THEOHS
Resetting Our Future
for Climate, Sustainability, and the Environment
Research Papers
Microplastics polymers: Sources, Reported Human Health Risks, Occurrence in Seafood
by Seohyun Hwang
The Hill School, PA, USA
Microplastics have become a pervasive environmental and public health concern, driven by the proliferation of single-use plastics and rising global plastic production. While the broad effects of microplastics are increasingly documented, polymer-specific understanding remains limited, despite evidence that different polymer types may pose distinct health and environmental risks. This study conducts a meta-analysis of 65 studies from the FCMiNo database, which compiles research on microplastics derived from food-contact materials, to examine the polymers most frequently associated with microplastic contamination, their reported human health risks, and their occurrence in seafood within marine ecosystems
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Targets in Asian Cities
The impacts of climate change have been apparent worldwide, and Asian cities have experienced climate extremes never seen. Asia is most influenced by climate change, with intense heat waves and cyclones affecting millions. In particular, South Asia is expected to be the most affected region, but they also have the least infrastructure or plans implemented. Little is known about how cities in the region set climate mitigation targets and align with the global temperature goal of 1.5°C under the 2015 Paris climate treaty. This study explores the cities’ greenhouse gas reduction targets in Asia.
Analyzing Cities’ Renewable Energy Targets for Climate Resilient Future
As the world continues to urbanize and grow, the problem with energy and fossil fuels is hard to ignore. Fossil fuels are harmful to the environment and human health and will run out in the near future. Currently, many cities are trying to convert to renewable energies to address climate change and promote energy independence. One big step towards energy transition is renewable energy targets (RETs), policy goals aimed to introduce renewable energies. In this report, we take an in-depth look at what RETs are and their positives and negatives. We also analyze some cities' energy targets to understand the world's current renewable energy targets. Cities can significantly reduce their emissions if renewable energies are implemented in the energy sector. Our study clarifies RETs and how they should be implemented so that future cities work together to build a climate-resilient future.
Cities and Climate Change:
Understanding Cities’ Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target
As climate impacts are rampant in most parts of the world, cities in both developed and developing countries are working to reduce further environmental impact.
In this report, we document to what extent cities have taken action to mitigate climate change and whether they have adopted carbon reduction targets in alignment with the Paris climate deal. The findings illuminate the vital role of cities in global carbon reductions as nations try to accomplish a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.
