Amid Climate Change Research Articles

Sustainable restoration: addressing critical challenges through university‐led projects

The urgency to restore ecosystems amid climate change and biodiversity loss has led to widespread engagement in habitat restoration projects. However, many projects fall short of their goals, highlighting the need for innovation. We use a case study at our university to explore how the integration of habitat restoration into university curricula might address some of the major challenges to long‐term restoration success. We demonstrate how integration with university activities could help address three key challenges in restoration: insufficient planning and monitoring, limited community engagement, and lack of long‐term funding. Our approach demonstrates how involving students and faculty in restoration projects can enhance adaptive management by including these efforts in science curricula, foster community participation through volunteer engagement, and reduce costs through volunteer efforts and collaboration with campus entities. These findings suggest that universities can play a vital role in advancing ecological restoration, benefiting both society and the environment.

Investigating drought tolerance in four Argania spinosa provenances through morpho-physio-biochemical traits

ABSTRACT Drought stress significantly threatens plant ecosystems, particularly amid climate change. Understanding the mechanisms of plant resilience is essential for developing strategies to mitigate water scarcity effects on agroforestry. This study evaluated morphological, physiological and biochemical traits in Argania spinosa seedlings from four provenances (Berkane (BRK), Essaouira (ESS), Agadir (AGD) and Bouizakarne (BZK)) subjected to severe drought for three weeks. The results showed significant inter-provenance variation in the traits examined. Root dry biomass increased markedly across all provenances, with the highest increase observed in BZK (117.9%). Leaf water potential significantly decreased under drought stress, but relative water content (RWC) remained stable. Proline accumulation was significant in stressed seedlings, especially in ESS (163.4%), while total soluble sugars significantly increased only in BRK (26.6%). All provenances showed a significant reduction in chlorophyll a and b, except for BRK. Correlations among all studied traits varied significantly in both number and significance between drought stress and non-stress conditions. Canonical discriminant analysis revealed distinct separation among the provenances, indicating intra-species variability in drought responses. Key traits like dry biomass, collar diameter, basic leaf water potential, RWC and proline were identified as important indicators of drought tolerance, suggesting their utility in selecting the most resilient A. spinosa provenance.

Inertia in transformed times: Work health and safety amid climate change

Climate change will impact work health and safety conditions at an unprecedented scale, and the effects are already being felt. The most significant consequences are for workers labouring in higher temperatures and heatwaves. Other dangers include increased air pollution, vector-borne diseases and solar ultraviolet radiation. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) says climate change and WHS ‘needs to top our list of global priorities’, requiring national planning and action to ensure successful workplace adaptation to limit injuries and deaths. If this is correct, why is so little happening in Australia to plan for these current and emerging issues? This article considers the findings of key ILO and Australian Government reports and initiatives in 2023 and 2024 to assess what action experts argue is needed and how Australia stacks up.

Transboundary Aquifer Management Across the Americas: Hydro-Diplomacy as an Accelerator of Adaptive Groundwater Governance Amid Climate Change Challenges

The management of transboundary aquifers across the Americas faces significant challenges, especially as climate change and population growth intensify groundwater stress. Groundwater use has increased to support domestic, industrial, and agricultural demands but has been extracted through unregulated withdrawals, leading to the severe degradation of aquifer health and transboundary frictions. This study focuses on how hydro-diplomacy can accelerate the adaptive governance of shared groundwater resources in three key regions: Canada–USA, USA–Mexico, and Mexico–Guatemala–Belize. We utilized a mixed methodology by integrating a transect approach, borrowed from ecology, into the field of geopolitics. To compare the hydro-diplomatic relations and groundwater governance across a continental gradient in the Americas, we conducted a literature review and employed the TWINS conflict–cooperation matrix to evaluate governance frameworks and hydro-diplomatic interactions across time. Our findings demonstrate that hydro-diplomacy plays a pivotal role in expediting agreements, fostering transboundary data sharing, and supporting participatory governance models. In particular, the presence of supranational bodies such as the International Joint Commission (IJC) between Canada and the USA has been effective in maintaining long-term collaboration through social learning and technical cooperation. Meanwhile, in regions like Mexico–Guatemala–Belize, the absence of robust institutions has hindered progress, with limited financial and knowledge-sharing networks. This study highlights the need for improved cross-border cooperation mechanisms and the establishment of common monitoring protocols to better manage aquifer resources under the pressures of climate change. The results support the development of more adaptive transboundary groundwater management strategies aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.5.2 and call for broader geopolitical cooperation to address the complexities of groundwater governance.

