Altered Precipitation Patterns Research Articles

Analysis of Government Subsidies on Livestock Farming Sustainability

Abstract
 Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the analysis of government subsidies on livestock farming sustainability.
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: The findings revealed significant and concerning patterns. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and prolonged droughts are consistently linked to adverse health outcomes for livestock, including dairy cattle, sheep, poultry, and cattle, across various regions. These climate-induced stressors increase the incidence of heat-related health issues, malnutrition, dehydration, and the proliferation of vector-borne diseases among animals. Reduced milk production, higher mortality rates, and decreased grazing resources are common consequences.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Government subsidies play a crucial role in promoting sustainability in livestock farming. They bolster the economic viability of farms, particularly in resource-constrained environments, and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices, including improved animal welfare and reduced environmental impacts. The effectiveness of subsidies depends on their design, with direct payments to small-scale farmers proving more beneficial for sustainability. A balanced approach to subsidies, combining economic support with sustainability goals, enhances resilience in the livestock sector. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that subsidies align with long-term sustainability objectives and do not inadvertently encourage unsustainable practices or overproduction.

Norway's Climate Odyssey: Assessing Impacts, Mitigation Strategies, and Policy Responses in a Warming Arctic

Norway, a nation renowned for its dramatic landscapes, stands at the forefront of confronting the global climate crisis, particularly within the unique context of a warming Arctic. This article embarks on a comprehensive exploration of Norway's responses to the climate challenge, offering a nuanced assessment of climate change impacts, evaluation of mitigation strategies, and analysis of policy responses. The Arctic, with its iconic glaciers, fjords, and delicate ecosystems, bears witness to the unfolding narrative of climate transformation. Our assessment of climate change impacts reveals a landscape in flux, marked by melting glaciers, altered precipitation patterns, and shifting ecosystems. The article delves into the multifaceted implications of these changes, from their ecological consequences to their socio-economic effects on key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and infrastructure. Norway's proactive stance in mitigating climate change emerges through a rich tapestry of strategies. From the development of renewable energy sources to groundbreaking carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, the nation has harnessed innovation and sustainability to navigate the path toward a low-carbon future. Emissions reduction targets, legislative frameworks, and international collaborations align Norway's climate policies with global agreements like the Paris Agreement.

Norway's Climate Odyssey: Assessing Impacts, Mitigation Strategies, and Policy Responses in a Warming Arctic

Norway, a nation renowned for its dramatic landscapes, stands at the forefront of confronting the global climate crisis, particularly within the unique context of a warming Arctic. This article embarks on a comprehensive exploration of Norway's responses to the climate challenge, offering a nuanced assessment of climate change impacts, evaluation of mitigation strategies, and analysis of policy responses. The Arctic, with its iconic glaciers, fjords, and delicate ecosystems, bears witness to the unfolding narrative of climate transformation. Our assessment of climate change impacts reveals a landscape in flux, marked by melting glaciers, altered precipitation patterns, and shifting ecosystems. The article delves into the multifaceted implications of these changes, from their ecological consequences to their socio-economic effects on key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and infrastructure. Norway's proactive stance in mitigating climate change emerges through a rich tapestry of strategies. From the development of renewable energy sources to groundbreaking carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, the nation has harnessed innovation and sustainability to navigate the path toward a low-carbon future. Emissions reduction targets, legislative frameworks, and international collaborations align Norway's climate policies with global agreements like the Paris Agreement.

Gridded precipitation products on the Hindu Kush-Himalaya: Performance and accuracy of seven precipitation products

