Latest news with #NatureSustainability
Scroll.in
16-07-2025
- Science
- Scroll.in
Is population decline good for nature? Japan shows that may not be the case
Since 1970, 73% of global wildlife has been lost, while the world's population has doubled to 8 billion. Research shows this isn't a coincidence but that population growth is causing a catastrophic decline in biodiversity. Yet a turning point in human history is underway. According to UN projections, the number of people in 85 countries will be shrinking by 2050, mostly in Europe and Asia. By 2100, the human population is on course for global decline. Some say this will be good for the environment. In 2010, Japan became the first Asian country to begin depopulating. South Korea, China and Taiwan are following close behind. In 2014, Italy was the first in southern Europe, followed by Spain, Portugal and others. We call Japan and Italy 'depopulation vanguard countries' on account of their role as forerunners for understanding possible consequences in their regions. Given assumptions that depopulation could help deliver environmental restoration, we have been working with colleagues Yang Li and Taku Fujita to investigate whether Japan is experiencing what we have termed a biodiversity ' depopulation dividend ' or something else. Since 2003, hundreds of citizen scientists have been collecting biodiversity data for the Japanese government's Monitoring Sites 1,000 project. We used 1.5 million recorded species observations from 158 sites. These were in wooded, agricultural and peri-urban (transitional spaces on outskirts of cities) areas. We compared these observations against changes in local population, land use and surface temperature for periods of five to 20 years. Our study, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, includes birds, butterflies, fireflies, frogs and 2,922 native and non-native plants. These landscapes have experienced the greatest depopulation since the 1990s. Due to the size of our database, choice of sites and the positioning of Japan as a depopulation vanguard for north-east Asia, this is one of the largest studies of its kind. Japan is not Chernobyl Biodiversity continued to decrease in most of the areas we studied, irrespective of population increase or decrease. Only where the population remains steady is biodiversity more stable. However, the population of these areas is ageing and will decline soon, bringing them in line with the areas already seeing biodiversity loss. Unlike in Chernobyl, where a sudden crisis caused an almost total evacuation which stimulated startling accounts of wildlife revival, Japan's population loss has developed gradually. Here, a mosaic pattern of changing land use emerges amid still-functioning communities. While most farmland remains under cultivation, some falls into disuse or abandonment, some is sold for urban development or transformed into intensively farmed landscapes. This prevents widespread natural succession of plant growth or afforestation (planting of new trees) that would enrich biodiversity. In these areas, humans are agents of ecosystem sustainability. Traditional farming and seasonal livelihood practices, such as flooding, planting and harvesting of rice fields, orchard and coppice management, and property upkeep, are important for maintaining biodiversity. So depopulation can be destructive to nature. Some species thrive, but these are often non-native ones that present other challenges, such as the drying and choking of formerly wet rice paddy fields by invasive grasses. Vacant and derelict buildings, underused infrastructure and socio-legal issues (such as complicated inheritance laws and land taxes, lack of local authority administrative capacity, and high demolition and disposal costs) all compound the problem. Even as the number of akiya (empty, disused or abandoned houses) increases to nearly 15% of the nation's housing stock, the construction of new dwellings continues remorselessly. In 2024, more than 790,000 were built, due partly to Japan's changing population distribution and household composition. Alongside these come roads, shopping malls, sports facilities, car parks and Japan's ubiquitous convenience stores. All in all, wildlife has less space and fewer niches to inhabit, despite there being fewer people. What can be done Data shows deepening depopulation in Japan and north-east Asia. Fertility rates remain low in most developed countries. Immigration provides only a short-term softer landing, as countries currently supplying migrants, such as Vietnam, are also on course for depopulation. Our research demonstrates that biodiversity recovery needs to be actively managed, especially in depopulating areas. Despite this there are only a few rewilding projects in Japan. To help these develop, local authorities could be given powers to convert disused land into locally managed community conservancies. Nature depletion is a systemic risk to global economic stability. Ecological risks, such as fish stock declines or deforestation, need better accountability from governments and corporations. Rather than spend on more infrastructure for an ever-dwindling population, for example, Japanese companies could invest in growing local natural forests for carbon credits. Depopulation is emerging as a 21st-century global megatrend. Handled well, depopulation could help reduce the world's most pressing environmental problems, including resource and energy use, emissions and waste, and nature conservation. But it needs to be actively managed for those opportunities to be realised.
