Climate Issues Research Articles

A human rights approach to climate litigation before the ECOWAS court

Climate change can be litigated through tort, common law, statute/policy, public trust doctrine or human rights among others. While climate change litigation appears to have developed in states of the Global North, its use is still relatively recent in states of the Global South. Nor has it been seriously considered from the perspective of international tribunals from the Global South. Therefore, this study examines a human rights approach to climate change litigation in the Economic Community of West African States Court of Justice (ECOWAS Court). This study finds that there are some developments in certain jurisdictions which make a human rights approach promising in terms of locus standi, justiciability, causation and separation of powers and that they can be related to the jurisprudence of the ECOWAS Court. It also finds that the doctrine of exhaustion of local remedies does not apply to the ECOWAS Court. Based on these findings, it is argued that a human rights approach can be successfully deployed to litigate climate change before the ECOWAS Court and that it can wake up West African States from their lethargy in terms of policy on, and treatment of, climate issues. The study concludes that individuals and NGOs may adopt a human rights approach before the ECOWAS Court to influence policy change and/or state behaviour in West African States.

Female activists in environmental movements on Instagram: An ecofeminism perspective in the Indonesian context

Social media has become an essential instrument for activists and organizations to campaign and share their activism in the digital sphere. In Indonesia, while discussing digital activism, many activists also utilize social media to create, interact, and expand their networks. Numerous studies have analyzed the importance of environmental groups and activists in combating the climate issue; however, relatively few have examined how female activists depict and debate environmental activism on social media from an ecofeminist viewpoint, particularly on Instagram. Considering the contributions of female activists may provide broader and more critical viewpoints that link environmental challenges with other topics. Therefore, the growth of online networks and social media platforms may lead to a rise in the number of female activists who are able to voice their opinions and campaign on environmental concerns, particularly in the Indonesian setting.

Internal Solitary Waves within the Cold Tongue of the Equatorial Pacific Generated by Buoyant Gravity Currents

Abstract The equatorial cold tongue in the Pacific Ocean has been intensely studied during the last decades as it plays an important role in air–sea interactions and climate issues. Recently, Warner et al. revealed gravity currents apparently originating in tropical instability waves. Both phenomena have strong dissipation rates and were considered to play a significant role in cascading energy from the mesoscale to smaller horizontal scales, as well as to vertical scales less than 1 m. Here, we present Sentinel-3 satellite observations of internal solitary waves (ISWs) in the Pacific cold tongue near the equator, in a zonal band stretching from 210° to 265°E, away from any steep bottom topography. Within this band these waves propagate in multiple directions. Some of the waves’ characteristics, such as the distance between wave crests, crest lengths, and time scales, are estimated from satellite observations. In total we identify 116 ISW trains during one full year (2020), with typical distances between crests of 1500 m and crest lengths of hundreds of kilometers. These ISW trains appear to be generated by buoyant gravity currents having sharp fronts detectable in thermal infrared satellite images. A 2D numerical model confirms that resonantly generated nonlinear internal waves with amplitudes of O(10) m may be continuously initiated at the fronts of advancing gravity currents. Significance Statement Satellite imagery reveals the repeated occurrence of internal solitary waves in the near-equatorial region of the east Pacific, despite the absence of topography. These waves appear to be resonantly generated over the sheared Equatorial Undercurrent by gravity currents that propagate as frontal zones of 1000-km scale tropical instability waves, providing a physical link with viscous mixing scales.

The Impact of Extreme Precipitation Events and Their Variability on Climate Change Beliefs in the American Public

Abstract Although scientists agree that climate change is anthropogenic, differing interpretations of evidence in a highly polarized sociopolitical environment impact how individuals perceive climate change. While prior work suggests that individuals experience climate change through local conditions, there is a lack of consensus on how personal experience with extreme precipitation may alter public opinion on climate change. We combine high-resolution precipitation data at the zip-code level with nationally representative public opinion survey results (n = 4008) that examine beliefs in climate change and the perceived cause. Our findings support relationships between well-established value systems (i.e., partisanship, religion) and socioeconomic status with individual opinions of climate change, showing that these values are influential in opinion formation on climate issues. We also show that experiencing characteristics of atypical precipitation (e.g., more variability than normal, increasing or decreasing trends, or highly recurring extreme events) in a local area are associated with increased belief in anthropogenic climate change. This suggests that individuals in communities that experience greater atypical precipitation may be more accepting of messaging and policy strategies directly aimed at addressing climate change challenges. Thus, communication strategies that leverage individual perception of atypical precipitation at the local level may help tap into certain “experiential” processing methods, making climate change feel less distant. These strategies may help reduce polarization and motivate mitigation and adaptation actions. Significance Statement Public acceptance for anthropogenic climate change is hindered by how related issues are presented, diverse value systems, and information-processing biases. Personal experiences with extreme weather may act as a salient cue that impacts individuals’ perceptions of climate change. We couple a large, nationally representative public opinion dataset with station precipitation data at the zip-code level in the United States. Results are nuanced but suggest that anomalous and variable precipitation in a local area may be interpreted as evidence for anthropogenic climate change. So, relating atypical local precipitation conditions to climate change may help tap into individuals’ experiential processing, sidestep polarization, and tailor communications at the local level.

