Climate Change Research Articles

Abstract Global lake and reservoir water surfaces were recently estimated to contribute ~10% of global methane (CH 4 ) emissions. The sensitivity of these emissions to climate and environmental change is a growing concern. Here we present data-driven, globally gridded modelling of future open-water CH 4 fluxes under different scenarios. We included multiple potential predictor variables and available peer-reviewed flux data focusing on in situ-verified relationships. The results indicate total lake and reservoir CH 4 emissions increases of 24–91% under the IPCC Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) climate change scenarios SSP1-2.6 to SSP5-8.5 by 2080–2099. Effects of changed temperature and seasonality dominated these increases. Area and nutrient load changes also contributed substantially to reservoir emissions. Large absolute changes were predicted at all latitudes. The results demonstrate the urgency in minimizing climate change to avoid substantially increased future inland water CH 4 emissions.

Background: Climate change poses a growing threat to global cardiovascular health. Environmental stressors such as rising temperatures, air pollution, and extreme weather events may increase cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This systematic review synthesizes available evidence linking climate change with cardiovascular outcomes Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies published between January 2000 and May 2025. Studies were eligible if they assessed associations between climate-related exposures—such as heatwaves, temperature variability, air pollution, wildfires, and natural disasters—and outcomes including myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmias, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality. Study screening and quality assessment followed PRISMA guidelines. Observational studies, time-series analyses, and systematic reviews were included Results: Forty-seven studies met inclusion criteria. Exposure to high ambient temperatures and heatwaves was associated with a 3 to 12 percent increase in cardiovascular mortality. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide was linked to higher risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure. Wildfire-related air pollution contributed to acute cardiovascular events. Temperature variability and extreme weather events were associated with increased cardiovascular admissions and adverse outcomes due to thermal stress, inflammation, and healthcare disruption. Older adults and individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease were disproportionately affected Conclusion: Climate change increases the global burden of cardiovascular disease through multiple environmental pathways. Public health interventions, adaptation strategies, and mitigation policies are critical to reduce cardiovascular risks associated with a warming climate

ABSTRACT Military forces continue to face criticism for their harmful impacts on ecosystems and their contribution to climate change. Western military responses to climate change have been met with skepticism as well. At the same time, the global increase in interstate violence has made it implausible to address these problems through reductions in size, spending and operations. Our article addresses this dilemma. In a first step, it draws on the ethics and logics of cosmopolitanism, communitarianism, and self-interest to establish that militaries hold an institutional responsibility to act upon climate change in certain ways. In a second step, the article demonstrates that such elements of responsible behavior are emerging across selected militaries — in form of technological and other advancement, response operations, and civil-military cooperation — and discusses the risks that these activities entail. Thereby, the article presents climate-related military responsibility as the best feasible way to address the military carbon footprint during times of escalating geopolitical tensions.

Melanin, a biopolymer synthesized from tyrosine, plays diverse and essential roles in insect physiology, encompassing immune defense, thermoregulation, and environmental adaptation. This review synthesizes three decades of research (1990–2024) to elucidate the enzymatic pathways, regulatory mechanisms, and adaptive functions of melanin across insect taxa. Key enzymes such as phenoloxidase and tyrosinase mediate melanin biosynthesis and are central to pathogen encapsulation and wound healing, while also contributing to thermal regulation and Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) protection in extreme environments. The review integrates recent advances on hormonal and genetic regulation, emphasizing the roles of juvenile hormones, ecdysteroids, and transcription factors in modulating melanogenesis. It also identifies critical gaps in understanding transcriptional, epigenetic, and environmental regulation of melanin synthesis. By highlighting melanin’s multifunctionality and evolutionary significance, this review provides a framework for future studies linking molecular mechanisms with ecological adaptation and offers potential applications in pest management and insect resilience under climate change.

