Implementation Of Adaptation Measures Research Articles

Prediction of ambulance transport system collapse under extremely high temperatures induced by climate change

The heat-related health impacts of extremely high temperatures have become increasingly severe worldwide. Quantitative information on these impacts is necessary to plan and implement adaptation measures. The present study aimed to predict the number of heatstroke ambulance calls (HAC) and ambulance occupancy rate of patients with heatstroke (AORPH) under extremely high temperatures in Tokyo, Japan. Extremely high temperatures were defined as the annual highest value of daily maximum temperature that occurs once every 30 y (30 y temp) or 50 y (50 y temp). Combinations of three greenhouse gas (GHG) emission scenarios and five climate models were adopted to predict the impacts during the base years (1985–2014), mid-21st century (2021–2050), and late 21st century (2071–2100). Furthermore, two types of populations were adopted: fixed and changing. In the case of 50 y temp, the HAC during the peak hour in the base years ranged from 52 to 130 persons across the climate models. In the case of a fixed population, in the late 21st century it ranged from 123 to 2618 persons across the climate models and GHG scenarios. In the case of a changing population, the corresponding values in late 21st century ranged from 128 to 3078 persons. The AORPH during the peak hour ranged from 32% to 80% during the base years for 50 y temp, assuming that all ambulances were dispatched for heatstroke only. In the late 21st century, it ranged from 75% to 1605% in the fixed population case. With population change, the corresponding values in late 21st century ranged from 83% to 1781%. In many scenarios, not all patients with heatstroke could be transported (AORPH > 100%) even if all ambulances have been dispatched. Therefore, adaptation measures that mitigate such an ambulance transport system collapse must be planned and implemented.

An improved crop calendar model for winter wheat incorporating vernalization and winter survival to project changes in phenology

Abstract Crop phenology and associated crop calendars are necessary for designing breeding goals and for developing effective management practices. Winter wheat is a representative biennial, the cultivation schedule of which is constrained by winter climate conditions, particularly the processes of vernalization and winter survival. Here, we present improvements to a rule-based crop calendar model by incorporating these factors so that it can be used to accurately estimate the phenological events of winter wheat from daily meteorological data. We tested the improved model in Hokkaido, the northernmost Japanese island, which is characterized by seasonal snow cover and a wet summer. The results confirmed that implementing these factors contributed to accurate estimates of peak occurrence dates of winter wheat phenological events. Furthermore, we applied the improved model to simulate wheat phenology under 2 K and 4 K warmer scenarios. The results showed a delayed sowing period up to approximately one month and slight advancements in both flowering and harvesting, leading to a shorter growth period. While this shortened period may be largely compensated by a decrease in the snow-covered period, the shifts in the vegetative and reproductive phases may modify sink-source balance of wheat. We also assessed the risks of pollination failure and preharvest sprouting, both of which are associated with the timing of precipitation, based on the number of rainy days around flowering, and the incidence of precipitation over two consecutive days around the time of harvesting. Our simulations suggested increased risk of pollination failure and reduced risk of preharvest sprouting, leading to an increase in the probability of crop failure. These findings underscore the importance of implementing adaptation measures to mitigate precipitation-related risk under future climates. Further, the findings provide valuable insights for winter wheat breeders and agronomists, thereby facilitating crop production adaptation.

Modelling the role of multiple risk attitudes in implementing adaptation measures to reduce drought and flood losses

Human activities have increasingly affected hydrological processes in many river basins worldwide leading to changes in the severity of droughts and floods. A number of modelling studies have used system dynamic models to represent the complex dynamics generated by the interplays between the social and physical systems. Yet, attitudes towards drought and flood risk leading to the implementation of individual and collective adaptation measures are not included in current system dynamics modelling approaches. To address this gap, we developed a system dynamic model to represent the dynamics between human societies, decision-making processes, adaptation measures, and hydrological extremes. The model accounts for a society characterized by the co-existence of four types of risk attitudes and management responses: risk-neglecting, risk-controlling, risk-downplaying, and risk-monitoring. Our findings show that the presence of a prevalent social group with a certain risk attitude has a strong influence on the awareness, preparedness, and consequent losses of the other social groups. On the other hand, the homogenous presence of social groups with diverse risk attitudes leads to higher drought and flood losses due to the unsustainable water use of risk-neglecting and risk-downplaying groups. Finally, our results highlight that societies characterized by high homogeneity in risk-attitudes tend to implement less collective measures, opting instead for individual measures by specific social groups. This emphasizes the importance of accounting for different social groups when modelling human-water dynamics to promote an integrated risk management and design more sustainable and resilient future adaptation pathways.

