mi ‘Bridging’ organisations increase farmer commitment to Common Agricultural Policy By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 21 Jan 2016 09:12:34 GMT ‘Network bridging organisations’, such as farmer unions, Regional Nature Parks and Local Action Groups, promote cooperation between farmers, non-state collective actors and state actors under the Common Agricultural Policy. This study finds that farmers who have regular contact with these organisations show a higher commitment to long-term practice change. This could represent an opportunity to improve the effectiveness of payments for environmental services in Europe. Full Article
mi Greenhouse gas emissions and rural development in the EU By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 03 Mar 2016 09:12:34 GMT Climate change objectives are now featured in a wide range of policies, including the European Rural Development Programme, which promotes sustainable agricultural interventions. This study describes the net greenhouse gas emissions for these interventions across Europe. The findings could help policymakers to better meet multiple social, economic and environmental objectives, although the authors say a broader perspective may be needed to determine the overall benefit of interventions. Full Article
mi Changing research assessments could encourage knowledge dissemination By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 22 Mar 2016 09:12:34 GMT Research assessments should focus more on engagement processes and less on impacts and outcomes, a new study suggests. The authors examined researchers’ intended impacts and motivational factors, and stated that a change in research evaluation methods, together with better direction from university managers, could help incentivise knowledge exchange and engagement between departments and non-academic entities. Full Article
mi Why protect nature? Relational values: the missing link in policies for the natural environment By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Wed, 04 May 2016 12:34:56 GMT The concepts of instrumental value (protecting nature for humans’ sake) and intrinsic value (protecting nature for nature’s sake) are fundamental to environmental policy. This paper — based on a literature review and critical analysis — argues that using these concepts alone overlooks important concerns for the environment. The authors recommend also considering relational values, which derive from the relationships between people and nature. Full Article
mi Perspectives on shipbreaking: economic, social and environmental impacts at Alang-Sosiya By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Mon, 27 Jun 2016 09:12:34 GMT The Alang-Sosiya shipbreaking yards in India highlight the inequalities and opportunities of global waste management. The yards, which recycle retired ships from more economically developed countries, have dramatically altered the ecosystems and social structures of the local area. A study looking at stakeholder perceptions analyses different positions on the social and environmental impacts of the yards. Full Article
mi Enhanced waste-management practices reduce carbon emissions and support lower landfill taxes By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 30 Jun 2016 09:12:34 GMT Landfill taxes and ‘enhanced waste management’ practices have been introduced to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill and to convert waste into useful products. This study investigated the interplay of these two policy options in Belgium, generating findings that could help Europe move towards a resource-efficient, circular economy. Full Article
mi Environmental criminal enforcement: most effective when combined with administrative sanctions By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 26 Jul 2016 09:12:34 GMT Administrative sanctions against environmental crime, such as fines, are generally easier and cheaper to implement than criminal punishment methods, such as prison sentences. This study explored enforcement methods for environmental crime in four Western European areas: Flanders (Belgium), Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. Based on their findings, the authors say it is most cost-effective — and may increase deterrence — to use both forms of enforcement. Full Article
mi Economic downturn affects businesses’ renewal of environmental certification schemes in Spain By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 28 Jul 2016 10:12:34 +0100 The uncertain economic climate has severely affected companies’ decisions on whether to renew Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) certification in Spain, a recent survey indicates. The study suggests that a company is less likely to renew if initial certification was mainly motivated by government subsidies and grants than if certification is believed to improve business performance. Full Article
mi Limited resource efficiency achievements for international trade, with concerns over material use By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thur, 12 July 2018 11:23:19 GMT International trade has increasingly relied on material resources since the 1990s, according to a new study. The research used the most detailed global computer model available for capturing the effects of international trade on the environment and on the efficiency of resource use between 1995–2011. Sharp increases in the trade of cheap ‘fast fashion’ and mass market electronics are highlighted as two of the fastest growing drivers of this change in material inefficiency. Full Article
