Articles from Science for Environment Policy

Carbon labels most effective when combined with low prices
New research in Australia has investigated the impact of labelling groceries with their level of CO₂ emissions. A convenience store that introduced these labels found that the share of green (low CO₂ emissions) purchases increased by 5 per cent. If these products were also low priced, the share of green purchases from the store increased by 20 per cent. Download article (PDF)

Poor energy use is chemical industry's top environmental issue
A new study suggests that the energy sources used in chemical production contribute significantly to environmental damage in developed countries. The researchers recommend increasing the efficient use of heat and electricity, in addition to reducing direct emissions of harmful pollutants, to dramatically improve the environmental impact of the chemical industry. Download article (PDF)

Success for potatoes under EU law
A new study has described how agricultural management of the British potato crop has changed over time to reduce several serious threats to food security. It is crucial that an EU plant health policy framework continues to build on these successes to protect against new diseases emerging from expanding global trade and a changing climate. Download article (PDF)

Combined satellite data shed light on Indonesian deforestation
Annual maps of forest cover in Indonesia reveal that, between 2000 and 2008, almost 10 per cent of forest cover on the islands was lost. Around one fifth of this loss occurred in regions where logging is restricted or prohibited. The new maps will help Indonesia meet the objectives of the UN REDD+ programme, which aims to reduce deforestation and forest degradation. Download article (PDF)

Monitoring marine waters for WFD compliance
Recent work in the coastal Mediterranean waters of the 'Comunidad Valencia' in Eastern Spain confirms that wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a significant source of pollutants that need monitoring under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Priority Substances Directive. However, these substances also directly enter coastal waters from mixed urban, industrial and agricultural sources, creating a challenge for the development of control measures. Download article (PDF)

Strategies for encouraging CSR in SMEs
A recent Spanish study has examined the implications of corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) related to sustainable development, as well as the role public administrations play in this process. The findings offer ideas that could be included in government policies aimed at promoting social responsibilities and sustainability, especially for SMEs. Download article (PDF)