Thai farmers’ perceptions on climate change: Evidence on durian farms in Surat Thani province

Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and an increase in extreme weather events pose significant threats to agricultural productivity and food security. These conditions provide the glimpse of the future and smallholder farmers, who often lack access to resources and support, are particularly vulnerable. Among the crops cultivated in Thailand, durian stands out as a uniquely cherished commodity, predominantly cultivated by these vulnerable farmers and despite the significance of this crop, there remains a notable oversight in understanding the specific challenges and vulnerabilities faced by durian growers in the face of changing climatic conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate the perception of climate change and the adaptive capacity among durian farmers in Southern Thailand. A survey involving 80 durian farmers from Surat Thani province was conducted, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model. Findings found that 91.2 % of respondents acknowledged the impact of climate change, with 53.1 % opting to implement adaptation strategies. Factors such as lower education levels, limited farming experience, small farm sizes, and greater reliance on family labor significantly influenced the adoption of these strategies. Farmers achieving higher yields tended to adopt information and communication technologies (ICT), while smart farming technology (SFT) was more common among younger farmers and those with larger farms. This study indicates factors influencing adoption and a potential gap between awareness and action among durian farmers, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support mechanisms to encourage and facilitate the implementation of adaptation measures.

Developing behavioral models of citizens for adapting to and mitigating climate change: a study on four prefectures in Japan

Individual behaviors of citizens are important for implementing the necessary measures for adapting to climate change. However, studies on the adaptive behaviors of ordinary citizens are limited. Therefore, in this study, we developed behavioral models to understand individual behaviors for adaption to and mitigation of climate change. We compared four behavior groups, namely, G1, individual mitigation; G2, individual adaptive; G3, long-term adaptive; and G4, solar-energy system installation behaviors. Following a questionnaire survey for the four behavioral groups, behavioral models were developed using structural equation modeling, which considered psychological factors along with selected attitudes, perceived effectiveness, norms, benefits, practicality, and intention. Furthermore, we considered the recognition and attribution of local climate change as key factors for adaptation behaviors toward local climate change. The behaviors of citizens in four prefectures in Japan, namely, Nagano, Tokyo, Saitama, and Kanagawa were considered. Among them, Nagano Prefecture, wherein the implementation of adaptation measures was at a low level while that of mitigation measures was at a high level, showed a differing trend. In the behavioral models, the recognition of local climate change directly affected the behavior of citizens in the individual adaptive behavior group. In both the individual adaptive and long-term adaptive behavior groups, the impact of benefits was substantial, with significant differences across local areas. Thus, effective adaptation strategies might involve tangible and familiar examples demonstrating the consequences of behavior, thus enhancing citizens' behavior evaluation perception and fostering its acceptance as a desirable behavior. Tailoring adaptation strategies to specific local contexts might also be necessity. To encourage citizens to adapt to climate change and its impacts, we propose two-way efforts, instead of providing one-way information, by supporting citizens to think about self-help and mutual help effectively. Our study can serve as a reference for future studies focusing on citizen behavior about climate change mitigation and enhance their adaptation for locally implemented strategies.

Effects of adaptation measures to extreme heat throughout medium and high temperature periods, case study at the Osaka expo site

For the Osaka-Kansai Expo, to be held from April to October 2025, it is necessary to manage the exhibition site with consideration for countermeasures against heat in order to make safe and active use of the outdoor space. In this study, we compared meteorological data observed at Expo site on the sea coast, and at the Osaka Meteorological Observatory in the city center to analyze the quantitative relationship between meteorological elements at both locations, calculated thermal environment indices using these meteorological data, and considered the effects of implementing adaptation measures against the heat. The effect of solar radiation shading is predominant in lowering SET* and WBGT. During the medium temperature period, before mid-June and after mid-September, solar radiation shading avoids uncomfortable conditions, and during the high temperature period, from late June to mid-July and mid-August to early September, solar radiation shading, surface cover improvement, and mist spraying reduce the risk of heat stroke. However, during the extremely hot period, from late July to early August, the risk of heat stroke cannot be avoided by any of the adaptation measures to heat.

