.

U.S. water supply not as threatened as believed, study finds

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:40:40 EST

A research study adds a new twist to previous studies of the nation's water supplies. The study finds that when infrastructure is included in the mix (reservoirs, dams, etc.), water vulnerability is less of a threat than previously believed.

Climate change impacts to U.S. coasts threaten public health, safety and economy, report finds

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:30:30 EST

According to a new technical report, the effects of climate change will continue to threaten the health and vitality of US coastal communities' social, economic and natural systems.

Global warming less extreme than feared? New estimates from a Norwegian project on climate calculations

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:39:39 EST

Policymakers are attempting to contain global warming at less than 2°C. New estimates from a Norwegian project on climate calculations indicate this target may be more attainable than many experts have feared.

First Global Assessment of Land and Water ‘Grabbing’

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:28:28 EST

A new study provides the first global quantitative assessment of land and water “grabbing” for food production by wealthier nations in generally poorer countries.

Standard written checklists can improve patient safety during surgical crises

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:52:52 EST

When hospital operating room staff follow a written safety checklist to respond to a medical crisis during surgery, they are nearly 75 percent less likely to miss a critical clinical step.

Global approach to monitoring biodiversity loss?

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:25:25 EST

In contrast to climate change, there is no coordinated global system in place for measuring and reporting on biodiversity change or loss. An international team of biologists is now addressing this gap.

Integrated neglected tropical disease control and elimination programs: A global health 'best buy'

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 08:49:49 EST

A recently released report highlights links between neglected tropical diseases and socio-economic prosperity.

Iconic beach resorts may not survive sea level rises

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:06:06 EST

A leading coastal scientist has warned that some of the world’s best known beach resorts may not survive projected sea level rises and that problems caused by changing sea levels are compounded by a lack of political will and short-term coastal management initiatives.

If we go over the fiscal cliff, will people spend or save? Childhood environments may hold the key

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 15:34:34 EST

In the face of hard times, which strategy gives us the best shot at survival: saving for the future or spending resources on immediate gains? The answer may depend on the economic conditions we faced in childhood, according to new research.

Information required for short-term water management decisions outlined

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:59:59 EST

Adapting to future climate change impacts requires capabilities in hydroclimate monitoring, short-term prediction and application of such information to support contemporary water management decisions. A new report provides details.

Political action the biggest swing factor in meeting climate targets

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:03:03 EST

The most important factor affecting the likelihood of limiting climate change to internationally agreed targets is when people start to do something about it, according new research.

Biologists design method to monitor global bee decline

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:42:42 EST

A new study has found that a global network of bee traps may form an early warning system alerting scientists to dangers threatening the world's food system and economies.

Crisis in Syria has Mesopotamian precedent, experts say

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:19:19 EST

New research has revealed intriguing parallels between modern day and Bronze-Age Syria as the Mesopotamian region underwent urban decline, government collapse, and drought.

Action by 2020 key for limiting climate change

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 13:25:25 EST

Limiting climate change to target levels will become much more difficult to achieve, and more expensive, if action is not taken soon, according to a new analysis.

The limits of the productive capacity of ecosystems

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 08:58:58 EST

In a new article, researchers discuss how the measurement of biomass production and consumption can be used to gain a better understanding of the limits of the productive capacity of ecosystems.

Blood pressure, smoking and alcohol: The health risks with the biggest global burden

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:17:17 EST

Over 9 million people died as a consequence of high blood pressure in 2010, making it the health risk factor with the greatest toll worldwide, say experts.

Will climate change cause water conflict?

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:09:09 EST

Climate change plays a secondary role in the origin or aggravation of social conflicts linked to water. Political discourses must avoid directly linking climate change with social conflict and human insecurity, without taking into account other political and socio-economic factors.

Violence in Mali threatening survival of endangered elephants

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 09:32:32 EST

Researchers have revealed the secrets of survival of an endangered population of African elephant in the unforgiving Sahara desert. The elephants have the biggest range in the world, the study showed, but recent violence in Mali may now be putting the animals at risk.

