Consequences Of Climate Change Research Articles

Risk of spread of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) in Ghana.

The impact of invasive species on biodiversity, food security and economy is increasingly noticeable in various regions of the globe as a consequence of climate change. Yet, there is limited research on how climate change affects the distribution of the invasive Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera:Liviidae) in Ghana. Using maxnet package to fit the Maxent model in R software, we answered the following questions; (i) what are the main drivers for D. citri distribution, (ii) what are the D. citri-specific habitat requirements and (iii) how well do the risk maps fit with what we know to be correctly based on the available evidence?. We found that temperature seasonality (Bio04), mean temperature of warmest quarter (Bio10), precipitation of driest quarter (Bio17), moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer land cover and precipitation seasonality (Bio15), were the most important drivers of D. citri distribution. The results follow the known distribution records of the pest with potential expansion of habitat suitability in the future. Because many invasive species, including D. citri, can adapt to the changing climates, our findings can serve as a guide for surveillance, tracking and prevention of D. citri spread in Ghana.

Impact of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies on Food Security of Farm Households in Rural Dire Dawa Administration, Ethiopia

Background: The impact of climate change on smallholder farmers in underdeveloped countries—specifically, Ethiopia is widely recognized. Farm households employ a range of geographically and temporally varying adaptation strategies to cope with the adverse consequences of climate change. Therefore, it is critical to examine the few empirical studies that examine how rural Ethiopian farm households confronting drought have responded to climate change to ensure food security. Primary data were collected from 385 randomly selected farm households using a semi-structured survey form. Data analysis was performed using endogenous switching regression models and descriptive statistics. Result: Results show that the majority of the sample households (76.7%) adopted climate change adaptation strategies (livelihood diversification, soil and water conservation, and chemical fertilizers separately or in combination) while the remaining 23.3% are non-adopters. Climate change knowledge is validated as an instrumental variable. Model results revealed that adopter farmers would have significantly lower (11.6%) daily calorie intake if they had not adopted them, and non-adopter farmers would have gained significantly higher (12.8%) daily calorie intake if they had adopted them. Sex, marital status, land fragmentation, education, family size, farm size, credit access, extension contacts, and livestock ownership are significantly associated with the likelihood of adoption. Results also show systematic differences where the sex of the head variable is inversely related to the food security of adopters and vice versa for non-adopters. Conclusion: The majority of farm households in the study area know the implications of climate change (73.5%) and suffer from food insecurity (59%). Farmers' knowledge about climate change and variability varies, affecting social, economic, biophysical, and institutional issues. This was shown using descriptive statistics and OLM data. Farm households led by young, male farmers who are married, frequently interact with extension agents, have access to loans and information about climate change, and have non-fragmented plots possess greater knowledge about climate change than other households. Adaptation interventions should consider the above factors and heterogeneities to increase adoption and improve the food security of farm households in the study area.

Climate Change and Mental Health (A Global Analysis)

Climate change and its corresponding consequences have been recognized as one of the dominating issues of global concern. Many governments of various nations are currently making efforts to mitigate the undesirable consequences of climate change. The essay is focused on carrying out an analysis of the effect of climate change on mental health in the United Kingdom. The paper presented a methodological framework for the diverse and multiple channels by which climate change impacts on a person’s mental health. In connection with this, this methodological analysis led to the conceptualization of the variables that link or mediate the effect of climate change on human mental health and corresponding well-being. There was an exploration of evidence-based analysis of climate change modifies the variables that impact mental health; this will take care of the expression of the diverse pathways of effect. The essay recognizes that despite the mental health dangers and risks associated with climate change, adopting a strategic climate action can also be a window of opportunity to harness its impact and engage in proactive and preventable measures.

Climate adaptation law: a European perspective

AbstractIn contrast to climate protection law, which regulates the mitigation of climate change, climate adaptation law deals with the management of the unavoidable consequences of climate change. This article provides an overview of its legal basis from a European perspective. In addition to international law, especially the Paris Agreement, EU law is of central importance in this respect. It is primarily shaped by the EU Climate Law enacted in 2021. However, this Law only sets a general framework and is further defined by legal acts of various sectoral policies, especially in the field of environment. Climate adaptation regulations at the level of European member states are presented using the example of Germany, where a Federal Climate Adaptation Act is currently being drafted. Due to Germany's federal state structure, state legislation is also analysed. Most of the German states (“Länder”) have their own climate laws, although their content varies. The municipal level is only addressed with restraint in these laws. The reasons for this are of a fiscal constitutional nature and will be explained in more detail.

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.

