Climate Mitigation Strategies Research Articles

Prospective impacts of windstorm risk on carbon sinks and the forestry sector: an integrated assessment with Monte Carlo simulations

Abstract Storms pose a significant threat to economic activities in the forest sector and introduce non-permanence risks for carbon stocks. Following escalating climate ambitions, understanding and addressing these risks becomes imperative. Uncertainties intrinsic to the storm phenomenon render this task complex. This study uses an integrated forest sector model to assess the economic and carbon impacts of storm regimes, emphasizing the importance of uncertainties through Monte Carlo simulation. From an economic perspective, we unravel complex interplays between the salvage and inventory effects of storms that lead to heterogeneous transfers of economic welfare across agents and space. Non-affected forest owners benefit from inflated prices, while affected owners’ recovery hinges on the magnitude of storm damage. From a climate perspective, storms significantly impact the forest sector’s carbon sink, with a high risk of falling short on mitigation objectives. In 25% of simulations, we observe a substantial 24% decrease in carbon sequestration. Our findings advocate for (1) conservative reliance on natural carbon sinks in national climate mitigation strategies toward net-zero, and (2) tailored risk-sharing insurance mechanisms for forest owners, providing a buffer against economic uncertainties arising from climatic disruptions.

Blue carbon assessment in Avicennia marina sediments and vegetation along the Red Sea Coast of Egypt: Improving methods and insights

Mangrove forests play a crucial role in the coastal environment. A plethora of research is focusing on mangroves’ role in climate mitigation through sequestering and storing CO2. This study aims to assess the organic carbon (OC) stocks and carbon sequestration rate (CSR) of the largest stands of mangroves in the Red Sea Coast of Egypt, to evaluate their significance in climate mitigation strategies. Intensive sampling was conducted in mangrove stands of Safaga, Qulaan, and Hamata to investigate OC and sediment properties along depth intervals to 1 m deep. Additionally, OC stored in the above- and below-ground biomass was estimated using Landsat 9 OLI/TIRS satellite images. TOC content (∼0.50%) and stocks in the sediments (54.49 ± 31.71–86.00 ± 29.00 MgC/ha) were very low compared to the global average for mangrove stands, and comparable to the mangrove forest in the Middle East region. This can be attributed to the desert and semi-desert conditions, limited riverine input, and low precipitation rates. Moreover, the above-ground biomass, estimated from Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, exhibited extremely low OC storage. Therefore, the sediment acted as the main pool of organic carbon in these mangrove ecosystems. The research findings revealed that mangrove stands in Egypt exhibit low CSR, ranging from 11.94 to 18.02 g C m−2 year−1. Additionally, the study determined that the stable nature of mangrove stands in Egypt makes their annual CO2 emissions negligible. Despite local studies suggesting otherwise, it is highly unlikely that mangroves in Egypt contribute to the climate mitigation related to CO2 sequestration. Therefore, it is important to implement restoration plans to ensure the preservation of other ecological services provided by mangroves along the Red Sea Coast.

Reviewing the role of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in climate mitigation

Climate change poses an imminent threat, necessitating innovative and sustainable strategies for mitigation. This paper explores the potential of Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) as a promising approach. The introductory section sets the stage by elucidating the urgency of climate action. The background section surveys existing climate mitigation strategies, introducing bioenergy and carbon capture technologies. The paper delves into the distinctive contributions of bioenergy to carbon emission reduction and assesses the viability of various bioenergy sources. Simultaneously, the discussion on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) provides insight into the technological aspects of carbon capture. An integral focus is the integration of bioenergy and carbon capture technologies in BECCS, exploring synergies that enhance their combined efficacy. Real-world examples and case studies illustrate successful BECCS projects. Environmental and social impacts are critically examined, considering sustainability and ethical dimensions. Challenges and criticisms associated with BECCS are discussed comprehensively, addressing concerns and proposing potential solutions. The paper concludes by outlining future prospects for BECCS, offering recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. It also suggests avenues for further research and development in this evolving field. Keywords: Bioenergy, Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), Climate Mitigation.

