Face Of Climate Change Research Articles

Antarctic benthic species distribution models and compositional analysis in a coastal ecosystem under glacier retreat

In the face of global climate change, the West Antarctic Peninsula has been identified as highly vulnerable due to rising temperatures and increased anthropogenic carbon emissions impacting its biodiversity. Species distribution models are useful tools for assessing habitat suitability and forecasting responses in a changing environment. At Potter Cove, glacier retreat has opened new ice-free areas for colonization while altering the environment through meltwater input and sediment run-off. This fjord serves as a case study to identify environmental predictors driving Antarctic zoobenthos distribution in a changing coastal ecosystem and to analyze the potential benthic colonization in areas strongly affected by glacier retreat. About 60% of the study area, equivalent to 5.45 km2, was estimated to be suitable for zoobenthic occurrence. Potential spatial co-occurrence was identified in highly glacier-influenced areas. The interpretation of binary transformation thresholds emphasizes taxa-specific environmental requirements responding to glaciological, oceanographic, and sedimentological predictors, inferring particularities depending on their feeding strategies. A lower threshold value estimated a wider habitat extension. This study enhances our understanding of benthic responses to ongoing environmental shifts due to climate change in the Antarctic coastal ecosystem, emphasizing long-term research to increase our current predictive capacities and improve conservation and management strategies.

Approaches to the conservation of archaeological sites in the Mediterranean in the current and changing climates, with a focus on the Prehistoric Temples of Malta

AbstractThis paper gives an overview of some of the current approaches to the preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Mediterranean, represented by some of the most important archaeological remains, with a special focus on the Prehistoric Temples of Malta, and the key approaches to their conservation in the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Preserving and conserving such sites, sometimes consisting of complex arrays of materials, is a challenge and approaches over time have varied. The lead example is the group of Temples of Malta because they (1) are made of porous limestones particularly susceptible to salt weathering; (2) have been exposed to adverse (exposed, marine) climatic conditions for millennia; (3) have suffered material deterioration over time leading also occasionally to structural problems; (4) have undergone various restoration attempts over the decades, not all particularly successful; (5) have resulted in complex decision-making processes leading to their sheltering; and (6) are facing (like all other sites) climate change, where new action/s may be required. This paper will therefore take us on a journey, led by the example of these Temples, to look also at various other iconic UNESCO sites in relation to past, present, and even future threats, including climate change, as well as approaches to conservation/restoration over the years, with indications for future decision makers on actions to take after holistically understanding the risks and threats. Graphical abstract

Assessment of breeding nuclei contributions to the genetic diversity and population structure of the Cyprus Chios sheep

Cyprus, facing climate change and desertification, has Europe’s second highest population growth. Halloumi cheese’s Protected Designation of Origin status boosted goat and sheep milk demand. Optimizing primary sector production is key to balancing food production and environmental sustainability. The present study aims to explore the genetic diversity and population structure of Cyprus Chios sheep, as well as the impact of existing breeding nuclei on the breed’s gene pool. Two breeding nuclei aiming to preserve genetic diversity and boost local milk production and four private farms were sampled. Genome-wide data using Illumina 50 K arrays were generated, analyzing over 1000 animals from six farms. At least three distinct genetic groups were identified, two of which are represented by the nuclei’s distinct genetic profiles and a third was found in private farms. Calculated metrics indicate a negative correlation of gene flow with geographic distance in case of the Eastern nucleus. Presented results support recent, though limited inbreeding (mean FROH=0.046), compared to other commercial breeds. Estimated effective population size reveals a stabilizing trend to a relatively high number (Ne ~ 200) which indicates relatively high diversity that allows further genetic improvement. Revealed genomic diversity highlights the necessity of such exploration before effectively implementing genomic evaluation programs.

