Experiencing Climate Change Research Articles

Set When the Sun Rises, Rise When the Sun Sets: Climate Impact on Health, Safety, and Wellbeing of Smallholder Farmers in Vietnam

Vietnam is a country most at risk for experiencing climate change effects, especially increasing temperatures. Agricultural production is one of the biggest contributors to Vietnam’s economy. Recent research has explored how climate change will impact agriculture in Vietnam. However, the impact of climate change to the health, safety, and wellbeing of Vietnamese farmers is often overlooked. In this study, we conducted five focus groups with 46 farmers representing three provinces of Vietnam. We used a convergent mixed-methods design and a Total Worker Health® framework to assess how farmers in Vietnam experience climate-change-related hazards and describe how famers associate these hazards with impacts to their health, safety, and wellbeing. Multi-dimensional scaling suggests farmers conceptualize hazards separately from health, safety, and wellbeing outcomes, but a thematic analysis of our data indicated that farmers perceive both direct and indirect impacts of climate change to their health, safety, and wellbeing. Direct impacts of climate change described included physical health effects such as heat stress. Indirect impacts included mental health stressors due to productivity demands. Gaps in available health and safety trainings for farmers were also identified. This project demonstrates the need to co-develop safety and health trainings with farmers. System-level approaches both at the societal and community levels are needed. The local governments, cooperatives, Women’s Unions, and Farmers’ Unions are trusted sources of information that could implement and disseminate these trainings.

ASSESSMENT OF THE SEVERITY OF METEOROLOGICAL DROUGHT IN THE REGION OF AL HOCEIMA, MOROCCO, USING PRECIPITATION TRENDS AND THE SPI

The meteorological drought is a devastating phenomenon with far reaching social and economic effects. The study of drought is important for the sustainable management of water resources which are becoming depleted. This study looks at drought in Al Hoceima province of northern Morocco, using analysis of precipitation trends and the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) with a simple linear regression followed by an assessment of severity. Meteorological information from five stations in the Al Hoceima region from 1975-2016 were used. According to the results, the 80s are the most affected by the drought. The occasional examination of precipitation has shown that trends in all seasons, precipitation series are expanding. More than 74% of the observation years considered experienced a severe meteorological drought. The southern part of the province has been relatively less dry compared to the central and northern. The maximum severity of the drought was seven consecutive years recorded at the Al Hoceima station, at 74% from October 1978 to November 1985. This drought trend requires intervention to minimize the impact as the earth continues to experience climate change.

Psychological dimensions associated with youth engagement in climate change issues: a person-centered approach

Climate change is one of the greatest global threats that has ecological, economic, social, and psychological consequences. Nowadays, young people are the target of political agenda since they represent potential future policymakers. Consequently, it is crucial to identify the psychological features that contribute to engagement of young people in climate change issue. This study aimed at identifying and describing different configurations of youth perceiving and experiencing climate change. A sample of 224 participants (61% females; Mage = 21.04, SD = 1.65) were involved in study. From a cluster analysis emerged three distinct profiles, Eco-Disengaged, Eco-Engaged/Oriented and Eco-Engaged/Disoriented, which differ in levels of climate change awareness, worry and anxiety. Findings suggest that institutions might develop green education programs based on young people’s individual differences.

Optimizing pyrethrum planting dates to enhance productivity in a changing climate: A case of southern Highlands in Tanzania

Pyrethrum has excellent potential for growing and industrial production in Tanzania, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides and reducing pest and disease incidence without altering the natural balance. Planting date and seeding rate are critical for the productivity of pyrethrum; however, farmers in recent years have been experiencing climate change, resulting in unreliable planting periods. This study seeks to optimize the planting date for increased crop production. The study was conducted in the Umalila Highlands in the Mbeya region, with demonstration plots established in three villages (Iyunga Mapinduzi, Santilya, and Pashungu) and planted at monthly intervals from January to April. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. The highest flower yield was achieved with early planting dates, particularly in January, with yields progressively decreasing from February to April. Sowing in January produced a yield of approx. 550 kg ha-1, significantly more than the April control with approx. 122 kg ha-1. The survival rate of Pyrethrum plants was highest at about 75% when planted in January and decreased to 72% in February, 67% in March and 57% in April. Pyrethrum planted in January had the most significant plant height, rosette size, and number of stems at all three sites, while April plantings had the worst performance and higher disease scores. Positive correlations were observed between yield and plant traits, such as height, rosette size, and number of stems, with negative correlations between yield and disease scores.

