environmental sustainability research paper topics

• Write my thesis
• Thesis writers
• Buy thesis papers
• Bachelor thesis
• Master's thesis
• Thesis editing services
• Thesis proofreading services
• Buy a thesis online
• Write my dissertation
• Dissertation proposal help
• Pay for dissertation
• Custom dissertation
• Dissertation help online
• Buy dissertation online
• Cheap dissertation
• Dissertation editing services
• Write my research paper
• Buy research paper online
• Pay for research paper
• Research paper help
• Order research paper
• Custom research paper
• Cheap research paper
• Research papers for sale
• Thesis subjects
• How It Works

187 Sustainability Topics For Research Papers In 2023

If you are a student of environmental science or even technology, sustainability is a very important topic for your research papers. These topics help you study the impact of mankind on the environment and different options that are available to prevent further deterioration of the planet. There is a lot of scope for research on this subject, making it one of the most common topics for dissertation or thesis writing. Here is a list of some of the best environmental sustainability research topics that will help you get started on your research paper and project.

The topics below are practical and easy because you can find a lot of information about them. Whether you are writing an informative or argumentative paper, these topics are the perfect starting point for you.

Environmental Sustainability Research Topics

These sustainability research topics are suitable for in-depth data and analysis. They are ideal for lengthy writing assignments.

• Draw a comparison between different non-profit groups that are dedicated to improving sustainability.
• Can custom sustainable designs for classrooms improve learning?
• Is adding better natural lighting a sustainable way of saving on energy costs in large organizations?
• What are the different technological innovations that are focused on reducing environmental pollution?
• Does veganism help protect the environment?
• Are hand dryers instead of paper towels a good idea for public restrooms?
• How is pollution related to a country’s GDP?
• Why do developing nations find it difficult to start recycling programs?
• What are some political challenges that the environment faces globally?
• Is American politics affecting the environment?
• What are the benefits of choosing a vegan diet?
• Do developed countries have the responsibility of helping third-world nations become more sustainable?
• Are your current local environmental policies effective enough?
• Should high schools and colleges ban the use of plastic?
• How does food consumption affect the environment?
• Why is Sweden so different from other countries when it comes to protecting the environment?
• What are some technological advancements that help us reduce waste?
• Why have we failed to reduce food wastage across the globe?
• Is better recycling technology the solution to reducing waste in landfills?
• How are plastic straws a threat to the environment of the Earth?
• Can increased taxes items meant for single-use reduce waste from piling up in landfills?
• Why do some states succeed in banning plastic bags while others fail?
• How is overpopulation related to pollution?
• In the next fifty years, how will the population impact the environment?
• Do we have enough natural resources to support the exploding population across the globe?
• What role does the government play in improving food resources?

Easy Sustainability Topics For Research

These sustainability topics for research are commonly used by students because they are practical in terms of research and the availability of data.

• Is banning plastic a suitable solution to reduce environmental pollution?
• What are the options available to make cutlery sustainable?
• Should metros ban the use of plastic straws completely?
• Why is our ecosystem so dependent on sea life?
• Does any carbon footprint come from farm animals and how?
• Why is it the need of the hour to prevent waste from being dumped into oceans?
• How does getting fair-trade certificates to benefit university campuses?
• Why should we increase the consumption of local produce?
• How does supporting local businesses improve sustainability?
• Should food donation programs be imposed in cities?
• How has the emergence of farmers’ markets helped various communities?
• Is buffet-style dining beneficial or harmful for efforts toward sustainability?
• How can taxes be used to improve sustainability efforts?
• How can leftovers from hotels and restaurants be disposed of sustainably?
• What are the various benefits of food programs for the community?
• Explain the process of growing vegan produce and its effect on the environment
• How have sustainability efforts been affected globally as a result of the pandemic?
• Is zero-waste living ideal?
• What does sustainability mean in the 21st century?
• How is supporting local food markets sustainable?
• How does the greenhouse effect change as a result of less meat consumption?
• Does eating red meat improve the quality of the air?
• What are some benefits of switching to a plant-based diet?
• Should school cafeterias increase the options for vegan food?
• How do slaughterhouses impact the environment negatively?
• What if all restaurants switched to buffet-style meals?

Best Sustainability Topics For Research Papers

Looking for sustainability topics for research that can ensure better grades. Here is a list of some of the best topics on sustainability that you can choose from.

• Give a detailed plan for a sustainable restaurant.
• Why do large cities struggle with reducing air pollution?
• Should cities make it mandatory to reduce food waste in community gardens?
• What are some of the primary benefits of improving public transportation systems?
• Should rainwater harvesting become compulsory for large buildings?
• Has technology benefited or harmed the environment?
• Will reducing our dependence on technology help sustain the environment?
• Are smaller classrooms beneficial or harmful to the environment?
• How has the pandemic affected the environment positively?
• What is the negative impact of the pandemic on the environment?
• Can reducing the number of school days improve sustainability efforts?
• How do school campuses contribute to environmental deterioration? How can it be reduced?
• What are the best ways to teach children about non-renewable and renewable resources?
• What are some immediate changes that you can make in your life to become more sustainable?
• Create a detailed sustainability plan for your family
• Can maintaining a constant temperature at home reduce energy costs? Support your argument with data.
• Chart out a detailed zero-waste living plan that can be implemented easily.
• What is the relationship between community health and the environment?
• Case studies of the impact of pollution on the health of people.
• How do developing nations improve their access to water resources?
• Can government policies truly help the environment?
• Will creating better public spaces like riverbeds and parks improve sustainability?
• What are some measures that can be used to improve access to clean water in developing nations?
• What are some measures taken by Denmark to reduce food waste?
• Discuss Sweden’s efforts to use waste for heating and energy.
• How can we reduce pollution and improve the quality of care at the same time?

Environmental Research Topics for College Students

These sustainability topics for research papers are perfect for college students as they are most relevant and extremely interesting as well.

• What are the best ways to deal with medical waste?
• How has awareness about recycling improved sustainability efforts?
• Is global warming false as some world leaders claim?
• What are some ecological challenges that the US will face in the coming decades?
• Will green universities improve students’ mental health?
• How can growing your food help in improving sustainability?
• What are the best measures that communities can take to prevent waste
• What are the best ways to use landscaping sustainably?
• Is gardening around the house a good way of improving the quality of air amidst growing pollution rates?
• Should fireworks be banned?
• How can we raise cattle sustainably?
• How is the fashion industry impacting the environment?
• Discuss the importance of sustainable fashion in the world we live in.
• How can community gardens help cities become more sustainable?
• How can you measure the success of a smart city by the well-being of its inhabitants?
• What are smart cities? Can you provide examples?
• How can digitization be used to pursue a sustainability agenda?
• What are the various ecological dimensions of sustainability?
• Should governments provide more grants for research on sustainability?
• Discuss some sustainable measures that we can learn from our ancestors.
• What is the impact of America’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement?
• What are the Paris Climate Agreement and its important terms?
• How can changing policies from a macro level to a micro level improve sustainability efforts?
• What are the best measures taken by the UN to improve sustainability?
• Greta Thunberg: The poster child of climate change or a publicity stunt?
• The most impactful environmentalists over the last decade.

Sustainability Topics for All Levels

These sustainability research paper topics are perfect for you whether you are writing a high school paper or a college paper. They are versatile and easy to compile.

• How will our carbon footprint impact the generations to come?
• What are the different types of sustainability?
• What does sustainability education mean?
• How can your school or college improve its regulations to make the campus sustainable?
• Are there any sustainability programs that have been implemented in your school or college?
• Do solar panels on buildings help reduce energy costs?
• What are the benefits of including sustainability education in the school curriculum?
• How does non-plastic waste in the oceans impact the environment?
• How to prevent the greenhouse effect from agriculture?
• Should governments support and invest in more solar technologies?
• How can a home become energy efficient with solar energy?
• How does an improved ventilation system improve sustainability?
• What are the measures taken by modern schools and colleges in improving sustainability?
• How can modern classrooms make use of natural light for better sustainability?
• How can we save on energy by setting systems off when they are still idle.
• What are the various benefits of changing classroom timings to optimize the use of natural lighting?
• Is it possible to apply a game theory to manage challenges with sustainability?
• What is the difference between biocapacity and carbon footprint in various regions?
• What are some challenges faced by companies when it comes to conserving energy?
• Can you name some environmental groups that have been most effective in cleaning up plastic from the oceans and how they have achieved their goals?
• What are some positive effects of reducing computer screen brightness?
• Name some countries with the poorest environmental laws?
• A case study of the most sustainable nations in the world.
• The effect of plastic on the environment in detail.
• What are some effective measures of saving water?
• A study of oil spills and their effect on marine life over the last decade.

Environmental Project Topics

Have an environmental sustainability topic due? This sustainability topics list is all you need to present projects that grab the attention of your audience.

• What are some barriers and drivers of sustainability research?
• How does on-campus sustainable research help increase practical solutions for environmental sustainability?
• Provide a business case to install new lighting systems
• What are some lighting systems available today that are most sustainable?
• Needs luxury led to an unsustainable environment?
• What are the benefits of using electric cars?
• The most impactful evidence to prove that global warming is real.
• Do political agendas suppress sustainability efforts? How?
• What are some of the major threats of climate change?
• The importance of teaching children about sustainability
• What are some of the most common examples of wasteful living that you see around you?
• The relationship between undernutrition, obesity, and climate change.
• Why has ice loss across the Himalayas become rapid over the last 40 years?
• How quickly are we depleting natural resources?
• How does the medical industry contribute to global warming?
• What is the Lancet Countdown on climate change and health?
• Does climate change impact the health of newborn children?
• How has industrialization helped and harmed the environment?
• The use of heating and cooling systems and their impact on the environment.
• The harmful impact of the film industry on the environment
• Celebrities who have successfully endorsed anti-climate change campaigns
• KFC and the Amazon Rainforests: What was the chaos about?
• How has the fast-food industry impacted the environment?
• The contribution of the aviation industry toward global warming
• What is a carbon tax and how can it help improve efforts towards sustainability?
• Write about the development of waste streams over the last few decades.
• Are newspapers viable in times of sustainability?
• The importance of enhancing biodiversity to reduce environmental deterioration.
• Can improving safety regulations for cyclists contribute to sustainability?
• What are some of the most sustainable multi-national companies? Discuss their strategies.

Sustainable Development Topics

Development is a very important topic for research paper writing for students of environmental studies. Here are some sustainability topics for research related to development to help you get started.

• How has economic globalization impacted the environment?
• What is the relationship between autocracy, democracy, wars, and natural resources?
• How does a finite environmental capacity impact political and economic development?
• Changing human behavior and the use of natural resources.
• Adaptation and mitigation policies to solve environmental issues.
• The difference between the approach of a political institution and market-based requirements towards sustainability.
• How has the automobile industry taken steps towards sustainability?
• What are some effects of Green Technology on the economy?
• What is the advantage of using Green Technology in organizations?
• A detailed study of the Global Environmental Sustainability Framework to technology.
• How can digitization be used to improve awareness about sustainability?
• Is it practical to implement Green technology in developing countries? What are the best measures that can be taken?
• How can construction become sustainable?
• How can Green Thinking help improve sustainability?
• What is the perception of green energy and sustainability in multinational organizations?
• What are some sustainability policies that have helped developing nations?
• The impact of digitization on sustainability
• What are the current trends in Green Technology?
• Should builders receive incentives for constructing sustainable structures?
• Incentives for sustainability in industrial settings.
• The most effective option for disposing of electronic waste.
• How advancement in medical technology has impacted the environment
• The relationship between motorsports and the environment.
• Do large public events like concerts and sports events impact sustainability?
• The impact of styrofoam cups on the environment.
• Advancements in technology have contributed to sustainability.
• Scientists who have contributed effectively towards sustainability.

If you still need assistance with thesis writing , our experts can help you find a fast and cost-effective solution. Get in touch with us now for expert writers and top-notch papers that will surely improve your grades.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• Green Office Model online course
• Case studies
• Membership Programme for Green Offices
• Ambassador Track
• Green Office Alumni Network
• GOM Sustainability Network
• Vision of the Movement

80 sustainability research topics for students to explore green campus issues

You’re planning your thesis, paper or capstone? You want to do a student research project with impact. We have outlined a range of sustainability research topics for you. The list specifically focuses on how to green your campus . Take action to make your university more sustainable!

Our list of sustainability research topics helps students investigate green campus issues.

Sustainability research topics: Education

Some sustainability research topics on education for sustainable development :

• What are the strengths and weaknesses of different definitions of sustainability education? Which definition could your university adopt?
• To what extent is sustainability education already implemented in the curriculum of your university?
• What are the strengths and limitations of advancing sustainability education within your curriculum?
• Where does your university stand with regards to sustainability education compared to other institutions of higher education?
• What is the demand among students for more, different or better sustainability education?
• How can existing sustainability projects on campus be used for educational purposes, e.g. visit solar cells on rooftops as part of engineering classes?

​​Sign-up to the ​FREE online course to establish your Green Office

​ ​5 weeks. One email per week. Unsubscribe at any time. ​ ​ By signing up, you agree to our  data policy .

• What definition of sustainability research should your university embrace?
• To what extent is sustainability research already practised at your university?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the institution’s sustainability research portfolio compared to other institutions of higher education?
• What are the drivers of and barriers to sustainability research at your university?
• How could sustainability research help students to study sustainability issues on campus and inform practical change projects?
• What are the opportunities and costs associated with promoting sustainability research? What could a plan of action look like to strategically advance it?

Some sustainability research topics on community engagement and awareness:

• What are the perceptions of and attitudes towards sustainability by students and staff?
• What are ways to promote sustainable lifestyles among students?
• To what extent are students and staff aware of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ?
• How aware are students and staff about the institution’s sustainability ambitions?
• What are the benefits and disadvantages of approaches to communicate the university’s sustainability efforts better?
• What are the challenges to involve students and staff in the university’s sustainability efforts?
• Which ways to increase the engagement of the campus community exist, for example by organising sustainability events ?

For inspiration, read our post on 10 projects to engage students on the SDGs .

Explore sustainability topics for research papers on different issues related to greening campus operations:

• What are the opportunities and costs of improving the building insulations to save energy?
• What lighting systems exist on the market that are more energy efficient?
• What would a business case look like to install a new lighting system?
• Where are the main consumers of energy on campus?
• What innovative energy technologies are developed at the institution itself? To what extent could those be directly installed and tested in buildings?
• What lux values are sufficient for work and study places so that places are appropriately lit without wasting too much electricity?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of different sustainable building standards?
• Which building standards would be most appropriate to inform the institution’s sustainable building policy?
• What are the costs and benefits associated with different types of green roofs?
• On which buildings could green roofs be installed?
• To what extent are catering and food products certified as organic or fair trade food?
• How much and why do students attach importance to organic and fair trade products sold in the cafeteria?
• How can students and employees be made more aware of the multiple benefits – e.g. health, environment, economics – of sustainable (organic, fair trade, local) food ?
• How much are students willing to pay for more organic or fair trade products?
• What types and amounts of waste are produced by whom and where at the institution?
• How did waste streams develop over the last years?
• What are innovative practices in reducing waste going to landfill or incineration? How could those be applied?
• What are the costs and benefits associated with waste recycling ?
• What options exist to switch from paper-based to more digital forms of working and studying to reduce paper consumption?
• What are the environmental, economic, and social benefits and disadvantages of different options to advance more digital working and studying?

More sustainability research topics on campus operations:

Biodiversity

• What species live at different campus locations?
• To what extent do students, faculty and staff value this biodiversity?
• What are ways to enhance biodiversity on campus?

Greenhouse-gase (GHG)

• What are the pros and cons of different GHG accounting standards?
• Which standard should the institution use to develop a GHG emissions inventory ?
• Where are GHG emissions released at the institution?
• How big is the institution’s GHG footprint?

Procurement

• What does sustainable procurement mean in the context of a university?
• How is procurement currently organised? To what extent are sustainability criteria already applied in tenders?
• To what extent could the university implement sustainability criteria that go beyond the legal minimum to advance the environmental, economic and social benefits of tenders?
• What are the largest consumers of water?
• What is the direct and indirect water-footprint of the institution?
• What are opportunities and costs to reduce water usage?

Transportation and mobility

• How do students and staff currently travel to the university and as part of their study or work?
• What is the environmental impact of these travel behaviours? How could the impact be reduced?
• What best practices exist among companies and other institutions of higher education to reduce staff travel or incentivize different travel behaviours?

Behaviour change

• What is the potential to reduce resource consumption through behaviour change?
• What are the best practices of behaviour change interventions at institutions of higher education?
• To what extent could these projects be also applied at your university?

Sustainability research topics on governance, strategy and reporting

Sustainability research topics on governance issues:

• What does sustainability mean for institutions of higher education?
• How does a comprehensive concept of a sustainable institution of higher education look like?
• How could the university’s long-term sustainability vision look like? How could this vision be realized through a roadmap?
• What are innovative ways to develop sustainability strategies for a university through a bottom-up approach?
• What ethical imperatives would demand that institutions of higher education care for their impact on the planet, people and profit?
• What are the responsibilities of institutions of higher education to contribute to global challenges, such as poverty, gender inequality, and climate change?

Monitoring and reporting

• What data is important to monitor the institution’s environmental impact? How can this data be collected and analysed?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of different sustainability reporting standards?
• Which sustainability reporting standards should the university adhere to?
• What are efficient ways to organize sustainability reporting within the organization?
• What is the best way to communicate results among students, staff and outside actors?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of different methodologies (e.g. payback or Net Present Value) to calculate the financial costs and benefits of sustainability investments?
• Which methodology should the institution apply?
• To what extent could sustainability projects be financed through a revolving loan fund?
• What are the possibilities to involve outside organizations through energy contracting?
• What subsidies are available at the European, national and city level to develop a green campus?
• How could the university use these financing options to advance its energy transition?
• What are approaches to integrate negative externalities into the accounting schemes of the university?
• What would be the opportunities, benefits and risks associated with establishing an energy company that’s owned by the university?
• What are the best practices to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at public institutions around the world?
• How can incentive schemes be changed so that energy end-users directly benefit from reductions in energy usage?

We hope this list inspired you to find a sustainability topic for research papers.

• 12 sustainability documentaries to educate yourself and get inspired
• Green guide: 15 tips for a sustainable student lifestyle
• 12 sustainability teaching resources about green campuses

Research Topics & Ideas: Environment

F inding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. Here, we’ll explore a variety research ideas and topic thought-starters related to various environmental science disciplines, including ecology, oceanography, hydrology, geology, soil science, environmental chemistry, environmental economics, and environmental ethics.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the environmental sciences. This is the starting point though. To develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. Also be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to develop a high-quality research topic from scratch.

