Research News
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AI predicts that most of the world will see temperatures rise to 3C much faster than previously expected
Three leading climate scientists have combined insights from 10 global climate models and, with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), conclude that regional warming thresholds are likely to be reached faster than previously estimated. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters by IOP Publishing, projects that most land regions as defined by the Intergovernmental Panel […]
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7-year study reveals plastic fragments from all over the globe are rising rapidly in the North Pacific Garbage Patch
A study published today in IOP Publishing’s journal Environmental Research Letters reveals that centimetre-sized plastic fragments are increasing much faster than larger floating plastics in the North Pacific Garbage Patch [NPGP], threatening the local ecosystem and potentially the global carbon cycle. The research, which draws from not-for-profit The Ocean Cleanup’s systematic surveys of the NPGP […]
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$79 billion - the hidden climate costs of U.S. materials production
A study published today in IOP Publishing’s journal Environmental Research Letters, has revealed a staggering $79 billion in annual climate-related costs from the production of common materials in the United States. These costs, which stem from greenhouse gas emissions, are not reflected in current market prices, effectively creating a massive subsidy for carbon-intensive industries. “High […]
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Zero-Emissions Trucks Alone Won't Cut It: Early Retirement of Polluters Key to California's Emission Goals
California must implement early retirement for existing heavy-duty vehicles as well as introducing zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) to protect Black, Latino and vulnerable communities and hit net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets by 2045. This is the outcome of a new study published in Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability by researchers from Stanford University and […]
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New findings: East Palestine train derailment caused chemical pollution falling to the earth surface across the US and beyond
A new study published in the academic journal Environmental Research Letters, reveals that the environmental impact of the February 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern train accident in East Palestine, Ohio covered a very large geographical area. Inorganic pollutants released due to the accident were found in wet weather downfall (wet deposition) from the Midwest through the […]
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Early Retirement of Old Vehicles Won't Save the Planet: A Study
Lifespan caps for Light-Duty vehicle (LDV) fleets have limited effectiveness for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and could drive up costs and material use finds a new study published in Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability. The research shows that although LDVs contribute 17% to the annual greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, imposing a 15-year lifespan cap on […]
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Human populations reduce carbon stocks in mangrove forests by up to 37%
Urban populations reduce the carbon storage capacity of mangrove soil by 37%. This is the result of a new study published in IOP Publishing’s journal Environmental Research Letters. Mangroves in regions such as southern India, southeastern China, Singapore and eastern Australia are particularly affected. Mangrove forests store a large amount of carbon, particularly in their […]
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When energy doesn’t add up: 200 US cities will fall short of sustainable energy goals despite pledging to transition to renewable sources by 2050
200 US communities will fail to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050 despite their pledges to do so, according to a new study published in IOP Publishing’s journal Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability. The study shows that by 2050 gas will firmly remain the primary source of energy in the US given that the […]