Renovating Post-First-Energy-Regulation Housing: Achieving Nearly Zero-Energy buildings under typical and extreme warm conditions in a temperate European city

Decarbonising the built environment is essential for achieving the 2050 European objectives. Multi-family buildings comprise nearly half of Europe’s building stock, yet there is no regulation mandating all housing renovations to be Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEBs). This paper highlights the role of NZEB renovation for residential buildings constructed between the first energy regulations, after the first oil crisis, and the EPBD 2002 implementation (post-first-energy-regulation housing), as a pivotal factor towards energy transition. In Spain, this period (1980–2006) encompasses approximately 45% of existing dwellings. A case study was conducted in a city with a Cfb temperate climate, focusing on the most representative residential typology of the target period: the linear block. The study evaluates its current state and defines potential measures to meet NZEB requirements, achieving zero consumption when renovation of thermal envelope is combined with heat recovery systems, heat pumps, and PV panels.This research is based on energy simulations for two climate scenarios: the typical meteorological year (TMY, official series 1970–2000) and the most extreme warm year (EWY, 2022) in Spain. Results indicate active cooling systems are necessary for NZEB renovations in Spanish Cfb climates. Furthermore, low-temperature radiators significantly reduce heating consumption, while splits are the most suitable cooling systems. This study shows Spain is not adequately preparing its housing stock to face climate change, as most typical renovation works are based on official weather files that need updating to reflect harsher summer conditions. Finally, the study aims to encourage new policies and enhance existing regulations to address rising temperatures and heatwaves.

Study on Multi-Scenario Rain-Flood Disturbance Simulation and Resilient Blue-Green Space Optimization in the Pearl River Delta

In the face of global climate change and rapid urbanization, the Pearl River Delta is confronted with frequent river floods and heavy rainfall, which leads to substantial economic losses and casualties. Enhancing the role of blue-green space in rain-flood resilience is crucial for mitigating such damages in this new era. Firstly, based on an analysis of the current status quo of blue-green space in the Pearl River Delta and the identification of potential areas at risk from rain and floods, this paper elucidates that resilient blue-green space in the Pearl River Delta should be guided by a systematic, bottom-line, and forward-looking orientation while considering spatial characteristics such as multi-scale network connectivity, redundancy and diversity/multi-functionality. Secondly, an optimization route is proposed based on steps of analysis of existing blue-green space, identification of inundated areas prone to rain and flood damage and optimization of blue-green spaces. Strategies for optimizing blue-green space are put forth including enhancing water corridor connectivity, optimizing ecological barriers and corridors, as well as constructing water gates to control hydrological flow direction. Simulation results demonstrate that under similar rain-flood disaster conditions, optimized blue-green space exhibits smaller sizes and lower depths of potential inundated areas compared to the original ones.

Group-selection system as alternative management of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests facing climate change

AbstractThe Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is economically and ecologically the most important forest tree species in Poland with its aerial share estimated at 59% and share in growing stock at 68%. Pine forests have been managed according to even-aged silviculture for decades, resulting in a simplified structure and increased vulnerability to climatic stress. Structurally simple forests also show low resilience and adaptability to the observed global changes. The growing awareness of the risks associated with global change is drawing particular attention to the need for alternative management of pine forests that meets the expectations of the public and foresters themselves. In 1992, an experiment with uneven-aged silviculture for pine forest was established in the Gubin Forest District (western Poland). Based on data collected from 49 permanent circular plots (size of 500 m2 each) covering approximately 30 ha of Scots pine forest, the effect of such silviculture on stand structure was analyzed. Dbh, total tree height, tree status, and tree coordinates (x, y) were measured on each plot. Measurements and observations were taken twice, in 1992 and 2019. Structural indices describing different aspects (size structure, vertical structure, spatial structure) were calculated. The dynamics of the stand structure were then analyzed over 27 years, during which the forest was managed under alternative management strategies. The results showed that group-selection cuttings promote strong differentiation of stand structure. The positive effect of such silviculture can be observed in each aspect of the stand structure. Together with other research findings, the results confirm the effectiveness of this alternative silviculture to diversify simplified pine forests to be better adapted to novel environmental conditions.

