Institute for Global Sustainability

IGS

Institute for Global Sustainability

Type Research Center
Website bu.edu
Twitter
Year founded 2016
Location Boston United States of America United States of America
Functions Research
Funding sources Foundations or grants, University-funded
Tags sustainable development environment climate
Summary The Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability (IGS) pioneers research to advance a sustainable and equitable future. Our focus on planetary and environmental health, climate governance, and energy systems is grounded in equity and justice, robust data science, and real-world impact.

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Publications

IGS: Institute for Global Sustainability · 27 November 2023 English

In 2022, the US consumed 32 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, the highest level in 30 years due to increased fracking. Efforts towards carbon-neutral energy may reduce demand, as …


IGS: Institute for Global Sustainability · 20 November 2023 English

A nation's wealth, comprising physical, human, and natural assets significantly influences population well-being. Fossil fuels represent a significant portion of this wealth, bringing economic benefits and challenges. While some countries …


IGS: Institute for Global Sustainability · 13 November 2023 English

Economic policies impact the volume and nature of energy use and pollutants, including greenhouse gases. Government interventions typically include emissions trading, carbon taxes, and excise taxes. The OECD found that …


IGS: Institute for Global Sustainability · 6 November 2023 English

The Social Progress Index (SPI), launched in 2013, assesses a nation's overall socioeconomic health through 60 unique indicators over 12 components. The 2022 index shows stark differences across countries, attributing …


IGS: Institute for Global Sustainability · 30 October 2023 English

In 2022, the U.S. had 92 nuclear power plants generating 18% of total electricity. The industry, once a major player, declined due to high costs, long construction timelines, decreased demand, …


IGS: Institute for Global Sustainability · 30 October 2023 English

Road transport relies heavily on gasoline and diesel, influenced by government policies that often favor diesel for its efficiency. However, diesel produces more pollution, and the tax revenues it generates …


IGS: Institute for Global Sustainability · 23 October 2023 English

As of January 2023, 575 utility-scale biopower plants were operational globally, with a total capacity of over 29,000 MW, less than 0.5% of worldwide power generation. An additional 6,000 MW …


IGS: Institute for Global Sustainability · 16 October 2023 English

More than 4000 hydroelectric dams have been built in the United States since the late 19th century, representing six percent of all-time additions to electric generation capacity from all sources. …


IGS: Institute for Global Sustainability · 16 October 2023 English

Biopower is the production of electricity from biomass-derived fuels, with significant growth in Brazil due to sugarcane-based ethanol byproducts, while in certain regions like the United States, Germany, and the …


IGS: Institute for Global Sustainability · 9 October 2023 English

Concerns about wind turbines causing bird deaths are often exaggerated. Data shows that bird fatalities from wind turbines are relatively low compared to other causes like domestic cats and building …


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