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High density urban development in the past has not only changed natural landscape into artificial constructions and pavements, but also brought along many environmental problems like air pollution, urban heat island (UHI) and dust haze, which can affect the public health condition. There are limited applied urban climatic studies in urban planning and development. One of key reasons is there is a missing link between urban development and its corresponding impact on local climatic conditions. The concept of Local Climate Zone scheme has been developed to fit into this gap 1 . It introduces a standardized scientific way to describe the land cover and its thermal performance on the UHI. Since 2012, The World Urban Database and Access Portal Tools (WUDAPT) have been developed to call for international efforts and collaborations on world-wide LCZ studies. Its level 0 method can quickly collect urban morphology information and create LCZ maps 2 . However, it's time consuming to use WUDAPT to classify cities globally as WUDAPT is designed at city scale. This paper aims to improve the current methodology to classify more cities in a shorter time and also achieve a more accurate result. In this paper, Guangzhou is selected as case study since it has complex urban morphology and can represent as typical megacity in China. The study firstly reviews the concept of LCZ and WUDAPT. Secondly, the level 0 method of WUDAPT is used to initially classify LCZs of Guangzhou. For enhancing the efficiency of the existing WUDAPT, an improved methodology is developed to use WUDAPT to classify a region and extract the cities inside the region. Thirdly, the relevant quality checking work of the two methodologies is also conducted to detect the accuracy of the two methodologies. The improved outputs can be applied to numerical modellings and local planning implementation 3 . Because the future trend of urbanization in China is towards megacity development, the lessons learnt from the study can be applied to other megacities and regions for better climatic-spatial planning in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a makeshift approach to carbon accounting in Egyptian towns, which takes into account the limited resources of local municipalities and the widespread lack of available data. Egypt is highly vulnerable to climate change. Escalating temperatures, water scarcity, and rising sea levels threaten all parts of society. Cities absorb a growing portion of the increasing population and are especially exposed to the precarious effects of global warming. Consequently, there is an emergent need for mitigation and adaptation measures in urban areas, which presuppose an adequate accounting of the local greenhouse gas emissions. This paper suggest a series of six steps that can be followed by municipal decision makers to estimate their emissions by collecting existing information on site and utilizing systematic approximations to make up for missing statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) are considered as one of the main solutions for energy efficiency in face of the climate change issue. Urban areas should contribute to the reduction in consumption of non-renewable energy sources by emphasizing on energy efficient solutions, which can play a vital role in the field of urban design and the nature of the public realm in cities, communities and neighbourhoods. This paper is concerned with the installation of RETs in the public realm. It aims to analyse the potentiality of installing RETs within the public spaces in addition to its effects and limitations. The paper sheds light on the physical aspects of the public realm, types of RETs and presents a framework identifying the RETs suitability to be used in the public spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to explore relation between wellbeing and sustainability in an attempt to establish theoretical concept for sustainable wellbeing. Over the years, growing number of researches seek to understand and reason with factors that influence and constitute wellbeing and its potential synergy with sustainability. Recent studies have highlighted that factors constituting wellbeing do not necessarily indicate sustainability. Despite sustainability, studies share the same aim that is to improve wellbeing. The distinction between sustainability and wellbeing is clear. Sustainability is more of a future-oriented concept, while wellbeing accounts for present condition. Consequently, wellbeing indicators fail to capture issues, such as inequalities, climate change, scarcity of natural resources and many others. Malaysia Wellbeing Report 2014 established 14 components of wellbeing that constituted under economic and social wellbeing. In Malaysia Wellbeing Report 2014, environment and family institutions indexes correlated negatively with national economic growth. Social participation, public safety and health indexes also had weak positive correlation with the national economic growth. Two important components in sustainability are awareness and participation. Ethical and moral knowledge, as well as environmental responsibilities, are among obligations owed to as far as distant strangers at a distant time and space. Thus, sustainable wellbeing encompasses interconnectedness with people and interconnectedness with nature. Therefore, the discovery of synergy between wellbeing and sustainability involve not only measuring human capital but also the contribution of their conscious decisions to the wellbeing of the future. The paper summarized how reconciling wellbeing and sustainability unlocks opportunities for better and all-inclusive indicators for sustainable wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aiming to study the evolutionary trend of the annual autumn germination in Gurbantunggut Desert with more rains, the model of autumn germination ratio was established on the basis of the investigation by Valleriani and others. Altogether the paper presents four findings: (1) As for the different species, the bigger the ratio of plant yield between autumn germination and spring germination is, the lower the germination rate of evolutionary stability is; (2) The germination rate of evolutionary stability would increase given that the climate was pleasant for autumn germination. (3) The lower the dormancy survival rate of the species is, the higher the germination rate of evolutionary stability is; (4) As for the same species, the smaller the ratio of prospective yield between autumn germination and spring germination is, the lower the germination rate of evolutionary stability is; on the contrary, the germination rate of evolutionary stability would increase. After analyzing the tendency of the germination rate of evolutionary stability taking into account of the climate change, it turned out in the model that the less rains in spring, the lower the germination rate of evolutionary stability is and that more rains in autumn, less in spring as well as way too cold weather in winter all contribute to the seeds’ autumn germination. In conclusion, combined with the model and the fruit types of autumn germination it is speculated that the annual with large quantity of plants, seeds plus lower dormancy survival rate would be easier to germinate on condition of climate change. Therefore, this paper supplies reference to the features as well as evolutionary trend of plants in arid desert in terms of global climate change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tree-ring chronology, which is dating accurate, continuous, high resolution, high correlation to climate factors, etc., is one of the primary materials in the study of past global climate. Trees at moist high altitudes such as Pinus aiwanensis, exist false tree-rings commonly, so the cross-dating is difficult. This paper proposes a solution to a two-step