Urban Climate Health Risks and Resilience

The effects of climate change health impacts on urban healthcare systems and vulnerable populations are a researched topic with foundations on urban risk management, urban health methodologies, and sustainable urbanization. As climate change is a dynamic and transform-ative global issue the gap between adaptation and mitigation efforts and urban planning relies, among other things, on the limitations of previous studies of risk management structures tailored to the existing strategy to calculate the uncertainties and predict their influence on urban systems and subsystems. Moreover, Although, there is vast documentation on health and urbanization challenges facing climate change impacts, little is known about climate health risks affecting the megacities’ urban poor and the available methodologies to cope with climate health risks in urban environments. Climate and health is a well-researched issue, it is also complex as the methodologies and strategic approach to minimize health risks of climate change are intrinsically contingent on risk methodologies and policy-making processes that are efficient with support of knowledge-based information. This paper emphasizes the need for strategic applications and frameworks on urban health risk management methods that identify potential opportunities, and then manage and take action to prevent adverse health effects. It also emphasizes the probability of events and their consequences, which are measurable both qualitatively and quantitatively

Adaptation Strategies of Smallholder Farmers in Facing Climate Change and Its Impact on Livestock Productivity in Rural Areas

Adaptation Strategies of Smallholder Farmers in Facing Climate Change and Its Impact on Livestock Productivity in Rural Areas

Hypoxia stress: plant's sensing, responses, and tolerance mechanisms.

Oxygen (O2) is an inhibiting factor for plant growth and development in submerged and flooding environments. Plants experience different O2 concentrations, such as normoxia, hypoxia, and anoxia, which can change over space and time. Plants have evolved various morphological, physiological, and biochemical adaptations to withstand low O2 stress, many of which have been well investigated. This review provides a detailed analysis of how plants respond to hypoxia, a significant stress factor primarily caused by flooding. Hypoxia affects plants at various cellular, developmental, and environmental levels. This review highlights genetic, molecular, and metabolic adaptations crops employ to cope with O2 deficiency. The roles of various transcription factors (TFs) and gene regulation mechanisms in enabling plants to modulate their physiological responses under hypoxic conditions are notable. The review also identifies a significant gap in research on plant responses during reoxygenation, the phase of returning to normal O2 levels, especially under natural lighting conditions. This transition poses ROS generation and photoinhibition challenges, affecting plant recovery post-hypoxia. We discuss various strategies to enhance plant hypoxia tolerance, including traditional breeding, genetic modification, and grafting techniques. It emphasizes integrating these approaches with a comprehensive understanding of hypoxia sensing and response mechanisms. We underscore the complexity of plant adaptations to hypoxia and the need for continued research in this field, especially in the face of global climate change. This is vital for developing sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring future food security.

For California perennial crops facing climate change, water use stays stable while planting density increases

With climate change, there has been increasing concern over allocations of scarce water supplies in California during times of drought. This study looks at how practices in perennial crops have changed over time, specifically related to application of irrigation water and to planting densities. We use University of California Sample Costs of Production Budgets from 1980 to 2021 for all major perennial crops in California to compile information on the commonly implemented irrigation and planting practices across various crops and regions. After controlling for regional variation in water applied due to agroclimatic factors, irrigation water use per acre has remained largely stable for most crops, while planting densities have increased for many crops, including olives, grapes, avocados, plums, and almonds. A notable exception is pistachios in the South San Joaquin Valley, which experienced an increase in water applied, with stable yields and planting densities. Our methods of calculating significant trends in water use, including yields and density of orchards, give further insight into the use of water in California agriculture.

Exploring Climate Health Risks and Adaptations among Vulnerable Populations in Israel’s Negev Desert

