News | IIASA

Powerplant sensing plumesof smoke into the air

04 November 2021

Cutting ammonia emissions is a cost-effective way to prevent air pollution deaths

Tackling pollution from the emission of nitrogen compounds, particularly ammonia, could reduce many of the 23.3 million years of life that were lost prematurely across the world in 2013 due to nitrogen-related air pollution, an international study led by Chinese scientists has discovered using a modeling framework, including the IIASA GAINS model.

01 November 2021

Global climate change impacts on crops expected within 10 years

Climate change may affect the production of maize (corn) and wheat by 2030 if current trends continue, according to a new international study that included researchers from IIASA, NASA, and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). Maize crop yields are projected to decline by 24%, while wheat could potentially see growth of about 17%.

28 October 2021

How recovery from COVID-19 and climate policies might affect the use of “clean” cooking fuels

Replacing polluting cooking fuels with clean-burning ones can save lives and reduce our impact on the environment. A group of IIASA researchers shows how recovery from the pandemic and climate mitigation policies might affect access to clean fuels.

Abstract image of renewable energy options against a green background

21 October 2021

Addressing soaring energy prices and the energy transition in Europe

Europe is in the grip of an unprecedented energy crisis, leading some to call for a renewed focus on fossil fuels to supply much needed electricity for the coming winter months. A statement released by the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors to the European Commission however highlights that accelerating the transition to a low-carbon energy system is a solution that can actually lower energy prices in the long term.

19 October 2021

Road impacts on ecosystems in sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa is developing rapidly. With growing economies and increased trade, major road infrastructure plans have been developed for the region, which also hosts some of the world’s most unique and diverse ecosystems. New research looked into how roads might impact ecosystems in the region.

Joeri Rogelj standing behind a podium during a presentation

19 October 2021

Joeri Rogelj receives ISC Early Career Scientist Award for Europe

IIASA researcher Joeri Rogelj received the Early Career Science Award for Europe during the International Science Council (ISC) General Assembly in Paris last week for his exceptional contribution to science, international scientific collaboration, and policy engagement.

Rice terraces reflecting blue and red colors

18 October 2021

Exploring the global environmental impacts of China's growing demand for food

Ensuring China’s future food security will have huge environmental impacts, both domestically and globally. A study by IIASA researchers and Chinese colleagues shows that carefully designed policies across the whole of China’s food system, including international trade, are crucial to ensuring that future demand can be satisfied without destroying the environment.

Women sitting at desk looking at zoom call in progress on computer screen

11 October 2021

How recovery from COVID-19’s impact on energy demand could help meet climate targets

The pandemic-related drop in greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 was likely the largest on record in a single year, but how our recovery might affect future emissions is less clear. New modeling examines alternative scenarios and how they could impact climate mitigation targets.

Blue puzzlepieces showing links between economics, environment, and society on yellow background

07 October 2021

Achieving just transitions to a net-zero world

Only a minority of the global population currently enjoy high levels of wellbeing, while many are experiencing multidimensional poverty. A new IIASA strategic initiative – JustTrans4All – aims to improve our understanding of how to make the needed transitions more just.

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