research topic on natural resources

• UConn Library
• Natural Resources and the Environment Subject Guide
• Research Topics

Natural Resources and the Environment Subject Guide — Research Topics

• Starting Your Research Project
• Searching Scholarly Databases
• Encyclopedias & Handbooks
• Finding Books
• Useful Tools
• Other Information Sources

Narrowing a topic

Sometimes narrowing to a specific topic does not come naturally and can be a difficult task. Here are some techniques available to make this process simpler.

• First, pick a topic in which you are interested. You will spend a lot of time with your topic and you will do a better job with it if you find the topic enjoyable. As you search through potential topics, note which pique your interest and follow them further.
• Look for a topic with some recent controversy or a set of related topics which can be compared and contrasted.
• Pick a topic which you have some hope of understanding. If you cannot understand the basics you will not be able to write about it. Not all topics are appropriate for undergraduate paper writing.

Some additional sites with help on choosing and narrowing topics are listed below.

• Choosing and Narrowing a Topic
• Narrowing a Topic
• Narrowing a Topic and Developing a Research Question
• Identifying when a Topic is Too Narrow or Too Broad

Where to find possible topics for science papers

If you don't know on what topic you want to write a paper, start by looking in sources with broad spreads of relevant information. 

• Search any database by a particular journal or review journal (Science, Nature, Trends in Ecology & Evolution, etc.)
• Look for a classic topic in your textbook 
• Scan popular science sciences magazines such as Bioscience, Scientific American, Discover, etc.
• Go to the popular  website  www.sciencedaily.com which covers most aspects of science and search for a topic
• Search for ideas in the encyclopedias, handbooks or other books listed in this guide on a separate page
• If you have some idea of a topic, search for review articles on that topic in one of the science databases listed in this guide
• Search the table of contents of a journal which specializes in review articles, such as Trends in Ecology and Evolution

Search Strategies for Topics

Part of picking a topic will involve conducting literature searches. As you search for your topic(s) start with searches as BROAD as possible, while remaining relevant to your topic. Starting broad will give a breadth of coverage that allows you easy options for narrowing your topic. If you start with a narrow topic it is much harder to broaden your topic later to explore more options.

Describe your topic in a sentence.

How did carnivorous plants evolve digestive enzymes?

What are your major concepts? Identify the main elements of your topic.

Think of related terms for your concepts. Use both common words and scientific terms.

Add Boolean Operators (AND & OR) to structure the search in a database search interface.

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• Last Updated: Aug 23, 2023 10:24 AM
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Research Topics & Ideas: Environment

100+ Environmental Science Research Topics & Ideas

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. Here, we’ll explore a variety research ideas and topic thought-starters related to various environmental science disciplines, including ecology, oceanography, hydrology, geology, soil science, environmental chemistry, environmental economics, and environmental ethics.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the environmental sciences. This is the starting point though. To develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. Also be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to develop a high-quality research topic from scratch.

Overview: Environmental Topics

• Ecology /ecological science
• Atmospheric science
• Oceanography
• Soil science
• Environmental chemistry
• Environmental economics
• Environmental ethics
• Examples  of dissertations and theses

Topics & Ideas: Ecological Science

• The impact of land-use change on species diversity and ecosystem functioning in agricultural landscapes
• The role of disturbances such as fire and drought in shaping arid ecosystems
• The impact of climate change on the distribution of migratory marine species
• Investigating the role of mutualistic plant-insect relationships in maintaining ecosystem stability
• The effects of invasive plant species on ecosystem structure and function
• The impact of habitat fragmentation caused by road construction on species diversity and population dynamics in the tropics
• The role of ecosystem services in urban areas and their economic value to a developing nation
• The effectiveness of different grassland restoration techniques in degraded ecosystems
• The impact of land-use change through agriculture and urbanisation on soil microbial communities in a temperate environment
• The role of microbial diversity in ecosystem health and nutrient cycling in an African savannah

Topics & Ideas: Atmospheric Science

• The impact of climate change on atmospheric circulation patterns above tropical rainforests
• The role of atmospheric aerosols in cloud formation and precipitation above cities with high pollution levels
• The impact of agricultural land-use change on global atmospheric composition
• Investigating the role of atmospheric convection in severe weather events in the tropics
• The impact of urbanisation on regional and global atmospheric ozone levels
• The impact of sea surface temperature on atmospheric circulation and tropical cyclones
• The impact of solar flares on the Earth’s atmospheric composition
• The impact of climate change on atmospheric turbulence and air transportation safety
• The impact of stratospheric ozone depletion on atmospheric circulation and climate change
• The role of atmospheric rivers in global water supply and sea-ice formation

Topics & Ideas: Oceanography

• The impact of ocean acidification on kelp forests and biogeochemical cycles
• The role of ocean currents in distributing heat and regulating desert rain
• The impact of carbon monoxide pollution on ocean chemistry and biogeochemical cycles
• Investigating the role of ocean mixing in regulating coastal climates
• The impact of sea level rise on the resource availability of low-income coastal communities
• The impact of ocean warming on the distribution and migration patterns of marine mammals
• The impact of ocean deoxygenation on biogeochemical cycles in the arctic
• The role of ocean-atmosphere interactions in regulating rainfall in arid regions
• The impact of ocean eddies on global ocean circulation and plankton distribution
• The role of ocean-ice interactions in regulating the Earth’s climate and sea level

Tops & Ideas: Hydrology

• The impact of agricultural land-use change on water resources and hydrologic cycles in temperate regions
• The impact of agricultural groundwater availability on irrigation practices in the global south
• The impact of rising sea-surface temperatures on global precipitation patterns and water availability
• Investigating the role of wetlands in regulating water resources for riparian forests
• The impact of tropical ranches on river and stream ecosystems and water quality
• The impact of urbanisation on regional and local hydrologic cycles and water resources for agriculture
• The role of snow cover and mountain hydrology in regulating regional agricultural water resources
• The impact of drought on food security in arid and semi-arid regions
• The role of groundwater recharge in sustaining water resources in arid and semi-arid environments
• The impact of sea level rise on coastal hydrology and the quality of water resources

Topics & Ideas: Geology

• The impact of tectonic activity on the East African rift valley
• The role of mineral deposits in shaping ancient human societies
• The impact of sea-level rise on coastal geomorphology and shoreline evolution
• Investigating the role of erosion in shaping the landscape and impacting desertification
• The impact of mining on soil stability and landslide potential
• The impact of volcanic activity on incoming solar radiation and climate
• The role of geothermal energy in decarbonising the energy mix of megacities
• The impact of Earth’s magnetic field on geological processes and solar wind
• The impact of plate tectonics on the evolution of mammals
• The role of the distribution of mineral resources in shaping human societies and economies, with emphasis on sustainability

Topics & Ideas: Soil Science

• The impact of dam building on soil quality and fertility
• The role of soil organic matter in regulating nutrient cycles in agricultural land
• The impact of climate change on soil erosion and soil organic carbon storage in peatlands
• Investigating the role of above-below-ground interactions in nutrient cycling and soil health
• The impact of deforestation on soil degradation and soil fertility
• The role of soil texture and structure in regulating water and nutrient availability in boreal forests
• The impact of sustainable land management practices on soil health and soil organic matter
• The impact of wetland modification on soil structure and function
• The role of soil-atmosphere exchange and carbon sequestration in regulating regional and global climate
• The impact of salinization on soil health and crop productivity in coastal communities

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Chemistry

• The impact of cobalt mining on water quality and the fate of contaminants in the environment
• The role of atmospheric chemistry in shaping air quality and climate change
• The impact of soil chemistry on nutrient availability and plant growth in wheat monoculture
• Investigating the fate and transport of heavy metal contaminants in the environment
• The impact of climate change on biochemical cycling in tropical rainforests
• The impact of various types of land-use change on biochemical cycling
• The role of soil microbes in mediating contaminant degradation in the environment
• The impact of chemical and oil spills on freshwater and soil chemistry
• The role of atmospheric nitrogen deposition in shaping water and soil chemistry
• The impact of over-irrigation on the cycling and fate of persistent organic pollutants in the environment

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Economics

• The impact of climate change on the economies of developing nations
• The role of market-based mechanisms in promoting sustainable use of forest resources
• The impact of environmental regulations on economic growth and competitiveness
• Investigating the economic benefits and costs of ecosystem services for African countries
• The impact of renewable energy policies on regional and global energy markets
• The role of water markets in promoting sustainable water use in southern Africa
• The impact of land-use change in rural areas on regional and global economies
• The impact of environmental disasters on local and national economies
• The role of green technologies and innovation in shaping the zero-carbon transition and the knock-on effects for local economies
• The impact of environmental and natural resource policies on income distribution and poverty of rural communities

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Ethics

• The ethical foundations of environmentalism and the environmental movement regarding renewable energy
• The role of values and ethics in shaping environmental policy and decision-making in the mining industry
• The impact of cultural and religious beliefs on environmental attitudes and behaviours in first world countries
• Investigating the ethics of biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered species in palm oil plantations
• The ethical implications of sea-level rise for future generations and vulnerable coastal populations
• The role of ethical considerations in shaping sustainable use of natural forest resources
• The impact of environmental justice on marginalized communities and environmental policies in Asia
• The ethical implications of environmental risks and decision-making under uncertainty
• The role of ethics in shaping the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future for the construction industry
• The impact of environmental values on consumer behaviour and the marketplace: a case study of the ‘bring your own shopping bag’ policy

Examples: Real Dissertation & Thesis Topics

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various environmental science-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• The physiology of microorganisms in enhanced biological phosphorous removal (Saunders, 2014)
• The influence of the coastal front on heavy rainfall events along the east coast (Henson, 2019)
• Forage production and diversification for climate-smart tropical and temperate silvopastures (Dibala, 2019)
• Advancing spectral induced polarization for near surface geophysical characterization (Wang, 2021)
• Assessment of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter and Thamnocephalus platyurus as Tools to Monitor Cyanobacterial Bloom Development and Toxicity (Hipsher, 2019)
• Evaluating the Removal of Microcystin Variants with Powdered Activated Carbon (Juang, 2020)
• The effect of hydrological restoration on nutrient concentrations, macroinvertebrate communities, and amphibian populations in Lake Erie coastal wetlands (Berg, 2019)
• Utilizing hydrologic soil grouping to estimate corn nitrogen rate recommendations (Bean, 2019)
• Fungal Function in House Dust and Dust from the International Space Station (Bope, 2021)
• Assessing Vulnerability and the Potential for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in Sudan’s Blue Nile Basin (Mohamed, 2022)
• A Microbial Water Quality Analysis of the Recreational Zones in the Los Angeles River of Elysian Valley, CA (Nguyen, 2019)
• Dry Season Water Quality Study on Three Recreational Sites in the San Gabriel Mountains (Vallejo, 2019)
• Wastewater Treatment Plan for Unix Packaging Adjustment of the Potential Hydrogen (PH) Evaluation of Enzymatic Activity After the Addition of Cycle Disgestase Enzyme (Miessi, 2020)
• Laying the Genetic Foundation for the Conservation of Longhorn Fairy Shrimp (Kyle, 2021).