Cash crop farmers’ perceptions of, and adaptation to climate change: A preliminary study of Black Bush Polder, Guyana

Farmers Black Bush Polder, Guyana, have been experiencing changes in weather variability and climate parameters as well as the impacts of those changes on their livelihoods. Understanding farmers’ perception of climate change and their adaptation strategies is crucial to assisting with efforts for developing suitable intervention strategies to combat the effects of climate variability and climate change. In this non-experimental research engaging fifty (50) randomly selected farmers the aim was to: (1) examine how cash crop farmers in Black Bush Polder perceived the effects of climate change; (2) identify adaptation strategies used by farmers in combating the effects of climate change; (3) identify the factors that influence the adaptation strategies chosen by farmers; (4) identify perceived barriers in the implementation of adaptation measures; and (5) make recommendations in light of the difficulties encountered by farmers. A self-administered structured questionnaire survey was used to collect primary data and the responses to the items using a modified Likert scale. Descriptive statistics, and Pearson Correlation Coefficient were used to analyze the data. The results showed that there was variation in both temperature and rainfall in the Black Bush Polder Area. Overall, farmers had a general perception that these variations had an impact on their farming activities as well as on their choice of adaptation measures. Key recommendations made were: planting improved, or more resistant varieties of crops, changing planting times as dictated by rainfall, collection of water in furrows near plants, utilizing drip irrigation systems and techniques for preparing crop beds, and using of shade houses and greenhouses to lessen the effects of climate change.

Spatiotemporal Changes in and Driving Factors of Potential Evapotranspiration in a Hyper-Arid Locale in the Hami Region, China

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is a crucial variable for implementing adaptation measures to mitigate the potential impacts of climate change on water resources. In the context of global warming, PET is essential for predicting water resource supply and demand, guiding irrigation and water management decisions. However, there is limited understanding of the spatiotemporal changes in PET and its driving factors in the hyper-arid regions of Northwest China. In this study, the Hargreaves model was employed to estimate PET in the Hami region from 1991 to 2020. By combining relevant climate data and partial correlation analysis, we investigated the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of PET within the study area and analyzed the factors influencing these patterns. The results showed the following: (1) From 1991 to 2020, the overall PET in the Hami region demonstrated a tendency to rise. The interannual trend rates of PET for the full year, spring, summer, autumn, and winter were 0.933, 2.744, 0.906, 0.488, and −0.406 mm·a-1, respectively. Despite a decreasing trend in winter PET, the other seasonal PET values and the annual PET values exhibited an increasing trend. (2) The spatial distribution of both annual and seasonal PET showed significant regional heterogeneity, following a consistent pattern marked by lower values in the central part and higher values in the surrounding areas. The southern region tended to have relatively high PET, while the northwestern region experienced comparatively low PET. (3) Partial correlation analysis indicated significant differences in the impact of various climatic factors on PET. The maximum temperature emerged as the dominant factor influencing annual PET variation, while precipitation played a leading role in influencing autumn PET variation. This study underscores the influence of climate change on PET in the Hami region, contributing to an enhanced comprehension of PET variations.

Forest carbon stock development following extreme drought-induced dieback of coniferous stands in Central Europe: a CBM-CFS3 model application

