Carbon footprint in Earth and Space science labs
A recent study highlights the significant carbon footprints of Earth, environmental, and space science laboratories, with an average of 10-20 tonnes CO₂ equivalent per person annually. The analysis reveals that research infrastructures – particularly satellites – are primary contributors to these emissions, accounting for up to 11 tonnes CO₂ per person in certain labs. Air travel and laboratory purchases are also substantial sources, each contributing around 2-4 tonnes CO₂ per person annually. Conversely, emissions from commuting and daily laboratory operations are relatively modest, at approximately 2 tonnes or less per person.
The authors propose a novel method to assign a portion of the emissions from shared research infrastructures to the individual labs using them. The study suggests that without addressing infrastructure-related emissions, total reductions would be limited to about 20-35%, even with significant cutbacks on air travel and purchases. The researchers also advocate for a transformative shift in scientific practices, moving away from a competitive, grant-driven model towards one that emphasizes sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
Journal Reference:
Marc O, Barret M, Biancamaria S, Dassas K, Firmin A, Gandois L, et al. ‘Comprehensive carbon footprint of Earth, environmental and space science laboratories: Implications for sustainable scientific practice’, PLOS Sustainability and Transformation 3 (10): e0000135 (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pstr.0000135
Article Source: PLOS Sustainability and Transformation
Food insecurity, mental health, and climate impacts on pregnant women in Uganda
In rural Uganda, climate-induced food insecurity is taking a severe toll on the mental health of pregnant women, particularly among the Bakiga and Indigenous Batwa communities.
A new study reports that unpredictable weather patterns and prolonged droughts have reduced food access, triggering significant mental stress. Physical labor becomes more difficult during pregnancy under extreme weather conditions, exacerbating food scarcity and leading to further psychological distress.
Participants expressed additional anxiety over future crop failures and food price hikes, highlighting a vicious cycle of food insecurity and emotional hardship. For Indigenous Batwa women, the loss of traditional lands and access to nutrient-rich food sources intensifies these challenges. The study underscores the need for adaptive interventions that address the interlinked issues of climate change, food security, and mental health to improve maternal wellbeing in these vulnerable populations.
Journal Reference:
Bryson JM, Patterson K, Cunsolo A, Berrang-Ford L, Lwasa S, Namanya DB, et al. ‘“When you have stress because you don’t have food”: Climate, food security, and mental health during pregnancy among Bakiga and Indigenous Batwa women in rural Uganda’, PLOS Climate 3 (10): e0000399 (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000399
Article Source: PLOS Climate
Minimal impact of supermarkets on food security in Accra’s low-income neighborhoods
Supermarkets have become central to modernization efforts in African cities, yet a new study finds that they do little to improve food security for low-income households in Accra, Ghana. Examining 680 households across Accra’s poorest neighborhoods, the researchers concluded that proximity to supermarkets does not correlate with better food security. Instead, asset ownership, rather than income, emerged as a key predictor of food stability, with many households relying on informal, credit-based relationships with local food vendors.
These relationships are critical for maintaining food security, as supermarkets often compete with local vendors for public space, potentially undermining access to credit-based food sources.
The study cautions that while supermarkets may symbolize progress, their expansion risks destabilizing established food access networks crucial to low-income communities.
Journal Reference:
Fobi D, Waldman KB, Dwyer MB, Robeson SM, Blekking JP, ‘Negligible impact of supermarkets on food security (so far) in low-income neighborhoods of Accra, Ghana’. PLOS Sustainability and Transformation 3 (10): e0000133 (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pstr.0000133
Article Source: PLOS Sustainability and Transformation
Other climate articles published this week
Seeing the limits of voluntary corporate climate action in food and technology sustainability reports (Kirstine Lund Christiansen, Jens Friis Lund, Energy Research & Social Science (2024) | DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2024.103798)
Towards BitCO2, an individual consumption-based carbon emission reduction mechanism
(Nicolò Golinucci, Francesco Tonini, Matteo Vincenzo Rocco, Emanuela Colombo, Energy Policy (2024) | DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2023.113851)
In silico modelling of radiative efficiencies of anthropogenic greenhouse gases
(Daniela Alvarado-Jiménez, Nicola Tasinato, Atmospheric Environment (2024) | DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2024.120839)
Accelerated North Atlantic surface warming reshapes the Atlantic Multidecadal Variability
(Zanchettin, D., Rubino, A., Communications Earth & Environment | DOI: 10.1038/s43247-024-01804-x)
Featured image credit: kjpargeter | Freepik