Investigation of the variability applying classical (MK-SR) and modern (ITTA-TPSC) trend methods to meteorological parameters of Marmara Basin in Turkey

Scientific studies for countries experiencing climate change have accelerated recently. Turkey is among the countries experiencing climate change. Studies carried out for this country or its basins are of great importance both for the basin and the country. Therefore, Marmara Basin, where Turkey's population density is highest and industrialization is at the most advanced level, is selected in this study. The length of meteorological data is 45 years. The analysis of these data is made with Mann-Kendall (MK) and Spearman Rho (SR), which are classical trend methods, and Innovative Triangle Trend Analysis (ITTA) and Trend Polygon Star Concept (TPSC), which are modern trend methods. When the studies on Marmara basin are examined, there is no study that includes these four methods. Therefore, this study stands out in this respect. Because these analysis methods will reveal a new idea by applying them to hydro-meteorological data within the basin area. Before applying MK method, serial correlation method is applied to the meteorological parameter data of all stations. When the analysis results are examined; a general increasing trend is observed in precipitation data for ITTA and TPSC methods. No trend is observed in precipitation data for MK and SR methods. A general increasing trend is observed in temperature data for ITTA, MK and SR methods. However, a generally decreasing trend is observed in temperature data for TPSC method. While there is generally no trend in relative humidity data for MK and SR methods, an increasing trend is observed for ITTA and TPSC methods.

Relation exploration between clean and fossil energy markets when experiencing climate change uncertainties: substitutes or complements?

During the crucial stage of the energy transition for combating extreme climate changes, it has been frequently discussed: Whether clean and fossil energies are substitutes or complements? To answer this question, we first analyze the correlations of some main clean and fossil energy markets in 2015–2022. After identifying and measuring the volatility spillovers in these energy markets, the original sequence is decomposed into three subsequences in each time-frequency to accurately capture the temporal relations in the short or long term. Furthermore, we select three periods when global climate change issues occurred frequently for the event analysis, then explore the linkages between the energy markets when experiencing climate uncertainties from different time dimensions. We find that the close interactions between clean energy markets are mainly presented in the long term. Meanwhile, even though the spillover effects between the oil market and others are not obvious in the original sequence, significant spillovers could be observed in the selected periods. Therefore, we can infer that the frequently-occurred climate change issues could be one of the reasons that trigger the volatility spillovers between the oil and other energy markets. As climate uncertainties increase, different reactions between the energy markets can be seen in the short term, while a synchronized trend is also easily observed in the long term. Hence, we conclude that these energies could be substitutes in the short term, while complements in the long run. The above analytic results could be helpful for policymakers and investors to cope with the market fluctuations that are brought by climate issues.

Women, Climate Change and the Law: Lessons for Tanzania from an Analysis of African Nationally Determined Contributions

AbstractWomen experience climate change in different ways to men and are often disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for gender-focused climate initiatives. Strengthening laws and policies to address women's and gender issues is one way forward. Yet, less research attention has been given to women and gender in climate change law than in other issues. This article seeks to advance the field by exploring the relevant law, policy and governance commitments made by all African nations under the Paris Agreement. The findings indicate that most African nations include some gender-related commitments, but only a few include detailed legal initiatives ready for implementation. These more detailed initiatives are synthesized to identify a toolbox of options, which are then applied to Tanzania as a case study. This article contributes to the literature by comprehensively analysing the African climate change commitments and by making tangible recommendations for Tanzania.