Evaluating the performance of traditional paddy (Oryza sativa L.) landraces under floating cultivation techniques in southern Tamil Nadu

Floating rice cultivation, a novel method, is essential for boosting crop yields and resilience amid climate change using flood-prone and water-saturated environments. This approach leverages aquatic resources such as lakes and reservoirs, enhancing agricultural productivity and ecosystem health. This study was conducted in 2023 at the Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai to assess the suitability and production potential of cultivating traditional paddy varieties viz., Chinnar and Chithiraikar under floating conditions. Various substrates including soil, coir pith, wooden chips, sugarcane trash, thermocol, leaf compost, and jute bags were levelled out over paddy seeding trays (60 × 30 cm) and placed over bamboo rafts (120 × 120 cm) which served as the float base. Various parameters viz., germination (%), leaf area index (LAI), vigour index, plant population, dry matter production (g/m2), grain yield (kg/ha) and straw yield (kg/ha) were analysed. Results revealed that better crop establishment and crop growth were highly influenced by nursery and conditions with coconut coir outperforming other substrates. However, findings indicated that thermocol substrate is more productive in realizing higher yield attributes and yield (9.83 g/plant, 9.90 g/plant, respectively) of both Chinnar and Chithiraikar landraces of rice. Thus, floating rice cultivation offers a sustainable way to enhance productivity and adaptability, with traditional paddy varieties suitable for soilless media, though further research is needed to optimize its effectiveness.

The impact of cryosphere service change on the social-ecological systems resilience: Evidence from the Qilian Mountains Area in China

Research on changes in cryosphere services is crucial for the responsible management of cryospheric resources and for fostering sustainable development in Social-Ecological Systems (SESs) impacted by the cryosphere. While previous research has primarily focused on quantifying cryospheric change through Cryosphere Service Value (CSV), the impact of cryosphere service change on Social-Ecological Systems Resilience (SESR) remains unclear. This study considers the Qilian Mountains as a cryosphere system and assesses the changes in its service value from 2000 to 2020. It also establishes a framework to analyze the spatial-temporal variations in resilience within the Qilian Mountains Area in China (QMAC) and investigates the impact of changes in cryosphere services on SESR. The findings indicate that (1) the CSV exhibited a decreasing trend followed by an increase from 2000 to 2020, with minor increases observed in the three northern inland river basins and substantial increases in other areas; (2) the resilience in QMAC improved consistently, establishing a spatial pattern characterized by higher resilience in the west and lower resilience in the east, as well as higher resilience in the north and lower resilience in the south; (3) the effects of changes in cryosphere services on SESR demonstrate significant spatial-temporal patterns, the decline in climate regulation service has a notably negative impact on ecological resilience, while the increase in value from aesthetic appreciation and tourism service positively boosts economic resilience; and (4) changes in cryosphere services affect social resilience by influencing residents’ livelihoods, with more pronounced effects on SESs in areas with high land use intensity. This research provides a research avenue for examining how cryosphere service change impacts SESR and offers practical experience for promoting the stability of SESs and developing sustainable development policies in regions affected by the global high-mountain cryosphere amid climate change.

Non-stationarity of runoff and sediment load and its drivers under climate change and anthropogenic activities in Dongting Lake Basin

Analysing non-stationarity in runoff and sediment load is crucial for effective water resource management in the Dongting Lake basin amid climate change and human impacts. Using the Mann-Kendall test, Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape framework, and Random Forest models, we evaluated non-stationarity and its drivers in the annual runoff and annual sediment load series at eight hydrological stations from 1961 to 2021. These stations include three inflow sites at the Jingjiang Three Outlets (Ouchi, Songzi, and Hudu Rivers), four inflow sites in the Four Rivers basin (Xiang, Zi, Yuan, and Li Rivers), and one outflow site at Chenglingji. Results revealed a significant decrease in annual runoff at the Three Outlets and Chenglingji, while the Four Rivers basin showed no significant trend. The non-stationary models with multiple physically-based covariates better captured non-stationarity compared to single covariate models. Annual rainfall was a key contributor to annual runoff in the Four Rivers basin, while reservoir storage capacity played a more dominant role in the Three Outlets. At Chenglingji station, both factors significantly influenced annual runoff. For annual sediment load, reservoir storage capacity emerged as the most critical factor across all regions. These findings provide a basis for improving runoff and sediment regulation in the Dongting Lake basin.

