environmental resources research paper

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2783-4832 (Print)  / 2783-4670 (Online)

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Publisher Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources , Iran, Islamic Republic of Manuscripts accepted in English

LCC subjects Look up the Library of Congress Classification Outline Geography. Anthropology. Recreation: Environmental sciences Keywords environmental resources natural resources conservation restoration semi-natural systems risk assessment

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Environmental Systems Research

Guest Editors: A.K.M. Saiful Islam,Achlesh Daverey, Khaled Benis Submission Status: Open from 15 July 2024   |   Submission Deadline: 25 March 2025

Guest Editors: Qaisar Mahmood, Sunil Kumar and Paromita Chakraborty Submission Status: Open   |   Submission Deadline:   30 June 2024

Environmental Systems Research is associated with  the global Network on Persistent, Emerging and Organic Pollution in the Environment (PEOPLE Network).

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Speed 2023 Submission to first editorial decision (median days): 4 Submission to acceptance (median days): 58

Usage 2023 Downloads: 505,317 Altmetric mentions: 46

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• ISSN: 2193-2697 (electronic)

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The ‘‘ Environmental Resources Research ” (ERR) is a multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal that is published biannually by the Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources ( http:// www.gau.ac.ir ). Our journal has started its publication from early 2013. The journal has a distinguished international editorial board with extensive academic qualifications, ensuring the maintenance of high scientific standards and a broad international coverage. In the same vein, to ensure the highest standards , we crosscheck the submitted papers using iThenticate .  We invite you to submit your high-quality papers to our site. We are trying to ensure that our journal finds the widest possible spectrum of scientific readers across the world.

IF in 1401: 0.108

Performance comparison of MOLA, IP, and GSA optimization algorithms in urban land use allocation based on landscape metrics

10.22069/ijerr.2023.20439.1379

Elham Yousefi; Fatemeh Jahanishakib

• View Article

Comparing the sustainability of protective agricultural ecosystems based on energy efficiency indicators in wheat, barley and cotton crop rotation (case study: Birjand)

Pages 23-34

10.22069/ijerr.2023.21290.1404

Hamed Javadi; Mohammad Hadi Moslehi

• PDF 966.71 K

Survey on the lead concentration of brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) and the effect of environmental factors on Pb distribution pattern in rural- agricultural areas using GIS (Golestan and Mazandaran Provinces)

Pages 35-42

10.22069/ijerr.2023.19448.1351

Amir Shahbazadeh Bengar; Somayeh Namroodi; Somayeh Galdavi

• PDF 510.35 K

Environmental life cycle assessment and energy use efficiency in cumin and fennel production

Pages 43-54

10.22069/ijerr.2023.21118.1397

Jahangir Mirzaei; Mohammad Gholami Parashkoohi; Davood Mohammad Zamani; Hamed Afshari

• PDF 751.83 K

Modeling the distribution of pollutants caused by gas refinery flares with AERMOD software (South Pars Gas Complex Company)

Pages 55-76

10.22069/ijerr.2023.20983.1406

Maryam Rahmanian; Azadeh Nekooei Esfahani; Mahdi Nazari Saram

Salinity affects leaf physiologic and biochemical traits of Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides L.)

Pages 77-82

10.22069/ijerr.2023.18959.1334

Tayebe Maleki; Behnaz Attaeian; Behroz Mohammadparast

• PDF 828.11 K

Simulation of the monthly runoff in Neyshabur Watershed considering the maximum monitoring stations in SWAT model

Pages 83-96

10.22069/ijerr.2023.21581.1408

Zahra Khanmohammadi; Emad Mahjoobi; Saeid Gharechelou; Hamid Abdolabadi

• PDF 905.32 K

Modelling land use change by an integrated Cellular Automata and Markov Chain Model (case study; Azadshahr County)

Pages 97-106

10.22069/ijerr.2023.13458.1218

Chooghi Bairam Komaki; Hamidreza Asgari; Habib Nazarnejad; Mohammad Alinezhad

Investigating the factors affecting the tendency to greenhouse organic cucumber production in Yazd, Iran

Pages 107-116

10.22069/ijerr.2023.14164.1227

Jalal salem

• PDF 670.06 K

Efficiency of soil and water conservation practice in different climatic environments in steppe regions

Pages 117-130

10.22069/ijerr.2023.19834.1365

Nasrin Gharahi; Javad Khalaji; Mehdi Pajoohesh

• PDF 819.03 K

Household water demand estimation and its implications for water accessibility: a case study

Pages 131-140

10.22069/ijerr.2023.21641.1410

Timothy Ogunbode; Oladotun M. Ogunlaran; Victor O. Oyebamiji; John A. Akande

Improving spatial prediction of soil organic matter using soil auxiliary data as secondary information

Pages 141-154

10.22069/ijerr.2023.21220.1401

Nikou Hamzehpour; Fereshte Alizadeh Motaghi

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Environmental Research Paper Topics

100 Environmental Research Paper Topics

Embarking on a research journey in environmental studies is an exciting endeavor. It offers an opportunity to delve into diverse environmental issues, examine various practices, and contribute to the development of more sustainable and eco-friendly systems. To help you get started, we have compiled a comprehensive list of environmental research paper topics. These topics are divided into ten categories, each featuring ten unique topics.