BackgroundWe analyze the forest carbon stock development following the recent historically unprecedented dieback of coniferous stands in the Czech Republic. The drought-induced bark-beetle infestation resulted in record-high sanitary logging and total harvest more than doubled from the previous period. It turned Czech forestry from a long-term carbon sink offsetting about 6% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions since 1990 to a significant source of CO2 emissions in recent years (2018–2021). In 2020, the forestry sector contributed nearly 10% to the country's overall GHG emissions. Using the nationally calibrated Carbon Budget Model of the Canadian Forest Sector (CBM-CFS3) at a regional (NUTS3) spatial resolution, we analyzed four scenarios of forest carbon stock development until 2070. Two critical points arise: the short-term prognosis for reducing current emissions from forestry and the implementation of adaptive forest management focused on tree species change and sustained carbon accumulation.ResultsThis study used four different spruce forest dieback scenarios to assess the impact of adaptive forest management on the forest carbon stock change and CO2 emissions, tree species composition, harvest possibilities, and forest structure in response to the recent unprecedented calamitous dieback in the Czech Republic. The model analysis indicates that Czech forestry may stabilize by 2025 Subsequently, it may become a sustained sink of about 3 Mt CO2 eq./year (excluding the contribution of harvested wood products), while enhancing forest resilience by the gradual implementation of adaptation measures. The speed of adaptation is linked to harvest intensity and severity of the current calamity. Under the pessimistic Black scenario, the proportion of spruce stands declines from the current 43–20% by 2070, in favor of more suited tree species such as fir and broadleaves. These species would also constitute over 50% of the harvest potential, increasingly contributing to harvest levels like those generated by Czech forestry prior to the current calamity. The standing stock would only be recovered in 50 years under the optimistic Green scenario.ConclusionThe results show progress of adaptive management by implementing tree species change and quantify the expected harvest and mitigation potential in Czech forestry until 2070.

Assessing hydrological response to future climate change in the Bouregreg watershed, Morocco

Hydrological systems in watersheds encounter growing challenges attributed to climate change, marked by shifts in precipitation patterns, heightened drought severity, and altered runoff dynamics. This study explores the implications of these changes for streamflow in the vulnerable Bouregreg catchment.This study used a novel approach in the Bouregreg watershed to address this issue by applying the underutilized GR2M model, deviating from the prevalence of ArcSWAT and other models in previous studies. It incorporates bias-corrected outputs from the CNRM-CM5 climate model, sourced from the NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections (NEX-GDDP). The objective was to project monthly streamflow for the 2040s (2030-2050) and compare it with the reference period (1982-2001), considering the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs): medium RCP4.5 and high RCP8.5. The methodology started with predicting future precipitation and temperatures using the regional climate model. Then, the future average rainfall for each sub-basin was determined using the Thiessen method, and the future potential evapotranspiration (PET) was estimated through the Thornthwaite formula, considering the model-predicted temperatures. Following this, the hydrological model was calibrated and validated, leading to streamflow projection for the 2040s period under the two emission scenarios.The choice to utilize climate models and hydrological modeling techniques was driven by the need to provide valuable insights for water resource management. By projecting future streamflow under different emission scenarios, the study aimed to inform decision-makers about the potential impacts of climate change on water resources.The study's findings revealed that significant climatic changes would occur in the Bouregreg catchment under the RCPs. Projections indicated a noticeable increase in mean temperatures, with expected rises of about 1.32°C for RCP4.5 and 1.69°C for RCP8.5. Additionally, the PET is foreseen to rise by 5.38 mm under RCP4.5 and 6.27 mm under RCP8.5, while precipitation levels are anticipated to experience significant reductions, decreasing by 33.74% for RCP4.5 and 40.20% for RCP8.5. These pronounced climate alterations are projected to lead to an annual decrease in streamflow. For RCP4.5, this reduction is estimated at 44.63%, and for RCP8.5, it is even more significant at 64.30%. The alterations projected for the 2040s signify a substantial departure from the conditions observed during the reference period of 1982-2001.The importance of these findings lies in their utility for decision-makers in developing effective strategies and facilitating the implementation of adaptation measures for managing water resources and ensuring their sustainable use amid evolving climate conditions.

Assessing key behavioural theories of drought risk adaptation: Evidence from rural Kenya.