Overview: Environmental Topics

• Ecology /ecological science
• Atmospheric science
• Oceanography
• Soil science
• Environmental chemistry
• Environmental economics
• Environmental ethics
• Examples  of dissertations and theses

Topics & Ideas: Ecological Science

• The impact of land-use change on species diversity and ecosystem functioning in agricultural landscapes
• The role of disturbances such as fire and drought in shaping arid ecosystems
• The impact of climate change on the distribution of migratory marine species
• Investigating the role of mutualistic plant-insect relationships in maintaining ecosystem stability
• The effects of invasive plant species on ecosystem structure and function
• The impact of habitat fragmentation caused by road construction on species diversity and population dynamics in the tropics
• The role of ecosystem services in urban areas and their economic value to a developing nation
• The effectiveness of different grassland restoration techniques in degraded ecosystems
• The impact of land-use change through agriculture and urbanisation on soil microbial communities in a temperate environment
• The role of microbial diversity in ecosystem health and nutrient cycling in an African savannah

Topics & Ideas: Atmospheric Science

• The impact of climate change on atmospheric circulation patterns above tropical rainforests
• The role of atmospheric aerosols in cloud formation and precipitation above cities with high pollution levels
• The impact of agricultural land-use change on global atmospheric composition
• Investigating the role of atmospheric convection in severe weather events in the tropics
• The impact of urbanisation on regional and global atmospheric ozone levels
• The impact of sea surface temperature on atmospheric circulation and tropical cyclones
• The impact of solar flares on the Earth’s atmospheric composition
• The impact of climate change on atmospheric turbulence and air transportation safety
• The impact of stratospheric ozone depletion on atmospheric circulation and climate change
• The role of atmospheric rivers in global water supply and sea-ice formation

Topics & Ideas: Oceanography

• The impact of ocean acidification on kelp forests and biogeochemical cycles
• The role of ocean currents in distributing heat and regulating desert rain
• The impact of carbon monoxide pollution on ocean chemistry and biogeochemical cycles
• Investigating the role of ocean mixing in regulating coastal climates
• The impact of sea level rise on the resource availability of low-income coastal communities
• The impact of ocean warming on the distribution and migration patterns of marine mammals
• The impact of ocean deoxygenation on biogeochemical cycles in the arctic
• The role of ocean-atmosphere interactions in regulating rainfall in arid regions
• The impact of ocean eddies on global ocean circulation and plankton distribution
• The role of ocean-ice interactions in regulating the Earth’s climate and sea level

Tops & Ideas: Hydrology

• The impact of agricultural land-use change on water resources and hydrologic cycles in temperate regions
• The impact of agricultural groundwater availability on irrigation practices in the global south
• The impact of rising sea-surface temperatures on global precipitation patterns and water availability
• Investigating the role of wetlands in regulating water resources for riparian forests
• The impact of tropical ranches on river and stream ecosystems and water quality
• The impact of urbanisation on regional and local hydrologic cycles and water resources for agriculture
• The role of snow cover and mountain hydrology in regulating regional agricultural water resources
• The impact of drought on food security in arid and semi-arid regions
• The role of groundwater recharge in sustaining water resources in arid and semi-arid environments
• The impact of sea level rise on coastal hydrology and the quality of water resources

Topics & Ideas: Geology

• The impact of tectonic activity on the East African rift valley
• The role of mineral deposits in shaping ancient human societies
• The impact of sea-level rise on coastal geomorphology and shoreline evolution
• Investigating the role of erosion in shaping the landscape and impacting desertification
• The impact of mining on soil stability and landslide potential
• The impact of volcanic activity on incoming solar radiation and climate
• The role of geothermal energy in decarbonising the energy mix of megacities
• The impact of Earth’s magnetic field on geological processes and solar wind
• The impact of plate tectonics on the evolution of mammals
• The role of the distribution of mineral resources in shaping human societies and economies, with emphasis on sustainability

Topics & Ideas: Soil Science

• The impact of dam building on soil quality and fertility
• The role of soil organic matter in regulating nutrient cycles in agricultural land
• The impact of climate change on soil erosion and soil organic carbon storage in peatlands
• Investigating the role of above-below-ground interactions in nutrient cycling and soil health
• The impact of deforestation on soil degradation and soil fertility
• The role of soil texture and structure in regulating water and nutrient availability in boreal forests
• The impact of sustainable land management practices on soil health and soil organic matter
• The impact of wetland modification on soil structure and function
• The role of soil-atmosphere exchange and carbon sequestration in regulating regional and global climate
• The impact of salinization on soil health and crop productivity in coastal communities

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Chemistry

• The impact of cobalt mining on water quality and the fate of contaminants in the environment
• The role of atmospheric chemistry in shaping air quality and climate change
• The impact of soil chemistry on nutrient availability and plant growth in wheat monoculture
• Investigating the fate and transport of heavy metal contaminants in the environment
• The impact of climate change on biochemical cycling in tropical rainforests
• The impact of various types of land-use change on biochemical cycling
• The role of soil microbes in mediating contaminant degradation in the environment
• The impact of chemical and oil spills on freshwater and soil chemistry
• The role of atmospheric nitrogen deposition in shaping water and soil chemistry
• The impact of over-irrigation on the cycling and fate of persistent organic pollutants in the environment

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Economics

• The impact of climate change on the economies of developing nations
• The role of market-based mechanisms in promoting sustainable use of forest resources
• The impact of environmental regulations on economic growth and competitiveness
• Investigating the economic benefits and costs of ecosystem services for African countries
• The impact of renewable energy policies on regional and global energy markets
• The role of water markets in promoting sustainable water use in southern Africa
• The impact of land-use change in rural areas on regional and global economies
• The impact of environmental disasters on local and national economies
• The role of green technologies and innovation in shaping the zero-carbon transition and the knock-on effects for local economies
• The impact of environmental and natural resource policies on income distribution and poverty of rural communities

Need a helping hand?

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Ethics

• The ethical foundations of environmentalism and the environmental movement regarding renewable energy
• The role of values and ethics in shaping environmental policy and decision-making in the mining industry
• The impact of cultural and religious beliefs on environmental attitudes and behaviours in first world countries
• Investigating the ethics of biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered species in palm oil plantations
• The ethical implications of sea-level rise for future generations and vulnerable coastal populations
• The role of ethical considerations in shaping sustainable use of natural forest resources
• The impact of environmental justice on marginalized communities and environmental policies in Asia
• The ethical implications of environmental risks and decision-making under uncertainty
• The role of ethics in shaping the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future for the construction industry
• The impact of environmental values on consumer behaviour and the marketplace: a case study of the ‘bring your own shopping bag’ policy

Examples: Real Dissertation & Thesis Topics

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various environmental science-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• The physiology of microorganisms in enhanced biological phosphorous removal (Saunders, 2014)
• The influence of the coastal front on heavy rainfall events along the east coast (Henson, 2019)
• Forage production and diversification for climate-smart tropical and temperate silvopastures (Dibala, 2019)
• Advancing spectral induced polarization for near surface geophysical characterization (Wang, 2021)
• Assessment of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter and Thamnocephalus platyurus as Tools to Monitor Cyanobacterial Bloom Development and Toxicity (Hipsher, 2019)
• Evaluating the Removal of Microcystin Variants with Powdered Activated Carbon (Juang, 2020)
• The effect of hydrological restoration on nutrient concentrations, macroinvertebrate communities, and amphibian populations in Lake Erie coastal wetlands (Berg, 2019)
• Utilizing hydrologic soil grouping to estimate corn nitrogen rate recommendations (Bean, 2019)
• Fungal Function in House Dust and Dust from the International Space Station (Bope, 2021)
• Assessing Vulnerability and the Potential for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in Sudan’s Blue Nile Basin (Mohamed, 2022)
• A Microbial Water Quality Analysis of the Recreational Zones in the Los Angeles River of Elysian Valley, CA (Nguyen, 2019)
• Dry Season Water Quality Study on Three Recreational Sites in the San Gabriel Mountains (Vallejo, 2019)
• Wastewater Treatment Plan for Unix Packaging Adjustment of the Potential Hydrogen (PH) Evaluation of Enzymatic Activity After the Addition of Cycle Disgestase Enzyme (Miessi, 2020)
• Laying the Genetic Foundation for the Conservation of Longhorn Fairy Shrimp (Kyle, 2021).

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. To create a top-notch research topic, you will need to be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you’ll need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Find The Perfect Research Topic

How To Choose A Research Topic: 5 Key Criteria

How To Choose A Research Topic Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples + Free Topic...

Research Topics & Ideas: Automation & Robotics

Research Topics & Ideas: Robotics 50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research...

Research Topics & Ideas: Sociology

Research Topics & Ideas: Sociology 50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research...

Research Topics & Ideas: Public Health & Epidemiology

Research Topics & Ideas: Public Health 50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research...

Research Topics & Ideas: Neuroscience

Research Topics & Ideas: Neuroscience 50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research...

📄 FREE TEMPLATES

Research Topic Ideation

Proposal Writing

Literature Review

Methodology & Analysis

Academic Writing

Referencing & Citing

Apps, Tools & Tricks

The Grad Coach Podcast

12 Comments

research topics on climate change and environment

Researched PhD topics on environmental chemistry involving dust and water

I wish to learn things in a more advanced but simple way and with the hopes that I am in the right place.

Thank so much for the research topics. It really helped

the guides were really helpful

Research topics on environmental geology

Thanks for the research topics….I need a research topic on Geography

hi I need research questions ideas

Implications of climate variability on wildlife conservation on the west coast of Cameroon

I want the research on environmental planning and management

I want a topic on environmental sustainability

It good coaching

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Submit Comment

• Print Friendly

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

50 Best Environmental Science Research Topics

May 31, 2023

Environmental science is a varied discipline that encompasses a variety of subjects, including ecology, atmospheric science, and geology among others. Professionals within this field can pursue many occupations from lab technicians and agricultural engineers to park rangers and environmental lawyers. However, what unites these careers is their focus on how the natural world and the human world interact and impact the surrounding environment. There is also one other significant commonality among environmental science careers: virtually all of them either engage in or rely on research on environmental science topics to ensure their work is accurate and up to date.

In this post, we’ll outline some of the best environmental science research topics to help you explore disciplines within environmental science and kickstart your own research. If you are considering majoring in environmental science or perhaps just need help brainstorming for a research paper, this post will give you a broad sense of timely environmental science research topics.

What makes a research topic good?

Before we dive into specific environmental science research topics, let’s first cover the basics: what qualities make for a viable research topic. Research is the process of collecting information to make discoveries and reach new conclusions. We often think of research as something that occurs in academic or scientific settings. However, everyone engages in informal research in everyday life, from reading product reviews to investigating statistics for admitted students at prospective colleges . While we all conduct research in our day-to-day lives, formal academic research is necessary to advance discoveries and scholarly discourses. Therefore, in this setting, good research hinges on a topic in which there are unanswered questions or ongoing debates. In other words, meaningful research focuses on topics where you can say something new.

However, identifying an interesting research topic is only the first step in the research process. Research topics tend to be broad in scope. Strong research is dependent on developing a specific research question, meaning the query your project will seek to answer. While there are no comprehensive guidelines for research questions, most scholars agree that research questions should be:

1) Specific

Research questions need to clearly identify and define the focus of your research. Without sufficient detail, your research will likely be too broad or imprecise in focus to yield meaningful insights. For example, you might initially be interested in addressing this question: How should governments address the effects of climate change? While that is a worthwhile question to investigate, it’s not clear enough to facilitate meaningful research. What level of government is this question referring to? And what specific effects of global warming will this research focus on? You would need to revise this question to provide a clearer focus for your research. A revised version of this question might look like this: How can state government officials in Florida best mitigate the effects of sea-level rise?

 2) Narrow

Our interest in a given topic often starts quite broad. However, it is difficult to produce meaningful, thorough research on a broad topic. For that reason, it is important that research questions be narrow in scope, focusing on a specific issue or subtopic. For example, one of the more timely environmental science topics is renewable energy. A student who is just learning about this topic might wish to write a research paper on the following question: Which form of renewable energy is best? However, that would be a difficult question to answer in one paper given the various ways in which an energy source could be “best.” Instead, this student might narrow their focus, assessing renewable energy sources through a more specific lens: Which form of renewable energy is best for job creation?

 3) Complex

As we previously discussed, good research leads to new discoveries. These lines of inquiry typically require a complicated and open-ended research question. A question that can be answered with just a “yes” or “no” (or a quick Google search) is likely indicative of a topic in which additional research is unnecessary (i.e. there is no ongoing debate) or a topic that is not well defined. For example, the following question would likely be too simple for academic research: What is environmental justice? You can look up a definition of environmental justice online. You would need to ask a more complex question to sustain a meaningful research project. Instead, you might conduct research on the following query: Which environmental issue(s) disproportionately impact impoverished communities in the Pacific Northwest? This question is narrower and more specific, while also requiring more complex thought and analysis to answer.

4) Debatable

Again, strong research provides new answers and information, which means that they must be situated within topics or discourses where there is ongoing debate. If a research question can only lead to one natural conclusion, that may indicate that it has already been sufficiently addressed in prior research or that the question is leading. For example, Are invasive species bad? is not a very debatable question (the answer is in the term “invasive species”!). A paper that focused on this question would essentially define and provide examples of invasive species (i.e. information that is already well documented). Instead, a researcher might investigate the effects of a specific invasive species. For example: How have Burmese pythons impacted ecosystems in the Everglades, and what mitigation strategies are most effective to reduce Burmese python populations?

Therefore, research topics, including environmental science topics, are those about which there are ample questions yet to be definitively answered. Taking time to develop a thoughtful research question will provide the necessary focus and structure to facilitate meaningful research.

10 Great Environmental Science Research Topics (With Explanations!)

Now that we have a basic understanding of what qualities can make or break a research topic, we can return to our focus on environmental science topics. Although “great” research topics are somewhat subjective, we believe the following topics provide excellent foundations for research due to ongoing debates in these areas, as well as the urgency of the challenges they seek to address.

1) Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

Although climate change is now a well-known concept , there is still much to be learned about how humans can best mitigate and adapt to its effects. Mitigation involves reducing the severity of climate change. However, there are a variety of ways mitigation can occur, from switching to electric vehicles to enforcing carbon taxes on corporations that produce the highest carbon emission levels. Many of these environmental science topics intersect with issues of public policy and economics, making them very nuanced and versatile.

In comparison, climate change adaptation considers how humans can adjust to life in an evolving climate where issues such as food insecurity, floods, droughts, and other severe weather events are more frequent. Research on climate change adaptation is particularly fascinating due to the various levels at which it occurs, from federal down to local governments, to help communities anticipate and adjust to the effects of climate change.

Both climate change mitigation and adaptation represent excellent environmental science research topics as there is still much to be learned to address this issue and its varied effects.

2) Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is another fairly mainstream topic in which there is much to learn and research. Although scientists have identified many forms of sustainable energy, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, questions remain about how to best implement these energy sources. How can politicians, world leaders, and communities advance renewable energy through public policy? What impact will renewable energy have on local and national economies? And how can we minimize the environmental impact of renewable energy technologies? While we have identified alternatives to fossil fuels, questions persist about the best way to utilize these technologies, making renewable energy one of the best environmental science topics to research.

3) Conservation

Conservation is a broad topic within environmental science, focusing on issues such as preserving environments and protecting endangered species. However, conservation efforts are more challenging than ever in the face of a growing world population and climate change. In fact, some scientists theorize that we are currently in the middle of a sixth mass extinction event. While these issues might seem dire, we need scientists to conduct research on conservation efforts for specific species, as well as entire ecosystems, to help combat these challenges and preserve the planet’s biodiversity.

4) Deforestation

The Save the Rainforest movement of the 1980s and 90s introduced many people to the issue of deforestation. Today, the problems associated with deforestation, such as reduced biodiversity and soil erosion, are fairly common knowledge. However, these challenges persist due, in part, to construction and agricultural development projects. While we know the effects of deforestation, it is more difficult to identify and implement feasible solutions. This is particularly true in developing countries where deforestation is often more prevalent due to political, environmental, and economic factors. Environmental science research can help reduce deforestation by identifying strategies to help countries sustainably manage their natural resources.

Environmental Science Topics (Continued)

5) urban ecology.

When we think of “the environment,” our brains often conjure up images of majestic mountain ranges and lush green forests. However, less “natural” environments also warrant study: this is where urban ecology comes in. Urban ecology is the study of how organisms interact with one another and their environment in urban settings. Through urban ecology, researchers can address topics such as how greenspaces in cities can reduce air pollution, or how local governments can adopt more effective waste management practices. As one of the newer environmental science topics, urban ecology represents an exciting research area that can help humans live more sustainably.

6) Environmental Justice

While environmental issues such as climate change impact people on a global scale, not all communities are affected equally. For example, wealthy nations tend to contribute more to greenhouse-gas emissions. However, less developed nations are disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate change . Studies within the field of environmental justice seek to understand how issues such as race, national origin, and income impact the degree to which people experience hardships from environmental issues. Researchers in this field not only document these inequities, but also identify ways in which environmental justice can be achieved. As a result, their work helps communities have access to clean, safe environments in which they can thrive.

7) Water Management

Water is, of course, necessary for life, which is why water management is so important within environmental science research topics. Water management research ensures that water resources are appropriately identified and maintained to meet demand. However, climate change has heightened the need for water management research, due to the occurrence of more severe droughts and wildfires. As a result, water management research is necessary to ensure water is clean and accessible.

8) Pollution and Bioremediation

Another impact of the increase in human population and development is heightened air, water, and soil pollution. Environmental scientists study pollutants to understand how they work and where they originate. Through their research, they can identify solutions to help address pollution, such as bioremediation, which is the use of microorganisms to consume and break down pollutants. Collectively, research on pollution and bioremediation helps us restore environments so they are sufficient for human, animal, and plant life.

9) Disease Ecology

While environmental science topics impact the health of humans, we don’t always think of this discipline as intersecting with medicine. But, believe it or not, they can sometimes overlap! Disease ecology examines how ecological processes and interactions impact disease evolution. For example, malaria is a disease that is highly dependent on ecological variables, such as temperature and precipitation. Both of these factors can help or hinder the breeding of mosquitoes and, therefore, the transmission of malaria. The risk of infectious diseases is likely to increase due to climate change , making disease ecology an important research topic.

10) Ecosystems Ecology

If nothing else, the aforementioned topics and their related debates showcase just how interconnected the world is. None of us live in a vacuum: our environment affects us just as we affect it. That makes ecosystems ecology, which examines how ecosystems operate and interact, an evergreen research topic within environmental science.

40 More Environmental Science Research Topics

Still haven’t stumbled upon the right environmental science research topic? The following ideas may help spark some inspiration:

• The effects of agricultural land use on biodiversity and ecosystems.
• The impact of invasive plant species on ecosystems.
• How wildfires and droughts shape ecosystems.
• The role of fire ecology in addressing wildfire threats.
• The impact of coral bleaching on biodiversity.
• Ways to minimize the environmental impact of clean energies.
• The effects of climate change on ocean currents and migration patterns of marine species.

Environmental Justice and Public Policy

• Opportunities to equalize the benefits of greenspaces for impoverished and marginalized communities.
• The impact of natural disasters on human migration patterns.
• The role of national parks and nature reserves in human health.
• How to address inequalities in the impact of air pollution.
• How to prevent and address the looming climate refugee crisis.
• Environmentally and economically sustainable alternatives to deforestation in less developed countries.
• Effects of environmental policies and regulations on impoverished communities.
• The role of pollutants in endocrine disruption.
• The effects of climate change on the emergence of infectious diseases.

AP Environmental Science Research Topics (Continued)

Soil science.

• Effects of climate change on soil erosion.
• The role of land management in maintaining soil health.
• Agricultural effects of salinization in coastal areas.
• The effects of climate change on agriculture.

Urban Ecology

• How road construction impacts biodiversity and ecosystems.
• The effects of urbanization and city planning on water cycles.
• Impacts of noise pollution on human health.
• The role of city planning in reducing light pollution.

Pollution and Bioremediation

• The role of bioremediation in removing “forever” chemicals from the environment.
• Impacts of air pollution on maternal health.
• How to improve plastic recycling processes.
• Individual measures to reduce consumption and creation of microplastics.
• Environmental impacts of and alternatives to fracking.

Environmental Law and Ethics

• Ethical implications of human intervention in the preservation of endangered species.
• The efficacy and impact of single-use plastic laws.
• Effects of religious and cultural values in environmental beliefs.
• The ethics of climate change policy for future generations.
• Ethical implications of international environmental regulations for less developed countries.
• The impact and efficacy of corporate carbon taxes.
• Ethical and environmental implications of fast fashion.
• The ethics and efficacy of green consumerism.
• Impacts of the hospitality and travel industries on pollution and emissions.
• The ethical implications of greenwashing in marketing.
• Effects of “Right to Repair” laws on pollution.

Final Thoughts: Environmental Science Research Topics

Environmental science is a diverse and very important area of study that impacts all aspects of life on Earth. If you’ve found a topic you’d like to pursue, it’s time to hit the books (or online databases)! Begin reading broadly on your chosen topic so you can define a specific research question. If you’re unsure where to begin, contact a research librarian who can connect you with pertinent resources. As you familiarize yourself with the discourse surrounding your topic, consider what questions spring to mind. Those questions may represent gaps around which you can craft a research question.

Interested in conducting academic research? Check out the following resources for information on research opportunities and programs:

• Research Opportunities for High School Students
• Colleges with the Best Undergraduate Research Programs
• College Success
• High School Success

Emily Smith

Emily earned a BA in English and Communication Studies from UNC Chapel Hill and an MA in English from Wake Forest University. While at UNC and Wake Forest, she served as a tutor and graduate assistant in each school’s writing center, where she worked with undergraduate and graduate students from all academic backgrounds. She also worked as an editorial intern for the Wake Forest University Press as well as a visiting lecturer in the Department of English at WFU, and currently works as a writing center director in western North Carolina.

• 2-Year Colleges
• ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Essay
• College Search/Knowledge
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Data Visualizations
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• Graduate School Admissions
• High Schools
• Homeschool Resources
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Outdoor Adventure
• Private High School Spotlight
• Research Programs
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Teacher Tools
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

Research Topics for Environment Sustainability and Governance (ESG) Guidelines for Researchers and Postgraduates

• Universiti Malaysia Perlis

Discover the world's research

• 25+ million members
• 160+ million publication pages
• 2.3+ billion citations
• .................................................... . Funds
• Recruit researchers
• Join for free
• Login Email Tip: Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login Password Forgot password? Keep me logged in Log in or Continue with Google Welcome back! Please log in. Email · Hint Tip: Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login Password Forgot password? Keep me logged in Log in or Continue with Google No account? Sign up

Search By Topic

Search by topic.

