Current Trends In Climate Change Research Articles

Global, Arctic, and Antarctic sea ice volume predictions using score-driven threshold climate models

The literature on sea ice predictions uses a variety of general circulation models (GCMs), which suggest diverse predictions of the date of ice-free or almost ice-free oceans, and focus mainly on the Arctic. GCMs are not sensitive enough to tipping points in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), and they underestimate the sensitivity of Arctic sea ice to carbon emissions. We contribute to the literature in two ways: First, we use a novel time series model, named the score-driven threshold climate (SDTC) model, and we report global, Arctic, and Antarctic sea ice predictions. For the SDTC model, the estimations are computationally less demanding than those of the GCMs. Second, we combine long-run 1,000-year frequency climate data from 798,000 to 1,000 years ago, and short-run annual data from year 850 to year 2014. We present the evolution of long-run and short-run climate data with descriptive statistics. We estimate the SDTC model using annual data from 850 to 2014 for Arctic and Antarctic sea ice volume Icet and Antarctic land surface temperature Tempt. We use the atmospheric CO2,t concentration as a clustering variable to define periods of climate change. Hence, CO2,t concentration drives the regime-switching dynamics of parameters in the SDTC model. We report in-sample interval forecasts of global, Arctic, and Antarctic sea ice from 1980 to 2014. Observed global and Arctic sea ice volumes are below the forecasted interval from 2003. The observed Antarctic sea ice volume is below the forecasted interval from 2011. We report out-of-sample interval forecasts of sea ice from 2015 to 2314. The out-of-sample forecasts, μ[μ±2σ], indicate that if the current trend of climate change continues, then Arctic sea ice will disappear around 2058[2049,2068], and global and Antarctic sea ice will disappear around 2174[2123,2270].

Climate change and consequences of climate change in Kazakhstan

The article examines the impact of climate change on the territory of Kazakhstan and its consequences for ecosystems, agriculture, economy and public health. Thecurrent climate change trends in Kazakhstan were analyzed using data from hydrometeorological observations at stations and posts of the state observation network of RSE «Kazhydromet». Climate norms and variable anomalies are considered, and changes in climate characteristics for the period 1976-2022 are estimated using linear trend coefficients and the coefficient of determination. The author focuses on the analysis of current climate change trends in the region and possible strategies for adaptation to them.

Altitude-dependent responses of dryland mountain ecosystems to drought under a warming climate in the Qilian Mountains, NW China

Climate warming has intensified drought severity in many areas of the globe. Dryland mountain ecosystems are sensitive to climate variability. However, the response of mountainous vegetation to drought has high uncertainties due to the rugged terrain and varied local climate and is still not well understood. In this study, the Qilian Mountains (QLMs) in northwestern China, which have a typical dryland mountain ecosystem and experienced intense climate change, are selected as a case study area. We utilized a downscaled normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) product and climate data to explore the spatiotemporal dynamics in vegetation greenness and the climatic drivers for the period 1982 ∼ 2018. We studied the response of different vegetation types to drought at different altitude gradients Results suggest that most areas in the QLMs displayed an upward trend in greenness and the greening rate was greater in the southeast, while vegetation degradation occurred in the western part. The grass and shrub communities showed a decreased sensitivity to drought at the medium altitudes and increased sensitivity at the lower and upper limits of their distribution altitudes. The broadleaf forests showed intensifying drought sensitivity at all elevations. Coniferous forests and alpine meadows respectively displayed decreasing and increasing trends of sensitivity to drought along elevations. A combination of the fastest warming and mildest wetting trends over the lowest (<3200 m) and highest (>4200 m) elevations are likely exacerbating the vulnerability of vegetation to drought. By contrast, the medium elevations (3200 ∼ 4200 m) have experienced rapid wetting and relatively slower warming, and the vegetation is expected to be less affected by drought if the current climate change trends continue. These findings help to better understand how these dryland mountainous vegetation communities respond to drought under a changing climate and provide some insights into the protection of these vulnerable ecosystems for the local managers.

