Behind the Paper
The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows
Filtered by: Sustainability
De-paving paradise, one parking space at a time
Finding space for urban greening is as difficult as it is urgent. However, one area where we have been very generous with space in cities is car parking. This study shows that if we can use car parking space more efficiently, we can free up large areas for urban nature.
Favorability towards natural gas relates to funding source of university energy centers
Our study in Nature Climate Change is the first to consider the policy positioning of university-based energy centers using a “text as data” approach. Analyzing one million+ sentences, we find that reports written by fossil-funded centers are more favorable towards natural gas than renewables.
World needs ambitious 0% new plastic waste target by 2040
The UN is being urged to make a bold pledge and set a target of zero for new plastic pollution by 2040 in its upcoming Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution. Plastic production and subsequent pollution are key drivers of climate change, the focus of discussion at COP27 in Egypt this week.
Protected area personnel and ranger numbers are insufficient to deliver global expectations
An apparently simple question about how many people work in the world's protected areas became a complex four-year investigation. The results have major implications for efforts to ensure conservation of at least 30 per cent of the planet.
The Circular Economy in China: achievements, challenges and potential implications for decarbonisation
Much has been said about a circular economy in China - yet, a paper on underlying drivers and limitations has been missing and addressing net zero carbon too. It is also timely witnessing geopolitical tensions over supply chain security and interest in China's internal structures.
