Rapid Population Growth Research Articles

Comparative Views on the Global Energy Problem in the Oil and Gas Pattern

The article puts forward views on the global energy problem. It focuses on population growth, industry, energy, consumption, exhaustible and inexhaustible resources. Energy has become an indispensable element of social and economic life due to its early use in lighting and heating, and since the early twentieth century in industry and other fields. It is considered that the causes of the global energy problem are related to the rapid growth of the world's population, the growth and development of industrial production. The implementation of these is considered to lead to the efficient use of energy resources, both globally and domestically. There is a need to make certain changes in people's lifestyles, conserve natural resources and increase the use of alternative energy sources. Against the background of a 7-fold increase in the world's population, the growing demand for energy resources of people and society as a whole is a topical issue. The main purpose of the study is to increase attention to the problem of energy in the world, to make certain changes in people's lifestyles and to make sound proposals on alternative energy resources. From a global point of view, the trends in the modern development of energy and the suggestion of more efficient ways of using energy are the scientific novelty of the research. Specifically, in many countries, oil comes out at a depth of 5,000 m and more, instead of the previous 500-1000 m, which has a negative impact not only on society, but also on the environment.

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF HISTORICAL, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND GLOBAL INFLUENCES ON HEALTH SECTOR REFORMS IN PAKISTAN

Background: This paper analyzed historical, political, economic, social and global influences on the health sector reforms in Pakistan.Material & MethodsThe article is based on a critical analysis of secondary data from the public domain as well as from international development agencies. It also draws from scholarly articles about the experiences of health sector reforms carried out in other countries.ResultsHistorically, ever since the independence of Pakistan, the actual power remained in the hands of elite class, therefore, no meaningfulreforms were introduced in the basic socio-political structure of the Pakistani society. Financially, due to high debt burden and the huge military expenditure, the state is shifting its traditional responsibility of providing health services to its masses to the private sector leading to further marginalization of poor and the disadvantaged. Furthermore, social issues such as rapid population growth,unplanned urbanization and emergence of mega cities are putting further pressure on already constrained resources and infrastructure and therefore are a reason and future challenge for health sector reforms in Pakistan.ConclusionsTwo important conclusions can be drawn. One, any reform introduced for the improvement of health status of Pakistani population tosucceed, needs to consider the complex socio-political structure of the society. Second, all the historical, political, economic, social, andglobal factors discussed in this paper reinforces the need for major health sector reforms in Pakistan and it also demonstrates theconstraints that the system must overcome in order to initiate any meaningful change

Millennials’ intentions to buy plant-based meat alternatives: insights for quick-service restaurants.

Rapid population growth, shifting consumption patterns, and environmental stresses are challenging food security, raising concerns about the global food system's ability to sustainably feed the projected 9.3 billion people by 2050. Additionally, the increasing demand for Quick-Service Restaurants (QSRs) (also known as ‘fast-food chains’) intensifies environmental concerns. Their large-scale food production and factory farming practices contribute significantly to environmental degradation and animal welfare issues. In response to growing consumer awareness of environmental issues, QSRs have begun incorporating plant-based meat alternatives into their menus to align with sustainability objectives and appeal to eco-conscious consumers, particularly millennials. However, these alternatives face acceptance challenges due to perceptions of being highly processed and potentially containing genetically modified organisms. It is therefore essential to have a better understanding of the market’s purchasing intention to effectively market plant-based meat alternatives and advance QSRs’ sustainable practices.

