http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/resource_shortage/ Scientific research on projected food shortages, freshwater shortages, methods of resource allocation and related topics. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/resource_shortage/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135331.htm Economists have developed a financial market "seismograph" that can measure the interconnections between stock markets across the globe. Their research has the potential to serve as an early warning system and provide measures to manage and mitigate the spread of financial crisis. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209135331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201105227.htm Tropical cyclones will cause $109 billion in damages by 2100, according to researchers in a new paper. That figure represents an increased vulnerability from population and especially economic growth, as well as the effects of climate change. Greater vulnerability to cyclones is expected to increase global tropical damage to $56 billion by 2100 -- double the current damage -- from the current rate of $26 billion per year if the present climate remains stable. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201105227.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130171913.htm Two decades after the United Nations established the Framework Convention on Climate Change in order to "prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system", the Arctic shows the first signs of a dangerous climate change. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130171913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126223609.htm The economic pain of a flattening oil supply will trump the environment as a reason to curb the use of fossil fuels, say scientists. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126223609.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122152615.htm Carbon dioxide emissions have been increasing over the past decades, causing Earth to get hotter and hotter. There are concerns that a continuation of these trends could have catastrophic effects. This has led some to explore drastic ideas for combating global warming, including the idea of counteracting it by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. However, it has been suggested that reflecting sunlight away from Earth might itself threaten the food supply. New research examines the potential effects that geoengineering the climate could have on global food production and concludes that sunshade geoengineering would be more likely to improve rather than threaten food security. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122152615.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120010357.htm Biodiversity is declining rapidly throughout the world. The challenges of conserving the world's species are perhaps even larger than mitigating the negative effects of global climate change, experts say. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120010357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119143328.htm While recent climate negotiations in Durban made incremental progress toward helping farmers adapt to climate change and reduce agriculture's climate footprint, a group of international agriculture experts urges scientists to lay the groundwork for more decisive action on global food security in environmental negotiations in 2012. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119143328.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113205634.htm Political and economic theorists could learn lessons from studying how an ant colony allocates food resources, according to a new article. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113205634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113204935.htm Implementing 14 key air pollution control measures could slow the pace of global warming, new research suggests. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113204935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112193442.htm Scientists have detailed 14 key air pollution control measures that, if implemented, could slow the pace of global warming, improve health and boost agricultural production. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112193442.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104133156.htm Researchers have for the first time estimated the cost and impact of disabilities on the finances of disabled people. According to data, 90% of the population with a serious disability in Spain is in a state of moderate poverty and 56% lives in a state of extreme poverty. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104133156.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140453.htm New research suggests obesity can be seen as one of the unintended side effects of free market policies. A study of 26 wealthy nations shows that countries with a higher density of fast food restaurants per capita had much higher obesity rates compared to countries with a lower density of fast food restaurants per capita. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105734.htm A new United Nation's report documents the current status of the world's land and water resources for food and agriculture. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215095501.htm Tackling rising CO2 emissions from the residential sector could make a vital contribution towards mitigating climate change, according to a new report. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215095501.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121024.htm The concept of the hydrogen economy (HE), in which hydrogen would replace the carbon-based fossil fuels of the twentieth century was first mooted in the 1970s. Today, HE is seen as a potential solution to the dual global crises of climate change and dwindling oil reserves. A research article suggests that HE is wrong and SHE has the answer in the sustainable hydrogen economy. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121024.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206102527.htm Global carbon dioxide emissions increased by a record 5.9 per cent in 2010 following the dampening effect of the 2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis, according to scientists working with the Global Carbon Project. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206102527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140613.htm The sharp decrease in global carbon dioxide emissions attributed to the worldwide financial crisis in 2009 quickly rebounded in 2010, according to researchers. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111204144648.htm Global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels have increased by 49 percent in the last two decades, according to the latest figures by an international team of scientists. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111204144648.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201112651.htm Clean energy can help meet growing electricity demand and minimize pollution in the Southern United States, but progress to adopt renewable energy strategies has been hindered by a number of myths, according to a new study. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201112651.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133035.htm A new study predicts severe negative impacts, including loss and alteration of habitats, smaller and less-diverse fish stocks, and coral bleaching, and urges prompt action to help fisheries prepare. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133035.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121194043.htm Global food demand could double by 2050, according to a new projection. Producing that amount of food could significantly increase levels of carbon dioxide and nitrogen in the environment and cause the extinction of numerous species. But this can be avoided, the article shows, if the high-yielding technologies of rich nations are adapted to work in poor nations, and if all nations use nitrogen fertilizers more efficiently. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121194043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121115102.htm People who believe there is a lot of disagreement among scientists about global warming tend to be less certain that global warming is happening and less supportive of climate policy, researchers report. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121115102.