The interdependence of human, animal, plant and ecosystem health necessitates systemic, cross-domain collaboration to address global challenges, such as emerging diseases, climate change and biodiversity severe change. Through the Crete Declaration, Europe’s (e-)infrastructures, organisations and projects that focus on the functioning of our biosphere commit to jointly advancing the One Health approach. In doing so, the signatories aim to strengthen Europe’s resilience and leadership through the sharing of data and expertise, the development of innovative solutions and the promotion of evidence-based policies.

Blue carbon ecosystems, such as mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrasses, are important for climate mitigation. As carbon sinks, they often exhibit higher per hectare carbon storage capacity and sequestration rates than terrestrial systems. These ecosystems provide additional benefits, including enhancing water quality, sustaining biodiversity, and maintaining coastal resilience to climate change impacts. The widespread loss of blue carbon ecosystems due to anthropogenic activities can contribute to increasing carbon emissions globally. Monetizing blue carbon through carbon credits offers an avenue to generate revenue and incentivize conservation and restoration efforts. However, limited data on project costs and carbon benefits make prioritization of blue carbon projects challenging. To address these challenges, we have developed, in collaboration with blue carbon experts, the Blue Carbon Cost Tool. This is a user-friendly interface enabling comparison of three core market project components – 1) carbon credit estimation, 2) project cost estimation, and 3) a qualitative, non-economic feasibility assessment – to assess and compare potential for blue carbon projects. Tool simulations with data available from nine countries demonstrate (a) how factors such as country, ecosystem type and project scale drive variability, (b) the need for local or project-specific data to enhance accuracy and reduce uncertainty, particularly in tidal marsh and seagrass systems, and (c) that higher price tolerance or upfront capital is needed to bridge implementation and maintenance cost gaps. The Blue Carbon Cost Tool can aid project developers and investors to better understand market opportunity and the resources needed to develop high quality blue carbon market projects.

The article explores how the availability of climate change news inZimbabwe is pushing the rural communities‟ understanding of threatsposed by climate change on rural livelihoods and ways of life. Climatechange has become a global threat to the rural livelihoods with theerosion of livelihoods leading to rural-urban exodus that is draining ruralbrains. This article is based on the argument that the mainstreaming ofclimate change news increases the awareness of rural people and aidstheir adaptation and resilience strategies. The study used a qualitativemethodology with a bias towards an exploratory research design. Thestudy used focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to gatherdata. The study used purposive sampling and adhered to all ethicalprinciples. It found that climate change is hitting communal areas hardbut rural communities have been benefiting from government and privatemedia of information dissemination of news. The rural communities havebeen building resilience and adaptation to the vagaries of climate change.The study concludes that climate change remains a global threat to foodsecurity and rural development and more focus on climate news targetingrural communities must be introduced to fast-track rural developmentand resilience building. The study recommends the introduction ofcommunity radios and media outlets.

Abstract. There is unequivocal evidence that climate change will change the risk profile of dams, which are critical pieces of infrastructure that safeguard water supply and provide flood mitigation for populated areas. A key input to assessing risks to dam safety is a probabilistic estimate of extreme flood magnitudes with the potential to overtop dams. However, few studies have attempted to consider climate change in such estimates due to the challenges involved. A recent examination of contemporary scientific findings pertinent to climate change impacts on the probability of dam overtopping floods has informed the projection of estimates made here. We project changes in the exceedance probabilities of overtopping floods, namely floods that exceed the dam crest flood, for 18 large dams in Australia under a range of global warming assumptions. Explicit consideration is given to the impacts of climate change on rainfall depth, rainfall temporal pattern, and rainfall losses resulting from changes in antecedent catchment wetness. We used event-based flood modelling and Monte Carlo sampling to appropriately represent the range of uncertainties associated with projecting estimates of extreme flood quantiles. The analysis is dependent on the degree of global warming, which allows results to be interpreted in terms of different greenhouse gas emission scenarios and future time horizons. Our results are consistent with general expectations that the probability of dam overtopping floods will increase with global warming. Specifically, we found that increases in rainfall depth had the largest impact for all 18 dams under climate change. Under 4 °C of global warming, which approximates conditions towards the end of this century under a high emissions scenario, the probability of overtopping floods was between 2.4–17 times that of historical conditions for the dams investigated. We also found that the overtopping probability has more than doubled compared to the historical baseline for four of the dams investigated here as a result of global warming that has already occurred.