The Horn of Africa Drylands are increasingly experiencing severe droughts, which impose a threat on traditional livelihood strategies. Understanding adaptation behavior in rural communities is key to helping reduce the impact of these droughts. We investigate adaptation behavior by assessing four established economic and social psychological theories on decision making under risk: expected utility theory (EUT), rank dependent utility theory (RDU), protection motivation theory (PMT), and theory of planned behavior (PMT). To measure adaptation behavior and the theory constructs, we conducted a household survey in Kenya (N=502). Regression analysis shows that the economic theories (EUT and RDU) have the best fit for our data. Risk and time preferences are found to play an important role in adaptation decisions. An analysis of differences in decision making for distinct types of adaptation measures shows that risk averse (agro-)pastoralists are more likely to implement adaptation measures that are adjustments to their current livelihood practices, and less willing to invest in adaptation measures that require a shift to other livelihood activities. Moreover, we find significant effects for elements of the social psychological theories (PMT and TPB). A person's belief in their own ability to implement an adaptation measure (perceived self-efficacy) and adaptation by family and friends are important factors in explaining adaptation decisions. Finally, we find that the type of adaptation measures that people implement is influenced by, among others, gender, education level, access to financial resources, and access to government support or aid. Our analysis gives insights into the drivers of individual adaptation decisions, which can enhance policies promoting adaptation of dryland communities.

To adapt or not to adapt, that is the question. Examining farmers’ perceived adaptive capacity and willingness to adapt to sustainability transitions

The agricultural sector is one of the areas that has been highlighted as requiring a sustainability transition. For these kinds of transitions to succeed over the long-term, farmers need to be able to adapt to the required changes. Identifying which individual and institutional aspects are important for farmers' adaptive capacity and willingness to adapt is therefore an essential step in gaining insight into the role of farmers’ agency in transition processes and their long-term sustainability. So far, adaptive capacity literature has mainly focused on adaptive capacity in relation to climate change or individual innovations, thereby leaving a knowledge gap on adaptive capacity in relation to sustainability transitions. In this study, we aim to address this by deepening our understanding of these aspects through 24 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with English farmers and organisations in the context of the post-Brexit agricultural transition. Whilst we found many similarities with previous adaptation literature in the context of climate change and individual innovation, we also found aspects that have not been prominent and thus seem to be specific for adaptation in relation to sustainability transitions. These include the dual role that access to finances and information can play; land ownership status in terms of having the right to implement adaptation measures; state of mind; feeling respected, appreciated, and understood; perceived level of control and ownership; and considerations of (global) consequences. Further research is needed to strengthen and further develop our findings, for example through case studies in other geographical locations or sectors.

Education and Training Adaptations for Health Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review of Lessons Learned and Innovations.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has considerably impacted the clinical education and training of health workers globally, causing severe disruptions to learning environments in healthcare facilities and limiting the acquisition of new clinical skills. Consequently, urgent adaptation measures, including simulation training and e-learning, have been implemented to mitigate the adverse effects of clinical education. This scoping review aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on medical education and training, examine the implemented adaptation measures, and evaluate their effectiveness in improving health workers' education and training during the pandemic. Methods: Employing the PRISMA-ScR framework and Arksey and O'Malley's methodological guidance, we conducted a scoping review, systematically searching PubMed, medRxiv, Google, and DuckDuckGo databases to account for the grey literature. The search included studies published between 1 December 2019 and 13 October 2021, yielding 10,323 results. Of these, 88 studies focused on health worker education and training during the pandemic. Results: Our review incorporated 31,268 participants, including physicians, medical trainees, nurses, paramedics, students, and health educators. Most studies (71/88, 81%) were conducted in high-income and lower-middle-income countries. The pandemic's effects on health workers' clinical skills and abilities have necessitated training period extensions in some cases. We identified several positive outcomes from the implementation of simulation training and e-learning as adaptation strategies, such as enhanced technical and clinical performance, increased confidence and comfort, and an expanded global educational outreach. Conclusions: Despite challenges like insufficient practical experience, limited interpersonal interaction opportunities, and internet connectivity issues, simulation training, e-learning, and virtual training have proven effective in improving clinical education and training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is required to bolster preparedness for future pandemics or similar situations.