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• Climate Change
• The impact of climate change on biodiversity.
• Climate change and its effects on human health.
• The role of renewable energy in mitigating climate change.
• Climate change and its impact on agriculture.
• The role of international cooperation in addressing climate change.
• Climate change and its effects on water resources.
• The impact of climate change on the world’s oceans.
• Climate change and its effects on migration patterns.
• The role of carbon capture technology in mitigating climate change.
• Climate change and its impact on natural disasters.
• The impact of plastic pollution on marine life.
• Air pollution and its effects on human health.
• The role of government regulations in controlling industrial pollution.
• The impact of agricultural practices on soil pollution.
• The effects of noise pollution on wildlife.
• The role of technology in reducing air pollution.
• The impact of pollution on urban environments.
• The effects of light pollution on nocturnal animals.
• The role of recycling in reducing waste pollution.
• The impact of pollution on freshwater ecosystems.

Conservation

• The role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation.
• The impact of deforestation on wildlife conservation.
• The role of community involvement in conservation efforts.
• The impact of climate change on conservation strategies.
• The role of ecotourism in wildlife conservation.
• The impact of invasive species on conservation efforts.
• The role of legislation in protecting endangered species.
• The impact of poaching on wildlife conservation.
• The role of scientific research in conservation planning.
• The impact of urbanization on habitat conservation.
• Sustainable Development
• The role of renewable energy in sustainable development.
• The impact of sustainable agriculture on food security.
• The role of green building in sustainable development.
• The impact of sustainable transport on urban development.
• The role of education in promoting sustainable development.
• The impact of sustainable development on economic growth.
• The role of government policies in promoting sustainable development.
• The impact of sustainable development on poverty reduction.
• The role of corporate social responsibility in sustainable development.
• The impact of sustainable development on quality of life.
• Environmental Policy
• The role of international treaties in environmental protection.
• The impact of environmental policies on business practices.
• The role of environmental impact assessments in policy making.
• The impact of environmental policies on urban planning.
• The role of public participation in environmental policy making.
• The impact of environmental policies on energy production.
• The role of environmental justice in policy making.
• The impact of environmental policies on waste management.
• The role of science in environmental policy making.
• The impact of environmental policies on water resources management.

Environmental Education

• The role of environmental education in promoting sustainable behaviors.
• The impact of environmental education on students’ attitudes towards the environment.
• The role of outdoor education in promoting environmental awareness.
• The impact of environmental education on community engagement.
• The role of environmental education in curriculum development.
• The impact of environmental education on conservation efforts.
• The role of environmental education in promoting recycling behaviors.
• The impact of environmental education on students’ understanding of climate change.
• The role of environmental education in promoting water conservation.
• The impact of environmental education on students’ attitudes towards wildlife.

Environmental Health

• The impact of air pollution on respiratory health.
• The role of clean water in promoting environmental health.
• The impact of chemical pollutants on human health.
• The role of environmental health in disease prevention.
• The impact of climate change on environmental health.
• The role of environmental health in urban planning.
• The impact of noise pollution on human health.
• The role of environmental health in disaster management.
• The impact of environmental health on community wellbeing.
• The role of environmental health in public health policy.
• Environmental Justice
• The impact of environmental justice on community development.
• The impact of environmental justice on health disparities.
• The role of environmental justice in urban planning.
• The impact of environmental justice on indigenous rights.
• The role of environmental justice in climate change mitigation.
• The impact of environmental justice on waste management.
• The role of environmental justice in conservation efforts.
• The impact of environmental justice on access to clean water.
• The role of environmental justice in promoting sustainable development.

Environmental Technology

• The role of renewable energy technology in reducing carbon emissions.
• The impact of green building technology on energy efficiency.
• The role of technology in promoting sustainable agriculture.
• The impact of technology on waste management.
• The role of technology in promoting water conservation.
• The impact of technology on environmental monitoring.
• The role of technology in promoting sustainable transport.
• The impact of technology on environmental education.
• The role of technology in promoting biodiversity conservation.
• The impact of technology on environmental health.
• Environmental Ethics
• The role of environmental ethics in conservation efforts.
• The impact of environmental ethics on business practices.
• The role of environmental ethics in policy making.
• The impact of environmental ethics on sustainable development.
• The role of environmental ethics in environmental education.
• The impact of environmental ethics on animal rights.
• The role of environmental ethics in climate change mitigation.
• The impact of environmental ethics on resource management.
• The role of environmental ethics in promoting environmental justice.
• The impact of environmental ethics on community development.

This comprehensive list of environmental research paper topics provides a starting point for your research journey. Whether your interest lies in climate change, pollution, conservation, sustainable development, environmental policy, environmental education, environmental health, environmental justice, environmental technology, or environmental ethics, there is a topic for you. Remember, the key to a successful research paper is choosing a topic that you are passionate about and willing to explore in depth.

