Science for Environment Policy - Articles

Bathing water disease risk may increase under climate change
Climate change may increase the amount of pathogens entering bathing waters in some areas, finds a new study. The research, carried out in a lagoon in the Baltic Sea, found that, although higher temperatures can reduce microorganism populations, this is likely to be outweighed by contamination due to runoff caused by increased rainfall. The authors are currently developing a system for alerting local authorities and the public to potentially hazardous bathing water.
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Climate adaptation: can vulnerable countries cope with the costs of extreme weather?
Following extreme weather events, many countries are unable to afford the costs of providing relief to communities and repairing infrastructure, a new study suggests. The researchers estimate that providing relief on a global scale for events which recur every 10 to 50 years would cost US$3.3 billion (EUR2.37 billion) annually.
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Sea turtle bycatch: Atlantic at-risk areas located
Nine areas in the Atlantic where leatherback turtles are at higher risk of bycatch have been identified in a recent study. To help protect this important species less damaging fishing practices could be used in these areas, the study concludes, and some could be candidates for marine protected status.
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Green and cool roofs could eliminate the urban heat island effect
The urban heat island (UHI) effect can be completely offset by using 'cool' and 'green' roofs, finds new research from the US. However, the study also found that different roofs may affect rainfall and energy demand, and that their efficiency varies with location.
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Has the WEEE Directive affected the price of electric and electronic goods?
The price of electrical and electronic equipment has risen by an average of 2.19% since the implementation of the Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, new research suggests. Researchers investigated products across 27 EU Member States, with the increases in price reflecting the fact that the consumer is bearing at least part of the cost of e-waste disposal.
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