On aquatic macrophytes in the ultracontinental climate conditions of the Upper Indigirka River

The first results of the study of aquatic macrophytes of the Upper Indigirka River area are presented. The species composition includes ~84 species (~74 vascular plants and more than 10 cryptogamous macrophytes). 47 water bodies of different age, size and origin (tectonic, glacial, river, thermokarst and artificial) were studied. For each type of water bodies, the main ecological characteristics, features of the species composition and vegetation cover are given. The most common type of water bodies of the territory is thermokarst, and the greatest floristic diversity (54 species of macrophytes) is found here. There are 40 species in tectonic lakes, 37 - in rivers lakes, 35 - in glacial lakes, the lowest diversity was for small artificial waterbodies. For the Oimyakon District, new records of protected species are reported: macroalga Tolypella canadensis, vascular plants Isoetes echinospora, Nuphar pumila, Nymphaea tetragona (common and its rare pink-flowered form) and Subularia aquatica. Possible consequences for aquatic ecosystems while maintaining current trends in climate change (increase in average annual temperature, shift to earlier periods of spring warmth, changes in the amount and distribution of precipitation, depth of seasonal thawing of soils) leading to degradation of permafrost and their impact on the biodiversity of aquatic macrophytes in the region are discussed. The most vulnerable aquatic ecosystems of the Oimyakon Highlands are the mature thermokarst lakes.

Experimental assessment of the effect of different types of salt and temperature on the survival of the larval stage of eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis Linnaeus, 1758

Salinization of freshwaters is a serious problem leading to a decrease in biodiversity and degradation of aquatic ecosystems. In conditions of climate warming, the toxic effect of salinization can increase. The aim of this study was an experimental assessment of the survival of the pre-larvae of the Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis under conditions of different concentration of two types of salt (salt mining wastes and sodium chloride), and also under two temperature regimes. We found that under temperature conditions of 8–15 ° C, the mortality of pre-larvae was significantly lower compared to the values obtained with an increase in temperature by 5 °C. The tolerance limit (LC50 ) under exposition to salts for 24 hours was a mineralization value equal to 9.8 g/l and 8.7 g/l under an exposition of 72 hours. There were no significant differences between the two types of salts — salt mining wastes and sodium chloride in terms of LC50. There were also no significant differences in the time of death of 100 and 50% of the tested prelarvae. At the same time, a higher mortality of pre-larvae was revealed in solution of salt-mining wastes at concentrations of 7 and 8 g/l. At concentrations above 9 g/l, the opposite trend was observed — a greater mortality rate was found in sodium chloride solution. For both types of salts, a greater survival rate of prelarvae was revealed at a salt concentration of 8 g/l compared to a concentration of 7 g/l, which requires more detailed studies. These results are important for understanding the limits of tolerance to salinity in the larval stage of development of one of the most widespread ecologically flexible freshwater fish species. The relevance of the study is determined by current trends in climate change and the increasing level of salinization of boreal freshwaters as a result of salt pollution.

Метод снижения рисков в сельском хозяйстве, связанных с засухами, с учетом вероятности их появления

The increase in mean and extreme temperatures against the background of almost unchanged precipitation in the south of the European territory of Russia (ETR) leads to a number of changes affecting agricultural production. The combination of such unfavorable environmental factors as high temperature and water shortage can have a relatively short-term, but strong impact on the crop industry with long-term consequences. It is expected that, taking into account current trends in climate change, the foothill and plane zones in the south of the ETR will be in an arid zone. Thus water scarcity has been and remains a critical factor in determining crop production in the region. The paper discusses the mechanisms of the impact of climate change on agriculture. It is noted that the relevance of developing effective and cost-effective for practical use methods to reduce risks in this industry associated with extreme weather events, including droughts, is increasing and becoming an essential condition for ensuring the country&amp;#x27;s food security. The features of information support of the problem of developing models for reducing risks associated with droughts are noted. A method for reducing agricultural losses associated with this weather event is outlined. It is based on exploiting the different vulnerabilities of crops by hazardous weather events. The possibilities of practical use of the method under conditions of climate change are touched upon, and the main tasks arising along this path are discussed. The results of model calculations, which were carried out in order to study the effectiveness of the method, are presented. It is noted that, on the basis of the proposed approach, flexible and quickly responding to changes in the conditions for the functioning of agriculture, systems can be created to reduce the loss of agriculture from adverse weather events.