Browse 1200 more Environmental Research Paper Topics in:

• Global Warming
• Air Pollution
• Noise Pollution
• Water Pollution
• Environmental Law
• Environmental Economics
• Environmental Issues

Environmental Studies Research Guide

Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores the relationship between humans and the environment. It integrates knowledge from natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to understand environmental issues and develop sustainable solutions. The field is driven by the recognition that addressing environmental challenges requires a holistic understanding of the environment that includes both natural and human elements.

The natural sciences component of environmental studies includes disciplines such as biology, chemistry, and geology. These disciplines provide essential knowledge about the natural world, such as the functioning of ecosystems, the chemistry of pollutants, and the processes that shape the Earth’s surface. This knowledge is crucial for understanding environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

The social sciences component includes disciplines such as economics, sociology, and political science. These disciplines provide insights into human behavior, economic systems, and political structures, which are critical for understanding how human activities impact the environment and how societies can transition to more sustainable practices.

The humanities component, which includes disciplines such as philosophy, history, and literature, provides insights into human values, historical perspectives, and cultural narratives about the environment. This component enriches our understanding of environmental issues by highlighting the ethical dimensions, historical contexts, and cultural diversity of human-environment relationships.

Research is a vital part of environmental studies. It generates new knowledge, informs policy-making, and promotes public awareness about environmental issues. Research topics in environmental studies are diverse and interdisciplinary, ranging from the study of environmental processes and systems to the analysis of environmental policies and the exploration of human attitudes towards the environment.

How to Choose Environmental Research Paper Topics

Choosing a topic for your environmental research paper is a critical step in your research process. The topic you choose will guide your research, shape your argument, and influence your writing. Here are some factors to consider and steps to follow when choosing an environmental research paper topic.

• Consider Your Interests: The first step in choosing a research paper topic is to consider your interests. Research is a time-consuming process, and it can be challenging if you’re not genuinely interested in the topic. Do you have a passion for climate change issues? Are you interested in conservation efforts? Are you intrigued by the role of technology in environmental protection? Reflect on your interests and choose a topic that you are excited to explore.
• Understand the Assignment Requirements: Before you settle on a topic, make sure you understand the assignment requirements. Does your professor want an argumentative paper or a research report? How long should the paper be? Is there a specific format you need to follow? Understanding the assignment requirements will help you choose a topic that fits the scope of the assignment.
• Conduct Preliminary Research: Once you have a general idea of what you’re interested in, conduct some preliminary research. This will help you understand the current state of research in your area of interest and identify gaps in the literature that you can address. Preliminary research can also help you narrow down a broad topic to a more specific one.
• Evaluate the Scope of the Topic: The scope of your topic is an important consideration. If your topic is too broad, you may have difficulty covering all aspects of it in your paper. On the other hand, if your topic is too narrow, you may struggle to find enough information to support your argument. Aim for a topic that is specific enough to be manageable but broad enough to have sufficient resources.
• Consider the Availability of Resources: Before finalizing your topic, consider the availability of resources. Are there enough scholarly sources related to your topic? Can you access these sources? If resources are limited, you may need to choose a different topic or broaden your current one.
• Reflect on the Relevance and Impact of the Topic: Consider the relevance and impact of your topic. Is the topic relevant to current environmental issues? Does it have the potential to contribute to the field of environmental studies? Choosing a relevant and impactful topic can make your research more meaningful and engaging.
• Seek Feedback: Once you have a potential topic in mind, seek feedback. Discuss your topic with your professor, classmates, or anyone familiar with environmental studies. They can provide valuable insights, suggest resources, and help you refine your topic.
• Formulate a Research Question: Finally, formulate a research question. A good research question is clear, focused, complex, and arguable. It provides a direction for your research and a framework for your argument.

Remember, choosing a research paper topic is not a one-time event. It’s a dynamic process that involves exploration, reflection, and refinement. Don’t be afraid to change your topic if your research takes you in a different direction. The goal is to choose a topic that you are passionate about, meets the assignment requirements, has sufficient resources, and has the potential to contribute to environmental studies.

How to Write an Environment Research Paper

Writing an environmental research paper is a significant academic endeavor. It requires a clear understanding of the topic, thorough research, critical thinking, and effective writing skills. Here are some steps to guide you through the process of writing an environment research paper.

