Climate Change Management Research Articles

Modeling Integrated Waqf-Sukuk for Climate Action (SDG13)

The discussion on tackling climate change is summarized in the thirteenth SDGs goal. On the other hand, waqf is an instrument of Islamic social funds that has a sustainable nature and has the relevance of waqf to the SDGs, so it has the potential to be developed in its role in fighting climate change and its impacts. This study seeks to see the waqf model that is relevant to the goals of the SDGs by determining the priority of the waqf model that can be applied in Indonesia which is in line with the objectives of SDGs 13 using ANP method. The results of the study indicate that the Waqf & Sukuk model is the right model to support the achievement of the thirteenth goal of the SDGs, namely climate change management. This study also proposes a WOFI (Waqf Owned Financial Intermediary) model framework that is suitable for this purpose.

Disentangling the effects of management and climate change on habitat suitability for saproxylic species in boreal forests

Forest degradation induced by intensive forest management and temperature increase by climate change are resulting in biodiversity decline in boreal forests. Intensive forest management and high-end climate emission scenarios can further reduce the amount and diversity of deadwood, the limiting factor for habitats for saproxylic species in European boreal forests. The magnitude of their combined effects and how changes in forest management can affect deadwood diversity under a range of climate change scenarios are poorly understood. We used forest growth simulations to evaluate how forest management and climate change will individually and jointly affect habitats of red-listed saproxylic species in Finland. We simulated seven forest management regimes and three climate scenarios (reference, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) over 100 years. Management regimes included set aside, continuous cover forestry, business-as-usual (BAU) and four modifications of BAU. Habitat suitability was assessed using a species-specific habitat suitability index, including 21 fungal and invertebrate species groups. “Winner” and “loser” species were identified based on the modelled impacts of forest management and climate change on their habitat suitability. We found that forest management had a major impact on habitat suitability of saproxylic species compared to climate change. Habitat suitability index varied by over 250% among management regimes, while overall change in habitat suitability index caused by climate change was on average only 2%. More species groups were identified as winners than losers from impacts of climate change (52%–95% were winners, depending on the climate change scenario and management regime). The largest increase in habitat suitability index was achieved under set aside (254%) and the climate scenario RCP8.5 (> 2%), while continuous cover forestry was the most suitable regime to increase habitat suitability of saproxylic species (up to + 11%) across all climate change scenarios. Our results show that close-to-nature management regimes (e.g., continuous cover forestry and set aside) can increase the habitat suitability of many saproxylic boreal species more than the basic business-as-usual regime. This suggests that biodiversity loss of many saproxylic species in boreal forests can be mitigated through improved forest management practices, even as climate change progresses.

Exploring the Influence of Digital Transformation on Clean Energy Transition, Climate Change, and Economic Growth among Selected Oil-Export Countries through the Panel ARDL Approach

Amid global imperatives to combat climate change and achieve sustainable economic development, the convergence of digital transformation and the transition to clean energy has emerged as a critical focal point for oil-exporting nations. This study comprehensively investigates the interplay of digital technology, clean energy transition, climate change, and economic growth among selected oil-exporting nations. Drawing upon a diverse set of economic and geographical contexts, this study uses panel data analysis of data from the World Bank’s Economic Indicators and the United Nations Development Program for the period from 2006 to 2020. The results show that digital technology reduces climate change by improving environmental quality, but internet and mobile access have insignificant and negative effects on environmental quality, respectively. Meanwhile, all technology variables negatively impact green energy and economic growth, while the Happy Planet Index and financial development positively impact the green energy transition. This study is important for regulators, producers, and consumers, as it provides a better understanding of the crucial role of digital transformation in sustainable development within oil-export countries. This study’s findings can be used to develop policy recommendations for a low-carbon economy, the promotion of digital transformation through green energy, and the management of climate change.

