Sea Level Research Articles

Study Investigates Hydrate Formation Risk in WAG Changeover Operations

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 218101, “Investigating the Effect of Carbon Dioxide Concentration on Hydrate Formation Risk From Water-Alternating-Gas (WAG) Changeover Operations,” by Farzan Sahari Moghaddam, SPE, Majid Abedinzadegan Abdi, SPE, and Lesley A. James, SPE, Memorial University of Newfoundland. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ Hydrate formation is a flow-assurance challenge for offshore oil and gas operations with subsea pipelines, wells, and tiebacks. In water-alternating-gas (WAG) operations, hydrates can form within the injection wells when switching from water to gas and vice versa. This study investigates hydrate formation in a WAG injection well under water-to-gas and gas-to-water changeover operations. Introduction Few previous studies have focused on hydrate formation in gas injection and production wells. Hydrate formation in a gas well under particular enhanced oil recovery techniques requires more attention. This study aims to investigate the changeover operations of water-to-gas and gas-to-water (well depth: 4096 m) and the effects of gas composition changes in terms of CO2 content (5–44 wt%) and thermodynamic inhibition (5 m3 methanol) after water injection. In terms of flow rates, injection rates of 2300–3800 m3/d for water and 1 million std m3/d for gas, which are applicable for offshore Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), are studied. The complete paper includes a discussion of past studies on hydrate formation in production and injection-gas systems. Methodology Two scenarios were simulated: water-to-gas changeover and gas-to-water changeover over a range of CO2 concentrations of 5–44 wt%. For operational parameters, up to 3 days of shut-in period was considered for the changeover operations. The water injection rate of 2300 m3/d and gas injection rate of 1 million std m3/d were considered. The rate was increased to find the injection rate that could provide full displacement of the water phase within less than 1 hour from a water-to-gas changeover operation. The same injection rate is maintained for other natural-gas cases with increased CO2 content by changing the compressor injection pressure. After modeling the fluid with an appropriate cubic equation of state, the fluid model file was imported to the dynamic multiphase flow simulator. A sample WAG well from offshore NL where hydrate formation was experienced was considered for the simulations. After finalizing the setup of the well, the simulation scenario was finalized according to the changeover operation and the operating conditions. A sensitivity analysis was conducted on various concentrations of CO2 (5–44 wt%) followed by conducting both water-to-gas and gas-to-water changeover operations in the transient multiphase simulator. Finally, hydrate formation in presence of methanol was simulated, and the resulting profiles of hydrate formation temperature minus fluid temperature, known as DTHYD, were compared. The well depth is 4096 m from the seabed, and tubing internal diameter is 0.16 m. The seabed depth is 124 m below mean sea level. The bottomhole is known as the zero depth on the DTHYD, holdup, density, and pressure profiles, and the wellhead is considered to be 4096 m above the bottomhole depth in these profiles. A methanol slug was injected directly into the well under a sea temperature of 3°C at the end of water injection and before the shut-in duration.

Carbon monoxide supplementation: evaluating its potential to enhance altitude training effects and cycling performance in elite athletes.

Altitude training is a cornerstone for endurance athletes for improving blood variables and performance, with optimal effects observed at ∼2,300-2,500 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). However, elite cyclists face challenges such as limited access to such altitudes, inadequate training facilities, and high expenses. To address these issues, a novel method involving daily exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) has been proposed to amplify altitude training adaptations at suboptimal altitudes. Thirty-one male cyclists were assigned to three groups: Live-High Train-High with CO inhalation (LHTHCO), Live-High Train-High (LHTH), and Live-Low Train-Low (LLTL). The LHTHCO group underwent CO inhalation twice daily in the afternoon/evening to elevate carboxyhemoglobin concentration to ∼10%. Hematological variables, in vivo muscle oxidative capacity, and physiological indicators of cycling performance were assessed before and after a 3-week altitude training camp at 2,100 m.a.s.l. LHTHCO demonstrated a larger increase in hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) compared to both LHTH and LLTL. Although there were no statistical differences between LHTHCO and LHTH in submaximal and maximal performance measures, LHTHCO displayed greater improvements in 1-min maximal power output during incremental testing (Wmax), power output at lactate threshold, and maximal oxygen consumption (V̇o2max) compared to LLTL. LHTH demonstrated a larger improvement than LLTL in Wmax and V̇o2max, with no group differences in Hbmass or submaximal measures. Muscle oxidative capacity did not differ between groups. These findings suggest that combining moderate-altitude training with daily CO inhalation promotes hematological adaptations more effectively than moderate altitude alone and enhances cycling performance metrics in cyclists more than sea-level training.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Three weeks of training at moderate altitude with exposure to low doses of CO can significantly enhance hematological adaptations in elite cyclists compared to moderate-altitude training alone. Cycling performance determinants improved more with CO inhalation at moderate altitude compared to sea-level training, whereas there were no differences in submaximal and maximal performance measures compared to moderate-altitude training alone. This study highlights the potential of CO supplementation as an effective adjunct to altitude training regimens.