Industrialization, environmental externality, and climate mitigation strategies

This study proposes a 12-region global modeling framework that integrates industrialization into climate–economy interactions and applies it to explore national strategic interactions and long-term policy outcomes. In this regard, three policy regimes are considered: a non-cooperative Nash equilibrium and two cooperative regimes that maximize the weighted sum of regional welfare. Negishi weights, ensuring uniform carbon price, and equal weights are applied in cooperative setting. Based on the results, global unmitigated emissions will peak around 2040. Given the future industrialization process, developing countries will make greater mitigation efforts under all regimes, whereas the strategies of developed countries will only be affected under the uniform carbon price regime. In the two cooperative regimes, a clear separation of mitigation efforts is observed between developed and developing countries. Moreover, when accounting for industrialization, the global averaged carbon price should grow faster in the first half-century, followed by a period of slower growth. Sensitivity analysis implies that with the support from developed countries, accelerated industrialization in the developing world can help alleviate its environmental strain.

Amplification of temperature extremes in Arabian Peninsula under warmer worlds

The Paris Agreement and the Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlighted the potential risks of climate change across different global warming levels (GWLs). The increasing occurrence of extreme high-temperature events is linked to a warmer climate that is particularly prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula (AP). This study investigates future changes in temperatures and related extremes over AP, under four GWLs, such as 1.5 °C, 2.0 °C, 3.0 °C, and 4.0 °C, with three different Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5). The study uses high-resolution datasets of 27 models from the NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (NEX-GDDP-CMIP6). The results showed that the NEX-GDDP-CMIP6 individual models and their multi-model means reasonably captured the extreme temperature events. The summer maximum and winter minimum temperatures are projected to increase by 0.11–0.67 °C and 0.09–0.70 °C per decade under the selected SSPs. Likewise, the projected temperature extremes exhibit significant warming with varying degrees across the GWLs under the selected SSPs. The warm temperature extremes are projected to increase, while the cold extremes are projected to decrease under all GWLs and the selected SSPs. Overall, the findings provide a comprehensive assessment of temperature changes over AP in response to global warming, which can be helpful in the development of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Impacts of Climate Change and Mitigation Strategies for Some Abiotic and Biotic Constraints Influencing Fruit Growth and Quality.

Factors such as extreme temperatures, light radiation, and nutritional condition influence the physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes associated with fruit development and its quality. Besides abiotic stresses, biotic constraints can also affect fruit growth and quality. Moreover, there can be interactions between stressful conditions. However, it is challenging to predict and generalize the risks of climate change scenarios on seasonal patterns of growth, development, yield, and quality of fruit species because their responses are often highly complex and involve changes at multiple levels. Advancements in genetic editing technologies hold great potential for the agricultural sector, particularly in enhancing fruit crop traits. These improvements can be tailored to meet consumer preferences, which is crucial for commercial success. Canopy management and innovative training systems are also key factors that contribute to maximizing yield efficiency and improving fruit quality, which are essential for the competitiveness of orchards. Moreover, the creation of habitats that support pollinators is a critical aspect of sustainable agriculture, as they play a significant role in the production of many crops, including fruits. Incorporating these strategies allows fruit growers to adapt to changing climate conditions, which is increasingly important for the stability of food production. By investing in these areas, fruit growers can stay ahead of challenges and opportunities in the industry, ultimately leading to increased success and profitability. In this review, we aim to provide an updated overview of the current knowledge on this important topic. We also provide recommendations for future research.