Spatiotemporal Variation of Land Surface Temperature and Urban Heat Islands in Dhaka City: A Geospatial Approach

Rapid urban population growth and widespread urbanization are common occurrences in the modern world. They cause several negative repercussions among which Urban Heat Island (UHI) is the most widely recorded occurrence. The population of Dhaka city has increased by 12.64 million from 2011 to 2021 and the temperature by 0.57ᵒ C in the recent decade. Therefore, the city is facing increased public health-related problems associated with high temperatures, outbreaks of diseases, and scarcity of safe drinking water. Considering these matters, this study explores the spatiotemporal changes in Land Surface Temperature (LST) over the last twenty years and the present condition of heat islands. The city was found 3.9 °C warmer than the surrounding rural areas in 2022. The results also show recurring fluctuations in temperature together with a positive change in temperature during the study period. A year of high temperatures follows a gradual decrease in temperatures in the next two years, and a year of low temperatures follows several gradual increases in temperature. It is expected from the result that the upcoming two years (2023 and 2024) will be warmer than the last three years. The findings may provide insight into how LST and UHI fluctuate and aid in developing strategies to lessen their negative consequences. The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 13(1), 2024, P 1-19

Transport Mobility Analysis for Informal Settlements in Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Dar es Salaam is one of the world’s fastest growing cities and is expected to be the third largest by 2100 with a population of 76 million. Dar es Salaam city is made of multiple neighbourhoods that are very diverse in terms of socio-economic status, gender, age and prevalent activities. One of the biggest challenges facing the city of Dar es Salaam is urban sprawl due to informal settlements that in turn leads to very long travel time and hinders equal mobility and accessibility of labour and goods. This study found that the current mobility vision for Dar es Salaam city that bases on transit-oriented development can help to alleviate transit pressure to the current mono-centric city, although integration of the vision to informal settlements that are the current majority of the land use is still lacking. The study also found that the current regularisation strategies of informal settlements provide an opportunity for urban mobility. However, the resulting mobility networks are not sufficient to meet the demand of the government mobility vision. To capture the future rapid population growth in the city, this study recommends a back casting strategy that looks on the future needs of the population including residency vis-à-vis mobility to establish current new transit corridors passing though redeveloped informal settlements.

Soil Remediation by Nanotechnology: Valuating Materials, Mechanisms, and Environmental Impacts

The rapid growth of the human population and industrial activities has resulted in considerable environmental degradation. Processes such as industrialization, mining, agriculture, and waste disposal introduce harmful chemicals that contaminate soil, groundwater, and surface waters. Consequently, soil remediation has become a critical priority for many nations, given that soil quality directly affects agriculture and public health. Nanotechnology presents promising solutions to the shortcomings of traditional soil remediation methods by offering innovative materials and mechanisms for the removal or neutralization of contaminants. This review intends to evaluate the use of nanotechnology in soil remediation, emphasizing the nanomaterials employed, their reaction mechanisms, and potential environmental effects. Nanomaterials like nano zero-valent iron, metal oxides, and carbon-based materials have shown effectiveness in immobilizing, degrading, or extracting pollutants from soil and water through processes such as adsorption, photocatalysis, and filtration. However, certain nanomaterials raise concerns about toxicity and bioaccumulation, which may negatively affect ecosystems and human health. Therefore, additional research is needed to confirm the safety, compatibility, and sustainability of these technologies. This review also identifies significant challenges in the implementation of nanotechnologies for soil remediation and examines future directions and recommendations for addressing these challenges.

Characteristics of Spatial–Temporal Evolution of Sustainable Intensification of Cultivated Land Use and Analysis of Influencing Factors in China, 2001–2020

