Articles from Science for Environment Policy

Increasing aridity will disrupt soil nutrient cycles in global drylands
The drying of soils under global warming could disrupt the balance of nutrients in large areas of the Earth's land surface, according to new research. The study focused on 'drylands' - arid areas with low levels of rainfall - which support over 38% of the world's population. Such nutrient imbalances could diminish the provision of ecosystem services, such as food production and carbon storage, the researchers say.
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Urban habitats as a refuge for biodiversity: A case study in Greece
Cities located in biodiversity hotspots can provide valuable refuges for a wide range of plants, a recent study suggests. Of the 379 plant species and sub-species recorded in the city of Ioannina, Greece, 27 were of conservation interest. Town planners can ensure that cities play an important role in supporting regional biodiversity when designing future urban developments, the researchers say.
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The effects of nuclear power cooling systems on the critically endangered European eel
A case study in Sweden has shown that critically endangered European eels are being lost when they are sucked into the local nuclear power station's cooling system. A process to pump the eels back into the sea could be beneficial to this species, the researchers conclude.
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Case studies from Greenland, Poland and the Ukraine on levels of banned flame retardants
Certain chemicals that were once used as flame retardants are now banned in the EU, but can remain in the environment. A new study adds to our limited knowledge regarding the presence of the chemicals polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) in humans. The study suggests levels in Polish and Ukrainian men are lower than in those living in the US and Greenland.
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Biodiversity protection in the Netherlands
Two thirds of natural areas in the Netherlands suffer from at least one of four key environmental pressures including nitrogen pollution, drying, acidification and habitat fragmentation, a new study suggests. Possible solutions to enable the country to meet its commitments under the EU's biodiversity targets include moves towards sustainable farming and reduction of nitrogen outputs, the researchers conclude.
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