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. To create a top-notch research topic, you will need to be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you’ll need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Need more help?

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your environmental science dissertation or research project, be sure to check out our private coaching services below, as well as our Research Topic Kickstarter .

Need a helping hand?

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11 Comments

research topics on climate change and environment

I wish to learn things in a more advanced but simple way and with the hopes that I am in the right place.

Thank so much for the research topics. It really helped

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Research topics on environmental geology

Thanks for the research topics….I need a research topic on Geography

hi I need research questions ideas

Implications of climate variability on wildlife conservation on the west coast of Cameroon

I want the research on environmental planning and management

I want a topic on environmental sustainability

It good coaching

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Top 150 Environmental Science Research Topics

Hey there, fellow explorers of the environmental world. Ready to dive into the kingdom of Environmental Science? We’ve got an epic list of the Top 150 Environmental Science Research Topics waiting for you. 

From climate change mysteries to wildlife wonders, this treasure covers it all. Ever wondered about the impact of pollution on our oceans or how to protect endangered species? Curious about sustainable energy or the future of our planet’s forests? We’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re a student seeking inspiration for a killer research paper or just passionate about saving our planet, these topics are your launchpad into discovering, exploring, and understanding the world around us. Get ready to free your inner environmental scientist and make a difference one topic at a time.

Understanding The Concept Of Environmental Science

Table of Contents

Environmental science is a multidimensional field that examines relationships between human beings and the environment. It delves into understanding, protecting, and sustaining our planet’s health. Here’s a quick glance.

What is Environmental Science?

• Interdisciplinary Study: Environmental science combines elements of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and social sciences to understand environmental issues comprehensively.
• Study of Systems: It focuses on ecosystems, examining how various components interact and influence each other within the environment.

Key Components

• Biodiversity: Understanding and conserving the variety of life forms on Earth.
• Climate Change: Examining the impacts of human activities on the Earth’s climate system.
• Pollution: Investigating the sources, effects, and mitigation strategies for air, water, and soil pollution.
• Resource Management: Exploring sustainable practices for using and conserving natural resources.

Importance of Environmental Science

• Critical Problem-Solving: Addresses pressing issues like habitat loss, water scarcity, and global warming.
• Policy Formation: Provides scientific data to guide environmental policies and regulations.
• Community Engagement: Educates and involves communities in environmental conservation efforts.

Careers in Environmental Science

• Environmental Scientist: Conducts research to identify and solve environmental problems.
• Conservation Biologist: Focuses on protecting and managing natural resources.
• Environmental Engineer: Designs systems to address environmental challenges.

Future Challenges

• Sustainable Development: It includes Balancing economic growth via environmental conservation.
• Climate Resilience: Adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
• Global Cooperation: Addressing environmental issues requires international collaboration.

Environmental science plays a pivotal role in shaping policies, technologies, and behaviors that contribute to a sustainable future. Understanding its significance empowers us to take proactive steps in preserving our planet for generations to come.

Updated 2024: Top 150 Environmental Science Research Topics

Now we are presenting an extensive collection of current and relevant subjects shaping the field. Covering climate change, biodiversity conservation, pollution, renewable energy, and much more, this curated list reflects the latest trends and pressing issues in environmental science. Dive into these topics to explore cutting edge research opportunities and contribute to the solutions that our planet urgently needs.

Top 10 Research Topics On Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

• Coastal Protection Measures
• Resilient Infrastructure Development
• Sustainable Agriculture in Changing Climates
• Community-Based Adaptation Initiatives
• Water Resource Management Strategies
• Urban Heat Island Mitigation
• Forest Conservation and Restoration
• Climate-Resilient Housing Solutions
• Biodiversity Conservation for Adaptation
• Renewable Energy Integration for Climate Resilience

Top 10 Research Topics On Biodiversity Conservation

• Endangered Species Protection Programs
• Habitat Restoration Initiatives
• Effects of Climate Change on Biodiversity
• Conservation Genetics and Species Preservation
• Sustainable Management of Ecosystems
• Role of National Parks in Biodiversity Conservation
• Community-Based Conservation Efforts
• Biodiversity Hotspots and Priority Areas
• Wildlife Corridors and Connectivity Conservation
• Invasive Species Management Strategies

Top 10 Environmental Science Research Topics On Renewable Energy Sources

• Solar Energy: Advancements and Applications
• Wind Power: Harnessing Renewable Energy
• Hydroelectricity: Sustainable Hydropower Technologies
• Biomass Energy: Sustainable Fuel Sources
• Geothermal Energy: Earth’s Renewable Heat Source
• Tidal and Wave Energy: Harnessing Ocean Power
• Biofuels: Sustainable Alternatives for Transportation
• Solar Photovoltaic Technology: Efficiency and Innovation
• Wind Turbine Technology: Evolution and Efficiency
• Sustainable Energy Policies and Implementation

Top 10 Research Topics On Pollution Control And Mitigation

• Air Pollution Control Strategies
• Water Pollution Remediation Techniques
• Soil Contamination Management
• Industrial Pollution Prevention Methods
• Waste Management and Recycling
• Noise Pollution Reduction Measures
• Emission Reduction in Transportation
• Green Chemistry for Pollution Control
• Urban Planning for Pollution Mitigation
• Policy Frameworks for Pollution Control

Top 10 Environmental Science Research Topics On Sustainable Agriculture Practices

• Organic Farming Techniques and Benefits
• Agroforestry: Integrating Trees in Agriculture
• Permaculture: Sustainable Farm Design
• Soil Health Management in Agriculture
• Precision Agriculture for Resource Efficiency
• Crop Rotation and Diversification
• Water-Efficient Irrigation Methods
• Integrated Pest Management Strategies
• Sustainable Livestock Farming Practices
• Climate-Smart Agriculture Techniques

Top 10 Research Topics On Urban Environmental Management

• Urban Green Spaces and Biodiversity
• Waste Management in Urban Areas
• Air Quality Monitoring and Improvement
• Sustainable Urban Transportation
• Urban Heat Island Mitigation Strategies
• Stormwater Management in Cities
• Noise Pollution Control Measures
• Green Building and Sustainable Architecture
• Community Engagement in Urban Sustainability
• Urban Resilience and Adaptation Strategies

Top 10 Research Topics On Water Resource Management

• Urban Water Conservation Strategies
• Water Recycling and Reuse Methods
• Sustainable Groundwater Management
• Drought Management and Preparedness
• Efficient Agricultural Water Use
• River Basin Management and Restoration
• Stormwater Management Techniques
• Water Quality Monitoring and Protection
• Community-Based Water Resource Management
• Technology for Water Efficiency

Top 10 Environmental Science Research Topics On Air Quality Improvement

• Urban Air Pollution Control Measures
• Industrial Emission Reduction Strategies
• Indoor Air Quality Management
• Impact of Transportation on Air Quality
• Green Technologies for Air Purification
• Role of Vegetation in Air Quality Improvement
• Clean Energy Transition and Air Quality
• Air Quality Monitoring and Assessment
• Public Health Interventions for Air Pollution
• Policy Initiatives for Air Quality Enhancement

Top 10 Research Topics On Ecosystem Restoration

• Wetland Restoration Strategies
• Reforestation and Afforestation Programs
• Coral Reef Rehabilitation Efforts
• River and Stream Restoration Initiatives
• Urban Green Spaces and Restoration
• Degraded Land Restoration Techniques
• Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration
• Ecological Restoration in Mining Areas
• Restoring Biodiversity in Disturbed Ecosystems
• Restoring Indigenous Ecosystems and Habitats

Top 10 Environmental Science Research Topics On Environmental Policy And Governance

• Climate Change Policies and Agreements
• Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations
• National and International Conservation Laws
• Green Taxation and Incentive Programs
• Sustainable Development Goals Implementation
• Biodiversity Conservation Policies
• Water Resource Management Policies
• Waste Management Legislation
• Air Quality Control and Regulations
• Forest Protection and Governance

Top 10 Research Topics On Wildlife Conservation And Management

• Wildlife Population Monitoring Techniques
• Conservation Genetics for Endangered Species
• Human-Wildlife Conflict Resolution
• Wildlife Trafficking and Illegal Trade
• Habitat Fragmentation and Conservation
• Protected Area Management and Expansion
• Wildlife Migration Patterns and Conservation
• Conservation of Keystone Species
• Captive Breeding and Reintroduction Programs
• Wildlife Forensics and Crime Investigation

Top 10 Research Topics On Ocean And Coastal Studies

• Coral Reef Conservation and Restoration
• Marine Biodiversity Monitoring
• Coastal Erosion and Management Strategies
• Ocean Acidification Impacts and Mitigation
• Marine Pollution: Causes and Solutions
• Oceanography: Understanding Marine Systems
• Sustainable Fisheries Management
• Tsunami and Storm Surge Studies
• Marine Protected Areas and Conservation
• Seabed Mining Impacts and Regulations

Top 10 Environmental Science Research Topics On Environmental Health And Toxicology

