Climate Change-related Disasters Research Articles

Harmonizing smart technologies with building resilience and sustainable built environment systems

Given the escalating concerns posed by climate change-related disasters, there is an urgent need for a more sustainable and resilient built environment. The developing digital revolution in recent years has the potential to harness its superior features to achieve sustainable and resilient building sector goals. This paper aims to present a futuristic perspective on the three basic pillars of a more sustainable and resilient built environment. These pillars comprise sustainability, resilience, and the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for monitoring and managing structural health and performance. This is evident in the context of smart buildings and their ability to enhance energy consumption efficiency, improve quality of life, and strengthen structural health monitoring in terms of reducing damage and facilitating timely maintenance operations. Through comparing the components of the virtual city designed from two types of alkali-activated binder concrete (AABC) and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete, all components of the city designed from AABC showed a reduction in the amount of emitted CO2. The highest decrease was observed in the schools designed from AABC, where the reduction was about 25 %, while the lowest decrease was for the villas and infrastructure; about 11 % and 10 % respectively, compared to those designed from OPC concrete. The results also indicated that the utilization of sustainable concrete instead of traditional varieties has the potential to decrease CO2 emissions by up to 25 %. The importance of this work resides in establishing a basis for forthcoming research that combines intelligent, environmentally friendly, and resilient building practices.

The use of META (virtual simulations) in Canadian junior military leadership development

The use of META (virtual simulations) in Canadian junior military leadership development

Incorporating indigenous knowledge systems-based climate services in anticipatory action in Zimbabwe: an ex-ante assessment

IntroductionThe success of anticipatory action (AA) in climate change related disaster risk reduction depends largely on the ability to accurately predict adverse weather events and to subsequently take appropriate and timely action. The current seasonal climate forecasts obtained through national and global forecasting centers such as the Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department (MSD) and the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) have been found to have several limitations including limited skill in intra-seasonal variability which is vital in most processes, lack of accessibility, difficult interpretability and applicability to local communities. As a result, calls for the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)-based climate services in seasonal climate forecasting to bolster the efficacy and accuracy of forecasts are increasing.MethodologyThe study employed a mixed methods approach combining a survey of 200 household heads, document reviews and key informant interviews with IKS specialists, AA community of practice members and disaster risk reduction specialists.ResultsThis article presents the findings of a study carried out in four semi-arid districts of Zimbabwe (Mbire, Matobo, Binga, and Mudzi) to assess the feasibility of integrating IKS into the drought AA mechanism at national, district, and ward level. We find that 82% of the surveyed households used indigenous knowledge systems for seasonal climate forecasting and extreme weather forecasting combined with scientific forecasts. Respondents demonstrated preference for triangulated forecasting to increase reliability. Both the meteorological approaches to seasonal climate forecasting and the IKS based forecasting had different strengths and weaknesses.DiscussionBased on the found gaps in current seasonal forecasting techniques, local applicability, and limited quantitative analysis in IKS, this study provides a guideline on how scientific and IKS forecasting can be triangulated for leveraging forecasting information in Zimbabwe. The use of IKS may be of utmost relevance to agencies and entities seeking the achievement of drought risk reduction through AA programmes.

Climate Change-Related Disaster Risk Mitigation through Innovative Insurance Mechanism: A System Dynamics Model Application for a Case Study in Latvia

This study explores how the System Dynamics modeling approach can help deal with the problem of conventional insurance mechanisms by studying the feedback loops governing complex systems connected to the disaster insurance mechanism. Instead of addressing the disaster’s underlying risk, the traditional disaster insurance strategy largely focuses on providing financial security for asset recovery after a disaster. This constraint becomes especially concerning as the threat of climate-related disasters grows since it may result in rising long-term damage expenditures. A new insurance mechanism is suggested as a solution to this problem to lower damage costs while safeguarding insured assets and luring new assets to be protected. A local case study utilizing a System Dynamics stock and flow model is created and validated by examining the model’s structure, sensitivity analysis, and extreme value test. The results of the case study performed on a city in Latvia highlight the significance of effective disaster risk reduction strategies applied within the innovative insurance mechanism in lowering overall disaster costs. The logical coherence seen throughout the analysis of simulated scenario results strengthens the established model’s plausibility. The case study’s findings support the innovative insurance mechanism’s dynamic hypothesis and show the main influencing factors on the dynamics within the proposed innovative insurance mechanism. The information this study can help insurance firms, policy planners, and disaster risk managers make decisions that will benefit local communities and other stakeholders regarding climate-related disaster risk mitigation.

