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There is an unmet need for developing drugs for the treatment of gonorrhea, due to rapidly evolving resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae against antimicrobial drugs used for empiric therapy, an increase in globally reported multidrug resistant cases, and the limited available therapeutic options. Furthermore, few drugs are under development. Development of antimicrobials is hampered by challenges in clinical trial design, limitations of available diagnostics, changes in and varying standards of care, lack of robust animal models, and clinically relevant pharmacodynamic targets. On April 23, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health co-sponsored a workshop with stakeholders from academia, industry, and regulatory agencies to discuss the challenges and strategies, including potential collaborations and incentives, to facilitate the development of drugs for the treatment of gonorrhea. This article provides a summary of the workshop., This workshop was supported by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration. Research on Debio 1453 reported in this article is supported by CARB-X. CARB-X’s funding for this project is provided in part by federal funds from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (agreement 75A50122C00028). It is also supported by awards from the Wellcome Trust (WT224842) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Extreme weather events can cause catastrophic and long-lasting impacts on water availability, environment, agriculture, economies, and societies. This study investigates the historical and future conditions of drought- and temperature-related extreme events in the South Saskatchewan River Watershed (Alberta, Canada), which is dominated by activities related to agriculture and environment. We studied interdecadal drought variation as well as future projections of drought condition based on CMIP6 ensemble of 26 GCMs and 3 SSP scenarios. Our results showed increased occurrence rates of drought, with more intensified droughts occurring after year 2000 in the historical period. Future projections reveal that more occurrence of droughts and at higher severity levels are plausible under climate change scenarios. Similarly, the extreme temperature events showed increased numbers of hot summer days, fewer frost days and icing days, longer growing seasons, and increased occurrence of extreme temperatures are expected under climate change scenarios.

Local food production may not meet food market needs because of population growth and urbanization. Greenhouse cultivation has been used as an effective technique for providing an environment isolated from outside conditions to grow a wide variety of high-quality products with secure and sustainable harvesting in all seasons, especially in northern climates. The main problem with greenhouse cultivation is energy consumption required to maintain the indoor environment desirable for plant growth. Energy efficiency and conservation have become important issues around the world due to the cost increase, disruptions in availability, and the growing significance of environmental problems. Developing efficient greenhouses can be one of the most important actions to support food security and climate resilience. One objective of designing an energy-efficient greenhouse is to reduce CO2 emissions caused by burning fossil fuels to operate a greenhouse or generate electricity to be used in greenhouses so, increasing the investment in renewable energy for greenhouses is an energy-saving action. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to investigate energy-efficient designs of greenhouses for year-round food security in the harsh and changing climate of Southern Alberta, Canada. Using EnergyPlus™, a well-known building energy simulation tool, the most energy efficient greenhouse has been determined through modelling, simulation, and comparison of greenhouses different in parameters such as shape, dimension, orientation and covering material. In the first part of the study, the optimum design between 6 types of conventional greenhouses was investigated considering different variables for mentioned parameters. In the second part, the thermal performance and energy consumption of Conventional Greenhouses (CGs), Chinese Style Greenhouses (CSGs) and Plant Factories (PF) were compared and the most energy-efficient one was selected. After finding the greenhouse with the minimum energ

Local food production may not meet food market needs because of population growth and urbanization. Greenhouse cultivation has been used as an effective technique for providing an environment isolated from outside conditions to grow a wide variety of high-quality products with secure and sustainable harvesting in all seasons, especially in northern climates. The main problem with greenhouse cultivation is energy consumption required to maintain the indoor environment desirable for plant growth. Energy efficiency and conservation have become important issues around the world due to the cost increase, disruptions in availability, and the growing significance of environmental problems. Developing efficient greenhouses can be one of the most important actions to support food security and climate resilience. One objective of designing an energy-efficient greenhouse is to reduce CO2 emissions caused by burning fossil fuels to operate a greenhouse or generate electricity to be used in greenhouses so, increasing the investment in renewable energy for greenhouses is an energy-saving action. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to investigate energy-efficient designs of greenhouses for year-round food security in the harsh and changing climate of Southern Alberta, Canada. Using EnergyPlus™, a well-known building energy simulation tool, the most energy efficient greenhouse has been determined through modelling, simulation, and comparison of greenhouses different in parameters such as shape, dimension, orientation and covering material. In the first part of the study, the optimum design between 6 types of conventional greenhouses was investigated considering different variables for mentioned parameters. In the second part, the thermal performance and energy consumption of Conventional Greenhouses (CGs), Chinese Style Greenhouses (CSGs) and Plant Factories (PF) were compared and the most energy-efficient one was selected. After finding the greenhouse with the minimum energ

Local food production may not meet food market needs because of population growth and urbanization. Greenhouse cultivation has been used as an effective technique for providing an environment isolated from outside conditions to grow a wide variety of high-quality products with secure and sustainable harvesting in all seasons, especially in northern climates. The main problem with greenhouse cultivation is energy consumption required to maintain the indoor environment desirable for plant growth. Energy efficiency and conservation have become important issues around the world due to the cost increase, disruptions in availability, and the growing significance of environmental problems. Developing efficient greenhouses can be one of the most important actions to support food security and climate resilience. One objective of designing an energy-efficient greenhouse is to reduce CO2 emissions caused by burning fossil fuels to operate a greenhouse or generate electricity to be used in greenhouses so, increasing the investment in renewable energy for greenhouses is an energy-saving action. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to investigate energy-efficient designs of greenhouses for year-round food security in the harsh and changing climate of Southern Alberta, Canada. Using EnergyPlus™, a well-known building energy simulation tool, the most energy efficient greenhouse has been determined through modelling, simulation, and comparison of greenhouses different in parameters such as shape, dimension, orientation and covering material. In the first part of the study, the optimum design between 6 types of conventional greenhouses was investigated considering different variables for mentioned parameters. In the second part, the thermal performance and energy consumption of Conventional Greenhouses (CGs), Chinese Style Greenhouses (CSGs) and Plant Factories (PF) were compared and the most energy-efficient one was selected. After finding the greenhouse with the minimum energ

