Why Do Some Environmental Shocks Lead to Disaster While Others Don't? Lessons from History

Introduction

In today's world, we find ourselves facing an unprecedented convergence of global crises. Climate change, economic inequality, political polarization—these challenges intersect and test our collective resilience. Yet, history tells us that societies have confronted similar threats in the past, sometimes succumbing to collapse while others displayed remarkable resilience. The key question is: What distinguishes societies that thrive in the face of environmental shocks from those that falter? To answer this question, we delve into the insights of a recent study published in Philosophical Transactions B, titled "Navigating Polycrisis: long-run socio-cultural factors shape response to changing climate."

Harnessing History's Wisdom

To gain a deeper understanding of our capacity to cope with environmental shocks, researchers from the Complexity Science Hub (CSH), led by Peter Turchin and Daniel Hoyer, embarked on an ambitious project. They created the Crisis Database (CrisisDB) as part of the Global History Databank Seshat, compiling data from over 150 past crises spanning various times and regions.

Not Every Shock Leads to Collapse

One of the study's key findings is that not every ecological shock or climatic anomaly results in societal collapse. Some societies exhibit resilience, maintaining essential functions or even achieving positive change through systemic reforms. This begs the question: What factors differentiate collapse from positive adaptation?

Divergent Historical Experiences

The researchers illustrate the divergent dynamics experienced by past societies through three case studies:

• Monte Albán, Mexico: In the 9th century, extreme drought hit the Zapotec hilltop settlement of Monte Albán, leading to its abandonment. However, this wasn't a societal collapse but rather a reorientation, with former residents resettling in smaller communities nearby, preserving many aspects of their society.
• Qing Dynasty, China: The Qing Dynasty weathered recurrent floods, droughts, and locust swarms during their early reign. However, by the 19th century, social pressures had built up, resulting in the Taiping Rebellion and its eventual collapse in 1912.
• Ottoman Empire: The Ottoman Empire faced environmental challenges, including droughts and the Little Ice Age, during the 16th century. Despite social unrest and rebellions, they maintained key structures and ruled for several more centuries.

A Generalizable Approach

The researchers stress the importance of examining the responses of multiple societies affected by a particular climate regime. By doing so, they can identify causal influences and overall effectiveness of environmental stressors across different regions and time periods.

Understanding the Complex Dynamics

According to Peter Turchin, a crisis's course depends on numerous factors, with environmental forces interacting with cultural, political, and economic dynamics. This complexity necessitates a deeper understanding of these dynamics to fathom societal responses to environmental shocks.

Reducing Social Inequality

One crucial finding from the study is that slowly evolving structural forces, such as increasing social inequality, can erode social resilience. Societal cohesion becomes vital in dealing with large-scale threats, as demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cohesive societies implemented necessary measures more effectively. In today's era marked by ecological shocks, economic disruptions, inequality, and conflicts, reducing these structural pressures should be a focus to build resilience.

Conclusion

The study "Navigating Polycrisis" underscores the importance of learning from history to navigate the complex challenges of our time. It reveals that environmental shocks do not have a predetermined societal response; instead, cultural, political, and economic dynamics play pivotal roles. By harnessing the lessons from history and addressing structural pressures, we can enhance our resilience to contemporary climate shocks and work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Scientists Invent Revolutionary and Eco-Friendly Method for Upcycling Single-Use Plastic

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have created a new process that can convert polyethylene-based plastic bags and polypropylene-based surgical masks into carbon dots. 

This innovative method is organic solvent-free and can be completed in a single step. It addresses the pressing issue of pandemic-related plastic waste, which has resulted in approximately 26,000 metric tons of waste ending up in the oceans. Finding efficient ways to upcycle this non-degradable material has become even more urgent. By transforming single-use plastic into carbon dots, which are biocompatible carbon nanomaterials, various applications can be explored, such as biological imaging, environmental monitoring, chemical analysis, targeted drug delivery, disease diagnosis and therapy, and anti-counterfeiting. Unlike existing methods that involve multiple steps and the use of toxic chemicals, this new approach offers a simpler and safer solution.