Quality journalism and advocacy in raising climate awareness: The case of The Guardian

The Anthropocene era describes human activity as the decisive factor in creating environmental imbalance on the planet. This emergency is intensifying the need for journalism to raise readers’ awareness about the climate crisis. This study concentrates on the coverage generated by the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27). Using a mixed quantitative and qualitative method, The Guardian’s international digital version was analysed to find out the scope of journalistic quality on the climate issue, applying the variables accredited with the Journalistic Value Added (JVA) analysis technique to the sample (N = 238). The results show that the editorial policy of commitment to the climate emergency taken on by The Guardian coincides with essential criteria of quality journalism, making the medium a point of reference, although misproportion still persist such as gender representation among the sources.

On Conspiracy Thought Models in Thinking Climate Change

People make mistakes in their thinking. Errors in human thinking and incorrect information contents in people’s mental representations can be found in everyday context such as in arguments about the current climate crisis. Erroneous thinking can cause false thought models such as climate change denialism and conspiracy thinking. Therefore, it is important to analyze the information contents of incorrect schemas or thought models. This can be done with an approach called content-based psychology.
 In this research we analyzed 2980 public opinions posted in Finnish Social Media Platform Suomi24 to study how people think about and what kinds of illusory contents they use in constructing their representations on climate issues. We wanted to ask whether one can find illusory thinking in social media posts and to outline a typical construction of a false thought model in conspiracy thinking related to climate change. As a result, we found that conspiracy thinking can be found in online media discussions, and it is strongly associated with climate change denialism. Also, different fallacious or biased thought models have combined effects in constructing active mental representations in conspiracy thought models. Analyzing mental contents makes it possible to understand denialist and illusory thinking, but it requires further work.
 Keywords: Climate change thinking,, Erroneous thinking, Content-based psychology, Denialism, Conspiracy thinking

ECOLOGY AND CLIMATE: WHERE WE ARE NOW AND WHERE WE WILL BE IN TWO OR THREE DECADES. <i>GLOBAL TRENDS</i>

The article is the first of the two contributions based upon the authors’ studies and reports provided to Horizon-2040. The latter is a project organized by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives serving a platform for strategic dialogue to determine the role and position of Russia in the international arena in 2040 and produce scenarios for the national long-term development trends in the key areas, environment and climate inclusive. The current state of the global environmental and climate change issues is contemplated. Also considered is dynamics of these issues within the past 50 years in terms of the global sustainable development priorities. Aqualitative forecast of the state and expected developments in coping with the issues above by 2040 is introduced. The key challenges associated with the World Ocean, land waters, air quality, environmental situation in the cities, climate and biodiversity issues are briefly discussed. The priority strategic role of biodiversity in sustainable development of the world community and economy within the long term perspective is substantiated. Emphasized arwpoor understanding and under-evaluation of adaptation policy role in the global climate agenda. Distinguished are the four types of key events according to their contribution to the homo ecologicus formation. Also disclosed are the four key factors precipitating the existing poor situation in environmental and climate policy areas and tendencies of their further deterioration which (factors) involve public awareness, value system and human activity attitudes.

HOW CAN PAKISTAN RECOVER FROM ITS ECONOMIC CRISIS

This research paper throws light on the economic crisis and the period of depression currently going on in Pakistan. How did Pakistan go from being one of the best performers in the Asian Economy to becoming the worst economy in the world? How did Pakistan accumulate a total debt of PKR 55 trillion from loans and where were the areas where the Pakistani Government made mistakes? The paper also focuses on some of the aspects other than the economic front like the political instability, climate issues and external conflicts which led Pakistan to this period of depression. Also, the paper tries to suggest some key solutions which can be taken to revive the economy so that it can grow once again.

Co-movements between heterogeneous crude oil and food markets: Does temperature change really matter?

