Effects Of Extreme Weather Events Research Articles

Temporal patterns of carbon-water coupling of a subalpine peatland in subtropics: Insights from a seven-year eddy covariance monitoring

Study regionA well-preserved subalpine peatland in the subtropics, the Dajiuhu peatland, in Shennongjia, Hubei Province, China. Study focusOver a seven-year period, constant in-situ carbon flux monitoring was conducted using the eddy covariance method. The patterns of CO2 and H2O fluxes were analyzed, encompassing both daytime and nocturnal period observations, spanning both growing and non-growing seasons, and the interconnection between carbon and water within the Dajiuhu peatland. Furthermore, this investigation identified meteorological parameters shaping these flux dynamics. New hydrological insights for the regionThe water source function was more resilient to the effects of extreme weather events and showed higher stability when compared to the carbon sink function. Daytime carbon-water coupling presented a pronounced negative correlation during the growing season, contrasting with a more complex trinomial relationship evident during the non-growing season; however, nocturnal periods did not reveal any apparent correlation. Relative humidity (RH), water table depth (WTD), and evapotranspiration (ET) emerged as key variables impacting jointly on both CO2 and H2O fluxes. Furthermore, net radiation (Rn) magnifies the hysteresis loops associated with net ecosystem exchanges of CO2 (NEE) during the growing season, with WTD being the prime determinant influencing seasonal fluctuations in hysteresis related to H2O fluxes. These findings exemplify the complexities inherent in the management of carbon and water resources within subalpine peatlands, underscored by their intricately intertwined and inseparable relationship.

Extreme Weather and Firm Market Value: Roles of Corporate Social Responsibility and Stock Analyst Attention

ABSTRACT The outbreak of extreme weather events is increasing in frequency for the last decade, resulting in tremendous human and industrial losses worldwide. Evaluating and managing the effects of such events are highly urgent matters for firms, but the literature on this topic is limited. In this study, the effects of extreme weather events on the stock market performance of firms were estimated to provide a foundation for exploring how to manage such effects. From the perspective of the shareholder view, the heterogeneous effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on stock performance associated with extreme weather events were examined. Data on natural disasters that were caused by six types of extreme weather and occurred between 2001 and 2021 in China were used to construct a database of 2,718 Chinese listed manufacturing firms and 23,529 observations regarding the potential effects by extreme weather events. An event analysis indicated that the extreme weather events bring an average of 0.97% drop in the stock performance of potentially affected firms for the month that the event starts and the next month. A subsequent cross-sectional analysis revealed that a high CSR level is associated with low market value during extreme weather events, while a high level of stock analyst attention alleviates the negative effect of CSR on the stock performance of extreme weather events. This study enriches the existing literature and offers practical insights for managers in the fields of CSR and operations management, highlighting the complex dynamics between CSR activities, analyst attention, and stock market performance during extreme weather events.

The Integrating Impacts of Extreme Weather Events and Shrimp Farming Practices on Coastal Water Resource Quality in Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam

Ninh Thuan is a coastal province in the central region of Vietnam and is characterized by a climate that is the hottest and driest in the country. Vietnam is also one of the top five countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change worldwide. The objective of this study was a thorough evaluation of the quality of water supply sources and the impacts of water effluents from shrimp farms in Ninh Thuan province. The comprehensive evaluation was based on an understanding of the water–wastewater cycle employed in coastal shrimp cultivation. We combined qualitative and quantitative analyses in undertaking this study. Secondary data of groundwater and coastal water from the local periodic water quality monitoring program and national technical regulations were collected in the qualitative approach. We also integrated participatory rural appraisal techniques and field observations to understanding shrimp cultivation and the environmental and social impacts of shrimp farm effluents. The quantitative assessment consisted of measuring groundwater and wastewater contamination from shrimp ponds. As a result, four main reasons for water pollution issues were determined including extreme weather events, shrimp cultivation practices, degraded infrastructure, and mismanagement by local governance. Shrimp cultivation practices (feeding, using chemicals) have resulted in elevated levels of suspended solid (TSS, total Coliform), organic and carbon matter (BOD5, COD), and excessive nutrients (total Nitrogen, NO2-N, NO3-N, PO4-P). According to a local monitoring program, the coastal water and groundwater have experienced nutrient pollution. Groundwater sampling near the shrimp farms identified salinization elevated levels of Coliform from local domestic sewage sources. This study resulted in an integrated approach that evaluated the combined effects of extreme weather events and shrimp farming practices on the quality of coastal water. Also, the finding can be useful in recommending remedial water treatment technologies as a follow-on phase.