• Air Quality and Human Health
• Water Contamination and Public Health
• Pesticides and Human Exposure
• Heavy Metals and Health Impacts
• Endocrine Disruptors in the Environment
• Occupational Health in Hazardous Environments
• Environmental Carcinogens and Risks
• Risk Assessment in Toxicology
• Environmental Impact on Reproductive Health
• Neurotoxicity of Environmental Pollutants

Top 10 Research Topics On Green Technology Innovations

• Smart Grid Technology for Energy Efficiency
• Energy-Efficient Building Designs
• Electric Vehicles and Sustainable Transportation
• Advanced Waste-to-Energy Technologies
• Nanotechnology in Environmental Remediation
• Green Chemistry : Sustainable Manufacturing
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
• Vertical Farming and Urban Agriculture
• AI and IoT in Environmental Monitoring
• Biodegradable Materials and Packaging

Top 10 Environmental Science Research Topics On Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

• Coastal Zone Adaptation Measures
• Agriculture Resilience to Climate Change
• Water Resource Management under Climate Change
• Infrastructure Adaptation for Extreme Weather
• Forest and Biodiversity Resilience Strategies
• Health Sector Adaptation to Changing Climates
• Indigenous Knowledge in Climate Adaptation
• Climate-Resilient Energy Infrastructure

And there you have it, folks, our ultimate list of 150 Environmental Science Research Topics. We’ve covered everything from climate change and biodiversity to pollution and renewable energy. But hey, this isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning of your eco-journey. Dive into these topics, explore what sparks your interest, and dig deep into making our planet a better place. Whether it’s studying ways to protect endangered species or finding innovative solutions for a greener tomorrow, there’s a topic here for everyone. So, grab your thinking cap, pick a topic, and let’s get cracking on saving the planet one research topic at a time.

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Natural Resources and Society: Understanding the Complex Relationship Between Humans and the Environment

• © 2023
• Mohd Akhter Ali   ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5575-1416 0 ,
• M. Kamraju   ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1343-7725 1

Department of Geography, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Department of Geography, Division of Graduate studies, Centre For Economic Studies, Nizamiah Observatory Campus, Hyderabad, India

• Applies interdisciplinary approaches to the study of human-environment interactions
• Provides a holistic perspective on the complex relationship between humans and the environment
• Presents cases of natural resource management, environmental policy-making, and sustainability initiatives

Part of the book series: Earth and Environmental Sciences Library (EESL)

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About this book

"Natural Resources and Society: Understanding the Complex Relationship Between Humans and the Environment" is a study of the dynamic interplay between humans and the natural world. The book explores the complex relationship between human societies and the environment, examining how human actions can both impact and be influenced by natural resources.

The book covers a broad range of topics, including the history of human resource use, the role of natural resources in economic development, and the environmental impacts of resource extraction and consumption. It also considers the social and cultural factors that shape human interactions with the natural world, and the challenges of sustainable resource management. 

Overall, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between humans and the environment, emphasizing the importance of understanding this relationship in order to develop more sustainable and equitable societies.

• Human-Environment Interactions
• Natural Resource Management
• Sustainable Development
• Environmental Policy
• Social-Ecological Systems

Table of contents (12 chapters)

Front matter, what are natural resources.

• Mohd Akhter Ali, M. Kamraju

Historical Perspectives on Resource Use

Theories and frameworks for understanding resource management, ecosystem services, natural resources and globalization, energy resources and society, water resources allocation and governance, land use and agriculture, minerals, metals, and mining, climate change and natural resources, environmental justice and resource distribution, the future of natural resource management, back matter, authors and affiliations.

Mohd Akhter Ali

About the authors

Dr. Mohd Akhter Ali is an Assistant professor, Department of Geography & Joint Director, Directorate of Admissions at, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India. He obtained his bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Osmania University. He specializes in environmental geography, urban and regional geography, cartography, rural development, GIS and remote sensing. He is the editor of many renowned journals in India and has some 18 years of experience teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students. He is a life member of a number of academic organizations, including the National Association of Geographers, India, and the Indian National Cartographic Association, among others. Dr. Ali has published 3 books and more than 120 journal articles.

Mr. M. Kamraju is a Former lecturer , Urban Researcher And  presently working as Research Associate, ICSSR Major Project, Ministry of Education, New Delhi. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Gauhati University with honors in Geography and a Postgraduate Degree from Osmania University.He also did PGD in Geographical Cartography from Osmania University. He has worked on two major projects by the Indian Council of Social Science Research and the Telangana Biodiversity Department. He has 4 years of experience teaching undergraduate and Intermediate students . He has also guided 145 undergraduate students (B.A. geography) for their final-year project in various fields (agriculture, urban studies, economics, GIS and remote sensing). He completed a 3-month internship with the Indian Institute of Surveying and Mapping, Hyderabad, India, in 2017. Mr. M.Kamraju has also contributed chapters for 12 edited books and more than seventy Five research journals of National and international standards.He has qualified 5 UGC NET Examinations ( Geography,Sociology, International Area Studies & Population Studies) (Education ) and APSET (Geography) examination. He is a life member of many academic organizations including the National Association of Geographers, India( NAGI), Indian National Cartographic Association(INCA),Deccan Environmental Research Organisation (DERO), Agriculture and Food e-Newsletter, etc. He is the peer reviewer of Agriculture & food: e-Newsletter, Asian Journal of Pregnancy and ChildBirth,International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CREATIVE RESEARCH THOUGHTS and Earth Sciences journals. He is the Deputy Editor of IGI Global publication, Pennsylvania, Urban Environment and Spatial Science,Springer Nature Japan,Urbanisation and Urban Systems, Geospatial Science & Technology for Environmental Concerns: COVID-19 Pandemic,Routledge & CRC press.He has received many awards in research such as best paper award by IASET, best researcher award by DERO,Global Youth Award by TCC, etc.

Bibliographic Information

Book Title : Natural Resources and Society: Understanding the Complex Relationship Between Humans and the Environment

Authors : Mohd Akhter Ali, M. Kamraju

Series Title : Earth and Environmental Sciences Library

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-46720-2

Publisher : Springer Cham

eBook Packages : Earth and Environmental Science , Earth and Environmental Science (R0)

Copyright Information : The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023

Hardcover ISBN : 978-3-031-46719-6 Published: 15 November 2023

Softcover ISBN : 978-3-031-46722-6 Due: 16 December 2023

eBook ISBN : 978-3-031-46720-2 Published: 14 November 2023

Series ISSN : 2730-6674

Series E-ISSN : 2730-6682

Edition Number : 1

Number of Pages : XVIII, 183

Number of Illustrations : 1 b/w illustrations, 3 illustrations in colour

Topics : Environmental Policy , Sociology, general , Environmental Management , Monitoring/Environmental Analysis , Analytical Chemistry

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Are you looking for environmental research paper topics? With ongoing debates about global warming, air pollution, and other issues, there is no shortage of exciting topics to craft a research paper around. Whether you’re studying ecology, geology, or marine biology, developing the perfect environmental research topic to get your science research assignment off the ground can be challenging. Stop worrying – we got you covered. Continue reading to learn about 235 different ideas on environmental research topics. In this article, we will discuss environmental topics and show you how to choose an interesting research topic for your subject. We will also provide a list of various environmental topics from our research paper services . In addition, we will present you with environmental science research topics, discuss other ideas about the environment for research papers, and offer our final thoughts on these topics for research papers.

What Are Environmental Topics?

Environmental topics provide an analysis of environmental issues and their effect on people, culture, nature, or a particular place, often interdisciplinary, drawing from sciences, politics, economics, sociology, and public policy. Topics about environmental science may include environmental justice, engineering and communication, regulation, economics, and health. Environment research topics may focus on environmental sustainability, impact assessment, management systems, and resources. In addition, these areas for research papers offer a few opportunities to explore our relationship with the environment and consider how human activities influence it through climate change, pollution, or other factors such as natural resource usage as well as biodiversity loss.

What Makes a Good Environmental Research Topic? 

When choosing an environmental research topic, it is essential to consider what makes good environmental topics. Below is an expert list outlining what your topic should be like:

• It should be interesting and relevant to your study field.
• It's essential to consider the topic's potential implications on environment-related policies. Think about the possible positive or negative effects this topic could have when implemented in terms of protecting our environment.
• A good topic should be specific enough to provide a focus for your research paper and allow you to explore a particular issue in depth.
• The research topic should be feasible and manageable to ensure that you can find the necessary information and resources.
• Environmental sciences research topics should be current and relevant to ecological developments.

How to Choose Environmental Science Topics?

When choosing research topics for environmental science, it is essential to research the available information and determine its relevance. It all depends on whether the research topic is feasible and has the potential for exploration. Environmental issue topics should be well-defined and interesting to the researcher. The reason is that the researcher should be able to provide solutions or make suggestions on improvement strategies. You can follow the below steps when choosing environmental science topics for research:

Step 1: Identify topics that are relevant to your research context. Step 2: Develop a list of research areas by extracting critical concepts from the available literature.

Step 3: Select interesting and feasible topics by considering the methods available for analysis.

Step 4: Analyze these topics to identify the gaps in current research and formulate questions for further investigation. Step 5: Review the available literature to gain insights about the chosen topic and develop a research proposal.

Step 6: Consult experts in this field to get feedback and refine the proposed research.

Don’t have time for writing your environmental research paper? Count on StudyCrumb. Send us a ‘ write a research paper for me ’ message and get professional assistance in a timely manner. 

List of Environment Research Paper Topics

Environmental topics for a research paper can be overwhelming to navigate due to the vast number of issues you can discuss in your article. To help narrow down your research paper search, below is a list of environmental research topics that include climate change, renewable energy, ecology, pollution, sustainability, endangered species, ecosystems, nature, and water management. You can choose one of them as a guide to writing an excellent essay

Environmental Research Topics on Climate Change

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues that humanity is currently facing due to increased temperature levels. Climate change is amongst the most debated environmental research topics among researchers, policymakers, and governments. Here are critical areas related to climate change that you can use for your environmental science research paper topics:

• Causes and effects of climate change.
• Climate change adaptation strategies.
• Climate change impact on rural communities.
• Role of renewable energy sources in mitigating climate change.
• Carbon dioxide emission policies.
• Global warming and its impact on ocean acidification.
• Social effects of climate change.
• Permafrost melting and its implications.
• Role of international organizations in climate change.
• Climate change and forest fire: examining the role of climate change on wildfire season, frequency, and burned area.