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to assess medical students’ environmental sensitivity and climate change awareness and to identify the factors influencing these outcomes.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2025 among 313 medical students at a university in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey. Data were collected via an online questionnaire including 16 socio-demographic items, the Environmental Sensitivity Scale, and the Climate Change Awareness Scale. Ethical and institutional approvals were obtained prior to data collection. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis test, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis. Significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: Female students scored significantly higher than males in awareness sub-dimensions (t-test, p < 0.05). Students in later academic years showed higher concern and knowledge compared with first-year students (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Students whose income exceeded their expenses reported higher knowledge of climate change causes (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Those living in apartments had lower awareness scores compared with peers in other housing types (Kruskal–Wallis, p < 0.05). Participation in environmental activities and perceiving climate change as relevant to medical education were strong positive predictors of awareness (multiple linear regression, p < 0.001). Conversely, environmental sensitivity scores were negatively associated with several awareness sub-dimensions.
Conclusion: Medical students’ climate change awareness is shaped by socio-demographic and individual factors. Active participation in environmental activities and perceiving climate change as relevant to medicine enhanced awareness, while environmental sensitivity exerted significant predictive effects. These findings support the integration of applied climate and environmental health modules into medical curricula and the promotion of student-centered sustainability initiatives.

This study examines legal protection for vulnerable communities from the perspective of environmental justice and human rights in the era of climate change. Climate change exacerbates the vulnerability of marginalized groups, thus requiring a comprehensive legal approach. This study analyzes how existing legal and policy frameworks, both at the national and international levels, can effectively protect the rights of vulnerable communities affected by climate change. Environmental justice is the main focus of these frameworks, ensuring that environmental burdens are distributed fairly and do not disproportionately burden vulnerable groups. In addition, the study explores the role of corporate responsibility in climate change mitigation and adaptation, highlighting how business activities can impact the human rights of vulnerable communities. Stakeholder engagement, including consumers and investors, is considered essential in driving sustainable business practices. The study aims to identify gaps in current legal protections and propose policy recommendations to improve environmental justice and human rights for vulnerable communities in the era of climate change. It emphasizes the need for urgent action to protect groups most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, considering ethical, social, and economic dimensions to achieve equitable and sustainable solutions.

United Nations Security Council is the core institution tasked with upholding global peace and security, but its efficiency in responding to emerging challenges of non-conventional nature has been termed into question. Based on a critical analysis of the record of the Council in responding to three emerging challenges: pandemics, climate change, and cybersecurity within the larger reform agenda of global governance, this study employs a systematic review of UNSC resolutions, debates, and literature spanning 2000 to 2024. The analysis shows mixed performance. When it came to pandemics, the UNSC acknowledged health emergencies as security threats in Resolutions 1308 (HIV/AIDS), 2177 (Ebola), and 2532 (COVID-19), but actions were lagging behind and politically delayed. Climate change has been discussed over and over again as a "threat multiplier," yet attempts to enshrine a security strategy were vetoed, and results were mostly symbolic. In cyber security, involvement has been confined to ad hoc Arria-formula sessions, without obliging decisions due to concerns around sovereignty and grand power competitions. Comparative analysis attests that although pandemics led to mediocre operational activity, climate change and cybersecurity are under-addressed and reflect institutional inertia and structural impasse. The study argues that meaningful reform namely on the practice of vetoes, the agenda's flexibility, and enhanced cooperation with specialist bodies such as the WHO, UNFCCC, and ITU is required if the UNSC is to keep pace with new global challenges. Unless these reforms are brought about, the Council will continue to decline in legitimacy and effectiveness in addressing the complex security issues of the twenty-first century.