In the global context of temperature change, two climate-sensitive sectors, food and crude oil are directly and severely exposed to frequent climate issues, and their risks are often considered in isolation. However, crude oil and food are closely interrelated. Here, this paper constructs a unified framework to comprehensively explore the impact of temperature change on spillovers between heterogeneous crude oil shocks and corn, soybean, and wheat markets from both time-frequency and quantile perspectives. The bidirectional spillover between oil and food is asymmetric and predominantly positive. Temperature changes generally have an amplifying effect on spillovers, but the effect in extreme cross-market spillovers will vary with crude oil shock types. Differentiated policies for heterogeneous crude oil shocks are therefore necessary. Particularly under the crude oil-specific demand shock, temperature changes can counterintuitively and negatively affect extreme two-way oil-soybean spillovers. This research provides new insights into energy and food security issues under temperature changes.

What we learn from nexus between greener growth andenergy‐relatedemissions: Sustainability perspective evidence in context of financial globalization

With gradually increasing global climate issues, the Energy Protection Agency (EPA) emphasizes emission reduction measures at the national and international levels. Financial globalization and green innovation are considered a solution to the low‐income problem through internalization and specialization of markets and bring technological progress and innovation through open market access. The developed nations have been using financial globalization as the main driver of economic progress. This study examines the effects of financial globalization and green innovation on energy‐related greenhouse gas emissions for G7 countries. Unlike the literature that considered carbon and overall greenhouse gas emissions, this study is novel as it specifically focuses on energy‐related emissions in developed economies. The authors use the panel data of G7 economies from 1990 to 2020. To estimate the individual effects of each explanatory variable on emissions despite the nonlinear data distribution, this study uses the novel method of moment quantile regression (MMQR) approach. The results suggested that financial globalization, income, eco‐innovation, financial risk and human capital significantly influence greenhouse gas emissions in G7 countries, where economic growth and human capital are the leading drivers of energy‐related emissions. However, green technology, financial globalization and financial risk significantly help improve the environmental quality of the region. The results suggested fruitful implications, including increased participation in global economic activities, investment in green innovation, human capital and efficient financial risk management to attain sustainable development.

Paradise lost? The red right hand of green technology

This article addresses issues of climate and environmental injustice through the lens of electric vehicle (EV) usage. The current market for batteries relies very heavily on Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries, as they provide ‘high efficiency and low cost’. In 2020, BloombergNEF forecast that by 2040, 58 per cent of global passenger vehicles sales would be EVs, with demand for batteries rising commensurately. Between 2010 and 2021, the average unit price for EV batteries fell from $1200 to $132 per kW/h. The article considers the environmental impacts of EVs and assesses the extent to which impacts on local communities are reflected accurately in calculations of the benefits of EV technology. It concludes that whilst the carbon emissions and impact on the climate of using EVs is significantly lower than for using petrol or diesel vehicles, the current cost of the technology simply does not reflect the disproportionate impact on the populations living near the extraction sites for the minerals needed in EV batteries.

Assessing carbon cap-and-trade policies on hybrid renewable energy investments: Implications for pricing and capacity decisions

Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind have received a lot of attention and research in recent years as the climate issue has become more serious. However, compared with traditional energy sources, renewable energy has unstable characteristics such as intermittency. Integrated systems consisting of two or more renewable energy systems, also known as hybrid renewable energy systems, are increasingly popular among environmentalists because their sources can complement each other and provide customers with higher quality and more reliable power than single-source systems. This paper develops an analytical framework to explore the impacts of carbon cap-and-trade policy on the pricing and capacity establishment decisions of a utility firm that invests in hybrid renewable energy (solar energy and wind energy) systems. Three carbon reduction mechanisms are considered: the No cap-and-trade mechanism, Grandfathering mechanism, and Benchmarking mechanism. We focus on the optimal investment decision of a monopolistic utility firm in a hybrid renewable energy system under such three mechanisms. We derive the equilibriums of the utility firm that invests in two renewable energy capacities and compare the performances of the three mechanisms. We find that, in terms of reducing carbon emissions, Grandfathering mechanism dominates the Benchmarking mechanism, but in terms of improving the firm's utilization efficiency of renewable energy power generation or the firm's investment in renewable energy, Benchmarking mechanism is preferred. Therefore, governments/regulators should fully consider how to use the cap-and-trade policies to guide firms to effectively reduce total carbon emissions, and provide different carbon policies for different purposes.