Local food production may not meet food market needs because of population growth and urbanization. Greenhouse cultivation has been used as an effective technique for providing an environment isolated from outside conditions to grow a wide variety of high-quality products with secure and sustainable harvesting in all seasons, especially in northern climates. The main problem with greenhouse cultivation is energy consumption required to maintain the indoor environment desirable for plant growth. Energy efficiency and conservation have become important issues around the world due to the cost increase, disruptions in availability, and the growing significance of environmental problems. Developing efficient greenhouses can be one of the most important actions to support food security and climate resilience. One objective of designing an energy-efficient greenhouse is to reduce CO2 emissions caused by burning fossil fuels to operate a greenhouse or generate electricity to be used in greenhouses so, increasing the investment in renewable energy for greenhouses is an energy-saving action. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to investigate energy-efficient designs of greenhouses for year-round food security in the harsh and changing climate of Southern Alberta, Canada. Using EnergyPlus™, a well-known building energy simulation tool, the most energy efficient greenhouse has been determined through modelling, simulation, and comparison of greenhouses different in parameters such as shape, dimension, orientation and covering material. In the first part of the study, the optimum design between 6 types of conventional greenhouses was investigated considering different variables for mentioned parameters. In the second part, the thermal performance and energy consumption of Conventional Greenhouses (CGs), Chinese Style Greenhouses (CSGs) and Plant Factories (PF) were compared and the most energy-efficient one was selected. After finding the greenhouse with the minimum energ

Extreme weather events can cause catastrophic and long-lasting impacts on water availability, environment, agriculture, economies, and societies. This study investigates the historical and future conditions of drought- and temperature-related extreme events in the South Saskatchewan River Watershed (Alberta, Canada), which is dominated by activities related to agriculture and environment. We studied interdecadal drought variation as well as future projections of drought condition based on CMIP6 ensemble of 26 GCMs and 3 SSP scenarios. Our results showed increased occurrence rates of drought, with more intensified droughts occurring after year 2000 in the historical period. Future projections reveal that more occurrence of droughts and at higher severity levels are plausible under climate change scenarios. Similarly, the extreme temperature events showed increased numbers of hot summer days, fewer frost days and icing days, longer growing seasons, and increased occurrence of extreme temperatures are expected under climate change scenarios.

Extreme weather events can cause catastrophic and long-lasting impacts on water availability, environment, agriculture, economies, and societies. This study investigates the historical and future conditions of drought- and temperature-related extreme events in the South Saskatchewan River Watershed (Alberta, Canada), which is dominated by activities related to agriculture and environment. We studied interdecadal drought variation as well as future projections of drought condition based on CMIP6 ensemble of 26 GCMs and 3 SSP scenarios. Our results showed increased occurrence rates of drought, with more intensified droughts occurring after year 2000 in the historical period. Future projections reveal that more occurrence of droughts and at higher severity levels are plausible under climate change scenarios. Similarly, the extreme temperature events showed increased numbers of hot summer days, fewer frost days and icing days, longer growing seasons, and increased occurrence of extreme temperatures are expected under climate change scenarios.

Extreme weather events can cause catastrophic and long-lasting impacts on water availability, environment, agriculture, economies, and societies. This study investigates the historical and future conditions of drought- and temperature-related extreme events in the South Saskatchewan River Watershed (Alberta, Canada), which is dominated by activities related to agriculture and environment. We studied interdecadal drought variation as well as future projections of drought condition based on CMIP6 ensemble of 26 GCMs and 3 SSP scenarios. Our results showed increased occurrence rates of drought, with more intensified droughts occurring after year 2000 in the historical period. Future projections reveal that more occurrence of droughts and at higher severity levels are plausible under climate change scenarios. Similarly, the extreme temperature events showed increased numbers of hot summer days, fewer frost days and icing days, longer growing seasons, and increased occurrence of extreme temperatures are expected under climate change scenarios.

Local food production may not meet food market needs because of population growth and urbanization. Greenhouse cultivation has been used as an effective technique for providing an environment isolated from outside conditions to grow a wide variety of high-quality products with secure and sustainable harvesting in all seasons, especially in northern climates. The main problem with greenhouse cultivation is energy consumption required to maintain the indoor environment desirable for plant growth. Energy efficiency and conservation have become important issues around the world due to the cost increase, disruptions in availability, and the growing significance of environmental problems. Developing efficient greenhouses can be one of the most important actions to support food security and climate resilience. One objective of designing an energy-efficient greenhouse is to reduce CO2 emissions caused by burning fossil fuels to operate a greenhouse or generate electricity to be used in greenhouses so, increasing the investment in renewable energy for greenhouses is an energy-saving action. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to investigate energy-efficient designs of greenhouses for year-round food security in the harsh and changing climate of Southern Alberta, Canada. Using EnergyPlus™, a well-known building energy simulation tool, the most energy efficient greenhouse has been determined through modelling, simulation, and comparison of greenhouses different in parameters such as shape, dimension, orientation and covering material. In the first part of the study, the optimum design between 6 types of conventional greenhouses was investigated considering different variables for mentioned parameters. In the second part, the thermal performance and energy consumption of Conventional Greenhouses (CGs), Chinese Style Greenhouses (CSGs) and Plant Factories (PF) were compared and the most energy-efficient one was selected. After finding the greenhouse with the minimum energ