Urban risks due to climate change in the Andean municipality of Pasto, Colombia: A Bayesian network approach.

The current trends of climate change will increase people's exposure to urban risks related to events such as landslides, floods, forest fires, food production, health, and water availability, which are stochastic and very localized in nature. This research uses a Bayesian network (BN) approach to analyze the intensity of such urban risks for the Andean municipality of Pasto, Colombia, under climate change scenarios. The stochastic BN model is linked to correlational models and local scenarios of representative concentration trajectories (RCP) to project the possible risks to which the municipality of Pasto will be exposed in the future. The results show significant risks in crop yields, food security, water availability and disaster risks, but no significant risks on the incidence of acute diarrheal diseases (ADD) and acute respiratory infections (ARI), whereas positive outcomes are likely to occur in livestock production, influenced by population growth. The advantage of the BN approach is the possibility of updating beliefs in the probabilities of occurrence of events, especially in developing, intermediate cities with information-limited contexts.

Peculiarities of climate change in the Arctic and implications for environmental management

The Arctic is the high-latitude part of the Far North, including the land area and the Arctic Ocean marine environment within the exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation. The importance of the Arctic issues is due to the fact that in the Russian Federation the formation and scientific rationale of priorities for the development of circumpolar territory are ones of the key objectives of Russia’s economic development. The study of various areas and problems of Arctic development shows the particularly crucial role of geography in the formulation and solution of national economic objectives. The role of geography is becoming increasingly important not only because of the huge impact of the geographical factor in the Far North and the Arctic, but also due to remarkable differentiation of natural and social conditions of economic activity. In recent decades, the natural and socio-economic environment in the Arctic has been undergoing rapid transformation. One example is climate change, which may have an impact on environmental management on a global scale. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate the current trends of climate change based on sources and to identify the impact of these processes on the processes of environmental management.

Contribution of weather conditions and anthropogenic activity to the variation of grain yields in the North-West of Russia

Current trends in climate change associated with the growth of heat supply contribute to the growth of bioclimatic potential and the increase in productivity of grain crops in the North-West of Russia. In such conditions, research is relevant aimed at clarifying the contribution of weather conditions and anthropogenic activity in the formation of the crop. The research was conducted on the crops of winter rye, spring barley, winter wheat, and spring wheat of the experimental landfill of the Menkovsky branch of the Agrophysical Research Institute. We studied various factors of anthropogenic activity, such as the level of mineral or nitrogen nutrition, an integrated plant protection system, seeding rates, and the size of seed material. Variance analysis was used in statistical processing. According to the results obtained, weather conditions were the most significant factor of productivity for winter cereals, and mineral nutrition was crucial for spring crops. The integrated protection system was less important than both the weather conditions of the growing season and the background of mineral nutrition of cultivated plants. This factor appeared to be the least significant for winter rye, which often has a favorable phytosanitary situation. The novelty of the data obtained lies in determining the predominant value in varying the yield of nitrogen fertilizers and herbicide treatment for spring wheat. A little less critical were the seeding rate and the size of the seed material.

Tendency for change of agroclimatic conditions for formation of millet yield by 2050 within the Steppe zone of Ukraine