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106192624.htm Scientists investigated how California's interconnected San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (the Bay-Delta system) is expected to change from 2010 to 2099 in response to both fast and moderate climate warming scenarios. Results indicate that this area will feel impacts of global climate change in the next century with shifts in its biological communities, rising sea level, and modified water supplies. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 19:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106192624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103120223.htm The debate may largely be drawn along political lines, but the human role in climate change remains one of the most controversial questions in 21st century science. Experts argue that the evidence for anthropogenic climate change is now so clear that the burden of proof should lie with research which seeks to disprove the human role. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103120223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028121228.htm As the global media speculate on the number of people likely to inhabit the planet on October 31 an international team of population and development experts argue that it is not simply the number of people that matters but more so their distribution by age, education, health status and location that is most relevant to local and global sustainability. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028121228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084714.htm Research on geoengineering appears to have broad public support, as a new, internationally representative survey revealed that 72 percent of respondents approved research into the climate-manipulating technique. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084714.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125757.htm People whose basic needs are met get more life satisfaction when they are more connected to others and when they experience greater autonomy, according to a new study. But those who live in dire conditions have little hope of achieving such satisfaction. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020161335.htm Researchers warn of a looming health crisis in the wake of rising mortgage delinquencies and home foreclosures. The study is the first long-term survey of the impact the current housing crisis is having on older Americans. The study focused on adults over 50 and found high rates of depression among those behind in their mortgage payments and a higher likelihood of making unhealthy financial tradeoffs regarding food and needed prescription medications. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020161335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018102657.htm Persistent high poverty is most prevalent among children, with those living in rural America disproportionally impacted, according to new research. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018102657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017155618.htm It is difficult to measure accurately each nation's contribution of carbon dioxide to the Earth's atmosphere. Carbon is extracted out of the ground as coal, gas, and oil, and these fuels are often exported to other countries where they are burned to generate the energy that is used to make products. In turn, these products may be traded to still other countries where they are consumed. A team tracked and quantified this supply chain of global carbon dioxide emissions. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017155618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005131705.htm A new study finds the social and economic cost of hunger and food insecurity in the United States in 2010 hit $167.5 billion in addition to federal expenditures to address hunger. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005131705.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928185638.htm The EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) has developed a statistical modelling tool which allows the risk of conflict occurrence in developing countries to be analyzed. Combining online news reports with geographical satellite data, the tool establishes a link between natural resources and the risk of conflict. A key advance is the very detailed scale of the data (most being gathered to the square kilometer) and the fact that the modelling is based on the seriousness of the conflicts. When tested, the model successfully identified the correlation between resource-rich areas of land and occurrence of conflict. This approach has potential use in the European Commission's development aid planning and crisis prevention. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928185638.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928105707.htm Global crises and the slow burn of climate change are having a profound impact on the lives and livelihoods of poor people around the world, and bringing into question core ideas about what development is and how it happens, according to a new report. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928105707.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110923194736.htm Powerful lobby groups opposed to genetically modified (GM) food are threatening public acceptance of the technology in Europe, research suggests. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110923194736.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110922152631.htm Between 2009 and 2010, one million more children in America joined the ranks of those living in poverty, bringing the total to an estimated 15.7 million poor children in 2010, an increase of 2.6 million since the recession began in 2007, according to researchers. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110922152631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921074750.htm Global emissions of carbon dioxide -- the main cause of global warming -- increased by 45% between 1990 and 2010, and reached an all-time high of 33 billion tonnes in 2010. Increased energy efficiency, nuclear energy and the growing contribution of renewable energy are not compensating for the globally increasing demand for power and transport, which is strongest in developing countries, according to a new report. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921074750.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919073848.htm Child labor in developing countries is not only found in sweatshops, but also in the household, in family businesses, and on the farm. These forms of ‘hidden’ child labor have now been systematically documented by researchers in the Netherlands. They use data for sixteen African and Asian countries to show how many children are involved, how many hours they work and by which factors children’s engagement in hidden child labor is affected; all of which are important in combating this phenomenon. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 07:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919073848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110916092144.htm The use of nitrogen in chemical fertilizers has had enormous benefits: feeding the ever-increasing world population. But there is a downside: the huge burden to the environment, public health and climate say experts. It is essential that we maximize efficiency in our use of nitrogen and pool resources, they say. Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110916092144.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915102909.htm Restoring and preserving dryland forests and planting more trees to provide food, fodder and fertilizer on small farms are critical steps toward preventing the recurrence of the famine now threatening millions of people in the Horn of Africa, according to forestry experts. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915102909.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914100525.htm As governments prepare to gather at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 19 and 20, a new report provides clear and compelling evidence that a combined approach to tackling poverty and disease -- that brings together work on water and sanitation, health, education, and nutrition/food security -- achieves better results for the world's poorest. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914100525.