• Understand the Assignment: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the assignment. What is the purpose of the paper? What is the required length? What format should you use? Understanding the assignment will help you plan your research and writing process effectively.
• Choose a Topic: Choose a topic that interests you and fits the assignment requirements. A good topic is one that you are passionate about, is relevant to your course, and has sufficient resources. Refer to the previous section for detailed advice on choosing a topic.
• Conduct Preliminary Research: Conduct preliminary research to familiarize yourself with your topic and identify gaps in the literature. Use reliable sources such as scholarly articles, books, and reputable websites. Preliminary research will help you refine your topic and formulate a research question.
• Formulate a Thesis Statement: Based on your preliminary research, formulate a thesis statement. A thesis statement is a clear, concise statement that expresses the main argument or focus of your paper. It should be specific, arguable, and capable of being supported by evidence.
• Create an Outline: Create an outline for your paper. An outline is a plan that organizes your ideas and evidence. It typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on a single point or argument that supports your thesis.
• Conduct In-depth Research: Once you have an outline, conduct in-depth research. Find evidence that supports your thesis and fits into your outline. Be sure to evaluate the credibility of your sources and take notes as you read.
• Write a Draft: Start writing a draft of your paper. Begin with the body paragraphs, as they form the core of your argument. Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence, evidence to support the topic sentence, and a concluding sentence that ties the evidence back to your thesis.
• Write the Introduction and Conclusion: After writing the body paragraphs, write the introduction and conclusion. The introduction should grab the reader’s attention, provide background information, and present the thesis statement. The conclusion should summarize your main points, restate the thesis in new words, and provide a closing thought or implication.
• Revise Your Draft: Revise your draft to improve its content and clarity. Check that your thesis is clear and arguable, your arguments are logical and supported by evidence, and your conclusion effectively wraps up your paper. Also, check for coherence, transitions, and sentence variety.
• Edit and Proofread: Edit and proofread your paper to correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. Consider reading your paper aloud or having someone else review it to catch errors you may have missed.
• Cite Your Sources: Finally, cite your sources. Proper citation is crucial to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. Be sure to follow the citation style specified by your professor, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard.

Writing an environmental research paper is a process that requires time, effort, and patience. But with careful planning, diligent research, and thoughtful writing, you can produce a paper that is informative, engaging, and academically rigorous.

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Environmental Justice Research: Contemporary Issues and Emerging Topics

Environmental justice (EJ) research seeks to document and redress the disproportionate environmental burdens and benefits associated with social inequalities. Although its initial focus was on disparities in exposure to anthropogenic pollution, the scope of EJ research has expanded. In the context of intensifying social inequalities and environmental problems, there is a need to further strengthen the EJ research framework and diversify its application. This Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) incorporates 19 articles that broaden EJ research by considering emerging topics such as energy, food, drinking water, flooding, sustainability, and gender dynamics, including issues in Canada, the UK, and Eastern Europe. Additionally, the articles contribute to three research themes: (1) documenting connections between unjust environmental exposures and health impacts by examining unsafe infrastructure, substance use, and children’s obesity and academic performance; (2) promoting and achieving EJ by implementing interventions to improve environmental knowledge and health, identifying avenues for sustainable community change, and incorporating EJ metrics in government programs; and (3) clarifying stakeholder perceptions of EJ issues to extend research beyond the documentation of unjust conditions and processes. Collectively, the articles highlight potentially compounding injustices and an array of approaches being employed to achieve EJ.

Environmental justice (EJ) research seeks to document and redress the disproportionate environmental burdens and benefits associated with social inequalities. Although its initial focus was on anthropogenic pollution, the scope of EJ research has expanded significantly in recent years to encompass other phenomena—for example, access to healthful food and climate change—with disparate negative impacts on particular social groups. Dimensions of social inequality examined have expanded beyond race and socioeconomic status to focus to some degree on ethnicity, immigration status, gender, sexual orientation, age, as well as intersections between dimensions of inequality. In the context of intensifying social inequalities and environmental problems, there is a need to further strengthen the EJ research framework and diversify its application. This Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) incorporates 19 articles that collectively advance EJ scholarship in conceptual, methodological, and empirical terms.

These articles demonstrate how the scope and purpose of EJ research have broadened significantly in recent years and continue to expand in new directions, both topically and geographically. Several articles in this Special Issue break new ground by extending the EJ research framework to consider emerging issues such as energy [ 1 , 2 ], food [ 3 ], drinking water [ 4 , 5 ], flooding [ 6 , 7 ], sustainability initiatives [ 8 , 9 ], and gender dynamics [ 10 ], including EJ concerns in Canada [ 5 , 11 ], the UK [ 12 ], and Eastern Europe [ 13 ]. Finley-Brook and Holloman [ 1 ] explore the EJ implications of energy production in the U.S. Their study demonstrates how the transition from high carbon energy sources such as coal and oil contribute to environmental injustices, and proposes priorities for a new energy justice research agenda that combines advocacy, activism, and academics. Kyne and Bolin [ 2 ] focus on nuclear hazards associated with both the U.S. weapons programs and civilian nuclear power. Their article argues that nuclear power plants, uranium mining, and waste disposal raise a variety of EJ issues that encompass distributive, procedural, recognition, and intergenerational justice. Carrel et al. [ 3 ] examine the EJ impacts of animal feeding operations in Iowa, USA. Their findings underscore the need to understand the structural, political, and economic factors that create an environmentally unjust landscape for swine production in the U.S. Midwest. Galway [ 4 ] investigates access to safe and reliable drinking water in First Nations communities in Ontario, Canada, based on drinking water advisory data. The study highlights the prevalence of drinking water advisories as a growing problem that needs to be addressed. Campbell et al. [ 5 ] focus on the governmental failures in treating the municipal water system that led to the poisoning of hundreds of children and adults in Flint, Michigan, USA, and discuss how such tragic events can be prevented in the future. Maldonado et al. [ 6 ] examine if Hispanic immigrants are disproportionately exposed to flood hazards compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the Houston and Miami metropolitan areas, USA, based on household-level survey data. Their divergent findings for these two urban areas suggest that future EJ research on flooding should distinguish between Hispanic subgroups based on nativity status and other local contextual factors. Muñoz and Tate [ 7 ] focus on the EJ consequences of disaster recovery, based on a case study of three communities in Iowa, USA, that were affected by severe flooding in 2008. Their analysis of the two federal programs that funded property acquisitions indicated that households in socially vulnerable areas were less likely to obtain full financial compensation and endured longer waiting periods before receiving acquisition funds. Jennings et al. [ 8 ] examine another emerging issue in EJ research: advancing sustainability by ensuring that urban ecosystem services and related health benefits are equally distributed across all population groups. Their article integrates complementary concepts from multiple disciplines to illustrate how cultural ecosystem services from urban green spaces are associated with equity and social determinants of health. Hornik et al. [ 9 ] explore how people conceptualize the connection between EJ and sustainability, based on analyzing stakeholder perspectives in Milwaukee, WI, USA. Bell [ 10 ] addresses an important gap in prior EJ research by providing a gender perspective and exploring women’s experience of EJ, based on a review of the existing literature and her own prior experiences as a scholar and activist. Bell’s analysis confirms that women tend to experience inequitable environmental burdens and are less likely than men to have control over environmental decisions, both of which lead to disproportionate health impacts.