The rapid growth of the global population, the acceleration of the urbanization process, and the demands of economic development, place enormous pressure on scarce land resources. Cultivated land use presents a series of problems, hindering its socioeconomic and ecological sustainability. The sustainable intensification of cultivated land use (SICLU) is a development model designed to maximize land use efficiency, while minimizing environmental pollution. It is considered to be an efficient method to achieve three aspects of sustainable goals, namely in regard to society, the economy, and ecology, simultaneously. This approach has significant theoretical and practical implications for China’s food security and ecological safety. This study incorporates the “agricultural carbon emissions” indicator into the indicator evaluation system. Using the super-efficiency SBM model, we estimate the SICLU levels in China from 2001 to 2020. ArcGIS and the Dagum Gini coefficient decomposition model are employed to explore the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics and non-equilibrium spatial dynamics of SICLU in China. Finally, the Tobit regression model is used to reveal the driving factors. The results show the following: (1) Since 2003, China’s SICLU levels demonstrate an overall ascent amid fluctuations, sustaining a relatively high average annual level of 0.945. (2) In terms of spatial evolution patterns, China’s SICLU levels demonstrate significant spatial disparities, with distinct differences among the four major regions. Regions with similar SICLU levels show a certain degree of spatial adjacency. (3) There are significant regional disparities in China’s SICLU levels, which overall exhibit a declining trend. The differences between regions are the primary source of spatial variation, followed by hypervariable density and intra-regional disparities. (4) The regional industrial structure, the level of agricultural modernization, the agricultural cropping structure, and the per capita sown area, positively influence the enhancement of SICLU levels in China. Throughout the study period, the SICLU levels in China continuously improved and the overall regional disparities diminished. However, significant inter-regional imbalances persist, necessitating tailored optimization measures, based on local conditions. Establishing a coordinated mechanism for orderly and synergistic regional development is crucial, in order to provide references to decision-makers to promote the rational use of arable land in China.

Unlocking Non-Associated Gas Reservoirs to Power Future Energy Demands in Nigeria

Abstract: Nigeria faces a significant energy crisis characterized by a substantial gap between energy supply and demand, driven by rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrial expansion. With a projected electricity demand exceeding 50,000 MW by 2030, the country must explore underutilized resources to meet its energy needs. Non-Associated Gas (NAG) reservoirs present a viable solution, offering a cleaner and more stable fuel source than traditional fossil fuels. This paper examines the historical context of Nigeria's gas policies, highlighting key legislation such as the Petroleum Act, the Associated Gas Re-Injection Act, and the recent Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021. It discusses the challenges faced in gas utilization, including infrastructure deficits and investment barriers, while emphasizing the economic, environmental, and social benefits of developing NAG. The study also outlines recommendations for stakeholders to enhance investment in NAG infrastructure and create a favourable regulatory environment. By leveraging NAG, Nigeria can not only address its immediate energy crisis but also promote sustainable economic growth and improve energy security for its citizens.

Green and efficient fine control of regional irrigation water use coupled with crop growth-carbon emission processes

The effective, environmentally friendly, and optimally deployed management of regional agricultural water resources is crucial to ensuring food security and the sustainable use of water resources in the face of challenging agricultural issues, such as increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water scarcity, and rapid population and economic growth. In this study, a multiobjective model for the optimal distribution of regional agricultural water resources was built, using the GIS-DSSAT and GIS-DNDC models, to simulate the regional spatial raster crop growth process and carbon emission process. The model allowed for the creation of synergies in both crop production and emission reduction. The model was solved using a fuzzy planning algorithm, and applied to the main Sanjiang Plain grain production area in Heilongjiang Province, yielding the best water allocation scheme and a set of planting structure adjustment schemes for the main grain crops of rice, maize, and soybeans in 1074 Sanjiang Plain response units. In contrast to the current method, which relies heavily on soil and water resources, the model developed in this paper reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 10 %, energy consumption by 14.4 %, and regional irrigation water use by 34.48 %. It achieved the dual goal of reducing GHG emissions and conserving water, while increasing the synergy between increased regional food production and decreased emissions by 21 % compared to the status quo. Climate change will pose series of challenges to agricultural production, particularly the arable land and water resource usage. By optimizing cropping structures and irrigation systems, climate-adaptive management can not only reduce the area of arable land and water consumption, but also decrease carbon emissions; for the SSP2–4.5 and SSP3–7.0 scenarios, this trend resulted in increases in economic benefits of 2.4 % and 3.3 %, respectively, and decreases in carbon emission scenarios of 14.6 % and 20.7 %, respectively. The yields and GHG emissions of the response units were sensitive to these changes. This study offers decision-making support for the intense, effective, and low-carbon management of water resources.