Japan Today
07-07-2025
- Science
- Japan Today
Fewer people doesn't always mean better outcomes for nature – just look at Japan
By Peter Matanle, Kei Uchida and Masayoshi Hiraiwa Since 1970, 73% of global wildlife has been lost, while the world's population has doubled to 8 billion. Research shows this isn't a coincidence but that population growth is causing a catastrophic decline in biodiversity. Yet a turning point in human history is underway. According to U.N. projections, the number of people in 85 countries will be shrinking by 2050, mostly in Europe and Asia. By 2100, the human population is on course for global decline. Some say this will be good for the environment. In 2010, Japan became the first Asian country to begin depopulating. South Korea, China and Taiwan are following close behind. In 2014, Italy was the first in southern Europe, followed by Spain, Portugal and others. We call Japan and Italy 'depopulation vanguard countries' on account of their role as forerunners for understanding possible consequences in their regions. Given assumptions that depopulation could help deliver environmental restoration, we have been working with colleagues Yang Li and Taku Fujita to investigate whether Japan is experiencing what we have termed a biodiversity 'depopulation dividend' or something else. Since 2003, hundreds of citizen scientists have been collecting biodiversity data for the Japanese government's Monitoring Sites 1,000 project. We used 1.5 million recorded species observations from 158 sites. These were in wooded, agricultural and peri-urban (transitional spaces on outskirts of cities) areas. We compared these observations against changes in local population, land use and surface temperature for periods of five to 20 years. Our study, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, includes birds, butterflies, fireflies, frogs and 2,922 native and non-native plants. These landscapes have experienced the greatest depopulation since the 1990s. Due to the size of our database, choice of sites and the positioning of Japan as a depopulation vanguard for north-east Asia, this is one of the largest studies of its kind. Japan is not Chernobyl Biodiversity continued to decrease in most of the areas we studied, irrespective of population increase or decrease. Only where the population remains steady is biodiversity more stable. However, the population of these areas is aging and will decline soon, bringing them in line with the areas already seeing biodiversity loss. Unlike in Chernobyl, where a sudden crisis caused an almost total evacuation which stimulated startling accounts of wildlife revival, Japan's population loss has developed gradually. Here, a mosaic pattern of changing land use emerges amid still-functioning communities. While most farmland remains under cultivation, some falls into disuse or abandonment, some is sold for urban development or transformed into intensively farmed landscapes. This prevents widespread natural succession of plant growth or afforestation (planting of new trees) that would enrich biodiversity. In these areas, humans are agents of ecosystem sustainability. Traditional farming and seasonal livelihood practices, such as flooding, planting and harvesting of rice fields, orchard and coppice management, and property upkeep, are important for maintaining biodiversity. So depopulation can be destructive to nature. Some species thrive, but these are often non-native ones that present other challenges, such as the drying and choking of formerly wet rice paddy fields by invasive grasses. Vacant and derelict buildings, underused infrastructure and socio-legal issues (such as complicated inheritance laws and land taxes, lack of local authority administrative capacity, and high demolition and disposal costs) all compound the problem. Even as the number of akiya (empty, disused or abandoned houses) increases to nearly 15% of the nation's housing stock, the construction of new dwellings continues remorselessly. In 2024, more than 790,000 were built, due partly to Japan's changing population distribution and household composition. Alongside these come roads, shopping malls, sports facilities, car parks and Japan's ubiquitous convenience stores. All in all, wildlife has less space and fewer niches to inhabit, despite there being fewer people. What can be done? Data shows deepening depopulation in Japan and northeast Asia. Fertility rates remain low in most developed countries. Immigration provides only a short-term softer landing, as countries currently supplying migrants, such as Vietnam, are also on course for depopulation. Our research demonstrates that biodiversity recovery needs to be actively managed, especially in depopulating areas. Despite this there are only a few rewilding projects in Japan. To help these develop, local authorities could be given powers to convert disused land into locally managed community conservancies. Nature depletion is a systemic risk to global economic stability. Ecological risks, such as fish stock declines or deforestation, need better accountability from governments and corporations. Rather than spend on more infrastructure for an ever-dwindling population, for example, Japanese companies could invest in growing local natural forests for carbon credits. Depopulation is emerging as a 21st-century global megatrend. Handled well, depopulation could help reduce the world's most pressing environmental problems, including resource and energy use, emissions and waste, and nature conservation. But it needs to be actively managed for those opportunities to be realized. Peter Matanle is Senior Lecturer in Japanese Studies, University of Sheffield. Kei Uchida is Associate Professor, Conservation and Biodiversity Management, Tokyo City University and Masayoshi Hiraiwa is Postdoctoral Researcher, Ecology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University. The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. External Link © The Conversation
Sustainability Times
29-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Toxin-Free Gold Rush Begins': Breakthrough Method Extracts Precious Metals From Ore and E-Waste Without Using Deadly Chemicals