In addition to broadening the scope of EJ scholarship by exploring these new frontiers, our Special Issue contributes to three specific research themes: (a) documenting connections between unjust environmental exposures and health impacts; (b) promoting and achieving EJ; and (c) clarifying stakeholder perceptions of EJ issues. These themes and related articles are described below.

Documenting connections between unjust environmental exposures and health impacts : As the EJ framework has expanded in new directions, recent research has emphasized the need to examine health outcomes and health disparities associated with exposure to environmental hazards, thus extending EJ to environmental health justice. Several articles in this Special Issue advance environmental health justice scholarship by documenting linkages between unequal environmental exposure and adverse health impacts associated with unsafe infrastructure and homes [ 5 , 14 ], substance use and addiction [ 15 ], and children’s obesity and academic performance [ 16 ]. Campbell et al. [ 5 ] provide a detailed assessment of the recent drinking water crisis and lead poisoning in Flint, USA. In addition to describing how this tragedy happened and why socially disadvantaged populations are at particularly high risk for lead exposure, Campbell et al. discuss how childhood lead exposure and Flint-like events can be prevented from occurring in the future. Mankikar et al. [ 14 ] examine whether participation in a two-month long environmental education intervention program reduces exposure to homebased environmental health hazards and asthma-related medical visits. Their home intervention program in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA, focused on low-income households where children had asthma, were at risk for lead poisoning, or faced multiple unsafe housing conditions. Cleaning supplies (e.g., a microfiber cloth, soap), safety supplies (e.g., CO detector, fire alarm) and pest management tools (e.g., caulk, roach bait) were provided along with educational materials and face-to-face instruction. Their findings indicate that low-cost comprehensive home interventions are effective in reducing environmental home hazards and improve the health of asthmatic children in the short term. Mennis et al.’s [ 15 ] review article seeks to extend EJ research by including environmental factors influencing substance use disorders—one of the most pressing global public health problems. They demonstrate why inequities in risky substance use environments should be considered as an EJ issue and conclude that future research needs to examine where, why, and how inequities in risky substance use environments occur, the implications of such inequities for disparities in substance use disorders and treatment outcomes, and the implications for tobacco, alcohol, and drug policies as well as prevention and treatment programs. Clark-Reyna et al. [ 16 ] focus on chemicals known as metabolic disruptors that are of specific concern to children’s health and development. Their article examines the effect of residential concentrations of metabolic disrupting chemicals on children’s school performance in El Paso, Texas, USA. Results indicate that concentrations of metabolic disruptors are significantly associated with lower grade point averages directly and indirectly through body mass index. Findings from this study have important implications for future EJ research and chemical policy reform in the U.S.