Environmental Science Research Topics on Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is essential due to its potential to reduce ecological damage from burning fossil fuels and provides valuable topics in environmental science. You can use renewable energy technologies as a cleaner alternative for generating electricity and heating. In addition, renewable energy is crucial for cooling homes and factories in the world. The following are environmental science topics for research paper on renewable energy:

• Renewable energy types, sources, and their impact on the environment.
• Economic benefits of renewable energy.
• Research on new technologies in renewable energy.
• Role of renewable energy in protecting businesses from legal actions.
• Hydropower and its role in renewable energy.
• Chemical batteries for renewable energy storage.
• Green microgrids in optimizing renewable energy usage.
• Ocean energy and its effects on the environment.
• Geothermal drilling and its consequences.
• Biomass resources and their use in renewable energy.

Environment Research Topics on Ecology

Ecology studies how living organisms interact with each other and their environment. Also, it is an important area of research for understanding how the environment affects the function of various species and ecosystems. It also gives a background for one of the best environment research paper topics. Below are topics for environmental research paper on ecology:

• Biodiversity conservation strategies.
• Impact of pollution on ecosystems.
• Ecological research on saving endangered species from extinction.
• Role of environment in migrations patterns of animals.
• Habitat fragmentation effects on the environment.
• Ecological implications of climate change.
• Ecology and pest control strategies.
• Ecological effects of deforestation.
• Ecology and conservation of marine life.
• Ecological consequences of urbanization.

Research Topics in Environmental Science About Pollution

Pollution is an issue at the forefront of scientific research. As one of the environmental science paper topics, it offers insights into how pollution destroys the environment and its negative impact on human and animal health. Stated below are hot environmental science research topics on pollution which you can use for your article:

• Air pollution: causes & effects.
• Water pollution and its consequences for people and other living organisms.
• Issue of urban & industrial pollution.
• Noise pollution and environment-related health risks.
• Marine plastic pollution in oceans.
• Radiological waste disposal policies.
• Nuclear energy, radiation & health impacts.
• Sustainable waste management solutions.
• Impact of pollution on biodiversity.
• Soil pollution and its effects on agriculture.

Environmental Topics for Research Papers on Sustainability

One of the many topics for environmental research papers is sustainability. Sustainability is an important topic to explore, as it involves finding a way for humans to reduce their ecological footprint and ensure that the environment can recover from our activities. Stated below are environmental topics for research paper on sustainability which you can explore:

• Strategies for sustainable development.
• Renewable energy sources and their effects.
• Environmental sustainability and its economic benefits.
• Sustainable energy sources and their effects.
• Implications of sustainable agriculture on the environment.
• Ecological impacts of sustainable forestry.
• Social implications of renewable energy use.
• Strategies for mitigating ecological impact from unsustainable development.
• Psychological effects of ecological awareness on sustainable practices.
• Influence of ecological sustainability on economic growth.

Environmental Topics to Write About Endangered Species

Endangered species are one of the environmental topics of great importance to research and find solutions for their conservation. Poaching, habitat destruction, and climate change negatively impact endangered species. Also, human activities have put other species at risk of extinction by competing for resources as well as introducing invasive species. Below is a list of cool environment topics to write about endangered species:

• Endangered species conservation.
• Causes & effects of habitat fragmentation.
• Wildlife conservation strategies.
• Climate change impacts on endangered species.
• Illegal wildlife trade and trafficking.
• Marine protected areas for conserving marine life.
• Ecological restoration and reintroduction programs.
• Endangered species in developing nations.
• Human rights & animal welfare laws .
• Captive breeding for conservation purposes.

Environmental Research Paper Topics on Ecosystems

Ecosystems are fascinating to explore in environmental paper topics because they contain a variety of living organisms and are a complex web of interactions between species, the environment, and humans. The subject provides environmental issues topics for research paper essential in exploring the dynamics of ecosystems and their importance. Below is a list of topics for environmental science research paper:

• Ecosystem services & their value.
• Climate change impacts on ecosystems.
• Hydrological cycle & effects on ecosystems.
• Ecological restoration & biodiversity conservation.
• Invasive species & their impact on native species.
• Biodiversity hotspots: areas of high endemism.
• Soil degradation & its impact on ecosystems.
• Sustainable forestry practices.
• Ecological restoration of wetlands.

Environmental Topics About Nature

Nature is a broad topic that includes ecological conservation, protection, and sustainability issues. Environmental research topics about nature allow us to explore areas that focus on preserving and conserving the environment. Research papers about nature can provide insight into utilizing nature as a resource, both from a practical and ecological aspect. Below is a list of environment topics that you can explore in your essays:

• Nature conservation & preservation strategies.
• Climate change effects on natural environments.
• Natural resource management strategies.
• Policies for natural resources management.
• Impact of human development on wildlands.
• Sustainable use of natural resources.
• Role of ethics in nature conservation.
• De-extinction: pros & cons of bringing back extinct species.
• Protected areas & conservation of rare species.

Environmental Issues Topics on Water Management

Water management is an issue that has a significant impact on the environment. Exploring a topic related to water management can provide experts, among others, with insights into environmental science issues and their implications. When it's time to write your project related to water management, you can explore the following topics for environmental issues:

• Water pollution & its control.
• Groundwater management strategies.
• Climate change impact on water resources.
• Integrated water resources management.
• Wetland conservation & restoration projects.
• Industrial effluents role in water pollution.
• Desalination technologies for freshwater production.
• Urbanization impact on groundwater resources.
• Inland & coastal water management strategies.
• Wastewater treatment & reuse technologies.

Environmental Science Topics in Different Areas

Environmental science studies ecological processes and their interactions with living organisms. Exploring environmental science related topics can provide valuable insights into environmental science issues, their ecological implications, and conservation efforts. In addition, these topics can also be explored in different areas, providing a comprehensive understanding of how different factors impact the environment. This section delves into various environmental science topics for projects related to law, justice, policy, economics, biology, chemistry, and health science.

Environmental Law Research Topics

Environmental law governs environmental processes and their interactions with living organisms. Delving into environmental law can uncover invaluable information on environment paper topics, ranging from legal matters and their consequences to preservation initiatives. Students can use the following environmental issue topics for research papers for their essays:

• Climate change liability & lawsuits.
• Strategies for conservation and protection under environmental law.
• Consequences of non-compliance with regulations on the environment.
• Impact of trade agreements on environment protection.
• Regulatory strategies for hazardous waste disposal.
• Strategies for enforcement and compliance with environment-related laws.
• International environment treaties and their implications.
• Effects of climate change legislation on the environment.
• Corporate environmental policies and regulations and their effects.
• Role of law in mitigating environment-related issues.

Environmental Justice Research Topics

Environmental justice seeks to ensure equitable treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in ecological protection, regardless of their race, sex, or economic status. Environment topics related to justice can provide valuable insights into ecological issues and their impacts. Listed below are justice-related Environmental topics to research:

• Implications of unequal access to resources.
• Disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.
• Consequences of marginalization of marginalized communities from environmental processes.
• Links between poverty and environment degradation.
• Effects of non-participation in environment-related decision-making.
• Policies to ensure access to clean air and water.
• Impact of social inequality on environment protection.
• Intersection between gender, race, and environment justice.
• Ecological consequences of corporate negligence of marginalized communities.
• Disproportionate implications of climate change on vulnerable populations.

Environmental Policy Research Paper Topics

Environmental policy is a set of laws, rules, and regulations created to protect the environment as well as its resources. Studying environment-related policies provides an area for students to explore a range of subjects related to the environment, ranging from local to global. Below are potential environmental sciences research topics for your reference.

• Environmental policy initiatives' implications on global climate change.
• Effectiveness of carbon taxes for air pollution control.
• Land use and development impact on the environment.
• Water quality in the united states, focusing on natural resource governance.
• Educational initiative's impact on public opinion and policy outcomes.
• Social aspects of policy making and implementation on the environment.
• Promoting sustainability from a global perspective.
• Potential for justice initiatives in promoting equitable and effective management.
• Rise of green economy its impact.
• Environment policies and their potential for success.

Environmental Economics Research Topics

Environmental economics seeks to understand environmental issues from an economic perspective. Examining environmental studies topics can offer insights into ecological conservation and sustainability while connecting protection efforts with economic interests and helping inform policies. The following are creative topics about environmental science related to economics:

• Economic impacts of regulating the environment.
• Strategies for environmentally sustainable economic growth.
• Consequences of non-compliance with environment-related regulations.
• Environment conservation and protection using economic incentives.
• Taxes and subsidies and their implications on the environment.
• Economic implications of climate change legislation.
• The private sector role in environment conservation and protection.
• Green finance role in mitigating ecological issues.
• Economics of pollution control and management.
• Conservation and protection of the environment in the face of economic interests.

>> Learn more: Economics Research Topics

Environmental Biology Research Topics

Environmental biology is a field of science that focuses on understanding the interactions between living organisms and their environment. It covers environmental biology topics such as biodiversity, conservation, pollution, management, health, and sustainability. The following are environment research paper topics related to biology:

• Biodiversity conservation in managing the environment.
• Role of biotechnology in reducing air pollution.
• Environment degradation and its consequences on wildlife.
• Role of microorganisms in maintaining soil fertility.
• Ecological consequences of over-exploitation of natural resources.
• Habitat fragmentation and its role in species conservation.
• Education's role in environment conservation.
• Environment degradation and its effects on food security.
• Invasive species and their impacts on ecosystem.

Keep in mind that we have a whole blog on biological topics if you need more ideas in this field.