Extreme temperatures and school performance of the poor: Evidence from Mexico

As the risks associated with climate change intensify, understanding its impacts on human capital development is crucial. In this paper, we analyze the causal effects of temperature on the academic performance of students in Mexico, a middle-income country facing significant climate risks and socioeconomic challenges. Using panel data on over 5.5 million students, our results show that a 1 °C increase in annual average temperature leads to a 0.07 and 0.08 standard deviation decrease in Spanish and math test scores, respectively. Moreover, a one standard deviation (0.93 °C) increase in the long-term municipal temperature average is associated with 0.04 and 0.03 standard deviation declines in those scores. The effects are context-dependent - students in historically colder municipalities actually benefit from hotter temperatures, likely due to improved learning conditions in under-insulated schools and homes. However, the detrimental impacts appear consistent across urban, rural, and socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, underscoring the vulnerability of marginalized populations to the academic consequences of climate change. Overall, our findings highlight the urgency of addressing the educational dimensions of the global climate crisis through targeted interventions and adaptive policies, particularly in low-and middle-income countries.

Physical Consequences of Climate Change on Agriculture: Causes and Effects

Climate is the most important predictor of agricultural productivity. Concerns about the potential impact of climate change on agriculture have motivated considerable research developments in the last few decades. The research on the physical consequences of climate change on agriculture, such as changes in crop and livestock yields, as well as the economic ramifications of these potential yield going on quite aggressively. The current review examines the information and data associated with impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and sustainability for solving this complex problem. The global food and nutrition security are at risk due to consequences of climate change.  Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, emissions from human activity, primarily from changes in land use, have resulted in a huge increase in the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This rise is altering the climate, and it will only get worse throughout the course of the 21st century. Since agricultural systems are especially susceptible to climate change (CC), efforts to increase crop productivity while also maximizing resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact may not be successful. Not only productivity, the population of microbes and their enzymatic activities in soil are also impacted by climate change. Different strategies and technologies like zero tillage, site specific nutrient management, application of efficient irrigation system (drip) etc. are helpful to avoid the effect of climate change on agriculture and ultimately increase productivity. 

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi affect the response of soil CO2 emission to summer precipitation pulse following drought in rooted soils

Drought and extreme precipitation are projected to occur more frequently as a consequence of climate change, with uncertain implications for soil CO2 emission. Although studies have revealed the response patterns of soil CO2 emission to precipitation pulse, the effects of forest plant roots on this relationship after drought are still poorly understood. Here, a field experiment was performed to examine the differences in soil CO2 emission and microbial community between rootless and rooted soils, pretreated with three drought intensities (control, moderate, and severe), and rewetted with different water additions (0, 5, 10, and 20 mm) in a temperate forest. Compared with control soils, whether the water was added or not, severe drought suppressed soil CO2 emission for both root-excluded and -included soils. Regardless of drought intensities, significantly positive effects (19.4–44.9%) of precipitation pulse on soil CO2 emission were only detected in the root-included soils. Both the contribution of root-derived CO2 to the stimulated soil CO2 emission and biomass of soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) substantially increased with elevated precipitation levels. The enhanced soil CO2 emission following precipitation pulse is primarily due to the increase in root-derived CO2 in the rooted soils, likely resulting from the enhanced biomass of soil AMF. This study provides empirical evidence on the primacy of AMF in root-derived CO2 and thus the response of soil CO2 emission to precipitation pulse in forest ecosystems.

A Study of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Afghanistan

Afghanistan stands as one of the leading contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it remains one of the most susceptible nations to the adverse impacts of climate change. This vulnerability is underscored by recurrent episodes of droughts, floods, and landslides, exacerbated by the nation's exposure to natural disasters. However, the crux of this vulnerability lies not solely in exposure but also in the heightened sensitivity of the Afghan populace to these calamities. In light of Afghanistan's poverty and relatively underdeveloped status, any immediate expectation of curtailing greenhouse gas emissions appears unrealistic and unjust. The nation faces a paradoxical challenge balancing burgeoning emissions, inevitable amid developmental strides, with safe-guarding the interests of the impoverished populace. The heart of this challenge lies in ensuring that the trajectory of rising emissions aligns with uplifting the socioeconomic status of the vulnerable. This research delves into the complex interplay between Afghanistan's greenhouse gas emissions, its developmental trajectory, and the vulnerability of its population to climate change. By scrutinizing these facets, it aims to unearth pathways that reconcile developmental needs with environmental consciousness, with a paramount focus on securing the most marginalized against the dire consequences of climate change.