Join Future Earth

The Top 30 Global Sustainability Research Papers in 2019

In 2019, record-high global temperatures and climate change took central stage in global news headlines, culminating with a declaration from more than 11,000 scientists from around the world that a climate emergency exists on Earth. This declaration got people talking on social media and in the news, more so than any other scientific publication in 2019.

Altmetric annually ranks the 100 scientific papers that glean the most media attention as a simple measure of what sparks public interest. In 2019, they examined over 62 million media mentions of 2.7 million research articles. The altmetric score does not measure the calibre of the research or researcher.

At Future Earth, we used the list to identify the top 30 global sustainability articles. We were guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which recognize that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, combating inequality within and among countries, preserving the planet, creating sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and fostering social inclusion are linked to each other and are interdependent.

Taking a closer look at the top five, the rising threat posed by climate change (SDG 13) was a central concern in 2019 as reflected by this year’s top two papers. The health of our oceans (SDG 14) and global terrestrial biodiversity (SDG 15) also find their way into the top five, with the third ranked paper discussing increasing vulnerability to sea level rise and coastal flooding, while the fourth ranked paper examines the potential of global reforestation to mitigate the effects of climate change. Rounding out the top five, a global study between 1990-2017 analyzed the health effects linked to dietary risks (SDG 3). Together, these papers reflect the many connections among natural and human systems by highlighting just how important the life supporting SDGs (6, 13, 14, and 15) are to supporting healthy, equitable, and sustainable livelihoods on Earth.

Of the top 30, nearly half of the global sustainability articles are concerned with climate change, with another third related to health, nutrition, and climate. Papers discussing biodiversity and plastics also make their way onto the list.

Read on for the full top 30 of 2019 and see earlier lists here (January – April 2019 ), here (May – August 2019 ) and here (2018 in review) .

The top 30 global sustainability articles in 2019, by Altmetric score:

• World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency (November 2019) BioScience . Altmetric score: 10,966
• Climate tipping points too risky to bet against (November 2019) Nature . Altmetric score: 8556
• New elevation data triple estimates of global vulnerability to sea-level rise and coastal flooding (October 2019) Nature Communications . Altmetric score: 7,135
• The global tree restoration potential (July 2019) Science . Altmetric score: 6,356
• Health effects of dietary risks in 195 countries, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 (April 2019) The Lancet . Altmetric score: 5,868
• Worldwide decline of the entomofauna: A review of its drivers (April 2019) Biological Conservation . Altmetric score: 5,438
• Food in the Anthropocene: the EAT-Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable foods (February 2019) The Lancet . Altmetric score: 4,561
• Committed emissions from existing energy infrastructure jeopardize 1.5°C climate target (August 2019) Nature . Altmetric score: 4,434
• Concerns of young protesters are justified (April 2019) Science . Altmetric score: 4,349
• Global warming impairs stock-recruitment dynamics of corals (April 2019) Nature . Altmetric score: 4,121
• Eat less meat: UN climate-change report calls for change to human diet (August 2019) Nature . Altmetric score: 3,861
• No evidence for globally coherent warm and cold periods over the preindustrial Common Era (July 2019) Nature . Altmetric score: 3,898
• Decline of the North American avifauna (October 2019) Science . Altmetric score: 3,368
• Earth system impacts of the European arrival and the Great Dying in the Americas after 1492 (March 2019) Quaternary Science Reviews . Altmetric score: 3,290
• Spending at least 120 minutes in a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing (June 2019) Scientific Reports . Altmetric score: 3,249
• Permafrost collapse is accelerating carbon release (April 2019) Nature . Altmetric score: 3,014
• The Global Syndemic of Obesity, Undernutrition, and Climate Change: The Lancet Commission Report (February 2019) The Lancet . Altmetric score: 2,973
• How fast are the oceans warming? (January 2019) Science . Altmetric score: 2,882
• Acceleration of ice loss across the Himalayas over the past 40 years (June 2019) Science Advances . Altmetric score: 2,767
• The 2019 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: ensuring that the health of a child born today is not defined by climate change (November 2019) The Lancet . Altmetric score: 2,752
• 40 years ago, scientists predicted climate change. And hey, they were right (July 2019) The Conversation . Altmetric score: 2,724
• Ice sheet contributions to future sea level rise from structured expert judgment (May 2019) PNAS . Altmetric score: 2,620
• Dissecting racial bias in an algorithm used to manage the health of populations (October 2019) Science . Altmetric score: 2,584.
• International humanitarian norms are violated in Hong Kong (December 2019) The Lancet . Altmetric score: 2,538
• Four decades of Antarctic Ice Sheet mass balance from 1979-2017 (January 2019) PNAS . Altmetric score: 2,494
• Urban Nature Experiences Reduce Stress in the Context of Daily Life Based on Salivary Biomarkers (April 2019) Frontiers in Psychology . Altmetric score: 2,312
• Plastic Teabags Release Billions of Microparticles and Nanoparticles into Tea (September 2019) Environmental Science and Technology . Altmetric score: 2,305
• White and wonderful? Microplastics prevail in snow from the Alps to the Arctic (August 2019) Science Advances . Altmetric score: 2,253
• Arthropod decline in grasslands and forests is associated with landscape-level drivers (October 2019) Nature . Altmetric score: 2,240
• Nudging out support for a carbon tax (May 2019) Nature Climate Change . Altmetric score: 2,190

SHARE WITH YOUR NETWORK

RELATED POSTS

Future Earth Members Selected as Experts for IPCC Special Report on Cities

Sign the COP28 statement. The Science is Clear: We Need Net Zero Carbon Dioxide Emissions by 2050.

Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress 2024

Climate change, energy, environment and sustainability topics research guide

What is climate change.

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. The world is now warming faster than at any point in recorded history, which disrupts the usual balance of nature and is a threat to human beings and other forms of life on Earth. This topic guide includes sample keywords and search terms, databases to find sources, and samples of online books.

Example keywords and subtopics

Example keywords or search terms:  

• Climate change
• global warming
• greenhouse effect or greenhouse gas
• climate crisis
• environmental change
• clean energy
• alternative energy or renewable energy
• green energy or renewable energy or clean energy
• Low carbon or carbon neutral
• Carbon offsetting
• sustainability environment or sustainability
• environmental protection
• pollution or contamination
• impact or effect or influence
• cost or price or expense or money or financial
• fossil fuels or coal or oil or gas

Tip: This is a big topic with lots written so you can often focus on one or two subtopics. This will help to find more relevant sources, more quickly and be a better fit for an assignment. 

Possible subtopics ideas:  Pick one or two subtopics and then add those words to your search.

• Health impacts of climate changes (e.g. air pollution, water pollution, etc.)
• impacts on a specific city, state, region or country
• political impacts (e.g. voting, government policy, etc.)
• impact on specific population or culture (e.g. children, elderly, racial or ethic group, country, etc.)
• specific types of renewable or alternative energy (e.g. solar, wind, bio, etc.) 
• example of new technology (e.g. electric cars or electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles
• economic impacts (e.g. business, employment, industry (e.g. oil, coal, etc.)
• weather and impacts (e.g. rising sea levels, flooding, droughts or heat waves, etc.)
• media aspects (e.g. news coverage, advertising, misinformation, movies, music, etc.) 
• Tutorial: Creating an effective search strategy

• Use meaningful keywords to find the best sources
• Apply search strategies like AND and OR to connect keywords
• Tutorial: What is a library database and why should I use one?

• Identify what a library database is
• Recognize the two main types of library databases
• Know why you should use them
• Understand why searching a library database is different than searching the general internet

Databases for finding sources

Article Databases - 

Use articles to find new research, specific information and evidence to support or refute a claim. You can also look at the bibliography or works cited to find additional sources. Some articles give an overview of a specific topic -- sometimes called "review articles" or "meta-analyses" or "systematic review." Databases are like mini-search engines for finding articles (e.g. Business Source Premier database searches business journals, business magazines and business newspapers). Pick a database that searches the subject of articles you want to find. 

• Agricultural & Environmental Science Database Search journals and literature on agriculture, pollution, animals, environment, policy, natural resources, water issues and more. Searches tools like AGRICOLA, Environmental Sciences & Pollution Management (ESPM), and Digests of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) databases.
• GreenFILE Collection of scholarly, government and general-interest titles. Multidisciplinary by nature, GreenFILE draws on the connections between the environment and agriculture, education, law, health and technology. Topics covered include global climate change, green building, pollution, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, recycling, and more.
• Ethnic NewsWatch Ethnic NewsWatch is a current resource of full-text newspapers, magazines, and journals of the ethnic and minority press from 1990, providing researchers access to essential, often overlooked perspectives.
• Opposing Viewpoints in Context Find articles on current issues, including viewpoint articles, topic overviews, statistics, primary documents, magazine and newspaper articles.

Sample of online books

Below are a selection of online books and readings on the broad topic. We have more online books, journal articles, and sources in our Libraries Search and article databases.  

• A climate policy revolution : what the science of complexity reveals about saving our planet by Roland Kupers ISBN: 9780674246812 Publication Date: 2020 "In this book, Roland Kupers argues that the climate crisis is well suited to the bottom-up, rapid, and revolutionary change complexity science theorizes; he succinctly makes the case that complexity science promises policy solutions to address climate change."

Get help from the U Libraries - Online!

• Peer Research Consultants Make an online 30 minute appointment for one-on-one peer assistance with your research. Get help with researching your topic, finding sources, citing sources and more. Peer Research Consultants can also help you get started with faculty-sponsored research.
• Chat 24/7 online with the Libraries Ask us anything! Chat with a librarian, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with any research or library questions.
• Meet with a librarian Schedule an online consultations for personalized research support primarily for University of Minnesota faculty, instructors, graduate and undergraduate students and staff.

119 Environmental Sustainability Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best environmental sustainability topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on environmental sustainability, ✅ interesting topics to write about environmental sustainability, 📌 simple & easy environmental sustainability essay titles, ❓ environmental sustainability questions.

• McDonald’s: Human Rights and Environmental Sustainability Core values of the company One of the core values of the company is the respect for the fundamental rights of human beings.
• The Nestle Company’s Environmental Sustainability Efforts What I like about Nestle’s environmental sustainability efforts: Nestle’s environmental sustainability efforts are concise and clear towards the company’s sustainability plans, that is, clear goals and objectives which are time bound. The company’s sustainability efforts […]
• Personal Environmental Sustainability Action Plan Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion and contamination of resources such as air, water, and soil, which leads to the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife.
• Environmental Sustainability on a Global Scale Compared to the world at the beginning of the 21st century, it required perceptional changes toward nature, biodiversity, and ecosystems, as well as reforms in agriculture and management of water, energy, and waste.
• The Environmental Sustainability Concept in the Hospitality Industry Environmental sustainability refers to the responsible management of natural resources in order to preserve the lives of human beings and other organisms in the ecosystem.
• The Components of Environmental Sustainability On page 6, Sutton, is of the opinion that there is a great connection between environmental damage, industrialisation and urbanisation; he observes that human beings have altered the natural environment and resulted to living in […]
• Sustainability and Human Impact on Environment Sustainability entails the analysis of ecosystem functioning, diversity, and role in the balance of life. It is the consideration of how humanity can exploit the natural world for sustenance without affecting its ability to meet […]
• Environmental Education for Sustainability There are several characteristics that can be associated with environmental education as a learning process, with the most significant being the unit’s predisposition to enhance the knowledge and responsiveness of individuals about the environment and […]
• The Trends, Opportunities and Challenges of Environmental Sustainability The environmental issues on earth have extended radically in the past decades and are currently among the main threats and challenges which have impacts on people lifestyles and organizations processes around the world.
• Risk Factor Analysis and Environmental Sustainability This project was evaluated using a methodical process that included listing ten potential dangers, followed by a risk assessment matrix and an explanation of how the dangers would be managed.
• Sustainability and Environmentally-Friendly Practices The crucial ideas are that the term “tree justice” is far from “yes, we can” in terms of effective political rhetoric, but it is a reference to research showing that more canopies can save lives.
• Coates Chemicals: Environmental, Sustainability, and Safety Improving the safety of chemical production, use, and disposal is a critical component of activities to safeguard human health and the environment.
• Attaining Sustainability in the Environment In fact, the treatment of waste is among the first aspects that need to change for a sustainable future to be possible. Therefore, in a sustainable future, the use of plastic will be reduced to […]
• Achieving Environmental Sustainability Consequently, it causes a tremendous decline in the number of trees available globally, and the trees are viewed to be of significance towards the reduction of the amount of carbon dioxide available in the atmosphere.
• Climate Change: Sustainability Development and Environmental Law The media significantly contributes to the creation of awareness, thus the importance of integrating the role of the news press with sustainability practices.
• Mega-Events and Environmental Sustainability Carbon emissions and the amount of waste produced during the preparation, execution, and post-operation of such events have the potential to cause great damage to the environment.
• Cruise Liners’ Environmental Management and Sustainability According to GAO, the number of vessels and the number of passengers docking at a port at one time definitely may have a strain on the marine environment. Growth of algae in the marine environment […]
• Greenwashing: Full Environmental Sustainability? For companies, to be 100% sustainable and ethical would mean that each time they are presented with a decision, they would make people or nature their priority.
• Customer-oriented Environmental Sustainability Customer-oriented environmental sustainability would also help evaluate the environmental impacts of activities, products as well as processes on the environment and human health.
• Environmental Sustainability of Veja First of all, this organization strives to gain the loyalty of ethical consumers who are concerned about the practices of manufacturers.
• The Role of Food for Sustainability in the Built Environment Sustainability refers to a movement that attempts to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the capability of the subsequent generations to meet the needs of the future.
• Environmental Sustainability and Businesses The Amazon rainforests, which are also called the “lungs of the planet,” produce 20% of the oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere.
• Environmental Sustainability in Different Countries: U.S. and AUS The AUS has many programs that help greatly in reducing the amount of water consumed within the campus. Egypt also has taken part greatly in the conservation of water for agricultural activities.
• Global Warming Issues Review and Environmental Sustainability Whether it is the melt down of Arctic ice, the damage of the Ozone layer, extra pollution in developing countries; all sums up to one thing in common and that is global warming.
• Green Meetings: Environmental Impact and Sustainability The author argues that Green meetings can have positive environmental impact by engaging in certain practices from the beginning to the end of the Green meetings and events.
• China’s Economy and Environmental Sustainability The critical problem that the authors are attempting to address in the article is the effect of economic growth on pollution.
• Sustainability: Future Environments and Economies The authors suggest that the role of sustainability management in organizations and its contribution to the overall sustainability of society and the environment is well-recognized by the researchers.
• Ceres Organization’s Environmental Sustainability The environment should be managed for the equal benefits of the current and future generations. The local communities should take the initiative to rehabilitate the environment.
• Environmental Geology and Sustainability Taking soil as an example, one will have to admit that the changes in the soil will necessarily pose a threat of extinction to several plants. The carbon cycle can be referred to as an […]
• Sustainability Against Environmental Degradation This is because the technological solutions are also covered by sustainability and form part of the other things that ought to be handled by sustainability above the technical fixes.
• Strategic Environmental Sustainability It is apparent that the world has focused on targeting big companies and industries in the quest to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and the pollution of the environment.
• Information Technology and Environment Sustainability The aim of this research paper is to analyze the available literature in order to obtain the information on the possible effects of IT on environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility, determine its validity, locate […]
• Environmental Sustainability in the Construction Sector This paper aims at exploring the evidence of climate change in the UK, the contributing factors, and the potential consequences of it, including the floods.
• Environmental Sustainability in Clean City Organization Furthermore, our organization will give preference to those projects that involve the students of the school because it is important to make sure that young people attach the importance to protecting the environment of the […]
• Capitalism Versus Environmental Sustainability Free market refers to a market where prices are derived through competition among the individual businesses and not under the regulation of the government.
• Environmental Studies: Transforming Cultures From Consumerism to Sustainability The trade fair portrayed the potential of the then and future civilizations to deploy technology, creativity, and innovation to create more consumables to boost the life of future generations.
• Managing For Environmental Sustainability The website also summarises some of the projects that the company has engaged in as well as the strategic decisions that it has made.
• Effectiveness of Carbon Tax in Environmental Sustainability This research will seek to achieve the following objectives: To investigate the extent to which assessing the social cost of carbon is valuable in enhancing environmental sustainability To find out the effectiveness of assessing carbon […]
• “Clarke: Transformation for Environmental Sustainability” by Laszlo, McCabe, Aheam and Ghatde Dissatisfaction among the staff due to the lack of comfort in transportation; Drops in the speed of the product delivery, as well as the transportation of raw materials and, thus, the overall reduction in the […]
• Managing Environmental Sustainability With reference to the above purpose, the scope of the report will be around the stakeholders as well as the reasons behind managerial consideration of stakeholders’ views, the monetary and non monetary incentives for going […]
• Environmental Sustainability Audit: The Oman Environmental Services Holding Company The government used to handle the task of waste management in the Sultanate but with the establishment and legalization of Be’ah, the task of such is delegated to the said company.
• Learning of Environment Sustainability in Education Humans pay much attention to satisfying their needs but they do not bother to reserve the resources because they do not understand that the resources they are using today are not replaced when they are […]
• Sustainability in Canada and the Impact of Coca-Cola Company on Environmental Protection This paper is an in-depth analysis of sustainability in Canada and the impact of the Coca-Cola Company on environmental protection. In addition to this, the Canadian government has established the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators, which […]
• Impact of Economic Growth on Environmental Sustainability Because of constant development of the richest economies, such as the United Kingdom, and United States, the consumption levels of the global population surpass the actual amount of natural resources that the Earth has prepared […]
• Wind Energy for Environmental Sustainability Production of this energy is important to the survival and enhancement of lives of people in a society. It refers to the role of that business or a corporate towards the society.
• Sustainability Development: Balancing Economic, Social and Environmental Dimensions Nonetheless, the company has also been very keen on ensuring that it creates a good reputation of ecological stewardship and sensitivity to the social matters in the society in the spirit of sustainable development in […]
• The Concept of Environmental Sustainability in the Hotel Industry In the quest of the players in the hospitality industry to achieve sustainability in their operations, it is important that the environmental sustainability is made part of the plans for the businesses.
• Environmental Sustainability and Economic Benefits of Dairy Farm Biogas Energy Production
• Social and Environmental Sustainability of Travelling Within Family Networks
• Corporate Responsibility: Integrative New Approaches for Coastal and Environmental Sustainability
• Economic Policy Instruments and Environmental Sustainability: Another Look at Environmental-Use Permits
• Environmental Sustainability and Energy-Efficient Supply Chain Management
• Accountability and Environmental Sustainability: Nigerian Maritime Experience
• Agriculture, Technological Change and Environmental Sustainability: Win-Win Water Policy Strategy
• Environmental Sustainability and Organic Wine Production: Evidence From Italian Industry
• Anti-consumption for Environmental Sustainability: Conceptualization, Review, and Multilevel Research Directions
• Asia’s Energy Adequacy, Environmental Sustainability, and Affordability: An Overview
• Environmental Sustainability of Electricity Generation in Turkey on a Life Cycle Basis
• Banks and Environmental Sustainability: Reflection From the Perspective of Financial Stability
• Biofuel From Jatropha Curcas: Environmental Sustainability and Option Value
• Environmental Sustainability and Services in Developing Global City Regions
• The Link Between Business Ethics, Social Responsibility, Environmental Sustainability
• Can Big Data and Predictive Analytics Improve Social and Environmental Sustainability?
• Environmental Sustainability Can Only Be Achieved Through Population Control
• Coinquiry for Environmental Sustainability: The UK Beacons for Public Engagement Review
• Environmental Sustainability Report and Its Communicative Values to Stakeholders
• Australian Government Policies Relating to Environmental Sustainability
• Energy and Environmental Sustainability of Malaysian Universities Through Energy Conservation Measures
• Environmentally Sustainable National Income: Indispensable Information for Attaining Environmental Sustainability
• The Relationships Between Environmental Sustainability and Global Warming
• Environmental Sustainability and Its Effects on the Energy Sector
• The Link Between Environmental Sustainability and Social Sustainability
• Exploring Acceptance Towards Environmental Sustainability of Distance Education in Malaysia
• Gender Equality and Environmental Sustainability in Uganda’s Water Sector
• The Relationships Between Global Economic Development and Environmental Sustainability
• Global Green Economy and Environmental Sustainability
• How Globalization and Environmental Sustainability Influence Strategic Management
• Correlation Between Human Rights and Environmental Sustainability
• India’s Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability: What Are the Tradeoffs
• Innovation and Environmental Sustainability: Analysis of the Brazilian Metal-Mechanic Industry
• Integrating Environmental Sustainability Considerations Into Food and Nutrition Policies
• International Linkages and Environmental Sustainability: The Effectiveness of the Regime Network
• Mainstreaming Green Product Innovation: Why and How Companies Integrate Environmental Sustainability
• Managing Human Resources for Environmental Sustainability
• Mobile Phone Innovation and Environmental Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa
• National Culture and Environmental Sustainability: A Cross-National Analysis
• Analysis of Palm Beach Community College Environmental Sustainability
• Does Environmental Sustainability Contradict Prosperity?
• What Are the Factors Affecting Environmental Sustainability?
• How Does Environmental Sustainability Influence Organizational Behavior?
• Why Do We Need to Study Environmental Sustainability?
• What Are the Main Components of Environmental Sustainability?
• Does Income Inequality Affect Environmental Sustainability?
• Why Is Environmental Sustainability Important to the Organization?
• How Does Environmental Sustainability Affect Business?
• What Are the Environmental Sustainability Issues We Need to Address?
• Why Is Environmental Sustainability a Problem?
• Does Intelligence Improve Environmental Sustainability?
• What Causes Environmental Sustainability?
• How Does Environmental Sustainability Affect Employees?
• What Are the Principles of Environmental Sustainability?
• Why Is Environmental Sustainability Important to the Economy?
• How Can Environmental Sustainability Contribute to Economic Development?
• What Will Happen if Environmental Sustainability Is Not Achieved?
• Why Are Issues of Environmental Sustainability Important in Corporate Governance?
• How Does Poverty Affect Environmental Sustainability?
• What Are Environmental Sustainability Issues and Solutions of Sustainable Development?
• Why Is Environmental Sustainability a Global Issue?
• What Is the Biggest Threat to Environmental Sustainability?
• Is There a Relationship Between Economic Development and Environmental Sustainability?
• What Is Business Strategy for Environmental Sustainability?
• Why Should We Care About Environmental Sustainability?
• Fishing Research Topics
• Green Building Questions
• Ocean Pollution Titles
• Performance Indicators Essay Topics
• Tourism Management Questions
• Deforestation Research Ideas
• Global Issues Essay Topics
• Oceanography Research Ideas
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 28). 119 Environmental Sustainability Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/environmental-sustainability-essay-topics/

"119 Environmental Sustainability Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 28 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/environmental-sustainability-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '119 Environmental Sustainability Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 28 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "119 Environmental Sustainability Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/environmental-sustainability-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "119 Environmental Sustainability Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/environmental-sustainability-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "119 Environmental Sustainability Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/environmental-sustainability-essay-topics/.