Integrated Spherical Decision-Making Model for Managing Climate Change Risks in Africa

Decision-makers, researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders often struggle with selecting and prioritizing strategies to manage climate change risks. While recent research extensively explores this issue, the emphasis has largely been on regions other than Africa. This is significant, considering Africa’s anticipated exposure to various and severe impacts of climate change. This study applied a two-stage model that integrates the Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) and Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) methods within a unique framework under the influence of spherical fuzzy (SF) conditions. In the initial stage, SF-SWARA determines the relative importance of the criteria, while the subsequent stage involves the SF-WASPAS method to rank the strategies. While the most critical challenges are limited access to finance and inadequacies in climate data, scenarios, and impact models, the solution to be considered is the promotion of a well-coordinated capacity-building programme. Furthermore, a comprehensive sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the applicability of the proposed model. This research not only identifies and explains the challenges associated with climate change risks management in the African context but also significantly contributes to the body of knowledge by outlining and prioritizing the strategies required to address these challenges.

Framing resilience in Saudi Arabian cities: On climate change and urban policy

While climate change has traditionally driven the search for appropriate urban policy responses, a recent trend in urban studies and planning in the Global South has been to argue for resilience. Considering this call seriously, this article draws on critical literature on urban resilience and secondary data, using Saudi Arabian cities to demonstrate that urban policy-based reflections on climate change are imperative in the pursuit of urban resilience. By laying the groundwork for the conceptualization of urban resilience within and beyond urban studies, we use multiple urban cases across Saudi Arabia to establish approaches towards climate resilience, arguing that an understanding of urban resilience in urban studies and planning is critical to analyzing and combating the impacts of climate change in cities in the Global South. This leads us to argue for the need to explore urban resilience in relation to climate vulnerability, precarity, and urbanization. We conclude by advancing a research agenda on urban resilience in the Global South that draws upon the urban planning ethics of responsibility for climate change management.

Ecosystem service multifunctionality of mixed conifer-broad-leaved forests under climate change and forest management based on matrix growth modelling

Climate change and forest management are recognized as pivotal factors influencing forest ecosystem services and thus multifunctionality. However, the magnitude and the relative importance of climate change and forest management effects on the multifunctionality remain unclear, especially for natural mixed forests. In this study, our objective is to address this gap by utilizing simulations of climate-sensitive transition matrix growth models based on national forest inventory plot data. We evaluated the effects of seven management scenarios (combinations of various cutting methods and intensities) on the future provision of ecosystem services and multifunctionality in mixed conifer-broad-leaved forests in northeastern China, under four climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP5-8.5, and constant climate). Provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services were described by timber production, carbon storage, carbon sequestration, tree species diversity, deadwood volume, and the number of large living trees. Our findings indicated that timber production was significantly influenced by management scenarios, while tree species diversity, deadwood volume, and large living trees were impacted by both climate and management separately. Carbon storage and sequestration were notably influenced by both management and the interaction of climate and management. These findings emphasized the profound impact of forest management on ecosystem services, outweighing that of climate scenarios alone. We found no single management scenario maximized all six ecosystem service indicators. The upper story thinning by 5% intensity with 5-year interval (UST5) management strategy emerged with the highest multifunctionality, surpassing the lowest values by more than 20% across all climate scenarios. In conclusion, our results underlined the potential of climate-sensitive transition matrix growth models as a decision support tool and provided recommendations for long-term strategies for multifunctional forest management under future climate change context. Ecosystem services and multifunctionality of forests could be enhanced by implementing appropriate management measures amidst a changing climate.

Managing Climate Change: The Role of Religion in Selected Church Sponsored Secondary Schools in Tigania West Sub-County in Meru County- Kenya