The climate change impacts and responses index: quantifying disparities and guiding policies for collective resilience

ABSTRACT Identifying climate change risks, vulnerabilities of exposed populations, and implemented responses to climate change are crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate climate hazards. However, existing climate change assessment indexes still have some limitations, such as insufficient consideration of policy response, limited coverage of countries, and lack of a multidimensional perspective. In this study, we developed a novel climate change impacts and responses (CCIR) index that incorporates comprehensive information on climate risks, disease burden, and mitigation actions in response to climate risks and damage. To our best knowledge, the CCIR index is the first of its kind that explores variations in climate risks, impacts, and responses across countries to identify vulnerabilities and find more targeted solutions. A positive correlation was found between the CCIR index and national Gross Domestic Product per capita, indicating that wealthier countries might allocate more resources toward mitigating climate impacts. Moreover, countries with better climate education tended to have a lower carbon footprint, highlighting the importance of climate education. Furthermore, countries with lower risks of emerging infectious diseases were more likely to consume more renewable energy. The results highlight the value of using a multidimensional CCIR framework to analyze the interactions among socioeconomic factors, environmental policies, and climate change risks in 158 countries. This comprehensive approach provides actionable insights to mitigate climate impacts and improve national climate resilience. It also streamlines monitoring efforts and promotes joint climate action across international boundaries. By identifying climate risks and opportunities, the CCIR index can help policymakers design, refine, and implement adaptation policies and measures to respond to the impacts of climate change.

6.E. Workshop: Evaluating progress in adaptation in the European public health sector

Abstract Most national climate adaptation plans and strategies mention risks to human health. However, this is not often translated to specific policies, measures or targets to reduce these risks. The ENBEL project, funded by the European Commission under the H2020 program LC-CLA-22-2020, aims to support European policy making on climate change and health. In this workshop we present the results of recent research on the implementation of adaptation measures in Europe and review the evidence needs of EU, national and international decision makers. The workshop aims to support evidence translation for adaptation that prioritises health protection and equity. The workshop will include presentations on stakeholder mapping and interviews with key decion makers, as well as a comparison of current policies in health adaptation. We review the recent European policies on COIVID recovery and evaluate whether these will benefit adaptatoin. Economic evaluations are important for decision making and we review economic assessments for local climate action and for climate services for health. Key messages • Public health professionals can support adaptation actions through intersectoral working. • Post-COVID recovery is missed opportunity to improve adaptation in Europe.

Blue and green water accounting for climate change adaptation in a water scarce river basin

Understanding how climate change influences the portioning of rainfall into blue water (BW) and green water (GW) is vital for establishing adaptive water management strategies in water-scarce regions. This study presents a conceptual framework to investigate climate change impacts on blue and green water accounting by integrating a hydrological model with a multi-criteria decision-making approach to prioritize watersheds for climate change adaptation. A Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is adopted to investigate the hydrologic variability of BW and GW for baseline (1995–2019) and future (2020–2100) periods in a semi-arid Dharoi catchment of the Sabarmati River basin, India. The future climate data, derived from five general circulation models, are ensembled using a multi-model ensemble mean approach under two RCP (representative concentration pathways) scenarios. Several non-parametric tests are employed to ascertain statistically significant changes in the hydrologic variables between future and baseline periods. Further, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is applied considering seven attributes related to climate change, land use, and demographic parameters for watershed prioritization. Higher weights are assigned to the climate change attributes, followed by land use and demographic attributes. The SWAT results indicate a decrease in rainfall, BW, and GWS (green water storage) and an increase in temperature and GWF (green water flow) while traversing from the beginning of 2040 till the end of the 21st century under both RCPs. Thus, 2040 is established as a ‘tipping point’ for climate-induced changes in the Dharoi catchment, wherein a distinct reversal in the hydroclimatic regime is evident before and after 2040. Further, significant warming is observed by the end of 21st century under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, contributing to a reduction in rainfall (up to 24.8%) and a decline in BW (up to 78.8%) across two-thirds of the watersheds in the Dharoi catchment. The AHP analysis identifies three out of ten watersheds as vulnerable and assigned ‘high priority’ for implementing adaptation measures to counter climate change-induced water scarcity.