Sustainability: Sustainability Research Topics

• Find Journal Articles
• Databases for Sustainabilty Research
• Carbon Footprint
• Climate Change
• Green Building & Infrastructure
• Green Economy/Technology
• Materials, Waste & Recycling
• Social Sustainability
• Sustainability in Higher Education
• Global Environment Overview

Click on any of the topics above for more topic-specific resources.

Related Guides

• Climate Change This guide presents selected resources related to climate change and global warming.
• Life Cycle Assessment Guide This guide provides selected resources related to LCA, which is a technique to assess the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service.
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals This guide presents resources related to the themes of the 17 SDGs.
• Latin American and Caribbean Studies - Environment & Sustainability This guide provides selected resources on the topics of the environment and sustainability as they relate to these regions. Each resource category provides sources on a regional and country basis.
• Earth Day 2023 This guide presents selected resources such as books, journals, films & videos on Earth Day topics.
• Sustainability resources on JSTOR A research guide to the wide range of journals, ebooks, and more than 5,400 Open Access research reports in the field of sustainability. The subjects of resilience and sustainability are explored broadly, covering research on environmental stresses and their impact on society.
• << Previous: Databases for Sustainabilty Research
• Next: Carbon Footprint >>
• Last Updated: Jun 5, 2024 1:38 PM
• URL: https://libguides.wpi.edu/sustainability

How can we help?

• [email protected]
• Consultation
• 508-831-5410

351 Environmental Science Research Topics & Ideas

• Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
• Icon Page 2791 words
• Icon Clock 13 min read

Environmental science research topics depend on a vast range of issues pivotal to understanding and safeguarding the natural world. Some themes may dive deep into studies of climate change, assessing its impact on ecosystems and suggesting mitigation strategies. Various topics also explore biodiversity, looking at species conservation and threats to habitats globally. Pollution is another focal area, investigating the sources, effects, and solutions to air, water, and soil contamination. Moreover, sustainable practices focus on renewable energy, green urban planning, and sustainable agriculture. This interdisciplinary field even scrutinizes human behavior, illustrating the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and environmental health. Thus, environmental science research topics cover exploration, data interpretation, and creative problem-solving, all with the ultimate goal of developing ecologically responsible and sustainable methods for the proper coexistence of people and the natural world.

Hot Environmental Research Topics

• Understanding Climate Change and Food Security Nexus
• Unveiling Mysteries of Deep Ocean Biodiversity
• Exploring Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture
• Harnessing Green Energy: Opportunities and Challenges
• Rethinking Urban Design for Climate Resilience
• Insights Into Ecological Consequences of Deforestation
• Green Building Practices: A Comparative Study
• Endangered Species and Conservation Efforts: A Comprehensive Review
• Examining the Potential of Vertical Farming in Urban Areas
• Strategies for Plastic Waste Management: A Global Perspective
• Microplastics in Marine Ecosystems: An Unseen Threat
• Decoding Links Between Soil Health and Agricultural Productivity
• Effective Water Management Strategies in Arid Regions
• Emerging Contaminants in Freshwater Bodies: Trends and Solutions
• E-Waste Recycling: Technological Advancements and Challenges
• Carbon Sequestration in Forest Ecosystems: A Multidisciplinary Approach
• Human Behavioral Change for Environmental Sustainability
• Analyzing the Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health
• Biodiversity Hotspots and Their Conservation Significance
• Assessing Geoengineering Techniques for Climate Change Mitigation

Easy Environmental Research Topics

• Exploration of Solar Energy Advantages
• Rainwater Harvesting: A Simple Guide
• Why Recycling Matters: A Closer Look
• Green Spaces in Urban Planning
• Wildlife Conservation in Local Communities
• Understanding the Threat of Endangered Species
• Eco-Friendly Farming: The Basics
• Pollution in Cities: An Overview
• Renewable Energy: Current Trends
• Conservation of Water: Simple Methods
• Sustainable Living: Small Changes, Big Effects
• Climate Change: Easy-to-Understand Facts
• Rising Sea Levels: Exploring Causes
• Greenhouse Gases: A Beginner’s Study
• Composting at Home: An Introduction
• Biodiversity in Backyards: A Survey
• Plastic Waste: The Global Picture
• Community Gardens: Environmental and Social Benefits
• Forest Fires and Climate Change: A Link

Interesting Environmental Topics

• Decoding Coral Reef Bleaching Phenomena
• Intricacies of Permaculture Design Principles
• Fascinating World of Biofuels: A Deeper Dive
• Cryptic Life of Microorganisms in Soil Health Maintenance
• Innovative Techniques in Water Purification and Conservation
• Ecology of Urban Bees: A Novel Approach
• Mysterious Decline of Honeybee Populations
• Analysis of Climate Change Predictive Models
• Rise of Veganism: Environmental Implications
• Bizarre Effects of Light Pollution on Wildlife
• Ecosystem Services Provided by Wetlands
• Unfolding the Hidden Costs of Fast Fashion
• Overpopulation and Strain on Environmental Resources
• Wonders of Agroforestry: An Interdisciplinary Investigation
• Unraveling the Puzzle of Eutrophication
• Curious Case of Invasive Species: Winners or Losers?
• Dissecting the Intricacies of Carbon Footprints
• A Magnet for Pollution: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
• Invisible Enemy: Silent Threat of Indoor Air Pollution
• Glacial Retreat: A Story of Changing Climates

Environmental Research Topics for High School

• Influence of Climate Change on Local Weather Patterns
• Renewable Energy Sources: An Overview
• Understanding the Process of Composting
• Examining the Threat of Endangered Species Locally
• Exploring the Concept of Carbon Footprint
• Deforestation and Its Consequences: A Closer Look
• Greenhouse Effect Simplified: Causes and Consequences
• Waste Management: Importance of Recycling and Reusing
• Biodiversity in Your Backyard: An Introduction
• Diving Into the World of Organic Farming
• Air Quality Index and Its Significance
• Examining Coral Reefs: Importance and Threats
• Water Conservation Techniques for Sustainable Use
• Unpacking the Plastic Problem: From Production to Pollution
• Agriculture and Its Environmental Effects: An Overview
• Urban Heat Islands: Causes and Mitigation Strategies
• Natural Disasters: Causes and Preparation Techniques
• Exploring the Connection Between Diet and Environment
• Invasive Species’ Impact on Native Ecosystems
• Sustainability in Action: Everyday Practices for a Greener Future

Environmental Research Topics for College Students

• Unraveling the Mystery of Coral Bleaching
• Environmental Justice: A Multidisciplinary Approach
• Sustainable Transport: A Comparative Study
• Diving Into Deep Sea Mining: Pros and Cons
• Solar Power Efficiency: Opportunities and Challenges
• Biodegradable Plastics: A Solution or a Mirage?
• Hydroelectric Power: Evaluating Environmental Trade-offs
• Permaculture Principles and Its Real-World Applications
• Ecotourism: An Assessment of Environmental and Social Effects
• Air Pollution and Public Health: An Interdisciplinary Study
• Ecological Footprint: Calculation and Interpretation
• Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Agriculture
• Industrial Agriculture vs. Organic Farming: A Comparative Analysis
• Urban Planning for Climate Resilience: A Detailed Review
• Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species
• Wetlands: Ecological Importance and Conservation Measures
• Ocean Acidification: Causes and Effects on Marine Life
• Green Architecture: Innovations and Challenges
• Sustainable Waste Management: Technological Innovations and Best Practices

Environmental Research Topics for University

• Interconnections Between Forest Fires and Climate Change
• Assessing Sustainability in Supply Chain Management
• Urban Sprawl and Environmental Degradation: A Case Study
• GMO Crops: An Environmental and Social Analysis
• Geospatial Techniques in Environmental Conservation
• Water Quality in Developing Countries: Comprehensive Study
• Marine Pollution: Sources, Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies
• Environmental Ethics: Perspectives and Applications
• Soil Erosion: Causes, Effects, and Control Measures
• Geoengineering Techniques for Climate Change Mitigation
• Sustainable Urban Development: New Avenues and Challenges
• Nanotechnology in Environmental Remediation: A Critical Review
• Climate Policy and International Relations: A Complex Nexus
• Sustainable Fashion: Practices, Challenges, and Future Directions
• Technological Innovations in Renewable Energy: A Trend Analysis
• Green Spaces and Mental Health: An Interdisciplinary Review
• Trends in Sustainable Aquaculture Practices
• Wildlife Trafficking and Environmental Security: A Global Perspective
• Analyzing the Health Effects of Air Pollution
• Disposal and Management of Hazardous Waste: Current Techniques and Challenges

Topics in Environmental Science Research

• Challenges of Sustainable Resource Management
• Environmental Epigenetics: A New Frontier
• Plant-Based Diets and Sustainability: A Deeper Insight
• Unfolding Mysteries of Climate Migration Patterns
• Urban Ecology: Interactions of Humans and Nature
• Biochar as a Soil Amendment: An Analysis
• Threats to Arctic Ecosystems: A Detailed Review
• Influence of Mining Activities on Local Environments
• Deciphering the Ozone Layer Depletion Puzzle
• Flood Risk Management in Changing Climates
• Regenerative Agriculture: Practices and Prospects
• Methane Emissions From Livestock Farming: A Critical Review
• Ecohydrology: Interactions Between Water and Ecosystems
• Ecological Restoration of Degraded Landscapes
• Exploring the World of Conservation Genetics
• Plastic Pollution in Terrestrial Environments: An Emerging Issue
• Bioinformatics in Biodiversity Conservation: A Novel Approach
• Sustainable Tourism Practices: A Global Overview
• Life Cycle Analysis of Consumer Products
• Urban Farming Innovations: A Potential Solution for Food Security

Research Topics for Environmental Issues

• Deciphering the Global Nitrogen Cycle: Anthropogenic Effects
• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Innovation and Adoption Challenges
• Environmental Governance: Comparative Analysis of Global Frameworks
• Quantifying Biodiversity: Advanced Metrics and Methodologies
• Radiative Forcing From Atmospheric Aerosols: A Detailed Study
• Advancing Sustainable Urban Development: A Systems Perspective
• Environmental Risks of Nanomaterials: A Comprehensive Review
• Plant-Microbe Interactions in Phytoremediation: Molecular Mechanisms
• Ecological Modelling for Ecosystem Service Valuation
• Assessing Future Trajectories of Sea Level Rise
• Climate Change Adaptation: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Policy Interventions
• Agricultural Practices and Soil Carbon Sequestration: An In-Depth Study
• Socioeconomic Determinants of Environmental Behavior: A Cross-Cultural Analysis
• Sustainable Water Management in Arid Regions: Novel Approaches
• Challenges in Implementing a Circular Economy: A Case Study
• Holocene Climate Variability: Paleoenvironmental Reconstructions
• Green Chemistry: Emerging Techniques and Environmental Implications
• Bioenergy Production: Environmental Trade-Offs and Opportunities
• Ecosystem Resilience in the Face of Anthropogenic Disturbances

Environmental Safety and Health Topics for Research

• Health Implications of Air Quality: A Comprehensive Study
• Assessing Occupational Hazards in the Mining Industry
• Water Quality and Public Health: An Interdisciplinary Study
• Developing Safety Protocols in the Chemical Industry
• Exploring the Nexus Between Climate Change and Vector-Borne Diseases
• Managing Safety and Health in the Construction Industry
• Radioactive Pollution: Risks and Mitigation Strategies
• Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Health
• Biosecurity Measures in Agriculture: Policies and Implementation
• Assessing Risks of Genetically Modified Organisms to Human Health
• Exposure to Heavy Metals: Health Risks and Regulatory Standards
• Quantifying Health Impacts of Industrial Pollutants
• Food Safety in a Changing Climate: Challenges and Solutions
• Indoor Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases: A Detailed Study
• Developing Protocols for Hazardous Waste Management
• Assessing the Health Effects of Microplastics Exposure
• Understanding Health Risks of Pesticide Exposure in Agriculture
• Psychosocial Factors and Safety Culture in the Oil and Gas Industry
• Health Impact Assessment of Nuclear Energy Facilities

Environmental Engineering Topics for Research

• Innovative Techniques in Wastewater Treatment
• Biofuel Production: Process Optimization and Scale-Up Challenges
• Advancements in Water Desalination Technologies
• Novel Materials for Photovoltaic Cells
• Harnessing Energy From Tidal and Wave Power: Engineering Challenges
• Biodegradable Materials for Sustainable Packaging Solutions
• Remediation Techniques for Contaminated Soil
• Carbon Capture and Storage: Technological Developments
• Improving Efficiency of Wind Turbines: A Technical Review
• Sustainable Construction Materials: A Life Cycle Analysis
• Geotechnical Considerations for Offshore Wind Farms
• Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Environmental Applications
• Advanced Oxidation Processes for Water Treatment
• Modeling and Optimization of Landfill Gas Recovery
• Acid Mine Drainage: Mitigation Strategies and Techniques
• Environmental Biotechnology: Harnessing Microbes for Pollution Control
• Heat Transfer in Energy Efficient Buildings: An Analysis
• Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites for Construction Applications
• Sustainable Approaches to Pavement Design and Materials
• Developing Energy Efficient Processes in Chemical Industries

Research Topics for Environmental Biology

• Unraveling Symbiotic Relationships in Coral Reefs
• Genetic Diversity and Conservation: An Interdisciplinary Approach
• Decoding the Functioning of Biofilms in Environmental Systems
• Plant-Soil Interactions in Changing Climate Scenarios
• Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Bioremediation
• Eco-Immunology: Exploring Disease Dynamics in Wildlife Populations
• Plant Adaptation Strategies to Abiotic Stress Factors
• Marine Microbial Ecology: Unseen Life in the Oceans
• Metagenomics Approaches in Soil Microbial Ecology
• Understanding Invasive Species: Genetic and Ecological Perspectives
• Examining Trophic Interactions Under Climate Change
• Phylogenetic Analysis of Endangered Species for Conservation Strategies
• Genomics of Extremophiles: Survival in Harsh Environments
• Investigating Effects of Plastic Pollutants on Aquatic Life
• Landscape Genetics: Applications in Conservation Biology
• Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Plant Responses to Heavy Metal Stress
• Disease Dynamics in Pollinator Populations
• Functional Traits in Community Ecology: A Novel Approach
• Metabolic Engineering for Biofuel Production

Environmental Law Topics for Research

• Environmental Justice in Land Use Planning: A Legal Perspective
• Assessing Regulatory Frameworks for Carbon Markets
• International Law and Marine Plastic Pollution: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Enforcement Challenges in Wildlife Trafficking Laws
• Analysis of Climate Change Litigation: Global Trends
• Understanding the Legal Aspects of Transboundary Water Conflicts
• Legal Frameworks for the Conservation of Migratory Species
• Analysis of Environmental Impact Assessment Laws Across Countries
• Regulating Genetically Modified Organisms: A Comparative Legal Study
• Corporate Environmental Responsibility: Legal and Ethical Dimensions
• Evaluating Legal Mechanisms for Marine Protected Areas
• Exploring Legal Implications of Geoengineering Techniques
• Regulatory Challenges in the Transition to Renewable Energy
• Forest Rights and Conservation: A Legal Analysis
• Legal Frameworks for the Protection of Indigenous Environmental Knowledge
• Laws Regulating Hazardous Waste Management: A Comparative Study
• Legal Implications of Ecological Restoration Projects
• Regulation of Pesticides: Balancing Health and Environmental Concerns
• Legal Instruments for Regulating Noise Pollution: An Overview
• Analysis of International Agreements on Biodiversity Conservation

Environmental Research Topics About Economics

• Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services: A Critical Review
• Economic Analysis of Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
• Socioeconomic Drivers of Deforestation: A Comprehensive Study
• Green Growth: Challenges and Opportunities for Developing Countries
• Assessing the Economic Viability of Renewable Energy Sources
• Economic Incentives for Biodiversity Conservation: An Overview
• Incorporating Environmental Costs in Product Pricing: A Case Study
• Investigating the Economics of Carbon Capture and Storage
• Market-Based Instruments for Pollution Control: A Detailed Analysis
• Economic Impacts of Natural Disasters: A Global Perspective
• Analysis of Cap-and-Trade Systems for Carbon Emissions
• Investigating the Effectiveness of Environmental Taxes
• Economic Analysis of Sustainable Agriculture Practices
• Assessing the Economic Feasibility of Biofuel Production
• Economic Implications of Water Scarcity: A Cross-Country Analysis
• Transition to a Circular Economy: Economic and Policy Considerations
• Economics of Sustainable Urban Development: A Detailed Study
• Cost-Benefit Analysis of Green Building Techniques
• Economic Impacts of Coastal Erosion and Sea Level Rise

Environmental History Research Topics

• Perception of Climate Change: A Historical Analysis
• Amazon Rainforest’s Environmental History Unraveled
• Consequences of the Agricultural Revolution on Environment: A Detailed Study
• United States Environmental Movements: An Historical Exploration
• Influence of the Industrial Revolution on Modern Environmental Challenges
• Green Spaces in Urban Planning: A History of Urban Parks
• Global Patterns and Causes of Deforestation: A Historical Overview
• Insights From Paleoclimatology: Climate Variability in Historical Context
• Arctic Exploration and Its Environmental History
• The Emergence of Environmental Law: A Historical Understanding
• From Fossil Fuels to Renewables: A History of Energy Transition
• River Management and Conservation: Historical Perspectives
• Lessons for Climate Change Adaptation From The Dust Bowl History
• Causes and Consequences of Marine Pollution: A Historical Analysis
• Natural Resource Exploitation in Colonial Periods: A Historical Overview
• Forest Management Practices: Historical Insights
• Endangered Species Conservation: Understanding the Historical Context
• Environmental Implications of Pesticide Use: A Historical Analysis
• Nuclear Age: Unraveling Its Environmental History

Controversial Environmental Research Topics

• Genetically Modified Crops: Environmental Savior or Biohazard?
• Nuclear Energy: A Sustainable Solution or Environmental Risk?
• Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Environmental Consequences
• Climate Change Denial: Analyzing the Motives and Consequences
• Geoengineering Solutions for Climate Change: Promise or Peril?
• Anthropocene: Valid Geological Epoch or Human Egotism?
• Intensive Animal Farming: Environmental Concerns and Ethical Dilemmas
• De-extinction and Its Potential Ecological Consequences
• Plastic Waste Management: Incineration vs. Recycling
• Neonicotinoids and Bee Decline: Assessing the Controversy
• Economic Growth vs. Environmental Protection: Reconciling the Dichotomy
• Landfilling vs. Zero Waste Approach: A Comparative Study
• Ocean Fertilization as a Carbon Sequestration Strategy
• E-Waste Management: Export or Domestic Recycling?
• Noise Pollution: Overlooked Environmental Hazard or Nuisance Issue?
• Fast Fashion Industry and Its Environmental Footprint
• Artificial Intelligence in Environmental Management: Boon or Bane?
• Palm Oil Production and Biodiversity Loss: A Complex Connection
• Desalination Plants: Solution for Water Scarcity or Ecological Threat?