compositive cross-dating by subsection, which is preliminary cross-dating by rings according to dendrology, next measuring the tree-ring width by routine tree-ring climatology to test cross-dating. According to characteristics of Pinus aiwanensis tree-rings, first, draw concentric circles at obvious boundaries to acquire subsections on tree-ring photos and analyze variation of ring from the pith to the east, west, south and north direction in subsection to find false tree-rings, next preliminary cross-dating. This paper establishes the tree-ring width(TRW) and density(TRD) chronologies of Pinus aiwanensis, and analyses correlation between tree-ring index and climate factors such as temperature, precipitation, sunshine hours, etc.The results show that: For Pinus aiwanensis at moist high altitudes exist false tree-rings commonly, two-step cross-dating by subsection is introduced, which is preliminary cross-dating by rings according to dendrology, next measuring the TRW by routine dendroclimatology to test cross-dating and analyze variation of ring in subsection, so that the cross-dating is much accurate and reliable. The correlation between tree-ring components and annual mean temperature shows that: Pinus aiwanensis TRW and TRD have a positive correlation to annual mean temperature and sunshine hours, the tree-ring have a negative correlation to annual mean precipitation and frost days. On adequate moisture conditions, high temperature and sunshine hours have a positive effect on tree growth, too much rainfall is antiblastic. The TRW have a positive correlation to early spring temperature, the TRD have a significant correlation to summer temperature and sunshine hours. Early spring temperatures and sunshine hours have an effect on Pinus aiwanensis TRW, summer temperature and sunshine hours have a particularly important effect on TRD. In view of the significance level, the TRD have a significant correlation to temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: With the shortage of water resources and aggravation of water supply risk in cities, more and more attention has been paid to the problems of emergency water supply. Now, research on emergency water supply already becomes one of the tasks which should be timely resolved. And the way to resolve the problem, choice and demonstration of the water source field are important and profound to cities. As to the cities in north China, they are affected by monsoon climate. As a result, the distribution of precipitation is non-uniform according to time and space. Besides, surface water flows slowly during drought season which results in easy pollution and difficult to treat. Comparing to surface water, the quality of groundwater is better and it is difficult to be polluted. So as to northern cities where groundwater is sufficient, choosing groundwater source field is more significant. First, the concept of emergency water supply is discussed in the paper based on the existing research work. Then the paper divides emergency water supply into two types according to the causing characters. One is emergency water supply caused by sudden disaster and the other is emergency water supply caused by non-sudden event. Accordingly we have two types of emergency water source field. They are sudden emergency water source field and backup water source field. Then the paper analyzes the characteristic of water resources in northern cities when emergency water supply is required, and concludes that it is better to choose groundwater resources as emergency water source field. After that, ten factors which affect the source field are discussed. These factors include the quantity of water, the quality of water, the possibility of drawing, duration of emergency water supply, and safety of the water source field, demanding of water in the source area, environment damage, and economic cost of emergency water supply, artificial regulation and profit balance. Based on it, the paper puts forward both the demonstration objects and demonstration tactics of the cities’ emergency water source field. At last the paper takes a water source field in the middle reaches of Yinma River as an example to demonstrate emergency water source field. The demonstration aims at five affects, including the quantity and quality of water, water drawing methods, environmental influence and economic cost of emergency water supply. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: According to the samples of 1781 literatures about environmental impact assessment (EIA) of SCI and SSCI databases from 1973 to 2009, this paper analyzes the literatures in their trend of growth, subject categories and journals, International collaborations, geographic distribution of publications and scientific research issues by using bibliometrics analysis. The result shows that EIA research steadily increases over the past 40 years and the annual number of papers published in 2009 is 50 times than that in 1973. EIA was involved into 130 kinds of subjects and appeared in 587 journals. The main study area with strong scientific research capabilities distributed in USA and European Union, while the USA was the largest contributor in EIA research and had a central position in collaboration networks. A keyword analysis found that the priority in assessment would gradually change from project environmental impact assessment to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Plan Environmental Impact Assessment (PEIA); EIA research would focus on using and improving new techniques and methods, such as “life cycle assessment (LCA)”, “geographic information system (GIS)” and “modeling” etc.; “biodiversity” and “climate change” would attract more attention and will be the emphasis of EIA; the improvement of developing countries’ EIA system became popular research. This study reveals patterns in scientific outputs and academic collaborations and serves as an alternative and innovative way of identifying global research trends in EIA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Remote sensing has become an important method for monitoring urban thermal environment, but, it is still difficult to analysis the spatio-temporal change of urban thermal environment quantitatively only by ground surface temperature (or brightness temperature). Three indexes on urban thermal environment monitoring are proposed in this paper: heat island intensity, heat field intensity index and heat island proportion index. Based on MODIS surface temperature products and FY3A/MERSI data of two years, urban thermal environment is monitored by remote sensing method in Beijing. The empirical results verify that three indexes proposed in this paper are meaningful in monitoring of urban heat island. It can not only monitor the intensity and changes of the urban heat island in Beijing effectively, but also, it is positive to carrying out meteorological operations in city thermal environment monitoring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With world population becoming progressively urbanized, approximately 55% to date, the typology of the skyscraper is promoted as potentially socially and economically successful solution. However, an important challenge set on a worldwide basis is how to reduce their high-energy demands, environmental and social imbalances to meet growing strict regulations on carbon emissions and sustainable development. This paper looks at the challenges of skyscraper development in relation to energy efficiency, and investigates strategies towards achieving reducing its energy consumption. A 100m tall model is simulated using the climatic characteristic of Tel Aviv, and energy consumption is studied according to two parameters: the thermal advancement of the building envelope, and the effect of the changing microclimate in relation to altitude. The model is then simulated at 200m-400m high (60 – 125 stories high) and energy consumption is