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of religion in mitigating climate change within selected church-sponsored Secondary schools in Tigania West Sub-County in Meru County- Kenya. The objectives of this study were: to assess how environmental education is integrated into the curricula of church-sponsored Secondary schools in Tigania West Sub-County of Kenya, explore the influence of religious teachings on attitudes and actions toward climate change, examine community engagement in environmental initiatives, and identify both the barriers and opportunities for promoting environmental sustainability within these institutions. Specifically, the study seeks to examine how religious teachings, values, and practices influence environmental stewardship and promote sustainable behaviors in these schools. By exploring the intersection of faith and environmental responsibility, the study aims to uncover the potential contributions of religious institutions in addressing climate change challenges at the community level. Religion plays a crucial role in shaping the beliefs, values, and behaviors of individuals towards their environment. However, the role of church sponsored secondary schools in training individuals on environmental care is not well documented. The study was conducted in 3 selected church sponsored Secondary schools in Tigania West Sub-County in Meru County of Kenya. It adopted a descriptive survey design where a total of 25 respondents constituting of 19 teachers, 3 principals and 3 sponsors of selected secondary schools were targeted. Stratified random sampling technique was adopted where questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. Th findings showed that the church played a great role in instilling moral values on students. However, little is known about their role in climate change mitigation. Therefore, this study highlights a potential gap in the education. This study recommends the need for religious institutions to rethink their educational priorities and consider incorporating teachings on climate change mitigation into their curriculum. This will play a vital role in shaping the attitudes and behaviors of students towards environmental stewardship and fostering a sense of responsibility towards environment. Religion plays a vital role in addressing climate change by inspiring action, advocacy, and providing a moral foundation for decision-making. This influence can foster positive societal change. Integration of climate change education into the curriculum, so as to enable schools to shape students’ attitudes and behaviors toward sustainability. Implementation of sustainable practices, such as reducing waste and conserving energy, while engaging the school community in environmental initiatives like workshops and campaigns, and partnering with environmental experts to encourage stewardship of the planet.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Climate Change Management

The Role of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Climate Change Management

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF ETHICAL-LEGAL DISCOURSE ON CLIMATE CHANGE MANAGEMENT

This paper has focused on the historical development of ethical and legal thought on climate change. The study has aimed to historically locate ethical and legal basis on environmental with the urge to overcome climate change, to establish the advent of climate change reality and the management mechanism, and finally bring about the intersection between ethics and law on climate change management. The study has traced philosophical ideas on the environment from ancient and classical times through the medieval, renaissance, modern, and contemporary periods. It has also explored the African perspectives on environmental issues and considered climate change science’s legal and ethical dimensions from the 19th century to the present. Here various approaches to climate change management mechanisms such as anthropocentrism, ecocentrism, biocentrism, regenerative paradigms, climate justice, and holistic approaches have been discussed, thus placing into perspective what has been down. To achieve this goal, the study was guided by Husserl’s Phenomenological Method and theory which has analyzed the climate change discourse throughout the discourse. The discourse has culminated with bringing out clarity on the complex web of ideologies, power dynamics, and institutional structures that shape responses to the climate change crisis and create sustainable mechanisms.

Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources and Public Health: A Content Analysis in Brazil

The article analyzes, through a review of scientific literature, the relationship between climate change, water quality and public health, over a decade (2011-2021), in Brazil. Key themes were listed, including organic contamination, water scarcity and the impacts of climate change on health. Database analyses demonstrate the little exploration of these topics where the great complexity of managing available water resources is emphasized. The few Brazilian articles found in a decade, just 6, support the need for integrated approaches between the economic, environmental and public health sectors. They reiterate that greater awareness and integration of different areas is necessary to face the effects of climate change for the effective management of water resources, aiming to mitigate their scarcity, loss of quality and, above all, avoid causing health problems in communities.

Assessment of groundwater potential zones in data-scarce regions using GIS-based multicriteria decision making approach

Groundwater is an essential natural resource that sustains numerous ecological systems and human lifestyles. The Jhargram district is facing persistent groundwater development issues, requiring comprehensive monitoring and planning, as most farmers heavily rely on groundwater for crop production. The groundwater potential zone of the Jhargram district was classified into five classes, viz., very high (5.82%), high (50.81%), moderate (30.33%), low (13.01%), and very low (0.03%), zones, respectively. The results were assessed for validity using ROC curves, which demonstrated an accuracy rate of 80.4%. The calculation of the AUC was performed in order to assess the overall accuracy of the predicted GWPZ. The GWPZ map is crucial for implementing artificial recharge structures like percolation ponds, bunds and trenching in semi-arid regions. It aids in developing sustainable groundwater management policies, mitigating drought, climate change, and water scarcity, and aiding farmers, regional planners, policy-makers, climate change experts, and local governments.