Persuasive Environmental Research Topics

• Promoting Green Energy Transition: Evaluating Success Stories
• Waste Segregation at Source: An Essential Step Toward Effective Waste Management
• Adoption of Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture
• Nature-Based Solutions: An Underutilized Tool in Climate Change Mitigation
• Changing Consumer Behavior for Sustainable Fashion
• Shifting to Public Transportation: A Key to Urban Sustainability
• Coral Reef Protection: Strategies and Success Stories
• Green Building: A Must for Sustainable Urban Development
• Incorporation of Environmental Education Into School Curriculum
• The Shift From Fast to Slow Fashion: Need of the Hour
• Afforestation as a Natural Climate Solution: Examining Its Potential
• Promoting Circular Economy: A Way Forward for Waste Reduction
• Divestment From Fossil Fuels: An Imperative Climate Action
• Supporting Indigenous Knowledge for Biodiversity Conservation
• Plant-Based Diet: A Strategy for Reducing Carbon Footprint
• Urban Green Spaces: Essential for Human Wellbeing and Biodiversity
• Adoption of Electric Vehicles: A Key to Reduce Carbon Emissions
• Reducing Single-Use Plastics: A Critical Move Toward Sustainability
• Transitioning to Sustainable Fishing Practices: A Global Priority
• Decentralized Renewable Energy Systems: A Solution for Energy Access and Climate Mitigation

Argumentative Environmental Research Topics

• Dams and Hydroelectric Power: Net Gain or Loss for the Environment?
• Wind Energy: Assessing Arguments Around Bird Mortality
• Population Control: Necessary Environmental Strategy or Human Rights Violation?
• International Trade and Its Environmental Consequences
• Arguments Around Carbon Trading and Its Efficacy
• Trophy Hunting: Conservation Strategy or Ecological Disaster?
• Marine Protected Areas: Effective Conservation or Displacement of Fishing Pressure?
• Arguments For and Against Climate Change Geoengineering
• Food Waste: Ethical, Environmental, and Economic Implications
• GMOs and Biodiversity: Assessing Potential Risks
• Arguments Surrounding Water Fluoridation: An Environmental Perspective
• Ecotourism: Sustainable Practice or Threat to Wild Areas?
• Carbon Capture and Storage: Viable Solution or Costly Distraction?
• Deep Sea Mining: Economic Opportunity or Ecological Risk?
• Aquaculture: Solution to Overfishing or New Environmental Problem?
• Arguments For and Against Biofuels as a Green Energy Source
• Fusion Energy: Future of Clean Energy or Pipe Dream?
• Debate Around the Environmental Effects of Cryptocurrency Mining
• Environmental Implications of Space Travel and Exploration

Research Topics for Environmental Debates

• Pros and Cons of Solar Geoengineering as a Climate Solution
• Arguments Surrounding the Use of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
• Land Rights vs. Conservation: Examining the Debate
• Debate Around Large-Scale Reforestation and Natural Forest Regrowth
• Investigating the Controversy Over Invasive Species Control
• Environmental Justice in Waste Management: A Heated Debate
• Nuclear Power in the Age of Renewable Energy: An Ongoing Debate
• Controversy and Debate Surrounding Carbon Taxes
• Debating the Effects of Air Travel on Climate Change
• Green New Deal: Revolution or Unrealistic Ambition?
• The Controversy Around Synthetic Meat: Environmental Savior or Unproven Experiment?
• Analyzing the Debate Surrounding E-Waste Export Policies
• Understanding the Ongoing GMO Labeling Debate
• Debates Around Solar Energy and Land Use
• Animal Rights vs. Conservation: Unpacking the Conflict
• Exploring the Controversial Intersection of Environmentalism and Immigration
• Debate Over Ocean Acidification and Its Effects on Marine Life
• Investigating the Debate on the Environmental Impact of Veganism
• Analyzing the Controversy Over Urban Vertical Farming
• Debate Surrounding Environmental Cost of Electric vs. Gasoline Cars

To Learn More, Read Relevant Articles

293 Good Nutrition Research Topics & Ideas

• Icon Calendar 7 June 2023
• Icon Page 2323 words

801 Chemistry Research Topics & Interesting Ideas

• Icon Calendar 6 June 2023
• Icon Page 6662 words

• Research Paper Guides
• Research Paper Topics

Environmental Research Topics: 235 Ideas for Students

• Speech Topics
• Basics of Essay Writing
• Essay Topics
• Other Essays
• Main Academic Essays
• Basics of Research Paper Writing
• Miscellaneous
• Chicago/ Turabian
• Data & Statistics
• Methodology
• Admission Writing Tips
• Admission Advice
• Other Guides
• Student Life
• Studying Tips
• Understanding Plagiarism
• Academic Writing Tips
• Basics of Dissertation & Thesis Writing

• Essay Guides
• Formatting Guides
• Basics of Research Process
• Admission Guides
• Dissertation & Thesis Guides

Table of contents

Use our free Readability checker

Are you looking for environmental research paper topics? With ongoing debates about global warming, air pollution, and other issues, there is no shortage of exciting topics to craft a research paper around. Whether you’re studying ecology, geology, or marine biology, developing the perfect environmental research topic to get your science research assignment off the ground can be challenging. Stop worrying – we got you covered. Continue reading to learn about 235 different ideas on environmental research topics. In this article, we will discuss environmental topics and show you how to choose an interesting research topic for your subject. We will also provide a list of various environmental topics from our research paper services . In addition, we will present you with environmental science research topics, discuss other ideas about the environment for research papers, and offer our final thoughts on these topics for research papers.

What Are Environmental Topics?

Environmental topics provide an analysis of environmental issues and their effect on people, culture, nature, or a particular place, often interdisciplinary, drawing from sciences, politics, economics, sociology, and public policy. Topics about environmental science may include environmental justice, engineering and communication, regulation, economics, and health. Environment research topics may focus on environmental sustainability, impact assessment, management systems, and resources. In addition, these areas for research papers offer a few opportunities to explore our relationship with the environment and consider how human activities influence it through climate change, pollution, or other factors such as natural resource usage as well as biodiversity loss.

What Makes a Good Environmental Research Topic? 

When choosing an environmental research topic, it is essential to consider what makes good environmental topics. Below is an expert list outlining what your topic should be like:

• It should be interesting and relevant to your study field.
• It's essential to consider the topic's potential implications on environment-related policies. Think about the possible positive or negative effects this topic could have when implemented in terms of protecting our environment.
• A good topic should be specific enough to provide a focus for your research paper and allow you to explore a particular issue in depth.
• The research topic should be feasible and manageable to ensure that you can find the necessary information and resources.
• Environmental sciences research topics should be current and relevant to ecological developments.

How to Choose Environmental Science Topics?

When choosing research topics for environmental science, it is essential to research the available information and determine its relevance. It all depends on whether the research topic is feasible and has the potential for exploration. Environmental issue topics should be well-defined and interesting to the researcher. The reason is that the researcher should be able to provide solutions or make suggestions on improvement strategies. You can follow the below steps when choosing environmental science topics for research:

Step 1: Identify topics that are relevant to your research context. Step 2: Develop a list of research areas by extracting critical concepts from the available literature.

Step 3: Select interesting and feasible topics by considering the methods available for analysis.

Step 4: Analyze these topics to identify the gaps in current research and formulate questions for further investigation. Step 5: Review the available literature to gain insights about the chosen topic and develop a research proposal.

Step 6: Consult experts in this field to get feedback and refine the proposed research.

Don’t have time for writing your environmental research paper? Count on StudyCrumb. Send us a ‘ write a research paper for me ’ message and get professional assistance in a timely manner. 

List of Environment Research Paper Topics

Environmental topics for a research paper can be overwhelming to navigate due to the vast number of issues you can discuss in your article. To help narrow down your research paper search, below is a list of environmental research topics that include climate change, renewable energy, ecology, pollution, sustainability, endangered species, ecosystems, nature, and water management. You can choose one of them as a guide to writing an excellent essay

Environmental Research Topics on Climate Change

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues that humanity is currently facing due to increased temperature levels. Climate change is amongst the most debated environmental research topics among researchers, policymakers, and governments. Here are critical areas related to climate change that you can use for your environmental science research paper topics:

• Causes and effects of climate change.
• Climate change adaptation strategies.
• Climate change impact on rural communities.
• Role of renewable energy sources in mitigating climate change.
• Carbon dioxide emission policies.
• Global warming and its impact on ocean acidification.
• Social effects of climate change.
• Permafrost melting and its implications.
• Role of international organizations in climate change.
• Climate change and forest fire: examining the role of climate change on wildfire season, frequency, and burned area.

Environmental Science Research Topics on Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is essential due to its potential to reduce ecological damage from burning fossil fuels and provides valuable topics in environmental science. You can use renewable energy technologies as a cleaner alternative for generating electricity and heating. In addition, renewable energy is crucial for cooling homes and factories in the world. The following are environmental science topics for research paper on renewable energy:

• Renewable energy types, sources, and their impact on the environment.
• Economic benefits of renewable energy.
• Research on new technologies in renewable energy.
• Role of renewable energy in protecting businesses from legal actions.
• Hydropower and its role in renewable energy.
• Chemical batteries for renewable energy storage.
• Green microgrids in optimizing renewable energy usage.
• Ocean energy and its effects on the environment.
• Geothermal drilling and its consequences.
• Biomass resources and their use in renewable energy.

Environment Research Topics on Ecology

Ecology studies how living organisms interact with each other and their environment. Also, it is an important area of research for understanding how the environment affects the function of various species and ecosystems. It also gives a background for one of the best environment research paper topics. Below are topics for environmental research paper on ecology:

• Biodiversity conservation strategies.
• Impact of pollution on ecosystems.
• Ecological research on saving endangered species from extinction.
• Role of environment in migrations patterns of animals.
• Habitat fragmentation effects on the environment.
• Ecological implications of climate change.
• Ecology and pest control strategies.
• Ecological effects of deforestation.
• Ecology and conservation of marine life.
• Ecological consequences of urbanization.

Research Topics in Environmental Science About Pollution

Pollution is an issue at the forefront of scientific research. As one of the environmental science paper topics, it offers insights into how pollution destroys the environment and its negative impact on human and animal health. Stated below are hot environmental science research topics on pollution which you can use for your article:

• Air pollution: causes & effects.
• Water pollution and its consequences for people and other living organisms.
• Issue of urban & industrial pollution.
• Noise pollution and environment-related health risks.
• Marine plastic pollution in oceans.
• Radiological waste disposal policies.
• Nuclear energy, radiation & health impacts.
• Sustainable waste management solutions.
• Impact of pollution on biodiversity.
• Soil pollution and its effects on agriculture.

Environmental Topics for Research Papers on Sustainability

One of the many topics for environmental research papers is sustainability. Sustainability is an important topic to explore, as it involves finding a way for humans to reduce their ecological footprint and ensure that the environment can recover from our activities. Stated below are environmental topics for research paper on sustainability which you can explore:

• Strategies for sustainable development.
• Renewable energy sources and their effects.
• Environmental sustainability and its economic benefits.
• Sustainable energy sources and their effects.
• Implications of sustainable agriculture on the environment.
• Ecological impacts of sustainable forestry.
• Social implications of renewable energy use.
• Strategies for mitigating ecological impact from unsustainable development.
• Psychological effects of ecological awareness on sustainable practices.
• Influence of ecological sustainability on economic growth.

Environmental Topics to Write About Endangered Species

Endangered species are one of the environmental topics of great importance to research and find solutions for their conservation. Poaching, habitat destruction, and climate change negatively impact endangered species. Also, human activities have put other species at risk of extinction by competing for resources as well as introducing invasive species. Below is a list of cool environment topics to write about endangered species:

• Endangered species conservation.
• Causes & effects of habitat fragmentation.
• Wildlife conservation strategies.
• Climate change impacts on endangered species.
• Illegal wildlife trade and trafficking.
• Marine protected areas for conserving marine life.
• Ecological restoration and reintroduction programs.
• Endangered species in developing nations.
• Human rights & animal welfare laws .
• Captive breeding for conservation purposes.

Environmental Research Paper Topics on Ecosystems

Ecosystems are fascinating to explore in environmental paper topics because they contain a variety of living organisms and are a complex web of interactions between species, the environment, and humans. The subject provides environmental issues topics for research paper essential in exploring the dynamics of ecosystems and their importance. Below is a list of topics for environmental science research paper:

• Ecosystem services & their value.
• Climate change impacts on ecosystems.
• Hydrological cycle & effects on ecosystems.
• Ecological restoration & biodiversity conservation.
• Invasive species & their impact on native species.
• Biodiversity hotspots: areas of high endemism.
• Soil degradation & its impact on ecosystems.
• Sustainable forestry practices.
• Ecological restoration of wetlands.

Environmental Topics About Nature

Nature is a broad topic that includes ecological conservation, protection, and sustainability issues. Environmental research topics about nature allow us to explore areas that focus on preserving and conserving the environment. Research papers about nature can provide insight into utilizing nature as a resource, both from a practical and ecological aspect. Below is a list of environment topics that you can explore in your essays:

• Nature conservation & preservation strategies.
• Climate change effects on natural environments.
• Natural resource management strategies.
• Policies for natural resources management.
• Impact of human development on wildlands.
• Sustainable use of natural resources.
• Role of ethics in nature conservation.
• De-extinction: pros & cons of bringing back extinct species.
• Protected areas & conservation of rare species.

Environmental Issues Topics on Water Management

Water management is an issue that has a significant impact on the environment. Exploring a topic related to water management can provide experts, among others, with insights into environmental science issues and their implications. When it's time to write your project related to water management, you can explore the following topics for environmental issues:

• Water pollution & its control.
• Groundwater management strategies.
• Climate change impact on water resources.
• Integrated water resources management.
• Wetland conservation & restoration projects.
• Industrial effluents role in water pollution.
• Desalination technologies for freshwater production.
• Urbanization impact on groundwater resources.
• Inland & coastal water management strategies.
• Wastewater treatment & reuse technologies.

Environmental Science Topics in Different Areas

Environmental science studies ecological processes and their interactions with living organisms. Exploring environmental science related topics can provide valuable insights into environmental science issues, their ecological implications, and conservation efforts. In addition, these topics can also be explored in different areas, providing a comprehensive understanding of how different factors impact the environment. This section delves into various environmental science topics for projects related to law, justice, policy, economics, biology, chemistry, and health science.

Environmental Law Research Topics

Environmental law governs environmental processes and their interactions with living organisms. Delving into environmental law can uncover invaluable information on environment paper topics, ranging from legal matters and their consequences to preservation initiatives. Students can use the following environmental issue topics for research papers for their essays:

• Climate change liability & lawsuits.
• Strategies for conservation and protection under environmental law.
• Consequences of non-compliance with regulations on the environment.
• Impact of trade agreements on environment protection.
• Regulatory strategies for hazardous waste disposal.
• Strategies for enforcement and compliance with environment-related laws.
• International environment treaties and their implications.
• Effects of climate change legislation on the environment.
• Corporate environmental policies and regulations and their effects.
• Role of law in mitigating environment-related issues.

Environmental Justice Research Topics

Environmental justice seeks to ensure equitable treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in ecological protection, regardless of their race, sex, or economic status. Environment topics related to justice can provide valuable insights into ecological issues and their impacts. Listed below are justice-related Environmental topics to research:

• Implications of unequal access to resources.
• Disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.
• Consequences of marginalization of marginalized communities from environmental processes.
• Links between poverty and environment degradation.
• Effects of non-participation in environment-related decision-making.
• Policies to ensure access to clean air and water.
• Impact of social inequality on environment protection.
• Intersection between gender, race, and environment justice.
• Ecological consequences of corporate negligence of marginalized communities.
• Disproportionate implications of climate change on vulnerable populations.

Environmental Policy Research Paper Topics

Environmental policy is a set of laws, rules, and regulations created to protect the environment as well as its resources. Studying environment-related policies provides an area for students to explore a range of subjects related to the environment, ranging from local to global. Below are potential environmental sciences research topics for your reference.

• Environmental policy initiatives' implications on global climate change.
• Effectiveness of carbon taxes for air pollution control.
• Land use and development impact on the environment.
• Water quality in the united states, focusing on natural resource governance.
• Educational initiative's impact on public opinion and policy outcomes.
• Social aspects of policy making and implementation on the environment.
• Promoting sustainability from a global perspective.
• Potential for justice initiatives in promoting equitable and effective management.
• Rise of green economy its impact.
• Environment policies and their potential for success.

Environmental Economics Research Topics

Environmental economics seeks to understand environmental issues from an economic perspective. Examining environmental studies topics can offer insights into ecological conservation and sustainability while connecting protection efforts with economic interests and helping inform policies. The following are creative topics about environmental science related to economics:

• Economic impacts of regulating the environment.
• Strategies for environmentally sustainable economic growth.
• Consequences of non-compliance with environment-related regulations.
• Environment conservation and protection using economic incentives.
• Taxes and subsidies and their implications on the environment.
• Economic implications of climate change legislation.
• The private sector role in environment conservation and protection.
• Green finance role in mitigating ecological issues.
• Economics of pollution control and management.
• Conservation and protection of the environment in the face of economic interests.

>> Learn more: Economics Research Topics

Environmental Biology Research Topics

Environmental biology is a field of science that focuses on understanding the interactions between living organisms and their environment. It covers environmental biology topics such as biodiversity, conservation, pollution, management, health, and sustainability. The following are environment research paper topics related to biology:

• Biodiversity conservation in managing the environment.
• Role of biotechnology in reducing air pollution.
• Environment degradation and its consequences on wildlife.
• Role of microorganisms in maintaining soil fertility.
• Ecological consequences of over-exploitation of natural resources.
• Habitat fragmentation and its role in species conservation.
• Education's role in environment conservation.
• Environment degradation and its effects on food security.
• Invasive species and their impacts on ecosystem.

Keep in mind that we have a whole blog on biological topics if you need more ideas in this field.

Environmental Chemistry Research Topics

Environmental chemistry research is a complex interdisciplinary field aiming to understand the behavior of a chemical process within an environment. It involves researching the impact of pollutants in the air, soil, water, and other ecological media. Possible research topics about the environment related to this field include:

• Effect of agricultural chemicals on water systems.
• Air pollution control strategies and their effectiveness.
• Climate change impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
• Sources and implications of persistent organic pollutants.
• Air quality monitoring for urban areas.
• Water quality monitoring in coastal areas.
• Characterization and fate of toxic compounds in soil and groundwater.
• Impact of hazardous chemical waste on the environment.
• Monitoring and remediation of contaminated sites.
• The roles of environmental chemistry in climate change research.

Need more ideas? There is one more blog with  chemistry research topics  on our platform.

Environmental Health Science Research Topics

Environmental health is a diverse field focusing on the natural environment as well as its effects on human health. It is an interdisciplinary field that offers environment topics for research, such as environmental epidemiology, toxicology, and ecology, in addition to risk assessment. Provided below is a list of topics for an environmental science project that is suitable for your research paper:

• Air pollution effects on human health.
• Climate change effects on health.
• Water pollution and public health.
• Noise pollution effects on well-being.
• Mental health effects of environment-related toxins.
• Human health effects of natural disasters.
• Urbanization's effect on human health.
• Sustainable development and public health.
• Role of social media in promoting environmental health and awareness.
• Biodiversity preservation and its impact on human health.

Other Ideas & Topics About Environment for Research Papers

Ecological crisis is a key issue that has continuously affected planet earth. People are becoming more aware of environmental problems as well as their impact on health, well-being, and quality of life. As such, ecological fields for research are becoming ever more critical. This section will explore interesting environmental topics related to current ecological issues, controversial, interesting topics, easy research questions for projects, as well as unique research areas which students might study. These environmental issue project ideas below will help you develop interesting fields for research papers.

Current Issues in Environmental Science

Current ecological issues are a hot topic that has become increasingly important. They provide outstanding environmental issues to write about due to their impact on the environment and human health. The following are environmental issue topics for paper writing that are currently in discussion:

• Global warming and how to prevent its impact.
• Sustainable energy and its role in protecting the environment.
• Water conservation practices.
• Renewable energy role in global ecological protection.
• Carbon footprint and climate change.
• Ozone layer depletion and its effects on human health.
• Plastic pollution and its impact.
• Land degradation and soil erosion.
• Energy industry activities effects on ecological health.
• Air pollution and its impact on human health.
• Deforestation and its consequences.
• Effect of agricultural practices on ecological health.
• Overuse and exploitation of natural resources.
• Industrial waste impact on health.
• Green technology role in ecological protection.