Bivariate extreme value analysis of extreme temperature and mortality in Canada, 2000-2020.

Climate change increases the risk of illness through rising temperature, severe precipitation and worst air pollution. This paper investigates how monthly excess mortality rate is associated with the increasing frequency and severity of extreme temperature in Canada during 2000-2020. The extreme associations were compared among four age groups across five sub-blocks of Canada based on the datasets of monthly T90 and T10, the two most representative indices of severe weather monitoring measures developed by the actuarial associations in Canada and US. We utilize a combined seasonal Auto-regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and bivariate Peaks-Over-Threshold (POT) method to investigate the extreme association via the extreme tail index and Pickands dependence function plots. It turns out that it is likely (more than 10%) to occur with excess mortality if there are unusual low temperature with extreme intensity (all except Northeast Atlantic (NEA), Northern Plains (NPL) and Northwest Pacific (NWP) for age group 0-44), while extreme frequent high temperature seems not to affect health significantly (all except NWP). Particular attention should be paid to NWP and Central Arctic (CAR) since population health therein is highly associated with both extreme frequent high and low temperatures (both for all age groups). The revealed extreme dependence is expected to help stakeholders avoid significant ramifications with targeted health protection strategies from unexpected consequences of extreme weather events. The novel extremal dependence methodology is promisingly applied in further studies of the interplay between extreme meteorological exposures, social-economic factors and health outcomes.

The effect of different extreme weather events on attitudes toward climate change.

Can exposure to extreme weather change political opinion and preferences about climate change? There is a growing literature on both the effects of extreme weather events and the factors explaining attitudes toward global warming, though there remains no clear consensus about whether being exposed to extreme weather influences public opinion about climate change. We contribute to this literature by studying the impact of a variety of extreme weather events associated with climate variability, including severe storms, floods, fires, and hurricanes, on attitudes toward climate change. Specifically, we use a three-wave panel survey and a dynamic difference-in-differences design to analyze public opinion data at the individual level in the US. We find that exposure to only one extreme weather type-fires-has a small but significant effect on acknowledging the existence of climate change and supporting the need for action. However, that impact quickly vanishes, and other types of extreme weather do not appear to have any effect on opinion.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND IT’s EFFECTS ON MANUFACTURING SECTOR

This research examines the complex link between the industrial sector and climate change, evaluating the effects of extreme weather events and rising global temperatures. It seeks to understand the many ways that environmental changes impact industrial operations, with a focus on how resource constraints, weather patterns, and environmental laws affect production sustainability and efficiency. By employing case studies, statistical analysis, and sophisticated modelling, the study pinpoints the industries, regions, and production processes that are susceptible to disruptions caused by climate change. Potential disadvantages are discussed along with chances for innovation and broad adoption of green technology. The research highlights the need for collaboration among politicians, business stakeholders, and environmental activists in achieving significant change. The paper advocates for collaborative efforts to enhance manufacturing sustainability and resilience by emphasizing the links between environmental effects and industrial innovation. The intention is to give policymakers and business leaders a road map for creating strategies that reduce risks and promote long-term development. This research offers comprehensive insights into possibilities, problems, and strategies related to manufacturing's sustainable growth and adaptation to climate change, which makes a substantial contribution to the worldwide discourse on these topics. To support educated decision-making and positive change for an environmentally conscious industrial landscape, it offers legislators, business partners, and environmentalists an invaluable resource for understanding, navigating, and addressing the profound effects of climate change on the manufacturing sector.

U.S. military installations and extreme weather: an Oklahoma case study on preparation

ABSTRACT The readiness and execution of national security missions by The United States Department of Defense (DoD) hinges on military installations being equipped with infrastructure that can support the actions needed to protect the U.S., including extreme weather responses. Extreme weather threatens human lives, property, and military operations nationally. Thus, it is paramount to mitigate these impacts and improve preparedness. Oklahoma is home to five federal military installations, all of which are susceptible to hazardous weather, such as severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flooding. At a local level, hazardous weather events can be quite costly in a variety of ways, including disrupting operations, causing economic losses, and leading to injuries. This case study examines the preparedness and impacts of extreme weather events as well as climate change considerations at two Oklahoma military installations (Tinker Air Force Base and Fort Sill). Interviews and a focus group revealed weather-related decisions at these installations were unit-specific and dependent on the weather event. These installations have both short- and long-term preparedness plans for different weather scenarios. The impacts of these weather events ranged from delays/cancellations of training to installation closures. Lastly, climate considerations from DoD have been, and continue to be, included in planning. This study highlights the nuances across different military installations as a function of their differing roles; there is not a ‘one size fits all’ preparedness plan that will work across the board. Further, there is much room to improve military-civilian collaboration to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events and climate change on military installations and their operations.