Coming of age in a warming world: A self‐determination theory perspective

AbstractToday's youth are growing up in a world threatened by climate change. Facing an uncertain future, young people—and especially adolescents—tend to be concerned about climate change, even more so than other age groups. How can socializing agents (e.g., educators, policymakers, clinicians) support and engage adolescents as they come of age in a warming world? In this article, we review studies on climate change and youth development from the perspective of self‐determination theory (SDT). SDT provides a framework for understanding a nascent body of literature on adolescents' responses to climate change. In particular, SDT offers insights into the factors that can facilitate or undermine adolescents' internalization of climate science, engagement in pro‐environmental behavior, and capacity for resilience and well‐being. We discuss SDT's potential to inform efforts to encourage positive youth development amid climate change, and we identify priorities for investigation.

Importance of geopolitical risk in volatility structure: New evidence from biofuels, crude oil, and grains commodity markets

This paper aims to explore the complex linkages and evolving structure of price volatility in the global oil, biofuels, and grain commodity markets during periods of global turbulence. With the growing urgency for energy stability amid climate change, biofuels are gaining traction as a viable alternative energy source. However, their production can significantly impact essential commodities like grains and vegetable oils, increasing food prices and heightened market volatility. We introduced a TVP-VAR frequency connectedness method to address this, analyzing data from January 1, 2013, to September 29, 2023. Our approach offers a fresh perspective on market dynamics and geopolitical risks.The study underscores the growing influence of agricultural shocks on energy markets, particularly within the ethanol sector. It confirms that the Russia-Ukraine war, a significant geopolitical event, has had a profound and enduring impact on the interconnectedness of these markets across various timeframes and frequencies. We offer concrete, actionable policy recommendations to mitigate the transmission of market shocks within the energy and food sectors, thereby bolstering investor and policymaker confidence and facilitating informed decision-making.

The value of indigenous knowledge for enhancing smallholders’ resilience to climate change and food insecurity: a case study of small-scale irrigation system in Niger

ABSTRACT The global south faces challenges in enhancing smallholder farmers' resilience to climate change and food insecurity. Indigenous knowledge and small-scale irrigation (SSI) systems are being promoted as a viable solution to address these challenges. This paper explores how smallholder farmers use local knowledge to establish informal and farmer-led SSI to enhance smallholders' resilience in agriculture and livelihoods. A qualitative research approach with 79 semi-structured interviews was carried out with farmers' households in Tamaske rural community in Southwest Niger, followed by thematic and statistical analysis. The results revealed that an alternative SSI strategy is mostly based on internal agencies rather than externally supported and it serves as a tool to enhance household food and income security amid climate change. The empirical case allows us to assess the value of indigenous knowledge in agriculture by asking how local people can bring together ideas and resources to enhance SSI and build resilience to climate change. The study suggests that the initiation and multiplication of SSI systems can be achieved by farmers' own agencies if appropriate technology and cooperation mechanisms are selected. The policy focus should promote simple, root-based technology as limited government financial support in the global south may hinder this progress.

Characteristics of Fuel-Borne Nitrogen Pollutants in Hydrogen-Ammonia Mixtures Using Argon-Oxygen Atmosphere Under Engine Conditions

Abstract Amid climate change, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy sources is crucial. Ammonia, a carbon-free and renewable fuel, shows significant potential as an alternative energy source. By incorporating hydrogen as an additive, its flammability can be enhanced to suit existing spark ignition engines. However, understanding the characteristics of nitrogen pollutant emissions (i.e., NOx, which includes NO and NO2, and N2O) from ammonia-hydrogen combustion is challenging due to contributions from both fuel-borne and air-borne nitrogen. However, understanding the characteristics of nitrogen pollutant emissions from ammonia-hydrogen combustion is challenging due to contributions from both fuel-borne and air-borne nitrogen. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of fuel-borne nitrogen pollutants during ammonia-hydrogen combustion is essential. This study focuses on investigating fuel-borne nitrogen pollutants in an argon-oxygen atmosphere, thereby eliminating nitrogen from the oxidizer and its role in thermal NOx formation. The research examines the formation and evolution of fuel-borne nitrogen pollutants during ammonia-hydrogen combustion under engine-like conditions. Results indicate that fuel-borne nitrogen pollutants act as intermediates, potentially originating from chemical equilibrium. While fuel NO predominantly forms in the burning zone, it undergoes reduction in the burned zone. N2O, absent in thermal NOx mechanisms, shows significant concentrations in the burning zone and is mostly converted to N2, leading to limited N2O in the final fuel-borne nitrogen pollutant concentration. Lean burn conditions, hydrogen addition, and oxyfuel combustion promote fuel NOx formation. Additionally, the equivalence ratio affects the ammonia-hydrogen premixed flame structure due to the de-NOx effect of ammonia. Overall, these findings highlight that fuel-borne nitrogen pollutant mechanisms differ from thermal NOx mechanisms, necessitating specially designed reduction technologies for clean spark ignition engines.