compared in relation to altitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy poverty implies the situation of a household not able to satisfy the required levels of energy services in the house. Nowadays, it became an increasingly pressing problem even in the wealthier EU member states. Factors that play a major role in this development involve the complex interplay or rising energy prices, stagnant or decreasing incomes, high levels or unemployment and the slow rate of redevelopment for improving energy efficiency in residential buildings. It is therefore not surprising that official statistics show that nearly 17% of the EU-28 population is at risk of income poverty, 9.9% constitutes a material deprivation risk and around 23% of the population is considered to be at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The specific study aims to investigate energy poverty and its effect in Central Makedonia, in northern Greece, where the climate is harsher and heating requirements significantly higher than in the other parts of the country. A questionnaire aiming to assess energy poverty in low income urban areas was used. The questionnaire followed the example of a number of different studies that have dealt with the energy consumption of households and its correlation with various socio-economic parameters for various countries worldwide. In these studies the main parameters that were considered were the average household size, their income and the thermal characteristics of the building. A sample was collected after interviewing residents in order to assess the impact on the quality of life, energy consumption and heath of urban residents. The paper hence describes this situation and presents the research results that shows a disability to satisfy socially and materially the required levels of energy services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, due to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions causing global warming, but also lead to the world's climate change. Carbon reduction and sustainable development has become an important topic around the world. Resource recycling can reduce the exploitation of natural virgin materials. The building projects have been promote every year and the urban renewal plan cause the demolition of existing buildings demolition. The average life span of buildings is 23.31 years. Most Construction waste was belong to resources that can be utilized to renewable resources. Such as waste concrete block, steel, wood, glass, etc., can now through the construction site to reduce, or transport to recycling factory to become resource. The recycling process can reduce using natural materials and reduce engender the construction waste. In recent years, 2 million tons of construction waste are generated each year in Taiwan. The Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (TEPA) initiated the online system in 1997 to better manage tracking. After three years of testing, the Industrial Waste Control Center (IWCC) was officially established in 2000. It offers functions like online integration, mobilization, and analysis tools. The construction site was monitored from 2005. The Construction waste must be transported to the treatment facilities. The reporting system has been improved to not only trace the waste flow, but also to monitor the actual amount of waste generated. This paper mainly described Taiwan construction waste management (CWM) practices and reuse status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the problems caused by fossil energy usage it is important to make a transition to renewable sources of energy, in particular in the residential area. Heating systems such as air source heat pumps that gather heat energy from the ambient air are useful alternatives. However, whether or not such technical solutions are actually used depends on individual decisions. In the current paper the economic aspect for heating is analysed for different regions of Iran and for different pricing strategies for electricity and gas. This is done based on numerical simulations over a year based on temperature data, for domestic heating based on a heat pump in comparison to gas-based heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays a wide range of options of vehicles fuels and technologies are commercially available. Still, the complicated nature of environmental impacts caused by each option makes it a tough decision for the consumer, fleet manager, or policy maker to find the best choice. Even policy makers may run into trouble regarding the relative advantages of cleaner options and their relative effects on fuel and vehicle cycle. In light of these, the present paper is an attempt to evaluate the life cycle environmental impacts of road vehicle fuels and available technologies and compare the cleaner options with each other and the main stream fuel/technologies. A complete fuel life cycle assessment (LCA) on petrol, diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), electric vehicle (EV), hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV), and biodiesel vehicles was made. Results are shown for climate change, air quality effects and Energy resource depletion impact of the different vehicle technologies. As recommended by the results, none of the options dominated the others regarding all dimensions. Instead of mandating a particular solution, such as electric cars or biofuels, probably successful vehicle and fuel policies include established standards of performance and levies to attenuate emissions and let the market to find the best effective alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern energy systems are increasingly complex and face ever-changing demands. As energy markets become increasingly global and interdependent, the issues affecting energy systems have also increased in number and complexity. Geopolitical events, natural disasters, severe weather, public acceptance of energy activities, increasingly automated and integrated energy systems, and the impact of climate change are just some of the factors impacting on energy systems. Consequently, the assessment of risks, threats and vulnerabilities in energy systems has become more urgent and more challenging. Studies of energy security have been criticized on various grounds, including that they employ a narrow conception of energy security and rarely use a systematic approach. Various conceptual models have been proposed to evaluate energy security but are usually limited to the effect of supply disruptions. There are few examples of models that clearly define the broad range of risks faced by contemporary, complex energy systems. This paper seeks to address these issues by taking a broader, policy-oriented approach to the factors affecting modern energy systems. We employ a complex systems perspective in conceptualizing the energy system and a more comprehensive approach to identifying risks, threats and vulnerabilities for energy security assessment purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Japan, where the aging society is progressing due to depopulation and a high risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, many actual urban master plans (MPs) do not consider the relation between countermeasures for future depopulation and disaster mitigation. Local governments do not regard long-term depopulation as a viable opportunity to establish land use policy that promotes reasonable land use by aggregating urban land use to areas with low risk. This paper proposes the development of a tool for the exploration of land use policy that realizes an intensive urban structure by considering future depopulation and urban vulnerability to natural disasters. The tool serves as a GIS-based database of information about disaster risk for floods and earthquakes, future populations, previous and existing urban land use conditions, urban structures. The