The current trend of climate change requires a significant revision of the species and breed composition of agricultural crops. Preference should be given to drought-resistant crops such as millet, especially in the Steppe zone of Ukraine. Thus studies of agro-climatic conditions for formation of millet yields in the coming years are of great importance. The article covers the assessment of changes in agro-climatic resources for the northern and Southern Steppe zones of Ukraine according to RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios during three ten-year periods: 2021-2030, 2031-2040 and 2041-2050 as compared with the basic period of 1986-2005. The research applies the basic model for assessment of agro-climatic resources of formation of agricultural crops productivity developed by A. M. Polevoy. The model uses meteorological and agrometeorological data of air temperature and humidity, precipitation, solar radiation, water-physical properties and soil moisture obtained through standard meteorological and agrometeorological observations. The model of crops production process allowed establishing the agro-climatic resources during millet vegetation season and indicators of photosynthetic productivity, as well as determining the regularities for formation of different agri-environmental categories of crop yield and crop yield fluctuations under climate change within the thirty-year period from 2021 to 2050. The research evaluates the change of aforementioned indicators both in the context of individual periods and in the context of the Northern and Southern Steppe zones. It was found that the largest change in agro-climatic resources and millet productivity is observed in the Southern Steppe zone. For both the Southern and Northern Steppe zones the largest difference of such indicators is observed under the RCP8.5 climate change scenario. It was also found that the largest change of the indicators is observed within the period from 2031 to 2040. However, within the next decade, the values of all indicators will be close to the data observed during the basic period (1986-2005). According to the results of calculations for the period from 2021 to 2050 under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios the expected scenario yields will be higher than those of the basic period.

Integration of planning, scheduling, and control: A review and new perspectives

AbstractThe competitive, profitable, and safe operation of chemical plants depends on tight and effective coordination among the different decision making levels of the enterprise, including planning, scheduling, and control. The optimal integration of these functions has become critical given the disruptive effects of the recent COVID‐19 pandemic on the supply chains and the current trends in climate change. However, integrating multiple decision making levels creates modelling and computational challenges. In this study, we review the progress made in the integration of two and three decisions levels using mathematical programming and control theory tools. We highlight the model reduction and decomposition techniques that have been applied, as well as the main issues that remain unsolved. Perspectives on emergent areas of application and novel computing solutions are also discussed.

Water facilities of Ternopil: hydrography, ecological condition and water supply

The most sensitive to anthropogenic pressure in the city are water resources: surface and groundwater, water sources, etc. Therefore, the analysis of hydrographic features and ecological status of water bodies of the city of Ternopil is an urgent and important scientific and practical task. Purpose. Analysis of hydrographic features and ecological condition of water bodies of the Ternopil city, coverage of problems of pollution of the reservoir, quality of water in the Seret River and the main water intakes of the city Methods. Generalization and systematization, descriptive, SWOT-analysis, cartographic, geoinformation, geochemical assessment of the ecological status of water bodies of the city. Results. Generalization and systematization of data on the hydrographic network of the Ternopil city, allows us to state the fact that the main water bodies of the city is the Seret River – 242 km long (within the city 1.8 km) and the basin area 3900 km2; reservoir – an area of 300 hectares, nameless right tributary and canalized left tributary of the Seret River – the Rudka. The ecological condition of the Seret River within the city of Ternopil can be assessed as unsatisfactory. The main geoecological problems of the river are construction within the the coastal protection zone, water pollution by solid waste, exceeding the maximum allowable concentrations of suspended solids, sulfates, chlorides, nitrates and petroleum products. Environmental problems of the Ternopil reservoir are water pollution by chemical compounds of ammonium nitrogen, petroleum products, suspended solids and total iron; high siltation and pollution of the bottom sediments of the reservoir with heavy metals and mobile forms of biogenic elements. Water supply in the Ternopi cityl is carried out from two water intakes - Biletsky and Verkhnyo-Ivachivsky. Verkhno-Ivachivsky water intake is located at a distance of 3 km from the city landfill in the village of Malashivtsi. In the last few years, the process of drilling and using private artesian wells with a depth of more than 50 m has become widespread in the city. According to the results of the analysis, installed compliance with sanitary requirements of water samples in these wells, pH in all samples within normal limits (6,5-8,5). Conclusions. Current trends in climate change and the growth of anthropogenic pressure on water bodies, increases the risks of degradation and changes in some components of the hydrographic network of the city. In Ternopil, it is necessary to modernize the centralized water supply system, reconstruct rainwater collectors and strengthen control over unauthorized discharges into surface water bodies. It is also worth designing another water intake for the city in environmentally secure conditions.

