Articles from Science for Environment Policy

GHG emissions from shale greater than conventional gas, coal or oil
Over a 20-year time period, the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of shale gas is greater than that of coal, oil or conventional gas, according to a recent study. Methane emissions make up most of this footprint. This suggests that substituting conventional fossil fuels with shale gas may not have the desired effect to mitigate climate warming in the short-term. Download article (PDF)

The future is bright for environmental citizen science
A review of a decade of environmental citizen science - where the general public are involved in science as researchers - concludes that its benefits to science and society far outweigh concerns over data quality. Challenges can be overcome through volunteer training and should not be used to devalue citizen science programmes, say the researchers. Download article (PDF)

New method improves ecological footprinting of food products
International trade of food products is increasing. This means that food produced in one country may use ingredients sourced from other countries, which can make it difficult to assess the product´s real environmental impact. A new mathematical approach to this problem may help provide a clearer picture of a product´s impact. Download article (PDF)

Toxic mercury could be produced within seawater
New research has shed light on the source of highly toxic monomethylmercury (MMHg) in Arctic marine waters. A study of polar seawater suggests that relatively harmless inorganic mercury is being transformed into the toxic MMHg within the water itself. Download article (PDF)

Impact of landfill caps on leachate emissions - an Austrian case study
Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills, which consist of everyday consumer items, are potential long-term sources of emissions that could threaten the environment and human health if they are not managed carefully after closure. New research has presented a methodology to estimate future emission levels for closed MSW landfills and the impact of different aftercare strategies. Download article (PDF)

Mediterranean MPA provides fish larvae for neighbouring areas
New research has found evidence that a small Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Mediterranean has the potential to deliver larvae of some fish species to surrounding, non-protected areas. This is one of few studies to investigate this desired role of MPAs and its design could be used to evaluate current and future MPAs elsewhere. Download article (PDF)