The Arctic has the highest warming rates on Earth. Glaciated fjord ecosystems, which are hotspots of carbon cycling and burial, are extremely sensitive to this warming. Glaciers are important for the transport of iron from land to sea and supply this essential nutrient to phytoplankton in high-latitude marine ecosystems. However, up to 95% of the glacially-sourced iron settles to sediments close to the glacial source. Our data show that while 0.6–12% of the total glacially-sourced iron is potentially bioavailable, biogeochemical cycling in Arctic fjord sediments converts the glacially-derived iron into more labile phases, generating up to a 9-fold increase in the amount of potentially bioavailable iron. Arctic fjord sediments are thus an important source of potentially bioavailable iron. However, our data suggests that as glaciers retreat onto land the flux of iron to the sediment-water interface may be reduced. Glacial retreat therefore likely impacts iron cycling in coastal marine ecosystems.

Neutrophilic microbial pyrite (FeS2) oxidation coupled to denitrification is thought to be an important natural nitrate attenuation pathway in nitrate-contaminated aquifers. However, the poor solubility of pyrite raises questions about its bioavailability and the mechanisms underlying its oxidation. Here, we investigated direct microbial pyrite oxidation by a neutrophilic chemolithoautotrophic nitrate-reducing Fe(II)-oxidizing culture enriched from a pyrite-rich aquifer. We used pyrite with natural abundance (NA) of Fe isotopes (NAFe-pyrite) and 57Fe-labeled siderite to evaluate whether the oxidation of the more soluble Fe(II)-carbonate (FeCO3) can indirectly drive abiotic pyrite oxidation. Our results showed that in setups where only pyrite was incubated with bacteria, direct microbial pyrite oxidation contributed ca. 26% to overall nitrate reduction. The rest was attributed to the oxidation of elemental sulfur (S0), present as a residue from pyrite synthesis. Pyrite oxidation was evidenced in the NAFe-pyrite/57Fe-siderite setups by maps of 56FeO and 32S obtained using a combination of SEM with nanoscale secondary ion MS (NanoSIMS), which showed the presence of 56Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides that could solely originate from 56FeS2. Based on the fit of a reaction model to the geochemical data and the Fe-isotope distributions from NanoSIMS, we conclude that anaerobic oxidation of pyrite by our neutrophilic enrichment culture was mainly driven by direct enzymatic activity of the cells. The contribution of abiotic pyrite oxidation by Fe3+ appeared to be negligible in our experimental setup.

The Arctic has the highest warming rates on Earth. Glaciated fjord ecosystems, which are hotspots of carbon cycling and burial, are extremely sensitive to this warming. Glaciers are important for the transport of iron from land to sea and supply this essential nutrient to phytoplankton in high-latitude marine ecosystems. However, up to 95% of the glacially-sourced iron settles to sediments close to the glacial source. Our data show that while 0.6–12% of the total glacially-sourced iron is potentially bioavailable, biogeochemical cycling in Arctic fjord sediments converts the glacially-derived iron into more labile phases, generating up to a 9-fold increase in the amount of potentially bioavailable iron. Arctic fjord sediments are thus an important source of potentially bioavailable iron. However, our data suggests that as glaciers retreat onto land the flux of iron to the sediment-water interface may be reduced. Glacial retreat therefore likely impacts iron cycling in coastal marine ecosystems.

The Arctic has the highest warming rates on Earth. Glaciated fjord ecosystems, which are hotspots of carbon cycling and burial, are extremely sensitive to this warming. Glaciers are important for the transport of iron from land to sea and supply this essential nutrient to phytoplankton in high-latitude marine ecosystems. However, up to 95% of the glacially-sourced iron settles to sediments close to the glacial source. Our data show that while 0.6–12% of the total glacially-sourced iron is potentially bioavailable, biogeochemical cycling in Arctic fjord sediments converts the glacially-derived iron into more labile phases, generating up to a 9-fold increase in the amount of potentially bioavailable iron. Arctic fjord sediments are thus an important source of potentially bioavailable iron. However, our data suggests that as glaciers retreat onto land the flux of iron to the sediment-water interface may be reduced. Glacial retreat therefore likely impacts iron cycling in coastal marine ecosystems.

It has been shown that reactive soil minerals, specifically iron(III) (oxyhydr)oxides, can trap organic carbon in soils overlying intact permafrost, and may limit carbon mobilization and degradation as it is observed in other environments. However, the use of iron(III)-bearing minerals as terminal electron acceptors in permafrost environments, and thus their stability and capacity to prevent carbon mobilization during permafrost thaw, is poorly understood. We have followed the dynamic interactions between iron and carbon using a space-for-time approach across a thaw gradient in Abisko (Sweden), where wetlands are expanding rapidly due to permafrost thaw. We show through bulk (selective extractions, EXAFS) and nanoscale analysis (correlative SEM and nanoSIMS) that organic carbon is bound to reactive Fe primarily in the transition between organic and mineral horizons in palsa underlain by intact permafrost (41.8 ± 10.8 mg carbon per g soil, 9.9 to 14.8% of total soil organic carbon). During permafrost thaw, water-logging and O2 limitation lead to reducing conditions and an increase in abundance of Fe(III)-reducing bacteria which favor mineral dissolution and drive mobilization of both iron and carbon along the thaw gradient. By providing a terminal electron acceptor, this rusty carbon sink is effectively destroyed along the thaw gradient and cannot prevent carbon release with thaw.