Climate change is expected to change precipitation and temperature patterns, which will impact the hydrological regime in Asia. Most river systems in the region originate from the Hindu Kush-Himalayas, and the altered precipitation patterns pose a threat to their sustainability, making it a major concern for planners and stakeholders. Obtaining accurate data on precipitation distribution is crucial for water accounting, which poses challenge. To address this, gridded precipitation products developed from satellite imagery and modeling techniques have become a viable alternative or addition to observed rainfall. However, the accuracy of these products in the region is uncertain. In this study, we aim to evaluate and compare the seven most commonly used precipitation products for the regions to address this gap. The study evaluated seven rainfall products, namely APHRODITE, TRMM, CHIRPS, PERSIANN-CDR, CMORPH, WFDEI, and GPCC by comparing daily, dekadal, and monthly rainfall data to 168 stations data in six countries and 11 river basins in the HKH region. The analysis used four continuous statistical indicators (Pearson correlation coefficient, Bias, Root Mean Square Error, and Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency coefficient) and two categorical indicators (Probability of Detection and False Alarm Ratio). APHRODITE consistently performed well in several basins with high r values and low RMSE values, but had positive or negative bias values in different basins. CMORPH had the lowest positive bias value in the Ganga_Brahmaputra basin, while GPCC showed the largest r value and lowest RMSE value in the Sindha basin. CHIRPS performed well in Afghanistan, but had positive bias values. GPCC performed well in Myanmar and Pakistan, but had negative or positive bias values. APHRODITE performed consistently well in Nepal, but had negative bias values. Overall, the performance of different gridded precipitation products varies depending on the country and type of evaluation.

Modeled Forest Conversion Influences Humid Tropical Watershed Hydrology More than Projected Climate Change

In the humid tropics, forest conversion and climate change threaten the hydrological function and stationarity of watersheds, particularly in steep terrain. As climate change intensifies, shifting precipitation patterns and expanding agricultural and pastoral land use may effectively reduce the resilience of headwater catchments. Compounding this problem is the limited long-term monitoring in developing countries for planning in an uncertain future. In this study, we asked which change, climate or land use, more greatly affects stream discharge in humid tropical mountain watersheds? To answer this question, we used the process-based, spatially distributed Soil Moisture Routing model. After first evaluating model performance (Ns = 0.73), we conducted a global sensitivity analysis to identify the model parameters that most strongly influence simulated watershed discharge. In particular, peak flows are most influenced by input model parameters that represent shallow subsurface soil pathways and saturation-excess runoff while low flows are most sensitive to macropore hydraulic conductivity, soil depth and porosity parameters. We then simulated a range of land use and climate scenarios in three mountain watersheds of central Costa Rica. Our results show that deforestation influences streamflow more than altered precipitation and temperature patterns through changes in first-order hydrologic hillslope processes. However, forest conversion coupled with intensifying precipitation events amplifies hydrological extremes, reducing the hydrological resilience to predicted climate shifts in mountain watersheds of the humid tropics. This finding suggests that reforestation can help mitigate the effects of climate change on streamflow dynamics in the tropics including impacts to water availability, flood pulses, channel geomorphology and aquatic habitat associated with altered flow regimes.

Harmful algal bloom aerosols and human health.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing across many locations globally. Toxins from HABs can be incorporated into aerosols and transported inland, where subsequent exposure and inhalation can induce adverse health effects. However, the relationship between HAB aerosols and health outcomes remains unclear despite the potential for population-level exposures. In this review, we synthesized the current state of knowledge and identified evidence gaps in the relationship between HAB aerosols and human health. Aerosols from Karenia brevis, Ostreopsis sp., and cyanobacteria were linked with respiratory outcomes. However, most works did not directly measure aerosol or toxin concentrations and instead relied on proxy metrics of exposure, such as cell concentrations in nearby waterbodies. Furthermore, the number of studies with epidemiological designs was limited. Significant uncertainties remain regarding the health effects of other HAB species; threshold dose and the dose-response relationship; effects of concurrent exposures to mixtures of toxins and other aerosol sources, such as microplastics and metals; the impact of long-term exposures; and disparities in exposures and associated health effects across potentially vulnerable subpopulations. Additional studies employing multifaceted exposure assessment methods and leveraging large health databases could address such gaps and improve our understanding of the public health burden of HABs.