Community Resilience to Global Climate Change-Related Disasters: A Systematic Literature Review

Global climate change-related disasters have dramatically escalated throughout the world. Among a range of unexpected calamities, hydrometeorological disasters have come to the fore. This is because, torrential rains, mass flooding events, cyclones, storms, landslides (wet), droughts, heat waves and cold waves are very predominant. In addition to that, global warming, wild/forest fires, and melting down of glacier/ice covers of polar and nearby regions are very serious. This is because community resilience and ecological resilience are dramatically eroding and challenging. The existing situation is very serious due to the inherent nexus between community resilience and ecological resilience. In this context, the study aims to conduct a systematic literature review on the extant literature of resilience and to identify the cardinal variables that are appropriate to measure community resilience to the ongoing global climate change scenarios. Methodologically, the study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) model to filter the appropriate literature (followed by the identifying, screening, and including process). The study considered the manuscripts and reports published in English. Accordingly, inappropriate literature works were excluded. Finally, the study considered 33 literature works on resilience out of 117. According to the analysis and results revealed, six cardinal resiliency aspects were identified, namely, Socioeconomic resilience, Demographic resilience, Health resilience, Sociopolitical resilience, Social capital resilience, and Ecological resilience. These key resiliency aspects will extremely be important for securing the lives and livelihoods of the human population from the ongoing climate change impasses/crisis.

Navigating Climate Change Challenges through Smart Resilient Cities: A Comprehensive Assessment Framework

The rapid increase in the global population is contributing to the urgent challenges we face in ensuring the sustainability of our planet. This demographic shift, which gained momentum in the 1990s, is closely linked to a surge in natural disasters, both in terms of their frequency and severity. The quest for resources and improved quality of life, including the need for housing and essential services, has compounded these challenges. With the world’s population projected to double by 2050, and approximately two-thirds of this population expected to reside in urban areas, we are facing a complex web of interconnected issues that will significantly magnify the impacts of climate change-induced disasters. It is imperative that we build resilient cities capable of withstanding and adapting to these changes. However, the growing complexity of urban services and the necessity for integrated management raise questions about the preparedness of these resilient cities to comprehend and address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. In response to these critical concerns, this study endeavors to address the intersection of resilience and climate change. We propose the development of a Smart Resilient City Assessment Framework, comprising two core components: resilience re-evaluation and smartness evaluation. Each component consists of eight essential steps. The culmination of these steps results in a semi-quantitative index that accurately reflects the city’s position regarding resilience and smartness in the face of climate change-related disasters. To demonstrate the framework’s practicality and suitability, we present results from a hypothetical scenario focusing on water supply management, a critical aspect of climate change adaptation. The framework equips city managers with the necessary tools to re-evaluate their cities’ resilience, evaluate their capacity to address climate change-induced challenges, and make informed decisions on integrating resilience and smart solutions to pave the way for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Climate Change-Related Disasters & the Health of LGBTQ+ Populations

Climate change may widen pre-existing health disparities in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) populations. We argue that LGBTQ+ communities will have more exposure to climate change related disasters, be more susceptible to the adverse impacts of climate change and will have fewer resources to recover from climate disasters. Scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and climatologists need to carefully consider the potential for disparate effects of climate change disasters on the health of LGBTQ+ people. Legislative action protecting LGBTQ+ populations from discrimination, more LGBTQ+ inclusive data collection efforts, and LGBTQ+ sensitivity trainings for disaster relief providers are needed now to ameliorate climate change-related LGBTQ+ health disparities.