following results are obtained from a case study. First, experts such as local government can distinguish areas with high risk by two types of areas: 1) areas characterized by a slow progression of depopulation and aging and 2) areas in which it is difficult to sustain the local community and provide public services due to the progression of depopulation and aging. The results of this study can confirm various data on urban structures, such as transportation infrastructure, and core urban areas that provide life services and land use history. Reasonable land use countermeasures for reducing disaster risk can be explored by considering previous and existing conditions of urban land use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the last decades, the international scientific literature has focused on the assessment and quantification of trends in average temperature and rainfall, underlining changes in time and space sometimes relevant. The changes concern the yearly average values, the seasonal distribution, the daily values, with marked differences both at a continental and national scale. In this paper, with reference to a database containing the records of about 8000 thermometric stations and 12000 rainfall stations for the period 1895-1997 for the USA, available on the website of the Institute for Mathematics Applied to Geosciences (http://www.image.ucar.edu/Data/US.monthly.met/), an analysis on the spatial correlation between the yearly average rainfall hc and the mean of the yearly average ground temperature T was performed. In particular, with the aid of the copula distribution function, a stochastic model to define the conditional probability distribut *ion P(hc(mm)|T(°C)) was developed, analyzing the dependence of the yearly average rainfall on the thermometric changes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The urban layout, from the form and placement of the building complex, configures open space and creates a distinct microclimate. This paper, then, tried to compare two building groups which have different building layouts (size, shape and orientation) in the same neighborhood to seek site microclimate. The numerical model of ENVI-met was used with specific temperature, humidity and wind speed; that would simulate the microclimatic change within urban environment. This model was practiced on the hottest day in summer at 7th August in Kitakyushu (33°50’N; 130°50’E), a region characterized by warm and humid temperatures in hot summers and no dry season. A description of microclimate with different orientation would be the emphasis and it was placed during the daylight into the building. The results showed a pattern of mean radiant temperature (MRT) correlated with building layout and its configuration created open space. A comparison of building group revealed that time and period during the day when extreme heat stress occurred provide a better building configuration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Watersheds and other related ecosystems have played a significant role in providing various functions that are vital to society. However, due to the increasing problems on climate change, these watersheds are now subjected to several environmental hazards posing many concerns that affect its management and sustainability. Thus, it is imperative to determine the vulnerable regions in these landscapes to identify priority areas that may require immediate intervention. This paper aims to determine the vulnerability of watersheds using a geospatial-based environmental vulnerability index called the Geospatial-based Regional Environmental Vulnerability Index for Ecosystems and Watersheds (GeoREVIEW). This approach is, then, utilized to assess the vulnerability of La Mesa Watershed (LMW), a vital carbon sink and an important source of domestic water supply in Metro Manila. Based on the assessment, LMW received an overall vulnerability point (OVP) of 62.52 that classifies it as’at risk’ level. A vulnerability map ranging from 2.86 to 3.52 was also generated from the process. It was found that around 69.7% of the watershed have vulnerability scales of >3.0. In addition, priority areas were determined using an evaluation matrix and results showed that around 8.4% (193.4ha) of LMW have high to very high priority levels. All these information are very indispensable and can be used to address management issues, such as resource prioritization and optimization. In addition, these can be utilized to sustainably manage the watershed particularly on the provision of quality water for domestic use of several cities in the national capital region as well as its neighbouring provinces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper aims to clarify the groundwater flow system in Tay Island, southwest Vietnam using 3-D groundwater simulation, together with a consideration of the subsurface hydrogeological setting, location of rivers/canals, and the rate of groundwater pumping. Groundwater simulation results show that the groundwater flow system is strongly affected by seasonal changes in the Mekong River water levels, especially by flood water during the rainy season. Moreover, groundwater pumping with a rate of 83600 m3 per day in the dry season is considered one of the main factors which affects changes in the groundwater table through the dry and rainy seasons, at various locales on the Island. The simulation indicates that the groundwater table in the eastern area is higher than in the western area of the Island during the dry season, and groundwater in the north, where it is mostly pumped up for irrigation, is lower than the other regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper aims to make an overall assessment of drought related problems, and to shed some light on land degradation and aridity in Romania, with particular emphasis on Dăbuleni Town belonging to the Dolj County. The main research methods employed for this study were observation, survey and cartographic method, which made use of GIS techniques. A map with the current spatial distribution of the forest belt fragments overlapping the initial vegetation was accomplished. The investigation has found that these patches cover small areas lying in the immediate vicinity of the Dăbuleni town. We suggest that in order to mitigate the impact of climatic modifications and to prevent land degradation the reconstruction of forest protection belts created between 1970 and 1980 is a must, in as much as in their present condition they can no longer protect the hydrotechnical improvements and the lands. However, project implementation is hindered by the lack of cadastre and funds. At the same time, the population and the landowners in the area need to be explained the importance of forest protection belts for the improvement of environment and living conditions, for the gradual diminishing of drought effects and for the enhancement of agricultural production. Another problem that must necessarily be settled is the development of a methodology for granting compensations to those landowners who agree to change the use of their agricultural lands so as to allow the creation of forest protection belts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Global climate change has tremendously altered the spatial and temporal distributions of precipitation. The Streamflow of the Yellow River decreased in the past decades, both because of human consumption and climate variations. This paper analyzed the trends of natural and observed streamflow of the Lijin hydrological station, as well as the precipitation and air temperature of the whole Yellow River Basin. There was an obvious change in the natural streamflow in 1991 when analyzed by the Mann-Kendall (M-K) method. Precipitation decreased in the whole Yellow River Basin. 