Decision-making about complex environmental problems like desertification, which also have important social and economic implications, could be improved by employing methods outlined in a new study. The study outlines the steps taken by researchers on behalf of the Canary Islands government in devising a policy strategy for tackling desertification and describes a three-step methodology and participatory decision-making process.

New research suggests that reducing the value of clean development mechanism (CDM) emission credits according to a country’s wealth and their emissions could encourage advanced developing nations, such as China and India, to leave the CDM, but would not necessarily accelerate CDM projects in the least developed nations.

Policymakers often have to make decisions under great complexity, uncertainty and time pressure. A new study presents a support tool for the first stage of policymaking: identifying and exploring alternatives to solve problems. The software tool, called QUICKScan, increases the speed of this process and combines the input of many stakeholders in participatory workshops. It has been applied 70 times in 20 different countries, for a wide range of environmental policy issues.

Increases in population and urbanisation are challenging current systems of water supply. A new study has assessed existing examples of alternative supply systems, such as wastewater reclamation, rainfall collection and desalination of seawater. It suggests that adopting several types of system may provide a better and more flexible solution.

Groundwater pumping and irrigation can disrupt natural atmospheric processes, affect the whole water cycle, and potentially worsen water shortages during heatwaves, a new study suggests. The findings contribute to our understanding of how to manage water resources under future climate change conditions. The study shows how some of the most intensively water managed areas of Europe — such as the Iberian Peninsula — could be affected by extraction of groundwater during years when conditions are especially hot and dry, potentially amplifying water scarcity in already-stressed regions.

Pesticides that kill mosquitoes could have indirect effects on other species, according to researchers. The study indicated that a well-known mosquito insecticide led to reduced numbers of eggs and chick survival for house martin birds.

The extent of marine litter in the Mediterranean Basin has been revealed by a new study. Researchers reviewed previous studies to show that the northwest Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot for plastic debris. They found that marine litter harmed 134 species in the Mediterranean Sea and call for more to be done to manage the growing problem of debris, especially plastics, littering the Sea.

Many here in Massachusetts started social distancing about a month ago and we have no end in sight yet. If you live alone, maybe you are ready to match up with someone after you get through this hardship. Today's guest blogger, Toshi Takeuchi, has a perfect algorithm for you. I love that this was inspired by a problem that, at first glance, doesn't seem very technical or relevant. But it is!... read more >>

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill is likely to have damaged large numbers of tuna and amberjack fish embryos, new research suggests. Fish embryos exposed to oil samples taken during the spill developed abnormalities in their hearts and, consequently, their spines, fins and eyes. This is likely to have caused population declines in these commercially important species, the researchers conclude.

The disappearing middle class is dealing with some serious #FirstWorldProblems, like watery quinoa and no Shiraz for the beef bourguignon.

Developments in Alaska may present policy hurdles for a possible presidential run by Sarah Palin.

From headaches to anxiety, your aches can be eased using this ancient Chinese healing method.

If a dangerous asteroid pops onto the radar with no time to spare, nuclear bombs may be the best way to respond.

New research finds that people who don't like music might have lower blood flow in certain parts of their brains.

Just in time for a new U.S. report on climate change, a stunning animation shows how much we've already altered Earth's air.

Michael Pollan explains that if farmers are only growing one or two crops, that means people are only eating one or two crops, which does not make for a healthy

The Ocean Cleanup is ready to launch plastic-eating System 001 to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Scientists propose dropping poison to kill mice on the Farallon Islands, but there's concern that wildlife and water quality will suffer.

A new study reveals that a lean, fit body equals happy teeth and gums.

The Amazon rainforest fires have been burning for 3 weeks, and some are wondering why Brazil's crisis isn't getting more attention.

A new study says commuting to work by car may be far more harmful to your health than previously believed.

Incentives for recycling old or unwanted electronics may be the best solution.

Computers can't solve this chess problem. Can you?

In the latest Python Challenge, researchers bagged over 2,000 pounds of the problematic snakes and discovered some of the species' secrets.

Because of the contentious nature of the Senate, the Supreme Court's ruling that there is not a "parallel track" for climate policy paves the way for a Washingt

Some say that news articles from questionable sites shared on social media swayed the election, so these students took the challenge on.

More than 400 people have had problems filling EpiPen prescriptions. Maker Mylan has had "intermittent supply constraints," which may reduce availability.

Local bloggers are filling an important niche in the coverage of the coal ash spill in Harriman, Tennessee.

Kenaf, the carbon-sequestering monster plant, provides food, shelter and carbon credits.

The variability in clothing sizes is frustrating, wasteful and erodes consumer confidence.

Talk about blowing things way out of proportion.

Parasitic sea lice have become resistant to pesticides that used to control infestations in salmon farms around the world.

Actress Leslie Jones' experience on social media service Twitter can be a reflection of all that's right and horribly wrong with our species.

By treating 'the environment' as something outside our daily lives, Earth Day is no longer calibrated to meet the scope of the climate and energy crises — nor

More states are cracking down on owners who falsely call their pets service animals.

This weekend, read about how high fructose corn syrup might be to blame for the bees disappearing along with a few other disturbing news items.

Trade embargoes have kept Cuba's cars stuck in the '60s, complete with pitch-black diesel and nasty hydrocarbons.

As people age, they need good healthy food, but some boomers are taking shortcuts and getting proper nutrition.

As Maine goes, so goes the the rest of the country, at least in terms of aging.

Single-stream recycling may be convenient, but it has a few pitfalls. And what consumers don't know can hurt the recycling process.

China will turn away 24 types of recyclable material imported from the U.S. and other countries due to concerns over contamination.