Typology of Plantain Cultivation in a Context of Climate Change in the Agroecological Zone of Haut-Sassandra, Central-West, Côte d'Ivoire

The Haut-Sassandra region (Côte d'Ivoire), experiencing climate change with its many consequences, continues to produce bananas even if the level has fallen in recent years. This work was carried out to understand the adaptation strategies of plantain farmers facing the consequences of climate change. The methodological approach consisted of listing banana plantations of more than one hectare in Haut-Sassandra and carrying out a survey on plantain cultivation practices observed in this agroecological zone. The survey carried out made it possible to list 34 banana plantations with areas of between 1.5 and 5 hectares. For the establishment of banana plantations, slash-and-burn crops are the most favored (100%). The most used crop type is the crop association (85%) (cocoa (65%), coffee (15%) and food crops (5%)). Only 15% of banana plantations were monoculture. The fight against the wind is achieved by hedges made up of plots of rubber and teak surrounding the banana plantations. Symptoms of biotic and abiotic diseases were observed in all the banana plantations investigated. To maintain sustainability and better banana production, Haut-Sassandra planters combine several agroecological practices.

Horticultural Farmer's Perceptions and Adaptations to Climate Change in East Java, Indonesia

The agricultural sector highly vulnerable to the risks and impacts of global climate change. Horticultural farmers in East Java have experienced climate change, which is marked by a decrease in the level of productivity produced in recent years. This study aims to determine how farmers' perceptions of climate change and adaptation strategies are carried out. Data were collected through direct survey to horticultural farmers in Malang and Kediri Regencies, East Java. Data analysis was carried out descriptively, by describing the data that had been collected regarding the perception and adaptation of farmers. The results of the study shows that farmers have a high perception of climate change. Farmers' strategies in dealing with climate change include the adaptation by changing cropping patterns, changing plant varieties, changing plant types, changing fertilizer inputs, doing irrigation, and increasing knowledge and skills about agriculture.

Climate-Affected Australian Tropical Montane Cloud Forest Plants: Metabolomic Profiles, Isolated Phytochemicals, and Bioactivities.

The Australian Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (WTWHA) in northeast Queensland is home to approximately 18 percent of the nation's total vascular plant species. Over the past century, human activity and industrial development have caused global climate changes, posing a severe and irreversible danger to the entire land-based ecosystem, and the WTWHA is no exception. The current average annual temperature of WTWHA in northeast Queensland is 24 °C. However, in the coming years (by 2030), the average annual temperature increase is estimated to be between 0.5 and 1.4 °C compared to the climate observed between 1986 and 2005. Looking further ahead to 2070, the anticipated temperature rise is projected to be between 1.0 and 3.2 °C, with the exact range depending on future emissions. We identified 84 plant species, endemic to tropical montane cloud forests (TMCF) within the WTWHA, which are already experiencing climate change threats. Some of these plants are used in herbal medicines. This study comprehensively reviewed the metabolomics studies conducted on these 84 plant species until now toward understanding their physiological and metabolomics responses to global climate change. This review also discusses the following: (i) recent developments in plant metabolomics studies that can be applied to study and better understand the interactions of wet tropics plants with climatic stress, (ii) medicinal plants and isolated phytochemicals with structural diversity, and (iii) reported biological activities of crude extracts and isolated compounds.

The case for a climate bonus: waste pickers’ perceptions of climate change in Minas Gerais

While the work of waste pickers advances urban sustainability, there has been little focus on how climate change impacts affect them. This paper reports on a pilot study with 61 waste pickers in Minas Gerais, Brazil to understand their perspectives on climate change impacts and actions. It explores how waste pickers experience climate change impacts at home and at work, their adaptive strategies and the specific actions and actors needed to address these impacts. Waste pickers have practical knowledge and experience of climate events. But due to precarious employment and lack of access to services, infrastructure and social support, their responses are improvised and inefficient. They require better institutional support and their proposals must be incorporated into a negotiated approach to urban resilience. Proposals such as the climate bonus – similar to the existing recycling bonus – may help address the structural drivers of vulnerability for waste pickers in Minas Gerais.