Assessing Climate Change and Water Resource Management Worldwide with the SWAT Model: A Comprehensive Review

Utilized the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) across different watershed scales, from small to large, under a variety of climate conditions, aiming to quantify and mitigate the impacts of climate change on watershed hydrology and water resources. Additionally, the paper explores the development of conservation strategies for water and soil, aimed at managing both water and sediment yields effectively. By examining research at international, national, and regional levels, with a particular focus on climate change projections for Morocco, this review critically assesses the SWAT model’s operational framework, including its inputs and outputs. The operational intricacies of the SWAT model are dissected to understand its utility in hydrological modeling, emphasizing its role in climate change assessment. Through this examination, the paper highlights the expanding application of SWAT in water resource assessments globally, demonstrating its significance in understanding and addressing the challenges posed by climate change on hydrological systems worldwide.

Perceptions of and adaptation to climate change in mountainous agro-pastoral communities: The case of the Afghan central highlands

Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for agro-pastoral families in the central highlands of Afghanistan. However, their livelihoods have been significantly affected by climate change. This study examines climate change perceptions, consequences, and adaptive capacity from agro-pastoral communities’ experiences and behaviours in the five central provinces of Afghanistan. A survey was conducted in 521 agro-pastoral households to collect data on socioeconomic factors, perceptions, and adaptation indicators. The results show how agro-pastoral communities are affected by climate change, how they adapt, and which factors influence their decision-making and challenges when using traditional knowledge in adaptation. The analysed data revealed perceptions of both the positive and negative consequences of climate change. Positive consequences include shorter cold seasons, fewer avalanches, improved accessibility, reduced fuel requirements for heating, and extended grazing seasons. However, the perceived negative consequences of climate change include recurrence of severe and sustained droughts, decreased snowfall, and reduced crop yields. Additionally, K-means cluster analysis revealed low, medium, and high levels of adaptation to climate change. Agro-pastoral families have adopted various strategies to improve their adaptation to climate change, including crop, soil, water, livestock, expenditure, and livelihood management. Furthermore, socio-demographic factors, drought severity, perceived climate change, and perceived climate change impacts were the main determinants of adaptation to climate change. This study outlines the main gaps and drivers to help future researchers, managers, and decision-makers prioritize their actions based on farmers’ concerns and their adaptive capacity to abate climate change impacts.

Impact on storm water runoff

Hydrological changes, which take place in a hydrographic basin, are due to the rapid growth of urbanization of areas both nationally and globally. Modification of waterproof surfaces, such as streets, sidewalks, parking lots, etc. causes negative changes in the hydrological cycle, as well as groundwater resources, deterioration of water quality, but also ecosystems. In recent years, climate change and poor rainwater management in urban areas have led to a major risk of flooding. This paper analyzes changes in the types of land use coverage and their impact on rainwater discharge, using ArcGIS software.

Surveying and monitoring submerged archaeological sites in inland waters through a multiproxy strategy: The case of Dolmen de Guadalperal and other sites from Valdecañas reservoir (Spain)

AbstractThe evolving dynamics of climate change and water resource management present unique challenges for the research and conservation of archaeological heritage, particularly within reservoirs. The Dolmen of Guadalperal in Spain and its surrounding archaeological sites exemplify such a scenario. This study is dedicated to the development and application of a comprehensive methodology for archaeological documentation and site detection, integrating an array of approaches including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) from Sentinel‐1, photogrammetric restitution using historical imagery and geometric recording of sites with diverse sensing equipment. A distinctive aspect of this research lies in juxtaposing multibeam sonar data, typically associated with underwater surveys, with standard land‐based documentation methods like photogrammetry and LiDAR. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating data from these diverse techniques in detecting new archaeological sites and monitoring their alterations, which could be potentially harmful.

Buddhist environmental ethics and climate change

AbstractPhilosophically, Buddhist ethics would appear to be well‐prepared for the climate change age. Buddhists receive encouragement to extend compassion and nonharm throughout a universe that is utterly interconnected across time and space. Such positive extensions result in a strength of the tradition involving some welcome positive treatment of nonhuman animals. However, looking closely in terms of practical outcomes reveals some serious limitations regarding Buddhist environmental ethics. Not all animals receive ethical value and care, for instance, and the tradition provides a historically unstable platform for vegetarianism despite some popular beliefs to the contrary. Even worse, perceived sentience is required to receive substantial Buddhist moral value, in most cases leaving plants, stones, and bodies of water without ecological respect. Since managing climate change precisely includes the moral management of plants, stones, and bodies of water, our ethics regarding these entities must be clear. Buddhist environmental ethics, though, today provide us with few tools for developing such ethics for entities considered by Buddhism to be insentient, although perhaps views are changing.