Importance of Dark Septate Endophytes in Agriculture in the Face of Climate Change

Climate change is a notable challenge for agriculture as it affects crop productivity and yield. Increases in droughts, salinity, and soil degradation are some of the major consequences of climate change. The use of microorganisms has emerged as an alternative to mitigate the effects of climate change. Among these microorganisms, dark septate endophytes (DSEs) have garnered increasing attention in recent years. Dark septate endophytes have shown a capacity for mitigating and reducing the harmful effects of climate change in agriculture, such as salinity, drought, and the reduced nutrient availability in the soil. Various studies show that their association with plants helps to reduce the harmful effects of abiotic stresses and increases the nutrient availability, enabling the plants to thrive under adverse conditions. In this study, the effect of DSEs and the underlying mechanisms that help plants to develop a higher tolerance to climate change were reviewed.

Impact of thinning on leaf economics, plant hydraulics, and growth dynamics

Integrating climate change concerns into forest management strategies remains challenging. Among management strategies, thinning has been proven to alter major components underlying the carbon and water cycles over the short term. However, the functional adaptability of managed forests to cope with long-term drought remains unclear. This study aims to quantify the influence of thinning on key plant functional traits for two pine species, and their impacts on the fundamental processes of tree growth and transpiration. We conducted an experimental silvicultural trial with varying thinning intensities in two Pinus sylvestris and Pinus nigra plantations with the following specific objectives: i) to assess the impact of thinning on major traits involved in the leaf economic spectrum (LES), and hydraulic relations, and ii) to understand which of these traits reflect fundamental aspects of plant growth and transpiration, and their relations with environment. We used a combination of dendrochronological (basal area increment, BAI), sapflow (Fd), and tree ring isotope (δ13C) data, along with key functional and physiological traits including photosynthesis (A), leaf mass area (LMA), Huber value (Hv), sapwood density (Wd), and predawn to midday water potential (Ψpd, Ψmd).Our results revealed species-specific responses, with P. nigra exhibiting a conservative growth strategy, whereas P. sylvestris displayed increased growth after thinning. Despite thinning influenced both BAI and wood δ13C with notable species-dependent variations, we evidenced a general convergence in the relationships between LES traits and Hv across species, treatments and seasons (p < 0.01). Despite thinning influenced both BAI and wood δ13C with notable species-dependent variations, we evidenced a general convergence in the relationships between LES traits and Hv across species, treatments and seasons (p < 0.01). BAI responses to thinning translated into predictable changes in key hydraulic traits and adaptive changes in physiological performance. For instance, BAI was inversely related to LMA and Hv. Consistent with LES, variations in LMA influenced A. In turn, seasonal variations in LMA scaled negatively with Ψpd, and Ψmd (p < 0.01). Such a functional adaptation suggests that thinning promotes growth while favouring forest resilience in the long term. This study provides practical implications for the implementation of a trait-based approach into silvicultural frameworks and anticipating the consequences of climate change for managed forest ecosystems.

Strategic pathways to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 12 through Industry 4.0: Moderating role of institutional pressure

AbstractEmerging economies, at the vanguard of extensive resource depletion and limited environmental stewardship, are worst‐hit by climate change events, necessitating an extensive investigation of the relevance of I4.0 in attaining sustainable consumption and production patterns. This study focuses on Sustainable Production and Consumption (SDG12) and investigates how the implementation of I4.0 can contribute to the adoption of circular economy practices (CEPs) to incorporate elements of sustainable consumption and procurement into supply chains. Based on dynamic capabilities theory, institutional pressure, and the triple‐bottom‐line perspective, this study proposes an overarching research framework that presents the synergistic convergence of dynamic capabilities, I4.0, and the circular economy to achieve SDG12. This framework is empirically validated through a survey‐based, cross‐sectional research design by utilizing conditional process modeling. This study employed purposive sampling where respondents constituted 480 industry practitioners and professionals in digital supply chain and operations management from manufacturing firms based in the Baddi and Alwar districts in India. The findings demonstrate that I4.0 and CEPs sequentially mediate the impact of dynamic capabilities on SDG12, while mimetic pressure strengthens the impact of exploitation‐oriented strategy on SDG12.