Controversial Environmental Topics for Research Paper

Environmental controversies constitute a significant challenge facing society today. From climate change to air and water pollution, the effects of human activity on our natural environment are increasingly becoming a focus of public debate and research. Research papers on environmental controversial topics can help inform the public as well as policymakers about the potential impacts of human activities on the environment. The following are examples of environmental controversy topics for research paper:

• Climate change: is human activity a primary cause of global warming.
• Deforestation: are current logging practices sustainable in the long term.
• Air pollution: what are the health impacts of air pollution.
• Water pollution: how is water pollution impacting biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Geothermal energy: what potential impacts does geothermal energy extraction have on the environment.
• Renewable energy: are wind and solar energy carbon-neutral.
• Arctic drilling: is drilling for oil in the arctic ocean a viable option given current climate conditions.
• Nuclear power: what health risks are associated with nuclear power plants.
• Biodiversity loss: what steps can you take to protect biodiversity from human activities.
• Endangered species: how protecting endangered species can impact conservation efforts and how they live.
• GMO foods: are genetically modified organisms safe for human consumption? how does GMO food affect humans.
• Pesticides: how does pesticide use affect our health and the environment.
• Ocean acidification: how is ocean acidification impacting marine ecosystems.
• Waste management: what are the most effective ways to manage waste and reduce pollution.
• Resource exploitation: how does the exploitation of natural resources impact local communities.

Interesting Environmental Research Topics

In the context of environmental subjects, research topics explore the effects of human activities on the environment as well as the potential solutions to the identified problems. In addition to providing insight into ecological protection and conservation, research areas in this category cover social issues related to environmentalism and ecological justice. Below are interesting environmental science topics to consider when looking for a research topic in the future:

• Effects of environment-related toxins on human health.
• Climate change effects on coastal habitats.
• Agricultural activities impacts on the environment.
• Groundwater contamination and its effects on water quality.
• Pollution from factories and its impact on the environment.
• Waste management strategies and their impacts.
• Consequences of water contamination on local wildlife.
• Impacts of mining.
• Deforestation effects on ecosystems and species diversity.
• Industrial fishing practices effects.
• Sustainable forestry practices and their impact on ecosystems.
• Nuclear energy production and its consequences.
• Reducing emissions from vehicles and their effects on air quality.
• Landfills implications on the environment.
• Implications of plastic pollution.

Easy Environmental Research Questions for Projects

When it comes to environmental science topics for project work, there are plenty of easy options. Research projects in this category can explore ecological issues as well as their consequences or potential solutions to these problems. The following is a list of the top fifteen most accessible environment project topics for your research project.

• Air pollution levels impact on urban areas.
• Agricultural practices effects on the environment.
• Developing strategies for sustainable development.
• Causes of water contamination.
• Factors contributing to global warming.
• Natural disasters effects on the environment.
• Land use changes effects on the environment.
• Energy consumption impacts on the environment.
• Climate change effects on the environment.
• Industrialization and its consequences.
• Impact of plastic pollution.
• Health risks associated with air pollution.
• Deforestation impacts on the environment.
• Soil erosion and its effects on the environment.
• Causes and consequences of species extinction.

Unique Environmental Research Topics for Students

As environmental issues become increasingly complex, research fields for students become more varied. Unique environmental research topics for college students can range from local ecological concerns to global ones. The following are fifteen unique environmental science research topics for high school students and college students:

• Climate change impact on water quality.
• Acid rain and its effects.
• Urbanization's effect on biodiversity.
• Effects of offshore drilling.
• Ocean acidification and its impact.
• Impact of privatization on natural resources.
• Effectiveness of renewable energy sources.
• Relationship between energy consumption and the environment.
• Potential impacts regarding genetic engineering on biodiversity.
• Toxic waste disposal and its impacts.
• Environment-related policies impact on water quality.
• Deforestation and its effects on soil quality.
• Causes and consequences of ozone layer depletion.
• Relationship between pollution and public health issues.

Final Thoughts on Environmental Topics for Research Papers

This article has provided 235 environmental science research topics for research papers as well as project work that high school and college students can use. Topics range from local issues, such as assessing air pollution levels in an urban area, to global concerns, like examining the ecological effects of plastic pollution. Whether its health risks are associated with air pollution in an environment or the impacts of industrialization, research can help shape your understanding of how to protect as well as preserve our planet. It is up to the students to identify good environmental research topics that are interesting and relevant to them and to delve deeper to understand the earth better.

Get in touch with our academic writing service and receive expert help. Let us know your topic, pay for research paper and get an excellent result in no time.

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

You may also like

• Customer Reviews
• Extended Essays
• IB Internal Assessment
• Theory of Knowledge
• Literature Review
• Dissertations
• Essay Writing
• Research Writing
• Assignment Help
• Capstone Projects
• College Application
• Online Class

20+ Interesting Environmental Research Paper Topics and Ideas

by  Antony W

June 6, 2024

If you want to write a comprehensive environmental science research paper, start by creating a list of potential topics and then single out a good title to work on.

Your work can focus on any topic provided it falls within the themes of biology and ecosystems. Such themes include weather landmarks, human activities, living organisms, and environmental conservation.

Don’t worry if you’ve struggled to find a good and equally interesting topic during brainstorming stage. Below are some ideas from which you can choose a research topic to work on a research project on environmental science.

Key Takeaways

• You don’t need this list if your professor has already given you a topic to focus on.
• The environmental science topic can be anything provided it falls within the themes of ecosystem and biology.
• Pick a topic that fascinates you because it’s easier to write on an issue you find interesting than on something you don’t.

If you already have a topic but can’t get yourself to write, you can here to hire a research writer to help you get the work done on time. The team at Help for Assessment has writers and editors who focus on in-depth research, custom writing, and timely deliveries.

Environmental Science Topics

There are different key areas in environmental science that students can explore in their research paper. Your paper can focus on an environmental issue, law, economics, engineering, health and safety, and policy.

Below are some topic ideas on these key areas: 

• Industrial facilities’ impact on water resources: assessing their role in human disease proliferation
• Examining the contributions of waste disposal and pesticide utilization to soil contamination
• Debunking misconceptions surrounding global warming
• Exploring unfavorable outcome of elevated atmospheric CO2 levels
• The significance of small-scale water resources in environmental sustainability

Environmental Issues Research Paper Topics

There are countless of environmental issues that you can explore in a research paper. Given that you have only one chance to choose one topic, consider an interesting issue that you can discuss in-depth within the scope of the assignment.

Here are some example topics:

• Renewable energy paradigms and sustainable solutions for energy challenges
• Investigate industrial correlations and the phenomenon of acid rain
• Investigating the implication and adaptation of the rising temperatures and the thermal ecology of marine organisms
• Effective management approaches to mitigate the greenhouse effect
• Quantifying its ecological ramifications and implications
• Australian governance’s policies and effectiveness in safeguarding shingle-back lizards from poaching

Free Features

Need help to complete and ace your paper? Order our writing service.  

Get all academic paper features for $65.77 FREE

Environmental Law Topics

Environmental law focuses on the regulation of natural resources to ensure sustainable development at the location, natural, and international level. Although environmental governance is subjective and subjective, it provides a solid foundation for environmental obligations and rights for environmental governance.

Some of the best research topics that fall within this category are as follows: 

• Strategies and efficacy of African governmental policies against illegal poaching
• Analyzing the regulatory framework of the United Kingdom on environmental pollution
• Post-Brexit environmental legislation in the United Kingdom
• International legal instruments in environmental governance
• Assessing the impact and limitations of the role of law in Sudanese environmental policies

Environmental Economics Topics

Environmental economics can be prescriptive or incentive-based, and the focus is on the effects of environmental policies and solutions to problems that arise from those policies. The analysis of these policies from an economic standpoint allows the government to make useful environmental decisions for the good of the people.

There is more to environmental economics besides government policies. The subject also covers issues such as environmental goods, natural disasters, ecological interventions, and so much more. So check out the following research topics related to environmental economics:

• The strategic influence of the Global Environment Agency in shaping environmental policy
• Do a comprehensive examination on the impact and implications of the United Nations Environment Program
• Examine the strategies and implementation of waste disposal within the United Kingdom’s environmental policy framework
• Exploring the interplay between eco-friendly products and financial subsidization
• Assessing the environmental sustainability as a catalyst for economic growth

Environmental Policy Topics

Environmental policy focuses on the key principles that different governing bodies in various countries to manage climate change, control pollution, protect endangered species, and so on. 

Here are some good topics related to environmental policy:

• The essentiality of comprehensive environmental policies across nations
• A comparative analysis of worldwide environmental policies for sustainable coexistence
• Innovative approaches to safeguarding endangered species
• Analyzing governmental policy strategies to respond to climate change and environmental crises
• Unveiling the intersection of environmental policy and politics
• Quantifying environmental policy performance by looking at established frameworks, metrics, and assessments
• The advocacy role of public institutions in promoting environmental health

Environmental Health and Safety Topics

People and environment must be healthy if a government must achieve its economic goals for its country.

The following are some good topics to consider if you’re looking for ideas around environmental health and safety:

• Examining the relationship between urbanization and environmental health
• Analyzing environmental and health hazards arising from urban flooding
• Examining maternal exposure to air pollution and its implications on birth outcomes
• An assessment and application of environmental health indicators
• The health impact of green vegetation in urban environments

Environmental Engineering Topics

If scientific principles that control environmental issues fascinate you, you should write a research paper on environmental engineering. Environmental engineering focus on different areas, including sanitization systems, waste management, global warming, water management, sanitization systems, and so much more.

Here are some interesting topics to consider:

• Quantifying acid rain through applied physics
• Analyzing systems and societal impact of public waste treatment strategies
• Exploring bio-energy concepts: Critical analysis and application in sustainability
• Carbon footprint examination: Metrics, impacts, and mitigation strategies
• Assessing the environmental friendliness of solar panels, debunking myths and explaining the realities

Get Instant Help Today

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Credit: Yaorusheng/Moment/Getty

Green Energy Research: Collaboration and Tools for a Sustainable Future

Science Article | Green Energy | 6 Sep 2024

The Urgency of Green Energy Innovation

The recent Climate Change 2023 synthesis report emphasizes the consequences of delayed emission reductions: fewer effective adaptation options for a warming planet 2 . Geopolitical factors like the Russia-Ukraine conflict further underscore the need for a green energy transition, with Europe’s energy security concerns highlighting the reliance on imported fossil fuels.

The Green Energy Research Landscape

Against this backdrop, green energy development has become a critical area of research, reflected in a more than 10-fold increase in related publications from 2010 (1,105) to 2023 (11,346), according to Digital Science’s Dimensions database. Researchers around the world are striving to improve green energy technology and society’s ability to harness renewable energy sources more efficiently.

According to data analysed by Nature Navigator , which uses artificial intelligence to generate comprehensive summaries of research topics, ‘renewable energy systems and technologies’ is the field’s most frequently mentioned subtopic (Fig.1). At a research concept level, wind power generation, grid optimization and resource management all feature as common underlying themes.

Figure 1: Topic anatomy of green energy research First-level nodes denote the research subtopic (highest prevalence themes emerging from green energy research). Second-level nodes denote the research concepts associated with these research subtopics. Note: only the research concepts mentioned in the highest count of outputs within each subtopic are presented here. Credit: Nature Research Intelligence

Of the primary green energy research subtopics presented by Nature Navigator , it is telling that ‘materials for energy storage and conversion’ is the fastest-growing, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.2% over the last five years. This may reflect a growing consensus among researchers and industry that a lack of options to efficiently store electricity generated by intermittent renewable sources for later use is a key bottleneck preventing the greater penetration of these sources into the grid.

Real-World Example: Accelerating Heat Pump Innovation

Changmo Sung, a prominent green energy researcher at Korea University, leveraged Nature Navigator to identify trends, key areas, and potential breakthroughs in heat pump technology. This facilitated a collaborative project with LG Electronics, accelerating their research efforts.

“It also enabled the rapid discovery of researchers and institutions outside Korea working on similar or complementary projects related to heat pumps” Sung says.

• International Energy Agency, Global Energy Review 2021 (2021).
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Climate Change 2023 (2023).

Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam

Environmental Economics Research Paper Topics

This comprehensive guide to environmental economics research paper topics is designed to assist students and researchers in selecting a subject for their study. Environmental economics, a field at the intersection of economics and environmental science, offers a wide array of topics that explore the economic aspects of environmental issues. From policy and natural resource economics to sustainability and climate change, this guide provides a diverse list of topics to inspire your research journey. Additionally, it offers expert advice on choosing a topic and writing a research paper in environmental economics. The guide also introduces iResearchNet’s writing services, which offer custom research papers on any topic in environmental economics, ensuring high-quality, in-depth research, and timely delivery.

Environmental economics is a fascinating field that combines the principles of economics with the study of environmental issues. It seeks to understand the economic impacts of environmental policies and to develop solutions that can balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Here is a comprehensive list of environmental economics research paper topics that you can explore:

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

Environmental Policies and Economic Growth

• The impact of environmental regulations on economic growth.
• The role of green taxes in promoting sustainable development.
• The economic benefits of renewable energy policies.
• The cost-effectiveness of carbon pricing mechanisms.
• The impact of environmental policies on job creation.
• The role of government subsidies in promoting green technologies.
• The economic implications of the Paris Agreement.
• The effect of environmental policies on industrial competitiveness.
• The role of environmental policies in shaping market behavior.
• The economic feasibility of transitioning to a circular economy.

Natural Resource Economics

• The economic valuation of natural resources.
• The role of property rights in natural resource management.
• The economic implications of overfishing.
• The impact of mineral extraction on local economies.
• The economics of water scarcity.
• The role of economic incentives in promoting sustainable forestry.
• The impact of climate change on agricultural economics.
• The economic costs and benefits of biodiversity conservation.
• The role of natural resources in economic development.
• The economic implications of soil degradation.

Environmental Cost-Benefit Analysis

• The use of cost-benefit analysis in environmental decision making.
• The challenges of monetizing environmental benefits.
• The role of discount rates in environmental cost-benefit analysis.
• The use of cost-effectiveness analysis in environmental policy.
• The limitations of cost-benefit analysis in addressing environmental justice issues.
• The role of cost-benefit analysis in climate change mitigation strategies.
• The use of multi-criteria analysis in environmental decision making.
• The role of risk analysis in environmental cost-benefit analysis.
• The impact of uncertainty on environmental cost-benefit analysis.
• The use of cost-benefit analysis in ecosystem service valuation.

Economics of Climate Change

• The economic impacts of climate change.
• The role of carbon markets in mitigating climate change.
• The economic feasibility of climate change adaptation strategies.
• The impact of climate change on global trade.
• The role of climate finance in promoting low-carbon development.
• The economic implications of sea level rise.
• The impact of climate change on agricultural productivity.
• The role of economic modeling in climate change projections.
• The economic costs and benefits of geoengineering.
• The impact of climate change on energy economics.

Environmental Justice and Economics

• The economic dimensions of environmental justice.
• The role of economic inequality in environmental degradation.
• The impact of environmental policies on marginalized communities.
• The role of green jobs in promoting environmental justice.
• The economic implications of environmental racism.
• The impact of environmental displacement on economic wellbeing.
• The role of economic empowerment in promoting environmental justice.
• The economic costs of environmental health disparities.
• The impact of environmental gentrification on urban economies.
• The role of economic policy in addressing environmental justice issues.

Green Economy and Sustainable Development

• The economic benefits of transitioning to a green economy.
• The role of green jobs in sustainable development.
• The economic implications of sustainable consumption and production.
• The impact of green growth strategies on economic competitiveness.
• The role of green finance in promoting sustainable development.
• The economic implications of the circular economy.
• The impact of green innovation on economic growth.
• The role of sustainable tourism in the green economy.
• The economic feasibility of green infrastructure projects.

Environmental Economics and Policy

• The economic impacts of environmental regulations.
• The role of economic incentives in environmental policy.
• The impact of environmental taxes on economic behavior.
• The role of trade policy in environmental protection.
• The economic implications of the polluter pays principle.
• The impact of environmental subsidies on market behavior.
• The role of economic instruments in biodiversity conservation.
• The economic feasibility of ecosystem service payments.
• The impact of environmental policy on economic competitiveness.
• The role of economic analysis in environmental policy making.

Economics of Energy and Environment

• The economic impacts of renewable energy policies.
• The role of energy economics in environmental sustainability.
• The impact of fossil fuel subsidies on the environment.
• The role of energy efficiency in economic growth.
• The economic implications of the energy transition.
• The impact of energy prices on environmental quality.
• The role of energy policy in climate change mitigation.
• The economic feasibility of carbon capture and storage.
• The impact of energy security on environmental sustainability.
• The role of energy markets in environmental protection.

Environmental Economics and Agriculture

• The economic impacts of agricultural pollution.
• The role of agricultural economics in environmental sustainability.
• The impact of agricultural subsidies on the environment.
• The role of sustainable agriculture in economic development.
• The economic implications of organic farming.
• The impact of agricultural trade on the environment.
• The role of agricultural policy in environmental protection.
• The economic feasibility of agroecology.
• The impact of agricultural innovation on environmental sustainability.
• The role of agricultural markets in environmental protection.

Environmental Economics and Urbanization

• The economic impacts of urban pollution.
• The role of urban economics in environmental sustainability.
• The impact of urban sprawl on the environment.
• The role of sustainable urban development in economic growth.
• The economic implications of urban green spaces.
• The impact of urban transportation on environmental quality.
• The role of urban planning in environmental protection.
• The economic feasibility of green buildings.
• The impact of urbanization on biodiversity.
• The role of urban infrastructure in environmental protection.

These environmental economics research paper topics cover a wide range of issues in the field of environmental economics, from policy and law to energy and agriculture. They provide a starting point for your research and can be tailored to fit your specific interests and the requirements of your assignment. Remember, choosing the right topic is the first step in writing a successful research paper. So take your time, explore these topics, and choose one that you find interesting and meaningful.

Environmental Economics Research Guide

Environmental economics is a vital field that examines the interplay between economic systems and the environment. As our world faces increasingly complex environmental challenges, understanding the economic dimensions of these issues becomes crucial for developing effective solutions. This page aims to provide a comprehensive resource for students studying environmental science and seeking research paper topics in the field of environmental economics.

Environmental economics focuses on analyzing the costs and benefits associated with environmental policies, natural resource management, pollution control, and sustainable development. It explores the ways in which economic activities impact the environment and how environmental factors influence economic decision-making. By studying environmental economics, students gain insights into the intricate relationship between human activities and the natural world, enabling them to propose informed strategies for sustainable development.

For students pursuing a degree in environmental science, conducting research in environmental economics offers a unique perspective on addressing environmental challenges. It provides a framework to assess the economic implications of environmental issues and develop innovative solutions that balance ecological sustainability and economic prosperity. Research papers in environmental economics not only contribute to the academic discourse but also equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effect positive change in their future careers.

The purpose of this page is to serve as a valuable resource for students seeking inspiration and guidance for their research papers in environmental economics. We aim to provide a curated list of diverse research paper topics, expert advice on topic selection, and practical tips on writing an effective environmental economics research paper. Additionally, we introduce the writing services offered by iResearchNet, providing students the opportunity to order custom research papers tailored to their specific needs.

By exploring the topics and advice presented on this page, students will be equipped with the tools and insights necessary to delve into the fascinating field of environmental economics. Whether you are interested in studying the economic impact of climate change, analyzing environmental policies, or exploring sustainable development strategies, this page will help you navigate the vast landscape of environmental economics research.

We invite you to embark on this exciting journey of exploring environmental economics research paper topics and discovering the potential to make a meaningful impact on the environmental challenges of our time.

