This Week in the RFF Library Blog

Each week, we review the papers, studies, reports, and briefings posted at the “indispensable” RFF Library Blog, curated by RFF Librarian Chris Clotworthy. Check out this week’s highlights below:

U.S.-China Climate Change Working Group Documents

The United States and China have agreed to five new action initiatives with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution by tackling the largest sources of emissions in both countries. These initiatives were developed by the U.S.-China Working Group on Climate Change and presented in a Report agreed to by Leaders’ Special Representatives at the Strategic and Economic Dialogue. — via U.S. Department of State

An Ecosystem Services Approach to Assessing the Impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico

As the Gulf of Mexico recovers from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, natural resource managers face the challenge of understanding the impacts of the spill and setting priorities for restoration work. The full value of losses resulting from the spill cannot be captured, however, without consideration of changes in ecosystem services–the benefits delivered to society through natural processes. — via National Academy Press

EPA Criticized by Science Advisory Board for Delaying Data Collection on its Fracking and Water Quality Study

EPA advisers are suggesting revisions the agency could make to its pending study of hydraulic fracturing’s potential impacts on drinking water to better position the analysis for use by policymakers, including prioritizing chemicals to be studied based on toxicity or use patterns and increasing focus on geological characteristics of specific shale formations. — via US EPA Science Advisory Board

A Tale of Renewed Cities: a Policy Guide on How to Transform Cities by Improving Energy Efficiency in Urban Transport Systems

The global economy could save up to $70tr over the next 40 years by revamping urban transport networks to reduce congestion, enhance fuel efficiency, and promote public transport, cycling and walking.  — via International Energy Agency

Sustainability for the Nation: Resource Connection and Governance Linkages

…in order for the nation to be successful in sustaining its resources, “linkages” will need to be built among federal, state, and local governments; nongovernmental organizations (NGOs); and the private sector. The National Research Council (NRC) was asked by several federal agencies, foundations, and the private sector to provide guidance to the federal government on issues related to sustainability linkages. The NRC assigned the task to as committee... — via National Research Council

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