The environmental consequences of rapid urbanization in central Florida reconstructed with high resolution 241Am and 210Pb dating in lake sediments

Throughout the 20th century, Florida was one of the fastest growing states in the US, putting unique environmental stress on the region. Accurately dated lake sediments can provide invaluable records of environmental change that extend beyond monitoring records. Here, we analyze profiles of americium-241 (241Am), cesium-137 (137Cs), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and uranium-series radionuclides in Lake Bonny in Lakeland, Florida. The 241Am peak is sharp in the sediment profile, while the 137Cs peak is broader and spread evenly across two layers. The measured 137Cs inventory of ~448Bq/m2 is less than half of the expected inventory from atmospheric deposition (accounting for decay since deposition), indicating significant losses. The reliability of 137Cs as a chronological tool can be complicated in environments with low quantities of 2:1 clays and low available potassium (K), characteristic of Florida and the U.S. southeast. Using a piecewise constant rate of supply 210Pb model verified by 241Am, we reconstruct sedimentation and chemical change in this lake. Highest sedimentation rates in the lake occur during decades of peak population growth in the mid-20th century. Uranium (U) and radium-226 (226Ra) inputs to the lake reach a maximum in the 1960s, consistent with expansion of local phosphate mines and elevated groundwater pumping during that time in response to drought conditions. Total Pb in the sedimentary record captures the rise and fall of the use of leaded gasoline, but Zn inputs to the lake remain nearly two orders of magnitude above background levels in the last decade. Our high-resolution chronology of the lake reveals regional impacts on water and lake quality in central Florida during a period of rapid population growth.

Strategi Pengembangan dan Penataan Kawasan Permukiman Kumuh Kota Pekanbaru

This research aims to analyze the development strategy and arrangement of slum areas in Pekanbaru City. The problem of slums in this city is increasingly urgent due to rapid population growth and uncontrolled urbanization. The research method includes a qualitative approach with a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis technique to identify internal and external factors that affect the arrangement of slum areas. This research uses the development strategies theory of Richard Rumelt. The results show that effective strategies include empowering the community and strengthening the role of Government, optimizing land use, and improving access to basic infrastructure. It is expected that with these strategies, the quality of life of people in slum areas can improve and create a habitable, sustainable, and integrated settlement environment with overall city planning. This research provides policy recommendations relevant to the local Government to overcome the problems of slum areas in Pekanbaru, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.

PERI-URBAN GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE, A CATALYST FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE URBAN GROWTH IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

This study examines the role of peri-urban green infrastructure (PUGI), as a catalyst for climate resilience and sustainable urban growth in the Eleyele, Adetokun, Alafara, and Ologuneru areas of Ibadan, Nigeria. Rapid urbanization and population growth have aggravated environmental challenges in the city, including flooding, urban heat islands, and loss of biodiversity. PUGI, defined as the strategically integrated natural and semi-natural elements in the peri-urban interface, offers innovative solutions to these pressing climate change related issues. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we conducted surveys with local residents to assess their perceptions of climate change impacts through three key indicators: heat waves, rainfall, and flooding. A Likert-scale questionnaire was distributed to capture the respondents' experiences and beliefs regarding these indicators, with scores ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Our findings revealed that the mean scores for heat waves and flooding fell below the neutral point of 3, indicating a lack of clear consensus among respondents regarding their effects. However, the rainfall indicator achieved a mean score closer to 4, suggesting a more pronounced recognition of its impact on the environment and health conditions. Despite this, many respondents expressed uncertainty about the extent to which climate change indicators influenced their daily lives and community well-being. The study highlights the critical need for enhancing green infrastructure in these peri-urban areas, which could mitigate climate change effects by improving air quality, reducing urban heat islands, and managing stormwater. By integrating green spaces into urban planning, stakeholders can foster a more resilient urban ecosystem. Ultimately, the findings underscore the importance of community engagement and education to better understand and address climate challenges, positioning peri-urban green infrastructure as a vital strategy for sustainable development in Ibadan.