Climate variability and agricultural productivity in Uganda

Uganda’s climate is changing in terms of rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, leading to extreme meteorological conditions such as prolonged drought, floods and landslides. Yet the majority (68%) of Ugandans rely largely on rain-fed agriculture, which is affected by climate variability. This study therefore investigates the effect of climate variability on agricultural productivity in Uganda by combining long-term climate data, sourced from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and six waves of the Uganda National Panel Survey (UNPS) spanning the period 2009 to 2019. Trends and the regression analysis estimated with panel data confirm the existence of climate variability, as well as the vulnerability of farming households across Uganda. The empirical results indicate a significant U-shaped impact of precipitation variability on agricultural productivity. This tends to suggest that, as variability in precipitation intensifies, farming households will adapt to the changing precipitation and thereby improve their productivity. The regional and crop-specific analysis show that, relative to other regions of the country, Eastern Uganda is likely to be the region affected the most, while beans and banana are likely to be affected more by climate variability compared to other crops such as maize and cassava. The study thus recommends measures aimed at encouraging farmers to adapt and increase agricultural productivity. There is a need to strengthen the provision of extension services and inform farmers about climate variability

Effects of Environmental Change on Species Diversity

Purpose: The aim of the study is to assess the effects of environmental changes on species diversity
 Methodology: This study adopted a desktop methodology. This study used secondary data from which include review of existing literature from already published studies and reports that was easily accessed through online journals and libraries
 Findings: The study found that environmental changes, such as deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and urbanization, lead to a decline in species diversity. Climate change has emerged as a critical driver of changes in species diversity. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and sea-level rise have caused shifts in species distributions, changes in community composition, and reductions in species richness. Pollution including water and air pollution, has detrimental effects on species diversity especially in aquatic ecosystems.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was anchored on the theory of island biogeography which was propounded by Robert MacArthur and E. O. Wilson and niche theory which was originally proposed by G.E. Hutchinson. The study recommended that conservation efforts should prioritize habitat preservation and restoration. Protecting and restoring natural habitats is crucial for maintaining species diversity. Conservation practices should focus on minimizing habitat loss, creating ecological corridors, and rehabilitating degraded habitats. Environmental policies and regulations should be designed to mitigate the drivers of environmental change and promote sustainable practices.

Variations in the Biological and Ecological Attributes of Insects Due to Climate Change: A Review

Climate change is causing a shift in long-term weather patterns and altering parameters such as temperature, atmospheric CO 2 , and precipitation patterns. It is likely to be an indirect effect of greenhouse gases and their enhancement in the atmosphere largely induced by human activities. As poikilothermic animals, insects are highly dependent on environmental conditions, particularly temperature, which affects various aspects of their life. Climate change have a direct impact on insect pests by affecting their population dynamics, diurnal activity, growth rate and diapause. It may lead to a range expansion, increased overwintering survival, more generations per year, elevated risk of invasive insect species and insect-borne plant diseases, and changes in their interactions with host plants and natural predators. Indirectly, changes in climate can modify host plants and competitors, further complicating the effect on insect biology and phenology. Impact of elevated CO 2 levels on their host plants can affect growth rates, fecundity, and population densities of insects. Altered precipitation patterns, such as droughts and floods, affect insect survival and diapause. Further, there is significant implications of climate change on different aspects of insect ecology, including insect distribution, behavior, and communication. The climate changes are predicted to alter the geographic ranges and migration behavior of insect species, creating new ecological niches and removing low-temperature barriers. These changes can threaten food security and increase the latitudinal and altitudinal range of crop pests. It also affects natural enemies, which can decrease the plant defense system against insect pests. Additionally, climate change can affect pheromonal communication, including production to behavioral response, in insects that rely on long-range chemical signals for communication. The review paper highlights the potential impacts of climate change on insect biological, phenological and ecological aspects.

