Climate Change Considerations Research Articles

Integrating climate change into environmental impact assessments of dams: insights from three case studies using an analytical model

ABSTRACT Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a valuable tool for preventing climate change impacts and improving the resilience of climate-sensitive projects, such as dams. Nevertheless, few published studies provide evidence-based insights on how climate change is addressed in actual EIA practice for dams. This article investigates the integration of climate change considerations in three EIA cases of dams and discusses what implications this integration, or lack thereof, may have for the project’s resilience to climate change. Using a tailored analytical model, the study evaluates climate change integration across the EIAs and assesses its potential to enhance resilience. Findings reveal that, while mitigation measures were thoroughly incorporated, adaptation was insufficiently addressed, potentially undermining the long-term resilience of these projects. The analytical model developed has the potential to offer valuable guidance for EIA practitioners and project evaluators, helping them to effectively assess the integration of climate considerations and the dam’s resilience to climate challenges within EIA frameworks.

Meteorological Drought Assessment in Koshi and Sudurpaschim Provinces, Nepal

Drought, characterized by prolonged periods of reduced precipitation and water scarcity, poses significant challenges as a creeping disaster. This study focuses on assessing meteorological drought patterns using the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) in the Koshi and Sudurpaschim provinces of Nepal from 1980 to 2023. Additionally, it incorporates climate change considerations in drought analysis and utilizes projected precipitation data for the period of 2025-2060 which are bias-corrected ensembles of thirteen GCMs of CMIP6 Project. The findings indicate a consistent trend of dry conditions in the Koshi region since 2005, marked by extreme fluctuations. In contrast, Sudurpaschim has experienced increased precipitation and demonstrated a more stable pattern over the years. Projections suggest heightened drought conditions in both provinces during 2026/2027, 2032/2033, 2045/2046, and 2058, highlighting the need for proactive measures. However, there is a notable trend towards increased precipitation in the far future for both regions. Particularly concerning is the occurrence of winter drought in both provinces across all regions, emphasizing the urgency for targeted strategies to mitigate water scarcity during this critical season.

Study Explores Sustainable Solutions for Managing Contaminants in Produced Water

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 221002, “Sustainable Solutions for Contaminant Management in Produced Water,” by Nick Nicholas, Genesis Water Technologies, and Andrea Bautista-Gomez, SPE, UniXporter. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ The primary objectives of this paper include identifying key challenges in managing produced water, assessing current produced-water treatment practices, identifying areas for improvement, and establishing an approach focusing on innovative sustainable solutions that benefit both the industry and the environment. In the case-studies section of the complete paper, the authors include detailed application case studies from Colombia and India (the latter is included in this synopsis). Key Challenges in Managing Produced Water Produced-water management presents a complex set of challenges that spans environmental, technical, economic, and regulatory areas, often requiring multifaceted treatment solutions. The following primary impediments faced in produced-water management are detailed in the complete paper: - Variability in water composition - High treatment costs - Large flow volumes - Environmental risks - Regulatory compliance - Limited disposal options - Technological limitations - Beneficial reuse obstacles - Climate change considerations Current treatment technologies include physical separation, chemical treatment, membrane filtration, thermal technologies, and biological treatment. Current disposal methods for produced water management in the US are diversified, with 46% of the water being disposed of, 41% reinjected, and 13% recycled. Various disposal and recycling methods, detailed in the complete paper, include deep well injection, surface discharge, evaporation ponds, and reuse and recycling. Transportation and storage methods include pipeline networks, trucking, and storage facilities, while monitoring and compliance methods include water-quality testing and reporting systems. Waste minimization strategies include downhole water separation and various water-shutoff techniques.