Abstract Background Climate change represents the paramount challenge to global health, disproportionately impacting particular vulnerable individuals and communities. By identifying and elucidating disparities in health-related climate risks among these groups, we can facilitate the development of appropriate and equitable climate adaptation strategies. This research identified climate-related risks, health perceptions and needs, and behaviors among Jewish and Bedouin populations in the Negev Desert, a region highly susceptible to climate change, located at the intersection of geographical and social marginality. Methods Ten focus groups (n = 69) among vulnerable Jewish and Bedouin residents were conducted and systematically analyzed to identify disparities in health-related climate risks and behaviors. Vulnerabilities were defined based on income, age, health status, living environment, and outdoor activities. Results The findings highlight both shared and distinct difficulties and barriers vulnerable Jewish and Bedouin Negev residents face in the context of climate-related health risks. Key themes that emerged address: a) the direct and indirect impacts of climate-related events on health and well-being; b) the exacerbation of climate-related health risks by existing vulnerabilities and systemic barriers; c) the pivotal role of community resources in coping strategies; and d) lack of trust in the state and its institutions which underpin climate-related experiences. Conclusions The complexity of coping with climate change encompasses individual, community, and national/institutional levels. Vulnerable populations’ experiences with climate change are impacted by factors such as poverty, social marginality, violence, and barriers to accessing healthcare and other services, and is not a standalone phenomenon. Therefore, climate change adaptation and mitigation cannot be distinguished from other challenges impacting the health and well-being of populations. Key messages • Climate adaptation efforts must integrate with broader social and health strategies to effectively support vulnerable groups. • Community resources and trust in institutions are crucial for vulnerable populations facing climate change impacts.

Protecting Water Resources in North African Countries as an Entry Point to Achieve the Sixth Sustainable Development Goal

This article examines the legal framework on water in the Maghreb countries and analyzes if the existing legal framework guarantees the achievement of the sixth Sustainable Development Goal by 2030. One of the most important challenges faced by North African countries is the scarcity of water resources. Water scarcity and difficulty of providing the population with potable water, causes a thirst crisis and disruption of biodiversity, and thus preventing the achievement of sustainable economic and social growth, especially since the communities of this region are known for their intensive agricultural activity. The MENA region is among the most exposed to the negative effects of climate change, as the decrease in rainfall and its temporal and spatial variation leads to frequent floods and multiple droughts. All these pose the problem of dealing with the legal system considering the weak official cooperation between these countries to deal with this reality and find the necessary mechanisms to protect water resources from depletion, face climate change and reduce its effects. This article focuses on the Maghreb countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Mauritania. The choice of these countries is motivated by the fact that they share the same climatic characteristics and above all they suffer in the same way from the repercussions of global warming. Water resources in these countries are under increasing pressure amid population and industrial growth, irrigated agriculture, urbanization, tourism, climate change, overexploitation of aquifers and deteriorating water quality. In terms of methodology, the article employs a literature review of studies in this field as well as an analysis of legal texts related to water and the environment in the countries surveyed. This study shows that the Maghreb countries have made considerable efforts at the legal level to guarantee access to water for their citizens, however there are many peculiarities and insufficiencies for which the study presents some recommendations susceptible to help with the attainment of the 6 SDG objective within 2030.

Reformulating action research to facilitate territorial responses to climate change

This article serves as an introduction to the special issue by presenting the results of a learning process shared by action researchers coming from different action research traditions and geographical areas. The goal of this learning process has been to generate explicit criteria and features that action researchers can integrate in their facilitative work in territorial development processes to make these development processes more effective in facing climate change. These criteria relate to the roots of climate change, justice, innovative ways to understand democracy and governance, the contribution of feminism to climate change and the role of emotions when facing it. These reflections and learnings are synthesized into twelve principles for action research for territorial development (ARTD).

Guest Editorial: Rethinking action research to face climate change: contributions from different traditions

Guest Editorial: Rethinking action research to face climate change: contributions from different traditions

Unravelling the microbiome of wild flowering plants: a comparative study of leaves and flowers in alpine ecosystems