The role of internal climate variability on future streamflow projections

Uncertainty about the future impacts of climate change represents a significant barrier to implementing adaptation measures. This work explores the impact of internal climate variability on streamflow projections for 133 catchments across the eastern and northeastern United States. Using data from a single model initial-condition large ensemble (SMILE) at high spatial and temporal resolution, this work assesses the magnitude of anthropogenic climate change and internal climate variability on projected future streamflow. The impact of catchment size is studied by grouping catchments into three different size classes (less than500 km2, between 500 and 1000 km2, and greater than 1000 km2). Results show that in a warmer climate, low to middle quantiles of future streamflow will systematically decrease, while the upper quantiles will increase. Increases are largest for more extreme streamflow indices. Using three different approaches, the role of internal variability is studied to estimate the time of emergence (TOE). In this case, results show that the climate change signal of extreme floods and droughts emerges later than that of median flow quantiles, even though the changes for floods as droughts is more significant. There is a clear relationship between catchment size and TOE, with small catchments seeing an earlier TOE for floods, and a later one for droughts. These results provide insight into adaptation times for small to large watersheds.

Stakeholder perceptions on climate change impacts and adaptation actions in Greece

The scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that human activity plays a significant role in the changes to the world's climate, and it is crucial to take adaptive actions to mitigate the impacts of these changes. Effective climate adaptation requires raising awareness among a variety of key stakeholders, such as executives and staff in the public and private sectors, while assessing the incentives and actions they undertake and allowing them to act at various levels of engagement, ranging from global to local. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of awareness, perceived values, recommendations and expectations regarding climate change among key actors in Greece, focusing on the consequences of climate change in the country and the concurrent adaptation actions taken by stakeholders. A web-based survey was designed and conducted, and responses were systematically collected, categorized and analyzed. The key stakeholders believed that planning and implementing adaptation measures are crucial in addressing and minimizing the impacts of climate change. However, it was also noted that these plans and measures alone are insufficient to counteract the long-term, devastating consequences of climate change in Greece, and more comprehensive and targeted measures must be adopted. It was also concluded that the main obstacle to addressing and adapting to climate change in terms of public policy planning in Greece is the lack of human and financial resources, particularly among public institutions.

Effects of Temperature Variation on Plant Growth in East African Countries

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of temperature variation on plant growth in East African countries.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the effects of temperature variation on plant growth in east African countries. Preliminary empirical review revealed that temperature variation influences plant nutrient uptake, nutrient assimilation and utilization by plants, impacting their growth and nutritional status. The findings emphasize the need to consider temperature effects on plant nutrient dynamics in agriculture and ecosystem management. The effects of temperature on plant growth were found in most of the studies reviewed.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Optimal Temperature Theory, Temperature Stress Theory (Acclimation and Heat Shock Proteins), Photoperiodism and Vernalization Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the Effects of Temperature Variation on Plant Growth in East African Countries. Studying the molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to temperature variation is essential. Uncovering the genetic and molecular pathways involved in temperature stress responses will enable the development of crops with enhanced temperature tolerance and resilience. Additionally, the development of robust predictive models that integrate climate data, physiological processes, and crop responses is crucial. These models will assist in assessing the potential impacts of future temperature scenarios on plant growth and enable the implementation of adaptive measures in agriculture.

The Mechanical Stability of Pure Norway Spruce Stands along an Altitudinal Gradient in the Czech Republic

Norway spruce stands are established and managed along various site conditions in central Europe. Currently, spruce often grows at locations outside of its ecological optimum, resulting in extensive damage elicited by harmful abiotic and biotic factors, which relatively shortens the time to change this adverse status in the adaptation frame by foresters. Except for the rapid change in species composition through clear-cuts, another way is possible, i.e., stabilising current (especially young) spruce stands to extend the time required to implement adaptation measures. The assumption that different site conditions will have to be respected as part of this adaptation was confirmed by our study based on NFI data of the Czech Republic. A semiparametric generalized linear model (GAM) was used to model the relationship between the height-to-diameter ratio and forest stand age, differentially considering particular forest vegetation zones. Spruce stands with lower elevations attain a lower stability (expressed by their height-to-diameter ratio; HDR) than those in the mountains. The HDR culminated in lower and middle altitudes in the first half of the rotation period, representing the most critical timing and effectivity of silvicultural measures. Contrary to previous findings, we found higher HDR values at nutrient-rich sites than those at acid ones, especially up to 50–60 years old. Therefore, more research should be devoted to the issue concerning the same thinning regime under different site conditions.