Research around offshore wind development in the United States reveals the structural complexity of developing projects and the specific bottlenecks that impede expansion. To achieve the renewable energy targets set out federally and statewide, the United States must address research gaps and tackle developmental roadblocks, specifically regarding the availability of marshaling ports and installing vessels.
A new study projects disparate risks of climate gentrification through secondary displacement in Florida. As coastal communities become displaced by rising sea levels, inland communities with lower socioeconomic status, lower education attainment, and higher rates of non-white renters are among those predisposed to secondary displacement risk.
Material flow analysis (MFA) is a robust methodology that promotes resource efficiency at multiple scales. When combined with sustainability tools like economic input-output models and life cycle assessments, MFAs can provide unique insights to achieve sustainability objectives. To maximize its utility, diverse stakeholders each have a role to play in innovation to overcome current implementation challenges.
Countries and companies have set ambitious renewable energy targets, with demand for critical minerals in the energy sector projected to increase six-fold by 2040. To avoid over-dependency on a handful of supplier countries and to achieve ambitious climate targets, there is a need for individual countries to revisit their mining policies and for global organizations to create binding international agreements to manage critical minerals.
Pollution from coal-fired power plants harms human health. Low-income neighborhoods are often the most exposed to coal impacts. New research highlights closing power plants can improve children’s health and performance in school.
Mountain glaciers are melting rapidly worldwide. A recent study reveals that the world’s highest glacier, South Col on Mount Everest, is melting even faster than expected.
How do trees die from drought? Plant ecophysiologists are studying air bubbles in tree water columns to understand hydraulic failure: in other words, when tree water columns stop working. Their goal is to improve forecasts for tree responses in a changing climate future. Here is a brief summary of how hydraulic failure works and an introduction to three recent papers on the topic.
While many toys still offer benefits after normal wear and tear, 80 percent end up in landfills. Often controversial for the direct risks posed to humans, toys also pose a risk to the environment in their design, production, and life cycle.
Distributed energy resources (DERs) are important pathways in the clean energy transition. However, valuing these pathways is challenging. New research examines what value these technologies bring to the grid and how utilities should structure payments for them in the distributed energy system of tomorrow.