Hidden semi-Markov models for rainfall-related insurance claims

We analyze the temporal structure of a novel insurance dataset about home insurance claims related to rainfall-induced damage in Norway and employ a hidden semi-Markov model (HSMM) to capture the non-Gaussian nature and temporal dynamics of these claims. By examining a broad range of candidate sojourn and emission distributions and assessing the goodness-of-fit and commonly used risk measures of the corresponding HSMM, we identify an appropriate model for effectively representing insurance losses caused by rainfall-related incidents. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the temporal aspects of weather-related insurance claims and demonstrate that the proposed HSMM adeptly captures this feature. Moreover, the model estimates reveal a concerning trend: the risks associated with heavy rain in the context of home insurance have exhibited an upward trajectory between 2004 and 2020, aligning with the evidence of a changing climate. This insight has significant implications for insurance companies, providing them with valuable information for accurate and robust modeling in the face of climate uncertainties. By shedding light on the evolving risks related to heavy rain and their impact on home insurance, our study offers essential insights for insurance companies to adapt their strategies and effectively manage these emerging challenges. It underscores the necessity of incorporating climate change considerations into insurance models and emphasizes the importance of continuously monitoring and reassessing risk levels associated with rainfall-induced damage. Ultimately, our research contributes to the broader understanding of climate risk in the insurance industry and supports the development of resilient and sustainable insurance practices.

Shifts in the habitat suitability for large hammerhead sharks under climate change

One of the chief consequences of climate change is the worldwide redistribution of species in the pursuit of physiologically and ecologically favourable conditions. As part of one of the most threatened groups of vertebrates, assessing how climate change may affect the distribution patterns of key shark species is essential for their long-term conservation and management. The present study aims to assess how climate change projections (based on the representative concentration pathways 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5) for the middle and end of the century may affect the global patterns of habitat suitability (HS) for large hammerhead sharks – a unique and particularly threatened group of elasmobranchs. Here, a decline in the global average HS is projected for both Sphyrna lewini and Sphyrna zygaena, with the scale of HS decline generally increasing with time and RCP severity, while a global increase in HS is generally projected for Sphyrna mokarran, albeit reduced over the long-term and overturned under long-term RCP8.5. Meanwhile, poleward shifts are projected for all three species, with considerable tropical declines for both S. lewini and S. zygaena. Additionally, regional shifts in suitability have the potential to affect population connectivity, the access to key habitats, and levels of exposure to other anthropogenic pressures, along with the effectiveness of conservation and management efforts. Taken together, these results showcase the importance of climate change for species’ extinction risk assessments and the urgency of the consideration of climate change within the design and implementation of conservation measures.

Process evaluation of an urban piped water supply infrastructure improvement programme in Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Major investments in water supply infrastructure will be required to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. Safely managed water services are also central to global cholera and diarrhoeal diseases prevention strategies. However, evidence remains scarce on how to efficiently improve piped water services in complex settings where infrastructure investments are most needed. We conducted a process evaluation of a large-scale water supply infrastructure improvement programme in Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in parallel to a pragmatic trial. Considering three evaluation domains–context, implementation, and population response–, we assessed the validity of the programme’s theory of change and underlying assumptions. Information sources included construction works documentation, operational and billing records from the water utility, and household surveys. The evaluation covers the period 2014–2021. Trial results are not within the scope of this manuscript. The programme did not achieve expected improvements in the water supply service during the evaluation period. Out of 16 assumptions underlying the theory of change, six remained valid, seven partially valid, and three turned out to be invalid. Contextual challenges included extreme flooding in 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted construction works. Issues related to electricity supply and the rise of Lake Tanganyika emphasise the need for cross-sectoral approaches and consideration of climate change in the planning of water supply infrastructure. Implementation challenges underlined the importance of capacity strengthening alongside infrastructure improvements. Population response elements suggest that affordability and informal practices such as tap sharing should be taken into account. The programme was a good example of early engagement with researchers and provides unique insights into the implementation of large-scale infrastructure improvements in a complex, low-income setting. Pragmatic evaluation approaches should be adopted for the generation of scientific evidence from complex programmes in order to optimise future infrastructure investments contributing to progress towards SDG6.

