Research articles

Models for preventing climate from warming by more than 2 °C assume implementing land-use change, such as reforestation, to store carbon. This study finds these models assume 8.8 Mha yr⁻¹ more cropland and, in some cases, massive reforestation and even afforestation.

Little is known about the contribution of peatlands to potable water resources at global and regional scales given that most peatlands are far away from major urbanized areas. This study analyses peatlands, human population and hydrometric datasets to identify hotspots where peatlands are crucial for water supply.

Coal is an important energy source, but its use affects regional air quality and global climate. This study finds that coal mining reduces the diversity and number of stream animals and that these impacts persist after mine reclamation efforts.

Using experimental behavioural methods, this study shows that time pressure leads to worse decisions over the sustainable management of collectively held natural resources.

A network experiment in a major environmental NGO finds that the diffusion of innovation is four times more likely when information regarding novel practices is targeted to staff members who participate in a greater number, and a more diverse set, of projects.

An analysis of dietary changes in China and their environmental impact between 1997 and 2011 reveals distinct trends between rural and urban areas, and an overall increase in greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and land appropriation, driven mainly by the increase of meat consumption.

A framed field experiment in five countries shows that Payments for Ecosystem Services increase forest conservation, that communication contributes to payment effectiveness and that positive effects outlast payments.

Energy-saving innovations, such as fabrics with cooling effects, contribute to sustainability. This study reports the large-scale extrusion of uniform and continuous nanoporous polyethylene microfibres with cotton-like softness for wearable fabrics. The fabric can lower human skin temperature by 2.3 °C with over 20% savings on indoor cooling energy.

Dams in the Mekong Basin are built without considering impacts on river processes. This study shows that with strategic planning in the lower Mekong, 68% of the basin’s hydropower potential could have been developed while trapping 21% of the basin’s sand load.

Achieving a high quality of life within the biophysical limits of the planet is a significant challenge. This study quantifies the resource use associated with meeting basic human needs, compares it to downscaled planetary boundaries for over 150 nations and finds that no country meets its citizens’ basic needs sustainably.

Rising population and changes in water supply under climate change affect cities globally. This study finds that in 27% of cities studied, water demand is likely to exceed availability by 2050, with many other cities competing with agriculture on water needs.

Since 2000, China has attempted to vegetate huge portions of eroded landscape in its south west, bordering Vietman, Laos, and Myanmar. This study finds that this ecological engineering is combating desertification as vegetation regrows and stores carbon.

Post-disaster reconstruction in hazard-exposed areas can increase social vulnerability if a disaster changes where people wish to live. In a post-tsunami zone in Indonesia, the authors find that many people wish to move to safer areas, causing housing prices to go up inland and the poor to live near the coast.