Exploring the Complexities of Urban Forms and Urban Heat Islands: Insights from the Literature, Methodologies, and Current Status in Morocco

The Urban Heat Island phenomenon (UHI), characterized by elevated temperatures in urban areas compared to their rural surroundings, is highly exacerbated by urbanization and climate change. Understanding the complex relationship between UHI effect and urban form is crucial for effective urban planning and climate mitigation strategies. This paper examines the multifaceted connection between UHIs and urban forms, exploring various methods used to study this relationship. Through a review of the existing literature, we analyze the influence of various urban characteristics on the intensity and spatial distribution of UHIs. Furthermore, we discuss the key methods and technologies, such as remote sensing and modeling, used in advancing our understanding of UHI–urban form interactions. This study then delves into the literature on UHIs within the specific context of Morocco, identifying research gaps and emphasizing the need for more comprehensive research to address them. By translating study findings into actionable urban solutions, this paper suggests contextual mitigation strategies based on the research outcomes. Finally, by synthesizing current research findings and methodologies, this paper seeks to provide insights into the complexities of UHI dynamics and their implications for climate resilience, highlighting the potential of research for forging sustainable and climate-conscious planning strategies in Morocco and across the broader MENA region.

Soil carbon offset markets are not a just climate solution

There is growing interest in enhancing soil carbon sequestration (SCS) as a climate mitigation strategy, including neutralizing atmospheric emissions from fossil‐fuel combustion through the development of soil carbon offset markets. Several studies have focused on refining estimates of the magnitude of potential SCS or on developing methods for soil carbon quantification in markets. We call on scientists and policy makers to resist assimilating soils into carbon offset markets due to not only fundamental flaws in the logic of these markets to reach climate neutrality but also environmental justice concerns. Here, we first highlight how carbon offset markets rely on an inappropriate substitution of inert fossil carbon with dynamic stocks of soil carbon. We then note the failure of these markets to account for intersecting anthropogenic perturbations to the carbon cycle, including the soil carbon debt and ongoing agricultural emissions. Next, we invite scientists to consider soil functions beyond productivity and profitability. Finally, we describe and support historical opposition to offset markets by environmental justice advocates. We encourage scientists to consider how their research and communications can promote diverse soil functions and just climate‐change mitigation.

Change in high-temperature intensity-duration-frequency under different warming scenarios over India

This study examined the hottest temperature events in each year for a period of 1 to 10 consecutive days across India under 1.5 °C, 2 °C, and 3 °C global warming levels (GWLs) and two periods (T1: 2021–2050, T2: 2071–2100) using the Coupled Model Intercomparison Phase 6 (CMIP6) framework. Bivariate copula analysis was applied to determine the joint probability distribution of the intensity and duration of high-temperature extremes across various GWLs. We also evaluated the change in return values for 10, 20, 50, and 100-year return periods over 2, 5, and 10-day durations. The intensity of the high-temperature extremes indicates a gradual rising trend across the country for durations ranging from 1 to 10 days for different GWLs. For the 2-day duration, the intensity of average temperature increases by 0.7–2.6 °C under all GWLs. The Western Himalaya region (2–4.3 °C) shows the highest increase in intensity of 2-day duration followed by the Northwest (0.93–2.51 °C) and Eastern Coastal (0.86–2.5 °C) regions under different GWLs. Whereas, the Interior Peninsula (0.56–2.15 °C) and Western coastal (0.56–1.9 °C) regions show a lower increase. Similar patterns were observed for 5- and 10-day duration. The 20-year return value of the intensity for a 2-day duration increases by 7–24% under all GWLs across India. The highest increase was observed in the Western Himalayas (23–48%) followed by the Northeast and Eastern Coastal (9–25%) regions under all GWLs. We have derived Temperature-Intensity-Duration-Frequency (TIDF) curves for eight selected urban agglomerations cities. Among them, Srinagar exhibits the highest increase in intensity (ranging from 19 to 32%) followed by Guwahati (9–16%) and Mumbai (5.5–12.8%). Whereas, Hyderabad exhibits the smallest increase in intensity (0.02%–8%). The duration of high-temperature extreme events increases for a given intensity and return period. It is also observed that for a given intensity and duration, the exceedance probability of high-temperature extremes increases under different GWLs. These insights are crucial for climate mitigation and adaptation strategies and can inform decisions by urban planners, policymakers, and communities in addressing the challenges posed by high-temperatures extreme.