Future-proofing the global system of marine protected areas: Integrating climate change into planning and management

Climate change and its impacts are increasingly threatening the ability of marine protected areas (MPA) to meet their conservation goals. While integration of climate change into planning is critical, a recent global analysis found that relatively few MPAs have incorporated climate change considerations into formal management planning processes. Despite this, sessions and discussions at the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) demonstrate that climate-adaptive management already permeates MPA processes, from day-to-day management to design and implementation. Here we review the results of an IMPAC5 knowledge exchange session that brought together a diverse group of MPA managers, Indigenous community representatives, and thought leaders to discuss improved integration of climate change into MPA management and planning. The session demonstrated the vibrancy, diversity, and engagement represented in the dynamic and fast-moving field of MPA climate change management and planning. In addition to sharing unique and diverse perspectives, the session leveraged the experience of experts to identify new and common challenges and gaps. As a result of this session, we present five recommendations, building on previous work, to guide MPA managers in the explicit and successful incorporation of climate adaptation into management planning and implementation. These recommendations hold the goal of ensuring an equitable, adaptive, and robust global MPA system. This review also provides a valuable summary of the vast repository of experience and knowledge of climate adaptive management contained within the MPA management community, and with community and Indigenous partners. Such perspectives are rarely reflected in formal scientific, policy, and management publications.

Suitability Assessment and Optimization of Small Dams and Reservoirs in Northern Ghana

Water shortages, exacerbated by erratic rainfall, climate change, and population growth, pose significant challenges globally, particularly in semi-arid regions like northern Ghana. Despite the construction of numerous small dams in the region that were intended to provide reliable water for domestic and irrigation purposes, critical water issues persist during dry periods. Key drivers in this failure are attributed to the lack of studies and/or the number of inadequate studies on suitable dam siting. This study focused on assessing the sites of selected small dams in northern Ghana, employing various methods such as stream order analysis and the Analytic Hierarchy Process within a Geographic Information System framework. Results showed that many existing dams are poorly sited, with over half located far from major stream networks, resulting in drying out during the dry season and failing to meet sustainable water storage standards. This study proposed new dam locations that would allow achieving a significant increase in storage capacities from 30% to 60%. These results highlight the necessity for decision-makers to adopt research-based approaches to address water shortages effectively, balancing agricultural, domestic, economic, and environmental needs. Future research should integrate climate change considerations, long-term monitoring, environmental impact assessments, and advanced decision-making techniques such as machine learning.

Correlation Between Climate Change and Parasitic Infections in Australian

Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the correlation between climate change and parasitic infections in Australian. 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 correlation between climate change and parasitic infections in Australia reveals significant relationships influenced by changing environmental conditions. Research indicates that rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns create favorable habitats for parasites and their vectors, leading to increased transmission rates of diseases such as Ross River virus and malaria. Additionally, extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, contribute to the spread of waterborne parasites and disrupt traditional patterns of infection. The findings suggest that as climate change continues to impact Australia, public health systems may face heightened challenges in managing and mitigating the risks associated with parasitic infections. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Ecological niche theory, disease ecology theory & one health concept may be used to anchor future studies on correlation between climate change and parasitic infections in Australian. Implement and refine surveillance systems that monitor parasitic infections in relation to climate data. Advocate for the integration of climate change considerations into health policies related to parasitic infections.

How does restoration ecology consider climate change uncertainties in forested ecosystems?

Forest restoration is a powerful tool that combats forest loss and mitigates climate change. Our review asks how climate change considerations are integrated into forest restoration. We asked: (1) How many articles about forest restoration practices discuss climate change; (2) has this changed over time; and (3) when climate change is mentioned, how is it considered? We used the framework created by Simonson et al. in 2021, which describes seven unique areas where practitioners can consider climate change impacts in their projects. These areas include adjusting species and location for projected changes to fitness, mitigating risks, and aligning practice with policy. We reviewed the literature through Web of Science and evaluated publications for inclusion of these considerations. We found that the number of publications about forest restoration projects has increased significantly since the early 2000s, exceeding 200 in 2021. The proportion of these including the terms “climate change” or “global warming,” has also increased (35% in 2021). Climate change concepts were only considered in what we defined as an “in‐depth” context in 83 of the 186 publications we reviewed (45%). However, the majority of publications (115 of 186, 61%) did incorporate at least one of the seven considerations, even if they did not satisfy our definition for in‐depth climate change consideration. Several articles discussed other considerations not described by Simonson et al. (2021), leading us to recommend adding an eighth criterion to their framework: consider place‐based communities and Indigenous Knowledge Holders' responses to climate change in forest restoration.