Promoting and achieving EJ : While EJ scholars often focus on describing the injustices experienced by socially disadvantaged communities, several articles in this Special Issue direct attention toward efforts to achieve EJ through implementation of interventions to improve environmental knowledge and health [ 14 , 17 ], identification of avenues for sustainable and just community and societal change [ 1 , 8 , 9 , 13 ], and incorporation of EJ metrics in government programs [ 12 ]. In the area of interventions, Ramirez-Andreotta et al. [ 17 ] examine parental perceptions of the “report back” process after an exposure assessment. Results showed that parents coped with their challenging circumstances using data and that they made changes to reduce children’s exposure to contaminants. The findings suggest that providing information to EJ community members could be an effective strategy to reduce exposure, when immediate wider scale remediation is not possible. While Mankikar et al. [ 14 ] was summarized above, what is relevant here is that low income communities disproportionately face challenges from poor quality housing, especially renters. The promise of the type of intervention conducted by Mankikar et al. for achieving EJ is that it works to improve the environmental health of children. In terms of identifying avenues for change, Hornik et al. [ 9 ] examine stakeholder beliefs about how positive change should be made to ameliorate injustices related to water pollution in Milwaukee, WI, USA. In order to work towards EJ, the authors argue that is important to build mutual understanding among stakeholders and acknowledge the potential for complex interactions across scales of governance in order to mitigate conflicts. Related to avenues for achieving EJ, Finley-Brook and Holloman [ 1 ] emphasize the importance of involving communities in the participatory design of solutions and fairly distributing benefits. The energy case studies they review suggest that empowering approaches are feasible, but also highlight the potential for conflict between what is “green” and what is “just”. Petrescu-Mag et al. [ 13 ] explore EJ issues in a Roma community in Romania beset by environmental challenges associated with a landfill. Researchers engaged community residents in discussions about potential action options, and residents strongly preferred improving local on-site living opportunities at the dump. An examination of the process of selecting this option suggests that negotiations among stakeholders are required in order to begin to address environmental injustices. Jennings et al. [ 8 ] argue that it is critical for all communities to have access to cultural ecosystem services that influence social determinants of health in order to achieve health equity and promote physical and psychological well-being. Taking a different approach, Fairburn et al. [ 12 ] trace the development and diffusion of indices of multiple deprivation (IMD). EJ scholars have impacted public policy through the incorporation of environmental data into IMD in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and evidence suggests that IMD are potential catalysts for EJ as they enable decision-makers to make more equitable decisions.

Clarifying stakeholder perceptions of EJ issues : The EJ research framework has focused on objectively documenting conditions and processes that constitute environmental injustices. Based on this materialist foundation, less emphasis in EJ research has been placed on people’s subjectivities. Several articles in this Special Issue advance EJ research by examining and clarifying stakeholder subjectivities regarding EJ issues [ 9 , 11 , 18 , 19 ], which extends the research framework beyond the documentation of unjust conditions and processes. In Hornik et al.’s [ 9 ] study, which clarifies community group perceptions of EJ in the context of water sustainability initiatives in Milwaukee, WI, USA, stakeholders shared similar perspectives on environmental injustice as an everyday experience. However, they had divergent perspectives on how environmental injustices are produced and most effectively redressed, which has implications for promoting initiatives for EJ and sustainability. Teixeira and Zuberi [ 18 ] examine neighborhood perceptions of environmental health hazards among black youth in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Youth identified the intersection of race and poverty, poor waste management, housing abandonment, and crime as salient neighborhood environmental concerns, and understood correctly (based on the authors’ analysis of secondary spatial data) that black vs. white neighborhoods in the city are characterized by unequal environments. Findings suggest that environmental conditions provide clearly recognizable indicators of injustice for youth, and, furthermore, that youth interpret the lack of response to unjust conditions to imply that no one cares. Songsore and Buzzelli [ 11 ] examine the role of Ontario, Canada media in amplifying people’s perceptions of wind energy development (WED) health risks and injustices. Scientific evidence for negative health effects of wind turbines is contested, yet provincial media legitimated concerns about serious health impacts, which amplified public health risk perceptions and aroused claims of procedural injustice regarding the lack of community participation in Ontario’s WED process. Findings highlight the importance of media in shaping perceptions of environmental injustice, and reveal how public perceptions of injustice may be cultivated to impede societal transitions toward renewable energy sources. Ard et al. [ 19 ] use multilevel models in a US national study of the roles of neighborhood social capital and exposure to industrial air pollution in explaining the racial gap in self-rated health between black, Hispanic, and white individuals. They found that individuals’ feelings of trust in neighbors of different social standing and perceptions of political empowerment largely accounted for lower self-rated health among African Americans (and partially accounted for it among Hispanics) relative to whites, while exposure to industrial air pollution was statistically irrelevant. Results suggest that people’s perceptions of well-being may be shaped largely by their social contexts, and that harmful environmental exposures may not always be of paramount importance in shaping those perceptions. Taken together, these articles underscore how people’s subjectivities deeply matter: they influence which phenomena are contested as EJ issues and condition possibilities for redressing environmentally unjust arrangements.

The wide array of environmental health hazards, communities, and countries represented in this Special Issue reflect the expanding scope and purpose of EJ research, which has broadened and transformed significantly in recent years. The articles cover topics ranging from energy, food, water, obesogenic chemicals, landfills, and greenspace. They document connections between unjust environmental exposures and health impacts; provide ideas for how to promote and achieve EJ; and clarify stakeholder perceptions of EJ issues. In doing so, the Special Issue illustrates the existence of multiple and compounding marginalities, but also the wide variety of approaches being employed to achieve EJ, in its many diverse forms.

Author Contributions

All three authors contributed to the organization, writing, and editing of this manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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International development trends in the field of agricultural resources and the environment.