Ethical And Moral Dimension of Climate Change; A Path to Climate Justice Case Study: Susan Bay’s Community, Freetown

2023 has been recorded as the hottest year ever. Sierra Leone is ranked among the 10% of countries that are prone and most vulnerable to climate impacts globally and Susan Bay is bearing the brunt of climate change impacts, including rising sea levels and flooding. Biodiversity is being impacted by human unethical behavior, wrong perceptions, and unhealthy activities. This has resulted to global surface temperatures reached 1.1°C. However, to address the situation UNESCO and COMEST proposed guidelines for Governments in their mitigation and adaptation strategies an ethical tool to achieve climate justice. An integrative review was employed to examine existing literatures. Also, key words were used to search popular databases, including Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed, from the years 2010 to 2023 with a total of 53 articles. We argued that the most affected population should receive financial compensation from G20 countries responsible for majority of the Green House Gas Emissions. Therefore, the paper proposed for the Government of Sierra Leone to ensure policy regulation and enforcement, community development and empowerment, and community protection and resilience in their actions, missions, and visions from our analytical framework. The paper recommends for the GoSL to integrate ethical and moral values into climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, in line with UNESCO and COMEST recommendations with emphasis on: Prevention of harm; scientific integrity; and justice and equity. Inadequate financial resources and technical expertise hinders the GoSL in implementing these recommendations. To address these challenges, the study suggests that G20 nations should provide climate finance and scientific support to help the GoSL efficiently develop and execute its climate mitigation and adaptation strategies a path to climate justice.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Advancing Climate Change Research

Abstract: Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. The complexity and scale of climate systems require advanced tools for effective analysis and prediction. Artificial Intelligence (AI), with its ability to process vast amounts of data and identify patterns, holds significant potential to enhance climate change research. This paper explores the various applications of AI in climate science, evaluates the current capabilities, and discusses future prospects and challenges. The integration of AI into climate research can lead to improved climate models, better predictions of extreme weather events, and more effective climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Evaluation of Climate Change Mitigation Policies in Developed Vs Developing Countries

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyzing the evaluation of climate change mitigation policies in developed vs developing countries. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The evaluation of climate change mitigation policies reveals distinct findings between developed and developing countries. Developed nations typically show higher levels of policy implementation and technological adoption aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in measurable declines in carbon intensity across sectors. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Environmental kuznets curve (EKC) theory, diffusion of innovations theory & dependency theory may be used to anchor future studies on evaluation of climate change mitigation policies in developed vs developing countries. Prioritizing capacity building initiatives and technology transfer programs in developing countries supports practical implementation of climate mitigation strategies. Advocating for equitable climate finance mechanisms ensures adequate funding and financial incentives for developing countries to implement climate mitigation actions.

Spatial patterns of organic matter content in the surface soil of the salt marshes of the Venice Lagoon (Italy)

Abstract. Salt marshes are crucial eco-geomorphic features of tidal environments as they provide important ecological functions and deliver a wide range of ecosystem services. Being controlled by the interplay between hydrodynamics, geomorphology, and vegetation, the contribution of both organic matter (OM) and inorganic sediments drives salt marsh vertical accretion. This allows marshes to keep pace with relative sea level rise and likewise capture and store carbon, making them valuable allies in climate mitigation strategies. Thus, soil organic matter (SOM), i.e. the organic component of the soil, plays a key role within salt marsh environments, directly contributing to soil formation and supporting carbon storage. This study aims at inspecting spatial patterns of OM in surface salt marsh soils (top 20 cm), providing further insights into the physical and biological factors driving OM dynamics that affect salt marsh survival and carbon sink potential. Our results reveal two scales of variations in SOM content in marsh environments. At the marsh scale, OM variability is influenced by the interplay between surface elevation and changes in sediment supply linked with the distance from the marsh edge. At the system scale, OM content distribution is dominated by the gradient generated by marine and fluvial influence. The observed variations in SOM are explained by the combination of inorganic and organic input, preservation conditions, and sediment grain size. Our results highlight the importance of marshes as carbon sink environments, further emphasising that environmental conditions within a tidal system may generate strongly variable and site-specific carbon accumulation patterns, enhancing blue carbon assessment complexity.