Considering a more sustainable gluten-free diet? Gluten-free cereals in European dietary practice

BackgroundThe inclusion of minor and pseudo-cereals enhances the nutritional quality of a gluten-free diet. Yet, affordability determines practical implementation. Environmental concerns should also be considered as moving towards a more sustainable diet. How do these aspects of sustainability manifest themselves in a special diet, such as gluten-free?MethodsAn international pilot survey among practicing dietitians was conducted during the Congress of The European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD, Budapest, 2023). Respondents marked their recommendation for eight gluten-free cereals based on five criteria, including nutritional quality, accessibility/price, and climate change. Differences were analysed using Cohran’s Q and pairwise post-hoc tests (N = 38).ResultsThere were significant differences in the recommendation for cereals (p < 0.05 for each grain), with quinoa (89.5%), gluten-free oats (89.5%), rice (86.8%), and corn (65.8%) being the most recommended. Buckwheat (55.3%), millet (50.0%), amaranth (44.7%) and sorghum (26.3%) were less recommended. Although gluten-free oats were recommended overall, quinoa was recommended for its nutritional content, and rice and corn were recommended for accessibility/price. No cereal received a high recommendation for climate change.ConclusionsAccording to this pilot survey, nutritional content and accessibility/price were the most important criteria for evaluating gluten-free grains. Dietitians were willing to integrate climate change considerations into practice, but more information is needed. The recommendation for minor and pseudo-cereals contradicted the importance emphasised by the literature. Further research is needed to integrate these aspects, helping dietitians formulate recommendations.

Quantifying the Impact of Climate Change on Mortality Rates: A Stochastic Actuarial Approach in Uganda

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the quantifying the impact of climate change on mortality rates: a stochastic actuarial approach in Uganda. 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 study found that climate change significantly increases mortality rates, particularly through the rise in extreme weather events and temperature-related illnesses. Using stochastic actuarial models, the research demonstrated a strong correlation between climate variability and higher mortality, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The findings underscore the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies in Uganda's public health planning to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on mortality. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Risk theory, ecological theory &amp; actuarial life table theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the quantifying the impact of climate change on mortality rates: a stochastic actuarial approach in Uganda. Practitioners should integrate climate data into actuarial models used for mortality forecasting and risk assessment. Policymakers should develop and enforce regulatory standards that require the inclusion of climate change considerations in actuarial assessments and reporting.

The role of climate change and corrosion modeling strategy in dynamic response of pile-supported wharves

This paper explores the fragility of pile-supported wharves to environmental hazards, notably climate change and corrosion, and underscores the critical need to understand the interplay between these factors when assessing structural safety. The research advocates for comprehensive methodologies that encompass climate change effects, aging, and time-dependent deterioration in evaluating the seismic fragility functions of pile-supported wharves. An examination of aging and seismic effects is performed on a representative pile-supported wharf at designated time intervals. This study highlights the pronounced impacts of climate change and corrosion on the structural integrity of concrete and steel in marine environments. Specifically, it considers effects such as sea level rise, increased temperatures, and heightened relative humidity on pile-supported wharves. Additionally, three corrosion pitting configurations in prestressed strands with and without climate change considerations are analyzed to determine their influence on the strength and ductility of materials, limit states, and ultimately, on the fragility curves. The findings indicate that climate change significantly exacerbates the corrosion of materials in pile-supported wharves, and increases failure probability. The relative increase in corrosion rate after 50 years due to climate change is found to be 94%.