Scaling Individual Tree Transpiration With Thermal Cameras Reveals Interspecies Differences to Drought Vulnerability

AbstractUnderstanding tree transpiration variability is vital for assessing ecosystem water‐use efficiency and forest health amid climate change, yet most landscape‐level measurements do not differentiate individual trees. Using canopy temperature data from thermal cameras, we estimated the transpiration rates of individual trees at Harvard Forest and Niwot Ridge. PT‐JPL model was used to derive latent heat flux from thermal images at the canopy‐level, showing strong agreement with tower measurements (R2 = 0.70–0.96 at Niwot, 0.59–0.78 at Harvard at half‐hourly to monthly scales) and daily RMSE of 33.5 W/m2 (Niwot) and 52.8 W/m2 (Harvard). Tree‐level analysis revealed species‐specific responses to drought, with lodgepole pine exhibiting greater tolerance than Engelmann spruce at Niwot and red oak showing heightened resistance than red maple at Harvard. These findings show how ecophysiological differences between species result in varying responses to drought and demonstrate that these responses can be characterized by deriving transpiration from crown temperature measurements.

The species diversity and phylogenetic structure patterns of desert plant communities in the Turpan-Hami region, Xinjiang

Desert plant communities play a crucial role in enhancing desert ecosystem productivity and stability but are highly susceptible to environmental changes owing to their limited resilience and resistance to disturbances, making it essential to understand the factors influencing their diversity patterns and community structure, particularly under the threat of climate change and intensifying droughts. This study focused on the Turpan-Hami desert region, a typical desert ecosystem in which diversity patterns and community structures remain unclear. We established 101 sampling sites ranging from elevations of -134 to 2056m and recorded community information, including species composition, height, coverage, and density, using the sample plot method. The diversity patterns were analyzed using regression analysis, and the phylogenetic structure was assessed. Additionally, Canonical Correspondence Analysis, Mantel tests, and General Linear Models were used to identify the key factors affecting community structure. Our results demonstrated that the species richness and phylogenetic diversity of plant communities exhibited a monotonic increase with elevation, and the phylogenetic structure exhibited low clustering and high dispersion along the elevational gradient. The annual mean temperature emerged as the most significant factor influencing diversity patterns, with soil nutrients, such as total potassium and available phosphorus, also affecting the spatial distribution of diversity. Notably, no significant correlations were found between community phylogenetic structure and abiotic factors, highlighting the complex interactions that drive diversity in the Turpan-Hami region. This study offers valuable insights into the mechanisms shaping desert plant community diversity and is essential for biodiversity conservation efforts in fragile desert ecosystems amid climate change.

Cultivating resilience: Camburi Quilombo’s role in preserving local knowledge amid climate change

PurposeThis paper examines how the Camburi Quilombo community in Ubatuba, Brazil, can be empowered to develop cultural resilience and conserve its Afro-Brazilian heritage in the face of challenges posed by climate change, urbanization and cultural erosion with the adverse consequences of tourism and inadequate infrastructure.Design/methodology/approachEmphasizing traditional knowledge, the project consisted of data collection, climate risk assessments and the development of an action plan in collaboration with academic institutions, governmental bodies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).FindingsAligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs), the project contributes to zero hunger, quality education, sustainable cities, climate action and life on land. Seed exchange fairs, decentralized seed banks and education initiatives foster environmental awareness and sustainable agriculture, impacting the community directly and over 1,000 individuals indirectly. While demonstrating short-term changes and mid-term viability, the project faced some challenges due to local communication complexities and overlapping jurisdiction.Originality/valueServing as a bridge between scientific research and local knowledge, the project aims to promote a paradigm shifts toward recognizing, respecting and incorporating indigenous practices, so that a more environmentally aware future can be envisioned for these communities amidst climate challenges. Reflecting on achievements, the project underscores integrating diverse cultural knowledge for community resilience.

Climate policy uncertainty and environmental degradation: Does democracy moderate this relationship?