1. Introduction

2. materials and methods, 2.1. data sources, 2.2. research methodology, 2.2.1. statistical methods, 2.2.2. research topic analysis method, 3.1. macro-development trend analysis, 3.1.1. total number of published papers in terms of global and annual changes, 3.1.2. total number of published papers in major countries and annual changes, 3.1.3. analysis of papers published by major research institutions, 3.1.4. cooperation analysis of the important institutions, 3.1.5. distribution of journals, 3.2. analysis of research topics, 3.2.1. analysis of global research hotspots, 3.2.2. comparison of research hotspots between china and the united states, 4. discussion, 4.1. geography and climate, 4.2. policy, 4.3. cultural environment, 4.4. agricultural development level, 5. conclusions and prospects, 5.1. conclusions, 5.2. prospects, author contributions, institutional review board statement, informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

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Chuan, L.; Qi, S.; Zhang, H.; Jia, Q.; Wang, A.; Zhao, J. International Development Trends in the Field of Agricultural Resources and the Environment. Sustainability 2024 , 16 , 6516. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156516

Chuan L, Qi S, Zhang H, Jia Q, Wang A, Zhao J. International Development Trends in the Field of Agricultural Resources and the Environment. Sustainability . 2024; 16(15):6516. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156516

Chuan, Limin, Shijie Qi, Hui Zhang, Qian Jia, Ailing Wang, and Jingjuan Zhao. 2024. "International Development Trends in the Field of Agricultural Resources and the Environment" Sustainability 16, no. 15: 6516. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156516

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• DOI: 10.54097/ee8jk472
• Corpus ID: 271472529

How Environmental Regulations Impact Carbon Emissions

• Fengling Zhang
• Published in Frontiers in Business… 11 July 2024
• Environmental Science, Economics

19 References

Industrial structural transformation and carbon dioxide emissions in china, the status and decomposition model of carbon emissions for jiangsu province, carbon emissions from manufacturing energy use in 13 iea countries: long-term trends through 1995, using lmdi method to analyze the change of china's industrial co2 emissions from final fuel use: an empirical analysis, too much oil, projection of industrial structure evolution and its carbon abatement potential for china, imperfect environmental policy and polluting emissions: the green paradox and beyond, is there really a green paradox, public policies against global warming: a supply side approach, on the political economy of environmental policy, related papers.

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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.

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• Published: 25 July 2024

Data as a resource

Nature Energy volume  9 ,  page 763 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Large datasets are increasingly widespread and valuable to researchers in the energy sector. Nature Energy has a dedicated article format — the Resource article — for their dissemination.

The generation of large datasets in scientific research has rapidly increased in recent years, driven by the opportunities offered by big data to revolutionize knowledge production, as well as advancements in high-throughput techniques. These datasets enable the investigation of scientific questions and help fill research gaps. They are also crucial for fully utilizing artificial intelligence-based methods that could accelerate scientific discoveries. As such, these large datasets constitute critical assets for future research, and it is important that they are disseminated similarly to conventional research outputs.

Over the last few years, Nature Energy has started publishing valuable datasets as Resource articles. We have observed a notable increase in submissions of papers that qualify for this article type. Therefore, we would like to revisit the format by discussing two Resource papers we’ve published on our pages.

A Resource should present a large and newly generated dataset, a new data platform, or a library of broad utility, interest, and significance to the community. The format is structured like a research article, and it should explain the utility of the resource. While the key scientific value and novelty lie in the resource or the methods, the manuscript should ideally include demonstrations of novel insights that can be derived from these resources.

An important aspect of Resource articles is their reusability. As such, data, algorithms and codes underlying the methodological frameworks should be made available to the research community. Our preferred approach for sharing data, algorithms and codes is via public repositories, as outlined in our policy ( https://www.nature.com/nature-portfolio/editorial-policies/reporting-standards ). The articles should describe in detail the methods and how the data were acquired.

As anticipated above, it is increasingly important that resources are machine-readable, to take advantage of artificial intelligence-based methods. For instance, it is essential to include full metadata in the datasets. Guidelines on how to make data discoverable and usable by machines — known as the findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable, or FAIR, principles — have been outlined by researchers ( M. Wilkinson et al. Sci. Data 3 , 160018; 2016 ).

A study that classifies as a Resource article can take on different forms. Below, we use two examples to illustrate the variety in how data are generated, disseminated, and eventually used to bridge knowledge gaps in different energy fields.

One type of Resource presents a collection of data from the literature in a database equipped with analytical and visualization functions, as exemplified in the Resource by Jacobsson et al. ( Nat. Energy 7 , 107–115; 2022 ). The research team collected data related to perovskite solar cells from over 15,000 peer-reviewed publications and made them available in an open-access database with graphical tools for analysing, filtering, and visualizing the data. Such a large collection of data is useful to gain a clearer understanding of how modifications to the device and material design and processing impact the performance of solar cells in a statistically significant way. It could help identify trends that are not obvious from the analysis of just a few research studies.

Another type of Resource describes approaches to generate new data with appropriate resolution from existing datasets to widen their usage, as shown by Buster et al. in a Resource included in this issue. The researchers use generative machine learning to generate a high-resolution meteorological dataset from the coarse data outputs of climate models. The newly generated dataset could then be fed into energy system models that require high-resolution input data, aiding in understanding how climate-induced changes impact system cost and reliability during extreme weather events.