In the journal Green Chemistry, a study titled "High-yield, One-pot Upcycling of Polyethylene and Polypropylene Waste into Blue-Emissive Carbon Dots" introduces a new synthesis method that efficiently transforms plastic waste into valuable carbon dots. This approach is not only simple and cost-effective but also highly scalable, allowing for large-scale upcycling of plastic waste. A noteworthy aspect of this method is its ability to handle plastics contaminated with organic waste, such as food scraps, which presents a significant challenge for traditional recycling methods. The senior author of the study is Khalil Ramadi, an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at NYUAD, while the first authors are Mohammed Abdelhameed, a scientist at NYUAD, and Mahmoud Elbeh, an undergraduate student at NYUAD.

Furthermore, the researchers conducted an economic analysis to assess the viability of this synthetic method. They compared the variable costs of the process to existing chemical recycling methods and considered the economic value of the resulting carbon dots. The findings revealed a promising outlook, with the global market value of carbon dots projected to reach $6.412 billion U.S. dollars by 2025, a significant increase from $2.496 billion in 2019. This substantial commercial value justifies the associated processing costs and demonstrates the economic feasibility of the new method.

The extensive usage of single-use plastics, especially surgical masks and medical waste, during the pandemic has heightened the urgency of finding a solution to manage non-biodegradable waste. Moreover, it is estimated that only 14 percent of eligible plastic packaging, which has seen a surge in usage due to online shopping, undergoes recycling, while the rest is disposed of in landfills and oceans, causing significant harm. These materials can be ingested by organisms or fragmented into micro- and nano-plastics, posing threats to terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems, ultimately endangering human health.

Ramadi emphasized the significance of the newly developed method, stating, "Our team has successfully created a cost-effective and safe approach that can be readily implemented to substantially reduce the release of harmful plastic into our ecosystems. Apart from safeguarding our ecosystems, this method allows for the efficient and responsible production of carbon dots, a versatile nanotechnology with limitless potential applications."

Elbeh expressed enthusiasm for supporting the UAE's Circular Economy Policy and emphasized the value of their project. He said, "We are thrilled to contribute to tackling the plastic waste crisis by generating a valuable product through a relatively straightforward method. We look forward to collaborating further to not only scale up this project but also explore additional developments and applications utilizing the produced carbon dots.

More information: Mohammed Abdelhameed et al, High-yield, one-pot upcycling of polyethylene and polypropylene waste into blue-emissive carbon dots, Green Chemistry (2023). DOI: 10.1039/D2GC04177D. Journal information: Green Chemistry

The Link Between Corporate Pollution and Stock Prices in China

How Social Responsibility and Environmental Governance Impact Public Companies in Shenzhen and Shanghai

In recent years, China's rapid economic growth has led to increased environmental pollution, affecting the country's air, water, and land. With the expansion of industrialization and urbanization, environmental issues have become more critical, and the government has taken steps to address this problem. One of the critical ways China is addressing pollution is through the stock exchanges in Shenzhen and Shanghai, which have issued guidelines for social responsibility and environmental information disclosure for public companies. This blog post will explore the link between corporate pollution and stock prices and the importance of social responsibility and environmental governance for public companies in China.

The Impact of Corporate Pollution on Stock Prices

In the past, corporate social responsibility (CSR) was seen as a non-financial activity, with companies focusing on philanthropy or sustainability initiatives to improve their reputation. However, recent studies have shown that CSR has a significant impact on a company's financial performance and stock prices, especially in the context of environmental pollution. Companies that fail to manage their environmental impact can suffer from financial losses due to regulatory penalties, legal fees, and reputational damage.

In China, where environmental pollution is a severe problem, public companies are under increasing pressure to manage their environmental impact. The Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges have issued guidelines that encourage companies to disclose their environmental practices, including their pollution prevention and control measures. Companies that follow these guidelines can improve their reputation and attract more investors, which can increase their stock prices.