Precipitation regime changes alter allometry and plasticity of meristem allocation in annual herbaceous plants in a semiarid sandy grassland, northern China

AbstractThe three principal fates of axillary meristem in flowering plants are growth (G), reproduction (R), and inactivity (I). The allocation relationships between each meristem and plant size in annual herbaceous plants tend to change with altered precipitation (P) patterns in arid and semiarid grasslands. Here, we examined the allometry and plasticity of meristem allocation in three dominant annual herbaceous plants: Setaria viridis, Corispermum macrocarpum, and Bassia dasyphylla in a semiarid sandy grassland in northern China. We determined the range of plant sizes for each of the three species in the following treatments: ambient environment (Amb), P increased by 30% (P[+]) and by 60% (P[++]), P decreased by 30% (P[−]) and by 60% (P[− −]), drought for 46 days from May 1st to June 15th (D1) and from July 1st to August 15th (D2). We found that meristem allocation to branching intensity increased while allocation to apical dominance decreased with increasing plant size under decreased precipitation and seasonal drought. Decreased precipitation and seasonal drought caused the slope of allometry of meristem allocation in the three species to be significantly different from 1. Plasticity of meristem allocation to G, R, and I in S. viridis tended to be significantly greater in August under P(+) and P(++) while in C. macrocarpum tended to be greater in July under P(−), P(− −), D1, and D2. Our findings are important components of an adaptive strategy in annual herbaceous plants throughout the development stage, which will contribute to predict their developmental dynamics in the semiarid sandy grassland under future climate change.

Increased simulated precipitation frequency promotes greenhouse gas fluxes from the soils of seasonal fallow croplands

AbstractIntroductionFarmlands are key sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are susceptible to changes in precipitation regimes. The soils of seasonal fallow contribute approximately half of annual GHG emissions from farmlands, but the effect of precipitation frequency on soil GHG emissions from seasonal fallow croplands remains virtually unknown.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a microcosm study to evaluate the response of nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes from typical paddy and upland soils to the changes in watering frequency simulating precipitation scenarios of subtropical regions during seasonal fallow. We also analyzed changes of soil properties and biotic characteristics associated with GHG emissions, including abundances of soil denitrifiers (nirK, nirS, nosZI and nosZII genes), methanotrophs (pmoA gene) and methanogens (mcrA gene) to altered watering frequency.ResultsIncreased watering frequency led to overall increases in soil N2O and CO2 fluxes compared with low frequency. Compared with low frequency, high watering frequency decreased CH4 flux from the paddy soil by 3.5 times, while enhanced CH4 flux from the upland soil by 60%. Furthermore, the increased watering frequency had positive effects on cumulative N2O and CO2 fluxes from the upland soil, whereas no similar trend was observed for the paddy soil. Hierarchical partitioning analyses showed that N2O fluxes from the paddy soil were mostly related to nitrogen availability, and mcrA gene abundance had more than 90% of relative independent effects on CH4 and CO2 fluxes from the paddy soil. For the upland soil, nosZ (60.34%), pmoA (53.18%) and nir (47.07%) gene abundances were important predictors of N2O, CH4 and CO2 fluxes, respectively.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that increased watering frequency facilitates GHG emissions by changing soil properties and functional gene abundances. These findings provide new insights into GHG fluxes from seasonal fallow croplands in response to altered precipitation patterns.

Rapid changes in functional trait expression and decomposition following high severity fire and experimental warming

Uncharacteristically severe wildfires are occurring at higher frequency, across larger spatial extents, and in new seasons in many parts of the globe. At the same time, climate change is elevating temperatures and altering precipitation patterns. High severity fires have the potential to produce shifts in ecosystem type and function in communities that are adapted to low severity fire via changes in community composition, functional trait values, and nutrient cycling processes. However, interactive effects between climate warming and fire severity on community composition, trait values, and ecosystem functioning are rarely studied and poorly understood. We assessed the impact of experimental warming via open top warming chambers across a burn severity gradient on the understory plant community of a Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forest in northern Arizona, USA. Specifically, we examined community composition, three plant functional traits (specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and plant height) and one ecosystem function (decomposition rate) in the first post-fire growing season. High burn severity produced significant shifts in community composition. The combination of experimental warming and high burn severity significantly decreased community weighted mean LDMC and plant height, and increased decomposition rate. Our study demonstrates significant and rapid responses of community composition, trait expression, and ecosystem function in response to burn severity, experimental warming, and their interaction. This suggests that ecosystems experiencing atypically severe fire under future climate and wildfire conditions may recover in fundamentally different ways than in the past, favoring a different suite of species and traits, with altered ecosystem function.