Assessing the consequences of recent climate change on World Heritage sites in South Greenland

In the Arctic region, microbial degradation poses a significant threat to the preservation of archaeological deposits, actively consuming irreplaceable cultural and environmental records. In this study we assess the potential effects of the last 40 years of climate change on organic archaeological deposits within the UNESCO World Heritage area Kujataa in South Greenland. We use the dynamic process-oriented model, CoupModel to simulate soil temperatures and soil moisture contents at four archaeological sites in the area. The results show that the organic deposits have experienced a substantial warming the last 40 years, which combined with decreasing soil moisture contents creates a dangerous combination that can accelerate the degradation of organic materials. Currently, there are 583 archaeological sites registered within the area. Our findings highlight that the current climatic conditions are not conducive to organic preservation. The greatest risk of degradation lies within the relatively dry continental inland areas of the study region, where all Norse Viking Age settlements are situated. However, even at the "cold" and "wet" outer coast, the combined effects of rising summer temperatures and declining soil moisture levels may already be exerting a noticeable impact.

Development of A Responsible Investment for Low Carbon Economy: Renewable Energy Responsible Investment Index and Conceptual Framework for MENA Region

Responding to climate change creates particular challenges for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries in terms of oil output and water scarcity, but also gives potential for new paths to sustainability. The low-carbon energy transition poses critical concerns for MENA oil and gas producers, particularly about the impact on their reliance on hydrocarbon earnings. Without adjustment, this would exacerbate macroeconomic imbalances and possibly jeopardise pre-existing social contracts. Politicians are attempting to promote a variety of renewable energy sources and implementation tactics in order to mitigate the adverse consequences of climate change. As a result, the development of an index capable of effectively measuring and benchmarking the overall sustainability and economics of a country becomes necessary. In reality, the index should be capable of reflecting a near-complete assessment of renewable energy's current and future conditions. Simultaneously, it should be capable of revealing critical ESG and economic aspects of the renewable energy business. The proposal aims to create a composite index, dubbed the Renewable Energy Responsible Investment Index (RERII). It is comprised of 19 nations and 22 distinct metrics. From 2010 to 2019, a trend in RERII is computed. The RERII suggested in this work may be utilised as a screening tool, a decision-making tool, a benchmarking tool, and a tool for guiding sustainable development. 

Heat and Cardiovascular Mortality: An Epidemiological Perspective.

As global temperatures rise, extreme heat events are projected to become more frequent and intense. Extreme heat causes a wide range of health effects, including an overall increase in morbidity and mortality. It is important to note that while there is sufficient epidemiological evidence for heat-related increases in all-cause mortality, evidence on the association between heat and cause-specific deaths such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (and its more specific causes) is limited, with inconsistent findings. Existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses of epidemiological studies on heat and CVD mortality have summarized the available evidence. However, the target audience of such reviews is mainly limited to the specific field of environmental epidemiology. This overarching perspective aims to provide health professionals with a comprehensive overview of recent epidemiological evidence of how extreme heat is associated with CVD mortality. The rationale behind this broad perspective is that a better understanding of the effect of extreme heat on CVD mortality will help CVD health professionals optimize their plans to adapt to the changes brought about by climate change and heat events. To policymakers, this perspective would help formulate targeted mitigation, strengthen early warning systems, and develop better adaptation strategies. Despite the heterogeneity in evidence worldwide, due in part to different climatic conditions and population dynamics, there is a clear link between heat and CVD mortality. The risk has often been found to be higher in vulnerable subgroups, including older people, people with preexisting conditions, and the socioeconomically deprived. This perspective also highlights the lack of evidence from low- and middle-income countries and focuses on cause-specific CVD deaths. In addition, the perspective highlights the temporal changes in heat-related CVD deaths as well as the interactive effect of heat with other environmental factors and the potential biological pathways. Importantly, these various aspects of epidemiological studies have never been fully investigated and, therefore, the true extent of the impact of heat on CVD deaths remains largely unknown. Furthermore, this perspective also highlights the research gaps in epidemiological studies and the potential solutions to generate more robust evidence on the future consequences of heat on CVD deaths.

The contribution of school social work to climate change education and mental health support

ABSTRACT This narrative review outlines how school social workers, as part of multi-professional school teams, can be involved in climate change education and mental health support. Rapid climate change and extreme weather events pose an existential threat to children and adolescents, triggering a range of climate emotions such as worry, anxiety or anger. International research shows that current and future climate scenarios affect young people's mental health. In order to achieve good health and well-being, and to prevent serious mental health problems, it is essential to be aware of their climate emotions and distress. In the climate crisis, schools, as important social spaces for children and adolescents, are therefore challenged to provide appropriate educational responses and health promotion for students of all ages. School social workers can make a professional contribution by providing education and counselling aimed at promoting emotional regulation and coping, empowerment for climate action, building self-efficacy and resilience to climate change, and developing comprehensive climate and health literacy. Finally, new challenges and tasks that arise in this context and that require the professional development of school social work are highlighted.