However, companies that fail to follow these guidelines and continue to pollute the environment may suffer from negative consequences, including lower stock prices. Investors are becoming more aware of the impact of pollution on a company's financial performance, and many are choosing to divest from companies that fail to manage their environmental impact. This trend is likely to continue as public awareness of environmental issues grows, and governments around the world implement stricter environmental regulations.

The Importance of Social Responsibility and Environmental Governance

Public companies in China have a responsibility to manage their environmental impact, and they can benefit from doing so. The Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges have issued guidelines that encourage companies to undertake corporate environmental protection investment (CEPI), which involves using part of an investment fund for pollution prevention and control. CEPI has social, economic, and environmental benefits, and it can improve a company's long-term value by enhancing its reputation and attracting more investors.

Furthermore, companies that follow these guidelines can benefit from increased efficiency and productivity. Environmental pollution can lead to decreased worker productivity, higher employee turnover, and increased absenteeism. By managing their environmental impact, companies can create a healthier work environment that can improve their bottom line.

The guidelines issued by the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges also encourage companies to disclose their environmental information, including their environmental performance and pollution prevention measures. This information can be used by investors to make informed decisions about which companies to invest in. Companies that are transparent about their environmental practices are more likely to attract investors who are concerned about the impact of pollution on the environment and society.

Guidelines for Social Responsibility of Listed Companies

In 2006, the Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges jointly released the "Guidelines for Social Responsibility of Listed Companies". This guideline is a pioneering initiative in China and aimed at promoting the social responsibility of listed companies, including environmental responsibility. The guideline established a system of reporting the social responsibility of listed companies, including the environmental protection investment (EPI), which pertains to enterprises that use part of their investment fund for pollution prevention and control.

The guideline covers four key areas: company management, stakeholder engagement, environmental responsibility, and community development. It requires listed companies to disclose their social responsibility information in their annual reports, including their environmental protection practices, such as CEPI. The guideline also requires companies to report on the impact of their environmental protection investment on their financial performance and their corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Guidelines for Environmental Information Disclosure of Listed Companies

In 2008, the Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges jointly released the "Guidelines for Environmental Information Disclosure of Listed Companies". This guideline requires listed companies to disclose information about their environmental impact and environmental management practices. It is one of the most comprehensive guidelines for environmental information disclosure by listed companies in China.

The guideline covers six key areas: environmental impact, environmental management system, environmental performance, environmental risks and opportunities, environmental investment, and environmental standards and regulations. It requires listed companies to disclose their environmental impact and environmental management practices in their annual reports, including their CEPI.

Impact of Guidelines on Corporate Behavior

The guidelines set by the Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges have had a significant impact on corporate behavior. Since the release of the guidelines, listed companies have become more aware of their environmental impact and have started to take measures to reduce pollution.

One of the key impacts of the guidelines has been on the stock prices of listed companies. Companies that perform well in environmental protection and disclose their environmental information in accordance with the guidelines are more likely to be favored by investors. They may receive higher valuations and be considered less risky investments.

On the other hand, companies that perform poorly in environmental protection and fail to disclose their environmental information may suffer from a lower stock price. Investors may view these companies as high risk and may be less likely to invest in them.

The guidelines have also had a positive impact on the overall environmental performance of listed companies in China. Companies are now more aware of the importance of environmental protection and are taking measures to reduce pollution. For example, some companies have invested in pollution control equipment, implemented cleaner production processes, and adopted more environmentally friendly technologies.

Conclusion

The guidelines set by the Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges have been instrumental in promoting environmental protection among listed companies in China. By requiring companies to disclose their environmental information and EPI in their annual reports, the guidelines have increased transparency and accountability in corporate behavior.

Furthermore, the guidelines have had a positive impact on the stock prices of listed companies. Companies that perform well in environmental protection are more likely to be favored by investors, leading to higher valuations and better investment opportunities.

Overall, the guidelines have contributed to a more sustainable and responsible corporate culture in China. They have encouraged listed companies to take environmental protection seriously and have helped to reduce pollution levels in the country. As China continues to develop economically, the guidelines will play a critical role in ensuring that economic growth is balanced with environmental protection.

