Ocean thermal energy conversion could power the world’s tropical islands, if it ever gets out of the “innovation valley of death.”
sustainable development
The 2-Year Countdown to Deep-Sea Mining
A small island nation is forcing the hand of international regulators to finalize rules for deep-sea mining, but scientists say the environmental consequences are not yet clear.
Science Off the Seashore
In our February issue, Eos reports on the study of the ocean and our relationship to it, in the spirit of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
An Ambitious Vision for the Future of Scientific Ocean Drilling
Scientific ocean drilling is an enduring paragon of global research, advancing knowledge of Earth and informing scientists and educators for 55 years. A new road map plots the way to further discovery.
A Bright, LED-Lit Future for Ocean Sciences
LEDs have taken over the global lighting market. Now it’s time for this versatile, low-cost, and energy-efficient technology to illuminate oceanic processes.
New Sensor Aids Rare Earth Extraction from Acid Mine Drainage
Rare earth elements appear in more than 200 consumer products. The race is on to source these elements from abundant and environmentally damaging mining waste.
Ocean Terrain and the Engineering Challenges for Offshore Wind Farms
Deep coastal seabeds, glacial erratics, and other geophysical hurdles stand in the way of offshore wind farm proliferation. Researchers, engineers, and organizations are adapting and inventing ways to harness the breeze.
Traditional Knowledge Is Essential to Sustainability in the Amazon
At COP26, the Science Panel for the Amazon is emphasizing the need for Indigenous and Local Knowledge to inform scientific and policy recommendations.
Lake Erie Sediments: All Dredged Up with Nowhere to Grow
Agriculture is a key contributor to the algae mats that plague Lake Erie. With so many fertilizers entering the lake, could sediment from the lake floor be used to grow crops instead?
Tracking Sustainability Goals with Creative Data Sources
Nontraditional sources of data could assist in charting the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, helping design appropriate policies and investments to improve the state of the environment.