Extreme weather, climate risk, and the lead–lag role of carbon

This study employs the thermal optimal path method to establish a framework for dynamic nonlinear connections between Chinese carbon and foreign exchange markets. Subsequently, it examines the effects of extreme weather events on the lead–lag role played by carbon. The empirical results indicate that China's carbon market typically lags behind its currency exchange market. Compared to the Hubei carbon market, the Guangdong carbon market experiences synchronized price movements between carbon and foreign exchange due to high pricing efficiency. Furthermore, shocks from extreme weather events can attract public attention to the carbon market and cause the typical lead–lag structure to reverse, whereupon the carbon market leads the foreign exchange market under such shocks, especially during heat waves. Our findings have implications for investors aiming for positive cumulative returns on hedging portfolios and policymakers wishing to bolster the financial market's ability to withstand exogenous shocks.

The weather as a determinant of farmer's mental health: A dependent, interacting, cumulative and escalating model (DICE) of the effects of extreme weather events.

This perspective paper presents a conceptual, theoretical framework of the weather as a determinant of mental health for farmers. This model proposes that the effects of extreme weather events have interacting and cumulative effects for farmers, who are dependent on the land.

Spatiotemporal variations of extreme weather events and climate drivers in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area and its surrounding regions from 1960 to 2020

The Three Gorges Reservoir Area and its Surrounding Region (TGRASR) play a crucial role in the Yangtze River Basin. Over the past years, there has been growing concern about the effects of extreme weather events in this area, mainly attributed to climate change. To effectively address the implications of climate change, a thorough understanding of the temporal and spatial variability of these events is necessary. However, some of the previous studies have been limited to analyzing trend changes in events and have not sufficiently considered the connection with atmospheric circulation indices. In this study, we analyzed the spatio-temporal variations of extreme weather events using the Mann-Kendall and Sen's slope trend methods. Then, the correlation between extreme weather events and climate factors is explored using the Mantel test, Geo-Detector method (GDM), and Partial wavelet coherency (PWC) in terms of linear, hierarchical heterogeneity, and nonlinear, respectively. Finally, we investigated the potential climate factors that affect the temporal and spatial variability of extreme weather occurrences. The results showed that(1) among the 12 extreme indices analyzed in the TGRASR region from 1960 to 2020, there was a decreasing trend observed in Consecutive dry days (CDD), Consecutive wet days (CWD), and Annual count of days when precipitation is ≥10 mm (R10), while the remaining indices exhibited an increasing trend. Subsequent analysis employing the M-K mutation revealed that the mutation point for CWD occurred around 1975, resulting in a significant decrease in its trend. Additionally, the Simple daily intensity index (SDII), Annual count of days when the daily maximum temperature (TX) is >25 °C (SU25), and R10 displayed a decreasing trend. Mutations in the trends SU25, Annual count of days when the daily minimum temperature (TN) is >20 °C (TR20), and Annual count of days with at least 6 consecutive days when TX > 90th percentile (WSDI) were observed in 1997, 1999, 2003, and 2005, respectively. Following these mutations, all four indices displayed a substantial increase. (2) CDD, CWD, and R10 exhibit a decreasing trend across most stations, whereas the remaining indices demonstrate an increasing trend. Regarding spatial distribution, indices characterizing precipitation frequency and intensity exhibit higher mean values in the southeastern part of the TGRASR. (3) Mantel test: North Pacific pattern (NP), North Tropical Atlantic (NTA), and Global Mean Land/Ocean Temperature (GMLOT) have significant linear correlations with extreme precipitation and extreme temperature events; GDM: GMLOT and NTA are the main contributors to extreme precipitation and extreme temperature; PWC: 12 extreme indices have some nonlinear associations with all five climate factors. The study's findings can assist decision-makers in formulating sustainable water resource management strategies and measures for mitigating drought and flood risks. Additionally, the study contributes to uncovering climatic factors that influence changes in extreme weather events.

Heatwave-like events affect drone production and brood-care behaviour in bumblebees.