Exploring the Link between Pollution and Economic Growth

Pollution is one of the most pressing environmental problems facing the world today. Not only does it have a negative impact on human health and the environment, but it also affects a country's economic growth. In this article, we will explore the link between environmental pollution and the loss of GDP in a country.

The Impact of Environmental Pollution on GDP

Environmental pollution is a major issue in many countries, and it has a significant impact on their economic growth. According to a study conducted by Chiu and Wu in 2010, environmental pollution causes a loss of 3.5-8% to a country's GDP each year. This means that countries with high levels of pollution are likely to experience slower economic growth than those with lower levels of pollution.

Air Pollution and its Effects on GDP

Air pollution is one of the most common forms of environmental pollution, and it has a significant impact on a country's economic growth. According to the 2018 Global Environmental Performance Index jointly issued by Yale University, Columbia University, and the World Economic Forum, China's environmental performance ranks 120th out of 180 economies, with air quality being a major concern. In terms of PM2.5 comprehensive evaluations, China ranks fourth to last.

The negative impact of air pollution on a country's economy can be attributed to several factors. For instance, air pollution can lead to increased healthcare costs, as more people are likely to suffer from respiratory problems and other illnesses. Additionally, air pollution can reduce worker productivity, as workers who are exposed to high levels of pollution are more likely to take sick leave or experience reduced cognitive function.

Water Pollution and its Effects on GDP

Water pollution is another major form of environmental pollution that has a significant impact on a country's economic growth. In many developing countries, water pollution is a major issue, and it can have a negative impact on the agricultural sector. For instance, polluted water can lead to reduced crop yields, which can result in lower income for farmers and a decrease in the country's GDP.

Furthermore, water pollution can also lead to increased healthcare costs, as people who drink contaminated water are more likely to suffer from waterborne diseases. This can lead to increased healthcare spending and a decrease in overall economic growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, environmental pollution is a major issue that can have a significant impact on a country's economic growth. Air pollution and water pollution are two of the most common forms of pollution, and they can lead to a range of negative economic effects. Governments and businesses need to take steps to reduce pollution levels to ensure that economic growth is not adversely affected. By implementing sustainable development practices, such as investing in renewable energy, reducing waste, and promoting environmental awareness, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous future for everyone.

Uncovering a New Pathway for Electrons in Photosynthesis: Implications for Renewable Energy

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy in order to grow and thrive. For years, scientists have been fascinated by the complexity of photosynthesis, and have been studying it in detail to better understand how it works. Recently, researchers have discovered a new pathway for electrons in photosynthesis, which could have significant implications for the development of renewable energy sources.

Traditionally, it was believed that photosynthesis only used two pathways to transfer energy: one for the transfer of light energy, and another for the transfer of electrons. However, researchers from the University of Sheffield have discovered a third pathway that is used to transfer electrons between the two main pathways. This discovery has the potential to significantly increase the efficiency of photosynthesis, and could also be used to develop new renewable energy sources.

The researchers found that this new pathway works by allowing electrons to move in a specific direction, from the "donor" to the "acceptor". This directional flow of electrons is crucial for the efficient transfer of energy, and could be used to design new materials that are more efficient at converting sunlight into energy.

One of the most exciting potential applications of this discovery is in the field of renewable energy. Solar power is a promising source of renewable energy, but current technologies are not as efficient as they could be. By using the knowledge gained from this new discovery, scientists could develop more efficient solar panels that are better at converting sunlight into electricity.

The discovery of this new pathway could also have implications for other areas of energy production. For example, it could be used to develop new forms of biofuels that are more efficient at converting plant matter into fuel. This could help to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.

Overall, the discovery of the new pathway for electrons in photosynthesis is a significant breakthrough that has the potential to revolutionize the way we produce and use energy. By understanding the intricacies of photosynthesis, scientists can develop new materials and technologies that are more efficient and sustainable, and that can help us to meet our energy needs while protecting the environment.

Global Trends in PM2.5 Levels: Surges and Declines over the Past Two Decades

Over the past two decades, the levels of PM2.5, a type of air pollutant that is harmful to human health, have been a major concern for many countries and regions around the world. While some regions have made significant progress in reducing their levels of PM2.5, others have seen a surge in these levels, leading to serious health consequences for their populations.