Air preoxidation and Fe-catalyzed cooperative effect for preparation of high-performance coal-based granular activated carbon: Enhancing low-concentration CH4 recovery and utilization

Low-cost and efficient recovery of low-concentration CH4 is important in enhancing energy utilization and mitigating climate issues. The primary objective of this study was to develop a novel coal-based granular activated carbon through an improved preparation process. By utilizing anthracite as a precursor and coal tar as a binder, the present investigation highlights the cooperative effects of air preoxidation and Fe catalysis on the development and regulation of the pore structure in activated carbon. The efficiency of the modified activated carbon in separating CH4/N2 was tested and compared to that of commercial activated carbon. The modified activated carbon ACAFe exhibited an equilibrium separation factor of 3.23 for CH4/N2 at 25 °C. At 25 °C and 400 kPa, a single-column vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) process enriched CH4 from 40 mol% to 53.49 mol% and provided a CH4 recovery rate of 76.39%. ACAFe also demonstrated excellent cyclic regenerability. In conclusion, the cooperative effect of air preoxidation and Fe catalysis is an operationally simple, cost-effective, and highly efficient process with considerable industrial potential for recovering and utilizing low-concentration methane from unconventional natural gas sources.

Assessing causes and implications of climate-induced migration in Kenya and Ethiopia

Climate-induced migration is an increasingly pressing issue in many African regions, as rising temperatures and extreme weather events have caused the displacement of vulnerable populations. This is especially so in Eastern Africa and the Horn of Africa, particularly Kenya and Ethiopia, where extreme weather events have led to rangeland degradation, crop failures, water shortages, and food insecurity. Hence, there is a perceived need to understand these processes better. Against this background, this paper reports on a study investigating the processes associated with climate-induced migration in Kenya and Ethiopia. The research method used consisted of an expert-driven assessment approach, which assesses the causes of climate-induced migration in Kenya and Ethiopia and its human and social implications on local communities. Data were collected from 110 experts residing and working on climate and migration-related issues in Ethiopia and Kenya via e-mail, whose knowledge of the current situation has enabled the identification of some important trends. The results show that climate change is a primary trigger of migration both internally and externally. The high number of migrants, many of whom living within levels of poverty in their home areas is straining resources and services in the receiving regions. Their presence is also leading to increased competition for jobs and resources. Additionally, it has increased urban poverty, as many migrants have little access to living space and health care. This paper provides a welcome addition to the literature in that it lists the causes and implications of climate-induced migration and, by doing so, fosters a better understanding of the current crisis and its implications. The implications of this paper to the overall knowledge of climate change and migration are twofold. First, it highlights the need for governments, international organisations, and other stakeholders better to understand the complex linkages between climate change and migration. Secondly, it shows the usefulness of better recognising how climate change can drive migration and the other factors shaping the decision to migrate. The paper concludes by stating the urgent need for policies and programmes that support climate change-induced migrants. Also, it draws attention to the usefulness of promoting sustainable development in their origin countries and destinations, so that migration is not necessarily perceived as the only response to climate change. A further conclusion is that there is a perceived need for providing access to resources such as education, health care, and livelihood opportunities and establishing mechanisms to ensure a safe and dignified return for those who choose to do so.

Climate change awareness in ELT: Ethnography in connected learning and ecojustice pedagogy

This research article explores the integration of climate change education in the context of English as a Foreign Language teacher education. As climate–induced disasters are on the rise, the mitigation of climate change necessitates an interdisciplinary approach to climate education. While science education has extensively addressed climate change education, the field of language education and literacy has not taken drastic measures to participate in climate change education. The article heeds the call for more research on climate change education in second/foreign language and literacy programs. Using the connected learning and ecojustice pedagogy, we engaged 20 preservice teachers in exploring climate change issues within a semester-long creative writing course. Analyses of classroom discussions, reflective writing, and picture book projects showed that the preservice teachers’ awareness of climate change issues developed as they delved into the projects that required their understanding of the global climate issues with the local connection. The article concludes by arguing that connected learning and ecojustice pedagogy support the development of climate change awareness while facilitating preservice teachers’ multimodal writing skills. It recommends that language educators engage in interdisciplinary participation to address climate change issues through curricular engagements that support multimodal-based climate literacy learning.