mi How to build a sharing city: the approaches of Milan and Seoul By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thur, 31 Jan 2019 11:23:19 GMT Milan and Seoul are considered by many as pioneering examples of cities in promoting a sharing economy. A new study has analysed governance in these two cities, and concludes that they have both laid the right foundations for a sharing economy to develop. The researchers propose that while such economies carry risks, they are also able to benefit the economy, environment, and society. Full Article
mi What affects battery recycling rates? Political, social and cultural factors examined By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thur, 21 Feb 2019 11:23:19 GMT Extended producer responsibility (EPR) and other regulatory influences are essential to battery recycling in Finland, a new study finds. The researchers compare this with the situation in Chile, where a lack of appropriate legislation prevents recycling companies from overcoming the technical and financial challenges of battery recycling. The study helps policymakers understand how political, social, and cultural factors can support companies in their move towards circular-economy business models. Full Article
mi What affects household waste separation rates? Regional, cultural, institutional and economic influences examined By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thur, 10 May 2019 11:23:19 GMT Insights from a recent Italian study could help local authorities across Europe improve their rates of separate waste collection for recycling. The researchers found higher rates of separate waste collection in municipalities with high-quality governmental institutions for waste collection, non-mountainous terrain and higher income levels. Separating household waste into streams, such as glass or food, for re-use and recycling helps free up resources for a circular economy. Good-quality institutions are the main driver of separate waste collection and can overcome barriers such as low economic prosperity. Full Article
mi Land use measures are underused in flood risk mitigation By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 9 Sep 2010 11:51:18 +0100 New research in the Netherlands indicates that spatial planning to manage flood risk, such as the elevation of residential areas and the exclusion of vulnerable land uses from flood-prone areas, is underused. Its use appears to depend on governmental requirements, previous experience of flooding and previous experience of using spatial planning as a mitigation strategy. Full Article
mi <new>How predictable is the biological response to chemical toxicity? By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:43:59 +0100 To assess the impact on ecosystems of chemical contamination in aquatic environments, scientists need to measure not only the concentration of the contaminants, but also the extent to which they can disrupt biological processes at a cellular level in plants and animals and at an ecosystem level. According to a new study, considering these complex inter-relationships in combination will help improve the ecological status of waterways, in line with Water Framework Directive (WFD) commitments. Full Article
mi Site-specific data needed to assess contaminated sediment By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:45:04 +0100 New research in harbours has explored the most influential environmental and human factors on the release of contaminants from sediment. The scientists suggest that the rate of release can vary considerably between locations and risk assessments of water pollution could be improved if they account for this. Full Article
mi More research needed into contaminated soil and water treatment By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:31:31 +0100 A new review from Romanian researchers has summarised current and emerging methods for cleaning up contaminated land and water. It highlights the need for more consistent testing, reporting and evaluation of different remediation techniques. Full Article
mi Shale gas extraction linked to water contamination By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:29:51 +0100 A new study suggests shale gas extraction leads to methane contamination of underground water sources and calls for thorough surveys of methane levels at extraction sites. The study presents a timely insight into a relatively under-researched area of science that will help support decisions on the future of shale gas exploration. Full Article
mi Clarifying the limits of European coastal waters By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:53:25 +0100 Researchers attempting to establish the limits of coastal waters in Europe have found that national declarations of coastal waters contain a number of inconsistencies regarding the definition from the Water Framework Directive. In particular, the national declarations over-estimated the area of coastal waters by almost 12% overall, which could affect the results of ecological assessments required by several major EU environmental policies. Full Article
mi Water for microalgae cultivation has significant energy requirements By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:05:47 GMT A substantial amount of energy is needed to manage all the water used in the mass cultivation of microalgae for biodiesel. A recent study suggests that seven times more energy is required to manage the water, than is delivered by the biodiesel when it is used as fuel. Full Article
