Articles from Science for Environment Policy

Innovative ways to reduce CO₂ emissions from the cement industry
Technological advances in European cement production could reduce energy consumption by up to 10% and CO₂ emissions by 4%, according to a new analysis. The research suggests that initial costs of some of the pending technological improvements could be recouped in as little as a year. Download article (PDF)

Range of chemicals pose risk of acute ecotoxicity in German rivers
Research in four German rivers indicates that several organic compounds pose a risk of acute toxic effects on invertebrates. Some of these compounds are already priority substances under the EU Water Framework Directive1 (WFD); others could warrant designation at least as river basin specific pollutants in the German River Basin Management Plans. Download article (PDF)

Otters´ conservation reveals need to adapt to climate change
There is a need for conservation strategies to consider the changing factors that threaten endangered species, such as climate change. Focusing on the European otter, new research has indicated that climate change will change this important freshwater species´ distribution, which may mean that existing conservation areas no longer offer protection. Download article (PDF)

Deepwater drilling: improve safety indicators to help prevent disasters
The Deepwater Horizon accident raised concerns about the safety of deepwater drilling. From an analysis of risk assessments in the Norwegian Oil & Gas (O&G) Industry, a new study suggests that current safety approaches and indicators are limited and more extensive monitoring of drilling operations is needed to avoid events similar to Deepwater Horizon. Download article (PDF)

Natural fertilisation of sea hints at effects of geoengineering projects
New research investigating the effects of naturally occurring iron fertilisation in the sea suggests that large scale geoengineering projects designed to sequester carbon in the deep sea could have a dramatic impact on marine ecosystems. The study found that the organic matter arriving at the sea floor and the species that live there are very different, depending on whether waters are fertilised by iron leached from nearby islands or not. Download article (PDF)

Urban green areas and roofs regulate temperature and reduce energy
A new study highlights the positive effects of plants and trees in cities. Urban green areas provide shade and reduce temperature fluctuations, bringing average temperatures down, while covering roofs with plants, rather than black roofs, reduces the energy required to heat and cool buildings. Download article (PDF)