22 Meteorological stations have slight increases, while the other 67 stations measured declines, in which 47 of the Meteorological stations’ decrements were over 5%. There was a descent of temperature for only 2 stations, while the temperature rose for the other 87 stations. The average temperature increment was 0.82°C and the highest was 1.91°C in Tsinghai Center station. The quantitative Streamflow-precipitation-temperature relations plot was drawn by Geostatistical Analyst module of ArcGIS 9.3. The streamflow have various responses to the different extents of precipitation and air temperature. In the past four decades, precipitation elasticity to streamflow was 1.95, and the elasticity index may give a general relationship between precipitation and streamflow. However, it varies with different scenarios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Inner Mongolia is an important ecological barrier in northern China. The vegetation coverage and changes in the region will directly affect many important economic regions in China. In this paper, based on the long time series NOAA/AVHRR NDVI dataset and vegetation-climate regions map in Inner Mongolia, we utilized the Mann - Kendall non-parametric test to analyze vegetation change treads in different vegetation-climatic regions from 1982 to 2006. The results showed that different vegetation-climate regions had different vegetation change treads. Therein, Central and Western parts of Inner Mongolia had an ascending trend, while, the eastern part had a descending trend. Inner Mongolia span different climatic regions, and plants lived there had various adaptive capacities under different environments. Therefore, its change trends also were quite different. All these illustrate that, under the background of climate change, the sensibility of vegetation are significant different and some plants in different regions have showed their adaptive capacities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The spatial and temporal characters of tropospheric NO2 column over Yangtze River Delta (YZD) are analyzed using monthly averaged tropospheric NO2 column densities from GOME (1996-2002) and SCIAMACHY (2003-2010) measurements. In addition, with the NO2 column densities data and the land cover maps of YZD, the characters of NO2 concentration over different ecosystem have been analyzed. The results indicated that the tropospheric NO2 column densities in YZD increased distinctly from 1996 to 2010 and it showed distinct regional and seasonal variation characteristics. It has the highest concentration in winter while lowest in summer. It also presents zonal distribution and decreasing along the Yangtze River from eastern to western. Under the influence of the urbanization process, the highest NO2 column densities appeared at cities and metropolis which are located in the Shanghai, Nanjing as well as Hangzhou. Moreover the lowest column densities appeared at the forest areas which are in the south and west of Zhejiang province. The sharp increasing of appeared in water bodies, followed urban area and water bodies. The lowest increasing of NO2 column appeared in grassland. Furthermore, we inferred the ground-level NO2 concentration from the GOME and SCIAMACHY data in this paper. We compared with the dry plus of N deposition which inferred from the remote sensing data and the mass concentration of N dry deposition from the control experiments, they performed significant correlation (P<0.001), and have the high R value (R2=0.86). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Manas River Basin, best represent the mountain-basin system in arid area, is the major part of the economic belt on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains. Based on the 3S technology and four periods of remote sensing image data of MSS image in 1976, TM image from USA Landsat in 1987 and 1998, and CBERS image in 2006, combining GIS and quantitative analysis of landscape ecology, this paper analyzed the spatial changes of land use and land cover in Manas River Basin among 1976-2006 by using ARCGIS and FRAGSTATS. Analysis on four periods of remote sensing image showed that there was a wide change in land use and land cover of Manas River Basin in recent 30 years. Natural grassland decreased with a rate of 91.426km2/a and cultivated land increase with a rate of 121.383km2/a. The rapid expansion of cultivated land converted mainly by reclamations of wasteland and natural grassland. And there were little changes of other land use types. From the relationship of transformation between various types of land use and land cover, it could be found that unused land is relatively stable land-use types, the areas of residential land and industrial land increased gradually and the cultivated land and natural grassland were the main source, a larger proportion of natural grassland mainly changed into cultivated land, forest land and residential land and industrial land, land changed into cultivated land was larger than cultivated land changed into the other land and the increased land main converted by natural grassland, and the forest land converted to other land increased gradually and the they mainly converted to salt and kaline land. However, land use and land cover change was resulted from the interaction of human activity (social and economic factors) and natural environmental changes (natural factors). So, it is necessary to consistently improve the natural environment of Manas River Valley which can provided stable basis of the theory and practice for sustainable development of Manas River Valley. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aerosol particles play an important role in the research of atmospheric radiation and climate change. In the process of calculating the radiative properties of aerosol particles, the complex refractive index is an important parameter. However, it can not be measured directly. Since the atmospheric aerosol is a particle system composed of various components in a wide range of sizes, the ‘Continental type’ of aerosol particles have been chosen in this paper, and the equivalent complex refractive indices of particles are calculated with Bruggeman mixing rule. The radiative properties of aerosol particles under different water contents are determined with Mie theory at the wavelength of 0.55 μm. The results show that the extinction coefficients and albedo increase with the increase in water content. When the water content in cloud is greater than 60%, the humidity becomes a dominant factor. The scattering of particles will increase as a result of the humidification in the atmosphere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a preliminary assessment of the potential for CO2 geological storage in Chongqing, China. Currently, there are about 116 large stationary CO2 point emission sources which emit 85.57 MtCO2/yr totally. These stationary sources are mainly belonged to four industries: cement, power plant, iron & steel and synthetic ammonia industries. In the three kinds of geological storage formations, namely, deep saline formations (DSFs), unmineable coalbeds and depleted gas fields, the total basin-scale theoretical storage capacities of CO2 reach 24.36 Gt, equivalent to about 285 times of the annual total CO2 emissions in Chongqing. The DSFs have the largest potential storage capacity accounting for 98% of the total storage capacities. The matching results between CO2 point emission sources and candidate geological storage formations show that 94.8% of the point emission sources (accounting for 97.1% of annual total emissions) can find at least one candidate geological storage formation in its adjacent areas. This means that, for Chongqing, the CO2 transport cost is likely very low. The research findings indicate that there is great potential for CO2 geological storage technology to deploy in Chongqing and for this technology to deliver profound and sustaining impacts on reducing CO2 emissions and developing low-carbon economy in Chongqing. This preliminary