It has been shown that reactive soil minerals, specifically iron(III) (oxyhydr)oxides, can trap organic carbon in soils overlying intact permafrost, and may limit carbon mobilization and degradation as it is observed in other environments. However, the use of iron(III)-bearing minerals as terminal electron acceptors in permafrost environments, and thus their stability and capacity to prevent carbon mobilization during permafrost thaw, is poorly understood. We have followed the dynamic interactions between iron and carbon using a space-for-time approach across a thaw gradient in Abisko (Sweden), where wetlands are expanding rapidly due to permafrost thaw. We show through bulk (selective extractions, EXAFS) and nanoscale analysis (correlative SEM and nanoSIMS) that organic carbon is bound to reactive Fe primarily in the transition between organic and mineral horizons in palsa underlain by intact permafrost (41.8 ± 10.8 mg carbon per g soil, 9.9 to 14.8% of total soil organic carbon). During permafrost thaw, water-logging and O2 limitation lead to reducing conditions and an increase in abundance of Fe(III)-reducing bacteria which favor mineral dissolution and drive mobilization of both iron and carbon along the thaw gradient. By providing a terminal electron acceptor, this rusty carbon sink is effectively destroyed along the thaw gradient and cannot prevent carbon release with thaw.

Wind turbine and photovoltaic (PV) technologies will play a significant role in the world energy future. However, a lack of awareness of the potential of renewables is a significant challenge in sustainable energy development. The potential of solar and wind energy sources in producing electricity to meet the electrical demands of the University of Lethbridge was evaluated. Furthermore, expanding the research to a large area, a multi-criteria approach based on geographic information systems (GIS) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) was developed to estimate rooftop photovoltaic potential of buildings in an urban environment, the City of Lethbridge. The unreliability of renewable resources is an impediment to developing renewable projects. An optimal sizing strategy was developed using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique to determine the optimum configuration of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and battery units minimizing the annual system cost while maximizing the reliability of the hybrid system.

Wind turbine and photovoltaic (PV) technologies will play a significant role in the world energy future. However, a lack of awareness of the potential of renewables is a significant challenge in sustainable energy development. The potential of solar and wind energy sources in producing electricity to meet the electrical demands of the University of Lethbridge was evaluated. Furthermore, expanding the research to a large area, a multi-criteria approach based on geographic information systems (GIS) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) was developed to estimate rooftop photovoltaic potential of buildings in an urban environment, the City of Lethbridge. The unreliability of renewable resources is an impediment to developing renewable projects. An optimal sizing strategy was developed using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique to determine the optimum configuration of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and battery units minimizing the annual system cost while maximizing the reliability of the hybrid system.

Wind turbine and photovoltaic (PV) technologies will play a significant role in the world energy future. However, a lack of awareness of the potential of renewables is a significant challenge in sustainable energy development. The potential of solar and wind energy sources in producing electricity to meet the electrical demands of the University of Lethbridge was evaluated. Furthermore, expanding the research to a large area, a multi-criteria approach based on geographic information systems (GIS) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) was developed to estimate rooftop photovoltaic potential of buildings in an urban environment, the City of Lethbridge. The unreliability of renewable resources is an impediment to developing renewable projects. An optimal sizing strategy was developed using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique to determine the optimum configuration of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and battery units minimizing the annual system cost while maximizing the reliability of the hybrid system.

Wind turbine and photovoltaic (PV) technologies will play a significant role in the world energy future. However, a lack of awareness of the potential of renewables is a significant challenge in sustainable energy development. The potential of solar and wind energy sources in producing electricity to meet the electrical demands of the University of Lethbridge was evaluated. Furthermore, expanding the research to a large area, a multi-criteria approach based on geographic information systems (GIS) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) was developed to estimate rooftop photovoltaic potential of buildings in an urban environment, the City of Lethbridge. The unreliability of renewable resources is an impediment to developing renewable projects. An optimal sizing strategy was developed using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique to determine the optimum configuration of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and battery units minimizing the annual system cost while maximizing the reliability of the hybrid system.

Wind turbine and photovoltaic (PV) technologies will play a significant role in the world energy future. However, a lack of awareness of the potential of renewables is a significant challenge in sustainable energy development. The potential of solar and wind energy sources in producing electricity to meet the electrical demands of the University of Lethbridge was evaluated. Furthermore, expanding the research to a large area, a multi-criteria approach based on geographic information systems (GIS) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) was developed to estimate rooftop photovoltaic potential of buildings in an urban environment, the City of Lethbridge. The unreliability of renewable resources is an impediment to developing renewable projects. An optimal sizing strategy was developed using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique to determine the optimum configuration of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and battery units minimizing the annual system cost while maximizing the reliability of the hybrid system.