Physics as a field of study provides basic instrument and numerical analysis of problem. This work is aimed at estimating reference evaportranspiration using Dryness Index Model in some typical humid region of Nigeria employing analytical techniques of Physics. There is a growing concern especially in Africa, about the consequences of climate change for food systems and food security. There is also concern that meeting the rising demand for food is leading to environmental degradation thereby exacerbating factors in part responsible for climate change, and further undermining the food systems upon which food security is based. This work presents Dryness Index (DI), the ration of rainfall over reference evaportranspiration (ET) in some parts of humid regions in Nigeria. The ET values were computed using the Blanney-Criddle using the maximum and minimum temperatures as input. The daily rinfall analysis showed signs of a possible climate change. The implication of this in developing a sustainable crop plan for Nigeria and in crop-climate studies towards boosting the food production system in a changing climate is emphasized. An understanding of the evaportranspiration, rainfall, dryness index process and knowledge about the spatial and temporary rates of evaportranspiration is paramount for designing appropriate response to climate change. Unfortunately, knowledge about the process is limited in many African countries. In this work, we analyzed levels of evaportranspiration, rainfall and dryness index for two cities of Nigeria (Owerri and Calabar) using obtained data fron Nigeria meteorological agency (NIMET) for the period of 12 months. This work stands a chance to educate and enlighten its reader and thus, gives a suitable advice where necessary.

Abstract. Increasing evidence highlights the disruptive effects of compound climate extremes on global crop yields under climate change. Existing studies predominantly rely on the whole growing–season scale and relative thresholds, and limit the ability to capture crop physiological sensitivities and yield responses that vary critically across growth stages. Here, we analyzed the spatiotemporal variations, dominant drivers, and potential impacts on the yields of concurrent heat–drought and chilling–rain events for single– and late–rice in southern China from 1981 to 2018. Specifically, we carefully distinguished three sensitive growth stages of rice and stage–specific climate stress types and thresholds based on rice physiology. Temporally, single–rice experienced a significant increase in concurrent heat–drought events, while late–rice experienced a modest rise in chilling–rain events. Spatially, the hotspots of concurrent heat–drought events varied greatly across the three growth stages. These spatial patterns are driven primarily by differences in crop phenology across locations, rather than by the occurrence of extreme climate conditions. The concurrent chilling–rain events of late–rice were widespread within the planting regions, with a higher incidence in certain areas. Path analysis identified heat stress as the primary driver of heat–drought impacts (particularly in jointing–booting and heading–flowering stages), whereas chilling and rain stress exerted comparable effects for late–rice. Our assessment of compound event impacts and sensitivity on rice yield revealed significant growth–stage differences, with comparable yield losses from both concurrent heat–drought and chilling–rain events. Single–rice showed the highest sensitivity to heat–drought events during the grain filling stage, whereas the late–rice exhibited greater sensitivity during the heading–flowering stage. The historical impact on yield diverged markedly across growth stages, with the largest having occurred in the grain filling stage, particularly for heat–drought events. Our study provided important information on compound agroclimatic extremes, in the context of southern China's rice production system, and the results provide important information for risk management and adaptation strategies under climate change.

ABSTRACT Climate change is expected to reduce the yield of crops, including maize, especially in drought regions. Adjusting sowing dates and irrigation strategies are key methods for adapting to future climate change and maintaining maize production in drought areas. However, the extent to which the abovementioned strategies can mitigate the potential adverse impacts of climate change on maize yield and net irrigation requirements (NIR) in the arid regions of northwestern China is still unclear. This study used 12 global climate models (GCMs) to drive the AquaCrop model, evaluating maize production responses under two CMIP6 scenarios. The results indicate that the optimal sowing date should be 32.6 days earlier under SSP2‐4.5 and 37.9 days earlier under SSP5‐8.5 than under current practices. For irrigation, maintaining a higher total available water (TAW) threshold during the rapid development stage (> 65%) and at least 20% for other stages was beneficial. Compared with the baseline (1991–2020), adjusting the sowing date increased the maize yield by 1%–9% and extended the growth cycle (GC) by 3.5–22.9 days, whereas optimizing irrigation increased the yield by 2%–5% and reduced the NIR by 5%–25%. The results can provide useful references for food security in drought areas.