Hardening Blueberry Plants to Face Drought and Cold Events by the Application of Fungal Endophytes

Harsh environmental conditions derived from current climate change trends are among the main challenges for agricultural production worldwide. In the Mediterranean climatic region of central Chile, sudden occurrence of spring cold temperatures in combination with water shortage for irrigation (drought) constitutes a major limitation to highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) plantations, as flowering and fruiting stages are highly sensitive. Hardening crops may be achievable by boosting beneficial interactions of plants with microorganisms. Inoculation with symbiotic fungi isolated from plants adapted to extreme environments could be a good strategy, if they are able to maintain functional roles with non-original hosts. Here, we evaluated the effect of two Antarctic fungal endophytes (AFE), Penicillium rubens and P. bialowienzense, on the tolerance of V. corymbosum plants to cold events in combination with drought under controlled conditions. Inoculated and uninoculated plants were exposed for a month to one event of a cold temperature (2 °C/8 h) per week with or without drought and were evaluated in physiological, biochemical, and molecular variables. A complementary set of plants was kept under the same environmental conditions for two additional months to evaluate survival as well as fruit weight and size. There was an overall positive effect of AFE on plant performance in both environmental conditions. Endophyte-inoculated plants exhibited higher gene expression of the Late Embryogenesis Abundant protein (LEA1), higher photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), and low oxidative stress (TBARS) than uninoculated counterparts. On the other hand, plant survival was positively affected by the presence of fungal endophytes. Similarly, fruit diameter and fruit fresh weight were improved by fungal inoculation, being this difference higher under well-watered condition. Inoculating plants with fungal endophytes isolated from extreme environments represents a promising alternative for hardening crops. This is especially relevant nowadays since agriculture is confronting great environmental uncertainties and difficulties which could became worse in the near future due to climate change.

Spatial patterns and species coexistence in mixed Abies marocana-Cedrus atlantica forest in Talassemtane National Park

Understanding spatially-explicit interactions between co-existing tree species provides valuable information about the trade-offs between facilitation and competition driving species coexistence and forest dynamics. Here, we analyzed the fine scale spatial pattern of Moroccan fir (Abies marocana) and Cedrus atlantica (Cedrus atlantica) in a mixed forest (Talassemtane National Park, northern Morocco) and discuss its consequences on intra- and inter-specific interactions and stand dynamics. All trees were mapped and measured in ten plots to investigate uni- and bivariate spatial point patterns using pair-correlation and mark correlation functions. Tree ring data was also investigated from increment cores to assess the growth and age patterns of both species. Fir and cedar trees showed similar basal area and mean diameter distributions, while A. marocana presented a higher density and regeneration. There was an overall aggregation of conspecific and heterospecific individuals at small distances up to 2 m. Univariate analysis of tree size classes supports that juveniles of both species, as well as A. marocana adult trees, show an aggregated pattern at fine scales up to 2 m, while C. atlantica adults exhibit a random pattern. Observed spatial patterns are consistent with the hypothesis of attraction mechanisms between fir and adult trees of C. atlantica. Abies marocana recruitment mainly occurred inside the canopy of dominant trees (at distances varying from c.a 1 m under cedar adults to 3 m under adult conspecifics), while C. atlantica was the dominant regeneration in small gaps. The studied A. marocana-C. atlantica mixed forests showed a transition from an initiation phase led by C. atlantica to a subsequent stem exclusion phase, where dominant trees shade out less-competitive trees and mainly fir trees can establish in the forest understory. According to the observed spatial patterns and growth rates, enhancing C. atlantica establishment in degraded areas may be a suitable proactive and adaptive management to promote long-term conservation of endemic Abies marocana under current climate change trends.

THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGICAL METHODS OF GROWING ON FIELD SIMILARITY AND SURVIVAL OF CHICKPEAS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE RIGHT BANK FOREST STEPPE OF UKRAINE

The article presents the data of experimental studies conducted during 2018-2020. The main task of the research was to study the impact of technological methods of cultivation on varietal technology of chickpea cultivation in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine given current trends in climate change. It was found that field germination varied depending on the pre-sowing treatment of seeds and varietal characteristics, and the survival of plants in the field – in addition to the studied cultivation techniques, also from the treatment of vegetative plants. It is established that the period of emergence of seedlings is extremely important in the formation of their survival rate, which will ultimately increase the individual productivity of plants and yields. Based on the analysis of the obtained indicators of field germination of seeds of chickpea varieties, it was found that the effect of pre-sowing seed treatment on the studied indicator is not significant as the intensity of seed germination is due to endosperm, which contains its own spare nutrients. The relevance of the research is enhanced by the objectives of applied research performed at the Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry of Vinnytsia National Agrarian University at the expense of the state budget on the topic: «Development of methods for improving the technology of growing legumes using biofertilizers, bacterial preparations», (state registration number 0120U102034). Introduction of advanced technological methods of chickpea cultivation into wide production practice will allow to reduce the deficit of fodder and food protein, increase fertility and improve the soil structure to ensure the rational use of natural potential, which will further expand the sown area of legumes.

IMPACT OF PROLONGED DRY PERIOD ON OIL PALM YIELD AND MILL EXTRACTION RATIO: A CASE STUDY

Based on current trends in climate change, El Nino and La Nina events are likely to become more frequent, with the former having a more significant negative impact on oil palm growth and production. Since 1980, ten El Nino events or prolonged dry periods have been recorded in Indonesia, of which three and five events have been categorised as severe and moderate, respectively. The most severe of the three El Nino events occurred in 1997, followed by a more recent one in 2015. This paper is a case study which examines the impact of the 2015 El Nino event on the fresh fruit bunch (FFB) production of two generations of oil palms planted in two neighbouring estates and oil extraction ratios (OER) of a mill receiving crop from the latter two estates. Four consecutive months of low rainfall in 2015, resulted in annual water deficits of 280 - 313 mm, which was followed by a decline in FFB production over two distinct periods i.e. 4 to 12 months and 24 to 30 months after the El Nino event, respectively. In both cases, a sharp decline in the number of harvestable bunches was the main contributing factor, likely to be due to an increase in inflorescence abortion and lowering of inflorescence sex-ratio. Average bunch weight (ABW) generally remained unaffected. The initial impact of the drought was more severe on the younger palms, but due to a better recovery rate, the overall yield decline (23%) over a 12-month period in the following year, was significantly lower than in older palms (30%). Analysis of 14 years’ yield and climatic data showed that apart from rainfall, other abiotic and biotic factors such as fruiting activity may also be contributing to the 3-year production cycles (peak crop, decline, recovery, peak crop) exhibited by both estates. As such, it was difficult to accurately apportion yield decline primarily due to water deficit from the other influencing factors. The study also indicated a negative effect of drought on mill OER. Extended dry periods in 2015 (4 months) and 2019 (4 months) were consistently correlated with periods of declining OER, 7 to 14 months later. Like FFB, the prolonged decline could also be attributed to multiple factors. Keywords: El Nino, oil palm, OER, rainfall, water deficit.

Quantifying Nutrient Trade in the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis Under Extreme Weather Events Using Quantum-Dot Tagged Phosphorus

Given the current trends in climate change, extreme weather events are expected to increase in strength and frequency. Such events can impact species survival and species interactions. One of the most ubiquitous symbioses on earth is the nutrient exchange partnership between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and their host plants. While past work has shown that mycorrhizal fungi can help alleviate stress, it is unknown how phosphorus uptake by plants to fungi is affected by extreme weather events, such as flooding and heat waves. To test this response, we grewMedicago truncatulahost plants with or without mycorrhizal fungi and then exposed them to extreme weather treatments: increasing soil temperature by 12°C, or by flooding the plant roots for 7 days. We measured plant and fungal performance, and quantified phosphorus (P) uptake before and after extreme weather treatments using a technique in which we tagged apatite, a form of rock phosphorus, with fluorescing quantum-dots (QDs) nanoparticles. We then measured fluorescence in root and shoot tissue at harvest. We found that plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were affected by soil flooding, with plant survival, fungal colonization and QD-apatite uptake decreasing under flooded conditions. We did not see these negative effects in the heat treatment. While the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi affected plant biomass allocation, leading to an increase in shoot biomass, the symbiosis did not increase plant survival, total biomass or QD uptake in either treatment. More generally, we found host tissue contained roughly 80% more QD-apatite from the pre-treatment compared to the post-treatment nutrient injection. Future studies should focus on various plant-fungal combinations to create databases on which predictive models to extreme weather events can be constructed.