Wind turbine and photovoltaic (PV) technologies will play a significant role in the world energy future. However, a lack of awareness of the potential of renewables is a significant challenge in sustainable energy development. The potential of solar and wind energy sources in producing electricity to meet the electrical demands of the University of Lethbridge was evaluated. Furthermore, expanding the research to a large area, a multi-criteria approach based on geographic information systems (GIS) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) was developed to estimate rooftop photovoltaic potential of buildings in an urban environment, the City of Lethbridge. The unreliability of renewable resources is an impediment to developing renewable projects. An optimal sizing strategy was developed using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique to determine the optimum configuration of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and battery units minimizing the annual system cost while maximizing the reliability of the hybrid system.

Wind turbine and photovoltaic (PV) technologies will play a significant role in the world energy future. However, a lack of awareness of the potential of renewables is a significant challenge in sustainable energy development. The potential of solar and wind energy sources in producing electricity to meet the electrical demands of the University of Lethbridge was evaluated. Furthermore, expanding the research to a large area, a multi-criteria approach based on geographic information systems (GIS) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) was developed to estimate rooftop photovoltaic potential of buildings in an urban environment, the City of Lethbridge. The unreliability of renewable resources is an impediment to developing renewable projects. An optimal sizing strategy was developed using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique to determine the optimum configuration of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and battery units minimizing the annual system cost while maximizing the reliability of the hybrid system.

Wind turbine and photovoltaic (PV) technologies will play a significant role in the world energy future. However, a lack of awareness of the potential of renewables is a significant challenge in sustainable energy development. The potential of solar and wind energy sources in producing electricity to meet the electrical demands of the University of Lethbridge was evaluated. Furthermore, expanding the research to a large area, a multi-criteria approach based on geographic information systems (GIS) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) was developed to estimate rooftop photovoltaic potential of buildings in an urban environment, the City of Lethbridge. The unreliability of renewable resources is an impediment to developing renewable projects. An optimal sizing strategy was developed using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique to determine the optimum configuration of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and battery units minimizing the annual system cost while maximizing the reliability of the hybrid system.

Wind turbine and photovoltaic (PV) technologies will play a significant role in the world energy future. However, a lack of awareness of the potential of renewables is a significant challenge in sustainable energy development. The potential of solar and wind energy sources in producing electricity to meet the electrical demands of the University of Lethbridge was evaluated. Furthermore, expanding the research to a large area, a multi-criteria approach based on geographic information systems (GIS) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) was developed to estimate rooftop photovoltaic potential of buildings in an urban environment, the City of Lethbridge. The unreliability of renewable resources is an impediment to developing renewable projects. An optimal sizing strategy was developed using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique to determine the optimum configuration of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and battery units minimizing the annual system cost while maximizing the reliability of the hybrid system.

Wind turbine and photovoltaic (PV) technologies will play a significant role in the world energy future. However, a lack of awareness of the potential of renewables is a significant challenge in sustainable energy development. The potential of solar and wind energy sources in producing electricity to meet the electrical demands of the University of Lethbridge was evaluated. Furthermore, expanding the research to a large area, a multi-criteria approach based on geographic information systems (GIS) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) was developed to estimate rooftop photovoltaic potential of buildings in an urban environment, the City of Lethbridge. The unreliability of renewable resources is an impediment to developing renewable projects. An optimal sizing strategy was developed using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique to determine the optimum configuration of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and battery units minimizing the annual system cost while maximizing the reliability of the hybrid system.

The interactions of atmospheric, landscape, hydrologic and agricultural processes on natural resources and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were assessed for a mountain watershed in south central British Columbia, Canada. A novel solar radiation model which uses the most available input data was developed in order to model solar radiation for the study watershed as input to the Generate Earth Systems Science (GENESYS) hydrometeorological model. Historical and future water supply and vegetation water demand under a range of climate scenarios using GENESYS were modelled for the watershed and the results revealed possible future changes in water supply and demand that are likely to stress future water resource management in the watershed. The GENESYS and Holos models were linked to estimate GHG emissions (CO2, CH4, and N2O) and soil carbon change for both crop and animal production processes in a simulated farm in the watershed under different climate and management scenarios and the results indicated that climate change is likely to affect future agricultural GHG emissions and suggested the available mitigation options.

The interactions of atmospheric, landscape, hydrologic and agricultural processes on natural resources and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were assessed for a mountain watershed in south central British Columbia, Canada. A novel solar radiation model which uses the most available input data was developed in order to model solar radiation for the study watershed as input to the Generate Earth Systems Science (GENESYS) hydrometeorological model. Historical and future water supply and vegetation water demand under a range of climate scenarios using GENESYS were modelled for the watershed and the results revealed possible future changes in water supply and demand that are likely to stress future water resource management in the watershed. The GENESYS and Holos models were linked to estimate GHG emissions (CO2, CH4, and N2O) and soil carbon change for both crop and animal production processes in a simulated farm in the watershed under different climate and management scenarios and the results indicated that climate change is likely to affect future agricultural GHG emissions and suggested the available mitigation options.

The interactions of atmospheric, landscape, hydrologic and agricultural processes on natural resources and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were assessed for a mountain watershed in south central British Columbia, Canada. A novel solar radiation model which uses the most available input data was developed in order to model solar radiation for the study watershed as input to the Generate Earth Systems Science (GENESYS) hydrometeorological model. Historical and future water supply and vegetation water demand under a range of climate scenarios using GENESYS were modelled for the watershed and the results revealed possible future changes in water supply and demand that are likely to stress future water resource management in the watershed. The GENESYS and Holos models were linked to estimate GHG emissions (CO2, CH4, and N2O) and soil carbon change for both crop and animal production processes in a simulated farm in the watershed under different climate and management scenarios and the results indicated that climate change is likely to affect future agricultural GHG emissions and suggested the available mitigation options.