Raising the carbonized forest: Science and technologies of singularization

Recognizing the potential of forests to store carbon, various policies and programs have emerged to enhance this potential as a climate mitigation strategy. While the effectiveness of these policies is highly debated, there can be no doubt that they have profoundly affected how forests are conceptualized, valued, and governed. In this article, we discuss how science supports this increasing carbonization of forests not just by focusing knowledge production processes on carbon, but also by supporting policies and programs that aim to efficiently manage forests to optimize their carbon value. We situate this process in a longer history to show how science operates as technology of singularization that, guided by principles of optimization and efficiency, contributes to the depoliticization and normalization of specific versions of the forest that foreground singular priority values, while subsuming and marginalizing of other ways of knowing, valuing, and living with forests. Although emerging practices in techno-science, including the adoption of smart technologies and automated forms of data generation and analysis, can potentially enhance understanding of multiple forest values, we argue that they are likely to intensify singularization and create ever tighter relationships between knowledge production and forest management. We conclude by discussing the need to counter and refuse singularization.

Delivering an Improved Framework for the New Generation of CMIP6-Driven EURO-CORDEX Regional Climate Simulations

Abstract The Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) is a coordinated international activity that has produced ensembles of regional climate simulations with domains that cover all land areas of the world. These ensembles are used by a wide range of practitioners that include the scientific community, policymakers, and stakeholders from the public and private sectors. They also provide the scientific basis for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change-Assessment Reports. As its next phase now launches, the CMIP6-CORDEX datasets are expected to populate community repositories over the next couple of years, with updated state-of-the-art regional climate data that will further support national and regional communities and inform their climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. The protocol presented here focuses on the European domain (EURO-CORDEX). It takes the international CORDEX protocol covering all 14 global domains as its template. However, it expands on the international protocol in specific areas; incorporates historical and projected aerosol trends into the regional models in a consistent way with CMIP6 global climate models, to allow for a better comparison of global versus regional trends; produces more climate variables to better support sectorial climate impact assessments; and takes into account the recent scientific developments addressed in the CORDEX Flagship Pilot Studies, enabling a better assessment of processes and phenomena relevant to regional climate (e.g., land-use change, aerosol, convection, and urban environment). Here, we summarize the scientific analysis which led to the new simulation protocol and highlight the improvements we expect in the new generation regional climate ensemble.

Scaling carbon removal systems: deploying direct air capture amidst Canada’s low-carbon transition

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, such as direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS), will be critical in limiting the rise of the average global temperature over the next century. Scaling up DACCS technologies requires the support of a complex array of policies and infrastructure across multiple overlapping policy areas, such as climate, energy, technology innovation and resource management. While the literature on DACCS and other CDR technologies acknowledges the path-dependent nature of policy development, it has tended to focus on abstract policy prescriptions that are not rooted in the specific political, social and physical (infrastructural) context of the implementing state. To address this gap, this paper provides a country-level study of the emerging DACCS policy regime in Canada. Drawing on the existing literature that identifies idealized (acontextual) policy objectives that support DACCS development and effective regulation, we identify the actionable policy objectives across six issue domains: general climate mitigation strategies; energy and resource constraints; carbon storage and transport regulation and infrastructure; financing scale-up and supporting innovation; removal and capture technology availability and regulation; and addressing social acceptability and public interest. Using a database of Canadian climate policies (n = 457), we identify policies within the Canadian (federal and provincial) policy environment that map to the idealized policy objectives within each of these domains. This exercise allows us to analyze how key policy objectives for DACCS development are represented within the Canadian system, and enables us to identify potential niches, and landscape influences within the system, as well as gaps and potential barriers to the system transition process. This paper contributes to our understanding of national DACCS policy development by providing a framework for identifying components of the DAC system and linking those components to desired policy outcomes and may provide a basis for future cross-country comparisons of national-level DACCS policy.