study is expected to stimulate more researches, critical thinking and policy actions to promote positive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions so as to mitigate the impact of global climate change, as well as to set a good example for other regions in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Debris flow is a typical natural disaster, with a strong destruction role to human life and property and a great threat to the stability and harmony of human society. For researching the relationships between the environmental change of vegetation and the activity debris flows, this paper argues the main research should be the following, such as researching the impact of types change of vegetation cover on activity of debris flows, studying the impact of vegetation coverage change on the activity of debris flow, discussing time-space model of vegetation cover change impact on debris flow activity. The study of debris flow is the frontier crossing of multi-disciplinary. Application of advanced and mature techniques of RS and GIS for researching the relationships between vegetation cover change and the debris flow activity, it is high academic significance, important theoretical and social and economic significance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To present clearer and more significant boundary conditions for architecture and urban design which takes energy and environment as the key points, and offer valid references for higher energy efficiency during the city development, based on related urban physical environment theories, according to the present situation of local climates and environments of the cities in China, the paper provides classifications of the city underlay surface materials, building properties, natural elements and other environmental influence factors, and analyses various physical and ecological effects derived from the factors. It also points out that the digital integrated map system including urban local climates, energy consumption, and reference recommendations can be founded by blending and utilizing research methods, which comprises theoretical analysis, investigation, experiments, simulation, and GIS technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper aims to use detailed modelling techniques and develop a database for assessing in a quick and easy way the energy performance of green roof designs across a range of Chinese climates. The focus is on heating and cooling loads by calculating indoor temperatures using the EnergyPlus simulation tool. The study covers 5328 configurations by varying model parameters such as location, climate, seasonal periods, glazing type, wall insulation levels, roof insulation, soil thickness and condition, and vegetation density characteristics. It was found from the results that green roofs can offer significant energy savings for heating and cooling loads if they are applied on roofs without insulation but only limited energy savings where heavy insulation on the roof is also applied. This database can prove to be a useful tool to the practitioners who want to perform rapid assessments of the potential energy savings that could be gained from a green roof installation in a Chinese location. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Source of climatic change, principle and nature of earthquake occurrence, related factors of climatic change and relationship between human-beings from energy perspective have been analyzed in this paper. Besides, the prediction of earthquake can be accomplished through the observation of climatic change. And it will become possible for human-beings to prolong human history through everybody''s efforts as long as the our living and urban construction fit the laws of earth changing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A microclimate is the unique climate of a small-scale region, such as a field or parts of urban or rural areas. The weather variables in a microclimate include temperature, wind, humidity, land forms, and water regimes. In Northern Taiwan''s Taoyuan County, irrigation ponds take a long time to heat up during the summer months, keeping these rural areas cooler than surrounding urbanized areas. Based on Geographic Information System (GIS) layers associated with Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM), along with Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) images, this paper examines temperature variables in four counties/cities in Taiwan for the past century. Urban development is found to have contributed to temperature increases, but an understanding of the cooling mechanism is still incomplete. Temperatures in the Taoyuan tableland have declined, at odds with trends in other areas in Taiwan as well as on a global scale. In Taoyuan, the Times-Series Regression Model was used to extrapolated a downward trend from a mean current temperature of 21.3°C currently down to 19.72°C in 2099, assuming the area of irrigation ponds remain unchanged. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this research is to obtain a gridded hydrological runoff dataset for Great Britain (GB) that can be compared with other gridded climate data such as temperature, precipitation and satellite-derived vegetation parameters. The source data are an extended version of a network of relatively undisturbed river catchments identified by Bradford and Marsh. Gridded datasets with a 10km2 resolution were created using both ordinary and universal kriging methods; the latter with topography as a predictor variable. Cross-validation was used to evaluate the quality of the two prediction methods. The universal kriging method resulted in a better gridded GB wide runoff dataset, which also accounted for variation in catchment elevation, over the period of 1959-2008. Several comparisons of outputs by the two kriging methods are provided. This paper builds on a previous study by Hannaford and Marsh, who assessed trends in GB runoff using the same original network of undisturbed river catchment, by allowing additional spatial and temporal comparisons with climatic data to be examined that was not possible with their original work. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Protected areas are designed for a range of purposes, mainly with the aim of protecting certain habitats including their associated species. The possible threats have mainly been thought of as anthropogenic influences such as deforestation from lodging and fires, hunting, construction of roads and houses etc. The biomes of the park have been assumed to be the constant, so that the distribution of animals and vegetation would only change rapidly due to direct anthropogenic influence. However, with a changing climate, the conditions within the park might change to conditions unsuitable for the current population of animals and vegetation within relatively short time. In this paper we will introduce eHabitat, a Web Processing Service (WPS) designed to compute the likelihood of finding ecosystems with equal properties. We present a use case where eHabitat is applied to an ensemble of climate change scenarios, in order to compute the probability that an ecosystem''s ecological niche will occur in a particular location in the future. This will help us to identify the future suitability of an area for a particular ecosystem [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Functional Statistics provides a suitable framework for the analysis of large dimensional data sets. In this paper, we consider the spatial autoregressive functional series (SARH(1)) framework. This framework allows the incorporation of spatial interaction to the statistical analysis of functional data (see Ruiz-Medina , ). The SARH(1) model is fitted to the average ocean temporal temperature profiles, collected in different spatial locations, during the years 1998, 1999 and 2000. We have used the public oceanographic bio-optical database, The World-wide Ocean Optics Database (WOOD). The SARH(1) plug-in extrapolator is then computed, from the previously derived infinite-dimensional projection parameter estimator. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Climate in its spatial and temporal variability is one of the major drivers determining agricultural productivity in a region. In order to develop long-term agricultural policies, planners need to understand the likely impacts of climate change on agricultural suitability zones. In this paper we present a flexible approach for the spatio-temporal evaluation and analysis of climate suitability for different crops. First results of a case study application, aiming at investigating how climate suitability for grain maize production in Switzerland varies in time and space and may shift with climate change, are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As investment and policy decision-makers grapple with the implications of climate change, benefits are seen in making available to them climate information at spatial and temporal scales that match the realms within which those decision-makers operate. For such an endeavour to have lasting economic and social benefits, however, the information must be carefully placed within the broader environmental, economic, social and institutional context within which decisions are made. This paper illustrates the challenges and opportunities of doing so, and uses information on the cost of inaction to illustrate the contributions that may come from advancements in climate modelling and information delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several regions of the world have developed capability in providing services on climate information for risk management, but there are still gaps in service delivery due to inadequate information regarding the needs within the regions. This paper highlights the role of Regional Climate Outlook Forums, assesses the needs for some regions and extracts examples of how regional associations could benefit through the provision of better climate services. Problems are given for Africa, South-East Asia, South America, the Pacific and Europe. Different geographical climate features lead to different climate phenomena and in turn determine the type of climate delivery needs for risk management. Short discussions of regional socio-economic factors that shape the needs for climate information provide further context for the unique character of delivery services. Recommendations and future plans follow this assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper discusses the key information needs to reduce the negative impacts of weather variability and climate change on land degradation and food security, and identifies the opportunities and barriers between the information and services needed. It suggests that vulnerability assessments based on a livelihood concept that includes climate information and key socio-economic variables can overcome the narrow focus of common one-dimensional vulnerability studies. Both current and future climatic risks can be managed better if there is appropriate policy and institutional support together with technological interventions to address the complexities of multiple risks that agriculture has to face. This would require effective partnerships among agencies dealing with meteorological and hydrological services, agricultural research, land degradation and food security issues. In addition a state-of-the-art infrastructure to measure, record, store and disseminate data on weather variables, and access to weather and seasonal climate forecasts at desired spatial and temporal scales would be needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The majority of the population of the planet (6.6 billion) now live in urban areas, which have distinct impacts upon climate at scales from the local to the global. This urban effect is due to the physical form of the city (its three-dimensional geometry and material composition) and its functions (the day-to-day activity patterns that generate emissions of waste heat and materials into the overlying air). While a substantial body of knowledge on the science of urban climates has been developed over the past fifty years, there is little evidence that this knowledge is incorporated into urban planning and design practice. This paper focuses on this gap by examining the nature of urban climate expertise and the needs of those that make decisions about urban areas. In conclusion it makes recommendations to maintain and enhance urban observations and data; to improve understanding of local, regional and global climate linkages; to develop tools for practical planning; and to disseminate urban climate knowledge and its relevance to urban planning to both practicing meteorologists and urban decision makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper demonstrates the need to integrate across information types (i.e. weather, climate, socio-economic, policy and ecology) to better inform those involved in decision-making for ecosystem management. The provision of climate information and an understanding of ecosystem responses to climate change and variability urgently need to underpin any planning for the future. Integrating climatic information into risk assessment frameworks and adaptation planning is essential as it will enable better informed decision making in planning to ensure the adequate provision of ecosystem services (water, food, air quality, shelter etc) and appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies for the well being of both people and nature. A substantial mindset shift to fully recognize the fundamental role of ecosystems as life-supporting systems is urgently needed. The value given to ecosystems and the magnitude of effort to manage them has to be based on this mere fact and indeed, it should be an integral part of any climate change agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Climate data are usefully applied to many economic and societal sectors. Sustained, high quality and uninterrupted climate observations are vital for the development of all countries, because climate variability and change impact significantly on economies and societies. The sectors treated in this paper include the key areas of human health, energy and water. The special needs for research and for the development of strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change are also considered. All countries should be encouraged to give high priority to national needs for observations in their national adaptation planning. The full implementation of the Global Climate Observing System is required to ensure that countries are able to understand and manage climate variability and change over the twenty-first century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Climate variability and climate change have a large impact on water resources since fundamental drivers of the hydrological cycle get affected. It is beneficial to understand the processes driving these changes, the sequences of the changes and their manifestation at different spatial and temporal scales. The purpose of this paper is to explore strategies to improve water management by tracking, anticipating and responding to seasonal to interannual climate variability and climate change. Sound water management is built upon long-term hydrological and meteorological monitoring networks that provide robust, accurate, timely and consistent data that can be used to develop and access tools needed to quantify uncertainty, forecast change and create the multi-phase, multi-level climate scenarios providing reasonable and relevant management of water resources. Several water management options might be considered in consultation with hydro-climatic and social scientists and stakeholders (decision-makers) to facilitate adaptation under climate