The interactions of atmospheric, landscape, hydrologic and agricultural processes on natural resources and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were assessed for a mountain watershed in south central British Columbia, Canada. A novel solar radiation model which uses the most available input data was developed in order to model solar radiation for the study watershed as input to the Generate Earth Systems Science (GENESYS) hydrometeorological model. Historical and future water supply and vegetation water demand under a range of climate scenarios using GENESYS were modelled for the watershed and the results revealed possible future changes in water supply and demand that are likely to stress future water resource management in the watershed. The GENESYS and Holos models were linked to estimate GHG emissions (CO2, CH4, and N2O) and soil carbon change for both crop and animal production processes in a simulated farm in the watershed under different climate and management scenarios and the results indicated that climate change is likely to affect future agricultural GHG emissions and suggested the available mitigation options.

The interactions of atmospheric, landscape, hydrologic and agricultural processes on natural resources and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were assessed for a mountain watershed in south central British Columbia, Canada. A novel solar radiation model which uses the most available input data was developed in order to model solar radiation for the study watershed as input to the Generate Earth Systems Science (GENESYS) hydrometeorological model. Historical and future water supply and vegetation water demand under a range of climate scenarios using GENESYS were modelled for the watershed and the results revealed possible future changes in water supply and demand that are likely to stress future water resource management in the watershed. The GENESYS and Holos models were linked to estimate GHG emissions (CO2, CH4, and N2O) and soil carbon change for both crop and animal production processes in a simulated farm in the watershed under different climate and management scenarios and the results indicated that climate change is likely to affect future agricultural GHG emissions and suggested the available mitigation options.

The interactions of atmospheric, landscape, hydrologic and agricultural processes on natural resources and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were assessed for a mountain watershed in south central British Columbia, Canada. A novel solar radiation model which uses the most available input data was developed in order to model solar radiation for the study watershed as input to the Generate Earth Systems Science (GENESYS) hydrometeorological model. Historical and future water supply and vegetation water demand under a range of climate scenarios using GENESYS were modelled for the watershed and the results revealed possible future changes in water supply and demand that are likely to stress future water resource management in the watershed. The GENESYS and Holos models were linked to estimate GHG emissions (CO2, CH4, and N2O) and soil carbon change for both crop and animal production processes in a simulated farm in the watershed under different climate and management scenarios and the results indicated that climate change is likely to affect future agricultural GHG emissions and suggested the available mitigation options.

The interactions of atmospheric, landscape, hydrologic and agricultural processes on natural resources and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were assessed for a mountain watershed in south central British Columbia, Canada. A novel solar radiation model which uses the most available input data was developed in order to model solar radiation for the study watershed as input to the Generate Earth Systems Science (GENESYS) hydrometeorological model. Historical and future water supply and vegetation water demand under a range of climate scenarios using GENESYS were modelled for the watershed and the results revealed possible future changes in water supply and demand that are likely to stress future water resource management in the watershed. The GENESYS and Holos models were linked to estimate GHG emissions (CO2, CH4, and N2O) and soil carbon change for both crop and animal production processes in a simulated farm in the watershed under different climate and management scenarios and the results indicated that climate change is likely to affect future agricultural GHG emissions and suggested the available mitigation options.

The interactions of atmospheric, landscape, hydrologic and agricultural processes on natural resources and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were assessed for a mountain watershed in south central British Columbia, Canada. A novel solar radiation model which uses the most available input data was developed in order to model solar radiation for the study watershed as input to the Generate Earth Systems Science (GENESYS) hydrometeorological model. Historical and future water supply and vegetation water demand under a range of climate scenarios using GENESYS were modelled for the watershed and the results revealed possible future changes in water supply and demand that are likely to stress future water resource management in the watershed. The GENESYS and Holos models were linked to estimate GHG emissions (CO2, CH4, and N2O) and soil carbon change for both crop and animal production processes in a simulated farm in the watershed under different climate and management scenarios and the results indicated that climate change is likely to affect future agricultural GHG emissions and suggested the available mitigation options.

The interactions of atmospheric, landscape, hydrologic and agricultural processes on natural resources and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were assessed for a mountain watershed in south central British Columbia, Canada. A novel solar radiation model which uses the most available input data was developed in order to model solar radiation for the study watershed as input to the Generate Earth Systems Science (GENESYS) hydrometeorological model. Historical and future water supply and vegetation water demand under a range of climate scenarios using GENESYS were modelled for the watershed and the results revealed possible future changes in water supply and demand that are likely to stress future water resource management in the watershed. The GENESYS and Holos models were linked to estimate GHG emissions (CO2, CH4, and N2O) and soil carbon change for both crop and animal production processes in a simulated farm in the watershed under different climate and management scenarios and the results indicated that climate change is likely to affect future agricultural GHG emissions and suggested the available mitigation options.

