ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT POLICY / HEALTH POLICY

The Protein Problem: Can we feed this growing world without starving the planet?

This project started with a question: Can we feed this growing world without starving the planet? A team of Associated Press journalists explored this question with a group of experts, including Norbert Wilson, to learn more about how food production affects the climate and environment and how that could change in the future.

Demand for protein — especially meat, which takes the biggest toll on the environment of agriculture — is soaring as the population grows, tastes change and incomes rise. The AP deployed journalists to 16 locations in 10 countries on five continents to better understand this protein problem — and learn about ways some creative thinkers and innovators are trying to solve it. Learn more about this project.

(Photo: Associated Press)

SOCIAL POLICY

Racial Wealth Disparity Still Exists 100 Years After Tulsa Massacre

A century later, one of America's worst moments continues to have lasting effects. William Darity, Jr. and co-authors explore the financial well-being of racial-ethnic groups in Tulsa, Okla., nearly a century after the 1921 Tulsa Massacre, using data from the Tulsa National Asset Scorecard for Communities of Color (NASCC) survey. Black households exhibit significant wealth and income disparities compared to Whites, not fully explained by demographic differences, suggesting historical discrimination. Native American tribes and Whites show generally insignificant differences. Tulsa's Black-White wealth and income gaps, along with unexplained portions, surpass other NASCC cities, indicating lasting effects of past racial violence. The study reveals disparities in homeownership, entrepreneurship rates and unexplained wealth gaps persistently affecting Black households, emphasizing the enduring impact of historical discrimination on economic outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of addressing systemic discrimination in policy interventions aiming to reduce racial-ethnic wealth and income gaps. Read the paper. 

(Photo: Library of Congress)

SOCIAL POLICY

The Enduring Conversation Around Gun Control Legislation

The discussion around gun control has changed a lot in the last 40 years, but it has remained one of the most controversial concerns for voters. This study examines the evolution of gun control as a sustained and prominent issue in American politics. Analyzing a 40-year dataset of letters to the editor, Kristin Goss and co-author reveal that gun regulation has shifted from an episodic concern dominated by pro-gun advocates to an enduring topic of mass politics. The rise in agenda status is attributed to pro-regulation individuals mobilized by contextual factors like regularized mass shootings and efforts to relax gun policies, alongside increasing partisan polarization. The study indicates a fundamental shift in public engagement on gun issues, potentially influencing legislative agendas and outcomes. The findings highlight the role of threat, negative partisanship and contextual factors in shaping enduring political issues. Read the study. 

(Photo: Element 5 Digital via Unsplash)

HEALTH POLICY

How Big of a Factor Are Finances in Contraceptive Choice?

Reproductive autonomy includes a lot of competing elements, but what role does finances play? Lisa Gennetian and co-authors led a study exploring how giving cash to low-income families affects their use of contraception. The Baby’s First Years study involved 1,000 mothers, with some receiving $333 per month and others getting $20 per month. Results showed that about 65% used contraception, but the cash didn't significantly change their choice, satisfaction or perceived barriers. There was a slight trend towards using more methods and short-term hormonal options. The findings suggest that while low-income mothers generally seem satisfied with contraception, just providing money might not be enough to address all the factors influencing their choices, prompting a need to explore non-financial factors. Read the study.

(Photo: Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition via Unsplash)

Energy and environment policy is a key theme of Sanford's research. Harnessing the power of policy analysis, Sanford researchers shape research towards solutions. Faculty design and help to evaluate the impacts of policies to combat climate change and conserve nature, while students prepare for leadership for a better world. Read the 2023 summary of recent highlights. 

During Duke's Centennial, the university is celebrating the impactful research of faculty members like Anna Gassman-Pines, professor of public policy and psychology and neuroscience. Gassman-Pines is also the Director of Graduate Studies (PhD Program) for Sanford. Her research focuses on low-wage work, family life and the effects of welfare and employment policy on child and maternal well-being in low-income families. Watch her Centennial video here.

Sanford faculty have recently published books on vital public policy topics connected to Sanford's key themes. Read more below about recent books published by members of the Sanford community. See the list. 

In this new episode of the Ways & Means podcast: how a crusade shut down a coal-fired Chicago power plant for good. Find out what the closing of that plant meant for children’s health and the environment -- and what it didn’t mean.

This is the eighth episode in our “Climate Change Solutions” series, where we look at research-based ideas to help cool a rapidly heating planet. Listen to the episode. 

Copyright © 2024 SSPPDuke, All rights reserved. 
You are receiving this because you are a member of the Sanford School Community or have signed up to receive it.

Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy
201 Science Drive
Durham, NC 27708 United States
919-613-7401

We respect your privacy, click here to view Duke University's privacy policy statement.