mi Microplastics from washing machine wastewater are polluting beaches By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:36:31 GMT Tiny plastic particles from laundry wastewater are being washed into the marine environment, according to recent research. The plastic, from synthetic clothes cleaned in domestic washing machines, is a significant source of contamination and, unless measures are taken to address the problem, growing coastal populations will only exacerbate the situation. Full Article
mi Overcoming the challenges of SUDS design By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Wed, 9 May 2012 12:26:03 +0100 New research into how landscape architects approach the retrofitting of urban areas with sustainable urban drainage systems to manage stormwater has identified 11 main challenges. Importantly, the study also discusses solutions for how to overcome them. Full Article
mi New model developed to optimise management of irrigation By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Mon, 21 May 2012 15:56:34 +0100 Under water restrictions, farmers will achieve the optimal balance of income and efficient water use if they combine the planting of crops that require little water with the planting of more profitable crops that need more water, according to research. Full Article
mi Allocating water resources – a systemic approach By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Mon, 21 May 2012 15:57:13 +0100 Researchers have developed a ‘watershed economics approach’ which could help water managers balance competing uses for water and understand the impact of different policies. To demonstrate the approach, it was applied to a watershed in Cyprus. Full Article
mi Criteria to identify river sites minimally affected by human stressors (Reference sites) By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 7 Jun 2012 17:01:05 +0100 To restore a river site to good ecological status involves comparing it to similar sites that have been far less affected by human activity. A recent study has established a set of guidelines that define an acceptable level of human pressure that can be used to identify these minimally disturbed sites and ensure consistent ecological assessment among EU Member States. Full Article
mi Water pollution: finding appropriate limits for particulate matter By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 4 Oct 2012 12:42:13 +0100 One of the most common causes of water quality impairment is suspended particulate matter (SPM). A study by a team of UK researchers suggests that standards for SPM set by EU member states to help achieve the WFD should reflect the natural differences in the levels of this pollutant that are expected in contrasting environments. Their study provides hints as to how a potential alternative system for regulating SPM concentrations might be devised. Full Article
mi Fine-tuned policies needed to limit phosphorus runoff By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 22 Nov 2012 11:53:40 GMT New research in Ireland has evaluated two policies designed to reduce phosphorus runoff from agricultural land into water. Data indicate that policies need to be better tailored to specific times and locations, in order to deal with, for example, the impact of seasonal changes and different soil types on phosphorus runoff. Full Article
mi Small boost of electricity aids natural clean-up of PCB contaminants By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:42:00 +0100 Applying a low voltage to polluted river sediment can boost microbes’ natural ability to degrade harmful polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminants, according to a new study. The approach could be a cost-effective, sustainable strategy to bioremediate polluted sites. Full Article
mi Historical water use reflects changes in global socio-economic development By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:37:18 +0100 A recent study has revealed how water use has changed across the world over the last 60 years. Growing populations and economic development, particularly in newly-emerging countries, have increased water demand, but technological developments have led to water efficiencies and savings, which moderate these demands. Full Article
mi New estimates of the physical and economic consequences in Europe of climate change By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:12:12 +0100 Research into future climate scenarios suggest that by 2100, climate change could lead to annual damages in the EU from river flooding alone of €14 billion to €21.5 billion, with more people affected than today, and a reduction in household welfare. Full Article
mi Accuracy needed for economic valuations of ecosystem services By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 11:26:32 +0100 Economic valuation of ecosystem services, from good quality water supplies to cooling cities in the face of climate change, can provide vital information for policy decisions. However, the definition and interpretation of ecosystem services need to be clarified to ensure accurate valuations, suggests new research. Full Article