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913122039.htm Europeans face greater risk of illness, property damage and job losses because of the impacts of climate change on the seas around them, a new report suggests. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913122039.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145323.htm When the government of Tanzania established Saadani National Park in 2005, it enhanced protection of the coastal mangrove ecosystem from further degradation. A new study found that the new park caused a short-term negative effect on the livelihood of those who harvest mangrove trees for fuelwood but a long-term benefit to their local communities from increased fishing opportunities. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908145323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907171527.htm Valuable lessons from the global commitment to fight HIV/AIDS over the past three decades should inspire a new worldwide effort to confront the epidemic of non-communicable diseases, say public health leaders. A UN summit will offer a rare opportunity to generate momentum and resources for global solutions against these diseases. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907171527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110828205556.htm Billions of people owe their lives to nitrogen fertilizers -- a pillar of the fabled Green Revolution in agriculture that averted global famine in the 20th century -- but few are aware that nitrogen pollution from fertilizers and other sources has become a major environmental problem that threatens human health and welfare in multiple ways, a scientist reports. Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110828205556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822154743.htm If so many poor people live around national parks in developing countries, does that mean that these parks are contributing to their poverty? Yes, according to the conventional wisdom, but no, according to a 10-year study of people living around Kibale National Park in Uganda. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822154743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822092321.htm Despite the uncertainties surrounding climate change, leaders in the transportation sector agree it is time to start developing effective strategies that will keep the nation's transportation systems and other critical infrastructure running in the face of the adverse impacts that seem increasingly likely to occur. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822092321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822092309.htm According to new research, a radical transformation in the way farming and natural systems interact could simultaneously boost food production and protect the environment. The authors warn, however, that the world must act quickly if the goal is to save Earth's main breadbasket areas -- where resources are so depleted the situation threatens to decimate global supplies of fresh water and cripple agricultural systems worldwide. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822092309.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721152849.htm Operations research models developed by a team at the Georgia Institute of Technology helped CARE International pick three locations worldwide to supply relief quickly to victims of earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters, according to a new paper. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721152849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720121931.htm Rising U.S. natural gas production from shale formations has already played a critical role in weakening Russia's ability to wield an "energy weapon" over its European customers, and this trend will accelerate in the coming decades, according to a new study. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720121931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714150949.htm Larger portion sizes usually mean we eat more food, but according to new study, bigger bites lead to eating less -- in restaurant settings. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714150949.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713131653.htm Fewer Mexican immigrants returned home from the United States during 2008 and 2009 than in the two years prior to the start of the recession, a finding that contradicts the notion that the economic downturn has hastened return migration to Mexico, according to a new study. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713131653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110707101953.htm Wind farms in China and small-scale solar panels on rooftops in Europe were largely responsible for last year's 32 percent rise in green energy investments worldwide according to the latest annual report on renewable energy investment trends. Last year, investors pumped a record $211 billion into renewables -- about one-third more than the $160 billion invested in 2009, and a 540 percent rise since 2004. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110707101953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110706195902.htm One consequence of the expanded access to health care facilitated by health care reform will be a shortfall in the necessary numbers of physicians and other advanced medical professionals. According to a new study, the U.S. will face serious shortages in the combined workforce of physicians, advance practice nurses, and physician assistants over the next two decades. Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110706195902.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110703222943.htm In the early 2000s, the international aid community started to fund health programs through Global Health Initiatives (GHIs) which provide aid and support for tackling infectious diseases, and for implementing immunization programs against childhood diseases. However priorities set by GHIs and by governments are not always the same. New research uses "agency theory" to examine the conflicts between donor and recipient countries. Sun, 03 Jul 2011 22:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110703222943.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630183818.htm "Goat plague," or peste des petits ruminants, is threatening global food security and poverty alleviation in the developing world, say leading veterinarians and animal health experts. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630183818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621141846.htm Researchers have found that angry user-generated comments on Internet sites can further perpetuate negative perceptions of an organization undergoing the crisis. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621141846.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621121323.htm A study of the reaction by the United States stock market to international financial crises shows that small companies are often hit hardest, and the impact is above and beyond what would be expected given their exposure to global market factors. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621121323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110617080842.htm The news coverage of the deadly EHEC bacteria outbreak in Europe came as a bombshell. Researchers examined 6132 reactions of Belgian newspaper readers after reading the first news reports. As expected, people are scared and worried, but governmental trust decreases fear and leads to a higher intention to keep on eating fresh produce. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110617080842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616193627.htm In the first comprehensive analysis of the contribution of social factors to US mortality, researchers found that poverty, low levels of education, poor social support and other social factors contribute about as many deaths in the US as such familiar causes as heart attacks, strokes and lung cancer. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616193627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110609083226.htm Researchers from the UK say that we face a future of uncertainty, and possible new threats to food supplies, natural heritage, and even human health, from animal and plant pathogens. Human behavior, travel and trade exacerbates the problem and we may need to reconsider our approach to free trade. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110609083226.htm