A fascinating convergence of climate change, trauma, and resilience emerges in contemporary literature. This convergence is particularly vital for gaining a clearer understanding of the climate crisis and its emotional and psychological impact on people in the modern world. In their novels, Richard Powers and Omar El Akkad explore how environmental deterioration affects individuals' mental and emotional well-being, examining feelings of sadness, trauma, and displacement. These contemporary writers effectively portray the impact of climate change and its subsequent effects on identity and culture in an insightful and compelling manner. The Overstory by Powers and American War by Akkad highlight the significant value of literary analysis in understanding and addressing the global phenomenon of climate change. Their novels explore the complex emotions and psychological responses evoked by climate change, which may contribute to mental health challenges if not addressed. This paper employs qualitative method which includes close reading and textual analysis examine how climate change is addressed and its impact on culture and literature. Additionally, the paper emphasizes how literature can foster empathy and resilience. It aims to shed light on the profound effect this issue has on people's emotions and mental well-being.

Abstract. River water temperature is a key factor for water quality, aquatic life, and human use. Under climate change, inland water temperatures have increased and are expected to do so further, increasing the pressure on aquatic life and reducing the potential for human use. Here, future river water temperatures are projected for Switzerland based on a multi-fidelity modeling approach. We use 2 different semi-empirical surface water temperature models, 22 coupled and downscaled general circulation to regional climate models, future projections of river discharge from 4 hydrological models, and 3 climate change scenarios (RCP2.6, 4.5, and 8.5). By grouping catchments under representative thermal regimes and by employing hierarchical cluster-based thermal-pattern recognitions, an optimal model and model configuration were selected, thereby improving model performance. Results show that, until the end of the 21st century, average river water temperatures in Switzerland will likely increase by 3.2 ± 0.7 °C (or 0.36 ± 0.1 °C per decade) under RCP8.5, while, under RCP2.6, the temperature increase may remain at 0.9 ± 0.3 °C (0.12 ± 0.1 °C per decade). Under RCP8.5, temperatures of rivers classified as being in the Alpine thermal regime will increase the most, that is, by 3.5 ± 0.5 °C, followed by rivers of the Downstream Lake regime, which will increase by 3.4 ± 0.5 °C. Under RCP2.6, temperatures in the Alpine and Downstream Lake regimes change most, with +1.15 and +0.99 ± 0.5 °C. A general pattern of decreasing river discharge in summer (−10 % to −40 %) and increasing river discharge in winter (+10 % to +30 %), combined with a further increase in average near-surface air temperatures (0.5 °C per decade), bears the potential to result in not only overall warmer rivers but also prolonged periods of extreme summer river water temperatures. This dramatically increases the thermal-stress potential for temperature-sensitive aquatic species such as the brown trout in rivers where such periods occur already but also in rivers where this was previously not a problem. By providing information on future water temperatures, the results of this study can guide the management of climate mitigation efforts.

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of wildfires in boreal forests, raising concerns about ecosystem resilience. We investigated the correspondence between fire events and soil erosion events in northern Finland during the Holocene (last 11,000 years). We analysed charcoal particles to reconstruct the local fire histories of two boreal lake catchments. Then, using magnetic susceptibility analysis, we identified sedimentary inputs into the lakes due to soil erosion events. Sediment geochemistry analysis revealed that high-severity fires corresponding with soil erosion events not only affect the organic soil horizons, but also the topmost mineral horizons by leaching aluminium, calcium, nitrogen, silicon and heavy metals into aquatic ecosystems. Because the effects of high-severity fires on soil properties are long-lasting, increased fire severity under climate change in northern Finland could hamper forest resilience in addition to contaminating aquatic ecosystems.

