Articles from Science for Environment Policy

Global water consumption increases frequency and intensity of low flows in rivers and streams
Human water consumption has increased the frequency and intensity of periods of abnormally low flow in streams, new research suggests. The frequency of these events increased by 30% globally, largely due to use of water for irrigation, the researchers conclude.
Download article (PDF)

Framework to aid decisions on translocating species threatened by climate change
A new framework to help decide whether to translocate species that are threatened by climate change has been developed. The framework provides a simple method of assessing different strategies and ensuring that limited budgets are used effectively.
Download article (PDF)

Better integration of temporary rivers into the Water Framework Directive
Improvements to EU water policy have been proposed in a recent study, to help ensure that temporary rivers and streams in the Mediterranean are adequately protected in line with the goals of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The researchers suggest new classifications for river types, and highlight the importance of distinguishing between natural and human-derived causes of intermittent water flow.
Download article (PDF)

Pesticides may affect all stages of aquatic life
Ecotoxicity tests that are used to understand the impacts of chemical pollutants on aquatic organisms and ecosystems could be improved by including all life stages of the test animals. These are the conclusions of a study by Belgian researchers, who found that the apparent absorption of some pesticides by the dormant eggs of water fleas may have negative effects on the invertebrates' later survival and reproduction, although the development and hatching of the eggs are not affected.
Download article (PDF)

Rising CO₂'s impacts on marine ecosystems and the people that rely on them
The world's ocean ecosystems will suffer warming, increased acidity, low oxygen and reduced primary food supply as a result of rising CO₂ and this is likely to have dramatic environmental and social impacts, a new study concludes. It predicts that the most vulnerable low-income countries, where 870 million people are dependent on marine ecosystems, would be affected if CO₂ emissions are not tackled.
Download article (PDF)

Adaptation is a cost-effective way to protect against river flooding caused by climate change
The socio-economic costs and benefits of adaptation to river flooding caused by climate change have been assessed in a new study. According to the study, adaptation measures could save EUR53.1 billion every year in flood-related losses across Europe by 2080.
Download article (PDF)

Predicting fish species' decline before it's too late
An early warning system to predict the overfishing of individual species, far in advance of severe population decline, has been developed by researchers. The 'eventual threat index' was applied by the researchers to historical data on tuna and billfish populations, and accurately predicted their current declines as early as the 1950s.
Download article (PDF)