Perceptions of climate change-related disasters and impact on household food security in rural farm households in Imo State, Nigeria

This study investigates the perception of climate change-related disasters and their impact on household food security in rural farm households in Imo State, Nigeria. Studies have consistently shown an association between climate change and food insecurity in different parts of the world. However the impact of climate change varies over time and space and therefore cannot be generalized. If household food security is to be secured in Imo State, it becomes imperative to identify the specific climate change related disasters that adversely affect household food security as well as the intervention priorities in specific communities. The study utilizes descriptive analytical tools to analyze the data from 186 farm households across four agricultural communities in the state. Findings reveal that excessive rainfall leading to flooding is the most prevalent climate change-related disaster, followed by excessive heat and irregular rainfall patterns. A significant majority of respondents attribute household food insecurity to these climate change-related disasters at high or very high levels. Various mitigation strategies adopted by households include changes in farming practices, irrigation methods, crop replacement, and land modification techniques. The study also identifies top priorities for government intervention as improving drainage and irrigation systems, establishing community weather forecast centers, and providing fertilizer subsidies. Additionally, enhancing hedging technology and pest/disease control strategies were recognized as important interventions. The study emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions, continuous data collection, and awareness campaigns to enhance agricultural resilience and ensure food security in the face of climate change impacts.

Climate Change-Related Disaster Risk Events in Togo: A Systematic Review

Climate Change-Related Disaster Risk Events in Togo: A Systematic Review

Improving mental health following multiple disasters in Australia: a randomized controlled trial of the Skills for Life Adjustment and Resilience (SOLAR) programme

ABSTRACT Background: The mental health impacts of climate change-related disasters are significant. However, access to mental health services is often limited by the availability of trained clinicians. Although building local community capability for the mental health response is often prioritised in policy settings, the lack of evidence-based programs is problematic. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of the Skills for Life Adjustment and Resilience programme (SOLAR) delivered by trained local community members following compound disasters (drought, wildfires, pandemic-related lockdowns) in Australia. Method: Thirty-six community members were trained to deliver the SOLAR programme, a skills-based, trauma informed, psychosocial programme. Sixty-six people with anxiety, depression and/or posttraumatic stress symptoms, and impairment were randomised into the SOLAR programme or a Self-Help condition. They were assessed pre, post and two months following the interventions. The SOLAR programme was delivered across five 1-hourly sessions (either face to face or virtually). Those in the Self-Help condition received weekly emails with self-help information including links to online educational videos. Results: Multigroup analyses indicated that participants in the SOLAR condition experienced significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression, and PTSD symptom severity between pre – and post-intervention (T1 to T2), relative to the Self-Help condition, while controlling for scores at intake. These differences were not statistically different at follow-up. The SOLAR programme was associated with large effect size improvements in posttraumatic stress symptoms over time. Conclusion: The SOLAR programme was effective in improving anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms over time. However, by follow-up the size of the effect was similar to an active self-help condition. Given the ongoing stressors in the community associated with compounding disasters it may be that booster sessions would have been useful to sustain programme impact. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ACTRN12621000283875..

Interface between Climate Change and National Security Threat

Climate change has emerged as an existential threat to the planet and humanity. It is fueling natural disasters, migration, energy, and health and food crises across the globe. Flood, sea-level rise, intense wildfire, heat wave, hurricanes, precipitation are threatening both civilian lives and vital infrastructure. Put together, they all have a potential to create security threats, and no country is immune from it. In June 2022, much of Pakistan was inundated by heavier than usual monsoon rain. More than 1,700 people perished and properties worth billions were destroyed in the disaster, which also triggered food and energy crises in its wake. Likewise, on June 15, 2021, Melamchi Bazar of Sindupalchok district in Nepal was ravaged by a flash flood that claimed five lives — dozens of people are still missing. It damaged several private and public properties, and damaged the infrastructure of the Melamchi Water Supply Project (Annapurna Express 2022). The above incidents show the extent of vulnerability posed by climate change-related disasters on human lives and settlements. With this context in place, this essay tries to explore the new risks posed by the effects of climate change to Nepal’s security landscape, as well as the preparations made so far to deal with possible crises. It will offer some policy recommendations.