mi Informing householders of leaks can prevent water loss By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 11:32:08 GMT By identifying leaks using ‘smart’ water meters, and then encouraging householders to fix the problem, water companies can reduce the volumes of wasted water dramatically, new research suggests. In a case study in Australia, households reduced water loss by up to 91% after being informed of leaks in their homes and offered a rebate on repairs. Full Article
mi Droughts and floods slow economic growth By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 9:23:19 GMT Droughts and floods can significantly damage economic growth, recent research has found. A 1% increase in the area affected by drought can slow a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth by 2.7% per year and a 1% increase in the area experiencing extreme rainfall can reduce GDP growth by 1.8%, according to the study. Investments in water security could help reduce this negative economic impact, say the researchers. Full Article
mi Warming boosts plant growth, but reduces species diversity By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 9:23:19 GMT Wetland biodiversity may fall under climate change, a new study suggests. The researchers' experiments indicated that, overall, plant growth in wetlands will be boosted, but a small number of plant species well suited to the warmer conditions will out compete other species. However, climate change's effects on biodiversity may be less severe if plants are able to move to cooler locations, towards the poles. Full Article
mi Baker’s yeast wastewater has limited effect on groundwater when used for irrigation By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 29 Jan 2015 9:23:19 GMT Untreated wastewater from the baker’s yeast industry can be used to irrigate crops without negatively affecting the chemical quality of the groundwater beneath, recently published research concludes. Although the wastewater increased concentrations of some groundwater contaminants in an area with a high water table, these levels would not pose a risk to human health even if this water was used for drinking. Full Article
mi Fracking: leaking wells cause gas-contaminated groundwater By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 26 Feb 2015 9:23:19 GMT Contamination of drinking water in areas close to several fracking sites in the Marcellus and Barnett Shales, USA, is caused by structural problems leading to wells leaking natural gas into aquifers, a new study suggests. The researchers measured trace amounts of chemicals, called noble gases, which formed signatures of the sources of gas contamination in over 130 samples. These findings suggest that, rather than coming from natural sources, such contamination in the area of the investigation is an engineering problem to do with the wells themselves, the researchers say. They stress the importance of ensuring the structural integrity of the wells, which can be done in an affordable manner. Full Article
mi Manure and sewage can provide crops with more phosphorus than chemical fertilisers By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 21 May 2015 9:23:19 GMT Phosphorus in sewage and manure could be more available to crops than previously thought, suggests new research. The study found that some forms of sewage and manure treatment provided plants with more phosphorus than conventional inorganic fertilisers. Full Article
mi Microbes that purify groundwater show resilience to drought By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 11 June 2015 9:23:19 GMT Microbes found in groundwater may be resilient to periods of drought. A new study measured the enzyme activity of microbes, which shows whether they are alive and active, in a groundwater well. No significant difference in enzyme activity was found between those microbes that had experienced drought for four months and those that had not. Full Article
mi Overcoming the tendency of those living in energy efficient buildings to use more energy By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tue, 30 June 2015 9:23:19 GMT Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs) are a viable means to reduce global energy demand, a new study suggests. However, in response to the drop in energy costs for the household due to better energy efficiency, people may begin to consume more energy than they otherwise would. These so-called ‘rebound effects’ can undermine emissions reductions, the study says, and it proposes approaches that could lessen these impacts. Full Article
mi Recycling wastewater would bring economic benefits to Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 24 September 2015 9:54:32 GMT The economic viability of wastewater reuse projects could be better determined using methodology from a new study. The authors developed a five-step cost-benefit analysis framework to assess a planned wastewater reuse project within the catchment of the Yarqon River, in Tel Aviv Metropolitan Area, Israel. It was found that the scheme could have a net present value of $4.83 (€4.34) million per year. The authors highlight the relevance of identifying external as well as internal economic, social and environmental costs of such projects. Full Article
mi Migration in response to environmental change - September 2015 By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 24 September 2015 9:54:32 GMT Links between environmental changes and migration are extremely complex. This Thematic Issue presents key pieces of research examining the causes of environmental migration and identifying policy options for Europe in dealing with forced and voluntary relocations. The sources also examine the current state of human rights for environmental migrants and how much evidence currently exists for action at local and regional levels. Full Article
