Return on Investment
The Pew Charitable Trusts applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public, and invigorate civic life, as these recent accomplishments illustrate
Improving Public Policy
Western Indian Ocean nations agree to strengthen safeguards for blue carbon ecosystems
At its conference of the parties in Antananarivo, Madagascar, in August, contracting parties to the Nairobi Convention—a partnership to increase the capacity of Western Indian Ocean nations to protect and manage their coastal and marine environments—took important steps to strengthen safeguards for the region’s mangroves, seagrasses, and saltmarshes. These coastal wetlands are known as blue carbon ecosystems because they help mitigate the impact of climate change by removing carbon from the atmosphere and sequestering it for long periods of time. As Pew has pointed out, they also provide valuable habitat for marine species, protect shorelines from erosion, and support food security for millions of people in the region. Actions taken at the convening included decisions to protect, restore, and sustainably manage all coastal wetlands, as well as to develop a regional seagrass strategy that would cover the 10 Nairobi Convention nations and territories.
Pew fosters learning on behavioral health emergency responses
In September, Pew hosted a two-day convening of partners representing three states—Texas, Ohio, and Michigan—who are participating in the Behavioral Health Emergency Response Initiative. The initiative is an opportunity for the three state teams to connect with each other and discover common opportunities and challenges in providing emergency behavioral health services. Topics discussed included better training for first responders and the need for better use of existing state and federal funding streams.
Indigenous government protects Bolivia’s Gran Chaco forest
In October, the Indigenous Guaraní government of Charagua Iyambae in Bolivia established the 1.4-million-acre Parapetí River and Bañados del Isoso Protected Area, also known as Yande Yari, or “the spirit guardian of the river.” This designation means that 76% of their 18.3-million-acre territory in the Gran Chaco is now protected, underscoring their commitment to conservation and sustainable land management. This milestone builds on three years of progress in developing management plans and enhancing capacities for previously established conservation areas of cultural and ecological significance. These include Ñembi Guasu Conservation Area (2.8 million acres), Irenda Guaraní Water Management Area (353,243 acres), and Guajukaka Wildlife Area (703,355 acres). Pew has supported the Guaraní government in strengthening the management of these protected areas, ensuring effective conservation of critical lands and water courses.
Pew releases first global tuna transshipment assessment
In September, Pew published the first comprehensive assessment of global tuna transshipment, which found that more than 27% of tuna caught around the world—worth about $10 billion—is transferred between vessels at sea or in port for quick transport to onshore processing facilities and markets. While the transfer process plays a significant role in the seafood supply chain, inadequate monitoring and control over this activity can provide an avenue for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fish to enter the marketplace. The Pew-commissioned assessment provides important new data to assist the five regional fisheries management organizations that oversee the global tuna catch in 90% of the world’s oceans.
California approves new law on natural resources co-management with federally recognized Tribes
In September, California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) signed into law Pew-backed legislation that supports cooperation on natural resources stewardship by codifying and encouraging co-management agreements between Tribal Nations and the state. The measure, which passed unanimously by both chambers of the California Legislature, can help Tribal Nations and the state better prepare for flooding and other natural disasters, protect critical ecosystems, preserve cultural practices and economies, and address the impacts of climate change.
Pew state fiscal policy staff brief state leaders
In August, Pew sponsored the Fiscal Directors Seminar, which convened nearly 40 state legislative fiscal directors and senior staff to discuss fiscal issues and challenges in their states. Pew staff presented research on deferred maintenance; other topics included revenue volatility and the use of artificial intelligence in budgeting. The goal of the seminar was for states to develop an action plan to leverage federal funding opportunities, better manage fiscal risks, support local leaders, and help protect their citizens from future extreme weather events.
Western Australian government designates 12 new or expanded national parks and reserves
In July and August, the Western Australian government designated nine new national parks and nature reserves and expanded three existing parks, which will protect 3.3 million acres of habitat for more than 91 endemic and threatened species including the bilby, night parrot, and northern quoll. These new parks, many of which will be co-managed with First Nations people, are part of the Western Australian government’s Plan for Our Parks program, which launched in 2019 in response to efforts by Pew and its partners. With these new announcements, a total of 9.9 million acres have been safeguarded.
Invigorating Civic Life
Religion report highlights effective approaches to countering religious bias
In September, a Pew report, “It’s a Critical Time to Bridge Religious Divides,” summarized research on the evidence and impact of programs designed to counter bias against religion, and to foster respect among people of different faiths and cultures. Among the study’s central findings: programs that combine methods for building relationships across religions with educational programs to increase understanding of other faiths demonstrated the strongest evidence of attitudinal change. Pew presented the findings at a conference hosted by the National Conflict Resolution Center on combating antisemitism and Islamophobia for nonprofit leaders, researchers, and faith leaders.
Study finds Philadelphia homes may not be as affordable as many thought
In July, Pew released a report, “Single-Family Home Sales in Philadelphia,” exploring changes to the city’s housing market from 2000 to 2021. Philadelphia had a reputation as an affordable place to buy a home, but after analyzing nearly 700,000 single-family home sales, Pew found that the city’s affordability may be overstated. In 2021, the median price of a home sold to a traditional buyer, a person purchasing a home with a mortgage to serve as their primary residence, was $265,000. From 2000 to 2021, the annual share of low-cost homes—those priced at $100,000 or less, adjusted for 2021 dollars—sold decreased while the share of expensive homes sold increased. In 2000, low-cost homes accounted for 52% of all transactions; in 2021 that figure was 3%.
Informing the Public
Trust in scientists ticks up
Most Americans say that they have confidence in scientists to act in the public’s best interests, according to a Pew Research Center survey of 9,593 U.S. adults conducted in October. Confidence ratings have moved slightly higher in the last year, marking a shift away from the decline in trust seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most Americans view research scientists as intelligent (89%) and focused on solving real-world problems (65%), while fewer say they’re good communicators (45%). Americans are split over scientists’ role in policymaking. Overall, 51% say scientists should take an active role in public policy debates about scientific issues. By contrast, nearly as many (48%) say they should focus on establishing sound scientific facts and stay out of public policy debates.
Support for banning cellphones in schools
As lawmakers and educators crack down on cellphone use in schools, most Americans back bans on using phones in classrooms but are less supportive of full-day restrictions. Overall, 68% of U.S. adults say they support a ban on middle and high school students using cellphones during class, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in September. This includes 45% who strongly support this. Another 24% oppose this, while 8% say they aren’t sure. Meanwhile, about one-third (36%) support banning middle and high school students from using cellphones during the entire school day, including at lunch as well as during and between classes. By comparison, 53% oppose this more restrictive approach. Young adults are less likely than older age groups to support a cellphone ban in middle or high school, either during class or the entire school day.