Post-Restoration Forest Management Issues in East Asia under Climate Change: Based on the Special Issue “Economic and Societal Losses Due to Environmental Impacts on Forestry Productivity”

Forests provide diverse ecosystem services to people. Consequently, initiatives have been undertaken to restore deforested areas. In East Asian countries, particularly those within the Asian Monsoon region, deforestation has contributed to natural disasters such as sediment run-off, landslides, and flooding, which are exacerbated by torrential rainfall. Restoring forest cover is a critical aspect of national land conservation. To achieve this goal, state-led afforestation initiatives have been launched. Successful afforestation efforts have also been considered an indicator of economic development. However, Japan, which implemented afforestation projects successfully in the 1950s and 1970s, has experienced the under-utilization of its forests due to significant changes in economic and societal conditions since afforestation took place. During the 2010s, the Japanese government promoted the industrialization of forestry, encouraging final felling and reforestation. However, there have been issues with immature forest operation methods and low forestry productivity. Furthermore, in the context of intensifying climate change, heavy rainfall-induced disasters have become more intense, with an increased threat to human safety. Research efforts from the natural and social science fields in Japan have helped identify issues that need to be addressed concerning forests where plantation trees are now utilizable. There is a need to identify improved methods of forestry practice that reduce the risk of climate change-related disasters and establish related forest policies.

Climate change perception and adaptation among farmers in coastal communities of Bayelsa State, Nigeria: a photovoice study

PurposeThere is an increasing need for greater awareness and understanding of the risks climate change poses to farming communities so as to inform appropriate adaptive responses. The purpose of this study is to investigate farmers’ climate change impacts, awareness, risk perception and current adaptation strategies adopted to deal with the impacts of climate change on their livelihood.Design/methodology/approachThis research was undertaken with 67 farmers in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. This study used a combination of focus group discussion and quantitative survey to obtain data. Surveyed farmers were invited to an initial workshop and asked to take photos of climate change impacts on their land and the adaptation strategies being adopted. The photos were analysed and discussed with the farmers in a second workshop. Then, in a third workshop, farmers and other stakeholders came together to rank the most important consequences of climate change and shared knowledge on adaptation strategies. The survey and photovoice data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.FindingsThe results of this study showed that a majority of the farmers were knowledgeable of climate change, mostly got climate information through media. Floods and high temperatures were perceived as the most occurring climate change-related disaster risks. Majority of the farmers perceived climate change as high risk and have taken up multiple adaptation strategies in response to it, including changing planting times, mulching their land and digging irrigation pits. Farmers’ responses indicated that they want to do more but are restricted by financial resources.Practical implicationsThis study outcomes provide evidence for a need to consider stakeholders’ participation in planning climate change responses to effectively address the challenges posed by climate change, particularly in coastal agricultural communities. Government and relevant agencies as recommended need to support farmers to undertake needed adaptive strategies to adapt with future flooding, high temperature and drought, providing them with necessary facilities to enhance their adaptive capacities.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was one of the first studies to use photovoice to investigate climate change awareness, impacts and adaptations strategies with majority female farmers in west Africa. This study highlights the importance of participatory approaches to capture grassroots climate adaptation approaches.