Weathering the storm: Exploring flooding in agriculture

Weathering the storm: Exploring flooding in agriculture Christine Sprunger, the Assistant Professor of Soil Health at Michigan State University, aims to understand how the flooding in agriculture has increased with climate change and how farmers can better adapt. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns across the globe. In the upper Midwestern part of the United States, abnormal precipitation events are projected to increase. In recent years, the Midwest has experienced a 37% increase in ‘very heavy precipitation' events (defined as the heaviest 1% of all daily events) according to Karl et al., 2009. Moreover, climate change is shifting when and how these heavy rainfall events are occurring, leading to worse effects of flooding in agriculture.

Nitrogen Significantly Affected N Cycling Functional Gene Abundances Compared with Phosphorus and Drought in an Alpine Meadow

Human activities and global climate change have greatly increased nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) inputs and altered precipitation patterns in alpine meadows. Functional genes are important indicators of microorganisms that drive the nitrogen cycling process; however, the functional gene responses of soil nitrogen cycling to soil N and P availability and drought remain unclear. Separate or combined treatments of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization and drought were conducted on the Zoige Wetland in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the abundances of nitrification functional genes AOA amoA and AOB amoA and denitrification functional genes nirS, nirK, and nosZ were measured to explore the response of functional genes to these treatments. Seven treatments, including control (CK), N addition (N), P addition (P), 50% reduction in precipitation (D), N and P addition (NP), N addition with drought (ND), and NP addition with drought (NPD), were investigated. The results indicated that N application significantly increased AOB amoA abundance, while P application and drought had no significant effects on the abundance of functional genes. The combined treatment of N and P addition and drought increased AOB amoA abundance but did not significantly affect AOA amoA abundance, suggesting that AOB amoA was more responsive to soil N and P availability and moisture change than AOA amoA. However, the abundance of denitrification functional genes was not affected by these treatments. Denitrification functional genes were less sensitive to soil N and P availability and moisture change than nitrification functional genes. The integrated effects of N addition, P addition, and drought did not affect the abundance of the above N cycling functional genes. These results indicate that AOB amoA may play a more critical role in the process of ammonia oxidation than AOA amoA in alpine meadows, and the denitrification genes (nirK, nirS, and nosZ) were better than ammoxidation genes (AOA and AOB) at adapting to the soil environmental changes caused by increasing N and P deposition and drought in alpine meadows.

The Role of Digital Agriculture in Mitigating Climate Change and Ensuring Food Security: An Overview

Digital agriculture involving different tools and management practices has advanced considerably in recent years, intending to overcome climate risk and reduce food insecurity. Climate change and its impacts on agricultural production and food security are significant sources of public concern worldwide. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of the potential impact of digital agriculture technologies and practices that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance productivity while ensuring food security. Based on a comprehensive survey of the previously published works, it was found that due to global warming, altered precipitation patterns, and an increase in the frequency of extreme events, climate change has negatively impacted food security by reducing agricultural yields, slowing animal growth rates, and decreasing livestock productivity. The reviewed works also suggest that using digital technology in agriculture is necessary to mitigate the effect of climate change and food insecurity. In addition, issues regarding creating sustainable agricultural food systems, minimizing environmental pollution, increasing yields, providing fair and equitable food distribution, and reducing malnutrition leading to food security were discussed in detail. It was shown that while digital agriculture has a crucial role in mitigating climate change and ensuring food security, it requires a concerted effort from policymakers, researchers, and farmers to ensure that the benefits of digitalization are realized in a sustainable and equitable manner.