Environmental Chemistry Research Topics

Environmental chemistry research is a complex interdisciplinary field aiming to understand the behavior of a chemical process within an environment. It involves researching the impact of pollutants in the air, soil, water, and other ecological media. Possible research topics about the environment related to this field include:

• Effect of agricultural chemicals on water systems.
• Air pollution control strategies and their effectiveness.
• Climate change impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
• Sources and implications of persistent organic pollutants.
• Air quality monitoring for urban areas.
• Water quality monitoring in coastal areas.
• Characterization and fate of toxic compounds in soil and groundwater.
• Impact of hazardous chemical waste on the environment.
• Monitoring and remediation of contaminated sites.
• The roles of environmental chemistry in climate change research.

Need more ideas? There is one more blog with  chemistry research topics  on our platform.

Environmental Health Science Research Topics

Environmental health is a diverse field focusing on the natural environment as well as its effects on human health. It is an interdisciplinary field that offers environment topics for research, such as environmental epidemiology, toxicology, and ecology, in addition to risk assessment. Provided below is a list of topics for an environmental science project that is suitable for your research paper:

• Air pollution effects on human health.
• Climate change effects on health.
• Water pollution and public health.
• Noise pollution effects on well-being.
• Mental health effects of environment-related toxins.
• Human health effects of natural disasters.
• Urbanization's effect on human health.
• Sustainable development and public health.
• Role of social media in promoting environmental health and awareness.
• Biodiversity preservation and its impact on human health.

Other Ideas & Topics About Environment for Research Papers

Ecological crisis is a key issue that has continuously affected planet earth. People are becoming more aware of environmental problems as well as their impact on health, well-being, and quality of life. As such, ecological fields for research are becoming ever more critical. This section will explore interesting environmental topics related to current ecological issues, controversial, interesting topics, easy research questions for projects, as well as unique research areas which students might study. These environmental issue project ideas below will help you develop interesting fields for research papers.

Current Issues in Environmental Science

Current ecological issues are a hot topic that has become increasingly important. They provide outstanding environmental issues to write about due to their impact on the environment and human health. The following are environmental issue topics for paper writing that are currently in discussion:

• Global warming and how to prevent its impact.
• Sustainable energy and its role in protecting the environment.
• Water conservation practices.
• Renewable energy role in global ecological protection.
• Carbon footprint and climate change.
• Ozone layer depletion and its effects on human health.
• Plastic pollution and its impact.
• Land degradation and soil erosion.
• Energy industry activities effects on ecological health.
• Air pollution and its impact on human health.
• Deforestation and its consequences.
• Effect of agricultural practices on ecological health.
• Overuse and exploitation of natural resources.
• Industrial waste impact on health.
• Green technology role in ecological protection.

Controversial Environmental Topics for Research Paper

Environmental controversies constitute a significant challenge facing society today. From climate change to air and water pollution, the effects of human activity on our natural environment are increasingly becoming a focus of public debate and research. Research papers on environmental controversial topics can help inform the public as well as policymakers about the potential impacts of human activities on the environment. The following are examples of environmental controversy topics for research paper:

• Climate change: is human activity a primary cause of global warming.
• Deforestation: are current logging practices sustainable in the long term.
• Air pollution: what are the health impacts of air pollution.
• Water pollution: how is water pollution impacting biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Geothermal energy: what potential impacts does geothermal energy extraction have on the environment.
• Renewable energy: are wind and solar energy carbon-neutral.
• Arctic drilling: is drilling for oil in the arctic ocean a viable option given current climate conditions.
• Nuclear power: what health risks are associated with nuclear power plants.
• Biodiversity loss: what steps can you take to protect biodiversity from human activities.
• Endangered species: how protecting endangered species can impact conservation efforts and how they live.
• GMO foods: are genetically modified organisms safe for human consumption? how does GMO food affect humans.
• Pesticides: how does pesticide use affect our health and the environment.
• Ocean acidification: how is ocean acidification impacting marine ecosystems.
• Waste management: what are the most effective ways to manage waste and reduce pollution.
• Resource exploitation: how does the exploitation of natural resources impact local communities.

Interesting Environmental Research Topics

In the context of environmental subjects, research topics explore the effects of human activities on the environment as well as the potential solutions to the identified problems. In addition to providing insight into ecological protection and conservation, research areas in this category cover social issues related to environmentalism and ecological justice. Below are interesting environmental science topics to consider when looking for a research topic in the future:

• Effects of environment-related toxins on human health.
• Climate change effects on coastal habitats.
• Agricultural activities impacts on the environment.
• Groundwater contamination and its effects on water quality.
• Pollution from factories and its impact on the environment.
• Waste management strategies and their impacts.
• Consequences of water contamination on local wildlife.
• Impacts of mining.
• Deforestation effects on ecosystems and species diversity.
• Industrial fishing practices effects.
• Sustainable forestry practices and their impact on ecosystems.
• Nuclear energy production and its consequences.
• Reducing emissions from vehicles and their effects on air quality.
• Landfills implications on the environment.
• Implications of plastic pollution.

Easy Environmental Research Questions for Projects

When it comes to environmental science topics for project work, there are plenty of easy options. Research projects in this category can explore ecological issues as well as their consequences or potential solutions to these problems. The following is a list of the top fifteen most accessible environment project topics for your research project.

• Air pollution levels impact on urban areas.
• Agricultural practices effects on the environment.
• Developing strategies for sustainable development.
• Causes of water contamination.
• Factors contributing to global warming.
• Natural disasters effects on the environment.
• Land use changes effects on the environment.
• Energy consumption impacts on the environment.
• Climate change effects on the environment.
• Industrialization and its consequences.
• Impact of plastic pollution.
• Health risks associated with air pollution.
• Deforestation impacts on the environment.
• Soil erosion and its effects on the environment.
• Causes and consequences of species extinction.

Unique Environmental Research Topics for Students

As environmental issues become increasingly complex, research fields for students become more varied. Unique environmental research topics for college students can range from local ecological concerns to global ones. The following are fifteen unique environmental science research topics for high school students and college students:

• Climate change impact on water quality.
• Acid rain and its effects.
• Urbanization's effect on biodiversity.
• Effects of offshore drilling.
• Ocean acidification and its impact.
• Impact of privatization on natural resources.
• Effectiveness of renewable energy sources.
• Relationship between energy consumption and the environment.
• Potential impacts regarding genetic engineering on biodiversity.
• Toxic waste disposal and its impacts.
• Environment-related policies impact on water quality.
• Deforestation and its effects on soil quality.
• Causes and consequences of ozone layer depletion.
• Relationship between pollution and public health issues.

Final Thoughts on Environmental Topics for Research Papers

This article has provided 235 environmental science research topics for research papers as well as project work that high school and college students can use. Topics range from local issues, such as assessing air pollution levels in an urban area, to global concerns, like examining the ecological effects of plastic pollution. Whether its health risks are associated with air pollution in an environment or the impacts of industrialization, research can help shape your understanding of how to protect as well as preserve our planet. It is up to the students to identify good environmental research topics that are interesting and relevant to them and to delve deeper to understand the earth better.

Get in touch with our academic writing service and receive expert help. Let us know your topic, pay for research paper and get an excellent result in no time.

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THE MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES: AN OVERVIEW AND RESEARCH AGENDA

Our intention is to inspire management scholars to take up the “grand challenge” to provide strategic and managerial insights in conversations and debates that have so far been held by policymakers, economists, natural scientists, and engineers. As organizations’ objectives can diverge from those of governments, citizens, and stakeholders, the interplay between corporate decisions, institutional and regulatory actions, societal pressures, and important externalities of extractive processes provides an exciting context for theoretical and empirical research. We provide examples of how natural resource scarcity is challenging businesses, governments, and industries at large to innovate technologies and business models, compete in natural resource markets, and collaborate across industrial, national, and cultural boundaries.

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Simon J D Schillebeeckx

The scarcity of natural resources is a topic of substantive interest for executives and policymakers. However, a systematic review of the management literature reveals natural resources have received limited attention despite their unique value for theorizing and understanding firm actions. Our analysis suggests that natural resources have 4 characteristics that are not idiosyncratic to the firm, but are still relevant to strategy. As such, natural resources have nuanced implications for the interpretation of resources within resource-based theories of the firm. We develop a preliminary framework that addresses how firms, governments, and industries behave in natural resource spaces and discuss implications and theoretical avenues for future research.

General trends in governance have an impact on natural resource management. The trend towards decentralisation and strengthening local democracy has affected the comparative influence of actors at different levels on the exploitation of natural resources. Trade is also likely to become an increasingly pressing issue. It has profound impacts on domestic and local governance of natural resources. There is also the issue of transparency relating to natural resource extraction. This is best exemplified by the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI). Improving governance through greater transparency seems to be correlate with greater voice and accountability and a stronger business climate, though it is unclear whether there are any causal links.