IN A NUTSHELL 🌟 Researchers at Flinders University have developed a toxin-free method for gold extraction from ore and electronic waste. have developed a toxin-free method for gold extraction from ore and electronic waste. ♻️ The innovative method uses trichloroisocyanuric acid to dissolve gold, offering a safer alternative to traditional toxic chemicals. to dissolve gold, offering a safer alternative to traditional toxic chemicals. 🌍 By collaborating internationally, the team aims to tackle the growing issue of e-waste and support a circular economy. and support a circular economy. 🔬 The findings, published in Nature Sustainability, highlight a significant step towards sustainable resource management and environmental protection. Gold has long been a prized element, not just for its beauty and rarity, but for its critical role in various industries such as electronics, medicine, and aerospace. As the demand for gold continues to rise, traditional extraction methods have posed significant environmental and health risks due to their reliance on toxic chemicals. However, a groundbreaking study by researchers at Flinders University in Australia promises to revolutionize the way we recover gold. By introducing a toxin-free method that efficiently extracts gold from both ore and e-waste, this innovative approach could significantly reduce the ecological footprint of gold mining. The Innovative Gold Recovery Method The pursuit of sustainable gold extraction has led researchers to develop a novel method that stands in stark contrast to traditional techniques. Historically, gold extraction has depended on toxic substances like cyanide and mercury. These chemicals, while effective, have caused widespread environmental harm, contaminating water sources and posing severe health risks to both humans and wildlife. The new method developed by the interdisciplinary team at Flinders University utilizes a harmless compound known as trichloroisocyanuric acid, commonly used in water treatment processes. When activated by saltwater, this compound dissolves gold effectively, offering a much safer alternative to conventional methods. The dissolved gold is then selectively captured by a specialized sulfur-rich polymer, which the team designed specifically for this purpose. This polymer not only binds the gold but also allows for its recovery, ensuring that the polymer can be recycled and reused in future extraction processes. This sustainable approach is further enhanced by the use of UV light to create the polymer, minimizing the environmental impact of gold recovery. 'Staggering 20% recycled cathode material goal': Panasonic's bold leap towards the greenest lithium EV batteries ever created Sustainable Solution to Tackle E-Waste Electronic waste, or e-waste, is an ever-growing problem worldwide, with millions of tons generated each year. These discarded electronics contain valuable metals like gold, but traditional recycling efforts have struggled to keep pace with the increasing volume. The innovative method developed by the Flinders University team offers a promising solution to this challenge. By partnering with experts in the US and Peru, the researchers have tested their method on various types of electronic waste, including CPU units and RAM cards. This collaboration aims to provide safer alternatives for small-scale miners who often rely on mercury for gold extraction. The new method not only addresses the environmental concerns associated with traditional mining but also supports a circular economy by enabling the recovery and reuse of valuable metals from e-waste. The findings, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, highlight the potential of this technique to transform waste management and resource utilization on a global scale. 'Soundwaves Turn Trash to Power': Revolutionary Tech Revives Dead Fuel Cells Into Clean Energy Gold Using Sonic Force Collaborative Efforts and Global Impact The success of the Flinders University study is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary and international collaboration. By combining expertise from various fields and regions, the team has developed a method that could set a new standard for gold recovery worldwide. The partnership with experts from different countries not only validates the effectiveness of the method on a global scale but also paves the way for its adoption in diverse mining and recycling contexts. The implications of this research extend beyond gold recovery. By demonstrating a viable, toxin-free extraction method, the study could inspire similar innovations for other metals and materials. As the world grapples with the challenges of resource scarcity and environmental degradation, such breakthroughs are crucial for building a more sustainable and resilient future. Porsche Will Crush Its Old EVs to Give Birth to Faster, Greener Monsters Than Ever Before Future Directions and Potential Challenges While the new gold extraction method holds great promise, several challenges remain. Scaling up the process for widespread industrial use will require further research and development. Ensuring the economic viability of the method is also essential for its adoption by industries and small-scale miners worldwide. Additionally, navigating the regulatory landscape and addressing potential logistical issues will be critical for the successful implementation of this technology. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of the method are undeniable. By reducing the environmental impact of gold mining and promoting the efficient recycling of e-waste, this innovation could play a significant role in achieving global sustainability goals. As researchers continue to refine and expand upon their findings, the question remains: how will industries and governments respond to this opportunity to revolutionize gold recovery and resource management? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (27)
Economic Times
29-06-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
There is gold in your old phone: New easy 3-step recovery method discovered by scientists