Climate change is currently considered one of the major threats to biodiversity and is associated with an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves. Heatwaves create acutely stressful conditions that may lead to disruption in the performance and survival of ecologically and economically important organisms, such as insect pollinators. In this study, we investigated the impact of simulated heatwaves on the performance of queenless microcolonies of Bombus terrestris audax under laboratory conditions. Our results indicate that heatwaves can have significant impacts on bumblebee performance. However, contrary to our expectations, exposure to heatwaves did not affect survival. Exposure to a mild 5-day heatwave (30-32 °C) resulted in increased offspring production compared to those exposed to an extreme heatwave (34-36 °C) and to the control group (24 °C). We also found that brood-care behaviours were impacted by the magnitude of the heatwave. Wing fanning occurred occasionally at temperatures of 30-32 °C, whereas at 34-36 °C the proportion of workers engaged in this thermoregulatory behaviour increased significantly. Our results provide insights into the effects of heatwaves on bumblebee colony performance and underscore the use of microcolonies as a valuable tool for studying the effects of extreme weather events. Future research, especially field-based studies replicating natural foraging conditions, is crucial to complement laboratory-based studies to comprehend how heatwaves compromise the performance of pollinators. Such studies may potentially help to identify those species more resilient to climate change, as well as those that are most vulnerable.

Floods and Climate Change: An Impact on Women and Child Health

The 21st century grapples with numerous challenges, prominently among them being natural disasters and calamities, which endanger human lives globally. Chaotic weather patterns and unpredictable rainfall exacerbate vulnerability, particularly among women and children, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The perturbation of climatic turmoil disrupts growth and exposes them to health impediments. With floods affecting over two billion people in the past two decades, and climate change exacerbating health risks, urgent action is imperative. The consequences of extreme weather events extend beyond health, impacting human progress and prosperity, with floods alone resulting in significant casualties and financial losses. Women and children, the most vulnerable during such disasters, face immense challenges accessing healthcare and coping with health barriers. Strategic action and compliance with global health authorities are essential to mitigate these challenges and prioritize the well-being of women and children in the face of escalating climate-related incidents.

Vegetation and Dormancy States Identification in Coniferous Plants Based on Hyperspectral Imaging Data

Conifers are a common type of plant used in ornamental horticulture. The prompt diagnosis of the phenological state of coniferous plants using remote sensing is crucial for forecasting the consequences of extreme weather events. This is the first study to identify the “Vegetation” and “Dormancy” states in coniferous plants by analyzing their annual time series of spectral characteristics. The study analyzed Platycladus orientalis, Thuja occidentalis and T. plicata using time series values of 81 vegetation indices and 125 spectral bands. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to identify “Vegetation” and “Dormancy” states. The model contained three to four independent variables and achieved a high level of correctness (92.3 to 96.1%) and test accuracy (92.1 to 96.0%). The LDA model assigns the highest weight to vegetation indices that are sensitive to photosynthetic pigments, such as the photochemical reflectance index (PRI), normalized PRI (PRI_norm), the ratio of PRI to coloration index 2 (PRI/CI2), and derivative index 2 (D2). The random forest method also diagnoses the “Vegetation” and “Dormancy” states with high accuracy (97.3%). The vegetation indices chlorophyll/carotenoid index (CCI), PRI, PRI_norm and PRI/CI2 contribute the most to the mean decrease accuracy and mean decrease Gini. Diagnosing the phenological state of conifers throughout the annual cycle will allow for the effective planning of management measures in conifer plantations.

Severe and frequent extreme weather events undermine economic adaptation gains of tree-species diversification