Jessica Coria

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Stefan Andreasson

International journal of legal information

victor essien

Annegret Flohr

Increasing demand for extractive resources, volatile markets and protectionist endeavours are currently heightening a well-known challenge of the developing world: Countries that possess significant amounts of natural resource deposits on average achieve lower development success in economic as well as in political terms. Research on this so called ‘resource curse’ stresses that effective governance is a key to achieving broad-based development from resource extraction. Consequently, more and more development actors – donor countries and their agents as well as NGOs and numerous newly created multi-stakeholder initiatives – are now focusing their attention on governance of the extractive sector. This publication is a condensed version of a study prepared for the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The primary goal of this study was to map the growing field of actors working on development-related questions of natural resource governance. It also aimed to identify potential partners for GIZ from the universe of stakeholders. The study provides a conceptual framework for identifying partnership possibilities between stakeholders in the field of natural resource governance and applies the framework to a selected number of actors. The study’s scope is limited to stakeholders that are active on a global scale and to nonrenewable natural resources (oil, gas, and mining). It distinguishes four major groups of stakeholders: state actors, business actors, civil society actors, and multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Analele Universităţii Constantin Brâncuşi din Târgu Jiu : Seria Economie

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Natural resources are not homogeneous in nature, having certain features in the productive process that require grouping them into different categories by different criteria. Consequently, natural resources cannot be addressed all at once, but only distinctly, according to relevant criteria selected based on the proposed goals. This criteria selection process requires special features and econometric models representing the core of the present paper. Furthermore, the paper also intends to cover the social importance of understanding resources misuse, and alongside with the types and sources of inefficiency in resource management

Indian Journal of Spatial Science

Ashis Sarkar

The present paper is a review of political economy on empirical evidence related to natural resource rent and consequential economic prosperity where resource-rich countries reluctantly depend on their respective resource rents and capitals. With the modern growing relevance of natural resource abundance, dependence and capabilities toward regional economic prosperity, many resource-rich countries experience less rapid growth than the resource-poor countries. The impacts of resource rents towards their respective regional economy are the issue of severe concerns. As a result, this paper critically examined the nexus of natural resource abundance, dependence, and capabilities in relation to their respective regional economic prosperity relative to other regions of the world. The analysis shows that it is common for natural resource rents to mob out physical and human development, thereby slowing down economic growth. However, across resource-rich countries, heavy dependence on natural resources influences resource dependence and can subsequently impair saving and direct investment through slowing human capital growth and development. This study argued that benchmarking rents on the basis of capabilities should be precedence instead of focusing on natural resource abundance and dependence. The study also affirmed the assessments of natural resource rents gap, weaknesses and competitive advantages in the global economic arena.

Natural resources are not homogeneous in nature, therefore economic analysis of extractive industry fundamentally differs compared to agriculture, manufacture and services analysis. The main reason is that mineral resources are exhaustible resources; hence, in the mining industry an initial stock of reserves will exhaust over time. Therefore, this paper analysis the natural resource market according to several criteria: requirements of economic growth, future potential of environmental factors, scientific and technological progress and demographic change. Hence, this work deals with issues related to the limited character and scarcity of natural resources (supply) in relation to the development of demand (in the first part), and the mechanisms and economic laws that describe the supplydemand ratio of natural resources determined by economic and social factors (in the second part).

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Physical Address: 975 W. 6th Street Moscow, Idaho

Mailing Address: 875 Perimeter Drive MS 1138 Moscow, ID 83844-1138

Phone: 208-885-8981

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Tara Hudiburg  - Climate change R. Robberecht - Consequences of stratosphere ozone depletion: integration from molecule to global scales Dennis Scarnecchia - Climate and changing fish life histories Lee Vierling  - Global change

Smoke and Air Quality

Alistair Smith - Smoke emissions and air quality

Conservation

Courtney Conway - Conservation biology Brian Dennis - Conservation biology Ryan Long - Ecology and conservation of large mammals Michael Quist  - Ecology and conservation of fishes Janet Rachlow - Conservation of fragmented populations, ungulate biology Lisette Waits - Endangered species ecology and management

Lisette Waits - Conservation genetics

Place-based

Andrew Kliskey - Social-ecological systems and place-based science Karla Eitel - Residential environmental education Travis Paveglio - Conservation-based collective action Nick Sanyal - Conservation planning, community planning

Nick Sanyal - Planning and behavior, survey research

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Anthony S. Davis  - Restoration of degraded forests

Courtney Conway - Life history evolution Ryan Long - Physiological ecology of endotherms, biophysical ecology Michael Quist - Applied fish ecology Tara Hudiburg - Ecosystem ecology Leda Kobziar - Plant community ecology R. Robberecht - Ecology and systems ecology Eva Strand - Spatial ecology Lee Vierling  - Spatial ecology Lisette Waits - Molecular ecology

Courtney Conway - Behavioral ecology

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Alistair Smith - Field and remote sensing of severity Leda Kobziar - Fuels management, soil ecology

Tara Hudiburg - Ecosystem ecology Timothy E. Link - Vegetation atmosphere interactions Penelope Morgan  - Landscape ecology Eva Strand - Applied landscape ecology Lee Vierling - Landscape ecology

Methodology

Brian Dennis - Statistical ecology, mathematical modeling, theoretical ecology, population dynamics R. Robberecht  - Scientific visualization and modeling (integration of ecological processes, molecule to globe)

Physiological

R. Robberecht - Ecophysiology (physiological plant ecology) Alistair Smith - Physiological responses to fire Lee Vierling - Physiological ecology and remote sensing

Anthony S. Davis  - Restoration of degraded forests Leda Kobziar - Fire restoration, prescribed burning R. Robberecht - Ecology and systems ecology

Carbon Cycle

Luigi Boschetti  - Global carbon cycle Tara Hudiburg  - Carbon cycle science Leda Kobziar - Fire effects on soil carbon

Penelope Morgan  - Fire ecology and management Leda Kobziar - Fire ecology, fuels management, prescribed fire, effects on soil, bioaerosol microbial ecology Kerri Vierling - Fire ecology/disturbance ecology

Fire Behavior

Alistair Smith - Combustion physics and dynamics

Dennis Becker - State and Federal public land policy Travis Paveglio  - Wildfire planning, mitigation, suppression and recovery

Fuels & Hazard Mapping

Dennis Becker  - Bioenergy from biomass Randy Brooks - Biofuels Paul Gessler - Wildland fire fuels and hazard mapping Armando McDonald - Fuels from biomass, pyrolysis, synthetic gas Travis Paveglio - Risk mapping and vulnerability

Luigi Boschetti  - Global biomass burning, remote sensing of fire Leda Kobziar - Fire management Penelope Morgan  - Fire ecology and management

Smoke / Air Quality

Alistair Smith  - Smoke and air quality Leda Kobziar - Smoke microbial ecology

Christine Moffitt - Aquaculture chemical efficacy and approval, fisheries history Michael Quist - Fish population dynamics and assessment; biological assessment Dennis Scarnecchia - Stock assessment and management, fish population dynamics and stock assessment

Christine Moffitt - Invasive species biology and management Michael Quist - Fish assemblage structure and function

Andrew Nelson - Production ecology Michael Quist - Applied fish ecology, community ecology Dennis Scarnecchia - Ecology, large river ecology and fisheries, salmon, trout and charr ecology

Christopher C. Caudill - Habitat use and life history of juvenile fall Chinook salmon in Snake River reservoirs Christine Moffitt - Physiological responses of fish populations to increasing water temperatures Michael Quist - Fish habitat interactions Dennis Scarnecchia - Fish habitat relationships in rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs

Kenneth Cain - Aquaculture vaccine development, immunology / pathology, health / diseases, molecular diagnostics Christine Moffitt - Host-parasite interactions, disease interactions of cultured and wild fish, health and management of anadromous fish in hatcheries and in the wild

Michael Quist - Fisheries management Dennis Scarnecchia - Fisheries management

Christopher C. Caudill - Influence of dams on migration behavior and success of adult salmon and steelhead, improving upstream passage conditions for adult Pacific lamprey at dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers Dennis Scarnecchia - Migrations and movements of Salmon, trout, charr, paddlefish, sturgeon and other fish species.

Species Specific

Kenneth Cain - Aquaculture development (new species) Michael Quist  - Ecology and management of native and nonnative fishes Dennis Scarnecchia - Paddlefish and sturgeon biology, salmon, trout and charr ecology and management

Dennis Becker  - State and Federal biomass utilization policy, bioenergy project assessment Luigi Boschetti - Global biomass burning Randy Brooks - Forest biomass utilization Mark Coleman - Bioenergy feedstock production, intensive silviculture, below ground processes Armando McDonald  - Development of biobased fuels from biomass (including pyrolysis and synthesis gas upgrading to gasoline) Lee Vierling - Remote sensing of biomass

Biopolymer / Biomaterials

Randy Brooks  - Biofuels Armando McDonald - Biopolymers and bioplastics synthesis/biosynthesis from waste streams, biobased composite materials research (including fiber modifications and product prototype development), development of biobased fuels from biomass (including pyrolysis and synthesis gas upgrading to gasoline), understanding wood/xylem formation using a combined biochemistry/proteomics approach

Tara Hudiburg - Carbon cycle science Luigi Boschetti - Global carbon cycle Lee Vierling - Remote sensing of carbon cycle

Insects / Disease

Randy Brooks  - Forest insects and diseases George Newcombe  - Fungal pathogens of Populus and Salix: their taxonomy, ecology, and distributions, Endophyte mutualists of forest trees, Hyperparasitism

Native Species

Anthony S. Davis - Improving nursery production practices of native plants George Newcombe  - Plant-soil feedback in plant invasions

Randy Brooks  - Forest herbicides, forest operations Robert Keefe - Forest operations, forest operations modeling, forest management and planning, growth and yield

Quantity / Quality

Thomas M. Gorman  - Wood quality Robert Keefe  - Forest management and planning, growth and yield

Sustainability

Anthony S. Davis  - Restoration of degraded forests, effects of environmental stresses on seedling growth and development Mark Coleman  - Forest tree nutrition Thomas M. Gorman - Small diameter log utilization, sustainable green building practices, energy-efficient wood-framed housing Robert Keefe  - Forest management and planning, growth and yield Armando McDonald  - Biopolymers and bioplastics synthesis/biosynthesis from waste streams, biobased composite materials research (including fiber modifications and product prototype development), development of biobased fuels from biomass (including pyrolysis and synthesis gas upgrading to gasoline), understanding wood/xylem formation using a combined biochemistry/proteomics approach

George Newcombe - Genetics of resistance of woody plants to disease

Kenneth Cain - Proteomics Lisette Waits - Conservation genetics and molecular ecology

GIS and Remote Sensing

Lee Vierling - Biosphere-Atmosphere interactions, remote sensing Paul Gessler - Global positioning satellite systems, digital image processing, airborne mapping and environmental monitoring

Applications

Eva Strand - GIS applications in natural resources Alistair Smith - Remote sensing of fire severity and area burned

Remote Sensing

Luigi Boschetti - Remote sensing of fire, global environmental remote sensing applications Jan Eitel - Remote sensing of the environment Paul Gessler - Remote sensing and GIS for forest ecosystem analysis and monitoring Alistair Smith - LiDAR, reflective, thermal Lee Vierling - Remote sensing, LiDAR