Soil biogeochemical responses to multiple co-occurring forms of human-induced environmental change

Human activities cause a multitude of environmental issues, including increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns associated with climate change, air pollution, and other impacts of urbanization. One area highly affected by these issues is the Sonoran Desert, specifically the Phoenix metropolitan area where urbanization is among the most rapid in the United States. Most studies investigate these multiple environmental change factors independently or sometimes in pairs, but rarely all together as co-occurring forms of change. We examined how the simultaneous manipulation of increasing temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, nitrogen deposition, and urbanization influenced soil respiration and mineral N pools in the Sonoran Desert. Soil was collected from urban and exurban sites, from both nitrogen-fertilized and control plots. To simulate projected climate change, the soils were incubated in microcosm at the annual average Phoenix temperature as well a 2℃ increase under a factorial precipitation treatment of decreased frequency and increased pulse size. Our results show that C and N dynamics were altered by all four forms of environmental change. However, the dominance of significant 3- and 4-way interactions among the four environmental factors for both respiration and mineral N pools demonstrates that the impact of any given form of environmental change will depend on the levels of the other environmental factors. In other words, the cumulative effect of altered precipitation, fertilization, temperature, and urbanization on soil biogeochemical processes is not necessarily predictable from their individual impact.

Impacts of climate change on global total and urban runoff

Climate models consistently project that frequency, severity, and duration of hydroclimatic extremes will increase over this century under climate change. Urban flooding and runoff in general have become prominent issues for many cities and regions, arising from a combination of altered precipitation patterns, urban growth, development in floodplains, and increases in impervious surfaces. In this study, we first validate total (grid cell-level) runoff from the fully coupled Community Earth System Model (CESM) historical simulations against one observed-runoff/streamflow-based dataset and one reanalysis dataset, and further analyze both grid cell-level runoff and urban subgrid runoff under future climate change scenarios. We calculated global annual average of monthly runoff from the period 1986–1995 for the validation and calculated bias and correlation coefficients between CESM and each of the datasets. Additionally, we analyzed future grid cell and urban runoff across three CMIP6 coupled Shared Socioeconomic Pathways and Representative Concentration Pathways – 2–4.5, 3–7.0, and 5–8.5 – and evaluated changes between the future period of 2041–2050 and the same past period of 1986–1995 for each scenario. Results show spatial consistency and robustness between the CESM simulations and both datasets. However, there is some spatial inconsistency in the areas highlighted as major runoff producers, such as the Amazon basin and Southeast Asia, as well as mountainous regions outside the United States. Grid cell-level runoff and urban runoff projections suggest that future hydroclimatic conditions will vary depending on the climate scenario. However, certain locations, such as Madagascar, Indonesia, and the Himalayan mountain range, consistently see decreases in both grid cell-level runoff and urban runoff across all scenarios, and locations such as Nigeria and Ecuador consistently see increases in both grid cell runoff and urban runoff across all scenarios. Our findings provide quantitative insights on hydrology representation in the global Earth system model and advance the understanding of the impacts of large-scale climate change on future local-scale urban runoff.

Responses of terrestrial ecosystem productivity and community structure to intra-annual precipitation patterns: A meta-analysis.

The productivity and community structures of terrestrial ecosystems are regulated by total precipitation amount and intra-annual precipitation patterns, which have been altered by climate change. The timing and sizes of precipitation events are the two key factors of intra-annual precipitation patterns and potentially drive ecosystem function by influencing soil moisture. However, the generalizable patterns of how intra-annual precipitation patterns affect the productivity and community structures of ecosystems remain unclear. We synthesized 633 observations from 17 studies and conducted a global meta-analysis to investigate the influences of intra-annual precipitation patterns on the productivity and community structures of terrestrial ecosystems. By classifying intra-annual precipitation patterns, we also assess the importance of the magnitude and timing of precipitation events on plant productivity. Our results showed that the intra-annual precipitation patterns decreased diversity by 6.3% but increased belowground net primary productivity, richness, and relative abundance by 16.8%, 10.5%, and 45.0%, respectively. Notably, we found that the timing uniformity of precipitation events was more important for plant productivity, while the plant community structure benefited from the increased precipitation variability. In addition, the relationship between plant productivity and community structure and soil moisture dynamic response was more consistent with the nonlinear model. The patterns of the responses of plant productivity and community structure to altered intra-annual precipitation patterns were revealed, and the importance of the timing uniformity of precipitation events to the functioning of production systems was highlighted, which is essential to enhancing understanding of the structures and functions of ecosystems subjected to altered precipitation patterns and predicting their changes.