This study investigates the impact of climate policy uncertainty on environmental degradation and examines the moderating role of democracy in this relationship. Utilizing annual data from 126 economies spanning the years 1996–2021, and employing dynamic least squares and fully modified ordinary least squares models, the analysis reveals a significant negative relationship between climate policy uncertainty and environmental degradation. The findings indicate that higher uncertainty in climate policies is associated with reduced environmental degradation, suggesting that uncertainty in climate policies can drive cautious and ecologically conscious behaviors. Additionally, the study finds that democracy amplifies this negative relationship, implying that democratic environments enhance the effectiveness of climate policies in reducing environmental degradation which is attributed to greater transparency, accountability, public participation, and policy stability inherent in democratic systems. The study offers valuable practical implications for policymakers by highlighting how political and economic systems can influence environmental outcomes amid climate change.

New Map Reveals the Extent of Vegetation in Antarctica

More than 40 square kilometers of vegetation cover Antarctica, including in previously unknown areas. A new map offers fresh insights for conservation amid climate change.

Rising cause-specific mortality risk and burden of compound heatwaves amid climate change

Rising cause-specific mortality risk and burden of compound heatwaves amid climate change

Resetting sustainable tourism policy amid climate change: the role of green perceived value, trust, satisfaction, and purchase intention from civil servants’ perspective

ABSTRACT Front-line government civil servants play a pivotal role in purchasing green tourism products, thereby driving the low-carbon tourism market. However, limited research has focused on the role of government agencies in reducing carbon emissions, and civil servants may have varying perceptions of these legal obligations. This study applies the Cognitive-Affective-Conative theory to examine the relationships among green perceived value, trust, and satisfaction to predict civil servants' intentions. The primary goal is to assess the government's willingness to readjust subsidy tourism policies from the perspectives of Taiwan's civil servants. Using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method to analyze 531 valid questionnaires, the study reveals the need to develop or adjust policies that combat carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. These findings offer valuable insights for shaping governmental policies that foster green business ventures, enhance economic diversification, and advance sustainable tourism initiatives.

Drought Priming Promotes Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Drought Stress During Grain Filling

ABSTRACTDrought stress significantly challenges wheat production globally, and drought priming has emerged as an effective strategy to mitigate yield loss under drought stress events. However, the effect of drought priming on plant nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates the effects of drought priming at the six‐leaf stage on NUE under drought stress during grain filling in four wheat varieties with distinct responses to drought priming. Our results indicate that there is no correlation between inherent drought tolerance and the effects of drought priming among the wheat varieties studied. In priming‐sensitive varieties, drought‐primed plants exhibited significant improvements in grain yield and NUE under drought stress compared to non‐primed plants. Conversely, priming‐insensitive varieties showed no significant differences in yield or NUE between primed and non‐primed plants under similar conditions. Notably, under drought stress, primed plants exhibited higher yield and NUE than non‐primed plants in drought priming positive variety, while the opposite trend was observed in drought priming negative response variety. The enhancement of NUE through drought priming was associated with improved nitrogen uptake efficiency and its allocation to spikes, with abscisic acid accumulation playing a pivotal role. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms by which drought priming enhances NUE under drought stress, contributing to the development of sustainable agricultural practices amid climate change.

Hydrogen Sulfide and 5‐Aminolevulinic Acid Synergistically Enhance Drought Tolerance in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

ABSTRACTEnhancing crop drought tolerance is crucial for food security amid climate change. This study examines how 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can improve drought resilience in tomato plants, which are essential for sustainable food production. Drought stress was induced using 12% PEG‐6000. Plants were pre‐treated with 25 mg L−1 ALA and 0.1 mg L−1 hypotaurine (HT), followed by 0.2 mM sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) treatment to assess the effects on plant physiological effects over 10 days. Drought stress reduced plant dry weight, chlorophylls (a and b), Fv/Fm, leaf water potential, and relative water content, while increasing glycine betaine (GB) and proline levels. Additionally, drought stress elevated NADPH oxidase (NOX) and glycolate oxidase (GOX) activities, inducing oxidative stress and membrane damage. ALA and NaHS enhanced plant growth, photosynthesis, proline, GB, ALA content, ATP synthase, and ATPase activities, while mitigating NOX and GOX activities, thereby reducing and H2O2 radicals. ALA alone boosted L‐DES activity, promoting H2S accumulation. However, ALA + HT reduced H2S levels, compromising ALA's efficacy. NaHS with ALA + HT reinstated positive effects by restoring H2S levels. Biochemical assays confirmed ALA and NaHS promoted H2S accumulation, bolstering antioxidants, mitigating lipid peroxidation, suggesting their drought resilience potential in tomatoes.