Groundwater flow system of the Abijata-Langano-Ziway lakes basin, Ethiopia

The Abijata-Langano-Ziway Lakes Basin (ALZLB) is situated in the Central part of the Main Ethiopian Rift. The availability and dynamics of groundwater in the Abijata-Langano-Ziway Lakes Basin (ALZLB) are primarily controlled by its geological and hydrogeological characteristics, shaped by volcanic-tectonic and sedimentary processes. The basin faces significant challenges, including drastic change in land use pattern, rapid population growth sustained by subsistence farming, over-extraction of water resources, and vulnerability to climate change and fragile ecosystems. These issues emphasize the urgent need for effective water resource management.To understand this complex system, a numerical groundwater flow model was employed to characterize the groundwater flow system within the ALZLB and examine its interaction with surface water bodies. The MODFLOW model translates the conceptual understanding of the basin's hydrogeology into a mathematical representation, allowing for numerical analysis. The model incorporates input parameters such as hydraulic conductivity and boundary conditions representing groundwater inflow and outflow. Steady-state numerical calculation was used to characterize the qualitative hydrogeological conceptual model into numerical representation and thereby describe the groundwater system.The calibrated model exhibited excellent agreement between simulated and observed groundwater levels. Statistical measures indicated a strong correlation (R2 = 0.98) and high efficiency (NSE = 0.97) in replicating the observed data. Additionally, the Mean Error (ME) of −8.3 m suggests minimal bias in the simulations. Further analysis of the histogram residuals revealed that a significant portion of the simulated values (65 % and 82 %) fell within ±20 m and ±30 m of the observed groundwater levels, respectively. This revealed the model's accuracy in capturing the groundwater system's behavior.The model identified groundwater recharge and constant head boundaries as the primary sources of groundwater inflow, contributing 445 million cubic meters per year (MCM/year) and 90 MCM/year, respectively. Conversely, constant head boundaries represented the most significant outflow pathway, with a simulated discharge of 519 MCM/year. The calibrated balance between inflow and outflow (discrepancy of −0.75 %) confirms that the model effectively simulates steady-state groundwater flow conditions. The calibrated model demonstrates the model's capability to accurately represent the basin's groundwater system.

Emerging Trends in Smart and Sustainable Nano-Biosensing: The Role of Green Nanomaterials

Rapid population growth has increased pressure on resources, driving the need for eco-friendly technologies to ensure sustainable energy solutions. Green nanotechnology, a rapidly evolving subset of nanotechnology, requires the use of sustainable nanomaterials and has gained attention for its wide-ranging potential impact in energy, medicine environmental protection, and materials science. The development of smart, sustainable nano-biosensing technologies using bio-based materials has transformed analytical science and medicine. This review examines recent breakthroughs in biological advances and green nanoparticle (NP) fabrication, focusing on plant-derived and bio-based nanomaterials. Their biocompatibility, abundance, and carbonaceous nature make them ideal for cost-effective, eco-friendly solutions with broad industrial application. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current advancements in the field, highlighting the potential of biomass-derived nanostructures in addressing global challenges in healthcare, medicine, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. This review also addresses the toxicology and safety aspects of green nanomaterials. By promoting the convergence of nano-bioengineering and sustainable practices, this work aims to inspire further research and innovation in the development of next-generation biosensing technologies.

Assessment of the Effect of Vehicular Emission on Air Quality in Uyo

The presence of vehicular traffic in urban city centers due to urban expansion occasioned by rapid population growth has been of immense concern for many years, as emissions from vehicle exhausts pose a major threat to both public health and environmental quality. This trend is expected to continue as ownership of vehicles keeps increasings. In this study, attempts are made to measure the concentration of traffic related emissions, with a view to assess the intricate relationships between vehicular emissions, their effect on surrounding air quality, and their impact on public health by extension, in Uyo metropolis, using USEPA air quality index. Six sampling locations were selected for this analysis. In selecting the study locations, special preference was given to accessibility, availability of open space free from shed, meteorological consideration of upward and downward directions, and areas with minimal local influence from vehicular movement. Also, consideration was given to the sensitivity and stability of the equipment, as well as its capability to reproduce results. The concentrations of the priority pollutants (i.e., CO, H2S, SO2 and O) were measured with highly sensitive digital portable meters (Crowcon Gasman Monitors) in each of the selected locations, at peak traffic periods, and compared with standard air quality ratings. The results of the study showed that locations IRJ, IPJ and NRJ recorded relatively the highest measured concentrations of the pollutants (CO, H2S and SO2) respectively, while IPJ, NRJ and IRJ recorded the lowest measured concentrations of same pollutants respectively. Continuous accumulation of these toxic gases in the air poses greater threat or may add to an already existing health burden of the residents of those locations. Therefore, further and thorough investigation is highly recommended to study the health impact of these contaminants in the residents.