Climate drivers of phytoplankton production along the Chilean coast

The west coast of South America is known for its high primary productivity. The level of phytoplankton can be measured through satellite images that detect chlorophyll (Chl), which is dependent on several oceanographic and meteorological parameters. Climate drivers such as El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southeast Pacific Subtropical Anticyclone (SPSA) affect these parameters and, consequently, the phytoplankton. The objective of this study was to identify the impact of ENSO on SPSA, climate variables, and phytoplankton patterns. Composites were created using the years selected with either strongly positive or negative ENSO to understand their influence on different parameters. To create the Chl composite, it was necessary to extend it using Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) based on the sea surface temperature (SST) pattern. The study concludes that ENSO has a noticeable impact on Chl, mainly in the Southern Zone during the warm season. This is driven by the expansion of SPSA to the South, which increases the sea level pressure (SLP) in that region. However, predicting the Chl concentration has a high degree of uncertainty due to its complexity.

Cross-Time-Scale Analysis of Year-Round Atmospheric Circulation Patterns and Their Impacts on Rainfall and Temperatures in the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract This study presents a framework to assess climate variability and change through atmospheric circulation patterns (CPs) and their link with regional processes across time scales. We evaluate the CP impacts on daily rainfall and maximum and minimum temperatures in the Iberian Peninsula using sea level pressure (SLP) during 1950–2022. Different sensitivity analyses are performed, employing multiple spatial domains and number of patterns. An optimal classification is found in midlatitudes, centered over the Mediterranean basin and covering part of the North Atlantic Ocean, which can identify atmospheric configurations significantly related to discriminated rainfall and temperature anomalies, with clear seasonal behavior. The temporal variability of CPs is studied across time scales showing, e.g., that transitions between patterns are faster in autumn and spring, and that CPs exhibit distinct temporal variability at intraseasonal, seasonal, interannual, and decadal scales, including significant long-term trends on their frequency. CPs influence temperature and precipitation variations throughout the year. The winter season exhibits the largest atmospheric circulation variability, while the summer is dominated by persistent high-pressure structures—the subtropical Azores high—leading to warm and dry conditions. Based on an interannual correlation analysis, some CPs are significantly associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), stronger during winter, indicating the NAO modulation on the regional-to-local climatic features. Overall, this approach arises as a dynamic cross-time-scale framework that can be adapted to specific user needs and levels of regional detail, being useful to study climate drivers for climate change and to perform a process-based evaluation of climate models.

Advances in basin modeling using Markov chain: Facies deposition in response to sea level variations and random sequence of geologic processes

Advances in basin modeling using Markov chain: Facies deposition in response to sea level variations and random sequence of geologic processes

Influence of mesoscale eddies on wind retrieval from C-band synthetic aperture radar images

ABSTRACT Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is an innovative technique for monitoring sea surface dynamics and has a large swath coverage (>200 km). In this paper, we investigate the characteristics of anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies on SAR and the influence of mesoscale eddies on SAR wind retrieval. Mesoscale eddies in the global oceans are identified from daily sea level anomaly (SLA) data in 2022–2023, which are integrated by the Haiyang-2B/2C/2D (HY-2B/2C/2D) altimeters. A total of 1000 Sentinel-1 (S-1) images acquired in interferometric-wide (IW) and extra-wide (EW) modes are available, and they cover the mesoscale eddies. In addition, swath wind products from HY-2 scatterometers and sea surface temperature (SST) data from Haiyang-1C (HY-1C) are collected. Co-polarized (vertical–vertical (VV) and horizontal–horizontal (HH)) Geophysical Model Function (GMF) C-SARMOD2 was applied to invert the wind speed with reference to the scatterometer-measured wind direction. The variation in the difference (SAR retrievals minus scatterometer measurements) indicates that the SST of below 11°C has a certain impact on the SAR wind retrieval. The influence is weak at higher SSTs, and the difference increases with increasing eddy kinetic energy (EKE). It is concluded that the shear current associated with mesoscale eddies is a significant factor that affects the accuracy of SAR-derived winds.