Satellite / Airborne

Paul Gessler - Global positioning satellite systems, digital image processing

Human Dimensions

Nick Sanyal - Human dimensions of fish and wildlife management Andrew Kliskey - Human response and adaptation to environmental change, spatial methodologies for understanding coupled natural human systems Travis Paveglio  - Conflict or collaboration surrounding natural resource management; management of hazards

Invasive Species

Kenneth Cain  - Parasites, host-pathogen interaction George Newcombe - Invasion biology, exotic pathogens, endophyte inoculations Christine Moffitt - New Zealand mudsnails, barrier removal Lisette Waits - Landscape genetics, molecular ecology, molecular systematics

Patrick Wilson - Deregulation and regulation policy Jim Gosz - Urban to wilderness Tara Hudiburg  - Land use change, land management Nick Sanyal - Conservation planning Lee Vierling - Land use change

Technology Transfer

Steven Daley-Laursen - Technology transfer from scientists to management agencies

Tribal Land

Patrick Wilson - Tribal government management of natural resources Nick Sanyal - Conservation planning; indigenous knowledge

Dennis Becker - Policy analysis

Endangered Species

Chris Caudill - Lamprey and river systems Lisette Waits - Large carnivores, pygmy rabbits Ken Cain - North American burbot Brian Dennis - Estimation of growth and extinction parameters Patrick Wilson - Endangered species policy

Dennis Becker  - State and Federal forest policy management Jo Ellen Force - Forest policy and relationships

Dennis Becker - Policy analysis Travis Paveglio - Land use policy Karen Launchbaugh - Land use policy

Patrick Wilson - Energy and water policy

Animal Behavior

Karen Launchbaugh - Plant-animal interactions, animal behavior

Drought Response

Ryan Long - Resource selection and drought tolerance of large mammals R. Robberecht - Ecophysiology

Karen Launchbaugh - Targeted grazing, animal behavior Eva Strand - Landscape and spacial ecology, rangeland ecology R. Robberecht - Ecology and ecophysiology Lee Vierling - Range ecology

Penny Morgan - Fire science, fire ecology Eva Strand - Fire science

Karen Launchbaugh - Grazing management

Environmental Education

Karla Eitel - Placed-based environmental education, technology in outdoor learning contexts Steven Daley-Laursen - Environmental education and leadership theory Lee Vierling - Environmental education

Human Factors

Andrew Kliskey - Human response and adaptation to environmental change R. Robberecht - Guided independent learning (use of information technology in science education) Travis Paveglio - Changing relationships between people and landscapes; human adaptation to environmental change

Outreach and Communication

Lee Vierling  - Interdisciplinary Science Education Travis Paveglio  - Environmental Communication and communication studies

Nick Sanyal - Communities and institutions Patrick Wilson - Recreation Policy

Andrew Kliskey - Spatial approaches for representing Indigenous and Traditional knowledge Nick Sanyal - Conservation planning; indigenous knowledge; mentoring

Algae / Invertebrates

Frank Wilhelm - Limnology, ecology of aquatic macroinvertebrates, predator-prey relationships (invert.-invert., fish-invert.), nutrient cycling through benthic-pelagic coupling

Frank Wilhelm  - Influence of temperature on life history and reproductive strategies, nutrient cycling through benthic-pelagic coupling Timothy E. Link - Forest hydrology, snow hydrology, hydrologic modeling

Lake Management

Frank Wilhelm  - Lake restoration and management

Quality / Quantity

Brian Kennedy - Bioenergetics and community ecology of streams, ecosystem controls on aquatic processes Randy Brooks  - Water quality and quantity Frank Wilhelm - Limnology, remediation of harmful algal blooms

Frank Wilhelm  - Limnology, remediation of harmful algal blooms

Janet Rachlow - Ungulate biology

Ryan Long - Wildlife population ecology Janet Rachlow - Wildlife ecology and management, behavioral ecology of mammals Kerri Vierling - Avian ecology

Courtney Conway - Life history evolution

Kerri Vierling  - Role of vegetative structure and composition in assessing animal distributions

Kerri Vierling - Role of vegetative structure and composition in assessing animal distributions Lee Vierling - 3D mapping of wildlife habitat

Land Use Effects

Kerri Vierling  - Land use effects on animal populations

Courtney Conway - Wildlife management

Population Dynamics

Brian Dennis - Population dynamics

Resource Selection

Ryan Long - Resource selection modeling

Visiting Brazil

Jensen Hegg explains his study of sawfish and their teeth.

• Dennis Becker
• Brian Kennedy
• Janet Rachlow
• Lisette Waits

Environment

OECD work on the environment helps countries design and implement policies to address environmental challenges and sustainably manage their natural resources. Our analysis covers a wide range of areas from climate change, water and biodiversity to chemical safety, resource efficiency and the circular economy, including keeping track of how countries are performing across a range of environmental indicators. We also examine the linkages between the environment and areas like economic performance, taxation and trade. The OECD works with governments at all levels, including in developing and emerging economies, with civil society, and the private sector to drive effective action to meet environmental goals, including through aligning and  scaling up finance and investment.

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• Biodiversity, water and ecosystems All life on Earth depends on biodiversity and water. Yet these invaluable natural resources are under increasing threat from multiple pressures caused by human activities. OECD analysis on biodiversity, covering both species and ecosystems, and water supports governments in developing policies that yield greater environmental benefits in a cost-effective and inclusive way. Learn more
• Chemical safety and biosafety The chemical industry is one of the largest industrial sectors in the world and is expected to quadruple by 2060. Governments and industry share the responsibility for ensuring safe chemical production and use. The OECD helps countries develop and implement policies for safeguarding human health and the environment, and in making their systems for managing chemicals as efficient as possible. Learn more
• Environment, society and economy To ensure sustainable development, countries must balance priorities among three pillars – the environment, society and the economy. The OECD examines the linkages between the environment and a range of economic, sectoral and social concerns – from technology and innovation, to trade, labour market impacts and gender equality. Learn more
• Environmental policies and evaluation Environmental policies can help galvanise the green transition. However, they must be carefully implemented to avoid negative repercussions for the environment, local communities and the economy. OECD analysis and evaluation guides countries on appropriate policy choices and mixes to ensure their economic efficiency and environmental effectiveness. Learn more
• Finance and investment for environmental goals Meeting climate, biodiversity, water and broader environmental goals requires the massive scaling and alignment of all sources of finance - public, private, domestic and international - and the redirection of environmentally harmful financial flows. Learn more
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• Resource efficiency and circular economy Resource efficiency and productivity ensure that materials are used efficiently at all stages of their lifecycle (extraction, transport, manufacturing, consumption, recovery and disposal) and throughout the supply chain. Moving towards a resource efficient and circular economy is critical from both supply security and environmental perspectives and provides the basis for a sustainable and competitive economy. Learn more

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• Net Zero+: Climate and Economic Resilience in a Changing World Harnessing the multidisciplinary reach of the OECD to support governments in driving the swift transformational change needed to tackle climate change. Learn more
• The OECD Programme on Chemical Safety and Biosafety The OECD work on chemical safety and biosafety deals with the safe use of chemicals, nanomaterials, pesticides, biocides, and products of modern biotechnology. It also addresses related areas of concern and interest, such as chemical accidents, Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs) and Best Available Techniques (BAT). Learn more
• CEFIM Strengthening domestic enabling conditions to attract finance and investments in renewables, energy efficiency and decarbonisation of industry (clean energy) in emerging economies. Learn more
• Carbon Market Platform The Carbon Market Platform (CMP), launched in 2015 under Germany's G7 presidency, brings together a diverse group of countries and organisations with the aim of strengthening international co-operation on developing effective, sustainable and ambitious carbon pricing approaches. Learn more
• Sustainable Infrastructure Programme in Asia The Sustainable Infrastructure Programme in Asia (SIPA) aims to help selected Central and Southeast Asian countries scale up energy, transport and industry infrastructure investments, and shift them towards infrastructure projects consistent with low-emission, resilient development pathways and the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more
• Water-Energy-Land Use Linkages Nexus solutions for a climate resilient Central Asia will promote sustainable development in countries of the region by embedding synergetic, nexus-focused strategic policy and investment planning that enhances economic opportunities while minimising negative environmental and social impacts. Learn more

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China to boost basic research in natural resources on its path to tech self-reliance

• Ministry of Natural Resources guidelines reveal aim to work in global community, explore deep environments and boost scientist incentives

The objectives are among the Ministry of Natural Resources’ new policy guidelines to strengthen fundamental research released by the ministry on its official social media accounts on Wednesday.

‘Overtaking on a bend’: how China’s EV industry charged ahead to dominate the global market

The ministry vows to actively work with the global basic research innovation community by taking part in major international projects, such as Digital Earth, research on negative ocean emissions technology, deep-sea habitats and seamless forecasts for the ocean and climate.

It said China would actively take part in important international science programmes – such as the International Continental Scientific Drilling Programme, the International Ocean Discovery Programme as well as joint laboratories and research centres – and would support international organisations and well-known scientific research institutions to set up branches in China.

The ministry would also encourage regular exchanges and joint work on research projects with scientists from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

On the mainland, the ministry committed to focusing on important research directions in natural resources, such as the mineralisation pattern of strategic resources, exploring and exploiting deep-earth resources, investigating deep-sea abyss systems and ensuring the security of resource and environmental in seas in the polar regions.

It has pledged to direct a strategic basic research system that will be the source of disruptive technologies, although it did not elaborate on this goal.

The ministry’s focus on human resources includes China’s commitment to nurture a group of “strategic” scientists in the field of natural resources, boost incentives for scientific talent and optimise their appraisal system so they could focus on research.

What does it mean for the world when Chinese consumers tighten their belts?

The ministry called for more intelligent surveying and mapping tools to be developed to help take stock of China’s resources and improve geographic information security.

It sought better understanding of ecological systems, including various landscapes, the identification of land degradation and prevention methods and development of modelling and early warning systems to detect disasters on land and at sea.