Prevalence of work-related injuries and associated factors among municipal solid waste collectors in Hawassa City, Sidama, Ethiopia 2023

Work-related injury is one of the most complex public health challenges globally. Rapid population growth and development in Hawassa City have resulted in increased solid waste generation, a growing complexity of waste with an increasing number of waste collectors, and mounting risks. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of work-related injuries among solid waste collectors in Hawassa City, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia, in 2023. A cross-sectional design was employed with 240 waste collectors using simple random sampling. Data were collected using the Open Data Kit and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted, and associations were determined using odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a significance level of 0.05. The 240 waste collectors, 237 (98.8%) participated in this study. Among them, 104 (43.9%, 95% CI: 37.5–50.3) reported work-related injuries. Factors such as work duty as a recycler (AOR = 6.64; 95% CI: (2.11 to 20.845)), manual handling of waste (AOR: 5.187; 95% CI (2.23 to 12.04)), receiving first occupational health training ((AOR: 3.449; 95% CI (1.328 to 8.96)), on-the-job training (AOR = 7.826; 95% CI (3.08 to 19.839)), and the use of modern waste handling equipment (AOR: 0.251; 95% CI, (0.071 to 0.893)) were found to be significant predictors of work-related injury. The prevalence of work-related injuries among municipal solid waste collectors in Hawassa City is high. Thus, we recommend that pre-employment and on-the-job training be provided to waste collectors, along with the regular provision of appropriate waste-handling equipment.

Analisis Kelayakan Usahatani Hidroponik Di Kota Makassar

Hydroponic farming is often cultivated in cities experiencing rapid population growth. Business feasibility analysis is carried out as an effort to determine the level of feasibility of running or continuing a hydroponic business by considering certain feasibility criteria. Thus, a business is said to be feasible if the profits obtained can cover all costs incurred, both direct and indirect costs. Business feasibility analysis is an important thing to do to avoid losses and for business development and continuity. This research analyzes the feasibility of hydroponic vegetable farming in Makassar City based on financial aspects, whether it is feasible or not and analyzes the feasibility of hydroponic vegetable farming in Makassar City based on non-financial aspects, whether it is feasible or not. Financial Aspects and Non-Financial Aspects to determine the feasibility of Hydroponic Farming in Makassar City. Based on the results of research on the feasibility of Hydroponic Farming in Makassar City from a Financial Aspect it is feasible to continue running and the feasibility of Hydroponic Farming in Makassar City from a Non-Financial Aspect is feasible to continue running.

Long-term multi-species demographic studies reveal divergent negative impacts of winter storms on seabird survival.