Canopy Heterogeneity and Environmental Variability Drive Annual Budgets of Net Ecosystem Carbon Exchange in a Tidal Marsh

AbstractTidal salt marshes are important ecosystems in the global carbon cycle. Understanding their net carbon exchange with the atmosphere is required to accurately estimate their net ecosystem carbon budget (NECB). In this study, we present the interannual net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 derived from eddy covariance (EC) for a Spartina alterniflora salt marsh. We found interannual NEE could vary up to 3‐fold and range from −58.5 ± 11.3 to −222.9 ± 12.4 g C m−2 year−1 in 2016 and 2020, respectively. Further, we found that atmospheric CO2 fluxes were spatially dependent and varied across short distances. High biomass regions along tidal creek and estuary edges had up to 2‐fold higher annual NEE than lower biomass marsh interiors. In addition to the spatial variation of NEE, regions of the marsh represented by distinct canopy zonation responded to environmental drivers differently. Low elevation edges (with taller canopies) had a higher correlation with river discharge (R2 = 0.61), the main freshwater input into the system, while marsh interiors (with short canopies) were better correlated with in situ precipitation (R2 = 0.53). Lastly, we extrapolated interannual NEE to the wider marsh system, demonstrating the potential underestimation of annual NEE when not considering spatially explicit rates of NEE. Our work provides a basis for further research to understand the temporal and spatial dynamics of productivity in coastal wetlands, ecosystems which are at the forefront of experiencing climate change induced variability in precipitation, temperature, and sea level rise that have the potential to alter ecosystem productivity.

How Latinos’ perceptions of environmental health threats impact policy preferences

AbstractObjectiveThis article examines the relationship between environmental health threats, personal experiences with climate change, and their association with attitudes toward global warming and willingness to pay for clean energy.MethodsUsing a nationally representative survey of Latino adults (n = 1200), we use categorical regressions to examine the relationship between environmental health threats and policy preferences.ResultsLatinos who have personally experienced climate change and who view air pollution as a threat, are more likely to be concerned with climate change and believe that passing stricter environmental laws will improve the economy as opposed to reduce econonic growth. Latinos who have experienced climate change and worry about the impact of climate change in their homeland are also more willing to pay $5 or $10 for clean energy.ConclusionThis study has implications for our collective knowledge of Latinos’ connections to the environment and policy outcomes and contributes to the growing area of environmental public opinion among ethno‐racial groups.

Fire sparks upslope range shifts of North Cascades plant species.

As ongoing climate change drives suitable habitats to higher elevations, species ranges are predicted to follow. However, observed range shifts have been surprisingly variable, with most species differing in rates of upward shift and others failing to shift at all. Disturbances such as fires could play an important role in accelerating range shifts by facilitating recruitment in newly suitable habitats (leading edges) and removing adults from areas no longer suited for regeneration (trailing edges). To date, empirical evidence that fires interact with climate change to mediate elevational range shifts is scarce. Resurveying historical plots in areas that experienced climate change and fire disturbance between surveys provides an exciting opportunity to fill this gap. To investigate whether species have tended to shift upslope and if shifts depend on fires, we resurveyed historical vegetation plots in North Cascades National Park, Washington, USA, an area that has experienced warming, drying, and multiple fires since the original surveys in 1983. We quantified range shifts by synthesizing across two lines of evidence: (1) displacement at range edges and the median elevation of species occurrences, and (2) support for the inclusion of interactions among time, fire and elevation in models of species presence with elevation. Among species that experienced fire since the original survey, a plurality expanded into new habitats at their upper edge. In contrast, a plurality of species not experiencing fire showed no evidence of shifts, with the remainder exhibiting responses that were variable in magnitude and direction. Our results suggest that fires can facilitate recruitment at leading edges, while species in areas free of disturbance are more likely to experience stasis.