‘This is not a drill’: Police and partnership preparedness for consequences of the climate crisis

This scoping study investigates the state of preparedness of the police and their partners for the potential consequences of the climate crisis in a United Kingdom (UK) context. The research engaged participants at strategic, tactical and operational levels of planning and operations, and conducted a thematic analysis of qualitative data to identify key themes: climate change impacts; why the police should care; prioritisation and preparation; and enabling and impeding factors. The results suggest that the police and their partners may be ill-prepared for the gamut of possible consequences. Preparedness appears hampered by a narrow focus on legislated requirements, short-term planning, lack of funding and resources, and limited prescience. Recommendations are made for redefining planning parameters, strengthening central government engagement, amplifying awareness and understanding of trend analyses, prioritisation of ‘futures’ thinking, ethical considerations and collaborative preparedness. The study has implications for law, public policy and professional practice in the UK, and other global jurisdictions seeking to develop risk assessment processes and preparedness for the consequences of climate change.

Climate change effects on aquaculture production and its sustainable management through climate-resilient adaptation strategies: a review.

Aquaculture witnessed a remarkable growth as one of the fastest-expanding sector in the food production industry; however, it faces serious threat from the unavoidable impacts of climate change. Understanding this threat, the present review explores the consequences of climate change on aquaculture production and provides need based strategies for its sustainable management, with a particular emphasis on climate-resilient approaches. The study examines the multi-dimensional impacts of climate change on aquaculture which includes the shifts in water temperature, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, harmful algal blooms, extreme weather events, and alterations in ecological dynamics. The review subsequently investigates innovative scientific interventions and climate-resilient aquaculture strategies aimed at strengthening the adaptive capacity of aquaculture practices. Some widely established solutions include selective breeding, species diversification, incorporation of ecosystem-based management practices, and the implementation of sustainable and advanced aquaculture systems (aquaponics and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). These strategies work towards fortifying aquaculture systems against climate-induced disturbances, thereby mitigating risks and ensuring sustained production. This review provides a detailed insight to the ongoing discourse on climate-resilient aquaculture, emphasizing an immediate need for prudent measures to secure the future sustainability of fish food production sector.

COASTAL PROTECTION OF THE CITY OF BEIRA IN MOZAMBIQUE: EVALUATION AND MITIGATION PROPOSALS

The present research is the result of a quantitative research that aims to propose sustainable ways of protecting the coastal zone to reduce the negative effects of coastal erosion in the City of Beira, starting from a previous evaluation. For the perception of the research data, the methodology consisted of bibliographical research, documentary research, direct observation and inquiry with employees of the Municipal Council and residents of the neighborhood of Praia Nova, Ponta - Gêa, Palmeiras and Macuti, with a sample of 215 participants . From the statistical analysis, the research found that the natural cause of coastal erosion is rain, global warming and the rise in sea level, while the anthropogenic causes were found to be the destruction of coastal vegetation and dunes; sustainable natural measures include the planting of mangroves and casuarinas, while artificial measures include the construction of breakwaters, walls and spurs. Given the relevance of the study, it is suggested that the municipality make efforts with the government and cooperation partners in order to obtain funding for the construction of a wall from Praia Nova to the area of the Wedding Palace; The city council must make efforts to rehabilitate breakwaters close to water outlets in particular, and train its employees in coastal protection and disaster risk management. It should also develop lectures involving the community, on matters about the causes and consequences of climate change, global warming and erosion.

Brassinosteroids: Relevant Evidence Related to Mitigation of Abiotic and Biotic Stresses in Plants

Extreme events of climate change are increasing, such as droughts and heat waves, causing limitations on growth and yield in relevant food crops, as well as threatening global food security. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are natural or synthetic steroids with significant properties that promote plant growth and development. In the current world scenario, research and solutions that can improve plant tolerance to climate change are strategic to ensure food security. The distinctiveness and novelty of this review lie in its comprehensive and detailed approach to the role of BRs in plants under biotic and abiotic stresses. We consolidate information on the action mechanisms on specific organs, providing detailed experimental conclusions of these plant growth regulators, including also commercial products and concentrations tested aiming to mitigate the adverse effects of the stresses. This practical approach highlights the potential of BRs in agriculture and plant protection against stresses. Additionally, our review presents results with plant models and essential food crops, focusing on multidisciplinary approaches and using physiological, biochemical, nutritional, anatomical and agronomic tools to explain the mechanisms of action of brassinosteroids in plants exposed to abiotic and biotic stresses.