BackgroundWhile substantial research has explored rhizosphere and phyllosphere microbiomes, knowledge on flower microbiome, particularly in wild plants remains limited. This study explores into the diversity, abundance, and composition of bacterial and fungal communities on leaves and flowers of wild flowering plants in their natural alpine habitat, considering the influence of environmental factors.MethodsWe investigated 50 wild flowering plants representing 22 families across seven locations in Austria. Sampling sites encompassed varied soil types (carbonate/silicate) and altitudes (450–2760 m). Amplicon sequencing to characterize bacterial and fungal communities and quantitative PCR to assess microbial abundance was applied, and the influence of biotic and abiotic factors assessed.ResultsOur study revealed distinct bacterial and fungal communities on leaves and flowers, with higher diversity and richness on leaves (228 fungal and 91 bacterial ASVs) than on flowers (163 fungal and 55 bacterial ASVs). In addition, Gammaproteobacteria on flowers and Alphaproteobacteria on leaves suggests niche specialization for plant compartments. Location significantly shaped both community composition and fungal diversity on both plant parts. Notably, soil type influenced community composition but not diversity. Altitude was associated with increased fungal species diversity on leaves and flowers. Furthermore, significant effects of plant family identity emerged within a subset of seven families, impacting bacterial and fungal abundance, fungal Shannon diversity, and bacterial species richness, particularly on flowers.ConclusionThis study provides novel insights into the specific microbiome of wild flowering plants, highlighting adaptations to local environments and plant–microbe coevolution. The observed specificity indicates a potential role in plant health and resilience, which is crucial for predicting how microbiomes respond to changing environments, ultimately aiding in the conservation of natural ecosystems facing climate change pressures.

Maintaining Breed Integrity: Successful Introgression of the SLICK1 Allele into the Holstein Breed.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of genetic introgression of the SLICK1 allele derived from Senepol cattle into the Holstein breed to enhance thermotolerance. The SLICK1 allele, located in PRLR gene, confers a short and sleek coat that is inherited as a simple dominant phenotype. Approximately 40 years ago, the University of Florida initiated efforts to introgress this allele into the Holstein population. Here we tracked the introgression of the SLICK1 allele using a medium-density genotyping array and a reference population of both breeds (50 Holstein, 46 Senepol). Among the 31 SLICK1+ Holsteins, there was 15.25% ± 11.11% (mean ± SD) Senepol ancestry on BTA20. Holsteins at the University of Florida descended from slick matings that did not inherit the SLICK1 allele (n=9) exhibited no Senepol ancestry. A secondary introgression of Senepol genetics in SLICK1+ animals was found on BTA4, spanning 54 markers and 15 genes, with 26.67% Senepol ancestry. This region, previously linked to heat stress adaptation, suggests that the introgression extends beyond the SLICK1 allele to incorporate additional beneficial genetics for thermal stress adaptation. These findings indicate that deliberate introgression of the SLICK1 allele enhances specific traits and potentially introduces other adaptive genetic variations. The study demonstrates the successful use of genetic interventions to improve livestock resilience against environmental challenges without significantly disrupting the recipient breed's genetic structure. The introgression of the SLICK1 allele serves as a model for breeding programs aimed at optimizing animal welfare and productivity in the face of global climate change while maintaining breed integrity.

Translation Efficiency Test Using Polysome Profiles Under Heat Stress.

Translational control of different genes under heat stress is a critical step for plant adaptation to the environment. Assessing the translational activities of various genes can help us understand the molecular mechanisms underlying plant resilience, contributing to the development of crops with enhanced stress tolerance in the face of global climate change. This paper presents a detailed methodology for assessing translation efficiency through polysome profiling in plants exposed to heat stress. The procedure is divided into three parts: heat stress treatment for Arabidopsis, translation efficiency test using polysome profiles, and calculation of translation efficiency by isolating non-polysomal and polysomal RNA based on the profile. In the first part, Arabidopsis plants are subjected to controlled heat stress conditions to mimic environmental challenges. The treatment involves exposing the plants to high temperatures for specified durations, ensuring consistent and reproducible stress induction. This step is crucial for studying the plant's physiological and molecular responses to heat stress. The second part involves the translation efficiency test using polysome profiling. Polysomes are extracted through sucrose gradient centrifugation, which separates mRNAs based on ribosomal loading. This allows for the examination of ribosome occupancy on mRNAs, providing insights into the translational control mechanisms under stress conditions. In the third part, RNA is isolated from both polysomal and non-polysomal fractions. Spike-in RNA is used to accurately measure the amount of RNA in each fraction. The calculation of translation efficiency is performed by comparing the distribution of mRNAs across these fractions under normal and heat stress conditions. The translation activities of specific genes are further assessed by performing quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) with ribosome-associated RNA and total RNA. This methodology focuses exclusively on the effects of heat stress, providing a detailed protocol for analyzing translational regulation in plants.