Preface

3rd International Conference on Agricultural Sciences and Sustainable Environment (ICASE 2022) presents This conference provides a forum for international researchers, academics, practitioners, policymakers and related communities to discuss, share and exchange their latest research and experience progress associated with the field of Biotechnology and modern advanced methods in addressing various environmental problems related to all lands, air, animals, desertification and the green environment. In addition, this conference also aimed to address a common issue of georesources sustainability, renewable energy sources and climate change related geohazard and disasters in the development of urban areas. ICASE 2022 provides opportunities to all participants in expanding their network collaboration at the regional and international. We invited research papers on the topic of Soil, Water Resources and Dessertification Combat Axis, Horticulture and Plant protection Axis, Field Crops Axis, Farm Machinery, Economic and Agricultural Extention Axis, Biotechnology Axis., geo-environmental engineering and any related geoscience. The ICASE 2022 is held from 15-16 January 2023, Samawah, Al-Muthanna, Iraq.This conference has attracted more than 193 papers. After being reviewed, the scientific committee has selected around 172 papers to be presented at this conference. During the plenary session of the conference, we were pleased to welcome distinguished experts to share their experience and present their insightful keynote speech. Participants did their presentations live, engaged throughout plenary, panel discussion and parallel sessions. Feedbacks, comments and questions from participants in all sessions were very positive and constructive. About 172 papers received final decision to be accepted and submitted for publication into the IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. We would like to acknowledge all of those who supported the ICASE 2022. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all scientific committees who made in-depth reviews of full papers, to sponsors who give their support, and to each individual and institutional help that is very important for the success of this conference. Thank you to all the organizing committee and related parties who built this conference feasible and successful. We are hopeful that the proceedings will serve as important references which will lead not only to scientific research and academic purposes but also in practical, industry and policy aspects associated.List of Chair of the Conference, Editor, Keynote Speakers, Scientific Committee, International Advisory, Preparatory Commission are available in this Pdf.

Assessment of social factors that promote the vulnerability of communities to coastal hazards in the Volta estuary in Ghana

Although vulnerability assessments have been widely conducted along the coast of Ghana, they have not focused on the factors contributing to social vulnerability of households and communities to disaster risks. Using an indicator-based approach, this study examines the social factors that affect the exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity of households and communities in the Volta estuary, Ghana. Results indicate that all the communities within the study area were exposed to climate change related hazards. However, two communities, Azizanya in Ada East District and Fuveme in Anloga District, were highly exposed with unweighted indexes of 0.50 and 0.76, respectively. Sensitivity among communities was generally high ranging from 0.00 to 0.87 due to several social factors including low household income, high number of children and aged at home, and lack of social amenities such as roads, health facilities, markets, and schools. The communities recorded high adaptive capacity and were able to withstand the ravages of the ocean and the river system. Households and communities developed various adaptation measures such as relocation to nearby communities or higher grounds, open spaces and packing of their belongings on higher objects such as tables, whiles government actions included occasional dredging and constructions of sea defense structures. An integrated, multi-stakeholder approach involving government, non-governmental community-based organisations, communities, households, and other stakeholders is proposed to design and implement a comprehensive disaster management plan to combat climate change related coastal disasters.

Incentives and Barriers to Green Building Implementation: The Case of Jakarta

The low implementation of green building through building certification in Jakarta is responsible for the decreased achievement of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in 2020. This is observed in the energy sector through the efficient use of power in commercial buildings, which is only 37,789 tons (0.72 %) of the 5.26 million tons of CO2e expected in 2030, potentially causing the effects of a climate change-related disaster. In this case, the low prevalence of green buildings is due to the barriers preventing their implementation, with the provision of incentives being a suitable solution regarding its significant influence on rapid development. Therefore, this study aims to determine the influential relationship between barriers, incentives, and the level of green building implementation, to identify the most effective applicable benefits in Jakarta. In this context, path analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used with 101 participants selected from developer/owner institutions, consultants, contractors, and the government experienced in implementing the experimental data of the buildings. These data were subsequently analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results showed that cost-risk and knowledge-information barrier significantly impacted the level of green building implementation in Jakarta. This led to the recommendation of non-financial incentives as an effective regional benefit, which relevantly affected the level of green building implementation, as well as cost-risk and knowledge-information barriers. These results were expected to assist policymakers and practitioners in formulating effective incentive policies for the implementation of green buildings in Jakarta.