Scientists Discover Safer, Greener Way to Extract Precious Metal from E-Waste As global dependence on technology grows, the world is grappling with a parallel crisis—an overwhelming rise in electronic waste. Driven by fast-paced advancements in AI and internet-based devices, old phones, laptops, and other digital products are being discarded at an unprecedented rate. According to the United Nations' Global E-waste Monitor (GEM), 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced in 2022 alone—an 82% rise from 2010. Projections indicate this number will climb by another 32% by 2030, reaching an estimated 82 million tonnes. This discarded tech poses dual challenges: severe environmental damage and the loss of valuable materials such as gold, silver, and rare earth elements. Despite their worth, only about 1% of the global demand for rare earth materials is currently fulfilled through e-waste recycling. In response to this, a team of researchers has introduced a novel, environmentally safe method for extracting gold from electronic waste—an approach now published in the journal Nature Sustainability. The newly developed method replaces conventional gold recovery techniques—which often involve harsh, toxic chemicals—with a safer and more sustainable alternative. The procedure unfolds in three key stages: Step 1: Dissolving the Gold The gold present in old devices is first dissolved using trichloroisocyanuric acid, a chemical widely used in water treatment. This process is facilitated by a halide catalyst, which helps oxidize the metal from its solid form. Step 2: Binding the Gold A specially designed polysulfide polymer is then introduced to the solution. This polymer selectively binds to the dissolved gold, separating it from other materials. Step 3: Recovering the Gold Finally, the gold is recovered by either pyrolyzing (heating) or depolymerizing the gold-bound polymer. The recovered gold is of high purity, and the polymer itself can be reused—making the entire method more small-scale gold mining, which can cause environmental degradation and health risks due to mercury and cyanide use, this technique avoids such hazards altogether. The researchers have tested the process successfully not only on electronic waste but also on natural ores and other gold-rich materials, underlining its global e-waste output continues to escalate—equivalent to 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks that could circle the Earth—this method offers a tangible solution. It not only extracts valuable resources from discarded gadgets but also promotes a circular economy that encourages reuse and responsible recycling increasing interest from industries and researchers alike, the technique has potential for large-scale application. By turning obsolete electronics into a source of sustainable gold, the innovation could reshape the way the world handles e-waste, reducing both environmental harm and economic loss.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Time of India
There is gold in your old phone: New easy 3-step recovery method discovered by scientists
As global dependence on technology grows, the world is grappling with a parallel crisis—an overwhelming rise in electronic waste . Driven by fast-paced advancements in AI and internet-based devices, old phones, laptops, and other digital products are being discarded at an unprecedented rate. According to the United Nations' Global E-waste Monitor (GEM), 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced in 2022 alone—an 82% rise from 2010. Projections indicate this number will climb by another 32% by 2030, reaching an estimated 82 million tonnes. This discarded tech poses dual challenges: severe environmental damage and the loss of valuable materials such as gold, silver, and rare earth elements. Despite their worth, only about 1% of the global demand for rare earth materials is currently fulfilled through e-waste recycling . In response to this, a team of researchers has introduced a novel, environmentally safe method for extracting gold from electronic waste—an approach now published in the journal Nature Sustainability . A Three-Step Process That Turns Waste into Wealth The newly developed method replaces conventional gold recovery techniques—which often involve harsh, toxic chemicals—with a safer and more sustainable alternative. The procedure unfolds in three key stages: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Step 1: Dissolving the Gold The gold present in old devices is first dissolved using trichloroisocyanuric acid, a chemical widely used in water treatment. This process is facilitated by a halide catalyst, which helps oxidize the metal from its solid form. Step 2: Binding the Gold A specially designed polysulfide polymer is then introduced to the solution. This polymer selectively binds to the dissolved gold, separating it from other materials. Step 3: Recovering the Gold Finally, the gold is recovered by either pyrolyzing (heating) or depolymerizing the gold-bound polymer. The recovered gold is of high purity, and the polymer itself can be reused—making the entire method more sustainable. Sustainable Solution with Large-Scale Potential Unlike small-scale gold mining, which can cause environmental degradation and health risks due to mercury and cyanide use, this technique avoids such hazards altogether. The researchers have tested the process successfully not only on electronic waste but also on natural ores and other gold-rich materials, underlining its versatility. As global e-waste output continues to escalate—equivalent to 1.55 million 40-tonne trucks that could circle the Earth—this method offers a tangible solution. It not only extracts valuable resources from discarded gadgets but also promotes a circular economy that encourages reuse and responsible recycling practices. With increasing interest from industries and researchers alike, the technique has potential for large-scale application. By turning obsolete electronics into a source of sustainable gold, the innovation could reshape the way the world handles e-waste, reducing both environmental harm and economic loss.