The interactions of atmospheric, landscape, hydrologic and agricultural processes on natural resources and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were assessed for a mountain watershed in south central British Columbia, Canada. A novel solar radiation model which uses the most available input data was developed in order to model solar radiation for the study watershed as input to the Generate Earth Systems Science (GENESYS) hydrometeorological model. Historical and future water supply and vegetation water demand under a range of climate scenarios using GENESYS were modelled for the watershed and the results revealed possible future changes in water supply and demand that are likely to stress future water resource management in the watershed. The GENESYS and Holos models were linked to estimate GHG emissions (CO2, CH4, and N2O) and soil carbon change for both crop and animal production processes in a simulated farm in the watershed under different climate and management scenarios and the results indicated that climate change is likely to affect future agricultural GHG emissions and suggested the available mitigation options.

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an online citizen science mapping software program that can be used to empower communities and encourage participation in natural hazards planning. This is a multi-disciplinary thesis demonstrating OSM’s effectiveness as a tool in this capacity through a literature review, in depth case study, and functional application. The literature review and case study focus on applications of OSM in other contexts, like the Nepal earthquakes in 2015. The functional application addresses the impacts of climate change in the Elk River watershed. Flooding here has become more frequent and intense as a result of climate change. The Flood Solution Strategy is prepares people for extreme flooding events in Fernie, B.C. This research utilized a unique methodology in using OSM as both a tool for engaging the community and communicating the risk of flooding. The result is a flood hazard map created through a science-policy-stakeholder partnership complimenting a larger initiative.

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an online citizen science mapping software program that can be used to empower communities and encourage participation in natural hazards planning. This is a multi-disciplinary thesis demonstrating OSM’s effectiveness as a tool in this capacity through a literature review, in depth case study, and functional application. The literature review and case study focus on applications of OSM in other contexts, like the Nepal earthquakes in 2015. The functional application addresses the impacts of climate change in the Elk River watershed. Flooding here has become more frequent and intense as a result of climate change. The Flood Solution Strategy is prepares people for extreme flooding events in Fernie, B.C. This research utilized a unique methodology in using OSM as both a tool for engaging the community and communicating the risk of flooding. The result is a flood hazard map created through a science-policy-stakeholder partnership complimenting a larger initiative.

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an online citizen science mapping software program that can be used to empower communities and encourage participation in natural hazards planning. This is a multi-disciplinary thesis demonstrating OSM’s effectiveness as a tool in this capacity through a literature review, in depth case study, and functional application. The literature review and case study focus on applications of OSM in other contexts, like the Nepal earthquakes in 2015. The functional application addresses the impacts of climate change in the Elk River watershed. Flooding here has become more frequent and intense as a result of climate change. The Flood Solution Strategy is prepares people for extreme flooding events in Fernie, B.C. This research utilized a unique methodology in using OSM as both a tool for engaging the community and communicating the risk of flooding. The result is a flood hazard map created through a science-policy-stakeholder partnership complimenting a larger initiative.

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an online citizen science mapping software program that can be used to empower communities and encourage participation in natural hazards planning. This is a multi-disciplinary thesis demonstrating OSM’s effectiveness as a tool in this capacity through a literature review, in depth case study, and functional application. The literature review and case study focus on applications of OSM in other contexts, like the Nepal earthquakes in 2015. The functional application addresses the impacts of climate change in the Elk River watershed. Flooding here has become more frequent and intense as a result of climate change. The Flood Solution Strategy is prepares people for extreme flooding events in Fernie, B.C. This research utilized a unique methodology in using OSM as both a tool for engaging the community and communicating the risk of flooding. The result is a flood hazard map created through a science-policy-stakeholder partnership complimenting a larger initiative.

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an online citizen science mapping software program that can be used to empower communities and encourage participation in natural hazards planning. This is a multi-disciplinary thesis demonstrating OSM’s effectiveness as a tool in this capacity through a literature review, in depth case study, and functional application. The literature review and case study focus on applications of OSM in other contexts, like the Nepal earthquakes in 2015. The functional application addresses the impacts of climate change in the Elk River watershed. Flooding here has become more frequent and intense as a result of climate change. The Flood Solution Strategy is prepares people for extreme flooding events in Fernie, B.C. This research utilized a unique methodology in using OSM as both a tool for engaging the community and communicating the risk of flooding. The result is a flood hazard map created through a science-policy-stakeholder partnership complimenting a larger initiative.

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an online citizen science mapping software program that can be used to empower communities and encourage participation in natural hazards planning. This is a multi-disciplinary thesis demonstrating OSM’s effectiveness as a tool in this capacity through a literature review, in depth case study, and functional application. The literature review and case study focus on applications of OSM in other contexts, like the Nepal earthquakes in 2015. The functional application addresses the impacts of climate change in the Elk River watershed. Flooding here has become more frequent and intense as a result of climate change. The Flood Solution Strategy is prepares people for extreme flooding events in Fernie, B.C. This research utilized a unique methodology in using OSM as both a tool for engaging the community and communicating the risk of flooding. The result is a flood hazard map created through a science-policy-stakeholder partnership complimenting a larger initiative.

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an online citizen science mapping software program that can be used to empower communities and encourage participation in natural hazards planning. This is a multi-disciplinary thesis demonstrating OSM’s effectiveness as a tool in this capacity through a literature review, in depth case study, and functional application. The literature review and case study focus on applications of OSM in other contexts, like the Nepal earthquakes in 2015. The functional application addresses the impacts of climate change in the Elk River watershed. Flooding here has become more frequent and intense as a result of climate change. The Flood Solution Strategy is prepares people for extreme flooding events in Fernie, B.C. This research utilized a unique methodology in using OSM as both a tool for engaging the community and communicating the risk of flooding. The result is a flood hazard map created through a science-policy-stakeholder partnership complimenting a larger initiative.