Choosing an Environmental Economics Topic

Choosing the right research paper topic is a crucial step in the process of writing an impactful and successful environmental economics research paper. With the vast scope of environmental economics, it is essential to select a topic that is not only interesting but also relevant, feasible, and has the potential to contribute to the field. Here are ten expert tips to help you navigate the process of choosing environmental economics research paper topics:

• Identify your Interests : Start by identifying your personal interests within the field of environmental economics. Think about the environmental issues that resonate with you, such as climate change, natural resource management, pollution control, or sustainable development. Choosing a topic that genuinely interests you will make the research process more enjoyable and motivating.
• Stay Updated with Current Issues : Keep yourself informed about the latest environmental issues and developments in environmental economics. Follow reputable news sources, academic journals, and research publications to stay abreast of emerging trends, debates, and areas of active research. This will enable you to select topics that are timely and relevant.
• Conduct Preliminary Research : Before finalizing a research topic, conduct preliminary research to gain a broad understanding of the existing literature in the field. Review academic papers, books, and reports related to environmental economics to identify gaps in knowledge and potential research areas that warrant further exploration.
• Narrow Down the Scope : Environmental economics is a vast field, and it is essential to narrow down the scope of your research topic. Focus on a specific aspect, problem, or geographic region that you can realistically address within the scope of your research paper. Narrowing down the topic will allow you to delve deeper and provide a more comprehensive analysis.
• Consult with Your Advisor : Seek guidance from your academic advisor or faculty members specializing in environmental economics. They can provide valuable insights, suggest potential research topics, and offer guidance on selecting a topic that aligns with your academic goals and interests.
• Consider the Research Gap : Look for areas in environmental economics where there is a research gap or limited literature available. Identifying gaps in the existing body of knowledge will allow you to contribute to the field by conducting original research and generating new insights.
• Balance Practicality and Significance : When choosing a research topic, consider the practicality of data collection and analysis. Ensure that you have access to relevant data sources and research methods required to investigate the topic effectively. Additionally, evaluate the potential significance of the research topic in addressing real-world environmental challenges.
• Engage in Discussions and Seminars : Participate in discussions, seminars, and conferences related to environmental economics. Engaging with peers and experts in the field will expose you to diverse perspectives and help you discover potential research topics and areas of interest that you may not have considered before.
• Seek Interdisciplinary Approaches : Environmental economics often intersects with other disciplines such as ecology, policy studies, sociology, and public health. Consider incorporating interdisciplinary approaches into your research topic to explore the interconnectedness between environmental and social factors, which can provide a more holistic understanding of the issues at hand.
• Reflect on Practical Applications : Reflect on the practical applications of your research topic. Consider how your findings and analysis can contribute to policy development, inform decision-making processes, or propose sustainable solutions. Topics that have practical implications and can make a positive impact in real-world contexts tend to be more compelling and meaningful.

By following these expert tips, you will be well-equipped to choose a compelling and relevant environmental economics research paper topic that aligns with your interests, addresses knowledge gaps, and has the potential to contribute to the field. Remember to consult with your academic advisor throughout the process to ensure that your chosen topic aligns with the requirements and objectives of your research paper.

How to Write an Environmental Economics Research Paper

Writing an environmental economics research paper requires a systematic and well-structured approach to effectively communicate your research findings and contribute to the field. Here are ten essential tips to help you navigate the process of writing an impactful environmental economics research paper:

• Understand the Research Question : Start by clearly understanding the research question or objective of your paper. Identify the specific problem or issue you aim to address and formulate a concise and focused research question. This will serve as the guiding principle throughout your research and writing process.
• Conduct In-depth Literature Review : Before delving into your own research, conduct a comprehensive literature review to familiarize yourself with the existing body of knowledge. Identify key theories, concepts, methodologies, and empirical studies relevant to your research question. This will help you establish the context for your research and identify research gaps to address.
• Develop a Solid Research Methodology : Choose an appropriate research methodology that aligns with your research question and objectives. Whether it’s quantitative, qualitative, or a combination of both, ensure that your chosen methodology allows you to collect and analyze data effectively to answer your research question.
• Collect and Analyze Data : Depending on your research question, collect relevant data from credible sources. This may include primary data collected through surveys, interviews, or experiments, or secondary data from academic journals, government reports, or databases. Analyze the data using appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis techniques to derive meaningful insights.
• Organize Your Paper : Structure your research paper in a logical and coherent manner. Start with an introduction that provides background information, states the research question, and outlines the paper’s structure. Follow this with a literature review, methodology section, presentation and analysis of findings, discussion of results, and a conclusion that summarizes your key findings and their implications.
• Provide Clear and Concise Writing : Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and accessible to your target audience. Use plain language and avoid unnecessary jargon. Clearly articulate your arguments, provide sufficient evidence, and use appropriate citations to support your claims. Use subheadings, bullet points, and paragraph breaks to improve readability.
• Support Your Arguments with Evidence : Back up your claims and arguments with reliable evidence. Use empirical data, case studies, academic research, and real-world examples to support your analysis. Be critical of your sources and ensure they are reputable and peer-reviewed.
• Engage in Critical Analysis : Demonstrate critical thinking skills by analyzing and interpreting your findings in the context of existing literature and theories. Identify strengths, limitations, and potential biases in your research. Discuss alternative explanations and consider counterarguments to strengthen the validity of your research.
• Discuss Policy Implications : Environmental economics research often has policy implications. Discuss the implications of your research findings for environmental policies, regulations, or economic decision-making. Highlight the potential benefits and challenges of implementing your research outcomes in real-world scenarios.
• Revise and Edit : Revise and edit your research paper thoroughly before final submission. Pay attention to clarity, grammar, spelling, and formatting. Read your paper multiple times, seek feedback from peers or advisors, and make necessary revisions to improve the overall quality and coherence of your work.

By following these tips, you can effectively write an environmental economics research paper that is well-structured, evidence-based, and contributes to the understanding of environmental issues from an economic perspective. Remember to maintain a systematic approach, stay focused on your research question, and continuously refine your writing through feedback and revisions.

Custom Research Paper Writing Services

When it comes to writing a custom environmental economics research paper, iResearchNet is here to assist you. Our writing services offer a range of features that ensure the highest quality and professionalism in delivering customized research papers. By ordering a custom paper from us, you can benefit from the following:

• Expert Degree-Holding Writers : We have a team of experienced writers with advanced degrees in environmental economics and related fields. They possess the expertise and knowledge to write high-quality research papers tailored to your specific requirements.
• Custom Written Works : Each research paper we deliver is 100% original and tailored to your unique needs. Our writers follow your instructions and conduct thorough research to provide you with a custom-written paper that meets your academic standards.
• In-depth Research : Our writers are skilled in conducting in-depth research on environmental economics topics. They access reputable academic sources, scholarly journals, and up-to-date research databases to ensure your paper is well-informed and based on the latest findings in the field.
• Custom Formatting : We understand the importance of adhering to specific formatting styles. Whether it’s APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, or any other style, we ensure that your research paper is formatted correctly, including citations, references, and bibliography.
• Top Quality : Our commitment to quality is unwavering. We strive to deliver research papers that meet the highest standards of excellence. Our rigorous quality control measures ensure that your paper is well-written, well-structured, and free from errors.
• Customized Solutions : We recognize that every research paper is unique. Our writers work closely with you to understand your specific requirements and tailor the paper accordingly. We take into account your research question, objectives, and any specific guidelines provided by your institution.
• Flexible Pricing : We offer competitive and flexible pricing options to accommodate your budget. Our pricing structure considers factors such as the complexity of the research paper, deadline, and additional services required. We strive to provide affordable solutions without compromising on quality.
• Short Deadlines : We understand that deadlines can be tight. That’s why we offer short deadlines of up to 3 hours for urgent research paper requests. Our dedicated team works efficiently to ensure timely delivery, even for tight schedules.
• Timely Delivery : We value your time and strive to deliver your research paper within the agreed-upon deadline. Our writers and support team work collaboratively to ensure your paper is completed and delivered to you on time.
• 24/7 Support : Our customer support team is available round-the-clock to assist you with any queries or concerns you may have. Whether it’s assistance with placing an order, tracking your paper’s progress, or addressing any post-delivery concerns, we are here to support you.
• Absolute Privacy : We prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of our customers. All personal information and details of your order are treated with the utmost confidentiality. We never share your information with third parties, and all transactions are secured.
• Easy Order Tracking : We provide a user-friendly platform that allows you to easily track the progress of your order. You can communicate directly with your assigned writer, monitor the writing process, and receive updates on the status of your paper.
• Money Back Guarantee : We stand behind the quality of our work. If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with the final research paper, we offer a money back guarantee. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring your academic success.

By choosing our writing services, you can rest assured that your environmental economics research paper will be handled by professionals who are dedicated to delivering customized and high-quality work. Our extensive features and commitment to excellence make us the ideal choice for students seeking reliable and professional assistance in their research paper endeavors.

Unlock Your Academic Success with iResearchNet!

Are you ready to take the next step towards achieving your academic goals in environmental economics? Don’t let the challenges of writing a research paper hold you back. Take advantage of our professional writing services at iResearchNet and order your custom environmental economics research paper today.

Why settle for generic research papers when you can have a paper tailored specifically to your requirements? Our team of expert degree-holding writers is ready to assist you in crafting a research paper that showcases your understanding of environmental economics concepts and explores your chosen topic in-depth. Whether you need a paper on pollution pricing mechanisms, environmental policy analysis, or sustainable resource management, we have the expertise to deliver outstanding results.

With our user-friendly platform and 24/7 support, the process of ordering your custom research paper is simple and hassle-free. Just provide us with the details of your assignment, including the topic, formatting requirements, and any specific guidelines. Our writers will meticulously research and develop your paper, ensuring that it meets your academic standards and reflects your unique perspective.

Take the leap and order your custom environmental economics research paper today. Experience the benefits of working with a trusted writing service and unlock your full potential in the field of environmental science. Let us assist you in making a significant impact through your research and contribute to the sustainable future of our planet.

Order now and embark on a rewarding academic journey with iResearchNet!

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. Please click here to see any active alerts .

Environmental Topics

Epa environmental topics.

EPA's environmental topics guides you to the most popular pages in your topic of interest.

Find EPA Articles and News Releases related to popular topics.

Search the  A-Z Topic Index  for specific terms.

• عربى  
• Kreyòl ayisyen

• Criteria (NAAQS) Air Pollutants
• Particulate Matter (PM)
• Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

Chemicals, Pesticides, and Toxics

• Chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
• Formaldehyde
• Managing Chemical Risks
• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Chemicals, Pesticides, and Toxics Topics

Environmental Information by Location

• Cleanups in My Community
• Environmental Justice in Your Community
• Radon Zones: Maps and Supporting Documents by State
• Toxic Chemical Releases

More Location-Specific Info

Greener Living

• Energy and the Environment
• Greener Products and Services
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Sustainability 

Greener Living Topics

• Children's Health Protection  
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Endocrine Disruption
• Human Health Risk Assessment
• Pesticides and Food: Healthy, Sensible Food Practices

Health Topics

Land, Waste, and Cleanup

• Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
• Learn About Hazardous Waste

Land, Waste, and Cleanup Topics

• Citizen Science for Environmental Protection
• Climate Change Indicators
• Environmental Measurements and Modeling
• EPA Science Models and Research Tools (SMaRT) Search
• Research at EPA
• Research Grants

More Science Topics

• Drinking Water Basics
• Lakes and Rivers
• Local Water Quality Reports
• National Aquatic Resource Surveys 
• Wastewater Treatment

Water Topics

More Environmental Topics

• Climate Change
• Children's Health
• Environmental Justice
• ​ Pesticides

EPA Articles and News Releases

Recent EPA Perspectives Articles:

Why Stories Matter

Years spent observing various cultures threaded through multiple languages gave me my biggest gift; I can absorb a person’s voice into my pen and onto their paper.

• Date: July 24, 2024
• By: Sukayna Al-Aaraji

EPA's Research Efforts to Protect Public and Environmental Health from Wildland Fire Smoke

Stay informed, stay prepared, and we can mitigate the effects and challenges of wildland fire smoke together.

• Date: July 22, 2024
• By: Jason Sacks, Sarah Coefield

Activating the Building Blocks of Sustainability

One thing I’ve learned through my work with local communities is that they love celebrating what makes them unique. I love learning what they are most proud of and helping them turn their greatest assets into actions that matter for their community.

• Date: July 1, 2024
• By: Chip Gurkin

Recent EPA News Releases:

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $7.5 billion in Available Financing for Water Infrastructure Projects

EPA News Release: Biden-Harris Administration Announces $7.5 billion in Available Financing for Water Infrastructure Projects

• Release Date: September 6, 2024

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $232 Million in Grants to Clean Up Brownfield Sites, Address Legacy Pollution, Advance Environmental Justice, and Spur Economic Revitalization

EPA News Release: Biden-Harris Administration Announces $232 Million in Grants to Clean Up Brownfield Sites, Address Legacy Pollution, Advance Environmental Justice, and Spur Economic Revitalization

EPA Issues Enforcement Alert to Address Illegal Import of Hydrofluorocarbons into the United States

EPA increasing civil and criminal enforcement efforts due to the global phasedown of HFCs, a climate super pollutant

EPA News Release: EPA Issues Enforcement Alert to Address Illegal Import of Hydrofluorocarbons into the United States

EPA Announces Settlement with Federal Cartridge Co. in Anoka, Minnesota, for Alleged Clean Air Act Violations

EPA News Release: EPA Announces Settlement with Federal Cartridge Co. in Anoka, Minnesota, for Alleged Clean Air Act Violations

Information

• Author Services

Initiatives

You are accessing a machine-readable page. In order to be human-readable, please install an RSS reader.

All articles published by MDPI are made immediately available worldwide under an open access license. No special permission is required to reuse all or part of the article published by MDPI, including figures and tables. For articles published under an open access Creative Common CC BY license, any part of the article may be reused without permission provided that the original article is clearly cited. For more information, please refer to https://www.mdpi.com/openaccess .

Feature papers represent the most advanced research with significant potential for high impact in the field. A Feature Paper should be a substantial original Article that involves several techniques or approaches, provides an outlook for future research directions and describes possible research applications.

Feature papers are submitted upon individual invitation or recommendation by the scientific editors and must receive positive feedback from the reviewers.

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

Original Submission Date Received: .

• Active Journals
• Find a Journal
• Proceedings Series
• For Authors
• For Reviewers
• For Editors
• For Librarians
• For Publishers
• For Societies
• For Conference Organizers
• Open Access Policy
• Institutional Open Access Program
• Special Issues Guidelines
• Editorial Process
• Research and Publication Ethics
• Article Processing Charges
• Testimonials
• Preprints.org
• SciProfiles
• Encyclopedia

Article Menu

• Subscribe SciFeed
• Recommended Articles
• Google Scholar
• on Google Scholar
• Table of Contents

Find support for a specific problem in the support section of our website.

Please let us know what you think of our products and services.

Visit our dedicated information section to learn more about MDPI.

JSmol Viewer

Re-examination of the relationship between industrial agglomeration and haze pollution: from the perspective of the spatial moderating effect of environmental regulation, 1. introduction, 2. literature review, 3. mechanistic analysis and research hypothesis, 3.1. the spatiotemporal scale cumulative optimization mechanism of industrial agglomeration on haze pollution, 3.2. the competitive promotion and screening mechanism of environmental regulation on haze pollution, 3.3. the spatial moderating mechanism of environmental regulation on industrial agglomeration and haze pollution, 4. model setup and variable selection, 4.1. dynamic spatial panel model, 4.2. dynamic spatial moderating effect model, 4.3. selection of variables, 5. empirical results and analysis, 5.1. estimation results of the dynamic spatial panel model, 5.2. robustness test, 6. examination of spatial moderating effect mechanism, 7. conclusions and policy recommendations, 8. discussion, author contributions, institutional review board statement, informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

• Song, D.; Chen, L.; Wang, B. How Environmental Trading Achieve the Synergistic Effects of Pollution and Carbon Reduction: Theoretical and Empirical Evidence. J. Quant. Technol. Econ. 2024 , 41 , 171–192. [ Google Scholar ]
• He, L.; Lv, J.; He, P.; Hu, Q.; Liu, W. Analysis of Synergistic Benefits between Carbon Emissions and Air Pollution Based on Remote Sensing Observations: A Case Study of the Central Henan Urban Agglomeration. Sustainability 2024 , 16 , 4919. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Chuai, X.; Gao, R.; Li, J.; Zhao, R.; Lu, Y. Temporal-spatial changes of PM2.5 emissions and concentrations across China and regional inequity analysis. Resour. Environ. Yangtze Basin 2021 , 30 , 2693–2702. [ Google Scholar ]
• Shao, S.; Li, X.; Cao, J.; Yang, L. China’s Economic Policy Choices for Governing Smog Pollution: Based on Spatial Spillover Effects. Econ. Res. J. 2016 , 51 , 73–88. [ Google Scholar ]
• Li, C.; Lin, T.; Xu, Z.; Chen, Y. Impacts of Foreign Direct Investment and Industrial Structure Transformation on Haze Pollution across China. Sustainability 2021 , 13 , 5439. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Ma, Z.; Xiao, H. The Research on A Spatial Differentiation of Influence Factors of Regional PM2.5 in China: The Empirical Analysis Based on Geographically Weighted Regression Model. J. Shanxi Univ. Financ. Econ. 2017 , 39 , 14–26. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Yuan, B.; Ren, S.; Chen, X. Can environmental regulation promote the coordinated development of economy and environment in China’s manufacturing industry? —A panel data analysis of 28 sub-sectors. J. Clean. Prod. 2017 , 149 , 11–24. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Kyriakopoulou, E.; Xepapadeas, A. Atmospheric pollution in rapidly growing industrial cities: Spatial policies and land use patterns. J. Econ. Geogr. 2017 , 17 , 607–634. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Zheng, D.; Shi, M. Multiple environmental policies and pollution haven hypothesis: Evidence from China’s polluting industries. J. Clean. Prod. 2017 , 141 , 295–304. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Zhang, C.; Lu, Y.; Guo, L.; Yu, T. The Intensity of Environmental Regulation and Technological Progress of Production. Econ. Res. J. 2011 , 46 , 113–124. [ Google Scholar ]
• Li, X.; Lai, X.; Zhang, F. Research on green innovation effect of industrial agglomeration from perspective of environmental regulation: Evidence in China. J. Clean. Prod. 2021 , 288 , 125583. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Liu, X.; Zuo, L.; Hu, L.; Wang, C.; Sheng, S. Industrial agglomeration, environmental regulation, and carbon emissions reduction under the carbon neutrality goal: Threshold effects based on stages of industrialization in China. J. Clean. Prod. 2024 , 434 , 140064. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Zhu, Y.; Wang, N.; Xie, R. Exploring the role of heterogeneous environmental regulations in industrial agglomeration: A fresh evidence from China. Sustainability 2022 , 14 , 10902. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Berliant, M.; Peng, S.K.; Wang, P. Taxing pollution: Agglomeration and welfare consequences. Econ. Theory 2014 , 55 , 665–704. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Hong, Y.; Lyu, X.; Chen, Y.; Li, W. Industrial agglomeration externalities, local governments’ competition and environmental pollution: Evidence from Chinese prefecture-level cities. J. Clean. Prod. 2020 , 277 , 123455. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Andersson, M.; Lööf, H. Agglomeration and productivity: Evidence from firm-level data. Ann. Reg. Sci. 2011 , 46 , 601–620. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Zhao, F.; Sun, Y.; Zhang, J. Does industrial agglomeration and environmental pollution have a spatial spillover effect?: Taking panel data of resource-based cities in China as an example. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 2023 , 30 , 76829–76841. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Hao, Y.; Song, J.; Shen, Z. Does industrial agglomeration affect the regional environment? Evidence from Chinese cities. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 2022 , 29 , 7811–7826. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Zhang, K.; Dou, J. Agglomeration and Pollution: Empirical Analysis Based on the 287 Cities of China. J. Financ. Res. 2015 , 12 , 32–45. [ Google Scholar ]
• Liang, W.; Yang, M.; Li, X. Interactive effects of agglomeration and urban haze pollution. Urban Probl. 2017 , 83–93. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Ye, Y.; Ye, S.; Yu, H. Can Industrial Collaborative Agglomeration Reduce Haze Pollution? City-Level Empirical Evidence from China. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021 , 18 , 1566. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Eslami Giski, S.; Salimifar, M.; Esifi, A. The Effect of Industrial Agglomeration on Pollution Agglomeration: Spatial Econometric Approach. Plan. Budg. 2022 , 27 , 155–176. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Dai, P.; Lin, Y. Should There Be Industrial Agglomeration in Sustainable Cities? A Perspective Based on Haze Pollution. Sustainability 2021 , 13 , 6609. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Yang, R.; Guo, X.; Wang, J.; Yang, A. Threshold effect of industrial agglomeration on haze pollution: Taking 73 PM2.5 key monitoring cities in China as an example. Sci. Technol. Manag. Res. 2018 , 38 , 123–130. [ Google Scholar ]
• Zhang, Y.; Wang, T.; Zhang, H. Non-linear impact and spillover effects of industrial agglomeration on haze and ecological efficiency. Acta Ecol. Sin. 2022 , 42 , 6656–6669. [ Google Scholar ]
• Tan, X.; Yu, W.; Wu, S. The Impact of the Dynamics of Agglomeration Externalities on Air Pollution: Evidence from Urban Panel Data in China. Sustainability 2022 , 14 , 580. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Li, C.; Li, G. Does environmental regulation reduce China’s haze pollution? An empirical analysis based on panel quantile regression. PLoS ONE 2020 , 15 , e0240723. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ] [ PubMed ]
• Sadat, S.A.; Hoex, B.; Pearce, J.M. A review of the effects of haze on solar photovoltaic performance. Renew. Sust. Energ. Rev. 2022 , 167 , 112796. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Albulescu, C.T.; Artene, A.E.; Luminosu, C.T.; Tămășilă, M. CO 2 emissions, renewable energy, and environmental regulations in the EU countries. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 2020 , 27 , 33615–33635. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• He, S.; Zhang, Z.; Gan, Y. Spatio-temporal Effect of Environmental Regulations on Haze Pollution from the Perspective of Implicit Economy. Econ. Geogr. 2022 , 42 , 178–189. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Huang, S. Environmental regulation, shadow economy, and haze pollution—Dynamic semiparametric analysis. Econ. Perspect. 2016 , 11 , 33–44. [ Google Scholar ]
• Kuang, C.; Yu, W.; Yin, Y.; Han, D.; Li, S.; Kuang, J. Heterogeneity environmental regulation and provincial haze pollution in China: An empirical study based on threshold model. Environ. Dev. Sustain. 2023 , 25 , 14715–14732. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Chen, Z.; He, G.; Jiang, S. The impact of environmental regulation and industrial agglomeration on air pollution: On the spatial spillover perspective. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2024 , 21 , 2585–2604. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Blackman, A.; Kildegaard, A. Clean technological change in developing-country industrial clusters: Mexican leather tanning. Environ. Econ. Pol. Stud. 2010 , 12 , 115–132. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Chen, C.; Sun, Y.; Lan, Q.; Jiang, F. Impacts of industrial agglomeration on pollution and ecological efficiency: A spatial econometric analysis based on a big panel dataset of China’s 259 cities. J. Clean. Prod. 2020 , 258 , 120721. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Artha, B.; Asri, C.P.; Sari, N.P.; Zahra, K.A. Industrial Agglomeration: Suatu Studi Literatur. J. Rekayasa Ind. JRI 2022 , 4 , 13–19. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Wang, X.; Bai, X. Research on the Time and Space Differences in the Measurement of the Level of China’s Enterprise Vitality. Soft Sci. 2022 , 36 , 91–98. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Deng, H.; Zhi, C. Haze control, household registration system reform, and urban labor productivity. CJPRE 2024 , 34 , 138–149. [ Google Scholar ]
• Neves, S.A.; Marques, A.C.; Patrício, M. Determinants of CO 2 emissions in European Union countries: Does environmental regulation reduce environmental pollution? Econ. Anal. Policy 2020 , 68 , 114–125. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Qin, B.; Yu, R.; Ge, L. The impact of environmental regulation on the industrial structure transformation of resource-based cities. China Environ. Sci. 2021 , 41 , 3427–3440. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Fernandez-Escobedo, R.; Eguía-Peña, B.; Aldaz-Odriozola, L. Economic agglomeration in the age of Industry 4.0: Developing a digital industrial cluster as a new policy tool for the digital world. Compet. Rev. 2024 , 34 , 538–558. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Sheng, X. Traffic development, spatial-time spillover, and haze pollution. J. Cent. Univ. Financ. Econ. 2022 , 96–105. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Zhou, J.; Lan, H.; Zhao, C.; Zhou, J. Haze Pollution Levels, Spatial Spillover Influence, and Impacts of the Digital Economy: Empirical Evidence from China. Sustainability 2021 , 13 , 9076. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Wang, C.; Wang, Y.; Ma, R.; Wang, J. Impact of Economic Agglomeration on Pollution of Smog Based on Spatial Econometric Model: The Case Study of Yangtze River Delta. Resour. Environ. Yangtze Basin 2019 , 28 , 1–11. [ Google Scholar ]
• Colmer, J.; Hardman, I.; Shimshack, J.; Voorheis, J. Disparities in PM2. 5 air pollution in the United States. Science 2020 , 369 , 575–578. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Shao, S.; Zhang, K.; Dou, J. Comparisons on the Income Measurements in Chinese Household Survey Data. J. Manag. World 2019 , 35 , 36–60+226. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Guan, H.; Wu, Z. Local Environmental Regulation and Green Total Factor Productivity: Is Technological Progress or Technical Efficiency Change. Econ. Probl. 2020 , 2 , 118–129. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]
• Zhu, X.; He, C.; Li, Q.; Mao, X. Influence of local government competition and environmental regulations on Chinese urban air quality. CPREE 2018 , 28 , 103–110. [ Google Scholar ]
• Elhorst, J.P. Specification and estimation of spatial panel data models. Int. Reg. Sci. Rev. 2003 , 26 , 244–268. [ Google Scholar ] [ CrossRef ]