Managing climate change challenges to water security: Community water governance in Ethiopia and Nepal

AbstractClimate change poses a threat to water security where both current and future generations are concerned, with its accompanying impacts set to be greater in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). As a result, questions pertaining to climate change adaption in LMICs are receiving increased attention from academics and policymakers alike. It is broadly accepted that top‐down approaches to developing resilience to climate change challenges have been shown to be limited and that concerted efforts need to be made to engage local communities in advancing adaptive strategies. Based on the above, we make two main arguments: (1) while there has been a shift towards acknowledging the importance of community‐driven data in generating a broader and deeper understanding of climate change, far better use could be made of local knowledge and (2) efforts at community‐based solutions to problems of resilience are currently limited by issues of capacity, specifically linked to the need for further education and training, and improved representation with respect to gender, class and caste (as well as financial support). To illustrate these arguments, we present evidence provided by rural communities located in two countries affected heavily by climate change: Ethiopia and Nepal.

Impact of Climate Change on Environmental Chemistry: A Review

Environmental chemistry changed greatly with climate change, thereby influencing chemical processes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. This review assessed this by examining changes in atmospheric chemistry, water chemistry, soil chemistry and biogeochemical cycles. Rising global temperatures and increased greenhouse gas emissions have changed atmospheric chemical reactions leading to alterations in air quality and the formation of secondary pollutants. Water temperature shifts and changes in water chemistry caused by climate change impacted marine biogeochemistry through ocean acidification. Nutrient cycling, soil organic matter and metal mobility were also altered as a result of soil chemistry effects. Additionally, the review focused on mitigation and adaptation strategies that involved the development of green technologies and sustainable practices for managing climate change impacts. In this analysis, environmental chemistry was emphasized as having a significant role in understanding climate change challenges through synthesis of present research works. The end also recommended further studies to be conducted while suggesting interdisciplinary approaches along with long-term monitoring needed to improve our knowledge about climate change impacts and enable policy makers take sound decisions.

Harmonizing smart city tech and anthropocentrism for climate resilience and Nature's benefit

The study argues that integrating smart technology within a society embracing anthropocentrism and a deep connection with nature can significantly impact climate change and mitigate its extreme risk factors. This approach is invaluable for advancing environmentalism and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Anthropocentrism, or human-centeredness, traditionally posits that humans have intrinsic value based on their unique capacities in epistemology and behaviourism. However, this study advocates for a more nuanced ethical stance, suggesting that other beings also possess value, particularly in their capacity to contribute to human welfare. To this end, there is a pressing need for further research into strategies and interventions that leverage environmentalism to foster a society where smart technology and nature's intrinsic value are integrated harmoniously for effective climate change management and mitigation. By addressing this research gap, the study aims to examine the current landscape of smart technology applications in human-nature integrated climate actions. It provides targeted recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and other critical stakeholders on effectively synergizing with nature's inherent sustainability principles in combating climate change and addressing the global environmental crisis.

Global Climate Change Analysis based on Shared Socioeconomic Pathway Scenarios and Disaster Damage Analysis Using Hazards-US (HAZUS)

In this study, a global temperature rise by +1.9 to 5.2 ℃ was expected at the end of the 21st century due to greenhouse gas emissions based on a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and a 1.6 ℃ increase in annual average temperature in Korea over the last 109 years (1912 to 2020) was confirmed. These climate changes have increased heat waves and extreme climate indices worldwide, and natural disasters have increased in Korea due to irregular changes in heat waves and precipitation. In addition, this study on disaster damage estimation was conducted using Hazards-US-Multi-Hazard (HAZUS-MH), a disaster damage assessment platform used in the United States. HAZUS-MH was selected because it is stable and robust for various disaster scenarios as well as specific geographical and climate conditions and is reliable for disaster management and response even though it has difficulty reflecting specific domestic environments. The results showed that seismic damage reduction costs can be significantly decreased through the integration of early warning and preventive measures under the scenario of Pohang earthquake magnitude 5.4. This study provides insight into domestic climate change and disaster management and emphasizes the need for future response and model development. An effective response to climate change is expected to play an important role in ensuring national and regional safety and stability.