One region that has experienced a significant surge in PM2.5 levels is South Asia, which includes countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and the burning of fossil fuels for energy production have led to high levels of air pollution in many of these countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that India has some of the highest levels of PM2.5 in the world, with many cities exceeding the recommended levels of exposure.

Another region that has seen a surge in PM2.5 levels is Sub-Saharan Africa. As many countries in the region continue to experience high rates of population growth, demand for energy is also increasing, leading to increased use of fossil fuels and resulting in high levels of air pollution. The WHO reports that several cities in the region have PM2.5 levels that exceed the recommended exposure levels.

In contrast, some regions of the world have made significant progress in reducing their levels of PM2.5 over the past two decades. For example, the European Union (EU) has implemented a range of policies and regulations to reduce air pollution, including stricter emissions standards for vehicles and power plants, and the promotion of renewable energy sources. As a result, many countries in the EU have seen significant reductions in their levels of PM2.5.

Similarly, North America has also made progress in reducing PM2.5 levels, thanks to the implementation of policies such as the Clean Air Act in the United States and the Air Quality Management System in Canada. As a result, many cities in North America have seen significant improvements in air quality over the past two decades.

In conclusion, the levels of PM2.5 in different regions of the world vary widely, with some regions experiencing a surge in these levels, while others have seen a decline. While many countries and regions have implemented policies and regulations to reduce air pollution, there is still much work to be done to address this global health issue. By working together to reduce emissions and promote renewable energy sources, we can help to ensure that everyone around the world can breathe clean air and enjoy good health.

WHO Safe Levels of PM2.5 and Global Exposure: Understanding the Impact of Air Pollution

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established safe levels for the concentration of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5. These are tiny particles in the air that can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. The WHO guidelines state that the safe level for PM2.5 is an annual average of 10 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3), and a 24-hour average of 25 μg/m3. However, many people around the world are still exposed to levels above these limits, with significant health consequences.

PM2.5 is produced by a range of human activities, including burning fossil fuels, industrial processes, and transportation. Natural sources such as wildfires and dust storms can also contribute to PM2.5 levels. The particles are so small that they are invisible to the naked eye, but they can have a significant impact on human health. When inhaled, PM2.5 particles can travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation, damage to lung tissue, and increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

According to the WHO, around 7 million people die each year as a result of exposure to air pollution, with PM2.5 being a significant contributor to these deaths. Many more people suffer from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases that are linked to air pollution, leading to a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide.

Despite the serious health consequences of exposure to PM2.5, many people around the world are still exposed to levels above the WHO safe limits. In fact, according to a 2020 report by the State of Global Air project, 91% of the world's population lives in areas where PM2.5 levels exceed the WHO guidelines. This includes both urban and rural areas, with the highest concentrations of PM2.5 found in low- and middle-income countries.

The report found that in 2019, the global average concentration of PM2.5 was 24 μg/m3, well above the WHO safe level. The highest levels of PM2.5 were found in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, with annual average concentrations of 69 μg/m3 and 40 μg/m3, respectively. In comparison, North America had an annual average concentration of 8.3 μg/m3, while Europe had an average of 14 μg/m3.

While many countries have made progress in reducing PM2.5 levels in recent years, there is still much work to be done to ensure that everyone has access to clean air. The WHO recommends a range of interventions to reduce air pollution, including improving public transportation, increasing access to clean energy sources, and promoting active transport such as cycling and walking. In addition, policies and regulations are needed to limit emissions from industry and transportation.

In conclusion, the WHO safe levels for PM2.5 are an annual average of 10 μg/m3 and a 24-hour average of 25 μg/m3. However, many people around the world are still exposed to levels above these limits, with significant health consequences. It is essential that governments and individuals take action to reduce air pollution and ensure that everyone has access to clean air. By doing so, we can reduce the burden of respiratory and cardiovascular disease and improve the overall health and wellbeing of people worldwide.