Research News
-
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 […]
-
$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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
Green ammonia could decarbonize 60% of global shipping when offered at just 10 regional fuel ports
A study published today in IOP Publishing’s journal Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability has found that green ammonia could be used to fulfil the fuel demands of over 60% of global shipping by targeting just the top 10 regional fuel ports. Researchers at the University of Oxford looked at the production costs of ammonia which […]