Urban Planning Strategies for Coastal Cities in China in Response to Climate Change

Global climate change has increasingly posed a serious threat to coastal cities, rendering them particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of rising sea levels, more frequent and intense extreme weather events, and the shifting patterns of climate. Traditional urban planning methods, which had been the cornerstone of city development, were found to be inadequate in addressing these escalating challenges. The previous studies often failed to account for the critical importance of integrating climate factors into the planning process, leading to vulnerabilities in urban infrastructure and design. This study meticulously examined the limitations of these conventional urban planning approaches and explored the potential for adapting urban planning strategies in Chinas coastal cities to better respond to the looming threat of climate change. By conducting a thorough analysis of the impacts of high temperatures, floods, and other climate-related events, the study proposed a comprehensive series of response measures tailored to the specific conditions of the time. These measures included the integration of green policies into urban planning to enhance environmental sustainability, the strategic selection of building materials aimed at mitigating urban heat, and the enhancement of water resource management systems to alleviate the urban heat island effect. Moreover, the study closely investigated existing climate response measures through detailed case studies in Xiamen and Dalian, two prominent coastal cities in China. The primary objective was to significantly enhance the resilience of these cities, effectively reduce the risks associated with climate change, and promote a path towards sustainable development. Ultimately, the goal was to create more livable, safer, and sustainable urban environments that would be better equipped to face the challenges posed by an unpredictable climate future.

Perceived Impacts of Climate Change on Coastal Aquaculture in the Cyclone Prone Southwest Region of Bangladesh

The southwest region of Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to a range of climatic threats, including cyclones, prolonged flooding, sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, drought, and riverbank erosion. The study investigates how these different drivers affect aquaculture systems and aims to provide critical insights for sustainable management. The survey work focused on the problems, vulnerabilities, migration, and adaptive strategies of communities of the southwest region of Bangladesh, that rely heavily on shrimp, fish, and crab production for their livelihoods. Data were collected from the 80 respondents across four unions (Atulia, Burigoalini, Gabura, and Bhurulia) in Shyannagar Upazila, Satkhira District, using a structured questionnaire survey and focus group discussions. Findings reveal that climate change events have significantly changed shrimp farming in enclosures, pond aquaculture, and crab point management, and negatively impacted livelihoods. Pond aquaculture appeared to be the most vulnerable to climate change conditions, followed by shrimp farming in enclosures and crab points. Furthermore, the adverse effects of climate change compelled human migration within the study area, primarily driven by the search for employment. This study provides evidence of the effects of various climate change stressors on shrimp, fish, and crab production systems and the adaptive difficulties of the communities dependent on aquatic ecosystems. As the natural calamity like cyclone cannot be prevented, understanding the impact of previous events may help people of the affected area as well as the policy makers to plan for better survival.

Applications of Carbon Capture Technologies in Steel and Cement Industries

As problems such as the increase in extreme weather, rising sea levels, and social inequality continue to sharpen with the intensifying climate change, changes are demanded. The cement and iron and steel industries are among the major spheres responsible for the rising global temperature. Carbon reduction methods cannot fully solve the problem and help these industries reach carbon-neutral emissions. Therefore, carbon capture (CC) technology is urgently needed. This article introduces the application of pre-combustion carbon capture (PreCCC), post-combustion carbon capture (PostCCC), and oxyfuel combustion carbon capture in the cement industry and the iron and steel industry. Research has shown that oxyfuel combustion is one of the most assuring pathways to reach carbon neutrality in cement plants since problems of temperature management can be solved by recycling part of the fuel gases, and its cost is relatively lower than the other methods. However, PostCCC is a better solution in the iron and steel industries. Although technological innovations in physical absorption and chemical absorption are still needed, PostCCC can mitigate a large portion of steel plants carbon footprint. Carbon capture intensity can be increased with further technological development in combining PostCCC and oxygen-rich combustion. The combination of different pathways may be a novel hypothesis, but it has a great possibility of alleviating the carbon emission of the industrial sector.