variability and/or climate change and these are illustrated with suitable examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The contribution of the transport systems, including road, air and sea, are making to climate change through the emission of greenhouse (GHG) gases, and new technologies and programmes of action to mitigate their impact on climate is reviewed. The actitivites of the transport systems in most countries are sensitive to a range of weather extremes, including those related to precipitation, thunderstorms, temperature, winds, visibility and sea level. The impact of climate, climate variability and climate change, in particular the impact of these extremes on transport systems and adaptation measures are discussed. This paper also discusses the foundation of climate services to assist informed decision-making for climate change adaptation, planning and designing, which require close collaboration among a wide range of disciplines and the engagement of the users such as the transport systems’ communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Climate and weather conditions affect almost every industry in nearly every country. Over the coming decades climate change could potentially have adverse impacts on many countries and on a range of industries. For example, agricultural production, particularly in some of the developing regions of the world is likely to be hard hit by climate change over the coming decades. Hence, adaptation to climate change and mitigation of greenhouse warming are critical for regional and global sustainability. In this context, the importance of collection, dissemination and use of climate information across many countries as a global public good is highlighted in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indo-Gangetic Basin (IGB) is characterised by cereal-based farming systems where livestock is an integral part of farm economy. Majority of the population derives their livelihood from agriculture sector which is dominated by small land holdings (<2 ha). Cereal crops (mainly rice and wheat) are crucial to ensuring the food security in the region, but sustaining their productivity has become a major challenge due to climate variability and uncertainty. This paper uses an integrated climate-crop- economic modelling framework (using AgMIP protocols) to make an integrated assessment of climate change and adaptation strategy for rice-wheat growing farms of Meerut district (India) in the IGB. This framework enables integration of location- and farm-specific climate and crop modelling output for assessing economic impact on the farming systems using trade-off analysis (TOA-MD) model. The assessment clearly shows likely impact of climate change on agricultural production systems, and how adaptation strategies can reduce climate change vulnerabilities. Sensitivity analysis shows that under current production system, rice mean yield declines 8–23% while wheat yield declines by 17-29% under five climate scenarios. Though decline in mean net farm returns and per capita income appears small, a large proportion of farm population (53-79%) remains vulnerable to climate change. Assessment of future agricultural systems (2050s) shows that though the mean net farm returns and per capita income decline by 3–9% and 2–6%, respectively, under different climate scenarios, a large proportion of farms (39–64%) incur losses due to climate change. The adaptation strategy for existing farming system shows positive impacts on crop yield, farm returns and per capita income. However, a comprehensive assessment of more sites for climate change impacts on future agricultural production systems would be useful in devising appropriate adaptation strategy to improve the livelihoods and food security in the IGB region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations of climate are a major cause of uncertainty in crop yields. This paper analyses the impacts of extreme weather events on wheat yields reported in the German Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). The FADN-sample has continuously encompassed about 11,500 farms each year since 1995/96. While the average of farm yields within a county correspond to the official average county yield, farm yields show higher annual fluctuations over time. In order to assess the impacts of extreme weather events on wheat yields, the farm data is spatially joined with data on local natural site conditions on the municipality level. Soil data such as the field capacity is taken from soil maps and altitude above sea level from digital terrain maps. The variables are averaged over the arable land in the municipalities using GIS. Meteorological data observed at weather observation stations of the German Weather Service such as temperature (minimum, average, maximum), precipitation, and potential evaporation are interpolated on a 1x1 km grid and aggregated to municipalities. Various indicators reflecting extreme weather events such as the number of days with extreme frost, freeze-thaw cycles, drought and heat during the vegetation period and enduring rain and wet soil at harvest are derived on the basis of the soil and daily weather data. Multivariate regression analyses are applied for clustered homogenous soil-climate-regions to elicit the impacts of defined extreme climate events on wheat yields. First results reflect the regionally different exposure to extreme weather events in Germany. While farmers in the northern regions suffered rather from enduring rain and soil moisture at harvest, drought caused major problems on sandy soils in the eastern regions. Of course, due to the focus on weather extremes, a substantial part of weather-induced yield fluctuation remains unexplained. Nevertheless, the results provide valuable information regarding risk management for farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative financing arrangements such as index-base crop insurance (IBCI) schemes are increasingly becoming popular in West Africa for managing catastrophic agricultural risks. Recently, an IBCI pilot project was launched in Burkina Faso by PlaNet Guarantee 1 1 A member of the Planet Finance Group and the Global Index Insurance Facility program (GIIF). . However, similar to many existing IBCI schemes in the region, the enrolment rate is still very low. One possible explanation for this is based on the fact that remote sensing data is used as the basis for the design. Although the use of remote sensing data is appealing in many respect, it has several limitations. One major limitation is that it fails to take into account sensitive phases of the crops cycle, which may be more prone to climate and other environmental stresses (Muller, 2014). In this paper, we highlights the importance of using field facts in the design of innovative IBCI schemes in rural Burkina Faso. Farmers’ awareness and perception of climate hazards in relation to crop productivity and their willingness to participate (WTP) in IBCI in South-western Burkina were captured through household surveys and focus group discussions. Empirical findings indicate that farmers are aware of the effects of climate hazard on farm productivity and consider mid-season dry spells, during sowing, flowering and ripening depending on the crop type, as the most significant climate risk affecting local crop productivity. Specifically, 98% of the sampled farmers are willing to insure maize, cotton and sorghum, but only if the most sensitive periods of these crops to dry spell are taken into account in designing the crop insurance contracts. Furthermore, Probit regression analysis indicates that the probability to participate increases with years of farming experience, past experience of climate hazards, educational attainment of household head and insecurity to climate hazard, and decreases with farmer's age and household size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]