The influence of climate resilience governmentality on vulnerability in regional Australia

Australia is already experiencing climate change losses and damages. Australian governments and other institutional actors acknowledge vulnerability, yet they centre building resilience to climate change. Resilience is frequently used as a synonym for vulnerability reduction, but important ideological differences exist. Indeed, scholars have suggested that resilience, as a politico-ideological tool of subject formation, can be considered a type of governmentality. While there is much research on the political and ideological dimensions of resilience, there is less focus on illuminating how resilience, as a form of climate governmentality, interacts with vulnerability to climate change. Drawing on a climate ethnography in regional Australia, I ask how do resilience discourses and interventions influence vulnerability to climate change in regional Australia? To answer this question, I explore examples of the historical–structural, intersectional and psychosocial determinants of vulnerability, identify key resilience discourses and interventions and examine how, what I term, climate resilience governmentality is influencing vulnerability to climate change. Unable to identify clear causality, I instead show how resilience governmentality is working to reinforce rather than redress the root causes of vulnerability in regional Australia. I observe that resilience discourses emphasise shared responsibility, but in practice, this translates into a focus on individual capacities. Subjects’ psychological dispositions are targeted and neoliberal rationalities are desired outcomes. Climate resilience governmentality is not linked to a withdrawal of the state. Instead, it is a top-down process based on government prioritisation, subject formation strategies and the building of non-governmental institutional landscapes to provide services. I argue that climate resilience governmentality is a form of governmental gaslighting because it denies the lived experiences of precarity, insecurity and structural violence throughout regional Australia. I suggest that significant government investment in regional communities, critical societal reflection and truth-telling are urgently needed to reduce vulnerability in regional Australia.

Forecasting extreme precipitations by using polynomial regression

It is well known that the recent global warming intensifies the magnitude of rainfalls due to the increase in water content in the atmosphere. Therefore, the probability of exceeding the previously observed extreme precipitation values also increases with the experienced climate change, and forecasting extreme weather events is becoming more important. This paper presents a new polynomial regression approach and software (PolReg), where future extreme precipitations exceeding all previous observations are estimated for each month of year by using prediction bounds with a level of certainty at 95%. The presented method determines the degrees and coefficients of best-fitting polynomials for each precipitation station and forecasts the expected extreme value for each month of year by using the determined polynomials. The performance of the method is tested by removing and estimating a total of 792 highest observed monthly total precipitation values of 66 precipitation stations in Turkey (the highest observation for each month of year for each station). The results show that the proposed method and the provided software have a high performance and accuracy in estimating future precipitation extremes and might be applied in many disciplines dealing with forecasting probable extreme values.

My climate journey: one cognitive behavioural psychotherapist’s account, and a commentary linking to the scientific and practice literature

Abstract Climate change distress is a challenge to people seeking help, and to those providing help. Those providing help are working in a new area of clinical practice where little is known, but they may also be experiencing climate change distress. The aim of this article is to highlight the personal and professional implications of the unfolding climate crisis and how we might better understand and support those with understandable, yet intense, emotional reactions to the climate crisis. This article consists of a first-person narrative by the first author, and a commentary on the narrative based on the psychology of climate change literature by the second author. We have worked independently on the narrative and commentary; each is responsible for their own contribution. The narrative highlights the first author’s personal experience of moving from denial to facing the truth of the climate crisis and the impact on professional practice. The commentary by the second author found that literature is scarce, but more familiar areas of practice may help to understand and respond to climate change distress. Practitioners face a situation where they may experience similar emotions to their clients, analogous to the shared threat of the pandemic. Awareness of the crisis is daunting, but therapy, self-reflection and action can help hold our emotions and support our clients. The evidence is limited but experience of the pandemic suggests that CBT can respond, adapt, innovate, and even revolutionise mental healthcare. These two perspectives suggest, despite the challenges, there may be reasons for hope. Key learning aims (1) To increase familiarity with climate change distress and its multi-faceted presentations. (2) To understand the importance of self-care for climate activists and the different forms this may take. (3) To consider the implications of being a practitioner helping people with climate change distress, while also experiencing climate change distress. (4) To reflect on the tensions between, and the potential integration of, the personal and the professional in the context of climate change.