Unlocking the Potential of Zero-tillage Farming: Challenges, Opportunities, and Key Influences on Adoption

Zero tillage (ZT) is a crucial agricultural strategy that prioritizes little soil disturbance. This research investigates the future possibilities of ZT, concentrating on three critical dimensions: technology developments, climate change considerations, and possible rise in adoption rates. Precision agriculture, robotics, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology have been shown to play a critical role in improving ZT efficiency and sustainability. These advancements enable more intelligent and focused methods, lowering waste and harmonizing farming operations with overall sustainability goals. Climate change is also a crucial factor in influencing ZT's future. ZT's intrinsic qualities of soil moisture conservation, decreased erosion, and carbon sequestration make it an effective technique for climate mitigation and adaptation. According to the report, the worldwide need to address climate change may serve as a stimulus for ZT expansion, linking it with crucial agricultural initiatives in the future. The possible rise in ZT adoption rates is investigated in light of these technological and environmental aspects. The findings indicate that technology's role in eliminating obstacles and increasing efficiency, together with government and organizational backing, might encourage widespread ZT adoption, particularly in developing nations. Collaborative efforts among multiple stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, farmers, and industry, are emphasized as critical to optimizing ZT for different situations and requirements. Zero Tillage's future possibilities are broad and varied, characterized by technical innovation, compatibility with climate goals, and a clear route to widespread implementation. The combination of these variables offers a favorable scenario for ZT, establishing it as a key technique in developing sustainable agriculture in the future. This study adds to our understanding of ZT's future trajectory and provides insights that can help direct its ongoing evolution and effect in the agriculture sector.

Climate challenges for event management: a research agenda

ABSTRACT This research note examines the impacts of human-induced climate change on events. It discusses the increasing vulnerability of these events to climate-related hazards and risks, such as extreme heat, warmer winters, rain/flooding, severe storms, wildfires/bushfires, and their subsequent impacts on event viability and sustainability. Through empirical examples, it illustrates how climate change is already affecting various events worldwide, proposes a framework for assessing the climate vulnerability of events (including exposure and sensitivity to climate hazards as well as adaptive capacity), and discusses potential structural and physical, social, and institutional adaptation strategies. It then draws some conclusions on enhancing event and festival resilience to climate change. Finally, it highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to address climate risks in event planning and management, underscoring the critical importance of integrating climate change considerations into event planning, by presenting a research agenda.

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGANISMS

Global climate change, driven primarily by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, represents a critical challenge with extensive implications for ecosystems and biodiversity. Rising global temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are influencing the habitat, distribution, and physiological processes of various organisms. Despite considerable research, there remains a limited understanding of how these climatic changes interact with other environmental stressors to affect different taxa and ecosystems. This study aims to elucidate the multifaceted impacts of climate change on living organisms by integrating data on physiological responses, species distributions, and ecological interactions. Our findings reveal that climate-induced shifts in temperature and precipitation significantly alter species distributions and community dynamics. Specifically, we observe accelerated phenological changes in some species, disrupted trophic interactions, and increased vulnerability of certain taxa to new stressors. This research advances the field by employing a multi-dimensional approach that combines ecological modeling with empirical data across various biomes, offering new insights into the interactive effects of climate variables on biological systems. The results underscore the urgency of incorporating climate change considerations into conservation strategies and policy-making to mitigate adverse impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. This study provides a critical foundation for developing adaptive management practices to enhance resilience in the face of ongoing climate shifts.

Climate change considerations in environmental impacts assessment (EIA) practices: learning from climate sensitive projects in Rufiji Basin Tanzania

Abstract The assessment of climate change mitigation and adaptation in environmental impact assessment practices has been mostly inconsistently addressed. Studies that use data validation from experts and relevant authorities to address the socio-political context that influence the process have been inadequate. This study aimed to bridge the gap by examining the extent to which climate change mitigation and adaptation in environmental impact assessment practices in Tanzania have been considered and the broader social-political context that influence the process. A mixed research design employing sequential methods was adopted. Both primary and secondary data was used. Primary data was obtained from 22 environmental experts through a close-ended questionnaire and interview with 6 key informants, while secondary data was obtained from 19 environmental impact assessment reports issued between January 2020 and January 2022. Purposive sampling was used to select key informants and simple random sampling was used to select environmental experts and environmental impact assessment reports. Content analysis was employed to assess qualitative text data to generate descriptive information. SPSS enabled the processing and analysis of quantitative data through frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that 23.3% and 10.5% of reviewed reports considered climate change mitigation, and adaptation respectively, reflecting that the degree of consideration was low and was mainly limited to mitigation. A close link between the environmental impact assessment legal frameworks and the environmental impact assessment practices was observed and it was recommended for a review of basic frameworks to mandate and include details on climate change mitigation and adaptation assessment in environmental impacts assessment practices. The study recommends building capacity of experts and authority, preparing clear climate change assessment guidelines, and availing reliable climate data at the local level to facilitate modelling.