Share and Cite

Wang, X.; Li, Z. Re-Examination of the Relationship between Industrial Agglomeration and Haze Pollution: From the Perspective of the Spatial Moderating Effect of Environmental Regulation. Sustainability 2024 , 16 , 7807. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177807

Wang X, Li Z. Re-Examination of the Relationship between Industrial Agglomeration and Haze Pollution: From the Perspective of the Spatial Moderating Effect of Environmental Regulation. Sustainability . 2024; 16(17):7807. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177807

Wang, Xiaolin, and Zhenyang Li. 2024. "Re-Examination of the Relationship between Industrial Agglomeration and Haze Pollution: From the Perspective of the Spatial Moderating Effect of Environmental Regulation" Sustainability 16, no. 17: 7807. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177807

Article Metrics

Article access statistics, further information, mdpi initiatives, follow mdpi.

Subscribe to receive issue release notifications and newsletters from MDPI journals

Categories, themes and research evolution of the study of digital literacy: a bibliometric analysis

• Published: 07 September 2024

Cite this article

• Dongping Wu   ORCID: orcid.org/0009-0000-8049-4431 1 ,
• Sheiladevi Sukumaran 2 ,
• Xiaomin Zhi   ORCID: orcid.org/0009-0006-1249-3457 3 ,
• Wenjing Zhou   ORCID: orcid.org/0009-0001-4845-6790 3 ,
• Lihua Li   ORCID: orcid.org/0009-0000-0912-5561 3 &
• Hongnan You   ORCID: orcid.org/0009-0003-8024-7256 2 , 3  

With the emerging forces of online and digital products, scholars keenly captured digital literacy and have new research dimensions. The purpose of this study is to present a bibliometric analysis of digital literacy using CiteSpace and to explore the categories, themes and research evolution in digital literacy. A total of 9042 bibliographic records were retrieved from the WoS Core Collection between 1990 and 2024. With CiteSpace, this paper conducted keywords co-occurrence analysis, reference co-citation analysis, categories co-occurring analysis, landscape view, timeline view, etc. to identify the themes, hotspots, and research evolution of digital literacy research. The results demonstrates that education & educational research, health care sciences & services, and public, environmental & occupational health are the top 3 research categories to which the research of digital literacy belongs. By combining the main clusters and their respective keywords, eight prominent themes were generated. In the timeline view, clusters such as health literacy , digital literacy and digital storytellin g are with strong professional vitality and good sustainability, especially cluster digital literacy . The timeline visualization reveals three periods of development of digital literacy research. This study can serve as a fundamental and important support, provide directional guide in the study of digital literacy and contribute to researchers and educators who want to study digital teaching and learning or educational technology for future research in this field.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Subscribe and save.

• Get 10 units per month
• Download Article/Chapter or eBook
• 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
• Cancel anytime

Price includes VAT (Russian Federation)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Rent this article via DeepDyve

Institutional subscriptions

Explore related subjects

• Artificial Intelligence
• Digital Education and Educational Technology

Data availability

Data will be made available upon request.

Ahmadvand, A., Kavanagh, D., Clark, M., Drennan, J., & Nissen, L. (2019). Trends and visibility of digital health as a keyword in articles by JMIR publications in the new millennium: Bibliographic-bibliometric analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research , 21 (12), e10477. https://doi.org/10.2196/10477

Article   Google Scholar  

Arcury, T. A., Sandberg, J. C., Melius, K. P., Quandt, S. A., Leng, X., Latulipe, C., & Bertoni, A. G. (2020). Older adult internet use and eHealth literacy. Journal of Applied Gerontology , 39 (2), 141–150. https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464818807468

Baker, D. W., Parker, R. M., Williams, M. V., & Clark, W. S. (1998). Health literacy and the risk of hospital admission. Journal of General Internal Medicine , 13 (12), 791–798. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.1998.00242.x

Bawden, D. (2008). Origins and concepts of digital literacy. Digital Literacies: Concepts Policies and Practices , 30 (2008), 17–32.

Google Scholar  

Bennett, S., Maton, K., & Kervin, L. (2008). The ‘digital natives’ debate: A critical review of the evidence. British Journal of Educational Technology , 39 (5), 775–786. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8535.2007.00793.x

Bin Naeem, S., & Kamel Boulos, M. N. (2021). COVID-19 misinformation online and health literacy: A brief overview. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 18 (15), 8091. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158091

Buchholz, B. A., DeHart, J., & Moorman, G. (2020). Digital citizenship during a global pandemic: Moving beyond digital literacy. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy , 64 (1), 11–17. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaal.1076

Carretero, S., Vuorikari, R., & Punie, Y. (2017). DigComp 2.1: The digital competence framework for citizens. https://doi.org/10.2760/38842

Cetindamar Kozanoglu, D., & Abedin, B. (2021). Understanding the role of employees in digital transformation: Conceptualization of digital literacy of employees as a multi-dimensional organizational affordance. Journal of Enterprise Information Management , 34 (6), 1649–1672. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-01-2020-0010

Chen, C. (2006). CiteSpaceII: Detecting and visualizing emerging trends and transient patterns in scientific literature. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology , 57 (3), 359–377. https://doi.org/10.1002/asi

Chen, C. (2017). Science mapping: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of data and Information Science , 2 (2), 1–40. https://doi.org/10.1515/jdis-2017-0006

Article   MathSciNet   Google Scholar  

Chen, C., & Song, M. (2019). Visualizing a field of research: A methodology of systematic scientometric reviews. PloS One , 14 (10), e0223994. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223994

Chen, C., Hu, Z., Liu, S., & Tseng, H. (2012). Emerging trends in regenerative medicine: A scientometric analysis in CiteSpace. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy , 12 (5), 593–608. https://doi.org/10.1517/14712598.2012.674507

Choi, N. G., & DiNitto, D. M. (2013). The digital divide among low-income homebound older adults: Internet use patterns, eHealth literacy, and attitudes toward computer/Internet use. Journal of Medical Internet Research , 15 (5), e93. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.2645

Coiro, J., Knobel, M., Lankshear, C., & Leu, D. J. (2014). Handbook of research on new literacies . Routledge.

Collins, J. (1995). Literacy and literacies. Annual Review of Anthropology , 24 (1), 75–93. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.an.24.100195.000451

Ecker, U. K. H., Lewandowsky, S., Cook, J., Schmid, P., Fazio, L. K., Brashier, N., & Amazeen, M. A. (2022). The psychological drivers of misinformation belief and its resistance to correction. Nature Reviews Psychology , 1 (1), 13–29. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-021-00006-y

Eldred, J. C., & Mortensen, P. (1992). Reading literacy narratives. College English , 54 (5), 512–539. https://doi.org/10.2307/378153

Falloon, G. (2020). From digital literacy to digital competence: The teacher digital competency (TDC) framework. Educational Technology Research and Development , 68 , 2449–2472. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09767-4

García-Peñalvo, F. J. (2023). The perception of Artificial Intelligence in educational contexts after the launch of ChatGPT: Disruption or panic? Education in the Knowledge Society , 24 . https://doi.org/10.14201/eks.31279 . Article e31279.

García-Peñalvo, F. J., Largo, L., F., & Vidal, J. (2023). The new reality of education in the face of advances in generative artificial intelligence. https://doi.org/10.5944/ried.27.1.37716

Gilster, P., & Glister, P. (1997). Digital literacy . Wiley Computer Pub.

Goyal, K., & Kumar, S. (2021). Financial literacy: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis. International Journal of Consumer Studies , 45 (1), 80–105. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcs.12605

Guess, A. M., Lerner, M., Lyons, B., Montgomery, J. M., Nyhan, B., Reifler, J., & Sircar, N. (2020). A digital media literacy intervention increases discernment between mainstream and false news in the United States and India. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , 117 (27), 15536–15545. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.192049811

Guo, Y., Hao, Z., Zhao, S., Gong, J., & Yang, F. (2020). Artificial intelligence in health care: Bibliometric analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research , 22 (7), e18228. https://doi.org/10.2196/18228

Hargittai, E. (2010). Digital na (t) ives? Variation in internet skills and uses among members of the net generation. Sociological Inquiry , 80 (1), 92–113. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-682X.2009.00317.x

Hatlevik, O. E., Throndsen, I., Loi, M., & Gudmundsdottir, G. B. (2018). Students’ ICT self-efficacy and computer and information literacy: Determinants and relationships. Computers & Education , 118 , 107–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2017.11.011

Hutchison, A., Beschorner, B., & Schmidt-Crawford, D. (2012). Exploring the use of the iPad for literacy learning. The Reading Teacher , 66 (1), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.1002/TRTR.01090

Ito, M. (2013). Hanging out, messing around, and geeking out: Kids living and learning with new media . MIT Press.

Jewitt, C., & Kress, G. (2010). Multimodality, literacy and school English. The Routledge international handbook of English, language and literacy teaching (pp. 342–352). Routledge.

Kozyreva, A., Lewandowsky, S., & Hertwig, R. (2020). Citizens versus the internet: Confronting digital challenges with cognitive tools. Psychological Science in the Public Interest , 21 (3), 103–156. https://doi.org/10.1177/152910062094670

Lankshear, C., & Knobel, M. (2011). New literacies: Everyday practices and social learning . McGraw-Hill Education (UK).

Leander, K., & Boldt, G. (2013). Rereading a pedagogy of multiliteracies bodies, texts, and emergence. Journal of Literacy Research , 45 (1), 22–46. https://doi.org/10.1177/1086296X12468587

Lee, C. D. (1992). Literacy, cultural diversiiy, and instruction. Education and Urban Society , 24 (2), 279–291. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013124592024002008

Lee, T., Lee, B. K., & Lee-Geiller, S. (2020). The effects of information literacy on trust in government websites: Evidence from an online experiment. International Journal of Information Management , 52 , 102098. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2020.102098

Leu, D. J., Coiro, J., Castek, J., Hartman, D. K., Henry, L. A., & Reinking, D. (2008). Research on instruction and assessment in the new literacies of online reading comprehension. Comprehension Instruction: Research-based best Practices , 2 , 321–346.

Leu, D. J., Forzani, E., Burlingame, C., Kulikowich, J., Sedransk, N., Coiro, J., & Kennedy, C. (2013). The new literacies of online research and comprehension: Assessing and preparing students for the 21st century with Common Core State standards. Quality Reading Instruction in the age of Common Core Standards , 219 , 236. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781405198431.wbeal0865.pub2

Leu, D. J., Forzani, E., Rhoads, C., Maykel, C., Kennedy, C., & Timbrell, N. (2015). The new literacies of online research and comprehension: Rethinking the reading achievement gap. Reading Research Quarterly , 50 (1), 37–59. https://doi.org/10.1002/rrq.85

Marín, V. I., & Castaneda, L. (2023). Developing digital literacy for teaching and learning. In Handbook of open, distance and digital education (pp. 1089–1108). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-0351-9_64-1

Martin, A., & Grudziecki, J. (2006). DigEuLit: Concepts and tools for digital literacy development. Innovation in Teaching and Learning in Information and Computer Sciences , 5 (4), 249–267. https://doi.org/10.11120/ital.2006.05040249

Martins Van Jaarsveld, G. (2020). The effects of COVID-19 among the elderly population: A case for closing the digital divide. Frontiers in Psychiatry , 11 , 577427. https://doi.org/10.3389/psyt.2020.577427

Miller, P. J., Wiley, A. R., Fung, H., & Liang, C. H. (1997). Personal storytelling as a medium of socialization in Chinese and American families. Child Development , 68 (3), 557–568. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.1997.tb01958.x

Neter, E., & Brainin, E. (2012). eHealth literacy: Extending the digital divide to the realm of health information. Journal of Medical Internet Research , 14 (1), e19. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.1619

Pangrazio, L. (2016). Reconceptualising critical digital literacy. Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education , 37 (2), 163–174. https://doi.org/10.1080/01596306.2014.942836

Patil, U., Kostareva, U., Hadley, M., Manganello, J. A., Okan, O., Dadaczynski, K., & Sentell, T. (2021). Health literacy, digital health literacy, and COVID-19 pandemic attitudes and behaviors in US college students: Implications for interventions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , 18 (6), 3301. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063301

Pennycook, G., & Rand, D. G. (2021). The psychology of fake news. Trends in Cognitive Sciences , 25 (5), 388–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2021.02.007

Pettersson, F. (2020). Understanding digitalization and educational change in school by means of activity theory and the levels of learning concept. Education and Information Technologies , 26 (1), 187–204. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-020-10239-8

Pool, C. R. (1997). A new digital literacy a conversation with Paul Gilster. Educational Leadership , 55 , 6–11.

Pritchard, A. (1969). Statistical bibliography or bibliometrics. Journal of Documentation , 25 , 348.

Reddy, P., Sharma, B., & Chaudhary, K. (2020). Digital literacy: A review of literature. International Journal of Technoethics (IJT) , 11 (2), 65–94. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJT.20200701.oa1

Scheerder, A., Van Deursen, A., & Van Dijk, J. (2017). Determinants of internet skills, uses and outcomes. A systematic review of the second-and third-level digital divide. Telematics and Informatics , 34 (8), 1607–1624. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2017.07.007

Spante, M., Hashemi, S. S., Lundin, M., & Algers, A. (2018). Digital competence and digital literacy in higher education research: Systematic review of concept use. Cogent Education , 5 (1), 1519143. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2018.1519143

Takacs, Z. K., Swart, E. K., & Bus, A. G. (2015). Benefits and pitfalls of multimedia and interactive features in technology-enhanced storybooks: A meta-analysis. Review of Educational Research , 85 (4), 698–739. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654314566989

Valverde-Berrocoso, J., Garrido-Arroyo, M. C., Burgos-Videla, C., & Morales-Cevallos, M. B. (2020). Trends in educational research about e-learning: A systematic literature review (2009–2018). Sustainability , 12 (12), 5153. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12125153

Van Der Vaart, R., & Drossaert, C. (2017). Development of the digital health literacy instrument: Measuring a broad spectrum of health 1.0 and health 2.0 skills. Journal of Medical Internet Research , 19 (1), e27. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.6709

van Deursen, A. J. A. M., Helsper, E., & Eynon, R. (2014). Measuring digital skills: From digital skills to tangible outcomes project report . The London School of Economics and Political Science.

Van Laar, E., Van Deursen, A. J. A. M., Van Dijk, J. A. G. M., & De Haan, J. (2017). The relation between 21st-century skills and digital skills: A systematic literature review. Computers in Human Behavior , 72 , 577–588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.03.010

Yang, K., Hu, Y., & Qi, H. (2022). Digital health literacy: Bibliometric analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research , 24 (7), e35816. https://doi.org/10.2196/35816

Download references

Acknowledgements

The researchers would like to thank SEGI University Malaysia.

This study is funded by the provincial humanities and social science project of Jiangxi Provincial Department of Education of China Research on the Construction and Development of Teachers’ Digitalization Teaching Ability in the Post-pandemic Times (No: JY20104). This is the phased research result.

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

School of Chemistry and Materials, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China

Dongping Wu

Faculty of Education, Language, Psychology, and Music, SEGI University, Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia

Sheiladevi Sukumaran & Hongnan You

School of Foreign Languages, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330045, China

Xiaomin Zhi, Wenjing Zhou, Lihua Li & Hongnan You

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

Hongnan You : Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft, Validation, Supervision, Project administration, Methodology, Funding acquisition, Formal analysis, Conceptualization. Dongping Wu : Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft, Validation, Methodology, Formal analysis, Conceptualization. Sheiladevi Sukumaran : Writing – review & editing, Validation, Supervision, Methodology, Conceptualization. Xiaomin Zhi : Writing – review & editing. Wenjing Zhou : Writing – review & editing. Lihua Li : Writing – review & editing.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hongnan You .

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest.

There is no conflict of interest for any of the participants.

Additional information

Publisher’s note.

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary Material 1

Rights and permissions.

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Wu, D., Sukumaran, S., Zhi, X. et al. Categories, themes and research evolution of the study of digital literacy: a bibliometric analysis. Educ Inf Technol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12955-x

Download citation

Received : 30 April 2024

Accepted : 06 August 2024

Published : 07 September 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12955-x

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Research evolution
• Digital literacy
• Bibliometric analysis
• Find a journal
• Publish with us
• Track your research