Different gender-based climate change impact on Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

Differences in the impact of climate change are influenced by the level of vulnerability of each individual, including in terms of gender. Differences in access and control often make women more vulnerable to climate change than men, so the impact and adaptation to climate change will be different. This study aims to understand the differences in the impacts of climate change from a gender perspective in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The quantitative and descriptive method uses data and information obtained from literature reviews, field surveys, and interviews. In addition, a vulnerability analysis was also carried out for the Lombok region using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) assessment. The projection results show that Lombok will experience climate change, such as increasing air temperature and decreasing rainfall. Lombok’s vulnerability to climate change is in the LVI value range of 0.376 to 0.448. The impacts of climate change felt by men and women in Lombok differ because of differences in access, participation, control, and benefits (APCB) influenced. The results show that women are more vulnerable than men. One of the most influential factors is the lower education level for women due to limited resources and access, resulting in a need for more understanding regarding climate change.

Plant-Derived Epi-Nutraceuticals as Potential Broad-Spectrum Anti-Viral Agents.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be diminishing, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants represents a threat to humans due to their inherent transmissibility, immunological evasion, virulence, and invulnerability to existing therapies. The COVID-19 pandemic affected more than 500 million people and caused over 6 million deaths. Vaccines are essential, but in circumstances in which vaccination is not accessible or in individuals with compromised immune systems, drugs can provide additional protection. Targeting host signaling pathways is recommended due to their genomic stability and resistance barriers. Moreover, targeting host factors allows us to develop compounds that are effective against different viral variants as well as against newly emerging virus strains. In recent years, the globe has experienced climate change, which may contribute to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases through a variety of factors. Warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can increase the geographic range of disease-carrying vectors, increasing the risk of diseases spreading to new areas. Climate change may also affect vector behavior, leading to a longer breeding season and more breeding sites for disease vectors. Climate change may also disrupt ecosystems, bringing humans closer to wildlife that transmits zoonotic diseases. All the above factors may accelerate the emergence of new viral epidemics. Plant-derived products, which have been used in traditional medicine for treating pathological conditions, offer structurally novel therapeutic compounds, including those with anti-viral activity. In addition, plant-derived bioactive substances might serve as the ideal basis for developing sustainable/efficient/cost-effective anti-viral alternatives. Interest in herbal antiviral products has increased. More than 50% of approved drugs originate from herbal sources. Plant-derived compounds offer diverse structures and bioactive molecules that are candidates for new drug development. Combining these therapies with conventional drugs could improve patient outcomes. Epigenetics modifications in the genome can affect gene expression without altering DNA sequences. Host cells can use epigenetic gene regulation as a mechanism to silence incoming viral DNA molecules, while viruses recruit cellular epitranscriptomic (covalent modifications of RNAs) modifiers to increase the translational efficiency and transcript stability of viral transcripts to enhance viral gene expression and replication. Moreover, viruses manipulate host cells' epigenetic machinery to ensure productive viral infections. Environmental factors, such as natural products, may influence epigenetic modifications. In this review, we explore the potential of plant-derived substances as epigenetic modifiers for broad-spectrum anti-viral activity, reviewing their modulation processes and anti-viral effects on DNA and RNA viruses, as well as addressing future research objectives in this rapidly emerging field.

Creating spaces for co-research

In the current era of peak youth, young people’s voices and authentic participation are needed more than ever. This article focuses on how youth participation in research can enhance wider understanding of young people’s experiences, perspectives and solutions, while also empowering young people. There is an established tradition of engaging young people and children with the qualitative research process, ranging from youth focussed research to youth-led participatory action research. Within this we occupy a middle ground, arguing for the need to create heterotopic spaces for participation in which both young researchers and professional researchers learn from one another’s expertise. Mindful of the roadblocks to authentic participation, this article systematically approaches engaging young people at six critical stages in the research process, namely: setting the framework; question design; data collection; analysis; validation; and sharing results for discussion and action. Youth co-research offers methodological rigour grounded in a reconceptualization of where expertise can be found, a committed approach to research training and youth empowerment, greater access to hard-to-reach groups of young people and data validity built upon close engagement with young researchers. To demonstrate our approach, we share in this article three youth co-research case studies, which focus on young people experiencing climate change disruptions in Uganda, young people impacted by COVID-19 in Indonesia and Nepal and a youth think tank convened between East, West and Southern Africa. The rigour and value of youth-engaged qualitative methodologies can benefit young people, as well as the academics, policymakers and NGOs with whom they work.