Menstrual cycle does not impact the hypoxic ventilatory response and acute mountain sickness prediction

The relationship between the variations in ovarian hormones (i.e., estrogens and progesterone) and the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) remains unclear. HVR is a key adaptive mechanism to high altitude and has been proposed as a predictor for acute mountain sickness (AMS). This study aimed to explore the effects of hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle on HVR. Additionally, it assessed the predictive capacity of HVR for AMS and examined whether a particular menstrual phase could enhance its predictive accuracy. Thirteen eumenorrheic women performed a pure nitrogen breathing test near sea level, measuring HVR and cerebral oxygenation in early follicular, late follicular, and mid-luteal phases. Oxidative stress and ovarian hormone levels were also measured. AMS symptoms were evaluated after spending 14 h, including one overnight, at an altitude of 3,375 m. No differences in HVR, ventilation, peripheral oxygen saturation, or cerebral oxygenation were observed between the three menstrual cycle phases. Moreover, these parameters and the oxidative stress markers did not differ between the women with or without AMS (31% vs 69%), regardless of the menstrual cycle phase. In conclusion, ventilatory responses and cerebral oxygenation in normobaric hypoxia were consistent across the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, these parameters did not differentiate women with or without AMS.

Analysis of Groundwater Salinity Distribution Based on Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Hydrochemical Approaches to Deep Wells in Sayung Subdistrict, Demak Central Java

In coastal areas, obtaining groundwater is not easy due to the lack of geological support conditions that cause water in the area to have poor quality such as groundwater that becomes salty. The coastal area of Sayung Subdistrict has geomorphological conditions whose surface tends to be flat with elevations 0-5 m higher than sea level and is dominated by alluvial material so that it can cause seawater infiltration to increase. The purpose of this research was to determine the distribution of salinity of groundwater in the coastal area of Sayung Subdistrict and to determine the cause of groundwater becoming salty. The method used in this research is the electrical conductivity (DHL) approach which is then classified based on the level of saltiness of groundwater. And then, well water from the sample points was tested using a hydrochemical test with the parameters used, namely the content of cations (Na, K, Mg, Ca) and anions (Cl, CO3, HCO3, SO4, NO3). This research was conducted at 33 well points spread across Sayung sub-district. The results of this study show that the electrical conductivity value obtained is between the range of 928-7,199 μS/cm which is divided into 3 classifications namely fresh water, fresh-brackish water, and brackish water. The analysis of the Trilinier Piper diagram shows that the saltiness of the groundwater is due to indications of seawater mixing characterized by a chloride (Cl) content that is increasingly greater towards the sea.

Nuclear Energy's Role in Sustainability and Environmental Protection in India

The world today stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the profound and far-reaching impacts of climate change. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and deteriorating ecosystems only serve to underscore the urgency of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Governments across the globe are intensifying their climate policies, striving to meet the ambitious goals set forth in international agreements such as the Paris Agreement. Central to these efforts is the systematic decarbonization of national energy mixes [1], where nations are increasingly turning to green and clean technologies to power their economies and ensure sustainable electrification. In this global race to mitigate climate change, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower are often highlighted as the vanguards of a sustainable future [2]. However, the challenge lies not only in generating sufficient clean energy but also in ensuring a reliable and continuous supply that can meet the growing demands of an energy-hungry world.

Investigations-based results on the hydrographic conditions with special reference to the tourist bathing areas of the protected Romanian littoral

The aim of the present work is related to the new hydrographic conditions within newly developed coastal areas through coastal protection measures extension. The study also seeks to assess the impact on the touristic bathing areas and its safety. The new bathymetry, induced by the sediment size, together with currents propagation into the bathing areas adjacent to the newly arranged beach areas were subject of Conductivity Temperature and depth profiler (CTD) and Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements in relation to the summer waves regime and sea level variations. Several experiments habitually conducted during the summer period were considered; the experiments are related to the marine hazards associated to the swimming areas, such as seasonal storm-inducing currents and the propagation of the rip currents in the nearshore, but also to the specific marine currents setups around beach protection groins and longitudinal breakwater, the influence of vertical water movements, including up-welling and specific intensifications in the periods with complex stormy waves.