Unlocking carbon finance: Empowering energy communities for mutual benefit

This study investigates the potential of utilizing carbon credits to finance innovative local energy communities in Europe, addressing a significant gap in academic literature. Despite the growing interest in voluntary carbon credits as a mechanism for offsetting carbon emissions, there is limited evidence connecting local energy systems to voluntary carbon markets. The study explores whether carbon credits could serve as a practical tool for funding the development of energy communities, contributing to sustainable energy transitions and climate mitigation strategies. The research employs a comprehensive methodology to assess the quality of carbon credit projects and examines ten innovative energy community projects in Europe. Key findings reveal there is potential for using carbon credits to finance energy community initiatives. However, challenges persist, particularly regarding financing barriers and the volatile nature of carbon markets. The study underscores the importance of policy support in establishing clear standards for voluntary markets and promoting the accessibility of carbon offsets. Furthermore, it suggests potential solutions such as pre-financing agreements and the utilization of carbon market derivatives to enhance project viability. Overall, the study offers insights into the intersection between voluntary carbon markets and local energy initiatives, providing a foundation for further research and policy development in the field of local sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

Climate mitigation and adaptation strategies in the transport sector: An empirical investigation in Germany

Due to climate change, extreme weather events will increase in intensity, frequency, and duration in the future, negatively impacting logistics and transport systems. The threat of missing climate targets and a lack of climate adaptivity strategies in the transport sector leads to growing climate-related risks for transportation companies. The present paper provides a qualitative study exploring mitigation and adaptation strategies within the logistics sector. It analyzes the challenges transportation companies face in developing climate-neutral business models and adapting to the consequences of climate change. Our results show that logistics companies need to be more prepared for the consequences of climate change and, at the same time, insufficiently address climate change mitigation, making the sector more vulnerable to climate extremes in the future. A transformation framework is developed to assess the logistics firms’ climate protection measures and climate adaptation strategies while highlighting existing development lags in climate mitigation and climate adaptation. Moreover, possible future strategies to combat climate risks in the sector are pathed.

Climate Variability of Air Temperature and Its Warming Trends in the Arabian Gulf

Over a 41-year period (1979–2019), the climate of the Arabian Gulf (Gulf) exhibited notable variability. This variation, influenced by mesoscale and globalscale meteorological and climatic determinants, showed temperature fluctuations, predominantly in the Northern Gulf (N Gulf). The N Gulf recorded an average temperature of 25.9 °C, a noticeable 3 °C higher than the broader Gulf average. This period marked extreme temperature records, with a peak at 53.8 °C in July 2016, paralleling the highest known temperatures in Asia. Data reveals a warming trend (0.1–0.6 °C per decade) in the region, with the N Gulf’s rise surpassing global trends. The years 2014–2019 were notably warmer, impacting overall trends, and 1997 was the transitional year shifting from cooler to warmer climates. The N Gulf’s seasonal dynamics are also transforming, with extended summers and shortened winters. In this study, we employed empirical orthogonal function (EOF) decomposition analysis to examine the interannual to multidecadal fluctuations in air temperature within the Gulf from 1979 to 2019, using hourly air temperature data from the Watch Forcing Dataset (WFDE5) generated from the fifth generation (ERA5) European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Fore-casts (ECMWF). Through this method, we discerned three principal EOF modes, which together accounted for 82% of the air temperature variability in the Gulf, highlighting external influences such as North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). The data for these external influences were sourced from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Physical Sciences Laboratory. These findings stress the pressing need for detailed climate studies and mitigation strategies for a rapidly warming Gulf region, especially the N Gulf.

Exploring Sustainable Diets as a Climate Mitigation Strategy：

Exploring Sustainable Diets as a Climate Mitigation Strategy：