These two examples have not yet covered another type of Resource where a large amount of data is generated from scratch for analysing energy systems. We also appreciate that some studies could fall between formats, leaving authors unsure about the best submission format. Regardless of the article type chosen at the initial submission stage, we, editors, will collaborate closely with authors to determine the most appropriate format that effectively highlights the key merit of their findings. We anticipate seeing more studies in this space that delve deeply into both existing and uncharted scientific territory, thereby advancing our understanding and application of energy systems.

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• Frontiers in Genetics
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Towards Crop Stress Tolerance: Germplasm Innovations and Molecular Genetics

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In the face of climate change and increasing global food demand, enhancing crop stress tolerance has now become a critical focus in plant and agricultural research. Innovations in creating elite germplasm and understanding molecular genetics offer promising solutions to improve crop resilience. Germplasm diversity provides a reservoir of valuable genetic traits that can be used to develop stress-tolerant varieties, while molecular genetic techniques enable a deep understanding of stress response pathways through precise manipulations of genes and proteins. Collectively, these approaches will accelerate the production of elite crops that can withstand both abiotic and biotic stresses, ensuring sustainable food production. The primary objectives of this research topic are to address key issues and main research areas in crop stress tolerance. Specifically, it focuses on the efficient discovery and creation of germplasm resources from major food crops and the understanding of molecular genetic regulatory networks underlying these traits. This includes identifying specific genes and pathways involved in stress tolerance and integrating these traits into new crop varieties. The ultimate goal of this research topic is to offer valuable insights for creating high-yielding, stress-tolerant crops that can sustain agricultural productivity in the face of environmental challenges. We welcome submissions of original research papers, reviews, data report, hypothesis & theory, methods, and opinions, including (but not limited to) research on the following sub-themes: • Conducting studies on the mechanisms of formation and evolution of crop germplasm resources. • Systematically analyzing the molecular mechanisms of agronomic traits such as biotic resistance and abiotic stress tolerance. • Creating and discovering elite germplasm carrying superior genetic traits, and can be used for developing functional gene markers. • Engaging in targeted crop breeding to either create new germplasm or modify existing germplasm with high quality, stress resistance, and higher nutrient use efficiency.

Keywords : Abiotic and biotic stresses, Germplasm resources, Molecular markers, Molecular genetics, Crop Stress Tolerance

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How does new urbanization affect urban green total factor productivity? A perspective based on coordinated development

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• Qiang Yin 1 , 2 ,
• Feifei Xu 1 ,
• Kaicheng Liao   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-3083-2030 3 ,
• Erbiao Dai 2 &
• Aishu Sun 1 , 4  

China’s new urbanization strategy serves as a key instrument for achieving sustainable development goals in urban areas. However, a consensus on how and whether new urbanization affects urban green total factor productivity (GTFP) has yet to be reached. This analysis targets 276 prefecture-level and above cities, using panel data from 2011 to 2019 to assess the impact of the new urbanization pilot policy (NUPP) on GTFP. The research findings demonstrate that implementing China’s NUPP has significantly enhanced urban GTFP. Furthermore, the population-land-industry coupling coordination degree (PLICCD), as well as the industry-environment-economy coupling coordination degree (IEECCD), play crucial facilitating roles in the aforementioned enhancement effects. The results remain robust even after employing PSM-staggered difference-in-differences (DID) estimation and excluding other policy interferences. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis, based on urban characteristics, reveals that the NUPP significantly enhances GTFP in resource-based, non-resource-based, industrial, non-intensive compactness, and non-expansionary urbanization cities. Finally, the paper offers three policy recommendations. First, new urbanization initiatives should be more actively promoted in China and other developing countries. Second, the construction of new urbanization plans should focus on the coordinated development of “population-land-industry” and “industry-environment-economy.” Third, the government should implement new urbanization initiatives tailored to the specific characteristics of different cities. This study provides valuable insights for the general public, policymakers, and scholars to better understand the potential of coordinating the development of population, land, industry, the environment, and the economy to improve GTFP. Moreover, it offers a broad perspective for evaluating sustainable urban development.

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Funding for this research also provided by the Education Department of Hunan Province (project no. 22A0360) and by the Wuling Mountain Area Poverty Alleviation and Development Collaborative Innovation Center Open Fund Project (project no. FPFZ2201).

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Business School, Jishou University, Jishou, 416000, China

Qiang Yin, Feifei Xu & Aishu Sun

Asian Growth Research Institute, Kitakyushu, 803-0814, Japan

Qiang Yin & Erbiao Dai

Institute of Economics, School of Social Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China

Kaicheng Liao

Faculty of Economics, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan

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All authors have been actively involved in the work and hold themselves jointly and independently responsible for its content. QY, KL, and ED were involved in the conceptualization and design of the review. FX and AS were responsible for the data acquisition. KL contributed to the data analysis. QY wrote, reviewed, revised, and proofread the manuscript. All authors were involved in reviewing and editing the manuscript.

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Yin, Q., Xu, F., Liao, K. et al. How does new urbanization affect urban green total factor productivity? A perspective based on coordinated development. Environ Sci Pollut Res (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-34477-2

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Received : 30 November 2023

Accepted : 21 July 2024

Published : 02 August 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-34477-2

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