Characteristics and Variations in Korea through the Lens of Net-Zero Carbon Transformation in Cities

As climate issues become more severe, the necessity and importance of urban transformation are being widely recognized, and the breadth and depth of research in various disciplines of social sciences to promote net-zero carbon (NZC) transformation in cities is increasing. In this study, between 2015 and 2021, 17 major cities and administrative regions in Korea from were taken as the target and based on the driving force-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) model, a framework of 23 indicators of energy, environment, and economic systems (3ES) was constructed through the coupling coordination degree (CCD) assessment system. The development level, development speed, coordination index of subsystems, and coupled coordination relationship were analyzed successively. Finally, a gray correlation model was adopted to extract the 3ES of each city and their key driving factors. The findings indicate that: (1) There is a phenomenon of high coupling and low coordination within the subsystem, with the environmental factors layer being the most critical concern. (2) The overall coupling of the system has improved continuously since 2015, but it is still at the moderate coupling stage, owing to the long-term nature of system contradictions and processing lags. (3) The driving causes of urban transformation have shifted from economic to environmental restrictions, resulting in noticeable regional differences later in the study period and a rise in the necessity for hierarchical zoning governance. Finally, based on the perspective of restricted subsystems and the consolidation of the 3ES coordination relationship, this study demonstrates the significant relationship between environmental protection, energy transition, and economic development, thus enriching the associated literature at the periphery. It also provides a theoretical foundation for investigating the transition path of NZC cities, thus enhancing research in this area.

Feasibility Analysis of the UN Security Council's Involvement in Climate Change Issues: Using Climate Refugees as An Entry Point

In view of the increasingly severe negative impact of climate change on mankind, and given the current limited international intervention in this issue, the intervention of the UN Security Council should be sought. This paper takes the issue of climate refugees as a starting point. It proposes a strict limitation on the definition of climate refugees to help identify climate refugees more scientifically and accurately in reality. Given the difficulty of forming an effective protection system for climate refugees under the international framework, the need for the Security Council to intervene has increased significantly. Moreover, given the potential threat of climate refugees to global security, and considering that there is already a similar precedent, the Security Council should, by Article 41 of the UN Charter, adopt a resolution requesting all countries to take practical measures to mitigate the effects of climate change to reduce the generation of climate refugees and deploy response plans in advance for possible future climate refugees

Social Inequality Caused by Climate Change and Legal Countermeasures to Achieve Social Justice: A Specific Insight towards Africa and Middle East Regions

Apart from the environmental effects resulted from global climate change, social impacts can not be ignore while tackling climate issues. The association of human rights and scarce resources are causing growing consequences of social inequality,especially in Africa and some Middle East regions. This paper is targeted to explain the formation of unbalanced distribution of resources of vulnerabilities and demonstrate the countermeasures of legislation after the role of legal managements role are clearly identified. The Uae, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and Kenya are countries specifically researched on as being some of the most severe region affected by rising water.

Unveiling the nexus and promoting integration of diverse factors: Prospects of big data-driven artificial intelligence technology in achieving carbon neutrality in Chongming District

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today. The large amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by human activities, especially the emission of carbon dioxide, is an important driving factor behind climate issues. Under the background of China’s “3060” decarbonization goal”, Chongming District in Shanghai is actively promoting the construction of a world-class ecological island and is committed to creating a carbon–neutral demonstration zone with global influence. However, Chongming District faces challenges as the mechanism of carbon-neutrality transition path remains unclear. The data related to evaluating carbon neutrality status are heterogeneous from multiple sources. It is difficult to effectively implement relevant evaluation and response measures, impeding the progress of its low-carbon transformation. In response to the aforementioned challenges, this paper will propose and discuss the potential methods based on the new generation of information technology, represented by big data and artificial intelligence. These technologies aim to facilitate the integration of diverse factors, including carbon, and explore the nexus among them, thus exploring pathways for low-carbon transformation, and ultimately achieving decarbonization goal in Chongming District. Hopefully, the research conducted in this paper will contribute to the efforts of China and the global community in addressing carbon-related challenges and advancing towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future.

In case you haven't heard…

Many mental health counselors have said they feel ill‐equipped to help their clients deal with psychological issues around climate change, according to a new study published in The Journal of Humanistic Counseling, the web‐based medical and health news service, Medical Xpress, reported Aug. 28. Researchers and climate experts predict a sharp rise in mental health struggles — including grief and hopelessness — as climate change fuels increasing numbers of severe fires, floods, droughts and displacements. A team led by counseling educator Ryan F. Reese, Ph.D., of Oregon State University‐Cascades, administered questionnaires to 382 licensed mental health care providers in the U.S., including psychologists, school counselors and social workers. Only 5% of the participants reported being trained to address climate change with clients, and only 9% said they had educational resources to help clients cope with climate‐related issues. Nearly 46% reported feeling unequipped to handle climate change issues in their practices. The study also showed that counselors who actively work to mitigate climate change and who feel connected to community and nature were more likely to view climate change counseling as a professional mandate. Reese and his colleagues said the mental health care fields may need to provide professionals with more educational resources around climate change and also address counselors’ own awareness and attitudes about climate issues.