Forests and their provision of ecosystem services are endangered by climate change. Tree-species diversification has been identified as a key adaptation strategy to balance economic risks and returns in forest stands. Yet, whether this synergy between ecology and economics persists under large-scale extreme weather events remains unanswered. Our model accounts for both, small-scale disturbances in individual stands and extreme weather events that cause spatio-temporally correlated disturbances in a large number of neighboring stands. It economically optimizes stand-type allocations in a large forest enterprise with multiple planning units. Novel components are: spatially explicit site heterogeneity and a comparison of economic diversification strategies under local and regionally coordinated planning by simplified measures for α\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\alpha$$\\end{document}, β\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\beta$$\\end{document}, and γ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\gamma$$\\end{document}-diversity of stand types. α\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\alpha$$\\end{document}-diversity refers to the number and evenness of stand types in local planning units, β\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\beta$$\\end{document}-diversity to the dissimilarity of the species composition across planning units, and γ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\gamma$$\\end{document}-diversity to the number and evenness of stand types in the entire enterprise. Local planning led to stand-type diversification within planning units (α\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\alpha$$\\end{document}-diversity), while regionally coordinated planning led to diversification across planning units (β\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\beta$$\\end{document}-diversity). We observed a trend towards homogenization of stand-type composition likely selected under economic objectives with increasing extreme weather events. No diversification strategy fully buffered the adverse economic consequences. This led to fatalistic decisions, i.e., selecting stand types with low investment risks but also low resistance to disturbances. The resulting forest structures indicate potential adverse consequences for other ecosystem services. We conclude that high tree-species diversity may not necessarily buffer economic consequences of extreme weather events. Forest policies reducing forest owners’ investment risks are needed to establish stable forests that provide multiple ecosystem services.

Tikuna Perceptions of Extreme Weather Events: A Case Study on an Indigenous Lands in the Upper Solimões River, Brazil

The synergistic effects of extreme weather events and socioecological vulnerability are still poorly documented for Amazonian indigenous peoples. Herein, we investigated the impacts of recent extreme weather events on Tikuna villages. Tikuna are ancient people of the Amazon, with an estimated population of approximately 53 thousand people widely distributed along the upper Solimões River in the western Brazilian Amazon. The fieldwork was carried out between October 10 and December 10, 2018, using participatory research, including focus group interviews and free-listing exercises. Four extreme weather events were recalled, namely, the extreme floods of 2009, the subsequent extreme drought of 2010, and the extreme floods of 2012 and 2015. The results indicated that Tikuna from some villages are adopting migration from floodplain habitats to nonflooded lands as a coping strategy to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This process was characterized by famine periods, internal divisions, and increased vulnerability. The three villages have rich traditional knowledge and live on a large diversity of biological resources, base for a fishing economy and for an agroforestry system, the original indigenous subsistence agriculture with a high level of self-sufficiency in terms of food. Until our study, Tikunas had not received any information about the global climate emergency. Our findings can contribute to formulating public policies to provide support for adapting to climate change. These policies must ensure the participation of the Tikuna and other indigenous peoples in local and national discussions on climate change, strengthening their capacity to develop adaptation strategies based on their ancestral knowledge.

Heterogeneous effects of weather extremes on different dimensions of poverty in Kyrgyzstan

Abstract Weather extremes become more frequent and intense with climate change, but how weather extremes impact household wealth in the Global South remains elusive in many regions. We combined nationally representative quarterly household panel data with climate data to evaluate the impact of weather extremes on household poverty in Kyrgyzstan between 2013 and 2020. We evaluated multiple dimensions of poverty by quantifying changes in nutrition, education, health, and living standards. We used a linear quantile mixed model to relate the poverty dimensions with four salient weather extremes: cold winters, hot summers, excessive rains, and dry spells. Our findings show that all weather extremes harmed household wealth but with substantial spatial variation. Cold winters were the most detrimental, with negative consequences that continued into the subsequent year. Poor households suffered disproportionally more from extremes than rich ones. Our results underscore the need to initiate place-based adaptation options to cushion the adverse effects of extreme weather events on household wealth.

Effects of Extreme Weather Events on Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Rice-Wheat Rotation Croplands.

Cropland ecosystems are significant emission sources of N2O, but a limited number of studies have focused on the impact of extreme weather events on N2O fluxes from cropland. This present study integrated field observations and model simulations to explore the responses of N2O fluxes to extreme weather events in typical rice and wheat rotation croplands in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River (MLRYR) in China. The findings revealed that the studied rice-wheat rotation cropland exhibited a net source of N2O over the three-year monitoring period, with annual cumulative N2O emissions ranging from 190.4 to 261.8 mg N m-2. N2O emissions during the rice and wheat growing seasons accounted for 29% and 71% of the total yearly emissions, respectively. Extreme heat events led to a 23% to 32% increase in observed N2O emissions from cropland. Observed N2O emissions from irrigated rice fields during extreme precipitation events were 45% lower than those during extreme drought events. In contrast, extreme precipitation events raised observed N2O emissions from rain-fed wheat fields by 36% compared to the multi-year average, while extreme drought events reduced N2O emissions from wheat fields by 20%. Regional simulations indicated that annual cumulative N2O emissions from croplands in the MLRYR are projected to increase from 207.8 mg N m-2 under current climate to 303.4 mg N m-2 in the future. Given the episodic nature and uncertainties associated with N2O emissions from cropland, further validation is necessary for utilizing the model to explore the effects of extreme weather events on N2O in cropland ecosystems.