INSECT PEST INCIDENCE IN MUNGBEAN ACROSS VARIED TEMPERATURES AND ELEVATED CO2 CONCENTRATIONS

The effects of climate change, including extreme weather conditions characterized by rising atmospheric CO2 levels, alterations in precipitation patterns, and elevated temperatures, significantly impact crop production and the prevalence of agricultural pests. This study aimed to unravel the nuanced responses of various insect pests to these dynamic climatic shifts by conducting an experiment within the agronomy field at BSMRAU. The objective was to investigate the incidence of insect pests on mungbean plants under varying temperature and CO2 level conditions. To achieve this, four open top chambers (OTCs) were deployed, each featuring distinct CO2 concentrations, OTC-1 (400 ppm), OTC-2 (450 ppm), OTC-3 (500 ppm), and OTC-4 (550 ppm). Additionally, electronic thermo-hygrometers were strategically placed within these chambers to monitor the relevant environmental parameters. The results of this comprehensive study unveiled the presence of five distinct insect species that were observed infesting mungbean crops. These included aphids, ladybird beetles, whiteflies, bean pod borers, and caterpillars. The findings provided valuable insights into the intricate interplay between CO2 levels, temperature, and the incidence of these insect pests. Notably, it was found that an atmospheric CO2 concentration of 550 ppm created an optimal environment for aphid infestations, with an ideal temperature range between 32-34°C. In contrast, a concentration CO2 of 450 ppm was identified as most conducive to the other five insect species. Bean pod borers, in particular, demonstrated a preference for temperatures ranging from 30.1-32.9°C, while the impact of temperature variations on the remaining insect species was deemed statistically insignificant. These findings shed light on the complex relationships between rising CO2 levels, temperature fluctuations, and insect pest dynamics within the context of mungbean cultivation. The knowledge gained from this research is indispensable for the development of effective strategies to manage and mitigate pest outbreaks in a rapidly changing climate, thereby safeguarding crop yields and ensuring food security. This study advances our comprehension of the intricate ecological interactions within agricultural ecosystems, offering a foundation for more informed decision-making in the face of ongoing climate change challenges.

Climate Change and Animal Health Impacts Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global challenges, exerting profound impacts on both human societies and animal populations across a wide array of ecosystems. This mini review paper delves into the multifaceted and far-reaching consequences of climate change on animal health, shedding light on the complexities faced by various species as they grapple with the rapidly changing environmental conditions. From polar bears in the Arctic to coral reefs in the oceans, animals are experiencing disruptions in their natural habitats due to rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. These changes, in turn, affect their physiology, behavior, and overall well-being. One of the key challenges lies in the ability of animals to adapt to these swift alterations in their surroundings. While some species demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability, others face the risk of extinction, unable to cope with the changing climatic conditions. This review explores the diverse impacts of climate change on animal health, considering not only charismatic megafauna but also often overlooked species crucial to ecosystem stability, such as insects, amphibians, and marine life. It delves into the intricate interconnections between climate change and disease prevalence among animals, highlighting the emergence and spread of new pathogens in response to altered environmental factors. Furthermore, the paper investigates the cascading effects of climate change on animal behavior, including migration patterns, mating rituals, and feeding habits, which ultimately influence ecosystem dynamics. Recognizing the urgent need for action, this paper also proposes a range of innovative and practical mitigation strategies aimed at safeguarding the well-being of diverse animal species. These strategies encompass habitat conservation, sustainable wildlife management, captive breeding and reintroduction programs, and the implementation of climate-resilient corridors to facilitate species movement. Additionally, the review emphasizes the importance of international collaboration, policy interventions, and public awareness campaigns in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on animal populations. This mini review provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges posed by climate change to animal health, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect the rich biodiversity of our planet. By understanding the intricacies of these challenges and implementing effective mitigation strategies, society can work towards ensuring the survival and flourishing of diverse animal species in the face of ongoing climate change.