Understanding storm impacts on marine vertebrate demography requires detailed meteorological data in tandem with long-term population monitoring. Yet most studies use storm proxies such as the North Atlantic Oscillation Index (NAOI), potentially obfuscating a mechanistic understanding of current and future risk. Here, we investigate the impact of extratropical cyclones by extracting north Atlantic winter storm characteristics (storm number, intensity, clustering and wave conditions) and relating these with long-term overwinter adult survival of three long-lived sympatric seabirds which winter at sea-common guillemot Uria aalge, Atlantic puffin Fratercula arctica and razorbill Alca torda. We used multidecadal mark-recapture analysis (1970s-2020s) to estimate survival while correcting for resighting probability, combined with spatially explicit environmental data from geolocation-derived wintering areas, to determine the impact of different storm characteristics (i.e., number, intensity, duration, gap between storms, wave height and wind speed), as well as broad-scale climatic conditions (NAOI and sea surface temperature [SST]). All three species experienced rapid population growth over the study period. Guillemot and razorbill survival was lower during stormier winters, with an additive effect of summer SST for guillemots, and a negative interaction with population size for razorbills. Puffin survival was negatively correlated with winter SST, and the lowest puffin survival coincided with intense winter storms and a large seabird wreck in 2013/14. The number of days with wind speed >30 and 35 ms-1 negatively impacted razorbill and guillemot survival, respectively, and puffin survival was higher when gaps between storms were longer. Our results suggest negative but divergent storm impacts on these closely related sympatric breeders, which may be compounded by warmer seas and density-dependence as these populations return to their previously much larger sizes. We tentatively suggest that frequent, long-lasting storms with strong winds are likely to have the greatest negative impact on auk survival. Moreover, we highlight the possibility of tipping points, where only the most extreme storms, that may become more frequent in the future, have measurable impacts on seabird survival, and no effect of NAOI.

Reducing urban energy consumption and carbon emissions: a novel GIS-based model for sustainable spatial accessibility to local services and resources

This study explores the complex interconnections among global population growth, energy consumption, CO2 production, and disparities in service access through the lens of a single case study. Rapid population growth in many major cities has created significant challenges related to equitable access to services and socio-economic development, thereby impacting both their energy consumption patterns and environmental impacts. The case investigated in this study, like many other cases in developing countries, exhibits differences in service provision, infrastructure development, and energy usage, particularly between the northern and southern regions, which significantly affect the quality of life, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Previous efforts to narrow these geographic disparities have yielded limited success and exhibited several shortcomings. By employing a GIS Analytical Network Process method, this study examines service accessibility patterns in a single-case city, with a particular emphasis on green spaces, food services, and educational facilities and services. This GIS-based approach seeks to achieve sustainable levels of access to multiple land uses by evaluating their accessibility and identifying areas of overlap between them. The study endeavors to increase access and density of service standards when planning the placement of new facilities based on these standards in new locations. The method developed in this study represents a critical stride toward achieving these key objectives. The findings reveal that only 47% of city population blocks enjoy high service accessibility, while 40% have moderate accessibility, and 2.6% experience poor accessibility. These insights are of significant value to urban planners, researchers, and policymakers striving to reduce energy shortages and promote sustainable energy and transportation strategies to mitigate environmental impact in urban areas.

Seasonal Variation of Air Pollutants Concentration around Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

With the rapid population growth and industrialization across developing countries in recent times, the release of air pollutants into the environment has drawn global attention to the health-related impact on humans. The study examined the seasonal variation of air pollutants concentration around Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. Using areas such as Airport Road (AR), Rumuokoro (Rum) and Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), the air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM1, PM10, PM2.5), Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), Methane (CH4), Ammonia (NH3), Ozone (O3), Carbon IV oxide (CO2) were assessed during wet season (June) and dry season (December) using Aeroqual 500 Multi-Gas Analyzer, with up-to-date calibration. At Rum, the NO2 (0.006ppm and 0.122pm) and SO2 (0.03ppm and 0.05ppm) were within the WHO-AQG, while the CO concentrations of 18ppm and 6ppm were above the WHO-AQG. H2S was undetected at all locations, and CH4 concentration was higher at AR (58ppm and 65ppm) than at other locations, while the detected O3 across the locations and seasons (AR-0.33ppm and 0.36ppm, Rum-0.48ppm and 0.31ppm, NPA-0.18ppm and 0.11ppm) are within the WHO-AQG. Particulate maters-PM1, PM10, and PM2.5 were detected across the locations and seasons, while the highest concentration was reported at Rum (21ppm and 29ppm, 55ppm and 65ppm, and 41ppm). The variation in air pollutants across the studied locations suggests the influence of similar sources or patterns based on anthropogenic actions or microclimate parameters. There is a need to develop monitoring mechanisms, regulations and enforcement measures for air quality management practices.