Necessary complexity in the Anthropocene: new approaches in socio-ecological systems thinking, Do No Harm, and fragility integration

ABSTRACT The links between climate change, fragility, and conflict have received growing attention over the past decade. Yet, the theory and analysis underlying conflict-sensitive practice has not figured significantly in these developments, thus limiting effective action and policy. While there is pressing need for climate adaptation efforts, climate change-related disaster response, and low-carbon development to leverage local capacities for peace and avoid exacerbating conflict dynamics, existing conflict sensitivity frameworks (a) lack sufficient emphasis on action and (b) struggle to incorporate the complex, systemic interactions among ecologies, societal conflict, and aid, or other efforts to address fragility. This paper draws on complexity-informed approaches that more directly and practically integrate socio-ecological systems thinking into urgently needed conflict-informed action. Specifically, the paper establishes the basis for integrating CDA Collaborative Learning Projects’ systems-based Reflecting on Peace Practice (RPP) approach and Do No Harm (DNH) framework for accountable analysis and action amidst conflict, and reframing the key analytical categories of Connectors and Dividers to Resilience and Vulnerabilities.

The Impact of Climate Change on Asthma and Allergic-Immunologic Disease.

This review discusses climate change-related impacts on asthma and allergic-immunologic disease, relevant US public health efforts, and healthcare professional resources. Climate change can impact people with asthma and allergic-immunologic disease through various pathways, including increased exposure to asthma triggers (e.g., aeroallergens, ground-level ozone). Climate change-related disasters (e.g., wildfires, floods) disrupting healthcare access can complicate management of any allergic-immunologic disease. Climate change disproportionately affects some communities, which can exacerbate disparities in climate-sensitive diseases like asthma. Public health efforts include implementing a national strategic framework to help communities track, prevent, and respond to climate change-related health threats. Healthcare professionals can use resources or tools to help patients with asthma and allergic-immunologic disease prevent climate change-related health impacts. Climate change can affect people with asthma and allergic-immunologic disease and exacerbate health disparities. Resources and tools are available to help prevent climate change-related health impacts at the community and individual level.

Not only COVID-19. Not only Ukraine. Under-reported hunger crises in the Horn of Africa and the politics around them.

Funding requirements for humanitarian needs have reached a record high, driven by Ukraine's war, other conflicts worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change-related disasters, economic slowdown, and their combined global consequences. More people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and more are forcibly displaced than ever before, the majority of them from countries facing acute food insecurity. The largest global food crisis in modern history is unfolding. Particularly, in the Horn of Africa, levels of hunger are alarmingly high, with countries edging close to famine. This article discusses why and how famine, which had declined in frequency and lethality, is resurging, using Somalia and Ethiopia as 'mini case studies', emblematic as they are of a broader trend. Technical and political aspects of food crises and their consequences on health are analysed. The article examines some of the most contentious issues around famine: the data challenges for declaring it and the use of starvation as a weapon of war. The article concludes with the claim that the elimination of famine is possible, but only through political action. Humanitarians can warn of an impending crisis and mitigate some of its consequences, but they are powerless in the face of an ongoing famine, like those described in Somalia and Ethiopia.

Prospective Accelerating Sectors to Attain Sustainable Development in Bangladesh Economy: Findings from a Sectoral Approach Using Input-Output Analysis

With frequent climate change related disaster shocks and a huge burden of refugees from neighbor country’s conflict, Bangladesh needs to formulate effective strategies to support its most prospective sectors for ensuring sustainable development. This paper aims at disentangling the process of economic growth in Bangladesh to identify some prospective accelerating sectors, which could achieve constant economic growth with proper policy support. Using a modification of traditional structural decomposition analysis (SDA), we identify some prospective growth sectors in the Bangladesh economy. We have found labor intensive manufacturing and some high value added service sectors as key sectors for growth in Bangladesh. We compare the existing economic structure of Bangladesh with five other Asian lower income developing countries (LIDCs) and found all other countries have mostly similar economic structure, except Vietnam. Our analysis showed Bangladesh is mainly dependent on the textiles and food sectors in manufacturing and construction, real estate and inland transport sectors in service, for its quick growth. Most importantly, we found some new manufacturing sectors, such as basic metal and machineries, NEC, and recycling sectors, are constantly growing over the last decade, using our technique. Proper policy support to these high potential emerging sectors could help Bangladesh achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of ensuring economic growth and sustainable development through promoting industrial diversification.