International trade in live corals could help preserve wild corals and coral reefs ecosystems, study suggests

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 09:49:49 EST

Researchers have published findings about a unique trade and its long-term implications.

Bye bye Mediterranean diet, the poorest can't afford it anymore

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 08:43:43 EST

The Mediterranean diet seems to creak under the burden of the economic crisis. The alarm was raised by a study on 13,000 subjects. The findings show that reduced economic resources are associated with less healthy diets and higher prevalence of obesity.

Weather and ice data help secure winter shipping in the Arctic

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 08:38:38 EST

Climate change brings changes to the Arctic region. The opening of new shipping routes creates needs for weather and marine safety services. Jouni Vainio, Senior Ice Expert at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, explored the practical needs while sailing on the multi-purpose icebreaker Nordica to Europe through the Northeast Passage in the Arctic Ocean.

'Come out of the forest' to save the trees

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 09:38:38 EST

Global forestry experts call for broadened approach to tackle climate change and deforestation on sidelines of UN climate talks.

Removing sea defenses may reduce impact of coastal flooding

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:20:20 EST

Ensuring continued flood protection for low lying coastal areas may mean sacrificing cliff top communities to the sea. New research shows that the benefits of protecting the English coastline from erosion must be balanced against the impacts of coastal flooding.

Record high for global carbon emissions

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:40:40 EST

Global carbon dioxide emissions are set to rise again in 2012, reaching a record high of 35.6 billion tonnes - according to new figures from the Global Carbon Project. The 2.6 per cent rise projected for 2012 means global emissions from burning fossil fuel are 58 per cent above 1990 levels, the baseline year for the Kyoto Protocol. This latest analysis shows the biggest contributors to global emissions in 2011 were China (28 per cent), the United States (16 per cent), the European Union (11 per cent), and India (7 per cent).

Reaching 2009 international climate change goals will require aggressive measures

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:40:40 EST

Despite an international consensus reached in 2009 to limit climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions, scientists say the likelihood of meeting that goal is diminishing. The Global Carbon Project’s most recent analysis by scientists from the United States, Norway, Australia, France and the United Kingdom shows that a global economy fueled with coal, oil and natural gas is putting increasing pressure on the global climate system.

Geoscientists cite 'critical need' for basic research to unleash promising energy resources

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 22:22:22 EST

Developers of renewable energy and shale gas must overcome fundamental geological and environmental challenges if these promising energy sources are to reach their full potential, according to a trio of leading geoscientists.

Tight times may influence how we perceive others

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:20:20 EST

From the playground to the office, a key aspect of our social lives involves figuring out who "belongs" and who doesn't. Scientists theorize that these prevalent in-group biases may give us a competitive advantage against others, especially when important resources are limited. New research explores whether resource scarcity might actually lead us to change our definition of who belongs to our social group, influencing how we perceive others' race.

Paralysis by analysis should not delay decisions on climate change, experts urge

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:41:41 EST

Uncertainty about how much the climate is changing is not a reason to delay preparing for the harmful impacts of climate change says an expert.

Blame, responsibility and demand for change following floods

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:13:13 EST

New research shows that concerns about governmental failure to act effectively and fairly in the aftermath of extreme weather events can affect the degree to which residents are willing to protect themselves.

Water resources management and policy in a changing world: Where do we go from here?

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:07:07 EST

Visualize a dusty place where stream beds are sand and lakes are flats of dried mud. Are we on Mars? In fact, we're on arid parts of Earth, a planet where water covers some 70 percent of the surface.

Four-degrees briefing for the World Bank: The risks of a future without climate policy

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 10:48:48 EST

Humankind’s emissions of greenhouse gases are breaking new records every year. Hence we’re on a path towards 4-degree global warming probably as soon as by the end of this century. This would mean a world of risks beyond the experience of our civilization – including heat waves, especially in the tropics, a sea-level rise affecting hundreds of millions of people, and regional yield failures impacting global food security. These are some of the results of a report for the World Bank. The poorest in the world are those that will be hit hardest, making development without climate policy almost impossible, the researchers conclude.