mi Exploring interlinked drivers of human migration in the context of environmental change By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 24 September 2015 9:54:32 GMT A framework on the effects of environmental change on human migration has been developed by researchers. It makes clear that environmental change can influence migration directly but also indirectly through impacts on economic, social and political factors. The framework can be used to guide further research, evaluate policy options, or develop predictions for migration under global change, say the researchers. Full Article
mi Complying with emissions regulations: calculating the acid plume from ships’ desulphurisation equipment By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 29 Oct 2015 09:11:22 GMT Marine diesel contains sulphur compounds, which generate sulphur oxide (SOx) pollution and acid rain. Ships can use mitigating technologies to reduce their SOx emissions, but these can also have a negative environmental impact. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced stringent legislation to control these, aspects of which are incorporated into EU policy. This study examined the implications of the IMO’s policy and recommends a number of design solutions to help ships comply. Full Article
mi Flood risk from modern agricultural practices can be mitigated with interventions By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Tues, 10 Nov 2015 9:23:19 GMT In the face of substantial evidence that modern land use management practices have increased runoff at the local scale, a new study reveals changes in local land use management practices can reduce the risk of local flooding. However, there is little evidence so far that these local increases in runoff culminate in large-scale flooding effects. To address this lack of evidence, the researchers present a model that maps the downstream rate of flow back to its source areas. Full Article
mi New tool could help optimise governance of flood risk By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thu, 13 Oct 2016 10:12:34 +0100 As the climate becomes more volatile, managing the risk of flooding has never been more important. This study proposes a new framework for evaluating how flood risk is managed by governments, which is applied to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the system in England. The researchers say their approach can help to improve flood-risk governance and could be applied to other countries as well as other types of hazard. Full Article
mi Rapid and significant sea-level rise expected if global warming exceeds 2°C, with global variation By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thur, 06 April 2017 9:23:19 GMT The world could experience the highest ever global sea-level rise in the history of human civilisation if global temperature rises exceed 2 °C, predicts a new study. Under current carbon-emission rates, this temperature rise will occur around the middle of this century, with damaging effects on coastal businesses and ecosystems, while also triggering major human migration from low-lying areas. Global sea-level rise will not be uniform, and will differ for different points of the globe. Full Article
mi Decentralised supply of recycled water may save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions By ec.europa.eu Published On :: Thur, 01 June 2017 9:23:19 GMT Reusing waste water for non-drinking uses in decentralised plumbing networks may improve the efficiency of water supply in urban areas, a new study has found. Modelling this approach in San Francisco, researchers found that, depending on the local geography, a decentralised water supply could lead to energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from water treatment of around 30%. Improvements in emerging water-treatment technologies are likely to lead to further savings, which could help increase the efficiency of urban water supply. Full Article
mi Amid lockdown, fashion firms strive to keep customers engaged By cio.economictimes.indiatimes.com Published On :: 2020-04-23T09:23:31+05:30 Online retailers such as Myntra and Tjori have their consumer engagement teams working on to engage their customers till the time the lockdown eases. Full Article
mi Xiaomi phones may reveal your private search, usage: Report By cio.economictimes.indiatimes.com Published On :: 2020-05-02T09:24:21+05:30 Cybersecurity researchers have accused Xiaomi of infringing on the privacy of its phone users by recording their 'private' web and phone use habits. Full Article
mi Take user privacy seriously, don't collect data without consent: Xiaomi By cio.economictimes.indiatimes.com Published On :: 2020-05-03T11:22:34+05:30 Xiaomi India Managing Director said that the company does not collect any user data that the user has not explicitly given permission or consent to. He added that in the browser's incognito mode, all user data is completely encrypted and anonymised. He also pointed out that all Mi Browser and Mi Cloud data of Indian users is stored locally in AWS servers in India. Full Article
mi Hackers put over half million Zoom app login details for sale on dark web: Reports By cio.economictimes.indiatimes.com Published On :: 2020-05-05T09:57:00+05:30 The video-conferencing app has seen a global usage during the coronavirus lockdowns. Full Article