A Review on Climate Change, Credit Risk and Agriculture

Abstract Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its implications for both agricultural firms and capital lenders. This systematic literature review aims to elucidate emerging trends in addressing climate-related risks in agriculture and credit sectors. Drawing from a rigorous analysis of 39 articles sourced from Scopus and Web of Science databases, three key thematic dimensions have emerged: (i) agricultural lending and credit risk, (ii) green principles and sustainability, and (iii) the context of developing countries. From the impact of climate change on the recoverability of loans to the imperative of transitioning towards a greener and more sustainable economy, alongside the nuanced challenges faced by agriculture in developing countries, we analyzed prominent and recent literary approaches. The findings underscore the need to integrate climate change considerations into agricultural and credit policies. Policymakers and financial institutions should prioritize climate education for farmers and promote sustainable financial approaches. Anticipated climate risks will impact lenders’ capital reserves, necessitating portfolio adjustments. A deep understanding of climate change’s interplay with agriculture lending and credit risk is vital, urging proactive policy and practice. Addressing climate challenges in agriculture demands a multifaceted strategy encompassing tailored credit policies, improved access to credit, financial empowerment, and the mitigation of social inequalities. This review highlights the urgent need for proactive strategies to mitigate climate risks and ensure a resilient agricultural sector, emphasizing the crucial role of research and policy interventions in navigating the complex landscape of climate change impacts on agriculture.

Future impacts of river flow on hydropower generation in Great Britain

ABSTRACT Climate change is likely to alter Great Britain's water resource availability for hydropower generation. This affects hydropower production due to uncertainty around the timing and magnitude of water availability, particularly run of river (RoR) schemes that lack the storage capacity to buffer seasonal flow variability. This study examines the likely future changes on RoR potential at locations across GB using the enhanced future flows (eFLaG) dataset. Results show that annual river flows are projected to increase in winter and spring but reduce in summer and autumn. This has an impact on RoR potential with a projected decrease in the near (2030–2059) and far future (2050–2079) for both summer (−19%, −32%) and autumn (−11%, −19%) throughout GB. Therefore, results indicate a decrease in the annual RoR potential in GB. This study underscores the importance of incorporating climate change considerations in the planning and operation of RoR schemes to ensure sustainable energy generation. This could be achieved by upgrading existing turbines to handle higher flows or designing new turbines capable of accommodating larger discharges to fully utilise the increased flows during winter. However, this should be done with consideration of the technical limitations and the opportunities for optimisations for system generation.

Symposium 4: Reflections on Hybridity in the Malta Networked Learning Forum 2021

This paper discusses the practicality, successes and possible failures of the Malta Networked Learning (NL) Forum held in May 2021. The forum was held in a hybrid synchronous face-to-face and virtual context, with a wide range of international participants, planned at short notice due to continuing uncertainty of Covid-19 restrictions. The paper outlines contexts and understandings of hybridity in both events and pedagogical approaches, noting varying definitions and concepts that may utilise this term to indicate forms of barrier breaking, overcoming limitation or supporting flexibility. Further context highlights recent literature concerning other digitally hybrid conference events, the need for which have been accelerated in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and additional considerations of climate change for reducing the carbon footprint of academic communities. Discussion leads to the type of hybridity implemented for the Malta NL Forum in May 2021, where pandemic international travel restrictions, local regulations and participant planning uncertainty required the adoption of a face-to-face and virtual synchronous event. The local organising team (authoring this paper) provides commentary to critically reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the modality adopted. Emphasis is placed on designing for hybridity in future events, to improve planning and organisation for flexible and agile awareness to support the full range of participants in hybrid contexts and activities. The paper attempts to support those whose role is to convene and host similar events aiming to foster rewarding engagement for those participating, both presenting as well as attending.