Threat assessment for Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus) in the Salish Sea

Like many forage fish species, Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus) play a key role in nearshore marine ecosystems as an important prey source for a diverse array of predators in the northeastern Pacific. However, the primary threats to Pacific sand lance and their habitat are poorly defined due to a lack of systematic data. Crucial information needed to assess their population status is also lacking including basic knowledge of their local and regional abundance and distribution. Sand lance are currently listed as ‘not evaluated’ under the IUCN red list and they have not been assessed by US and Canadian agencies. This hampers management and policy efforts focused on their conservation. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a three-part, structured expert elicitation to assess the vulnerability of Salish Sea sand lance populations. Experts were asked to list and rank key threats to Salish Sea sand lance and/or their habitat, to further quantify the vulnerability of sand lance to identified threats using a vulnerability matrix, and to predict the population trajectory in 25 years from today. Impacts associated with climate change (e.g. sea level rise, sea temperature rise, ocean acidification, and extreme weather) consistently ranked high as threats of concern in the ranking exercise and quantified vulnerability scores. Nearly every expert predicted the population will have declined from current levels in 25 years. These results suggest sand lance face numerous threats and may be in decline under current conditions. This research provides vital information about which threats pose the greatest risk to the long-term health of sand lance populations and their habitat. Managers can use this information to prioritize which threats to address. Future research to reliably quantify population size, better understand the roles of natural and anthropogenic impacts, and to identify the most cost-effective actions to mitigate multiple threats, is recommended.

Nuclear Energy's Role in Sustainability and Environmental Protection in India

The world today stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the profound and far-reaching impacts of climate change. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and deteriorating ecosystems only serve to underscore the urgency of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Governments across the globe are intensifying their climate policies, striving to meet the ambitious goals set forth in international agreements such as the Paris Agreement. Central to these efforts is the systematic decarbonization of national energy mixes [1], where nations are increasingly turning to green and clean technologies to power their economies and ensure sustainable electrification. In this global race to mitigate climate change, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower are often highlighted as the vanguards of a sustainable future [2]. However, the challenge lies not only in generating sufficient clean energy but also in ensuring a reliable and continuous supply that can meet the growing demands of an energy-hungry world.

Methane seepage activities in the Qiongdongnan Basin since MIS2

Gas hydrates are globally acknowledged as a significant strategic alternative energy source, and there is a consensus on the necessity to enhance their exploration. However, gas hydrates are highly prone to decomposition under variations in external environmental conditions, which can result in subsea methane seepage activities. Consequently, investigating subsea methane seepage activities holds substantial theoretical and practical significance for exploring gas hydrates. This paper evaluates the history of methane seepage activities in the Qiongdongnan Basin (QDNB) by analyzing the carbon and oxygen isotopic characteristics of benthic foraminifera and the geochemical properties of pore water from gravity sediment cores at sites QH-CL4 and QH-CL40. The results indicate that since the Marine isotope stage2 (MIS2), continuous micro-methane seepage activity has been present in the QDNB, characterized by a slight negative deviation in the carbon isotopes of benthic foraminifera. Methane seepage activity intensified during 14.6 ka BP and between 19.64–23.22 ka BP. This increase is thought to be associated with rising seawater temperature during the Bølling–Allerød interstadial and declining sea level during the Last Glacial Maximum, respectively. Moreover, current geochemical characteristics of pore water reveal strong methane seepage activity, with flux as high as 28.968 mmol·m-²·a-¹. This ongoing activity has led to gas hydrate formation within shallow layers while also causing negative deviations in pore water salinity.

Sea‐Level Rise, Drinking Water Quality and the Economic Value of Coastal Tourism in North Carolina

AbstractWe estimate the economic benefits of avoiding reductions in drinking water quality due to sea level rise accruing to North Carolina (NC) coastal tourists. Using stated preference methods and responses from recent coastal visitors, we find that tourists are 2%, 8%, and 11% less likely to take an overnight trip if drinking water tastes slightly, moderately, or very salty at their chosen destination. The majority of those who decline a trip would take a trip to another NC beach without water quality issues, others would take another type of recreational trip, with a minority opting to stay home. Willingness to pay for an overnight beach trip declines with the salty taste of drinking water. We find evidence of attribute non‐attendance in the stated preference data, which impacts the regression model and estimates of the willingness to pay for trips. Combining economic and hydrological models, annual aggregate benefit losses due to low drinking water quality could be as high as $232 million by 2040.