Climate change has emerged as a global challenge for sustainable development since its effects provide significant threats to achieving economic, social, and environmental sustainability goals. This study underscores the multifaceted impacts of climate variability, particularly drought, on dairy farming across the selected vulnerable districts in Tamil Nadu. Periodic drought is a major challenge in drought-prone areas of India. A sample survey of farmers (n = 60) from a highly vulnerable district was conducted to study the farmers’ perception about climate change and to document the drought adaptation index. Drought Adaptation Index (DAI) was calculated. The escalating severity of drought in Tamil Nadu underscores the critical importance of documenting the perceived impact of farmers regarding climate variability on dairy production and documenting the farmers' led adaptation strategies. While existing research has examined drought measurement and impact assessment in agriculture, there remains a significant gap in empirical studies analysing farmers' adaptation practices and their policy implications pertaining to dairying. Hence, research indicates an urgent need for comprehensive initiatives to enhance dairy farmers' resilience. The absence of robust empirical evidence on drought adaptation practices poses a significant threat to dairy farming sustainability and food security. To address this challenge, research efforts must focus on identifying and evaluating effective adaptation policies that can sustain agricultural productivity through drought periods. The most significant adaptation strategies adopted by the farmers were Selection of appropriate fodder varieties for drought (0.95) and selection of recommended breeds (0.93), Feeding crop residues and tree leaves (0.67), Tethering the animals under trees (0.57) and Spreading coconut / palmyrah leaves on the roof top (0.55). Very low DAI scores were recorded for usage of wet sacks (0.07), growing trees around sheds (0.05), changing grazing times (0.05), and preference for tree fodder (0.03). These strategies, while potentially beneficial, lack perceived usefulness and self-efficacy among the surveyed respondents. The study highlights the economic strain caused by reduced milk yield, reduced forage availability and rising input costs, further exacerbating vulnerability in dairy systems.

Climate change presents a significant threat to the well-being of medical students, further impacting their physical and mental health in the context of already demanding academic and clinical responsibilities. This study aims to examine how future healthcare professionals perceive the health-related consequences of climate change and to what extent they feel equipped to address the challenges posed by this globalissue. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire to gather data. The invitation to participate was extended to students from different academic programs within a medical university. A total of 697 students completed the survey. Most respondents were male students aged between 21 and 23years, with the majority hailing from Pakistan, India, and Kazakhstan. The survey showed a high level of awareness among students about the health impacts of climate change: 80 % expect serious health impacts in their communities in the next 20years. The majority believe that climate change will increase the burden of health care, lead to an increase in infectious and mental diseases, and affect vulnerable populations. 72.9 % support the inclusion of climate in health education. The relationship between awareness and support for mandatory climate education is statistically confirmed (p<0.001). This study highlights medical students' strong awareness of climate change's impact on health and the importance of integrating this topic into medical education. Enhancing future physicians' knowledge and resilience to environmental threats is crucial for effective healthcare in a changing climate.

Climate change and insecticides negatively impact organism development and reproduction. Previous studies on climate change have focused on average temperature while ignoring diurnal temperature fluctuations. Therefore, this study investigates the interaction effects of the nymph experiencing temperature amplitudes (TAs) (+/−0, +/−6, +/−12 °C) at the same average temperature (22 °C) and two insecticides (beta-cypermethrin: negative temperature coefficient NT, imidacloprid: positive temperature coefficient PT) in the adult phenotypes and population parameter of S. avenae. The findings revealed that wide amplitude (+/−12 °C) significantly decreased fecundity, daily nymph reproduction, and the intrinsic rate of increase, while it significantly enhanced early fecundity. Medium amplitude (+/−6 °C) significantly lowered the intrinsic rate of increase. Notably, insecticides mitigated or even reversed the harmful impact of wide amplitude on adults. Under PT treatment, longevity was significantly higher than that under 22 °C. Under NT treatment, survival was noticeably greater than that under 22 °C. The interaction between insecticide and medium amplitude positively influenced adult phenotypes, with both PT and NT treatments resulting in higher survival, longevity, fecundity, and daily nymph production compared to 22 °C. These findings support the theory of climate-induced poison sensitivity and indicate that insecticide temperature coefficient is crucial in assessing insecticide safety risks under climate change scenarios.