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an online citizen science mapping software program that can be used to empower communities and encourage participation in natural hazards planning. This is a multi-disciplinary thesis demonstrating OSM’s effectiveness as a tool in this capacity through a literature review, in depth case study, and functional application. The literature review and case study focus on applications of OSM in other contexts, like the Nepal earthquakes in 2015. The functional application addresses the impacts of climate change in the Elk River watershed. Flooding here has become more frequent and intense as a result of climate change. The Flood Solution Strategy is prepares people for extreme flooding events in Fernie, B.C. This research utilized a unique methodology in using OSM as both a tool for engaging the community and communicating the risk of flooding. The result is a flood hazard map created through a science-policy-stakeholder partnership complimenting a larger initiative.

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an online citizen science mapping software program that can be used to empower communities and encourage participation in natural hazards planning. This is a multi-disciplinary thesis demonstrating OSM’s effectiveness as a tool in this capacity through a literature review, in depth case study, and functional application. The literature review and case study focus on applications of OSM in other contexts, like the Nepal earthquakes in 2015. The functional application addresses the impacts of climate change in the Elk River watershed. Flooding here has become more frequent and intense as a result of climate change. The Flood Solution Strategy is prepares people for extreme flooding events in Fernie, B.C. This research utilized a unique methodology in using OSM as both a tool for engaging the community and communicating the risk of flooding. The result is a flood hazard map created through a science-policy-stakeholder partnership complimenting a larger initiative.

This research focuses on developing a framework for first order estimates of locations at risk to Tropical Cyclones (TC) and elevated water levels in coastal regions. The International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) 64 knot wind radii data identifies locations in the North Atlantic (NA) basin hit by hurricane strength storms. Geographic Information System (GIS) temporal and spatial analysis of IBTrACS data identifies impact zone locations where multiple TCs have occurred. Aster 30 m elevation data identifies locations within 5 and 10 m of sea level that may become inundated by TC storm surges. Population density and land cover data maps are created to identify urban and food production areas. Overlay maps are created of the coastal inundations, population, land cover, and hurricane track impact zones. Mapping results show the Bahamas and Cuba are most susceptible to the effects of tropical cyclone and storm surge inundation.

While there is a growing recognition of the impact that climate change could have on human development, there has been a shift in focus from an impacts-led assessment approach towards a vulnerability-led assessment approach. Since many of the most extreme impacts of climate change over the coming years will be on agriculture and food systems, the extent to which farming households and communities have the capacity to respond or adapt to these changes has important implications for development at the national, regional and household levels. This research examines the adaptive capacity of rural Nicaraguan farm households in the face of current and future climate change, and investigates how current vulnerability to future climate change varies on a municipio by municipio basis across the country. We find that household adaptive capacity varies significantly across regions in Nicaragua, and also when households display certain demographic characteristics. We also find that municipios in Nicaragua demonstrate diversity in terms of agricultural response to projected climate change and current adaptive capacity conditions. The results of this research can be used to inform policy decision making and serve as a basis for targeting policy interventions in rural Nicaragua.

Many mountain watersheds provide a reliable source of freshwater for habitat and human use downstream. Hydrodynamics of these basins can be particularly sensitive to change, which may arise from climate change, natural/anthropogenic alteration and other forcing. The timing and intensity of runoff and the recharge of groundwater must be at least partially understood to simulate the potential effects of change. The effects of groundwater on basin drainage are often neglected in simulations due to a lack of empirical data. This study focused on the integration of remote sensing data, geomorphic principles, theoretical distributions of heterogeneity, basin discretization methods, and saturated flow computation to apply a novel technique to understand groundwater behaviour in mountain watersheds. Methods included a geomorphometric analysis to computationally simulate the distribution of geomorphic landforms, which were used to estimate heterogeneity in the shallow subsurface and provide opportunity to evaluate groundwater flow. Morphometric attributes of various landforms were studied and compared to their genetic origin to identify potential landforms. The resulting landforms were subsequently divided into equivalent porous media units (EMUs) based on the theoretical distribution of heterogeneity within landform types. EMUs were evaluated as irregular units used to discretize a saturated groundwater flow model. Groundwater flow was calculated using recharge simulated by any hydrometeorologic model and was routed using Darcian flow from EMU to EMU. Methods of simulating groundwater flow in this study were found to be well suited for the basin type of the study area used (St. Mary Watershed, Montana, USA), albeit with limitations. Results of the geomorphometric analysis compared well with published surficial geology data. The basin discretization method presented in this research would benefit from implicit groundwater flow solving, and application in a basin where abunda

While there is a growing recognition of the impact that climate change could have on human development, there has been a shift in focus from an impacts-led assessment approach towards a vulnerability-led assessment approach. Since many of the most extreme impacts of climate change over the coming years will be on agriculture and food systems, the extent to which farming households and communities have the capacity to respond or adapt to these changes has important implications for development at the national, regional and household levels. This research examines the adaptive capacity of rural Nicaraguan farm households in the face of current and future climate change, and investigates how current vulnerability to future climate change varies on a municipio by municipio basis across the country. We find that household adaptive capacity varies significantly across regions in Nicaragua, and also when households display certain demographic characteristics. We also find that municipios in Nicaragua demonstrate diversity in terms of agricultural response to projected climate change and current adaptive capacity conditions. The results of this research can be used to inform policy decision making and serve as a basis for targeting policy interventions in rural Nicaragua.