Nonlinear Tide‐River‐Surge Interactions and Their Impacts on Compound Flooding During Typhoon Hato in the Pearl River Delta

AbstractIn coastal areas, multiple hydrodynamic processes co‐occur, including the astronomical tide, river discharge, and storm surge. Their propagation and interaction within coastal tidal river result in strong nonlinear behavior in inland areas. This study employed a hydrodynamic model and continuous wavelet transform analysis to investigate the complex tide‐river‐surge interactions and their impacts on compound flooding in the West River of the Pearl River Delta during an extreme typhoon event. Validated model outputs provided insights into the spatial and temporal variations of river discharge, water levels, and currents. Wavelet analysis revealed river discharge modulates tidal properties, causing nonstationary tides and asymmetries, with high flows suppressing tidal ranges but facilitating energy transfers to overtides. During Typhoon Hato, storm surges dominated high‐frequency water level fluctuations that rapidly propagated upstream. Crucially, strong high‐frequency tide‐river‐surge coupling induced significant water level amplifications, with interaction intensities increasing landward. In upstream areas where riverine and coastal drivers converged, flood risks exceeded typical estimates due to this vigorous multi‐driver compounding. Findings highlighted how existing flood mitigation approaches over simplistically superposing individual sources may severely underestimate flood levels by neglecting such nonlinear interactions. A comprehensive accounting of the cumulative, multiplicative effects of tides, discharge, storm surge, and sea level rise is imperative. This quantitative unraveling of key physical drivers offers transferable insights applicable to compound flood risk evaluations and policy guidance for enhancing resilience in other estuary and delta regions. Future work should focus on holistically modeling multivariate extremes and their interactions.

Climate Change Implications on Middle Eastern Geography and Stability – A Case Studies of GCC- with a Focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The environment constitutes the natural setting where humans reside, secure food sources, and utilize natural resources to fulfill their material and life necessities. Unlike other creatures, humans have not adapted to nature and the surrounding environment; instead, they have manipulated it to their advantage, disrupting the ecological balance. The primary catalyst for this disruption was the Industrial Revolution, which significantly increased pollution rates, harmful emissions, and the extraction of raw materials, thereby intensifying the exploitation of natural resources. The gravest concern is that the damage inflicted upon nature may reach a point of no return, with catastrophic and enduring consequences, such as global warming, ice melting, rising sea levels, and escalation in greenhouse gases, along with severe repercussions of these events, including an increase in mortality rates due to natural disasters. Effective responses necessitate actions at various levels, including cultural and educational initiatives and international measures, particularly in legislation. Such laws must enforce stringent controls on emissions from industrial and automotive sources. Individuals are called upon to conserve electricity and water, and adopting renewable energy sources, such as solar, hydro, wind, and tidal energy, that do not rely on fuel combustion is encouraged. Planting trees, which absorb carbon dioxide as a primary contributor to global warming, is among the most critical measures we can undertake. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is essential in combating climate change in this arena, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is leading in this. This paper elaborates on the impact of climate change in Middle Eastern countries using a brief case study of the Saudi Green Initiatives. The paper also presents the policy recommendations to the concerned stakeholders of the GCC and the government of Saidi Arabia.

Sea Level Rise in Europe: Summary for Policymakers

Abstract. Sea level rise (SLR) is a global concern for low-lying coastal areas, including many European coasts. The European Knowledge Hub on Sea Level Rise (KH-SLR), a collaborative effort by the Joint Programming Initiatives for “Connecting Climate Knowledge for Europe” (JPI Climate) and for “Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans” (JPI Oceans), has developed the 1st Assessment Report (SLRE1) to address the challenges posed by SLR in Europe. The report's target audience includes national and subnational bodies focused on research and policy advice for coastal management and climate adaptation, as well as European experts who contribute to shaping policy frameworks and collecting information at a pan-European scale. This report, preceded by a series of targeted surveys and workshops with researchers and stakeholders (e.g. coastal decision-makers), has synthesized the current scientific knowledge on SLR drivers, impacts, and policies at local, national, and European basin scales. It provides in-depth and basin-specific analyses on local sea level changes, compared with relevant global assessments of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). In addition, it identified critical knowledge gaps needed to support the development of actionable information. The Summary for Policymakers (SPM) distils the key findings of the SLRE1, presenting information specific to the six European basins: Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, North Sea, Baltic Sea, Atlantic, and Arctic. The SPM highlights basin-specific trends, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts, while also orienting future requirements.​​​​​​​