A comparative analysis to depict underlying attributes that might determine successful implementation of local adaptation plans

Current trends in climate change indicate that the impact on the most vulnerable systems will increase. Urban areas, which concentrate population, economic activity and infrastructures, are sometimes at high-risk locations. Yet they are to be considered as vulnerable systems in need of harmonized structures supporting their efforts towards mitigating climate effects and/or adapting their territories to them. One current structure is the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (CoM) initiative, tackling in a global and harmonized way local adaptation to climate change. Do CoM cities that developed acceptable climate change adaptation plans have similar characteristics? It is still unclear which might be the drivers or key attributes potentially leading to successful planning within the initiative. In this paper, we explore attributes of the first 51 cities that have submitted their adaptation plans to CoM, in order to identify common elements among accepted plans. Therefore, our hypothesis is that there must be attributes determining the acceptance of adaptation plans. In order to do so, the cities were classified as compliant and non-compliant with the CoM principles. Fisher’s and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests were applied to identify attributes that are statistically different between both groups. Results show that the engagement of multiple stakeholders and citizens, particularly at the local level, might significantly facilitate the acceptance of adaptation plans in the initiative. We also found that the benefits of stakeholder and citizen engagement could be greater in small municipalities because citizens and stakeholders have more opportunities to participate.

Status of major diseases of brinjal and tomato in charland of Jamalpur and Sherpur districts of Bangladesh

Brinjal and tomato, both of these Solanaceous crops, suffer from different diseases based on their surrounding environment. In charland ecosystem, due to the current trend of climate change these two crops have become vulnerable to disease infection. A comprehensive survey was conducted in Jamalpur and Sherpur districts to measure the severity of major diseases of brinjal and tomato in this region during the rabi season of 2018-19. This survey was based on farmers’ fields targeting 10 different locations where brinjal and tomato were grown extensively. Data were collected from randomly selected farmer’s vegetable fields where incidence and severity were recorded. Through the survey, five (5) diseases based on their incidence and severity were categorized as major diseases in studied areas. Bacterial wilt of brinjal (60%) and viral disease of tomato (41.67%) were found to be higher in incidence. This was a major limiting factor for decreasing total brinjal and tomato production in the charland of Jamalpur and Sherpur. Wilting of tomato (20%), viral disease of brinjal (20%) and phomopsis blight of brinjal (13.33%) were medium in incidence at different locations. Farmers of these areas found these diseases to be a serious threat to future cultivation and expansion of brinjal and tomato in charland.

Shoreline fluctuation of Can Gio district in the period 1998 - 2019

Facing the current trend of climate change, bank erosion occurs more often in river bank and coastal areas. This problem not only causes loss of land but also damages houses and human lives. Can Gio is a coastal district on the southeast coast of Ho Chi Minh City, an area that has been severely eroded, affecting people's lives and depleting the local economy This paper presents the results of monitoring the shoreline changes in Can Gio district from remote sensing image analysis techniques. The Landsat satellite image was used in combination with a calculation technique based on the water spectrum index to extract the shoreline for the period 1998 - 2019. The results show that, in the whole area, the erosion process dominates with the area of erosion at different stages always being higher than that of accretion; Specifically, within 21 years, the area of erosion occurred 1.8 times more than that of accretion. The landslide area that has accounted for the highest proportion is Thanh An commune with the rate of 29% compared to the area of the whole district. Meanwhile, Long Hoa commune had the largest accretion area with the rate of about 35% compared to the area of the whole district. The research results aim to assist people in coastal monitoring and management to minimize damage to human and ecosystems.