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• Climate Strategy

How USAID Supports and Scales Climate Resilience

Climate shocks and stressors are increasingly pervasive, with specific impacts across sectors, populations, and geographies. Extreme weather events and slow-onset climate impacts pose new risks; aggravate existing social, economic, and political challenges and inequities; and degrade ecosystems and natural resources. They can also drive migration and increase the risk of conflict.

USAID's 2022-2030 Climate Strategy focuses on actions to support and scale the climate resilience of people, places, ecosystems, and livelihoods vulnerable to the impacts of climate variability and change. These actions help people, communities, and countries anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to current and future climate impacts. This work harnesses the robust evidence that climate adaptation can save lives; increase food security and water security ; safeguard ecosystem services and livelihoods; and improve health, including mental health , education, and well-being outcomes. These actions also directly support countries’ adaptation priorities as identified in Nationally Determined Contributions , National Adaptation Plans , and other development and sector plans and strategies. 

How is USAID Increasing Climate Resilience?

Scaling climate services for risk-informed planning, decision making, and early action.

Access to accurate and timely climate information is essential for addressing immediate climate shocks and stressors and planning for a future of shifting climate conditions. Expanding access to and use of data, information, and knowledge strengthens climate resilience across sectors, from agriculture and water to health and education. In Ethiopia , for example, the EPIDEMIA tool informs timely, geographically targeted malaria response with robust forecasts of up to eight weeks. In Rwanda , farmers participating in USAID climate services investments increased yields by 47 percent and income from crops by 56 percent.  Climate services are also key for funders, governments, and development planners to identify adaptation pathways for sectors and geographies to guide long-term climate resilience. 

Mainstreaming Adaptation in Sector Policy and Practice

Much development globally is guided by sector policy and practice. Climate resilience depends on sector approaches that identify and address the risk of climate impacts to sector development goals. For example, schools in Pakistan built to the latest disaster codes were able to withstand the devastating floods of 2022 and serve as shelters and epicenters of the recovery, in addition to providing continuity in access to education. As impacts like rising temperatures and standing water after floods threaten to undo decades of progress in malaria control and elimination, the President’s Malaria Initiative has released a framework to guide climate-resilient malaria programs .

Focusing on Key Areas of Engagement 

Achieving climate resilience depends on engaging a range of actors and processes from the local to global levels. Locally led adaptation supports local people, institutions, and networks to lead adaptation decisions and access the power and resources to supplement local knowledge and expertise. Nature-based solutions for adaptation are key to strengthening climate resilience in rural and urban areas. Transforming key systems , services, and associated sectors towards climate resilience is also necessary. Integrated systems such as energy, transport, water, sanitation, agriculture and food systems, health, and urban, among others, need to address climate vulnerability to achieve climate-resilient pathways. For example, Operationalizing USAID’s Climate Strategy to Achieve Transformative Adaptation and Mitigation in Agricultural and Food Systems presents detailed recommendations and targets for transforming agri-food systems. 

Increasing Finance for Adaptation 

Significant financial resources are needed to support adaptation needs at all scales, from countries to local communities. Take USAID Climate Ready , which helped regional and national institutions build project development teams to apply for grants from international climate funds like the Green Climate Fund , in turn unlocking more than $562 million for climate resilience activities in the Pacific Islands, benefitting more than 800,000 people. USAID is collaborating with the Government of Peru to channel its own public investment funds to support natural infrastructure solutions to water scarcity . The private sector has key opportunities to innovate and scale adaptation solutions and advance climate resilience within supply chains. USAID launched an Adaptation Finance Window in 2023 that provides catalytic grants to promising adaptation-related businesses and support to help launch new private investment funds that seek to leverage hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment for adaptation. USAID is also supporting the new $100 million CARICOM Resilience Fund to unlock adaptation finance for small and medium enterprises and infrastructure in the Caribbean.

Strategic Objective

Laurie Ashley

Laurie Ashley is a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Advisor in USAID’s Center for Resilience. She facilitates resilience and adaptation outcomes in agriculture, food security, migration, land tenure, sustainable land management, and governance, policy, and planning. Laurie has worked collaboratively to address climate risks and adaptation solutions in complex social-ecological contexts for over 20 years.

USAID Adaptation Team

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More on the blog, usaid and fcdo partner with akf to advance climate education in tanzania.

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Research on the training and application methods of a lightweight agricultural domain-specific large language model supporting mandarin chinese and uyghur.

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Pan, K.; Zhang, X.; Chen, L. Research on the Training and Application Methods of a Lightweight Agricultural Domain-Specific Large Language Model Supporting Mandarin Chinese and Uyghur. Appl. Sci. 2024 , 14 , 5764. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135764

Pan K, Zhang X, Chen L. Research on the Training and Application Methods of a Lightweight Agricultural Domain-Specific Large Language Model Supporting Mandarin Chinese and Uyghur. Applied Sciences . 2024; 14(13):5764. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135764

Pan, Kun, Xiaogang Zhang, and Liping Chen. 2024. "Research on the Training and Application Methods of a Lightweight Agricultural Domain-Specific Large Language Model Supporting Mandarin Chinese and Uyghur" Applied Sciences 14, no. 13: 5764. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135764

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NSF awards $35M for networks to transform research capacity and competitiveness

The U.S. National Science Foundation has awarded $35 million through the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Research Incubators for STEM Excellence Research Infrastructure Improvement (E-RISE RII) to boost research competitiveness, build partnerships across academic institutions and non-academic sectors and create workforce development opportunities. 

E-RISE RII is a new program that aims to further EPSCoR's programmatic goals by developing and implementing sustainable networks of diverse research teams to collaborate on critical jurisdictional research priorities. The program is a response to the 2022 Study of the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research , the Envisioning the Future of NSF EPSCoR report and the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022."

"This investment from NSF's E-RISE RII program powers scientific progress through broad networks of researchers, institutions and organizations that will significantly enhance STEM research capacity in our EPSCoR jurisdictions,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. "We are investing in a future where EPSCoR jurisdictions are even more competitive in the scientific enterprise, both nationally and internationally."

The networks will leverage their partnerships by developing innovative educational plans that address their jurisdictional priorities and help prepare a skilled technical workforce. They will broaden participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by requiring the inclusion of members of traditionally underrepresented groups. The teams aim to make sustainable improvements in science for the betterment and economic impact of their jurisdictions’ research and development enterprise.

The awardees and a summary of each project are listed below: 

Enhancing maine forest economy, sustainability, and technology (maine-forest) ecosystem to accelerate innovation.

Led by the University of Maine, this project will build strategic R&D capacity to fuel the dramatic growth of Maine’s forest-based economy and the rural communities it supports. The project will employ innovative and inclusive approaches to participatory system dynamics modeling to leverage stakeholder networks, while yielding new information regarding convergent science. The project’s framework will nurture adaptive community resilience and strengthen the capacity of rural and Indigenous communities to respond to current and future socio-ecological threats and opportunities. 

Collaborating institutions: Bates College, Colby College, University of Maine Fort Kent, University of Maine at Presque Isle, University of Southern Maine, Maine Development Foundation and Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance.

Establishment of the Mississippi Nano-bio and ImmunoEngineering Consortium (NIEC)

This project, spearheaded by the University of Mississippi, will build capacity in Mississippi for use-inspired R&D of advanced polymer materials and for addressing the scientific, engineering and educational training needs of the nano- and biotechnology industries at a time when these industries are experiencing unprecedented growth. The project proposes to create a robust pipeline for next-generation materials by fostering multidisciplinary research teams to iteratively design, synthesize and characterize new materials, while evaluating their impact on delivery efficacy in relevant disease models. In addition to advancing scientific knowledge in biomaterials research — with a focus on pioneering innovations applicable to healthcare, bioengineering and materials science — this project will establish a comprehensive biomaterials research network across Mississippi.

Collaborating institutions: Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, Alcorn State University, University of Southern Mississippi and University of Mississippi Medical Center. 

BioNitrogen Economy Research Center (BNERC)

South Dakota State University is leading this project to build sustainable capacity to leverage abundant atmospheric nitrogen gas and solar energy to create a commercially viable, solar-powered "bionitrogen economy" in South Dakota, relying in part on the knowledge and resources of Native communities about agricultural and medicinal indigenous plants. While alleviating environmental issues of nitrogen pollution in a largely agricultural state, the project will also provide alternatives for the commercial production of nitrogen- and carbon-rich biological products, including fertilizers, nutritional proteins and bioplastics. The project will promote workforce development by integrating K-12 outreach, undergraduate and graduate research programs and partnering with tribal communities. 

Collaborating institutions and organizations: Oglala Lakota College, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, University of South Dakota and Houdek.

Research Center for Distributed Resilient and Emergent-Intelligence-Based Additive Manufacturing (DREAM)

This project, led by New Mexico State University, will enhance New Mexico’s competitive edge in the global manufacturing sector by establishing the groundwork for an advanced distributed intelligent additive manufacturing infrastructure. The project will contribute to fundamental knowledge in advance manufacturing, cybersecurity and machine learning while spurring economic growth in New Mexico and contributing to national efforts to onshore manufacturing. The project will provide an integrated pathway for workforce development in additive manufacturing from middle school to doctoral and postdoctoral levels by intertwining classroom activities with research experience and pedagogical models that promote diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Collaborating institutions: Navajo Technical University, University of New Mexico and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.

Driving AgTech Research and Education in Kentucky (DARE-KY) through Inclusive Network Building, Impactful Research, and Workforce Development for Soilless Food Systems

Led by Kentucky State University, this project will establish an unprecedented, cross-sector research incubator to improve nutrient management, food safety, and sustainability of soilless agriculture in Kentucky, which will lead more diverse and inclusive STEM research and several approaches to understand how nutrient flow through aquaponic systems influences microbial communities and its potential impact on biofilm formation and food safety. The project will enhance workforce development in Kentucky by creating new curricula, integrating research into student learning and developing new work-and-learn opportunities. 

Collaborating institutions: Bluegrass Community and Technical College, University of Pikeville, Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation and FoodChain Inc.

• Learn more about the E-RISE RII program.

Research areas