Exploring the relationship between extreme weather events, urbanization, and food insecurity: Institutional quality perspective

This study examines the potential for institutional quality to address Africa's trilemma of food insecurity, rapid urbanization, and extreme weather events.Using a two-stage least squares regression analysis of 28 African countries between 2012Q1 and 2021Q4, our results suggest that extreme weather events have a significant negative impact on food security, particularly in urban areas.We found that institutional quality can have a significant positive impact on food security and can mitigate the negative effects of extreme weather events on food security. Our study also decomposed the food security index into its four components and found that extreme weather events negatively affect the affordability, availability, quality, and natural resource resilience of food. The findings are robust to the use of the feasible generalized least squares and panel-corrected standard errors estimation techniques.The policy implications of our study are significant, as our findings suggest that central governments can take practical steps to minimize the impact of extreme weather events on food security. Specifically, investing in disaster preparedness, improving infrastructure, and promoting agricultural development can all help improve food security. Additionally, improving institutional quality can be an effective way to mitigate the negative impact of extreme weather events on food security.

The association between acute otitis externa-related emergency department visits and extreme weather events in a temperate continental climate

BackgroundClimate change is a global challenge that is resulting in an increased occurrence of extreme weather events. Extreme weather events have been shown to negatively impact various health conditions, leading to an overall increase in morbidity and mortality. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) emergencies are among the most common reasons for emergency department visits (EV). Acute otitis externa (AOE), an inflammatory external auditory canal skin infection, is the second most common condition for ENT-related emergency admissions. Previously, AOE has been associated with higher temperatures during summer; However, no data exists on extreme weather events’ immediate and delayed effects on AOE-related EVs. Identifying these relationships could help predict EVs, optimize health resources, and relieve its significant burden on healthcare systems. ObjectiveThis study aimed to associate the effects of extreme weather events with the immediate and delayed risk of AOE-related EVs. MethodsA total of 1522 AOE-related EVs from the ENT outpatient clinic of the Vienna General Hospital between 2015 and 2018 were analyzed. Meteorological data for the same study period was obtained from the Austrian Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics for Vienna and a distributed lag non-linear model used to associate extreme weather events with the total number of AOE-related EVs. Relative risk (RR) and cumulative RR were analyzed over a period of 14 days. ResultsAOE-related EVs showed a pronounced seasonality, with the highest occurrence in summer. The RR for AOE-related EVs was significantly increased one day after high-temperature events for seven days, to a maximum of 1.95 [1.04–3.65]. Low and high relative humidity significantly reduced the same-day occurrence of AOE-related EVs to 0.65 [0.46–0.92] and 0.74 [0.58–0.95]. Increased precipitation and wind speed significantly decreased the RR of AOE-related EVs four and seven days after occurrence. After one day, low atmospheric pressure events showed an increased RR of 1.42 [1.02–1.98] in AOE-related EVs. ConclusionsExtreme weather events significantly impact AOE-related EVs. While high mean temperatures were positively correlated with AOE-related EVs, low humidity was found to have a negative same-day effect, supporting the idea of multiple factors being involved in increasing the susceptibility for AOE. Knowledge of the pattern of events could allow the implementation of time-optimized prevention strategies to reduce the incidence of AOE, the frequency of EVs, and the burden on health care systems.

Agricultural value chains and food security in the Pacific: Evidence from Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands

Small island developing states in the Pacific face multiple development challenges driven by rapid population growth and high transportation costs due to remoteness and isolation. Combined with the adverse consequences of extreme weather events and climate change, these challenges exacerbate poverty and food insecurity. Agricultural value chain development presents a pathway to poverty reduction and food security. In this paper, we assess the impacts of two value chain development projects in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands on dietary diversity and food security of small-scale producers. Project impacts on dietary diversity are positive and significant in both countries, but improved food security is only observed in Solomon Islands. These impacts are mainly driven by crop yields, value of crop production and sales, crop diversification and share of crop sales. We find that treatment households are more likely to consume less nutritious foods such as sweets and oils. Our findings expand the literature in a data-scarce region and caution that value chain interventions without nutrition-focused components to induce behavioral change may have unintended impacts on healthy diets.