Microalgae-Based Crop Support Technologies Show Multifaceted Promise Well-Suited to Looming Threats

This review summarises the available evidence on the prospects for using microalgae or their extracts to support crop production. The evidence is limited but suggests technological promise in several distinct ways, namely, higher core productivity, enhanced resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, and better-quality produce. The different efficacy pathways of these microalgal technologies were examined to assess their scope to help address key farmer priorities. Their scope to help farmers face climate change and land degradation was a particular focus, given the magnitude of these threats. These microalgal technologies are framed in terms of their pertinence to farmer priorities due to the centrality of farmers to food systems. Notably, farmers’ technology adoption decisions are key to food system outcomes. The findings reported suggest that these crop support technologies could potentially deliver major benefits to farmers, consumers, and the environment. For the moment, however, this emerging literature remains largely neglected. Possible reasons for this are considered, as are potential ways forward. The review focuses particularly on the two most researched and widely available microalgae, the genera Arthrospira and Chlorella, in the interest of highlighting options farmers could adopt rapidly while research on the wider body of microalgae-based crop technologies continues.

Economic and environmental impacts of the shifts to electromobility in Spain: A multiregional input–output framework

AbstractThe decarbonization of transport is a key goal facing climate change. The electrification of the powertrain for passenger cars is part of this goal to reduce carbon emissions. This involves a big change in the global supply chain, specifically in countries with a high weight of the traditional automotive sector, such as Spain, where above 10% of the GDP comes from this industry. There is a forecasted shift from the sector of traditional automotive parts to the electric sector, where batteries and electric components will be the major part of the powertrain. This work evaluates socioeconomic and environmental impacts of the changes in the car industry from the ramp‐up of the electric vehicles market in Spain, and also in the European Union and the rest of the world. To do it, we use an environmentally extended multiregional and multi‐sectoral input–output model. Our simulations include the technological change and demand shifts estimated to achieve the penetration of electric vehicles up to 2030 and 2050. The results show significant impacts on employment and economic indicators by 2050, when the share of electric vehicles is expected to increase up to a relevant level.

Local adaptation of Dromiciops marsupials (Microbiotheriidae) from southern South America: Implications for species management facing climate change.

The two species of the microbiotheriid marsupial genus Dromiciops (Dromiciops bozinovici: "Panchos's monito del monte" and Dromiciops gliroides: "monito del monte") exhibit a marked latitudinal genetic differentiation. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether this differentiation results from neutral processes or can be explained, to some extent, by local adaptation to different environmental conditions. Here, we used an SNP panel gathered by Rad-seq and searched for footprints of local adaptation (putative loci under selection) by exploring genetic associations with environmental variables in the two species of Dromiciops in Chilean and Argentinean populations. We applied three methods for detecting outlier SNPs and two genotype-environment associations approaches to quantify associations between allelic frequencies and environmental variables. Both species display strong genetic structure. D. bozinovici exhibited three distinct genetic groups, marking the first report of such structuring in this species using SNPs. In contrast, D. gliroides displayed four genetic clusters, consistent with previous studies. Both species exhibited an association of their genetic structure with environmental variables. D. bozinovici exhibited significant associations of allelic frequencies with elevation, precipitation during the warmest periods, and seasonality in the thermal regime. For D. gliroides, genetic variation appeared to be associated with more variables than D. bozinovici, including precipitation and temperature-related variables, isothermality, and elevation. All the outlier SNPs were mapped to the D. gliroides reference genome to explore if they fell within functionally known genes. These results represent a necessary first step toward identifying the genome regions that harbor genes associated with climate adaptations in Dromiciops. Notably, we identified genes involved in various functions, including carbohydrate synthesis (ALG8), muscle and neuronal regulation (MEF2D), and stress responses (PTGES3). Ultimately, this study contributes valuable insights that can inform targeted conservation strategies aimed at preserving the genetic diversity of Dromiciops in the face of environmental challenges.